King [sadly]: Thou sayest truly; the King's word may not be broken. Bring Daniel hither.
[Soldiers go for Daniel. The King walks back and forth in great distress.]
King [talking to himself]: Oh, I would that this had not happened!
[Daniel appears and bows before the King.]
King: Why hast thou disobeyed my law, Daniel? Wherefore didst thou pray to thy God when thou knewest of my decree?
Daniel: Great King Darius, my God, the God to whom I pray, is the true God, and I shall worship no other. Do with me what thou wilt.
King: Daniel, I would that thou hadst not done this thing, for I love thee. Thou art a brave and bold man! Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee! [To the soldiers]: Take this man from me; cast him into the den of lions.
[Soldiers take Daniel and thrust him into the den. The door is closed, and the King seals it with his signet. The King and attendants withdraw. The conspirators are alone.]
First Conspirator: Daniel has fallen at last! No longer will he be the King's favorite!
Fourth Conspirator: We, instead, will be the favored ones!