A trial was made,
however, for ten days, at the end of which time they were found to be
better looking than the boys fed on rich food and wine. Therefore, the
servant let them live plainly according to their request; and at the
end of three years, when they stood before the king, we are told that
for wisdom and understanding none were found like Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah.
[Illustration: THE BRAVE HEBREW BOYS.]
DANIEL AND THE LIONS.
When Darius came to the throne, upon the death of Belshazzar, he set
over the kingdom a hundred and twenty princes. Over these he appointed
three presidents, of whom Daniel was first. Now the princes and other
presidents were jealous of Daniel, and sought to find some fault
against him; but could not, as he was a faithful servant of the King.
Then they tried to injure him because of his praying to God. So they
came to the King, and said, "King Darius live for ever: all the great
officers of thy kingdom have consulted together to establish a royal
law, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty
days, save of thee, O King, he shall be cast into a den of lions." The
King signed the writing and established the law. But Daniel still
knelt and prayed three times a day as before.
His enemies saw him praying, and told the King, urging him to carry
out the law. But the King was angry with himself that he had agreed to
such a law, and tried to think of some way to save Daniel.
Pages:
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62