1. In the month of Nisan in the 20th year of King Artaxerxes, some wine was brought to the king. I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never before been sad when I was with him, but now I was sad.
2. So the king asked me, “Are you sick? Why do you look sad? I think your heart is full of sadness.” Then I was very afraid.
3. But even though I was afraid, I said to the king, “May the king live forever! I am sad because the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and the gates of that city have been destroyed by fire.”
4. Then the king said to me, “What do you want me to do?” Before I answered, I prayed to the God of heaven.