24
"You are committing treason and surpassing tyrants in cruelty; and even me, your benefactor, you are now attempting to deprive of dominion and life by secretly devising acts of no advantage to the kingdom.
22
Then the king's anger was turned to pity and tears because of the things that he had devised beforehand.
23
For when he heard the shouting and saw them all fallen headlong to destruction, he wept and angrily threatened his friends, saying,
24
"You are committing treason and surpassing tyrants in cruelty; and even me, your benefactor, you are now attempting to deprive of dominion and life by secretly devising acts of no advantage to the kingdom.
25
Who is it that has taken each man from his home and senselessly gathered here those who faithfully have held the fortresses of our country?
26
Who is it that has so lawlessly encompassed with outrageous treatment those who from the beginning differed from all nations in their goodwill toward us and often have accepted willingly the worst of human dangers?
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.