1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. 2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. 3I ate no pleasant bread, nor did meat or wine come into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, 5I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: 6his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished bronze, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my vigor was turned in me into ruin, and I retained no strength. 9Yet I heard the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. 10And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11And he said to me, O Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for to you I am now sent. And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 12Then he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come for your words’ sake. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, look, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I have come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days. 15And when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute. 16And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength. 17For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, nor was there breath left in me. 18Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me. 19And he said, O man greatly beloved, do not fear: peace be to you, be strong, indeed, be strong. And when he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me. 20Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? and now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go out, look, the prince of Greece shall come. 21But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince.