³ Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,^(A) it will be given you.”

⁴ “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

⁵ “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”

So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. ⁶ As they were drinking wine,^(B) the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,^(C) it will be granted.”^(D)