ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which Elizabeth Cary's play The Tragedy of Mariam. It considers the plays invocation of 'Marian moments' to underpin its key points. The idea of kissing the rod is invoked to emphasise the inappropriateness of such behaviour in an anointed king. With a reference to Tyndale, it is the anointed Richard who should wield the rod in order for it to be kissed and destroyed. Whilst the precise phrase 'kiss the rod' is not spoken in The Tragedy of Mariam, the sentiment is evoked by Sohemus, who urges Mariam to renounce her 'solemn vows' to abstain from sexual relations with Herod, and to be 'mild' and 'temp'rate' in his company. Mariam is the queen by birth, through her descent from King David, Herod is the de facto ruler who has gained the throne by military might and married Mariam to strengthen his claim; she is a queen regnant, as opposed to merely a queen consort.
