"Then I go. Faithfully will I convey thy answer to my illustrious
sovereign."

The minister hastened from the royal palace, to convey to the king the
result of the interview, while the King of Judah, waxing more desperate,
still applied himself to his cups.

The King of Babylon, on his arrival in Jerusalem, ordered his magnificent
royal tent to be pitched in the center of a large square in the very
heart of the city. The great body of the army was stationed in another
part--the royal guard remaining near the royal tent. From this spot went
forth the summons to the King of Judah to appear in the presence of the
King of Babylon.

"Where is his Royal Highness, the King of Judah?" asked Nebuchadnezzar.

"In his palace, O king, indulging in excess of wine, apparently perfectly
at ease."

"Is he not forthcoming?" asked the king, with a darkened brow.

"He laughs to scorn thy commands, O king! and wishes to inform thee that
if thou hast aught to communicate he may be consulted at his palace."

"By all the gods, the fellow is mad!" cried Nebuchadnezzar in a passion.
"I'll have to bend his stubborn will--yea, I shall do it. I thirst not for
his blood; but let the guilty monarch beware how he trifles with my
commands! Balphoras! haste thee back with a double guard, and inform
Jehoiakim that my orders are not to be trifled with; and moreover, that