The couriers went forth in haste by the king's mitzvah, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Yishme`elim was coming from Gil`ad, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
King Rechav`am made in their place shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house.
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Bizeta, Charvona, Bigta, and Avagta, Zetar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Achashverosh the king,
*Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.*
Mordekhai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad.
Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.