The Book of Esther Page #4

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and perfumes

and cosmetics you require.

As much as she

desires and more.

I have everything I need.

If she

captures the king's heart,

his eyes

will not disagree.

Forgive me, I have not

cried so since my wedding day.

Were they not

tears of joy?

Not precisely.

We go to the palace.

And may our God

go with you.

And be with your spirit,

Judith.

Lord Haman's

daughter, the lady Zara,

is a woman

of great modesty, my king.

She wouldn't dream

of appearing before you

with her face uncovered.

An admirable quality,

I suppose.

Can it be?

Your Majesty?

You there, step forward.

By what name

are you called?

My name is Esther,

Your Majesty.

And who speaks for

this woman, Esther?

I do, Your Majesty.

And what say you

on her behalf?

I can only quote

the writings of my people,

that a virtuous wife

is more precious than rubies.

Your Majesty, my daughter Zara

comes from a noble house

whose lineage goes

back many generations.

She will make

a charming wife

as befits such a

fine and noble king.

It is also written

that charm is deceptive,

but a woman who fears God

will be greatly praised.

Majesty, these

superstitious ramblings

of this Jewish malcontent

should have no impact

on your decision.

Lord Haman, has

it not always been my pleasure

to consider all advice?

Indeed, Majesty, indeed.

Sardar...

Escort these two great daughters

of Persia to my chamber.

I will summon them

at my pleasure.

By your word, Majesty.

All is prepared?

Would not Your Majesty

be better served

by speaking with

each woman directly?

I shall learn

more from this

than I could learn from

a thousand private talks,

for to my face they will

tell me what I wish to hear,

but in secret shall I divine

the true nature of these women.

Yes, my lord.

My lady, is this your

first time to the palace?

Yes, yours as well?

And what

think you of it?

The palace?

It's very...

palatial.

Yes, yes it is.

My lady, I suspect

you're a woman of great beauty.

Why then do you conceal

yourself with silk cloths?

Alas, I am not

a woman of great beauty.

This I cannot believe.

It is my wicked parents

who have hidden my face.

They are hoping that the

king confuses my disguise

for modesty,

for if he sees my face,

he will be repulsed.

This cannot be.

May I be allowed to

determine this for myself?

You are beautiful!

You mock me.

I do not!

Surely, anyone with eyes

can see you are as lovely

as any daughter of Persia.

You are the first person

to pay me this compliment;

forgive me if

I am suspicious.

Can you not

see for yourself?

I only know that I'm a

disappointment to my family.

Your own parents do not know

what a treasure they possess?

If I'm indeed a treasure,

it is one they are so

desperate to give away.

But surely it is

because they wish to have

a queen as a daughter.

It is because my father

wishes to control the king.

I am only

a means to an end.

Forgive me for asking,

but suppose the king

does not choose you?

Then I shall pay dearly.

I shall be banished

and live on the streets.

No, if the king

does not choose you,

you shall not

live on the streets.

You will live

with me in the palace.

As your slave?

As my lady... in... waiting,

and if there be a more exalted

position, it shall be yours,

you have my word.

Summon Mordecai and Haman,

I have made my choice.

By your word, Majesty.

My good men, what a

pleasant task I have completed this day.

To select a wife from

Persia's finest daughters

has been most agreeable to me.

Though I have chosen quickly, I

am certain I have chosen wisely.

Without further ado,

it is Esther whom

I have chosen to be my queen.

But Your Majesty, a king that

judges quickly judges unwisely.

My eyes have seen

and my heart bares witness.

This is indeed my queen.

It can only

be the work of our God.

I honor you, my lady,

and I only ask that you commit

to your promise that I shall

be your faithful servant.

Consider it done.

I shall therefore

issue a royal proclamation.

By your word,

Great Majesty.

Let the word go forth

that Esther is my queen.

Prepare a feast

and declare a holiday!

Yes, King Xerxes.

I honor you.

Even the gods themselves

are against me.

And why is my

husband roaring about like a lion?

The house of Haman

lies in ruins because of you.

Because of me?

It would be an amazing trick

if I were able ponder it.

Your magic is worthless.

Hush, Husband.

Tell me about our daughter.

We have no daughter.

This is strange news,

Husband.

I suspect the king

has chosen another.

What, you're mocking me

to my face?

Husband, in love as in war,

to the victor go the spoils.

Then I tell you,

this is war.

With the king?

With Mordecai.

Hear me, woman.

The house of Haman

shall be redeemed.

Do not fear, Esther.

Thou may come closer.

Closer.

Are you indeed afraid?

No, great king, I'm in awe

of your majesty and of your wisdom.

How so?

You have chosen

me for a bride

without having spoken

a single word to me.

Then come, sit

at my feet and let us talk.

As you wish,

Your Majesty.

Are you comfortable?

I must answer Your Majesty's

question with another question.

Ask.

Is this always to be my

position, at His Majesty's feet?

You are not

of noble birth,

and therefore you must

take an inferior position.

His Majesty speaks the truth,

but in marriage shall

we not be equally yoked?

My lady...

I cannot raise you above the

circumstances of your birth.

If you are indeed

to be my husband,

then there is only one

solution to this problem.

This is the solution

you had in mind?

The very one, my king.

You are much more beautiful

from this perspective.

And His Majesty's face

is much more dignified

than His Majesty's feet.

Will you be an

obedient queen?

That is all I ask.

Will you be a

faithful husband?

That is all I ask.

My love for you is as great

as my love for Persia.

And I shall obey you

as I would obey my God.

My queen exalts me.

It was Mordecai

who taught me thus.

You have learned well.

I wish our

wedding was tonight.

Patience, my king.

We have only

just engaged.

Is not the king entitled

to get what he desires?

The king desires

virtue above all else,

and shall therefore be content

to wait for his bride.

I will wait, but it will

bring me no happiness.

Happier still will you be

when the day of our

marriage finally arrives.

Indeed, my love,

my Esther.

Now you must go, before

immodesty takes hold of me.

I fear no such thing,

for you are a king.

But I am also a man.

Now go.

As my king commands,

I shall obey.

Good night, sweet king.

Good night, dear Esther.

Walk with me.

This night hurts time.

Yes, my lord, but it

is the dawn that heals.

The time has come

for us to act.

Agreed.

We've delayed long enough

while our foolish king

follows his heart

and not his head.

And Persia grows soft

as the consequence.

Indeed.

I tell you, Teres,

when I seize the crown,

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