The same was directed to
Hananiah, and the answer was such as to astonish the examiner. Another
perplexing question was directed to a young student, a resident of the
city; but it was of too profound a nature for the young man to answer.
The king having asked the same question of several without receiving an
answer, at last directed it to Azariah. The young Hebrew hesitated--it was
but for a moment--then, in a clear, silvery tone, he gave the answer,
without the least degree of confusion. It was beyond the expectation of
the king. He gazed on the youth for a moment in silence, and then
pronounced the answer to be a correct one. Another question of the same
nature, requiring, perhaps, some additional knowledge, was asked, the
king remarking, at the same time, that his good opinion of their
abilities did not depend upon their answering those questions, for they
were of such a nature as would puzzle more experienced heads; but such
was the readiness with which some of the scholars had answered all the
questions hitherto asked, that he was anxious to know if it were in his
power to ask a question which they could not answer; and in order to give
all an equal opportunity, he would direct his questions to each one.
Pages:
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129