take a different course."

"Any favor I can show, without violating positive orders, will readily be
granted. So I will make thy pleasure known to the king."

Arioch hastened into the presence of the sovereign, and informed him that
one of the wise men prayed to be admitted into his presence.

"I desire not to see any of the vile race!" answered the king, with a
frown. "I was satisfied yesterday that they are a band of lying
impostors."

"May the king pardon his unworthy servant," replied Arioch; "but the
young man that seeks thy face to-day was not among the number yesterday."

"And by what name is he known?" frowningly inquired the king.

"His name, O king, is Belteshazzar, of the captivity of Judah."

"Belteshazzar! Belteshazzar!" exclaimed the king, suddenly rising to his
feet. "May the gods forgive me! Belteshazzar, whose wonderful display of
wisdom astonished the city on the day of examination? Why did I not think
of him sooner? Yea, and his three companions! and all at the palace!
close at hand! and far superior in wisdom to all others! Belteshazzar!
Yea, Arioch! By all means let the young Hebrew be admitted."

The captain of the guard hastened from the presence of the king to inform
Daniel of his success.

"Belteshazzar, the king grants thy petition, and thou art requested to