A reading from the book of Daniel.

In the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named

Beltasazar.

And the word was true.

And it was a great conflict.

And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.

In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks.

I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all for the

full three weeks. On the 24th day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the Great River,

that is the Tigris, I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold a man clothed in linen,

with a belt of fine gold from Ufaz around his waist.

His body was like barrel, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming

torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words

like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone, saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision,

but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me.

My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.

Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words I fell on my face

in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

And behold, a hand touched me, and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, O Daniel, man greatly loved,

understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.

And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up, trembling. Then he said to me,

...