"I readily perceive by the words of thy mouth, O king, that thou hast
been greatly deceived in this matter. Thy servant had nothing to do in
forming a law whose every feature is repulsive to his soul and an insult
to the God he worshipeth. This law came from the enemies of thy servant,
for the purpose of his overthrow. Having failed in every other point,
with malicious hearts they have brought forward this measure, knowing
well that I could never yield it my obedience. With lying tongues have
they declared before thee that it received my approbation. It is true, O
king, that I have violated thy law; and, moreover, I must do so
hereafter. For fourscore years has thy servant offered his prayers to the
God of his fathers. When a little lad in the land of Judah, I was taught
by a beloved mother to lisp the name of Jehovah. From that time to this,
O king, at morning, noon and eventide, thy servant has prayed to his God.
And is Daniel to be frightened from his duty now in his old age? Nay, O
king! My prayers must daily ascend to the throne of the Most High! Sooner
would I suffer a thousand deaths than prove a traitor to the God of
Israel."

The king was deeply moved by the words of the aged Hebrew, and continued
for some time in deep silence. At last he rose to his feet, and, with a
voice trembling with anger, exclaimed:

"By the gods! If these presidents have come before me with lying words, I
will cut them in pieces, and leave them neither root nor branch! Daniel,
if thou sayest, I will have them arrested and destroyed! This very hour
the word shall go forth!"

"Nay, O king! Listen to the counsel of thine aged servant. This hasty
movement would not be well received among thy subjects. The decree has
gone forth. I pray thee let the law have its course, but be assured, O
king, that not a hair of thy servant's head shall be injured. The God
that I serve and in whom I trust, shall deliver me from every danger, and
no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Hereafter do with mine enemies
as thou seest fit. Be assured, O king, that my life is as secure among
the lions as in the presence of my kind sovereign! The same God that
preserved my cousins alive in the midst of a burning, fiery furnace, can
easily shut the mouths of the lions, and make them as harmless as the
little lambs of the flock."

Here the king was melted into tears; and, so deeply was he affected, that
for a long time he was unable to speak. At last, in a low