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"But we find that the Jews, who were consigned to annihilation by this thrice-accursed man, are not evildoers, but are governed by most righteous laws
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and are children of the living God, most high, most mighty, who has directed the kingdom both for us and for our ancestors in the most excellent order.
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"You will therefore do well not to put in execution the letters sent by Haman son of Hammedatha,
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since he, the one who did these things, has been hanged at the gate of Susa with all his household—for God, who rules over all things, has speedily inflicted on him the punishment that he deserved.
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"Therefore post a copy of this letter publicly in every place, and permit the Jews to live under their own laws.
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And give them reinforcements, so that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, on that very day, they may defend themselves against those who attack them at the time of oppression.
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For God, who rules over all things, has made this day to be a joy for his chosen people instead of a day of destruction for them.
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"Therefore you shall observe this with all good cheer as a notable day among your commemorative festivals,
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so that both now and hereafter it may represent deliverance for you and the loyal Persians, but that it may be a reminder of destruction for those who plot against us.
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"Every city and country, without exception, that does not act accordingly shall be destroyed in wrath with spear and fire. It shall be made not only impassable for human beings, but also most hateful to wild animals and birds for all time.
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A copy of the writ was to be issued as a decree in every province and published to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take revenge on their enemies.