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—­