The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-08-15

finished, the King made her his compli-
aged to go through with it with so grave
and majestical an air.
"While they were promising to obey
me-" said Semiramis, 81 was thinking
what should command each of them to
do. have but one day of power and l
will employ it WELL"
The King laughed at this reply. Sem
iramis appeared more piqua'ate and anna
bic than ever.
''Let US see," said Minus, chow will
you continue your part. By what orders
will you begin?'
Let the secretary of the King approach
my throne" said SemiramIs, IN a loud
voice.
The secretary approached, two slaves
placed little table before him.
.'Write,' said Semramis: .sUnder pen
atty of death, the governor of the citadel
of Babylon, is ordered TO yield up the
command of the citadel to him who shall
bear him this order Fold this order
seal it with the Kings seal, and deliver to
me this decree. Write now, Under pen
atty Of death, the governor of the slaves
of the palace is ordered to resign the
command of the slaves into the hands of
the person who shall present to him lhis
order Fold it, seal it with the Kings
seal, and deliver TO me this decree. Write
again, Under penalty of death, the gene
raj of the army encampcd under the walls
Of Babylon, is ordered to resign the com
mand of the army to him who shall be
the bearer Of this order Fold, seal and
deliver this decree to me-"
She took the three orders thus Dictated
and put them in her bosom. The whole
court was truck with CONSERVATION; the
king himself was surprised.
"Listen," said Semiramis. "In two
hours hence let all the officers of State
come and offer me presents, as it is the
custom on the occasion of a new princess,
and let festival be prepared for this even
ing. Now let all depart. Let my faith
ful servant Minus alone remain. | have
to consult with him on affairs of State"
When all the rest was gone out-s'Y ou
see," said Semiramis, 81 know how to play
the queen"
Minus laughed.
My beautiful queen,'' said he, "you
play your part to astonishment, But if
your servant may dare to question you,
what would you with the orders you have
dIctated?'
81 should be no longer queen, were
obliged to give account of my actions.-
Nevertheless this was my motive. | have
vengeance to execute against the three
officers, whom these orders menace"
vengeance, and wherefore?"
"The first, governor of the citdael, is
one eyed, and frightens me every time
see him; the second, the chief of the slaves
hate because he threatens me with rivals
the third. the general of the army, deprives
me too often of your company; you are
constantly in the camp"
The reply, IN which caprice and flattery
were mingled, enchanted Minus.
Good said he laughing. "Here are
the three first officers OF the empire dis
missed for very sufficient reasons
The gentlemen of the court now came
to present their gifts to the queen. Some
gave precious stones, others of lower
rank, flowers and fruits, and the slaves
having nothing to give, gave nothing
Among these last were three young broth
ers, who had come from the Caucasus
with Semiramis and had rescued the car
avan, in which the women were, from an
enormous tiger. When they passed the
throne.
land you," said she to the three bro tn
ers, shave you no present to make TO your
queen?"
"No other,'' replied the first, Zophire,
''than my life to defend you
mo other" replied the second, Arta-
ban, "than my sabre against your ene-
mics"
"No other," replied the third, Assar,
''than the respect and admiration which
her presence inspires
Slaves said Semiramis, SIT is you
who have made me the most valuable
present of the whole court, and | will not
be ungrateful. You who have offered me
your sword against my enemies, take
this order, and carry it 10 the gen.
eral of the army encamped under the
walks of Babylon, give 1t to him, and see
what he will do for you. You who have
offered me your life for my defence, take
this order to the governor of the citadel,
and see what he will do for you. And
you, who offered me the respect and ad
miration which my presence inspires,
take this order to the commandant of
the palace, and see what will be the re-
suit"
Never had Semiramis displayed so much
gaiety, so much folly and so much grace,
and never was Minus so captivated. Nor
were her charms lessened in his ewes,