interpretation, with all subsequent transactions up to the very day of
his insanity, were brought clearly to his mind; but since that moment all
was one dark void. In mercy, not a vestige was permitted to remain to
embitter his after years.

The most important thing that now appeared to occupy the monarch's mind
was the life and health of his family, and the length of the period of
his insanity.

"Tell me, O Belteshazzar, how long has the king of Babylon remained in
this degraded condition?"

"Seven years of deep calamity, O king, have passed over thy head!"

"Seven years!" cried the king, with a trembling voice, while his tears
were fast falling. "O thou God of heaven, thou art just in all thy ways!
But are the members of my family spared to see the restoration of the
king?"

"They are all spared and in good health, O king, and will be overjoyed to
see thee restored to thy throne."

"Jehovah is the only God! He ruleth among the armies of the heavens, and
the inhabitants of the earth. Let all nations praise the God of Israel!
But come, Belteshazzar, let us bend our footsteps towards the palace."

Daniel threw one of his loose garments over the almost naked form of the
king, side by side, they started towards the palace royal. On their way
thither, they were met by the captain of the guard. The old soldier was
overwhelmed with joy to hear once more the familiar voice of his beloved