A number of his most influential courtiers endeavored, with all their
tact and ingenuity, to dissuade their sovereign from the attempt, urging
that the excitement of the night had already so prostrated him that it
would be unsafe for his health to enter again into the uproar of the
festive hall. Now, Sherakim had come to the conclusion that their
arguments had finally prevailed, and that the king had been comfortably
removed to his bed-chamber; hence his remarks, which were cut short by
the sudden appearance of the king. Jehoiakim, without any ceremony,
commanded the orator to fall back; which command was instantly obeyed.
Instead of ascending the throne, as usual, he took the stand that had
been vacated by Sherakim, waved his hand, and loudly laughed, while the
audience cheered; then, with violent gestures and faltering tongue, he
went on:
"Princes and Nobles of Judah! I am here! I tell you I am here! Am I not
Jehoiakim, King of Judah? Is not this the glorious reign of my
anniversary? Where is the villain that dares to say it is not? Then that
is a settled question.
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