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The copy of the letters was this: "The great King Artaxerxes writeth these things to the princes and governors that are under him from India unto Ethiopia in a hundred and seven and twenty provinces:
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"After I became lord over many nations and had dominion over the whole world, not lifted up with presumption of my authority but carrying myself always with equity and mildness, I purposed to settle my subjects continually in a quiet life and, making my kingdom peaceable and open for passage to the farthest borders, to renew peace, which is desired by all men.
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"Now when I asked my counselors how this might be brought to pass, Haman, who excelled in wisdom among us, and was approved for his constant good will and steadfast fidelity, and had the honor of the second place in the kingdom,
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declared unto us that in all nations throughout the world there was scattered a certain malicious people, who had laws contrary to all nations and continually despised the commandments of kings, so that the uniting of our kingdoms honorably intended by us cannot go forward.