“To royalize by right your prince-born breath:/Was love the cause, can Mariam deem it true,/ That Mariam gave commandment for her death?/ I know by fits he showed some signs of love,/ And yet not love, but raging lunacy: /And this his hate to thee may justly prove,/ That sure he hates Hircanus’ family./ Who knows if he, unconstant wavering lord, His love to Doris had renewed again?/ And that he might his bed to her afford.”
Although Herod married Mariam, he categorically abhors her family. The matrimony is an endeavor of convenience; thus it cannot be said to be grounded on unaffected love. Had Herod been unqualifiedly in love with Mariam he would not have approved of the assassination of her family.
“Mistake me not, my lord, too oft have I Desired this time to come with wingèd feet, To be enrapt with grief when ’tis too nigh. You know my wishes ever yours did meet: If I be silent, ’tis no more but fear.”
Graphina pronounces unequivocal love for Pheroras which rises above their divergent social standings or blood. Her dread could be accredited to Herod, who would not permit his brother to wed a woman who is not a noble. Graphina’s assertions sanction that their love is utterly reciprocal.
