Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1851-09-24
MISC T. LII A n ECU S. .
THE THREE MAXINIS.

from the army, on the score of long service
and many wounds, being on the poin, of
quitting his regiment, went TO make his a.
deus to his Captain.
"Ah, well, mon brare,o said his officer,
$50 you are about to leave us-to exchange
the life of soldier for that of a citizen.-
Now, as This career will be somewhat novel
to you, my esteem and friendship which
you have won by your bravery and good
conduct, prompt me to offer you little adj
vice before parting and if you will submit
to the conditions of ,ha, advice, wilhou.
at present seeking to divine their motive,
you will never have cause to regret having
follow ed my counsel. What money have
you abou, you?''
"Only three louis dor, Captain, and a
few francs TO delray the expenses of my
Journey"
"Very well-give me the three louis dor.
and will gvie you three msxims for your
guidance"
"The state Of my finances renders that
''neverlheless, as wisdom is more precious
than gold, and in order to prove to you the
confidence which J., in common with my
comrades, repose in you, ] consent to it,"
And the soldier handed the three louis
d'or-al his for,une-.o the Cap,ain.
VERY good," said the Captain s'now,
my friend, listen TO, recollecr, and put in
constant practice, these three maxims -
KEEP THE STRAIGHT ROAD; NEVER MED
DIE IN THE AFFAIRS OF OTHERS; and
POSTPONE YOUR ANGER TO THE MORROW.
In the meantime, await me here few mo-
ments."
The soldier remained, pensively leaning
on his musket, and somewhat repen,ent Of
his bargain. "Keep the straight road
Never medde in the affairs Of olhers-and,
Postpone your anger to the morrow-very
wise, assuredly, and very we'll worth three
louis dor only ii is rather unfortunate that
that sum should happen to be the whole Of
my fortune"
In few minutes the Captain returned,
and placed small loaf of bread in the hands
| of the soldier, eXacling from him promise
| that he would not cut it until that moment
| arrived which he should consider the hap
piest moment of his life. Then embracing
each other with that sincerity and affection
which characterize all Frechmen and old
| companions in arms, they bid each other
adieu.
The soldier took up bis line Of march
for home. Having been joined by COM
pagnon de royage towards the evening Of
| The same day they arrived at pon, where
| the road separated in two branches the
one, wide and apparently easy, turned
lille to the right; while the other, narrow
and difficult in appearance, was the direct
continuation Of The grand route. The ,rav-
ellers hesiia,ed for an instant, deliberating
which road to follow when the soldier,
suddenly recollecling the frs. parting max
in Of his Captain, said
81 keep the slra gh. road.''
''And - said his comrade, "shall choose
the easest.'
But the unfortunate traveller found that
this road, so wide and easy at its entrance,
terminated in gloomy forest, the haunt Of
wild beasts and lawless men. He paid the
penalty Of his unwise choice that night, and
on the morrow the old soldier learned that
his companion Of the preceding day had
been assassinated.
"Ah, mon cher Capitaine," thought be,
"your first maxim, at least was not dear
one !-truly y.'Wisdom is more precious than
fine gold.'"
The same day, he arrived at the auberge
of a small village and in conversation with
visit, in his quality of a soldier, certain
Marquis, the proprietor of neighboring
chateau, who made pleasure Of dispensing
the most liberal hospitality TO all military
men who nigh, happen to pass on that road.
Following their advice, he was received with
courtesy and politeness assured of hearty
welcome, and invited to The table of the no.
| bleman.
But, wonderful to relate, in the midst Of
the supper, lady, clothed entirely in black,
with slow step and downcast eyes, entered
and took her seat at the table: and this lady,
| of noble birth, and Frenchwoman, drank
from human skull!
The soldier, however, took no notice ap-
parenly OF this singular circumstance, and
the conversation proceeded usual, with
out interruption. 1t was no, that he was
the less curious to discover the meaning of
this extraordinary conduct; but the sub
san,ial benefit which he had derived from
following the principle contained in the first
maxim, caused him 10 appreciate the second
-.Neuer maeddle in the affairs Of others.
After the supper, when the lady had been
some time absent, the Marquis addressed
himself TO the soldier, and regarding him
fxedy said
"My friend, you are no ordinary man
for most remarkable scene has been en-
acted before your eyes, and yet you have
| not made the least remark''
"Monsiegneur,' responded the soldier, 81.