those earls possessed, till they had razed and wasted every
stronghold which stood for a protection to that people. They
carried off as spoil the treasure of princes, as much as was
found there, cattle and men; and so returned, with great
possessions, over the eastern roads, leading the tribe of Israel,
a countless host, on a long journey unto Babylon, into the power
of heathen judges. And Nebuchadnezzar showed no pity on the
tribe of Israel, but made them subject unto him to be his slaves,
all such as had escaped the sword. And he sent a great host of
his thanes into the west to take possession of their kingdom and
their wasted realm, after the Hebrews.

(ll. 79-87) He bade his prefects seek among the wretched remnant
of the tribe of Israel which of the young men they had brought
there were wisest in the books of the law. He wished the youths
to grow in knowledge, that they might teach him wisdom, but'not
at all because he could or would be mindful to thank God for all
the gifts which He had given him to his comfort.

(ll. 88-103) And they found three wise and noble youths, devout
and young, and with the fear of God. One was Hananiah; the
second, Azariah; the third was Mishael, chosen of the Lord.
Stout of heart and thoughtful-minded the young men came before
the king, where the heathen ruler sat rejoicing in his splendour
in the city of the Chaldeans. And the Hebrew men with holy
hearts spake words of wisdom and great learning unto the proud
prince. Then the lord of Babylon, the haughty king, bade his
thanes and princes on their lives see to it that the three youths
knew no lack of food or raiment all their life long.