of Israel. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine
elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though
thou hast not known me.'"

The Persian was deeply moved. Indeed, tears were in the monarch's eyes.
He rose, and in the deepest reverence, exclaimed:

"I acknowledge the God of Israel as the great ruling power of the
universe! Under his infinitely wise directions I stand ready to do his
pleasure, and accomplish his great designs."

"One favor it is thine to grant, O king, according to the word of the
Lord. For their iniquity the children of Judah were carried captive into
Babylon, and Jerusalem was rendered desolate. According to the word of
the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, they were to remain in this land of
their captivity for seventy years. This period, O king, in a few more
months will be at an end. I pray thee, give permission to the children of
Judah to return to their own land, and build up the old waste places, and
raise again a temple to the God of Israel."

"This thy request, O Daniel, shall be granted," said the king, in a firm
voice. "The proclamation shall go forth from the king, and all that is
needful for the enterprise shall be supplied."

"Praised be Jehovah!" said the aged Hebrew. "At last the days of Judah's
captivity are numbered, and Jerusalem shall be restored. Thy God, O king,
whom from henceforth thou wilt serve, shall greatly prosper thee in the
affairs of thy kingdom."

"I trust my faithful servant will consent to tarry with the king, to
whom, from time to time, he will deliver lessons of wisdom. I purpose
soon to remove my court from Babylon to Ecbatana, in Persia, whither I
hope my faithful servant Daniel will consent to remove."

"Thy servant in this is willing to abide the pleasure of the king."

The king left the presence of his aged minister with strange but yet
pleasurable emotions, hurried into his chariot, which was waiting, and
was soon on his way to the palace.

The next day the following proclamation was heralded through the streets
of Babylon, and sent to all the provinces:

"Thus saith Cyrus, King of Persia: The Lord God of heaven hath given me
all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him an
house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his
people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in
Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (he is the God),
which is in Jeru