Jdt 12:16 And the heart of Holofernes was smitten, for he was burning with the desire of her. Jdt 12:17 And Holofernes said to her: Drink now, and sit down and be merry; for thou hast found favour before me. Jdt 12:18 And Judith said: I will drink my lord, because my life is magnified this day above all my days. Jdt 12:19 And she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had prepared for her. Jdt 12:20 And Holofernes was made merry on her occasion, and drank exceeding much wine, so much as he had never drunk in his life. Jdt 13:1 And when it was grown late, his servants made haste to their lodgings, and Vagao shut the chamber doors, and went his way. Jdt 13:2 And they were all overcharged with wine. Jdt 13:3 And Judith was alone in the chamber. Jdt 13:4 But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk. Jdt 13:5 And Judith spoke to her maid to stand without before the chamber, and to watch: Jdt 13:6 And Judith stood before the bed praying with tears, and the motion of her lips in silence, Jdt 13:7 Saying: Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, and in this hour look on the works of my hands, that as thou hast promised, thou mayst raise up Jerusalem thy city: and that I may bring to pass that which I have purposed, having a belief that it might be done by thee. Jdt 13:8 And when she had said this, she went to the pillar that was at his bed's head, and loosed his sword that hung tied upon it. Jdt 13:9 And when she had drawn it out, she took him by the hair of his head, and said: Strengthen me, O Lord God, at this hour. Jdt 13:10 And she struck twice upon his neck, and cut off his head, and took off his canopy from the pillars, and rolled away his headless body. Jdt 13:11 And after a while she went out, and delivered the head of Holofernes to her maid, and bade her put it into her wallet. Jdt 13:12 And they two went out according to their custom, as it were to prayer, and they passed the camp, and having compassed the valley, they came to the gate of the city. Jdt 13:13 And Judith from afar off cried to the watchmen upon the walls: Open the gates for God is with us, who hath shewn his power in Israel.
Jdt 13:14 And it came to pass, when the men had heard her voice, that they called the ancients of the city. Jdt 13:15 And all ran to meet her from the least to the greatest: for they now had no hopes that she would come. Jdt 13:16 And lighting up lights they all gathered round about her: and she went up to a higher place, and commanded silence to be made. And when all had held their peace, Jdt 13:17 Judith said: Praise ye the Lord our God, who hath not forsaken them that hope in him. Jdt 13:18 And by me his handmaid he hath fulfilled his mercy, which he promised to the house of Israel: and he hath killed the enemy of his people by my hand this night. Jdt 13:19 Then she brought forth the head of Holofernes out of the wallet, and shewed it them, saying: Behold the head of Holofernes the general of the army of the Assyrians, and behold his canopy, wherein he lay in his drunkenness, where the Lord our God slew him by the hand of a woman. Jdt 13:20 But as the same Lord liveth, his angel hath been my keeper both going hence, and abiding there, and returning from thence hither: and the Lord hath not suffered me his handmaid to be defiled, but hath brought me back to you without pollution of sin, rejoicing for his victory, for my escape, and for your deliverance.
Jdt 13:21 Give all of you glory to him, because he is good, because his mercy endureth for ever. Jdt 13:22 And they all adored the Lord, and said to her: The Lord hath blessed thee by his power, because by thee he hath brought our enemies to nought. Jdt 13:23 And Ozias the prince of the people of Israel, said to her: Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Jdt 13:24 Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Jdt 13:25 Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God. Jdt 13:26 And all the people said: So be it, so be it. Jdt 13:27 And Achior being called for came, and Judith said to him: The God of Israel, to whom thou gavest testimony, that he revengeth himself of his enemies, he hath cut off the head of all the unbelievers this night by my hand. Jdt 13:28 And that thou mayst find that it is so, behold the head of Holofernes, who in the contempt of his pride despised the God of Israel: and threatened them with death, saying: When the people of Israel shall be taken, I will command thy sides to be pierced with a sword.
Jdt 13:29 Then Achior seeing the head of Holofernes, being seized with a great fear he fell on his face upon the earth, and his soul swooned away. Jdt 13:30 But after he had recovered his spirits he fell down at her feet, and reverenced her, and said: Jdt 13:31 Blessed art thou by thy God in every tabernacle of Jacob, for in every nation which shall hear thy name, the God of Israel shall be magnified on occasion of thee. Jdt 14:1 And Judith said to all the people: Hear me, my brethren, hang ye up this head upon our walls. Jdt 14:2 And as soon as the sun shall rise, let every man take his arms, and rush ye out, not as going down beneath, but as making an assault. Jdt 14:3 Then the watchmen must needs run to awake their prince for the battle. Jdt 14:4 And when the captains of them shall run to the tent of Holofernes, and shall find him without his head wallowing in his blood, fear shall fall upon them. Jdt 14:5 And when you shall know that they are fleeing, go after them securely, for the Lord will destroy them under your feet.
Jdt 14:6 Then Achior seeing the power that the God of Israel had wrought, leaving the religion of the Gentiles, he believed God, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined to the people of Israel, with all the succession of his kindred until this present day. Jdt 14:7 And immediately at break of day, they hung up the head of Holofernes upon the walls, and every man took his arms, and they went out with a great noise and shouting. Jdt 14:8 And the watchmen seeing this, ran to the tent of Holofernes. Jdt 14:9 And they that were in the tent came, and made a noise, before the door of the chamber to awake him, endeavouring by art to break his rest, that Holofernes might awake, not by their calling him, but by their noise. Jdt 14:10 For no man durst knock, or open and go into the chamber of the general of the Assyrians. Jdt 14:11 But when his captains and tribunes were come, and all the chiefs of the army of the king of the Assyrians, they said to the chamberlains: Jdt 14:12 Go in, and awake him, for the mice, coming out of their holes, have presumed to challenge us to fight.
Jdt 14:13 Then Vagao going into his chamber, stood before the curtain, and made a clapping with his hands: for he thought that he was sleeping with Judith. Jdt 14:14 But when with hearkening, he perceived no motion of one lying, he came near to the curtain, and lifting it up, and seeing the body of Holofernes, lying upon the ground, without the head, weltering in his blood, he cried out with a loud voice, with weeping, and rent his garments. Jdt 14:15 And he went into the tent of Judith, and not finding her, he ran out to the people, Jdt 14:16 And said: One Hebrew woman hath made confusion in the house of king Nabuchodonosor: for behold Holofernes lieth upon the ground, and his head is not upon him. Jdt 14:17 Now when the chiefs of the army of the Assyrians had heard this, they all rent their garments, and an intolerable fear and dread fell upon them, and their minds were troubled exceedingly. Jdt 14:18 And there was a very great cry in the midst of their camp. Jdt 15:1 And when all the army heard that Holofernes was beheaded, courage and counsel fled from them, and being seized with trembling and fear they thought only to save themselves by flight.
Jdt 15:2 So that no one spoke to his neighbour, but hanging down the head, leaving all things behind, they made haste to escape from the Hebrews, who, as they heard, were coming armed upon them, and fled by the ways of the fields, and the paths of the hills. Jdt 15:3 So the children of Israel seeing them fleeing, followed after them. And they went down sounding with trumpets and shouting after them. Jdt 15:4 And because the Assyrians were not united together, they went without order in their flight; but the children of Israel pursuing in one body, defeated all that they could find. Jdt 15:5 And Ozias sent messengers through all the cities and countries of Israel. Jdt 15:6 And every country, and every city, sent their chosen young men armed after them, and they pursued them with the edge of the sword until they came to the extremities of their confines. Jdt 15:7 And the rest that were in Bethulia went into the camp of the Assyrians, and took away the spoils which the Assyrians in their flight had left behind them, and they were laden exceedingly, Jdt 15:8 But they that returned conquerors to Bethulia, brought with them all things that were theirs, so that there was no numbering of their cattle, and beasts, and all their moveables, insomuch that from the least to the greatest all were made rich by their spoils. Jdt 15:9 And Joachim the high priest came from Jerusalem to Bethulia with all his ancients to see Judith. Jdt 15:10 And when she was come out to him, they all blessed her with one voice, saying: Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou art the joy of Israel, thou art the honour of our people: Jdt 15:11 For thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been strengthened, because thou hast loved chastity, and after thy husband hast not known any other: therefore also the hand of the Lord hath strengthened thee, and therefore thou shalt be blessed for ever. Jdt 15:12 And all the people said: So be it, so be it. Jdt 15:13 And thirty days were scarce sufficient for the people of Israel to gather up the spoils of the Assyrians. Jdt 15:14 But all those things that were proved to be the peculiar goods of Holofernes, they gave to Judith in gold, and silver, and garments and precious stones, and all household stuff, and they all were delivered to her by the people.
Jdt 15:15 And all the people rejoiced, with the women, and virgins, and young men, playing on instruments and harps. Jdt 16:1 Then Judith sung this canticle to the Lord, saying: Jdt 16:2 Begin ye to the Lord with timbrels, sing ye to the Lord with cymbals, tune unto him a new psalm, extol and call upon his name. Jdt 16:3 The Lord putteth an end to wars, the Lord is his name. Jdt 16:4 He hath set his camp in the midst of his people, to deliver us from the hand of all our enemies. Jdt 16:5 The Assyrian came out of the mountains from the north in the multitude of his strength: his multitude stopped up the torrents, and their horses covered the valleys. Jdt 16:6 He bragged that he would set my borders on fire, and kill my young men with the sword, to make my infants a prey, and my virgins captives. Jdt 16:7 But the almighty Lord hath struck him, and hath delivered him into the hands of a woman, and hath slain him. Jdt 16:8 For their mighty one did not fall by young men, neither did the sons of Titan strike him, nor tall giants oppose themselves to him, but Judith the daughter of Merari weakened him with the beauty of her face.
Jdt 16:9 For she put off her the garments of widowhood, and put on her the garments of joy, to give joy to the children of Israel. Jdt 16:10 She anointed her face with ointment, and bound up her locks with a crown, she took a new robe to deceive him. Jdt 16:11 Her sandals ravished his eyes, her beauty made his soul her captive, with a sword she cut off his head. Jdt 16:12 The Persians quaked at her constancy, and the Medes at her boldness. Jdt 16:13 Then the camp of the Assyrians howled, when my lowly ones appeared, parched with thirst. Jdt 16:14 The sons of the damsels have pierced them through, and they have killed them like children fleeing away: they perished in battle before the face of the Lord my God. Jdt 16:15 Let us sing a hymn to the Lord, let us sing a new hymn to our God. Jdt 16:16 O Adonai, Lord, great art thou, and glorious in thy power, and no one can overcome thee. Jdt 16:17 Let all thy creatures serve thee: because thou hast spoken, and they were made: thou didst send forth thy spirit, and they were created, and there is no one that can resist thy voice. Jdt 16:18 The mountains shall be moved from the foundations with the waters: the rocks shall melt as wax before thy face.
Jdt 16:19 But they that fear thee, shall be great with thee in all things. Jdt 16:20 Woe be to the nation that riseth up against my people: for the Lord almighty will take revenge on them, in the day of judgment he will visit them. Jdt 16:21 For he will give fire, and worms into their flesh, that they may burn, and may feel for ever. Jdt 16:22 And it came to pass after these things, that all the people, after the victory, came to Jerusalem to adore the Lord: and as soon as they were purified, they all offered holocausts, and vows, and their promises. Jdt 16:23 And Judith offered for an anathema of oblivion all the arms of Holofernes, which the people gave her, and the canopy that she had taken away out of his chamber. Jdt 16:24 And the people were joyful in the sight of the sanctuary, and for three months the joy of this victory was celebrated with Judith. Jdt 16:25 And after those days every man returned to his house, and Judith was made great in Bethulia, and she was most renowned in all the land of Israel. Jdt 16:26 And chastity was joined to her virtue, so that she knew no man all the days of her life, after the death of Manasses her husband. Jdt 16:27 And on festival days she came forth with great glory.
Jdt 16:28 And she abode in her husband's house a hundred and five years, and made her handmaid free, and she died, and was buried with her husband in Bethulia. Jdt 16:29 And all the people mourned for seven days. Jdt 16:30 And all the time of her life there was none that troubled Israel, nor many years after her death. Jdt 16:31 But the day of the festivity of this victory is received by the Hebrews in the number of holy days, and is religiously observed by the Jews from that time until this day.
Esth 1:1 In the days of Assuerus, who reigned from India to Ethiopia over a hundred and twenty seven provinces: Esth 1:2 When he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city Susan was the capital of his kingdom. Esth 1:3 Now in the third year of his reign he made a great feast for all the princes, and for his servants, for the most mighty of the Persians, and the nobles of the Medes, and the governors of the provinces in his sight, Esth 1:4 That he might shew the riches of the glory of his kingdom, and the greatness, and boasting of his power, for a long time, to wit, for a hundred and fourscore days. Esth 1:5 And when the days of the feast were expired, he invited all the people that were found in Susan, from the greatest to the least: and commanded a feast to be made seven days in the court of the garden, and of the wood, which was planted by the care and the hand of the king. Esth 1:6 And there were hung up on every side sky coloured, and green, and violet hangings, fastened with cords of silk, and of purple, which were put into rings of ivory, and were held up with marble pillars. The beds also were of gold and silver, placed in order upon a floor paved with porphyry and white marble: which was embellished with painting of wonderful variety. Esth 1:7 And they that were invited, drank in golden cups, and the meats were brought in divers vessels one after another. Wine also in abundance and of the best was presented, as was worthy of a king's magnificence.
Esth 1:8 Neither was there any one to compel them to drink that were not willing, but as the king had appointed, who set over every table one of his nobles, that every man might take what he would. Esth 1:9 Also Vasthi the queen made a feast for the women in the palace, where king Assuerus was used to dwell. Esth 1:10 Now on the seventh day, when the king was merry, and after very much drinking was well warmed with wine, he commanded Mauman, and Bazatha, and Harbona, and Bagatha, and Abgatha, and Zethar, and Charcas, the seven eunuchs that served in his presence, Esth 1:11 To bring in queen Vasthi before the king, with the crown set upon her head, to shew her beauty to all the people and the princes: for she was exceeding beautiful. Esth 1:12 But she refused, and would not come at the king's commandment, which he had signified to her by the eunuchs. Whereupon the king, being angry, and inflamed with a very great fury, Esth 1:13 Asked the wise men, who according to the custom of the kings, were always near his person, and all he did was by their counsel, who knew the laws, and judgments of their forefathers: Esth 1:14 (Now the chief and nearest him were, Charsena, and Sethar, and Admatha, and Tharsis, and Mares, and Marsana, and Mamuchan, seven princes of the Persians and of the Medes, who saw the face of the king, and were used to sit first after him:) Esth 1:15 What sentence ought to pass upon Vasthi the queen, who had refused to obey the commandment of king Assuerus, which he had sent to her by the eunuchs? Esth 1:16 And Mamuchan answered, in the hearing of the king and the princes: Queen Vasthi hath not only injured the king, but also all the people and princes that are in all the provinces of king Assuerus. Esth 1:17 For this deed of the queen will go abroad to all women, so that they will despise their husbands, and will say: King Assuerus commanded that queen Vasthi should come in to him, and she would not. Esth 1:18 And by this example all the wives of the princes of the Persians and the Medes will slight the commandments of their husbands: wherefore the king's indignation is just. Esth 1:19 If it please thee, let an edict go out from thy presence, and let it be written according to the law of the Persians and of the Medes, which must not be altered, that Vasthi come in no more to the king, but another, that is better than her, be made queen in her place.
Esth 1:20 And let this be published through all the provinces of thy empire, (which is very wide,) and let all wives, as well of the greater as of the lesser, give honour to their husbands. Esth 1:21 His counsel pleased the king, and the princes: and the king did according to the counsel of Mamuchan. Esth 1:22 And he sent letters to all the provinces of his kingdom, as every nation could hear and read, in divers languages and characters, that the husbands should be rulers and masters in their houses: and that this should be published to every people. Esth 2:1 After this, when the wrath of king Assuerus was appeased, he remembered Vasthi, and what she had done and what she had suffered: Esth 2:2 And the king's servants and his officers said: Let young women be sought for the king, virgins and beautiful, Esth 2:3 And let some persons be sent through all the provinces to look for beautiful maidens and virgins: and let them bring them to the city of Susan, and put them into the house of the women under the hand of Egeus the eunuch, who is the overseer and keeper of the king's women: and let them receive women's ornaments, and other things necessary for their use.
Esth 2:4 And whosoever among them all shall please the king's eyes, let her be queen instead of Vasthi. The word pleased the king: and he commanded it should be done as they had suggested. Esth 2:5 There was a man in the city of Susan, a Jew, named Mardochai, the son of Jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cis, of the race of Jemini, Esth 2:6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem at the time that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon carried away Jechonias king of Juda, Esth 2:7 And he had brought up his brother's daughter Edissa, who by another name was called Esther: now she had lost both her parents: and was exceeding fair and beautiful. And her father and mother being dead, Mardochai adopted her for his daughter. Esth 2:8 And when the king's ordinance was noised abroad, and according to his commandment many beautiful virgins were brought to Susan, and were delivered to Egeus the eunuch: Esther also among the rest of the maidens was delivered to him to be kept in the number of the women. Esth 2:9 And she pleased him, and found favour in his sight. And he commanded the eunuch to hasten the women's ornaments, and to deliver to her her part, and seven of the most beautiful maidens of the king's house, and to adorn and deck out both her and her waiting maids. Esth 2:10 And she would not tell him her people nor her country. For Mardochai had charged her to say nothing at all of that: Esth 2:11 And he walked every day before the court of the house, in which the chosen virgins were kept, having a care for Esther's welfare, and desiring to know what would befall her. Esth 2:12 Now when every virgin's turn came to go in to the king, after all had been done for setting them off to advantage, it was the twelfth month: so that for six months they were anointed with oil of myrrh, and for other six months they used certain perfumes and sweet spices. Esth 2:13 And when they were going in to the king, whatsoever they asked to adorn themselves they received: and being decked out, as it pleased them, they passed from the chamber of the women to the king's chamber. Esth 2:14 And she that went in at evening, came out in the morning, and from thence she was conducted to the second house, that was under the hand of Susagaz the eunuch, who had the charge over the king's concubines: neither could she return any more to the king, unless the king desired it, and had ordered her by name to come.
Esth 2:15 And as the time came orderly about, the day was at hand, when Esther, the daughter of Abihail the brother of Mardochai, whom he had adopted for his daughter, was to go in to the king. But she sought not women's ornaments, but whatsoever Egeus the eunuch the keeper of the virgins had a mind, he gave her to adorn her. For she was exceeding fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all. Esth 2:16 So she was brought to the chamber of king Assuerus the tenth month, which is called Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Esth 2:17 And the king loved her more than all the women, and she had favour and kindness before him above all the women, and he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vasthi. Esth 2:18 And he commanded a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the princes, and for his servants, for the marriage and wedding of Esther. And he gave rest to all the provinces, and bestowed gifts according to princely magnificence. Esth 2:19 And when the virgins were sought the second time, and gathered together, Mardochai stayed at the king's gate, Esth 2:20 Neither had Esther as yet declared her country and people, according to his commandment. For whatsoever he commanded, Esther observed: and she did all things in the same manner as she was wont at that time when he brought her up a little one.
Esth 2:21 At that time, therefore, when Mardochai abode at the king's gate, Bagathan and Thares, two of the king's eunuchs, who were porters, and presided in the first entry of the palace, were angry: and they designed to rise up against the king, and to kill him. Esth 2:22 And Mardochai had notice of it, and immediately he told it to queen Esther: and she to the king in Mardochai's name, who had reported the thing unto her. Esth 2:23 It was inquired into, and found out: and they were both hanged on a gibbet. And it was put in the histories, and recorded in the chronicles before the king. Esth 3:1 After these things, king Assuerus advanced Aman, the son of Amadathi, who was of the race of Agag: and he set his throne above all the princes that were with him. Esth 3:2 And all the king's servants, that were at the doors of the palace, bent their knees, and worshipped Aman: for so the emperor had commanded them, only Mardochai did not bend his knee, nor worship him. Esth 3:3 And the king's servants that were chief at the doors of the palace, said to him: Why dost thou alone not observe the king's commandment?
Esth 3:4 And when they were saying this often, and he would not hearken to them, they told Aman, desirous to know whether he would continue in his resolution: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Esth 3:5 Now when Aman had heard this, and had proved by experience that Mardochai did not bend his knee to him, nor worship him, he was exceeding angry. Esth 3:6 And he counted it nothing to lay his hands upon Mardochai alone: for he had heard that he was of the nation of the Jews, and he chose rather to destroy all the nation of the Jews that were in the kingdom of Assuerus. Esth 3:7 In the first month (which is called Nisan) in the twelfth year of the reign of Assuerus, the lot was cast into an urn, which in Hebrew is called Phur, before Aman, on what day and what month the nation of the Jews should be destroyed: and there came out the twelfth month, which is called Adar. Esth 3:8 And Aman said to king Assuerus: There is a people scattered through all the provinces of thy kingdom, and separated one from another, that use new laws and ceremonies, and moreover despise the king's ordinances: and thou knowest very well that it is not expedient for thy kingdom that they should grow insolent by impunity. Esth 3:9 If it please thee, decree that they may be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents to thy treasurers.
Esth 3:10 And the king took the ring that he used, from his own hand, and gave it to Aman, the son of Amadathi of the race of Agag, the enemy of the Jews. Esth 3:11 And he said to him: As to the money which thou promisest, keep it for thyself: and as to the people, do with them as seemeth good to thee. Esth 3:12 And the king's scribes were called in the first month Nisan, on the thirteenth day of the same mouth: and they wrote, as Aman had commanded, to all the king's lieutenants, and to the judges of the provinces, and of divers nations, as every nation could read, and hear according to their different languages, in the name of king Assuerus: and the letters, sealed with his ring, Esth 3:13 Were sent by the king's messengers to all provinces, to kill and destroy all the Jews, both young and old, little children, and women, in one day, that is, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month, which is called Adar, and to make a spoil of their goods. Esth 3:14 And the contents of the letters were to this effect, that all provinces might know and be ready against that day. Esth 3:15 The couriers that were sent made haste to fulfil the king's commandment. And immediately the edict was hung up in Susan, the king and Aman feasting together, and all the Jews that were in the city weeping.
Esth 4:1 Now when Mardochai had heard these things, he rent his garments, and put on sackcloth, strewing ashes on his head and he cried with a loud voice in the street in the midst of the city, shewing the anguish of his mind. Esth 4:2 And he came lamenting in this manner even to the gate of the palace: for no one clothed with sackcloth might enter the king's court. Esth 4:3 And in all provinces, towns, and places, to which the king's cruel edict was come, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, wailing, and weeping, many using sackcloth and ashes for their bed. Esth 4:4 Then Esther's maids and her eunuchs went in, and told her. And when she heard it she was in a consternation and she sent a garment, to clothe him, and to take away the sackcloth: but he would not receive it. Esth 4:5 And she called for Athach the eunuch, whom the king had appointed to attend upon her, and she commanded him to go to Mardochai, and learn of him why he did this. Esth 4:6 And Athach going out went to Mardochai, who was standing in the street of the city, before the palace gate: Esth 4:7 And Mardochai told him all that had happened, how Aman had promised to pay money into the king's treasures, to have the Jews destroyed.
Esth 4:8 He gave him also a copy of the edict which was hanging up in Susan, that he should shew it to the queen, and admonish her to go in to the king, and to entreat him for her people. Esth 4:9 And Athach went back and told Esther all that Mardochai had said. Esth 4:10 She answered him, and bade him say to Mardochai: Esth 4:11 All the king's servants, and all the provinces that are under his dominion, know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, cometh into the king's inner court, who is not called for, is immediately to be put to death without any delay: except the king shall hold out the golden sceptre to him, in token of clemency, that so he may live. How then can I go in to the king, who for these thirty days now have not been called unto him? Esth 4:12 And when Mardochai had heard this, Esth 4:13 He sent word to Esther again, saying: Think not that thou mayst save thy life only, because thou art in the king's house, more than all the Jews: Esth 4:14 For if thou wilt now hold thy peace, the Jews shall be delivered by some other occasion: and thou, and thy father's house shall perish. And who knoweth whether thou art not therefore come to the kingdom, that thou mightest be ready in such a time as this?
Esth 4:15 And again Esther sent to Mardochai in these words: Esth 4:16 Go, and gather together all the Jews whom thou shalt find in Susan, and pray ye for me. Neither eat nor drink for three days and three nights: and I with my handmaids will fast in like manner, and then I will go in to the king, against the law, not being called, and expose myself to death and to danger. Esth 4:17 So Mardochai went, and did all that Esther had commanded him. Esth 5:1 And on the third day Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's hall: now he sat upon his throne in the hall of the palace, over against the door of the house. Esth 5:2 And when he saw Esther the queen standing, she pleased his eyes, and he held out toward her the golden sceptre, which he held in his hand and she drew near, and kissed the top of his sceptre. Esth 5:3 And the king said to her: What wilt thou, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee. Esth 5:4 But she answered: If it please the king, I beseech thee to come to me this day, and Aman with thee to the banquet which I have prepared.
Esth 5:5 And the king said forthwith: Call ye Aman quickly, that he may obey Esther's will. So the king and Aman came to the banquet which the queen had prepared for them. Esth 5:6 And the king said to her, after he had drunk wine plentifully: What dost thou desire should be given thee? and for what thing askest thou? although thou shouldst ask the half of my kingdom, thou shalt have it. Esth 5:7 And Esther answered: My petition and request is this: Esth 5:8 If I have found favour in the king's sight, and if it please the king to give me what I ask, and to fulfil my petition: let the king and Aman come to the banquet which I have prepared them, and to morrow I will open my mind to the king. Esth 5:9 So Aman went out that day joyful and merry. And when he saw Mardochai sitting before the gate of the palace, and that he not only did not rise up to honour him, but did not so much as move from the place where he sat, he was exceedingly angry: Esth 5:10 But dissembling his anger, and returning into his house, he called together to him his friends, and Zares his wife: Esth 5:11 And he declared to them the greatness of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and with how great glory the king had advanced him above all his princes and servants.
Esth 5:12 And after this he said: Queen Esther also hath invited no other to the banquet with the king, but me: and with her I am also to dine to morrow with the king: Esth 5:13 And whereas I have all these things, I think I have nothing, so long as I see Mardochai the Jew sitting before the king's gate. Esth 5:14 Then Zares his wife, and the rest of his friends answered him: Order a great beam to be prepared, fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king, that Mardochai may be hanged upon it, and so thou shalt go full of joy with the king to the banquet. The counsel pleased him, and he commanded a high gibbet to be prepared. Esth 6:1 That night the king passed without sleep, and he commanded the histories and chronicles of former times to be brought him. And when they were reading them before him, Esth 6:2 They came to that place where it was written, how Mardochai had discovered the treason of Bagathan and Thares the eunuchs, who sought to kill king Assuerus. Esth 6:3 And when the king heard this, he said: What honour and reward hath Mardochai received for this fidelity? His servants and ministers said to him: He hath received no reward at all.
Esth 6:4 And the king said immediately: Who is in the court? for Aman was coming in to the inner court of the king's house, to speak to the king, that he might order Mardochai to be hanged upon the gibbet, which was prepared for him. Esth 6:5 The servants answered: Aman standeth in the court, and the king said: Let him come in. Esth 6:6 And when he was come in, he said to him: What ought to be done to the man whom the king is desirous to honour? But Aman thinking in his heart, and supposing that the king would honour no other but himself, Esth 6:7 Answered: The man whom the king desireth to honour, Esth 6:8 Ought to be clothed with the king's apparel, and to be set upon the horse that the king rideth upon, and to have the royal crown upon his head, Esth 6:9 And let the first of the king's princes and nobles hold his horse, and going through the street of the city, proclaim before him and say: Thus shall he be honoured, whom the king hath a mind to honour. Esth 6:10 And the king said to him: Make haste and take the robe and the horse, and do as thou hast spoken to Mardochai the Jew, who sitteth before the gates of the palace. Beware thou pass over any of those things which thou hast spoken.