[She has seated herself on the footstool before the picture.]
Oh, hypocrite, pretending piety,
Full well I know your each and every wile!
The Jewess struck your fancy—don't deny!
And, by my mighty word, she's beautiful,
And only with myself to be compared.
[The KING, _followed by _GARCERAN and ISAAC, has entered and placed himself behind the chair, and leans upon the back of the chair, watching her.]
(RACHEL, continues)
But I, your Queen, I will not suffer it,
For know that I am jealous as a cat.
Your silence only makes your guilt seem more.
Confess! You liked her? Answer, Yes!
KING. Well, Yes!
[RACHEL, starts, looks at the picture, then up, recognizes the KING, and remains transfixed on the footstool.]
KING (stepping forward).
Art frightened? Thou hast willed it, and I say 't.
Compose thyself, thou art in friendly hands!
[He stretches his hand toward her, she leaps from the stool and flees to the door at the right where she stands panting and with bowed head.]