1 Esdras 4:23-33
-
23 Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;
-
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.
-
25 Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.
-
26 Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes.
-
27 Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.
-
28 And now do ye 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 admirable Bartacus, 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; she also struck the king with her left hand.
-
31 And yet for all this 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, the king was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again.
-
32 O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus?
-
33 Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he began to speak of the truth.