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,

[22]

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

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