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Updated: June 2, 2025
"The message is this: Daniel, of the captivity of Judah, asks the favor of a short interview with his kind lord, Ashpenaz." The servant respectfully bowed and departed, and, in a few moments, Daniel stood in the presence of his kind friend. "And what is the pleasure of my young friend from Judah?"
He will select a certain number of young men, and deliver them over to thee, and thou art to lose no time in placing them under suitable instructors." "Thy servant," replied Ashpenaz, "is ever happy to obey the orders of his illustrious sovereign, which are always issued in that profound wisdom derived only from the gods." This officer stood high in the estimation of the king.
Those profound sciences which had cost their teachers years of ceaseless toil were, by these four young men, mastered with apparent ease. They soon became objects of wonder to their instructors, and were pronounced favorites of the gods. Ashpenaz often would have an interview with them, and soon they became the objects, not only of his admiration, but also of his friendship.
Being somewhat astonished, as well as delighted, by the perfect ease with which the youths of Judah answered every question, he purposed, within himself, to make a further trial of their skill, by propounding questions to the school which were far more difficult to answer than those asked by Ashpenaz.
Moreover, as diet of the best sort contributes both to the beauty of the body and the improvement of the mind, let them have their daily portion of the king's meat and the wine which he drinketh. Now, Ashpenaz, for further information thou art to consult Barzello.
"Perreeza," said Barzello, "from pure love for her three brothers, of whom I spake, saw fit to leave her native land and venture her future destiny among strangers." "I trust," answered Ashpenaz, "they are indeed worthy of such a sister's pure affection." "That is a point soon settled in the minds of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance."
When conducted to their respective rooms, they were given to understand that, at a certain signal, they were all to assemble below, where Ashpenaz would meet them, address them, and enlighten them in regard to the duties of their future course.
"My worthy and noble friend, Ashpenaz, will now commence the examination; after which, if I think it expedient, I may ask a few questions myself." Ashpenaz then, according to direction, commenced the examination, the king, in the meanwhile, earnestly facing the students, and paying particular attention to every answer, and the source whence it proceeded.
"Let not my noble friend be unjust to the gods. If the maid of Judah is an inmate of the house of Barzello, I trust that three brothers and a cousin, given to the sole charge of Ashpenaz, will convince him that the gods are not partial." "Ah! that will do," said Ashpenaz, still gazing on the maid of Judah.
"Permit me to congratulate my young friend, Jupheena, on the happy addition to the number of her youthful friends." "Our beloved Ashpenaz may well congratulate," replied the young beauty; "and let him be assured that his congratulations are warmly appreciated." "And how does our young friend from Judah enjoy the society of her Chaldean friends?"
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