CHAP. XV.
1 Mardocheus moueth Esther to go in to the King and ma ke intercession for her people. 9 And she performeth his request.
1 MArdocheus also bade Esther to go in vnto the King, and pray for her peo∣ple, and for her countrey.
2 Remember, saith he, the daies of thy lowe estate, how thou wast nourished vnder mine hand: for Amā which is next vnto the King hathe giuen sentence of death against vs.
3 Call thou therefore vpon the Lord, and speake for vs vnto the King, and deliuer vs from death.
4 And vpon the thirde day when she had ended her prayer, she laid away the mour∣ning garments, and put on her glorious ap∣parel.
5 And decte her self goodly, after that she had called vpon God, which is the behol∣der and sauiour of all things, and toke two hand maides with her.
6 Vpon the one she leaned her self, as one that was tender.
7 And the other followed her, and bare the traine of her vesture.
8 The shine of her beautie made her face rose coloured: and her face was chearful & amiable, but her heart was sorowfull for great feare.
9 Then she went in thorow all the dores, and stode before the King, and the King sate vpon his royal throne, and was clothed in his goodlie araye, all glittering with gol de and precious stones, and he was very ter rible.
10 Then he lift vp his face, that shone with maiestie, and loked fiercely vpon her: there fore the Quene fel downe, and was pale & faint and leaned her selfvpon the head of the maide, that went with her.
11 Neuertheles, God turned the Kings minde that he was gentle, who being careful, lea∣ped out of his throne, and toke her in his ar mes, til she came to herself againe and cō∣forted her with louing wordes, and said.
12 Esther, what is the matter? I am thy brother be of good cheare.
13 Thou shalt not dye: for our commande∣ment toucheth the cōmons, and not thee. Come nere.
14 And so he helde vp his golden sceptre, & laid it vpon her necke.
15 And kissed her, and said, Talke with me.
16 Then said she, I sawe thee, ô lord, as an An gel of God, & mine heart was troubled for feare of thy maiestie.
17 For wonderful art thou, ô lord, and thy fa∣ce is ful of grace.
18 And as she was thus speaking vnto him, she fel downe againe for faintnes.
19 Then the King was troubled, and all his seruants comforted her.