CHAPTER XIV.

DAYS, weeks, months, and years, have passed away, and the great day of
examination has arrived--that day for which that youthful group has looked
so long, with mingled feelings of pleasure and embarrassment. This day
broke on the capital of Chaldea with unusual brightness. The sun shone
brightly in a cloudless firmament, and Nature had put on her sweetest
smile. In the vicinity of the king's palace it was evident that something
of more than ordinary interest was that day to be attended to. Officers
hurried to and fro. Dignitaries bowed to one another with additional
smiles. Groups of citizens of the better class appeared here and there,
in earnest conversation. Magnificent chariots, drawn by fiery steeds,
halted at the king's gate about the third hour. A splendid national flag
proudly waved on the high pinnacle of the students' building, while each
window presented ingenious mottoes appropriate for the occasion.

The place appointed by the king for the public examination of the
students, was a magnificent audience room that stood within the royal
grounds, and in close proximity to the palace. This apartment was
finished in the highest perfection of art, and, in addition, on this
occasion, was decorated with ornaments suitable for the day.

At an early stage, the room was well filled with the first of Babylon's
aristocracy, together with some few who had no just claim to title.
Appropriate seats were reserved for the king and his attendants, who were
soon expected to make their appearance. Among the number assembled there
were many of the students' parents. With but two or three exceptions, joy
and good feeling appeared to be the expression of every countenance,
while, with hearts free from envy and malice, they gazed on the comely