Belteshazzar! But why may not my Chaldean wise men answer the purpose?
Yea! Let them have the first trial. Why do I thus tremble? Whom shall I
fear? 'Hew down the tree!' O, ye gods, how that voice sounded! 'Let his
portion be with the beasts, in the grass of the earth!' What meaneth it?
Why do I fear to call Belteshazzar first? Is it not best at once to know
the worst? But let my Chaldeans have the first trial;" and the king
called a young page into his presence.

"Young man, where is thy father?"

"My father is in the adjoining chamber, O king."

"Call him hither without delay."

The page hastened from the presence of the king, and presently a
venerable-looking person walked into the apartment, and bowed in
reverence before the king.

"Arioch, it is my desire to see the wise men of Babylon as soon as
possible at this apartment. Go! Haste thee! for the command of the king
is urgent. Let them be native Chaldeans who appear before me at this
time; trouble not Belteshazzar. If I need his services I shall call for
him hereafter."

The officer, faithful to his charge, was soon on his way to summon the
wise men to appear before the king.

It was not long before a number of the Chaldeans stood in the presence of
the king, ready to learn his will and do his pleasure.