Page 168 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER XXXVII

ZERUBBABEL AND JOSHUA

The next morning Daniel attempted to rise from his bed as usual. But as he put his
feet on the floor and made an effort to stand, he was conscious of being so weak that
his legs would hardly bear the weight of his body, and his head whirled with an attack
of dizziness. So he lay back down on the bed, making no further effort to rise. His

personal servant ministered to all his needs.

He rested thus for three days in perfect comfort, being conscious only of
increasing weakness.

On the fourth day his servant told him that he had some visitors and inquired
whether they should be admitted. The servant explained that from the number of his
attendants it would seem that the visitor was an official of some importance, perhaps

even a satrap.
“Show him in!” commanded Daniel in a soft voice. In a moment, entered in full
official regalia the brilliant and handsome satrap Sheshbazzar, accompanied by his
life-long friend Joshua who, by contrast, was attired in the simplest garb of a citizen.

Growing up together and being educated together until their early manhood, these
two true sons of Judah took divergent courses in regard to their careers. The one
studied political science and pressed on to a career in government, while the other

chose a life more secluded and obscure and devoted himself to study and prayers.
From his youth he had attended the lectures in the halls of the Magi and had now
become eligible himself for that select order. The separation of the paths of
Zerubbabel and Joshua, had not chilled their love and friendship in the slightest

degree.

Both of the younger men bowed low as they came in to the bed-chamber of their

great compatriot and greeted him with profound respect and also with warmth and
love.
“Good day, my friends,” said the patriarch kindly, “I am very happy that you have
come. You, Zerubbabel, have come a considerable distance and have made good
time.”

“I left my satrapy as soon as I received the King’s summons, Sir President, and
travelled by night and by day. The king’s message indicated that it was urgent that I