consider him by far the safest man to appoint as the chief president."

"In this most surely the illustrious son of my brother shall be
gratified," replied the Mede. "But why may we not have a short interview
with this wonderful man, who appears to have more the attributes of a god
than a mortal? Wouldst thou not be pleased to see him?"

"Well pleased."

"Then I shall send for him without delay."

A messenger was, therefore, hurried to the house of the ex-Prime Minister
of the Babylonian empire.

The Hebrew soon made his appearance, and such was the calm dignity of his
bearing, as he slowly walked into the presence of his superiors, that
both the Mede and the Persian unconsciously found themselves on their
feet to receive him.

"Our distinguished friend has readily complied with our request," said
the Persian, beckoning Daniel to a seat on his right.

"Throughout the days of my pilgrimage it has been my great pleasure to
render strict obedience to the will of my superiors in all things
consistent with the law of my God."

"Then thou considerest the law of thy God as having stronger claims on
thy obedience than the laws of thy king?"

"The law of Jehovah is supreme! By that law my life has been shaped; and