| Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the Lord.
She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
"God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,
for I am taking my life in my hand.
As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers
that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you.
Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,
O Lord, my God.
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