Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1850-07-12

carry it to the general of the army
encamped Under the walls of Baby
lon, give it to him, and see what he
will do for you. You have offered
me pour life for my defence, take
this order TO the governor of the cit
adel, and see what he will do for
you. And you, who offer me the
respect and admiration which my
presence inspires, take this order to
the commandant of the palace, and
see what will be the result"
Never had Semiramis displayed
SO much gayety, SO much folly, and
so much grace, and never was Nj
nus SO captivated. Nor were her
charms lessened in his eyes, when a
slave, not having properly executed
an insignificant order, she comman-
ded his head to be struck off, which
was Immediately done.
Without bestowing a thought on
this trivial matter, Minus still contin-
ucd to converse with Semiramis till
the evening and the .fete arrived
Whtn she entered the saloon which
had been prepared for the occasion,
a slave brought her a plate in which
was the head of the decapitated
euhuch.
It's well," said she, after having
examined it. "Place it on stake in
the court of the palace, that all may
see it, and be you there on the spot
to proclaim to every one, that the
man to whom this head belonged
lived three hours ago, but that having
disobeyed my will, his head was sep
arated from his body"
The .fete was magnificent; s,,mp-
tuous banquet was prepared in the
gardens, and Semiramis received the
homage of all with a grace and ma
iesty perfectly regal She continually
turned to and convcrsed with Minus,
rendering him the most distinguished
honor. You are," said she, ga for
eign king come to visit me in my pal
ace; l must make your visit agree
able to you.'
Shortly after, the banquet was
served. Semiramis confounded and
reversed all ranks. Minus was placed
at the bottom of the table. He was
the first to laugh at this caprice: and
the court, following his example, al
lowed themselves to be placed, with
out murmuring, according to the will
OF the queen. She seated near her.
self the three brothers from the Cau-
casus;
Are my orders executed" she de-
mandcd of them.
Yes" they replied.
The .fete was very gay. A slave
having, by the force of habit, served
the king first, Semiramis had him
beaten with rods. His cries mingled
with the laughter of the guests
Every one was inclined to merriment.
1t was comedy, in which each play
ed his part. Toward the end of the
repast, when wine had added to the
general gayety, Semiramis rose from
her elevated seat, and said-"My
lords, the treasurer of the empire has
read me list of those who this morn
ing have brought me their gifts of
congratulation on my joyful acces-
sion to. the throne. One grandee
alone of the court has failed to bring
his gift"
WHO is ita" cried Minus. "IIe
must be punished severely"
,"lt is you yourself, my lord-you
who speak. What have YOU given
the queen this morning7"
Minus rose, and came with a smil-
ing countenance to whisper some-
thing in the ear of the queen. "Tbe
queen is lnsulted by her servant" ex-
claimed Semiramis.
III embrace your knees to obtain
my pardon, Pardon me, heantifnl
queen" said he, "pardon me-" And
he added, in lower tone, II would
that this .tete were finished"
"You wish, then, that | should alb
dicate" said Semiramis. But no
have still two hours to reign;' and
at the same time she withdrew her
hand, which the king was covering
with kisses. 81 pardon not" said
she, IN loud voice, "such an insult
on the part of slave. Slave, pre.
pare thyself to de-"
SILLY child that thou art" said Nj,
nus, still on his knees: "yet | give
way to thy folly; but patience, thy
reign will soon be over.n
."You will not, then, be hangry,"
SAID she, in whisper, sat something
lam going to order at this moment
mo" said he.
Slaves" said she aloud, "seize
this man-that Minus.