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.]
Scene III
Home of Haman—two days later.
[Enter Haman, Zeresh, and Parshandatha.]
Haman
My star grows brighter with each setting sun;
The lowly child of old Hammedetha
Is first among the servants of the king.
Ah, Mordecai, you did not know I am
An Agagite, who fed upon the breast
Of unrelenting hate toward every child
Of Israel, who will not bend the knee
Save to the God of Abraham. Oh, do