Esther D

And it came to pass on the third day, when she had ceased praying, she put off her garments of humiliation, and clothed herself in her glorious apparel. And being majestically adorned, she called upon the all-seeing God and Saviour, and took with her two maids: and upon the one she leaned as one that walked delicately, and the other followed her, holding up her train. And she herself was radiant in the perfection of her beauty, and her countenance was happy and lovely: but her heart was stricken with fear. And when she had passed all the doors, she took her stand before the king: now he was sitting upon his royal throne, clad in all his array of majesty, all adorned with gold and precious stones. And he was very terrible.

And lifting up his face that flamed with glory, he looked upon her in fierce wrath. And the queen fell down and changed colour and swooned, and she bowed herself down upon the head of the maid who went before her.

And God changed the spirit of the king into mildness, and in alarm he sprang up from his throne, and raised her in his arms until she came to herself again, and comforted her with reassuring words, and said unto her, ‘What is it, Esther? I am thy brother. Be of good cheer, thou shalt not die. For our commandment is only for our subjects. ‘Draw near.’

Then he raised the golden sceptre and laid it on her neck, and embraced her and said, ‘Speak to me.’

And she said unto him, ‘I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was dismayed for fear of thy glory. For wonderful art thou, lord, and thy countenance is full of grace.’

But while she was speaking, she fell swooning.

And the king was troubled, and all his servants sought to comfort her.