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.