One Night with the King - 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.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.