DANIEL and the Amonober children, from their first interview with the
officers of the King of Babylon, had left a very favorable impression on
the minds of those high dignitaries; and although, in reality, they were
but captives of war, they were treated with that high civility due to
nobility and rank. This caused much astonishment to the youths
themselves, and served in part to calm and reconcile them to their lot.
The ardent desire of Perreeza to accompany them to the land of their
captivity had been made the subject of their thoughts, and served if
possible to deepen in their minds the fountain of pure affection.

Early next morning, the brothers bent their footsteps towards the
temporary residence of one of Nebuchadnezzar's officers, with whom, at
this time, they had to do. The manner in which they formerly had been
received gave them some encouragement to hope that their mission would be
crowned with success. They soon reached the "spot, and were admitted.

"And what is the pleasure of these young noblemen of Judah?" asked
Barzello, with a pleasant smile.

"Let thy young servants find favor in the sight of their kind and noble
master," said Hananiah, "while with deep humility they make known their
request. The illustrious Barzello, we trust, will pardon us for this
intrusion upon the time of the King of Babylon's noble officer, and
listen patiently to their urgent prayer. Thy kind deportment towards thy
servants, for these many days, has given them courage thus to stand in
thy presence without any painful, distracted fears. We are the sons of
Amonober, the brother of King Josiah, under whose reign, for many years,
Judah smiled amid peace and plenty. Thy servants were early instructed in
the religion of our sainted father, who, with our beloved mother, feared
the God of Israel, and worshiped in his holy Temple. While thy servants