ty heads we most revere
As being next to him, the Kingdom's hope.
I did the deed, not with this hand, forsooth--
With counsel, and with pity, deep and dread!
The first place, then, is mine. And thou, my son--
Hast thou the heart to answer like a man
For that which at the least thou hinder'dst not,
So that thy earnest wish to make amends
And thy return have tangled thee in guilt?

GARCERAN. Behold me ready! To your side I come!
And may the King's first fury fall on me!

ESTHER (_calling across_).

You there, although all murderers alike,
Deserving every punishment and death--
Enough of mischief is already done,
Nor would I wish the horrors yet increased!
Within, beside my sister, is the King;
Enraged before he went, the sight of her
Will but inflame his passionate ire anew.
I pity, too, that woman and her child,
Half innocent, half guilty--only half.
So go while yet there's time, and do not meet
Th' avenger still too hot to act as judge.

MANRIQUE. Woman, we're Christians!

ESTHER. You have shown you are.
Commend me to the Jewess, O my God!

MANRIQUE. Prepared as Christians, too, to expiate
In meek submission all of our misdeeds.
Lay off your swords. Here now is first my own!
To be in armor augurs of defense.
Our very number makes submission less.
Divide we up the guilt each bears entire.

[_All have laid their swords on the floor before _MANRIQUE.]

So let us wait. Or rather, let one go
To urge upon the King most speedily,
The country's need demands, this way or that,
That he compose himself; and though it were
Repenting a rash deed against ourselves!
Go thou, my son!

GARCERAN (_turning around after having taken several steps_).

Behold, the King himself!

[_The_ KING _rushes out of the apartment at the side. After taking a few
steps, he turns about and stares fixedly at the door._]

QUEEN. O God in Heaven!

MANRIQUE. Queen, I pray be calm!

[_The_ KING _goes toward the front. He stops, with arms folded, before
old_ ISAAC, _who lies back