O blessed night, so full of peace, so calm,
After that horror.
Ah! I know it now,
What the Chaldean told me long ago,
That I should know no quiet rest at night,
Being a King, unless I ate of bread
Baked in a house where sorrow never came.
O blessed bread, would I could eat of thee!
[Goes Back.]
Guards [Off].
God save the King!
The King’s gates are made sure, and the gates’ keys
Here, under guard. May the King live for ever!
Ahasuerus.
The sentries on the walls; do they report
All quiet in the city?
Guard.
All, great King.
Ahasuerus.