I have no doubt that she has long since ceased To think of youthful dreams. She rules the king, And what more does a woman want?

_Mordecai_

I did Not hope to make her understand at once.

My reasons were too subtle for her heart.

And so I kept my counsel, for I knew No girl would ever sacrifice her love To save the remnant of a nation's life.

_Zeresh_

[_Justifying._]

And why might even Esther not forget When once she felt the spell of royal power-- The tinsel show and glamour of the court?

No woman lives that would not be a queen.

_Mordecai_

I knew Ahasuerus was a brute, But what of that? Through Esther I have saved A half a million souls.

_Zeresh_

[_Aside._]

Through Esther you Have slain a million souls.

_Mordecai_

When Jepthah vowed A vow unto the Lord he kept his pledge And slew the only daughter of his flesh For a burnt offering unto G.o.d, because The Ammonites, his enemy, had been Delivered to the hands of Israel.

Now Esther was my only child.

_Zeresh_

[_A little sarcastically._]

You have Not sacrificed, but elevated her.

Although she does not understand your heart, She can but bless her uncle Mordecai.

_Mordecai_

But why should Esther weep? She risked her life At my behest, but did she not obtain Great favor with the king?

_Zeresh_

And Esther's life Was forfeit then through Haman's wicked hate.

_Mordecai_

I wear the royal robe of blue and white.

_Zeresh_

Does Esther think because her vanity Is flattered by the jewels of a queen That Mordecai is moved by pomp and show?

_Mordecai_

'Tis not the kingly trappings but the seal-- Not sceptre merely but the signet ring, Not rank, but rule that Mordecai would have.

I can not understand her tears no more Than she knows why I wear the crown. But I Am justified. Jehovah wrought through me.

[_Exit Mordecai._]

_Zeresh_

[_Bursting into fury._]

Jehovah wrought through him! h.e.l.l wrought through him!

I marvel that his tongue is not consumed By blasted lies. Wait till he feels the flame That rages in my heart. h.e.l.l may not burn A Jew, but even he can not withstand The simoon of a fiery dragon's breath!

_Parshandatha_

But Zeresh, was the Jew not justified?

_Zeresh_

Justified! gratified! satisfied! Parshandatha, Justified in Jepthah; gratified That he is like the meek and lowly son Of Amram; satisfied that now the crown Of Persia presses only Hebrew brows.

_Parshandatha_

[_Sarcastically._]

You do forget my lord, Darius' son.

You can not think the blood of Jacob flows Through Xerxes' veins? Does he not wear the crown?

_Zeresh_

[_With contempt._]

Ahasuerus wears a pigeon's heart.

The Persian robe's a Jewish gabardine; The crown, a Hebrew priest's phylactery.

But did you say forget? Have you been so Long with me, dear, and doubt my memory?

Forget Ahasuerus, did you say?

That minion of a Jewish girl, who sealed The death of Haman and his sons? His face Is seared upon my heart, his image burnt Into my brain. I tell you Xerxes is No longer king.

_Parshandatha_

But is not Esther queen?

_Zeresh_

Parshandatha, why do you taunt me thus?

Have I not proved your friend? Do I deserve Your mockery?