1. Now in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces),
2. in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Susa the palace,
3. in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him.
4. He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even one hundred and eighty days.
5. When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Susa the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.