Smerdis

She should have feasted with
The king.

Ahafid

I did not hear.

Smerdis

[Aloud.]

Old Xerxes lost
The finest houri in his harem. Oh,
The royal fool!

Ahafid

The Jewess Esther's but
A girl, as beauteous as a lustrous star,
But innocent as dawn of dew-washed day.

Smerdis