Page 23 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER V

THE FIRST TEST

The captive-guests from the land of Judah had passed a quiet and restful night in

their new quarters― the former dormitory of the novitiates in the Fourth Temple of Bel.

Summoned to a frugal breakfast in the large refectory, they were all in their places
when Merodach the steward came in. The whole group stood in respect, as Merodach

said, “Young men, I have a very pleasing announcement to make to you. I have just
received a message from our Lord Ashpenaz, that by orders of the great king, you will
henceforth not be served such plain fare as you are receiving this morning. His Majesty
has ordered that your meals shall hereafter be sent from the palace, cooked in the

kitchens of the king and by the royal chefs. Your viands and your wines shall be identical
with those partaken of by Nebuchadnezzar himself and the royal household. So eager
is the king that you shall be happy and content in Babylon and that you shall be well
nourished for the prosecution of your studies that he has made this unusual and gracious

provision for you. Thrice fortunate are you! This gesture from the king should inspire
you to exert yourselves to the limit to prepare to serve him and the mighty empire of
which he is the head. I may add that Lord Ashpenaz will arrive presently and will assign
to each of you the names by which you are to be known in Babylon.”

It was after the morning meal that Daniel was seen walking slowly and alone in the
capacious grounds of the temple. He seemed to be in deep thought, and it was with some
hesitation that even his intimate friends set out across the lawns to join him, still fearing

lest they might intrude upon his meditation.

“Why so pensive, friend Daniel, on this bright morning?” inquired Mishael.
“I have decided that I cannot do it!” Daniel replied abruptly but not unkindly.

“Cannot do what?” they asked in unison.
“Did you not hear the announcement from Merodach the steward, that henceforth
we are to be fed with the viands and wines from the table of the king? And have you not

realized that these victuals and drinks, while exceedingly pleasant to the taste, are
impossible for us if we are to be obedient to the commands of Jehovah? It is the custom
of the imperial palace to present before the images of the Babylonian gods, all food
before it is served on the tables. Moreover, the food is all cooked in lard, the fat of swine,
which has been forbidden to us by the Law of God as given through Moses. Futhermore

their wines are not the pure fruit of the vine as we were accustomed to in Jerusalem, but
fiercely intoxicating; I remember the words of Solomon the sage, ‘Wine is a mocker,