The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-03-04
TIE POISONED CUP.
The silken arras of King Henr

The monarch started, and placed his
hand upon his sword, for his life had
been attempted more than once. But he
snied at this 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 sank down upon
lnue knee. '..E.
"What do you seek, my child p said
the king, looking with paterual kindness
upon the face, which, with all its soft
ness and delicacy of contour, had high
and daring look.
Il crave nc boon, SIRE" returned the
maiden. obeying the motions of his hand,
and rising to her feet-''at least, not now
have come to warn you of plot against
your life. H.EE.-.
"Ha! what mean you?" exclaimed
Henry, in alarm, his countenaace dark
eniDg With the suspicious that were ever
ready to spring upin bis heart.
Il will tell you. But 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"
Il swear" said the king, burried'y,
raising the jewelled hilt OF his sword to
his lips as he spoke. Now, go on"
You dine in state tomorrow, with the
Duke Of Bedford y
That was our intention. But surely
his grace, our good uncle, has not turned
traitor to his king?
Not to my knowledge, sire, yet it Is
there that death lies in wait you List
Ell to NE, aud mark my words well In
the banquet hall you will observe among
the servitors a man, tall, broad chested,
and strong of hmb aud with look and
beariug lI-befttiug his garb and station.
/ Unless weary Of life, drink not OF the cup
he will present you! Neither forget the
promise you made to her, who has rlsked
more than life III saving yours.
| Aud before the king could recover
.fuu his astouishuent, she was gone.
The entertainment given by the Duke
of Bedford to his royal nephew was pre-
pared with all the spleudor and magnIfl-
cence due TO his own rank aud the char
acter of his iIlustrouS guest. A tourna-
mont. aud various Of the fantastic ulao
qucrades much in vogue 1T the time,
were produced expressly for the king :
amusement
At their close the doors Of the ban.
quet hall were thrown open, and, to the
inspiring strains Of music, King Henry
entered. followed by the duke, some 9th.
ers Of the royal family, aud long retlnue
ot retainers
The table ran nearly the whole length
Of the vice and lofty hall, and was COW
cred with every variety of the substantial
dishes OF the time and age
WITH all the demonstrations Of respect
paid to ro, ,alty, the king was escorted to
his seat, which was on slight elevation.
Upon his right sat his host; upon his
left the Earl of Derby: the rest wee
seated according TO their station, the low
eSr IN rank taking the lowest place.
King Henry, whose countenaDce had
worn all the morning gloomy, dIoquleted
air, glanced sharply around the hall,
where tie serving-nen were ranged at
regular lnterSals BE started as his eye
fell upon tall, stalwart man, who bore
in his brawny hands gilded salver, up
oD which was a silver cup.
"Who is that, my lord duke ?" he ex
claimed. "By'r lady! but he looks more
used to handling the lance than that bit
of gilded metal y
Il know not 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 present
ed the cap he bore, and which was filled
with a com pound of milk, honey, wine
and spices, then held IN much repute, to
the duke, who gave it with his own hands
to the king.
Henry took the cup, and keeping his
eyes Fixed steadily upon the mans coun
tenance raised it slowly to his lips. On
ly keen observer could have detected
the CLEAN of triumph that shot from be,
meath the dropping lashes, but it was not
unnoticed by him. Removing the cup,
he turned his eyes full upon his host, say
ing:
"Wlll it please your grace to receive
this from our hand, as token of our
gratitude for the faithful and Jealous SER
vice you have rendered usT'
The dukes face flushed with gratifed
pride; for, to be thus publicly served by
his sovereign, and with such kind aud
gracious werds, was high distinction.
with many thanks, my liege." he said,
taking the cup, as he spoke. "God save