I’ll see you yet, not now alone;
I know for sure, as ever you’ll come back.

Herod.

’Tis not past hope: and therefore one thing more—

[A long pause.

I swore just now an oath that touches you.

[Writes a letter and seals it.

Here ’tis! Receive in charge this letter sealed.
You see the run o’ the title—

Joseph.

To the headsman!

Herod.

I’ll keep what I have therein promised you,
And if, perhaps, you’ve mind to tell a tale
About a King who——

Joseph.

Come! Impose the task,
To hand this note myself unto the headsman.5

[Exit.

Scene 6

Herod alone.

Herod.

Now she lives under sword, and that’s my spur
To do what I ne’er did before, to suffer
What ne’er before I suffered, and find comfort
If all be vain! and now, away!

[Exit.