9. When I heard the sound of his voice, I fell face forward unconscious.
10. But then a hand touched me, raising me to my hands and knees.
11. “Daniel, beloved,” he said to me, “understand the words which I am speaking to you; stand up, for my mission now is to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
12. “Do not fear, Daniel,” he continued; “from the first day you made up your mind to acquire understanding and humble yourself before God, your prayer was heard. Because of it I started out,
13. but the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood in my way for twenty-one days, until finally Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia,
14. and came to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the last days; for there is yet a vision concerning those days.”
15. While he was speaking thus to me, I fell forward and kept silent.
16. Then something like a hand touched my lips; I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, I was seized with pangs at the vision and I was powerless.
17. How can my lord’s servant speak with you, my lord? For now no strength or even breath is left in me.”
18. The one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me, saying,
19. “Do not fear, beloved. Peace! Take courage and be strong.” When he spoke to me, I grew strong and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
20. “Do you know,” he asked, “why I have come to you? Soon I must fight the prince of Persia again. When I leave, the prince of Greece will come;
21. but I shall tell you what is written in the book of truth. No one supports me against these except Michael, your prince,