Page 132 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

Darius, who though dressed in purple, was without his crown.

Never had Darius experienced such a sensation as he did in the presence of this

man. And almost before Daniel, recognizing the royal robes, could make the
appropriate salaam, Darius had stood to his feet. Such dignity, such majesty, such
purity of countenance, such keenness of eye, and withal such gentleness and courage,
he had never beheld! These qualities were emanations from this man, and could be felt

and observed before he spoke a word.

Rhea opened the conversation: “You have already observed, O Daniel, that you are
in the presence of King Darius. You probably have heard that King Darius, formerly

known as Gobryas, is my nephew, the son of my brother and childhood playmate in
the land of the Medes. He has requested that I recommend him one experienced in
state-craft to assist him in establishing a civil government for Babylon. I have told him
of your career and excellent abilities which seem to have suffered no decay even

though you are two or three years older than I, and your step is firm and your body is
strong by comparison with mine – my legs are shaky and my eyes are failing.”
“I am thankful to the Blessed Jehovah, noble lady, whom we love and serve, that
He hath endowed me with such health and strength even down to old age. It is not of

my deserts but of His great mercies, for have not the three friends of my youth, with
whom Jehovah walked in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, been gathered to their fathers?”
Then turning to the king, he said: “Oh King Darius, if you will not regard me as
superannuated or my powers too decadent, I shall be happy to lend you what

assistance I may, for the good of your empire and the multitudes who compose it.
“I endeavored to be faithful and loyal to King Nebuchadnezzar and to Avil-
Marduk his son, and I should accord you exactly the same measure of faithfulness and
loyalty until I see that the encroachments of senility have robbed me of my powers,

and then I shall voluntarily withdraw.
“My name is Daniel, which in our Hebrew tongue means-God is my Judge, so it
has been my primary purpose to be loyal and obedient to Him. I cannot then be false
to any man. I constantly reiterate to myself the words of the sage, Solomon: ‘For God

shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or
whether it be evil’ and I seek to live in the light of that future judgment-seat.”

Darius was completely convinced. He knew that he was in the presence of the
noblest man he had ever met. He rose to his feet and advanced toward Daniel’s chair,
then stopped and bowed – the sovereign saluting the subject. Daniel arose from his
seat and Darius said: “Noble sir, will you do me the honor of reporting to our
executive offices in the other wing of the palace tomorrow morning? I shall gladly

heed your instructions as to how to proceed and you will occupy the key-post in the
government. Whomever also you may recommend will also be used.”