1Now it happened on the third day, that Esther put on her royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king`s house, over against the king`s house: and the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
2It was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.
3Then said the king to her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.
4Esther said, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that it may be done as Esther has said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6The king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
7Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is:
