The feast lasts till the sun falls.
The skies become dark.
Each noble hies home to his supper.
Belshazzar is carried to bed, but never rises from it, for his foes are seeking to destroy his land, and are assembled suddenly.
The enemy is Darius, leader of the Medes.
He has legions of armed men.
Under cover of the darkness, they cross the river.
By means of ladders they get upon the walls, and within an hour enter the city, without disturbing any of the watch.
They run into the palace, and raise a great cry.
Men are slain in their beds.