Beloved Esther, my most beauteous queen,

This banquet does surpass in excellence

Even the feast of yesterday, which you

Prepared for Haman and the king. Your hand

Grows deft with practice.

[36]

Esther

But, my lord, you are

A connoisseur, and can but speak these words

In flattery. O king, it was my heart,

And not my hand that flavored every dish

That lies before you.

Ahasuerus

Esther, now it is

Your tongue that flatters. Still, it does rejoice

Me much to hear such language from the queen.

A connoisseur, say you? Haman, can

You tell me, now, what bay or bight in all

The salted seas once held this shrimp?

[Holding up shrimp.]

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