to bear up her own body.

15:7. And the other maid followed her lady, bearing up her train flowing
on the ground.

15:8. But she with a rosy colour in her face, and with gracious and
bright eyes hid a mind full of anguish, and exceeding great fear.

15:9. So going in she passed through all doors in order, and stood
before the king, where he sat upon his royal throne, clothed with his
royal robes, and glittering with gold, and precious stones, and he was
terrible to behold.

15:10. And when he had lifted up his countenance, and with burning eyes
had shewn the wrath of his heart, the queen sunk down, and her colour
turned pale, and she rested her weary head upon her handmaid.

15:11. And God changed the king's spirit into mildness, and all in haste
and in fear he leaped from his throne, and holding her up in his arms,
till she came to herself, caressed her with these words:

15:12. What is the matter, Esther? I am thy brother, fear not.

15:13. Thou shalt not die: for this law is not made for thee, but for
all others.

15:14. Come near then, and touch the sceptre.

15:15. And as she held her peace, he took the golden sceptre, and laid
it upon her neck, and kissed her, and said: Why dost thou not speak to
me?

15:16. She answered: I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my
heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty.

15:17. For thou, my lord, art very admirable, and thy face is full of
graces.

15:18. And while she was speaking, she fell down again, and was almost
in a swoon.

15:19. But the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.

Esther Chapter 16

A copy of the king's letter in favour of the Jews.

16:1. The great king Artaxerxes, from India to Ethiopia, to the
governors and princes of a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, which
obey our command, sendeth greeting.

From India to Ethiopia... That is, who reigneth from India to Ethiopia.

16:2. Many have abused unto pride the goodness of princes, and the
honour that hath been bestowed upon them:

16:3. And not only endeavour to oppress the king's subjects, but not
bearing the glory that is given them, take in hand, to practise also
against them that gave it.

16:4. Neither are they content not to return thanks for benefits
received, and to violate in themselves the laws of humanity, but they
think they can also escape the justice of God who seeth all things.

16:5. And they break out into so great madness, as to endeavour to