15. And while she was speaking, she collapsed again, because she was out of breath.
16. But the king was troubled, and all his servants consoled her. Alternate text from the Hebrew, verses -:
17. And so, on the third day, Esther had put on her royal apparel and was standing in the atrium of the king's house, which was inside, opposite the king's hall, while he was sitting on his throne in the council room of the palace, opposite the entrance of the house.
18. And when he saw Esther the queen standing there, she pleased his eyes, and he extended toward her the golden scepter, which he held in his hand, and she approached and kissed the top of his scepter.
19. And the king said to her, "What do you wish, queen Esther? What is your request? Even if you ask for half of the kingdom, it will be given to you."
20. But she responded, "If it pleases the king, I beg you to come with me today, and Haman with you, to the feast that I have prepared."
21. And immediately the king said, "Call Haman quickly, so that he may obey Esther's will. And so the king and Haman came to the feast, which the queen had prepared for them.
22. And the king said to her, after he had drunk wine abundantly, "What are you asking for that should be given to you? And which things do you require? Even if you request half of my kingdom, you will obtain it."
23. Esther answered him, "My petition and prayer is this: