SCENE 2

HEROD _alone_.

HEROD.

Now to’t, “and once again!” I’d almost said, But there’s no end in prospect. I resemble The Man i’ the Fable whom before, the lion, Behind, the tiger gripped at; whom the eagles With beak and claw were threatening imminent, And who was standing on a snaky clump. All’s one! I’ll make defence as best I can, And fit each enemy with his own weapon. Be this henceforth my law and ordinance. What length it takes, it shall not fret my peace. If but to the end I keep firm-planted feet And nothing lose of what I’ve called my own, Then let that end be on me when it will.