22
Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest that it was not out of pride and contempt, or any desire of glory, that I refused to worship the proud Aman,
23
(For I would willingly and readily for the salvation of Israel have kissed even the steps of his feet,)
24
But I feared lest I should transfer the honour of my God to a man, and lest I should adore any one except my God.
25
And now, O Lord, O king, O God of Abraham, have mercy on thy people, be- cause our enemies resolve to destroy us, and extinguish thy inheritance.
26
Despise not thy portion, which thou hast redeemed for thyself out of Egypt.
27
Hear my supplication, and be merciful to thy lot and inheritance, and turn our mourning into joy, that we may live and praise thy name, 0 Lord, and shut not the mouths of them that sing to thee.
28
And all Israel with like mind and supplication cried to the Lord, because they saw certain death hanging over their heads.
29
Queen Esther also, fearing the danger that was at hand, had recourse to the Lord.
30
And when she had laid away her royal apparel, she put on garments suitable for weeping and mourning: instead of divers precious ointments, she covered her head with ashes and dung, and she humbled her body with fasts: and all the places in which before she was accustomed to rejoice, she filled with her torn hair.
31
And she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, saying: O my Lord, who alone art our king, help me a desolate woman, and who have no other helper but thee.
32
My danger is in my hands.