The afternoon was warm and sultry. The king reclined on an easy couch
within a bower, in the palace garden. His mind was occupied with
reflections on the past and thoughts of the future, and thus ran the
soliloquy of the mighty potentate:

"Yea, the years are passing! On looking back they seem but short. But
where has more been accomplished in so short a period? Ah, King of
Babylon, thy career, hitherto, has been a brilliant one. My armies have
clothed themselves with glory, which glory reflects back on their king.
Surrounding nations do me homage. My coffers are filled from the wealth
of Judah, Egypt, Syria, Phoenicia, and Arabia. What hinders my success?
Babylon is but in the infancy of her greatness. Her glory shall yet reach
the heavens! Tea, I will make her a fit place for the residence of the
gods. Selfish? Yea, truly. And who ever succeeded without being selfish?
Yea, the King of Babylon is selfish; but may the gods assist me to hide
it from the people. To them, may it appear that all my efforts are put
forth in their behalf. But have I no regard for the welfare of my people
aside from my own glory? I have! The gods know I have. And yet, I have a
strong desire that my name shall be carried down to posterity surrounded
by a halo of glory. Is this selfishness? Be it so. It must be done! Am I
not deep in the affections of my people? In this I cannot be mistaken.
Never was the Chaldean empire so firmly established. It will stand
forever. Forever? Ah, that word has a long meaning. But what power can
overthrow us? Is not Babylon the mistress of the world? Is not Chaldea
the queen of nations? Will not her prosperity be perpetual? Alas for our
brief knowledge! The gods, in this, have not elevated the king above the
beggar. The future is enshrouded in gloom and hid from the gaze of
mortals. My wise men say that they can penetrate this gloom. Can they? I
have my doubts. The future--the far, far future of Chaldea--I should be