Part 17 (1/2)
”Ah! my good Barzello! thou hast come once more to see thy friend Joram, before he leaves for the spirit land.”
”If thou art to go first,” replied the old soldier, ”we shall not long be separated; with me, also, the battle of life will soon be closed.”
”I find, Barzello, that my race is well-nigh run! I am fast pa.s.sing away.
I have a strong impression that this day I shall join the society of immortals; therefore I thought fit to send for my best friend, to be with me in my dying moments. I am spared to see a good old age. For the last forty years my cup of joy has been often filled and running over. Jehovah has dealt with his servant in great kindness. The iniquities of my youth are forgiven--I am at peace with the G.o.d of Israel.”
The sick man desired to be raised a little higher on his pillow.
”That is better. Now I can see you all. We must soon part; my sun is fast sinking, and in a few hours Joram will be gone. The chariot will soon call. I chide you not for your tears, for here on earth I know too well their value. In that bright world above where Jehovah dwells, and where angels spread their wings, no tears are found.”
Joram, quite exhausted, closed his eyes, and deep silence for a while prevailed. He soon revived, and called for Perreeza.
”What can I do for my ever-dear uncle?” whispered Perreeza.
”One more little song, accompanied by the harp of Judah,” said Joram, with a smile, ”and I ask no more.”
”Perreeza greatly fears that it will disturb thee.”
”Nay, my sweet child, thy Uncle Esrom was never yet disturbed by the sound of melody. Sing to me that little song thy aunt so dearly loved.”
”Oh, my dear uncle,” whispered the weeping Perreeza, ”I fear it is beyond my power to sing. I am filled with weeping. Yet, at thy request, I will make the effort. Oh, G.o.d of my fathers, help me!”
”He will, my child,” faintly answered the old Israelite; ”get thy harp and sing.”
Once again the old harp was brought from its corner. Perreeza wiped away her tears, and succeeded in conquering her emotions. She took the familiar instrument in her arms, and sat at a little distance from the dying man. Joram cast one look on the old harp, smiled, and gently closed his eyes. Perreeza softly touched the chords and sang:
”Father, send Thy heavenly chariot, Call Thy weeping child away; Long I've waited for Thy coming, Why, O why, this long delay?
Of this earth my soul is weary, Yonder lies the better land; Fain my soul would leave its prison, Glad to join the glorious band.
”Thrice ten thousand happy spirits Sing Thy praise in heaven above; All arrayed in robes of glory.
Crowned with righteousness and love; Old companions wait to greet me, Smilingly they bid me come.
Father, send Thy heavenly chariot, Call Thy weary pilgrim home.
”Earth is fading from my vision; Brightness gathers o'er my head: Thrilling strains from heavenly harpers Sound around my dying bed.
Blessed land of saints and angels!
Here I can no longer stay; Yonder comes my Father's chariot; Rise, my soul, and haste away!”
The song was ended. The harp was laid aside.
”Did my father enjoy the song?” soothingly inquired Mathias. Joram made no reply. The ”chariot” had arrived, and Joram had departed! As the last vibrations of the ”harp of Judah” died on the ear, his soul was wafted on angelic pinions, and introduced to the melody around the throne of G.o.d.
CHAPTER XX.
AFTER the insanity of Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, his son, acted as regent. The misfortune of the Chaldean monarch cast a deep gloom over the vast empire. He fell at the zenith of his popularity, and the government throughout felt the shock. Evil-Merodach was far from being a favorite, and among all cla.s.ses in the nation there seemed to be a growing dissatisfaction. This feeling would have been immeasurably greater had it not been for the wisdom and vigilance of Belteshazzar, his prime minister. Of Daniel's wisdom the regent had no doubt. From his father he had learned all the particulars in regard to Daniel's interpretation of the dream; and, seeing before his eyes daily a literal fulfillment of its awful predictions, he could not but hold the interpreter in much reverence.
Nearly seven years pa.s.sed without witnessing events of special importance in the empire. During most of this time Nebuchadnezzar exhibited all the signs of a maniac. As he showed no disposition to injure those around him, he was permitted to go at large, within royal inclosures. His treatment was much according to the direction of Daniel, who was the only person at the palace of whom the maniac king appeared to have the least recognition. He carefully shunned the presence of every one, and the only thing that appeared to give him satisfaction and check his raving was the permission to be a companion of his oxen, that quietly fed in the palace park. Here it may be well to remark that the peculiar feature of the king's insanity was the strange conviction that he was an ox; and, under this conviction, he would endeavor to imitate that animal in all its motions and voices. He was never confined or bound with chains, but permitted to enjoy himself as his maniac fancies might dictate. This was not the result of indifference, but quite the contrary. The king was held in much respect at the palace, even in his deplorable insanity; and there was much faith placed in the opinion of Daniel in regard to the king's final restoration to his reason and the kingdom. Among many of Daniel's Chaldean friends at the court the opinion was becoming prevalent that the interesting occasion was not far distant.