as thou seest fit. Be assured, O king, that my life is as secure among
the lions as in the presence of my kind sovereign! The same God that
preserved my cousins alive in the midst of a burning, fiery furnace, can
easily shut the mouths of the lions, and make them as harmless as the
little lambs of the flock."

Here the king was melted into tears; and, so deeply was he affected, that
for a long time he was unable to speak. At last, in a low key, he spoke:

"O Daniel, this thing must never come to pass! May the gods forbid that I
should endanger the life of my servant! But the writing is signed! My
heart is sad! My soul is sick!"

"Let not the king be sore troubled on account of his servant," said
Daniel. "The God of heaven shall certainly overrule this matter to his
own glory."

"Thou mayest return, Daniel," said the king. "I know not what to do. I
fear I have been greatly deceived."

"The word of thy servant, in a case like this, is not sufficient to
gainsay the testimony of six witnesses. When the proper hour arrives, the
king shall learn from other lips than mine the deep iniquity of these
foul conspirators. Adieu, O king! Let Jehovah use his own measures for
the vindication of his own law!" And the first president left the royal
presence.

On that night Darius the Mede laid his head on his pillow with the full
purpose of delivering Daniel.