13 When the emperor woke up, the written statements were given to him, and he read them.
14 Then he sent messengers and called together all the leading officials of Persia and Media, including the chief officers, administrators, governors, and commissioners.
15 He took his seat in the council chamber and had the three statements read aloud.
16 “Bring in the three young men,” he said, “and let them explain their answers.” So when they were brought in,
17 they were asked to explain what they had written.The bodyguard who had written about the strength of wine spoke first:
18 “Gentlemen,” he began, “wine is clearly the strongest thing in the world. It confuses the mind of everyone who drinks it.
19 It has exactly the same effect on everyone: king or orphan, slave or free, rich or poor.