where they counseled together a scheme of government for the whole
empire.

The fame of Daniel, as one who had served under so many kings in Babylon,
and also as one to whom the gods had imparted a miraculous degree of
wisdom, was spread throughout the city and provinces of Babylon; and,
since his appearance before the king as the interpreter of the mysterious
handwriting on the night of the fatal banquet, his name was held in great
reverence by all the dignitaries of that city.

In a magnificent apartment of the king's palace in the conquered city of
Babylon, sat together, in earnest conversation, Darius the Mede, and
Cyrus the hero of Persia.

"Thou well sayest that he is neither a Mede nor a Persian," said Cyrus,
"neither is he a Chaldean. He was brought from the land of Judah, a
captive, about the commencement of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. From what I
can learn of his history, he was soon placed under tutors, and
outstripped all his companions and became a great favorite of the, king.
He was soon elevated to posts of honor, and, with the exception of short
intervals, he has been the first officer in the kingdom for more than
threescore years. He receives wonderful revelations from the gods, and
the fall of Babylon came to pass according to his predictions. Now,
uncle, to me it appears far more important to secure the services of an
individual, be he even a foreigner, whose head is filled with wisdom and
his heart with charity, than to place far inferior personages to fill
important offices because they are Medes or Persians. We have many wise
men among us, but among this people, whose manners and customs are so
different from our own, I fear we have none that can rule with that
profound wisdom which has always marked the course of this Hebrew sage. I