women have long warned me that contrary to the custom and level of politeness currently in force, he often visited her, even in her private study. However, as I could never lower myself to paying attention to such matters, and due to an excess of kindness, I do not easily suspect others, I listened to these words without crediting them. But if you wish to force them to summarize the countless discussions they have had together, I assure you that you will find no precise answers. And then, where would I have gotten poison from? Who would have made it? Where would I have brought it from? And why, if I had this intention, would I have involved this man? Would it not have been easier, during the many meetings where we ate together, to poison you with my own hand, without confiding in anyone? Why would I not have tried this as soon as you returned from Laodicea, just as they claim I did after your return from Rhodes, since Joseph then revealed your cruel intentions? In conclusion, Herod, all these things are implausible, and even the least intelligent spirit can see that if I was not from the kings of Judaea, if I was not temperate, I would not have all these enemies. But, I need to be surrounded by my enemies, because if I was not destined to be in danger, I would not have sent my portrait to Antony, I would not have conspired with Joseph, I would not have sought to harm you, and my own safety would thus be guaranteed. But because her blood is too prestigious and her soul too pure to tolerate the plots and cowardliness of her enemies, Mariamne must die, she must perish, and she must be sacrificed for the hatred of her persecutors. They wish it so, and I have resigned myself to it. 

Do not think, unjust and cruel Herod, that I speak with the intention of making you relent. I am trying to preserve my reputation, not touch your heart. For, as I said at the beginning of my speech, it is neither the fear of death nor the desire for life that cause me to speak out at length today. The former would only cause me to lose my crown, and the latter would bring me only torment. It's not because I hope to escape the danger in which I am that I decided to justify myself. I know that my death sentence is signed, my executioners are ready to behead me and my grave is already open to receive me. But what urged me to act thus is that all who hear me might enlighten the world that even my enemies, despite all their scheming, were unable to tarnish my integrity or find a plausible pretext to condemn me. If I achieve this service from those who are listening to me, I will die almost painless. And I will say, utterly without regret, to my beloved children whom I leave you to be exiled from their father's house, for I do not doubt, however honourable they may be, that they will attract as much hatred from you as I did. The complaints they will make about my death will constitute crimes against you: you will believe that they want your life while mourning the loss of mine. Alas, I already see them maltreated by that slave who was your first wife, I see them subjected to the violent humour of your son Antipater, to the slander of Salome, to the outrages of Pheroras, and to your own cruelty. And perhaps the same executioners who will make me perish will make my dear children perish as well. 

19