Esther, a sacred drama

Preface

The following Drama appeared two years since, in several successive numbers of the " Lady's Book ; " and the earnest solicitations of friends, who have perhaps judged it with too much partiality, joined to some minor considerations, have induced the author p-^ain to submit it to the ordeal of public criticism, — wiiich she does with much timidity, and many fears lest it should be found unable to abide that fiery trial. The Poem, which accompanies it, has likewise been already published. But as the groundwork, both of that and of the Drama, was derived from the same sacred volume, it is subjoined, rather, as having on that account been deemed a fitting companion for the former, than because it is thought to possess any extraordinary merit to recommend it to the notice of the reader.

CHARACTERS.

Ahasuerus, King of Persia.

Ham AN, his chief favorite.

Memucan, ^

Marsena, > Princes of Persia.

Admatha, )

ry ' > High Chamberlains.

Zethar, 5

Hatach, ^

^RATHEUS, V Officers of the Palace.

Hegai, ^

Courtiers, Nobles, &c.

Vashti, Queen of Persia.

Zeresh, Wife of Haman.

Jews.

Mordecai, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin. JoATHAM, a Jeioish Rabbi.

Azor, a kinsman of Mordecai.

Esther, a kinswoman and adopted daughter of Mordecai.

Attendants.

Scene — in the City and Palace of Shushan.

Act I

Scene I. — A Pavilion in the court of the palace. Ahasuerus sitting at the banquet^ surrounded by the princes and nobles of his empire.

Ahasuerus. Princes and nobles, hail ! assembled

powers Of fertile Media, and of Persia fair, Again I greet you with a sovereign's love, And bid you welcome to my palace courts. One hundred days and fourscore have passed on, "With swift and noiseless wing, since here ye came, And to your wondering eyes have been revealed Our kingdom's wealth, our splendor, power, and

might !

No idle boast, no glittering pageantry, To cheat the dazzled sight have we displayed ', But pomp, and wealth, and majesty, at which Earth's kings, ay, e'en its proudest ones, might bow The knee, and sicken with pale envy.

(^All shout.) Hail, mighty king ! Long live our

sovereign lord I Ahasuerus (bo^cs his head). Receive a monarch's

thanks, and grant him yet For one brief moment's space your patient ear. — Swift as an arrow's flight, seven days have sped. Since with gay hearts, unscathed by care's rude hand, Or grief's corrosive touch, ye here have sat

Around our banquet board, and shared with us

Our royal dainties ; and from sculptured bowls

Of precious ore, have quaffed delicious wines,

Such wines as only grace a monarch's feast.

With wondering eyes ye have admired our pomp,

Have gazed enraptured on this princely pile.

The boast of Shushan, — with its marble courts,

Its purple hangings, wove in Tyrian looms

And looped with cords of gold, that sweep their folds,

With gorgeous grace around the marble plinths

That base the columns fair; thence filling rich

O'er the bright pavement, ivory inlaid

With the blue sapphire, and the ruby's stone.

The changeful opal, purple amethyst,

And every colored gem of beauty rare.

Gathered from distant Ind, and hither brought

To shed their radiance o'er our regal courts !

Memucan (aside to Admatha). Look thou, Admatha, merry is his heart With the delicious juice of the crushed grapes ! Mark how it sparkles in his princely eye, And flushes on his cheek ! And list ! Again The monarch speaks. What meaning in his look ! Some rare proposal dances in his smile. Some act of grace about to be divulged. Which to our revels shall bring added zest.

Ahasuerus. Princes, and peers who circle round our throne.

And bask beneath the sunshine of our smile. Ye deem your monarch blessed because his board Groans beneath dainty cates and rosy wines. While servile slaves adoring kiss the ground Pressed by his foot, and million voices hail Him first, him greatest, 'mong earth's greatest ones. But vain this pomp ! the heart rejects it all, And asks for nobler joys to fill its void. My wide command, my gorgeous palaces Enriched with gems and gold, my spacious courts Guarded by sculptured forms unique and rare, And cooled by gushing founts, whose feathery spray Descends on glowing beds of perfumed flowers. That scent the rosy air with incense sweet, —

These all were vain, unworthy of a thought, Without the favor of the mighty gods, Without the love of her who shares my throne, And gilds it with the lustre of her charms !

{JUL) Long live great Vashti ! Persia's beauteous queen !

Ahasuerus. My heart responds with fervor to that

shout.

And, to reward your loyalty and love, This moment will I summon to our feast. My peerless queen. Yes, valiant peers, princes, And subjects all, you shall behold her charms. Shall gaze with wonder on that priceless gem, That lends its glory to my kingly crown. And then confess how the great gods have blessed. Harbona, speed thee quick with my commands Straight to thy royal mistress ; and declare My sovereign will, that hither she resort, Without delay, arrayed in royal state, With jeweled crown decking her lovely brow, All as beseems her rank and bearing high. And farther still, — bid her appear unveiled. I would the envious shade which shrouds her face, Dimming its beauty rare, were thrown aside. So shall each eye gaze with unchecked delight On Persia's radiant queen.

Harbona (prostrates himself before the king).

Pardon, great king, the boldness of thy slave, But well thou knowest the queen a banquet holds E'en at this hour, within the palace walls, Where all the ladies of thy royal house Sit with her at the feast — and much I fear, She my request will spurn, nor deign to come And stand unveiled before thy princely guests.

Ahasuerus. Harbona, rise ! 1 freely pardon thee, Though of thy monarch's absolute command Thou dost imply a doubt. Speed at my word. Nor fear the queen's rebuke. Her king commands, And even she, the loved and cherished one. First in my kingdom, dearest to my heart. Will never venture to gainsay the will Of him who reigns sovereign unlimited, a3

From fertile India's green and palmy vales, To distant Ethiopia's arid wastes. Depart in peace, no longer make delay. Go thou, and Zethar bear thee company — We are impatient for thy quick return.

Harhona. Most gracious king, we hasten to obey !

{Going — speaks aside to Zethar.) Come, Zethar, to our task, — but, gracious heaven ! As soon wilt thou send down thy starry host To grace this gorgeous banquet, as the queen, The proud and scornful queen, with willing fset, Haste at the bidding of her royal lord. To swell the triumph of his earth-born pride.

[Exeunt Chamberlains.

Scene II. — An apartment in the Palace. — Vashti and the ladies seated at the banquet. [Enter Hatach-I

Hatach. Most gracious queen, 1 come with tidings strange To greet thine ear. The king's high chamberlains, Sent at their lord's command, now wait without, To bear thee hence, e'en to the banquet hall, Where with his valiant peers, the monarch feasts. At first I did refuse their suit to press, But earnest were they, not to be denied ; And I perforce have sought thee, to declare The errand which they bring.

[The Queen rises in anger and astonishment from her seat and sjicaks.']

Vashti. Slave ! darest thou bear unto thy mistress'

ear Such words as these ! Know thou dost peril life. To come before me with such message bold ; Or art thou mad .'' Methinks some sorcerer, Some spirit dark and full of wicked wiles Has looked upon thee with an evil eye, And seared thy maddening brain. Else w^hence these

words ?

These ravings rather of a maniac mind, — Speak quicii, and end my wonder.

Hatach. Great queen, forgive the humblest of thy slaves, By whom the pangs of death were far less feared, Than angry word or darkening frown of thine. I have but told the message of my king Brought hither by his servants, who now wait In anxious hope an audience to obtain Of thee, their queen, touching their lord's behest.

Vashti. Most strange ! Most wonderful !

I comprehend it not! I dream, methinks ! ■Go, Hatach, summon quick the chamberlains, And I will meet them in the mirrored hall. Where the bright fountain with its lulling sound May cool my fevered blood, \^Exit Hatach.

Unto tJie banquet hall, he said, Ye gods, forbid it ! shame and pride forbid ! A woman's shame ! a woman's queenly pride ! A queen, said I ? Ay ; yes, by right of birth. Of high, unmixed descent, — for the same tide, The rich and crimson tide of royal blood. Which warmed the heart of Cyrus, my great sire, Flows also through my veins, a taintless stream. Pure as its fount, — and never shall iiis shade. Where high enthroned in glorious heaven it sits. Stooping to gaze from his abode of bliss On the low scenes of earth, have cause to mourn That Vashti was his daughter. \^Exit Queen.

Scene III. — A marble hall, lined loith mirrors. — A fountain p/aT/ino- in the centre. — Vashti reclining on a pile of cushions, — behind her stand two female attendants. — Harbona and Zethar enter, conducted by Hatach, and prostrate themselves before the queen.

Vashei. Rise, lords ! your homage vain I ask not now, — But wait impatient, while you brief disclose The message which you bring ; for rumor strange Has falsified, fain would I so believe, Its purport to my ear. a 4

Harbona. Beauteous and sovereign queen, the words

we bear, Are those of our dread lord, and we his slaves Do but his bidding to repeat them here, Else were our lives a forfeit to his wrath.

Vashti. Speak on !

My heart is schooled to hear you to an end With passionless serenity. Say on, — But let me warn you of the thunder-burst That follows oft a calm.

Harbona. Most mighty queen, we are but passive

slaves ; Powerless to purge offence from out our task, — We are the guiltless instruments of wrong. If wrong there be, and deprecate thy wrath With earnest prayer. Full well, great queen, thou

knowest In Shushan's palace courts a feast is held. Where all the assembled powers of this wide realm Sit with our monarch at his banquet board, While he displays his majesty and might. His kingdom's wealth, his pomp, and sovereign state, To their admiring eyes, — and still ascends. From every echoing lip, the loud acclaim That speaks a nation's homage and delight. Yet to complete their wonder and surprise, And as a guerdon for their loyal love. He fain would show them what he prizes most. Yea, far above all gifts the gods bestow, His peerless queen, — the mistress of his heart. The ruling star that guides his destiny. And us he sends, imploring thee to come Wearing the golden crown, and purple robe. And gemmed thy beauteous hair with queenly pride. That every eye, which marvels at his pomp, May view the treasure richer far than all. And own him crowned with heaven's'peculiar love, Bless'd with a queen so virtuous, bright, and fair. Most gracious lady, thus thy lord entreats, And farther prays that thou wilt cast aside The envious veil which o'er thy beauty hangs. That all unshadowed, in excess of light,

Thy dazzling charms may burst upon tlieir eyes. We have fulfilled our task. Oh, queen, forgive, If we offence have wrought, by words not ours.

Vashti. True, you are instruments, but daring ones, To tempt me in this sort. Yet, you I pardon, — Scorn and wrath for him who sends me scorn, And dare insult the partner of his throne With words like these. Preposterous request ! I did not dream that one on earth there lived, Who held his safety at so light a price, As thus to offer insult to my name ! And can he think Vashti will heed his word, Who reckless of her fame, has summoned her To stand unveil'd before a gaping crowd Heated with wine, and let their jests profane Pollute her ear ne'er jarred by vulgar sound.'' No, Persia's queen stoops not to such disgrace ! Depart, my lords, and bear my answer back, — Go, tell your king, tiiat Vashti did not wed To swell the pomp and triumph of her lord; She has a spirit, that will not be chain'd E'en to the chariot-wheels of Persia's king, All-powerful as he is. Her free-born soul Was formed for rule, — great Cyrus was her sire, And no low thought, no act unworthy him. Shall sully her proud name !

Ilarhona. Alas ! great queen, forego these bitter taunts, — I fear to bear them to my angry lord. They '11 chafe him sore. Hast thou no gentle word To soften thy reply ? — we humbly pray That for thy servants' sake thou wouldst not stir With scornful word the monarch's slumbering wrath.

Vashti. On me 't will fall, and know, I fear it not, I would he should be chafed — so now depart, — I am in haste, — the untasted banquet waits, For thou, ill-omened, didst disturb our feast. Therefore, begone,— and say I will not come. The ruddy nectar of the purple grape Has sent its fumes into thy monarch's head, And when soft sleep has cooled its feverish heat, He will rejoice that his command was spurned,

X4 ESTHER.

Unworthy him, and insolent to me.

Go, for I fear him not, nor hast thou cause.

Farewell, my lords, nor do your queen the wrong,

Ever again, on such an errand bent.

To seek her presence; lest some wo befall,

More mighty than you dread from him you serve.

[Exeunt Lords.

Memucan, Marseiia, and other jjrinces and nobles.

Ahasuerus. Gods ! do I live to hear it?

Vashti insults her lord ! sets him at naught. And beards him publicly with woman's scorn ! Eternal gods ! hurl down your thunderbolts, And with your fiercest lightnings smite me low If with a coward heart I shrink from aught Which strict and awful justice may demand ! Princes and peers, who stand around the throne. I ask your counsel in this dark aftair, — Our power shall not be braved, our will despised, And yet the offender pass unheeded by. Though 't is our queen, she meets with her deserts ; Not e'en our love shall shield her from reproach And condign punishment. Speak, then, my lords, Your counsel I demand.

Memucan. As thou, great king, commandest, so we speak, Fearless and free, as to a monarch just ; For not alone her king and sovereign lord Has Vashti wronged, dishonored, and despised, But all who sat with him around his board, — Nay, all his peopled provinces shall groan, If her rebellious act unpunished goes. Far, far abroad, its evil fame shall spread. Till to the utmost verge of thy broad realm, It shall be told by peasant, lord, and slave ; — The shameful tale, which all inight blush to hear, Shall be familiar as a household word, And rouse up idle women, weak, and vain, To grasp at rule, to spurn their wedded laws,

And brave defiance to their rightful lords.

Marsena (aside to Admatha). Right eloquent he is in this good cause, Nor wonder I to hear his earnest words, For well I ween, he has a shrew at home, A tameless shrew, that love nor fear can rule.

Ahasuerus. 'T is true, alas ! too true ! Say what thou wilt, and I shall have it done. 'T is easier far to lop a limb diseased Than leave it to infect the neighboring trunk With slow decay. And for the general good, I will be first to throw afar a dear But poisonous ill.

Memucan. Oh, king ! most wise art thou, and ever just.

And ever ready, for thy subjects' weal. To sacrifice thyself. Let then, my lord (Since it doth please him bid his servants speak) Send forth his high command, touching the queen; That she be banished from his heart and throne, Since she has forfeited his royal grace, And openly rebelled against his power. Then let another fair and bright as she Possess her lost estate, and share thy throne, The partner of thy kingdom and thy love. Still may thy servant speak ! — Let this decree, Be written in our law, that changeless law, Which ever stands immutable and firm. Thus may it best be known throughout the land, Teaching rebellious wives 't were wise to give Honor where honor 's due, and meek submission To tlieir wedded lords.

Ahasuerus. It shall be done.

This hour shall see me sign her banishment, And she shall know I will be king indeed. This sceptre, and this crown of sovereignty, Tlie symbols of my power, shall not adorn A royal shade, who fears or knows not how Like a true king to exercise command. Through all my hundred provinces send forth This just decree, touching our banished queen. In every varied tongue spoke in our realm.

Let it be written fair, that all may read, And with my signet seal. So be it known j Such is our royal pleasure and command.

[Exit.

Scene V. — £n apartment in the palace. The king and Memucan.

Memucan. I did but do thy bidding, gracious king, When with despatch I sent forth the decree Of Vashti's banishment.

Jlhasucrus. Ay, with most cruel haste,

Thou didst the deed. Thou fearedst lest I should

change ; Lest in a cooler hour, my angry mood Should pass, and love return. Full well thou knowest That the inebriate wine had fired my blood. And paralyzed my brain, — else had thy words Fallen powerless to the ground, as they deserved; Thou didst not well to chafe me in such sort. Because at home thou hast an angry wife. Thou fain wouldst wreak the wrongs which she inflicts.

On all of woman-kind. Weak that I was, To list thy cunning arts ; — they 've wrought me wo, And desolation dire. My sun has set, My bright resplendent sun, that shed its rays Benignant o'er my path, and lighted up My world with love, and hope, and ecstasy. — But I will see her yet, — once more behold Those peerless charms I have so long adored. And at her feet confess my sin and grief. Go, and bid Hatach warn her I approach, — Nay, cease thy wiles, 't is vain for tliee to speak, — I am resolved to win her back again. If so the gods permit.

Memucan. Great king, forbear thy wrath !

She has departed, whither none can tell. Soon as she learned thy will, with fierce disdain. And brow of angry pride, slie called lier slaves. And bid them quick prepare to follow her.

None traced her steps, nor marked the course she took, But ere o'er yonder distant mountains broke The orient dawn, she with her maiden train Had passed the city gates.

Ahasuerus. Gone forth to exile, lonely and uncheered !

Ye gods, forgive my sin ! But as for thee, False, cruel man ! 't is thou hast wrought this deed, And wrought it with a calm demoniac joy, As now thou break'st these tidings to my ear. Yea, thou dost revel in thy monarch's wo, — I see it in thy eye, and hear it breathed In the low accents of thy treacherous voice. Go, — rid me of thy presence, which I loathe — Since thou art false, there 's none whom I may trust.

Memucan. {falling at his feet). My lord ! my king ! kill not thy slave with words Unkind as these, — words which he ill deserves. Reflect one instant, ere thou dost pronounce Such sentence harsh, — and if thou canst recall One act disloyal, or one treacherous deed, That ever blackened Memucan's fair fame, Then, and then only will he bow resigned To thy displeasure stern, and deem it just.

Ahasuerus. Nay, rise my lord,

1 feel I am unjust. Despair and wo Are busy at my heart, to turn its blood To gall. Thou hast been ever true ; most true And firm, till now, and zealous to perform My slightest wish. 'T is pity that thy zeal Should e'er o'erstep thy love. Else might the hand. Which erst has poured the balm of woman's love Into my thirsting soul, still minister To all its wants, and soothe my ruffled mood. When chafed by cares that often line the crown. Gorgeous with gems and gold.

Memucan. Thy pardon, gracious king ;

If I have erred, 'twas through desire to serve Thy righteous cause, and vindicate thy fame, — And not to gratify one selfish thought. And yet I pray thee, mourn no more for her Who spurned thy love, and with such rash disdain

Defied the power she was most bound to obey. All praise the act which drove the aggressor forth, And call it wise, expedient, and most just. Then in a nation's loud approving voice Find comfort for thy loss, and let my lord, Take to his bosom soon another queen, Whose beauty shall delight, whose gentler soul Shall soothe his cares and hush his vain regrets.

Ahasuerus. Too well thou knowest, when first I

thought to wed, Of all that sought my love, 't was she alone Who fixed my wandering heart. Now she has gone ! And where upon the habitable earth Dwells there another who can touch my soul, And charm it in such wise as she has done ?

Memucan. 1 know not where, but sure one may be

found, — 'T were strange, indeed, if 'mong those radiant forms That bloom throughout our land, in pillared hall, Or in low dwellings by the fountain's side. Where clustering roses bloom, less bright than they, And odorous spices breathe, 'twere strange, methinks, Were there not one could charm thy royal eye. One fair and graceful as thy banished queen. Though she, indeed, was beautiful as thought. Let then my king, if it shall please his grace, Send forth his servants throughout all his realm, Servants well skilled in choice of female charms, And from each vale and city of the land. Far as thy sceptre sways, let those bright maids. Whom the high gods have blessed with rarest gifts, Be gathered to the courts of Shushan fair, Where when the time allotted by our law For preparation meet, in the free use Of fragrant baths and purifying odors. Shall have passed, each shall be brought to thee. That thou mayest choose from out the assembled

throng, The maiden fair who pleases most thine eye, And seems by nature formed to fill the place Once graced by fallen Vashti.

Ahasuerus. Full well thy thought doth please,

And I will have it so. Quick, send thou forth Most trusty ministers, as thou hast snid ; And bid them cull forthwith the fairest maids, Where'er they may be found, — and bid Hegai Straight prepare all things for tlieir reception, Garments, and odors, and apartments rich, Within the palace walls.

MeviurAin. Swift I depart thy message to fulfil, — And may a balm be found ere long, my king, A sovereign balm, to heal thy wounded heart.

\_Exit Memucan.

Scene VI. — The city of S/mshan. The court of an eastern house, filled with shrubs and floioers. A fountain in the centre; beside ichich sits Esther, a Jeioish maiden. Jl few paces from her stands a youth icith a boio in his hand, from which he has just shot upicard an arrow. Suddenly he approaches the maiden, and addresses Iter.

Boy. Sweet cousin, didst thou mark my arrow's flight, As with a swift and most unerring aim. It parted from the string, cleft the blue air, And smote the topmost twig of yon dark fir, Bringing it down from its aspiring height To the bare earth — a trophy of my skill ?

Esther. I marked it well, and thought 't were pity sure In wanton play to smite so proud a thing. That stood rejoicing in its airy height, Giving its resinous odors to the breeze, And qualfing from the sun's refulgent urn. Full draughts of light and life ; while heaven's own

dews Nurtured its growing beauty day by day, Till it became of yon majestic tree The very topmost glory and delight. The diadem that lent it regal grace, — And thou hast wrought its fall — in idle sport, Hast made that worthless, which

Boy. Nay, peace, fair coz, — thy moral is too long,

20 E S T 11 E K.

And passing grave to come from ruby lips,

That shame the damask of the blushing rose.

I thought to win a smile for this my feat,

And not provoke a priestly homily.

Thou bad'st me never smite a living thing, —

Else I'd have brought yon bird that seems a speck

Far in the azure vault, low at thy feet,

A prouder trophy of my archery

Than this poor tuft of leaves.

Esther. Then, Azor, had we been at deadly feud, — For well thou know'st I shudder to see flow From aught that breathes the crimson tide of life.

Bo]j. Thou art a very woman in thy mood I know full well, and lov'st thy odorous bowers, Thy sparkling founts, music and tales of old, And moonlit colonnades, and maiden's glee, Better than bolder scenes, and stirring deeds That make the pulses bound, and the young blood Leap like a torrent through the burning veins, In a wild ecstasy of joy and bliss!

Esther. Indeed, indeed, thou 'rt I'ight. These gentle spells Are flowery links that bind the heart to home, And with a witchery that naught can break. Enchain the young aff'cctions. Round life's morn They cast a gentle radiance, which no shade Can e'er eclipse. What say the aged .'' After years May bring new scenes, wrought with more rainbow

hues, But none so lovely, none so fraught with bliss, With life's first brightness, youth's delicious joy. That quaffs from every cup nectareous draughts, Which the lip seeks in vain from golden bowls. When time's dark shade has veiled its early morn.

Boy. Sweet coz, thou art a world too fair, too bright. For such a quiet, home-bred bliss as this ! Why, thou wert formed to fire the poet's song. To lend new valor to the warrior's arm. And queen it o'er the mighty and the brave, Low sighing at thy feet. Nay, never smile With such a pretty air of proud disdain. As though thou'dst scorn such triumph for thy charms.

But yester eve, beneath this trellised vine, I heard our kinsman, Mordecai, discourse With Joatiiam, the rabbi — and they said Thy brow was formed to grace a diadem, — And pity 't were thou wast not born a queen.

Esther. A queen, saidst thou ?

Far be such fate from me ! I thank my God That he has placed me in a humbler sphere, Where peace and love, and sweet affections grow, Like fragrant violets, nurtured in tlie shade. Believe me, boy, — I speak no idle words, — I'd rather be a captive Jewish maid, Cherished by Mordecai, beloved by thee, Than reign unrivaled o'er this mighty realm, Clothed with the splendor of its lawful queen ! [Enter Mordecai.^

Mordecai. Thou wouldst not be a queen !

Saidst thou not so my child ?

Esther. In truth I did, — save of my father's heart ! That is the only empire which I crave. For there I can maintain my queenly state, Without a cumbrous crown to press my brow, Within whose jewelled circlet lurk sharp thorns That pierce the maddening brain — wear such who

will— I ask no richer diadem than this Which crowns me now, woven by Azor's hand, Of buds and simple bells that drink the dew, And cool my temples with their balmy breath.

Mordecai. My child, for years

Thy smile has been the sunlight of my heart, Thy voice, the music I best loved to hear, — Yea, sweeter seemed it than the strains rung forth From Judah's harp, when with a lofty tone, It told the glories of our princely race. I know for thee ambition has no charms, No syren voice to lure thy gentle soul From quiet joys, and the fond interchange Of kindly thought, to climb her dangerous heights. But duty often prompts us to forego Our cherished hopes, and yield to her control, — And now her voice is murmuring in my ear

Solemn and stern, like those unearthly sounds Which Moses heard from out the burning bush, And 'midst the thunders of that dreadful mount Where God declared his law; or that which fell On Abraham's startled ear, when him it bade Lead forth unto Moriah's mount his son, His only son, the child of his old age, And offer him a precious sacrifice Unto the Lord his God.

Esther. And art thou too, my father, thus required To show thy faith, and seal it with the blood Of her, thou long hast cherished as a child.'' If so, I ready stand — nor shall the sin Of disobedience rest upon my head.

Mordccai. Not with thy blood, my child — oh, not with that !

But I must ask thee to surrender what Thou hold'st than life more dear. Yet, boots it not. Perchance, more to unfold. — Didst thou not say Thou wouldst not be a queen .?

Esther. And dost thou speak with earnest thought of this .?

I never dreamed that such a thing could be ! Nor would I have it so. — I can stand forth At thy command and dare even death itself; Yea, cheerfully lie down as on a couch. And bare my bosom to the sacred knife. If so my God ordains. Ah ! rather far Would I do this than scale that giddy height, Whence 1 so late beheld one, bright and fair As ever wore earth's proudest diadem. Dashed headlong down, without one warning word, — The sport and victim of a tyrant's will !