forms of those before them. Among these smiling countenances might have
been seen three individuals--a father, mother and daughter--who smiled,
indeed, but whose smiles would never have convinced the beholder that
they were an index to noble and generous hearts.

"'Twas a strange notion of the king, surely," said the daughter, "to
bring these Hebrew captives in competition with the refined minds of
Chaldea; I cannot account for it, unless it is purposely done to show
them their great inferiority, and thus, by to-day's exercises, teach them
a lesson of humility that they will not soon forget; for no one can be so
unwise as to think that such illiterate foreigners can appear to any
advantage in a place like this."

"Thy remarks, daughter, are perfectly correct," answered the mother. "I
am at a loss, myself, to understand the king in this. But thy brother,
Shagoth, has learned, of late, that these Jews are far from being dull
scholars; and he fears that, by some strange contrivance, they have
worked themselves into the graces of Ashpenaz. I have my fears that these
reports are too true. Yet I have strong hopes that in this trial of
learning, they will fall entirely below thy accomplished brothers. I am
quite sure it cannot be otherwise."

The sound of music from without, gave them to understand that the king
was approaching. Presently the illustrious monarch of Chaldea made his
grand entry, accompanied by a brilliant escort, and amid the flourishing
of trumpets and the loud acclamations of his subjects he took his seat,
and beckoned to the enthusiastic throng to be seated. Perfect stillness
being secured, Ashpenaz arose with dignity, and, bowing low to the
sovereign, proceeded: