World English Bible

1 Esdras 4:19-31 World English Bible (WEB)

19. they let all those things go, and gape after her, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have all more desire to her than to gold or silver, or any goodly thing whatever.

20. A man leaves his own father that brought him up, and his own country, and cleaves to his wife.

21. And with his wife he ends his days, and remembers neither father, nor mother, nor country.

22. By this also you⌃ must know that women have dominion over you: do you⌃ not labor and toil, and give and bring all to women?

23. Yes, a man takes his sword, and goes forth to make outroads, and to rob and to steal, and to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;

24. and looks upon a lion, and walks in the darkness; and when he has stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he brings it to his love.

25. Wherefore a man loves his wife better than father or mother.

26. Yes, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become bondmen for their sakes.

27. Many also have perished, have stumbled, and sinned, for women.

28. And now do you⌃ not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do not all regions fear to touch him?

29. Yet did I see him and Apame the king’s concubine, the daughter of the illustrious Barticus, sitting at the right hand of the king,

30. and taking the crown from the king’s head, and setting it upon her own head; yes, she struck the king with her left hand:

31. and therewithal the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure at him, he was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again.