young springaldes without any blemish, but fair and well favored, instructed in all wisdom, cunning and understanding: which were able to stand in the king's palace, to read and to learn for to speak Chaldeish.

And after the ten days, their faces were better liking and fatter, than all the young springaldes, which ate of the king's meat.

God gave now these four springaldes cunning and learning in all scripture and wisdom: but unto Daniel specially, he gave understanding of all visions and dreams.

and the king communed with them. But among them all were found none such as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Therefore stood they before the king, which in all wisdom and matters of understanding that he enquired of them, found them ten times better than all the soothsayers and charmers that were in all his realm.

Then the king commanded to call together all the soothsayers, charmers, witches and Chaldeans, for to show the king his dream. So they came, and stood before the king.

The king gave the Chaldeans their answer, and said, "It is gone from me: If ye will not make me understand the dream with the interpretation thereof, ye shall die, and your houses shall be prised.

Therefore, if ye will not tell me the dream, ye shall all have one judgment: But ye feign and dissemble with vain words which ye speak before me, to put off the time. Therefore tell me the dream, and so shall I know - if ye can show me - what it meaneth."

For the which cause the king was wroth with great indignation, and commanded to destroy all the wise men at Babylon:

Then Arioch brought Daniel into the king in all the haste, and said unto him, "I have found a man among the prisoners of Judah, that shall show the king the interpretation."

Then was the iron, the earth, the copper, the silver and gold broken altogether in pieces: and became like the chaff of corn, that the wind bloweth away from the summer floors, that they can no more be found. But the stone that smote the Image, became a great mountain, which fulfilleth the whole earth.

This is the dream. And now will we show before the king, what it meaneth.

And hath delivered thee all things that are among the children of men: the beasts of the field, and the fowls under the heaven, and given thee dominion over them all. Thou art that golden head.

After thee there shall arise another kingdom, which shall be less than thine. The third kingdom shall be like copper, and have domination in all lands.

The fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron. For like as iron bruiseth and breaketh all things: Yea even as iron beateth everything down, so shall it beat down and destroy.

And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with clay: they shall mingle themselves with the seed of simple people: and yet not continue one with another, like as iron will not be soldered with a potsherd.

In the days of these kings, shall the God of heaven set up an everlasting kingdom, which shall not perish, and his kingdom shall not be given over to another people. Yea, the same shall break and destroy all these kingdoms, but it shall endure forever.

And whereas thou sawest that without any hands there was cut out of the mount a stone, which brake the iron, the copper, the earth, the silver and gold in pieces: by that hath the great God showed the king, what will come after this. This is a true dream, and the interpretation of it is sure."

The king answered Daniel, and said, "Yea, of a truth your God is a God above all gods, and LORD above all kings, and an opener of secrets: seeing thou canst discover this mystery."

So the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many and great gifts. He made him ruler of all the countries of Babylon, and lord of all the nobles, that were at Babylon.

Now Daniel intreated the king for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so that he made them rulers over all the offices in the land of Babylon: But Daniel himself remained still in the court by the king.

and sent out to gather together the dukes, lords and nobles, the judges and officers, the deputies and sheriffs, with all the rulers of the land: that they might come to the dedication of the Image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

So the dukes, lords and nobles, the judges and officers, deputies and sheriffs, with all the rulers of the land gathered them together, and came unto the dedicating of the Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Now when they stood before the Image, which Nebuchadnezzar had set up,

the herald cried out with all his might, "O ye people, kindreds and tongues: to you be it said,

that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.

Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the trumpets, that were blown, with the harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all kind of Melody: then all the people, kindreds and nations fell down, and bowed themselves unto the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Thou being king hast given a commandment, that all men when they hear noise of the trumpets, harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden Image.

Now are there certain Jews, whom thou hast set over the offices of the land of Babylon: namely, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, regard not thy commandment; yea they will not serve thy gods, nor bow themselves to the golden Image, that thou hast set up."

Then Nebuchadnezzar spake unto them, and said, "What? O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: will not ye serve my gods? Nor bow yourselves to the golden Image, that I have set up?

Well, be ready hereafter, when ye hear the noise of the trumpets blow with the harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: that ye fall down, and worship the Image which I have made. But if ye worship it not, ye shall be cast immediately in to a hot burning oven. Let's see what God is there, that may deliver you out of my hands!"

Our God whom we serve, is able to keep us from the hot burning oven, O king, and can right well deliver us out of thy hands:

And if he will not, yet shalt thou know, O king, that we will not serve thy Gods, nor do reverence to the Image which thou hast set up."

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king marveled, and stood up in all haste: he spake unto his counsel and said, "Did not ye cast these three men bound into the fire?" They answered, and said unto the king, "Yea O king."

Therefore I will and command, that all people, kindreds and tongues, which speak any blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall die and their houses shall be prised: Because, there is no God that may save, as this."

Nebuchadnezzar, king, unto all people, kindreds and tongues that dwell upon the whole earth: peace be multiplied among you.

Then sent I out a commission, that all they which were of wisdom at Babylon should be brought before me, to tell me the interpretation of the dream.

which was very high, great and mighty. The height reached unto the heaven, and the breadth extended to all the ends of the earth:

his leaves were fair, he had very much fruit, so that every man had enough to eat therein. The beasts of the field had shadows under it, and the fowls of the air dwelt in the boughs thereof. Shortly, all creatures fed of it.

and cried mightily, saying, 'Hew down the tree, break off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit abroad: that all the beasts may get them away from under him, and the fowls from his branches.

This is the dream, that I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Therefore O Balteshazzar, tell thou me what it signifieth: forsomuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to show me, what it meaneth. But thou canst do it, for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee."

As for the tree that thou sawest which was so great and mighty, whose height reached unto the heaven, and his breadth into all the world;

This, O king, is the interpretation: yea, it is the very device of him that is highest of all, and it toucheth my lord the king.

Moreover, whereas it was said that the root of the tree should be left still in the ground: it betokeneth that thy kingdom shall remain whole unto thee, after thou hast learned to know that the power cometh from heaven.

All these things touched the king Nebuchadnezzar.

While these words were yet in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, "O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee be it spoken, 'Thy kingdom is departed from thee.

When this time was past, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me again. Then gave I thanks to the highest. I magnified and praised him that liveth for evermore, whose power endureth alway, and his kingdom from one generation to another:

in comparison of whom, all they that dwell upon the earth are to be reputed as nothing. He handleth according to his will, among the powers of heaven and among the inhabiters of the earth - and there is none that may resist his hand, or say, 'What doest thou?'

Then did I, Nebuchadnezzar, love, magnify and praise the King of heaven: for all his works are true, and his ways right. As for those that go on proudly, he is able to bring them down.

King Belshazzar made a great banquet to his thousand lords: with all these thousand he made great cheer,

In the very same hour there appeared fingers, as it had been of a man's hand writing, right over against the candlestick upon the plain wall in the king's palace: and the king saw the palm of the hand that wrote.

Upon this, came all the king's wise men: but they could neither read the writing, nor show the king what it signified.

Then heard I say, that thou can expound dark things, and declare hard doubts. Well then, if thou can read this writing, and show me the meaning thereof: thou shalt be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about thy neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom."

Daniel answered, and said before the king, "As for thy rewards, keep them to thyself, or give thy rich gifts to another: yet not the less, I will read the writing unto the king, and show him the interpretation thereof.

So that all people, kindreds and tongues stood in awe and fear of him, by reason of the high estate that he had sent him. For why? He slew whom he would; he smote, whom it pleased him. Again: whom he would, he set up; and whom he list, he put down.

And thou, his son, O Belshazzar, for all this, hast not submitted thine heart, though thou knewest all these things:

but hast magnified thyself above the LORD of heaven, so that the vessels of his house were brought before thee: that thou, and thy lords, with thy queen and concubines, might drink wine thereout: and hast praised the Idols of silver and gold, copper and iron, of wood and stone. As for the God in whose hand consisteth thy breath and all thy ways: thou hast not loved him.

It pleased Darius to set over his kingdom a hundred and twenty lords, which should be in all his kingdom about.

But Daniel exceeded all these princes and lords, for the spirit of God was plenteous in him: so that the king was minded to set him over the whole realm.

Then said these men, "We will get no quarrel against this Daniel, except it be in the law of his God."

All the great estates of the realm - as the princes, dukes, senators and judges - are determined to put out a commandment of the king, and to make a sure statute. Namely, that whoso desireth any petition, either of any god or man within this thirty days, except it be only of thee, O king: the same person may be cast into the lions' den.

So the king went in to his palace, and kept him sober all night, so that there was no table spread before him, neither could he take any sleep.

But betimes in the morning, at the break of the day, the king arose, and went in all haste unto the den of the Lions.

Now as he came nigh unto the den, he cried with a piteous voice unto Daniel: Yea, the king spake, and said to Daniel, "O Daniel, thou servant of the living God, is not thy God, whom thou alway servest, able to deliver thee from the lions?"

And as for those men which had accused Daniel, the king commanded to bring them, and to cast them in the Lions' den: them, their children, and their wives. So the Lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones asunder, before they came at the ground.

After this, wrote king Darius, "Unto all people kindreds and tongues, that dwelt in all lands, peace be multiplied with you.

My commandment is, in all my dominion and kingdom, that men fear and stand in awe of Daniel's God. For he is the living God, which abideth ever: his kingdom shall not fail and his power is everlasting.

"I looked till the seats were prepared, and till the Ancient of Days sat him down. His clothing was white as snow, and the hairs of his head like the pure wool. His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as the burning fire.

Then gave he him power and dignity regal, that all people, tribes and tongues should serve him. His power is an everlasting power, which shall never be put down: and his kingdom endureth uncorrupt.

till I gat me to one of them that stood by, to know the truth, concerning all these things. So he told me, and made me understand the interpretation of these things.

He gave me this answer, 'That fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth: it shall be more than all other kingdoms, it shall devour, tread down, and destroy all other lands.

He shall subdue three kings, and shall speak words against the highest of all: he shall destroy the saints of the most highest, and think that he may change times and laws. They shall be given under his power, until a time, two times, and a half a time.

As for the kingdom, power, and all might that is under the heaven: it shall be given to the holy people of the most highest, whose kingdom is everlasting. Yea, all powers shall serve and obey him.'

I saw in a vision, and when I saw it, I was at Susa in the chief city, which lieth in the land of Elam, and in the vision me thought I was by the river of Ulai.

I took heed unto this, and then came there a he goat from the west over the whole earth, and touched not the ground. This goat had a marvelous goodly horn betwixt his eyes,

And a certain season was given unto it, against the daily offering, because of wickedness: that it might cast down the verity to the ground, and so to prosper in all things that it went about.

And I heard a man's voice in the river of Ulai, which cried, and said, "O Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."

So he came, and stood by me. But I was afraid at his coming, and fell down upon my face. Then said he unto me, "O thou son of man, mark well, for in the last time shall this vision be fulfilled."

saying, "Behold, I will show thee what shall happen in the last wrath: for in the time appointed it shall be fulfilled.

After these kingdoms, while ungodliness is a growing, there shall arise a king of an unshamefast face, which shall be wise in dark speakings.

He shall be mighty and strong, but not in his own strength. He shall destroy above measure, and all that he goeth about, shall prosper: he shall slay the strong and holy people.

And this vision that is showed unto thee, is as sure as the evening and the morning. Therefore write thou upon this sight, for it will be long before it come to pass."

We have sinned, we have offended, we have been disobedient and gone back: yea, we have departed from all thy precepts and judgments.

We would never follow thy servants the Prophets, that spake in thy name to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, and to all the people of the land.

O LORD righteousness belongeth unto thee; unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame: as it is come to pass this day unto every man of Judah, and to them that dwell at Jerusalem. Yea, unto all Israel, whether they be far or nigh, throughout all lands wherein thou hast strawed them, because of the offenses that they had done against thee.

Yea O LORD: Unto us, to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, even to us all that have offended thee, belongeth open shame.

Yea, all Israel have transgressed, and gone back from thy law, so that they have not hearkened unto thy voice. Wherefore the curse and oath, that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, against whom we have offended, is poured upon us.

Yea, all this plague, as it is written in the law of Moses, is come upon us. Yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn again from our wickedness, and to be learned in thy verity.

Therefore hath the LORD made haste, to bring this plague upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doth. For why? We would not hearken unto his voice.

O LORD, and done wickedly against all thy righteousness: Yet let thy wrathful displeasure be turned away, I beseech thee, from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy hill. And why? For our sins' sake, and for the wickedness of our forefathers is Jerusalem and thy people abhorred, of all them that are about us.

Yea, while I was yet speaking in my prayer, behold, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen afore in the vision, came flying to me, and touched me about the offering time in the evening.

For as soon as thou begannest to make thy prayer, it was so devised, and therefore am I come to show thee. And why? For thou art a man greatly beloved. Wherefore, ponder the matter well, that thou mayest learn to understand the vision.

Understand this then, and mark it well: That from the time it shall be concluded to go and repair Jerusalem again, unto Christ, the anointed Prince: there shall be seven weeks.Then shall the streets and walls be builded again sixty two weeks, but with hard troublous time.

In the third year of king Cyrus of Persia, there was showed unto Daniel, otherwise called Balteshazzar, a matter: yea, a true matter, but it is yet a long time unto it. He understood the matter well, and perceived what the vision was.

so that I had no lust to eat bread: as for flesh and wine, there came none within my mouth: No, I did not once anoint myself, till the whole three weeks were out.

saying unto me, "O Daniel, thou well beloved man: take good heed of the words, that I shall say unto thee, and stand right up, for unto thee am I now sent." And when he had said these words, I stood up trembling.

and am come to show thee what shall happen unto thy people in the latter days: For it will be long yet before the vision be fulfilled."

saying, "O thou man so well beloved, fear not: be content, take a good heart unto thee, and be strong." So when he had spoken unto me, I recovered, and said, "Speak on, my lord, for thou hast refreshed me."

Then said he, "Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? Now will I go again to fight with the prince of the Persians: As soon as I go forth, lo, the prince of Greekland shall come.

Nevertheless, I will show thee the thing that is fast noted in the scripture of truth. And as for all yonder matters, there is none that helpeth me in them, but Michael your prince.

and now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, but the fourth shall be far richer than they all. And when he is in the chiefest power of his riches, he shall provoke every man against the realm of Greekland.