8. Then all of the king's wise men came in. But they couldn't read the writing. They couldn't tell him what it meant.
9. So King Belshazzar became even more terrified. His face grew more pale. And his nobles were bewildered.
10. The queen heard the king and his nobles talking. So she came into the dining hall. "King Belshazzar, may you live forever!" she said. "Don't be afraid! Don't look so pale!
11. I know a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. He has understanding and wisdom and good sense just like the gods. That was discovered when your father Nebuchadnezzar was king. Nebuchadnezzar appointed him chief of those who tried to figure things out by using magic. He also put him in charge of those who studied the heavens.
12. "The man's name is Daniel. Your father called him Belteshazzar. He has a clever mind and knowledge and understanding. He is also able to tell what dreams mean. He can explain riddles and solve hard problems. Send for him. He'll tell you what the writing means."
13. So Daniel was brought to the king. The king said to him, "Are you Daniel? Are you one of the prisoners my father the king brought here from Judah?
14. I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you. I've also heard that you have understanding and good sense and special wisdom.
15. "The wise men and those who practice magic were brought to me. They were asked to read this writing and tell me what it means. But they couldn't.