Common English Bible

2 Esdras 9:38-41 Common English Bible (CEB)

38. While I was saying these things in my heart, I looked with my eyes and saw a woman to my right. She was lamenting and crying with a loud voice, and she was experiencing deep grief. Her clothes were torn, and there were ashes on her head.

39. I dismissed my own thoughts, turned to her, and said,

40. "Why are you weeping, and why do you grieve so deeply?"

41. She said to me, "Leave me alone, sir, so that I may weep for myself and continue in my grief, because I am very bitter inside, and I am depressed."