Scene Three: Narration (Based on Esther 1:12)
As Queen Vashti predicted, when the king’s servant came back and gave him her reply, he was furious. So, he called his chief advisers who were knowledgeable in the things of the law.
Scene Three: Banished (Based on Esther 1:12-17)
(Standing up and walking around crazily)
KING XERXES
How…dare…she…
humiliate me like this!
My summons isn’t something
she’s allowed to dismiss!
(Beckoning the other men towards him)
Come, my chief advisers,
you know about the law.
What shall I do with Vashti?
MARSENA
Oh King, show her the door.
For, everyone will laugh
and treat you with disdain,
and you’ll never have respect
in your provinces again.
CARSHENA
All the other wives
will follow her action,
and this will give Vashti
even greater satisfaction.
SHETHAR
All of the husbands
will be given no respect
for, any request they make,
their wives will reject.
ADMATHA
Yes, you offered her love,
that she chose to ignore.
She should lose her position
and not be queen anymore!
MEMUCAN
If it pleases you, King,
issue a royal decree
that cannot be revoked –
that everyone will see.
One that commands
Vashti never to reign,
or come into your presence,
ever again.
(Pause. Xerxes has his finger on his lips while he is thinking.)
KING XERXES
Let many women come
and be prepared for a year,
then I will choose the one
I feel is most sincere.
I want beauty from within,
as well as without,
a virtuous woman,
kind and devout.
Vashti wasn’t loyal,
but I couldn’t tell.
I want a new queen,
who’ll do her job well.
(Vashti is brought in by the servant. She is looking scared)
Vashti, out you go!
You acted out of malice.
Give me your crown
and get out of the palace!
