me, were chargeable
to the people, and took of them in bread, and wine, and in money every
day forty sicles: and their officers also oppressed the people. But I
did not so for the fear of God.

5:16. Moreover I built in the work of the wall, and I bought no land,
and all my servants were gathered together to the work.

5:17. The Jews also and the magistrates to the number of one hundred and
fifty men, were at my table, besides them that came to us from among the
nations that were round about us.

5:18. And there was prepared for me day be day one ox, and six choice
rams, besides fowls, and once in ten days I gave store of divers wines,
and many other things: yet I did not require my yearly allowance as
governor: for the people were very much impoverished.

5:19. Remember me, O my God, for good according to all that I have done
for this people.

2 Esdras Chapter 6

The enemies seek to terrify Nehemias. He proceedeth and finisheth the
wall.

6:1. And it came to pass, when Sanaballat, and Tobias, and Gossem the
Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall,
and that there was no breach left in it, (though at that time I had not
set up the doors in the gates,)

6:2. Sanaballat and Gossem sent to me, saying: Come, and let us make a
league together in the villages, in the plain of Ono. But they thought
to do me mischief.

6:3. And I sent messengers to them, saying: I am doing a great work, and
I cannot come down, lest it be neglected whilst I come, and go down to
you.

6:4. And they sent to me according to this word, four times: and I
answered them after the same manner.

6:5. And Sanaballat sent his servant to me the fifth time according to
the former word, and he had a letter in his hand written in this manner:

6:6. It is reported amongst the Gentiles, and Gossem hath said it, that
thou and the Jews think to rebel, and therefore thou buildest the wall,
and hast a mind to set thyself king over them: for which end

6:7. Thou hast also set up prophets, to preach of thee at Jerusalem,
saying: There is a king in Judea. The king will hear of these things:
therefore come now, that we may take counsel together.

6:8. And I sent to them, saying: There is no such thing done as thou
sayest: but thou feignest these things out of thy own heart.

6:9. For all these men thought to frighten us, thinking that our hands
would cease from the work, and that we would leave off. Wherefore I
strengt