et Jeremiah. The execution of Jehoi-akim, and the putting out of
Zedekiah's eyes, though acts of considerable severity, may perhaps be
regarded as justified by the general practice of the age, and therefore
as not indicating in Nebuchadnezzar any special ferocity of disposition.
But the ill-treatment of Jehoiakim's dead body, the barbarity
of murdering Zedekiah's sons before his eyes, and the prolonged
imprisonment both of Zedekiah and of Jehoiachin, though the latter had
only contemplated rebellion, cannot be thus excused. They were unusual
and unnecessary acts, which tell against the monarch who authorized
them, and must be considered to imply a real cruelty of disposition,
such as is observable in Sargon and Asshur-bani-pal. Nebuchadnezzar, it
is plain, was not content with such a measure of severity as was
needed to secure his own interests, but took a pleasure in the wanton
infliction of suffering on those who had provoked his resentment.

On the other hand, we obtain from the native writer, Berosus, one
amiable trait which deserves a cursory mention. Nebuchadnezzar was
fondly attached to the Median princess who had been chosen for him as
a wife by his father from political motives. Not content with ordinary
tokens of affection, he erected, solely for her gratification, the
remarkable structure which the Greeks called the "Hanging Garden."
A native of a mountainous country, Amyitis disliked the tiresome
uniformity of the level alluvium, and pined for the woods and hills
of Media. It was to satisfy this longing by the best substitute which
circumstances allowed that the celebrated Garden was made. Art strove
to emulate nature with a certain measure of success, and the lofty rocks
and various trees of this wonderful Paradise, if they were not a very
close imitation of Median mountain scenery, were at any rate a pleasant
change from the natural monotony of the Babylonian plain, and must have
formed a grateful retreat for the Babylonian queen, whom they reminded
at once of her husband's love and of the beauty of her native country.

The most remarkable circumstance in Nebuchadnezzar's life remains to be
noticed. Towards the close of his reign, when his conquests and probably
most of his great works were completed, in the midst of complete
tranquillity and prosperity, a sudden warning was sent him. He dreamt
a strange dream, and when he sought to know its meaning, the Prophet
Daniel was inspired to tell him that it port