Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-02-02
The Silver Cup.
BY II. ]. SLEEpER.

e
king them bright as midday. Along the
walls glowed the priceless tapestries OF the
Gobetins. and beneath the feet lay the
fabrics Of Persia. Rare vases filled with
flowers stood OH the marble stands. afd
their breath went up Ike incense before
the liic-likc pictures shrined in their gold
cn frames above. In the great hall stood
immense tables covered with delcacies
from all lands and climcs Upon the side
board gittered massive plate. and the rich
glass Of Marano. Music, now low and
soft, now bold aud high, hoated in thro'
the open easement, and was answered at
intervals by tones Of magic sweetness.
All was ready. The noble and gifted
poured into the gorgeous saloons. Silks
rustled, pl,,mes waved, and jeweled en-
broderics flashed from Genoa vclvets.-
Courtly congratulations fell from every
lip. for the Duke de Ncntre had made a
new step in the path TO power. Wit spar
kled, the laugh went round, and his guests
pledged him in wine that hundred years
had mel,owed. Proudly the duke replied;
but his brow darkened, and his cheek
paled with passion, for his son sat motion
less before his UNLISTED cup.
Wherefore is this,' he angrily deman-
ded When did my first born learn to in
suit his father9'
The graceful stripping sprang from his
seat, and knelt meekly before his parent
His sunny curls fell back from his upturn
ed face, and his youthful countcnance was
radiant with a brave and generous spirit
Father, he said, Il last night learned a
lesson that sunk into my heart. Let me
repeat it, and then at thy command. will
drain the cup. lsaw a laborcr stand at the
door ola gay shop. lie heldin his hand the
earnings of a week. and his wife, with
sick babe and two furnishing little ones,
chung to his garments, and bcsought him
not to enter. He tore himself away. for
of stranger, his family would have per-
ishcd.
We went on. and, father, a citizen Of
noble air and majestic form descended the
wide steps of his fine mansion. His wife
put back the curtains, and watched him
eagerly and wishtully 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 falling on her beauty. We
saw her gaze around upon the desolate
splendor of her saloon, and then clasp her
hands in the wild agony of despair
When we returned, her husband lay help
less on a coach, and she sat weeping be-
side him.
Once more we paused. 4 carriage
stopped before palace. 1t was rich with
FURNISHED gold, and the armorial bearings
Of 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 servants 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 pres
sure Of many footsteps. They bore him
into the palace, and wondered if his
duchess wept like the beautiful wife of the
citizen.
.AsI looked on all this. my tutor told
me that ii was the work of the red wine
which leaps gaily up. and laughs over its
victims, in demon merriment. | shudder-
ed, father. and resolved never again 10
taste it. lest | too should fall. But your
word is law to me- Shall drain the cupr
The duke looked wonderingly upon his
first born. and then placing his hand grave
" vet fondly upon his head, answered.
No. my son. touch it not. 1t is poison.
as thy tutor told thee. 1t fires the brain.
darkens the intellect, destroys the SOUL
Put it away from thee, and so thou shalt
grow up wise and good. blessing to thy
self and to thy country
He glanced around the circle. Sur
prise and admiration were on every face.
and. moved by the same impulse, all
rose, while one of their number spoke.
Thou hast done nobody. boy he said.
and thy rebuke shall not soon be forgot
ten. We have congratulated thy father
upon the acquisition of honors which may
pass with the fleeing season. We now
con gratulate him upon that best of all pos
sessions, a son worthy of France and of
himself
The naughty courtiers bowed glowing
assent. and each clasped the hand Of the
bow. But the father took him to his heart.
and even now, among the treasured relics
of the family is numbered that silver cup.
Ch. Waterman.