Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-08-07
The Yellow Domino.

IL the latter part Of the reign Of Louis XIV.
oil France, the masquerade was an entertain-
rnent in high estimation, and was often Civ
EN- at an immense cost, in court days, and
such seasons of rejoicing. As persons of all
ranks might gain admission TO these specta-
cles, provided they could afford the purchase
oi the ticket, very strange rencontres tre-
quently took place al them, and exhibitions
almost as curious, in the disguise or as
sumption Of characters. ai-.t
But perhaps the most whimsical among
the genuine surprises recorded at any Of
these spectacles, was that which occurred in
Paris, on the l5lh OF October, on the day
when the dauphin, (son of Louis XIV at
talned the age of one-and-tweny. ..,
AT this tete, which was ola peculiarly gilt
tering character-so much so that the details
OF 81 are given al great length by the iistori-
ans OF the day-the strange demeauor of a
man IN yellow domino, early in the even
ing, excited attention. This mask, who
showed nothing remarkable as to figure
though tall, rather, and Of robust proportions
seemed 10 be gifted with an appetite, not
merely past human conception, but passing
the faucies OF even romance.
.' he dragon of old, who churches ate,
He used to come on Sunday,)-
Whole congregations were to him
But dish of salmasundi,
he was but nibbler- mere fooI-to this
stranger OF the yellow domino. He passed
from chamber TO chamber-from table 10 Ia
bile OF Iefreshments-nol lasting, but devour-
Ing-devastatins al! before blm. At one
board, he despatched fowl, two-ihirtls Of a
ham, aud half dozen bottles Of champagne
and the very next moment he was found
seated in another apartment performing the
same feat, with a stomach better than at first
This strange course went on until the com
pany, (whO al first had been amused by ir)
became alarmed and tumulluous.
| Is II the same mask-or are there several
dressed alike? demanded an officer OF the
guards.
- have seen but one--and, by heavens,
here he is again, exclaimed the party 10
whom the query was addressed.
! The yellow domino spoke not a word, bur
proceeded straight to the vacant seat which
he had jnsl left, and again commenced sup
ping. as lhoug he had fasled the half Of
campaign.
Al length the confusion which this pro-
ceeding created, became universal; and the
cause reached the eur OF The dauphin. ~
He is very devil, your highness y ex-
claimed an old nobl -inan, saving your high
| ness's presence-or wants but Il tail to he so.'
Say, rather, that he should be some fam
ished poet by his appetite, replied the prince
laushiugly. But there must be some Jug
! CLING he spills all his wine, and hides his
provisions under his robe.
See here, my lordn cried one-I have
seen him do this twice /!
/ Il, lh!icep
81, five times!'
And |, fifleenn
This was TOO much. The master of the
ceremonies was questioned. Tie knew moth
ing-and The yellow domino was interrupt
ed as lie was carrying a bumper Of claret 10
his lips.
The princes desire is, that Monsieur who
wears the yellow domino should unnask
The command with which his highness
honors Monsieur is perfectly absolute
Against that which is absolute there is no
contending. The yellow man threw off his
mask and domino and proved TO be pri-
vate trooper Of the IRISH dragons a
And III the name of eiuttony my good
friend, mot TO ask how you gained adms-
sion) how have you contrved,' said the
prince, 80 sup so many times ?
| Sire, was but beginning TO sup-witl
reverence be il said when your royal mes
sage interrupted me-
Beginning! exclaimed the dauphin, in
anaZement; ',heu what is it have heard
and seen? Where are the herds of oxen
that have disappeared, and the hampers OF
Burgundy? | insist upon knowing how
this is ?
| 1t is, SIRE returned the soldier, may il
please your grace, that the troop to which |
belong is To-day on guard. We have pur-
chased one ticket among us, and provided
this yellow domino, which fits US all by
which means the whole front rank. being
myself the last man, have supped, if the
ruth must be iold at discretion !; and the
leader of the rear rank-saving your high :
ness commands-is now waiting outside the
| door 10 take his turn