With a
heavy heart and a throbbing brow, he paced the length of his royal
bedchamber, and thus did he converse with himself:
"How he justified the king, almost with his dying breath! Ah! but I
justify not myself. Why did I sign that silly and cruel decree, by which
the prime jewel of my kingdom is lost? Why did I not consider the thing
well, and consult the first president? Alas! it is now too late. The deed
is done, and there is no remedy! How the multitude sympathized with the
noble prisoner! How copious their tears and how audible their sobs! How
beloved in the estimation of the populace was that aged Daniel! What
think they by this time of my prudence and wisdom? Have I not lost in
this the estimation of my people? Will his God, indeed, deliver him? Is
he not already torn by the lions? How cruel a fate for so worthy a man!
But if Daniel is spared, no thanks to me! Will not this people inwardly
curse me, and wish me out of their borders? What poor returns to them,
for the grand reception they gave me! What will my nephew, Cyrus, think
of my sagacity and power of discernment!"
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