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Title: Esther

Author: Jean Racine

Editor: I.H.B. Spiers

Release Date: May 7, 2005 [EBook #15790] [Last updated: February 17, 2012]

Language: French / English

Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTHER ***

Produced by Al Haines

Heath's Modern Language Series.

ESTHER

TRAG�DIE EN TROIS ACTES

PAR

RACINE.

EDITED, WITH INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND APPENDICES,

BY

I. H. B. SPIERS,

SENIOR ASSISTANT MASTER WILLIAM PENN CHARTER SCHOOL,

PHILADELPHIA.

D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS

BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO

COPYRIGHT, 1891,

By I. H. B. SPIERS.

PREFACE.

The tragedy of Esther commends itself to moderately advanced students of the French language by the fact that it is both the easiest and the shortest masterpiece of French tragic literature. For such students the present edition has been prepared. The text has been modified in all minor points of spelling and grammar so as to conform with present usage. The notes are intended either to make clear such matters of history or grammar as offer any difficulty, or to emphasize that which may be especially instructive from a literary, historical, or grammatical point of view.

The appendix contains, in addition to a brief statement of the rules of French verse, a systematic presentation of quotations from the play illustrating a few of the grammatical points on which experience teaches that the student's knowledge, in spite of grammars, is likely to be vague.

The editor desires to acknowledge gratefully his indebtedness to M. Paul Mesnard's exhaustive work in the Collection des Grands �crivains de la France, published under the direction of M. Ad. R�gnier (Paris, 1865), and also to the excellent editions of Mr. G. Saintsbury (Oxford, 1886), and of Prof. E. S. Joynes (New York, 1882).

I. H. B. SPIERS.

WILLIAM PENN CHARTER SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA. INTRODUCTION.

1. LIFE OF RACINE.

Jean Racine, unquestionably the most perfect of the French tragic poets, was born in 1639, at La Fert�-Milon, near Paris. He received a sound classical education at Port-Royal des Champs, then a famous centre of religious thought and scholastic learning. At the early age of twenty he was so fortunate as to attract, by an ode in honor of the marriage of King Louis XIV., the favor of that exacting monarch,--a favor which he was to enjoy during forty years. Yet more fortunate in the friendship of Moli�re, of La Fontaine, and especially of his trusty counsellor, Boileau, he doubtless owed to them his determination to devote himself to dramatic literature.

His first tragedies to be put upon the stage were La Th�ba�de (1664) and Alexandre (1665), which gave brilliant promise. In 1667 appeared Andromaque, his first chef-d'oeuvre, which placed him at once in the very front rank by the side of Corneille. From that time forth, until 1677, almost each year was marked by a new triumph. In 1668, he produced his one comedy, Les Plaideurs, a highly successful satire on the Law Courts, in the vein of the "Wasps" of Aristophanes. In 1669, he resumed his tragedies on historical subjects with Britannicus, largely drawn from Tacitus, followed by B�r�nice (1670), Bajazet (1672), Mithridate (1673), Iphig�nie (1674), and Ph�dre (1677), the last two being inspired by Euripides.

Incensed at a literary and artistic cabal, by which a rival play of Ph�dre, by Pradon, was momentarily preferred to his own, Racine now withdrew from the stage. Appointed soon after to the not very onerous post of historiographer to the King, he lived for a period of twelve years a retired life in the bosom of his family.

In 1689, at the request of Mme. de Maintenon, the secret wife of Louis XIV., he produced Esther, and in 1691, Athalie, both drawn from the Scriptures and intended for private performance only. Embittered by the indifference with which the latter tragedy was received,--although posterity has pronounced it his masterpiece,--Racine definitely gave up the drama. He died in 1699, after a few years devoted to his Histoire du R�gne de Louis XIV., his death being hastened by grief at having incurred the King's displeasure on account of a memoir on the misery of the people, which he wrote at the request of Mme. de Maintenon.

A devoted husband and father, an adroit but sincere courtier, Racine has won the regard of posterity by his life as well as its admiration by his literary genius. As a poet, he was endowed with the purest gift of expression ever granted to a mind imbued with the works of the classical writers of Greece and Rome.

2. FRENCH TRAGEDY.

French tragedy is purely a work of art. It does not claim to mirror Nature in her infinite complexity; it is the professedly artificial presentment, in the noblest form, of character unfolding itself by means of one action, as far as possible in one place, and within the limits of one day. It is bound by other formal and conventional rules: of versification--such as the alternation of masculine and feminine pairs of rhymes, and of taste--such as the avoidance of all "doing of deeds" on the stage (e.g., all fighting and dying take place behind the scenes) and the grouping of the fewest possible secondary parts around the one central situation.

There are but three names in the front rank of writers of French tragedy: Corneille (1606-1684), Racine (1639-1699), and Voltaire (1694-1778). Their tragic masterpieces cover but one century of time, from Corneille's Le Cid (1636) to Voltaire's M�rope (1743). Before these poets, French tragedy had not reached such a degree of perfection as to be entitled to an identity of its own; after them and their few feeble imitators, it was merged into a new form, and, as classical French tragedy, ceased altogether to be.

Corneille purified both thought and language of the bad taste due to the prevailing Spanish influence. He subordinated the actor to the play, instead of composing, as his predecessors had done, lengthy monologues for mere histrionic display. He did away with absurdly tangled plots, and focussed the interest of tragedy on character. Tragedy thus purified, he made immortal by the strength and elevation of his moral teaching. His principal plays are Le Cid (1636), Cinna (1639), Polyeucte (1640).

The new tragedy shaped by Corneille, Racine carried to its highest perfection of form. Nothing in his plays betokens struggle, innovation, or effort. His is the polished finish of ease and ripeness. Subtle delineation of the passions, profound tenderness, faultlessness of style and expression, distinguish him above all others. Yet this very perfection of form robs him of some of the rough, wholesome vigor, which makes Corneille's plays the most healthy reading in the French language. Corneille speaks by the mouths of heroes, Racine speaks by the mouths of men.

Voltaire is only to be placed by their side for the extraordinary skill, amounting to genius, with which he followed in their footsteps. We must not look to him for new departures, nor indeed for the lofty authority of the one, or the harmonious richness of the other. Yet in each particular he succeeds, by the force of art, in getting within measurable distance of his models: his Za�re (1733) and M�rope (1743) would hardly have been disowned by either.

After Voltaire, new times demanded new methods. The nineteenth century reacted against the portraiture of character alone, and required more complete representation of the action; it called for deeds enacted on the stage, and not in the slips. Hence, a new form, with a new name, le drame, has taken exclusive possession of the French tragic stage.

3. PRODUCTION OF "ESTHER."

In the year 1687, Mme. de Maintenon had founded at St. Cyr, in the vicinity of the royal residence of Versailles, an establishment for the education of two hundred and fifty girls, belonging to noble families in reduced circumstances. To this institution she devoted much of her time and care.

It was usual, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, to consider the acting of plays a valuable aid to liberal education, suitable pieces being often written by the heads of the institutions in which they were to be performed. Dissatisfied with the compositions of Mme. de Brinon, the first superior of St. Cyr, and objecting to the love-making that held such a large place in the works written for the public stage, Mme. de Maintenon applied to Racine, requesting him to write a play that should be entirely suitable for performance by very young ladies. The courtier poet could not refuse, and the result was the play of Esther, performed in January, 1689, by pupils of St. Cyr, not one of whom was over seventeen years of age.

The success of the play was startling. The king witnessed it repeatedly, and insisted that all his court and guests should do likewise. The performances of Esther, at St. Cyr, became great events for the fashionable society of the day. This unlooked-for result was not slow to alarm Mme. de Maintenon: their very success became a danger for the youthful actresses. Accordingly, Mme. de Maintenon discountenanced the resumption of Esther after the first series of performances was concluded, and she entirely withheld from public representation the second play, Athalie, written by Racine in the following year for the same purpose. Subsequently Mme. de Maintenon banished dramatic performances altogether from St. Cyr; she concluded it was better to train the reason[1] by the solid[1] truths of philosophy than the imagination by the unrealities of dramatic literature.

4. THE PLAY OF "ESTHER."

The subject of Esther is admirably chosen for the purpose Racine had in view. The story of Esther, owing mainly to the noble character of the queen, is as touching as it is lofty. The poet found it entirely in the Bible, which should be read side by side with the play from beginning to end. Several inspirations, notably that of the beautiful prayer in the first act, are drawn from the "Rest of the Book of Esther," i.e., those chapters which being found only in the Greek, and neither in the Hebrew nor in the Chaldee MSS., are relegated to the Apocrypha.

Racine follows the theory of the Abb� de Saci, and takes the Ahasuerus of Scripture to be the Darius of secular history. Modern criticism, however, inclines to see in him neither Darius, nor, as has been proposed on the authority of the "Rest of the Book of Esther" (xii. 2), Artaxerxes Longimanus, but Xerxes, the immediate successor of Darius.

The idea of a Chorus is borrowed from the Greeks, as Racine expressly declared in his preface. In this play, as in Greek tragedy, the Chorus comments upon the action as it unfolds itself, and the great interests at stake lift the poet to lofty heights of lyrical inspiration. The lyrics of the chorus, far from being a relapse into the pernicious practice, prevalent before the time of Corneille, of providing such passages for the mere display of the actor's ability, are pure chants and hymns, like the Cantiques Spirituels which Racine composed subsequently in detached form, and are a highly appropriate ornament to religious plays such as Esther and Athalie.

Of the form into which the poet has cast his materials, it is impossible to speak too highly. It is adequate praise to say that the language, in its perfect simplicity and exquisite beauty, is in keeping with the elevation of the thought, which is that of the Scriptures themselves. Nor should the constructive skill be unnoticed with which the dramatist has filled in the characters sketched by the Bible; the humility and grace of Esther's account of her own triumph (ll. 31-80), the art with which Haman betrays his cruel nature by the very offer of services he makes to the queen (ll. 1151-4), the adroitness of the court he pays to the king (ll. 593-7), and his readiness of resource in adversity (ll. 1142-67).

The subjoined chronological table will enable the student to follow the events referred to in the play.

B. C. 718 Shalmaneser takes the kingdom of Israel captive. 606 Nebuchadnezzar takes the kingdom of Juda captive. 606-536 Captivity of the Jews under the Assyrians. 587 Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and destroys the temple. 536 Cyrus, King of Persia, conquers Balthasar, King of Babylon, and suffers the Jews to return to their own country. 529-522 Cambyses II. reigns over Persia. 522-521 Pseudo-Smerdis " " 521-485 Darius " " 485-465 Xerxes " " 465-425 Artaxerxes Longimanus "

[1]These words recur most frequently in her later correspondence with St. Cyr.

PROLOGUE.

LA PIETE.

Du s�jour bienheureux de la Divinit� Je descends dans ce lieu, par la Grace habit�. L'Innocence s'y pla�t, ma compagne �ternelle, Et n'a point sous les cieux d'asile plus fid�le. Ici, loin du tumulte, aux devoirs les plus saints 5 Tout un peuple naissant est form� par mes mains. Je nourris dans son coeur la semence f�conde Des vertus dont il doit sanctifier le monde. Un roi qui me prot�ge, un roi victorieux, A commis � mes soins ce d�p�t pr�cieux. 10 C'est lui qui rassembla ces colombes timides, �parses en cent lieux, sans secours et sans guides. Pour elles � sa porte �levant ce palais, Il leur y fit trouver l'abondance et la paix.

Grand Dieu, que cet ouvrage ait place en ta m�moire. 15 Que tous les soins qu'il prend pour soutenir la gloire Soient grav�s de ta main au livre o� sont �crits Les noms pr�destin�s des rois que tu ch�ris. Tu m'�coutes. Ma voix ne t'est point �trang�re. Je suis la Pi�t�, cette fille si ch�re, 20 Qui t'offre de ce roi les plus tendres soupirs. Du feu de ton amour j'allume ses desirs. Du z�le qui pour toi l'enflamme et le d�vore La chaleur se r�pand du couchant � l'aurore. Tu le vois tous les jours, devant toi prostern�, 25 Humilier ce front de splendeur couronn�, Et confondant l'orgueil par d'augustes exemples, Baiser avec respect le pav� de tes temples. De ta gloire anim�, lui seul de tant de rois S'arme pour ta querelle, et combat pour tes droits. 30 Le perfide int�r�t, l'aveugle jalousie S'unissent centre toi pour l'affreuse h�r�sie; La discorde en fureur fr�mit de toutes parts; Tout semble abandonner tes sacr�s etendards, Et l'enfer, couvrant tout de ses vapeurs fun�bres, 35 Sur les yeux les plus saints a jet� ses t�n�bres. Lui seul, invariable et fond� sur la foi, Ne cherche, ne regarde et n'�coute que toi; Et bravant du demon l'impuissant artifice, De la religion soutient tout l'�difice. 40 Grand Dieu, juge ta cause, et d�ploie aujourd'hui Ce bras, ce m�me bras qui combattait pour lui, Lorsque des nations � sa perte anim�es Le Rhin vit tant de fois disperser les arm�es. Des m�mes ennemis je reconnais l'orgueil; 45 Ils viennent se briser contre le m�me �cueil. D�j�, rompant partout leurs plus fermes barri�res, Du debris de leurs forts il couvre ses fronti�res.

Tu lui donnes un fils prompt � le seconder, Qui sait combattre, plaire, ob�ir, commander; 50 Un fils qui, comme lui, suivi de la victoire, Semble � gagner son coeur borner toute sa gloire, Un fils � tous ses vceux avec amour soumis, L'�ternel d�sespoir de tous ses ennemis. Pareil � ces esprits que ta Justice envoie, 55 Quand son roi lui dit: �Pars�, il s'�lance avec joie, Du tonnerre vengeur s'en va tout embraser, Et tranquille � ses pieds revient le d�poser.

Mais tandis qu'un grand roi venge ainsi mes injures, Vous qui go�tez ici des d�lices si pures, 60 S'il permet � son coeur un moment de repos, A vos jeux innocents appelez ce h�ros. Retracez lui d'Esther l'histoire glorieuse, Et sur l'impi�t� la foi victorieuse.

Et vous, qui vous plaisez aux folles passions 65 Qu'allument dans vos coeurs les vaines fictions, Profanes amateurs de spectacles frivoles, Dont l'oreille s'ennuie au son de mes paroles, Fuyez de mes plaisirs la sainte aust�rit�. Tout respire ici Dieu, la paix, la v�rit�. 70

NOMS DES PERSONNAGES.

ASSU�RUS, roi de Perse. ESTHER, reine de Perse. MARDOCH�E, oncle d'Esther. AMAN, favori d'Assu�rus. ZAR�S, femme d'Aman. HYDASPE, officier du palais int�rieur d'Assu�rus. ASAPH, autre officier d'Assu�rus. �LISE, confidente d'Esther. THAMAR, Isra�lite de la suite d'Esther. GARDES DU ROI ASSU�RUS. CHOEUR DE JEUNES FILLES ISRA�LITES.

LA PI�T� fait le Prologue.

La sc�ne est � Suse, dans le palais d'Assu�rus.

ESTHER.

ACTE PREMIER.

(Le th�atre repr�sente l'appartement d'Esther.)

SC�NE I.

ESTHER, �LISE.

Est-ce toi, chere �lise? O jour trois fois heureux! Que b�ni soit le del qui te rend � mes voeux, Toi qui de Benjamin comme moi descendue, Fus de mes premiers ans la compagne assidue, Et qui, d'un m�me joug souffrant l'oppression, 5 M'aidais � soupirer les malheurs de Sion. Combien ce temps encore est cher � ma m�moire! Mais toi, de ton Esther ignorais-tu la gloire? Depuis plus de six mois que je te fais chercher, Quel climat, quel d�sert a donc pu te cacher? 10

ELISE.

Au bruit de votre mort justement �plor�e, Du reste des humains je vivais s�par�e, Et de mes tristes jours n'attendais que la fin, Quand tout � coup, Madame, un proph�te divin: �C'est pleurer trop longtemps une mort qui t'abuse, 15 L�ve-toi, m'a-t-il dit, prends ton chemin vers Suse. L� tu verras d'Esther la pompe et les honneurs, Et sur le tr�ne assis le sujet de tes pleurs. Rassure, ajouta-t-il, tes tribus alarm�es, Sion: le jour approche o� le Dieu des arm�es 20 Va de son bras puissant faire �clater l'appui; Et le cri de son peuple est mont� jusqu'� lui.� Il dit; et moi, de joie et d'horreur p�n�tr�e, Je cours. De ce palais j'ai su trouver l'entr�e. O spectacle! O triomphe admirable � mes yeux, 25 Digne en effet du bras qui sauva nos a�eux! Le fier Assu�rus couronne sa captive, Et le Persan superbe est aux pieds d'une Juive. Par quels secrets ressorts, par quel encha�nement, Le Ciel a-t-il conduit ce grand �v�nement? 30

Peut-�tre on t'a cont� la fameuse disgr�ce De l'alti�re Vasthi, dont j'occupe la place, Lorsque le Roi, contre elle enflamm� de d�pit, La chassa de son tr�ne, ainsi que de son lit. Mais il ne put sit�t en bannir la pens�e. 35 Vasthi r�gna longtemps dans son �me offens�e. Dans ses nombreux �tats il fallut donc chercher Quelque nouvel objet qui l'en p�t d�tacher. De l'Inde a l'Hellespont ses esclaves coururent; Les filles de l'�gypte � Suse comparurent; 40 Celles m�me du Parthe et du Scythe indompt� Y brigu�rent le sceptre offert � la beaut�. On m'elevait alors, solitaire et cach�e, Sous les yeux vigilants du sage Mardoch�e. Tu sais combien je dois � ses heureux secours. 45 La mort m'avait ravi les auteurs de mes jours; Mais lui, voyant en moi la fille de son fr�re, Me tint lieu, ch�re �lise, et de p�re et de m�re. Du triste �tat des Juifs jour et nuit agit�, Il me tira du sein de mon obscurit�; 50 Et sur mes faibles mains fondant leur d�livrance, Il me fit d'un empire accepter l'esp�rance. A ses desseins secrets tremblante j'ob�is. Je vins. Mais je cachai ma race et mon pays. Qui pourrait cependant t'exprimer les cabales 55 Que formait en ces lieux ce peuple de rivales, Qui toutes disputant un si grand int�r�t, Des yeux d'Assu�rus attendaient leur arr�t? Chacune avait sa brigue et de puissants suffrages: L'une d'un sang fameux vantait les avantages; 60 L'autre, pour se parer de superbes atours, Des plus adroites mains empruntait le secours; Et moi, pour toute brigue et pour tout artifice, De mes larmes au ciel j'offrais le sacrifice.

Enfin on m'annon�a l'ordre d'Assu�rus. 65 Devant ce fier monarque, �lise, je parus. Dieu tient le coeur des rois entre ses mains puissantes. Il fait que tout prosp�re aux �mes innocentes, Tandis qu'en ses projets l'orgueilleux est tromp�. De mes faibles attraits le Roi parut frapp�. 70 Il m'observa longtemps dans un sombre silence; Et le Ciel, qui pour moi fit pencher la balance, Dans ce temps-l� sans doute agissait sur son coeur. Enfin, avec des yeux o� r�gnait la douceur: �Soyez reine,� dit-il; et d�s ce moment m�me 75 De sa main sur mon front posa son diad�me. Pour mieux faire �clater sa joie et son amour, Il combla de pr�sents tous les grands de sa cour; Et m�me ses bienfaits, dans toutes ses provinces. Invit�rent le peuple aux noces de leurs princes. 80

Helas! durant ces jours de joie et de festins, Quelle �tait en secret ma honte et mes chagrins! �Esther, disais-je, Esther dans la pourpre est assise, La moiti� de la terre � son sceptre est soumise, Et de J�rusalem l'herbe cache les murs! 85 Sion, repaire affreux de reptiles impurs, Voit de son temple saint les pierres dispers�es, Et du Dieu d'Isra�l les f�tes sont cess�es!�

�LISE.

N'avez-vous point au Roi confi� vos ennuis?

Le Roi, jusqu'� ce jour, ignore qui je suis. 90 Celui par qui le ciel r�gle ma destin�e Sur ce secret encor tient ma langue encha�n�e.

Mardoch�e? H�! peut-il approcher de ces lieux?

Son amiti� pour moi le rend ing�nieux. Absent, je le consulte; et ses r�ponses sages 95 Pour venir jusqu'a moi trouvent mille passages. Un p�re a moins de soin du salut de son fils. D�j� m�me, d�j�, par ses secrets avis, J'ai d�couvert au Roi les sanglantes pratiques Que formaient contre lui deux ingrats domestiques. 100 Cependant mon amour pour notre nation A rempli ce palais de filles de Sion, Jeunes et tendres fleurs, par le sort agit�es, Sous un ciel �tranger comme moi transplant�es. Dans un lieu s�par� de profanes t�moins, 105 Je mets � les former mon �tude et mes soins; Et c'est l� que, fuyant l'orgueil du diad�me, Lasse de vains honneurs, et me cherchant moi-m�me, Aux pieds de l'�ternel je viens m'humilier, Et go�ter le plaisir de me faire oublier. 110 Mais a tous les Persans je cache leurs familles. Il faut les appeler. Venez, venez, mes filles, Compagnes autrefois de ma captivit�, De l'antique Jacob jeune post�rit�.

SC�NE II.

ESTHER, �LISE, LE CHOEUR.

UNE DES ISRA�LITES chante derri�re le th��tre.

Ma soeur, quelle voix nous appelle? 115

UNE AUTRE.

J'en reconnais les agr�ables sons. C'est la Reine.

TOUTES DEUX.

Courons, mes soeurs, ob�issons, La Reine nous appelle: Allons, rangeons-nous aupr�s d'elle.

TOUT LE CHOEUR entrant sur la sc�ne par plusieurs endroits differents.

La Reine nous appelle: 120 Allons, rangeons-nous aupr�s d'elle.

Ciel! quel nombreux essaim d'innocentes beaut�s S'offre � mes yeux en foule et sort de tous c�t�s! Quelle aimable pudeur sur leur visage est peinte! Prosp�rez, cher espoir d'une nation sainte. 125 Puissent jusques au ciel vos soupirs innocents Monter comme l'odeur d'un agr�able encens! Que Dieu jette sur vous des regards pacifiques.

Mes filles, chantez-nous quelqu'un de ces cantiques O� vos voix si souvent se m�lant � mes pleurs 130 De la triste Sion c�l�brent les malheurs.

UNE ISRA�LITE seule chante.

D�plorable Sion, qu'as-tu fait de ta gloire? Tout l'univers admirait ta splendeur: Tu n'es plus que poussi�re; et de cette grandeur Il ne nous reste plus que la triste m�moire. 135 Sion, jusques au ciel �l�vee autrefois, Jusqu'aux enfers maintenant abaiss�e, Puiss�-je demeurer sans voix, Si dans mes chants ta douleur retrac�e Jusqu'au dernier soupir n'occupe ma pens�e! 140

TOUT LE CHOEUR.

O rives du Jourdain! � champs aim�s des Cieux! Sacr�s monts, fertiles vall�es, Par cent miracles signal�es! Du doux pays de nos a�eux Serons-nous toujours exil�es? 145

UNE ISRA�LITE seule.

Quand verrai-je, � Sion! relever tes remparts, Et de tes tours les magnifiques fa�tes? Quand verrai-je de toutes parts Tes peuples en chantant accourir � tes f�tes?

O rives du Jourdain! � champs aim�s des Cieux! 145 Sacr�s monts, fertiles vall�es, Par cent miracles signalees! Du doux pays de nos a�eux Serons-nous toujours exil�es?

SC�NE III.

ESTHER, MARDOCH�E, �LISE, LE CHOEUR.

Quel profane en ce lieu s'ose avancer vers nous? 155 Que vois-je? Mardoch�e? O mon p�re, est-ce vous? Un ange du Seigneur, sous son aile sacr�e, A donc conduit vos pas et cach� votre entr�e? Mais d'o� vient cet air sombre, et ce cilice affreux, Et cette cendre enfin qui couvre vos cheveux? 160 Que nous annoncez-vous?

MARDOCHEE.

O Reine infortunee! O d'un peuple innocent barbare destinee! Lisez, lisez l'arret detestable, cruel. Nous sommes tons perdus, et c'est fait d'Israel.

Juste Ciel! tout mon sang dans mes veines se glace. 165

On doit de tous les Juifs exterminer la race. Au sanguinaire Aman nous sommes tous livres. Les glaives, les couteaux sont de'ja prepares. Toute la nation a la fois est proscrite. Aman, l'impie Aman, race d'Amalecite, 170 A pour ce coup funeste arme tout son credit; Et le Roi, trop cre'dule, a signe cet edit. Prevenu centre nous par cette bouche impure, Il nous croit en horreur a toute la nature. Ses ordres sont donnes; et dans tous ses Etats, 175 Le jour fatal est pris pour tant d'assassinats. Cieux, eclairerez-vous cet horrible carnage? Le fer ne connaitra ni le sexe ni l'age; Tout doit servir de proie aux tigres, aux vautours; Et ce jour effroyable arrive dans dix jours. 180

O Dieu, qui vois former des desseins si funestes, As-tu donc de Jacob abandonne les restes?

UNE DES PLUS JEUNES ISRAELITES.

Ciel, qui nous defendra, si tu ne nous defends?

Laissez les pleurs, Esther, a ces jeunes enfants. En vous est tout I'espoir de vos malheureux freres. 185 II faut ies secourir. Mais les heures sont cheres: Le temps vole, et bientot amenera le jour Ou le nom des Hebreux doit perir sans retour. Toute pleine du feu de tant de saints prophetes, Allez, osez au Roi declarer qui vous etes. 190

Helas! ignorez-vous quelles severes lois Aux timides mortels cachent ici les rois? Au fond de leur palais leur majeste terrible Affecte a leurs sujets de se rendre invisible; Et la mort est le prix de tout audacieux 195 Qui, sans etre appele, se presente a teurs yeux, Si le Roi dans l'instant, pour sauver le coupable, Ne lui donne a baiser son sceptre redoutable. Rien ne met a l'abri de cet ordre fatal, Ni le rang, ni le sexe, et le crime est e'gal. 200 Moi-meme, sur son trone, a ses cotes assise, Je suis a cette loi comme une autre soumise; Et sans le prevenir, il faut, pour lui parler, Qu'il me cherche, ou du moins qu'il me fasse appeler.

Quoi? lorsque vous voyez perir votre patrie, 205 Pour quelque chose, Esther, vous comptez votre vie! Dieu parle, et d'un mortel vous craignez le courroux! Que dis-je? votre vie, Esther, est-elle a vous? N'est-elle pas au sang dont vous etes issue? N'est-elle pas a Dieu dont vous l'avez recue? 210 Et qui sait, lorsqu'au tr�ne il conduisit vos pas, Si pour sauver son peuple il ne vous gardait pas?

Songez-y bien: ce Dieu ne vous a pas choisie Pour �tre un vain spectacle aux peuples de l'Asie, Ni pour charmer les yeux des profanes humains. 215 Pour un plus noble usage il r�serve ses saints. S'immoler pour son nom et pour son h�ritage, D'un enfant d'Isra�l voil� le vrai partage: Trop heureuse pour lui de hasarder vos jours! Et quel besoin son bras a-t-il de nos secours? 220 Que peuvent contre lui tous les rois de la terre? En vain ils s'uniraient pour lui faire la guerre: Pour dissiper leur ligue il n'a qu'� se montrer; Il parle, et dans la poudre il les fait tous rentrer. Au seul son de sa voix la mer fuit, le ciel tremble; 225 Il voit comme un n�ant tout l'univers ensemble; Et les faibles mortels, vains jouets du tr�pas, Sont tous devant ses yeux comme s'ils n'�taient pas.

S'il a permis d'Aman l'audace criminelle, Sans doute qu'il voulait �prouver votre z�le. 230 C'est lui qui, m'excitant � vous oser chercher, Devant moi, ch�re Esther, a bien voulu marcher; Et s'il faut que sa voix frappe en vain vos oreilles, Nous n'en verrons pas moins �clater ses merveilles. Il peut confondre Aman, il peut briser nos fers 235 Par la plus faible main qui soit dans l'univers. Et vous, qui n'aurez point accept� cette gr�ce, Vous p�rirez peut-�tre, et toute votre race.

Allez. Que tous les Juifs dans Suse r�pandus, A prier avec vous jour et nuit assidus, 240 Me pr�tent de leurs voeux le secours salutaire, Et pendant ces trois jours gardent un je�ne aust�re. D�j� la sombre nuit a commenc� son tour: Demain, quand le soleil rallumera le jour, Contente de p�rir, s'il faut que je p�risse, 245 J'irai pour mon pays m'offrir en sacrifice. Qu'on s'�loigne un moment.

(Le Choeur se retire vers le fond du th��tre.)

SC�NE IV.

O mon souverain Roi! Me voici donc tremblante et seule devant toi. Mon p�re mille fois m'a dit dans mon enfance Qu'avec nous tu juras une sainte alliance, 250 Quand, pour te faire un peuple agr�able � tes yeux, Il plut � ton amour de choisir nos a�eux. M�me tu leur promis de ta bouche sacr�e Une post�rit� d'�ternelle dur�e. H�las! ce peuple ingrat a m�pris� ta loi; 255 La nation ch�rie a viol� sa foi; Elle a r�pudi�e son �poux et son p�re, Pour rendre � d'autres dieux un honneur adult�re. Maintenant elle sert sous un ma�tre �tranger. Mais c'est peu d'�tre esclave, on la veut �gorger. 260 Nos superbes vainqueurs, insultant � nos larmes, Imputent � leurs dieux le bonheur de leurs armes, Et veulent aujourd'hui qu'un m�me coup mortel Abolisse ton nom, ton peuple et ton autel. Ainsi donc un perfide, apr�s tant de miracles, 265 Pourrait an�antir la foi de tes oracles, Ravirait aux mortels le plus cher de tes dons, Le saint que tu promets et que nous attendons? Non, non, ne souffre pas que ces peuples farouches, Ivres de notre sang, ferment les seules bouches 270 Qui dans tout l'univers c�l�brent tes bienfaits; Et confonds tous ces dieux qui ne furent jamais.

Pour moi, que tu retiens parmi ces infid�les, Tu sais combien je hais leurs f�tes criminelles, Et que je mets au rang des profanations 275 Leur table, leurs festins, et leurs libations; Que m�me cette pompe o� je suis condamn�e, Ce bandeau, dont il faut que je paraisse orn�e Dans ces jours solennels � l'orgueil d�di�s, Seule et dans le secret je le foule � mes pieds; 280 Qu'� ces vains ornements je pr�f�re la cendre, Et n'ai de go�t qu'aux pleurs que tu me vois r�pandre, J'attendais le moment marqu� dans ton arr�t, Pour oser de ton peuple embrasser l'int�r�t. Ce moment est venu: ma prompte ob�issance 285 Va d'un roi redoutable affronter la pr�sence, C'est pour toi que je marche. Accompagne mes pas Devant ce fier lion qui ne te conna�t pas, Commande en me voyant que son courroux s'apaise, Et pr�te � mes discours un charme qui lui plaise. 290 Les orages, les vents, les cieux te sont soumis: Tourne enfin sa fureur centre nos ennemis.

SC�NE V.

(Toute cette sc�ne est chant�e.)

LE CHOEUR.

Pleurons et g�missons, mes fid�les compagnes; A nos sanglots donnons un libre cours. Levons les yeux vers les saintes montagnes 295 D'o� l'innocence attend tout son secours. O mortelles alarmes! Tout Isra�l p�rit. Pleurez, mes tristes yeux: Il ne fut jamais sous les cieux Un si juste sujet de larmes. 300

O mortelles alarmes!

UNE AUTRE ISRA�LITE.

N'�tait-ce pas assez qu'un vainqueur odieux De l'auguste Sion e�t d�truit tous les charmes, Et tra�n� ses enfants captifs en mille lieux?

O mortelles alarmes! 305

LA M�ME ISRA�LITE.

Faibles agneaux livr�s � des loups furieux, Nos soupirs sont nos seules armes. TOUT LE CHOEUR.

UNE DES ISRA�LITES.

Arrachons, d�chirons tous ces vains ornements Qui parent notre t�te. 310

Rev�tons-nous d'habillements Conformes � l'horrible f�te Que l'impie Aman nous appr�te.

Arrachons, d�chirons tous ces vains ornements Qui parent notre t�te. 315

Quel carnage de toutes parts! On �gorge � la fois les enfants, les vieillards, Et la soeur et le fr�re, Et la fille et la m�re, Le fils dans les bras de son p�re. 320 Que de corps entass�s! que de membres �pars Priv�s de s�pulture! Grand Dieu! tes saints sont la p�ture Des tigres et des l�opards.

UNE DES PLUS JEUNES ISRA�LITES.

H�las! si jeune encore, 325 Par quel crime ai-je pu m�riter mon malheur? Ma vie � peine a commenc� d'�clore. Je tomberai comme une fleur Qui n'a vu qu'une aurore. H�las! si jeune encore, 330 Par quel crime ai-je pu m�riter mon malheur?

Des offenses d'autrui malheureuses victimes, Que nous servent, h�las! ces regrets superflus? Nos p�res ont p�ch�, nos p�res ne sont plus, Et nous portons la peine de leurs crimes. 335

Le Dieu que nous servons est le Dieu des combats. Non, non, il ne souffrira pas Qu'on �gorge ainsi l'innocence.

H� quoi? dirait l'impi�t�, O� donc est-il ce Dieu si redout� 340 Dont Isra�l nous vantait la puissance?

Ce Dieu jaloux, ce Dieu victorieux, Fr�missez, peuples de la terre, Ce Dieu jaloux, ce Dieu victorieux Est le seui qui commande aux cieux. 345 Ni les �clairs ni le tonnerre N'ob�issent point � vos dieux.

Il renverse l'audacieux.

Il prend l'humble sous sa d�fense.

Le Dieu que nous servons est le Dieu des combats. 350 Non, non, il ne souffrira pas Qu'on �gorge ainsi l'innocence.

DEUX ISRA�LITES.

O Dieu, que la gloire couronne, Dieu, que la lumi�re environne, Qui voles sur l'aile des vents, 355 Et dont le tr�ne est port� par les anges!

DEUX AUTRES DES PLUS JEUNES.

Dieu, qui veux bien que de simples enfants Avec eux chantent tes louanges!

Tu vois nos pressants dangers: Donne � ton nom la victoire: 360 Ne souffre point que ta gloire Passe � des dieux �trangers.

Arme-toi, viens nous d�fendre. Descends tel qu'autrefois la mer te vit descendre. Que les m�chants apprennent aujourd'hui 365 A craindre ta col�re. Qu'ils soient comme la poudre et la paille legere Que le vent chasse devant lui.

Tu vois nos pressants dangers: Donne � ton nom la victoire; 370 Ne souffre point que ta gloire Passe � des dieux �trangers.

ACTE SECOND.

(Le th��tre repr�sente la chambre o� est le tr�ne Assu�rus.)

AMAN, HYDASPE.

AMAN.

H� quoi? lorsque le jour ne commence qu'� luire, Dans ce lieu redoutable oses-tu m'introduire?

HYDASPE.

Vous savez qu'on s'en peut reposer sur ma foi, 375 Que ces portes, Seigneur, n'ob�issent qu'� moi. Venez. Partout ailleurs on pourrait nous entendre.

Quel est donc le secret que tu me veux apprendre?

Seigneur, de vos bienfaits mille fois honor�, Je me souviens toujours que je vous ai jur� 380 D'exposer � vos yeux par des avis sinc�res Tout ce que ce palais renferme de myst�res. Le Roi d'un noir chagrin para�t envelopp�. Quelque songe effrayant cette nuit l'a frapp�. Pendant que tout gardait un silence paisible, 385 Sa voix s'est fait entendre avec un cri terrible. J'ai couru. Le d�sordre �tait dans ses discours. Il s'est plaint d'un p�ril qui mena�ait ses jours: Il parlait d'ennemi, de ravisseur farouche; M�me le nom d'Esther est sorti de sa bouche. 390 Il a dans ces horreurs pass� toute la nuit. Enfin, las d'appeler un sommeil qui le fuit, Pour �carter de lui ces images fun�bres, Il s'est fait apporter ces annales c�l�bres O� les faits de son r�gne, avec soin amass�s, 395 Par de fideles mains chaque jour sont trac�s. On y conserve �crits le service et l'offense, Monuments �ternels d'amour et de vengeance. Le Roi, que j'ai laiss� plus caime dans son lit, D'une oreille attentive ecout� ce r�cit. 400

De quel temps de sa vie a-t-il choisi l'histoire?

Il revoit tous ces temps si remplis de sa gloire, Depuis le fameux jour qu'au tr�ne de Cyrus Le choix du sort pla�a l'heureux Assu�rus.

Ce songe, Hydaspe, est donc sorti de son id�e? 405

Entre tous les devins fameux dans la Chald�e, Il a fait assembler ceux qui savent le mieux Lire en un songe obscur les volont�s des cieux. Mais quel trouble vous-m�me aujourd'hui vous agite? Votre �me, en m'�coutant, para�t toute interdite. 410 L'heureux Aman a-t-il quelques secrets ennuis?

Peux-tu le demander dans la place o� je suis, Ha�, craint, envi�, souvent plus mis�rable Que tous les malheureux que mon pouvoir accable?

H�! qui jamais du Ciel eut des regards plus doux? 415 Vous voyez l'univers prostern� devant vous.

L'univers? Tous les jours un homme. . . un vil esclave, D'un front audacieux me d�daigne et me brave.

Quel est cet ennemi de l'�tat et du Roi?

Le nom de Mardoch�e est-il connu de toi? 420

Qui? ce chef d'une race abominable, impie?

Oui, lui-m�me.

H�, Seigneur! d'une si belle vie Un si faible ennemi peut-il troubler la paix?

L'insolent devant moi ne se courba jamais. En vain de la faveur du plus grand des monarques 425 Tout r�v�re � genoux les glorieuses marques; Lorsque d'un saint respect tous les Persans touch�s N'osent lever leurs fronts � la terre attach�s, Lui, fierement assis, et la t�te immobile, Traite tous ces honneurs d'impi�t� servile, 430 Pr�sente � mes regards un front s�ditieux, Et ne daignerait pas au moins baisser les yeux. Du palais cepeudant il assi�ge la porte: A quelque heure que j'entre, Hydaspe, ou que je sorte, Son visage odieux m'afflige et me poursuit; 435 Et mon esprit troubl� le voit encor la nuit. Ce matin j'ai voulu devancer la lumi�re: Je l'ai trouv� couvert d'une affreuse poussi�re, Rev�tu de lambeaux, tout p�le; mais son oeil Conservait sous la cendre encor le m�me orgueil. 440 D'o� lui vient, cher ami, cette impudente audace? Toi, qui dans ce palais vois tout ce qui se passe, Crois-tu que quelque voix ose parler pour lui? Sur quel roseau fragile a-t-il mis son appui?

Seigneur, vous le savez, son avis salutaire 445 D�couvrit de Thar�s le complot sanguinaire. Le Roi promit alors de le r�compenser. Le Roi, depuis ce temps, para�t n'y plus penser.

Non, il faut � tes yeux d�pouiller l'artifice. J'ai su de mon destin corriger l'injustice, 450

Dans les mains des Persans jeune enfant apport�, Je gouverne l'empire o� je fus achet�. Mes richesses des rois �galent l'opulence. Environn� d'enfants, soutiens de ma puissance, Il ne manque � mon front que le bandeau royal. 455 Cependant (des mortels aveuglement fatal!) De cet amas d'honneurs la douceur passag�re Fait sur mon coeur � peine une atteinte l�g�re; Mais Mardoch�e, assis aux portes du palais, Dans ce coeur malheureux enfonce mille traits; 460 Et toute ma grandeur me devient insipide, Tandis que le soleil �claire ce perfide.

Vous serez de sa vue affranchi dans dix jours: La nation enti�re est promise aux vautours.

Ah! que ce temps est long � mon impatience! 465 C'est lui, je te veux bien cofier ma vengeance, C'est lui qui, devant moi refusant de ployer, Les a livr�s au bras qui les va foudroyer. C'�tait trop peu pour moi d'une telle victime: La vengeance trop faible attire un second crime. 470 Un homme tel qu'Aman, lorsqu'on l'ose irriter, Dans sa juste fureur ne peut trop �clater. Il faut des ch�timents dont l'univers fr�misse; Qu'on tremble en comparant l'offense et le supplice; Que les peuples entiers dans le sang soient noy�s. 475 Je veux qu'on dise un jour aux si�cles effray�s: �Il fut des Juifs, il fut une insolente race; R�pandus sur la terre, ils en couvraient la face, Un seul osa d'Aman attirer le courroux, Aussit�t de la terre ils disparurent tous.� 480

Ce n'est donc pas, Seigneur, le sang amal�cite Dont la voix � les perdre en secret vous excite?

Je sais que, descendu de ce sang malheureux, Une �ternelle haine a d� m'armer centre eux; Qu'ils firent d'Amalec un indigne carnage; 485 Que jusqu'aux vils troupeaux tout �prouva leur rage, Qu'un d�plorable reste � peine fut sauv�. Mais, crois-moi, dans le rang o� je suis �l�ve, Mon �me, � ma grandeur tout enti�re attach�e, Des int�r�ts du sang est faiblement touch�e. 490 Mardochee est coupable; et que faut-il de plus? Je pr�vins donc contre eux l'esprit d'Assu�rus: J'inventai des couleurs; j'armai la calomnie; J'int�ressai sa gloire; il trembla pour sa vie. Je les peignis puissants, riches, s�ditieux, 495 Leur dieu m�me ennemi de tous les autres dieux. �Jusqu'� quand souffre-t-on que ce peuple respire, Et d'un culte profane infecte votre empire? �trangers dans la Perse, � nos lois oppos�s, Du reste des humains ils semblent divis�s, 500 N'aspirent qu'� troubler le repos o� nous sommes, Et d�test�s partout, d�testent tous les hommes, Prevenez, punissez leurs insolents efforts; De leur depouille enfin grossissez vos tr�sors.� Je dis, et l'on me crut. Le Roi, d�es l'heure m�me, 505 Mit dans ma main le sceau de son pouvoir supr�me; �Assure, me dit-il, le repos de ton roi; Va, perds ces malheureux: leur d�pouille est � toi.� Toute la nation fut ainsi condamn�e. Du carnage avec lui je r�glai la journ�e. 510 Mais de ce tra�tre enfin le tr�pas differ� Fait trop souffrir mon coeur de son sang alt�r�. Un je ne sais quel trouble empoisonne ma joie. Pourquoi dix jours encor faut-il que je le voie?

Et ne pouvez-vous pas d'un mot l'exterminer? 515 Dites au Roi, Seigneur, de vous l'abandonner.

Je viens pour epier le moment favorable. Tu connais comme moi ce prince inexorable. Tu sais combien terrible en ses soudains transports, De nos desseins souvent il rompt tous les ressorts. 520 Mais � me tourmenter ma crainte est trop subtile: Mardoch�e � ses yeux est une �me trop vile.

Que tardez-vous? Allez, et faites promptement �lever de sa mort le honteux instrument.

J'entends du bruit; je sors. Toi, si le Roi m'appelle. . . . 525

Il suffit.

ASSU�RUS, HYDASPE, ASAPH, SUITE D'ASSU�RUS.

ASSU�RUS.

Ainsi donc, sans cet avis fid�le, Deux tra�tres dans son lit assassinaient leur roi? Qu'on me laisse, et qu'Asaph seui demeure avec moi.

ASSU�RUS, ASAPH.

ASSU�RUS, assis sur son tr�ne.

Je veux bien l'avouer: de ce couple perfide J'avais presque oubli� l'attentat parricide; 530 Et j'ai p�li deux fois au terrible r�cit Qui vient d'en retracer l'image � mon esprit. Je vois de quel succ�s leur fureur fut suivie, Et que dans les tourments ils laiss�rent la vie. Mais ce sujet z�l� qui, d'un oeil si subtil, 535 Sut de leur noir complot d�velopper le fil, Qui me montra sur moi leur main d�j� lev�e, Enfin par qui la Perse avec moi fut sauv�e, Quel honneur pour sa foi, quel prix a-t-il re�u?

ASAPH.

On lui promit beaucoup: c'est tout ce que j'ai su. 540 ASSU�RUS.

O d'un si grand service oubli trop condamnable! Des embarras du tr�ne effet in�vitable! De soins tumultueux un prince environn� Vers de nouveaux objets est sans cesse entra�n�; L'avenir l'inqui�te, et le pr�sent le frappe, 545 Mais plus prompt que l'�clair, le passe nous �chappe; Et de tant de mortels, � toute heure empress�s A nous faire valoir leurs soins int�ress�s, Il ne s'en trouve point qui, touch�s d'un vrai z�le, Prennent � notre gloire un int�r�t fid�le, 550 Du m�rite oubli� nous fassent souvenir; Trop prompts � nous parler de ce qu'il faut punir. Ah! que plut�t l'injure �chappe � ma vengeance, Qu'un si rare bienfait � ma reconnaissance! Et qui voudrait jamais s'exposer pour son roi? 555 Ce mortel qui montra tant de z�le pour moi, Vit-il encore?

Il voit l'astre qui vous �claire.

Et que n'a-t-il plus t�t demand� son salaire? Quel pays recul� le cach� a mes bienfaits?

Assis le plus souvent aux portes du palais, 560 Sans se plaindre de vous, ni de sa destin�e, Il y tra�ne, Seigneur, sa vie infortun�e.

Et je dois d'autant moins oublier la vertu, Qu'elle-m�me s'oublie. Il se nomme, dis-tu?

Mardoch�e est le nom que je viens de vous lire. 565

Et son pays?

Seigneur, puisqu'il faut vous le dire, C'est un de ces captifs � p�rir destin�s, Des rives du Jourdain sur l'Euphrate amen�s.

Il est donc Juif? O ciel! Sur le point que la vie Par mes propres sujets m'allait �tre ravie, 570 Un Juif rend par ses soins leurs efforts impuissants? Un Juif m'a pr�serv� du glaive des Persans? Mais puisqu'il m'a sauv�, quel qu'il soil, il n'importe. Hol�! quelqu'un.

ASSU�RUS, HYDASPE, ASAPH.

Seigneur.

Regarde � cette porte. Vois s'il s'offre � tes yeux quelque grand de ma cour. 575

Aman � votre porte a devanc� le jour.

Qu'il entre. Ses avis m'�claireront peut-�tre.

ASSU�RUS, AMAN, HYDASPE, ASAPH.

Approche, heureux appui du tr�ne de ton ma�tre, �me de mes conseils, et qui seul tant de fois 580 Du sceptre dans ma main as soulag� le poids. Un reproche secret embarrasse mon �me. Je sais combien est pur le ze�e qui t'enflamme: Le mensonge jamais n'entra dans tes discours, Et mon int�r�t seul est le but o� tu cours. Dis-moi donc: que doit faire un prince magnanime 585 Qui veut combler d'honneurs un sujet qu'il estime? Par quel gage �clatant et digne d'un grand roi Puis-je r�compenser le m�rite et la foi? Ne donne point de borne � ma reconnaissance. Mesure tes conseils sur ma vaste puissance. 590

AMAN, tout bas.

C'est pour toi-m�me, Aman, que tu vas prononcer; Et quel autre que toi peut-on r�compenser?

Que penses-tu?

Seigneur, je cherche, j'envisage, Des monarques persans la conduite et l'usage. Mais � mes yeux en vain je les rappelle tous: 595 Pour vous r�gler sur eux que sont-ils pr�s de vous? Votre r�gne aux neveux doit servir de mod�le. Vous voulez d'un sujet reconna�tre le z�le. L'honneur seul peut flatter un esprit g�n�reux; Je voudrais donc, Seigneur, que ce mortel heureux, 600 De la pourpre aujourd'hui par� comme vous-m�me, Et portant sur le front le sacr� diad�me, Sur un de vos coursiers pompeusement orn�, Aux yeux de vos sujets dans Suse f�t men�; Que, pour comble de gloire et de magnificence, 605 Un seigneur �minent en richesse, en puissance, Enfin de votre empire apr�s vous le premier, Par la bride guid�t son superbe coursier; Et lui-m�me, marchant en habits magnifiques, Cri�t � haute voix dans les places publiques: 610 �Mortels, prosternez-vous: c'est ainsi que le Roi Honore le m�rite et couronne la foi.�

Je vois que la sagesse elle-m�me t'inspire. Avec mes volont�s ton sentiment conspire. Va, ne perds point de temps. Ce que tu m'as dict�, 615 Je veux de point en point qu'il soit ex�cut�. La vertu dans l'oubli ne sera plus cach�e. Aux portes du palais prends le Juif Mardochee: C'est lui que je pr�tends honorer aujourd'hui. Ordonne son triomphe, et marche devant lui. 620 Que Suse par ta voix de son nom retentisse, Et fais � son aspect que tout genou flechisse. Sortez tous.

Dieux!

SC�NE VI.

ASSU�RUS, seul.

Le prix est sans doute inou�: Jamais d'un tel honneur un sujet n'a joui. Mais plus la r�compense est grande et glorieuse, 625 Plus m�me de ce Juif la race est odieuse, Plus j'assure ma vie, et montre avec �clat Combien Assu�rus redoute d'�tre ingrat. On verra l'innocent discern� du coupable. Je n'en perdrai pas moins ce peuple abominable. 630 Leurs crimes. . . .

SC�NE VII.

ASSU�RUS, ESTHER, ELISE, THAMAR, PARTIE DU CHOEUR.

(Esther entre, s'appuyant sur �lise; quatre Isra�lites soutiennent sa robe?)

Sans mon ordre on porte ici ses pas? Quel mortel insolent vient chercher le tr�pas? Gardes. . . . C'est vous, Esther? Quoi? sans �tre attendue?

Mes filles, soutenez votre reine �perdue. Je me meurs. (Elle tombe �vanouie.)

Dieux puissants! quelle �trange p�leur 635 De son teint tout � coup efface la couleur? Esther, que craignez-vous? Suis-je pas votre fr�re? Est-ce pour vous qu'est fait un ordre si s�v�re? Vivez, le sceptre d'or, que vous tend cette main, Pour vous de ma cl�mence est un gage certain. 640

Quelle voix salutaire ordonne que je vive, Et rappelle en mon sein mon �me fugitive?

Ne connaissez-vous pas la voix de votre �poux? Encore un coup, vivez, et revenez � vous.

Seigneur, je n'ai jamais contempl� qu'avec crainte 645 L'auguste majest� sur votre front empreinte: Jugez combien ce front irrit� contre moi Dans mon �me troubl�e a d� jeter d'effroi. Sur ce tr�ne sacr�, qu'environne la foudre, J'ai cru vous voir tout pr�t � me reduire en poudre. 650 H�las! sans frissonner, quel coeur audacieux Soutiendrait les �clairs qui partaient de vos yeux? Ainsi du Dieu vivant la col�re �tincelle. . . .

O soleil! � flambeaux de lumi�re immortelle! Je me trouble moi-m�me, et sans fremissement 655 Je ne puis voir sa peine et son saisissement. Calmez, Reine, calmez la frayeur qui vous presse Du coeur d'Assu�rus souveraine ma�tresse, �prouvez seulement son ardente amiti�: Faut-il de mes �tats vous donner la moiti�? 660

H�! se peut-il qu'un roi craint de la terre enti�re; Devant qui tout fl�chit et baise la poussi�re, Jette sur son esclave un regard si serein, Et m'offre sur son coeur un pouvoir souverain?

Croyez-moi, ch�re Esther, ce sceptre, cet empire, 665 Et ces profonds respects que la terreur inspire, A leur pompeux �clat m�lent peu de douceur, Et fatiguent souvent leur triste possesseur. Je ne trouve qu'en vous je ne sais quelle gr�ce Qui me charme toujours et jamais ne me lasse. 670 De l'aimable vertu doux et puissants attraits! Tout respire en Esther l'innocence et la paix. Du chagrin le plus noir elle �carte les ombres, Et fait des jours sereins de mes jours les plus sombres Que dis-je? sur ce tr�ne assis aupr�s de vous, 675 Des astres ennemis j'en crains moins le courroux, Et crois que votre front pr�te � mon diad�me Un �clat qui le rend respectable aux dieux m�me. Osez donc me r�pondre, et ne me cachez pas Quel sujet important conduit ici vos pas. 680 Quel int�r�t, quels soins vous agitent, vous pressent? Je vois qu'en m'�coutant vos yeux au Ciel s'adressent. Parlez: de vos d�sirs le succ�s est certain, Si ce succ�s d�pend d'une mortelle main.

O bont� qui m'assure autant qu'elle m'honore! Un int�r�t pressant veut que je vous implore. J'attends ou mon malheur ou ma f�licit�; Et tout d�pend, Seigneur, de votre volont�. Un mot de votre bouche, en terminant mes peines, Peut rendre Esther heureuse entre toutes les reines. 690

Ah! que vous enflammez mon d�sir curieux!

Seigneur, si j'ai trouv� gr�ce devant vos yeux, Si jamais � mes voeux vous f�tes favorable, Permettez, avant tout, qu'Esther puisse � sa table Recevoir aujourd'hui son souverain Seigneur, 695 Et qu'Aman soit admis � cet exc�s d'honneur. J'oserai devant lui rompre ce grand silence, Et j'ai, pour m'expliquer, besoin de sa pr�sence.

Dans quelle inqui�tude, Esther, vous me jetez! Toutefois, qu'il soit fait comme vous souhaitez. 700 (A ceux de sa suite.) Vous, que l'on cherche Aman; et qu'on lui fasse entendre Qu'invit� chez la Reine, il ait soin de s'y rendre.

Les savants Chald�ens, par votre ordre appel�s, Dans cet appartement, Seigneur, sont assembl�s.

Princesse, un songe �trange occupe ma pens�e. 705 Vous-m�me en leur r�ponse etes int�ress�e. Venez, derri�re un voile �coutant leurs discours, De vos propres clart�s me pr�ter le secours. Je crains pour vous, pour moi, quelque ennemi perfide.

Suis-moi, Thamar. Et vous, troupe jeune et timide, 710 Sans craindre ici les yeux d'une profane cour, A l'abri de ce tr�ne attendez mon retour.

SC�NE VIII.

(Cette sc�ne est partie d�clam�e sans chant, et partie chant�e.)

�LISE, PARTIE DU CHOEUR.

Que vous semble, mes soeurs, de l'�tat o� nous sommes? D'Esther, d'Aman, qui le doit emporter? Est-ce Dieu, sont-ce les hommes 715 Dont les oeuvres vont �clater? Vous avez vu quelle ardente col�re, Allumait de ce roi le visage s�v�re.

Des �clairs de ses yeux l'oeil �tait �bloui.

Et sa voix m'a paru comme un tonnerre horrible. 720

Comment ce courroux si terrible En un moment s'est-il �vanoui?

UNE DES ISRA�LITES chante.

Un moment a chang� ce courage inflexible. Le lion rugissant est un agneau paisible. Dieu, notre Dieu sans doute a vers� dans son coeur 725 Cet esprit de douceur.

LE CHOEUR chante.

Dieu, notre Dieu sans doute a vers� dans son coeur Cet esprit de douceur.

LA MEME ISRA�LITE chante.

Tel qu'un ruisseau docile Ob�it � la main qui d�tourne son cours, 730 Et, laissant de ses eaux partager le secours, Va rendre tout un champ fertile, Dieu, de nos volont�s arbitre souverain, Le coeur des rois est ainsi dans ta main.

Ah! que je crains, mes soeurs, les funestes nuages 735 Qui de ce prince obscurcissent les yeux! Comme il est aveugl� du culte de ses dieux!

Il n'atteste jamais que leurs noms odieux.

Aux feux inanim�s dont se parent les cieux Il rend de profanes hommages. 740

Tout son palais est plein de leurs images.

Malheureux! vous quittez le ma�tre des humains Pour adorer l'ouvrage de vos mains.

UNE ISRA�LITE chante.

Dieu d'Isra�l, dissipe enfin cette ombre: Des larmes de tes saints quand seras-tu touch�? 745 Quand sera le voile arrach� Qui sur tout l'univers jette une nuit si sombre? Dieu d'Isra�l, dissipe enfin cette ombre: Jusqu'a quand seras-tu cach�?

Parlons plus bas, mes soeurs. Ciel! si quelque infid�le, 750 �coutant nos discours, nous allait d�celer!

Quoi? fille d'Abraham, une crainte mortelle Semble d�j� vous faire chanceler? H�! si l'impie Aman, dans sa main homicide Faisant luire � vos yeux un glaive mena�ant, 755 A blasph�mer le nom du Tout-Puissant Voulait forcer votre bouche timide?

Peut-�tre Assu�rus, fr�missant de courroux, Si nous ne courbons les genoux Devant une muette idole, 760 Commandera qu'on nous immole. Ch�re soeur, que choisirez-vous?

LA JEUNE ISRA�LITE.

Moi! je pourrais trahir le Dieu que j'aime? J'adorerais un dieu sans force et sans vertu, Reste d'un tronc par les vents abattu, 765 Qui ne peut se sauver lui-m�me?

Dieux impuissants, dieux sourds, tous ceux qui vous implorent Ne seront jamais entendus. Que les d�mons, et ceux qui les adorent, Soient � jamais d�truits et confondus. 770

Que ma bouche et mon coeur, et tout ce que je suis, Rendent honneur au Dieu qui m'a donn� la vie! Dans les craintes, dans les ennuis, En ses bont�s mon �me se confie. Veut-il par mon tr�pas que je le glorifie? 775 Que ma bouche et mon coeur, et tout ce que je'suis, Rendent honneur au Dieu qui m'a donn� la vie.

Je n'admirai jamais la gloire de l'impie.

Au bonheur du m�chant qu'une autre porte envie.

Tous ses jours paraissent charmants; 780 L'or �clate en ses v�tements; Son orgueil est sans borne ainsi que sa richesse; Jamais l'air n'est troubl� de ses g�missements; Il s'endort, il s'�veille au son des instruments; Son coeur nage dans la mollesse. 785

Pour comble de prosp�rit�, Il esp�re revivre en sa post�rit�; Et d'enfants � sa table une riante troupe Semble boire avec lui la joie � pleine coupe. (Tout le reste est chant�.)

Heureux, dit-on, le peuple florissant 790 Sur qui ces biens coulent en abondance! Plus heureux le peuple innocent Qui dans le Dieu du Ciel a mis sa confiance!

Pour contenter ses frivoles d�sirs, L'homme insens� vainement se consume; 795 Il trouve l'amertume Au milieu des plaisirs.

UNE AUTRE, seule.

Le bonheur de l'impie est toujours agit�; Il erre � la merci de sa propre inconstance. Ne cherchons la f�licit� 800 Que dans la paix de l'innocence.

LA M�ME avec une autre.

O douce paix! O lumi�re �ternelle! Beaut� toujours nouvelle! Heureux le coeur �pris de tes attraits! 805 O douce paix! O lumi�re �ternelle! Heureux le coeur qui ne te perd jamais!

O douce paix! O lumi�re �ternelle! Beaut� toujours nouvelle! 810 O douce paix! Heureux le coeur qui ne te perd jamais!

LA M�ME seule.

Nulle paix pour l'impie. Il la cherche, elle fuit, Et le calme en son coeur ne trouve point de place. 815 Le glaive au dehors le poursuit; Le remords au dedans le glace.

La gloire des m�chants en un moment s'�teint. L'affreux tombeau pour jamais les d�vore. Il n'en est pas ainsi de celui qui te craint: 820 Il rena�tra, mon Dieu, plus brillant que l'aurore.

O douce paix! Heureux le coeur qui ne te perd jamais!

�LISE, sans chanter.

Mes soeurs, j'entends du bruit dans la chambre prochaine. On nous appelle: allons rejoindre notre reine. 825

ACTE TROISIEME.

Le th��tre repr�sente les jardins d'Esther, et un des c�t�s du salon o� se fait le festin.

AMAN, ZAR�S.

ZAR�S.

C'est donc ici d'Esther le superbe jardin; Et ce salon pompeux est le lieu du festin. Mais tandis que la porte en est encor ferm�e, �coutez les conseils d'une �pouse alarm�e. Au nom du sacr� noeud qui me lie avec vous, 830 Dissimulez, Seigneur, cet aveugle courroux; �claircissez ce front o� la tristesse est peinte; Les rois craignent surtout le reproche et la plainte. Seul entre tous les grands par la Reine invit�, Ressentez donc aussi cette f�licit�. 835 Si le mal vous aigrit, que le bienfait vous touche. Je l'ai cent fois appris de votre propre bouche: Quiconque ne sait pas d�vorer un affront, Ni de fausses couleurs se d�guiser le front, Loin de l'aspect des rois qu'il s'�carte, qu'il fuie. 840 Il est des contre-temps qu'il faut qu'un sage essuie. Souvent avec prudence un outrage endur� Aux honneurs les plus hauts a servi de d�gre.

O douleur! � supplice affreux � la pens�e! O honte, qui jamais ne peut �tre effac�e! 845 Un ex�crable Juif, l'opprobre des humains, S'est donc vu de la pourpre habill� par mes mains! C'est peu qu'il ait sur moi remport� la victoire; Malheureux, j'ai servi de h�raut � sa gloire. Le tra�tre! Il insultait � ma confusion; 850 Et tout le peuple m�me avec d�rision, Observant la rougeur qui couvrait mon visage, De ma chute certaine en tirait le pr�sage. Roi cruel! ce sont l� les jeux o� tu te plais. Tu ne m'as prodigu� tes perfides bienfaits 855 Que pour me faire mieux sentir ta tyrannie, Et m'accabler enfin de plus d'ignominie.

Pourquoi juger si mal de son intention? Il croit r�compenser une bonne action. Ne faut-il pas, Seigneur, s'�tonner au contraire 860 Qu'il en ait si longtemps diff�r� le salaire? Du reste, il n'a rien fait que par votre conseil. Vous-m�me avez dict� tout ce triste appareil. Vous �tes apr�s lui le premier de l'Empire. Sait-il toute l'horreur que ce Juif vous inspire? 865

Il sait qu'il me doit tout, et que pour sa grandeur J'ai foul� sous les pieds remords, crainte, pudeur; Qu'avec un coeur d'airain exer�ant sa puissance, J'ai fait taire les lois et g�mir l'innocence, Que pour lui, des Persans bravant l'aversion, 870 J'ai ch�ri, j'ai cherch� la mal�diction; Et pour prix de ma vie � leur haine expos�e, Le barbare aujourd'hui m'expose � leur ris�e!

Seigneur, nous sommes seuls. Que sert de se flatter? Ce z�le que pour lui vous f�tes �clater, 875 Ce soin d'immoler tout � son pouvoir supr�me, Entre nous, avaient-ils d'autre objet que vous-m�me? Et sans chercher plus loin, tous ces Juifs d�sol�s, N'est-ce pas � vous seul que vous les immolez? Et ne craignez-vous point que quelque avis funeste. . . . 880 Enfin la cour nous hait, le peuple nous d�teste. Ce Juif m�me, il le faut confesser malgr� moi, Ce Juif, combl� d'honneurs, me cause quelque effroi. Les malheurs sont souvent encha�n�s l'un � l'autre, Et sa race toujours fut fatale � la v�tre, 885 De ce l�ger affront songez � profiter. Peut-�tre la fortune est pr�te � vous quitter; Aux plus affreux exc�s son inconstance passe. Prev�nez son caprice avant qu'elle se lasse. O� tendez-vous plus haut? Je fr�mis quand je voi 890 Les ab�mes profonds qui s'offrent devant moi: La chute d�sormais ne peut �tre qu'horrible. Osez chercher ailleurs un destin plus paisible. Regagnez l'Hellespont, et ces bords �cart�s O� vos a�eux errants jadis furent jet�s, 895 Lorsque des Juifs contre eux la vengeance allum�e Chassa tout Amalec de la triste Idum�e. Aux malices du sort enfin d�robez-vous. Nos plus riches tr�sors marcheront devant nous. Vous pouvez du d�part me laisser la conduite; 900 Surtout de vos enfants j'assurerai la fuite. N'ayez soin cependant que de dissimuler. Contente, sur vos pas vous me verrez voler: La mer la plus terrible et la plus orageuse Est plus s�re pour nous que cette cour trompeuse. 905 Mais � grands pas vers vous je vois quelqu'un marcher. C'est Hydaspe.

AMAN, ZAR�S, HYDASPE.

Seigneur, je courais vous chercher. Votre absence en ces lieux suspend toute la joie; Et pour vous y conduire Assu�rus m'envoie.

Et Mardoch�e est-il aussi de ce festin? 910

A la table d'Esther portez-vous ce chagrin? Quoi? toujours de ce Juif l'image vous d�sole? Laissez-le s'applaudir d'un triomphe frivole, Croit-il d'Assu�rus �viter la rigueur? Ne poss�dez-vous pas son oreille et son coeur? 915 On a pay� le z�le, on punira le crime; Et l'on vous a, Seigneur, orn� votre victime. Je me trompe, ou vos voeux, par Esther second�s Obtiendront plus encor que vous ne demandez.

Croirai-je le bonheur que ta bouche m'annonce? 920

J'ai des savants devins entendu la r�ponse: Ils disent que la main d'un perfide �tranger Dans le sang de la Reine est pr�te � se plonger; Et le Roi, qui ne sait o� trouver le coupable, N'impute qu'aux seuls Juifs ce projet d�testable. 925

Oui, ce sont, cher ami, des monstres furieux; Il faut craindre surtout leur chef audacieux. La terre avec horreur d�s longtemps les endure; Et l'on n'en peut trop t�t d�livrer la nature. Ah! je respire enfin. Ch�re Zar�s, adieu. 930

Les compagnes d'Esther s'avancent vers ce lieu. Sans doute leur concert va commencer la f�te. Entrez, et recevez l'honneur qu'on vous appr�te.

�LISE, LE CHOEUR.

(Ceci se r�cite sans chant.)

UNE LES ISRA�LITES.

C'est Aman.

C'est lui-m�me, et j'en fr�mis, ma soeur.

LA PR�MIERE.

Mon coeur de crainte et d'horreur se resserre. 935

L'AUTRE.

C'est d'Isra�l le superbe oppresseur.

C'est celui qui trouble la terre.

Peut-on, en le voyant, ne le conna�tre pas? L'orgueil et le d�dain sont peints sur son visage.

UNE ISRA�LITE.

On lit dans ses regards sa fureur et sa rage. 940

Je croyais voir marcher la Mort devant ses pas.

UNE DES PLUS JEUNES.

Je ne sais si ce tigre a reconnu sa proie; Mais en nous regardant, mes soeurs, il m'a sembl� Qu'il avait dans les yeux une barbare joie, Dont tout mon sang est encore troubl�. 945

Que ce nouvel honneur va cro�tre son audace! Je le vois, mes soeurs, je le voi: A la table d'Esther l'insolent pr�s du Roi A d�j� pris sa place.

Ministres du festin, de gr�ce dites-nous, 950 Quels mets � ce cruel, quel vin pr�parez-vous?

Le sang de l'orphelin,

UNE TROISIEME.

Les pleurs des mis�rables,

LA SECONDE.

Sont ses mets les plus agr�ables.

LA TROISIEME.

C'est son breuvage le plus doux.

Ch�res soeurs, suspendez la douleur qui vous presse. 955 Chantons, on nous t'ordonne; et que puissent nos chants Du coeur d'Assu�rus adoucir la rudesse, Comme autrefois David par ses accords touchants Calmait d'un roi jaloux la sauvage tristesse!

(Tout le reste de cette scene est chante.)

Que le peuple est heureux, 960 Lorsqu'un roi gen�reux, Craint dans tout l'univers, veut encore qu'on l'aime! Heureux le peuple! heureux le roi lui-m�me!

O repos! � tranquillit�! O d'un parfait bonheur assurance �ternelle, 965 Quand la supr�me autorit� Dans ses conseils a toujours aupr�s d'elle La justice et la v�rit�!

(Ces quatre stances sont chant�es alternativement par une voix seule et par tout le choeur.)

Rois, chassez la calomnie. Ses criminels attentats 970 Des plus paisibles �tats Troublent l'heureuse harmonie,

Sa fureur, de sang avide, Poursuit partout l'innocent. Rois, prenez soin de l'absent 975 Contre sa langue homicide.

De ce monstre si farouche Craignez la feinte douceur. La vengeance est dans son coeur, Et la piti� dans sa bouche. 980

La fraude adroite et subtile S�me de fleurs son chemin; Mais sur ses pas vient enfin Le repentir inutile.

D'un souffle l'aquilon �carte les nuages, 985 Et chasse au loin la foudre et les orages. Un roi sage, ennemi du langage menteur, �carte d'un regard le perfide imposteur.

J'admire un roi victorieux, Que sa valeur conduit triomphant en tous lieux, 990 Mais un roi sage et qui hait l'injustice, Qui sous la loi du riche imp�rieux Ne souffre point que le pauvre g�misse, Est le plus beau pr�sent des cieux.

La veuve en sa d�fense esp�re. 995

De l'orphelin il est le p�re;

TOUTES ENSEMBLE.

Et les larmes du juste implorant son appui Sont pr�cieuses devant lui.

D�tourne, Roi puissant, d�tourne tes oreilles De tout conseil barbare et mensonger. 1000 Il est temps que tu t'�veilles: Dans le sang innocent ta main va se plonger, Pendant que tu sommeilles. D�tourne, Roi puissant, d�tourne tes oreilles De tout conseil barbare et mensonger. 1005

Ainsi puisse sous toi trembler la terre enti�re: Ainsi puisse � jamais contre tes ennemis Le bruit de ta valeur te servir de barri�re! S'ils t'attaquent, qu'ils soient en un moment soumis.

Que de ton bras la force les renverse; 1010 Que de ton nom la terreur les disperse; Que tout leur camp nombreux soit devant tes soldats Comme d'enfants une troupe inutile; Et si par un chemin il entre en tes �tats, Qu'il en sorte par plus de mille. 1015

ASSU�RUS, ESTHER, AMAN, �LISE, LE CHOEUR.

ASSU�RUS, � Esther.

Oui, vos moindres discours ont des gr�ces secr�tes; Une noble pudeur � tout ce que vous faites Donne un prix que n'ont point ni la pourpre ni l'or. Quel climat renfermait un si rare tr�sor? Dans quel sein vertueux avez-vous pris naissance? 1020 Et quelle main si sage �leva votre enfance? Mais dites promptement ce que vous demandez: Tous vos desirs, Esther, vous seront accord�s, Dussiez-vous, je l'ai dit, et veux bien le redire, Demander la moiti� de ce puissant empire. 1025

Je ne m'�gare point dans ces vastes d�sirs. Mais puisqu'il faut enfin expliquer mes soupirs, Puisque mon roi lui-m�me � parler me convie, (Elle se jette aux pieds du Roi.) J'ose vous implorer, et pour ma propre vie, Et pour les tristes jours d'un peuple infortun�, 1030 Qu'� p�rir avec moi vous avez condamn�.

ASSU�RUS, la relevant.

A p�rir? Vous? Quel peuple? Et quel est ce myst�re?

AMAN tout bas.

Je tremble.

Esther, Seigneur, eut un Juif pour son p�re. De vos ordres sanglants vous savez la rigueur.

Ah! dieux!

Ah! de quel coup me percez-vous le coeur? 1035 Vous la fille d'un Juif? H� quoi? tout ce que j'aime, Cette Esther, l'innocence et la sagesse m�me, Que je croyais du ciel les plus ch�res amours, Dans cette source impure aurait puis� ses jours? Malheureux!

Vous pourrez rejeter ma pri�re. 1040 Mais je demande au moins que, pour gr�ce derni�re, Jusqu'a la fin, Seigneur, vous m'entendiez parler, Et que surtout Aman n'ose point me troubler.

Parlez.

O Dieu, confonds l'audace et l'imposture, Ces Juifs, dont vous voulez d�livrer la nature, 1045 Que vous croyez, Seigneur, le rebut des humains, D'une riche contr�e autrefois souverains, Pendant qu'ils n'adoraient que le Dieu de leurs p�res, Ont vu b�nir le cours de leurs destins prosp�res.

Ce Dieu, ma�tre absolu de la terre et des cieux, 1050 N'est point tel que l'erreur le figure � vos yeux. L'�ternel est son nom. Le monde est son ouvrage; Il entend les soupirs de l'humble qu'on outrage, Juge tous les mortels avec d'�gales lois, Et du haut de son tr�ne interroge les rois. 1055 Des plus fermes �tats la chute �pouvantable, Quand il veut, n'est qu'un jeu de sa main redoutable. Les Juifs � d'autres dieux os�rent s'adresser: Roi, peuples, en un jour tout se vit disperser. Sous les Assyriens leur triste servitude 1060 Devint le juste prix de leur ingratitude.

Mais pour punir enfin nos ma�tres � leur tour, Dieu fit choix de Cyrus avant qu'il v�t le jour, L'appela par son nom, le promit � la terre, Le fit na�tre, et soudain l'arma de son tonnerre, 1065 Brisa les fiers remparts et les portes d'airain, Mit des superbes rois la d�pouille en sa main, De son temple d�truit vengea sur eux l'injure. Babylone paya nos pleurs avec usure. Cyrus, par lui vainqueur, publia ses bienfaits, 1070 Regarda notre peuple avec des yeux de paix, Nous rendit et nos lois et nos f�tes divines; Et le temple d�j� sortait de ses ruines. Mais de ce roi si sage h�ritier insens�, Son fils interrompit l'ouvrage commenc�, 1075 Fut sourd � nos douleurs. Dieu rejeta sa race, Le retrancha lui-m�me, et vous mit en sa place.

Que n'esp�rions-nous point d'un roi si g�n�reux? �Dieu regarde en piti� son peuple malheureux, Disions-nous: un roi r�gne, ami de l'innocence.� 1080 Partout du nouveau prince on vantait la cl�mence: Les Juifs partout de joie en pouss�rent des cris. Ciel! verra-t-on toujours par de cruels esprits Des princes les plus doux l'oreille environn�e, Et du bonheur public la source empoisonn�e? 1085 Dans le fond de la Thrace un barbare enfant� Est venu dans ces lieux souffler la cruaut�. Un ministre ennemi de votre propre gloire. . . .

De votre gloire? Moi? Ciel! Le pourriez-vous crone? Moi, qui n'ai d'autre objet ni d'autre dieu. . . .

Tais-toi. 1090 Oses-tu donc parler sans l'ordre de ton roi?

Notre ennemi cruel devant vous se d�clare: C'est lui. C'est ce ministre infid�le et barbare, Qui, d'un z�le trompeur � vos yeux rev�tu, Contre notre innocence arma votre vertu. 1095 Et quel autre, grand Dieu! qu'un Scythe impitoyable Aurait de tant d'horreurs dict� l'ordre effroyable? Partout l'affreux signal en m�me temps donn� De meurtres remplira l'univers �tonn�. On verra, sous le nom du plus juste des princes, 1100 Un perfide �tranger d�soler vos provinces, Et dans ce palais m�me, en proie � son courroux, Le sang de vos sujets regorger jusqu'� vous.

Et que reproche aux Juifs sa haine envenim�e? Quelle guerre intestine avons-nous allum�e? 1105 Les a-t-on vus marcher parmi vos ennemis? Fut-il jamais au joug esclaves plus soumis? Adorant dans leurs fers le Dieu qui les ch�tie, Pendant que votre main sur eux appesantie A leurs pers�cuteurs les livrait sans secours, 1110 Ils conjuraient ce Dieu de veiller sur vos jours, De rompre des m�chants les trames criminelles, De mettre votre tr�ne � l'ombre de ses ailes. N'en doutez point, Seigneur, il fut votre soutien. Lui seui mit � vos pieds le Parthe et l'Indien, 1115 Dissipa devant vous les innombrables Scythes, Et renferma les mers dans vos vastes limites. Lui seul aux yeux d'un Juif d�couvrit le dessein De deux tra�tres tout pr�ts � vous percer le sein. H�las! ce Juif jadis m'adopta pour sa fille. 1120

Mardoch�e?

Il restait seui de notre famille. Mon p�re �tait son fr�re. Il descend comme moi Du sang infortun� de notre premier roi. Plein d'une juste horreur pour un Amal�cite, Race que notre Dieu de sa bouche a maudite, 1125 Il n'a devant Aman pu fl�chir les genoux, Ni lui rendre un honneur qu'll ne croit d� qu'� vous. De l� contre les Juifs et contre Mardoch�e Cette haine, Seigneur, sous d'autres noms cach�e. En vain de vos bienfaits Mardoch�e est par�: 1130 A la porte d'Aman est d�j� pr�par� D'un inf�me tr�pas l'instrument ex�crable. Dans une heure au plus tard ce vieillard v�n�rable, Des portes du palais par son ordre arrach�, Couvert de votre pourpre y doit �tre attach�. 1135

Quel jour m�l� d'horreur vient effrayer mon �me? Tout mon sang de col�re et de honte s'enflamme. J'�tais donc le jouet. . . . Ciel, daigne m'�clairer. Un moment sans t�moins cherchons � respirer. Appelez Mardoch�e, il faut aussi l'entendre. 1140 (Le Roi s'�loigne.)

V�rit�, que j'implore, ach�ve de descendre!

ESTHER, AMAN, LE CHOEUR.

AMAN, � Esther.

D'un juste �tonnement je demeure frapp�; Les ennemis des Juifs m'ont trahi, m'ont tromp�. J'en atteste du Ciel la puissance supr�me. En les perdant j'ai cru vous assurer vous-m�me. 1145 Princesse, en leur faveur, employez mon cr�dit: Le Roi, vous le voyez, flotte encore interdit. Je sais par quels ressorts on le'pousse, on l'arr�te, Et fais, comme il me pla�t, le calme et la temp�te. Les int�r�ts des Juifs d�j� me sont sacr�s. 1150 Parlez: vos ennemis aussit�t massacr�s, Victimes de la foi que ma bouche vous jure, De ma fatale erreur r�pareront l'injure. Quel sang demandez-vous?

Va, tra�tre, laisse-moi. Les Juifs n'attendent rien d'un m�chant tel que toi. 1155 Mis�rable, le Dieu vengeur de l'innocence, Tout pr�t � te juger, tient d�j� sa balance. Bient�t son juste arr�t te sera prononc�e. Tremble. Son jour approche, et ton r�gne est pass�.

Oui, ce Dieu, je l'avoue, est un Dieu redoutable. 1160 Mais veut-il que l'on garde une haine implacable? C'en est fait: mon orgueil est forc� de plier; L'inexorable Aman est r�duit � prier. (Il se jette � ses pieds.) Par le salut des Juifs, par ces pieds que j'embrasse, Par ce sage vieillard, l'honneur de votre race, 1165 Daignez d'un roi terrible apaiser le courroux. Sauvez Aman, qui tremble � vos sacr�s genoux.

ASSU�RUS, ESTHER, AMAN, �LISE, GARDES, LE CHOEUR.

Quoi? le tra�tre sur vous porte ses mains hardies? Ah! dans ses yeux confus je lis ses perfidies; Et son trouble, appuyant la foi de vos discours, 1170 De tous ses attentats me rappelle le cours. Qu'� ce monstre � l'instant l'�me soit arrach�e; Et que devant sa porte, au lieu de Mardoch�e, Apaisant par sa mort et la terre et les cieux, De mes peuples veng�s il repaisse les yeux. 1175 (Aman est emmen� par les Gardes.)

ASSU�RUS, ESTHER, MARDOCH�E, �LISE, LE CHOEUR.

ASSU�RUS continue en s'adressant � Mardoch�e.

Mortel ch�ri du ciel, mon salut et ma joie, Aux conseils des m�chants ton roi n'est plus en proie. Mes yeux sont dessill�s, le crime est confondu. Viens briller pr�s de moi dans le rang qui t'est d�. Je te donne d'Aman les biens et la puissance; 1180 Poss�de justement son injuste opulence. Je romps le joug funeste o� les Juifs sont soumis; Je leur livre le sang de tous leurs ennemis; A l�gal des Persans je veux qu'on les honore, Et que tout tremble au nom du Dieu qu'Esther adore. 1185 Reb�tissez son temple, et peuplez vos cit�s; Que vos heureux enfants dans leurs solennit�s Consacrent de ce jour le triomphe et la gloire, Et qu'� jamais mon nom vive dans leur m�moire.

ASSU�RUS, ESTHER, MARDOCH�E, ASAPH, �LISE, LE CHOEUR.

Que veut Asaph? 1190

Seigneur, le tra�tre est expir� Par le peuple en fureur � moiti� d�chir�. On tra�ne, on va donner en spectacle funeste De son corps tout sanglant le mis�rable reste.

MARDOCH�E.

Roi, qu'� jamais le Ciel prenne soin de vos jours. Le p�ril des Juifs presse, et veut un prompt secours. 1195

Oui, je t'entends. Allons, par des ordres contraires, R�voquer des m�chants les ordres sanguinaires.

O Dieu, par quelle route inconnue aux mortels Ta sagesse conduit ses desseins �ternels!

SC�NE IX.

Dieu fait triompher l'innocence: 1200 Chantons, c�l�brons sa puissance.

Il a vu contre nous les m�chants s'assembler, Et notre sang pr�t � couler. Comme l'eau sur la terre ils allaient le r�pandre: Du haut du ciel sa voix s'est fait entendre; 1205 L'homme superbe est renvers�. Ses propres fl�ches l'ont perc�.

J'ai vu l'impie ador� sur la terre. Pareil au c�dre, il cachait dans les cieux Son front audacieux, 1210 Il semblait � son gr� gouverner le tonnerre, Foulait aux pieds ses ennemis vaincus. Je n'ai fait que passer, il n'�tait d�j� plus.

On peut des plus grands rois surprendre la justice. Incapables de tromper, 1215 Ils ont peine � s'�chapper Des pi�ges de l'artifice. Un coeur noble ne peut soup�onner en autrui La bassesse et la malice. Qu'il ne sent point en lui. 1220

Comment s'est calm� l'orage?

Quelle main salutaire a chass� le nuage?

L'aimable Esther a fait ce grand ouvrage. De l'amour de son Dieu son coeur s'est embras�; Au p�ril d'une mort funeste 1225 Son z�le ardent s'est expos�. Elle a parl�. Le Ciel a fait le reste.

Esther a triomph� des filles des Persans. La nature et le Ciel � l'envi l'ont orn�e.

L'UNE DES DEUX.

Tout ressent de ses yeux les charmes innocents. 1230 Jamais tant de beaut� fut-elle couronn�e?

Les charmes de son coeur sont encor plus puissants, Jamais tant de vertu fut-elle couronn�e?

TOUTES DEUX ensemble.

Esther a triomph� des filles des Persans. La nature et le Ciel � l'envi l'ont orn�e. 1235

Ton Dieu n'est plus irrit�. R�jouis-toi, Sion, et sors de la poussi�re. Quitte les v�tements de ta captivit�, Et reprends ta splendeur premi�re.

Les chemins de Sion � la fin sont ouverts. 1240 Rompez vos fers, Tribus captives. Troupes fugitives, Repassez les monts et les mers. Rassemblez-vous des bouts de l'univers.

Rompez vos fers, Tribus captives. Troupes fugitives, Repassez les monts et les mers. Rassemblez-vous des bouts de l'univers. 1250

Je reverrai ces campagnes si ch�res.

J'irai pleurer au tombeau de mes p�res.

Repassez les monts et les mers. Rassemblez-vous des bouts de l'univers.

Relevez, relevez les superbes portiques 1255 Du temple o� notre Dieu se pla�t d'etre ador�. Que de l'or le plus pur son autel soit par�, Et que du sein des monts le marbre soit tir�. Liban, d�pouille-toi de tes cedres antiques. Pr�tres sacr�s, pr�parez vos cantiques. 1260

Dieu descend et revient habiter parmi nous. Terre, fr�mis d'all�gresse et de crainte; Et vous, sous sa majest� sainte, Cieux, abaissez-vous!

Que le Seigneur est bon! que son joug est aimable! 1265 Heureux qui d�s l'enfance en conna�t la douceur! Jeune peuple, courez � ce ma�tre adorable! Les biens les plus charmants n'ont rien de comparable Aux torrents de plaisirs qu'il r�pand dans un coeur. Que le Seigneur est bon! que son joug est aimable! 1270 Heureux qui d�s l'enfance en conna�t la douceur!

Il s'apaise, il pardonne. Du coeur ingrat qui l'abandonne Il attend le retour. Il excuse notre faiblesse. 1275 A nous chercher m�me il s'empresse. Pour l'enfant qu'elle a mis au jour Une m�re a moins de tendresse. Ah! qui peut avec lui partager notre amour?

TROIS ISRA�LITES.

Il nous fait remporter une illustre victoire. 1280

L'UNE DES TROIS.

Il nous a r�v�l� sa gloire.

TOUTES TROIS ensemble.

Ah! qui peut avec lui partager notre amour?

Que son nom soit b�ni, que son nom soit chant�! Que l'on c�l�bre ses ouvrages Au del� des temps et des �ges, 1285 Au del� de l'�ternit�!

NOTES TO PROLOGUE.

[This prologue is an afterthought, having been written to provide a part for Mme. de Caylus, a niece of Mme. de Maintenon. It is never spoken on the stage, and rarely, if ever, read in French schools. It is here given for the sake of completeness only.]

3 ce lieu, of course is St. Cyr.

9 un roi, Louis XIV.

13 � sa porte, St. Cyr being in the vicinity of Versailles, the king's residence.

15 cet ouvrage, the founding of this institution.

24 Louis XIV. supported foreign missions in the East and in the Nouveau Monde.

31-32 Allusion is here made to the Augsburg League (1687), in which Austria joined Sweden, Saxony, etc., for the purpose of opposing Louis XIV. Its leading spirit was the protestant William of Orange.

36 The pope Innocent III. was accused by Louis XIV. of aiding the anti-Roman designs of William of Orange,

48 Allusion to the taking of Philippsburg, Mannheim and Frankenthal, in the preceding year.

49 un fils. The Grand Dauphin had conducted the above campaign, with the great engineer Vauban.

NOTES TO PLAY.

2 Beni soit is the usual form. The retained que is therefore emphatic.--Voeux very frequent in poetry for prieres, for metrical reasons. The whole expression is elliptical: qui te rend [a moi en reponse] a etc.

3 Cf. Book of Esther, ii. 5, for the descent of Mordecai, and consequently of Esther herself, his brother's daughter.

4 For tense of fus, see App. II., ii. B. b.

5 d'un meme is stronger than du meme. Cf. l. 263.

8 Note the mode of emphasizing pronouns, Cf. ll. 23, 443, and contrast ll. 47, 429.

9 je te fais chercher, see App. III. Note the present tense.

10 donc, emphatic, untranslatable here. Observe the order quel climat, quel desert, and the reason for it.

11 eploree, quite different from deploree, is an adjective, meaning "weeping," "tearful." Cf. Alfred de Musset:

Plantez un saule an cimetiere; J'aime son feuillage eplore . . .

13 When ne . . . que = "only," que precedes the word specially qualified by the adverb in English. Here the sense makes "only" qualify attendais rather than la fin. For similar construction see l. 373.

15 Note: abuser quelqu'un, "to deceive a person." abuser de, "to use improperly." injurier, "to abuse" or "insult."

16 Suse, "Shushan the palace" of the Bible, on the river Eulaeus, was the winter residence of the first Persian kings, the Achemenidae. Susa, Persepolis, and Ecbatana were the principal towns of, Persia, the biblical "Elam."

18 Note the formal masc. assis.

20 Sion, properly one of the four hills, on which Jerusalem was built, and often used as the name of the town itself, here stands for the Jewish nation, to which Jerusalem stood in the same relation as Mecca to the Mohammedans.

23 horreur, a very strong word, because expressing the physical effect of fear (here "religious awe"). Cf. Latin horridus, horresco, etc.

24 J'ai su. For tense, see App. II, iii. B. Savoir is often elegantly used = "to succeed," especially in this tense.

37 For this Assuerus, see Introduction, section IV.

29 ressort (lit. that which "comes out again" when pressed in) is any mechanical "spring;" often used figuratively.

31-34 See Book of Esther, i. 10-22. On the assumption that Assuerus is Darius, Vashti is Atossa, daughter of Cyrus, and wife, successively, of Cambyses II., Smerdis, and Darius, to the last of whom she bore Xerxes and Artabazanus.

33-34 Epexegesis, or explanation, of disgrace. Cf. ll. 250-252.

36 offensee, in the correct etymological sense of "wounded." Vashti left an "aching void" in the king's heart.

39 L'Inde, now usually l'Indus, is generally the river, and rarely India, in Racine's writings.

40 comparaitre, always used of appearance in answer to official summons.

41 indompte, a classical epithet. Cf. indomitique Dahae, Verg. Aen. VIII. 728. The warlike and nomadic character of the Scythians increased in the mind their geographical remoteness. The Parthians are supposed to have sprung from Scythian exiles. The two races occupied the vast regions of north-western Asia.

45 heureux, like "happy," often = "successful."

49 agite refers of course to il in l. 50.

51 The exquisite taste and modesty of the queen's narrative has been commented upon in Introd. section IV.

54 ma race et mon pays. We are told (Book of Esther, ii. 5-7) that Mordecai, who had taken Esther for his daughter, had been carried away from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar; whence it follows that Esther, too, was not only a Jewess by race, but a native of Palestine. The Book of Esther (ii. 20) says she had not showed "her kindred nor her people."

56 peuple means: 1. "nation;" 2. "mass of common people," in contradistinction to la noblesse; 3. "crowd."

57 int�r�t, whose meaning is always "a matter of interest," will have to be variously translated; e.g., "prize," "cause," "need," etc.

58 arr�t is the decision at which, when reached, a "stop" is made. Hence, "decree," "edict," and here "doom."

59 brigue is correctly defined by Mr. Saintsbury as "the whole process of endeavoring to secure a favor by interest and influence."--Suffrages is here used of the claims to preference put forward by each.

69 Note that tandis que has two uses: 1 "during the time that," and 2. "whereas." Pendant que has only the former.

75 d�s has always the force of "as early as," but the translation must vary.

79-80 Cf. Book of Esther, ii. 18: "And he made a release to the provinces and gave gifts . . ." Line 80 is figurative: the king's releases and gifts did not actually "invite" the masses of his subjects (see N. to l. 56) to the royal nuptials, but "made them partake of the joy" of these nuptials.--Leurs princes = Ahasuerus and his new queen. Leurs, a constructio ad sensum with the collective singular peuple.

84 Literally true of the then known world, since the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the Persian Empire extended from the Indus in the East to the Hellespont in the West.

88 sont cess�es. Cesser was both transitive and intransitive, as early as the sixteenth century: hence the passive is legitimate, and lays additional stress on the state resulting from the action.

89 ennuis = "troubles." Trouble (cf. l. 1170) = "agitation."

92 encor. See App. I, Metre.

96 jusque has always the force of "as far as," but must be variously translated.

98 avis. Cf.: C'est moit avis.--Avis au lecteur.--Quand je serai pr�t, je vous en donnerai avis.--Le Pr�sident prit l'avis de la chambre.--Il donne trof d'avis.

99 d�couvrir here, as several times in this play, "to reveal." Cf. Merchant of Venice, (Act II. Sc. vii.) "Draw aside the curtains and discover the several caskets."

Pratiques, like our "practices," always unfavorable when = "doings."

100 domestiques = "officers of the household." The "Rest of the Book of Esther" gives their names, Gabatha and Tharra, and states that they were keepers of the palace (xii. 1).

101-110 These lines are a graceful allusion to St. Cyr, and to Mme. de Maintenon herself. See Introd. section III.

105 profanes, here, as in l. 155, is an especially apt word, since it suggests not only the seclusion in which these maidens live within the palace, but also the difference between their religion and that of the court.

108 me cherchant moi-m�me, "seeking [communion with] myself."

114 A fine antithesis. Cf. Oedipus Rex, l. l: Kudmou tou palai nia trophe. 120 (Heading) Endroit or lieu is the general word for a "place" or "spot." Place is the place to which a thing belongs.

123 De tous c�tes and de toutes parts (l. 148) = both "on all sides" and "from all sides."

126 jusques. See App. I, Metre. The "s" is due to the tendency of adverbial words to assume a final "s." Cf. sans from sine, alors from ad illam horam.

132 d�plorable, a fine etymological use of the word; now only used in the derived meaning "sad" or "wretched."

139 ta douleur retrac�e = le recit de ta douleur. This is a Latin construction of frequent occurrence in this play. Cf. post urbem conditam = "after the founding of the city." The past participle qualifying the noun takes the place of our abstract substantive.

140 n'occupe. Pas is omitted after si whenever the affirmative idea is predominant. Tr.: "unless."

146 relever. See App. III.

149 tes peuples. Cf. l. 19, and N. to l. 56.

155 This interview is a departure from the Book of Esther, where Mordecai, in accordance with Eastern custom, can do no more than "walk before the court of the women's house" (ii. II).

s'ose avancer is an elegant order for ose s'avancer. The peculiarity is that oser is here used as though it were one of the two auxiliaries avoir and �tre, which alone must separate the oblique conjunctives from their governing verb. Cf. ll. 231, 471. We shall find several other such pseudo-auxiliaries.

156 p�re, figuratively, of course.

160 enfin must be variously translated. It can have the force of: 1. "at length;" 2. "too," at the end of an enumeration; 3. "in short;" 4. "still," or, "after all;" 5. "in the end."

164 c'est fait de . . . = actum est de. . . . See also App. V, ii. D.

166 Devoir means 1. "to owe;" 2. "to have to," "must" expressing either physical necessity (e.g., "You must be tired") or moral obligation; 3. "to be [about] to;" e.g., "I am to be queen of the May."

170 race d'Amal�cite, in apposition to Aman, is infinitely more contemptuous than the equally metrical de race amal�cite. Tr. "of the brood of Amalek." Cf. Book of Esther, iii. 1, where Haman is stated to be descended from Agag, king of the Amalekites.

171 cr�dit:--"personal influence," which Haman has used as a weapon to strike down his foes.

173 pr�venir means: 1. "to forestall," 2. "to give notice" (l. 203), "to warn," i.e., to forestall the mishap; 3. "to prejudice," i.e., to forestall impartial judgment, as here.

174 en horreur �. Cf. odio esse alicui, and en proie � (l. 1177). See App. V, i.

176 pris. Cf. prendre jour avec quelqu'un = "to make an appointment."

182 les restes, very strong when applied to persons.

183 See l. 140, N.

189 Note the agreement of the adverb.--Le feu de = "the fire that inspired . . ."

194 affecte = "claims." The word is very skillfully chosen. It conveys, without the slightest disrespect, Esther's sense of the arbitrary character of this law.

203 sans [que je puisse] le pr�venir. The queen may not even inform the king of her desire to speak with him.

208 Que dis-je? = "Nay!"

209 sang, a frequent metonymy for race, as in English.

211 Book of Esther, iv. 14: "and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

214 vain--"idle," "useless." Cf. "in vain."

216 ses saints = "his holy ones."

218 d'un enfant, and not d'une enfant, because the statement is general. The next line appeals to Esther directly, hence the fem. heureuse.

221 peuvent = "can avail."

226 Cf. Isaiah, xl. 17. "All the nations are as nothing before him; they are counted to him less than nothing."

227 tr�pas (from trans and low Latin passare) is the passing across the boundary of life. Cf. our two uses of "trespass."

230 que is here a survival from the very frequent construction which begins with c'est: c'est, sans doute, que. . .-�prouver has either an active sense, "to put to the test," or a passive, "to experience."

232 The addition of bien to vouloir weakens the meaning from strong volition to condescension. Here: "has deigned." Cf. l. 357. Similarly aimer = "to love," but aimer bien = "to like."

234 en. See App. V, ii. C.

237 cette gr�ce, i.e., of being the instrument of our delivery. The statement is of course hypothetical, and the future is used, instead of the conditional, only for greater directness and force.

238 toute votre race, obviously "thou and thy father's house," Book of Esther, iv. 14.

240 assidus � prier is the order.

242 je�ne, from jejunum. Cf. our "jejune."

245 "And if I perish, I perish," Book of Esther, iv. 16. Contente, now colloquially = our "glad," has here its truest sense of "satisfied."

247 Qu'on s'�loigne. The touch of dignity added to the command by the use of the indefinite pronoun, can hardly be translated. For the following prayer, see Introd. section IV.

259 sert has here its full etymological meaning of "being a slave." Its other meanings are: 2. with de, "to serve as," "to be used for," l. 843; 3. with accus. "to serve" a person, a cause, etc., l. 336; 4. with dative, "to be of use" to a person or for a purpose, l. 333.

200 veut, as often, = "seek to." Note that the de before �tre is not dependent on peu, but is the regular preposition introducing an infinitive not at the beginning of a sentence.--For vouloir, used as a pseudo-auxiliary, see l. 155, N.

261 Insulter, like applaudir, is used with the accus. in a literal, with the dat. in a figurative, sense.

262 Imputer always implies that you charge a person with an offence. Here there is a slight hypallage: the offence lies in the fact that the conqueror dares to credit his false gods with his triumph, and not, as the words would literally signify, in that with which he credits them.

263 Note that adjectives at the end of the line are strongly emphatic.

266 Foi means: 1. "faith," l. 256; 2. "loyalty," l. 375; 3. "truth," as here; 4. "promise," l. 1152. If the Jews were annihilated, the Saviour promised by God to the seed of Abraham could not be born to them.

277 o�, frequently used for the dat. of relative pron. referring to things.

299 Il fut is elegant for il y eut. Cf. l. 477. For the tense, see App. II, ii. B. b.

309 Arracher is "to snatch away," "to pull off" or "up;" d�chirer is "to tear into pieces."

332 Note that autrui can never be nominative.

333 Que. See App. IV, 1. A.

347 Ni is almost always followed by ne without pas, because ne is only attended by its intensifying particle pas when used as the sole negative in the clause, without any accompanying rien, jamais, aucun, etc. Here, therefore, there should be no pas. Its introduction creates a sort of anacoluthon, and throws great stress on the negative.

364 When Pharaoh's host was swallowed up by the Red Sea.

367 paille l�g�re = "chaff."

373 ne . . . que. Cf. l. 13, N.

375 en. See App. V, ii. E.

382 Tout ce . . . de myst�res is a construction framed on the analogy of genitives following adverbs of quantity.

386 fait and not faite. See App. III.

392 fuit is the present tense because qui le fuit is equivalent to an adjective.

404 The story is that, at the death of Gomates, the candidates to the throne of Persia, unable to settle their rival claims, agreed that he should be king whose horse should neigh first after sunrise, and that Darius won the crown through the wit of his servant who led a mare to the appointed spot in advance. See Herodotus, III. 85-86.

405 id�e, by frequent metonymy for esprit.

406 Chaldaea was famous for its astronomers, who had fixed the duration of the year, were acquainted with the zodiac, and as early as the middle of the fourth century B.C., already possessed astronomical records extending over 1,900 years. They were also far-famed astrologers, and as such were in great demand as late as the last years of the Roman empire.

415 eut du ciel. Cf. Gray's Elegy: "He gained from heaven, 'twas all he asked," etc.

419 Striking witness is borne to Haman's high position by the flattery paid him by Hydaspes.

426 Tout r�v�re, for tous r�v�rent, for metrical reasons. See App. I, Metre.

430 Traiter de = "to call," always with an unfavorable connotation.

444 fragile, of course, must be translated here "broken."

445 salutaire, here "timely."

449 l'artifice. The definite article is used distributively: = "all artifice."

452 Racine heightens the contrast between Haman's past and present fortunes by imagining him to have been bought for a slave, in boyhood, by a Persian master. This the Bible does not state, although the Rest of the Book of Esther calls him a Macedonian (xvi, 10), but immediately adds "and as a stranger received of us."

454 soutiens de ma puissance. Male children were, and still are, indispensable to prosperity in the East, as the supporters and defenders of the family.

458 atteinte is now usually unfavorable.

459 Mardoch�e assis, etc. See l. 139, N, for this Latin construction.

462 tandis que. See l. 69, N. Tant que would have been more precise here.

465 est . . . �. The construction is ad sensum, as though sembler had been used.

468 Note the use of aller as a pseudo-auxiliary. Cf. l. 155, N.

469 C'est trop peu d'une telle . . . The de in such forms is due to false analogy with the construction in which an infinitive in apposition follows c'est, for which see l. 260, N.

477 Il fut. See App. II, ii. B. b.

478 This line, expressive of the multitude of the Jews, heightens the contrast with l. 480.

484 a d�. See l. 166, N.

485-87 I Sam. xv, 7-8: "And Saul smote the Amalekites . . . and he took Agag, the King of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword."

486 vils, a classical adjective = "valueless," "contemptible." Cf. Merch. of Ven. ii., 4: "'tis vile, unless it may be quaintly ordered." The flocks and herds have no value, are contemptible, as adversaries; hence, = "helpless." Cf. l. 522.

493 couleurs, now familiarly used for "false representations." J'armai, cf. l. 171.

494 J'interessai . . . etc. "I showed him his glory at stake." Note the tense of trembla: = "till he trembled." See App. II, ii. B. a.

502 Cf. Gen. xvi., 12; "his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him."

504 Note Haman's concluding appeal to the greed of human nature. He is a crafty counsellor, as unscrupulous as he is clever.

511 For enfin, see l. 160; for the Latin construction of le tr�pas diff�r�, see l. 139.

519-520 There is here a slight confusion in construction. If a comma preceded terrible, souvent would then be regularly dependent on combien. But there is no authority for this punctuation, and we must supply a repeated combien, thus: tu sais combien terrible . . . [il est it combien] souvent, etc.

521 � cannot be consequent to trop, which always takes pour. Tr. "in tormenting me."

523 Que. See App. IV, ii. A.

527 The imperfect for the conditional past, for greater vividness. Cf. "One moment more and he was a dead man" = he would have been . . .

529 veux bien. See l. 232, N. It is condescension on the king's part to make a confession at all.

530. Note that the king views himself as the father of his people: a piece of flattery on Racine's part towards Louis XIV.

533 succ�s, conformably with its derivation, is here without the usual favorable connotation. Cf. "luck" = "good luck."--Fureur expresses aggressive madness (cf. ira furor brevis est), which the king assumes could alone prompt such an attempt.

538 More indirect flattery for Louis XIV.

539 Foi. See l. 266, N.

541 trop = "passing." For superlative use of si, cf. 1021.

545 frappe = "impresses."

546 nous = "us" [kings]. See App. I, Hiatus.

547 de = "out of," "among."

548 faire valoir, lit. = "to make to have its full value;" hence, "to set off." Tr. "to show off." Nous is indirect obj.--Int�ress�s, is the opposite of "disinterested."

549 Note that the French says: "there are none who do," instead of "there is none who does," a plural due to the plural denotation of en.

551 Et might well have preceded this second clause, which is parallel to that in l. 550.

553 ["While they are only] too ready . . ."

553-554 Que l'injure �chappe � ma vengeance plut�t qu'un si rare bienfait [�chappe] � ma reconnaissance.--L'injure = "wrong" here; often = "insult."

555 Supply: "if this service went unrewarded." Cf. Verg. Aen. I, 48-49.

558 Que. See App. IV, ii. A.

563 Et = "Then."--D'autant moins goes closely with following que.

569 Que. See App. IV, ii. C.

579 Conseils = "counsels," not "councils."

583-584 An instance of dramatic "irony," by which the poet makes words to be spoken, of which the spectator already knows the untruth.

587 gage is the same word as "wage." Here = "reward." Cf. "the wages of sin is death."

593 Note que, not � quoi.

596 This line explains en vain of l. 595.--Pour vous r�gler sur eux . . . = "that you should be guided by their practice."--Pr�s de, here "in comparison with," more usually "aupr�s de," in accordance with the tendency to use compound forms for secondary meanings. Cf. mouvoir and �mouvoir; perdu and �perdu.

597 neveux, classical for "posterity." For servir de, see l. 259, N.

600-612 The construction is:

( que ce mortel . . . f�t men�; j'e voudrais ( que, pour comble . . ., un seigneur . . . ( guid�t . . . et cri�t . . .

603 orn� refers to coursier.

604 dans has the force of "through the streets of."

605 comble from Latin cumulus, the "heap" that tops a full measure. Hence its connotation is generally, though not always, favorable. E.g., Combler de faveurs.--Le comble de l'ingratitude est de ha�r ses bienfaiteurs.--Le voleur, poursuivi, se r�fugia dans les combles du ch�teau.--Au comble de la mis�re.

607 enfin, see l. 160, N.

614 This line explains ingenuously enough the reason for the statement in l. 613.

616 il refers to preceding ce.

619 pr�tends = "mean."

622 fais--"see."

625-628 The apodosis begins with Plus j'assure. . . .

630 en. See App. V, ii. C.

633 sans �tre attendue = "unsummoned."

635 Je me meurs. Se mourir is either more elevated in style than mourir, or = "to die slowly."

637 suis-je pas? The omission of ne, the one real negative particle, is only possible as a poetical license, and is rightly very rare.--Fr�re, a classical strong form for "friend."

644 encore un coup, = "once more." Coup enters into many idioms. Cf. Le coup de gr�ce.--Le coup de l'�trier.--La ville fut prise par un coup de main.--Venez me donner un coup de main.--Il s'est engag� par coup de t�te.--Un coup d'essai, de ma�tre, d'�clat.--Un coup de pied.--Apr�s coup.--Coup sur coup.--A coup s�r.--C'est un coup mont�.

648 d'effroi depends on combien.

649 la foudre, because the king can strike as suddenly and irresistibly as the thunderbolt.

653 �tincelle, lit. "sparkles," but here: "flashes."

654 The Parsees, in Asia, worship fire to this day. The king here invokes his gods, the sun and stars.

656 peine is never "physical pain."

661 se pouvoir is only used impersonally, = "to be possible."

676 en. See App. V, ii. C.--Astres ennemis is in accordance with the astrological superstitions of the time.

678 respectable, in its full etymological sense of "worthy of respect."

681 inter�t, see l. 57, N.

686 veut = "bids."

690 entre, here "above."

692 gr�ce devant vos yeux = "favor in your sight."

693 f�tes, in the past definite, expresses that he may have been favorable to her in the past, in a period of time that has come to an end, implying "even though he be so no more." See App. II, ii. B. b.

701 qu'on lui fasse entendre = "give him to understand." For dat. lui, see App. III, N.

708 clart�s, properly "lights;" the plural being, as often is the case, the concrete manifestation of that quality of which the singular is the abstract name. Cf. "charity" and "charities."

713 Que vous semble. See App. IV, i. B.

714 devoir is here used as a pseudo-auxiliary; see l. 155, N,--L'emporter, idiomatic for "to win the day." The substantive, for which the fossilized pronoun le stands, is uncertain. Cf. l'�chapper belle, idiomatic for "to have a narrow escape."

778 Note the force of the tense: "I never [once] admired." See App. II, ii. B. b.

779 Note the difference between avoir envie de and porter envie a.

799 errer is never, while "to err" is always used figuratively.

820 en. See App. V, ii. D.

825 rejoindre = "to join." This prefix re- is more freely used in French than in English. Cf. recopier = "to copy."

826 See Book of Esther, vi. 13-14, for the few lines on which Racine has built the two strong scenes that follow. Also i. 6, for the description of the grandeur of this "court of the garden of the king's palace."

832 �claircir is "to restore to its own brightness;" �clairer is "to throw a light from without upon." Cf. l. 177.

835 ressentir, from re + sentir. Note the doubling of the "s," in order to preserve its sound as in sentir. Cf. ressembler, ressource, ressusciter, etc.

aussi cette f�licit�, i.e., the joy of having been favored as mentioned in l. 834, as well as the pain of the affront.

836 le mal is of course a reference to ll. 618-622; le bienfait, to l. 702.

838-843 Racine had great experience of court. See Introd. I.--D�vorer, figurative, "to endure in silence." Cf. d�vorer ses larmes = "to restrain one's tears."

841 essuyer, fig. = "to put up with something disagreeable," the figure being taken from wiping up spilt liquid, as the way to make the best of a mishap. E.g., Il essuya un refus--Ce vaisseau a essuy� une temp�te--Ce g�n�ral avait essuy� plusieurs d�faites.

842 un outrage endure. For this Latin construction, see l. 139, N.

868 exer�ant, "wielding," correctly refers to the speaker, Haman, as the king's minister.

872 ma vie expos�e, another Latin construction.

874 Que sert. See App. IV, i. A.

881 le peuple. Cf. l. 56, N.

890 For the spelling voi (which is etymologically correct, seeing that no first person singular ends in "s" in Lat.), see App. I, Rhyme.

892 Cf. Claudian, In Rufinum, I. 22, 23. . . . tolluntur in altum Ut lapsu graviore ruant.

894 ces bords �cart�s, i.e., Macedonia. We have already referred to Rest of the Book of Esther, xvi. 10, where Haman is described as a Macedonian.

896-897. See l. 485, N.

898 For enfin, see l. 160, N.

910 Note the skillful way in which the poet shows Haman so possessed with his grief that he can entertain no other thought.

911 ce chagrin, i.e., that betrayed by l. 910.

928 d�s longtemps, in prose depuis longtemps. See l. 75 N.

934 en, see App. V, ii. C.

935 se resserre = "is wrung."

938 ne le conna�tre pas. This position of pas, after the infinitive, is elegant and emphatic.

946 cro�tre is transitive only in poetry.

955 Suspendez = "A truce to. . . ."

956 puissent is so frequently used to express an exclamative wish, that it usually drops the que, which here however is retained.

962 encore, i.e., in addition to that fear.

992 riche is the subst.--Sous la loi goes closely after g�misse.

1008 For servir de, see l. 259, N.

1012 camp = "host."

1021 For the virtual superlative si sage, cf. l. 541.

1024 Dussiez-vous, = quand m�me vous devriez. This elegant use of the imperf. subj. with subject pronoun inverted (= quand m�me and the conditional) is generally confined to the auxiliaries, or pseudo-auxiliaries, such as savoir, pouvoir, falloir, etc. In the third person sing. however, where the verb-forms are less unwieldly, other verbs may be so used: it is a matter of euphony.--For the previous offer, see l. 660.

1039 aurait puise. Note this conditional past of hypothetical statement. It always implies that the speaker is unwilling to indorse the statement on his own responsibility.

Jour means: 1. "day;" 2. "day-light;" 3. any "light,"; physical (as in un abat-jour) or figurative, e.g., l. 1136; 4. "birth," cf. l. 1277; 5. in plural, "life."

1047 contr�e, always = "region."

1050 Here begins a magnificent passage where elevation of language almost reaches inspiration.

1053 qu'on outrage--an adj., "oppressed."

1059 See 2 Kings, xvii. 5-23. Shalmaneser, in 718 B.C., took captive the kingdom of Israel, and Nebuchadnezzar II., the kingdom of Juda in 606. The captivity of the Jews under the Assyrians lasted 70 years, 606-536 B.C., when they obtained leave from Cyrus to return to Palestine. See Introd., section 4, Chron. Table.

1062-3 Isaiah xlv. 1-3: "Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates will not be shut, I will go before thee, and make the rugged places plain: I will break in pieces the doors of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron; and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places." For the Persian kings of these times, see Introd. section 4. Cyrus reigned about 560-530 B.C.

1068 son temple d�truit, another Latin construction.--Nebuchadnezzar II. destroyed the temple of Jerusalem after his capture of the city in 587 B.C.

1073 sortait, a most instructive use of the imperfect; the narrative pauses in the succession of events, to lay stress on the happy state now prevailing. See App. II, ii. A.

1075 son fils, Cambyses (reigned 529-522 B.C.).

1077 vous, on the assumption that Ahasuerus is Darius (reigned 521-485 B.C.).

1082 en. See App. V, ii. C.

1086 La Thrace, near enough to Macedonia for the queen's oratorical purposes. Thracia (now N. E. Roumelia), like Scythia (l. 1096), was then a remote and almost unknown region, whose inhabitants were all "barbarians."

1096 sqq. Esther is supremely skillful in laying to the king's credit all that can flatter his pride, and charging all she complains of against this Scythe impitoyable: a name all the more hateful to the king as Darius had led an army against the Scythians and lost it (513 B.C.), although Esther puts the expedition in a more flattering light in l. 1116.

1104 Que. See App. IV, i. A.

1123 Saul, first king of the Israelites, was the son of Kish, a Benjamite (I Sam. ix. 1-2), and Mordecai is also stated (Book of Esther ii. 5) to be the son of Kish, a Benjamite.

1127 Impossible to anticipate more skillfully the retort that Mordecai should have honored the king's favorite.

1135 convert de votre pourpre makes the offence almost personal to the king.

1136 For jour, see l. 1039, N.

1141 achever = "to finish." Tr. "come down in thy fullness."

1146 cr�dit, see l. 171.

1151 vos ennemis aussit�t massacr�s, another Lat. construction. These lines are a very skillful revelation of Haman's character; he attempts to bribe the queen by the offer of that which would seem most desirable to himself.

1162 en. See App. V, ii. D.

1168 The king interprets Haman's attitude as an attempt at violence.

1175 repaisse. Cf. Verg. Aen. VIII, 265: nequeunt expleri corda tuendo.

1190 est expir� (on the analogy of est mort), for a expir�, which would be impossible in classical French poetry. See App. I, Hiatus. The result is more stress on the state, instead of on the action.

1193 Cf. Juvenal, x. 66. Seianus ducitur unco Spectandus.

1194 "O king, live forever!"

1196 entends, as very frequently, = "understand." Note a third use: "to understand by one's own words," i.e., "to mean."

1213 Je n'ai fait que passer may be translated: "before I had passed by;" lit. "I only passed by," I needed not to wait, in order to witness the short-lived triumph of the wicked.

1214 surprendre = "to take unawares."

1231 couronn�e = "on the throne."

1256 se pla�t de, now rather se pla�t �.

1264 Cf. Ps. xviii. 9; "he bowed the heavens also, and came down."

1267 Jeune peuple. Cf. l. 56, N. There is also an allusion to the reconstitution of the Jews as a nation, promised by the king, ll. 1182-1189.

1280 Note that nous is dative. See App. III, N.

APPENDIX I.

FRENCH VERSE.

French verse, as found in the classical writers, consists of lines in which the principal factor is the number of syllables (loosely called pieds in French, as well as syllabes), and not, as in English, the number of accents.

METRE.

The "heroic verse," or grand vers in French, is the hexam�tre, or vers alexandrin: the former name being due to the fact that this line consists of two halves or h�mistiches of six syllables each; the latter a name derived from the poet Alexandre de Bernay, who, in the latter half of the twelfth century, first used this metre in his celebrated epic of "Alexandre."

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 E.g., Esth. l. 2.: Que b�ni soit le ciel || qui te rend � mes voeux!

Lyric poetry may have lines of any number of syllables.

E.g., Esth. l. 1241: Rompez vos fers 4 sylls. l. 970: Ses criminels attentats 7 " l. 722: En un moment s'est-il �vanoui 10 "

All syllables, mute or otherwise, are counted except, (1) when a 'mute e' is elided before a word beginning with a vowel or 'mute h,' e.g.,

1 2 3 4 5 6 l. 1: Est-ce toi, ch�r(e) �lis(e)? = 6 sylls.;

(2) at the end of a line, where the 'mute e' is reckoned with the preceding sounded syllable, which is thus made a "feminine rhyme," e.g.;

1 2 3 4 5 6 l. 7 . . . || est cher � ma m�moire! = 6 sylls.

It is for this reason that Racine avails himself (ll. 92, 436, 514, 1232) of the license to spell encor instead of encore, thereby reducing the word by one syllable:

1 2 3 4 5 6 l. 436 . . . || le voit encor la nuit;

and conversely he writes jusques for jusque before au, to prevent the elision and keep the word dissyllabic, in

1 2 3 4 5 6 l. 136 Sion, jusques au ciel: || . . . .

Similarly in l. 426, for the simpler expression

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Tous r�v�rent � genoux,

he writes,

1 2 3 4 5 6 Tout r�v�r(e) � genoux, ||

reducing the seven syllables of the former to a correct hemistich.

CAESURA.

Between the two hemistiches of an hexameter there must be a pause, called la c�sure, or 'caesura.'

RHYME.

French poetry being less rhythmical than English, owing to the absence of strong word-accents, makes up the deficiency by much greater stress on rhyme. In French verse, rhyme not only is almost indispensable, but must, in a measure, satisfy the eye as well as the ear. For instance, words ending in 's' 'x' or 'z' can only rhyme with words also ending in one of these three letters. Hence, the use of such obsolete forms as voi for vois (ll. 890, 947); the latter could not rhyme with moi or roi.

French rhymes are called "feminine" when they have a 'mute e' in or after their last sounded syllable; e.g., descendue, m�moire, arm�es, coururent, cabales, assassinaient are feminine rhymes. In all other cases they are called 'masculine' rhymes.

In heroic verse the masculine and feminine rhymes are generally found in alternating pairs. In lyrics, however, they are freely crossed, but with this restriction, that one rhyme of either kind is never found next to a different one of the same kind, i.e., two different masculines or feminines are never found in juxtaposition.

HIATUS.

Two sounded vowels coming together form a "hiatus." A hiatus between a vowel at the end of a word and another at the beginning of the next, is forbidden. Hence, l. 546, where the straightforward expression would have been lui �chappe, Racine wrote the equivalent nous �chappe, in order to avoid the hiatus.

Lastly, a sounded vowel, followed by an unelided 'mute e,' must be at the end of the line. Thus the word Mardoch�e must always be at the end of the line, or else be followed by a word beginning with a vowel or 'mute h,' so that its 'mute e' may be elided. Cf. ll. 44, 618, and 156, 459, etc. Such words as arm�es, joies, etc., whose 'mute e' cannot be elided, can never occur in the body of the line. The only exception is made in favor of the verb-endings in -oient and -aient. Cf. ll. 527, 1111.

In French poetry, as in French grammar, 'mute h' always = a vowel, and 'aspirate h' = a consonant.

The rules given above apply to classical French poetry only. The modern poetical schools of the nineteenth century have been taking liberties with them, especially with the caesura. The latest school of French poets, the symbolistes or d�cadents as they style themselves, are attempting to overthrow every one. At their hands the caesura has finally disappeared, and the following form, called a ternaire, has become possible:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 O� je filai | pensivement | la blanche laine. (Th. de Banville.)

Then the 'mute e's' are disregarded:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Avec les filles | du vieux seigneur | en robes blanches. (H. de R�gnier.)

The number of syllables is of little account:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Des mortes douces | qui moururent l� | quelque soir. (H. de R�gnier).

The hiatus is no longer tabooed, and lastly, not only the artificial rules of rhyme, but rhyme itself, is being done away with: assonance may take its place. If the constitution of the French language did not make it unlikely that these reforms should prove permanent, the vehicle of French poetic thought would become mere harmonious prose.

APPENDIX II.

THE PAST TENSES IN FRENCH.

The English praeterite being the equivalent of three tenses in French, it is of the utmost importance that a clear idea of the shades of meaning conveyed by the latter should be firmly possessed.

i.

WHENEVER REPETITION OF THE ACTION IS IMPLIED the IMPARFAIT is used.

The force, in English, is "used to . . .," "kept . . . -ing," etc.

E.g., Esth. l. 6: m'aidais � soupirer . . . "wast wont to sigh with me."

l. 83: . . . disais-je, . . . = "I would say"

ii.

WHEN NO REPETITION OF THE ACTION IS IMPLIED.

A. IF THE ACTION IS CONSIDERED AS BEING SIMPLY IN PROGRESS, WITHOUT REFERENCE EITHER TO ITS BEGINNING OR TO ITS END, again the IMPARFAIT is used.

The force, in English, is "was . . . -ing."

E.g., l. 12: je vivais s�par�e = "I was living apart."

l. 58: . . . attendaient leur arr�t = "were awaiting their doom."

B. IF THE ACTION IS STATED WITH REFERENCE EITHER TO ITS BEGINNING, OR TO ITS END, OR TO BOTH, the PASS� D�FINI is used.

Thus a. Simple occurrence, which is the introduction of a new action now beginning to take place, takes the pass� d�fini.

E.g., l. 19: . . . ajouta-t-il, . . . = "he [then] added."

l. 26: . . . qui sauva nos a�eux = "which [once before] saved our forefathers."

l. 494.: il trembla pour sa vie = "he began to tremble for his life."

b. Continuous duration through a completed period of time which may be expressed or implied, takes the pass� d�fini.

E.g., l. 4: . . . fus de mes premiers ans la compagne assidue = "wast the constant companion of my earliest years."

l. 272: . . . qui ne furent jamais = "who never [in all time] had existence."

l. 477: . . . il fut des Juifs = "there was once [but is no more] a race of Jews."

NOTE that the action may be stated as recurring a given or indefinite number of times, and yet the verb will not be in the imperfect.

E.g., l. 249: Mon pere mille fois m'a dit . . .

l. 531: Et j'ai p�li deux fois. . . .

If the imperfect were used here, the meaning would be "My father used to tell me a thousand times," i.e., he told me 1000 X n times, and in the second sentence, "I grew pale 2 X n times."

The student is recommended to account to himself carefully for the different tenses used in contrast to one another in the following passages:

ll. 4 and 6; 72 and 73; 1058 sqq. and 1073; 1074 to 1082.

PASS� IND�FINI.

With regard to the third tense, the PASS� IND�FINI, there is no difficulty. It is used:

A. Precisely like the English compound of the past.

E.g., l. 30: le ciel a-t-il conduit . . . = "has heaven brought about. . ."

l. 158: a . . . conduit vos pas = "has guided your footsteps."

B. As a colloquial form of the passe defini in all its uses.

E.g., l. 24: j'ai su trouver = "I succeeded in finding."

l. 399: . . . que j'ai laiss� plus calme = "whom I left . . ."

APPENDIX III.

ACTIVE INFINITIVES WITH PASSIVE MEANING.

Faire, laisser, and a very few verbs of physical perception, such as voir, entendre, sentir, are idiomatically used before an active infinitive which assumes a passive meaning. E.g., J'ai fait faire un habit, "I have had a coat made."

These constructions are due to the dropping of the obvious subject of the infinitive ("I made [the tailor] make a coat") which must be supplied in order to account for the form.

E.g., Esth. l. 9: . . . je te fais chercher = que je fais [mes esclaves] te chercher.

l. 146: Quand verrai-je relever tes remparts = quand verrai-je [tes fils] relever tes remparts.

l. 386: Sa voix s'est fait entendre = sa voix a fait [nous] entendre elle-m�me.

l. 731: laissant de ses eaux partager le secours = laissant [cette main] partager le secours de ses eaux.

For other instances of this construction, see ll. 110, 181, 394, 407, 523.

This construction is possible in English: . . . "for whose sake Artemis let slay the boar" (Swinburne, Argument of "Atalanta in Calydon.")

NOTE. It should be borne in mind that, should the subject of the infinitive be expressed, whenever the infinitive is transitive, that subject may (and if the first verb is faire, must) be put in the dative case, or in the oblique case with par. Thus in l. 52,

Il me fit d'un empire accepter l'esp�rance,

me is dative and not accusative. Similarly in l. 1280,

Il nous fait remporter une illustre victoire,

nous is dative.

APPENDIX IV.

QUE, CONJUNCTIVE AND ADVERBIAL.

The interrogative pronouns are Qui? = "Who?" or "Whom?" and quoi? = "What?" the latter having the conjunctive form que, which, as is the case with all conjunctives, must be used in preference to the disjunctive form, if possible.

The CONJUNCTIVE QUE is used:

A. Instead of accusative quoi:

Esth. l. 161: Que nous annoncez-vous?

l. 593: Que penses-tu?

Also ll. 637, 675, 762, 1078, 1104, etc.

In Que sert? (ll. 874 and 333), the que is probably the accus. conjunctive, due to a confusion in the construction of servir. (See N. to l. 259)

B. Instead of nominative quoi, when followed by the formal subject ce or il.

E.g., Qu'est-ce? Qu'est-ce que c'est? etc.

Esth. l. 596: Que sont-ils?

l. 713: Que vous semble? ( = Que vous semble-t-il?)

QUE is used ADVERBIALLY:

A. As an interrogative = "why," followed by ne and no pas.

E.g. Esth. l. 558: Que n'a-t-il plus t�t demand� son salaire?

Also, but very rarely, in the affirmative.

E.g., l. 523: Que tardez-vous?

B. As an exclamative = "how!"

E.g., l. 465: Que ce temps est long � mon impatience!

Also ll. 691, 735, 946.

C. As a relative of time = "when."

E.g., l. 569: Sur le point que la vie, etc.

APPENDIX V.

EN.

Reference to the derivation of this word will do much to remove the difficulty attending a clear understanding of its various functions.

EN, PREPOSITION, from the Latin in, offers no stumbling-block save in its second use = "as" or "like."

Eg., Esth. l. 1192: on va donner en spectacle = "as a spectacle."

l. 174; il nous croit en horreur = "he thinks us an object of horror." Cf. also l. 246 and l. 1177.

In Corneille's "Le Cid" (l. 318) vivre en inf�me = "to live [as] an infamous man."

EN, CONJUNCTIVE PRONOUN, from the Latin inde ("hence," "from that," etc.) is used:

A. As an ordinary genitive = "of" or "from it, him," "her," "them," etc.

B. As a partitive accusative; as we might say in English: "I will take of that."

These two uses are too frequent to require illustration.

C. With the force of "on account of that," "for that," when it is not always to be translated in English.

E.g., Esth. l. 234: Nous n'en verrons pas moins, etc. = "none the less [for that]." Cf. also l. 630.

l. 934: . . . et j'en fr�mis = "I shudder at the sight," lit., "because of this," viz., because this man is Haman.

l. 1082: Les Juifs . . . en pouss�rent des cris, i.e. on account of this promise of mildness given by the king.

D. In a number of expressions where, from constant use, it has become, so to speak, stereotyped:

E.g., l. 1144: J'en atteste = "I call to witness [for the truth of this] . . ."

l. 1162: C'en est fait = "It is all over [with my pride]." Cf. l. 164, where c'en est fait d'Isra�l would be equally correct.

l. 820: Il n'en est pas ainsi de = "such is not the case with."

E. In a few semi-idiomatic expressions, with a generalizing force due to the broadening of the meaning "on account of this," "in this matter," into that of "in any matter."

Eg., l. 375: on s'en peut reposer sur ma foi = "I am ever to be trusted."

Cf. Si vous m'en croyez = "If you will be guided by me."

NOTE. This generalization mainly results in a figurative force; E.g., En venir � = "to be reduced to;" en passer par l� = "to have to submit to that."

VOCABULARY

A

�, to, for, with, in. abaisser, to lower, abase; s'--, to bow down. abandonner, to abandon, deliver up, forsake. abattre, to beat down. ab�me, m., abyss, chasm. abolir, to abolish, wipe out. abondance, f., abundance. abri, m., shelter; mettre � l'--, to shield. absolu, absolute. abuser, to deceive. accabler, to overwhelm, crush. accepter, to accept; ne pas --, to decline. accompagner, to accompany. accord, m., chord (of music). accorder, to grant. accourir, to run, flock. acheter, to buy. achever (de), to finish. acte, m., act. action, f., action, deed. adieu, farewell. admettre, to admit. admirer, to admire, marvel at. adopter, to adopt. adorer, to worship. adoucir, to soften. adresser (s'), to appeal, adroit, skilful, clever. adult�re, criminal. affecter de, to claim to. affliger, to distress. affranchir, to rid. affreu-x, -se, hideous, awful. affront, m., affront, insult. affronter, to brave. �ge, m., age, years. agir, to act; -- sur, to work upon. agit�, tossed; -- de, disturbed, fretting over. agiter, to disturb. agneau, m., lamb. agreable, agreeable, sweet, acceptable. aider, to aid, assist. a�eux, m. pl., ancestors, forefathers. aigrir, to sour, embitter. aile, f., wing. ailleurs, elsewhere. aimable, lovable, sweet, easy. aimer, to love. ainsi, thus; -- quo, as well as; il en est -- de, such is the case with. airain, m., brass. alarme, f., alarm, fear. alarm�, alarmed, frightened. allegresse, f., joy. aller, to go. allumer, to light, kindle. alors, then, at the time, in those days. alt�r� de, thirsting for. alternativement, alternately. alti-er, -�re, haughty. Amal�cite, Amalekite. Aman, Haman. amas, m., heap. amasser, to heap up, collect. amateur, m., lover. ame, f., soul. amener, to bring, bring round. amertume, f., bitterness. ami (de), m., friend (to). amiti�, f., friendship, affection. amour, m., love. an, m., year. an�antir, to bring to naught. ange, m., angel. anim�, animated; -- a, keen, bent upon; -- de, fired with. annales, f. pl., (yearly) records. annoncer, to announce, bring news. antique, ancient, aged. apaiser, to appease, s'--, to be appeased. appareil, m., show. appartement, m., apartment, room, private rooms. appeler, to call, summon, court; faire --, to summon. appesanti, weighing, laid heavily. applaudir, to applaud; s'-- de, to enjoy, rejoice in. apprendre, to learn, teach, tell. appr�ter, to make ready. approcher (de), to draw near, be nigh to. appui, m., aid, support, might. appuyer, to confirm, s'-- sur, to lean upon. apr�s, after. aquilon, m., north-wind. arbitre, m., master, lord. ardent, glowing. arme, f., arm, weapon. arm�e, f., army, host. armer, to arm, use as a weapon; s'--, to take up arms. arracher, to tear off. arr�t, m., decree, order, doom. arr�ter, to restrain. arriver, to arrive, come round. artifice, m., art, artfulness, cunning, deception, malice. Asie, f; Asia. asile, m., asylum, refuge, abode. aspect, m., aspect, sight. aspirer �, to strive to. assassinat, m., assassination, murder. assassiner, to murder. assembler, to assemble, gather together. asaeoir, to seat; s'--, to sit. assez, enough. assidu (�), constant (in). assi�ger, to besiege. assurer, to make sure, safeguard, reassure. astre, m., star (i.e. any heavenly body). atours, m. pl., attire, garments. attacher, to bind, fasten, rivet. atteinte, f., impression. attendre, to await, wait for, expect. attentat, m., crime. attenti-f, -ve, attentive. attester, to call upon. attirer, to attract, provoke. attrait, m., attraction, charm, spell. audace, f., audacity. audacieu-x, -se, audacious, bold; m., bold person. auguste, august, noble, royal. aujourd'hui, to-day. aupr�s de, near, about, by the side of. aurore, f., dawn. aussi, also. aussit�t, at once, instantly. aust�re, strict. aust�rit�, f., austerity, seriousness. autant (que), as much (as); d'-- moins, so much the less. autel, m., altar. auteur, m., author; les --s de mes jours, the authors of my being; i.e. my parents. autre, other, different, another. autrefois, former, of yore. autrui, m., other people, others. avancer (s'), to advance. avant, before (in time); -- tout, first of all. avantage, m., advantage, privilege, merit. avec, with. avenir, m., future. aversion, f., aversion, dislike, hatred. aveugle, blind. aveuglement, m., blindness. aveugler, to blind. avide (de), greedy, thirsting (for). avis, m., opinion, advice, notice, information. avoir, to have. avouer, to confess,

B

baiser, to kiss. baisser, to lower. balance, f., scales. bandeau, m., fillet, (part of royal headdress). bannir, to banish. barbare, barbarous. barriere, f., barrier, rampart, defence, bas, -se, low. bassesse, f., evil. beau, bel, belle, beautiful beaucoup, much. beaut�, f., beauty. b�nir, to bless. besoin, m., need. bien, well. bien, m., blessing; --s, wealth. bien-fait, m., benefit, service, favor, blessing. bienheureu-x, -se, happy, thrice happy. bient�t, soon. blasph�mer, to blaspheme. boire, to drink. bon, -ne, good, kind. bonheur, m., happiness, success. bont�, f., goodness; --s, mercies. bord, m., edge, shore. borne, f., limit. borner, to limit. bouche, f., mouth, lips. bout, m., end. bras, m., arm. braver, to defy. breuvage, m., beverage. bride, f., bridle. brigue, f., canvass, party. briguer, to canvass for, solicit, brillant, brilliant, bright. briller, to shine. briser, to break, dash. bruit, m., noise, rumor, report. but, m., goal.

C

cabale, f., cabal, plot. cacher (�), to hide (from). calme, m., calm, peace. calme, calm. calmer, to calm. calomnie, f., calumny. campagne, f., fields. cantique, m., hymn. caprice, m., fickleness, capriciousness. capti-f, -ve, m., f., captive, prisoner, slave; also adj. captivit�, f., captivity. carnage, m., slaughter. cause, f., case. causer, to cause, give. ce, cet, m., cette, f., this, that, it; ces, pl., these, those. c�dre, m., cedar. c�l�bre, celebrated, famous. c�l�brer, to celebrate, sing. celui, m., celle, f., he, she, the one; ceux, m. pl; celles, f. pl., those. cendre, f., ashes. cent, a hundred. cependant, meanwhile, however. certain, certain, assured. cesser, to cease. chacun, each. chagrin, m., grief, gloom. Chald�e, f., Chaldaea. Chald�en, m., Chaldee. chaleur, f., heat, warmth. chambre, f., chamber, room. champ, m., field. chanceler, to stagger, waver. chant, m., song. chanter, to sing. chaque, each, every, charmant, delightful. charmer, to charm, soothe. chasser, to chase, drive away. ch�tier, to chastise, punish. ch�timent, m., punishment. chef, m., chief. chemin, m., road, path, way. ch-er, -�re, dear, precious. chercher, to seek. ch�ri, cherished, beloved. ch�rir, to love, cherish. cheveux, m. pl., hair. chez, at or in, or to the house or apartments of. choeur, m., chorus. choisir, to choose. choix, m., choice. chose, f., thing; quelque --, something, anything. chute, f., fall, downfall. ciel, m., cieux, pl., sky, heaven. cilice, m., hair-shirt. clart�, f., tight; --s, wisdom. clemence, f., clemency, mercy. climat, m., climate, clime. coeur, m., heart. col�re, f., anger, wrath. colombe, f., dove. combat, m., battle. combattre, to combat, fight. combien, how, how much. comble, m., height; pour -- de gloire, for crowning glory. combler de, to load with (good things). commander, to command, bid. comme, as, like, how. commencer, to begin. commettre, to commit; entrust. compagne, f., companion. compara�tre, to appear (in answer to summons). comparer, to compare. complot, m., plot. compter, to count, reckon, hold. condamnable, blameworthy. condamner, to condemn. conduire, to conduct, lead, guide, bring about. conduite, f., conduct, practice; ordering, management. confiance, f., trust. confident, -e, confidant, confidential friend. confier, to confide; se -- to trust. confondre, to confound, put to confusion. conforme, suitable. confus, confused, troubled. conjurer, to beseech. conna�tre, to know, distinguish, spare. consacrer, to commemorate. conseil, m., counsel, advice; council. conserver, to preserve. conspirer, to agree. consulter, to consult. consumer, to consume. contempler, to gaze upon. content, glad, satisfied. contenter, to satisfy. coner, to relate. contraire, contrary; au --, on the contrary. contre, against. contr�e, f., region, land. contre-temps, m., untoward event, accident. convier, to invite. corps, m., body. corriger, to correct. c�t�, m., side; de tous --s, on all sides. couchant, m., setting sun, west. couler, to now. couleur, f., color, false color, false reason. coup, m., blow; tout � --, suddenly; encore un --, once more. coupable, guilty; m., offender. coupe, f., cup, goblet. couple, m., pair. cour, f., court. courber, to bend; se -- to bow down. courir, to run. couronner, to crown. courroux, m., wrath. cours, m., course, vent. coursier, m., charger (horse). couteau, m., (sacrificial) knife. couvrir, to cover. craindre, to fear. crainte, f., fear. cr�dit, m., influence, power. cr�dule, credulous. cri, m., cry. crier, to shout. criminel, criminal. croire, to believe, think. cro�tre, to increase. cruaut�, f., cruelty. culte, m., worship, religion. curieu-x, -se, curious, inquisitive; d�sir --, curiosity.

D

daigner, to condescend, deign. danger, m., danger, peril. dans, in, into, to. de, of, from, by, with, in, on, among. d�bris, m., wreck, ,ruins. d�celer, to betray. d�chirer, to tear up. d�clamer, to declaim, speak. d�clarer, to declare. d�couvrir, to disclose, reveal. d�daigner, to spurn. d�dain, m., disdain. d�dans, au --, within. d�dier, to dedicate. d�fendre, to defend, forbid. d�fense, f., defence, protection. degr�, m., step (in a flight of stairs). d�guiser, to disguise. dehorg; au --, outside, without. d�j�, already. del�, au --, beyond. d�lices, f. pl., delights. d�livrer, to rid. demlain, to-morrow. demander, to ask, demeurer, to remain. d�mon, m., devil. d�pendre (de), to depend (upon), rest (with). d�pit, m., vexation, wrath. d�plorable, deplorable, miserable, woful. d�ployer, to unfold, stretch forth. d�poser, to deposit, lay down. d�p�t, m., deposit, thing entrusted, trust. d�pouille, f., spoils. d�pouiller, to strip, put off. depuis, since, for. derni-er, -�re, last. d�rober (se) �, to steal away from. derri�re, behind. des, as early as, in; -- longtemps, for a long time past. descendre, to descend, come down, be descended. d�sert, m., desert. d�sespoir, m., despair. d�sir, m., desire, wish; -- curieux, curiosity. d�sol�, distressed, miserable. d�soler, to distress, decimate. d�sordre, m., disorder, confusion. d�sormais, henceforth. dessein, m., design. dessiller, to open (the eyes). destin, m., fate. destin�e, f., destiny, fate. d�tacher, to divert. detestable, abominable. d�tester, to detest, hate. d�tourer, to turn away, avert, deflect. d�truire, to destroy. deux, two. devancer, to anticipate, come before, rise before. devant, before, in front of, in the sight of. d�velopper, to unravel. devenir, to become. devin, m., seer. devoir, to owe, have to, be to. devoir, m., duty. d�vorer, to devour, swallow up, consume, put up with. diad�me, m., diadem, crown. dicter, to dictate, suggest. Dieu, m., God. diff�rer, to postpone, delay. digne, worthy. dire, to say, speak. discerner (de), to distinguish (from). discorde, f., discord. discours, m., speech. disgr�ce, f., disfavor, downfall. dispara�tre, to disappear. disperser, to disperse, scatter. disputer, to fight for. dissimuler, to disemble, conceal. dissiper, to dispel, scatter. divin, divine, godsent. Divinit�, f., divinity, godhead, God. diviser, to separate, be aloof. dix, ten. docile, docile, obedient. domestique, m., member of the household, officer. don, m., gift. donc, then, (often merely emphatic and not to be translated). donner, to give. dont, (genitive of qui,) of which, of whom; with which, with whom; by which, by whom. douceur, f., mildness, gentleness, favor, sweetness, sweets, joys. douleur, f., grief, woes. doute, m., doubt; sans --, doubtless. dou-x, -ce, sweet, favorable. droit, m., right. durant, during. dur�e, f., duration. dussiez, imp. subj. of devoir; -- -vous, even though you were to.

E

eau, f., water. �blouir, to dazzle. �cart�, remote. �carter, to remove, dispel, drive away. �chapper �, to escape. �clair, m., lightning. �claircir, to clear up. �clairer, to light, shine upon, enlighten. �clat, m., brilliancy, lustre, show; montrer avec --, to show to all men. �clatant, brilliant, striking. �clater, to burst, burst forth, be far-reaching; faire --, to show forth. �clore, to blossom. �couter, to listen to, hear. �crire, to write. �cueil, m., rock. �dit, m., edict, order, decree. effacer, to efface. effet, m., effect; en --, indeed. effort, m., effort, attempt. effrayant, terrifying. effrayer, to frighten, terrify. effroi, m., terror. effroyable, awful, terrible. �gal, equal, the same; � l'-- de, on a par with, equally with. �galer, to equal. �garer (s'), to stray, �gorger, to butcher, slay. Egypte, f., Egypt. �lancer (s'), to dart forth. �lever, to raise, rear. �loigner, to remove, far away; s'--, to depart. embarras, m. pl; many cares. embarrasser, to perplex. embraser, to set fire to; s'--, to be kindled. embrasser, to embrace, espouse. �minent en, eminent for. emmener, to lead away. empoisonner, to poison, taint. emporter, to carry away; l'--, to win the day. empreint, imprinted. empress�, eager. empresser (s'), to be eager to. emprunter, to borrow. en, of or from him, her, it, them; some; as a; at it; on that account. en, in. encens, m., incense. encha�n�, chained, tied. encha�nement, m., chain of events. encha�ner, to link. encor, encore, still. endormir (s'), to fall asleep. endroit, m., place, spot. endurer, to endure, put up with. enfance, f., childhood, enfant, m. f., child. enfanter, to beget. enfer, m., enfers, pl., hell. enfin, at length, at last, lastly, in short, anyhow. enflammer, to inflame. enfoncer, to drive deeply. ennemi, m., enemy; adj., hostile. ennui, m., weariness, trouble, ennuyer, to weary; s'-- �, to find no pleasure in. entasser, to heap up. entendre, to hear; se faire --, to be heard; to understand; faire --, to give to understand. enti-er, -�re, whole. entra�ner, to sweep on, away. entre, between, among, in, above. entr�e, f., entrance. envelopper, to wrap. envenim�, venomous. envi; � l'--, vieing with one another. envie, f., envy; porter -- �, to envy. envier, to envy. environner, to surround. envisager, to review, consider. envoyer, to send, send forth. �pars, scattered. �perdu, bewildered, helpless. �pier, to spy. �plor�, weeping. �pouse, f., wife. �pouvantable, terrific. �poux, m., husband. �pris, enamored. �prouver, to feel, put to the test. ener, to wander. erreur, f., error. esclave, m. f., slave, esp�rance, f., hope. esp�rer, to hope, trust, espoir, m., hope. esprit, m., mind, spirit, angel. essaim, m., swarm. essuyer, to wipe up, put up with. eatimer, to esteem. et, and; et . . . et . . ., both . . . and . . . �tat, m., state, condition. �tat, m., state (province, etc.). �teindre, to extinguish. �tendard, m., standard, banner. �ternel, eternal, immortal, ever-lasting; l'--, the Almighty. �tinceler, to sparkle, flash. �tonner (s'), to be astonished. �trange, strange. �trang-er, -ere, strange, foreign, unknown; m., stranger. �tre, to be, exist; -- �, to belong to. �tude, f., study. evanouir (s'), to vanish; to faint. �veiller, s'--, to wake. �v�nement, m., event. �viter, to avoid. �xces, m., excess; -- d'honneur, passing great honor. �xciter, to urge. ex�crable, execrable, hateful. ex�cuter, to carry out. exemple, m., example. exercer, to wield. exiler, to exile. expirer, to expire. expliquer, to explain. exposer, to expose, reveal; s'--, to risk one's life, exprimer, to express, describe. exterminer, to exterminate, annihilate.

F

faible, weak. faiblement, weakly, little. faiblesse, f., weakness. faire, to make, do; play, take, speak the part of; c'est fait de, it is all over with. fait, m., fact, deed. fa�te, m., top, head. falloir, to be necessary. fameu-x, -se, famous, far-famed. famille, f., family. farouche, fierce. fatal, fatal, fateful. fatiguer, to weary. fau-x, -sse, false. faveur, f., favor; en -- de, on behalf of. favorable, favorable, propitious. favori, favorite. f�cond, fruitful. feint, feigned, hypocritical. f�licit�, f., great happiness. femme, f., woman, wife. fer, m., iron, steel, sword; --s, fetters, chains. ferme, firm, strong. fermer, to close. festin, m; feasting, banquet, feast. f�te, f., feast, festival. feu, m., fire. fid�le, faithful, constant. fi-er, -�re, proud. fi�rement, proudly. figurer, to figure, represent. fil, m., thread. fille, f., girl, daughter. fils, m., son. fin, f., end; � la --, at last. flambeau, m., torch. flatter, to flatter, gratify. fl�che, f., arrow. fl�chir, to bend. florissant, flourishing, thriving. flotter, to float, waver. foi, f., faith, promise, word, truth, loyalty, faithfulness. fois, f., (repeated) time; e.g. deux --, twice; cent --, a hundred times; � la --, at the same time. fond, m., back, depths. fonder, to base, found, build; fond� sur, strong in, (e.g. based upon). forcer, to force, compel. former, to form, make, contrive, train. fort, m., fort, fortress. fou, folle, mad, senseless. foudre, f., thunder (bolt). foudroyer, to strike down (as by a thunderbolt). foule, f., crowd. fouler, to trample. fragile, frail; roseau --, broken reed. frapper, to strike. fraude, f., deception. frayeur, f., fear. fr�mir, to shudder, tremble. fr�missement, m., thrill, shudder. fr�re, m., brother, dear friend. frissonner, to shudder. frivole, frivolous. front, m., forehead, brow. fronti�re, f., frontier. fugiti-f, -ve, fleeing, fleeting. fuir, to fly from, shun. fuite, f., flight. fun�bre, funereal, black, dark. funeste, baneful. fureur, f., fury; en --, furious, raging. furieu-x, -se, furious, ravening.

G

gage, m., pledge, token, mark. gagner, to win. garde, m., guard. garder, to keep, observe, g�mir, to moan, groan. g�missement, m., moan, groan. g�n�reu-x, -se, generous, lofty. genou, m., knee; � --x, on (their) knees. glacer, to chill; se --, to freeze. glaive, m., sword. gloire, f., glory. glorieu-x, -se, glorious. glorifier, to glorify. go�t, m., taste; avoir -- �, to have a taste for. go�ter, to taste, enjoy. gouverner, to govern, rule, wield. gr�ce, f., grace, graciousness, charm, attraction, favor; trouver --, to find favor. grand, great, big, large. grand, m., grandee, noble. grandeur, f., greatness, grandeur. graver, to engrave, gr�; � son --, at will. grossir, to swell. guerre, f., war. guider, to guide, lead,

H

habillements, m. pl., garments. habiller, to dress. habit, m., coat; fl., clothes, raiment. habiter, to dwell, inhabit. haine, f., hatred. ha�r, to hate, loathe. hardi, bold, audacious. harmonic, f., harmony. hasarder, to risk. haut, high, loud; du -- de, from the height of. h�, why! what! h� --? what? H�breu, m., Hebrew, Jew. h�las! alas! Hellespont, Hellespont (the modern Dardanelles). heraut, m., herald. herbe, f., grass. h�r�sie, f., heresy, false religious doctrine. h�ritage, m., inheritance. h�ritier, m., heir. h�ros, m., hero. heure, f., hour; les --s, time. heureu-x, -se, happy, successful. histoire, f., story. hol�! here! homicide, homicidal, murderous. hommage, m., homage. homme, m., man, honneur, m., honor. honorer, to honor. honte, f., shame. honteux, shameful. horreur, f., horror, awe, horrible thing, horrible thought. humain, human; les --s, mankind. humilier, to humble.

I

ici, here, id�e, f., thought, mind. idole, f., idol. Idum�e, f., Idumaea. ignominie, f., ignominy, shame. ignorer, not to know. illustre, illustrious. image, f., image, vision. immobile, immovable. immoler, to sacrifice. immortel, -le, immortal. impie, impious. impi�t�, f., impiety, the impious. impitoyable, pitiless. implacable, implacable, unappeasable. implorer, to implore, beseech. important, important, weighty. importer, to be of importance; il n'importe, no matter. imposteur, m., impostor. impuissant, powerless, impotent. impur, unclean, foul. imputer, to ascribe. inanim�, inanimate, lifeless. inconnu, unknown. inconstance, f., inconstancy, restlessness, fickleness. Inde, Indus (river). Indien, m., Indian. indigne, unworthy, shameful. indompt�, wild, untamed, indomitable. in�vitable, unavoidable. inexorable, inexorable, unmovable. infecter, to pollute. infid�le, faithless, infidel, heretic. inflexible, inflexible, unbending. infortun�, unhappy, unfortunate. ing�nieux, ingenious, skilful. ingrat, ungrateful. injure, f., wrong, insult, injury. innocent, innocent, pure. innombrable, innumerable. inou�, unheard of. inqui-et, -�te, anxious. inqui�ter, to make anxious. inqui�tude, f., anxiety. insens�, senseless, foolish. insipide, insipid, tasteless; devenir --, to pall upon. insolent, m., insolent man. inspirer, to inspire. instrument, m., instrument, means, musical instrument, insulter, to insult; -- �, to mock. interdit, confused, perplexed. int�ress�, self-seeking. int�resser, to cause to be interested. int�r�t, w., interest, self-interest, greed; claim, prize, need, cause. int�rieur, inner; palais --, private apartments of a palace. interroger, to examine, 'search the heart of'. interrompre, to interrupt. intestine, civil. introduire, to introduce, show. inutile, useless. invariable, unchanging. inventer, to invent. irrit�, angry, angered. irriter, to anger. Israelite, m. f., Israelite, Jew, Jewess; adj. Jewish. issu, sprung. ivre, drunk.

J

jadis, formerly, long ago. jalousie, f., jealousy. jaloux, jealous. jamais, ever; ne . . . --, never. jardin, m., garden. jeter, to throw, cast. jeu, m., game, sport. jeune, young. je�ne, m., fast, fasting. joie, f., joy. jouet, m., toy, plaything, sport. joug, m., yoke. jouir de, to enjoy. jour, m., day, light; voir le --, to be born; mettre au --, to give birth to; --s, life. Jourdain, m., Jordan (river). journ�e, f., day, date. juger, to judge. Jui-f, -ve, Jew, Jewess. jurer, to swear. jusqu'�, jusques �, as far as, even to. juste, just, merciful; m., just man. justement, justly.

L

l�, there; de --, hence. laisser, to allow, leave. lambeau, m., rag, tatter. langage, m., language. langue, f., tongue. larme, f., tear. las, -se, tired, weary. lasser, to weary, pall upon; se --, to tire, grow weary. l�g-er, -�re, light. l�opard, m., leopard, leur, their; to them, them. lever, to lift, raise; se --, to arise. libation, f., libation (offering of wine, etc.). libre, free. lier, to tie, bind, lieu, m., place, spot. ligue, f., league, banded forces. lire, to read. lit, m., bed. livre, m., book. livrer, to deliver up. loi, f., law. loin, far. long, -ue, long, slow. longtemps, long. lorsque, when. louange, f., praise. loup, m., wolf. lui, he, him; to him, to her; -- -meme, himself, the same. luire, to shine; faire --, to flash. lumi�re, f., light.

M

magnanime, magnanimous. magnifique, magnificent, splendid, noble. main, f., hand. maintenant, now, at present. mais, but. ma�tre, m., master. ma�tresse, f., mistress, queen. majest�, f., majesty. mal, m., hurt, offence. mal, badly, ill. mal�diction, f., malediction, curses. malgr�, in spite of. malheur, m., misfortune, woe. malheureu-x, -se, unfortunate, unhappy; m., wretch, wretched being. malice, f., wickedness; --s, 'slings and arrows' (of fortune). manquer, to be lacking. marbre, m., marble. marcher, to walk, go. Mardoch�e, Mordecai. marque, f., mark, token. marquer, to mark, fix, set. matin, m., morning. maudire, to curse. m�chant, wicked. m�ler, to mingle, mix; se -- �, to mingle with. membre, m., limb. m�me, even; adj., same, very, self; un --, one and the same. m�moire, f., memory. menacer, to menace, threaten. mener, to lead. mensonge, m., untruth. mensong-er, -�re, lying. menteu-r, -se, lying. m�priser, to scorn, spurn. mer, f., sea. merci, f, mercy. m�rite, m., merit, deserts. m�riter, to deserve. merveille, f., marvel, wonder. mesurer, to measure. mets, m., meat, dish. mettre, to put, place. meurtre, m., murder. mieux, better, the better; le, la --, the best. milieu, m., middle. mille, a thousand. ministre, m., steward, minister. mis�rable, wretched. mod�le, m., model, example. moi, I, me; -- -m�me, myself. moindre, less; le, la --, the least; vos -- . . . , your least . . . moins, -- de, less; au --, at the least, so much as; du --, at least, at any rate; d'autant --, so much the less. mois, m., month. moiti�, f., half; � --, half. mollesse, f., softness, luxury. mon, ma, mes, my. monarque, m., monarch. monde, m., world. mont, m., mount, mountain, hill. montagne, f., hill, monter, to rise. montrer, to show. monument, m., monument; reminder, record. mort, f., death. mortel, -le, mortal, m., les --s, mankind. mot, m., word. mourir, se --, to die. muet, -te, dumb. mur, m., wall. myst�re, m., mystery.

N

nager, to swim. naissance, f., birth. naissant, young, growing, (lit. just being born). na�tre, to be born. ne . . . pas, point, not; -- de, no. ne . . . plus, no longer, no more. ne . . . que, only. n�ant, m., nothingness; comme un --, as if it were nothing. neveux, m. pl., posterity. ni . . . ni, neither . . . nor. noces, f. pl., nuptials. noeud, m., knot, tie, bond. noir, black. nom, m., name. nombreux, numerous. nommer, to name; se --, to be called, be named. notre, pl., nos, our. nourrir, to feed, nourish, cherish. nouveau, nouvel, nouvelle, new. noyer, to drown. nuage, cloud. nuit, f., night. nul, -le, no.

O

ob�ir �, to obey, comply with. obeissance, f., obedience. objet, m., object. obscur, obscure, mysterious. obscurcir, to darken. obscurit�, f., obscurity. observer, to observe, notice. obtenir, to obtain, win. occuper, to occupy, fill. odeur, f., smell, fragrance. odieu-x, -se, hateful. oeil, m., eye. oeuvre, f., work. offense, f., offence, offence given, sin. offens�, hurt, wounded. officier, m., officer. offrir, to offer. ombre, f., shadow, darkness. on, one, a man, people, you, they. oncle, m., uncle. opposer, to oppose. oppresseur, m., oppressor. opprobre, m., shame, Bcum. opulence, f., wealth. or, m., gold. orage, m., storm. orageu-x, -se, stormy. ordonner, to command, order, prepare. ordre, m., order, summons. oreille, f., ear. orgueil, m., pride. orgueilleux, proud. ornement, m., ornament, adornment. orner, to adorn. orphelin, m., orphan. oser, to dare. ou, or; -- . . . --, either . . . or. o�, where, when, in which; d'--, whence. oubli, m., forgetfulness. oublier, to forget, se faire --, to be forgotten (lit. make people forget one). outrager, to outrage, oppress. ouvrage, m., work, handiwork.

P

pacifique, peaceful, favorable. paille, f., straw; -- l�g�re, chaff. paisible, peaceful. paix, f., peace. palais, m., palace. p�le, pale. p�leur, f., pallor, whiteness. p�lir, to turn pale. par, by. para�tre, to appear. pareil, similar, like; -- �, like unto. parer, to adorn, deck. parfait, perfect. parler, to speak. parmi, among, in the ranks of. parole, f., word. parricide, parricidal. part, f., share, side; de toutes --s, on all sides. partage, m., lot. partager, to share, diffuse, distribute. Parthe, m., Parthian. partie, f., part; in part. partir, to depart, go; -- de, to come from. partout, everywhere. pas, m., step. pas; ne . . . --, not; ne . . . -- de, no. passage, m., way, channel. passag-er, -�re, temporary, fleeting. pass�, m., past. passer, to pass over, by; se --, to go on, take place. patrie, f., country, p�ture, f., pasture, food. pav�, m., pavement, stone floor. payer, to pay for. pays, m., country, land. p�cher, to sin. peindre, to paint, depict. peine, f., distress, penalty; � --, hardly. pencher, to sway, lean. pendant, during; -- que, while. p�n�trer, to penetrate; p�n�tr� de, thrilled with. pens�e, f., thought. penser, to think; -- �, to think of. Que penses-tu? What is thy suggestion? percer, to pierce. perdre, to lose, destroy. p�re, m., father. perfide, perfidious, treacherous. perfidie, f., treachery. p�ril, m., peril, danger. p�rir, to perish. permettre, to permit, suffer, allow. Persan, Persian. Perse, f., Persia. pers�cuteur, m., persecutor. personnage, m., character (in a play); --s, dramatis personae. perte, f., loss, destruction. peu, little. peuple, m., nation, people, host. peupler, to people. peut-�tre, may be, perhaps. pied, m., foot. pi�ge, m., snare. pierre, f., stone. pi�t�, f., Piety, Love of God. piti�, f., pity. place, f., place, room, square. placer, to place, set. plaindre, to pity; se --, to complain. plainte, f., complaint. plaire (�), to please; se -- (�), to enjoy. plaisir, m., pleasure. plein, full. pleurer, to weep, weep over. pleurs, m. pl., tears. plier, to bend. plonger, to steep. ployer, to bend. plus, more: -- de, more than; le, la, les --, most, the most. plusieurs, several. plut�t, rather. poids, m., weight. point, m., point; sur le -- que, just when; de -- en --, in every particular; ne . . . --, not; ne . . . -- de, no. pompe, f., pomp. pompeusement, magnificently. pompeu-x, -se, pompous, splendid. porte, f., door, gate. porter, to carry, bear. portique, m., porch. poser, to place, set. poss�der, to possess, have, enjoy. possesseur, m., owner. post�rit�, f.; posterity, descendants. poudre, f., dust. pour, for, to, in order to, in favor or defence of. pourpre, f., purple. pourquoi, why? poursuivre, to pursue. pousser, to impel. poussi�re, f., dust. pouvoir, m., power. pouvoir, to be able; se --, to be possible. pratiques, f. pl., plottings. pr�cieu-x, -se, precious. pr�destin�, predestined. pr�f�rer, to prefer. premi-er, -�re, first, former. prendre, to take; -- un jour, to set a date. pr�parer, to prepare. pr�s de, near to, in comparison with. pr�sage, m., presage, omen. pr�sence, f., presence. pr�sent, m., present, gift; present (time). pr�senter, to present, offer; se --, to appear. pressant, pressing, imminent. presser, to be pressing, oppress. pr�tendre, to mean. pr�ter, to lend. pr�tre, m., priest. pr�venir, to warn, notify; forestall; anticipate, bias. prier, to pray. pri�re, f., prayer. priv� de, deprived of, without. prix, m., price, prize, reward, penalty. prochain, adjoining. prodiguer, to lavish. profanation, f., profanation, desecration. profane, profane, unworthy; m., intruder. profiter, to take advantage. profond, deep, bottomless. proie, f., prey; en -- �, a prey to. projet, m., project, plan, scheme. promettre, to promise. prompt, quick, prompt, ready; -- �, eager to. promptement, promptly. prononcer, to decide. proph�te, m., prophet. proposer, to propose, offer. propre, own. proscrit, proscribed, condemned. prosp�rer, to prosper, thrive. prosp�rit�, f., prosperity. prostern�, bowed, prostrate. prosterner (se),to bow, bend the knee. prot�ger, to protect. prudence, f., prudence, tact. publi-c, -que, public. publier, to make known. pudeur, f., modesty, shame. puis, then. puiser, to draw (as from a well). puisque, since. puissance, f., power, might. puissant, powerful, mighty. puisse, puissent, (subj. pres. of pouvoir) may . . .! punir, to punish. pur, pure, genuine. purifier, to purify, cleanse.

Q

quand, when. que, whom, which, that; let . . .! what? why? How! -- de! What a number of! quel, -le, what? which? what! what a! quel que, whoever. quelque, whatever, some. quelqu'un, one, someone. querelle, f., quarrel, cause; pour ta --, on your behalf. qui, who, which, that. quiconque, whoever, whose. quitter, to leave, forsake, take off. quoi? h� --! What!

R

rage, f., rage, fury. rallumer, to rekindle. rang, m., rank, high position; mettre au -- de, to consider, deem. ranger, to draw up; se --, to gather. rassembler, to gather together. rassurer, to reassure, calm the fears of. ravir, to ravish, take (the life), rob; -- �, to take from. ravisseur, m., ravisher, destroyer. reb�tir, to rebuild. rebut, m., scum, recevoir, to receive. r�cit, m., tale, story. r�compense, f., reward. r�compenser, to reward. reconnaissance, f., gratitude, reconna�tre, to recognize, acknowledge, reward. recul�, distant. redire, to repeat. redoubtable, redoutable. redouter, to dread. r�duire, to reduce, bring. refuser, to refuse. regagner, to seek again, go back to. regard, m., look. regarder, to look at, see. r�gler, to rule, se -- sur, to be guided by. r�gne, m., reign. r�gner, to reign, be king or queen. regorger, to flow up. reine, f., queen. rejeter, to reject. rejoindre, to join. r�jouir, to rejoice. relever, to raise again. remords, m., remorse. rempart, m., rampart. remplir, to fill. remporter, to carry off, win. rena�tre, to be born again. rendre, to give back, pay (hommage); make; se --, to go, attend. renfermer, to enclose, contain. rentrer, to return. renverser, to overthrow. repaire, m., den. repa�tre, to glut. r�pandre, to pour, shed, scatter, se --, to spread. r�parer, to repair, atone for. repasser, to cross back over. repentir, m., repentance. r�pondre, to answer. r�ponse, f., answer, reply. repos, m., rest, peace. reposer, to rest; se--sur, to trust to. reprendre, to resume. repr�senter, to represent. reproche, m., reproach. reprocher, to reproach. r�pudier, to repudiate. r�server, to reserve, keep. respirer, to breathe. ressentir, to feel, be sensible to. resserrer (se), to be wrung. ressort, m., spring. reste, m., rest, remainder, remains; du --, moreover. rester, to remain. retenir, to detain, keep. retentir de, to echo with. retirer, to draw; se --, to withdraw. retour, m., return. retracer, to retrace, rehearse, tell. retrancher, to cut off. r�v�ler, to reveal. revenir, to come back; -- � soi, to come back to life. r�v�rer, to revere, worship. rev�tir, to clothe. rev�tu, clothed, clad. revivre, to live again. revoir, to see again, review, revisit. r�voquer, to revoke, cancel. Rhin, Rhine (river). riant, laughing. riche, rich. richesse, f., wealth, riches. rigueur, f., severity. ris�e, laughter, mockery. rivales, f. pl., rival queens. rive, f., bank. robe, f., robe, dress, gown. roi, m., king. rompre, to break. roseau, m., reed. rougeur, m., redness, flush. route, f., road, path. rudesse, f., hardness. rugir, to roar. ruisseau, m., stream.

S

sacr�, sacred, holy. sage, wise. sagesse, f., wisdom. saint, holy, pious; m., saint. sais, indic. of savoir; un je ne -- quel trouble, a nameless fear (lit. an I-know-not-what agitation). saisissement, m., fright, terror. salaire, m., reward. salon, m., drawing-room, hall. salut, m., safety, welfare. salutaire, helpful, saving. sanctifier, to sanctify. sang, m., blood, race. sanglant, bloodthirsty. sanglot, m., sob. sanguinaire, bloodthirsty. sans, without, but for. sauvage, savage, wild. sauver, to save, save life. savant, learned. savoir, to know, know how to, succeed in. sceau, m., seal. sc�ne, f., scene. sceptre, m., scepter. Scythe, m., Scythian. second, second, other, seconder, to second, support, back. secourir, to succour, rescue. secours, m., succour, help, aid. secr-et, -�te, secret. seditieux, seditious, mutinous. seigneur, m., Lord. sein, m., bosom, depths. sejour, m., abode, dwelling-place. sembler, to seem. semence, f; seed. semer, to sow. sentiment, m., feeling, opinion, view. sentir, to feel. s�par�, apart, removed. s�parer, to separate. s�pulture, f., burial. serein, serene, cloudless, mild, favorable. service, m., service (rendered). servile, slavish. servir, to be a slave, serve, be of use; -- de, to serve as a, be a; que sert? what is the use? servitude, f; slavery. seul, alone. seulement, only, just. s�v�re, severe, stem. sexe, m., sex, si, so, if, whether, si�cle, m., century, age. signaler, to memorize, make famous. signer, to sign. simple, simple, mere; --s enfants, little children. sinc�re, sincere, faithful. Sion, Zion. sit�t, so soon, so quickly. soeur, f., sister. soin, m., care, pains; --s, attentions; avoir -- de, to be sure to. soleil, m., sun. solennel, solemn. solennit�, f., solemn feast. solitaire, solitary, in solitude. sombre, dark, gloomy. sommeil, m., sleep. sommeiller, to sleep. son, m., sound. son, sa, ses, his, her, its. songe, m., dream. songer �, to think of. sort, m., fate. sortir, to go out, come (on the stage). soudain, sudden, suddenly. souffle, m., breath. souffler, to blow, breathe. souffrir, to suffer, allow. souhaiter, to wish. soulager, to relieve, lighten, soumis, (past part. of soumettre), submissive, obedient. soup�onner, to suspect. soupir, m., sigh. soupirer, to sigh, sigh over, deplore. sourd, deaf. sous, under, beneath. soutenir, to hold up, support, maintain; withstand, stand. soutien, m., support, supporter. souvenir (se), to remember. souvent, often. souverain, sovereign. spectacle, m., show, spectacle, display. splendent, f., splendor. subtil, subtle, keen; trop --, over-nice, over-ingenious, succ�s, m., success, result. suffire, to suffice, be enough. suffrage, m., claim to preference. suite, f., escort; de la -- de, in attendance upon, in waiting upon. suivre, to follow, attend. sujet, m., subject, cause. superbe, haughty, magnificent. superflu, superfluous, idle. supplice, m., punishment, penalty. supr�me, supreme. sur, on, upon, over. surprendre, to take by surprise, unawares. surtout, above all, especially. Suse, Susa, (in the Bible: Shushan the palace). suspendre, to keep in suspense, delay, interrupt.

T

taire (se), to keep silence, be silent; faire --, to silence. tandis que, while, so long as. tant, so much; -- de, so much, so many. tard, late. tarder, to delay. teint, m., complexion, cheeks. tel, such; -- que, such as. t�moin, m., witness. temp�te, f., tempest, storm. temps, m., time; en m�me --, at the same time. tendre, to aim; stretch, extend, hold out. tendre, tender, loving. tendresse, f., affection, love. t�n�bres, f. pl., darkness. tenir, to hold, keep; -- lieu de, to fill the place of. terminer, to put an end to. terre, f., earth. terreur, f., terror. terrible, terrible, dreadful, frightful. t�te, f., head. th��tre, m., theater, stage. tigre, m., tiger. timide, timid. tirer, to draw. toi, thou, thee. tombeau, m., tomb, grave. tomber, to fall. ton, ta, tes, thy. tonnerre, m., thunder. t�t, soon. toucher, to touch, move. toujours, always, ever, still. tour, m., turn, round. tour, f., tower. tourment, m., torture. tourmenter, to torment. tourner, to turn. tous, pl., all. tout, all, whole; everything; only, quite. toutefois, however. tracer, to trace, write, enter. trahir, to betray. tra�ner, to drag. trait, m., shaft, arrow, traiter, to treat; -- de, to consider as, call. tra�tre, m., traitor. trame, f., plot. tranquille, tranquil, calm. transplanter, to transplant. transport, m., rage, temper. trembler, to tremble. tr�pas, m., death. tr�sor, m., treasure, treasury. tribu, f., tribe. triomphe, m., triumph, achievement. triste, sad. tristesse, f., sadness. trois, three. troisi�me, third. tromper, to deceive, disappoint; se --, to be in error. trompeu-r, -se, deceitful, deceptive, treacherous. tronc, m., (tree) trunk. tr�ne, m., throne. trop, too, too much, over. trouble, m., agitation. troubler, to disturb. troupe, f., band. troupeau, m., flock, herd. trouver, to find; se --, to be found. tumulte, m., tumult, bustle, 'madding crowd.' tumultueux, tumultuous, multitudinous. tyrannie, f., tyranny.

U

un, a, one. unir (s'), to unite. univers, m., universe, the whole universe. usage, m., use, custom, precedent. usure, f., usury, usurious interest; payer avec --, to pay heavily for.

V

vain, vain, idle, empty, unreal; en --, in vain; --ement, uselessly. vaincre, to conquer. vainqueur, m., conqueror, victor. valeur, f., valor. vallee, f., valley, vale. valoir, to be worth; faire --, to show off, make the most of. vanter, to boast, claim. vapeur, f., vapor, mirkiness. vaste, vast. vautour, m., vulture. veiller, to watch. veine, f., vein. vengeance, f., vengeance, punishment, revenge. venger, to avenge. vengeur, avenging; m., avenger. venir, to come; -- de, to have just. vent, m., wind. v�rit�, f., truth. vers, towards. verser, to pour. vertu, f; virtue, power. vertueux, virtuous. v�tements, m. pl., raiment. veuve, f; widow. victime, f., victim. victoire, f., victory. victorieu-x, -se, victorious. vie, f., life. vieillard, m., old man, vil, vile, helpless. violer, to violate, break. visage, m., face. vivre, to live. voeu, m., vow, prayer, desire. voici, here is; me --, here I am. voil�, there is! that is. voile, m., veil, screen, curtain. voir, to see. voix, f., voice. voler, to fly. volont�, f., will. votre, pl. vos, your. v�tre; le, la --, yours. vouloir, to wish, try, need, require; -- bien, to deign, condescend. vrai, true. vue, f., sight.

Y

y, there, in it, to it. yeux, pl. of oeil, m., eyes, � tes --, in thy sight.

Z

z�le, m., zeal. z�l�, zealous.

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