The meaning of your words!

Vashti

Abagtha, why

Do you admonish me? Do I not know

The forfeit? Chamberlains, this message take

Licentious Xerxes from his virtuous queen:

I do not fear his wrath. I will not come

At his command. I have a royal heart

And will not thus disgrace the Persian throne.

The king that's halfway worthy of my hand

Would hate the queen that yielded to his lust.

My heart, O chamberlains, is broken, not

That Vashti's crown is lost, but oh, to see

The regal name of Persia brought so low!

I weep. The tears are for my country. Go!

[Exeunt Vashti, Abagtha, etc.]

[Curtain is lowered to denote the passage of six years.]

[11]

[11]

 Scene II

 Prev. P 13/158 next