1
00:00:28,389 --> 00:00:31,289
Hadassah?
Hadassah?

2
00:00:32,010 --> 00:00:34,410
Come at once, my love.
Quickly.

3
00:00:36,310 --> 00:00:37,560
Yes, uncle?

4
00:00:38,986 --> 00:00:40,935
I had a very strange dream...

5
00:00:41,800 --> 00:00:43,599
...and I want you to hear it.

6
00:00:45,312 --> 00:00:50,147
Behold, there were
earthquakes upon the earth,

7
00:00:50,250 --> 00:00:55,153
and in time,
two great dragons came forth,

8
00:00:55,255 --> 00:00:58,349
ready to fight
against one another.

9
00:00:58,458 --> 00:01:02,292
And at their cry,
all nations were stirred up

10
00:01:02,395 --> 00:01:06,058
to fight against
the Nation of the Just,

11
00:01:06,166 --> 00:01:10,500
and the Nation of the Just
was prepared for death.

12
00:01:10,603 --> 00:01:14,630
But the Nation of the Just
cried out to the Lord,

13
00:01:14,741 --> 00:01:16,800
and as they were crying,

14
00:01:16,910 --> 00:01:20,937
the little spring
grew into a great river,

15
00:01:21,047 --> 00:01:24,278
and abounded
into many waters.

16
00:01:24,384 --> 00:01:28,343
The sun rose up
and the humble were exalted,

17
00:01:28,455 --> 00:01:30,923
and they defeated
the haughty.

18
00:01:31,024 --> 00:01:34,585
And that was the
end of the dream.

19
00:01:34,694 --> 00:01:38,221
How can a little spring
turn into a great river?

20
00:01:38,331 --> 00:01:40,231
Have faith, my love.

21
00:01:40,333 --> 00:01:45,202
The Lord, in his infinite mercy,
will reveal its meaning.

22
00:01:45,305 --> 00:01:49,298
Until then, you must promise
never to reveal to anyone

23
00:01:49,409 --> 00:01:52,640
that you are a Jew
from the Tribe of Benjamin.

24
00:01:52,746 --> 00:01:54,145
Never, Uncle?

25
00:01:54,247 --> 00:02:01,119
As God lives, there will
be a time for you to remain silent

26
00:02:01,221 --> 00:02:04,190
and a time for you to speak.

27
00:02:04,290 --> 00:02:06,918
You shall no longer
be called Hadassah;

28
00:02:07,027 --> 00:02:10,793
you shall be called Esther,

29
00:02:10,897 --> 00:02:14,890
a proper Persian name
for a proper Persian girl.

30
00:02:15,001 --> 00:02:16,400
But Uncle...

31
00:02:16,503 --> 00:02:19,836
And you must never
again call me Uncle.

32
00:02:19,939 --> 00:02:24,000
From now on,
you shall call me Teacher,

33
00:02:24,110 --> 00:02:27,170
for that is what I am.

34
00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:29,714
Do you understand,
Esther?

35
00:02:29,816 --> 00:02:31,306
Yes, Teacher.

36
00:02:31,418 --> 00:02:33,943
You must be careful,

37
00:02:34,054 --> 00:02:38,423
for God has given me
this dream for a reason.

38
00:02:38,525 --> 00:02:40,789
Come to me, my love.

39
00:02:40,894 --> 00:02:44,261
Sing to me, my sweet,
sing to me.

40
00:03:13,259 --> 00:03:16,023
All hail, King Xerxes!

41
00:03:22,702 --> 00:03:24,533
Hail, King Xerxes!

42
00:03:43,490 --> 00:03:47,187
Esther,
Esther, come quickly!

43
00:03:47,260 --> 00:03:48,852
Esther!

44
00:03:54,334 --> 00:03:56,598
As royal
as the king himself.

45
00:03:56,703 --> 00:03:58,637
I fear it fits me
not at all.

46
00:03:58,738 --> 00:04:01,969
I am only a modest man.

47
00:04:02,075 --> 00:04:03,975
Well, you're going
to the royal banquet,

48
00:04:04,077 --> 00:04:08,776
and you must honor
the king and his queen.

49
00:04:08,882 --> 00:04:10,873
Howl envy her.

50
00:04:10,984 --> 00:04:13,077
You wish to be queen?

51
00:04:13,186 --> 00:04:15,518
No, I wish to be married.

52
00:04:15,622 --> 00:04:17,249
Esther, my love,

53
00:04:17,357 --> 00:04:20,019
you will marry when
I find a suitable match.

54
00:04:20,126 --> 00:04:21,525
Have I no say
in the matter?

55
00:04:21,628 --> 00:04:25,120
The Lord God
requires of us obedience.

56
00:04:25,231 --> 00:04:27,563
It is he that made us,
not we who have made him.

57
00:04:30,803 --> 00:04:35,433
The Lord will reveal
his will soon enough,

58
00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:38,238
I promise.

59
00:05:13,580 --> 00:05:15,605
A splendid Royal Banquet,

60
00:05:15,715 --> 00:05:19,116
thoroughly cheapened by the
presence of that Jew, Mordecai.

61
00:05:19,219 --> 00:05:22,450
A bit harsh,
don't you think, Lord Haman?

62
00:05:22,555 --> 00:05:25,183
It's not in my nature
to mince words.

63
00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:28,593
Lord Haman.

64
00:05:28,695 --> 00:05:31,562
Mordecai.

65
00:05:31,664 --> 00:05:33,461
I was not expecting
to see you here.

66
00:05:33,566 --> 00:05:34,965
Likewise.

67
00:05:35,068 --> 00:05:36,467
I was lead to believe

68
00:05:36,569 --> 00:05:39,367
that only the king's closest
advisors would be invited.

69
00:05:39,472 --> 00:05:40,871
As was I,

70
00:05:40,974 --> 00:05:44,375
but apparently the Majesty
decided to invite you as well.

71
00:05:44,477 --> 00:05:47,503
The king is a most
benevolent man.

72
00:05:47,614 --> 00:05:52,415
Yes, most benevolent,
I fear.

73
00:05:52,518 --> 00:05:56,750
If I had it in my power,
I'd crush you under my heel,

74
00:05:56,856 --> 00:06:00,223
you and your
insidious people.

75
00:06:00,326 --> 00:06:04,626
As my God lives,
that day will never come.

76
00:06:12,672 --> 00:06:15,835
All hail, King Xerxes!

77
00:06:15,942 --> 00:06:17,876
Hail, King Xerxes!

78
00:06:17,977 --> 00:06:20,468
Nobles, advisors,
and all royal servants,

79
00:06:20,580 --> 00:06:24,880
I extend to you
my warmest welcome.

80
00:06:29,022 --> 00:06:31,456
I'm indeed pleased
to celebrate with you

81
00:06:31,557 --> 00:06:35,084
the anniversary of my
ascension to the throne.

82
00:06:41,401 --> 00:06:45,701
Queen Vashti, too,
extends her warmest welcome.

83
00:06:50,209 --> 00:06:51,938
And where is
our Queen Vashti?

84
00:06:52,045 --> 00:06:54,411
Does she not find our
celebration rich enough?

85
00:06:54,514 --> 00:06:56,141
Perhaps she is unwell.

86
00:06:56,249 --> 00:06:58,774
Please avail
yourselves of the food and wine,

87
00:06:58,885 --> 00:07:01,877
eat and drink without limit,

88
00:07:01,988 --> 00:07:04,218
for it gives me
great pleasure

89
00:07:04,324 --> 00:07:07,316
to share this
celebration with you.

90
00:07:07,427 --> 00:07:09,327
Let the feasting begin!

91
00:07:09,429 --> 00:07:11,488
All hail, King Xerxes!

92
00:07:11,597 --> 00:07:13,792
Hail, King Xerxes!

93
00:07:32,485 --> 00:07:35,613
Keep open your ears,

94
00:07:35,722 --> 00:07:40,455
I wish to know exactly what my
nobles and advisors are saying.

95
00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:42,790
By your word, Majesty.

96
00:07:57,343 --> 00:07:59,811
Mordecai's not
slept well lately.

97
00:07:59,912 --> 00:08:03,643
He speaks of rumors
and threats against the king.

98
00:08:03,750 --> 00:08:06,913
These palace intrigues
are not our concern.

99
00:08:07,019 --> 00:08:09,044
You should think
of pleasant things.

100
00:08:09,155 --> 00:08:10,247
Like marriage?

101
00:08:14,026 --> 00:08:18,588
Don't you agree that a woman
my age should be married by now?.

102
00:08:18,698 --> 00:08:20,689
You ask a difficult question.

103
00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:24,236
A woman should marry as soon as
a suitable match can be found.

104
00:08:24,337 --> 00:08:27,363
Suitable match? Suppose
there is no suitable match?

105
00:08:27,473 --> 00:08:30,874
Well, none of them are
suitable matches, I should know.

106
00:08:30,977 --> 00:08:32,376
But you married Jacob.

107
00:08:32,478 --> 00:08:35,538
Aye, that I did.

108
00:08:35,648 --> 00:08:37,582
Were the two of you
not in love?

109
00:08:37,683 --> 00:08:39,082
If it was love
Jacob was after,

110
00:08:39,185 --> 00:08:44,213
he would have married his donkey
and probably been happier.

111
00:08:44,323 --> 00:08:46,223
And what about you?

112
00:08:46,325 --> 00:08:49,021
If given the choice, I would
have married Jacob's donkey.

113
00:08:49,128 --> 00:08:50,095
Judith!

114
00:08:51,697 --> 00:08:54,427
In truth,
Jacob was a good match.

115
00:08:54,534 --> 00:08:56,434
He's a hard worker
when he works

116
00:08:56,536 --> 00:08:59,733
and a good provider
when he provides.

117
00:08:59,839 --> 00:09:02,865
Do you love him?

118
00:09:02,975 --> 00:09:04,772
Between children,
and grandchildren,

119
00:09:04,877 --> 00:09:07,368
and all the things a woman
has to take care of these days,

120
00:09:07,480 --> 00:09:11,610
who has time
to think about love?

121
00:09:26,833 --> 00:09:29,563
Queen Vashti is a mystery.

122
00:09:29,669 --> 00:09:35,767
Ever since the royal wedding,
she is seen so rarely.

123
00:09:35,875 --> 00:09:40,073
Pity, she's more
beautiful than any flower.

124
00:09:40,179 --> 00:09:42,909
Yes, Azada,
but flowers fade.

125
00:09:43,015 --> 00:09:46,075
She likewise is more
beautiful than any sunset.

126
00:09:46,185 --> 00:09:50,918
But the sunset eventually
turns to darkness, does it not?

127
00:09:51,023 --> 00:09:53,548
Then again,
His Majesty believes her to be

128
00:09:53,659 --> 00:09:56,651
more beautiful
than any jewel.

129
00:09:56,762 --> 00:10:00,528
But jewels can be
lost or stolen.

130
00:10:00,633 --> 00:10:01,361
Mordecai?

131
00:10:02,969 --> 00:10:05,164
All that you say is true,

132
00:10:05,271 --> 00:10:09,640
yet does not Vashti
remain our queen?

133
00:10:09,742 --> 00:10:13,234
Then she should appear
before us and receive our honor.

134
00:10:13,346 --> 00:10:17,715
As it is written, like a
gold ring in a pig's snout,

135
00:10:17,817 --> 00:10:22,345
is a beautiful woman
without discretion?

136
00:10:22,455 --> 00:10:26,653
Yes, come.

137
00:10:36,502 --> 00:10:39,733
What think you
of our Queen Vashti?

138
00:10:39,839 --> 00:10:41,238
The king has called her

139
00:10:41,340 --> 00:10:42,864
the most beautiful
woman in the world.

140
00:10:42,975 --> 00:10:44,738
Then why does
she not appear?

141
00:10:44,844 --> 00:10:48,041
Is our queen suddenly
found unsuitable?

142
00:10:48,147 --> 00:10:51,708
If the king chose her,
then she is suitable.

143
00:10:51,817 --> 00:10:56,777
Even kings have been known
to make mistakes.

144
00:11:04,864 --> 00:11:08,322
Toast to the king!

145
00:11:19,178 --> 00:11:22,238
What news?

146
00:11:22,348 --> 00:11:24,509
Your Majesty's
nobles and advisors

147
00:11:24,617 --> 00:11:30,385
are anxious
to see the queen.

148
00:11:38,331 --> 00:11:40,299
My good people,

149
00:11:40,399 --> 00:11:42,094
as much as I have
endeavored to provide you

150
00:11:42,201 --> 00:11:44,192
with the finest
in food and wine,

151
00:11:44,303 --> 00:11:47,101
I regret that
I have withheld from you

152
00:11:47,206 --> 00:11:52,838
the greatest of all blessings,
Queen Vashti.

153
00:11:52,945 --> 00:11:56,711
I shall therefore
deny you no longer.

154
00:11:56,816 --> 00:12:01,048
And not a moment
too soon.

155
00:12:01,153 --> 00:12:05,487
Sardar, I command
that the Queen Vashti join us here

156
00:12:05,591 --> 00:12:09,425
in the royal hall
and dance for us.

157
00:12:09,528 --> 00:12:14,693
It will please me greatly to
have her join me by my side.

158
00:12:14,800 --> 00:12:17,564
By your word, Majesty.

159
00:12:29,849 --> 00:12:33,649
Permission to enter?

160
00:12:37,223 --> 00:12:39,691
Permission to enter, Royal One.

161
00:12:39,792 --> 00:12:41,259
Granted.

162
00:12:48,401 --> 00:12:50,733
My queen,
the women wish to know

163
00:12:50,836 --> 00:12:54,932
whether you prefer diamonds
or pearls on your headdress.

164
00:12:55,041 --> 00:12:58,943
Cannot my husband, the king,
afford both diamonds and pearls?

165
00:12:59,045 --> 00:13:00,478
Yes, that is so,
Royal One.

166
00:13:00,579 --> 00:13:01,978
Then I shall have both.

167
00:13:02,081 --> 00:13:03,480
Yes, Royal One.

168
00:13:03,582 --> 00:13:06,813
It's the least that
foolish man can do for me.

169
00:13:11,290 --> 00:13:17,229
Royal One, I caution you to
choose your words carefully.

170
00:13:17,329 --> 00:13:20,628
And I caution you not
to be so presumptuous.

171
00:13:20,733 --> 00:13:22,758
Yes, Royal One.

172
00:13:22,868 --> 00:13:26,031
The king is a fool,
but he is also in love,

173
00:13:26,138 --> 00:13:29,130
which means I shall
have the upper hand.

174
00:13:29,241 --> 00:13:33,007
Did I not vow to be a queen
unlike any Persia has ever seen?

175
00:13:33,112 --> 00:13:37,549
Yes, my queen, and you have
kept that vow most faithfully.

176
00:13:39,485 --> 00:13:40,884
Who's there?

177
00:13:40,986 --> 00:13:44,387
Sardar, the commander
of His Majesty's royal army.

178
00:13:50,062 --> 00:13:52,155
I honor you, Queen Vashti.

179
00:13:52,264 --> 00:13:54,323
What is the meaning
of this intrusion?

180
00:13:54,433 --> 00:13:56,731
The king has commanded
your presence at once.

181
00:13:56,836 --> 00:13:58,599
You are to wear
your finest garments

182
00:13:58,704 --> 00:14:01,104
and place a jeweled tiara
upon your head.

183
00:14:01,207 --> 00:14:04,267
In such fashion shall you
dance for His Majesty

184
00:14:04,376 --> 00:14:06,435
and for his guests.

185
00:14:08,147 --> 00:14:09,842
Is that what the king asks?

186
00:14:09,949 --> 00:14:14,852
No, Royal One,
it is what the king commands.

187
00:14:14,954 --> 00:14:17,013
Tell him I'm busy.

188
00:14:17,123 --> 00:14:23,255
Royal One, I'm
afraid you misunderstand.

189
00:14:23,362 --> 00:14:28,493
The king has commanded you
to come before him and dance.

190
00:14:28,601 --> 00:14:31,627
Suppose I'm not
in the mood for dancing?

191
00:14:31,737 --> 00:14:34,228
The king is also a warrior.

192
00:14:34,340 --> 00:14:38,276
When he commands his soldiers,
they must obey.

193
00:14:38,377 --> 00:14:40,368
Very well,

194
00:14:40,479 --> 00:14:44,415
have him command his army
to dance for him.

195
00:14:44,517 --> 00:14:45,984
Royal One!

196
00:14:59,298 --> 00:15:01,596
If I return to the king
without you,

197
00:15:01,700 --> 00:15:03,861
my life may be in peril.

198
00:15:03,969 --> 00:15:05,664
For the sake of my head,

199
00:15:05,771 --> 00:15:09,332
I ask that you do
as the king commands.

200
00:15:09,441 --> 00:15:12,604
I care not for your head
nor for anyone else's.

201
00:15:12,711 --> 00:15:14,110
I have made up my mind.

202
00:15:14,213 --> 00:15:16,909
And even if His Majesty himself
came to fetch me,

203
00:15:17,016 --> 00:15:19,075
I would not go.

204
00:15:19,185 --> 00:15:21,745
Now leave me!

205
00:15:21,854 --> 00:15:24,982
I find this
conversation tiresome.

206
00:15:58,324 --> 00:16:00,690
The queen tarries.

207
00:16:00,793 --> 00:16:03,694
Perhaps she needs more time
to make herself presentable.

208
00:16:03,796 --> 00:16:08,256
Perhaps she is deliberately
trying to keep us in suspense.

209
00:16:11,537 --> 00:16:13,801
We soon shall see.

210
00:16:13,906 --> 00:16:16,773
Sardar, what is
the meaning of this?

211
00:16:16,876 --> 00:16:19,310
Who dares disobey the king?

212
00:16:19,411 --> 00:16:21,174
The queen, Your Majesty.

213
00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:22,770
What did she say?

214
00:16:22,882 --> 00:16:26,579
Out with it!

215
00:16:27,887 --> 00:16:30,720
She said she was not
in the mood for dancing.

216
00:16:30,823 --> 00:16:34,554
If this is treason
you speak against the queen...

217
00:16:34,660 --> 00:16:38,096
It is not treason,
Your Majesty, but truth.

218
00:16:38,197 --> 00:16:41,758
Perhaps the queen
misunderstood my command.

219
00:16:41,867 --> 00:16:43,596
No, Majesty.

220
00:16:43,702 --> 00:16:45,863
The queen
understood perfectly.

221
00:16:45,971 --> 00:16:47,370
She said that
even if Your Majesty

222
00:16:47,473 --> 00:16:49,805
came to fetch her yourself,

223
00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:51,877
she would not go.

224
00:16:54,914 --> 00:16:59,283
This
impertinence shall not stand.

225
00:16:59,385 --> 00:17:01,012
If I allow Queen Vashti
to disobey me,

226
00:17:01,120 --> 00:17:04,920
then what will stop the women
of Persia from doing likewise?

227
00:17:05,024 --> 00:17:08,050
I shall therefore
issue a new command.

228
00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:09,821
By your word, Majesty.

229
00:17:09,929 --> 00:17:13,296
I command that Queen Vashti

230
00:17:13,399 --> 00:17:16,596
be removed from
the palace at once,

231
00:17:16,702 --> 00:17:22,766
and I decree that
my marriage to her

232
00:17:22,875 --> 00:17:26,311
is null and void.

233
00:17:26,412 --> 00:17:28,312
By your word, Majesty.

234
00:17:28,414 --> 00:17:30,814
All hail, King Xerxes!

235
00:17:30,916 --> 00:17:32,884
Hail, King Xerxes!

236
00:17:34,186 --> 00:17:37,553
I wish to be alone.

237
00:17:46,765 --> 00:17:49,495
Esther, Esther,
I have terrible news!

238
00:17:49,601 --> 00:17:51,000
What is it?

239
00:17:51,103 --> 00:17:53,867
The king has dissolved
his marriage to Queen Vashti.

240
00:17:53,973 --> 00:17:56,737
It is said that she
wickedly disobeyed a command.

241
00:17:56,842 --> 00:17:59,367
What exactly did the king
command her to do?

242
00:17:59,478 --> 00:18:01,002
She was commanded

243
00:18:01,113 --> 00:18:04,276
to dance for the king
and his guests, and she refused.

244
00:18:04,383 --> 00:18:06,248
And for this reason
she was banished?

245
00:18:06,352 --> 00:18:08,411
Well, a royal command is
not to be taken lightly,

246
00:18:08,520 --> 00:18:11,614
nor should a woman
disobey her husband.

247
00:18:11,724 --> 00:18:13,954
Oh Judith,
you're one to talk.

248
00:18:14,059 --> 00:18:15,959
Would you have me believe
that there is no disobedience

249
00:18:16,061 --> 00:18:17,460
in your marriage?

250
00:18:17,563 --> 00:18:18,962
None whatsoever.

251
00:18:19,064 --> 00:18:22,056
Jacob does exactly
what I tell him to do.

252
00:18:24,937 --> 00:18:27,167
Perhaps it is best
that I'm not married.

253
00:18:27,272 --> 00:18:29,399
It is a
complicated business.

254
00:18:29,508 --> 00:18:31,772
But not without
its rewards.

255
00:18:31,877 --> 00:18:33,276
Judith,
stop your gossiping.

256
00:18:33,379 --> 00:18:36,371
These palace intrigues
are none of our concern.

257
00:18:36,482 --> 00:18:40,213
Oh, Miriam, Miriam!
I have terrible news!

258
00:18:42,554 --> 00:18:45,079
This is a disaster
for the kingdom.

259
00:18:45,190 --> 00:18:49,286
A fatalist sees a disaster;
a wise man sees opportunity.

260
00:18:49,395 --> 00:18:52,421
But Lord Haman,
Persia is without a queen!

261
00:18:52,531 --> 00:18:54,761
Then His Majesty will simply
have to find a new one!

262
00:18:54,867 --> 00:18:57,665
Yes, Lord Haman, but
from which part of the world?

263
00:18:57,770 --> 00:19:01,137
All of our allies have
run out of eligible brides.

264
00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:03,606
Well, then His Majesty
will have to find a new queen

265
00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:05,574
amongst his own people,

266
00:19:05,677 --> 00:19:10,979
a young woman of nobility,
preferably...

267
00:19:11,083 --> 00:19:15,918
a daughter of one of
his closest advisors.

268
00:19:16,021 --> 00:19:17,488
Ah!

269
00:19:20,459 --> 00:19:26,091
What a pity it is that the gods
have favored you with ten sons

270
00:19:26,198 --> 00:19:27,597
and not a single daughter.

271
00:19:27,699 --> 00:19:29,098
But Gaspar,
have you forgotten

272
00:19:29,201 --> 00:19:31,897
that I have daughter
called Zara?

273
00:19:32,004 --> 00:19:36,304
Forgive me, Lord Haman,
but she is but a child.

274
00:19:36,408 --> 00:19:37,875
That was yesterday.

275
00:19:37,976 --> 00:19:39,739
You know children,
they grow up so quickly.

276
00:19:39,845 --> 00:19:41,779
Quickly enough for marriage?

277
00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:43,848
Indeed!

278
00:19:45,484 --> 00:19:48,180
You must take this proposal
to the king at once.

279
00:19:48,287 --> 00:19:51,188
No, no, no, I'm far too
modest to make such a proposal myself.

280
00:19:51,290 --> 00:19:55,158
No, no, that is why I'm relying
upon you to make it for me.

281
00:19:55,260 --> 00:19:57,057
Me? But...

282
00:19:57,162 --> 00:20:03,431
Oh, faithful friend, I want
the honor to be all yours.

283
00:20:08,974 --> 00:20:11,534
But, Lord Haman,

284
00:20:11,643 --> 00:20:17,104
what if His Majesty
receives it badly?

285
00:20:18,250 --> 00:20:20,445
I may lose my head.

286
00:20:20,552 --> 00:20:23,715
But I would be supremely
grateful for your sacrifice.

287
00:20:23,822 --> 00:20:29,852
Now, the king's counsel will
be meeting with the king soon.

288
00:20:29,962 --> 00:20:35,264
I want you to prepare
well your speech,

289
00:20:35,367 --> 00:20:41,169
for my sake,
as well as for yours.

290
00:20:47,579 --> 00:20:51,709
Blessed are you, Lord,
our God, King of the universe,

291
00:20:51,817 --> 00:20:54,615
who sanctifies us
with his commandments

292
00:20:54,720 --> 00:20:58,713
and commands us to light
the Sabbath candles.

293
00:20:58,824 --> 00:21:00,291
Amen.

294
00:21:02,327 --> 00:21:05,421
We should also give thanks
for our King Xerxes,

295
00:21:05,531 --> 00:21:08,625
for permitting our people to
celebrate the Sabbath in peace.

296
00:21:08,734 --> 00:21:12,067
If the king did not permit us
to celebrate the Sabbath,

297
00:21:12,171 --> 00:21:14,332
we would of course disobey,
would we not?

298
00:21:14,439 --> 00:21:16,737
Yes, my child,
that is true.

299
00:21:16,842 --> 00:21:22,007
It would be better to disobey
the king than to disobey God.

300
00:21:22,114 --> 00:21:25,550
And yet the queen disobeyed
the king and was banished.

301
00:21:25,651 --> 00:21:30,384
The queen was indeed banished
because of her disobedience.

302
00:21:30,489 --> 00:21:32,616
The queen was banished
because she refused to dance

303
00:21:32,724 --> 00:21:34,783
before the king
and make a spectacle of herself.

304
00:21:34,893 --> 00:21:35,655
Esther!

305
00:21:38,397 --> 00:21:41,298
I cannot find it
in myself to condemn her,

306
00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:45,359
for if I had been commanded so,
I too would have disobeyed.

307
00:21:45,470 --> 00:21:49,201
Esther, you are permitted
many things under my roof,

308
00:21:49,308 --> 00:21:52,607
but treason
is not one of them.

309
00:21:52,711 --> 00:21:57,011
If the king commands it,
you are not to question.

310
00:21:57,115 --> 00:21:58,776
Even if the king
commanded our people

311
00:21:58,884 --> 00:22:00,283
not to obey the Sabbath?

312
00:22:00,385 --> 00:22:01,784
Yes.

313
00:22:01,887 --> 00:22:04,981
I mean no, I...

314
00:22:05,090 --> 00:22:07,217
Either my words
are failing me,

315
00:22:07,326 --> 00:22:11,262
or the student has indeed
surpassed the teacher.

316
00:22:11,363 --> 00:22:15,663
Esther, my love, you must
follow your conscience,

317
00:22:15,767 --> 00:22:19,760
but obedience to God is the
sure path to righteousness.

318
00:22:19,871 --> 00:22:21,270
Yes, Teacher.

319
00:22:21,373 --> 00:22:23,864
Yes.

320
00:22:43,829 --> 00:22:45,797
Yes, Lord Haman.

321
00:22:50,969 --> 00:22:53,403
All hail, King Xerxes!

322
00:22:53,505 --> 00:22:55,803
Hail, King Xerxes!

323
00:23:06,685 --> 00:23:08,516
There must
be treachery afoot.

324
00:23:08,620 --> 00:23:10,713
How so, Mordecai?

325
00:23:10,822 --> 00:23:13,450
Haman's lips are moving.

326
00:23:13,558 --> 00:23:16,789
Providence has ordained
that my head bears the crown,

327
00:23:16,895 --> 00:23:19,455
but is it also the
design of providence

328
00:23:19,564 --> 00:23:22,931
that I should spend
my life in solitude?

329
00:23:23,035 --> 00:23:28,132
Is there no suitable queen
for the king of Persia?

330
00:23:29,608 --> 00:23:34,841
Your Majesty, if I may
have permission to speak?

331
00:23:41,453 --> 00:23:45,685
Oh great king, it is neither
the design of providence

332
00:23:45,791 --> 00:23:51,388
nor the will of your people that
Your Majesty remain unmarried.

333
00:23:51,997 --> 00:23:54,329
Where, then, would you
have me find a queen?

334
00:23:54,433 --> 00:23:56,628
Do you think we've
not looked everywhere?

335
00:23:56,735 --> 00:23:59,203
His Majesty has
looked everywhere

336
00:23:59,304 --> 00:24:04,003
except from among
his own people.

337
00:24:05,577 --> 00:24:08,375
This eunich
speaks truthfully.

338
00:24:09,181 --> 00:24:10,910
Is it not customary
for the king

339
00:24:11,049 --> 00:24:13,483
to marry the daughter
of one of his allies?

340
00:24:13,585 --> 00:24:20,514
Customary, Majesty,
but not required.

341
00:24:21,893 --> 00:24:24,828
Again, the
eunuch speaks truthfully.

342
00:24:24,930 --> 00:24:29,993
And Majesty,
if I may be so bold,

343
00:24:30,102 --> 00:24:32,536
may I...

344
00:24:32,637 --> 00:24:39,042
may I suggest you look toward
your nobles and advisors

345
00:24:39,144 --> 00:24:41,112
for such a queen?

346
00:24:44,716 --> 00:24:48,812
Gentlemen, what
think you of this proposal?

347
00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:55,655
Your Majesty,
if I may be permitted,

348
00:24:56,695 --> 00:25:01,723
Gaspar's suggestion,
while it is a worthy one,

349
00:25:01,833 --> 00:25:03,994
is not feasible, I fear.

350
00:25:04,102 --> 00:25:05,569
For what reason?

351
00:25:05,670 --> 00:25:07,069
Your Majesty surely knows

352
00:25:07,172 --> 00:25:10,335
that more than half of your
counselors are eunuchs.

353
00:25:10,442 --> 00:25:12,103
That's a great disadvantage,
I'm afraid,

354
00:25:12,210 --> 00:25:16,112
when it comes to
producing offspring.

355
00:25:17,616 --> 00:25:24,522
Your Majesty, my worthy
colleague is mistaken.

356
00:25:25,557 --> 00:25:27,616
One of your counselors
does indeed

357
00:25:27,726 --> 00:25:31,457
have a suitable
candidate for marriage.

358
00:25:31,563 --> 00:25:33,758
Pray tell me Gaspar.

359
00:25:33,865 --> 00:25:36,390
Who is this
suitable candidate?

360
00:25:36,501 --> 00:25:43,304
It is none other than
Zara, the daughter of Lord Haman.

361
00:25:43,408 --> 00:25:48,573
Lord Haman,
does Gaspar speak the truth?

362
00:25:51,550 --> 00:25:54,018
He does indeed,
Your Majesty,

363
00:25:54,119 --> 00:25:58,283
and while I love my daughter
more than my own life,

364
00:25:58,390 --> 00:26:04,329
it would give me great pleasure
to offer her to you as a bride.

365
00:26:04,429 --> 00:26:08,456
I also have another
candidate, Your Majesty.

366
00:26:08,567 --> 00:26:11,502
Mordecai, you
have never taken a wife.

367
00:26:11,603 --> 00:26:14,231
Whence comes this candidate?

368
00:26:14,339 --> 00:26:17,137
Your Majesty
speaks the truth,

369
00:26:17,242 --> 00:26:20,871
however it has been my
pleasure to be the guardian

370
00:26:20,979 --> 00:26:23,641
of a young orphan girl

371
00:26:23,748 --> 00:26:28,378
who has grown into an
exceptional young woman,

372
00:26:28,487 --> 00:26:31,923
as fine a daughter
as Persia can produce.

373
00:26:32,023 --> 00:26:35,925
Tell me, Mordecai,
is she beautiful?

374
00:26:36,027 --> 00:26:39,258
As lovely as a
morning star, Your Majesty,

375
00:26:39,364 --> 00:26:44,427
and more importantly,
she is as obedient and modest

376
00:26:44,536 --> 00:26:48,267
as she is beautiful.

377
00:26:48,373 --> 00:26:52,070
Permit me a
word, gracious Majesty.

378
00:26:52,177 --> 00:26:54,304
As you wish,
Lord Haman.

379
00:26:54,412 --> 00:26:59,440
The selection of a bride
is no small matter,

380
00:26:59,551 --> 00:27:01,382
but I would think
you would agree with me

381
00:27:01,486 --> 00:27:06,549
that only women of quality
should be selected.

382
00:27:06,658 --> 00:27:08,956
Did not Gaspar say
that my nobles and advisors

383
00:27:09,060 --> 00:27:12,359
could select a woman
of good standing?

384
00:27:12,464 --> 00:27:16,798
Why then do you disagree
with your own eunuch?

385
00:27:16,902 --> 00:27:21,896
Very well then,
are there any others?

386
00:27:24,910 --> 00:27:26,605
I have a candidate,
Your Majesty.

387
00:27:26,711 --> 00:27:29,111
I also have a candidate,
Your Majesty.

388
00:27:29,614 --> 00:27:32,708
As well do I, Majesty.

389
00:27:32,817 --> 00:27:36,844
I command that the daughters of
Persia be brought to the palace

390
00:27:36,955 --> 00:27:38,479
at the time of my choosing

391
00:27:38,590 --> 00:27:42,185
and presented to me
for my royal perusal.

392
00:27:42,294 --> 00:27:47,254
In such manner
shall I find a new queen.

393
00:27:48,066 --> 00:27:50,626
All hail, King Xerxes!

394
00:27:50,735 --> 00:27:53,636
Hail, King Xerxes!

395
00:28:04,950 --> 00:28:06,781
This is a disaster
for the kingdom.

396
00:28:06,885 --> 00:28:10,582
Oh, a fatalist sees a disaster;
a wise man sees an opportunity.

397
00:28:10,689 --> 00:28:13,123
Oh, silence,
you foolish eunuch.

398
00:28:13,224 --> 00:28:15,124
Didn't I tell you to
prepare well your speech?

399
00:28:15,226 --> 00:28:17,194
Lord Haman,
I had no idea Mordecai

400
00:28:17,295 --> 00:28:19,286
would suggest a contest.

401
00:28:19,397 --> 00:28:22,662
It's insolence,
the nerve of that hapless Jew.

402
00:28:22,767 --> 00:28:26,430
He proposes that a stray,

403
00:28:26,538 --> 00:28:29,029
a cast-off become queen.

404
00:28:29,140 --> 00:28:31,665
Mordecai said
she was an orphan.

405
00:28:31,776 --> 00:28:34,267
We know not the child's
true circumstances,

406
00:28:34,379 --> 00:28:36,939
nor are we likely
to find them out.

407
00:28:37,048 --> 00:28:41,007
Lord Haman, if she
was raised by Mordecai,

408
00:28:41,119 --> 00:28:44,145
she is clearly unsuitable.

409
00:28:44,255 --> 00:28:47,019
What further proof
do you require?

410
00:28:47,125 --> 00:28:50,390
Because Mordecai
is cunning, if nothing else.

411
00:28:50,495 --> 00:28:54,090
Who knows what trickery
this old Jew has up his sleeve?

412
00:28:54,199 --> 00:28:58,659
Lord Haman, I can confidently
predict that whatever candidates

413
00:28:58,770 --> 00:29:03,537
may appear, they will be
no match for your Zara.

414
00:29:03,642 --> 00:29:06,304
What, are you a prophet
suddenly as well as a fool?

415
00:29:06,411 --> 00:29:11,314
Rarely are those two qualities
captured in one man.

416
00:29:11,416 --> 00:29:16,353
Shh, shh.

417
00:29:18,189 --> 00:29:21,852
There we go, there we go.

418
00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:24,258
Keep your head,
Lord Haman.

419
00:29:26,831 --> 00:29:31,165
All will be well, shh.

420
00:29:31,269 --> 00:29:36,673
All better be well,

421
00:29:36,775 --> 00:29:40,336
because it will be
your head that is lost.

422
00:29:48,353 --> 00:29:49,820
Haman!

423
00:30:04,803 --> 00:30:06,361
Esther, my love.

424
00:30:06,471 --> 00:30:08,564
Oh, forgive me, Teacher.

425
00:30:08,673 --> 00:30:11,369
I must remember not to make
noise while you are studying.

426
00:30:11,476 --> 00:30:16,004
Esther, your singing is sweet
and it bothers me not.

427
00:30:16,114 --> 00:30:19,174
My love, did I not
promise that you would marry

428
00:30:19,284 --> 00:30:21,752
when I found
a suitable match?

429
00:30:21,853 --> 00:30:23,718
Teacher, has the Lord
revealed his will to you?

430
00:30:23,822 --> 00:30:24,379
Well...

431
00:30:33,865 --> 00:30:36,163
All my worrying was for naught,
for I know that the Lord

432
00:30:36,267 --> 00:30:38,861
has heard my prayers
and he has answered them.

433
00:30:38,970 --> 00:30:43,339
Tell me, Teacher, tell me.
Who is it that I'm to marry?

434
00:30:43,441 --> 00:30:47,673
It is the king.

435
00:30:48,780 --> 00:30:50,179
The king of what?

436
00:30:50,281 --> 00:30:54,149
Why, the king
of Persia of course.

437
00:30:55,620 --> 00:30:57,315
The same king
who banished the queen

438
00:30:57,422 --> 00:30:59,356
because she refused
to dance?

439
00:30:59,457 --> 00:31:01,391
Esther, my love, I know
this is a difficult thing.

440
00:31:01,493 --> 00:31:04,758
Difficult?
Might I suggest impossible?

441
00:31:04,863 --> 00:31:06,592
Why would the king
choose me as his queen?

442
00:31:06,698 --> 00:31:08,097
He knows me not.

443
00:31:08,199 --> 00:31:09,598
You speak the truth,
my love,

444
00:31:09,701 --> 00:31:12,499
but it is also true the king
may not take you for a queen.

445
00:31:12,604 --> 00:31:14,572
I thought you said
that a match had been made.

446
00:31:14,672 --> 00:31:18,574
Not quite.

447
00:31:18,676 --> 00:31:21,770
Am I to compete,
as in a race?

448
00:31:21,880 --> 00:31:24,678
Esther, the competition
is fierce,

449
00:31:24,783 --> 00:31:31,018
and if you lose it may mean
the death of our people.

450
00:31:32,023 --> 00:31:35,550
This is beyond
my understanding.

451
00:31:35,660 --> 00:31:39,926
My child, listen to me.

452
00:31:40,031 --> 00:31:43,057
Lord Haman, the wicked
man who hates our people

453
00:31:43,168 --> 00:31:46,535
has proposed his own
daughter as a match.

454
00:31:46,638 --> 00:31:48,731
If she becomes queen,

455
00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:51,434
Haman will be the power
behind the throne.

456
00:31:51,543 --> 00:31:57,880
Our king is still young
and requires sound advice.

457
00:31:57,982 --> 00:32:04,080
I worry that Haman's evil
will be unrestricted.

458
00:32:04,189 --> 00:32:06,180
You must pray, Esther.

459
00:32:06,291 --> 00:32:11,729
You must ask God for
wisdom and strength.

460
00:32:11,830 --> 00:32:14,390
I will need much
of both, I fear.

461
00:32:14,499 --> 00:32:16,865
Fear not,
they are richly blessed

462
00:32:16,968 --> 00:32:19,937
who put their
trust in God.

463
00:32:22,874 --> 00:32:28,141
I will pray, Teacher, for
both wisdom and for strength.

464
00:32:28,246 --> 00:32:30,578
Pray also for me.

465
00:32:30,682 --> 00:32:36,643
I have lit a fire that
will not be easily put out.

466
00:32:39,657 --> 00:32:43,388
Yes, Father Mordecai.

467
00:32:51,236 --> 00:32:52,703
I honor you, Lord Haman.

468
00:32:52,804 --> 00:32:54,203
Oh, honor me later.

469
00:32:54,305 --> 00:32:56,364
Fetch me my wife
and be quick about it.

470
00:32:56,474 --> 00:32:58,669
Begging
your pardon, Lord Haman.

471
00:32:58,776 --> 00:33:03,213
Your wife left word that
she is too busy to see you.

472
00:33:08,653 --> 00:33:12,453
Too busy?

473
00:33:12,557 --> 00:33:17,620
If my wife intends to follow
the example of the queen,

474
00:33:17,729 --> 00:33:19,959
tell her she can
obtain the same results,

475
00:33:20,064 --> 00:33:22,828
only I shall banish her
to the desert,

476
00:33:22,934 --> 00:33:24,834
and when the vultures
have had their fill,

477
00:33:24,936 --> 00:33:27,268
she'll make
a pretty fossil.

478
00:33:27,372 --> 00:33:30,603
Hush Husband, this foolish slave
has taken leave of his senses.

479
00:33:30,708 --> 00:33:32,505
Nasir, return to your chores!

480
00:33:32,610 --> 00:33:34,305
As you command,
Lady Haman.

481
00:33:34,545 --> 00:33:36,172
Oh my husband,
what good news from the palace?

482
00:33:36,381 --> 00:33:37,780
There is none.

483
00:33:37,882 --> 00:33:39,611
Has the king rejected
our daughter as his queen?

484
00:33:39,717 --> 00:33:41,116
He has not as yet.

485
00:33:41,219 --> 00:33:43,244
Then why did you
insist the news is bad.

486
00:33:43,354 --> 00:33:45,219
Because of that Jew,
Mordecai!

487
00:33:45,323 --> 00:33:48,190
Thanks to his treachery,
the betrothal is now a contest

488
00:33:48,293 --> 00:33:51,126
in which his own candidate is
a rival to our daughter, Zara.

489
00:33:51,229 --> 00:33:53,390
The impertinence
of that man.

490
00:33:53,498 --> 00:33:57,229
Now, we'll have to
depend on our daughter

491
00:33:57,335 --> 00:34:00,532
to win the affections of the
king with her charm and beauty.

492
00:34:00,638 --> 00:34:03,573
You realize, of course, that
puts us at a great disadvantage.

493
00:34:03,675 --> 00:34:06,143
Oh, have I not eyes,
woman?

494
00:34:08,513 --> 00:34:11,846
If only the
king were blind,

495
00:34:11,950 --> 00:34:14,976
then all our troubles
would soon be over.

496
00:34:15,086 --> 00:34:18,146
Our daughter's
not entirely unfair,

497
00:34:18,256 --> 00:34:19,689
and what of
Mordecai's candidate?

498
00:34:19,791 --> 00:34:20,553
Have you seen her?

499
00:34:22,160 --> 00:34:23,593
Then perhaps this
tension is for naught.

500
00:34:23,695 --> 00:34:26,095
Oh, unlikely,
Mordecai's too clever.

501
00:34:26,197 --> 00:34:27,994
Perhaps you
give him too much credit.

502
00:34:28,099 --> 00:34:31,762
All I know is that Zara
was not meant to have a rival.

503
00:34:31,869 --> 00:34:33,666
There, there,
my husband.

504
00:34:33,771 --> 00:34:35,932
Leave it to me.

505
00:34:36,040 --> 00:34:41,501
With some jewels and
cosmetics and fine fabrics,

506
00:34:41,612 --> 00:34:46,242
I shall fashion our Zara
into a worthy queen.

507
00:34:46,351 --> 00:34:48,182
That'll take
an act of the gods.

508
00:34:48,286 --> 00:34:49,514
Is your ambition lacking?

509
00:34:52,256 --> 00:34:55,623
I shall see the
house of Haman rule,

510
00:34:55,727 --> 00:34:59,026
then shall I have my revenge
on those insidious Jews

511
00:34:59,130 --> 00:35:05,535
whose king
exterminated my people.

512
00:35:05,636 --> 00:35:10,369
One task at a time,
my lord.

513
00:35:13,678 --> 00:35:16,272
Incline your ear,
O Lord, and hear me,

514
00:35:16,381 --> 00:35:20,784
for I am poor and needy.

515
00:35:20,885 --> 00:35:23,820
You are my God.

516
00:35:23,921 --> 00:35:29,359
Save your servant
who trusts in you.

517
00:35:29,460 --> 00:35:34,227
Oh God, what you ask
is a difficult thing,

518
00:35:34,332 --> 00:35:40,760
and yet I know that nothing
is impossible with you.

519
00:35:40,872 --> 00:35:45,434
If you will but call me by name,
I will answer and obey.

520
00:35:45,543 --> 00:35:48,808
Hadassah, Hadassah.

521
00:35:48,913 --> 00:35:51,279
Who's there?

522
00:35:51,382 --> 00:35:53,475
Hadassah.

523
00:35:53,584 --> 00:35:55,779
Who calls me by that name?

524
00:35:55,887 --> 00:35:58,651
It is I.

525
00:35:58,756 --> 00:36:01,884
Lord?

526
00:36:09,700 --> 00:36:14,399
Speak, Lord,
for I am listening.

527
00:36:14,505 --> 00:36:17,997
Because I am with you,
you shall not be harmed,

528
00:36:18,109 --> 00:36:23,308
for I am the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel.

529
00:36:23,414 --> 00:36:26,008
Yes, God.

530
00:36:26,117 --> 00:36:29,575
There will come for
you a time to keep silent,

531
00:36:29,687 --> 00:36:33,145
and a time for you to speak,

532
00:36:33,257 --> 00:36:39,924
for in all things
shall I be glorified.

533
00:36:40,031 --> 00:36:44,229
My God speaks
and I will obey.

534
00:36:56,314 --> 00:36:59,909
Oh, house of Haman,

535
00:37:00,017 --> 00:37:05,785
today shall you
receive your glory.

536
00:37:10,595 --> 00:37:12,563
Where is my wife?

537
00:37:14,465 --> 00:37:15,864
Is it success or failure?

538
00:37:15,967 --> 00:37:17,662
Patience, Husband.

539
00:37:17,768 --> 00:37:20,896
The house of Haman did not
become great in 1 day.

540
00:37:21,005 --> 00:37:23,098
No, but it
can be ruined in 1 day

541
00:37:23,207 --> 00:37:24,697
if my wife
and my daughter fail me.

542
00:37:24,809 --> 00:37:26,208
We shall not fail.

543
00:37:26,310 --> 00:37:27,777
Nasir.

544
00:37:30,014 --> 00:37:32,414
Have a look.

545
00:37:43,961 --> 00:37:46,862
It's a failure.

546
00:37:47,665 --> 00:37:53,035
Oh, why have the gods not
given me a worthy daughter?

547
00:37:53,137 --> 00:37:54,536
She is worthy.

548
00:37:54,639 --> 00:37:57,699
I didn't ask for a daughter
as handsome as myself.

549
00:37:57,808 --> 00:38:02,507
If she had but a fraction of
our beauty, all would be well.

550
00:38:02,613 --> 00:38:06,572
Hush, Husband,
you upset the girl.

551
00:38:06,684 --> 00:38:08,515
I will add a veil.

552
00:38:08,619 --> 00:38:12,282
It will add an air of mystery
for the king.

553
00:38:12,390 --> 00:38:15,757
Nasir,
fetch me my fabrics.

554
00:38:17,228 --> 00:38:20,789
If His Majesty is enchanted
by a bolt of cloth,

555
00:38:20,898 --> 00:38:23,833
then he's a greater fool
than he's been given credit for.

556
00:38:23,935 --> 00:38:26,233
Hush, Husband.

557
00:38:26,337 --> 00:38:29,067
We shall not fail;
all will be well.

558
00:38:29,173 --> 00:38:31,141
All better be well!

559
00:38:32,076 --> 00:38:34,203
I tell you this day

560
00:38:34,312 --> 00:38:36,803
that either my daughter Zara
will be crowned

561
00:38:36,914 --> 00:38:39,314
the queen of Persia

562
00:38:39,417 --> 00:38:43,877
or I will have
no daughter at all.

563
00:38:59,604 --> 00:39:04,541
I may be poorly dressed,
but I am rich in faith.

564
00:39:04,642 --> 00:39:08,271
My child, the palace will
provide you with all the oils

565
00:39:08,379 --> 00:39:10,609
and perfumes
and cosmetics you require.

566
00:39:10,715 --> 00:39:13,878
As much as she
desires and more.

567
00:39:13,985 --> 00:39:15,680
I have everything I need.

568
00:39:15,786 --> 00:39:18,016
If she captures
the king's heart,

569
00:39:18,122 --> 00:39:20,886
his eyes
will not disagree.

570
00:39:20,992 --> 00:39:24,758
Forgive me, I have not
cried so since my wedding day.

571
00:39:24,862 --> 00:39:27,057
Were they not
tears of joy?

572
00:39:27,164 --> 00:39:28,631
Not precisely.

573
00:39:29,634 --> 00:39:31,465
We go to the palace.

574
00:39:31,569 --> 00:39:33,196
And may our God
go with you.

575
00:39:33,304 --> 00:39:36,432
And be with your spirit,
Judith.

576
00:40:58,656 --> 00:41:01,216
Lord Haman's
daughter, the lady Zara,

577
00:41:01,325 --> 00:41:04,817
is a woman
of great modesty, my king.

578
00:41:04,929 --> 00:41:06,920
She wouldn't dream
of appearing before you

579
00:41:07,031 --> 00:41:09,659
with her face uncovered.

580
00:41:09,767 --> 00:41:12,327
An admirable quality,
I suppose.

581
00:41:23,314 --> 00:41:25,874
Can it be?

582
00:41:25,983 --> 00:41:27,450
Your Majesty?

583
00:41:27,518 --> 00:41:32,285
You there, step forward.

584
00:41:38,729 --> 00:41:41,527
By what name
are you called?

585
00:41:41,632 --> 00:41:44,430
My name is Esther,
Your Majesty.

586
00:41:44,535 --> 00:41:47,003
And who speaks for
this woman, Esther?

587
00:41:47,104 --> 00:41:49,766
I do, Your Majesty.

588
00:41:49,874 --> 00:41:51,307
And what say you
on her behalf?

589
00:41:51,409 --> 00:41:53,877
I can only quote
the writings of my people,

590
00:41:53,978 --> 00:41:58,915
that a virtuous wife
is more precious than rubies.

591
00:42:02,953 --> 00:42:07,788
Your Majesty, my daughter Zara
comes from a noble house

592
00:42:07,892 --> 00:42:11,123
whose lineage goes
back many generations.

593
00:42:11,228 --> 00:42:13,059
She will make
a charming wife

594
00:42:13,164 --> 00:42:17,260
as befits such a
fine and noble king.

595
00:42:17,368 --> 00:42:20,804
It is also written
that charm is deceptive,

596
00:42:20,905 --> 00:42:26,002
but a woman who fears God
will be greatly praised.

597
00:42:26,110 --> 00:42:28,169
Majesty, these
superstitious ramblings

598
00:42:28,279 --> 00:42:30,645
of this Jewish malcontent

599
00:42:30,748 --> 00:42:33,273
should have no impact
on your decision.

600
00:42:33,384 --> 00:42:36,717
Lord Haman, has
it not always been my pleasure

601
00:42:36,821 --> 00:42:38,584
to consider all advice?

602
00:42:38,689 --> 00:42:42,989
Indeed, Majesty, indeed.

603
00:42:43,761 --> 00:42:45,922
Sardar...

604
00:42:46,030 --> 00:42:50,364
Escort these two great daughters
of Persia to my chamber.

605
00:42:50,468 --> 00:42:52,595
I will summon them
at my pleasure.

606
00:42:52,703 --> 00:42:55,934
By your word, Majesty.

607
00:43:17,628 --> 00:43:18,526
All is prepared?

608
00:43:24,435 --> 00:43:26,596
Would not Your Majesty
be better served

609
00:43:26,704 --> 00:43:30,196
by speaking with
each woman directly?

610
00:43:30,307 --> 00:43:31,831
I shall learn
more from this

611
00:43:31,942 --> 00:43:34,809
than I could learn from
a thousand private talks,

612
00:43:34,912 --> 00:43:38,006
for to my face they will
tell me what I wish to hear,

613
00:43:38,115 --> 00:43:44,543
but in secret shall I divine
the true nature of these women.

614
00:43:44,655 --> 00:43:46,885
Yes, my lord.

615
00:43:55,833 --> 00:43:59,394
My lady, is this your
first time to the palace?

616
00:43:59,503 --> 00:44:01,471
Yes, yours as well?

617
00:44:04,174 --> 00:44:05,801
And what
think you of it?

618
00:44:05,910 --> 00:44:09,107
The palace?

619
00:44:09,213 --> 00:44:13,172
It's very...

620
00:44:13,284 --> 00:44:14,751
palatial.

621
00:44:15,853 --> 00:44:18,720
Yes, yes it is.

622
00:44:20,958 --> 00:44:26,828
My lady, I suspect
you're a woman of great beauty.

623
00:44:26,931 --> 00:44:30,924
Why then do you conceal
yourself with silk cloths?

624
00:44:31,035 --> 00:44:34,266
Alas, I am not
a woman of great beauty.

625
00:44:34,371 --> 00:44:36,339
This I cannot believe.

626
00:44:36,440 --> 00:44:39,671
It is my wicked parents
who have hidden my face.

627
00:44:39,777 --> 00:44:41,802
They are hoping that the
king confuses my disguise

628
00:44:41,912 --> 00:44:46,611
for modesty,
for if he sees my face,

629
00:44:46,717 --> 00:44:48,275
he will be repulsed.

630
00:44:48,385 --> 00:44:53,118
This cannot be.

631
00:44:53,223 --> 00:44:57,683
May I be allowed to
determine this for myself?

632
00:45:05,035 --> 00:45:06,593
You are beautiful!

633
00:45:10,307 --> 00:45:11,706
You mock me.

634
00:45:11,809 --> 00:45:13,538
I do not!

635
00:45:13,644 --> 00:45:16,169
Surely, anyone with eyes
can see you are as lovely

636
00:45:16,280 --> 00:45:19,943
as any daughter of Persia.

637
00:45:20,050 --> 00:45:23,281
You are the first person
to pay me this compliment;

638
00:45:23,387 --> 00:45:26,618
forgive me if
I am suspicious.

639
00:45:26,724 --> 00:45:30,216
Can you not
see for yourself?

640
00:45:30,327 --> 00:45:34,696
I only know that I'm a
disappointment to my family.

641
00:45:34,798 --> 00:45:40,532
Your own parents do not know
what a treasure they possess?

642
00:45:40,638 --> 00:45:42,037
If I'm indeed a treasure,

643
00:45:42,139 --> 00:45:44,767
it is one they are so
desperate to give away.

644
00:45:44,875 --> 00:45:46,570
But surely it is
because they wish to have

645
00:45:46,677 --> 00:45:48,269
a queen as a daughter.

646
00:45:48,379 --> 00:45:52,076
It is because my father
wishes to control the king.

647
00:45:52,182 --> 00:45:55,242
I am only
a means to an end.

648
00:45:55,352 --> 00:45:56,751
Forgive me for asking,

649
00:45:56,854 --> 00:46:02,815
but suppose the king
does not choose you?

650
00:46:05,329 --> 00:46:08,492
Then I shall pay dearly.

651
00:46:08,599 --> 00:46:13,161
I shall be banished
and live on the streets.

652
00:46:13,270 --> 00:46:16,637
No, if the king
does not choose you,

653
00:46:16,740 --> 00:46:18,537
you shall not
live on the streets.

654
00:46:18,642 --> 00:46:21,042
You will live
with me in the palace.

655
00:46:21,145 --> 00:46:22,544
As your slave?

656
00:46:22,646 --> 00:46:25,740
As my lady in waiting,
and if there be a more exalted

657
00:46:25,849 --> 00:46:32,118
position, it shall be yours,
you have my word.

658
00:46:38,128 --> 00:46:41,325
Summon Mordecai and Haman,

659
00:46:41,432 --> 00:46:43,366
I have made my choice.

660
00:46:43,467 --> 00:46:45,697
By your word, Majesty.

661
00:46:50,507 --> 00:46:55,968
My good men, what a
pleasant task I have completed this day.

662
00:46:56,180 --> 00:46:59,980
To select a wife from
Persia's finest daughters

663
00:47:00,084 --> 00:47:02,985
has been most agreeable to me.

664
00:47:03,087 --> 00:47:09,686
Though I have chosen quickly, I
am certain I have chosen wisely.

665
00:47:19,536 --> 00:47:22,562
Without further ado,

666
00:47:22,673 --> 00:47:27,576
it is Esther whom
I have chosen to be my queen.

667
00:47:28,312 --> 00:47:35,275
But Your Majesty, a king that
judges quickly judges unwisely.

668
00:47:36,120 --> 00:47:41,786
My eyes have seen
and my heart bares witness.

669
00:47:41,892 --> 00:47:44,952
This is indeed my queen.

670
00:47:45,062 --> 00:47:48,156
It can only
be the work of our God.

671
00:47:50,768 --> 00:47:53,965
I honor you, my lady,
and I only ask that you commit

672
00:47:54,071 --> 00:47:57,973
to your promise that I shall
be your faithful servant.

673
00:47:58,075 --> 00:48:00,737
Consider it done.

674
00:48:16,660 --> 00:48:21,120
I shall therefore
issue a royal proclamation.

675
00:48:21,231 --> 00:48:22,926
By your word,
Great Majesty.

676
00:48:23,033 --> 00:48:28,733
Let the word go forth
that Esther is my queen.

677
00:48:28,839 --> 00:48:32,935
Prepare a feast
and declare a holiday!

678
00:48:33,043 --> 00:48:35,511
Yes, King Xerxes.

679
00:48:53,530 --> 00:48:54,462
I honor you.

680
00:48:56,733 --> 00:48:59,327
Even the gods themselves
are against me.

681
00:48:59,436 --> 00:49:02,803
And why is my husband
roaring about like a lion?

682
00:49:02,906 --> 00:49:06,205
The house of Haman
lies in ruins because of you.

683
00:49:06,310 --> 00:49:08,778
Because of me?

684
00:49:08,879 --> 00:49:13,942
It would be an amazing trick
if I were able ponder it.

685
00:49:14,051 --> 00:49:15,848
Your magic is worthless.

686
00:49:15,953 --> 00:49:18,319
Hush, Husband.
Tell me about our daughter.

687
00:49:18,422 --> 00:49:20,014
We have no daughter.

688
00:49:20,123 --> 00:49:22,114
This is strange news,
Husband.

689
00:49:22,292 --> 00:49:25,261
I suspect the king
has chosen another.

690
00:49:25,362 --> 00:49:27,694
What, you're mocking me
to my face?

691
00:49:27,798 --> 00:49:33,737
Husband, in love as in war,
to the victor go the spoils.

692
00:49:33,837 --> 00:49:36,328
Then I tell you,
this is war.

693
00:49:36,440 --> 00:49:38,408
With the king?

694
00:49:39,409 --> 00:49:41,377
With Mordecai.

695
00:49:42,446 --> 00:49:44,880
Hear me, woman.

696
00:49:44,982 --> 00:49:49,282
The house of Haman
shall be redeemed.

697
00:50:23,553 --> 00:50:25,521
Do not fear, Esther.

698
00:50:29,993 --> 00:50:33,520
Thou may come closer.

699
00:50:39,469 --> 00:50:40,936
Closer.

700
00:50:45,242 --> 00:50:47,369
Are you indeed afraid?

701
00:50:47,477 --> 00:50:53,848
No, great king, I'm in awe
of your majesty and of your wisdom.

702
00:50:54,584 --> 00:50:56,609
How so?

703
00:50:56,720 --> 00:50:58,119
You have chosen
me for a bride

704
00:50:58,221 --> 00:51:00,689
without having spoken
a single word to me.

705
00:51:00,791 --> 00:51:05,524
Then come, sit
at my feet and let us talk.

706
00:51:05,629 --> 00:51:10,362
As you wish,
Your Majesty.

707
00:51:15,339 --> 00:51:18,069
Are you comfortable?

708
00:51:18,175 --> 00:51:21,235
I must answer Your Majesty's
question with another question.

709
00:51:21,345 --> 00:51:25,111
Ask.

710
00:51:25,215 --> 00:51:30,983
Is this always to be my
position, at His Majesty's feet?

711
00:51:31,088 --> 00:51:32,487
You are not
of noble birth,

712
00:51:32,589 --> 00:51:35,888
and therefore you must
take an inferior position.

713
00:51:35,993 --> 00:51:37,426
His Majesty speaks the truth,

714
00:51:37,527 --> 00:51:41,122
but in marriage shall
we not be equally yoked?

715
00:51:41,231 --> 00:51:42,960
My lady...

716
00:51:43,066 --> 00:51:48,732
I cannot raise you above the
circumstances of your birth.

717
00:51:48,839 --> 00:51:51,774
If you are indeed
to be my husband,

718
00:51:51,875 --> 00:51:55,902
then there is only one
solution to this problem.

719
00:52:05,555 --> 00:52:09,082
This is the solution
you had in mind?

720
00:52:09,192 --> 00:52:10,853
The very one, my king.

721
00:52:10,961 --> 00:52:13,623
You are much more beautiful
from this perspective.

722
00:52:13,730 --> 00:52:16,096
And His Majesty's face
is much more dignified

723
00:52:16,199 --> 00:52:19,657
than His Majesty's feet.

724
00:52:23,407 --> 00:52:25,773
Will you be an
obedient queen?

725
00:52:25,876 --> 00:52:27,969
That is all I ask.

726
00:52:28,078 --> 00:52:30,239
Will you be a
faithful husband?

727
00:52:30,347 --> 00:52:31,746
That is all I ask.

728
00:52:31,848 --> 00:52:37,150
My love for you is as great
as my love for Persia.

729
00:52:37,254 --> 00:52:41,088
And I shall obey you
as I would obey my God.

730
00:52:41,191 --> 00:52:45,127
My queen exalts me.

731
00:52:45,228 --> 00:52:47,788
It was Mordecai
who taught me thus.

732
00:52:47,898 --> 00:52:50,765
You have learned well.

733
00:52:50,867 --> 00:52:55,463
I wish our
wedding was tonight.

734
00:52:55,572 --> 00:52:57,403
Patience, my king.

735
00:52:57,507 --> 00:52:59,372
We have only
just engaged.

736
00:52:59,476 --> 00:53:03,708
Is not the king entitled
to get what he desires?

737
00:53:03,814 --> 00:53:06,977
The king desires
virtue above all else,

738
00:53:07,084 --> 00:53:10,281
and shall therefore be content
to wait for his bride.

739
00:53:10,387 --> 00:53:16,257
I will wait, but it will
bring me no happiness.

740
00:53:16,359 --> 00:53:17,758
Happier still will you be

741
00:53:17,861 --> 00:53:20,796
when the day of our
marriage finally arrives.

742
00:53:20,897 --> 00:53:26,392
Indeed, my love,
my Esther.

743
00:53:31,975 --> 00:53:36,412
Now you must go, before
immodesty takes hold of me.

744
00:53:36,513 --> 00:53:40,381
I fear no such thing,
for you are a king.

745
00:53:40,484 --> 00:53:42,645
But I am also a man.

746
00:53:42,752 --> 00:53:44,219
Now go.

747
00:53:47,324 --> 00:53:51,090
As my king commands,
I shall obey.

748
00:53:51,194 --> 00:53:53,492
Good night, sweet king.

749
00:53:53,597 --> 00:53:56,828
Good night, dear Esther.

750
00:54:11,548 --> 00:54:13,846
Walk with me.

751
00:54:13,950 --> 00:54:17,477
This night hurts time.

752
00:54:17,587 --> 00:54:23,184
Yes, my lord, but it
is the dawn that heals.

753
00:54:23,293 --> 00:54:24,954
The time has come
for us to act.

754
00:54:25,061 --> 00:54:26,460
Agreed.

755
00:54:26,563 --> 00:54:29,862
We've delayed long enough
while our foolish king

756
00:54:29,966 --> 00:54:32,457
follows his heart
and not his head.

757
00:54:32,569 --> 00:54:35,595
And Persia grows soft
as the consequence.

758
00:54:35,705 --> 00:54:38,003
Indeed.

759
00:54:38,108 --> 00:54:41,236
I tell you, Teres,
when I seize the crown,

760
00:54:41,344 --> 00:54:43,938
Persia will again be great.

761
00:54:44,047 --> 00:54:46,481
The army stands
behind you, my lord.

762
00:54:46,583 --> 00:54:49,313
It appears.

763
00:54:49,419 --> 00:54:51,944
Their patience
shall be rewarded,

764
00:54:52,055 --> 00:54:55,582
for soon they will dip
their spears in blood.

765
00:54:55,692 --> 00:54:57,523
We strike at midnight.

766
00:54:57,627 --> 00:54:59,060
I honor you, my lord.

767
00:54:59,162 --> 00:55:01,596
Prepare the men.

768
00:55:20,450 --> 00:55:24,045
Lord Haman,
why trouble me at this hour?

769
00:55:24,154 --> 00:55:29,786
Gracious Majesty,
I have a thorn in my side.

770
00:55:29,893 --> 00:55:33,454
Shall I help you remove it
along with your head?

771
00:55:33,563 --> 00:55:36,430
Gracious Majesty,
have I not been a loyal servant?

772
00:55:36,533 --> 00:55:41,197
Your fidelity is
unquestionable, Haman.

773
00:55:41,304 --> 00:55:45,070
Since you have chosen Mordecai's
candidate as your queen,

774
00:55:45,175 --> 00:55:48,406
it occurs to me that I'm less
esteemed as a result.

775
00:55:48,511 --> 00:55:52,242
Your worthiness
is not diminished in my eyes.

776
00:55:52,349 --> 00:55:54,715
Yes, maybe not
in His Majesty's eyes,

777
00:55:54,818 --> 00:55:58,754
but in the eyes
of my peers.

778
00:55:58,855 --> 00:56:00,948
What would
you have me do?

779
00:56:01,057 --> 00:56:05,357
Your Majesty, if it not
be too great a request,

780
00:56:05,462 --> 00:56:08,260
it would please me well
if you could make me

781
00:56:08,365 --> 00:56:11,391
the king's prime minister.

782
00:56:11,501 --> 00:56:13,662
Prime minister?

783
00:56:13,770 --> 00:56:16,068
It is simply another
title, Lord Haman.

784
00:56:16,172 --> 00:56:19,437
Yes, but one that
would require your people

785
00:56:19,542 --> 00:56:22,409
to bow before me.

786
00:56:22,512 --> 00:56:24,503
Very well, Lord Haman.

787
00:56:26,116 --> 00:56:27,549
Is there no peace
for the king?

788
00:56:27,617 --> 00:56:29,050
Who calls?!

789
00:56:29,119 --> 00:56:31,781
Mordecai, Your Majesty.

790
00:56:31,855 --> 00:56:35,848
Mordecai,
my friend, enter.

791
00:56:35,959 --> 00:56:38,450
A thousand pardons for
the lateness of the hour,

792
00:56:38,561 --> 00:56:40,028
Your Majesty.

793
00:56:40,130 --> 00:56:42,155
Am I not still awake?

794
00:56:42,265 --> 00:56:47,464
Your Majesty, I have a
matter of great importance to discuss.

795
00:56:47,570 --> 00:56:51,438
Well then, keep us not
in suspense, Mordecai.

796
00:56:51,541 --> 00:56:54,135
It is a matter
that concerns the king.

797
00:56:54,244 --> 00:56:55,643
I am now
the king's prime minister;

798
00:56:55,745 --> 00:56:59,977
what concerns the king
concerns me.

799
00:57:00,083 --> 00:57:01,482
Merely another title.

800
00:57:01,584 --> 00:57:07,386
Yes, but one that
requires that you bow before me, Jew.

801
00:57:07,490 --> 00:57:10,482
There's not time,
Lord Haman.

802
00:57:10,593 --> 00:57:15,257
Great Majesty, moments
ago did I hear Sardar,

803
00:57:15,365 --> 00:57:18,459
the commander of your army;
and Teres, your bodyguard,

804
00:57:18,568 --> 00:57:20,160
plot your assassination.

805
00:57:20,270 --> 00:57:21,669
My assassination?

806
00:57:21,771 --> 00:57:26,003
Your Majesty,
this man has lost his senses.

807
00:57:26,109 --> 00:57:30,409
He's accusing His Majesty's two
of his most faithful servants?

808
00:57:30,513 --> 00:57:32,378
Your Majesty
must act at once.

809
00:57:32,482 --> 00:57:36,009
The plot
commences at midnight.

810
00:57:36,119 --> 00:57:37,609
Your Majesty,
as your prime minister,

811
00:57:37,721 --> 00:57:41,213
I advise you to send this
man back to his bedroom.

812
00:57:41,324 --> 00:57:42,985
Obviously he has had
too much to drink.

813
00:57:43,093 --> 00:57:45,561
Overruled!

814
00:57:45,662 --> 00:57:48,825
We will investigate
these charges,

815
00:57:48,932 --> 00:57:53,426
for Mordecai would have
no cause to deceive me.

816
00:57:53,536 --> 00:57:55,663
Your Majesty.

817
00:57:55,772 --> 00:58:00,004
Send for Sardar and Teres,

818
00:58:00,110 --> 00:58:04,444
we will find the truth
of this matter.

819
00:58:28,872 --> 00:58:31,238
What troubles
my husband now?.

820
00:58:31,341 --> 00:58:33,707
Have another of his
schemes come to naught?

821
00:58:33,810 --> 00:58:37,507
Taunt me no further, woman,
or I shall banish you

822
00:58:37,614 --> 00:58:40,082
as I have banished
my daughter.

823
00:58:40,183 --> 00:58:42,083
Yes, Husband,
banish me to the palace

824
00:58:42,185 --> 00:58:44,619
where I too shall
serve Queen Esther.

825
00:58:44,721 --> 00:58:48,179
Oh, silence.

826
00:58:48,291 --> 00:58:51,385
Am I not the
king's prime minister?

827
00:58:51,494 --> 00:58:54,554
Is not everyone required
to bow before me?

828
00:58:54,664 --> 00:58:58,930
Why does this revolting Jew
Mordecai refuse to pay me honor?

829
00:58:59,035 --> 00:59:01,469
I suspect he has found
favor in the king's eyes.

830
00:59:01,571 --> 00:59:04,904
This Mordecai shall not live
and neither shall his people.

831
00:59:05,008 --> 00:59:08,500
Propose you then...murder?

832
00:59:08,611 --> 00:59:12,012
I shall arrange
for their execution.

833
00:59:12,115 --> 00:59:15,107
A fine, subtle distinction,
but a difficult task,

834
00:59:15,218 --> 00:59:18,187
for the Jewish people are
very loyal to their king.

835
00:59:18,288 --> 00:59:20,313
Then what if they
were found to be disloyal?

836
00:59:20,423 --> 00:59:24,257
An unlikely event.

837
00:59:24,360 --> 00:59:26,658
I must get my hands on
as much of the Jewish writings

838
00:59:26,763 --> 00:59:29,095
as I can find.

839
00:59:29,199 --> 00:59:32,259
Does my husband
wish to turn Hebrew?.

840
00:59:32,368 --> 00:59:36,134
Mordecai, he quotes his
people's writings selectively,

841
00:59:36,239 --> 00:59:39,174
but not fully I suspect.

842
00:59:39,275 --> 00:59:42,676
There's only one way
to discern this.

843
00:59:42,779 --> 00:59:47,307
Will you read all
the writings, Husband?

844
00:59:47,417 --> 00:59:49,442
I won't read any of them.

845
00:59:49,552 --> 00:59:51,611
It shall be done for me.

846
00:59:51,721 --> 00:59:53,416
And suppose
no treason is found?

847
00:59:53,523 --> 00:59:55,650
Then I shall create treason!

848
00:59:55,758 --> 00:59:59,023
We shall gather the
great architects of Persia

849
00:59:59,128 --> 01:00:04,430
and have them design gallows
fit for Mordecai, the Jew.

850
01:00:06,536 --> 01:00:12,941
Finally, my wife comes up
with a sensible idea.

851
01:00:22,952 --> 01:00:24,509
Teacher!
My queen!

852
01:00:27,223 --> 01:00:28,622
And my dear, sweet Judith.

853
01:00:28,725 --> 01:00:31,592
My darling child,
I mean, my queen.

854
01:00:31,694 --> 01:00:33,161
Oh!

855
01:00:36,566 --> 01:00:39,330
And what think you
of the palace, Judith?

856
01:00:39,435 --> 01:00:42,495
It has so many rooms,
a person could get lost.

857
01:00:42,605 --> 01:00:44,163
Yes.

858
01:00:44,274 --> 01:00:46,333
Who is this
lovely young girl?

859
01:00:46,442 --> 01:00:49,206
Oh, this is Zara,
Lord Haman's daughter.

860
01:00:49,312 --> 01:00:50,711
I honor you, Mordecai.

861
01:00:50,813 --> 01:00:54,909
This beautiful woman
is Haman's daughter?

862
01:00:55,018 --> 01:00:58,419
I confess to the truth of it,
but with no gladness of heart.

863
01:00:58,521 --> 01:01:01,820
My lovely girl,
I fear for your life.

864
01:01:01,925 --> 01:01:04,951
Your father is a proud man,
easily angered.

865
01:01:05,061 --> 01:01:06,528
I have no concern
for my life,

866
01:01:06,629 --> 01:01:10,121
for Esther has promised
to take care of me.

867
01:01:18,007 --> 01:01:22,137
My queen, I trust that you
have found marriage agreeable?

868
01:01:22,245 --> 01:01:24,907
In truth, Teacher,
I find it bittersweet.

869
01:01:25,014 --> 01:01:26,413
How so?

870
01:01:26,516 --> 01:01:30,577
My husband, the king,
I so rarely see him.

871
01:01:30,687 --> 01:01:34,851
Surely the queen may see
the king at her pleasure?

872
01:01:34,958 --> 01:01:36,516
Nay, Judith.

873
01:01:36,626 --> 01:01:38,321
A woman is not to enter
the king's presence

874
01:01:38,428 --> 01:01:40,953
unless she be summoned,
even the queen.

875
01:01:41,064 --> 01:01:44,124
Aye, if Jacob
had such a law,

876
01:01:44,233 --> 01:01:45,791
he would spend
even more time alone.

877
01:01:45,902 --> 01:01:47,301
Judith.

878
01:01:47,403 --> 01:01:50,338
And likely be
grateful for the silence.

879
01:01:52,241 --> 01:01:55,540
I would be put to death
were I too to disobey.

880
01:01:55,645 --> 01:01:59,877
Lord Haman has lately kept
the king heavily engaged

881
01:01:59,983 --> 01:02:02,110
with the affairs of state.

882
01:02:02,218 --> 01:02:04,118
I doubt not the
king's love for me,

883
01:02:04,220 --> 01:02:08,020
but I fear my rival is Persia
for the king's affection.

884
01:02:08,124 --> 01:02:09,887
Fear not, my queen.

885
01:02:09,993 --> 01:02:12,223
If the king loves you
as well as Persia,

886
01:02:12,328 --> 01:02:14,853
then he loves you
well indeed.

887
01:02:14,964 --> 01:02:18,263
As always, my Teacher
speaks the truth.

888
01:02:18,368 --> 01:02:22,464
My queen,
you have learned well.

889
01:02:25,408 --> 01:02:29,037
Come Judith,
I have much to show you.

890
01:02:37,820 --> 01:02:40,414
All hail,
King Xerxes of Persia.

891
01:02:40,523 --> 01:02:42,616
Hail, King Xerxes!

892
01:02:42,725 --> 01:02:46,320
Lord Haman, I should have
chosen you for a consort,

893
01:02:46,429 --> 01:02:50,297
for I spend more time with you
than I spend with the queen.

894
01:02:50,400 --> 01:02:53,995
Your Majesty, this is
a matter of extreme urgency.

895
01:02:54,103 --> 01:02:56,936
For the sake of your
neck, Lord Haman,

896
01:02:57,040 --> 01:03:00,441
I require that it be
a matter of life or death.

897
01:03:00,543 --> 01:03:04,741
Your Majesty,
this is a matter of treason.

898
01:03:04,847 --> 01:03:07,213
Treason?

899
01:03:07,316 --> 01:03:10,717
Am I surrounded by
nothing but conspirators?

900
01:03:10,820 --> 01:03:12,378
If my throne is in
peril, Lord Haman,

901
01:03:12,488 --> 01:03:15,582
why then are we
completely unaware?

902
01:03:15,692 --> 01:03:20,129
Because, Your Majesty, the
threat comes not from without.

903
01:03:20,229 --> 01:03:25,189
The threat
comes from within.

904
01:03:25,301 --> 01:03:31,262
And only now you
bring this to my attention?

905
01:03:31,374 --> 01:03:32,966
Your Majesty,

906
01:03:33,076 --> 01:03:35,806
there is a group of people in
your kingdom who are disloyal.

907
01:03:35,912 --> 01:03:38,847
And who are
these disloyal people?

908
01:03:38,948 --> 01:03:41,712
The Jews, Your Majesty.

909
01:03:41,818 --> 01:03:42,876
The Jews?

910
01:03:48,825 --> 01:03:50,452
They support another?

911
01:03:50,560 --> 01:03:51,959
Impossible!

912
01:03:52,061 --> 01:03:55,087
The evidence
lies here before you.

913
01:03:55,198 --> 01:03:59,726
Am I Jew, Lord Haman,
that I can read such things?

914
01:03:59,836 --> 01:04:03,602
Then allow us
to translate.

915
01:04:08,444 --> 01:04:11,413
''Sing praises to God.

916
01:04:11,514 --> 01:04:14,847
''Sing praises to our King.

917
01:04:14,951 --> 01:04:19,581
''For God is the King
of all the earth.

918
01:04:19,689 --> 01:04:22,658
''It is God
who reigneth over the people.

919
01:04:22,759 --> 01:04:27,253
It is God
who sitteth upon the throne.''

920
01:04:27,830 --> 01:04:30,321
If this is not proof
of treason, Your Majesty,

921
01:04:30,433 --> 01:04:33,368
then I cannot
produce any.

922
01:04:36,839 --> 01:04:41,037
They repay my generosity
with insolence?

923
01:04:41,144 --> 01:04:45,444
Your Majesty,
if it pleases you,

924
01:04:45,548 --> 01:04:50,417
I have chosen the 13th day of
the 12th month, Your Majesty.

925
01:04:50,520 --> 01:04:53,785
Let on this day
every traitorous Jew,

926
01:04:53,890 --> 01:04:57,917
young, old, women,
children, be annihilated.

927
01:05:04,801 --> 01:05:07,827
Azada...

928
01:05:07,937 --> 01:05:12,237
Let it be done
as Lord Haman commands.

929
01:05:14,310 --> 01:05:17,370
By your word, Your Majesty.

930
01:05:25,655 --> 01:05:27,054
Who calls?

931
01:05:27,156 --> 01:05:28,555
The lady
Zara, Your Majesty.

932
01:05:28,658 --> 01:05:30,125
Enter at once.

933
01:05:32,428 --> 01:05:33,986
A visitor to see
Your Majesty?

934
01:05:34,096 --> 01:05:35,563
Enter.

935
01:05:43,339 --> 01:05:45,239
I honor you, my queen.

936
01:05:45,341 --> 01:05:49,141
Judith, it's so
good to see you.

937
01:05:49,245 --> 01:05:50,769
But the bad news I bring

938
01:05:50,880 --> 01:05:54,543
will surely hurt
Your Majesty's heart.

939
01:05:54,650 --> 01:05:56,982
I come at the
request of Mordecai.

940
01:05:57,086 --> 01:05:59,452
Why does he
not come himself?

941
01:05:59,555 --> 01:06:00,954
Because, my queen,

942
01:06:01,057 --> 01:06:04,925
Mordecai sits at home
in sackcloth and ashes.

943
01:06:05,027 --> 01:06:07,757
Judith, you must
tell me this news at once.

944
01:06:09,732 --> 01:06:12,292
Shall I speak
freely, my queen?

945
01:06:12,401 --> 01:06:15,370
Lady Zara
has my confidence.

946
01:06:17,573 --> 01:06:20,167
It is the wicked
Lord Haman, my queen.

947
01:06:20,276 --> 01:06:23,074
He has convinced
your husband, the king,

948
01:06:23,179 --> 01:06:28,412
to destroy all the Jews.

949
01:06:28,517 --> 01:06:35,218
No, this cannot be.

950
01:06:35,324 --> 01:06:37,849
On the 13th of this month,

951
01:06:37,960 --> 01:06:43,023
all the Jews
will be put to death,

952
01:06:43,132 --> 01:06:46,033
including you.

953
01:06:48,938 --> 01:06:50,599
I've said too much.

954
01:06:50,706 --> 01:06:53,675
Zara, I beg you
to keep this a secret.

955
01:06:53,776 --> 01:06:55,403
My lady, I would
never betray you.

956
01:06:55,511 --> 01:06:58,912
My father is an evil man and
I beg you a thousand pardons.

957
01:06:59,015 --> 01:07:00,812
It's no fault
of yours, Zara.

958
01:07:00,917 --> 01:07:04,045
There's no need
for forgiveness.

959
01:07:10,092 --> 01:07:13,584
What is Mordecai's advice?

960
01:07:13,696 --> 01:07:16,529
He asks that
you go to the king

961
01:07:16,632 --> 01:07:21,763
to beg him for mercy
and plead for our people.

962
01:07:22,772 --> 01:07:25,639
Judith, I cannot,

963
01:07:25,741 --> 01:07:28,141
for no woman is permitted
to enter the king's presence

964
01:07:28,244 --> 01:07:30,371
without being summoned.

965
01:07:30,479 --> 01:07:33,141
Even the queen
must obey this law.

966
01:07:33,249 --> 01:07:36,218
Then this
is Mordecai's answer...

967
01:07:42,091 --> 01:07:44,992
There is a time
to remain silent

968
01:07:45,094 --> 01:07:48,655
and a time to speak,

969
01:07:48,764 --> 01:07:51,824
but if you
remain silent now,

970
01:07:51,934 --> 01:07:56,132
you and your people
will perish.

971
01:07:56,238 --> 01:08:01,403
Is it not possible that you have
come to your royal position

972
01:08:01,510 --> 01:08:04,445
for such a time as this?

973
01:08:04,547 --> 01:08:05,138
Judith, I...

974
01:08:20,529 --> 01:08:24,431
Go then, and tell Mordecai
to gather all the Jews of Persia

975
01:08:24,533 --> 01:08:27,093
and have them fast for me.

976
01:08:27,203 --> 01:08:30,969
They shall not eat or drink
for 3 days, day or night,

977
01:08:31,073 --> 01:08:35,476
and I shall do the same,

978
01:08:35,578 --> 01:08:40,072
and then I will
go to the king.

979
01:08:40,182 --> 01:08:45,848
And if I perish,
I shall perish.

980
01:08:45,955 --> 01:08:50,119
It will be done
as you say, my queen.

981
01:09:28,697 --> 01:09:33,657
I beg you, my queen,
do not make this mistake.

982
01:09:33,769 --> 01:09:36,101
The king is
a man of his word,

983
01:09:36,205 --> 01:09:39,641
and you will surely
be put to death.

984
01:09:39,742 --> 01:09:44,236
Azada, do not fear.

985
01:09:46,449 --> 01:09:49,316
Now take me at once
to the king.

986
01:09:49,418 --> 01:09:54,117
I honor you,
Queen Esther.

987
01:10:09,205 --> 01:10:10,604
Tell me, Lord Haman,

988
01:10:10,706 --> 01:10:14,733
that this concludes
our business for the day.

989
01:10:14,844 --> 01:10:17,369
If Your Majesty commands it

990
01:10:17,480 --> 01:10:19,880
then we shall
continue at another time.

991
01:10:19,982 --> 01:10:23,816
I do command it.

992
01:10:23,919 --> 01:10:26,581
By your word,
Great Majesty.

993
01:10:35,764 --> 01:10:37,459
I honor you,
King Xerxes.

994
01:10:37,566 --> 01:10:39,761
What is the meaning
of this intrusion?

995
01:10:39,869 --> 01:10:42,360
Lord Haman.

996
01:10:42,471 --> 01:10:45,929
The queen is here to
see you, Your Majesty.

997
01:10:46,041 --> 01:10:49,602
Summoned you the queen,
great king?

998
01:10:49,712 --> 01:10:51,839
I did not.

999
01:11:04,727 --> 01:11:06,194
Esther, my queen.

1000
01:11:06,295 --> 01:11:09,526
Forgive my transgression,
Your Majesty,

1001
01:11:09,632 --> 01:11:12,624
for I know that
your word is the law.

1002
01:11:12,735 --> 01:11:15,636
Forgive my
transgression, my love,

1003
01:11:15,738 --> 01:11:18,036
for because of Lord Haman,

1004
01:11:18,140 --> 01:11:19,630
I have placed
the affairs of the state

1005
01:11:19,742 --> 01:11:23,405
above the affairs
of the heart.

1006
01:11:25,481 --> 01:11:29,918
If it pleases Your Majesty,
I would like to make a request.

1007
01:11:30,019 --> 01:11:31,987
It does indeed please me.

1008
01:11:32,087 --> 01:11:34,487
My petition is this:

1009
01:11:34,590 --> 01:11:36,080
Let Your Majesty
come tomorrow

1010
01:11:36,192 --> 01:11:38,353
to a banquet
which I will prepare.

1011
01:11:38,460 --> 01:11:41,623
You and Lord Haman.

1012
01:11:41,730 --> 01:11:44,255
Then I will make
my request known.

1013
01:11:44,366 --> 01:11:46,561
What say you, Lord Haman?

1014
01:11:46,669 --> 01:11:50,400
Your Majesty...

1015
01:11:50,506 --> 01:11:54,966
I wouldn't dream of declining
such a gracious invitation.

1016
01:11:56,178 --> 01:11:57,611
Then let it be done.

1017
01:11:57,713 --> 01:12:00,807
Thank you, my king.

1018
01:12:35,084 --> 01:12:37,678
Does my wife
adore her husband?

1019
01:12:37,786 --> 01:12:41,187
Your persistence
exceeds your cruelty,

1020
01:12:41,290 --> 01:12:44,282
a quality much
to be admired.

1021
01:12:44,393 --> 01:12:46,156
Do we not have everything?

1022
01:12:46,262 --> 01:12:47,661
A great name.

1023
01:12:47,763 --> 01:12:49,230
Ah, and vast wealth.

1024
01:12:49,331 --> 01:12:51,526
And revenge.

1025
01:12:51,634 --> 01:12:53,534
And with the king
under my thumb,

1026
01:12:53,636 --> 01:12:56,605
the house of Haman
rules.

1027
01:13:01,944 --> 01:13:06,074
Oh, I forgot to mention,
my dear, beautiful wife,

1028
01:13:06,181 --> 01:13:08,979
that I am the only person
the queen has invited

1029
01:13:09,084 --> 01:13:11,279
to the royal banquet
for the king.

1030
01:13:11,387 --> 01:13:12,979
Queen Esther?

1031
01:13:13,088 --> 01:13:15,056
What a bizarre invitation.

1032
01:13:15,157 --> 01:13:16,624
Surely she knows

1033
01:13:16,725 --> 01:13:20,024
what will become of her
benefactor, Mordecai.

1034
01:13:20,129 --> 01:13:22,359
Mention not that name.

1035
01:13:22,464 --> 01:13:25,729
His demise
will be soon enough.

1036
01:13:25,834 --> 01:13:30,237
It is the queen who
arouses my suspicion.

1037
01:13:30,339 --> 01:13:34,708
Harbor no such thoughts,
dear wife.

1038
01:13:34,810 --> 01:13:38,712
It is the king who
controls the queen,

1039
01:13:38,814 --> 01:13:45,242
but it is I who
controls the king.

1040
01:14:03,806 --> 01:14:06,832
Is my husband, the king,
well pleased?

1041
01:14:06,942 --> 01:14:09,376
As well pleased
as I am well fed.

1042
01:14:09,478 --> 01:14:11,036
And you, Lord Haman?

1043
01:14:11,146 --> 01:14:12,807
The pleasure of this meal

1044
01:14:12,915 --> 01:14:16,544
is matched only by the pleasure
of the queen's company.

1045
01:14:18,320 --> 01:14:22,416
Queen Esther,
what is your petition?

1046
01:14:22,524 --> 01:14:23,923
Ask and it shall be granted.

1047
01:14:24,026 --> 01:14:26,324
Whatever you request,
even up to half my kingdom,

1048
01:14:26,428 --> 01:14:28,521
I will give it to you.

1049
01:14:28,630 --> 01:14:30,928
If it pleases
Your Majesty,

1050
01:14:31,033 --> 01:14:36,061
grant me my life and spare my
people, for this is my request.

1051
01:14:37,473 --> 01:14:42,467
Esther, my love,
you make a strange petition.

1052
01:14:42,578 --> 01:14:45,172
Who has threatened your life?

1053
01:14:45,280 --> 01:14:48,807
A great enemy,
Your Majesty.

1054
01:14:48,917 --> 01:14:50,885
Lord Haman.

1055
01:14:53,455 --> 01:14:58,324
Lord Haman, would you
molest a queen in her own home?

1056
01:14:58,427 --> 01:15:02,193
Your Majesty,
the queen is surely mistaken.

1057
01:15:02,297 --> 01:15:05,391
I would never
lay a hand on her.

1058
01:15:05,501 --> 01:15:08,868
Lord Haman speaks falsely,
Your Majesty,

1059
01:15:08,971 --> 01:15:12,498
for he has ordered the
destruction of my people

1060
01:15:12,608 --> 01:15:15,202
and me.

1061
01:15:15,310 --> 01:15:20,338
If he had merely made us slaves,
I would have remained silent,

1062
01:15:20,449 --> 01:15:24,010
for there would be no need
to disturb the king.

1063
01:15:24,119 --> 01:15:29,716
Lord Haman, have you
an answer to this accusation?

1064
01:15:29,825 --> 01:15:35,786
Your Majesty, I know not
of what this queen speaks of.

1065
01:15:35,898 --> 01:15:38,366
Lord Haman knows full well,
Your Majesty,

1066
01:15:38,467 --> 01:15:40,435
for did he not cause you
to order the destruction

1067
01:15:40,536 --> 01:15:42,003
of the Jews?

1068
01:15:42,104 --> 01:15:43,765
The Jews?

1069
01:15:43,872 --> 01:15:47,069
They are a treacherous
people, my queen.

1070
01:15:47,176 --> 01:15:49,701
Lord Haman has
shown me the evidence.

1071
01:15:49,812 --> 01:15:51,245
Has he indeed?

1072
01:15:51,346 --> 01:15:53,405
Your Majesty, may I ask,

1073
01:15:53,515 --> 01:15:57,349
what has this matter
got to do with the other?

1074
01:15:57,453 --> 01:16:01,321
Only that the Jews
are my people.

1075
01:16:01,423 --> 01:16:05,154
If they be found traitors,
let me be guilty as well.

1076
01:16:07,830 --> 01:16:09,229
This cannot be.

1077
01:16:09,331 --> 01:16:12,630
Your Majesty,
perhaps the queen is unwell.

1078
01:16:12,734 --> 01:16:15,601
Please, I beg you
to have mercy on her.

1079
01:16:15,704 --> 01:16:18,832
You would beg mercy for me
yet deny it to my people

1080
01:16:18,941 --> 01:16:20,533
and Mordecai?

1081
01:16:24,813 --> 01:16:26,974
Is he a traitor?

1082
01:16:27,082 --> 01:16:28,777
Has it not been
recorded in history

1083
01:16:28,884 --> 01:16:31,375
that Mordecai
once saved your life?

1084
01:16:31,487 --> 01:16:33,921
Does a traitor
conspire against himself?

1085
01:16:34,022 --> 01:16:35,512
Great Majesty...

1086
01:16:35,624 --> 01:16:40,994
Were not for Mordecai,
Esther would not be my queen.

1087
01:16:41,096 --> 01:16:44,554
Yes, that is indeed true.

1088
01:16:44,666 --> 01:16:47,226
I have made
a terrible mistake.

1089
01:16:47,336 --> 01:16:49,998
One that is easily
rectified, Your Majesty.

1090
01:16:50,105 --> 01:16:54,132
You will simply have to
find yourself another queen.

1091
01:16:54,243 --> 01:16:56,711
I have condemned
a man to death

1092
01:16:56,812 --> 01:16:59,872
without first giving him the
opportunity to defend himself,

1093
01:16:59,982 --> 01:17:03,247
he and his people.

1094
01:17:03,352 --> 01:17:04,819
Azada!
Yes, my king?

1095
01:17:06,588 --> 01:17:12,151
Send for Mordecai at once
and summon my counselors.

1096
01:17:12,261 --> 01:17:17,255
I wish for everyone to hear
the testimony tomorrow at noon.

1097
01:17:17,366 --> 01:17:19,994
By your word, King Xerxes.

1098
01:17:21,136 --> 01:17:25,835
Then we shall
know the truth.

1099
01:17:51,633 --> 01:17:54,329
All hail,
King Xerxes of Persia!

1100
01:17:54,436 --> 01:17:57,200
Hail, King Xerxes!

1101
01:18:13,388 --> 01:18:18,985
Men of Persia, this day
I have summoned you to hear the case

1102
01:18:19,094 --> 01:18:22,530
against the Jewish people.

1103
01:18:22,631 --> 01:18:25,327
I was persuaded
of their guilt

1104
01:18:25,434 --> 01:18:28,961
and sentenced them
to a violent death,

1105
01:18:29,071 --> 01:18:33,098
all the Jews, all the Jews,

1106
01:18:33,208 --> 01:18:36,905
including Mordecai

1107
01:18:37,012 --> 01:18:39,344
and my queen.

1108
01:18:42,751 --> 01:18:45,584
But as Lord Haman
once pronounced,

1109
01:18:45,687 --> 01:18:48,679
the king who judges quickly
judges not wisely.

1110
01:18:48,790 --> 01:18:52,726
And in this event,
he is correct.

1111
01:18:52,828 --> 01:18:57,697
Therefore I shall
ask Lord Haman again

1112
01:18:57,799 --> 01:19:00,233
to present his case
against the Jews.

1113
01:19:00,335 --> 01:19:07,298
But this time, Mordecai will
be allowed to defend the Jews.

1114
01:19:14,783 --> 01:19:16,182
Lord Haman?

1115
01:19:16,284 --> 01:19:21,278
Your Majesty, as I
believe I have so eloquently proven,

1116
01:19:21,390 --> 01:19:23,756
that the Jews are
a traitorous people,

1117
01:19:23,859 --> 01:19:29,923
who honor their God
and despise their king,

1118
01:19:30,032 --> 01:19:32,865
and as their
writings also affirm,

1119
01:19:32,968 --> 01:19:35,266
it is their God
who rules them,

1120
01:19:35,370 --> 01:19:39,773
and it is their God
who sits upon the throne.

1121
01:19:43,178 --> 01:19:47,239
Mordecai, have you
an answer to this charge?

1122
01:19:47,349 --> 01:19:51,547
Your Majesty, Lord Haman
does indeed quote the writings

1123
01:19:51,653 --> 01:19:56,852
of my people accurately,
but not completely,

1124
01:19:56,958 --> 01:20:02,123
for it also written
that God establishes kings.

1125
01:20:02,230 --> 01:20:09,193
Therefore to disobey the king
would be to disobey God.

1126
01:20:16,178 --> 01:20:18,373
Mordecai,
I must ask you in truth

1127
01:20:18,480 --> 01:20:24,612
if you are and always have been
an obedient servant to me?

1128
01:20:24,720 --> 01:20:29,453
Your Majesty knows
well the answer to that question,

1129
01:20:29,558 --> 01:20:32,584
for I have served you
faithfully and obediently

1130
01:20:32,694 --> 01:20:38,132
all these years, and
indeed your father before you.

1131
01:20:38,233 --> 01:20:40,463
Of this, Mordecai,
I am certain.

1132
01:20:40,569 --> 01:20:42,901
But I must also ask you,

1133
01:20:43,004 --> 01:20:48,636
are you also an obedient
servant of your God?

1134
01:20:48,744 --> 01:20:51,770
Your Majesty
also knows well

1135
01:20:51,880 --> 01:20:55,043
that as a Jew from
the Tribe of Benjamin,

1136
01:20:55,150 --> 01:20:58,517
I am an obedient
servant to my God.

1137
01:20:58,620 --> 01:21:02,021
That was
quite elegant, Mordecai,

1138
01:21:02,124 --> 01:21:03,785
if not a bit deceptive.

1139
01:21:03,892 --> 01:21:05,757
But answer me this,
Mordecai:

1140
01:21:05,861 --> 01:21:07,692
What if there was
a contradiction?

1141
01:21:07,796 --> 01:21:11,163
What if His Majesty
commanded one thing

1142
01:21:11,266 --> 01:21:15,134
and your God
commanded another?

1143
01:21:15,237 --> 01:21:18,365
Who then, Mordecai,
would you obey?

1144
01:21:20,308 --> 01:21:22,173
Mordecai?

1145
01:21:22,277 --> 01:21:26,509
For many years
I have lived in peace

1146
01:21:26,615 --> 01:21:30,142
and prospered in the
service of Your Majesty.

1147
01:21:30,252 --> 01:21:32,277
But before Your Majesty
came to be,

1148
01:21:32,387 --> 01:21:35,288
my people worshipped
the God of Israel,

1149
01:21:35,390 --> 01:21:40,020
a living God who brought
my people out of Egypt

1150
01:21:40,128 --> 01:21:43,586
and delivered them
from slavery.

1151
01:21:43,698 --> 01:21:47,998
To Your Majesty
I owe my living,

1152
01:21:48,103 --> 01:21:51,368
but to my God,
I owe my life.

1153
01:21:52,040 --> 01:21:53,302
Traitor!

1154
01:21:59,080 --> 01:22:00,809
Order, order!

1155
01:22:01,917 --> 01:22:06,217
Mordecai, perhaps you
did not understand my question.

1156
01:22:06,321 --> 01:22:09,085
These are words
of treason, Your Majesty,

1157
01:22:09,191 --> 01:22:11,989
straight from the
traitor's own lips.

1158
01:22:17,599 --> 01:22:20,033
Order, order!

1159
01:22:20,135 --> 01:22:22,865
Your Majesty, you have
permitted Mordecai to speak

1160
01:22:22,971 --> 01:22:24,996
on behalf of his people.

1161
01:22:25,106 --> 01:22:27,802
Permit me now to speak
on behalf of Mordecai.

1162
01:22:31,947 --> 01:22:34,677
As you wish, Esther.

1163
01:22:36,751 --> 01:22:40,983
Your Majesty, have you not
always granted the Jewish people

1164
01:22:41,089 --> 01:22:45,549
the freedom to worship
their God in peace?

1165
01:22:45,660 --> 01:22:50,495
My love, it has indeed
been my pleasure,

1166
01:22:50,599 --> 01:22:56,094
but it was also the will
of the late king, my father.

1167
01:22:56,204 --> 01:22:59,071
Therefore I must ask you,
great king,

1168
01:22:59,174 --> 01:23:02,575
when ever did you issue an
order to my Teacher, Mordecai,

1169
01:23:02,677 --> 01:23:05,840
which he did not obey?

1170
01:23:05,947 --> 01:23:11,579
In truth, dear Esther,
I cannot recall such an event.

1171
01:23:11,686 --> 01:23:15,554
Your Majesty cannot recall it
because it has not happened.

1172
01:23:15,657 --> 01:23:21,562
Your Majesty, this
Jewish queen pleads too late.

1173
01:23:21,663 --> 01:23:28,125
She acts out of preservation for
her title as well as her life.

1174
01:23:29,704 --> 01:23:32,696
Did not once
Mordecai save your life?

1175
01:23:32,807 --> 01:23:37,039
And did you not reward him with
a royal robe and a royal horse?

1176
01:23:37,145 --> 01:23:40,444
And was it not Lord Haman
who recommended it?

1177
01:23:40,548 --> 01:23:44,746
Your Majesty, the
question that was asked was

1178
01:23:44,853 --> 01:23:50,416
what would be done for the man
that the king wishes to honor?.

1179
01:23:50,525 --> 01:23:53,392
I thought His Majesty
was referring to me.

1180
01:23:57,032 --> 01:23:59,091
Therefore, Your Majesty,

1181
01:23:59,200 --> 01:24:02,966
I pose to you the same
question Lord Haman asks:

1182
01:24:03,071 --> 01:24:08,008
If a king commands one thing
and God commands another,

1183
01:24:08,109 --> 01:24:11,670
how would you have
this conflict resolved?

1184
01:24:24,592 --> 01:24:30,997
I would have a man
follow his own conscience,

1185
01:24:33,268 --> 01:24:38,296
for even kings have been
known to make mistakes.

1186
01:24:47,649 --> 01:24:52,552
I find no treason
in Mordecai or his people

1187
01:24:52,654 --> 01:24:57,614
and he shall continue to serve
me with honor and distinction.

1188
01:25:01,062 --> 01:25:02,723
And his people shall live.

1189
01:25:10,271 --> 01:25:14,435
Lord Haman, I am not yet
finished with you,

1190
01:25:14,542 --> 01:25:20,276
for we must still address
the issue of your treason.

1191
01:25:21,716 --> 01:25:23,741
My treason?

1192
01:25:23,852 --> 01:25:26,514
For the havoc
you have created

1193
01:25:26,621 --> 01:25:29,021
and for the terrible
advice you have rendered

1194
01:25:29,124 --> 01:25:30,751
as prime minister,

1195
01:25:30,859 --> 01:25:34,420
I hereby
sentence you to death.

1196
01:25:37,599 --> 01:25:43,196
And I command that a gallows
be built as quickly as possible

1197
01:25:43,304 --> 01:25:45,772
with which to execute you.

1198
01:25:45,874 --> 01:25:49,537
Gracious Majesty,
in his infinite wisdom,

1199
01:25:49,644 --> 01:25:52,807
Haman has already
prepared such a gallows.

1200
01:25:52,914 --> 01:25:56,873
Though it was
tailored for Mordecai,

1201
01:25:56,985 --> 01:26:03,015
I am sure you will find it
for him a perfect fit.

1202
01:26:09,297 --> 01:26:14,360
I am repaid
with my own coin.

1203
01:26:14,469 --> 01:26:16,096
To the gallows at once.

1204
01:26:17,439 --> 01:26:18,838
Azada.

1205
01:26:18,940 --> 01:26:20,669
I honor you, King Xerxes.

1206
01:26:20,775 --> 01:26:24,211
Remove at once
Haman's royal robe

1207
01:26:24,312 --> 01:26:26,439
and place it upon Mordecai,

1208
01:26:26,548 --> 01:26:31,679
for it is Mordecai who
will now be my prime minister.

1209
01:26:39,394 --> 01:26:44,889
These events shall be
recorded in history.

1210
01:26:44,999 --> 01:26:47,695
By your word, Your Majesty.

1211
01:26:47,802 --> 01:26:50,236
And henceforth forever

1212
01:26:50,338 --> 01:26:55,366
this will be, for the Jews,
a time of joy and happiness,

1213
01:26:55,477 --> 01:26:59,675
and let it be written
that it is Queen Esther

1214
01:26:59,781 --> 01:27:03,182
who has saved her people
from the villain Haman.

1215
01:27:06,154 --> 01:27:07,621
Queen Esther!

1216
01:27:08,523 --> 01:27:12,015
Azada, take this man away.

1217
01:27:12,127 --> 01:27:15,290
It shall be done
as you say.

1218
01:27:17,465 --> 01:27:22,232
Mordecai, now that you
are second in rank to the king,

1219
01:27:22,337 --> 01:27:28,139
command a banquet to be held
with much food and wine.

1220
01:27:29,344 --> 01:27:30,971
Your Majesty.

1221
01:27:31,079 --> 01:27:33,980
For I would command it myself,

1222
01:27:34,082 --> 01:27:37,449
but I wish to be alone
with my queen.

1223
01:27:42,891 --> 01:27:45,826
Hail, King Xerxes!