[Avodah] What is a saris?

[Michael Makovi]

>  there is a machlokes if 'lichbosh es hamalka' refers to attempted rape, or
>  just physically attacking her
>
>  I believe that the maharal says that it can't be attempted rape, as it is
>  not m'staber that haman would try
>  such an act now - ayin sham.
>
>  regards,
>  mordechai cohen

The Soncino Esther (likely based on someone), suggests that
Achashverosh was so angry that he couldn't think straight and he
misunderstood what Haman was doing (l'fi ze, Haman was actually simply
prostrating himself before her on her couch and imploring her mercy);
thus, you could answer Maharal that indeed it doesn't make sense, but
Achashverosh was too angry to realize that.

Alternatively, Soncino says that perhaps Achashverosh deliberately
misunderstood Haman's act as rape just to increase Haman's misery
(again, Haman was simply begging for her mercy).

Mikha'el Makovi