"
"Thy remarks, daughter, are perfectly correct," answered the mother. "I
am at a loss, myself, to understand the king in this. But thy brother,
Shagoth, has learned, of late, that these Jews are far from being dull
scholars; and he fears that, by some strange contrivance, they have
worked themselves into the graces of Ashpenaz. I have my fears that these
reports are too true. Yet I have strong hopes that in this trial of
learning, they will fall entirely below thy accomplished brothers. I am
quite sure it cannot be otherwise."
The sound of music from without, gave them to understand that the king
was approaching. Presently the illustrious monarch of Chaldea made his
grand entry, accompanied by a brilliant escort, and amid the flourishing
of trumpets and the loud acclamations of his subjects he took his seat,
and beckoned to the enthusiastic throng to be seated. Perfect stillness
being secured, Ashpenaz arose with dignity, and, bowing low to the
sovereign, proceeded:
"According to appointment, O king, behold these young men are conducted
hither for public examination in the presence of their illustrious
sovereign, and in the presence of these, his nobles.
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