18
These friends, by their lies and deceitful ways, take advantage of the good will of their rulers. %0
19
"You can see examples of this misuse of power not only in the stories that have been handed down to us from the past, but in the more recent outrageous things which have happened among you. %0
20
"I intend to make sure that in the future my kingdom will remain untroubled and peaceful for all people.
21
This can be done by changing certain policies and by judging fairly each situation that comes to my attention. %0
22
"Consider, for example, the case of Haman son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian. He is a foreigner with no Persian blood and with no trace of my generosity; but I welcomed him,
23
and he received the benefit of my concern and love for all people. He was, in fact, proclaimed "Father' of the empire and received more honor than anyone else, except the king. %0
24
"But his arrogance knew no limits, and he tried to murder me and take over the empire.
25
In his crafty and deceitful way, he asked that Mordecai be put to death - Mordecai, who once saved my life and who has always supported me. He even asked for the death of Esther, our blameless queen, and in fact, the death of all the Jewish people.
26
His purpose was to leave us helpless and to allow the Macedonians to take over the Persian Empire.
27
Even though this wicked criminal plotted to wipe out the Jews, I find that they are not traitors at all but are governed by very just laws.
28
They worship the living God, the highest and greatest God, who has kept our empire in its excellent condition from the time of our ancestors until our own day. %0