The accusation continues with background about the decree: You, O king, have made a decree, that anyone who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music shall fall down and worship the golden image. The recitation of the decree's terms establishes that the youths' refusal is willful violation of an unambiguous royal command, not misunderstanding or ignorance. The repetition of the instruments list emphasizes the decree's universality and clarity; no one could claim confusion about what obedience entailed. The accusers' methodical review of the law before naming the violation follows legal procedure, giving the denunciation formal legitimacy despite its basis in vendetta.

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