Page 62 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

to.

Adiel and Manoah and Asa had taken an apartment together from the time of

graduation from the college. Adiel had been assigned as a minor executive in the
Department of Finance, well before Hananiah had been elevated to become minister of
Finance. Adiel had been compelled to show respect to Hananiah in his high office,
whom he saw not infrequently. Hananiah always treated him with great courtesy when

their paths crossed, but even this kindness did not assuage the envy and hatred that Adiel
felt toward him and the other three who had rocketed to such heights and had
administered their offices with such splendid success.

He dared not openly speak against the minister of his department, but as he became
better acquainted and found many disgruntled ones among the older officials who
resented having a young man suddenly elevated above them, he surreptitiously sowed
discord against him.

Manoah and Asa, not having attained to the Magi status reached by Adiel, were
assigned as clerks in the departments of Education and Provinces, over which by
coincidence, Mishael and Azariah later presided as ministers.

“What will the puritans do in the face of this crisis, think you Adiel?” inquired
Manoah, after they had spoken of the King’s proclamation.
“I think they will ignore it,” replied Adiel with a glint of triumph in his eyes.

“But even if they do, who will dare to report such high officers of government to
the king?” put in Asa.
“Never fear, my friend, there are those of the older and more influential Babylonian
officials who will see to it, that the intelligence will come to the king.”

Adiel replied, “We must admit in all candidness that no reasonable fault can be
found with their administration, but there are those who resent them bitterly,
nevertheless.”

‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧

The frist day of Tebeth arrived as the interest and enthusiasm of the populace
reached a high pitch.

Early in the morning, the people from the city and the surrounding country began
to flow into the broad plain of Dura, as all wished to be present for the unveiling of the
great image, which was to be at high noon on that day.

By that time the plain was filled with people. The High Priest of Bel mounted a
lofty platform at the rear of the image and at the first notes of the great orchestra, led by