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 séjour bienheureux de la Divinité Je descends dans ce lieu, par la Grace habité. L'Innocence s'y plaît, ma compagne éternelle, Et n'a point sous les cieux d'asile plus fidèle. Ici, loin du tumulte, aux devoirs les plus saints 5 Tout un peuple naissant est formé par mes mains. Je nourris dans son coeur la semence féconde Des vertus dont il doit sanctifier le monde. Un roi qui me protége, un roi victorieux, A commis à mes soins ce dépôt précieux. 10 C'est lui qui rassembla ces colombes timides, Éparses en cent lieux, sans secours et sans guides. Pour elles à sa porte élevant ce palais, Il leur y fit trouver l'abondance et la paix.