ou 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--

(_with a motion of her hand across her neck_)

That this my neck, made short by hangman's hand,
That this my breast, a shield against thy foe--
But that thou wishest not!

KING. A charming shield!
Now go, and God be with you.--Garceran,

(_more softly_)

I do not wish that she, whom I protect
Should be insulted by improper jests,
Or any way disturbed--

RACHEL (_with her hand on her brow_).

I cannot walk.

KING (_as Garceran is about to offer his arm_).

And why your arm? The woman can assist.
And do thou, gaffer, watch thy daughter well,
The world is ill! Do thou protect thy hoard.

[_Exeunt_ RACHEL _and her kin, led by_ GARCERAN.]

KING (_watching them_).
She totters still in walking. All her soul
A sea of fear in e'er-renewing waves.

(_Putting down his foot_)

She held my foot so tightly in her grasp,
It almost pains me. Strange it is, a man
When cowardly, with justice is despised--
A woman shows her strength when she is weak.
Ah, Almirante, what say _you_ to this?
MANRIQUE. I think, the punishment you gave my son,
Is, noble Sire, both subtle and severe.
KING. The punishment?
MANRIQUE. To guard this common trash.
KING. Methinks the punishment is not so hard.
Myself have never toyed with women much,

(_Pointing to his suite._)

But these, perchance, think otherwise than you.
But now, avaunt all pictures so confused!
And dine we, for my body needs new strength,
And with the first glad draught this festal day,
Let each one think--of what he wants to think.
No ceremony! Fo