Old Testament

New Testament

Daniel 13:14-32 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

14. And returning again, they came to the same place, and, each asking the other the reason, they admitted their desire. And then they agreed to set a time when they would be able to find her alone.

15. But it happened, while they watched for an opportune day, that she entered at a particular time, just as yesterday and the day before, with only two maids, and she wanted to wash in the orchard, because it was so hot.

16. And there was no one there, except the two elders in hiding, and they were studying her.

17. And so she said to the maids, "Bring me oil and ointments, and shut the doors of the orchard, so that I may wash."

18. And they did as she ordered them. And they shut the doors of the orchard and left through a back door to fetch what she required, and they did not know that the elders were hiding within.

19. But when the maids had departed, the two elders arose and hurried to her, and they said,

20. "Behold, the doors of the orchard are closed, and no one can see us, and we are in desire for you. Because of these things, consent to us and lie with us.

21. But if you will not, we will bear witness against you that a young man was with you and, for this reason, you sent your maids away from you."

22. Susanna sighed and said, "I am closed in on every side. For if I do this thing, it is death to me; yet if I do not do it, I will not escape your hands.

23. But it is better for me to fall unavoidably into your hands, than to sin in the sight of the Lord."

24. And Susanna cried out with a loud voice, but the elders also cried out against her.

25. And one of them hurried to the door of the orchard and opened it.

26. And so, when the servants of the house heard the outcry in the orchard, they rushed in by the back door to see what was happening.

27. But after the old men had spoken, the servants were greatly ashamed, for there had never been anything of this kind said about Susanna. And it happened on the next day,

28. when the people came to Joakim her husband, that the two appointed elders also came, full of wicked plans against Susanna, in order to put her to death.

29. And they said before the people, "Send for Susanna, daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim." And immediately they sent for her.

30. And she arrived with her parents, and sons, and all her relatives.

31. Moreover, Susanna was exceedingly delicate and beautiful in appearance.

32. But those wicked ones commanded that her face should be uncovered, (for she was covered,) so that at least they might be satisfied with her beauty.

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