² As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favour with him. The king extended the gold sceptre in his hand towards Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the sceptre.^(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.’