It cannot be expected, on an occasion like the present, that all scholars
will exhibit precisely the same amount of ability and cultivation. While
all may give satisfaction, some, I trust, will even excel. Those who
shall at this time give the clearest proof of ripe scholarship, shall,
according to agreement, be permitted to remain at the palace, and
minister in the presence of the king, with the prospect of promotion as
the fruit of faithfulness. I trust there are no unpleasant feelings to
arise from the final result of this day's exercises. True, there may be
some disappointment among both parents and scholars; but let not the king
be grieved by witnessing any signs of displeasure on the countenance of
young or old; for, hitherto, no partiality hath been permitted in any of
our councils. Those whom the king promotes must therefore be promoted on
the strength of their own worth and merit.

"My worthy and noble friend, Ashpenaz, will now commence the examination;
after which, if I think it expedient, I may ask a few questions myself."

Ashpenaz then, according to direction, commenced the examination, the
king, in the meanwhile, earnestly facing the students, and paying
particular attention to every answer, and the source whence it proceeded.
After an examination of one hour, the king gave to Ashpenaz a signal, by
which he understood that he might dispense with any further questioning.

The king then, as he had previously intimated, became the examiner. Being
somewhat astonished, as well as delighted, by the perfect ease with which
the youths of Judah answered every question, he purposed, within himself,
to make a further trial of their skill, by propounding questions to the
school which were far more difficult to answer than those asked by
Ashpenaz. The reader is already aware that the king was one of the ripest