Ahafid
Why now the sceptre, aye, almost the crown
Are worn by Haman, not of noble birth,
But lowborn, vulgar, raised by royal will
To first place in a land renowned for blood.
Smerdis
To first place in a land renowned for fools.
Ahafid
What's that?
Smerdis
This Haman is a cunning fox.
Ahafid
The exile of the virtuous Vashti was
A fatal sin.