Page:Ritual of the Order eastern star (1921).djvu/62

52 council of governors, princes and officers of Persia. The royal guards held all avenues of approach to the council chamber. The king sat upon his throne of gold and ivory, surrounded by the highest officials of his empire. The queen approached. The guards and palace officials were stricken with terror at the unbidden advance of the queen. The king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion. Queen Esther, fixing her eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king, firmly advanced to the foot of the throne, at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise. She secured pardon by laying her hand upon the golden scepter which he extended to her, saying, "What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of my kingdom." Esther's perilous adventure was successful.

The king relented from his cruel purpose and spared the chosen people.

The sign of this degree is given with—

The pass. (10.)