The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-10-10

sion, each making oath to execute
blindly the orders of Semiramis.
When the ceremony was finished the
king made her his compliment, and
asked her how she managed to 90
through it with so much maiesterial
air.
whilst they were promising to
obey me- said Semiramis, q was
thinking what | should command
each of them to do. | have but one
day of power, and | will employ it
WE'LL
The king laughed at this reply.
Semiramis appeared more pigUante
and amlablc than ever. 'Let us see,'
said he, 'how you will continue your
part. BY what orders will you be-
gimp
'Lct the Secretary of the king APP
proach my thronc,' said Semiramis,
with loud voice.
Secretary approached-two slaves
placed little table before him.
'Write,' said Semiramis, HUndcr
penalty of death, the Governor of the
citadel of Babylon is ordered to yield
up the command of the citadel to
him who shall bear this ORDER Fold
this order, seal it with the kings
seal, and give it to me. Write now,
'Under penalty of death, the COVER.
nor of the slaves of the palace is or
dered to resign the command of the
slaves into the hands of the person
who shall present to him this order.
Fold, seal it with the kings seal,
and deliver to me this decree. Write
again, Under penalty of death, the
general of the army cncamped under
the walls of Babylon is ordered to
resign the command of the army to
him who shall be the bearer of this
order Fold, seal, and deliver to
me this decree
She took the three orders thus
dictated, and put them in her bosom.
The court was struck with conster-
nation; the king himself was sur
prised.
'Listen,' said Semiramis. In two
hours hence let all the officers of
state come and offer me presents, as
Is the custom on the accession of
new princes, and let a festival be
prepared for this evening. Now let
all depart. Let my faithful Minus
alone remain. Ihave to consult him
upon affairs of state
When all the rest had gone out
'lou scc,' said Scmiramis, that |
know how to play the Queen
Minus laughed.
'My beautiful queen said he, you
play your part with establishment.
But If your servant may dare ques-
ton you, what would you do with
the orders you have Dictated
q should be no longer queen, were
| obliged to give an account of my
actions. Nevertheless, this was nv
motive. | have vengeance to cx-
ecute against the three officers whom
these orders menace
Nengeancc--and wherefore p
'The first, the governor of the cit
adel, is onc-eyed, and frightens me
every time meet him; the second,
the chief of the slaves, hate, be-
cause he threatens me with rivals
the third, the general of the army,
deprlyes me too often of your COM
pany; you are constantly in the
camp
This reply, in which caprice and
llattcry were mingled, enchanted
Minus.
Good said he, laughing. 'IIcre
are the three first officers of the en-
pirc dismissed for very sufficient
reasons
The gentlemen Of the court now
came to present their gifts to the
queen. Some gave precious stones
others of a lower rank, flowers and
fruits; and the slaves having nothing
to give, gave nothing but homage.
Among these last, there were three
young brothers, who had come from
the Caucasus with Scmiramis, and
had rescued the caravan in which
the women were, from an enormous
tiger.-Whcn they passed before the
throne
And you,' said she to the three
brothers, 'havc you no present to
make to your queen p
mo other replied the first, 10
pre-, 'than my life to defend her.
None other,' replied the second,
Artoban, 'than my sabre against her
enemies
None othcr,' replied the third,
Assar, than the respect and admi-
ration which her presence inspires
Slaves said Semiramis, sit is YOU
who have made me the most valua-
bic presents of the whole court, and
| will not be ungratcful. You who
have offered me your sword against
my enemies, take this order carry
it to the general of the army en-