Hadasseh; or, 'From captivity to the Persian throne.'

Front matter

HADASSEH HER BEAUTIFUL EYES WENT UP TO THE AWFUL FIGURE UPON THE HIGH GOLD THRONE, ONCE MORE. [See p. 126. *li HADASSEH OR jfrom Captivity to tbe Persian Hbrotie 1)Y E. LEUTY COLLINS AUTHOR OF "'TWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH;" "a DAUGHTER "I 1HK COMMUNE, ET SHitli Ellii8tr;itiotis tit) _StiDiU2 St.irr .mil Jfrank Clicstuorth LONDON T. F I S H E R U N W I N PATERNOSTER SQUARE I 89 I DEDICATED Co tbe dfcemotg of H. L. C. " Human respect and the dread of ridicule hinders many a man from steadfastly asserting the claims of God's precepts, as opposed to the world's maxims," are the words of a well-known writer, the truth of which may be verified in one's everyday life. And with the able consciousness of how such a man, keenly sensitive to the brunt of like experiences, yet having the truth at heart, may pass through life, and even death, misunderstood to the world at large, speaking only through the chords of a lasting memory to those who knew him, this Volume is, with due reverence and affection, inscribed.

The Author. HADASSEH B.C. ABOUT 4OO Babylon. " There, from the rising to the setting day, Birds of bright feather sang the light away, And fountain waters on the palace floor Made ever answer to the river's roar." Arnold. "The wreck of matter, and the crash of worlds." PREFATORY REMARK. s T has been asserted by not a iew learned theo- *- logists that the Biblical book, or History of Esther, might well have been dispensed with from out of thc number which go to compile the sacred lore, inasmuch as the theme in general of the story is but an historical account of the restitution of the Jews as a nation to their rightful power. Hence sceptics argue their willingness to discard the book, as being simply an account of a diplomatic eruption, after wards quelled, and therefore possessing little or no qualifications in support of the higher poetical feelings.

It is somewhat unsatisfactory to humanity in general that the " book " after the Greek differs materially to that of the Hebrew and Chaldee, and that great light — in fact, the keynote — to the beautiful romance of the Jewish Hadasseh's work should be only found outside our " Book of Books." Yet, not withstanding the conspicuous absence of the name of "God" in the Biblical book, and the principal of an idolatrous era, manifested throughout even other historical accounts, there is at least a grand and copious illustration of "Faith," perfect and immovable, PREFA TOR i ' REMARK. VIU therein — that faith towards the great Creator we may well copy and work out yet, in our own enlightened day. when no such terrors, national degradation, or slavery assails us or our fortunate surroundings. If I am blameable in the eyes of some of the numberless sects paramount in our day in that I have gone to Scripture whereon to found a crude romance, let me be blamed, therefore.

Book I

LHA*\ HAGE I. IN BABYLON THE FALLEN .... I II. THE HIGH FEAST OF PERSIA . . .13 III. THE COUNSEL OF THE SEVEN . . -37 IV. THE WISE MEANS ..... 54 V. CALLED ...... 72 VI. THE FLOWER OF THE LAND . . .90 VII. BEFORE ARTAXERXES . . . I 1 3 VIII. AT THE KING'S GATE .... 1 30 IX. THE DEATH DRAUGHT . . .150

Book II

I. REVEALED . . . . . .163 II. THE HOUSE OF AMAN .... 1 84 III. THAT MAN OF ANOTHER NATION . . 205 IV. THE KING OF PHRYGIA'S LETTER . . . 223 V. WAILING IN THE ASHES .... 240 VI. BEHOLD THE QUEEN ! . . . . 260 VII. THE FORGOTTEN REWARD .... 279 VIII. THE QUEEN'S HOUSE .... 299 IX. THE DENUNCIATION OF THE SERPENT . . 319 X. THE PREVAILING DRAGON .... HADASSEH.

BOOK I. CHAPTER

I. IN BABYLON THE FALLEN. MARDOCHEUS the scribe stood upon the roof-top of his house in Babylon, which overlooked the ruins and devastations of that once vast and magnificent city, " The city of Bel!' It was situate toward the eastern gate, about twenty stradias from the wide banks of the Euphrates, and near to thc great high walls of the principality which lined the sacred portion of the blue river. The dilapidated though lofty watch-towers, ten feet above the angles of the massive structure, still encompassing portions of the empire, loomed in the distance, emitting a fitful light over the vast square, with its five-and-twenty great streets so intersecting as to part the famous city right and left into no less than six hundred and twenty smaller squares, all now nearly levelled to earth by the assailer's arm.

There shone, however, still upon the massive gateways of the Temple of Belus, partly renovated, the gleaming lights of pale blueness, indicative of the presence of the god. The)- adorned the A HADASSEH. 2 broken pillars and the weird statues everywhere abounding. The sun was now sinking, so that a ruddy golden hue covered the wide firmament, for it was past eventide. And the hour was most solemn, for Mardocheus the Jew was alone. His age might have been some fifty years, perhaps more ; nevertheless, his form was still erect and commanding, his chest broad and expansive, steady was his eye and hand, while the lineaments of his stern face alone scarce would tell of more than fifty years' troubled warfare in life, but even so. This man, having an eye as keen and piercing as an eagle, a brow lofty and serene, and the features of a Daniel, was a scribe merely, a writer for the " rich ;" withal, a rugged scion in stern captivity, for he dwelt but a furlong from those whom in sorrow long since he had laid beneath the soil of a strange country, and where sleeping he would not leave them alone.

Hundreds and thousands of his fellow captives had long since left Babylon the harsh and mighty — thousands who had bent beneath the heavy yoke within those now gloomy fallen walls, years and years of slavery unrequited. Thus therein they had for generations lived and died, but it was past, and Mardocheus knew it. For he had suffered too — suffered so that even sorrow now has grown into his very nature that he loved it, because it was all that spoke to him of the lost and the past. Therefore he remained back in the city, close to the Pharos Gate, where he could see his brethren still depart, with their wives and children, on their way up to Jeru salem, ai certain seasons in the year. " Was not Mardocheus, with Anabas our ambass ador to Darius, to accuse thc Samaritans in the past?" said they.

"And now shall we surely stay behind in this ' accursed ' place, where the oppressor's hand still waxes heavy upon us through the rulers set over us? We have in nowise transgressed. Is it our fault, therefore, that we are treated as very scum, and that the citizens spit upon us, and call us here tics and slaves, and so grind us down?" Yet thus it was they upbraided him, he being a man of keen per ception, and very ready at letters, for lingering in this city of idolaters instead of going up to Jerusalem. " Friends and brethren," he answered them, " I will journey thither when I bring the tithes of my possessions to Jerusalem, as the King hath ordained, and so let that suffice. Remember, let every family be wary over themselves, lest foreigners are hired to destroy them. The walls of Jerusalem, through Nehemiah's excellent forecast and strength, are now complete, but still they do not shut out the wicked, ay, those who came heinously to lay snares to entrap us.

But be wary, I say vigilant, and leave me here with the rest to remain. Look to yourselves awhile. Fear not for me." Persecution upon persecution was still paramount over the land, everywhere people were still hunted from village to village by the Fire-worshippers, be snared by traps laid around the byways without and within the compass of this great Babylon ; but the children of Bel the god who dwelt in the upper most chamber of that remodelled structure,1 Belus, 1 It is presumed by several historians that Babylon the mighty HADASSEH. 4 ruled supreme. The greater delegates hired at a low rate tribes of the Jewish captives, and set them to work upon the banks of the river, and to reconstruct the huge sewers and canals which Nabuchodonoser has caused to be made everywhere in the empire. That mighty man's artifices knew no bounds.

His treasure in compass had filled the whole land, and his works were incredible. Upon the marbled terraces, four hundred feet on either side of the palace, Mardocheus looked now upon the past labours of that King's hands — the beautiful hanging gardens of the city, famed far and near, the work of thousand and thousands of poor burdened captives, for the mere gratification of a woman's whim. There remained still the vast arches which had sustained that great pile, which consisted of number less terraces, condensed and defended by a wall of two-and-twenty feet in thickness. Then the stones were so closely set together with weeds and bitumen as to receive the earth laid thereon, and so deep that huge though broken trees now towered high in the air around, the cedar, acacia, chestnut, and the varying verdure of the poplar grew abundantly.

Such was the work of Nabuchodonoser to delight the eyes of Amytis, the daughter of Astyages, king of Media, for her desire was for her own native hills and forests, and the King her husband furnished the was not utterly destroyed by Xerxes, and during the latter years of this aged King's incapacity and infirmness, the Fire worshippers raised up their temples and renovated much of the former devastation. land with Nature's art for Amytis's sake and pleasure alone. At the foot of the Palace Gardens ran still the lines of a beautiful lake, four miles in compass, the waters of which were so clear and transparent as to show the tesselated marble mosaic which paved the bottom, leaving only visible the mouths of two artificial canals to carry the overplus of water away into the Tigris beyond. This lake was a recipient of the river's over flow, for at the coming of summer the intensity of the sun would naturally cause the gathered snow upon the Armenian Mountains to melt into the Euphrates, whereby it would ofttimes run over its banks and flow into the city.

Hence the works of great Nabuchodonoser, at which all people grew full of wonder. There had come from all parts of the land visitors to look upon the mightiness of the city, and to discourse upon its magnificence. But the fall came ! The Medes and Persians, and their hosts, entered at the east, and, according to the Divine Law, stablished their standing in plain and city alike, and laid bare the great places. Years have passed since, and still idolaters offer their oblations to a god made by their own hands, and with hardened hearts make derision of the remaining community which are chained to Babylon at this day. Mardocheus saw the space of ground which covered part of his generation in the flesh. Their bones lay all together, but he was the last of his race, and with none to take his name after him.

A heavi ness is upon him this sunset. He has been pondering long, How that in Syria once the good and worthy HADASSEH. Nehemiah gathered the nation together, and besought their removal to Jerusalem. Now was Jerusalem a great city filled with his own people. He loved the sight of her massive walls, the work of his God through the agency of his own kinsman, who has now passed into the shades of that mighty heaven. But for memory's sake, for quietude, and for protection to the remaining Jews in Babylon, did Mardocheus remain behind, that he might see the work of his brain re instated and become the portion of his people, for ever since he had nought to live for but this and freedom. The Temple of the god Bel was brightly illuminated as he looked. Around the eight broad Towers, built one over the other, repaired, and more gorgeously and barbarously decorated than heretofore, shone myriads of lights; while in the distance, looming in the air, was the weird, dismal chant of the priests, mingled only with the clang of cymbals, since the Fire-worshippers had sought to raise some structure similar to the old Temple, and had in a measure succeeded after the devastation of the departed Xerxes in the city.

These instruments, used at the worship of the god, were ringing out now at intervals amid the silence, mournful and meaningless. " O God of my fathers, Helper of our race, even can I worship Thee in those sounds that idolaters raise to this block of stone. O let Thine arm, our Shield and Strength, still sustain us, even in the midst of danger and affliction nigh unto us again." With eyes uplifted he looked stedfastly upon the heavens and spoke, while a perfect calm spread over his face amid his reverie. He was absorbed, as one drawn apart from earth, though in the flesh he stood upon the frailty of his own nothingness. A man of God, having righteous communion with the most Infinite in the secret spirit. A hand, very small and cool, in the sultry atmo sphere, as he stood pondering, touched thc nape of his neck lightly ; and, as if awakening from a dream, he passed his hand through the white hair upon his broad brow, and turned abruptly.

" Is't thou, my daughter? " he said. "A)-, my father!" And she then uncovered her face before him. She was only a child of some fourteen years, though beneath her white headgear, which had con cealed her features, she might have passed for a woman. Her limbs were strikingly symmetrical, and her shape and height perfectly womanly ; but she was, however, a Jewish maiden, only one who assisted her kins woman Zillah, Mardocheus's sister, with the household duties. She was as the child of the house, nevertheless, and therefore beloved by Mardocheus himself, who protected her in her fricndlcssness, he having no child of his own. Nor did Hadasseh know that he was any other than her liege father, since she was an infant when he had brought her from Jerusalem, his uncle's only child, and he loved her as a father, refusing to undeceive her on any wise for her con tentment's sake.

"Why hast thou come hither, my daughter?" he asked, after a slight pause, for he scarce could detect in the growing darkness that her face was very pallid, and a certain anxiety dwelt in her liquid eyes. HADASSEH. " Thy friend Sarados has just come from Ethiopia," she answered lowly. " He has been the space of five weeks at least journeying hither to this Babylon ; but he brings sad news, my father, and is below with Zillah awaiting thee. Xerxes the great King, who has befriended our people, is dead, and there is a new King in his place. — A new great King, my father ! " " Ah ! I expected so," uttered Mardocheus, vaguely. " The God of our fathers hath kept him in honour and piety among us long years indeed ; behold, now the last of the three upholders of our rights has now passed away. Ay, he who befriended Esdras and the righteous Nehemiah is now no more.

Woe to us ! woe to Jerusalem in the day at hand ! But go, my daughter, go and bid Sarados come hither to me. Ah ! — and the papyrus. Is it finished ? " " I have but two reeds, my father, to do, but I go with thy bidding first." " Ay, child, I am eager for Sarados's news. Hurry, for I see evil ahead. I note accumulated persecutions, and our people still to suffer under a heathen dynasty. Yet hasten to me again at prayer-time." She re-covered her face, bowed herself before him, and departed very softly. A minute later, and the traveller from the Ethiopian States was with Mar docheus alone. He was a learned man, however, and had been cupbearer to the late King in his youth. From the dictates of Bel he had accepted the Jewish faith, and suffered much thereunto ; nevertheless, he was warmly disposed to the scribe Mardocheus, who had rendered him much adroit assistance at Court when in Jeru salem.

Now he had hurried with the tidings of the old King's death, and to tell that Cyrus, surnamed Artaxerxes the Son, was ruling in his stead. " This new King," said Sarados, " is young, and not of so firm a will as his father, and many murmur against his doings upon his brother. He has given over already the several provinces to the governorship of certain heathen princes, worshippers of Belus and his kind, so that every Jew is in fear; for it would seem that this Artaxerxes is easily controlled, and being full of ease and voluptuousness, will give up himself to these factors, and apportion his kingdom to the charge of his princes and allies whom he wills shall rule fol ium." " God will defend us," murmured Mardocheus calmly, '" nevertheless. Fear not, Sarados ; for He whom we commune with in affliction and joy alike, will not easily forsake us, inasmuch as we have passed from as stern tribulations from the beginning of the world until now, so likewise shall we be still countenanced and brought through such tribulation in the future to justice."

" But, oh, my Mardocheus, it has been bruited that the King himself is against us; that the municipality, composed of Bel worshippers, now at the royal palaces in the metropolis Susa, are plotting against us already. It may be years, but years are grown apace in time, and we shall be destroyed — at last de stroyed." "Courage, Sarados, "answered Mardocheus, "courage. Thou hast yet to learn OUR endurance. The God who HADASSEH. permits these sufferings, remember, also knows how to remedy them. O silence, silence, man ! Have faith, and rest in that faith, and all will be well, even in the midst of the fire." " Aman, the King's Chamberlain, the Amalekite, and son of Agag, who burnt men alive and scattered their ashes about the city like winnowed chaff, is still full of hatred towards us," returned Sarados.

" Behold a saying which I have carried with all speed and anxiety with me. Thus : ' That Artaxerxes the King shall give an universal decree not far hence for the slaughter of the Jewish nation intact, and to not empower the said Jews to fight for themselves as heretofore, was decreed by Xerxes the Mighty, who trusted in the God of our fathers.' Shall we then, O Mardocheus, have all enemies and no redress ? Shall we die as mere beasts, and not live to defend? or will the God whom ye hath taught me to worship raise us up unto salvation here while we live?" Mardocheus grew stern, the lines upon his visage appea'red deep and rugged, and momentarily a cloud rested upon his face, but it passed to give place to that infinite calmness so peculiarly his own. He answered the convert Sarados in measured tones: " Learn the Jews' faith, O Sarados ! and so come not hither with complaints, lest thou canst look yonder and not find a meaning thereunto.

Dost see yon gleam in the sky, there — mark it ! Look — for it speaks to me more than volumes of the world's lore. See ! there ! every twinkle saith, ' The Lord God watcheth! Ay, my Sarados, watcheth the scoffer, the idolater, and the poorest slave among us. Could Bel, tow-ering there in his height, create a word in the very breath of our God above ? much more, suspend a world above in yon grey firmament to live? If we perish, so God willcth we do. But say nought, only go hence as 'tis willed. If we are raised in the land of the living here awhile, say nought still, but praise. For ' He ' who worketh good to us does as seemeth Him best. Faith, O Sarados, faith, and not murmurings thus." The man was rebuked. No word further escaped him; he sighed, and drew from his girdle meanwhile some w-ritings, commiserations, and pleadings from the communities, both in the provinces of Ethiopia and Susa the metropolis.

Mardocheus was now again deeply touched : " The death of the renowned and mighty Xerxes, who main tained the law of the Divine God in his heart ever to wards his people, caused a vast difference to the nation now his son ruled in his stead ; but youth is uncertain, and strange gods and women ever spread their influence over the wills of young kings, so that a hair will draw them into the abyss, if it be so ! " Now Mar docheus read with throbbing pulses his people's pleas. "A new King reigns — an infidel. Oh! pray to the God of our fathers and our lives to guard us now, lest we are destroyed ; " therefore until midnight Mardocheus thc Jew stood upon his housetop and prayed alone after Sarados had gone. The writings left by the convert had dropped to the ground unnoticed, so absorbed in devotion was this man, that the voice of earth drew no response from HADASSEH. 12 him erewhile, he called forth through the mighty canopy of space as it were unto highest Heaven, and in the spirit his form seemed walking upon the sphere of an unknown track.

He trod firmly another world, but clad in a new and strange body, for he was not in the flesh longer. Neither a captive, nor a troubled spirit, nor an author of fables ; but in peculiar communion with the Everlasting, his Maker — whom he loved and trusted — and his Friend.

Chapter II The High Feast Of Persia

THE governors whom the new King had set over the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of his dominion from Indus to Ethiopia had assembled together in the month Nisan. Three years had Artaxerxes now ruled on his father's throne, and he was minded to give at this season a public demonstration throughout his kingdom, because of his increasing riches and his power. Moreover, such a feast was never to have been known, for this potentate was jealous of his reputation ; and since he ruled with an undivided sway, he would have all people brought to acknowledge this great ness in as laudable a manner as became the subjects of the greatest monarch the world then knew. From his tent, supported by elegant fluted pillars of gold and silver, with its widespread curtains of fine linen and purple, he looked forth upon the multitude around.

Everything was arranged for both sight and pleasure. Messengers had been scattered over all the country near and far, issuing the declaration, " That they should have, every one, remission of their labours, and were ordered further to keep HADASSEH. 14 feast throughout thc kingdom for threescore days, on account of the King's greatness and majesty." And so it was done. Thousands and thousands journeyed from west and south to witness the King's magnificence, each bring ing vvith them rich treasures in gold, silver, and precious wares, which were laid before the King in token of allegiance and loyalty. Upon the plains of Susa, and about the streets of the palace, revelled the King's guests, each appor tioned a suitable space, each nation to themselves feasting and making merry. From chalices of purest rough gold flowed very strong wines.

Beeves and sheep were roasted by masses alive, for the enter tainment admitted of no relaxation. Like the great King himself, who made himself enjoyment according to his inclinations, so did the hosts gathered around him according to their desires, and as they thought seemly. The floor of the great tent was laid with costly aurichalcum,1 brought from the royal mines of " Mclos." It was reared amid the choicest garden of the great palace, so that the King could walk out as he pleased to enjoy the beauty of the season, for it was summer, and the whole earth was beautiful. At a distance to the west of Susa stood the white palace of the Queen, where it was known dwelt the beautiful Median woman Vashti. She had been appointed this site in honour of the Kind's love : o indeed, his vast consideration of her was known throughout the land, and so much so, that Artaxerxes 1 Esteemed the most precious of all metals.

(See Josephus, book xi. chap, v.) himself commanded that every deputation, both of princes and soldiery, from every part of thc kingdom. should minister themselves before Vashti's palace, in token of their allegiance to the King. This accordingly was done, although the Queen only received the King's subjects according to the Persian custom, veiled and surrounded by a vast suite of guards and the eunuchs that kept her royal palace, with the gardens attached thereunto. Thus this great festival continued; and at the close of forty days of eating and drinking among the King's special guests, Vashti caused her palace also to be redecorated, and herself, garnished with the most costly apparel, made a feast to herself and friends alone. A hundred and fifty Ethiopian girls of fine and goodly appearance, the very flower of the dark women, were arrayed in scarlet and purple clothing, having the signs of " Bel " woven upon their red tunics, and carrying in their hands dragons of gold with eyes of rubies.

This band walked in the rear of the Queen, followed by fifty-six tall Chaldeans, bare-breasted, and having winged shees of gold upon their feet, and finely-wrought mantles, though light as air, yet voluminous enough to cover them entirely, lest they should come in contact with the infidel hordes. This strange cobweb cloak was formed from the fibre of a beautiful little sacred reptile cultured in the Tigris, whose nests were weaved by the shedding of its own skins three times during the year, and the fibre thus extracted. The Queen's priests, moreover, who attended her person, claimed the sole right of HADASSEH. wearing themselves this sacred covering, which was alone worn on State festivals,!or at the Queen's pleasure, unless prohibited by " Bel " the great god himself, through his ministers.

The great beauty of these gleaming garments entranced the spectators ; they emitted a lustre equal to the brilliancy of the scarabaie wing, with rays like unto the sun for brightness. As these Chaldeans came down the terrace flight of steps, chanting odes to the majesty of Vashti, they appeared like dark statues of porphyry (for their breasts were painted with sacred signs from their crown to the thighs) having a cloud about them, since the breeze wafted around them the fleecy material of their cloaks, which were suspended by fine golden rings to their ears and ankles. Then followed three hundred Median dancing women, with hair reaching to the soles of their feet, according to the custom of the art, this serving them as a robe. These were furnished with wreaths of flowers, while upon their ankles and arms were number less bells, which gave forth sweet sounds as they moved every limb, filling the air with a curious melody.

The Queen's eunuchs in fours walked by the side of this band, each having his wand of office to command order among the women. These were some seventy in number, two being the heads, and as having right of jurisdiction over all the palace. Added to this procession, walked in fours also the cohorts of the private guard, with shimmering spears and shields, their helmets glittering like the sun's rays for brilliancy. Thus she came to her tent, and stood among her own people. Here, too, were gathered together her kin, and the whole of her acquaintance from the cities afar, where as a princess in her father's kingdom she had received them heretofore a virgin. Her vast host of attendants were then dispersed, and the chanting ceased, as she waved her hand for silence, and entering the opening of her tent, passed regally through thc suspended lamps to her chair.

Bala threw himself at her feet. He was one of the youthful princes of her father's court, and at the time of her marriage with the great King this young man was suffering banishment for slaying a warrior of Syria, who had dared to aspire to her love. Now being recalled to Media, he journeyed to Susa, in compliance with thc King's request, " That all men, nobles from far and near, shall be present to do honour in Susa the palace unto the majesty and dominion of the great King Artaxerxes." Bala had escaped from the King's tent now to look upon the Queen of Artaxerxes, for she was very beautiful, and he loved her as in the past. A hundred forms uprose as she now appeared, voices murmured words of adulation, as with her hosts she entered her tent. Her long robes fell around her, only revealing the beaut)- of her form the more, because the folds clung to her limbs after the fashion of the Persian garb.

A vest of green, threaded by diagonal streaks of silver, was suspended from her shoulders, over which fell a wide mantle of purple, finely inlaid with Tais work of gold. A costly jewelled pectoral plate drew together the folds of her first tunic across her breasts, and she also wore a diadem of gold B HADASSEH. in token of her dignity upon her head, binding her veil. Her beauty seemed to awe the men around ; for though her face was hidden under a light gauze, this nevertheless failed to hide the outline of her features. or conceal her brilliant eyes. " Bala ! " she uttered, surprised. " O Queen ! " he answered, but no further word escaped him, yet she even trembled at the sound of his voice. Her father's courtiers and the princes of Media drew near and kissed her garments and the hem of her cloak, as she sat in their midst, but Bala alone watched silently.