The show-off 1:4–6 This was an opulent feast by any standard. First, there was the gathering of the cream of society from the far corners of Xerxes’ realm. Hundreds assembled to be treated to a mind-blowing display of luxury. No expense was spared on the surroundings, food or drink. Any father, impoverished by paying the ever-increasing expenses of a fashionable modern wedding, can at least rejoice that he was not footing this bill. The purpose was to impress, and every detail was marked by extravagance.