⁴ young men without any physical defect, handsome,^(A) showing aptitude for every kind of learning,^(B) well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language^(C) and literature of the Babylonians.^[a]

¹³ Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”^(A)

¹⁵ At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.^(A)