Page 64 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER XV

THE CRUCIBLE

King Nebuchadnezzar himself did not appear at all to witness his triumph―the

worship by his subjects of the golden image, a replica of himself.

He remained in the palace moving between his executive offices where he received
frequent reports of the progress of the proceedings, and his private apartments where he

sat with Queen Rhea.

The beautiful and virtuous queen was still in total ignorance of the whole affair, and
the king was eager to guard the secret from her, though determined in his course of

selfish and proud madness.

Those who reported to the king told of unanimous and enthusiastic obedience to
the call to worship.

Obviously, all could not come the first day, and again obviously, it would be
impossible to determine that every individual in the city and surrounding country had
heeded the summons. But as nearly as a check could be made, all were willing and eager.

The officials of the government, of all grades, were conspicuous by their presence, and
ostentatious in their willingness to prostrate themselves before the king’s image.

But Adiel took particular note of the fact that the Minister of Finance was not

present on the first day. Belgar was a Chaldean of many years employment in the
department, a man of no mean ability, but proud and selfish in his own right and known
to Adiel to be bitterly resentful of the sudden promotion of Hananiah to the Ministry.

“Have you seen our department head today?” Adiel asked Belgar as he met him
near sundown on the first day.
“No, I have not seen him nor either of his friends, the ministers of education and

provinces. It is nothing short of impudence to the king for these who have been given
such high office to absent themselves from the celebrations of the opening day!”
“Methinks you will look in vain to find them on either of the next two days, friend
Belgar!”
“What mean you by that, Adiel? Surely they will not dare ignore the king’s decree

entirely!” Belgar exclaimed.
“They not only dare to do so, but unless I am greatly mistaken they will do so.