I dread the issue of this night. The king

Has ordered that the queen be brought before

The court, a target for licentious eyes.

She will refuse to go because her heart

Is pure. Ahasuerus, flushed with wine,

Will brook no opposition to his will.

A tragedy that never Persia knew

Will see the rising of to-morrow's sun.

Smerdis

A tragedy no country ever knew—

A woman who is beautiful, but doesn't know it's true.

Ahafid

[Sings.]

Oh, for a song to cleanse the heart

Or touch the sceptred power;

Oh, might the gods a strength impart

To meet this tragic hour.

[Exeunt Ahafid and Smerdis.]

[Enter Vashti and Zethar.]

[5]

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