And is she ever thus, so timorous?
ESTHER. Nay, for, a while ago, presumptuous,
In
spite of us, she wished to see thee, Sire.
KING. Me? She has paid it dear.
ESTHER. At home,
as well,
She
plays her pranks, and jokes with man or dog,
And
makes us laugh, however grave we be.
KING. I would, indeed, she were a Christian,
then,
And
here at court, where things are dull enough;
A
little fun might stand us in good stead.
Ho,
Garceran!
GARCERAN. Illustrious Sire and King!
ESTHER (busy with RACHEL).
Stand up! Stand up!
RACHEL (rising and taking off ESTHER’s necklace, which she adds to the other jewels).
And give, too, what thou
hast,
It is my ransom.
ESTHER. Well, so be it then.
KING. What think you of all this?
GARCERAN. What I think, Sire?
KING. Dissemble not! You are a connoisseur,
Myself
have never looked at women much
But
she seems beautiful.
GARCERAN. She is, O Sire!
KING. Be strong then, for you shall accomp’ny her.
RACHEL (who stands in the middle of the stage with trembling knees and bent head, pushing up her sleeve).
Put on my bracelet.
Oh you hurt me so.
The necklace, too-indeed, that still
hangs here.
The kerchief keep, I feel so hot and
choked.
KING. Convey her home!
GARCERAN. But, Sire, I fear—
KING. Well, what?
GARCERAN. The people are aroused.
KING. Ay, you are
right.
Although
a royal word protection is,
’Tis
better that we give no cause to wrong.
ESTHER (fixing RACHEL’s dress at the neck).
Thy dress is all disturbed and all awry.
KING. Take her at first to one of those
kiosks
There
scattered through the garden, and at eve—
GARCERAN. I hear, my liege!
KING. What was I saying? Oh! Are you not ready yet?
ESTHER. We are, my lord.
KING. At evening when the people all have
gone,
Then
lead her home and that will make an end.
GARCERAN. Come, lovely heathen!
KING. Heathen? Stuff and nonsense!
ESTHER (to RACHEL,_ who prepares to go_).
And thankst thou not the King for so much grace?
RACHEL (still exhausted, turning to the KING).
My thanks, O Sire, for
all thy mighty care!
O were I not a poor and wretched thing—