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The afternoon was fair and beautiful. It was about the ninth hour of the
day. Daniel, weary with his arduous duties within, thought fit, in order
to invigorate both his body and mind, to take a walk in the beautiful
groves of the palace park. So he laid his papers aside, and was soon
under the refreshing breezes of the open skies. The scene was truly
delightful. The sun was gradually losing the intensity of its heat, and
slowly sinking toward the western hills. Nature was adorned in beauty and
innocence. The sweet choristers of the trees chanted their melodious
sonnets on the high branches, and the parks rang with the sound of praise
from the feathered tribe. The river rolled majestically along, while its
shores were strewed with the choicest roses and flowers. On the banks of
"proud Euphrates' stream," the Rab Mag sat down and gave freedom to his
thoughts.

"His paths are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out! He reigns in
heaven above, and on earth beneath. Jehovah is God alone. By him kings
rule and princes govern. He taketh down one and setteth up another. O
Lord, thou art very great, and highly exalted above all gods. In thy
hands are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is
thine also. I adore thee, O my God! I praise thee, O Jehovah! From my
youth the God of Israel has been my help. He has brought me through ways
I have not known. How terrible is his wrath toward those who rebel
against him! How great his love to all that fear him! He bringeth down
the proud look, and causeth his enemies to be ashamed. The scepters of
kings are broken in pieces. Jehovah is King of kings! Babylon, with all
her glory, shall become a desolation. Her lofty towers shall fall, her
walls shall be destroyed, her palaces shall become heaps of ruin, and her