well-nigh forgotten. Occasionally they would rush to the monarch's mind,
but with a desperate effort they would be banished as troublesome
intruders and unwelcome guests.

· · · · · · ·

The day was beautifully clear. The king, about the ninth hour of the day,
walked upon the roof of his high palace. Babylon, in all its glory, stood
before him, its massive walls bidding defiance to all the surrounding
nations. The temple of Belus, with its famous tower, stood forth in
majestic grandeur, together with the hanging gardens, decorated with all
that was beautiful and lovely in nature. The city's famous buildings he
could count by thousands, and its rich palaces by tens of thousands. The
predictions of Daniel found way to the monarch's mind; but they were
expelled by a proud spirit and stubborn will. His soul laughed to scorn
the dark prophecy.

"What!" said the proud monarch, "does this look like 'eating grass like
an ox'? Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the
kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? Who
shall--" Hark! A voice speaks from the heavens! "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to
thee it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from thee, and they shall
drive thee from among men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of
the field; they shall make thee eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall
pass over thee, until thou knowest that the Most High ruleth in the
kingdom of men."

The voice ceased. The king uttered a loud, hysterical laugh, descended
from his palace, and ran into the park, a raving maniac.