and a long line of corrupt ancestry too generally your own high conceit, for it may come to pass produces a long line of corrupt descendants. Evil that this modest beauty whom you so much conpropensities in the young force upon us a gloomy temn may of a right command the homage you presentiment of their future life, for with the purest would now pay in mockery."

and best, the passions and temptations of a life "Surely yes," said another in a tone of irony, continually chequered with vicissitudes and trials as she curled in proud disdain her pretty lip. must in time sober down the buoyant spirits by ac-"Who shall direct great Artaxerxes' taste or concumulated cares, and too often corrupt and harden trol his will? Yea, he may even descend so far those hearts that were once tender and sympathetic. from his lofty grandeur as to make a captive JewThe day-dreams of romance-of unselfish and dif- ess queen of Persia. Who shall say him nay?" fusive benevolence are dissipated by insensible de- "Now that were capital," said a third, laughing grees, like the odor of sweet flowers, and the feel- | immoderately. "Think of the stately dames and ings of universal love are contracted to a small | high-born damsels of Persia bowing down before a circle and to a few objects; and even in that nar-bondswoman of Jewry-the thought is too rich. row compass they are mingled with disquieting Then Zoroaster would bow to Moses and the God fears, uncertain hopes, and imperfect realization. of the Jews take precedence of Ormuzd and MiIn old age we look back upon the sunny spots of thras." youth like the weary caravan on the delightful oasis of the desert behind them. But to the pious though the conviction gathers strength with the advance of years, that man was made to mourn there is a prospect more brightening beyond the grave the nearer they approach its verge, which teaches them that the gleams and snatches of joy experienced in this life are but a foretaste of a blessed existence hereafter.

Yet it is delightful to contemplate the happy anticipations of young life, nor should we disturb the bright delusion unmingled with vice, which will so soon pass away of itself. The cold and chilling reception of Esther passed not unobserved by Hagai, who after several minutes close observation, asked, “Gay damsels, what has so speedily dispelled your good humor? and why do you refuse to receive as an equal this young maiden Do you know any thing of her, unworthy of your accustomed civility?"

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to

Esther shuddered at these remarks and turning the eunuch, begged to be taken back to her home. Not so, timid beauty," he replied; "you are now committed to my custody and must bide your time. Yet be not cast down: I have the power to see you gently dealt with; nor must these beauties presume too far, lest their rudeness be reported to the king and bring about from his sympathy, the very end they are most anxious to defeat."

This speech had the desired effect, for the haughty damsels fearing the effects of the eunuch's threat, instantly whispered among themselves and withdrew in a body from the room. determining to hold themselves aloof from the unknown object of their contempt.

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Now," said the eunuch with a smile. "you are freed from them and need not fear their malice; for they dare not further molest you. Not one of those haughty damsels is there, but what would make a perfect tyrant of a queen. Yet their pride and lofty bearing, methinks, will defeat themselves: for the king has already had quite enough of female arrogance."

You construe us wrongly," replied the proud beauty who had first given her opinion of Esther; "what you mistake for pride is nothing less than awe at the commanding personage whose acknow. Hagai then conducted her to a splendid chamber ledged greatness makes it superfluous to announce fitted out with every description of costly and beauher parentage and station in life. We are forced | tiful furniture, and throwing open a large wardrobe to acknowledge her a scion of the blood royal, and said, "You will find here every variety of female feel our humble pretensions put to shame by her apparel." Then pointing to seven young women, superior attractions. Surely we must begin to who stood in a line at one end of the room, he conpractise our prostrations and most humble homage tinued, "These are your maid-servants to obey before this august impersonation of majesty; for your pleasure in all you choose to command;nothing less than queen can she possibly become.” | these,” pointing to several gold caskets, "contain This was spoken with a haughty bridling of the the precious ointments for your purification, for as neck and a mock-whisper as if for the eunuch's fair and beautiful as you seem, it is deemed indisear alone, but sufficiently loud for all in the room pensable that you should be subjected to many abto hear it, and caused a general titter among the lutions and purifications before you come into the lofty-minded beauties. presence of the king."

"For shame!" cried the eunuch, "this treatment of one so gentle and unassuming is both unfeeling and disgraceful. Remember, pretty plagues, that it is the king's province to determine who among you is worthy of the place of Vashti, and not yours. So be not too much puffed up with

Here Esther passed her time in more comfort than her seclusion had at first promised, and had the additional satisfaction of seeing Mordecai daily pass before her window to enquire after her health and treatment; nor did she suffer any other annoyance from the numerous young women in the palace

than an occasional prostration of mock obeisance | costly rings. Her small feet were covered with as they happened to meet.

slippers of silver cloth and her round and tapering ankles wore broad clasps of silver and pearl. A purely white vail wrought in flowers of silver was next thrown over her whole person, and Esther was now prepared to appear before the king. Artaxerxes still retained the impression the fascinating charms of Esther had made upon him, and

The time at length arrived for their introduction to the king, into whose presence they were carried one at a time. The method of determining precedence was by the drawing of lots. Many had already drawn higher numbers than her own and been rejected, and at length it came to her turn to appear before the king. But notwithstand-often dwelt with unsatisfied doubts on her inexing her anxious fears lest a queen should be chosen before her turn should come around, her delicate nature, now that her long desired presentation had arrived, shrunk from the ordeal and trembled to know her hopes were realized.

"I have already chosen them," she replied, with eyes still bent in thoughtfulness upon the floor. "This dress must be more acceptable to the king's good taste, than one covered with tawdry and glittering ornaments."

plicable conduct towards him. Sometimes he almost resolved to extort from her an explanation of the mysterious barrier she had declared was placed between them and forbade her to share his lofty station, but offended pride and the pledge he had given her, as often checked his impulses. He was surprised, too, that he had heard nothing from her since the Artabanus conspiracy-in the discovery of which she had rendered him so signal a service, and once thought to question Mordecai as to what he had learned of her life and history; but this seemed too great a compromise of his dignity, and he furbore to mention the subject. As Esther was ushered into his presence he was seated in all the splendor of royalty, slightly reclining on a couch, with his cheek resting on his hand with a countenance of melancholy abstraction.

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“Now, my little mistress," said Hagai entering her chamber, "the chance which I have long desired you should have is afforded you; for I say with truth, had it rested with me, you should have been queen before this. You have been the most gentle, respectful and manageable of the whole collection, and in my judgment are the most worthy to sit in Vashti's place. But the king cannot fail to see the modest graces that confer more on beauty than beauty lends to them. Be careful to adorn your person with taste and elegance, and be not insipidly timid in the king's presence, but with modest attention comprehend his questions and answer him with ready cleverness. Wear not the Hagai," said he slowly erecting himself, “this mien of an awe-stricken slave, but of virgin mod- farce seems almost a mockery to our kingly digesty before a lover. Now choose the ornaments nity. How much more rational and safe is the you would wear." manner of our humblest subjects in choosing their wives from among their fair country women at whatever place or time the eye of fancy may light upon a choice, than this our formal ceremonial, where nothing of nature peers through studied trappings of art to discover the virtues or vices of the woWhat?" asked the eunuch with astonishment; man we may take to our bosom. Think not with "you surely are mad. Would you offend the king the vulgar herd that Kings are so elevated beyond in advance by so great a mark of disrespect? No the reach of care as to be placed above the tender sudden departure from established customs and and social endearments of life. Though clothed fashions can please the king, or any one else; and with unlimited power and commanding the homage you are to consult the king's pleasure in this, not of all men, they are still endued with the same pasyour own." sions and appetites of other mortals, and oftener sigh for pleasant communion with their kind than the humblest slave. What being then can he more properly look to for pleasant converse-to share his counsels, his joys and his cares than the wife of his love? And how can he bestow too much circumspection in making choice of one? I am already sickened with this blindfolded process of choosing a queen; for I desire that she may not only have beauty, but those qualities that give beauty excellence. I am sad and would be left alone."

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"Then," replied Esther, "do you, who better understand the king's taste, choose for me."

"A sweet and sensible girl," said the eunuch, highly flattered," and you shall not repent the deference.

His mind seemed accordingly to be bent on every expedient to add a new charm if possible to Esther's beautiful person. The dress he selected for her was of the finest silk dyed in the richest and most splendid colors, embroidered with gold, and almost literally covered with the most brilliant gems. Her glossy hair was studded with clusters "Great King," replied the eunuch, "permit of glittering diamonds and a small crown of white your slave to speak, and let him in humble duty ostrich feathers, with flowers of silver, holding sets call your august notice to this one damsel more, of innumerable tiny brilliants, encircled her beauti- whose loveliness is far preeminent to all those that ful brow. Her arms and wrists were clasped with have preceded her. Her exquisite beauty, modsparkling bracelets and her fingers adorned with esty and cleverness cannot fail to please the king,

and sure is his slave, that in her he will find the guished as may become the wife of Artaxerxes treasure he has so long sighed for." and the queen of the world."

Thus concluding, he without waiting to hear the king's reply, nimbly left the room and closed the door after him.

Esther was accordingly installed in the queen's palace and invested with all the pomp and grandeur of royalty. The news spread through all Susa,

“Ah!" said the king without noticing the eu-and active preparations were speedily commenced nuch's retreat, and looking around for the first time since her entrance upon the beautiful form of Esther, "she must be some favorite of yours, Hagai, since you are not thus accustomed to bestow your commendations on women. But, pretty damsel," continued he to Esther, "you seem to be agitated why do you tremble so? Perhaps your young heart is even now sighing for the presence of some humbler object-if so, you have nothing to fea; but express the wish, and you are at liberty to depart free and uncontrolled. To bestow the affections of the heart is not an act of simple volition; but is too often the effect of wayward fancy or a capricious imagination."

Seeing that Esther still remained silent and trembled more violently, he approached her and taking her hand in his, said, "You have been forced then against your will to appear among the assembled beauties of Persia, even though you should be the accepted of the king?"

"No, great king," said Esther in a voice scarcely audible, "I have suffered no violence in coming here, but have done so willingly; yet I greatly fear that I have incurred the king's displeasure and unavoidably given eternal offence."

for the approaching marriage-feast. None could tell from what province, or of what family or kindred the new queen had come; for she suffered none of the household of Vashti to approach her, but giving orders for the immediate discharge of every domestic that attended that unhappy queen, she made an entirely new selection and among them she included many Jewish maidens, who were secretly charged to conceal their kindred and nation from the Persians around them. Haman, the Amalekite, she dreaded to meet; for she knew hể would at once recognize her, yet upon reflecting on the signal deliverances she had experienced at the hands of Providence, she was restored to confidence and became tranquil and happy.

CHAPTER X.

Bigthan and Teresh, the two chamberlains, who had been concerned in Artabanus' conspiracy and had sworn to him to revenge his death, slept nightly in the same room of the palace with Mordecai, the Jew, and at first regarded him with suspicion and fear. But from his seeming listlessness and stupid abstraction of mind, they became at length to esteem him more an old dotard than an object of dread, and often conversed together with a total indifference to his presence. It was on a night

Esther obeyed and throwing back her vail, stood succeeding a severe reprimand from the king, that before the king covered with blushes.

"What! Esther?" he exclaimed with a start. "Thou beautiful dream that has never left my thoughts! Yes, wayward, tantalizing spirit that has continued to haunt my imagination, he that beholds you once can never forget you. And have you, who rejected all my offers, come voluntarily to throw yourself in my arms? Then Persia's king is indeed happy," continued he, clasping her in his arms and impressing a kiss upon her lips. "And are you all mine own, Esther, and are you also happy in these arms?"

the two eunuchs opened a whispering conference, as they lay together on their couch, heightened in its tone by their vindictive resentment, so as to be distinctly heard by Mordecai.

"We richly merit the outrage we have suffered this day from that usurping king, and the disgrace we have borne before every scullion of the palace," said Bigthan," for our cowardly sloth in keeping our oath to Artabanus to sacrifice the tyrant."

"Then we will no longer be restrained by a timid, temporizing policy," replied Teresh, but strike like men, boldly and fearlessly, let what will

The blushing beauty replied not, but hid her face follow. We are shamed too much already by our in his bosom.

delay and will at once accomplish the deed we have "Now indeed Persia has a queen, and I a beau- so long contemplated, and revenge the blood of tiful bride, and let all who owe honor and obedi- our unsuccessful confederates. Let him learn, ence to the king show the same to his queen. Such when too late to profit by it, that the dagger which shall be my commands." Then recalling Hagai could reach Xerxes, can also pierce the bosom of to his presence, he said, "you have judged rightly, his son." faithful slave, my choice is made. Let her be attired in the royal apparel with the queen's crown on her head, and be surrounded by as many women

"But let us so manage his death," said Bigthan, as to escape if possible the penalty of the deed."

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That precaution is already secured," replied his

as she may demand, and in every manner distin- 'confederate. "In honor of this upstart queen,

and that sleep is not likely to press your eye-lids till nearly another dawn?"

"There is a time for all things under the sun, as well as a time to be born and a time to die," " replied Mordecai.

"Nor do we know while we sport the words upon our lips"-continued the eunuch with a leer of mockery which did not escape Mordecai's eye— “how nearly our own hour may have run its sands." Verily we do not," answered Mordecai emphatically, as he walked away.

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"I am half in doubt," said Bigthan, "whether deep policy or stolid insensibility more predomi nates in the composition of that old Jew. To-day, at all events, we must be cautious of him. That he can understand a plot and mar it too, the death of Artabanus fully attests."

who for the present has caught the fancy of the capricious tyrant-like a bauble or trinket pleases a wayward child-there comes off a mighty feast. Prisoners are to be set free, criminals pardoned, and whole provinces released from the accustomed tributes, to give eclat to the occasion. Now in the confusion and uproar of this grand debauchery, when from excess of wine no man shall be master of his wits, but each one feel as mighty as a king, we will conceal two trusty slaves behind the statues, in the bridal bed-chamber, which you know are to be clothed in splendid robes, to seem like living ministers tending on their majesties. At night we will prevail on this accursed Mordecai to keep the door, while we pretend, by orders of the king, to marshal to their several places of re"pose the drunken nobles of Persia. Thus when both king and subjects shall be weighed down with sleep and wine, my faithful ministers shall steal softly from their concealment and plunge their dag-lessness of Sophron discovered the plans of Artabagers in the tyrant's and his queen's hearts. Sure work they have sworn to make of it, and after the deed is done, to give us a signal by a shrill whistle of its accomplishment. Then we must seize on the Jew, and suffering the assassins to escape, alarm the palace with cries of treason. By this double stroke we shall both crush this murderer of Artabanus, and be revenged upon this Jew, who gave information of our conspiracy. To fix the crime of the king's murder upon this Mordecai, 1 have letters ready written purporting to be from other Jews, and urging him to the deed. These letters we will swear we found upon the Jew.”

"Admirable!” exclaimed Bigthan-"The scheme is so well planned that it seems already accomplished. But who shall wear the diadem and mount the vacant throne ?"

"Can you not conceive?" asked Teresh. "There is but one man who will make this service valuable to us-aye and but one with a soul equal to the dignity."

"Tut, tut," replied his companion, contemptuously, "there was a girl in the case, who by the care

nus and acted as prompter to the Jew. The wretched old driveller left to his own wits would not smell treason an inch from his nose. It makes me laugh that while he saunters forth securely trusting in his God's protection, our meshes are already spread, and that he and his accursed people are walking blindfolded into them."

"Provoke not his God," said Bigthan with a shudder; "Vashti, it is said, defied him, and behold she is fallen before him."

"Vashti !" repeated Teresh with a sneer, "the vain and weak woman who openly withstood her tyrant lord! Why what had the God of the Jews to do with her downfall? Surely a child could tell you that Artaxerxes was the God who wrought that feat. Your superstitious fears almost persuade me that you are half a Jew yourself. Nebuchadnezzar might have taught you what this God of the Jews is to be valued at against wellconcerted measures. Behold his temble plundered and burnt-his altar overthrown and his priests made bondsmen !"

"I comprehend you," said Bigthan-" Yet that man's unbending hauteur and gloomy selfish am- "Yet it is said," continued Bigthan, “that Nebbition, are no great earnest of a grateful memory." uchadnezzar feared the God of the Jews and "His fears and a common danger will make openly ascribed his victories to him. One Daniel, him mindful of us at least," continued the other too, a Jew, more knowing than all the wise men "and besides, we could elevate no other with him for an opponent."

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of Babylon, interpreted a dream the king had had and forgotten, foretelling, as in truth it happened, Mordecai listened with breathless anxiety for the that this mighty conqueror should become as the name of this contemplated king, but in vain. Yet irrational beasts, and go grovelling in the dust like he felt convinced, from the description, that Ha- four-footed animals, to appease his appetite with man, the Amalekite, was meant. In silent grati- grass." tude he poured forth his pious spirit in prayer to Pish!" exclaimed Teresh with vexed impathe God of Jacob, who seemed ever near him and tience, "that old king became restless from inacdropped peacefully to sleep. With the early dawn tion and grew mad as many others have been and Mordecai rose calmly from his couch, and was as you and I may be,—and told strange stories and preparing to leave his guilty room-mates, when played many idle pranks. But neither that DanTeresh remarked: iel you prate of nor his God had more to do with it than you or I. Let the Jews' God blunt the knife raised over this Artaxerxes' bosom, or make

"Old man, you are stirring early. Have you forgotten that to-day the marriage feast comes off;

his heart impenetrable to its point, and then preach the palace. The royal guards in holyday uniform, of his power as loudly as you will."

and with arms brightly burnished, stood drawn up In the meantime the king had ascended his in rows before every gate and door of the immense throne and was surrounded by the courtiers of the building, and everything within bespoke unusual palace for the transaction of business of state be- magnificence and splendor. Gorgeous chariots, fore the hour of feasting. Having dispensed his drawn by horses glittering in the splendor of their commands to the nobles about him and looking trappings, were seen hastening from every direccarelessly around the court, he accidentally espied tion through the crowded streets of the city to the Mordecai as he stood calmly and abstractedly lean- royal banquet, and there seemed no end to the ing against a column and gave a signal for him to numbers that were eager to be present. The hour approach the throne. The crowd fell back to the of feasting came and the banquet board amidst the extremity of the room and Mordecai drew near to blaze of sparkling gems, burnished gold and massy the king. silver, sent forth sweet odors from such fare as "Old man," said he, "it has several times entered kings alone can furnish. Countless faces wreathed our mind to enquire whether the fortunes of Esther, with smiles bent over the burdened tables and many our queen, have not hitherto been in some manner hundred lips were opened in praise of the king's connected with your own; for it seems she in-bounty and magnificence. The beauteous queen trusted to you the important discovery of the trai- all glittering with precious stones and wearing the tor Artabanus' conspiracy against our person and royal diadem was placed next to the king, nearly throne. Speak-How is it ?” stunned by the acclamations of the people as they Great king, you have judged rightly," replied caught sight of her. The king seemed highly Mordecai; "the queen has indeed been known to gratified by this expression of their admiration, but me from an early age. She was born in Babylon, Esther, mindful of the source of all her greatness, where I first saw her, and is the daughter of a elevated her thoughts in prayer at that moment to widow of excellent character and good family. her God, to deliver her from the temptations of her Her father had died before I knew her, and her station and to keep her heart free from the besetmother in a few short years followed him, leaving ting sins of pride and presumption. Old Mordethe queen that now is a destitute orphan without cai with a countenance beaming with satisfaction, friends or any earthly protector save myself. My regarded her with all the fond and tender affection heart was touched with pity for the beautiful inno- of a parent when contemplating the prosperity of a cent and I sheltered her under my own roof. She beloved child-and was at that moment truly happy. was meek, gentle and affectionate, and I became On the other hand, Haman, the Amalekite, seemed to regard her with the fondness of a parent. Of transfixed and alone of all the hilarious banqueters my bread she has broken and under my vine and to taste the feast without the joyous inspiration fig tree has she reposed; and believe me, great king, the minds of but few damsels are indued with such wisdom and purity. A gem she is, to give a lustre to any kingly crown."

"This report pleases me well," replied the king, "and adds another motive to our will to reward your virtues. While we hold the sceptre of the Persian realm regard us as a constant benefactor, nor fear the malice of any adversary."

"That time would indeed be short, great king," said Mordecai in a low tone, "should the plots of treason prevail."

that rung in peals of merriment around him. His countenance when he first looked upon Esther grew deadly pale, and his eyes starting from their sockets, glowed with a strange, wild glare of consternation. Again he looked at her, and trembling, almost started from his seat. At length his eye encountered that of Esther, but she was prepar ed for the encounter and glanced listlessly from him to the surrounding crowds without the slightest visible emotion or sign of recognition. "The same countenance and voice," muttered Haman, greatly relieved by Esther's well-dissembled man.

"How? what now?" asked the king with as-ner, " yet not the same person-that is impossible. tonishment.

Mordecai hastily narrated the dialogue of the eunuchs without omitting a single particular.

"This comes of lenity," said the king half musing" most kings would have taken their heads instead of giving a reprimand for yesterday's of fence, but it is well; for had they died, their instruments might have perpetrated the deed. Be silent and let no word, look or action betray your knowledge of this bloody-minded treason. We will unmask it at a proper time."

Zeresh in vain sought for her after the report of her escape from the ashes. She is surely dead. Besides, the king would have spurned a daughter of the accursed Jews from his presence, had impudence so inconceivable prompted one to aspire to thrones and diadems. It is but a freak of nature forming two women with one countenance, or it is that tormenting delusion of the imagination that makes substances of shadows and frights the anx ious mind with fantasies and shapes merely ideal. Yet I can never bear to look upon that face. It

The day was serene and beautiful, and gay shakes my inmost soul with something dreadful, crowds with cheerful countenances soon thronged yet inexplicable. It is well we shall meet but sel