In this I do not
wish to cast a shade on the memories of the illustrious dead, for truly
no monarch ever distinguished himself more than my lamented grandfather.
The trophies of his victories are to-day visible throughout the empire.
To him, indeed, the gods of Chaldea were propitious, and unmistakable
proof they gave of their superiority to the gods of other nations. We
have heard much of the renowned God of the Hebrews! But, under the
protection of our own, we bid defiance to all other gods! Who is the God
of Israel that I should fear him? Did not my grandfather, under the
guidance of the gods of Chaldea, enter into his territory, destroy his
city and burn his temple? Why did he not then vindicate his power and
glory? Why permit the vessels of his temple to be carried into Babylon,
and there deposited in the temple of Belus? Ah, my lords, those vessels
were worthy of a more trusty god! They are beautiful to behold, and would
well become an occasion like the present. Surely this is well thought!
Let the vessels of the temple of the God of Israel be brought hither, and
from them let us drink wine in honor of the gods of Chaldea! Bring them
hither in haste! My thirst increases with the thought! All praise to our
matchless gods! Again I say, let us banish gloom, and let us be filled
with mirth! But here, indeed, come the temple vessels of the God of
Israel! Bring them hither.
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