1 Esdras 4:12-29

1. 12 O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.

2. 13 Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth, (this was Zorobabel) began to speak.

3. 14 O ye men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men, neither is it wine, that excelleth; who is it then that ruleth them, or hath the lordship over them? are they not women?

4. 15 Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea and land.

5. 16 Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that planted the vineyards, from whence the wine cometh.

6. 17 These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men; and without women cannot men be.

7. 18 Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any other goodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely in favour and beauty?

8. 19 And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have not all men more desire unto her than unto silver or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever?

9. 20 A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own country, and cleaveth unto his wife.

10. 21 He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife. and remembereth neither father, nor mother, nor country.

11. 22 By this also ye must know that women have dominion over you: do ye not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman?

12. 23 Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;

13. 24 And looketh upon a lion, and goeth in the darkness; and when he hath stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love.

14. 25 Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.

15. 26 Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes.

16. 27 Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.

17. 28 And now do ye not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do not all regions fear to touch him?

18. 29 Yet did I see him and Apame the king's concubine, the daughter of the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king,

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