⁸ Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people.^(A)

¹⁶ “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days,^(A) night or day. I and my female servants will also fast^(B) in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law.^(C) If I perish, I perish.”^(D)