Part 3 (1/2)

But would you know the secret of my strength?

This ring! The seal of Xerxes. It is death To every drop of Jacob's blood within The Domain of Ahasuerus' rule.

_Zeresh_

The guests are coming.

_Haman_

Oh, the messages Of enmity are swift as shafts of love.

Now, Zeresh, call the servants of the house And set a sumptuous feast, for Haman would Take counsel of his friends.

_Zeresh_

My gracious lord, The table is already set. Go greet The guests and bring them in.

[_Exit Haman._]

[_Zeresh continues._]

Parshandatha, What do you think of Haman? Did you note My lord?

_Parshandatha_

I did, madam. His happiness Is most complete. His rapid rise to power Has all but ravished him with joy. And yet, Methought that something still he lacked. Perhaps The queen's consent has not yet been obtained To this decree that puts the Jews to death.

_Zeresh_

What do you mean? The queen's consent? My Lord Has naught to do with Xerxes' wife, and why Should he be troubled for a woman's whim?

Besides, who knows but Esther does approve This slaughter of the Jews?

_Parshandatha_

Approve, madam?

She is a queen, but still a woman!

_Zeresh_

So Am I, though not a queen! A woman, yes But with no stomach for that hated race!

_Parshandatha_

'Tis whispered in the court that Esther is Herself a Jew.

_Zeresh_

The Persian queen a Jew!

Then let her perish with her blood.

_Parshandatha_

But would My lord consent to Esther's death?