In the thirdyearof the reignof Jehoiakimkingof JudahcameNebuchadnezzarkingof Babylonunto Jerusalem, and besiegedit. And the LordgaveJehoiakimkingof Judahinto his hand, with partof the vesselsof the houseof God: which he carried intothe landof Shinarto the houseof his god; and he broughtthe vesselsinto the treasurehouseof his god. And the kingspokeunto Ashpenazthe masterof his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the childrenof Israel, and of the king's seed, and ofthe princes; Childrenin whom was noblemish, but well favored, and skillfulin allwisdom, and cunningin knowledge, and understandingscience, and suchas had abilityin them to standin the king's palace, and whom they might teachthe learningand the tongueof the Chaldeans. And the kingappointedthem a dailyprovisionof the king's meat, and of the winewhich he drank: so nourishingthem threeyears, that at the endthereof they might standbeforethe king. Now among these wereof the childrenof Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the princeof the eunuchsgavenames: for he gaveunto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. But Danielpurposedinhis heartthathe would notdefile himselfwith the portion of the king's meat, nor with the winewhich he drank: therefore he requestedof the princeof the eunuchsthathe might notdefile himself. Now Godhad broughtDanielinto favorand tender lovewiththe princeof the eunuchs. And the princeof the eunuchssaidunto Daniel, Ifearmy lordthe king, whohath appointedyour meatand your drink: forwhyshould he seeyour facesworse likingthanthe childrenwhich are of your sort? then shall ye make me endangermy headto the king. Then saidDanieltoMelzar, whomthe princeof the eunuchshad setoverDaniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Provethy servants, I beseech thee, tendays; and let them giveus pulseto eat, and waterto drink. Then let our countenancesbe looked uponbeforethee, and the countenanceof the childrenthat eatof the portion of the king's meat: and asthou seest, dealwiththy servants. So he consentedto them in thismatter, and provedthem tendays. And at the endof tendaystheir countenancesappearedfairerand fatterin fleshthanallthe childrenwhich did eatthe portion of the king's meat. Thus Melzartook awaythe portion of their meat, and the winethat they should drink; and gavethem pulse. As for thesefourchildren, Godgavethem knowledgeand skillin alllearningand wisdom: and Danielhad understandingin allvisionsand dreams. Now at the endof the daysthatthe kinghad saidhe should bring them in, then the princeof the eunuchsbrought them inbeforeNebuchadnezzar. And the kingcommunedwiththem; and among them allwas foundnonelike Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stoodthey beforethe king. And in allmattersof wisdom and understanding, thatthe kinginquiredofthem, he foundthem tentimesbetter thanallthe magicians and astrologersthat were in allhis realm. And Danielcontinued even untothe firstyearof kingCyrus.