I thank you for the thought, but first convince me that there is danger. I have lived here in danger twenty years. What horror comes today?

HAMUTAL
Come to the window, Madam; but be hidden. Look here. You see the side gate of the palace? You see, behind the ruined wall, armed men? They watch that side gate lest you leave the palace. Now, on this side, see there, among those bushes, more men-at-arms, watching the royal gate. There at the water-gate are more armed men. And they are not your guards.

JEZEBEL
I see they are not. Then, while they watch for me, their friends are watching my husband in the army? Is it so?

HAMUTAL
No, do not ask me, Madam; I know nothing.

ROSE-FLOWER
How could our Queen escape with the gate watched? This is some treason, Madam, to betray you out of the palace, into savage hands.

JEZEBEL
Let’s see her face. Ah! no, she is not that. Look, woman; many Queens have been betrayed since men were ruled; betrayed to death and shame, most foully, by their subjects, whom they trusted. There is no treachery on earth more devilish to brand men blacker or to rake the heart worse. You would not be the one to tempt me forth to death and shame among my enemies?

HAMUTAL
Madam, I swear I would not.

MOON-BLOSSOM
We could call the palace guards.

ROSE-FLOWER
Yes, call the palace guards and question her.

HAMUTAL
Come to the doorway, Madam. You hear the sounds below? Your palace guards are being feasted by your enemies; women and drink have overcome your guards.

ROSE-FLOWER
Then how can she escape?

HAMUTAL
The little door--the little, secret, unsuspected door under the stair, leads to a passage-way straight to the stables. I have brought the keys.

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