² and as they were drinking wine^(A) on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,^(B) it will be granted.^(C)”

¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems.^(A) If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck,^(B) and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”^(C)

²³ And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”^(A)