Thy servant had nothing to do in
forming a law whose every feature is repulsive to his soul and an insult
to the God he worshipeth. This law came from the enemies of thy servant,
for the purpose of his overthrow. Having failed in every other point,
with malicious hearts they have brought forward this measure, knowing
well that I could never yield it my obedience. With lying tongues have
they declared before thee that it received my approbation. It is true, O
king, that I have violated thy law; and, moreover, I must do so
hereafter. For fourscore years has thy servant offered his prayers to the
God of his fathers. When a little lad in the land of Judah, I was taught
by a beloved mother to lisp the name of Jehovah. From that time to this,
O king, at morning, noon and eventide, thy servant has prayed to his God.
And is Daniel to be frightened from his duty now in his old age? Nay, O
king! My prayers must daily ascend to the throne of the Most High! Sooner
would I suffer a thousand deaths than prove a traitor to the God of
Israel.
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