8 But Daniel
purposed in his heart that he would not defile
himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor
with the wine which he drank: therefore he
requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he
might not defile himself.
9 Now God had
brought Daniel into favour and tender love with
the prince of the eunuchs.
10 And the
prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear
my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat
and your drink: for why should he see your faces
worse liking than the children which are
of your sort? then shall ye make me
endanger my head to the king.
11 Then said
Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs
had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah,
12 Prove thy
servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them
give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our
countenances be looked upon before thee, and the
countenance of the children that eat of the
portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest,
deal with thy servants.
14 So he
consented to them in this matter, and proved
them ten days.
15 And at the
end of ten days their countenances appeared
fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children
which did eat the portion of the king's meat.