17
When this was done he urged them to give themselves over to revelry and to make the present portion of the banquet joyful by celebrating all the more.
18
After the party had been going on for some time, the king summoned Hermon and with sharp threats demanded to know why the Jews had been allowed to remain alive through the present day.
19
But when he, with the corroboration of the king's Friends, pointed out that while it was still night he had carried out completely the order given him,
20
the king, possessed by a savagery worse than that of Phalaris, said that the Jews were benefited by today's sleep, "but," he added, "tomorrow without delay prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the lawless Jews!"
21
When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and all went to their own homes.
22
But they did not so much employ the duration of the night in sleep as in devising all sorts of insults for those they thought to be doomed.
23
Then, as soon as the cock had crowed in the early morning, Hermon, having equipped the animals, began to move them along in the great colonnade.
24
The crowds of the city had been assembled for this most pitiful spectacle and they were eagerly waiting for daybreak.
25
But the Jews, at their last gasp—since the time had run out—stretched their hands toward heaven and with most tearful supplication and mournful dirges implored the supreme God to help them again at once.
26
The rays of the sun were not yet shed abroad, and while the king was receiving his Friends, Hermon arrived and invited him to come out, indicating that what the king desired was ready for action.
27
But he, on receiving the report and being struck by the unusual invitation to come out—since he had been completely overcome by incomprehension—inquired what the matter was for which this had been so zealously completed for him.