Jyoti Dogra

Jyoti Dogra Quotes

A Royal Conversation on Duty and Disinterest

Hagai: [in Xerxers’ chambers; steps aside, revealing the beautiful Queen] Queen Vashti, your majesty.

King Xerxes: [gathers his shirt and goes to her, kissing her hand] Enter. The night’s festivities hold not your interests?

Queen Vashti: It is long since you summoned me here. (looking at his work table) Your hands have not been idle.

King Xerxes: Not idle... not gifted either.

Queen Vashti: You do know why the Princes have asked you to extend the feasting another night.

King Xerxes: [turning to leave] You're to late if you seek me to deny them, especially now. With such clamering to march upon Greece and avenge my father's death.

Queen Vashti: [stopping him, pleading] How long have dreamt of molding Persia into a pillar of learning and culture? Afraid to make even the greatness of Greece buy a shadow. You know as well as I that this not something that is won in battle, but in the hearts of men.

King Xerxes: [unbelieving] You would have me do nothing then?

Queen Vashti: [hesitates and leaves] You're no warrior, no soldier... I'd have you stay... enhance your kingdom, preserve your thrown.