PLACE: In the court of the King's palace.
CHARACTERS: King Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Courtiers,
Servants.
[_The King sits on his throne._ QUEEN ESTHER _enters
and bows before the_ KING. _The_ KING _looks at her in
astonishment._]
_Courtiers_ [_in loud whispers_]: The Queen! It is the
Queen!
_King:_ Esther, hast thou dared to come before my presence
when I have not called thee? Thou surely dost not know what
thou art doing! This act of boldness can mean thy death! But
thou art so beautiful, Esther, I cannot be hard with thee.
Rise! [_He holds out the golden scepter._] What is the
request that has brought thee here? It shall be given thee,
even though it be half of my kingdom.
[ESTHER _touches the scepter and rises._]
_Esther:_ If it seemeth good unto the King, let the King and
Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared
for them.
[_She turns and goes out._]
_King:_ Hearest thou, Haman? Make haste and let us do as
Esther hath said. Come, we will prepare for this banquet.
[HAMAN _bows. The_ KING _and_ HAMAN _go out. Others
follow._]
[Illustration: FIG. 5.--The king holds out the scepter to
Esther]