Page 154 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

the science of government (which will stand me in good stead when I return to
Achmetha) but you have brought me to know something of the same Blessed God
Who has ever been the source of your strength, and to draw upon His infinite

resources.”
“Of the kings with whom I have been associated, O Darius, none has been more
consistently reasonable and considerate than yourself. My greatest joy with respect to
you, is that you have humbled your heart in the presence of Jehovah the One Living

and True God and have come to saving faith in Him. He will henceforth be your
Guide and Helper. It will occasion me no small pang of sorrow to be parted asunder
from you, but I shall look forward to meeting the Emperor Cyrus and revealing to him
Jehovah’s message as recorded by the prophet Isaiah---the remarkable prediction of

which I spoke to you a fortnight ago.”
“That, you will have abundant opportunity to do, O Daniel, and I shall await with
eagerness the news of the result. I have been thrilled with every thought of it, and
share your assurance that the coming of Cyrus to Babylon will mark a new epoch in

the history of Judah and Jerusalem.”

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It was only a matter of six weeks before Cyrus and his entourage came to Babylon,
and was received with all the pomp due to such an eminent monarch. The Medo-
Persian armies resident in Babylon were turned out in full array to greet the Emperor.

Two lines of soldiers formed a corridor for a mile outside of the great gate of the west,
standing with drawn and upraised swords. Cyrus, accompanied by Darius each riding
on a white charger, entered the city between the lines. The gates of the city were
decorated for the gala occasion and the emperor passed down the streets festooned

from above with welcoming streamers and lined with happy throngs in festive mood
who acclaimed and applauded the advent of the popular monarch.

There was an aura of glory around the head of King Cyrus that made him unique

in those ancient times. His name and reputation were fabulous and legendary, and
though he commanded armies that were undefeated, and kings and cities and empires
had fallen before him, his fame was more for his wisdom and benignity than for his

military might. He was a victor but not a despot, a conqueror but not a tyrant.

Darius had arranged a great court reception for King Cyrus in the day following
his arrival. It was held in the same great hall that had once been the throne-room of
Nebuchadnezzar, and had been the scene, first of feasting, then of fear in the presence

of the supernatural writing on the wall, then of carnage.