From King Artaxerxes the Great, from India unto Ethiopia, over 127 provinces, unto the princes and governors who are obedient to him, Peace.

Whereas I, being ruler over many peoples, and having brought all the world under my dominion, have not desired to abuse my mighty power, but rather have I ruled with mercy and gentleness, that they may pass their lives without fear and in tranquility, and enjoy the peace which every man longeth for.

So I inquired of my counselors how this might be accomplished, and there was one among them, excelling all others in wisdom and faithfulness, even Haman, whose named was Hammedatha, the king's second in command.

He told me that there is a people scattered throughout the world, with new laws, who conduct themselves contrary to the custom of all nations, and despise the commands of kings, and corrupt the order of all nations by their sedition.

When we comprehended this, and perceived that a single rebellious people follow corrupt laws and oppose our commands, and disturb the harmony and peace of all the provinces subject unto us,

We commanded that all those whom Haman, the lord over all the provinces and the king's second in command whom we honor as a father, shall point out, be utterly destroyed by the hands of their enemies, they, their wives, and their children, and that no one shall pity them, on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, of this year.

So that when those wicked people descend unto the grave in one day, the peace which they have disturbed may be restored unto our kingdom.

But Mordecai prayed unto the Lord, remembering all His works.

And he said, O Lord, Almighty King over all, for everything is subject unto Thee, and there is none that can resist Thy will when Thou purposest to save Israel.

Thou hast made the heaven and the earth, and all things that are under the heaven.

Thou art Lord of all, and there is none that can resist Thy might.

For Thou knowest all things, and Thou knowest that neither for pride, nor for contempt, nor for any desire of glory have I done this, nor have I bowed down to Haman the arrogant.

For I would be willing to kiss even the prints of his feet for the salvation of Israel.

But I feared lest I should transfer the honor of my God to man, and worship any other save my God.

Now therefore, O Lord God, God of Abraham, have mercy upon Thy people; for our enemies seek to destroy us, and to root out Thine inheritance.

Forsake not Thy portion, which Thou hast redeemed unto Thyself from Egypt.

And hearken unto my supplication; and be gracious unto Thy portion and Thine inheritance, and turn our sorrow into joy, that we may live and praise Thy name, O Lord; and stop not the mouths of them that praise Thee.

And likewise all Israel, with one spirit and one supplication, cried unto the Lord, because death was assuredly close upon them.