Thy design is dictated
by that wisdom that cometh from the gods. The measure shall be hailed
throughout the empire with shouts of rejoicing, and the day of its
dedication will be a day of days in the future history of Chaldea."
"Let no time be lost, then," replied the king. "Let my head goldsmith be
called, and from the lips of the king let him receive instructions in
regard to the making of the image. This is my desire. Let the measure be
known but to a few, until the proclamation shall go forth."
The head goldsmith was soon in the presence of the king, and after much
deliberation the exact dimensions of the great image were settled upon;
and, moreover, it was agreed, that by a certain day it should be
completed.
According to the direction of the king, no publicity was given to the
measure. Few of the king's confidential friends were apprised of it. In
the meantime, no pains were spared by the chief goldsmith to have
everything in readiness by the time appointed. Hundreds of the craft were
called together to speed the great undertaking; and, even before the time
agreed upon, the idol was ready to be set up.
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