Eh, Smerdis?
Smerdis
[Louder.]
Bathing in that simile.
[Exeunt Ahafid and Smerdis.]
Scene II
[The curtain rises, disclosing Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, and attendants at the banquet table.]
Ahasuerus
Beloved Esther, my most beauteous queen,
This banquet does surpass in excellence
Even the feast of yesterday, which you
Prepared for Haman and the king. Your hand
Grows deft with practice.