e him that Daniel's words were false; yet, partly from a
false view of consistency, and partly from the advice of the first
president, he gave his signature to the death warrant of the old
Israelite.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE news of the condemnation of the Hebrew prophet soon spread through
all Babylon, and the hour of his execution was well known. It was the
great theme of conversation among high and low, rich and poor, and there
were but few who were not horrified at the awful doom of the man of God.

No man in Babylon was better known or more universally beloved than the
old prime minister of Nebuchadnezzar. His long residence in the city had
rendered his name familiar to the populace, and a vast number held him in
respect bordering on veneration. His mild and friendly deportment
whenever brought into the society of the common people, had won their
affection. The poor and the needy had ever found relief at his door. The
little children even claimed the aged prophet as their friend. He found
it not beneath the dignity of his station to speak to them in the street,
put his hand on their heads, and say, "May Jehovah bless my little
children!"

In the vicinity of the first president's mansion were seen numerous
groups of persons engaged in low conversation, while deep sorrow was
visible on every countenance. These gatherings gradually swelled to one
solid mass of human beings. The doors of the president's house were
closed, and thick curtains' were drawn across the lattices, and no one as
yet appeared to enter those portals. Presently the throng was in
commotion, several chariots halted before the door, and a number of
government officials alighted, and, with slow steps, and solemn
countenances, they ascended the steps, entered, and closed the door. A
peculiar gathering that! A solemn, sad throng! All conversation had
ceased. The stillness was broken by the sudden appearance of several
platoons of soldiers, who took their stand and formed a square in front
of the mansion. The door at last opened, and two uniformed officers
appeared side by side, and slowly marched out. Next appeared the sheriff,
with the prisoner leaning on his arm. On the broad platform he waited for
a moment, evidently to permit some of his near friends to embrace him
before they parted. Thick and fast they gathered around the aged saint,
with loud weeping and lamentation; but soon their cries were drowned amid
the louder lamentations of the throng.