Part 12 (1/2)

Hear you the crimson riot in my veins?

'Tis Rachel's voice! I would that you could know!

Forgive me, Vashti, for my brain's distraught!

The lights die out beyond the palace walls.

The stars are hid.... I can no longer hear The wailing flute.... Return unto your hut.

Ahasuerus calls with mantling wine.

My place is yonder by the king. I go!

[_Exeunt Esther and Vashti._]

[_Enter Ahafid and Smerdis._]

_Ahafid_

The last word has been spoken The last true song been sung; My country's heart is broken, The poet's harp unstrung.

_Smerdis_

Ahafid seems to harp upon his strings.

_Ahafid_

It seems Ahasuerus means to drink The cup of revel to its bitter lees.

_Smerdis_

The deeper in the cup he goes The sweeter is the wine that flows; The closer to the lees, he thinks, The purer is the wine he drinks.

_Ahafid_

Messengers from every province bring Reports of mutterings and dangerous Revolt. But Xerxes, heedless still, declares This night shall dim the glories of the past.

_Smerdis_

[_Sings._]

The lower in the lamp the oil The fewer are the days of toil.

The brighter burns the wick of life, The sooner end the days of strife.

'Tis not for oil that Xerxes cares, But brilliancy of flame that flares.

_Ahafid_

I hate the Hebrews and their Jewish G.o.d; I hate Jehovah for his jealous love, But Mordecai refuses to attend The feast. The G.o.d of Israel must save Us now, or Persia perish utterly.

My hand will pen no ribald verse This revel to adorn; Ye G.o.ds, inspire my tongue to curse The day the king was born.

[_Exit Ahafid._]