The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Vi Part 53

See, my ransom. Here will I Remain a while and take a little sleep.

(_Laying her cheek against the_ KING's _knee._)

Here safety is; and here 'tis good to rest.

QUEEN. Will you not go?

KING. You see that I am caught.

QUEEN. If you are caught, I still am free, I go!

[_Exit with her women._]

KING. And now that, too! That which they would prevent They bring to pa.s.s with their false chast.i.ty.

(_Sternly to_ RACHEL.)

Arise, I tell thee--Give her back her shawl, And let her go.

RACHEL. O, Sire, a little while.

My limbs are lamed,--I cannot, cannot walk.

[_She props her elbow on her knee and rests her head in her hand._]

KING (_stepping back_).

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. Ill.u.s.trious 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?