⁷ The king summoned the enchanters,^(A) astrologers^[a](B) and diviners.^(C) Then he said to these wise^(D) men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck,^(E) and he will be made the third^(F) highest ruler in the kingdom.”^(G)

¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems.^(A) If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck,^(B) and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”^(C)