Esther 5:1-3

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Esther’s Banquet

5 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace. ² As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favour and he held out to her the golden sceptre that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the top of the sceptre. ³ The king said to her, ‘What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.’