The Tragedy of Mariam

Pheroras and Salome appear on stage in the middle of a discussion. Pheroras demands that Salome stop pestering him about Graphina, whom he married 12 hours before. He asks why she thinks she has the power to make him change his mind since he is so in love. Salome responds that weak-minded individuals disregard the affection they feel for those they love (meaning his love for Salome herself). Her brother replies that the love he feels for his new wife is more important than the duty he has to respect his sister.

Salome warns him that he may lose both his happiness and his honor. Pheroras tells her she is no judge of where his happiness or displeasure lies.

His sister responds that Graphina is ugly and unintelligent; she can’t understand what he sees in her. Pheroras insists Graphina is pleasing to the eye and witty—both childlike and wise beyond her years. Salome says that even if his bride were pretty, her beauty would soon fade. To this, Pheroras replies that her intellect is greater than her loveliness. His sister warns that an intelligent woman might be trouble. Pheroras retorts that his new wife is wise enough to watch her words.