Page 103 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

he is with her. She has confided to me that she envisions him by night and day-dreams
of him in her waking hours, all during the intervals of his visits to her, and when he is
in the field in the military maneuvers of the army. She had eyes for no other and

would be heart-broken were she withheld from him. The king and I are glad to confer
her hand upon such an excellent young man.
“I could wish that they were both more interested in the worship and service of
Jahveh, the True God, as we older ones have come to be, but it seems natural for

young people to be more occupied with their love and their lives, the things of time
rather than eternity. We can only hope and pray that spiritual appreciation will come to
them with the passing of the years, as it had to us.”
“If it is pleasing to you, good General, the king added, “we can announce

immediately, the betrothal and the date of the wedding. We can hold it in the open air
so that the people may witness it. They are always thrilled with spectacles of love and
romance.”
“The grace and condescension of Your Majesties are beyond my powers of

expression. Needless to say, I gladly consent,” Nebuzaradan replied in a humble tone.
“Come hither, then, you lovers,” the king called to the pair in the corner on the
high-backed divan, “and listen to a good piece of news for you both!”

The two hastily disengaged from an embrace and came forth to stand before their
parents, slightly disheveled, but unabashed and hand-in-hand. “You are to be married
three months from this date, in a public ceremony in the sight of the people. It will
endear you to them in a unique way. Does that suit you?”

The two bowed low expressing their deep satisfaction with this arrangement.
“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty,” said Nabunaid addressing the king, “for
your grace in permitting one so unworthy as I to join the royal household. I shall fully

endeavor to vindicate you, and to give to you and the empire the best service of which
I am capable.”

Hanniel, girl-like, flew into the arms of her mother.

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Not in the memory of the oldest inhabitant, had a wedding in the high official
circles of Babylon ever been witnessed by any of the people, less still a royal
wedding. Now they were to be allowed to witness the nuptials of the daughter of the
king, as she was to be joined in marriage to the rising young military leader Nabunaid.

.
On a higher platform than was erected at the Feast of the Saturnalia, when the king