Then I inquired and said may be rendered simply “Then I asked.” Revised English Bible has “I continued my questioning,” since Ezra has asked God several questions before those here.

Since thou hast now given me the opportunity, let me speak before thee: Ezra does not ask his questions until the final half of this verse. God has given Ezra the opportunity to ask more questions by comparing the earth to a mother.

Is our mother, of whom thou hast told me, still young? Or is she approaching old age?: Our mother is the earth. With these two questions Ezra wonders if the earth is young or old.

Good News Bible may be used as a model for this verse, but the following one based on Contemporary English Version is clearer:

• Then I said, “Since you mentioned a young girl [or, an infant] and an old woman, I want to ask another question. Is the world young or old?”

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.