Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-07-04
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Jov1N1AN THE PROUD EMPEROR.

world was IN the nanuS OF the loIu OF NOME, 10
vinian was Emperor. Oft as he lay on his couch,
and unused upon his power and his wealth, his i
heart was elated beyond measure, and he said
within himself Verify, there is no other god
than me-
It happened one morning after he had thus sand
unto himself, that the Emperor arose, and sum-
moning his huntsmen and his friends, fastened
to chase the wild deer of the forest. The chase
was long and swift and the sun was high in the
Heavens. when Joyinian refined up his horse on
the bank of a clear bright stream that ran thro'
the fertile country on which his palace stood Al
ured by the refreshing appearance ofthe stream,
he babe his attendants abide still, whilst he sought
secluded pool beneath some willows, where he
might battle unseen.
The Emperor fastened to the pool, cast otfhs
garments, and reyeed in the refreshing GOODNESS
of the waters. But whilst he thus bathed, per-
son like to him in form, in feature, and in voice,
approached the rivers bank, arrayed himself
unperceiyed in the imperial garments, and then
sprang on Joynan's horse, and rode to meet the
huntsmen, who deceived by the likeness and the
dress, obeyed his commands, and followed their
new Emperor to the palacc-gaes
Joginian at length quilted the water, and sought
in every direction for his apparel and his horse,
but could not find them. He called aloud upon
his attendants but they heard him not, being al
ready in attendance on the false Emperor And
Jovinian regarded his nakedness and said, Mis-
cradle man that AMI to what a state am le-
duced Whittier shall go? Who willreceivo
me in this plight bethink me there is a knight
horcabout whom have adynced to great honor;
will seek him, and by bis assistance regain my
palace, and punish the person who has done me
this wrong
Naked and ashamed, Joyinian sought the gate
of the knights CASTLE and knocked loudly at the
wicket
who art thou, and what dost thou askF ask
ed the porter, without Enclosing the gate
open, open, sirrah' replied the Emperor,
with redoubled knocks on the wicket.
In the name Of wonder, friend, who artthou!
said the old porter as he opened the gate, and
saw the strange figure Of the Emperor before the
threshold
Who am T. askest thou, silrah? | am thy
Emperor Go tell thy master, Joynlan is at his
gate and bid him bring forth horse and some
garments, to supply those that have been de-
prived Of
Rascal rejoined the porter-'thou the EN-
pcror! Why the Emperor but just now rode up
to the castle, with all his attendants, and honored
my master by sitting with him at meat in the
great hall Thou the Emperor! a very pretty
Emperor indeed; laugh I'll tell my master what
you say, and he will soon find out whether you
arc mad, drunk or thief
The porter greatly enraged went and told his
lord how that a naked fellow stood at the gate,
calling himself the Emperor, and demanding
clothes and good secd.
Bring the fellow in, said the knight
So they brought in Joyinian, and he stood be.
fore the lord of the castle, and again declared
himself to be the Emperor Jovinian. Loud
laughed the knight to the Emperor,
What thou my lord the Emperor art mad
good fellow? Come, give him my old cloak twill
keep him from the flies
Yes, sir knight, replied Jovinian, 4 am thy
Emperor who advanced thee to great loror and
wealth, and will shortly punish thee for thy pres
ent conduct
Scoundrel? said the knight, now cnraged be-
yond all bounds, traitor, thou the Emperor; ay
of beggars and fools Why, did not my lore
bnt lately sit with mc in my hall, and taste O
my poor cheer? and did not he bid rue ride will
him to his paace-gate, whence [ am but now re-
turned? Fool, pitied thee before, now I see thy
villainy Go, turn the fellow out, and fog hin
from the castle-dtch to the riyer-side'
And the people did as the knight commanded
them. So when they ceased from Aogging thu
Emperor, he sat him down on the grass, and COY
cred lin with the tattered robe, and communcC
on his own wretchedness
ooh, my GodP said Joyinian,-Ior he nov
thought Of other gods but himself ) is it posi-
Bile that have come to such state of misery
have raised so high? And as he thus spake
he thought not of his own ingratitude to his God
through whom alone all princes reign and live
And now he brooded over vengeanee--+Ay,' SAT-
he, as he felt the sore weals on his back from
the scourging; 'ay I will beasaKsagea Be-
he next sees me, he sha
gives can also take away
the good duke, my ablest coaasBl0F,
know his sovereign, and gladly aid hiE
calamity And with these thoughts he Waal
his cloak round him, and sought tie house ]
the good duke
Jovinan knocked at the gate of the dukes pal
ace, and the porter opened the wicket, and seem
a halEnaked man, asked him why he knocked
and who he was.
Friend, replied the Emperor, 4 am Joynian
I have been robel of my clothes whilst bathing
and am now with no apparel, SAYS this ragge
cloak, and no horse; 81 ts the duke fie Empe
ror is here
The porter, more and more astonishedS Ii u
Emperors words sought hisiilaster and lei
ed Jovnan's message AZ lin
Bring in the poor nan, sad 81 aaH pe
adventure he is mad
SO they brought Jovinian unto Chi