"
The Hebrew took the harp, and, in tones peculiar for their sweetness,
sang a plaintive melody.
CHAPTER XVI.
GREAT success attended the reign of the King of Babylon. His powerful
legions had proved victorious in every clime. In addition to Judea, he
had subjugated Egypt, Syria, Phoenicia, and Arabia. Peace once more was
proclaimed, and the great body of the army was called home. The monarch's
popularity was unbounded, and his praises were loudly trumpeted on the
wings of every breeze, from east to west, and from north to south. The
Chaldean empire rose still higher in glory, while numerous tributaries
continued to pour their streams of gold into its already rich treasuries.
The afternoon was warm and sultry. The king reclined on an easy couch
within a bower, in the palace garden. His mind was occupied with
reflections on the past and thoughts of the future, and thus ran the
soliloquy of the mighty potentate:
"Yea, the years are passing! On looking back they seem but short.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141