No, Lord; the guard is at the door beyond.
Ahasuerus.
Come nearer me. That captain of the guard,
Is he a Jew?
Hydaspes.
No, Lord, a Persian, surely,
Pordánatha, from lovely Arisai,
The city white like snow; Persian as you.
Ahasuerus.
Thank you, Hydaspes.
These times are dangerous. Go now from here,
See the guards doubled at Queen Esther’s doors.
These Jews are secret like that desert tribe
Whom none has seen, who walk the moonless night
And strike men dead, and go, and leave no trace
Save the dead body.
Hydaspes.
I will place the guards
Myself, great King.
[Exit Hydaspes.]