. . . . . . .
"Another dream of troubles!" cried the king, while his countenance
bespoke alarm. "Do the gods, indeed, delight in my misery? Why must I be
thus tormented? Aye! a dream big with meaning! A vision surcharged with
great events! But who will show me the interpretation thereof? Where is
Belteshazzar! But why may not my Chaldean wise men answer the purpose?
Yea! Let them have the first trial. Why do I thus tremble? Whom shall I
fear? 'Hew down the tree!' O, ye gods, how that voice sounded! 'Let his
portion be with the beasts, in the grass of the earth!' What meaneth it?
Why do I fear to call Belteshazzar first? Is it not best at once to know
the worst? But let my Chaldeans have the first trial;" and the king
called a young page into his presence.
"Young man, where is thy father?"
"My father is in the adjoining chamber, O king."
"Call him hither without delay."
The page hastened from the presence of the king, and presently a
venerable-looking person walked into the apartment, and bowed in
reverence before the king.
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