CHAPTER III.
HIGHER and higher ran the excitement of the banquet-room. Loud peals of
laughter broke from the merry throng. Musical instruments poured forth
rich strains of melody. Jehoiakim was complimented on every hand, but the
law of God was ridiculed.
Jehoiakim sat on a magnificent throne, gilded over with pure gold. A
large number of war officers sat near him. A royal herald passed through
the throng, crying, "Listen to the oration of Sherakim! Listen to the
oration of Sherakim!" Soon silence was obtained, and Sherakim the Orator
stood before the vast concourse, and began:
"Princes and Nobles of Judah! With merry hearts, we assemble from
different parts of the kingdom to hail this festal day--the eleventh
anniversary of the reign of our illustrious sovereign. Ye will not think
it strange, nor consider it affectation, when I assure you that I tremble
beneath the weight of honor conferred upon me at this time.
"The death of King Josiah, as ye well know, threw a partial gloom over
Judah.
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