Now the kingand Hamancameto drink[wine] with Estherthe queen.
The courierswentout impelledby the king'scommandwhile the decreewas issuedat the citadelin Susa;and while the kingand Hamansatdownto drink,the cityof Susawas in confusion.
ifI have foundfavorin the sightof the king,and ifit pleasesthe kingto grantmy petitionand dowhatI request,may the kingand Hamancometo the banquetwhichI will preparefor them, and tomorrowI will doas the kingsays."
While they were stilltalkingwith him, the king'seunuchsarrivedand hastilybroughtHamanto the banquetwhichEstherhad prepared.
And the kingsaidto Estheron the seconddayalsoas they dranktheir wineat the banquet,"Whatis your petition,QueenEsther?It shall be grantedyou. And whatis your request?Evento halfof the kingdomit shall be done."
