The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-03-29
NUMBER 1873

They entered the generals tent. Morillo, BY
| the light OF lamp burning on the table, was
reading a despatch he had just received. Two
OF his officers stood near him; there was no one
else IN the tent The brow Of the chief was
contracted; and his eyes flashed as If what he
read displeased him and he looked up with an
impatient exclamation as the officer entered with
the boy. The child, as soon as Morillo was
pointed out to him, rushed forward and knelt at
his feet.
What does this mean 2" demanded the gem
eral
"Spare him! spare my father" sobbed the
youthful supplicant.
The officer explained his relationship to one
Of the prisoners about to be executed.
"Ah that reminds me" said the chief look
ing at his watch: Pedro, nine is the hour.
Let them be punctual, and have the business
soon over.'
Again, with moving entreaties, the child be-
sought his fathers life.
"Did thy father send thee hither z" asked the
general, sternly.
emo, senior, he did not"
"And how darest thou them"
my father has done nothing to deserve DEATH"
answered the lad. He is prisoner Of war"
"Ha! who taught thee to question my justice?
answer mel"
"No one senior but brave generals do not al
ways XIII tnclr PRISONERS .sts Lex Ist835f3
Il kill whom choose" Numbered Morillo,
" and hate the French. Boy, thy father shall
die-I have said t-begone!"
The officer made silent sign to the petitioner,
to intimate that there was no hope, and that he
must BECOME. But the boys countenance sud-
denly changed He walked up to the general,
who had turned away. and placed hmaelt directly
before him, with look of calm resolution worthy
of martyr.
| .Hear me, senor," said he !" my father ID
grayheaded he Is wounded his strength is fail
ing even now, though he stands up to receive the
| fire of your men. | am young, and strong, and
well. Let them shoot me in his place, and let my
father GO free"
1t was impossible to doubt the sincerity Of this
offer, for the face of the devoted child was kndled
with holy enthusiasm. A dark flush rushed to
| the brow Of Morillo, and for moment he looked
on the boy in silence.
"Thou art willing to die" at length he said,
for thy father? Then, to suffer pain for him
will be nothing. Wilt thou lose one OF thy ears
| to save him :"
| 81 will" was the firm reply
"Lend me thy sword, Pablo - and in an in
stant at blow, the general struck off the boys
ear. The victim wept but resisted not, nor rails
| ed his hand to wipe away the streaming blood.
| $50 far good: wilt thou lose the other ear g.
| Il will to save my father!" answered the boy,
convulsively.
Morllo's eyes flashed. The heroism of child
compelled even his admiration; but unnoved
from his cruel purpose he smote off the other
| ear with his still reeking sword pt
| There was dead silence "And now, senior"
said the boy, breathing quickly, and looking up
| into the generals face.
"And now" answered Morillo, "depart. The
FATHER OF SUCH CHILD is DANGEROUS TO SPAIN |;
! HE MUST PAY THE FORFEIT OF HIS LIFE! a
/ The manned child went forth from the presence
of his inhuman foe. Presently the report of fire.
arms announced that he had witnessed the execu-
ton of his father
Must we blame the cruelty of individuals for
such enormities, or not rather the relentless
spirit of war that builds up the glory of it's heroes
ON scafoldng of death, and sacrifices daily
to the projects of ambition the prompting Of hui
mainly! f9F