¹⁴ And may God Almighty^[a](A) grant you mercy^(B) before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you.^(C) As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”^(D)

¹⁶ “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast^(A) for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”^(B)