11
When they said that this was not permitted, because not even members of their own nation were allowed to enter, not even all of the priests, but only the high priest who was pre-eminent over all—and he only once a year—the king was by no means persuaded.
12
Even after the law had been read to him, he did not cease to maintain that he ought to enter, saying, "Even if those men are deprived of this honor, I ought not to be."
13
And he inquired why, when he entered every other temple, no one there had stopped him.
14
And someone answered thoughtlessly that it was wrong to take that as a portent.
15
"But since this has happened," the king said, "why should not I at least enter, whether they wish it or not?"
16
Then the priests in all their vestments prostrated themselves and entreated the supreme God to aid in the present situation and to avert the violence of this evil design, and they filled the temple with cries and tears;
17
those who remained behind in the city were agitated and hurried out, supposing that something mysterious was occurring.
18
Young women who had been secluded in their chambers rushed out with their mothers, sprinkled their hair with dust, and filled the streets with groans and lamentations.
19
Those women who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers prepared for wedded union, and, neglecting proper modesty, in a disorderly rush flocked together in the city.
20
Mothers and nurses abandoned even newborn children here and there, some in houses and some in the streets, and without a backward look they crowded together at the most high temple.
21
Various were the supplications of those gathered there because of what the king was profanely plotting.