Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1852-03-12
The Three Maxims.

"Ah, well, mon brave" said his officer, $50
you are about to leave us--to exchange the
life of soldier for that of citizen. Now, as
the career will be somewhat novel to you, my
esteem and friendship, which you have won by
your bravery and conduct, prompt me to offer
you little advice before parting; and If you
will submit to the conditions OF that advice
without at present seeking to divine their mo
tive, you will never have cause to regret hav-
ing followed my counsel. What money have
you about you"
"Only three louis dor Captain, and a few
francs to defray the expenses Of my journey"
"Very weil-glve Inc the three louis dor,
and will give you three maxiins for your gul-
dance"
"'rhe state of my finances renders that rath-
er a dear bargain," sald the soldier; "never-
the ess, as wisdom is more precious than gold,
and in order to prove to you the confidence
which |, in common with the rest of my com
rades repose i'll YOU, consent to it " And the
soldier handed the three louis dor-all his for
tune-to the Captain.
"Very good" said the Captain; "now, my
friend, listen to, rccoect, and put in constant
practice. these three maXlms: Keep the straight
road; never meddle in the affairs OF others I;
and postpone your anger to the morrow. In
the mean time, await me here few moments" "
The old soldier remained pensive'y leaning
on his musket and somew what repentant OF his
bargain. keep the straight road never med
die IN the affairs Of others-and postpone your
anger to the morrow--very wise, assuredly, and
very well worth three lOuis dor; only 1t Is
rather unfortunate that that sum should happen
to be ,he whole Of my fortune"
! In few minutes the Captain returned, and
placed small loaf of bread IN the hands OF the
soldier. exactng from him promise that he
would not cut it until that moment arrived
which he should consider the happlest OF ms
. life. The embracing each other with that SIN
crritv and affection winch characterize all
Frenchmen and old companions III arms, they
bid each other adleu.
The soldier took up his line OF march ioi
home. Having been Joined by Il compdgnon
de royuEt, toward the evening OF the same DAY
they arrived at point where the rold separated
into two branches the one wide, ahd appir'
emily cpey. turned "A little to the right; while
the other. narrow and difficult IN appearance
was the direct continuation OF the grand route
the travellers hestated for an instant, dellb
era,ing which road to follow; when the soldier
suddenly recollectlnT the hrst parting haAlII
of the Captain, said -
II keep the straight road
"And l." said his comrade, "shall choose the
easiest"
But the unfortunate traveller found that th
road so wide and easy at its entrance, termln
alcd in a gloomy forest, the haunt of wild beast
and lawess men lie paid the penalty Of h'
unwise choice that night, and on the morrow
the old soldier learned that his companion .
the preceding day mad been assassin4ted.
"Ah, mon cher CGpta;ne," thought he, You
first uaxlm. at least was not a dear one. Truly
"Wlsdom is more precious than fine gold"
The same dav he arrived at the dubcrge OF
small village; and III conver,',lon with sOm'
of the peasants. they advised bnn to visit, II
his quality OF soldier, u certain Marquis, th,
proprietor of IA ncigh5oung chateau, who made
pleasure Of dispensing the most liberal hos
plItaitv to all military men who might happei
20 pass on that road Following their advice
he was received with courtesy and poll,enes-
assured of hearty welcome, and invited TO tn
table of the nobieman.
But, wonderful to relate, in the midst OF ia,
supper, lady clothed entirely in black, witt
slow step and downcast eyes, entered and tool
her seat at the table, and thls lady. of nooIt
birth, and French WON IN, drank from II hamd'
skuH!
? The soldier however. took no notice. ap
parently, of this singular circumstance, and In
conversation proceeded as usual, without inter
ruption 1t was not that he was the less Gu
rluus to discover the meaning of this eXtraor
dlnary conduct; but the substantial bcnCr
which he derived from following the prncIpl
contained in the first maxim, caused Inn To az
preclate the second-.\e medNe in the qGdu
Of Others.
After the supper, when the lady had bee
some time absent the Marquis addressed hln
sefto the soldier, and regarding E!n tiXcdll
said
My friend, your are no ordinary man for
remarkable scene has been enacted beloi
your eyes, and yet you have not made the lea
Y remark"
"Monsigneur," responded the soldier, it
one Of my principles never to meddle with Il
I affairs of others
"Brave man" exclaimed the Marquis, 6
perceive that can trust You, and that yGn n
a man of honor unl prudence. Follow me al
you will learn the V lue ofyonr description
Taking a torch, he led the soldier by il win
ing passage to a subterraneHn vault. But, O
horror! the pale and vaclaung hight of L
hambeau was reflected on all sides by Chast
skeletons which It's chickering's seemed to +
animate and which appeared TO menace t
two visitors.
"Llsten, my friend" said the nobeman ; st
bI,ck lady whom you have seen THIS night,
the lady of the chateau, condemned to drIr
- at my table, from the skull of her lover, whC
have killed. These b nes are those of ira
ellers, who have seen precisely what you ha
seen, but have not been possessed Of your pr
dence | have satisfied their curiosity, IA
their death alone could protect me from t
consequences Your discretion has saved yo
life. And now, my friend, as a proof of {
good Judgment, accept this purse. You are
liberty to remain at the chateau as long as y
may choose, or, ifyol prefer, to continue yc
journey"
Conceive, if possible, the emotion of the
soldier. Who would wonder, If he had 4
~ night of>en repeated in his sleep, ".\euer m
A die Vith The qfIirs Of Others"
of The next morning he continued his ROT
ne and the remainder OF his journey passed 0
ts' without any further adventure Of interest,
ot.' at last arrived in sight of hs cottage, VIII
all that was most dear to his heart awaited
Vt. that heart beat quick as he placed his TOO
the threshold. Without announcing hlms
he entered but alas, what reception for
hold-oh, fruits of absence the first oh