Isaac
Newton, Upon
the prophecies of Daniel.
Chap. IV. Of the vision of the four beasts
The head of the image
was of Gold;
and signifies the nations
of Babylonia, who reigned first,
as
Daniel himself interprets :
"Thou
are this head of gold," said he to Nebuchadnezzar. ...
The breast and arms of the image
were of Silver;
and represent the Persians,
who reigned next.
The belly and thighs of the image
were of Brass;
and represent the Greeks,
who, under the dominion of Alexander the Great,
conquered the Persians,
and reigned next after them.
The legs
were of Iron;
and represent the Romans,
who reigned next after the Greeks