Esther

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

Many have abused unto pride the goodness that is given them for the benefit of all, and have not only endeavoured to oppress the king's subjects, but not bearing the glory that is given them, have undertaken to practice against those that gave it.

And moreover they strive to deceive with crafty dissimulation the princes that are not only their benefactors, but also those that are committed to them,

And by lying words, and other fraudulent means, deceive the simple and innocent ears of them that are in authority.

Now this may be seen very well in the ancient histories, and in those things which are done daily, how the good designs of kings are depraved by the evil suggestions of certain men.

Wherefore we must provide for the peace of all provinces.

Neither must you think, if we command divers things, that it cometh of the lightness of our mind: but we do it for that we judge the times, as the state of the commonwealth requireth, that we may have regard to the common good of all.

But that you may have more in view the things that we have written plainly, we will tell you of a matter that happened not long ago, which we having knowledge of, you may be the better to provide for the common safety.

For Aman the son of Amadathi, a Macedonian, both in mind and country a stranger indeed from the Persian blood, and with his cruelty staining our goodness, was received being a stranger by us:

And found our humanity so great towards him, that he was called our father, and was worshipped of all as the next man after the king:

But he was so puffed up with arrogancy, that he studied to deprive us of our kingdom and life.

And with certain new and unheard of devices he sought the destruction of Mardochai, by whose fidelity and good offices we live, and of Esther the partner of our kingdom, with all their nation:

Thinking that after they were slain, he might work treason against us left alone, and transfer the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.

But we find that the Jews, who were appointed to be slain by this most wicked man, are in no fault at all, but contrariwise, use just laws,

And are the children of the highest, the most high, the living God, by whose benefit the kingdom was given both to our fathers and to us, and is kept to this day.

Wherefore you shall do well not to put in execution the letters which Aman the son of Amadathi hath sent,

For he that was the author of the mischief is hanged before the gates of Susa, with all his family: God, who ruleth all things, speedily rendering to him what he deserved.

And we command you, that the copy of this letter be set forth in all cities, and that the Jews may freely follow their own laws.

And that you aid them that they may kill those who had prepared themselves to kill them, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar.

For the almighty God hath turned this day of sadness and mourning into joy to them.

Wherefore you shall also count this among other glorious days, and solemnly celebrate it with all joy: that it may be known also to them that are now well, and to their posterity,

That we have not vainly taken counsel for things that are to come, and that we may be without reproach in the good things we promise.

They therefore that shall promise according to these things, shall have health, and are well like to us.

But whosoever shall do any thing against this, shall be destroyed with the sword. And we have commanded by our letters to have it so done.

And this edict, which is now published in all provinces, shall be observed by the Jews for their posterity.

And every province, and every city that shall not keep the solemnity of this day, shall perish with the sword, and shall be destroyed with so great slaughter, that it shall be made desolate for ever.

Then they that were at Susa, for the love of the king, that the things which were written might take effect without delay, caused the edict to be made public.

And the king and Mardochai wrote letters, that what had been done with such solemnity should be confirmed.

And it was established in all provinces, in all cities, and was had in remembrance among the Jews for the generations to come.