This old man at my side, Joshua, the high-priest of our God, hath not feared the long journey to Babylon, that he might bring his request before thy face.

Let his speech be pleasing in thine ears and his words bring forth fruit in thine heart." "I foresee what ye desire of me," cried the king.

"Am I wrong, priest, in supposing that your petition refers to the building of the temple in your native land ?" "Nothing can be hidden from the eyes of my lord," answered the priest, bowing low.

"Thy servants in Jerusalem desire to behold the face of their ruler, and beseech thee by my mouth to visit the land of their fathers, and to grant them permission to set forward the work of the temple, concerning which thine illustrious father (the favor of our God rest upon him), made a decree." The king answered with a smile: "You have the craft of your nation, and understand how to choose the right time and words for your petition.

On my birthday it is difficult for me to refuse my faithful people even one request.