# to keep the palace

Here the phrase "to keep" means to take care of. Alternate translation: "to take care of the palace" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])

# in a house under guard

If a house is "under guard" it means that a guard is posted at the house. Alternate translation: "in a house and put a guard there" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])

# he did not go to them

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he did not have sexual relations with them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism]])

# they were shut up

This means that they were not allowed to leave the house. Alternate translation: "they were shut inside the house" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])

# widows

These are women whose husbands have died.