THE BLOOD OF RACHEL



I dread the issue of this night. The king
Has ordered that the queen be brought before
The court, a target for licentious eyes.
She will refuse to go because her heart
Is pure. Ahasuerus, flushed with wine,
Will brook no opposition to his will.
A tragedy that never Persia knew
Will see the rising of to-morrow's sun.

                     Smerdis

A tragedy no country ever knew-
A woman who is beautiful, but doesn't know it's true.

                     A hafid

                     [Sings.]

        Oh, for a song to cleanse the heart
          Or touch the sceptred power;
        Oh, might the gods a strength impart
          To meet this tragic hour.

                      [Exeunt Ahafid and Smerdis.]



[Enter Vashti and Zethar.]