s, the father of Cyrus, in Persia. Cyrus,
therefore, returned to Babylon, and took upon himself the government of
the empire.

The history of the lions' den, with all the intrigues that led to it,
made Daniel thrice dear to the inhabitants of Babylon. His name commanded
reverence wherever it was mentioned, He was looked upon as an angel of
mercy, goodness, and wisdom, sent by the gods to bless the race.

Cyrus, for a long time, had desired the opportunity of a prolonged
interview with Daniel, of whom he had heard so many wonderful things,
both as a minister to the king of Babylon and also while administering
the affairs of the kingdom under the reign of his Median uncle. The
Persian was already well versed in current history. Of the God of Israel
he had heard much of late, and he felt a strong inclination to hear more.
And of whom could he learn to better advantage than of the famous Hebrew
prophet? The celebrated Persian, from his infancy, had been taught to
worship and adore the imaginary gods of his own country; but he had
always felt doubtful in regard to the existence of these gods; and many
of the popular theories of Persia, in regard to their various deities,
were, to him, full of inconsistencies and contradictions.

Not many days after his arrival in Babylon, the royal chariot was seen to
halt at the door of Daniel's residence; and, moreover, the king himself
was seen to enter.

"Thou wilt pardon this sudden intrusion," said Cyrus; "I have long
desired an interview with the president, and for this purpose I have
entered his house; the king is happy to find that he is not absent."

"My lord the king hath greatly honored his unworthy servant by entering
under his roof," said the old Hebrew. "This condescension of the great
Persian conqueror is a favor of such a magnitude that it shall never be
forgotten."

"Let not my aged friend Daniel speak thus," said the king, in a friendly
manner. "Call it not condescension in Cyrus to seek the society of one
who has justly earned the reputation of being the most profound statesman
that ever moved among mortals. Let the king rather consider himself
honored in being permitted to listen to thy words of wisdom and
understanding."

"Humility becometh well the potentates of earth. But yet, O king, thou
beholdest not the real grandeur of thy mission. Thou knowest not that
thou art the peculiarly anointed--not of the gods, but of the only God of
heaven, the Almighty Jehovah,