ago, arrived at the wise conclusion that their children, in order to
escape the pit-falls into which others had fallen, should never be
counted among wine-drinkers. To this desire of our fond parents we
strictly adhered while in Jerusalem, although often ridiculed by drunken
wit, and frowned upon by countenances flushed with strong drink. Shall
we, then, in a strange land, forget the covenant of our God, and violate
our sacred obligations to our beloved parents? No, cousins, this must
never be. I trust we may yet be excused, for we were informed that we
would not be required to perform any act against our religious
convictions. Our food must remain simple, as in Judah; and by this we
shall not only adhere to the requirements of Jehovah, but we shall also
be better able to master those arduous studies which stand before us in
such formidable array."

"Right, noble cousin," cried Azariah, hastening up to Daniel and grasping
him affectionately by the hand; "always right! On thee be the sole
management of the business; and we are confident that, as usual, under
the blessing of our God, we shall come forth triumphantly."

"First of all, then, I must have an interview with our kind master."

Footsteps were now heard approaching their apartment. Daniel opened the
door, and, finding there a servant of Ashpenaz, addressed him:

"Will the servant of our noble master have the kindness to convey to him
a message, in few words, from one of the youths of Judah?"

"The servant of my lord Ashpenaz will always be happy to do all in his
power for the comfort and happiness of those from Judah; and any message
to my lord I am ready to convey."