Ahafid Eh, Smerdis? Smerdis [Aloud.] More than prince and less than king. [30] Ahafid Why now the sceptre, aye, almost the crown Are worn by Haman, not of noble birth, But lowborn, vulgar, raised by royal will To first place in a land renowned for blood. Smerdis To first place in a land renowned for fools. Ahafid What's that? Smerdis This Haman is a cunning fox. Ahafid The exile of the virtuous Vashti was A fatal sin.