“And what hast thou to communicate at this time?”
“My communication is short and decisive.”
“The shorter the better—let it be delivered.”
“My illustrious sovereign, the King of Babylon, wishes the King of Judah to understand, that his commands are not to be trifled with; and, moreover, that if the King of Judah persists in his stubbornness, he must be dragged into his presence as a guilty culprit.”
“Who dares to utter such words in my presence?” cried Jehoiakim, in a rage.
“The Chaldean minister, as the words of his illustrious sovereign.”
“Go and tell thine ‘illustrious sovereign’ that Jehoiakim spits upon his insolent demands.”
“Thy raving is in vain. Better far to bridle thy rage and comply. Be it known to the King of Judah, that I have three hundred chosen men of war at my bidding, who wait for the word of command. What is the choice of the King of Judah?”
“Be it known to thee, insolent fool,” cried the exasperated king, “that Jehoiakim laughs to scorn thy threats, and spurns thy counsels.”
“Alas for thine obstinacy, proud and reckless man!” answered Balphoras, as he left the apartment; “thy doom is sealed!”