1
Now it came to pass on the third day that Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the king's house, opposite the king's house; and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, opposite the gate of the house.
2
And it 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.
3
Then said the king unto her, "What wish thou, Queen Esther? And what is thy request? It shall be even given thee, to the half of the kingdom."
4
And Esther answered, "If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him."
5
Then the king said, "Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said." So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.