I, King Darius, have decreed that it be done with all diligence as here prescribed: The emperor ends his decree with a final statement that his wish has the force of law and must be carried out completely. Contemporary English Version provides a helpful model for this verse, saying:

• I, King Darius, give these orders, and I expect them to be followed carefully.

Another possible model is:

• “I, King Darius, give these orders, and I expect you to obey them completely.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.