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.