But the queen Vashti would not come at the king's word by his chamberlains. Then was the king very wroth, and his indignation kindled in him.

"What law," sayeth the king, "should be executed upon the queen Vashti, because she did not according to the word of the king by his chamberlains?"

This pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan.

And as yet had not Esther showed her kindred and her people, according as Mordecai had bidden her: for Esther did after the word of Mordecai, like as when he was her tutor.

And in all lands and places, as far as the king's word and commandment extended, there was great lamentation among the Jews and many fasted, wept, mourned and lay in sackcloth and in ashes.

Mordecai bade say again unto Esther, "Think not to save thine own life, while thou art in the king's house before all Jews:

for if thou holdest thy peace at this time, then shall the Jews have help and deliverance out of another place, and thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed. And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom, for this time's sake?"

And when the king came again out of the palace garden into the parlor where they had eaten, Haman had laid him upon the bed that Esther sat upon. Then said the king, "Will he force the queen also? Beside me, in the house?" As soon as that word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

And the posts that rode upon the Mules made haste with all speed, according to the king's word: and the commandment was devised in the castle of Susa.

And in all lands and cities, into what places soever the king's word and commandment reached, there was joy and mirth, prosperity and good days among the Jews: insomuch that many of the people in the land became of the Jews' belief: for the fear of the Jews came upon them.

In the twelfth month, that is the month Adar, upon the thirteenth day, which the king's word and commandment had appointed, that it should be done, even upon the same day that the enemies should have destroyed the Jews to have oppressed them, it turned contrary wise, even that the Jews should subdue their enemies.

Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaizatha: