39
"O Lord, do not surrender your scepter to what has no being; and do not let them laugh at our downfall; but turn their plan against them, and make an example of him who began this against us.
40
Remember, O Lord; make yourself known in this time of our affliction, and give me courage, O King of the gods and Master of all dominion!
41
Put eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion, and turn his heart to hate the man who is fighting against us, so that there may be an end of him and those who agree with him.
42
But save us by your hand, and help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, O Lord.
43
You have knowledge of all things, and you know that I hate the splendor of the wicked and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised and of any alien.
44
You know my necessity—that I abhor the sign of my proud position, which is upon my head on days when I appear in public. I abhor it like a filthy rag, and I do not wear it on the days when I am at leisure.
45
And your servant has not eaten at Haman's table, and I have not honored the king's feast or drunk the wine of libations.
46
Your servant has had no joy since the day that I was brought here until now, except in you, O Lord God of Abraham.
47
O God, whose might is over all, hear the voice of the despairing, and save us from the hands of evildoers. And save me from my fear!"
48
On the third day, when she ended her prayer, she took off the garments in which she had worshiped, and arrayed herself in splendid attire.
49
Then, majestically adorned, after invoking the aid of the all-seeing God and Savior, she took two maids with her;
50
on one she leaned gently for support,
51
while the other followed, carrying her train.
52
She was radiant with perfect beauty, and she looked happy, as if beloved, but her heart was frozen with fear.
53
When she had gone through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, clothed in the full array of his majesty, all covered with gold and precious stones. He was most terrifying.
54
Lifting his face, flushed with splendor, he looked at her in fierce anger. The queen faltered, and turned pale and faint, and collapsed on the head of the maid who went in front of her.
55
Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness, and in alarm he sprang from his throne and took her in his arms until she came to herself. He comforted her with soothing words, and said to her,
56
"What is it, Esther? I am your husband. Take courage;
57
You shall not die, for our law applies only to our subjects. Come near."
58
Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it;
59
he embraced her, and said, "Speak to me."
60
She said to him, "I saw you, my lord, like an angel of God, and my heart was shaken with fear at your glory.
61
For you are wonderful, my lord, and your countenance is full of grace."
62
And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell.
63
Then the king was agitated, and all his servants tried to comfort her.