WHILE the Jews were captives in the land of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, the king, dreamed a dream. This dream passed from him. His wise men, when summoned, were unable to recall it to him; and, of course, equally unable to interpret it. In his rage, he commanded them to be slain. Daniel, the Hebrew captive-who had not been summoned-asked for time; and promised to give the interpretation.
He went to his house; communicated the matter to his three companions; and desired them to unite with him in asking "mercies of the God of Heaven, concerning this secret." Their prayer was answered; and the dream and interpretation made known to Daniel.
The king had seen a great image rise up before him. Its "head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part iron and part clay." He further, saw a stone, cut out without hands, smite the image on its feet, and break them to pieces; and the iron and clay and brass and silver and gold were broken together, and became as chaff; and the wind