21
When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and each departed to his own home.
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 beasts, 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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.