The Persian queen a Jew!
Then let her perish with her blood.
Parshandatha
But would
My lord consent to Esther's death?
Zeresh
Consent
Again! Parshandatha, why do you harp
Upon consent? Now listen to my words.
But should you e'er disclose one breath
Of what I say, you are yourself a Jew,
Nor is there any power in Persia's king
To save your life. My lord pretends to hate
The Jews. His hate is only wounded pride.
The deference of Mordecai is all
That Haman wants. He does not know the queen
Is Hebrew blood. This fact must still be kept
Concealed—concealed, that is, until the day
Of death. Oh, he shall know who Esther is—
This Israelite that banquets with my lord!
You think his rise is due to Esther's power?
Parshandatha
Madam, I do not know.
Zeresh
Not know! not know!
But what think you, Parshandatha? Of course
You do not know.
Parshandatha