threatening cloud was visible in the heavens. The metropolis, at a very
early stage, presented one grand scene of activity and preparation. The
soldiery were out by thousands, their glittering panoply dazzling in the
clear sunbeams. Officers of all grades hurried to and fro with excitement
visible on their countenances. Those swarming thousands were evidently
expecting some signal, at which they were ready to march. The word of
command was at last given, and the multitude moved forward.

Onward the mighty concourse moved through the principal thoroughfares,
amid the ringing of bells, the blasts of trumpets, and the waving of
banners, until they arrived in a spacious square in front of the royal
palace. Here they halted.

At last, the massive portals were thrown open, and the king, in a
magnificent chariot, surrounded by an imposing guard, made his
appearance. He waved his hand in the direction of the multitude, when,
with one voice, the people exclaimed:

"O king, live forever!"

The procession was soon on its way to the plains of Dura, the king
leading the pompous train, while eager thousands brought up the rear. On
the way, they were joined by thousands more, who at different places
waited their arrival, and at every stage the high praises of the King of
Babylon echoed from ten thousand voices.

The great image far surpassed anything of its kind within the realm. Its
dimensions were large and well proportioned, its height being twenty
cubits, and its breadth six cubits, elevated on a richly gilded pedestal,
forty cubits in height, thus being perfectly visible to all the