The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-02-19

oce'sioh, slave brought her plate In
which was the head of the decaptated
eunuch.
"Iis well" said she, after having exam
ined it. "Place it on stake in the court of
the palace, that all may see II, ana De you
there on the spot to proclaim to every
one, that the one man to whom this head
belonged, lived three hours ago but that
having disobeyed my will. his head was
separated from his body"
The Jete was magnificent; sumptuous
banquet was prepared in the gardens, and
Semiramis received the homage of all pre-
sent with a grace and majesty perfectly
regal; she continually turned to and con-
versed with Minus, rendering him the most
distinguished honor "You arc," said she
"a foreign King come to visit me in my
palace, | must make your visit agreeable
to YOU"
Shortly after, the banquet was served
Simiramis confounded and reversed the
ranks. Minus was placed at the bottom
of the table. lie was the first to laugh at
this caprice ; and the court following his
example, allowed themselves to be placed,
without murmuring, according to the will
of the queen. She seated near herself the
three brothers of the Caucasus.
I" Are my orders executed Z" she de-
manded of them.
"Ies," they replied.
The tete 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 merri-
mcnt. 1t was comedy, in which each
played his part. Toward the end of the
repast, when wine had added to the gencr
al gaiety, Scmiramis rose from her elcva-
ted seat, and said-"My lords, the trcasu-
rcr of the empire has read me list
of those who this morning have
brought n.o iner gifts of congratulation
on my joyful accession to the throne
One grandec alone of the court has failed
to bring his gift"
@Who is it." cried Minus. ale must
heRpnished- severely" ...............sls,
"ftis you yourself, my Iord-you who
speak. What have you given to the queen
this morning"
Minus rose, and came with smiling
countcnance to whisper something in the
car of the queen. 1.-The queen is insult
cd by her servant" exclaimed Scmiramis.
i embrace your knees to obtain my
pardon. Pardon me, beautiful queen.n
said he "pardon me-" And he added, in
lower tone, Il would that this tete were
finished"
"You wish, then, that should abdi-
cate 7" said Semiramis. "But tno-I have
still two hours to reign :" and at the same
time she withdrew her hand; which the
king was covering with kisses. 81 par
don not" said she in a loud voice, "such
an insult on the part of slave. Slave,
prepare thyself to die! ~
"Silly child that thou art" said Minus
still on his knees, "yet give way to thy
folly; but patience, thy reign will soon be
over"
"Tou viii not then be angry" said she
in whisper, "at something am going
to order at thic moment!"
"No~ said he.
"Slaves," said she, aloud, "siezc this
man-that Minus -
Minus smiled, and put himself into the
hands of the slaves.
"Takc him out of the saloon, lead him
into the court of the seraglio, prepare eve
ry thing for his death, and wait my Or
! ies."
The slaves obeyed, and Minus followed
them, laughing, inte the court of the sera-
Clio. They passed by the head of the Gu
hoch. linen Semramis placed herself on
a balcony. Minus had suffered his hands
to be tied.
"Hasten to the fortress, Zopire; you to
the camp, Artaban; Assar, do you scare
all the S,2.es in .he palace"
These orders were given in whisper,
and executed Immediately.
Beautiful queen" said Minus, laugh
ing, "this comedy only wants its deaoue-
"'entj pray let it be prompt one"
al WILL" said Semiramis. "!SLaues,
reeoiLect The eunueh-srRIKEr
They struck Minus had hardly time
to utter cry when his head iell upon the
pavement the smile was still upon his
lips!