XIII. Belshazzar, to exhibit his vainglory, proclaims throughout Babylon, that all the great ones should assemble on a set day, at the Sultan’s feast. Kings, dukes, and lords were commanded to attend the court. To do the king honour many nobles came to Babylon. It would take too long to name the number. The city of Babylon is broad and big. It is situated on a plain, surrounded by seven streams, a high wall, and towers. The palace was long and large, each side being seven miles in length. High houses were within the walls. The time of the feast has come. Belshazzar sits upon his throne: the hall floor is covered with knights. When all are seated, service begins. Trumpets sound everywhere. Bread is served upon silver dishes. All sorts of musical instruments are heard in the hall. The king, surrounded by his loves, drinks copiously of wine. It gets into his head and stupifies him. A cursed thought takes possession of him. He commands his marshal to bring him the vessels taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, and to fill them with wine. The marshal opens the chests. Covers the cupboard with vessels. The Jewels of Jerusalem deck the sides of the hall. The altar and crown, blessed by bishop’s hands, and anointed with the blood of beasts, are set before the bold Belshazzar. Upon this altar were noble vessels curiously carved, basins of gold, cups arrayed like castles with battlements, and towers with lofty pinnacles. Upon them were pourtrayed branches and leaves, the flowers of which were white pearls, and the fruit flaming gems. The goblets were ornamented with flowers of gold. The candlestick was brought in, with its pillars of brass, and ornamental boughs, upon which sat birds of various hues. Lights shone bright from the candlestick, which once stood before the “Holy of Holies.” The pollution of the sacred vessels is displeasing to God. For “a boaster on bench” drinks from them till he is as “drunken as the devil.” God is very angry. Before harming the revellers He sends them a warning. Belshazzar commands the sacred vessels to be filled with wine. The cups and bowls are soon filled. Music of all kind is heard in the hall. Dukes, princes, concubines, and knights, all are merry. Drinking of the sweet liquors they ask favours of their gods, who, although dumb, are as highly praised “as if heaven were theirs.” A marvel befals the feasters. The king first saw it. Upon the plain wall, “a palm with pointel in fingers” is seen writing. The bold Belshazzar becomes frightened. His knees knock together. He roars for dread, still beholding the hand, as it wrote on the rough wall. The hand vanishes but the letters remain. The king recovers his speech and sends for the “book-learned;” but none of the scholars were wise enough to read it. Belshazzar is nearly mad. Commands the city to be searched throughout for the “wise of witchcraft.” He who expounds the strange letters, shall be clothed in “gowns of purple.” A collar of gold shall encircle his throat.