¹⁷ The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favour and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.^(A)

⁸ If I have found favour in the eyes of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and perform my request,^(A) may the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them.^(B) Tomorrow I will do what the king has asked.’