⁴ The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

¹² Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered^(A) in grief,

¹⁷ Groan quietly;^(A) do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban^(B) fastened and your sandals^(C) on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard^(D) or eat the customary food of mourners.^(E)”

²³ You will keep your turbans^(A) on your heads and your sandals^(B) on your feet. You will not mourn^(C) or weep but will waste away^(D) because of^[a] your sins and groan among yourselves.^(E)