ive:

"Young men! Your honor cometh not from the king. It is the result of your
own industry and perseverance. By the favorable interposition of the
gods, ye have arrived at a perfection in knowledge never exhibited before
on any occasion in the presence of the king. Four of your number are from
another country. The hills of Judah are yet fresh in your memories, and
Jerusalem is far from being forgotten. I have been well pleased, from
time to time, to learn of your amiable deportment and noble bearing.
Justice requires me to say that a peculiar perfection has been visible in
all your past performances; and now, Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, youths of Judah, ye are, through the power and word of the
king, elevated to share in all the immunities and privileges of Chaldean
citizens. Long, by your superior wisdom and knowledge, may ye continue to
shed additional luster on my already shining empire.

"Apgomer! Thou hast well sustained thyself throughout the examination;
and, although thou hast not reached that lofty perfection manifested in
the uniform answers of these, thy young friends from Judah, yet thou hast
convinced the king that thou standest far above the level of thy
fellows--as such thou art rewarded.

"The king findeth no fault with any. Ye have given proof of a good degree
of mental strength, and I trust that from this place ye shall go forth to
add to the stability and perpetuity of my empire.

"In conclusion, I command that Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego,
and Apgomer be decorated with their appropriate badges, and conducted,
with due honor, to their apartments at the palace. The examination is
closed."

The merry blasts of trumpets followed this announcement. The king and his
attendants first left the apartment; then followed the five youths, next
the other students. Then the concourse dispersed as their various fancies
dictated. The grand result was known, and, with few exceptions, it gave
universal satisfaction. The superior wisdom of the young Hebrews was so
abundantly evident, that no room was left for caviling; and each one was
compelled to unite in the righteous verdict of the king. The amiable and
modest deportment of the young Hebrews so won the affections of the
spectators that when they were adorned with their badges of honor, they
were loudly cheered.

Before they all disperse let the reader have the pleasure of a glimpse at
a group of countenances that give unmista