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Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness, and in alarm he sprang from his throne and took her in his arms until she came to herself. He comforted her with soothing words, and said to her,
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"What is it, Esther? I am your husband. Take courage;
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You shall not die, for our law applies only to our subjects. Come near."
58
Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it;
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he embraced her, and said, "Speak to me."