Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-03-03
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Silver Cup.
by NJ. e.

-
The palace Of the Duke de Montre was de-
corated for a banquet. A thousand wax
lights burned in its stately rooms. making it
bright as midday. Along the walls glowed
the priceless tapestry of the Gobelins, and
beneath the foot lay the fabrics of Persia
Rare vases filled with flowers stood on the
marble-standS, and their breath went up like
incense before the lile-like pictures shrined
in their golden frames above. In the great
hall stood immense tables covered with deli
cacics from all lands and climes. Upon the
side board glitteTed massive plate, and the
rich glass of Murano. Music, now low and
soft, now bold and high, floated in through
the open easement, and was answered at in
~tervals by tones OF magic sweetness.
All was ready. The noble and gifted pour
ed into the gorgeous saloons. Silks rustled,
plumes waved, and ~jewelled embroideries
flashed from Genoa ~velvets. Courtly con-
CALCULATIONS fell from every lip, for the Duke
de Montre had made a new step in the path
to power. Wit sparkled, the laugh went
round, and his guest pledged him in wine
that a hundred years had mellowed. Proud
ly the duke replied but his brow darken-
ed, and his cheek paled with passion, for
his Son sat motionless before his untasted
cup.
Wherefore is this = he angrily demanded.
'When did my first born learn TO insult his
faiher!'
The graceful STRIPPING sprang from his
seat, and knelt meekly before his parent
His sunny curls fell back from his upturned
face, and his youthful countenance was radi-
ant with a brave and generous spirit.
Father he said, Il last night learned a
lesson that sunk into my heart. Let me re-
peat it, and then, at thy command, | will
drain the cup. | saw a laborer stand at the
door Of a gay shop. He held in his hands
the earnings of a week, and his wife, with a
sickly babe. and two furnishing little ones,
chung to his garments, and b~esought him not
to enter. He tore himself away, for his
thirst was strong, and but for the care Of a
stranger, his family would have persisted.
we went on, and, Father, a citizen of no.
BILE air and majestic form descended the wide
steps of his fine mansion. His wife put back
the curtains, and watched him eagerly and
wishiully as he rode away. She was very,
very lovely, fairer than any lady of the court,
but the shadow of a sad heart was fast fall
ling on her beauty. We saw her gaze
around upon the desolate splendor of her sa-
loon, and then clasp her hands in the wild
agony of despair. When we returned, her
husband lay helpless on a couch, and she sat
weeping beside him.
Once more we paused. A carriage stop
ped before the palace. 1t was rich with
FURNISHED gold, and the armorial bearings Of
a duke were visible in the moonbeams. We
waited for its owner to alight, but he did not
move, and he gave no orders. Soon the SER
wants came crowding out. Sorrowfully they
lifted him in their arms, and | saw that some
Of the jewels were torn from his mantle, and
his plumed cap was crushed and soiled, as
if by the pressure Of many footsteps. They
bore him into the palace, and | wondered il
his duchess wept like the beautiful wife OIL
the citizen.
'As | looked on all this, my tutor told me
that it was the work of the red Wine, which
leaps gaily up and laughs over its victims, II
demon merriment. | shuddered father, anC
resolved never again to taste it, lest | to,
should fall. But your word is law 10 me-
Shall | drain the cup!
The duke looked wonderingly upon hi
first born, and then, placing his hand grave
ly, yet fondly upon his head, answered,
NO, my Son, touch it not. 1t is poiso.
as thy tutor told thee. 1t fires the brain
darkens the intellect, destroys the soul. Pu
it away from thee, and so thou shalt grow
up wise and good, a blessing to myself an
to thy country
He glanced around the circle. Surpris
and admiration were on every face, and, me-
we'd by the same impulse, all arose, Will
one of their number spoke.
Thou hast done nobly, boy he said, ian
thy rebuke shall not soon be forgotten. w
have congratulated thy father upon the a.
QUESTION of honors which may pass with II
passing season. We now congratulate hi
upon that best of all possession, a son " ortt
OF France and of HIMSELF
The naughty c~ourtiers bowed a CLOWN
assent, and each clasped the hand of the BIO
But the father took him to his heart, al
even now, among the treasured relics of Il
family is numbered that silver cup.-Chr,
fan jVatchman.