Page 39 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

The fierce determination of these words in which he challenged the deities
themselves, sent a little chill of fear down her spine. She had seen an expression of his
indomitable will in connection with the erection of the “hanging gardens,” but then he

was entering the lists against natural obstacles, not against the gods themselves.

She began to wonder if she really knew this man to whom she was married― this
giant of intellect, intransigent will, and massive muscles! How did he propose to retrieve

a dream which he himself had forgotten?

Having performed his morning ablutions, he attired himself informally, and came to
the morning meal, over which the charming Rhea presided with her usual grace and

dignity. The King never spoke a word throughout the course of the meal. He ate little,
rose abruptly, went to his own dressing room and put on the imperial robes, which had
been carefully laid out for him by his personal valet. Emerging fully clad he passes
through the main living room where sat the lovely Rhea on her favorite divan.

With a wave of the hand he said a brief “Good-bye Rhea” and was gone. No kiss!
No parting caress! She was a stranger to this mood of her liege-lord, but those who were
better acquainted with the fluctuations of his tempers were familiar enough with it and

knew that it boded no good for anyone.