this vile dog that dares insult the King of Judah? Let the abominable one
be dragged into my presence and then receive his instant doom!"

A thorough search was made for the mysterious author of the confusion;
guards and sentinels ran to and fro. Every corner of the enclosures was
thoroughly examined, but all in vain. No trace could be found of the
unwelcome herald. After a short interval, the agitation subsided and the
company was again in the midst of wild revelry and merriment. The king
endeavored to be merry; but the peculiar deep tone of that messenger of
woe still sounded in his ears; and, with all his efforts, he could not
forget it. In the midst of his depravity and wickedness, he still at
times had some dread of that God whom he daily insulted. He sought to
drown his unpleasant thoughts in mixed wines, but the King of Judah felt
a presentiment of some awful calamity near at hand. With desperation he
struggled against it, and joined in the boisterous laugh and merry song.



CHAPTER III.

HIGHER and higher ran the excitement of the banquet-room. Loud peals of
laughter broke from the merry throng. Musical instruments poured forth
rich strains of melody. Jehoiakim was complimented on every hand, but the
law of God was ridiculed.

Jehoiakim sat on a magnificent throne, gilded over with pure gold. A
large number of war officers sat near him. A royal herald passed through
the throng, crying, "Listen to the oration of Sherakim! Listen to the
oration of Sherakim!" Soon silence was obtained, and Sherakim the Orator
stood before the vast concourse, and began: