For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul;\par\tab The mighty gather themselves together against me:\par\tab Not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Jehovah.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, {\i say} all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
They have prepared a net for my steps;\par\tab My soul is bowed down:\par\tab They have digged a pit before me;\par\tab They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. {\i Selah
They have gaped upon me with their mouth;\par\tab They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully:\par\tab They gather themselves together against me.