order more wine. Whom should Jehoiakim fear? Jared! what trouble is there
in the porch? Haste thee and see."

Jared hastened to obey the commands of his drunken sovereign, and
presently returned.

"The same messenger from the King of the Chaldeans demands an interview
with the King of Judah."

"Let him be admitted. Ha! ha! What next?"

Balphoras, with a firm, dignified step, walked into the presence of
Jehoiakim, who, in spite of his wine-propped courage, almost trembled
beneath the Chaldean's penetrating glance.

"And what hast thou to communicate at this time?"

"My communication is short and decisive."

"The shorter the better--let it be delivered."

"My illustrious sovereign, the King of Babylon, wishes the King of Judah
to understand, that his commands are not to be trifled with; and,
moreover, that if the King of Judah persists in his stubbornness, he must
be dragged into his presence as a guilty culprit."

"Who dares to utter such words in my presence?" cried Jehoiakim, in a
rage.

"The Chaldean minister, as the words of his illustrious sovereign."