Esther 1:3–8

³He held a feast^e in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media,^f the nobles,^g and the officials from the provinces. ⁴He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness^h for a total of 180 days.

⁵At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquetⁱ in the garden courtyard^j of the royal palace^k for all the people, from the greatest to the least,^l who were present in the fortress of Susa.^{m 6}White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble^A columns. Gold and silver couchesⁿ were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar,^B marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

⁷Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets,^o each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty.^{p 8}The drinking was according to royal decree: “There are no restrictions.” The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted.