dare, mayhap, to go from us,
And send for arms, to leave us here alone,
Then up the visor goes.

(_She does it._)

Let there be light!
The sun, victorious, drives away the fog.

KING (_going to her_).

Thou silly, playing, wisely-foolish child!

RACHEL. Back, back! Give me the shield, give me the lance!
I am attacked, but can defend myself.

KING. Lay down thy arms! No ill approacheth thee!

(_Taking both of her hands._)

_Enter ESTHER from the left rear._

RACHEL. Ah thou, my little sister! Welcome, here!
Away with all this mummery, but quick!
Don't take my head off, too! How clumsy, ye!

(_Running to her._)

Once more be welcome, O thou sister mine!
How I have long'd to have thee here with me!
And hast thou brought my bracelets and my jewels,
My ointments and my perfumes, with thee now,
As from Toledo's shops I ordered them?

ESTHER. I bring them and more weighty things besides--
Unwelcome news, a bitter ornament.
Most mighty Sire and Prince! The Queen has from
Toledo's walls withdrawn, and now remains
In yonder castle where ill-fortune first
Decreed that you and we should meet.

(_To_ GARCERAN.)

With her,
Your noble father, Don Manrique Lara,
Who summons all the kingdom's high grandees
From everywhere, in open letters, to
Discuss the common good, as if the land
Were masterless and you had died, O King.

KING. I think you dream!

ESTHER. I am awake, indeed,
And must keep watch to save my sister's life.
They threaten her. She'll be the sacrifice!

RACHEL. O woe is me! Did I not long ago
Adjure you to return unto the court
And bring to naught the plotting of my foes!--
But you remain'd. Behold here are your arms,
The helm, the shield, and there the mighty spear
I'll gather them--but Oh, I cannot do 't.

KING (_to _ESTHER).

Now tend the little girl. With every breath
She ten times contradicts what she has said.
I will to court; but there I need no arms;