[47]

But though the Jews are on the throne and Xerxes maudlin full,

Ahafid once more tunes his lyre and bellows like a bull.

Look out, here comes the Jew, a cloud upon

His brow, the weight of empires on his brain.

What matters does he now revolve? I fear

The day of Adar troubles Mordecai.

We'll stand aside and hear the premier.

[Exit Smerdis.]

[Enter Mordecai meditatively, followed by Zeresh, who is unseen by him at first.]

Mordecai

The name of Haman perish from the earth!

The seed of Abraham be multiplied

Until they are as numberless as sands

Upon ocean's shore! This was my prayer,

I learned it at my mother's knee. Was I

Not justified?

Zeresh

[Disguised as a Hebrew woman.]

The Holy Scripture saith,

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