“To me it seemeth a strange thing that Daniel, the worshiper of the God of Israel, should frame a law that bears oppressively on himself and upon thousands of his nation within the realm.  And it seemeth still more strange to the king that he should be the first transgressor!  Already have I sorrow of heart because I signed the decree; but the thing is done, and my name must go down to posterity as the name of a fool.  There is a mystery connected with this affair that to me, as yet, is inexplicable.  If by any means I find that I have been wrongly dealt with, by all the gods I swear I will pour vengeance on the guilty heads!”

“If thou wilt permit the four princes to testify, they will say, with thy servant, that this Daniel was the chief mover in the formation of this law.”

“At present I have no desire to hear from any of the princes.  But to think of casting Daniel into the den of lions is mournful beyond description—­it must not be done!”

“So say we all, O king, when we consult our feelings; but the decree is signed according to the law of the Medes and Persians, and cannot be altered.  The honor of the king depends upon the faithful execution of all his laws; and if in this one point thou failest and let the guilty one escape, thy subjects will laugh at thy timidity, and lawlessness will prevail throughout our borders.”

“Of this we may speak hereafter.  I must see the first president and learn more of this matter ere I take another step in this unhappy affair.”

On the departure of the conspirators, the king immediately sent for Daniel, and soon the Hebrew prophet stood in the presence of Darius the Mede.  On his countenance rested that same calm smile.  The king gazed upon him for a moment, and could not but notice the contrast between the serene, noble countenance of the Hebrew prophet, and the uneasy, agitated visage of President Fraggood.

“Thou standest before the king, O Daniel, accused as an evil doer!  What sayest thou for thyself?”

“What is the nature of thy servant’s offense, O king?”

“Thou art accused of violating a law, chiefly of thine own making, by offering thy petitions to thy God.  To the king it seemeth strange indeed that he who was the first mover in the formation of a new law, should be the first one to transgress it.  What meaneth all this?”

“I readily perceive by the words of thy mouth, O king, that thou hast been greatly deceived in this matter.  Thy servant had nothing to do in forming a law whose every feature is repulsive to his soul and an insult to the God he worshipeth.  This law came from the enemies of thy servant, for the purpose of his overthrow.  Having failed in every other point, with malicious hearts they have brought forward this measure, knowing well that I could never yield it my obedience.  With lying tongues have they declared before thee that it received my approbation.  It is true, O king, that I have violated thy law;