SCENE II

[_Outer hall in palace. Throne room back concealed by curtain. Queen Esther, disguised by loose dress thrown over royal robe and head and face below the eyes hidden by mask, approaches the door where Mordecai, the Jew, is standing._]

_Mordecai_

Ah, Esther! Though your queenly robe you do Conceal, I know that regal gait. Before I ever looked upon these palace walls, When you were yet a little child beyond The purple peaks, where shepherds led their flocks In pastures green, I often dreamed that you Would one day wear a golden coronet And sit in majesty upon a throne.

_Esther_

[_Dejectedly._]

Four years I have been queen, which time I have Not heard the voice of any one I love; And though disguised, I hardly dare to speak My heart even to you. This palace is A gloomy prison cell. The Persian crown Is meaningless to me. The hundred gems That blaze upon its field of gold are dull And heavy lead. I would exchange it all For but a glint of sunshine on the hills Where I was born. But why this interview?

_Mordecai_

My royal niece, I know that you are queen.

_Esther_

A queen? But what of that? Though of my blood, You can not even look upon my face. What would you have?

[_Wailing without._]

_Mordecai_

My daughter, do you hear The cries of anguish that disturb the peace Of Shushan's streets? Your people everywhere Are clothed in sackcloth. Read the king's decree!

[_Handing her paper._]

_Esther_

[_Reads._]

"It has been written and commanded by Ahasuerus, emperor of all The East, and sealed in every tongue with his Own ring--the royal seal--that governors And princes and lieutenants, everyone Within the Persian rule, shall make and cause To die and perish every Jew, both young And old, the women and the children, rich And poor alike, and forfeit all their goods. This is Ahasuerus' sovereign will And shall be done and executed in The month of Adar on the thirteenth day." Oh, God! It is Ahasuerus' seal.

_Mordecai_

But Haman's hand.

_Esther_

Why does the premier hate The Jews?

_Mordecai_

Because the children of the true And living God will never bend the knee To heathen pride. He hates the Jews because Your uncle is a child of Abraham And will not do obeisance to a son Of Baal. Esther, though I made you queen, I plead not for the life of Mordecai, But for the sacred blood of Israel. You alone can intervene. Go straight Before the king and make demand that he Reverse this law that puts the Jews to death.

_Esther_

A Persian king can not reverse his own Decree. Besides, the queen who goes into The presence of her lord unless by his Express command, must sacrifice her life, Except through some unguarded impulse he Extends his golden sceptre that she live. I can not go unto the king.

_Mordecai_

Your life Is forfeited already, child; you are A Jew.

_Esther_

You did conceal my blood nor dare Reveal my lineage now. Your own deceit Has brought this death upon the house of Israel, Nor will Jehovah hold you guiltless in The hour of doom.

_Mordecai_

Esther, if you keep Your peace when Rachel's children wail and cry For help, deliverance will arise Unto the Jews but you shall be destroyed And all your father's house.

_Esther_

Depart. [_Sound of trumpets within._]

The king Is on his throne. I go, and if I die, I can but perish. Peace to Israel.

[_Exit Mordecai._]

[_The curtain back rises and discloses Ahasuerus on his throne surrounded by court. Esther approaches to center of hall before the king, and extends her hands as though supplicating. The king seems dazed for a moment and then deeply moved; slowly he lifts the golden sceptre and extends it toward the queen who approaches and touches it._]

_Ahasuerus_

Why did you, Esther, O most beauteous queen, Thus dare to come unbidden to the king? 'Twas jealous Death unbarred the royal door That he might claim you for his paramour? Your innocence and charms have saved your life!

_Esther_

[_Innocently._]

My lord, how now was I in danger? Ah, You know I am your loyal wife? I would Not be your queen alone. The crown is naught Compared to pleasures of companionship. O Xerxes, may not Esther share your joys Of wine and song? Too long you have denied That which I covet most--to be beside My king.

_Ahasuerus_

There is no favor, Esther, I Would longer hold from you; even to half My kingdom, tell me what you most desire, And I will give it you.

_Esther_

My lord, I have Already spoke my heart, but you will not Believe. To test Ahasuerus' love, I have a favor I would ask of you; But first that my most gracious lord may know His queen has taste and skill as well as charms, I will prepare a banquet for the king With my own hands. You are a judge of wine, And every dish that graces banquet halls. To-morrow, let Ahasuerus come, And bring his premier Haman, who no doubt Can tell a heron from a hawk, and if My lord shall praise my art, and I Find favor in his sight, I will make known My dearest wish.

_Ahasuerus_

Oh, Esther, you have pleased Your king already far beyond what he Had ever hoped. To-morrow night at six!

[_Music and revels. Esther retires._]

[_The king and retinue retire in opposite direction. Haman and followers pass out front where Mordecai sits by the gate, together with others. All except Mordecai salaam, but the Jew remains stiff, looking Haman defiantly in the face._]

[_Curtain._]