But would you know the secret of my strength?

This ring! The seal of Xerxes. It is death To every drop of Jacob's blood within The Domain of Ahasuerus' rule.

_Zeresh_

The guests are coming.

_Haman_

Oh, the messages Of enmity are swift as shafts of love.

Now, Zeresh, call the servants of the house And set a sumptuous feast, for Haman would Take counsel of his friends.

_Zeresh_

My gracious lord, The table is already set. Go greet The guests and bring them in.

[_Exit Haman._]

[_Zeresh continues._]

Parshandatha, What do you think of Haman? Did you note My lord?

_Parshandatha_

I did, madam. His happiness Is most complete. His rapid rise to power Has all but ravished him with joy. And yet, Methought that something still he lacked. Perhaps The queen's consent has not yet been obtained To this decree that puts the Jews to death.

_Zeresh_

What do you mean? The queen's consent? My Lord Has naught to do with Xerxes' wife, and why Should he be troubled for a woman's whim?

Besides, who knows but Esther does approve This slaughter of the Jews?

_Parshandatha_

Approve, madam?

She is a queen, but still a woman!

_Zeresh_

So Am I, though not a queen! A woman, yes But with no stomach for that hated race!

_Parshandatha_

'Tis whispered in the court that Esther is Herself a Jew.

_Zeresh_

The Persian queen a Jew!

Then let her perish with her blood.

_Parshandatha_

But would My lord consent to Esther's death?

_Zeresh_

Consent Again! Parshandatha, why do you harp Upon consent? Now listen to my words.

But should you e'er disclose one breath Of what I say, you are yourself a Jew, Nor is there any power in Persia's king To save your life. My lord pretends to hate The Jews. His hate is only wounded pride.

The deference of Mordecai is all That Haman wants. He does not know the queen Is Hebrew blood. This fact must still be kept Concealed--concealed, that is, until the day Of death. Oh, he shall know who Esther is-- This Israelite that banquets with my lord!

You think his rise is due to Esther's power?

_Parshandatha_

Madam, I do not know.

_Zeresh_

Not know! not know!

But what think you, Parshandatha? Of course You do not know.

_Parshandatha_

Madam, he often dines With Esther and the king. The king no doubt Is very fond of your most gracious lord.

_Zeresh_

The king!

_Parshandatha_

Mayhap the queen also. Your lord Is young and handsome still. The king is far Beyond the queen in years.

_Zeresh_

I can Not catch your drift.

_Parshandatha_

Madam, your husband has A ready wit. The queen enjoys life.

_Zeresh_

Enjoys life!

And so do I, and likewise death. Now hold Your blasted tongue. My husband sups again To-morrow with the Jewish queen. They say When Haman dines her majesty prepares The banquet with her own most dainty hand!

Parshandatha, whose hand, think you, has laid The feast of Adar?

_Parshandatha_

Zeresh! call you death A feast!

_Zeresh_