Days, weeks, months, and years, have passed away, and the great day of
examination has arrived—that day for which that youthful group has
looked so long, with mingled feelings of pleasure and embarrassment.
This day broke on the capital of Chaldea with unusual brightness. The
sun shone brightly in a cloudless firmament, and Nature had put on her
sweetest smile. In the vicinity of the king’s palace it was evident
that something of more than ordinary interest was that day to be
attended to. Officers hurried to and fro. Dignitaries bowed to one
another with additional smiles. Groups of citizens of the better class
appeared here and there, in earnest conversation. Magnificent chariots,
drawn by fiery steeds, halted at the king’s gate about the third hour.
A splendid national flag proudly waved on the high pinnacle of the
students’ building, while each window presented ingenious mottoes
appropriate for the occasion.
The place appointed by the king for the public examination of the
students, was a magnificent audience room that stood within the royal
grounds, and in close proximity to the palace. This apartment was
finished in the highest perfection of art, and, in addition, on this
occasion, was decorated with ornaments suitable for the day.
At an early stage, the room was well filled with the first of Babylon’s
aristocracy, together with some few who had no just claim to title.
Appropriate seats were reserved for the king and his attendants, who
were soon expected to make their appearance. Among the number assembled
there were many of the students’ parents. With but two or three
exceptions, joy and good feeling appeared to be the expression of every
countenance, while, with hearts free from envy and malice, they gazed
on the comely forms of those before them. Among these smiling
countenances might have been seen three individuals—a father, mother
and daughter—who smiled, indeed, but whose smiles would never have
convinced the beholder that they were an index to noble and generous
hearts.
“’Twas a strange notion of the king, surely,” said the daughter, “to
bring these Hebrew captives in competition with the refined minds of
Chaldea; I cannot account for it, unless it is purposely done to show
them their great inferiority, and thus, by to-day’s exercises, teach
them a lesson of humility that they will not soon forget; for no one
can be so unwise as to think that such illiterate foreigners can appear
to any advantage in a place like this.”
“Thy remarks, daughter, are perfectly correct,” answered the mother. “I
am at a loss, myself, to understand the king in this. But thy brother,
Shagoth, has learned, of late, that these Jews are far from being dull
scholars; and he fears that, by some strange contrivance, they have
worked themselves into the graces of Ashpenaz. I have my fears that
these reports are too true. Yet I have strong hopes that in this trial
of learning, they will fall entirely below thy accomplished brothers. I
am quite sure it cannot be otherwise.”
The sound of music from without, gave them to understand that the king
was approaching. Presently the illustrious monarch of Chaldea made his
grand entry, accompanied by a brilliant escort, and amid the
flourishing of trumpets and the loud acclamations of his subjects he
took his seat, and beckoned to the enthusiastic throng to be seated.
Perfect stillness being secured, Ashpenaz arose with dignity, and,
bowing low to the sovereign, proceeded:
“According to appointment, O king, behold these young men are conducted
hither for public examination in the presence of their illustrious
sovereign, and in the presence of these, his nobles.”
To which the monarch replied in an interesting address:
“Citizens of Babylon! the king taketh much pleasure in greeting you on
this occasion. To witness your smiles is truly refreshing to my mind
amid all the pressing duties of my extensive empire. I trust I shall
always merit your smiles and good wishes. Long may the Chaldean empire
continue to shine a superior orb in the firmament of nations.
“The stability of government must greatly depend on the wisdom and
intelligence of the people; and ever since I have had the honor of
presiding over the destinies of this vast empire, I have not for a day
lost sight of this important truth. Whether since the beginning of my
reign the cause of education has been advanced, I leave to the judgment
of my worthy subjects. Three years ago, I thought it advisable to
establish a school at the expense of the government, where a number of
young men might be placed under the care of superior instructors, and
so be prepared to serve with distinguished ability in the different
spheres in which they might be called to move. Those youths are now
before you; and if their mental culture will well compare with their
fair countenances and manly forms, my most sanguine expectations are
more than realized. I am happy to know, from vigilant observation, that
the teachers, without any exceptions, have nobly proved themselves
worthy of the unreserved confidence of their king; and let them now be
assured that such unwearied faithfulness will not go unrewarded. The
king has been well pleased also, from time to time, to hear of the
great proficiency and rapid advancement of many of the scholars.”
It cannot be expected, on an occasion like the present, that all
scholars will exhibit precisely the same amount of ability and
cultivation. While all may give satisfaction, some, I trust, will even
excel. Those who shall at this time give the clearest proof of ripe
scholarship, shall, according to agreement, be permitted to remain at
the palace, and minister in the presence of the king, with the prospect
of promotion as the fruit of faithfulness. I trust there are no
unpleasant feelings to arise from the final result of this day’s
exercises. True, there may be some disappointment among both parents
and scholars; but let not the king be grieved by witnessing any signs
of displeasure on the countenance of young or old; for, hitherto, no
partiality hath been permitted in any of our councils. Those whom the
king promotes must therefore be promoted on the strength of their own
worth and merit.
“My worthy and noble friend, Ashpenaz, will now commence the
examination; after which, if I think it expedient, I may ask a few
questions myself.”
Ashpenaz then, according to direction, commenced the examination, the
king, in the meanwhile, earnestly facing the students, and paying
particular attention to every answer, and the source whence it
proceeded. After an examination of one hour, the king gave to Ashpenaz
a signal, by which he understood that he might dispense with any
further questioning.
The king then, as he had previously intimated, became the examiner.
Being somewhat astonished, as well as delighted, by the perfect ease
with which the youths of Judah answered every question, he purposed,
within himself, to make a further trial of their skill, by propounding
questions to the school which were far more difficult to answer than
those asked by Ashpenaz. The reader is already aware that the king was
one of the ripest scholars within the empire, and, therefore, was fully
prepared for the undertaking. The first problem was directed to
Shagoth. Shagoth colored, and, in endeavoring to answer, stammered out
something which the king could not understand. The same question was
directed to Apgomer. Apgomer, with steady voice and correct emphasis,
answered; and it was pronounced to be correct. The next question was
directed to Scribbo. He, greatly alarmed at the result of the other
question, became confused, and gave no answer. The same question was
directed to Daniel, and was promptly answered, with marked ease and
great clearness. The next was directed to a young student who sat in
the vicinity of Shagoth, but it was not answered to the satisfaction of
the king. The same was directed to Hananiah, and the answer was such as
to astonish the examiner. Another perplexing question was directed to a
young student, a resident of the city; but it was of too profound a
nature for the young man to answer. The king having asked the same
question of several without receiving an answer, at last directed it to
Azariah. The young Hebrew hesitated—it was but for a moment—then, in a
clear, silvery tone, he gave the answer, without the least degree of
confusion. It was beyond the expectation of the king. He gazed on the
youth for a moment in silence, and then pronounced the answer to be a
correct one. Another question of the same nature, requiring, perhaps,
some additional knowledge, was asked, the king remarking, at the same
time, that his good opinion of their abilities did not depend upon
their answering those questions, for they were of such a nature as
would puzzle more experienced heads; but such was the readiness with
which some of the scholars had answered all the questions hitherto
asked, that he was anxious to know if it were in his power to ask a
question which they could not answer; and in order to give all an equal
opportunity, he would direct his questions to each one. So the king
commenced on the left, and deliberately pointed to each scholar; but no
answer was heard until he came to young Mishael. With promptness, and
in a few words, he gave a perfect answer to a question which the King
of Babylon considered beyond the capacity of any student present.
By this time it was evident to the king that the number of those who
truly excelled was four; and that these four sat together. To these,
therefore, he would direct his remaining questions. And now, in
earnest, commenced a regular contest for the mastery. On one hand,
behold the great sovereign of the Chaldean empire, noted for the depth
of his learning. On the other, behold four young men, from the land of
Israel, whom, three years before, he had brought as captives of war
from the metropolis of Judah. All the king’s powers of mind were called
forth. From the occasion he gathered a degree of enthusiasm, and he was
glad of an opportunity to show himself to such pleasing advantage
before so many of his nobles and influential subjects. With the four
Hebrews he was highly delighted. Their great knowledge astonished him;
but still he thought that soon he would be able to bring them to a dead
stand. Question after question was asked, and question after question
was answered, to the utter astonishment of the large audience. The
contest was long, and of a thrilling nature; and not until the king was
convinced that he was dealing with his superiors did he cry out, in a
loud voice:
“It is enough!”
Every eye rested on Ashpenaz, as he stood ready to announce the names
of those whom the king wished to honor.
“Belteshazzar!”
Daniel, with calm dignity and genuine modesty, left his seat, walked to
the place appointed, and bowed low in the presence of the king.
“Shadrach!”
Hananiah, with a slight blush, that rendered him but the more comely,
left his seat, and stood by the side of his cousin, in the presence of
the king.
“Meshach!”
Mishael, with a smile on his lip, and an unfaltering step, found his
place by the side of his brother.
“Abednego!”
Azariah, with a degree of paleness spread over his youthful
countenance, left his seat, and joined his comrades.
“Apgomer!”
Apgomer was startled. The contented youth looked for no such result.
Delighted with the triumph of the Hebrews, and the punishment of his
cousins’ vanity, he considered himself well rewarded. But, remembering
himself, he quickly left his seat, and, with a pleasant smile upon his
countenance, he took his place by the side of Azariah.
The parchment was rolled up and delivered over to the king.
The king arose, and thus addressed the five:
“Young men! Your honor cometh not from the king. It is the result of
your own industry and perseverance. By the favorable interposition of
the gods, ye have arrived at a perfection in knowledge never exhibited
before on any occasion in the presence of the king. Four of your number
are from another country. The hills of Judah are yet fresh in your
memories, and Jerusalem is far from being forgotten. I have been well
pleased, from time to time, to learn of your amiable deportment and
noble bearing. Justice requires me to say that a peculiar perfection
has been visible in all your past performances; and now, Belteshazzar,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, youths of Judah, ye are, through the
power and word of the king, elevated to share in all the immunities and
privileges of Chaldean citizens. Long, by your superior wisdom and
knowledge, may ye continue to shed additional luster on my already
shining empire.
“Apgomer! Thou hast well sustained thyself throughout the examination;
and, although thou hast not reached that lofty perfection manifested in
the uniform answers of these, thy young friends from Judah, yet thou
hast convinced the king that thou standest far above the level of thy
fellows—as such thou art rewarded.
“The king findeth no fault with any. Ye have given proof of a good
degree of mental strength, and I trust that from this place ye shall go
forth to add to the stability and perpetuity of my empire.
“In conclusion, I command that Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach,
Abednego, and Apgomer be decorated with their appropriate badges, and
conducted, with due honor, to their apartments at the palace. The
examination is closed.”
The merry blasts of trumpets followed this announcement. The king and
his attendants first left the apartment; then followed the five youths,
next the other students. Then the concourse dispersed as their various
fancies dictated. The grand result was known, and, with few exceptions,
it gave universal satisfaction. The superior wisdom of the young
Hebrews was so abundantly evident, that no room was left for caviling;
and each one was compelled to unite in the righteous verdict of the
king. The amiable and modest deportment of the young Hebrews so won the
affections of the spectators that when they were adorned with their
badges of honor, they were loudly cheered.
Before they all disperse let the reader have the pleasure of a glimpse
at a group of countenances that give unmistakable signs of genuine
delight.
“Charming!” cried Joram, in ecstasies. “The reward of fidelity and
perseverance, Barzello!”