never was consulted in regard to the making of this law, that is about to consign your aged servant to the lions.  In honor to my king, who now laments the sad fate of his unworthy president, let me also testify that in order to persuade him to sign a decree which had never entered his heart, the most deliberate falsehoods were poured into his ears, by those whose only object was the overthrow of Daniel.  After more than threescore years of public service, I cheerfully submit to my fate, knowing well that Jehovah, the God of Israel, in whom I trust, will direct this whole matter to his own glory.  Hereafter it will be known in Babylon, that it was not the ‘safety of the Union’ that demanded the enactment of this cruel law; but that it was conceived in envy, and brought forth in malice, and thoughtlessly signed by our king, who considered all his presidents to be men of benevolence, wisdom, and understanding.  For violating this law I ask no forgiveness.  Sooner would I suffer a thousand deaths than prove a traitor to the religion of my fathers.  Babylonians, I say no more!  Accept my thanks for your tears!  May Jehovah continue to grant you great prosperity, when your friend Daniel shall have passed away.”

Then turning to those whose painful duty it was to lead him to the den, he said: 

“Now I am ready.”

The executioners, with trembling hands, laid hold of the aged prisoner, and led him to the door of the den.  Again there was an awful roaring of lions.  As he passed the king on his way to the den, the monarch cried out: 

“Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will surely deliver thee!”

The prisoner was seized with strong hands and elevated over the inner walls, and by means of strong cords was lowered to the bottom of the den, where the ravenous lions held their nightly revels.  The executioners, as if afraid to hear the prisoner’s dying shrieks, hastened away.  The throng soon dispersed in sorrowful silence.  The king, in deep agony of mind, entered his chariot, and was driven to the palace.

How sad was that night for royalty!  Filled with remorse for having signed the fatal decree, and knowing not how to retrace his steps or to retrieve the effects of his rash act, the king passed the hours in agony.  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