Therefore, we refuse to
serve thy gods, or worship this golden image which thou hast set up."
"Seize the ungrateful wretches!" cried the king, in a rage, while
paleness spread over his countenance. "Seize all who set my authority at
naught, and who thus insult their king! By the gods, now shall they feel
the weight of my displeasure, and reap the reward of their daring
insolence! Let the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Let
the worthless dogs be thrown in, and let their God, if he be able, prove
himself superior to the gods of Chaldea! Bind them now, in my presence!"
The three brothers were seized on the spot by several strong men, and
bound hand and foot with cords. When this was done, they were conveyed in
the direction of the fiery furnace. The news soon spread throughout the
assemblage, and pressing thousands urged their way towards the place of
execution. The fire raged with fury. Fagot after fagot was thrown in. The
flames leaped high above the top of the black walls that surrounded them.
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