So Hathach went to Mordecai at the plaza of the city in front of the king’s gate.

The messengers<n id="1" /> scurried forth<n id="2" /> with the king&#8217;s order.<n id="3" /> The edict was issued in Susa the citadel. While the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in an uproar!<n id="4" />p>

<p class="bodytext">The couriers who were riding the royal horses went forth with the king&#8217;s edict without delay.<n id="1" /> And the law was presented in Susa the citadel as well.p>

<p class="bodytext">Now Mordecai went out from the king&#8217;s presence in purple and white royal attire, with a large golden crown and a purple linen mantle. The city of Susa shouted with joy.<n id="1" />

For the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women, leading them to treat their husbands with contempt, saying, &#8216;When King Ahasuerus gave orders to bring Queen Vashti into his presence, she would not come.&#8217;

If the king is so inclined,<n id="1" /> let a royal edict go forth from him, and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media that cannot be repealed,<n id="2" /> that Vashti<n id="3" /> may not come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king convey her royalty to another<n id="4" /> who is more deserving than she.<n id="5" />

<t /><p class="bodytext">Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he<n id="1" /> tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud<n id="2" /> and bitter voice.

<t /><p class="bodytext">Now Haman went forth that day pleased and very much encouraged.<n id="1" /> But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king&#8217;s gate, and he did not rise nor tremble in his presence,<n id="2" /> Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.

<p class="bodytext">When the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet of wine, Haman was throwing himself down<n id="1" /> on the couch where Esther was lying.<n id="2" /> The king exclaimed, &#8220;Will he also attempt to rape the queen while I am still in the building!&#8221;p> <p class="bodytext">As these words left the king&#8217;s mouth, they covered Haman&#8217;s face.