6 “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it. 7 “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared—one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had 10 horns. 8 “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn—a small one—came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things.

9 For you have already judged me worthy to be shown the end of the present age.’ 10 He said to me: ‘Here is the interpretation of your vision. 11 The eagle you saw rising from the sea represents the fourth kingdom in the vision seen by your brother Daniel. 12 But he was not given the interpretation which I am now giving you or have already given you. 13 The days are coming when the earth will be under an empire more terrible than any before. 14 It will be ruled by twelve kings, one after another. 15 The second to come to the throne will have the longest reign of all the twelve.