228 distinct yet unknown to and therefore unreadable by the Babylonians! So remarkable a circumstance was probably a sign, he thought, of some dreadful evils that were coming upon himself and his kingdom. не was much agitated by fear and anxiety; and “his countenance (Daniel v. 6-9.) was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Then the king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake &nd said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Then came in all the king's wise men ; büt they could not read the writing nor interpret it.” This greatly increased the distress of the king. Some evil was threatened him, yet hé. could not imagine either the - nature of it, or the time when it would be inflicted. A deadly paleness overspread his countenance, and his lords looked at each other in silent dismay. .
