give me the interpretation. If ye are not able, confess your ignorance,
or, by the God of Israel, I will pour my vengeance on every head!"

The king then carefully rehearsed his dream in their presence. When he
had finished he arose, and, approaching the head magician, with a look
that made him tremble, he asked:

"Canst thou or thy comrades give me the interpretation of this wonderful
dream?"

"The king's dreams are at all times of a very peculiar nature, and far
different from ordinary dreams," replied the prince of the magicians.
"The king demands honesty at our hands, and may the gods forbid that we
should be otherwise. We are not able to give thee the interpretation of
thy wonderful dream. We fall on thy mercy! Oh, deal not harshly with thy
servants!"

"Thy simple honesty hath at this time saved thy life and the lives of thy
companions! Go your way, and bear in mind that ye are a band of
hypocritical pretenders. I have demanded your service for the last time!"

The magicians hurried away from the palace, thankful that they had
escaped so well; and nevermore were their services required in the
presence of the king.

"Much as I expected! The vile, deceitful race! The gods! Much they know
about the gods. Have we any gods? I have no proof of any god but the God
of the Hebrews. Belteshazzar must at last explain the vision! Why do I
dread the knowledge of it? Is this trembling the result of fear? The day
is damp and cold. 'Hew down the tree!' That voice was solemn! Why must I