148 him, in these words; “O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the Holy Gods is in thee, and that no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.” He then related his dream, and said, “This dream I king Nebuchad mezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, de clare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able; for the spirit of the Holy Gods is in thee.” When Daniel heard Nebuchadnezzar's dream, and was enabled by God to understand its meaning, he was astonished and distressed. For Nebuchadnezzar had been his friend and benefactor; had given him both wealth and honours; and had shown the utmost confidence in his wisdom and faithfulness, by raising him to the highest station in the province of Babylon. And how could hc now declare to a king, who had been so kind to him, and whom he too undoubtedly loved, that God was about to send apon him such terrible judgments? He stoodin silent consternation,
