own industry and perseverance. By the favorable interposition of the
gods, ye have arrived at a perfection in knowledge never exhibited before
on any occasion in the presence of the king. Four of your number are from
another country. The hills of Judah are yet fresh in your memories, and
Jerusalem is far from being forgotten. I have been well pleased, from
time to time, to learn of your amiable deportment and noble bearing.
Justice requires me to say that a peculiar perfection has been visible in
all your past performances; and now, Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, youths of Judah, ye are, through the power and word of the
king, elevated to share in all the immunities and privileges of Chaldean
citizens. Long, by your superior wisdom and knowledge, may ye continue to
shed additional luster on my already shining empire.

"Apgomer! Thou hast well sustained thyself throughout the examination;
and, although thou hast not reached that lofty perfection manifested in
the uniform answers of these, thy young friends from Judah, yet thou hast
convinced the king that thou standest far above the level of thy
fellows--as such thou art rewarded.

"The king findeth no fault with any. Ye have given proof of a good degree
of mental strength, and I trust that from this place ye shall go forth to
add to the stability and perpetuity of my empire.

"In conclusion, I command that Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego,
and Apgomer be decorated with their appropriate badges, and conducted,
with due honor, to their apartments at the palace. The examination is
closed."

The merry blasts of trumpets followed this announcement. The king and his
attendants first left the apartment; then followed the five youths, next