The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-07-13
THE YER CU P .
BY NJ. G. SLEEPER.


The Palace of the Duke de Montre was decor.
ated for banquet, A thousand wax lights burn
ed in its stately rooms, making them as bright as
mid day Among the walls glowed the priceless
tapestry of the Gobelns, 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 lite-lke
pictures shrned in their frames above. In the
great hall stood immense tables covered with del.
icacies from all lands and climes Upon the SIDE
board glittered massive plate, and the rich glass
o. Murano. Music, now low and soft, now high
and bold, hoated in through 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, pumes
waved, and jeweled embroideres flashed from
Genoa velvet. Courtly congratulations fell from
every lip, for the Duke de Montre had made
new step in the path TO power. Wit sparkled, the
laugh went round, and his guests pledged him in
wine that hundred years had meowed. Proud.
ly the Duke replied but his brow darkened and
his cheek paled with passion, for his sou sat mo-
tioness before his untasted cup.
Wherefore is this? he angrily demanded
When did my first born learn to insult his faith
err 2
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 radiant with brave
and generous spirit.
Father he said, Il last night learned lesson
that sunk deep in my heart. Let me repeat it,
and then at thy command, | will drain the cup.
saw aborer stand at the door OF gay shop.
He held in his hand the earnings OF week, and
his wife, with slcky babe and two lamishing lit
tie ones, chung TO his garments, and besought
n poff IN ante Ha for lie
thirst was strong,and but for the care Of srang.
er, his family would have persisted
eve went on, and father, 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 wistiully as he rode
away. She was very,very lovely ,farer than any
lady of the court, but the shadow of sad heart
was fast falling on her beauty. We saw her gaze
around upon the desolate spendor of her saloon,
and then clasp her hands in the wild agony OF
despair. When we returned, her husband lay
helpless or couch, and she sat weeping beside
him.
'Once more we paused. A 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 gave no
orders. Soon the servants came crowding out
Sorrowuly they lifted him in their arms, and
saw that some OF the Jewels were torn OIL his
mantle, and his plumed cap was torn and soiled,
as if by the pressure of many footsteps They
bore him into the palace, and | wondered If his
duchess wept like the beautiful wife OF the ciu-
zen.
CAS- looked on all this, my tutor told me that
it was the work of the red wine, which leaps
gaily up aud laughs over its victims, in demon
merriment. | shuddered father, and resolved
never again to taste it, lest too should fall But
your word is law to me. Shall drain the cup"
The duke looked wonderngly upon his first
born, and then placing his hand gTavely, yet
ondly 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 shalt thou grow up wise aud good,
blessing to myself and to thy country
He glanced around the circle. Surprise and
admiration were on every face, and moved by
the same impulse, all arose while one of the num-
Der spoke:
Thou hast done nobly, boy he said, sand thy
rebuke shall not soon be forgotten. We have
congratulated your father upon the passing
son. We now congratulate him upon that best
of all possessions, son worthy of France, and of
himself
The naughty courtiers bowed glowing assent
and each clasped the hand OF the boy. But the
father took him to his heart, and even now, among
the treasured relics of the family is numbered
that silver cup. Christian Watchman.