Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1863-05-23
THE POISONED CUP.
AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE or HENRY Wit.

ment was suddeuly thrust aside.
The. monarch started and placed his
hand upon his sword, for his life had been
attempted more than once. But he smiled
at his causeless fear, as his eyes fell upon
the slight form Of the intruder, with its
sweet youthful face.
The young girl advanced with timid
yet graceful step, and sauk down upon
one knee.
"What do you seek my child p said
the king, looking with patcrnal kindness
upon the face, which with all its sottness
and deicacy Of cou., ur, had high aud
daring look.
~ crave no boon sir" returned the
maiden. obeying the motion of bis hand,
aud rising to hes feet" at least not now.
l have come to warn you OF aplot against
your life
"Ha! what mean you?" exclaimed
Henry, in alarm, his countenance darken.
ing with the suspicious that were ever
ready to spring up in his heart.
II will tell you. Bu. frs. swear oy the
cross upon your sword, that 1t you find
the words true, you will give me the hie
TASK"
Il swear said the king hurridy, rails
ing the jewcled hilt OF his sword to his
lips as he spoke. Now 20 on
You dine in state to- morrow with the
Duke Of Bedford p
"That was our intention. But surely
his grace, our good uncle, has not turned
traitor to his klug?'
mo, to my knowledge, sir, yet it is
there that death lies in wait for you! LIS
ten to me and mark my words we'll. In
the bauque, hal! you will observe among
| the servltors q man, tall, broad chested,
| and strong of limb, with look aud bearing
i'll BETTING his garb and station. Unless
weary Of life, drink not the cup he will
present to you. Neither forget the prom
ise you made to her who has risked mere
than life in the saving Of yours
The entertainment given by the Duke OF
Bedford to his royal nephew was prepared
with ell the spleLdor and mag,a6csnce
due to his own rank and the character oi
his illustrious guest. A tournament, and
! various Of the fantastic masquerades much
in vogue at the time, were produced ex
pressly for the kings amusement.
At their close the doors of the banquet
ing hall we're thrown open, and to the
inspiring strains Of music King Henry
entered followed by the duke, some Others
Of the royal family and long retenue o
resainers
The table ran nearly the whole lengt!
Of the wide aud lofty hall, aud was coz
cred with every variety Of the substanua
d!.hes u! the age and time.
With all the demonstrations Of respec
paid TO loyalty, the king was escorted Il
his seat which was on a slight elevation
Upon his right sat his host; upon his let
the Earl of Derby the rest were sea:e'
according to their station, the lowest rahi
taking the lowest place.
King Henry, whose countenance ha
worn all the morning a gloamy. dis1u'ete
air, glanced sharply around the hall wher
the serving men were ranged At regina
intervals. He started as his eyes te'
upon a tall, stalwart man, who bore in hi
brawny hands u gold salver, upon whic'
was u silver cup.
"Who is that, ms lord duke p he ex
claimed. by r lady bu. be looks NOR
used TO handling the lance than that b
Of gilded metal.'
Il know not, your majesty" returne
the duke. lie is a stranger, who for u
day takes the place of my faithful bulls
Hubert, who is SICK
Just at this instant the man appreache
: them. According to the custom, he pre-
ssn,ed the cup he bore, which was file
with compound of milk, honey, viii
and spices, then held in much repute,
: the duke, who gave i. with his own hane
} to the king.
Henry took the cup, and keeping h
eyes fixed steadily upon the mans cou
nance raised it slowly to his lips. Only
keen observer could have detected Il
t CLEAN Of triumph that shot from benea
, the dropping lashes. but it was not unn
, ticed by him. Removing the cup,
turned his eyes full upon his host, sayinI
"Will it please your grace TO recei
this from our hand, as a token Of o
gratitude for the faithful and jealous Sc
I vice you have rendered Us
The dukes face flushed with gratif
. pride for to be thus publicly served
Q bis sovereign, and with such kind and &,
! cious words, was high distinction.
9 with many thanks, my liege.' said
f taking the cup as d, spoke. "God sa
= King Henry"
Unsuspicious of evil, he would ha
. drained it at a draught, had not the kin
g whose countenance instantly cleared, Ia
: his hand upon his arm. ..... .....
:. may, my good uncle" he said. "yo
!. willingness to oblige US is enough"
at is our royal pleasure he add
r. "tha. the bearer Of this cup shall drink
q to the confusion Of the enemies Of G
1 crown and person !"
o As Henry said this, be Gxed his ey
Q keenly upon the countenance of the ser
tor, who, during this conversation. b
been vainly striving to conceal bis
i. crensed agitation.
. He turned slightly pale a. tho ki
:, pushed the cup toward him. Neyer,i
y less, he said in clear, stcady voice: