Esther Addition D— Esther Before the King

On the third day, when she had finished her prayer, she took off the garments of mourning in which she had worshiped and arrayed herself in all her splendor.

Greek: Καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ

Then, having made herself resplendent, after calling upon the all-seeing God and Savior, she took two servant girls with her.

Greek: καὶ γενηθεῖσα ἐπιφανής

On one she leaned gently, as though delicately, while the other followed behind, bearing her train.

Greek: τῇ μὲν μιᾷ ἐπηρείδετο ὡς τρυφερευομένη

She was radiant with the perfection of her beauty, and her face was joyful, as one beloved — but her heart was frozen with fear.

Greek: αὐτὴ δὲ ἐρυθριῶσα ἀκμῇ κάλλους αὐτῆς

When she had passed through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, clothed in the full splendor of his majesty,

Greek: καὶ εἰσελθοῦσα πάσας τὰς θύρας

all adorned with gold and precious stones. He was most terrifying.

Greek: πᾶς χρυσῷ καὶ λίθοις πολυτελέσιν κεκοσμημένος

Lifting his face, burning with majesty, he looked at her in fierce anger. And the queen faltered — she turned pale and nearly fainted,

Greek: καὶ ἄρας τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ πεπυρωμένον δόξῃ

and she collapsed against the head of the servant girl who walked before her.

Greek: καὶ ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν τῆς ἅβρας

Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness. In alarm he leapt from his throne,

Greek: καὶ μετέβαλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ βασιλέως εἰς πραΰτητα

and he gathered her into his arms until she recovered herself. He comforted her with soothing words.

Greek: καὶ ἀνέλαβεν αὐτὴν ἐπὶ τὰς ἀγκάλας αὐτοῦ

And he said to her, 'What is it, Esther? I am your husband. Take courage.

Greek: καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ τί ἐστιν Εσθηρ

You will not die — our decree is for the common people only. Come near.'

Greek: οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃς

Then he lifted the golden scepter and laid it on her neck.

Greek: καὶ ἄρας τὴν χρυσῆν ῥάβδον ἐπέθηκεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτῆς

And he embraced her and said, 'Speak to me.'

Greek: καὶ ἠσπάσατο αὐτήν

And she said to him, 'I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled by the fear of your glory.

Greek: καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ

For you are wonderful, my lord, and your face is full of grace.' While she was speaking, she fainted once more and fell.

Greek: ὅτι θαυμαστὸς εἶ κύριε