Page 76 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER XVIII

THE KING HAS ANOTHER DREAM

With the return of Daniel to the active administration of his office of Prime Minister

and with the continued co-operation accorded him by his three friends, ministers of the
three most important departments, the wheels of the government revolved smoothly and
efficiently, and the empire enjoyed great tranquility.

The interest and attention of the Emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, and indeed of the whole
realm was centered upon the approaching birth of the royal child to Queen Rhea, the
darling of the king and all his subjects. The excitement among the people could not have
been so great, but for the measure of their adoration of the queen. As always, it was

devoutly hoped that the royal offspring would be a son―heir―apparent to the imperial
throne.

The King was constantly at the side of the Queen, exercising over her the most

meticulous care. He again relinquished almost all of the affairs of state to Daniel, until
another event intruded itself to disturb his peace of mind and to interrupt his domestic
repose.

He dreamed another dream!

Had not the voice of conscience rebuked him for his rebellion against the
implications of the first mighty vision that had been given to him, he would doubtless

have been less agitated in the face of this second vivid portrayal that invaded his hours
of slumber.

So clearly was this dream emblazoned upon his mind that he forgot none of it, and

when he awoke, it was only required that he find an interpreter.

It was in this connection that the yet unreconstructed condition of the King’s heart

became clearly manifest. Though having twice before been brought face to face with
the God of the Hebrews, the great Jahveh, and having recognized His vision and power,
the Revealer of Secrets and the Preserver of His servants, yet did he hold tenaciously to
his Babylonian idols and continue to repose a measure of confidence in the magicians,
astrologers and soothsayers, who served them.

So these were the ones to whom he first resorted for an interpretation of his vision,