“But not from the curse of a groveling, envious, unprincipled horde of office-seekers,” said Azariah, casting a withering glance on the two brothers.

“Away, brother!” cried Scribbo.  “For why should we hear the abusive harangue of these overfed demagogues?”

And away the patriots hurried with their complaint to the king.

The monarch was surrounded by a large number of his nobles, who were loud in their congratulations at the complete success that had crowned the day.

An officer in uniform came forward, and bowed low in the presence of the king.

“What is thy pleasure, Arioch!” asked Nebuchadnezzar.

“Two men have approached the guard, O king, greatly desiring to be admitted into thy presence.”

“Let them be admitted!” was the answer.

With anything but ease of manner, Scribbo and Shagoth walked into the royal presence.

“And what have ye to communicate?” inquired his majesty, eying them as if not quite satisfied with their appearance.

“O king, live forever!” replied the Chaldeans.  “Thou, O king, hast made a decree that every man shall fall down and worship the golden image; and whoso falleth not down and worshipeth should be cast into a fiery furnace.  There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—­Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—­these men, O king, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Then was the king full of wrath and fury.  “What!” said he, “is my royal decree to be thus set at defiance?  Is this the return they make to the king for their high promotion in the government?  By all the gods, I will bend their stubborn wills, or they will suffer my vengeance to the uttermost!  Let them be summoned into my presence without further delay!” And officers were soon on their march to bring the offenders.

The king, from his elevation, saw them approaching.  An innocent smile rested on each countenance; and in spite of his haughty arrogance, the king’s heart was touched, and his better feelings for a while triumphed.  They stood in his presence, and respectfully, as usual, made their obeisance.

“Am I rightly informed, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,” said the king, “when I hear that ye do not serve my gods, nor worship the golden image that I have set up?  It may be true; yet for your sakes, I will give you one more trial:  but beware that ye further provoke not my displeasure!  The king’s command is not to be trifled with!”

Without the least betrayal of fear, Hananiah, in a firm tone of voice, addressed the monarch: