Our monarch's heart is merry in the cup,

And boasts that Vashti's beauty does excel

In magic power the fabled Helen's charms,

And bids us bring immediately before

The court great Persia's matchless queen!

[7]

Vashti

Meheuman, tell Ahasuerus I

Must thank his majesty since he can still

Remember Vashti's beauty, though his grace

Has lost all sense of modesty and shame.

You say his heart is merry now in wine

And that he glories with exceeding pride

Because my face is fair to look upon!

I do not doubt his tongue is eloquent;

The fiery phrase is his! Why, often I

Have heard him praise his horse in language that

Seemed kindled at the altar of the gods.

It may be that he holds me higher than

His hundred concubines.

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