13
They said to each other, "Let us go home, for it is mealtime."
14
And when they went out, they parted from each other. But turning back, they met again; and when each pressed the other for the reason, they confessed their lust. And then together they arranged for a time when they could find her alone.
15
Once, while they were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was very hot.
16
And no one was there except the two elders, who had hid themselves and were watching her.
17
She said to her maids, "Bring me oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors so that I may bathe."
18
They did as she said, shut the garden doors, and went out by the side doors to bring what they had been commanded; and they did not see the elders, because they were hidden.
19
When the maids had gone out, the two elders rose and ran to her, and said:
20
"Look, the garden doors are shut, no one sees us, and we are in love with you; so give your consent, and lie with us.
21
If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was why you sent your maids away."
22
Susanna sighed deeply, and said, "I am hemmed in on every side. For if I do this thing, it is death for me; and if I do not, I shall not escape your hands.
23
I choose not to do it and to fall into your hands, rather than to sin in the sight of the Lord."