[57]

Parshandatha

But is not Esther queen?

Zeresh

Parshandatha, why do you taunt me thus?

Have I not proved your friend? Do I deserve

Your mockery?

Parshandatha

I do but speak to sting

You to revenge.

Zeresh

Let fly your venom then.

The Persian empire is in arms. To-night

The king does hold a great carouse. The Jew

Will sit in state beside the profligate.

This blade I have prepared against that hour.

The queen, I understand, will be a blaze

Of gems. Ahasuerus boasts this night

Would all but wreck a petty kingdom.

Parshandatha

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