_Esther_

Why does the premier hate The Jews?

_Mordecai_

Because the children of the true And living G.o.d will never bend the knee To heathen pride. He hates the Jews because Your uncle is a child of Abraham And will not do obeisance to a son Of Baal. Esther, though I made you queen, I plead not for the life of Mordecai, But for the sacred blood of Israel.

You alone can intervene. Go straight Before the king and make demand that he Reverse this law that puts the Jews to death.

_Esther_

A Persian king can not reverse his own Decree. Besides, the queen who goes into The presence of her lord unless by his Express command, must sacrifice her life, Except through some unguarded impulse he Extends his golden sceptre that she live.

I can not go unto the king.

_Mordecai_

Your life Is forfeited already, child; you are A Jew.

_Esther_

You did conceal my blood nor dare Reveal my lineage now. Your own deceit Has brought this death upon the house of Israel, Nor will Jehovah hold you guiltless in The hour of doom.

_Mordecai_

Esther, if you keep Your peace when Rachel's children wail and cry For help, deliverance will arise Unto the Jews but you shall be destroyed And all your father's house.

_Esther_

Depart. [_Sound of trumpets within._]

The king Is on his throne. I go, and if I die, I can but perish. Peace to Israel.

[_Exit Mordecai._]

[_The curtain back rises and discloses Ahasuerus on his throne surrounded by court. Esther approaches to center of hall before the king, and extends her hands as though supplicating. The king seems dazed for a moment and then deeply moved; slowly he lifts the golden sceptre and extends it toward the queen who approaches and touches it._]

_Ahasuerus_

Why did you, Esther, O most beauteous queen, Thus dare to come unbidden to the king?

'Twas jealous Death unbarred the royal door That he might claim you for his paramour?

Your innocence and charms have saved your life!

_Esther_

[_Innocently._]

My lord, how now was I in danger? Ah, You know I am your loyal wife? I would Not be your queen alone. The crown is naught Compared to pleasures of companionship.

O Xerxes, may not Esther share your joys Of wine and song? Too long you have denied That which I covet most--to be beside My king.

_Ahasuerus_

There is no favor, Esther, I Would longer hold from you; even to half My kingdom, tell me what you most desire, And I will give it you.

_Esther_

My lord, I have Already spoke my heart, but you will not Believe. To test Ahasuerus' love, I have a favor I would ask of you; But first that my most gracious lord may know His queen has taste and skill as well as charms, I will prepare a banquet for the king With my own hands. You are a judge of wine, And every dish that graces banquet halls.

To-morrow, let Ahasuerus come, And bring his premier Haman, who no doubt Can tell a heron from a hawk, and if My lord shall praise my art, and I Find favor in his sight, I will make known My dearest wish.

_Ahasuerus_

Oh, Esther, you have pleased Your king already far beyond what he Had ever hoped. To-morrow night at six!

[_Music and revels. Esther retires._]

[_The king and retinue retire in opposite direction.

Haman and followers pa.s.s out front where Mordecai sits by the gate, together with others. All except Mordecai salaam, but the Jew remains stiff, looking Haman defiantly in the face._]

[_Curtain._]

SCENE III

Home of Haman--two days later.

[_Enter Haman, Zeresh, and Parshandatha._]

_Haman_

My star grows brighter with each setting sun; The lowly child of old Hammedetha Is first among the servants of the king.

Ah, Mordecai, you did not know I am An Agagite, who fed upon the breast Of unrelenting hate toward every child Of Israel, who will not bend the knee Save to the G.o.d of Abraham. Oh, do

[_Wailing in Street._]

You, Zeresh, hear that wail of anguish? Love, I know that you are proud to be the wife Of him who can direct such music.

_Zeresh_

I Am proud of Haman's power.

_Haman_

Go call our friends.

_Zeresh_

Before the rising sun had touched with gold The treetops on the peaks of Zagros, Tesh, The son of Zalphon, was abroad In Shushan on the errand of my lord.

_Haman_

Not only in this city, but, my spouse, In every province of the king, the Jews In sackcloth mourn because of Haman's might.