Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-05-03
Che Obio 3tatesnra,r
THE POISONED CUP.
An Incident in the Life of Henry VII.
BY MARY GRACE HLLPINE.
BY MARY GRACE HALPINE.

upon hls sword, for his life had been attempted
more than once. But he smiled Of this careless
fear, as bis eyes fell upon the slight form of
the intruder, with her sweet youthful face
The young girl advanced with tiuid yet
graceful step, and SAT down upon one knee.
G"What do you seek, my ohild" said the
king, looking with paternal kindnessupon the
face, which, with all its softness and delicscy
Of ton tour, had high and daring look.
81 crave no boon sir," returned the maiden,
obeying the motions Of bis hand, and rising to
her feet--"at least Lot now. I have come
to warn you of O plot against your life.
"Ha! what mean you2" exclaimed Henry In
alarm, his countenance darkening with the
suspicious that were ever ready to spring up in
his heart.
~ will tell you. Bat first swear by the cross
upon your sword, that If you find my words true
you will give me the life shall ask of you"
~ swear," eaid the king. hurriedly, raising
tho jeweled hilt Of bis sword to bis lips as he
spoke, "Now, go o."
"You dine In state To. morrow, with the Duke
of BedfordW
"That was our intention. But surely his
grace, our good uncle, has rot turned traitor to
his king7"
"Not to my knowledge, eire, yet il is there
that death lies In wait for you! Listen to me-
and mark my words well. In the banquet hall
you will observe among the servitors O man,
tall, broadchested, and strong of limb, and with
a look and bearing ill-beftting his garb and
station. Uoless weary Of life, drink rot of the
cup he will present you Neither forget the
promise you made to her who has risked more
than life in saving yours"
And before the king could recover from bis
astouishment, che was gone.
The entertainment given by the Duke of
Bedford to his royal nephew was pr epared with
all the eplendor and magnifcence due to his
own rank and the character OF his own illustrious
guest. A tournament and various Of the fan
taetic masquerades much in vogue at that time,
we're produced expressly for the kings amuse.
ment.
At their close the doors OF the banquet hall
were thrown open, and, to the inspiring strains
of music, King Henry entered, followed by the
Duke, come others OF the royal family, and o
long retinue of resainers.
The table ran nearly the whole length of the
wide and lofty hall, and was covered with eve
ry variety of the substantial dishes of the time
and age. .r,.,.,..a ...-..,
With oil the demonstrations of respect paid
to royalty, the king was escorted t. his seat,
which was on slight elevation. Upon his
right sat his host, upon his left sat the Earl of
Derby; the rest were seated according to their
atatitn, tho loWest In rank taking the lowest
place.
King Hem y, whose counteuance had worn all
the morning gloomy, difquieted air, glanced
were arranged at regular intervale. He started
as bis eye fell upon sialwsrt man, who bore
10 his bTawny hands gilded salver, upon which
was a silver cup.
"Who 10 that, Lord Duke7" he exclaimed.
"By'r lady but he Look more used to handling
the lance than that bit Of gilded metal"
know not your majesty" returned the
Duke. "He is stranger, who, for the day,
takes the place of my faithful butler Hubert,
who is sick"
Just at this instant the man approached them.
According to custom, he presented the cup he
bore, and which was filled with a compound
of milk, honeywine and spices, then held in
much repute, to the Duke, who gave 1t with his
own hands to the king.
Henry took the cup, and keeping his eyes fx-
ed steadily upon the mans countensnce raised 1t
slowly to his lips. Only keen observer could
have detected the gleam of triumph that ehot
from beneath the dropping lashes, but it was not
unnoticed by him. Removing the cup, he turn
ed his eyes full upon hls host, eaying:
from our hand, as token OF our gratitude for
the faithful and jealous service you have rem
dered us?"
The Dukes face flushed with gratifed pride;
for, to be thus publicly served by his sovereign,
and with such kind and gracious words, was
high distinction.
"Wi,h many thanks, my liege," be eald, tax
ing the cup, as he spoke. "God save King
Henry"
Unsuspicious of evil, he could have drained
1t at drsught had not the king, whose coun.
tenance instantly cleared, laid his hand upon
bis arm. .t
"Nay, my good uncle, your willingness to
oblige US is enough.'
"It is our royal pleaSure," he added, that the
bearer of this cup shall drink of IL to the con.
fusion Of the enemies of our crown and person!'
As Henry said this, be fixed his eyes keenly
upon the conteDance of heservitor, who, dur
ing this conversation, bad been vsinly striving
to conceal his increasing agitation.
He turned slightly pale as the king pushed
the cup toward him. Nevertheless, he said in
clear, steady voice:
81 pray your majesty to excuse mo. have
made VOW that no wine shall pass my lips un-
| Gil my own wrongs be righted."
els that thy reason?" said the king with
significant smile. 1--WE shall see Here,
Eric" he added, Offering the cup to large
greyhound that was coached at his feet.
The leng smoota tongue of the noble animal
had scarcely Tapped the last drop than he fell
lifeless upon the floor.
| King Henry sprang to his feet.
"Treason" he shouted, bringing hia clenched
hand down heavily upon the table, and glancing
with flashing eyes around upon the astonlshed
courtlers, VINO, following his axsmple, arose and
stood looking at ach other In terror and dismay.
81 trust that your majesty will bear Witness"
said the Duke, In an sgitated voice, shat I
would have drank OF the cup, had you permit
ted me-" ntht hEJ
al would that the hearts of all present were
as loyal az thinen said Henry, laying his hand
kindly upon the Dukes shoulder. "Yet well
do krow," he added, glsncing darkly around
.thRt yonder knave has q master at whose bid
ding he has done this. Away With him! II
he reveals the name OF his instigator, he may
find mercy at our hands. II he refuses, he diel
at the break of day.
During this scene, slight female figure hat
been vainly striving to force her way through
the body Of armed men, who, fearful Of further
treachery, had gathered around the king.
An foon as Henry observed her, he bade then
etand back, and beckoned her to approach.
With pale cheek and unsteady step the younl
girl obeyed, and throwing herself al his ieet
clssped his knees.
"Riae, fair maiden," exclaimed Henry; "thi
posture III BELTS the preserver Of England