'Esther! is it thou?'
'Alroy! enter not into Babylon.'
'Indeed.'
'As I live, the Lord hath spoken it. Enter not into Babylon.'
'Not enjoy my fairest conquest, maiden?'
'Enter not into Babylon.'
'What affrights thee?'
'Enter not into Babylon.'
'I shall surely change the fortunes of my life without a cause.'
'The Lord hath spoken. Is not that a cause?'
'I am the Lord's anointed. His warning has not reached me.'
'Now it reaches thee. Doth the king despise the prophetess of the Lord?
It is the sin of Ahab.'
'Despise thee! Despise the mouth that is the herald of my victories!
'Twere rank blasphemy. Prophesy triumph, Esther, and Alroy will never
doubt thy inspiration.'
'He doubts it now. I see he doubts it now. O my king, I say again, enter
not into Babylon.'
'Beauteous maiden, those eyes flash lightning. Who can behold their wild
and liquid glance, and doubt that Esther is inspired! Be calm, sweet
girl, some dream disturbs thy fancy.'
'Alroy, Alroy, enter not into Babylon!'
'I have no fear, I bear a charmed life.'
'Ah me! he will not listen.' All is lost!'
'All is gained, my beautiful.'
'I would we were upon the Holy Mount, and gazing on the stars of sacred
Zion.
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