The conspirators, with paleness gathering on their brows, obeyed, and
tremblingly stood facing the king.
"Now, O Daniel, thy friend Apgomer may give his testimony before the
king."
"O king, live forever!" said Apgomer. "This day thy servant is fourscore
and ten years old. From the days of my childhood have I dwelt in Babylon;
and never for any long period have I departed hence. Soon thy servant
shall leave this world of sorrow--I stand on the verge of the grave. At
this time, with deep soberness, I appeal to the God that dwelleth in
light for the sincerity of my purpose in thus appearing before my lord
the king. My words will be few, therefore, O king, I pray thee hear me
patiently.
"These men who now stand before thee and by whose continual importunity
thou gavest thy signature for the arrest of thy servant Daniel, are
wicked and deceitful men, and with lying words have they deceived thee, O
king. Their secret devices are well known to thy servant. With mine own
ears have I listened to their midnight plotting; and from their own lips
have I learned their fixed purpose to destroy the innocent without cause,
even thy servant Daniel.
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