16. The king listened to this, and then turning aside to his potations, commanded the guests to sit down before him.
17. This done, he asked them to enjoy themselves, and to indulge in mirth at this somewhat late hour of the banquet.
18. Conversation grew on, and the king sent for Hermon, and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations, why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.
19. Hermon explained that he had done his bidding over night; and in this he was confirmed by his friends.
20. The king, then, with a barbarity exceeding that of Phalaris, said, That they might thank his sleep of that day. Lose no time, and get ready the elephants against tomorrow, as you did before, for the destruction of these accursed Jews.