Rabanus Maurus : That is, Haman's attempt to beseech Queen Esther was regarded by King Ahasuerus as a ruse, because when the day of judgment arrives the petitions of the wicked are seen not as prayer but as provocation. Hence it is written in the Psalm: "When he is judged let him leave condemned, and let his prayer become sin" (Psalms 109). For it is then that the oppression with which they were crushing the humble is thrown back in their faces, because the time of recompense is at hand; for then those who have been condemned for their sins are covered in shame, as it is written: "The confusion of their faces will cover them," when they are dragged off to the depths of Hell to be given a reward that suits their actions. — Commentary on Esther Rabanus Maurus : Haman's appeal to Queen Esther was considered by King Ahasuerus to be an act of deceit. Indeed, when the day of judgment is about to come, the petition of the wicked is no longer a prayer but a source of irritation. This is what is written in the psalm: "When he is tried, let him be found guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin." Therefore the request is made for the oppression of those who previously oppressed the humble because the time of retribution has come. Then, after they are condemned, they are covered with the shame of their sins, as is written, "The confusion of their face will cover them," when they are dragged to the darkness of hell to be rewarded with retribution suitable to their works. — EXPLANATION ON THE BOOK OF Esther 10