Part 10 (1/2)

I have no doubt that she has long since ceased To think of youthful dreams. She rules the king, And what more does a woman want?

_Mordecai_

I did Not hope to make her understand at once.

My reasons were too subtle for her heart.

And so I kept my counsel, for I knew No girl would ever sacrifice her love To save the remnant of a nation's life.

_Zeresh_

[_Justifying._]

And why might even Esther not forget When once she felt the spell of royal power-- The tinsel show and glamour of the court?

No woman lives that would not be a queen.

_Mordecai_

I knew Ahasuerus was a brute, But what of that? Through Esther I have saved A half a million souls.

_Zeresh_

[_Aside._]

Through Esther you Have slain a million souls.

_Mordecai_

When Jepthah vowed A vow unto the Lord he kept his pledge And slew the only daughter of his flesh For a burnt offering unto G.o.d, because The Ammonites, his enemy, had been Delivered to the hands of Israel.

Now Esther was my only child.

_Zeresh_

[_A little sarcastically._]

You have Not sacrificed, but elevated her.

Although she does not understand your heart, She can but bless her uncle Mordecai.

_Mordecai_

But why should Esther weep? She risked her life At my behest, but did she not obtain Great favor with the king?

_Zeresh_

And Esther's life Was forfeit then through Haman's wicked hate.

_Mordecai_

I wear the royal robe of blue and white.

_Zeresh_

Does Esther think because her vanity Is flattered by the jewels of a queen That Mordecai is moved by pomp and show?