ions combined. The future--ah, the
future! Who could penetrate its darkness? Could it be possible that the
predictions of Belteshazzar, in regard to the future, were true? Was the
glory of Chaldea to be trampled in the dust? Was the kingly line of
Nebuchadnezzar to be broken? Was not the kingdom at last established on
an immovable foundation? But, had he not, at different times, been
convinced that Belteshazzar had been instructed by the God of heaven in
regard to the future? Tea, truly! But many years had passed since then,
and his greatness had been daily increasing. The king would have gladly
persuaded himself that all was clear in the future, but it was beyond his
power, and under a degree of perplexity he threw himself upon his couch.
A few wandering thoughts, and the king was asleep.

. . . . . . .

"Another dream of troubles!" cried the king, while his countenance
bespoke alarm. "Do the gods, indeed, delight in my misery? Why must I be
thus tormented? Aye! a dream big with meaning! A vision surcharged with
great events! But who will show me the interpretation thereof? Where is
Belteshazzar! But why may not my Chaldean wise men answer the purpose?
Yea! Let them have the first trial. Why do I thus tremble? Whom shall I
fear? 'Hew down the tree!' O, ye gods, how that voice sounded! 'Let his
portion be with the beasts, in the grass of the earth!' What meaneth it?
Why do I fear to call Belteshazzar first? Is it not best at once to know
the worst? But let my Chaldeans have the first trial;" and the king
called a young page into his presence.

"Young man, where is thy father?"

"My father is in the adjoining chamber, O king."

"Call him hither without delay."

The page hastened from the presence of the king, and presently a
venerable-looking person walked into the apartment, and bowed in
reverence before the king.

"Arioch, it is my desire to see the wise men of Babylon as soon as
possible at this apartment. Go! Haste thee! for the command of the king
is urgent. Let them be native Chaldeans who appear before me at this
time; trouble not Belteshazzar. If I need his services I shall call for
him hereafter."

The officer, faithful to his charge, was soon on his way to summon the
wise men to appear before the king.

It was not long before a number of the Chaldeans stood in the presence of
the king, ready to learn his will and do his pleasure.

"Are ye able to give