The Tragedy of Mariam

Alone on stage, the messenger Nuntio asks what wrong he has done that has put him in the position of telling Herod that the beautiful queen is dead. He describes her virtues and wonders why Mariam chose him “to tell this luckles newes” (5.1.8). The only redeeming aspect of this for him is that he can tell Herod that Mariam died guiltlessly.

Herod enters and, seeing Nuntio, expresses joy that Mariam may still be alive. Nuntio immediately stops him, saying “Heav’n doth your will repel” (5.1.16). Herod beseeches him not to break his heart, even with his downcast countenance; he fears the news of Mariam’s death will kill him.

Nuntio describes being among the curious throng who watched her execution. He says he wanted to see if she would break down, but instead she scarcely revealed any emotion and was noble in her bearing. Herod says only he has the right to praise Mariam, but he nevertheless wants to hear more about the way she died.

Nuntio says that Mariam’s mother Alexandra cursed her as she passed by. Herod asks Nuntio why he allowed Alexandra to make a scene, since it defied the customs of execution. Nuntio reports that Alexandra told Mariam she had lived too long and that she was sorry Mariam was her daughter, since she had wronged Herod.