respectfully made his request known to the proper officer.
The prince of the eunuchs feared to grant Daniel's request, since the king
himself had appointed their meat. This shows the great personal interest the king
took in these persons. He did not commit them to the hands of his servants,
telling them to care for them in the best manner, without himself entering into
details; but he himself appointed their meat and drink. And this was of a kind
which it was honestly supposed would be best for them, inasmuch as the prince
of the eunuchs thought that a departure from it would render them poorer in flesh
and less ruddy of countenance than those who continued it; and thus he would
be brought to account for neglect or ill-treatment of them, and so lose his head.
Yet it was equally well understood that if they maintained good physical
conditions, the
30
king would take no exception to the means used, though it might be contrary to
his own express direction. It appears that the king's sincere object was to secure
in them, by whatever means it could be done, the very best mental and physical
development that could be attained. How different this from the bigotry and
tyranny which usually hold supreme control over the hearts of those who are
clothed with absolute power. In the character of Nebuchadnezzar we shall find
many things worthy of our highest admiration.
