Thou, O king, hast made a
decree that every man shall fall down and worship the golden image; and
whoso falleth not down and worshipeth should be cast into a fiery
furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of
the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--these men, O
king, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor worship the
golden image which thou hast set up."

Then was the king full of wrath and fury. "What!" said he, "is my royal
decree to be thus set at defiance? Is this the return they make to the
king for their high promotion in the government? By all the gods, I will
bend their stubborn wills, or they will suffer my vengeance to the
uttermost! Let them be summoned into my presence without further delay!"
And officers were soon on their march to bring the offenders.

The king, from his elevation, saw them approaching. An innocent smile
rested on each countenance; and in spite of his haughty arrogance, the
king's heart was touched, and his better feelings for a while triumphed.
They stood in his presence, and respectfully, as usual, made their
obeisance.

"Am I rightly informed, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego," said the
king, "when I hear that ye do not serve my gods, nor worship the golden
image that I have set up? It may be true; yet for your sakes, I will give
you one more trial: but beware that ye further provoke not my
displeasure! The king's command is not to be trifled with!"

Without the least betrayal of fear, Hananiah, in a firm tone of voice,
addressed the monarch:

"O king, it requireth no careful deliberation in this matter. In so plain
a case the answer is ready at hand. Thy servants, as thou well knowest,
are natives of Judah, and we worship no god but the God of our fathers.
As foreigners, we have at all times been careful to use no disrespectful
language in regard to the gods of Chaldea, or those who pay them homage;
and hitherto, unmolested, have we paid our simple adoration to the Lord
God of Israel. The law of our God, with us, is regarded as infinitely
superior to all human edicts. In all things pertaining to the government,
we have faithfully endeavored to do thy will, and obey the directions of
our sovereign. But not until this day have we been required to deny our
religion, and insult our God. To thee, O king, we are much indebted. For
many years have we been the objects of thy kind regard. But be it known
to Nebuchadnezzar, that the