iah.

In solemn silence, the youths of Judah departed, and retired to their
respective apartments, there to prostrate themselves before the Lord in
humble devotion, with full confidence that the God in whom they trusted
would hear their prayer and grant their petition.

Many hours had already passed away. Stillness prevailed throughout the
thoroughfares of the great metropolis. Silence reigned throughout
Babylon. The faithful night guardians solemnly paraded the streets in the
performance of their important duties. The queen of cities was hushed to
repose; its vast thousands had, for a while, forgotten their toil and
sorrow. Old midnight was left far in the rear, and some faint signs in
the eastern skies betokened the distant approach of day. But yonder, on
their bended knees, see the trembling forms of Amonober's children! For
many hours they have wrestled with God. Does He hear them? But where is
Daniel? Let us silently enter his chamber. The son of Baramon is asleep!
Mark his countenance!

Still the three brothers, "with their faces toward Jerusalem," are bowed
before the Lord. But hark! Ah! it is the well-known voice of Daniel. It
rings melodiously throughout every apartment and it falls on the ears of
the cousins. Hark!

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are
his. And he changeth the times and seasons. He removeth and setteth up
kings. He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that seek
understanding. He revealeth deep and secret things. He knoweth what is in
the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank Thee and praise
Thee, O God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast
made known unto me now what we desired of Thee; for Thou hast made known
to us now the king's matter."

Early in the morning, Daniel sought an interview with Arioch, and
besought the reversing of the sentence against the wise men, and assured
him that he was fully prepared to appear before the king, and restore to
him the lost vision.

"Let Belteshazzar be assured," said the captain of the guard, "that I
shall not move a finger against the wise men but by the positive orders
of the king, and I am happy to say that he hath ordered me to delay
execution until I receive further directions. I have just learned by
chance that the merchant Joram has had an interview with the king in
behalf of thee and thy friends. If I can be of any service to
Belteshazzar, I am at his pleasu