Page 12 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

whether it be evil.’ And, Daniel, I rejoice that thus far you have been an exemplary
youth, and have nobly lived up to your name.”

“If I have done so, my father, it is because you have carefully instructed me, by
example as well as precept. And I have been especially fortunate to have such a teacher
as the good Elishama, and such splendid companions as Hananiah, Mishael and
Azariah. ”

“Yes, they are excellent lads, also with beautiful names that they have not besmirched
with youthful lusts and follies;―Hananiah―Beloved of the Lord, Mishael―like unto
God, Azariah―The Lord is my help. And Elishama has been to you all a fine pedagogue.

I like not so much those other youths, Adiel, and Manoah, and Asa. Even Elishama has
been unable to counter-act the evil effects of their instruction in the school of Pashur,
the son of Malchiah. He has taught them to be minions of the court, conversant only
with the subtleties of speech and clever repartee of the fawning sychophants who

frequent it, but devoid of sound scholarship and the dignified bearing that should
characterize the noble blood of Judah.”

“Yes, father, Adiel and Manoah and Asa have never been of like mind with me and

my three friends. I agree that the influences by which they are surrounded in the school
of Pashur seem unhealthy and not to be conducive to good scholarship of character. The
quality of our profession will be determined in the crucible of testing! ”