146 from the temples of the gods, and from the chambers where they pursued their studies, to attend upon the commands of their king. He related his dream, but they stood looking upon one another in perplexity; for they could not explain it. At last, a messenger was sent for Daniel, who had been called Belte shazzar, after the name of the god Bel. As soon as he heard the king's command, he entered the hall of audience, and stood before the throne of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was then more than fifty years old. He wore the dress of one of the princes of the empire, probably a richly embroidered robe. Long attention to the affairs of government had given a cast of gravity and thoughtfulness to his brow, but bis piety and benevolence threw over his counte nance an expression of and holy calmness. His health and cheerfulness had been preserved by his temperate habits; and as he had lived from his youth at the court of the greatest monarch in the world, his manners had become dignified and commanding. Bending low before the king, he stood waiting for his orders. N ebuchadnezza; addressed
