But, my lord Marcus, if my blood is hers my wealth is my own." "Just so.

Keep it if you will, or leave it where you will.

It is Miriam I seek, and not your money." "I think that Caleb seeks both Miriam and my money--like a prudent man.

Why should he not have them?
He is a Jew of good blood; he will, I think, rise high." "And I am a Roman of better blood who will rise higher." "Yes, a Roman, and I, the grandfather, am a Jew who do not love you Romans." "And Miriam is neither Jew nor Roman, but a Christian, brought up not by you, but by the Essenes; and she loves me, although she will not marry me because I am not a Christian." Benoni shrugged his shoulders as he answered: "All of this is a problem which I must ponder on and solve." Marcus sprang from his seat and stood before the old man with menace in his air.
"Look you, Benoni," he said, "this is a problem not to be solved by you or by Caleb, but by Miriam herself, and none other.

Do you understand ?" "I understand that you threaten me." "Ay, I do.