Esther 15

Esther 15, Catholic Public Domain Version

1. And he entrusted her (there was no question but that it was Mordecai) to go in to the king, and to petition on behalf of her people and her native land.

   Et mandavit ei (haud dubium quin esset Mardochæus) ut ingrederetur ad regem, et rogaret pro populo suo et pro patria sua.

2. 2

   “Remember,” he said, “the days of your lowliness, how you were nurtured as if in my hand, because Haman, who is second after the king, has spoken against us to death.

   Memorare, inquit, dierum humilitatis tuæ, quomodo nutrita sis in manu mea, quia Aman secundus a rege locutus est contra nos in mortem:

3. 3

   And you must call upon the Lord, and speak with the king on our behalf, and free us from death.”

   et tu invoca Dominum, et loquere regi pro nobis, et libera nos de morte.

4. 4

   So, on the third day, she put away her ornate apparel, and surrounded herself with glory.

   Die autem tertio deposuit vestimenta ornatus sui, et circumdata est gloria sua.

5. 5

   And when she was shining in a royal manner, and had called upon God, the Guide and Savior of all, she took two maids with her.

   Cumque regio fulgeret habitu, et invocasset omnium rectorem et salvatorem Deum, assumpsit duas famulas,

6. 6

   And she was leaning upon one of them, as if, out of delicateness and great tenderness, she were not able to bear carrying her own body.

   et super unam quidem innitebatur, quasi præ deliciis et nimia teneritudine corpus suum ferre non sustinens:

7. 7

   And the other maid followed her lady, carrying her garment flowing on the ground.

   altera autem famularum sequebatur dominam, defluentia in humum indumenta sustentans.

8. 8

   Yet she had a rosy color pouring over her face, for, with gracious and bright eyes, she restrained a sorrowful soul and very great fear.

   Ipsa autem roseo colore vultum perfusa, et gratis ac nitentibus oculis, tristem celabat animum, et nimio timore contractum.

9. 9

   And so, entering hesitantly through a series of doors, she stood opposite the king, where he sat upon his royal throne, clothed in royal robes, and shining with gold and precious stones. And he was terrible to behold.

   Ingressa igitur cuncta per ordinem ostia, stetit contra regem, ubi ille residebat super solium regni sui, indutus vestibus regiis, auroque fulgens, et pretiosis lapidibus: eratque terribilis aspectu.

10. 10

    And when he had lifted up his face, and with burning eyes had shown the fury of his heart, the queen collapsed, and her color turned pale, and she rested her exhausted head upon her handmaid.

    Cumque elevasset faciem, et ardentibus oculis furorem pectoris indicasset, regina corruit, et in pallorem colore mutato, lassum super ancillulam reclinavit caput.

11. 11

    And God changed the king’s spirit into gentleness; quickly and apprehensively, he leapt from his throne, and lifting her up in his arms until she came to herself, he coaxed her with these words:

    Convertitque Deus spiritum regis in mansuetudinem, et festinus ac metuens exilivit de solio, et sustentans eam ulnis suis donec rediret ad se, his verbis blandiebatur:

12. 12

    “What is the matter, Esther? I am your brother, do not be afraid.

    Quid habes, Esther? ego sum frater tuus: noli metuere.

13. 13

    You will not die. For this law has not been established for you, but for all others.

    Non morieris: non enim pro te, sed pro omnibus hæc lex constituta est.

14. 14

    So approach and touch the scepter.”

    Accede igitur, et tange sceptrum.

15. 15

    And since she remained silent, he took the golden scepter and placed it on her neck, and he kissed her and said, “Why do you not speak to me?”

    Cumque illa reticeret, tulit auream virgam, et posuit super collum ejus, et osculatus est eam, et ait: Cur mihi non loqueris?

16. 16

    She answered, “I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was disturbed for fear of your glory.

    Quæ respondit: Vidi te, domine, quasi angelum Dei, et conturbatum est cor meum præ timore gloriæ tuæ.

17. 17

    For you, my lord, are great and wonderful, and your face is full of grace.”

    Valde enim mirabilis es, domine, et facies tua plena est gratiarum.

18. 18

    And while she was speaking, she collapsed again, because she was out of breath.

    Cumque loqueretur, rursus corruit, et pene exanimata est.

19. 19

    But the king was troubled, and all his servants consoled her.

    Rex autem turbabatur, et omnes ministri ejus consolabantur eam.

Catholic Public Domain Version (Ronald L. Conte Jr., 2009), public domain · Latin: Clementine Vulgate (1592)