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.