Litchfield enquirer., 1848-02-10
MlSCIEII
THE SILVER CUP.
BH M. G. WHEELER.


 them bright as midday. Along the wall. glowed the princely tapestries of the Gobe' eins, and beneath the feet lay the fabrics o Persia. Rare vases filled with flowers stood cn the marble stands, and their breath went mp like incense before the life>like pictures ',finedin their goldSs frames. above. h she great hall stood Immense tables cover ed with delicacies from all lands and eli me Upon the sideboard glii,ered massive plate. and the rich glass of Marano. Mu> sic, nowlow and soft, now bold and high, aOaiedin through the open easement, and was answered atintervals by tones of mag ic sweetness.
 All was ready. The noble and gifted poured into the gorgeous saloons. Silks rus,led, plumes waved, aud jewelsd embroi- deries nashed from GenoaEvelvets. Courtly congratulations fell from every lip, for the Duke de Montre had made a new step in the path ,opower. sparkled, the laugh went around, and his guests plesed him in wine that hundred years had meTlowed. Proudly the duke replied-but his brow dar- kened, and his cheek paled with passion, for his son sat motionless before his unta sied cup.
 Wherefore is this p he angrily demand ed. 'sWhen did my first. born learn 10 in snlt his father?"
 The graceful suipling sprang from his seat, and kneit meekly before his pareat- His sunny curls fell back ffom his uptarned face, and his youthful countenancc was ra> diant with brave and generous spirit.
 "Father,' he said, last night learned a lesson that sank into my heart Let me repeat it, and then. at thy command. l will drain the cup. Isaw laborer stand at the door of gay shop. He held in his hand the earnings of a week, and his wife. with a Eickly babe and the two furnishing little ones, clang to his garments, and besought him not to enter. He tore himself away. for his thirst was strong, and but for the care oc a stranger, his family wOald have per- ished.
 "Wc went on, and, farther. 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 wishfully 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 splendof of her saloon, and thea clasp her hands in the wild agony of despair. When we re- turned her husband fay helpless on couch and she sat weeping beside him.
 "Once more we paused. A carriage stopped before a palace. It was rich with furnished gold. and the armorial bearings of duke were visibs ln the mooabea ms We waited for it's owner to alight, but hs did not move, and he gave so orders. Soon the servants came crowding out. Sorrow fully they lifted him in their arms. and saw that some of the jewels were torn from his mantle, and his piumed cap was crush ed and soiled. as if by the pressure of many footsteps. They bore him into the palace, and wondered if his duchess wept like tho beautiful wife of the citizen.
 "As I looked on all this, my tutor tolt me that it was the work of the red wine which leaps gaily up, and laughs over it' victims, in demon merriment. shudder ed, father, and resolved never again to tasl' it, les, I too should fall. But your word i law to me. Shall drain the cup?'
 The duke looked wonderingly upon hi first born, and then placing his hand grave ly yet foAdly upon his head, answered |" NJ, my son. touch it not. It is poison as thy tutor told thee. It fires the brain darkness the intellect, destroys the sonl.- Put it away from thee, and so thou shaI grow up wise and good. blessing to thy self and to thy country"
 He glanced around the circle. Surpris and admiral tiOn were On every face, an' moved by the same impalse, ali arose whi: one of their number spoke. .... ...r q
 "Thou hast done nobly, bey,' he sa'' and thy rsbuke shall not soon be iorgotte' We have congratulated thy father upon tn acquisition of hon0rs which may pass wit the heeting season. We now congIatula him apon that best of all possessions, a SC worthy of France and of himself"
 The naughty courtiers bowed glo"'n assent. and each clasped the hand of tt boy. Bat the father took him to his hear and even now, among tbe treasured resi' of the family is numbered that silver cup