32
As she was veiled, the wicked men ordered her to be unveiled, that they might feed upon her beauty.
33
But her family and friends and all who saw her wept.
34
Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid their hands upon her head.
35
And she, weeping, looked up toward heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord.
36
The elders said, "As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids.
37
Then a young man, who had been hidden, came to her and lay with her.
38
We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them.
39
We saw them embracing, but we could not hold the man, for he was too strong for us, and he opened the doors and dashed out.
40
So we seized this woman and asked her who the young man was, but she would not tell us. These things we testify."
41
The assembly believed them, because they were elders of the people and judges; and they condemned her to death.
42
Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, "O eternal God, who dost discern what is secret, who art aware of all things before they come to be,