Part 7 (1/2)

_Esther_

[_Laughing, changing rapidly to deep feeling._]

My lord, it is not cinnamon at all, But spice that grew a thousand years ago In hills beyond the Jordon. Haman, can You tell the flavor of the grape that fills Your goblet?

_Haman_

[_Flattered._]

Oh, I think it must have grown In islands of the blue Aegean Sea.

_Esther_

[_Turning to the king._]

My lord, it is the selfsame cup they drank From sacred vessels at Belshazzar's feast That night in Babylon.

_Haman_

What means the queen, This wine is not that old, and yet, 'tis not Excelled at banquets of the G.o.ds.

_Ahasuerus_

[_Showing effect of wine._]

Nor kings.

This is a joyous night! Oh, queen, your wit Has filled my cup with wine of happiness.

What think you, Haman, should be done to him The king delighteth most to honor now?

_Haman_

Bring forth the robe, O king, your majesty Does wear, and place it on the one your grace Does most delight to honor. Xerxes, set This man upon your royal horse, and place Your majesty's own jeweled crown upon His head, and let him be proclaimed Throughout the public streets.

_Ahasuerus_

[_Rises. Emphatic._]

So let it then Be done to Mordecai, the Jew beside The palace gate.

_Haman_

What words are these?

You can not mean the Jew!

_Ahasuerus_

[_More emphatic._]

The Jew I mean.