“O king, it requireth no careful deliberation in this matter.  In so plain a case the answer is ready at hand.  Thy servants, as thou well knowest, are natives of Judah, and we worship no god but the God of our fathers.  As foreigners, we have at all times been careful to use no disrespectful language in regard to the gods of Chaldea, or those who pay them homage; and hitherto, unmolested, have we paid our simple adoration to the Lord God of Israel.  The law of our God, with us, is regarded as infinitely superior to all human edicts.  In all things pertaining to the government, we have faithfully endeavored to do thy will, and obey the directions of our sovereign.  But not until this day have we been required to deny our religion, and insult our God.  To thee, O king, we are much indebted.  For many years have we been the objects of thy kind regard.  But be it known to Nebuchadnezzar, that the continuance of his favor is not to be purchased by a base betrayal of our principles, or a denial of our God.  We cannot serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.  We bow the knee to God Most High alone!  To us thy fiery furnace has no terrors!  Jehovah, in whom we trust, is able to deliver us.  That God who divided the Red Sea in two parts and made Israel to pass through the midst of it, and who parted the waves of the swelling Jordan, is able to preserve thy servants alive in the midst of the devouring flames!  Yea, he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king!  But, if in this we are mistaken, be it known unto thee, that toe can never obey any law of man that requireth a violation of the law of God.  Therefore, we refuse to serve thy gods, or worship this golden image which thou hast set up.”

“Seize the ungrateful wretches!” cried the king, in a rage, while paleness spread over his countenance.  “Seize all who set my authority at naught, and who thus insult their king!  By the gods, now shall they feel the weight of my displeasure, and reap the reward of their daring insolence!  Let the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual.  Let the worthless dogs be thrown in, and let their God, if he be able, prove himself superior to the gods of Chaldea!  Bind them now, in my presence!”

The three brothers were seized on the spot by several strong men, and bound hand and foot with cords.  When this was done, they were conveyed in the direction of the fiery furnace.  The news soon spread throughout the assemblage, and pressing thousands urged their way towards the place of execution.  The fire raged with fury.  Fagot after fagot was thrown in.  The flames leaped high above the top of the black walls that surrounded them.  The executioners were strong men of the royal guard.  To these were added a number of others, who, to show the strength of their patriotism, volunteered their services.  Foremost among these were Scribbo and Shagoth.  With what triumphant malignity they gazed on the bound Hebrews!  How complete they considered their own victory!