iles would never have convinced the beholder that
they were an index to noble and generous hearts.

"'Twas a strange notion of the king, surely," said the daughter, "to
bring these Hebrew captives in competition with the refined minds of
Chaldea; I cannot account for it, unless it is purposely done to show
them their great inferiority, and thus, by to-day's exercises, teach them
a lesson of humility that they will not soon forget; for no one can be so
unwise as to think that such illiterate foreigners can appear to any
advantage in a place like this."

"Thy remarks, daughter, are perfectly correct," answered the mother. "I
am at a loss, myself, to understand the king in this. But thy brother,
Shagoth, has learned, of late, that these Jews are far from being dull
scholars; and he fears that, by some strange contrivance, they have
worked themselves into the graces of Ashpenaz. I have my fears that these
reports are too true. Yet I have strong hopes that in this trial of
learning, they will fall entirely below thy accomplished brothers. I am
quite sure it cannot be otherwise."

The sound of music from without, gave them to understand that the king
was approaching. Presently the illustrious monarch of Chaldea made his
grand entry, accompanied by a brilliant escort, and amid the flourishing
of trumpets and the loud acclamations of his subjects he took his seat,
and beckoned to the enthusiastic throng to be seated. Perfect stillness
being secured, Ashpenaz arose with dignity, and, bowing low to the
sovereign, proceeded:

"According to appointment, O king, behold these young men are conducted
hither for public examination in the presence of their illustrious
sovereign, and in the presence of these, his nobles."

To which the monarch replied in an interesting address:

"Citizens of Babylon! the king taketh much pleasure in greeting you on
this occasion. To witness your smiles is truly refreshing to my mind amid
all the pressing duties of my extensive empire. I trust I shall always
merit your smiles and good wishes. Long may the Chaldean empire continue
to shine a superior orb in the firmament of nations.

"The stability of government must greatly depend on the wisdom and
intelligence of the people; and ever since I have had the honor of
presiding over the destinies of this vast empire, I have not for a day
lost sight of this important truth. Whether since the beginning of my
reign the cause of education has been advanced