And it was given unto them that they should not kill them; but that they should torment them five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion when he striketh a man.
Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress. Let them that are broken go free: and break asunder every burden.
I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance and have given them into thy hand. Thou hast shewn no mercy to them: upon the ancient thou hast laid thy yoke exceeding heavy.
And you shall cry out in that day from the face of the king, whom you have chosen to yourselves: and the Lord will not hear you in that day, because you desired unto yourselves a king.
But they answered as young men and brought up with him in pleasures, and said: Thus shalt thou speak to the people, that said to thee: Thy father made our yoke heavy, do thou ease it. Thus shalt thou answer them: My little finger is thicker than the loins of my father.