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 PURIM PLAY 
 
 DONALD BAIN 
 
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 8 
 
 1917 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 BLOGH PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 
QUEEN ESTHER 
 
 A 
 PURIM PLAY 
 
 BY 
 DONALD BAIN 
 
 Author of 
 
 " Leaves by the Wayside," " Poems," etc. 
 
 " To establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day 
 of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same yearly, as the 
 days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which 
 was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a 
 good day; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of 
 sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. * * * * Where- 
 fore they called these days Purim."— Hebrew Scriptures;— Esther IX, 
 21,22,26. 
 
 BUFFALO, N. Y. 
 
 UNION AND TIMES PRESS 
 
 19 17 
 
P3 3 503 
 
 '1'7 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1917 
 
 BY 
 
 DONALD BAIN 
 
 Dramatic rights; rights of translation 
 and all rights reserved 
 
 MAR -7 1917 
 
 ©CVD 46396 
 
QUEEN ESTHER 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 Ahasuerus, King of the Medes and Persians. 
 Haman. Son of Hammedatha the Agagite: Grand Vizier. (The 
 
 enemy of Mordecai and the Jews.) 
 Mekumax, Head Chamberlain. 
 BizTHA. Chamberlain. 
 Harbona " 
 
 BlGTHAX, 
 
 Abagtha, " 
 
 Zethab, . " 
 
 Carcas, " 
 
 Teres H, " 
 
 Carshexa, Prince of Persia. 
 
 Shethar, " " 
 
 Admatha, " " 
 
 Tarshish, Prince of Media. 
 
 Meres, 
 
 Marsexa, " " 
 
 Memucax, " ** 
 
 Maxasseh, Officer of the King's Guard. 
 
 Mordecai. the Benjamite. 
 
 Esther (Hadassah). an Orphan: Cousin and adopted daughter 
 
 of Mordecai: The Queen. 
 MiRjAM, Daughter of Mordecai. 
 Joshua. Servant of Mordecai. 
 Melchoir, Chief Astrologer and Soothsayer. 
 Belzac, Astrologer and Soothsayer. 
 Zaroster, 
 
RusTAx. Chief Officer of Haman. 
 Rica, Officer. 
 Phakix, " . 
 Nadir, 
 
 Ibbi, Chief Scribe. 
 Hatach, Chief of the Eunuchs. 
 Nargum, Chief Chronicler. 
 Zeresh, Wife of Haman. 
 UsBEK, Chief Butler. 
 Parshandatha, Son of Haman. 
 
 Zelida, Zachi, Zephis, Fatjme, Zeus, Roxaxa, Rene: Maids of 
 the Queen. 
 
 Nobles, Officers, Soldiers, Slaves, Eunuchs and Populace. 
 
QUEEN ESTHER 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 (Time: 521 b, c.) 
 
 Scene 1. — Court of the Garden of the King's Palace. 
 
 (Banquet: Deposition of Queen Vashti.) 
 Scene 2. — Room in Mordecai's House. 
 
 (Esther to go to the King's House of Women.) 
 (Time: 517 b. c.) 
 Scene 3. — King's Gate: Night. 
 
 (Plot of Bigthan and Teresh to Assassinate the King) 
 
 ACT II. 
 (Time: 518 b. c— First Month.) 
 
 Scene 1. — King's Council Chamber. 
 
 (The Pur: Decree for the Destruction of the Jews.) 
 Scene 2. — House of Women: A Room of the Queen. 
 
 (Correspondence between Esther and Mordecai.) 
 Scene 3. — Audience Room in Haman's Palace, 
 
 (Haman decides to hang Mordecai.) 
 
 ACT III. 
 (Time: 516 b. c— Third Month.) 
 
 Scene 1. — King's Bed Chamber. 
 
 (What the stars foretell: "Whom the King delighteth 
 
 to honor.") 
 Scene 2. — House of Women: Queen's Room of State. 
 
 (Denunciation and death of Haman.) 
 
 Scene 3. — Corridor of the King's Council Chamber. 
 
 (Decree for the Jews to resist their enemies.) 
 
ACT IV. 
 
 (Time: 516 b. c— Twelfth Month.) 
 
 Scene 1. — Court of the Garden of the King's Palace. 
 
 (Attempted slaughter of the Jews: Persians de- 
 feated. Feast of Purim established.) 
 
 Leit-motif: The strains of the Song of Miriam, commencing 
 "Sound the loud timbrel o'er Egypt's dark sea; Jehovah hath 
 triumphed, His people are free!" 
 
ACT I. 
 
 Scene 1. — Great Feast in the Court of the Garden of the King's 
 
 Palace. 
 
 White, green and hlue hangings, fastened with cords of fine 
 linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble. 
 
 The beds (couches) of gold and silver draperies, upori a pave- 
 ment of red and blue and lohite and black marble. 
 
 Drinking vessels of gold, diverse one from another. 
 
 Gigantic golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar. An open space be- 
 fore the statue. 
 
 Great dishes heaped high with fruit and flowers. 
 
 Serving men bearing and placing spices, flowers and fruits. 
 
 Whispering together. 
 
 Blare of trumpets announcing the approach of the King. 
 
 Servants draw off to rear and sides. 
 
 First appear the Priests of Bel, two and two. 
 
 In their midst, the Chief Priest with hands crossed on his 
 breast; other Priests bearing the sacred fire and emblems of 
 worship. 
 
 Next, the musicians; harps, pipes and trumpets. 
 
 Next, the singers; boys and men, two by two, chanting the 
 hymn to Bel. 
 
 Great Bel! Ahura-Mazda! God of Day! 
 At whose approach the darkness flies away. 
 Great Bel, for Thee we tend the sacred flame 
 Upon the altar graven Mith Thy name. 
 
 Burn sacred fire to Bel, in love and awe; 
 
 Shine as the emblem of his triune law, 
 
 Transcending far all mortal cults and creeds — 
 
 His precepts three — good thoughts, good words, good deeds. 
 
 Great Bel, of all that lives and moves the sire; 
 From whom proceeds the ever-sacred fire; 
 In praise to Thee we raise our voices high; 
 Whose bed the ocean, and w^hose course the sky. 
 
 Fountain of light, of heat and power art Thou; 
 Flames form Thy footstool; glory girds Thy brow; 
 All gods and mortals bow before Thy throne. 
 And render homage due to Thee alone. 
 
From day to day, all in Thy radiance drest. 
 East to the zenith, zenith to the west; 
 From morn to night Thou passeth on Thy way. 
 All heaven encompassed in a single day; 
 
 Till the horizon, flaming with Thy rays. 
 Bears the sure promise of the coming days. 
 Days without end in which to bow the knee 
 In adoration of Thy Majesty. 
 
 They divide their ranks and stand on the sides. 
 
 Next, Haman, the Grand Vizier, and princes and lords. 
 
 Next, the King, Ahasuerus, crowned with a tiara of white 
 linen, gold and jeioels; the golden sceptre in his right hand. 
 
 Manasseh, Lieutenant of King's Guards, and soldiers with 
 shields and spears. 
 
 The music ceases. All prostrate themselves 'before the King. 
 
 The King seats himself in the centre of the main table, facing 
 the audience; next Haman on the King's right hand, and guests, 
 take their places. 
 
 Black slaves, behind the King and princes, ply palm leaf fans. 
 
 The Chief Butler (Usbek) fills the King's massive chalice. 
 Attendants fill for the guests. 
 
 The King stands, all stand. 
 
 The King takes the chalice in his two hands. The trumpets 
 sound. 
 
 Hamax: Hearkening and attention; the King speaketh. 
 [The King lifts the cup and, first spilling some of the con- 
 tents on the floor.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: I drink to Bel, the great god of all gods, before 
 whom all gods and men tremble. 
 
 [He drinks. Singers chant verses of Ht/mn to Bel. | 
 
 "Great Bel, of all that lives and moves the sire; 
 From whom proceeds the ever-sacred hre; 
 In praise to Thee we raise our voices high; 
 Whose bed the ocean, and whose course the sky. 
 
 Fountain of light, of heat and power art Thou; 
 Flames form Thy footstool; glory girds Thy brow; 
 All gods and mortals bow before Thy throne, 
 And render homage due to Thee alone." 
 
 S 
 
All: Hail, King of Kings, live forever. Hail most mighty 
 King. 
 
 [All are seated and the banquet proceeds.] 
 
 [The serving men strew flowers and sprinkle siceet odors, 
 
 and serve the guests. Music and dancing. ] 
 [The King speaks to Ham an.] 
 
 Haman [Standing]: The King commands, and all who hear 
 take heed, for so the King hath appointed. Let all men drink 
 according to his pleasure; let none compel; this is the law 
 which altereth not. Thus saith the King, the King of Kings, of 
 Media and of Persia, from India even unto Ethiopia; the King 
 who lives forever. 
 
 [A2)plause and blare of trumpets.] 
 
 [Wine is served around, and drinking and talking go on. 
 The King drinks, talks and laughs and becomes merry. 
 Girls come in and dance before him.] 
 [The King speaks to Haman.] 
 Haman: Hearkening and attention; the King speaketh. 
 Ahasuerus [Still reclining]: Enough! The climax of this 
 our seven days feast approaches. To show our royal pleasure to 
 our Queen and to you, our loyal lieges and devoted subjects, we 
 command; come forward our Chamberlains. 
 
 [The seven Chamberlains come forward and bow before the 
 King.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Mehuman and Chamberlains, go ye to the 
 Queen, the beauteous Vashti, who but now is holding a feast for 
 the women within the Royal House within the Palace, and bid 
 her of her graciousness, hither to crown our feast with her 
 presence. Let the Queen appear in robes of state and wearing 
 the crown royal, that she may stand before our presence and in 
 the presence of our princes and our people; that all may see her 
 wondrous beauty. That were a fitting climax to this our royal 
 celebration. 
 
 [Applause. ''May the King live forever!''] 
 
 Mehuman [Boiving together with the Chamberlains] : We 
 hear and obey. 
 
[Exit Chamhet'lains, backward and salaaming .'I 
 [The feast goes on. King continues to drink, laugh and 
 talk.] 
 
 [The King si)eaks to Haman.] 
 
 Hamax: The King commands. Let the revels continue until 
 the approach of the Queen is announced. 
 
 [Ajiplause. Music and dancing.] 
 
 [Enter Ghamherlains, who how and stand 'before the King.] 
 Haman: The King commands silence and attention. 
 Ahasuerus [To Chamberlains]: The Queen approaches. 
 Mehuman: O King, live forever. May thy servant speak and 
 live? 
 
 Ahasuerus: Speak. 
 
 Mehuman: O King, the Queen cometh not. 
 
 Ahasuerus: What meaneth this sacrilege? Ye return into 
 our presence without the Queen? How dare ye enter and stand 
 before us, our commands unfulfilled? 
 
 Mehuman: Great King of Kings, Ruler of the World; live 
 forever! Thy servants, as thou commandest, bore thy most 
 gracious message to the Queen, who had just risen from the 
 feast of women, and for a cause of which we wot not, and of 
 which she would not speak, refuses to appear at the King's 
 bidding. 
 
 [He remains boioed.] 
 
 Ahasuerus [Shotving signs of great and growing anger, and 
 flushed ivith wine] : Do I hear aright? Beware, O Mehuman, 
 and thy fellows, how thou trifiest with our majesty. The Queen 
 refuses to do our bidding, and will not come? 
 
 Mehuman: It is as thou sayest, most glorious majesty. 
 
 Ahasxterus: By Ishtar! This is beyond endurance. The 
 Queen thus to defy us who sought to do her honor, and to grace 
 this our great celebration. We will not brook the affront, thus 
 to be flouted before our princes and our people. Princes of 
 Media and Persia, to you we turn. 
 
 [Chamberlains back out to rear and stand boived.] 
 
 10 
 
Princes of Persia and of Media. Ye have heard our gracious 
 message to the Queen, and how she hath refused to do our bidding 
 to grace this day our celebration and appear before us wearing 
 the crown royal to her own honor and to the honor of the Court, 
 our princes and our people. What say ye? What shall we do 
 unto the Queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not 
 performed the commandment of the King by the Chamberlains? 
 Speak thou, most worthy Memucan. 
 
 Pri^jce Memucan: O King, live forever! Most noble Ahasuerus 
 and princes of Media and Persia, whom the King dellghteth to 
 honor, Vashti, the Queen, hath not done wrong to the King only, 
 but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all 
 the provinces of the King Ahasuerus. For this deed of the Queen 
 <shall come abroad to all women, so that they shall despise their 
 husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, the King 
 Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the Queen to be brought in before 
 him, but she came not. Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and 
 Media say this day unto all the King's princes which have heard 
 of the deed of the Queen. Thus shall there arise too much con- 
 tempt and wrath. If it please the King, let there go a royal 
 commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws 
 of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, that Vashti 
 come no more before 'King Ahasuerus; and let the King give her 
 royal estate to another that is better than she. And when the 
 King's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout 
 all his empire (for It is great), all the wives shall give to their 
 husbands honor, both to great and small. 
 
 Other Prin^ces: King, live forever! So say we all, King. 
 
 The People: O King, live forever! So say we all, O King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: This is our royal command, and let all take 
 heed. It is the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth 
 not, nor shall it be abated one jot or one tittle until the earth 
 is destroyed by fire and the heavens shall be rolled up as a scroll 
 and pass away forever. \To Haman] : Haman, our chief and 
 loyal subject, let the scribes prepare letters and see that they 
 be immediately sent by speedy and trusty couriers into all the 
 King's provinces, into every province according to the writing 
 thereof, and to every people after their own language, that every 
 man shall bear rule in his own house, and let it be published 
 
 11 
 
according to the language of every people throughout the length 
 and J3readth of my dominions, from India even unto Ethiopia, 
 The King hath said it and so shall it be done. 
 Ha:man: I hear and obey. 
 
 ScEXE 2, — Room in Mordecai' s House. 
 Hadassah and Miriam seated at embroidery. 
 
 Miriam: Dear sister, I do wish father Mordecai would come. 
 He is later than is his wont. 
 
 Hadassah: Yea; he hath been gone since an early hour; but 
 he hath matters of moment as thou knowest; and when he left 
 home he bade us not be impatient for his homecoming. 
 
 Miriam: True, sister mine; but in these troublous times 1 
 am anxious when he is away from home. 
 
 Hadassah: When saw ye Manasseh last? 
 
 Miriam: 'Tis a week since. His appointment as lieutenant in 
 the King's Guard leaves him little time for his friends, alas. 
 
 Hadassah: Didst know he was expected here today? He met 
 father Mordecai for a moment at the King's Gate yesterday, and 
 said that we might look for him before sunset today. 
 
 Miriam: Why didst not tell me this before? 
 
 Hadassah: Other matters of greater weight have occupied me. 
 
 Miriam: Of greater weight, indeed, to drive thoughts of our 
 dear cousin from thy mind. 
 
 Hadassah: Cousin, dear cousin; foolish girl. Nay, blush 
 not. He is worthy of thy affection, which thou canst not hide 
 from thy sister, Miriam. 
 
 Miriam: I would not hide it from thee, Hadassah, even if I 
 could. I do hope he will succeed. It is no light matter for a Jew 
 to have obtained admittance to the King's Guard. 
 
 Hadassah: Indeed, no; and yet I feel sure he will acquit 
 himself as a true son of Israel, and gain the approval of the 
 King in spite of his youth. 
 
 Miriam: His youth, say ye? He was twenty last Adar. 
 
 Hadassah: And, therefore, I suppose, thou thinkest him a 
 man grown ; a man of discretion and valor, ha, ha. 
 
 12 
 
Miriam: 'Tis not seemly to jest. I am no child. I am turned 
 eighteen, and, as father says, old for my years. 
 
 Hadassah: Old, sayest thou? Oh ye two; so venerable and 
 sedate; eighteen and twenty; and their years weigh heavily 
 upon them. Oh, ye children. 
 [Knocking without.] 
 Hadassah: Enter. 
 [-E/Wier Manasseh.]- 
 
 Manasseii: Greeting, fair cousins. Art well; and father 
 Mordecai, hath he not come home? 
 
 Hadassah and Miriam: Greeting, Manasseh. 
 
 Hadassah: Thou comest on the wings of our thoughts. 
 Greeting, most noble man of war. 
 
 Miriam: Father will soon be here, we hope. 
 
 Hadassah: Yea; he hath been engaged on important duties 
 which hath delayed him. I, too, have duties against his coming, 
 and will leave ye. But, Manasseh, thou who art so old and grave, 
 I trust wilt engage Miriam in diiscourse suited to thy age and 
 dignity. Eighteen and twenty, ha, ha. 
 [Exit Hadassah.] 
 
 Manasseh: Miriam, what meaneth Hadassah with her "Man 
 of war, old and venerable, serious discourse; eighteen and 
 twenty, ha, ha"? Such levity in Hadassah calleth for an explan- 
 ation. 
 
 Miriam: We were talking, even as thou camest, of thy duties 
 as lieutenant of the King's Guard, and Hadassah said, "But his 
 youth!" said she. "Twenty last Adar," said I; and that is not 
 so young, is it? 
 
 Manasseh: Young, nay; 'tis a ripe age. 
 
 Miriam: Then she twitted me with my age; eighteen; as 
 though I were a mere child and twenty a great age in my sight. 
 
 Manasseh: Well, Hadassah is but four and twenty; and I 
 suppose she imagineth in her heart that we are but infants, 
 
 Miriam: Yea; but, dear Hadassah; she loveth me like a 
 coualin, like a sister, like a mother, and I love her likewise, oh, 
 so dearly. 
 
 13 
 
Manasseh: I, too, love Hadassah, and love her the more for 
 her love of thee and thy love of her, Miriam. I brought these 
 flowers for thee. 
 
 Miriam: Thanks, Manasseh. How sweet they are. 
 
 Manasseh: Not half so sweet as thou art, Miriam. See, red 
 and white roses; these glorious Persian roses, and blue forget- 
 me-nots. 
 
 Miriam: I love flowers. 
 
 Manasseh: I, too, love flowers, and love them doubly for thy 
 love of them. Would'st know their meaning, Miriam? 
 
 Miriam: Aye, Manasseh, 
 
 Manasseh: "White for thy spotless soul; Blue for thine 
 eyes." 
 
 Miriam: Yea, yea; and 
 
 Manasseh: "Red for my love of thee; Which never dies." 
 
 Miriam [Blushing and shrinking] : Oh, Manasseh. 
 
 Manasseh: Dost love me too, a little, Miriam? 
 
 Miriam: Oh, Manasseh, meseems love is in the air tonight. I 
 love Hadassah; thou lovest her because she hath my love; 
 flowers I love; thou lovest them for a like reason; as thou 
 lovest Hadassah and flowers and me; so I love Hadassah and 
 flowers and thee. 
 
 [They embrace a 
 
 [Enter Hadassah.] 
 
 [They separate and look conscious.] 
 
 Hadassah: Well, Manasseh, hath entertained Miriam with 
 seemly discourse? 
 
 Miriam: He surely hath, my sister. 
 
 Hadassah: And may I ask the subject of thy discourse, which 
 mine eyes bear witness could not have been of that calmness and 
 deliberation befitting mature minds? 
 
 Manasseh: 'Twas somewhat of grammar, dear cousin. 
 
 Hadassah: An edifying subject, forsooth. 
 
 Manasseh: Aye, the conjugation of the verb "to love." Thus — 
 I love; she loves; we love. And there you are. 
 
 14 
 
Hadassah: And there am I. A fit subject for eighteen and 
 twenty; eighteen and twenty. I love; she loves; we love; and 
 there you are! 
 
 Manasseh and Miriam [Taking hands]: I love 
 
 Manasseh ■) r She loves. 
 
 MIRIAM \ ^T^oetheri: | jj^ ,„^^^^ 
 
 Miriam and Manasseh: We love; and we love thee; and 
 there you are. 
 
 Hadassah: Thou precious children; and I, too, love thee 
 with all my heart. Here comes father. 
 
 [Enter Mordecai.] 
 
 Mordecai: Greeting, my children, Hadassah, Miriam, Man- 
 asseh. 
 
 All: Greeting to thee, father Mordecai. 
 
 [Hadassah relieves Mm of cloak, and hat. He is weary. '\ 
 
 Mordecai: I tarried late; but it was unavoidable. I supped 
 with Isaac ben Adon. 
 
 Miriam: Dear father; thou art tired. Hath thy day been 
 long and wearing? 
 
 Mordecai: Aye, daughter, I have had a hard day. 
 
 Hadassah: Come, father, and rest thee. 
 
 [Hadassah seats him, while Miriam removes his boots and 
 imts on slippers.] 
 
 Mordecai: Truly, rest is grateful to my weary limbs. Call 
 Joshua. 
 
 [Hadassah rings a hell.] 
 
 Mordecai: Manasseh, my son; is all well with thee? 
 
 Manasseh: Father Mordecai, all is not well with me. 
 
 Mordecai: What is it troubleth thee, my son? 
 
 Manasseh: My duties are pleasant, and, for a soldier, all 
 that I could wish, except 
 
 Mordecai: Except? 
 
 Manasseh: My conscience troubleth me. A Jew am I — a 
 worshipper of Jehovah; yet have I bowed before Bel and the 
 
 15 
 
gods of the Persians and bent the knee at the name of Ahura 
 Mazda. 
 
 MoRUECAi: Let not thy heart trouble thee. I know thou art 
 true to the God of our fathers. Thy duty is to the King, and a 
 formal compliance with the Persian ritual in the temple of their 
 gods while in attendance on the King will not be imputed as a 
 sin to thee. 
 
 Manasseh: Remain and bow before Bel, the god of the 
 Persians! Will Jehovah pardon me for this? 
 
 MoRDECAi: My son, remember ye not the case of Naaman the 
 Syrian, who was cured of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha, and 
 how the Syrian general said to the prophet of the Lord, "In this 
 thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth 
 into the House of Rimmon to worship there, and he.leaneth on 
 my hand, and I bow myself in the House of Rimmon; when I 
 bow down myself in the House of Rimmon, the Lord pardon 
 thy servant in this thing." And Elisha said unto him, "Go in 
 peace." I, too, say to thee, Manasseh, go in peace. 
 
 Manasseh: Thanks, father Mordecai; thou hast lifted a 
 burden from my heart. Grant me thy blessing ere I go to the 
 King. 
 
 Mordecai: My blessing go with thee, Manasseh. May the God 
 of our fathers be with the© in all thy ways; in thy downsittings 
 and thy uprisings; thy outgoings and thy incomings; and when 
 thou standest before the King and bowest at the name of Bel, 
 our God who searchest the hearts of all men will know that thou 
 art a true son of Israel and His servant even in the presence of 
 the gods of the Persians. Go in peace. 
 
 Manasseh: Farewell, O Mordecai; farewell Hadassah, and 
 thou, Miriam, farewell. 
 
 All: Fare thee well, Manasseh. 
 
 [Exit Manasseh.] 
 
 [Enter Joshua.] 
 
 Mordecai: Joshua, bring lights and the Book of Psalms of 
 King David. 
 
 [Exit Joshua.] 
 
 [In the meantime Hadassah and Miriam have resumed their 
 emhroidery.'] 
 
 16 
 
MoRDECAi: Daughters, lay aside thy embroidery, and draw- 
 near. The day is spent and night cometh, when labor, even of 
 the lightest and pleasantest, may well be laid aside. Come 
 hither, daughters, and, as is thy wont, sit beside me, and let us 
 talk awhile; for I have matter of great moment both to thee and 
 to me and to our people to disclose to thee. 
 
 [They draw near and seat themselves at the feet of Mok- 
 DECAi. Joshua enters with lamp and the Book of Psalms. 
 He places the book before Mordecai and arranges the light 
 and curtains.'] 
 
 Mordecai: It is well, Joshua; thou mayest go. 
 
 [Joshua hows.] 
 
 Mordecai: Yet stay, Joshua; thou art a true and faithful 
 servant; even more than a servant, a friend. Stay and hear w^hat 
 I have to say to-night. 
 
 Joshua: Master, I stay. 
 
 Mordecai: First, I will read from the Psalms of the Great 
 King of Israel; the sweet singer both of joy and adversity. 
 
 [He reads with great emphasis.] 
 
 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. 
 
 Yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 
 
 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 
 
 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; 
 
 And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying. 
 
 Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 
 
 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? 
 
 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, 
 
 Let my right hand forget her cunning. 
 
 If I do not remember thee, 
 
 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; 
 
 If 1 prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. 
 
 Remember, Lord, the children of Edom 
 
 In the day of Jerusalem; who said. 
 
 Rase it, rase it, even to the foundations thereof. 
 
 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; 
 
 Happy shiall he be that rewardeth thee 
 
 As thou hast served us. 
 
 Happy shall he be that taketh 
 
 And dasheth thy little ones against the stones. 
 
 [He lays aside the hook and strokes the hair of Hadassah.] 
 
 17 
 
MoRDECAi: Dear daughter. Cousin were too cold a term, yet 
 cousin thou art, and glad am I of the bond of blood and kindred 
 which holdeth us. Since thou camest to me, a little child, upon 
 thy father, my beloved uncle's death, thou hast ever been to me 
 as a dutiful and well beloved daughter; as dutiful, as fair and 
 comely. 
 
 Miriam: And a dear sister to me. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Now thou hast arrived at woman's estate, and the 
 first word of anger or displeasure on thy account hath yet to be 
 spoken by me. 
 
 Hadassah: Dear, dear father; I trust it never will be spoken. 
 
 MiRiAiM : Indeed no, sister mine. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Assured am I that it never will be spoken. How 
 fair thou art, in thy innocence and modesty, thou hast never 
 realized. But thy beauty and grace are such that by the mercy 
 of Jehovah, the God of our fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac 
 and of Jacob, thou mayest become the very daughter of Israel, 
 raised up to deliver Israel from the hand of the oppressor, and 
 lo save the remnant of the people, to fulfill the law and the 
 prophets. 
 
 Hadassah: I, a daughter of Israel? To deliver our people? 
 Surely — surely — I It cannot be, I — I-^ 
 
 MoRDECAi: Be not too concerned. We will talk of this anon. 
 First, as the night is yet young, there is no reason why we 
 should forego our usual custom. Take now thy harp, the favorite 
 instrument of the great King David, and, accompanying thy voice 
 therewith, sing me one of our old melodies that warm the heart 
 and raise the soul into communion with Jehovah, who, I am 
 assured, still looks over the destinies of His chosen people. 
 
 Hadassah: Indeed, dear father, to do your will has ever been 
 my delight. 
 
 MoRDECAi: There, there; now for the song, dear daughter. 
 We will talk afterwards. 
 
 [Hadassah plays and sings.} 
 
 The Song of Miriam. 
 
 Strike up the timbrels. 
 With song and with dance; 
 
 18 
 
The soldiers of Pharaoh 
 With shield and with lance, 
 Our fathers pursuing 
 Across the Red Sea 
 Are whelmed in the waters, 
 And Israel goes free. 
 
 Free from their bondage 
 Beneath Pharaoh's rod, 
 Free by the hand of 
 Jehovah their God. 
 Strike up the timbrels. 
 And lift up your voice, 
 Jehovah is with us, 
 Let Israel rejoice. 
 
 MoRDECAi: One more song, my loved one; and then to our 
 talk. Let it be your favorite. The Daughters of Israel. 
 [Hadassah plays mid sings.] 
 
 The Daughters of Israel. 
 
 When Israel was with dreadful peril fraught. 
 By woman's hand deliverance was wrought. 
 By woman will Jehovah once again 
 Free Israel from her bonds of stress and pain. 
 
 As Deborah, the prophetess of old. 
 
 The awful death of Sisera foretold, 
 
 E'en by the hand of God's handmaiden, Jael, 
 
 Who through his temple drove the deadly nail. 
 
 Four days each year, all Israel laments 
 Jephtha's fair daughter; weeping in their tents; 
 For nothing would his vow to God suffice. 
 But she should be his willing sacrifice. 
 
 When Holofernes, with his army vast, 
 Sought to destroy thy people in the past, 
 Judith arose and smote him as he lay, 
 Filling the Persian host with dire dismay. 
 
 MoRDECAi: I have another verse to add. Listen and repeat 
 after me; then, with bowed heads in supplication to Jehovah, 
 
 we will sing 
 
 Again will great Jehovah, in His wrath 
 Sweep the imposter from His people's path; 
 
 [All repeat.] 
 
 19 
 
Jehovah, may Thy daughter, in Thine eyes, 
 Find favor for so great an enterprise. 
 
 [All repeat.'] 
 
 MoRDECAi: Jehovah, may Thy daughter, in Thine eyes, 
 Find favor for so great an ente^rprise. 
 
 [All repeat.] 
 
 [They recite the verse together. Hadassah 2jZa?/s a7id sing& 
 the verse.] 
 
 MoRDECAi: The significance of what we have just sung, I will 
 now make apparent. As you all know, King Ahasuerus hath been 
 holding high festival in Shushan the Palace. On the night of the 
 seventh and last day of the festival, a great and sumptuous 
 banquet was held; wine was served according to the custom, and 
 great joy and merriment prevailed. The King, as the crowning 
 glory of the celebration, devised that Queen Vashti should appear 
 wearing the crown royal and stand before, the King and the 
 assembly to display her beauty. He then and there publicly sent 
 the seven Chamberlains with his royal commands for her 
 presence. The Chamberlains returned without the Queen; she 
 refused to obey. The wrath of the King was great at the public 
 affront thus given him by the Queen, and, by the advice of Prince 
 Memucan, and the Princes of Media and Persia, he hath decreed 
 that Vashti, the Queen, come no more before the King Ahasuerus, 
 and that her royal estate be given to another that is better 
 than she. 
 
 Hadassah: Poor, poor Queen, how sorry am I for her. Can 
 nothing be done for her? Will not the King be persuaded to 
 forgive her? 
 
 Miriam: 'How I pity her. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Nay, he hath hardened his heart, and the matter 
 hath gone too far. This occurred two moons since. Now the 
 King hath decided to take another Queen in the place of Vashti, 
 and hath appointed officers in all the provinces of his kingdom 
 to gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the 
 Palace, to the House of Women, unto the custody of Hegai. the 
 King's Chamberlain, Keeper of Women; so that, in due form, 
 the King may choose among them the maiden which it may 
 
 20 
 
please the King to make his Queen in the place and stead of the 
 deposed Vashti. 
 
 Hadassaii: Oh, father, it cannot be. No, no. 
 
 Miria:\[: How glorious to be Queen; but to be rejected! 
 
 MoRDECAi: My daughter. Daughter of Israel; thou art fair to 
 look upon, and hath a wisdom and discretion beyond thy years. 
 What if Jehovah should move the heart of Ahasuerus to choose 
 thee from among all the maidens for his Queen? 
 
 Hadassaii: Choose me? Oh, my father! 
 
 Miriam: Choose Hadassah, my sister Hadassah for Queen. 
 Oh, Hadassah! 
 
 MoKDECAi: Stay, my daughters, hear me. These be perilous 
 times for Israel. Even now I am assured that the wicked Haman 
 designeth the destruction of the Jews and intends to procure a 
 decree of the King to that end. Our people are in the hands of 
 Jehovah. He will assuredly raise up a deliverer. 
 
 Hadassaii: Thou, my father, wilt deliver Israel. Thou art 
 a leader among the people, who love thee and will do thy bidding. 
 
 Miriam and Joshua: Yea, yea, thou wilt deliver Israel. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Nay, not so. It may be permitted me to be a 
 humble instrument of the Almighty; but it is to Hadassah I 
 look for the fulfillment of the will of Jehovah to thwart the evil 
 designs of the wicked Haman. Yea, I verily believe that the God 
 of our fathers is with us yet, and, by His goodness and mercy, 
 and love for His suffering people, is about to raise up another 
 daughter of Israel to be His handmaiden, as the chosen Queen 
 of Ahasuerus, to bring great good and deliverance to Israel. 
 What say est thou, my daughter? 
 
 Hadassah: Oh, father, I cannot think that such a thing is 
 possible; that I, a young, homekeeping maid, that goeth in and 
 out before thy. face in peace and obscurity, knowing nothing of 
 pomps and courts, should meet with favor in the sight of a king, 
 who, in his own eyes, and in the eyes of his subjects, is little 
 short of a god. The very thought overwhelms me. Who am I 
 that such a thing should come to pass in me? 
 
 MORDECAI : Thou art my beloved daughter, Hadassah. Thy 
 name, meaning the myrtle, shall be changed and, henceforth 
 thou Shalt be called Esther, meaning a star. This will please the 
 
 21 
 
Persians, who worship the stars; and the Jews will come to look 
 upon thee as their bright, particular star of deliverance. Dost 
 thou remember my dream, which I have often related to thee? 
 
 Esther: Aye, dear father. What of thy dream? 
 
 Joshua: Aye, his dream. 
 
 MoRDECAi: But last night I again dreamed the dream. Once 
 again I dreamed, and behold, from beneath the branches of a 
 myrtle tree there trickled a little stream of water, pure as 
 crystal, which flowed on and came to a place where were two 
 warriors fighting; and, as they fought, the streamlet flowed 
 between them, and it grew and spread and separated them afar; 
 and I saw the combatants no more. And behold the stream 
 increased until it became a mighty flopd, covering all the earth. 
 
 Esther: Knowest thou, dear father, the meaning of this thy 
 dream? 
 
 MoRDECAi: Oft have I wondered what this dream might mean, 
 and hitherto have been unable to solve the mystery. Now have I 
 come to know its meaning and the purport thereof. 
 
 Esther: Tell me, dear father, what is the meaning of thy 
 dream, and what is the interpretation thereof. 
 
 Miriajm: Tell us, tell us. 
 
 Mordecai: The interpretation of my dream is this, O Esther. 
 The fighting men are Haman, the Grand Vizier, and thy father, 
 whom he seeketh to destroy. The rill of pure water issuing from 
 underneath the myrtle is thyself, who shall separate the fighters, 
 and, increasing in power and dignity, shall spread thy influence 
 over all the land, to protect thy kindred and thy race from the 
 evil designs of this wicked Haman. This is the true interpreta- 
 tion of my dream. 
 
 Esther: Dear father, I am in thy hands. What thou sayest 
 I will do; but O, I pray thee, guide me with thy counsel which 
 I so sorely need, for I am weak. 
 
 Mordecai: Whatever can be done by me, I will surely do 
 under the guidance of the great Jehovah, who will keep us under 
 the shadow of His all protecting wings. 
 
 Esther: Thy will is my law, my father; I am thine to do 
 with, as thou wilt. Thy wisdom shall be my guide. But, oh, how 
 can I accomplish so great an undertaking? 
 
 22 
 
MoRDECAi: All things are possible with Jehovah, who some- 
 times chooses the humblest to be the instruments of His will. I 
 feel it to be the will of Jehovah that I make the sacrifice of my 
 dearest wishes and that thou shouldst lend thyself as the servant 
 of the Almighty, the God of our fathers. We are a subject 
 race, for our sins; in thrall and subjection to an arrogant King, 
 albeit he is gentle and kind in his personal relations (take com- 
 fort from this, my daughter). We are subject to the hatred and 
 machinations of the wicked Haman, who hath great influence 
 over the King. Think, O my daughter, what power for good to 
 our race might be exercised by a Queen, casting the spell of her 
 love and beauty over the vain and impressionable King. I have 
 wrestled in prayer at the feet of Jehovah, even as our father 
 Jacob wrestled with the angel of the ^Lord, and it hath come upon 
 me with a force I am compelled to heed, even as the direct com- 
 mand of Jehovah, that thou shouldst go up with the maidens 
 to Hegai, the KeeiDer of Women in the King's House. 
 
 Esther: O, my father, I bow to thy will and to the will of 
 Jehovah. I should not otherwise be worthy of thee, and of the 
 name of daughter. Do with me as thou wilt. 
 
 MoRDECAi: So be it. Remember one thing above all others. 
 Show not thy people nor thy kindred. Say no word of thy Jewish 
 origin. Be wary and discreet and leave the issue to the God of 
 Hosts, for the God of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our 
 refuge. I will never cease to intercede for thee; for thy welfare 
 and success. Be assured thou art in the keeping of the Almighty 
 and under the shadow of his wing. Hadassah, Esther, my 
 daughter, Daughter of Israel! Prepare then to accompany me to 
 the palace on the fifteenth day of the month, six days hence. My 
 servants will be instructed as to thy apparel and furnishings 
 and the preparations necessary according to the King's decree 
 and according to the law. 
 
 Esther: Dear father, I hear and obey. 
 
 MORDECAI : And now, good-night. Take courage in thy right 
 hand and in thy left hand comfort. When thou art gone from 
 me, every day will I walk before the court of the Women's House 
 to know how my daughter doeth, and what shall become of her. 
 And now again, good-night, beloved. May the God of our fathers 
 have thee in His keeping now and forever. 
 
 23 
 
MIRIA:^[: I, too, will pray for thee, dear sister. 
 
 EvSther: I am in thy hands. Do with me as thou wilt. 
 Hearkening and obedience to thee, as always, will be my duty 
 and pleasure. 
 
 MoRDECAi [Kissing Estiiee on hrow and embracing her] : Good 
 night, my daughter. [Kissing Miriam] : Comfort and sustain thy 
 sister. Good-night. 
 
 Both: Good-night, good-night. 
 [Exit Esther and Miriam.] 
 
 MoEDECAi [hi act of prayer. Joshua kneels} : God of Israel, 
 hear my prayer. Thou hast put into my heart this thing: that 
 Esther shall be raised up, a Daughter of Israel, to save Thy 
 people. 
 
 Even as Thou aforetime brought Thy people out of the land of 
 Egypt and out of the House of Bondage, Thou wilt again deliver 
 Thy people from the hand of the oppressor now laid heavily upon 
 them. His hand is but Thy instrument to chastise a froward 
 people. But they have repented, O God, aye, in sackcloth and 
 ashes have they repented them of their transgressions. Have 
 mercy, O God. Remove Thy wrath from them, I beseech Thee. 
 Strengthen Thy servant to carry out his part in this so great 
 an undertaking, and, above all, bless and sustain Thy daughter 
 Esther, that Thy people through her may be saved. God of 
 my fathers, of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, I praise Thy 
 name forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 Scene 3. — King's Gate: Night. 
 
 [Enter Bigtiiax richly clad and cloalced. He skulks and 
 paces.] 
 
 Bigthan: Why comes not Teresh, as was agreed between us 
 to meet at this time and place? Time is pressing, and there is 
 much to do. Why comes he not? Can it be his heart faileth 
 him? Peradyenture he hath turned craven, or traitor! Perish 
 the thought. It cannot be. This cursed waiting and suspense! 
 And time goeth on apace. My duties call within the hour; to 
 
 S4 
 
be late were madness at this juncture. 'Twould cast suspicion 
 on me. 1 must not be late, and yet He must come, he must. 
 
 [He sits, he walks, lie mutters, showing signs of great 
 
 impatience.] 
 [Enter Mordecai and Joshua, unseen of Bigtiian, ivhom they 
 
 see.] 
 
 Mordecai: As I live, the King's Chamberlain! What doeth he 
 here at night? No good, I'll warrant. I have long marked him 
 as an enemy of the King and contemner of God's chosen people. 
 He hath knowledge, I know not how, of Esther's parentage. 
 Evil is in his heart. Mischief lurks in his scheming mind. We 
 must beware. 
 
 Joshua: I did but now see the Chamberlain Teresh in converse 
 with a number of the King's officers, attendants on Haman. He 
 left the precincts but a few moments ago. 
 
 Mordecai: Keep watch. No good can come of this. 
 
 [They shrink into hiding, keeping Bigthan in view.] 
 [Enter Teresh.] 
 
 Joshua: As I live, Teresh the Chamberlain. 
 
 Mordecai: Another of the Chamberlains. Some plot afoot. 
 Keep hidden, Joshua, watch and listen. 
 
 Joshua: Aye, master, I will give heed. 
 
 Mordecai: He speaks, hearken! 
 
 Teresh: At last, I'm here! At last! Such news! Such cursed 
 news, my Bigthan. 
 
 Bigthan: 'Twere cause indeed to keep me waiting here in 
 dire suspense. Methinks naught but matters of extreme moment 
 can excuse thy tardiness to my unrest and torment. 
 
 [Joshua stirs and is restrained by Mordecai.] 
 
 Teresh: Hist! Heardst thou aught? 
 
 Bigthan: Nothing, but the beating of my heart and the 
 throbbing of my temples. Such delays do not tend to calm the 
 mind, Teresh. 
 
 Teresh: Enough of thy reproaches, which as thou shalt hear. 
 are unmerited. 
 
 25 
 
Bigthan: Speak, my time is short. On no account must I be 
 tardy at my post at such a time. Speak, I say, speak. 
 
 Tkresh: Know, then, first, the King hath chosen a Queen at 
 last. 
 
 Bigtiia-n: Sayst thou so; a Queen at last! Well, the great 
 King hath been four years in making his choice. 
 
 Teresh: Aye, were I Ahasuerus and Ahasuerus, Teresh, 
 methinks the time he hath taken for a choice might be even 
 further extended; in fact, as long as there remained maids to 
 choose from. Truly a royal pastime. 
 
 Btgthan: This is no time for ribald jesting. Who is the 
 maid that hath found favor with his mightiness? 
 
 Teresii: Curb thy impatience, Bigthan. She is called Esther. 
 
 MoRDECAi [Aside]: God of Israel! It is done! Esther is 
 Queen! 
 
 Joshua: My little Esther is Queen! 
 
 Moruecai: Give heed. 
 
 Bigthan: What? The Jewess? By Nabon and Bel. That 
 were a worthy choice indeed. 
 
 Teresh: Say you she is a Jewess? Impossible! How know 
 you this? 
 
 Bigthan: She is the adopted daughter of the accursed Jew, 
 Mordecai, who hath incurred the enmity of Haman by refusing 
 to bow down and do homiage to his newly bestowed dignity. 
 
 Teresh: Prince Haman, as you know, is prepared to request 
 a decree from the King for the destruction of the Jews. 
 
 Bigthan: Aye, if the King lives to grant the decree. 
 Teresh: One King or another, what matters, so long as the 
 decree is made and carried out? 
 
 Bigthan: If our plans miscarry not, Haman may make the 
 decree himself. But this new Queen may cause trouble, unless 
 we act promptly. 
 
 Teresh: Of a truth, v/e did not foresee such an outcome of 
 the King's whim. But I would not swerve from our purpose even 
 for the satisfaction of seeing the streets running with the blood 
 of that accursed race — much as one could wish it to come to pass. 
 
 26 
 
Bigthan: Thou sayest sooth. The King shall die the death, 
 let come what may. Vashti shall be avenged. 
 
 Teresh: Aye, Vashti shall be avenged, and that I swear. 
 
 Bigthan: Time presses. Let me know, and that quickly, what 
 hath been done to further our plans? 
 
 Teresh: The decision of the King to make Esther Queen is 
 opportune. The marriage will be celebrated in feasting and 
 dancing for seven days. The King will feel secure. At the end 
 of the feast and on the sixth day of the month the King goeth 
 to the temple of Auramazda, returning late to the Palace, and, 
 according to the law and the custom from time immemorial, he 
 will spend the night alone in the east chamber. I shall have 
 the placing of the guards, and well I know trusty followers to 
 place at the inner and outer gates. 
 
 Bigthan: Aye, no trouble about that. 
 
 Teresh: An hour after the King hath retired, the guards 
 being disposed of discreetly, we, with two of our friends, whom 
 we wot of, will go in and dispatch the King; and then away, if 
 thy plans are as well arranged as mine. 
 
 Bigthan: Rest assured on that score, my Teresh. Speedy 
 horses of Araby, and fleetest dromedaries for the spoils, will be in 
 readiness at the Orient Gate. 
 
 Teresh: Aye, the Jews have well instructed us in that. In 
 this Jehovah is our God. 
 
 Bigthan: Truly a God after mine own heart. We will out-Jew 
 the Jew in this. We will spoil the Egyptians. We will not go 
 empty handed. 
 
 Both: The spoils! The spoils will be ours. 
 
 Teresh: In this Jehovah is our God and Moses is our law- 
 giver. 
 
 Bigthan: With the treasure already secured, and what else 
 we can conveniently lay our hands on, we shall be many farsangs 
 away ere morning; and we shall be avenged for Vashti. So 
 keep good counsel and abide the event. My time is up. We 
 must away. 
 
 Teresh: Our route is along the Babylon Road; thence by the 
 road toward Ninevah until we come to the Ecbatana Way, thence 
 
 27 
 
northward to Ecbatana in Media and so beyond the frontiers. 
 Relays will be prepared and held in readiness. All is arranged. 
 Remember and farewell. 
 
 Bigthan: Aye, remember and farewell. 
 
 Both: Farewell. Vashti shall be avenged. By Narbon and 
 Bel, we swear it. 
 
 [Exit BiGTHAN aiid Teresh.] 
 
 Joshua: Master, Hadassah — Esther is Queen! 
 
 MoRDECAi: Praised be Jehovah! But the plot! Say naught 
 to anyone. Leave it to me. In this I see the hand of the 
 Almighty. The plot shall be brought to naught, and thereby 
 shall good come to Israel. Jehovah guided us hither. 
 
 Joshua: Aye, master, and Esther is Queen! 
 
 MoRDECAi: Let us away. Leave it all to me; and not a word 
 of what hath passed until I give thee leave. Now, get thee hence 
 and announce my return home within the hour. I rely on thy 
 silence and discretion. 
 
 Joshua: May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, and 
 my right hand forget its cunning if I fail thee in this. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Now, go. 
 
 Joshua: Hearkening and obedience. 
 
 [Exit Joshua.] 
 
 MoRDECAi: I will to the Palace and discover the plot and 
 then, the issue is in the hands of the Almighty. Hadassah is 
 Queen! I see the divine will in this. Esther is Queen, and Thy 
 people. O Jehovah, shall be saved. 
 
 2K 
 
ACT II 
 
 Scene 1. — King's Council Chamber. 
 
 Throne vacant; Princes, Councillors, seated and talking. 
 
 Enter Prince Haman and Prince Carshena, conversing. 
 
 Haman: Greeting, Princes and Councillors. 
 Princes and Councillors: Greeting, most noble Prince 
 /Haman and Prince Carshena. 
 
 [The Princes and Councillors converse together.] 
 
 Prince Carshena [To Haman]: I speak that which is in my 
 heart, and in the hearts and minds of thy friends. This Mor- 
 decai, this pestilent Jew, who refuses to recognize thy high 
 estate, which the King in his wisdom hath bestowed upon thee, 
 and which thou so well meritest 
 
 Haman [Pleased]: Thy kindness and thy love I know from 
 times past, I thank thee. 
 
 Carshena: This Jew, I say, must be seized and dealt with 
 even as his insubordination deserves; both as a punishment to 
 him and as a warning to his race. Let him be seized and cast 
 into prison to teach a salutary lesson to these turbulent dogs. 
 
 Haman: Peace, worthy Prince; I would think scorn to lay 
 hands on Mordecai alone. Trust me to show my resentment in a 
 manner which shall strike terror into the hearts of the Jews; 
 for this I shall have the warrant of the King himself in due 
 course. Mark well what I say. 
 
 Haman [Turning to the Councillors]: Princes and Councillors. 
 Before the King arrives, I would bespeak your attention on the 
 matter which has been heretofore discussed, to-wit: the action 
 which should be taken to effectually suppress the Jews, who are 
 becoming more and more turbulent and are a menace to the peace 
 of the empire and the safety of King Ahasuerus and to ourselves. 
 
 Prince Carshena: Severe measures should be taken and that 
 forthwith. 
 
 Prince Shetar: Their death, their extermination should be 
 
 29 
 
required of the King. For thus only shall we have peace and 
 security. 
 
 Prince Carshena: No, no. They should he vigorously sup- 
 pressed; yet, aside from their leader Mordecai, I should be 
 sorry to spill their blood. As for Mordecai, he merits death, and 
 the safety of the realm requires it. 
 
 Prince Haman: Things are at such a pass, that nothing short 
 of extermination will relieve us from an intolerable condition, 
 which hath lasted too long already. 
 
 Prince Admatha: I agree with Prince Haman. 
 
 Prince Meres: And I. 
 
 Prince Marsena: And I. 
 
 Memucan: The Jews must perish. They defy the Persian 
 gods. 
 
 Haman: The King feareth they will soon be beyond all 
 control unless severe measures are taken, and taken soon. Their 
 destruction is imperative for the peace and welfare of the 
 Kingdom. 
 
 Admatha: Death to the Jews, I say. 
 
 Carshena: No, no; not death. Anything short of that, I 
 am for. 
 
 Meres: Death. 
 
 Marsena: I am for death. 
 
 Others: Agreed. Let it be death for the Jews. 
 
 Haman: So be it. 
 
 Carshena: Such being your will, I agree. 
 
 Haman: Leave it to me. The decree is certain. I know the 
 temper of the King. Now, as to the time. 
 
 Meres: Let it be soon; within the month. 
 
 Admatha: For a widespread extermination, that were too 
 short a time. 
 
 Haman: Yea, the time is too short. 
 
 Carshena: Let it bo a year hence. 
 
 Meres: Why delay so long? 
 
 Marsena: The pur; the pur. Let us cast lots. 
 
 30 
 
All: The pur! The pur! 
 
 Haman: Aye, we will cast lots. Let each Inscribe a day 
 certain, and I will draw the tablets. The third drawn shall be 
 the day. 
 
 [Each Prince writes upon a tablet.] 
 Meres [To slave]: Bring hither the vase to hold the tablets. 
 Slave: I hear and obey. 
 
 [He brings a golden vase.] 
 Haman: Are all the tablets inscribed? 
 Princes [Writing]: Aye, aye. 
 
 [Slave holds vase. The tablets are deposited.] 
 
 Haman: Now, the lot. 
 
 [He draws one, two and three. He lays aside one and two 
 and hands number three to an officer.] 
 
 Haman: Read ye the writing. 
 Officer [Readiiig]: The fifth day of Nisan. 
 All: Nisan, the fifth day. 
 Haman: The fifth day of Nisan shall it be? 
 Carshena: Stay, Prince Haman. That is the Jewish Passover, 
 a day propitious for the Jews 
 
 Meres: Draw again. Three draws are permitted. 
 
 All: Draw again. 
 
 Haman: I will draw again. Leave the tablets, and write ye 
 other tablets also. 
 
 [They write and place tablets in the vase.] 
 Admatha: Let it be the second draw. Prince Haman. 
 Haman: iSo be it, the second draw. 
 
 [He draws, and hands the second tablet to the officer.] 
 Haman: Read. 
 
 Officer: The seventh day of lyyar. 
 Ai,l: lyyar, on the seventh day. 
 
 31 
 
Haman: The seventh day of lyyar be it; unless Prince 
 Carshena, that day too favors the accursed race. 
 
 Carshena: 'Tis an evil day also, Prince Haman. It is the 
 day of the Jews' Little Passover. 
 
 All: An evil day. Draw again. Another draw; another 
 draw. 
 
 Hamax: Another and the last draw; and may the gods favor 
 us. For whatsoever the day, the first drawn shall surely be 
 the day. 
 
 [They ivrite again, and put all tablets in the vessel, and in 
 doing so ^] 
 
 Memucan: Oh, Ahura, aid us. 
 
 Siietiiak: Oh, Zaothra, speed us. 
 
 Takshisii: Oh, Ashtaroth, support us. 
 
 Meres: Oh, Ishtar, favor us. 
 
 Carshena: Oh, Bel, guide us. 
 
 Admatha: Oh, Nabon, be with us. 
 
 Marsexa; Oh, Tistrya, set the day. 
 
 Hamax: O most mighty Auramazda, be with us. 
 
 [He draws and holds the tablet aloft.] 
 All: Read, Prince Haman. Read; read. The pur, the pur. 
 read, read the day. 
 
 H A:\rAx [Reading] : The thirteenth day of Adar is the day. 
 All: Adar, on the thirteenth day. 
 Carshena: My day. It is a good day. 
 All: Praised be the gods. 
 
 Haman: Aye, the gods have heard us. The gods are with 
 us. It is a good day. It cometh under the sign Pisces. So be it. 
 Now I shall be able to swallow them up as fish swallow one 
 another. 
 
 [Trumpets are heard.] 
 Haman: Leave it to me. The King cometh. 
 
 [The King enters in state. They all rise as the Kiing ap- 
 proaches, and do obeisance. The King seats himself upon 
 the throne.] 
 
 32 
 
AMASiiTERus: My Princes and Councillors, I greet you. 
 
 All: Hail, King of Kings, live forever. 
 
 Ahasuerus: The Council is called at the request of Prince 
 Haman, We would not act, even at his request, without the 
 advice of our Councillors and Princes. Speak now. Prince 
 Haman, what is in thy mind, and be assured that whatever thou 
 shalt present will receive due consideration by us and by the 
 Council. 
 
 Hamax: O King, live forever. Know then, O Majesty, there 
 is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the 
 people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are 
 diverse from all people; neither keep they the King's laws; 
 therefore it is not for the King's profit to suffer them. If it 
 please the King, let it be written that they may be destroyed, and 
 I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those 
 that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the King's 
 treasuries. 
 
 Ahasuerus: I have, O Haman, heard ere now of this people, 
 and how they cause dissension in the midst of my people, and 
 their failure and refusal to obey my decree. What say the 
 Council? 
 
 Council: O King, live forever. The King speaketh sooth. 
 Prince Haman is right. Let it be as he says, if it pleaseth the 
 King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: It shall be as Haman desires and as the Council 
 advises. [To Hamax]: Take this, our royal ring, as an emblem 
 and assurance of our authority confided to thee. Further, the 
 silver is given to thee, the people also to do with them as it 
 seemeth good to thee. Bid enter the scribes, and further the 
 business. Meanwhile, the Council is dissolved. 
 
 [The Council stand, salaam, and exit. Leaving the King 
 
 and. Haman.] 
 [Enter the scrihes and take seats.] 
 Ahasuerus; Proceed, O Haman. 
 
 Haman: Ibbi and scribes, attention. Write according to the 
 decree of Ahasuerus, the King. 
 
 Ibbt [Bowing]: Hearkening and obedience, Lord Haman. 
 
 33 
 
Hama^-i This thirteenth day of the first month. Unto the 
 King's lieutenants, and to the Governors that are over every 
 province according to the writing thereof, and to every people 
 after their language, the King commandeth and it is the law. 
 Destroy, kill and cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, 
 little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth 
 day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and take the 
 spoil of them for a prey. Let it be written, and it shall be sealed 
 with the King's seal, which I hold. 
 
 See that the letters be sent by post into all the King's prov- 
 inces, a copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in 
 every province and published unto all people, that they be ready 
 against that day. It is the law. For thus saith the King. 
 
 Scene 2. — House of Women. 
 
 Esther. Miriam, Maids, Hatach. Maids grouxted about the 
 Queen at einhroidery, arranging -flowers and conversing. Distant 
 wailing and cries of distress are heard. 
 
 Esther: Meseemeth some unusual excitement prevails in the 
 City, and a stir abroad among the people. Sounds of distress 
 have reached mine ears. What meaneth it, good Hatach? 
 
 Hatach: It hath been announced, Queen, that at the request 
 of Haman, the King hath decreed a slaughter of the Jews 
 throughout his dominions, to take place on the thirteenth day 
 of the twelfth month, and the notice hath gone abroad by couriers 
 to the farthest confines of the kingdom. Heralds have pro- 
 claimed the decree in the City and in Shushan the Palace. There 
 is already great mourning . among the Jews, and fasting and 
 weeping, and many lie in sackcloth and ashes and cry aloud unto 
 their God. 
 
 Fatme: O Queen, there is a Jew, Mordecai by name, who hath 
 rent his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes and goeth about 
 in the midst of the City crying with a loud and bitter cry. 
 
 Tei.ida: I saw him ere now, even before the King's Gate. 
 
 Miriam: O Esther, my Queen, my 
 
 Esther: Hush! 
 
 34 
 
Esther [Shoiving great perturbation]: Go thou, good Hatach, 
 to the King's Gate. Peradventure this Mordecai of whom the 
 maids speak, is still there. Take him raiment for to clothe him- 
 self, and take way his sackcloth from him. Ask him the mean- 
 ing of this mourning and lamentation, and why he lieth at the 
 King's Gate in sackcloth. 
 
 Hatach: O Queen, I hear and obey. 
 [Exit Hatach.] 
 
 Esther: This is a dreadful thing I hear in regard to the Jews. 
 
 Miriam: Be comforted, all will yet be well: 
 
 Fatme: It hath caused a great stir in the City, and even in 
 the Palace. The people are perplexed, and the Jews stand in 
 fear and trembling. 
 
 Roxana: Prince Haman hath sworn to carry out the King's 
 decree to the uttermost. 
 
 Esther: Ah, me, I am in deep distress. I fear me the King, 
 who is naturally of a kind and gentle disposition, hath been 
 over-persuaded by Haman. 
 
 Fatme: He fears the Jews. This same Mordecai to whom 
 thou hast dispatched Hatach, made a scene before the King's 
 Gate in refusing to do obeisance to Haman, and Prince Haman 
 is incensed beyond measure. 
 
 Esther: Would that something might be done to appease his 
 wrath and to turn the King's heart. 
 
 Telis: The couriers have been dispatched. The only hope is 
 in time. The massacre is set for the thirteenth day of Adar, 
 which is months hence. 
 
 Esther: Hatach will return anon. Meanwhile, pursue your 
 work. Come, Fatme, Telis, and let me see how thou art pro- 
 gressing with thy tapestry. I desire that it be completed in 
 time for display on the feast of Ishtar, which is what I have 
 undertaken with the King. 
 
 [The maids shoio tapestry.] 
 
 Esther: Right well is the picture growing under thy deft 
 
 lingers. The King and his retainers appear true to life. The 
 
 colors are well conceived and placed. The expression on the 
 
 King's face as he engages in his favorite pastime, is full of 
 
 35 
 
animation. Tlie flight of ilie falcons against the azure, in pursuit 
 of the heron, is true to nature; mark how the quarry droops 
 in fear as the birds of prey swoop down. [Aside] : Ah, me, the 
 heron's case is mine, I do fear. 
 
 Miriam: No, no, dear sister. Remember our father's words. 
 [Enter Hatach, bearing sc7'oll.] 
 
 Esther: Hatach returns. Draw near, my Hatach, and speak. 
 What hast thou to report? 
 
 Hatach: O Queen, I came to Mordecai, who lay before the 
 Gate as the maid hath said. He refuses thy gift and will not be 
 comforted. He said that the decree for the killing of the Jews, 
 his people, was made at the request of Haman, who promised to 
 pay ten thousand talents to the King's treasuries for the destruc- 
 tion of the Jews. He bade me deliver into thy hand this copy 
 of the decree. 
 
 \The Queen takes the scroll.] 
 
 Esther: What further, my good Hatach, said he? 
 
 [She looks at the scroll and shovjs signs of great perturba- 
 tion, ivhich she strives to suppress, as Hatach proceeds.] 
 
 Hatach: O Queen, he further bade me charge thee, — forgive 
 thy servant, I use his words, — that thou shouldst go in unto the 
 King to make supplication unto him, and to make request before 
 the King that he spare the Jews. 
 
 [Esther reads the scroll, showing distress.] 
 
 Miriam: Be comforted, my Queen. Remember and be brave. 
 
 Esther: Go thou, O Hatach, again unto this Mordecai, and 
 say, thus saith the Queen Esther, who hath received thy word 
 and the copy of the King's decree. All the King's servants and 
 the people of the King's provinces do know, that whosoever, 
 whether man or woman, shall come unto the King into the Inner 
 Court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to 
 death, except such to whom the King shall hold out the golden 
 sceptre that he may live, but I have not been called to come in 
 unto the King these thirty days. 
 
 Hatach: O Queen, I hear and obey. 
 [Exit Hatach.] 
 
 36 
 
Esther: Ah me, that I should be in such a strait. If I appear 
 before the King and it pleaseth him not and he holdeth not out 
 to me the golden sceptre, I am lost, and both I and my people 
 shall die. 
 
 Miriam: He loveth thee, my Queen. 
 
 Rene: Risk not the King's displeasure, O Queen. 
 
 Zachi: Do not. Oh, do not do this thing, and venture thy life 
 for the unworthy Jews. Better were it that the Jews die than 
 that one hair of thy head should be harmed. 
 
 Esther: I cannot do this thing. Oh, I cannot. Why doth 
 Mordecai expect it of me? I love the King. He is kind and 
 gentle. But he would spare me not if he were roused to wrath 
 at my temerity. What shall I do? What shall I do? 
 
 Fatme: Be comforted, O Queen. The Jews are to thee as less 
 than naught. 
 
 Esther: Thou little knowest. O were it so indeed. But alas! 
 My father, my father! My people, my people! My God, 
 my God! Release me from this too great trial and tribulation,, 
 for it is greater than I can bear. 
 
 [Enter Hatach,] 
 
 Esther: Approach, O Hatach, my faithful servant. What 
 now? 
 
 Hatach: O Queen. Thy message hath been given to Mordecai,, 
 the Jew, at the gate, according as thou hast said. 
 
 Esther: What said he? 
 
 Hatach: Queen. Thus spake Mordecai. the Jew that lieth 
 without the gate: Say to the Queen Esther: Think not withi 
 thyself that thou shalt escape in the King's house, more than all. 
 the Jews. For if thou altogether boldest thy peace at this time,, 
 then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jew& 
 from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be de- 
 stroyed, and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom 
 for such a time as this? 
 
 Miriam: Fear not, my Queen, the love of the King for thee is 
 great. 
 
 Esther: Return thou, O Hatach, unto Mordecai and say unto 
 him: Thus saith Esther, the Queen: Go, gather together all 
 
 37 
 
the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and 
 neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and 
 my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the King, 
 which is not according to the law, and if I perish, I perish! 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene 3 — House of Haman. Haman's seat vacant. 
 
 Officers, Persians, Jeivs, standing grouped; including Mordecai 
 and Joshua. 
 
 Persian: Again hath the accursed Jew defied the authority 
 of Prince Haman. 
 
 Persian: We will no longer brook thy insolence. 
 
 RusTAN : What meaneth this Mordecai in refusing to bow- 
 down before the Prince when he passeth in state? 
 
 Persian: My lord, we know not. 
 
 Persian [Pointing to Mordecai] : See the Jew who refuseth to 
 do obeisance to the mighty Prince. 
 
 Joshua: He is guilty of naught unlawful. Mordecai is not 
 the slave of Haman that he should bow before him. 
 
 Mordecai: Joshua, hold thy peace. 
 
 Persian: The Jew is insolent — a malcontent. Let him be 
 punished. 
 
 A Jew: He is innocent of wrong. Let him be. 
 
 A Jew: Long live Mordecai. 
 
 A Jew: Down with Haman. 
 
 Mordecai: Peace, my friends, peace. 
 
 Persians: Away with him. Away with the Jews, the slavish 
 dogs. They despise our gods. He defies our Prince. Our noble, 
 generous Prince. Away with the Jew. Out upon them all. 
 
 Jews: Haman compasseth our destruction. 
 
 Mordecai: Peace, I say, be still. 
 
 Persians: We honor him therefor. The day cometh — the day 
 of their destruction. 
 
Rustan: Enough. I will speak with him. 
 
 Jews: Beware the day, O Persians. Our God will succor us. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Our God is our refuge and our strength. 
 
 Persian: Hear them. Hear him. Their God, indeed, who 
 hath deserted them and delivered them into our hands. Ye may- 
 call upon your God but He will not hear. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Our God hath chastened us for our iniquities. But 
 He will look again upon His chosen people who turn to Him in 
 the day of their tribulation. A broken and a contrite heart He 
 will not despise. 
 
 Persian: Thy God sleepeth. 
 
 Another: He is deaf. 
 
 Another: He is on a journey. 
 
 Another: He is dead. 
 
 Another: The gods of Persia are greater than thy God. 
 
 Rustan [To Mordecai]: Know ye not, O Mordecai, that King 
 Ahasuerus^ 
 
 Persians [boio and cry]: "The great King of Kings." 
 
 Rustan: Know ye not, I say, that the King hath promoted 
 Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, and advanced him 
 and set his seat above all the Princes that are with him, and hath 
 commanded that all men bow before him and do him reverence? 
 Wherefore, then, transgresseth thou the King's commandment? 
 
 Mordecai: I am not careful to answer thee, O Rustan, in this 
 matter. Trouble me not, but let me go. 
 
 Rustan: Answer me. 
 
 Persians: Answer the noble Lord; answer, answer. 
 
 Mordecai: So be it. Hear me. I remember me of Prince 
 Daniel of my race, who stood before the King Darius aforetime, 
 and regarded not the King that no man should ask a petition of 
 any god or man for thirty days, save of the King, on pain of being 
 forthright cast into a den of lions; how Daniel kneeled upon his 
 knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his 
 God as he did aforetime, and was by order of the King cast into 
 the den of lions ; and how God delivered him from the mouths of 
 the lions. Kuqw ye then, the God of Daniel is my God and the 
 
 39 
 
God of the captivity of Judah; to Him 1 bow and to Him only. 
 I neither regard nor fear this Haman. 
 
 Persians: He speaketh of Daniel, the great Beltheshazzer. 
 
 Persian: Aye, of Beltlieshazzer. 
 
 Joshua: Aye, Daniel, our Prince and prophet of the Lord. 
 who died full of years and honored of the great King in Ecbatana 
 of Media. 
 
 Jew: The prophet Daniel. 
 
 Jew: When Zoroaster was Governor. 
 
 Jew: And none honored him as did your Zoroaster, 
 
 Persian: He thinks he is another Daniel. 
 
 Persian: A Daniel come to judgment. 
 
 Joshua: Aye, another Daniel. May God be with him! 
 
 Rustan: Get thee hence and make no more disturbance and 
 dissension among the people. Thy case shall be reported to the 
 noble Prince. 
 
 Persians [Pushing and jostling Mordecai, Joshua and JewsJ: 
 Out upon thee; out upon the Jews. Thou shalt suffer for this. 
 [They jostle as Mordecai. Joshua and Jews move aivay.] Cries 
 of "Death to Mordecai! Death to the Jews! Long live Mordecai! 
 Down with Haman! Get thee hence! Begone!" 
 
 Mordecai [Passing] The God of Hosts is with us. The God 
 of Jacob is our refuge. 
 
 [Exit Mordecai, Jews, Persians, Joshua and Rustan.] 
 
 Persian: There he stood with clouded brow and unbent knee 
 as the Prince passed by. 
 
 Persian: I saw him stand and glower and refuse Prince 
 Haman the respect which is his due. 
 
 Persian: And others with him. 
 
 Persian: Aye, he hath a following. 
 
 Rica: Silence. Prince Haman approaches. 
 
 [Enter Haman and Zeresh and attendants. People hoiv, and 
 Haman and Zeresh are seated. Haman looks disturbed^ 
 and froivning.] 
 
 Haman: Again, even as I entered, did that accursed Jew flout 
 
 40 
 
me to my very face in the sight of -all the people. With all my 
 honors and dignities that the King hath bestowed upon me, as 
 long as this Jew thwarts me at every turn, my honey is turned to 
 gall and wormwood. 
 
 Zeresh: My Lord should arrest the Jew and have him cast 
 into a dungeon until he undertake to conduct himself in a 
 seemly way and in a manner to fittingly recognize my Lord's 
 power and dignity. 
 
 Rica: Tolerate his insolence no longer my Lord. Have him 
 seized and cast into prison. 
 
 [Enter Rustax, the Chief Officer'. He salaams and stands 
 at attention. 
 
 Hamax: Well, Rustan, what of the Jews? Have the people 
 dispersed in peace? What didst thou find? What said the Jews? 
 Speak. 
 
 RusTAx: My Lord, the Jew, Mordecai, is stiff-necked and in- 
 solent. He hath many supporters among his race and kindred, 
 who, although they did thee perfunctory obeisance, immediately 
 thou hadst passed, broke out in loud murmuring against thee. 
 
 Hamax: And what of the Jew; speak. 
 
 Rustax: He again defied thy authority, and boasted that he 
 acknowledged no superior but his God, to whom alone he bowed 
 the knee. Even as but now in this house he likened himself unto 
 Prince Daniel, and openly boasted that the God of Daniel, who 
 saved him alive out of the den of lions, would protect him also, 
 and would save his race from destruction and set at naught the 
 decree of the King, granted at thy request, as he says. 
 
 Hamax : Didst seize him as a disturber of the peace and 
 stirrer up of a sedition among the people? 
 
 Rustax: Not so, my Lord; such were not my Lord's orders. 
 
 Hamax: Know Rustan, there are times when a faithful officer 
 should exercise a certain discretion. However, I blame thee 
 not. See that Mordecai is watched by trusty officers and report to 
 me w^here he goeth and whatsoever he doeth; his outgoings and 
 , his incomings; and what effect he hath upon the people. And 
 now, go. 
 
 41 . 
 
Rustan: Hearkening and' obedient, my Lord. 
 [Exit Rustan.] 
 
 Haman: Here am I, with riches and honors surpassing those 
 of any subject or Prince in the kingdom; second only to the King 
 himself in power and authority; being advanced above all the 
 Princes and servants of the King. My children, even my ten 
 sons, their wives and children, all do honor and obedience to me 
 and do my will in all things. The Princes and the people, both 
 in the palace and without the gate, seek every occasion to show 
 obedience to my will; and this Jew only refuses to do obeisance 
 to me. Only last night, at the request of the Queen, I attended a 
 banquet with the King and Queen. Yea, Esther, the Queen, did 
 let no man come in with the King unto the banquet that she 
 had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her 
 also with the King. Yet all this availeth me nothing so long as 
 I see Mordecai sitting at the King's gate. 
 
 Pharax: It is a grievance hardly to be borne. Cast him into 
 prison. 
 
 Nadir: His days are numbered, as also are the days of all the 
 Jews. Let him bide the time in prison. 
 
 Zeresh: My Lord, why wait? 'Twere better to anticipate the 
 decree and let him die. Listen to me, my Lord, and hearken to 
 my words. Let now a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and to- 
 morrow speak thou unto the King that Mordecai may be hanged 
 thereon; then go thou merrily with the King unto the banquet. 
 
 All: Aye, so let it be. Let the Jew be hanged and so rid thy- 
 self of his hated presence forever. . 
 
 Nadir: I favior death by the bow. It is quieter and more 
 expeditious. 
 
 Zeresh: Nay, not so. Hanging is the only way to prevail 
 over thine enemies. The Jews have always been rescued from 
 every other kind of death. 
 
 Haman: Only by so doing can one obtain peace and ease of 
 mind. By Ashtar, it shall be done, even as Zeresh hath said. 
 The fellow shall surely die, and that without delay.— Nadir! 
 Nadir [Bowing]: My Lord! 
 Haman: See ye to it. A gallows of fifty cubits; in the court- 
 
 42 
 
yard. Bid ye the artificers in wood forthwith construct the 
 gallows. Delay not. Within two days let it be finished, and 
 bring me word. 
 
 Nadir: Heakening and obedience. 
 
 [Exit Nadir.] 
 Haman: Pharin. 
 Pharin: My Lord. 
 
 Haman: Summon Rustan if he be still within the precincts. 
 Pharin: I hear and obey. 
 
 [Exit Pharin.] 
 
 Zeresh: O wisely hast thou decided to end thy troubles, to 
 pluck this thorn from thy side. 
 
 Haman: Aye, it is time to act, and by the death of Mordecai, 
 gain peace and security. 
 
 [Enter Rustan.] 
 
 Haman: Rustan, hast directed thy men to watch Mordecai, 
 the Jew? 
 
 Rustan: Aye, my Lord. 
 
 Haman: Hearken thou to my words. Take further steps to 
 keep strict watch upon the movements of the Jew, so that he 
 may be seized at any moment. Have a watch kept both day and 
 night; and when my messenger bringeth thee this ring [sJiowing 
 a ring], mark it well; seize Mordecai and convey him to the vault 
 beneath the court. The gallows thou shalt see in the inner court 
 is intended for him. Hang him straightway thereon. Do all 
 things with secrecy and speed; then send me word wherever I 
 may be. This do and fail not. On thy head be it. 
 
 Rustan: Hearkening and obedience. 
 [Exit Rustan.] 
 
 43 
 
ACT III. 
 
 Scene 1. — Night. 
 
 King's Chamber. King in bed. He is restless. The Chamber'- 
 lain is ivatching. 
 
 AiiAsuERus: Unpleasant dreams have haunted me. Sleep hath 
 forsaken me and mine eylids refuse to slumber. 
 
 [He sits up and calls loudly.] 
 
 What ho! Chamberlain, Zethar, come hither. 
 
 [Zethak approaches and stands in attitude of obeisance.] 
 
 AiiAsuERus: I have lain on my couch and have sought repose 
 in sleep, which usually cometh unbidden with the night; but the 
 tickle jade will not be wooed. As she refuseth to come at my 
 bidding, I will turn the night to day as more fitting my wakeful 
 mood. Make lights and summon immediately Nargum the Chief 
 Chronicler to my presence. 
 
 Zethar: Hearkening and obedience. 
 
 [Lights are brought and the King is assisted into a com- 
 fortable lounging position.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Stay. What of the night? 
 Zethar: It lacketh three hours of the dawn. 
 Ahasuerus: First, then, summon hither the Chaldean astrolo- 
 .gers and the soothsayers, and let the Chief Chronicler wait. 
 Zethar: Hearkening and obedience. 
 [Exit Zethar.] 
 
 [Enter Melchoir, Belzac aiid Zaroster, the three astrolo- 
 gers.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Approach, Melchoir, with your fellows. 
 [They draw near and stand boived.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Hearken to my words and give heed thereto. I 
 cannot sleep. My mind is disturbed with vague forebodings. 
 What is the prospect of the heavens, and what do the stars 
 denote? Speak, O Melchoir. 
 
 44 
 
Melchoig [Chief Astrologer]: King, live forever. Thy ser- 
 vants have spent the watches of the night in the study of the 
 heavenly bodies. Know, O King, the morning star hath rule in 
 the Chamber of Death. The Lord of the Third House is combust 
 and retrograde with the Eleventh, presaging evil. The day is 
 pregnant with calamity. The Lord of the Fourth House is in 
 conjunction with the Lord of the Ascendant. "Within his leaden 
 sphere Hylech is cadent. There is a malevolent aspect, menacing 
 ill to the Queen. But it will not prevail. There are other strong 
 and countervailing signs. The rest is hidden from me as by a 
 thick cloud. 
 
 Ahasuerus: And thou, O Belzac, what sayest thou? 
 
 Belzac: King, live forever. But last night, as I watched 
 in the tower, behold the heavens were ablaze with stars; and the 
 crescent moon sailed on her course. Majestic and serene she 
 traversed the sky. Malignant and cross aspects darted their 
 baleful rays athwart the tract. In vain they scowled. She pur- 
 sued; her course in splendor undisturbed. When, behold, on a 
 sudden a star of great brilliance from out the blackness and 
 obscurity, suddenly flashed athwart the sky and followed the 
 course of the moen, its effulgence undiminished. And, behold, 
 as I gazed, another bright particular star fell from the sky, even 
 from the zenith to the horizon, and was seen no more. 
 
 Ahasuerus: What, O Belzac, doth this marvel of the heavens 
 portend? 
 
 Belzac: O King, live forever. The moon is the Queen of the 
 Heavens, the glorious spouse of the sun, the King thereof; even 
 as thou, O Majesty, art King of the World; and reflects the glory 
 and the majesty thereof, even as the beauteous Queen Esther, in 
 attendance on thy Majesty, shines with splendor in the light of 
 thy august presence. 
 
 Ahasuerus [Looking flattered and pleased]: Aye, and the 
 stars. What is their significance, and what do they denote? 
 
 Melchoir: The second star, O Majesty, the favored of the 
 Lord of the Heavens, is none other than a servant of the King, 
 who hath incurred thy royal displeasure, and is cast from his 
 high place forever; and as he falls, another (which is the first 
 star), by the favor of thy Majesty and at the request of the 
 
 45 
 
Queen is exalted in his place, and even to higher honor and 
 glory in the presence of the King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: So far, so well. And the moon, thou sayest, 
 shone on with renewed splendor. That, O Astrologer, needs no 
 explanation. It is a happy augury for our Queen; and as the 
 moon's brilliance dependeth on the sun, it is an equally happy 
 augury for ourselves. 
 
 Melchoir: O Fountain of Light and Wisdom, thou sayest 
 sooth. From thee nothing is hidden and unto thee all things are 
 revealed. 
 
 Ahasuerus: But the stars, the stars. It is now apparent why 
 sleep forsook mine eyes. Praised be Auramazda, my royal estate 
 is secure; but woe to him whose star hath descended. He shall 
 be utterly cast out, and another shall fill his place before me. 
 
 Melchoir: Even so, O King of Kings. It shall be as thou 
 sayest. 
 
 Ahasuerus: And thou, Zaroster, what sayest thou? 
 
 Zaroster: O Mighty King, the glory of the sun is thy glory; 
 and the glory of the moon is the Queen's glory; and the glory 
 of the stars is the glory of thy Princes. One star differeth from 
 another star in glory even according to the order in which they 
 stand in the light of thy countenance. 
 
 Ahasuerus: O Melchoir, Belzac and Zaroster, Astrologers and 
 Soothsayers, what say ye? Have we now the full and true prog- 
 nostication of events according to the heavenly bodies ruling 
 the universe? 
 
 Melchoir: O King, live forever. The portents and their 
 prognosis are truly shown to and declared by thy majesty. 
 [Belzac aiid Zaroster make signs of assent]: Aye, aye. 
 
 Ahasuerus: 'Tis well, Chamberlain, is the Grand Chronicler 
 without? 
 
 Zethar: He is, O King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Melchoir and ye Astrologers and Soothsayers of 
 Chaldea, true servants of the King and of Ahura and Tistrya; 
 depart hence. Ye have our thanks. We commend your learning 
 and your loyalty. Reveal to none what hath been disclosed. 
 When the sun in his course hath risen forty and seven degrees 
 
 46 
 
above the horizon, go ye to the royal Treasurer and ye shall be 
 duly rewarded, and this (taking a ring from his finger and 
 handing it to the Chief Astrologer), shall be your warrant for 
 the favor that shall be bestowed upon you. Go! 
 
 All [BoitHng loiv] : Hearkening and obedience, O King! 
 
 [Salaam and exit.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Now, the Chronicles. 
 
 [Enter the Chief Chronicler, ivith attendants hearing the 
 Tablets of the Chronicles.] 
 
 Ahasuerus : Nargum. 
 
 Nargum: My lord. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Nargum, read ye the last three chapters of the 
 Chronicles. 
 
 Nargum: Hearkening and .obedience, O King. 
 
 [He reads from the tablets, which are handed to him one at 
 a time.] 
 
 "And it came to pass on a day in the fifth month of the third 
 year of the reign of Ahasuerus, the King, after that for good 
 cause he had divorced from him Vashti, his Queen, and when 
 the King had chosen Esther to be Queen in her place and stead, 
 that Bigthan and Teresh, two of the King's Chamberlains, the 
 keepers of the inner doors of the Palace, sought to lay hands on 
 the King out of revenge for the dethronement of Vashti. And 
 behold, one Mordecai, a Jew, hearing of the plot of the Cham- 
 berlains, straightway apprised the King thereof, through his 
 oflScers, and Bigthan and Teresh were hanged." 
 
 Ahasuerus: Stop, and answer me truly. What honor and 
 dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? 
 
 Zethar: O King, live forever. There is nothing done for him, 
 King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Who is in the court? 
 
 Zethar: Behold, O King, Prince Haman standeth in the court. 
 Ahasuerus : It is well. Let him come in. 
 [Exit servant. Enter Haman.] 
 
 47 
 
Ahasuerus: My Lord, Haman. 
 
 Haman: Speak, O King; thy servant heareth. 
 
 Ahasuerus: What shall be done unto the man whom the 
 King delighteth to honor? 
 
 Haman [Thinkino in his heart that he is the man]: O King. 
 live forever. Whom the King delighteth to honor, let the royal 
 apparel be brought which the King useth to wear, and the horse 
 that the King rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set 
 upon his head, and let this apparel be brought and delivered to 
 the hand of one of the King's most noble Princes, that they may 
 array the man withal whom the King delighteth to honor, and 
 bring him on horseback through the streets of the city, and 
 proclaim before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom 
 the King delighteth to honor." 
 
 Ahasuerus: Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, 
 as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai, the Jew, that 
 sitteth at the King's gate; let nothing fail of all that thou hast 
 spoken. 
 
 Haman [Showing chagrin]: O King, I hear and obey. 
 
 Ahasuerus [Sotto voce] : The stars, the stars, Ahura and 
 Tistry.a. I see thy hand in this, even as the Astrologers have 
 foretold. 
 
 Scene 2 — Banquet. 
 
 King. Queen. Haman. In course of drinking. Manasseh, Captain 
 of the Guard, in attendance. Chief Butler. Chief Baker. Attend- 
 ants. Slaves. They are served. 
 
 Ahasuerus [In friendly tones: hut with half-veiled sarcasm] : 
 Well, my worthy Grand Vizier, didst fully carry out my com- 
 mands in respect to Mordecai, the man whom the King de- 
 lighteth to honor? 
 
 Haman [Witli partially concealed chagrin and mortification] : 
 O King, thy commands were fulfilled. 
 
 Ahasuerus: A wise counsellor, my Haman. The royal ap- 
 parel? 
 
 Haman: Aye, the royal apparel, O King. 
 
 48 
 
Ahasuerus: 'Tis well. — And the horse the King rideth upon? 
 
 Haman: Aye, the King's horse also. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Good! And the crown royal? 
 
 Haman: Aye, O King, even the crown royal. 
 
 Ahasuerus: And Mordecai was duly arrayed, and placed upon 
 the horse, and thou broughtest him through the streets of the 
 city and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the 
 man whom the King delighteth to honor"? 
 
 Haman [WJw cannot suppress his feelings of humiliation and 
 chagrin] : All, all was done, O King, even as thou commanded. 
 
 Ahasuerus: And even as thou advised? 
 
 Haman: Even so, O King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: 'Tis well, Prince Haman. 'Tis well, my faithful 
 counsellor, whose wisdom is great and more precious than rubies. 
 But enough of Mordecai. My good Haman, it is thee the King 
 delighteth to honor on this occasion; and the Queen also would 
 do thee honor; for, as thou knowest, it was at the special request 
 of the Queen that thou wert bidden to the feast. Was't not so, 
 my beloved? 
 
 Esther: Aye, truly, my dear Lord; and as I approached thee 
 as thou satest enthroned in the Inner Court, to proffer my request, 
 well knowing that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall 
 come unto the King into the Inner Court who is not called, there 
 is one law of thine to put him to death 
 
 Ahasuerus: Except such to whom the King shall hold out 
 the golden sceptre. 
 
 Esther: Which thou didst do, and greeted me with thy love. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Aye, and gave my royal word that thy request 
 was granted unheard, and that it should be given thee, even to 
 the half of my kingdom it should be performed. And hear, O 
 Haman, the request which the Queen made; said the Queen, 
 "Then let the King and Haman come to the banquet which I 
 shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the King hath 
 said." Was it not so, my Queen? 
 
 Esther: It is just as thou hast stated, my Lord. 
 
 Haman: Great King and fairest Queen, thy devoted servant is 
 
 49 
 
overwhelmed at thy condescension, and thanks thee for this 
 honor far surpassing his poor deserts. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Nay, nay, be assured of our love and confidence 
 to theeward. And thou art chosen to witness how the King shall 
 fulfill his promise to the Queen. Aye, even to the half of my 
 kingdom shall it be fulfilled. 
 
 Hamax: My Lord and King, and my fair and gracious Queen; 
 thy servant is ever most dutiful and grateful. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Well, my Haman, meseems ourselves and our 
 country have fallen on happy times. Our armies have been 
 successful on the frontiers of our ever enlarging dominions, and 
 peace and prosperity are universal. With our Queen and thee, 
 my trusted counsellor and friend, we have every cause for joy 
 and gladness. Happy am I that the Queen joins me in showing 
 thee honor and consideration. 
 
 Haman: O King, thy humble servant rejoices to enjoy thy 
 favor and that of the Queen, and will continue to serve thee in 
 all good faith, to thy honor and glory which shines over all the 
 world. [Esther looks askance at Haman.] Permit thy servant 
 in all humility to thank the Queen for this so signal a mark of 
 her royal favor. 
 
 Esther: That, O Haman, is as the event may show. 
 
 Ahasuerus [To Ust>ek the Butler]: Fill ye, O Usbek, fill ye 
 the cups with our choicest wine of the valley of the Euphrates 
 and I will pledge the Queen. 
 
 [Usbek, the Butler, fills the cups.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: All happiness and peace to thee, our Queen, the 
 chosen of my heart among all the daughters of my realm. Com- 
 pared to this, my present happy state, my former days were a 
 wilderness, a sandy desert. Thou hast made the desert of my 
 heart to blossom as the rose and to laugh with joy and gladness 
 as the palms and springs of water in a thirsty place. 
 
 [They drink, Haman boiving low.] 
 
 Haman: To Queen Esther, the light of the King's eyes and 
 the delight and love of all the Princes and the people. 
 
 Ahasuerus [Pleased and smiling, to the Chief Butler] : 
 
 50 
 
Usbek, fill ye again and to the brim, the cups with the wine of 
 Helbon, for there is none better, 
 
 [Wine is poured l)y Usbek.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: And now a pledge in which I invite the Queen 
 to join. To our Grand Vizier, in whom reposes our utmost love 
 and confidence; by whose administration, in wisdom and 
 strength, our burdens of state are light and our people are happy 
 and content. Long life and happiness may he enjoy in the light 
 of our countenance, 
 
 [He raises the cup and looks at Haman; then at the Queen. 
 The Queen flushes and hesitates. The King notes with 
 growing amazement. ^ 
 
 Ahasuerus: What is this I see, Queen Esther? Art thou ill, 
 my beloved? 
 
 Esther [Rising without touching the cup]: Stay, King, and 
 hear my words, and judge ye then of me and him. Hear, King, 
 my petition as thou promised me when in the Inner Court thou 
 heldest out to me the Golden Sceptre. 
 
 [Haman shows signs of fear and tries to speak but is inar- 
 ticulate. The King shows great astonishment and rising 
 anger.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: I remember well. What is thy petition, my 
 Queen Esther, and it shall be granted thee. And what is thy 
 request, and it shall be performed, even to the half of the king- 
 dom. 
 
 Esther: If I have found favor in thy sight, King, and if it 
 please the King, let my life be given me at my petition, and my 
 people at my request; for we are sold, I and my people, to be 
 destroyed, to be slain and to perish. But if we had been sold 
 for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the 
 enemy could not countervail the King's damage. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume 
 in his heart to do so? 
 
 Esther: The adversary and the enemy is this wicked Haman. 
 
 [The King shows great consternation. Haman shoivs fear, 
 and strives to speak hut is inarticulate.] 
 
 51 
 
Ahasuerus: What is this I hear at the mouth of the Queen? 
 Haman plotting against the Queen? 
 
 [Haman half rises and attempts to speak.] 
 
 AiiASTJERus: Haman, he still. The man I love, the man I have 
 honored above all the Princes, a traitor? Have I nourished a 
 viper in my bosom, that he should turn and sting me to the 
 heart? O woe! O woe! 
 
 [He rises unsteadily, and, distraught, goes into the garden.] 
 
 Haman [Half rising] : Queen Esther, what hath thy servant 
 done that he should suffer thus at thy hands? 
 
 Esther: Approach me not, but hear me [He siiiks hack.] 
 Thou knowest I am of the Jewish race and it was not holden 
 from thee that Mordecai is my foster-father, although it was 
 withheld from the King. Yet, in thy hatred of the Jews, in the 
 arrogance of thine heart, thou persuadest the King to kill my 
 people. And even now, thou seekest the life of Mordecai to 
 destroy it. Thinkest thou I would remain silent? 
 
 Haman: O Queen, I knew it not. The Jews were a menace, 
 and Mordecai obeyed not the law. For that only did I obtain the 
 decree from the King. I seek not to destroy Mordecai. Did I 
 not give him royal honors for saving the King's life? 
 
 Esther: Out upon thee, liar and traitor! Thou deserveth the 
 fate of Bigthan and Teresh, with whom, I am advised, thou wert 
 allied to encompass the death of the King also. 
 
 Haman: 'Tis false! 'Tis false! By all the gods, I swear it. 
 
 Esther: Swear not before me. Remember I am your Queen. 
 
 Haman: Forgive me, O Queen. I pray thee intercede for me 
 with the King. As for Mordecai, I will reverse my orders for 
 his death, but as for the King's decree in regard to the Jews, 
 alas, his word is passed; it is the law; it cannot be altered. 
 
 Esther: False perjurer, out of thine own mouth thou art con- 
 victed and condemned. Almost in one breath thou sayest, "As 
 to Mordecai, I knew it not," and again, "I will reverse my orders 
 for his death." Even now, I hear the noise of the saws and 
 hammers of the carpenters engaged in the erection of a gallows 
 designed by thee for Mordecai. 
 
 [The King is seen re-entering slowly; he stands aghast at 
 what he sees.] 
 
 52 
 
Hamax [Desperate, rising, staggers toward the Queex, drawing 
 a dagger]: Enough, false, hard-hearted woman; offspring of 
 the dregs of the .slaves; vile upstart. My life is forfeit because 
 of thee; but thou, too, shalt die. 
 
 [He attacks the Queen. They doth fall on the Queen's 
 couch.] 
 
 Manasseh [Rushing forward and struggling with Haman U 
 Assassin, stay thy hand. 
 
 [The King appears.] 
 
 [In the struggle Manasseh wrests the dagger from Haman, 
 stahs him and throivs him down.] 
 
 AiiAsuERUs: Hold him fast. What then is this that I see? 
 Will he force the Queen also before me in the house? 
 
 [Haman is still; dead.] 
 Manasseh: The traitor is dead, O King. 
 Ahasuerus: Cover his face from my sight. 
 
 [They cover Haman with a cloth snatched from the table.] 
 
 Harbonah: O King, live forever. Behold also the gallows 
 fifty cubits high which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had 
 spoken good for the King, standeth in the house of Haman. 
 
 Ahasueurs: Ah! The gallows! Hang him thereon. And so, 
 the star of Haman has set forever; and behold another shall rise 
 in his place and stead, as was foretold by the Astrologers. But 
 the Sun and the Moon shine on, shine on. 
 
 Scene 3 — Corridor of King's Council Chamber. 
 Ahasuerus, Esther and Manasseh. 
 
 Ahasuerus: My Queen, I have rid myself of your enemy, and 
 the enemy of your race. Art content, beloved? 
 
 Esther: My King! My husband! Your wife is deeply grate- 
 ful to your Majesty for his act of justice. I and my people (for 
 indeed I am a Jewess born) will ever bless thee. The Jews are 
 filled: with joy and praise thy name, and extol thy majesty and 
 glory by day and night, in their homes and in the streets. 
 
 53 
 
Ahasueiu's: I knew not thou wert of the Jewish race. Now 
 am I doubly glad for what I have done, for that it pleaseth thee, 
 my beloved. I would do even greater things than I have accom- 
 plished in the death of the unspeakable Haman. Moreover, 1 
 bethink me that Mordecai, who saved my life, is also a Jew; 
 and to him I owe a debt of gratitude it were hard even for a 
 King to fully requite. For him and for thee my heart inclineth 
 toward thy race. 
 
 Esther: I would have thee know that Mordecai, of whom 
 thou speakest, stands in the stead of a father to me. My father 
 died when I was yet a child, and Mordecai, who is a nephew of 
 my father, albeit there are so many years between us, and in- 
 deed the disparity in years made the thing seemly and wise, 
 adopted me as his daughter, and in his household and under his 
 guidance and care I grew to womanhood, leaving the shelter of 
 his home only to enter the House of the King's Women, accord- 
 ing to the King's decree, where I at length found favor in thy 
 sight, my gracious Lord. 
 
 Ahasuerus: What thou sayest is still further reason that 1 
 should show favor to Mordecai. I will have him in. In the 
 meantime on thee, dear Queen, I bestow^ the house of Haman, 
 the Jew's enemy, that all people may know that I look no longer 
 with disfavor upon the Jews. [To Abagtha.1 Is Mordecai with- 
 
 'OUt? 
 
 Ahagtha: King, Mordecai is in attendance. 
 AiiAsuEftus: Bid him enter. 
 [Exit Abagtha.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: And thou, Manasseh, we owe thee our gratitude, 
 and even though it be said there is nothing so uncertain as the 
 gratitude of kings, we will that thou shouldst be assured of our 
 royal lavor. Thou, too, art a Jew? 
 
 Mamasseh: It is as thou sayest, O King. 
 
 Esther: My cousin, a nephew of Mordecai. 
 
 [Enter Abagtha followed hy Mordecai. who does obeisance.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Approach, Mordecai, we desire thy presence. 
 Now Manasseh, what is thy wish? Speak freely and it shall be 
 granted thee for that thou savedst the Queen from the foul at- 
 tempt of the wicked Haman. 
 
 54 
 
Manasseh \Hesitating]: O King, live forever. There is a 
 maid, a daughter of Mordecai, I would beg permission of the 
 King to take her to wife, if it pleaseth the King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Truly a modest boon; what is her name? 
 
 Manasseh: Her name, O King, is Miriam. 
 
 Ahasi'eiu's: The same Miriam whom we have seen in attend- 
 ance on the Queen? 
 
 Esther: The same, O King; my own dear cousin, who is now 
 in attendance in the ante-chamber. 
 
 Ahasi'eri's: Bid the maid to our presence. 
 
 [Exit AnAGTHA.l 
 
 Ahasuerus: Manasseh; thou hast been faithful to our person 
 and to the Queen; and, as the future husband of the Queen's 
 cousin, the daughter of Mordecai, we will bestow upon thee a 
 rank and dignity befitting such relationship. The office to be 
 conferred on thee will take thee for a time at least from our 
 presence and our capital; but the wife of thy choice will doubt- 
 less solace thee and render thy absence tolerable to thee. As 
 Governor of Ecbatana of Media, O Manasseh, continue to serve 
 thy King in honor and fealty. 
 
 Manasseh: Thanks, great King; thy servant will obey and 
 serve thee in all zeal and faith. 
 
 [Enter MirtaxAF. Esther takes her hy the hand as she hoios 
 and stands before the Kixg.1 
 
 Ahasuerus: This is Miriam, the daughter of Mordecai? 
 
 MoRDErAi: My daughter, Majesty. 
 
 Esther: My dear, dear cousin, O Ahasuerus. 
 
 Ahasuerxs: Miriam, the Governor of Ecbatana hath asked 
 thy hand in marriage. What say est thou? 
 
 Mirjaim [Astonished and alarmed]: O King, I am in thy 
 power; thou canst do with me as thou wilt; but the Governor 
 of Ecbatana is unknown to me. 
 
 Ahasuerus: What; thy cousin, the Queen; thy father, Mor- 
 decai. and Manasseh, Captain of the Guard, all agree that such 
 a marriage would be pleasing to them, and methinks it should 
 be pleasing to thee also. 
 
 55 
 
Miriam [In perplexity and distress]: The Queen,- my father; 
 Manasseh? O, Manasseh. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Yea, little one, even so; and I the King com- 
 mand it. Governor of Ecbatana. 
 
 Manasseh [Bowing low] : My King. 
 
 [Miriam looks surprised, and sloioly shoivs that sJie iinder- 
 stands.] 
 
 Ahasueri^s: We bestow on thee the hand of Miriam, the 
 Queen's cousin, the daughter of Mordecai. [MAi!?:AssEH and 
 Miriam emhracc] Take her, and if she be half as loving and 
 dutiful as is Esther, the Queen, thou wilt have ample cause to 
 bless the day and thank thy King. 
 
 [They how low.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Now, Mordecai, give heed. As thou hast heard^ 
 our Queen hath told us of her relation to thee, and how thou 
 hast reared her as a daughter from her youth up. This is an 
 added claim to our royal favor. Thou hast saved our life; and 
 now we learn that our lovely Queen was nurtured by thee, and 
 that under thy care she hath acquired the accomplishments and 
 graces befitting her natural charms of person, making her in all 
 things worthy the Queenship we have bestowed upon her. 
 
 Mordecai: O King, live forever. Deign to receive my humble 
 thanks for thy so great condescension both to the Queen and 
 to me. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Good, my Mordecai, Take thou this ring, worn 
 by Haman aforetime, the badge of honor, denoting the wearer to 
 be Grand Vizier of my realm, and second only to the King him- 
 self in all our dominions. The place and honors of Haman arej 
 henceforth thine; and more also shall be given thee. 
 
 [Mordecai does obeisance.] 
 
 Esther: And, if it please the King to set Mordecai over the 
 house of Haman, which thou hast bestowed upon me, then shall 
 the people know of a surety that the Jews stand in the light of 
 thy eountenance, having found favor in thine eyes and not 
 dishonor. 
 
 Ahasuerus: It shall be as the Queen desires. 
 
 56 
 
Esthek: Mordecai, my father, by gracious permission of the 
 King, as thou hast heard, I set thee over the house of Haman, 
 bestowed upon me by the King. Thus will all people know that 
 Mordecai is approved in the sight of King Ahasuerus. 
 
 MoRDECAi: Most gracious King and Queen Esther. In receiv- 
 ing this added favor and honor, far beyond my merit, 
 
 Ahasuerus: Ourselves will be the judge as to that, Mordecai. 
 
 Mordecai: My people will know that King Ahasuerus is their 
 friend and not their enemy. O King, methinks 'twere meet 
 at this time to call to remembrance the decree of the King afore- 
 time respecting the Jews, my people, and what the King hath 
 decreed at the behest of the wicked Haman; how 
 
 Ahasuerus: Hold, now, Mordecai. Remember thou, before all 
 things, that no matter what thy services to the King, or thy 
 relationship to the Queen, and the honors with which thou art 
 clothed; there is a law which altereth not, that whosoever shall 
 come unto the King into the Inner Court who is not called, he 
 shall be put to death, except such to whom the King shall Hold 
 out the Golden Sceptre that he may live. Thou wert not called 
 for this; and I would spare thee. Beware, venture no further 
 lest evil befall thee for transgressing the law. 
 
 Esther [Falling at the feet of the King]: My Lord! My 
 King! Let me speak and live. I beseech thee, put away entirely 
 the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he hath 
 devised against the Jews to put them to death. I pray thee, 
 hear me. 
 
 Ahasuerus [Holding out the golden sceptre] : Speak, my 
 Queen, and live. 
 
 Esther [Rising and standing hefore the King]: If it pleaseth 
 the King, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing 
 seem right before the King, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it. 
 be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of 
 Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews 
 which are in all the King's provinces, for how can I endure to 
 see the evil that shall come unto my people? Or how can I 
 endure to see the destruction of my kindred? 
 
 Ahasuerus: My Queen, thou knowest not what thou gayest. 
 Reverse my decree? Impossible! It is a law; a law of the 
 
 57 
 
Medes and Persians, which altereth not. The decree must stand. 
 What can be done, however, shall be done. 
 
 Esther: Alas, alas, my people! My kindred! Shall they 
 then perish at the hand and at the decree of my husband? 
 
 AiiAsuERUs: Not so. The old decree must stand. It cannot, 
 be reversed, but there shall be a new decree. 
 
 Esther: A new decree; ah, a new decree! 
 
 MoRDECAi: Great King, a new decree! Oh, wise, illustrious. 
 King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Behold, Queen Esther, and thou, Mordecai. I 
 have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have^ 
 hanged upon the gallows because he laid his hand upon the 
 Jews. Write ye also for the Jews as it liketh you in the King's 
 name, and sealed with the King's ring; for the writing which is 
 written in the King's name, and sealed with the King's rihg, may 
 no man reverse. And thus we leave the matter with thee, Mor- 
 decai, to further the business. 
 
 Mordpx'Ai: O King, live forever! Thy servant hears and 
 obeys. 
 
 Mordecai: Bid enter the Chief of the Scribes. 
 
 [Ibbi, the Chief Scrihe, enters and hows.} 
 
 Mordecai: Ibbi, Chief of the Scribes, write as the King com- 
 mandeth. In the third month, the month Sivan, on the three and 
 twentieth day thereof. King Ahasuerus, by Mordecai, his Grand 
 Vizier, unto the Jews and to the Lieutenants and rulers of the 
 provinces, which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred, 
 twenty and seven provinces according to the writing thereof, 
 and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews 
 according to their writing, and according to their language; the 
 King granteth to the Jews in every city to gather themselves 
 together and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to 
 cause to perish, all the power of the people and the province 
 that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take 
 the spoil of them for a prey, upon one day, in all the provinces 
 of King Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth 
 month, which is the month Adar. The copy of the writing for a 
 commandment to be given in every province and published unto 
 
 58 
 
all the people that the Jews be ready against that day to avenge 
 themselves on their enemies. Write the writing, and it shall be 
 sealed with the King's ring as a commandment of King Aha- 
 suerus unto all people. 
 
 MoRDECAi: See that letters be sent by post on horseback, and 
 riders on mules, camels and young dromedaries, throughout all 
 of the provinces of King Ahasuerus, even from India to Ethiopia; 
 for so the King hath ordained. 
 
 Manasseh: My I^ord and King. 
 
 Ahasuerus: Speak Manasseh. 
 
 Manasseh: If it please the King; thy servant craves per- 
 mission to remain in Shushan until after the fifteenth Adar; 
 so that he may remain and act as the Captain of the King's 
 Guard until all possibility of disturbance and danger be passed. 
 
 Ahasuerus: 'Tis well, Manasseh; thy wish is granted. Thou 
 wilt remain in Shushan until the thirtieth day of Adar; after 
 which, all being well, thou wilt proceed to Ecbatana to take up 
 thy duties as Governor. In the meantime, see thou to the organ- 
 izing of the forces to stand by Mordecai and the Jews in support 
 of the decree which thou hast heard. 
 
 Manasseh: Thanks, great King. Thy servant hears and 
 obeys. 
 
 59 
 
ACT IV. 
 
 Scene 1 — Court of the Garden of the King's Palace. 
 
 (Time: 516 b. c. Twelfth Month.) 
 
 As curtain rises sounds of shouting and clash of arms behind 
 the scenes. 
 
 Right — Mordecai. Joshua, Jews^ Manasseh. Left — Parshan- 
 <latha and Persiayis. All armed and standing ready for conflict. 
 
 Voices: They come! They come! 
 Stand fast. 
 " Jehovah is with us. 
 
 At last! 
 *' Smite them without mercy! 
 
 Strike for Jehovah and the King. 
 The King is with us. 
 Mordecai is our leader. 
 We cannot fail. 
 Mordecai: Hearken to me. Men of Judah, hear me. [As he 
 speaks. Persians led by Parshandatha, son of Ham an, shout 
 and clash swords on shields. ^ The day of retribution hath 
 come. In spite of the decree of the King, the Persians and the 
 Medes seek to carry out the orders procured by the wicked 
 Haman lor your destruction. 
 Persians: Death to the Jews! 
 
 Jews: Death and defiance to the enemies of Jehovah. 
 Parshanuatha: O Mordecai, we remember the first decree of 
 the King, Ahasuerus, which no power could alter, that on this 
 day the Jews throughout the kingdom should perish at our hands, 
 and here, even in Shushan Uie Palace, that decree shall be car- 
 ried out. 
 
 Mordecai: O Parshandatha, son of Haman, ye know that all 
 the loyal subjects of the King have no part in this thy evil design, 
 and the King's heart is not with thee and thy followers. 
 
 Parshandatha: The decree cannot be altered. We will carry 
 out the decree. Thou shalt die and all thy accursed race. 
 
 60 
 
Persians: Yea, death to Mordecai. Death to the Jews. 
 
 MoRDECAi: On thy head be it then. Men of Judah, remember 
 the later decree of the King and stand for your lives. Resist, 
 fight, kill and spare not they who seek to destroy you. Here in 
 Shushan the Palace, come your enemies, the friends of Haman 
 andded by his sons. 
 
 Parshandatha: Remember Vashti! Remember Haman! 
 Kill! Kill! Spare not! Take their goods for a prey. Kill, kill, ■ 
 death to the Jews! 
 
 Mordecai: On your heads be it then, O Men of Persia. Now 
 Jews, stand for your lives! Fall' on, kill, and spare not; but take 
 not of the spoil. 
 
 [They fight, many cut doicn on both sides but principally Per- 
 sians. Persians are driven back,, fighting, and off stage, folloived 
 by Jews.] 
 
 [Manasseh engaged ivith Parshandatha. Noise of fighting 
 and shouting continues behind the scenes, and gradually 
 diminishing, ceases.] 
 
 \ Enter Mordecai, Joshua (ivounded) and Je-ws.] 
 
 Joshua: Master, the day is ours. 
 
 MoRDEt'Ai: 'Tis well. 
 [Enter Manasseh.] 
 
 Manasseh : Of our enemies many are slain, the rest have fled. 
 
 Mordecai: Again hath Jehovah triumphed and set at naught 
 his enemies. 
 
 Manasseh: Aye, and the ten sons of Haman the Agagite have 
 perished by the edge of the sword. 
 
 Joshua: Including Parshandatha, his eldest, slain at the hand 
 of Manasseh. None are left of them that sought to destroy the 
 chosen of the Lord. 
 
 Mordecai: Not unto us but unto Thee, O Jehovah, be the 
 honor and glory. We praise Thy name forever and ever. 
 
 Manasseh: The King approaches. 
 
 Mordecai: Stand by. Stand by. 
 
 [The people ivithdraiv to sides of stage.] 
 
 61 
 
[King and Queen tvith Miriam enter ivith retmue.] 
 All [Bowing loio] : All hail, great King of Kings. 
 AiiASUERus: Greeting, Mordecai and loyal people. 
 
 [King and Queen enthroned, music and dancing. \ 
 
 Ahasuerus: Peace is at length established; the Jews are 
 avenged and Haman's ten sons are slain at the edge of the sword. 
 
 Esther: Hath my Lord granted my request which I made to 
 the King, that the sons of the wicked Haman be hanged on the 
 gallows? 
 
 Ahasuerus: Yea, my Queen. Behold the sons of Haman! 
 
 [As the King speaks officers throw open the curtains in rear 
 and Haman's ten sons are seen hanging to ten gibbets in 
 the back distance.^ 
 
 Esther: I thank thee. It is well. So perish all the enemies 
 of God's chosen people. Now, indeed, hath retribution fallen 
 upon mine enemies and the enemies of my race. 
 
 [Cheers are heard ivithin and without.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Yes, my Queen, all is now accomplished accord- 
 ing to thy wishes. And now. Prince Mordecai, announce to my 
 Princes and to the people and to the Jews, my further decree. 
 
 [More cheers are heard -from without.] 
 
 Ahasuerus [ To officer] : Yet stay. Bid enter my loyal sub- 
 jects, to hear at the mouth of Mordecai, the Grand Vizier, what 
 I have decreed concerning the Jews. 
 
 Officer: Hearkening and obedience. Great King. 
 
 [Officer salaams and exit.] 
 
 [Enter soldiers, Persians and Jeivs. They salaam and stand 
 at sides and back.] 
 
 Ahasuerus: Now, Prince Mordecai, proclaim my decree. 
 
 Mordecai [Boiding]: I hear and obey. 
 
 Thus saith Ahasuerus, the King of Kings; and all who hear, 
 take heed, for it is his will; and his will is the law of the Medes 
 and Persians which altereth not. In lasting commemoration of 
 
the triumph of the Jews over their enemies and the enemies of 
 my throne; the Jews who are of the kinsmen of the Queen and 
 of the race of Queen Esther and of Mordecai, the Grand 
 Vizier, 
 
 There shall be established among the Jews, that they keep the 
 fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the 
 same, yearly, forever, as the days wherein the Jews rested from 
 their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from 
 sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day; that they 
 make of them days of feasting and joy, 
 
 People: Feasting and joy. 
 
 Mordecai: And of sending portions one to another and gifts 
 to the poor, 
 
 People: Gifts to the poor. 
 
 Mordecai: And these days shall be called Purim, 
 
 People: Purim, Purim. 
 
 Mordecai: After the name of Pur; that these days be re- 
 membered and kept throughout every generation, every family, 
 every province and every city, and that these days of Purim shall 
 not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish 
 from their seed. Thus saith the King. 
 
 All: May the King live forever, and the feast of Purim con- 
 tinue to the end of days. May the King live forever. 
 
 [General ensemble ; music and dancing.^ 
 
 {Curtain to the strains of "Sound the Loud Timbrel.''] 
 
 63 
 
Lf.S.''^''^ ^^ CONGRESS 
 
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