A reading from the book of Nehemiah.

In the month of Nissan of the 20th year of the king Abraxas, when the wine was in my charge,

I took some and offered it to the king. As I had never before been sad in his presence, the king asked me,

Why do you look so sad?

If you're not sick, you must be sad at heart.

Though I was seized with great fear, I answered the king. May the king live forever.

How could I not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates

have been eaten out by fire? The king asked me, what is it then that you wish? I prayed to the God of heaven and then

answered the king, if it pleased the king, and if your servant is deserving of your favor,

send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors' graves, to rebuild it. Then the king and the queen seated beside him, asked me how

long my journey would take and when I would return. I set a date that was acceptable to him,

and the king agreed that I might go. I asked the king further, if it please the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of

West of Euphrates, that they may afford me safe conduct until I arrive in Judah. Also a letter

for Afat, the keeper of the royal park, that he may give me wood for timbering the gates of the temple

citadel and the city wall and the house that I shall occupy. The king granted his requests

for the favoring hand of my God was upon him. The word of the Lord. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you. Let my tongue be

silenced if I ever forget you. By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered

Zion and the aspens of that land, we hung up our harps.

Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you.

Though there our captors ask of us the lyrics of our songs,

and our despoils urged us to be joyous.

Sing for us the songs of Zion.

...