5 And they that sold news unto the people were vastly provoked, for it liked them not to be told the things that they should say; also was it an hindrance unto them to be circumscribed by the truth.
6 And when they came into the presence of the censor and bowed themselves low before him (for he was a great man), he would have none of them.
7 And he would say unto them, These three lines, they are official: but the other things that have happened, they did happen not at all.
8 And those amongst the newsdealers that did know something would foam at the mouth in the violence of their rage. And they would spit upon the floor and would utter deep curses.
9 And because he was an orderly man, therefore did the censor make him a scheme for the better administration of all those things that were within his authority. And the scheme that he did make, it was this.
10 After a thing had become known in the land of Hu for the space of thirty days, then would he deliberate in his mind concerning it. And if it seemed good unto him, after seven days had passed he would impart it unto the people.
11 ¶ And there was a great outcry throughout all the land, for this was but one of many things. Verily, the patience of Job was not tried as the patience of the men of En in the days when they waged war.
12 And the people said unto the rulers, Why do ye these things, ye men of little understanding? Are we children that ye treat us thus, and have ye no faith in the strength of our conviction?
13 All those things that are safe for us to know, them shall ye tell unto us. And if the tidings be good, assuredly we will rejoice. And if the tidings be bad, they shall but serve to fortify our purpose. The tempest disturbeth the waters, the tempest revealeth the rock.
14 ¶ And the rulers heard what the people did say, and they hearkened unto them. And they said unto him that was the censor, The people are complaining because they know not how goes the day. Therefore shalt thou tell them more about it: but take care that it be not much more. And he did that which the rulers had told him to do.