Scene One: Narration (Based on Esther 1:10-11)
Can you imagine receiving an invite to a party that was going to last for 3600 hours? How would you decide what to wear? Would there be enough food for everyone, right up to the last day? Who would host such a lavish banquet anyway?
There was once a king by the name of Xerxes. He was a powerful king who did not rule just one country, but several, spanning three continents. All in all, he governed over 127 countries, stretching from Ethiopia right across to India.
In the third year of his reign, he arranged a mighty banquet which lasted 6 months. He invited all of his officials, ministers, princes and military leaders to join him and dine to their heart’s content. He also put on an elaborate display of his wealth. After the banquet had ended, King Xerxes held another banquet, which lasted for seven days. This time, the people invited were all the residents who were living in the capital city where his palace was situated. They could eat and drink as much as their stomachs would allow, from golden goblets that were each unique in design.
King Xerxes’ wife, Queen Vashti, was holding a similar banquet of her own, for all the women who worked in the palace. On the last day of the banquet, King Xerxes realised that there was one precious thing that he owned, that had not yet been put on display…his beautiful queen.
Scene One: “My Queen” (Based on Songs of Solomon 1, 2, & 4)
(King Xerxes suddenly sits upright as Vashti enters his mind)
KING XERXES
Bring my wife to me.
Go and call the Queen!
Tell her, come right now.
Her beauty must be seen!
(He closes his eyes and places one hand on his chest)
She has eyes likes doves
and is often told,
her neck is like a tower
when it’s adorned with gold.
(He momentarily holds up his glass)
Her love is better than wine.
Yes, Vashti is so fair!
I’m completely overwhelmed
with one flick of her hair!
Her lips are like ribbons of scarlet,
her kisses are sweeter than honey,
her smile, worth more than the jewels
a rich man would buy with his money.
(He gets up off his chair and stands facing the audience, looking upwards.)
It was a delight to woo her,
and such a pleasure to court her.
Every day, she refreshes me
like a desert filled with water.
To choose her as my bride,
I was very wise,
for she ravishes my heart
with one glance of her eyes!
(He starts to walk around)
She’s altogether lovely,
her voice, smoother than cream.
She’s my delight in the morning,
and at night, my perfect dream.
Her cologne is more fragrant
than most exotic spices.
It makes my heart beat fast,
my appetite, it entices.
(He sits back down on his chair)
I am utterly lovesick!
When you see her, you’ll know why.
Just thinking about her now,
lifts my spirits way up high.
I’ve called thousands to my banquet
to revel with me and dine,
(He flicks his fingers at his servant)
now I want my beloved queen,
for she is…all mine.
