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"What has been wickedly accomplished through the pestilent behavior of those who exercise authority unworthily, can be seen not so much from the more ancient records which we hand on as from investigation of matters close at hand.
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For the future we will take care to render our kingdom quiet and peaceable for all men,
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by changing our methods and always judging what comes before our eyes with more equitable consideration.
22
For Haman, the son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian (really an alien to the Persian blood, and quite devoid of our kindliness), having become our guest,
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so far enjoyed the good will that we have for every nation that he was called our father and was continually bowed down to by all as the person second to the royal throne.
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But, unable to restrain his arrogance, he undertook to deprive us of our kingdom and our life,
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and with intricate craft and deceit asked for the destruction of Mordecai, our savior and perpetual benefactor, and of Esther, the blameless partner of our kingdom, together with their whole nation.
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He thought that in this way he would find us undefended and would transfer the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.
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"But we find that the Jews, who were consigned to annihilation by this thrice accursed man, are not evildoers but are governed by most righteous laws
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and are sons of the Most High, the most mighty living God, who has directed the kingdom both for us and for our fathers in the most excellent order.
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"You will therefore do well not to put in execution the letters sent by Haman the son of Hammedatha,