1 And it came to be on the third day that Estĕr put on royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the sovereign’s palace, in front of the sovereign’s house, while the sovereign sat on his royal throne in the royal house, opposite the entrance of the house.
2 And it came to be, when the sovereign saw Sovereigness Estĕr standing in the court, that she found favour in his eyes, and the sovereign held out to Estĕr the golden sceptre which was in his hand. And Estĕr went near and touched the top of the sceptre.
3 And the sovereign said to her, “What is it, Sovereigness Estĕr, and what is your request? Up to half my reign, and it is given to you!”
4 And Estĕr answered, “If it pleases the sovereign, let the sovereign and Haman come today to the feast which I have prepared for him.”
5 And the sovereign said, “Get Haman at once, to do as Estĕr has said.” Then the sovereign and Haman went to the feast which Estĕr had prepared.
6 And the sovereign said to Estĕr at the feast of wine, “What is your petition? And it is given you. And what is your request? Up to half my reign, and it is done!”
7 And Estĕr answered and said, “My petition and request is this: