13:1The greatest king Artaxerxes, from India as far as Ethiopia, to the princes and leaders of the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces who are subject to his rule, greeting. 13:2When I was ruling over very many nations, and had subjugated the whole world to my dominion, I wished by no means to abuse the greatness of my power, but to govern my subjects with clemency and gentleness, so that, passing their life in quiet without any terror, they might enjoy the peace desired by all mortals. 13:3But when I was asking my counsellors how this could be fulfilled, one who excelled the others in wisdom and faithfulness, and was second after the king, Haman by name, showed me that in the whole world there was a people scattered, which used new laws, and, acting against the custom of all nations, despised the commands of kings, and violated the concord of all nations by its dissension.
13:5When we had learned this, seeing one nation, rebellious against the whole race of men, use perverse laws, and go against our commands, and disturb the peace and concord of the provinces subject to us, we have ordered that whomever Haman, who is set over all the provinces and is second to the king, and whom we honour in the place of a father, points out, they be destroyed with their wives and children by their enemies, and that no one have mercy on them, on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar of the present year: so that wicked men, going down to the underworld on one day, may restore to our empire the peace which they had disturbed.
13:7And Mordecai, going, did all the things which Esther had commanded him. 13:8And Mordecai prayed to the Lord, mindful of all his works, and said: "Lord, Lord, almighty king, for in your power all things are placed, and there is no one who can resist your will, if you have decided to save Israel. 13:10You made heaven and earth, and whatever is contained in the circuit of heaven. 13:11You are Lord of all, nor is there anyone who may resist your majesty. 13:12You know all things, and you know that it was not out of pride and insolence, and some desire for glory, that I did this, that I did not worship the most proud Haman (for gladly, for the salvation of Israel, I would be ready even to kiss the footprints of his feet), but I feared lest I should transfer the honour of my God to a man, and lest I should worship anyone, except my God.
13:15And now, Lord king, God of Abraham, have mercy on your people, because our enemies wish to destroy us, and to blot out your inheritance. 13:16Do not despise your portion, which you redeemed for yourself from Egypt. 13:17Hear my prayer, and be favourable to your lot and your measured line, and turn our mourning into joy, so that living we may praise your name, Lord: and do not close the mouths of those who sing to you." 13:18All Israel too, with like mind and entreaty, cried to the Lord, because certain death hung over them.