So
the king commenced on the left, and deliberately pointed to each scholar;
but no answer was heard until he came to young Mishael. With promptness,
and in a few words, he gave a perfect answer to a question which the King
of Babylon considered beyond the capacity of any student present.
By this time it was evident to the king that the number of those who
truly excelled was four; and that these four sat together. To these,
therefore, he would direct his remaining questions. And now, in earnest,
commenced a regular contest for the mastery. On one hand, behold the
great sovereign of the Chaldean empire, noted for the depth of his
learning. On the other, behold four young men, from the land of Israel,
whom, three years before, he had brought as captives of war from the
metropolis of Judah. All the king's powers of mind were called forth.
From the occasion he gathered a degree of enthusiasm, and he was glad of
an opportunity to show himself to such pleasing advantage before so many
of his nobles and influential subjects.
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