The high-priest's brow was grave and thoughtful.

A white cloth was wound round his head, the ends of which hung down to the shoulders.
"I rejoice to behold you once more, Belteshazzar," exclaimed the king to the former of the two men.

"Since the death of my father you have not been seen at my gate." The man thus addressed bowed humbly and answered: "The favor of the king rejoices his servant! If it seem good unto thee, to cause the sun of thy favor to shine on me, thine unworthy servant, so hearken unto my petition for my nation, which thy great father caused to return unto the land of their fathers' sepulchres.

This old man at my side, Joshua, the high-priest of our God, hath not feared the long journey to Babylon, that he might bring his request before thy face.

Let his speech be pleasing in thine ears and his words bring forth fruit in thine heart." "I foresee what ye desire of me," cried the king.