Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-04-08

I" Be content" answered Basilius, " and
reproach me not if in my duty as a monarch
| have merged the feelings of a father This
night, by my command, will the Baron Clo-
tald give to my son drink mysefprepar-
ed, which will hold him in profound slum-
Der long enough to be removed by rapid sta
ges hither. AT his awakening he shall find
himself king If he demean himself WISE
ly and well, | will place him on the throne
at once, for years and sorrow have so wea-
ried me that ] need repose. But if Sigis-
mund show himself unjust and tyrannical-
in short, unworthy to reign, he shall again
be thrown into sleep and conveyed back to
his lonely castle, so that when he awakes he
shall imagine his brief royalty but dream.
SO shall the recollection prove to him no
source of bitterness"
All were satisfied with this, and the king
gave the order necessary to provide for the
waking of the prince.
The scheme was Immediately put into ex-
ecution. Clotald himself drugged the wine,
which was drunk by the unsuspecting Sigis-
mund.
A strain of heavenly music awakened the
bout him in amazement Instead ofthe gray
walls of his chamber in the castle, he found
himself in a spacious and splendid apart
ment, the walls covered with rich slken la
pestry, and golden censers emitting perfumes
that floated in light clouds through the air.
Instead of the rude couch on which he usu-
ally reposed, and the coarse garments he had
thrown off at night, he was reclining on
luxurious cushions of silk and suit of lin
en- and velvet, richly adorned with Jewels,
gold and pearls, was awaiting his use.
The prince sprang up, rubbing his eyes,
and looked around him. There was no end
to wonders. cam l not Sigismund 2" he
asked aloud, as if doubling the sound of his
voice, " or what is the meaning of this :"
As he spoke, several attendants came in
to the chamber bearing costly garments and
articles of luxury wine and other refresh
ments. They sauted him as King of Po-
land, helped to array him in the royal appa-
rel, and waited upon him assiduously Sig
ismund heard and observed all in utter as
constituent. 81 King of Poland 2" he
asked, when he recovered himself little.
A courtier here advanced, and with low
obeisance, asked if it would please his high
ness to go into the hall of audience to re-
ceve the homage of the mobiles of the
kingdom. Sigismund assented, and assum-
ed the air of real dignity as he entered the
hall, where he took his seat upon the throne,
and with majesty truly royal received the
submission of the grandees.
{" am, then, king p he said to himself;
though how it happens is to me mystery.
Since it is SO, will reign as beseems king"
Then looking round the circle of grave and
dignifed men, he espied at little distance
youth dressed in variety of colors, with
a cap and bells on his head. Sigismund
asked who this was. The figure came in
stantly forward, and with grotesque bow,
announced himself as the kings most trusty
counsellor. His speech was delivered in
manner so comical, that the prince laughed
immoderately.
"Come nearer, my prime fellow" he
cried, "and seat myself on the steps of my
throne. | am better pleased with thee than
any / see here, and will have thee always
with me-"
One of the mobiles here ventured to re-
mark that it was unkingly and unwise to
prefer the society of fool to that of sensi-
BILE men. Sigismund redeemed, for his con-
science smote him; but he answered angri-
ly-" 1t is far more unwise for courtier to
dare reprove his sovereign unasked, even
were the king in fault Wherefore have
| my fool if my learned men demeam them
selves thus foolishly Z"
The noble retired disconnected, and the
whole council wondered at the keen and
ready wit of the prince, thus prompt to de-
fend himself even in error
The Duke of Moskau here entered the
hall and courteously saluted the prince, con-
graduating him on his accession to the throne,
while he announced himself as his cousin.
"That may be !" answered Sigismund,
gruffly, for he was vexed that the duke had
not uncovered his head like all the rest.
The duke replied-"I expected kinder
answer, cousin, to my greeting"
If my answer does not please you," re-
torted the prince, 81 the next time you shall
have it,"
King" whispered the jester, "be not
severe with him; it is the Duke of Moskau,
a powerful prince"
:" am king, and greater than he" an
swered Sigismund, proudly and he dares
to salute me without uncovering his head"
My liege," again interposed the courtier
who had before spoken, this right belongs
to him as the prince of an independent
country, and therefore your equal"
Thunder % exclaimed Sigsmund; he
who contradlcts me again shall be thrust
out of the window Sir fool, what is your
name p
"Clarin, my lord" answered the jester.
The beautiful Faniska here entered to
pay her respects to the new sovereign. Sig
ismund, who had never before seen a woman,
exclaimed-" Oh, Clarin, what is that heav-
emily creature"
"That is your cousin Faniska, gracious
: king" replied the jester,
f Sigsmnnd leaped from his throne and at
tempted to embrace the princess, Faniska,
frightened and blushing, took refuge behind
the Duke of Moskau, who, repeling the
prince, said, grayely-" Cousin, it does not
beseem you to behave in such a forward
manner. You offend the princess"
"You-you offend me p cried Sigismund
, in rage, "Out of my way this instant
and never appear in my presence again, OF
you may lose your head, hat and all p
l my lord, you must moderate your pas,
sion," said the nobleman aforementioned
Lord Ivan is free prince and your equal
, | nc I ohsarvad already -