Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1863-05-26
HE POISONED CUP.

The silkeu arras of King Henry's apart
ment was suddenly thrust aside.
The monarch started, and placed his
hand upon his sword, for his life had been
attempted more than once. But he smil-
ed at this csuseless fear, as his eyes fell
upon the slight form of the intruder, with
its sweet, youthful face.
The young girl advanced with q timid
yet graceful step, and sank down upon one
knee.
What do you seek my child? p said the
king, looking with paternal kindness upon
the face, which, with all its softness and
delicacy of tOntOur, had high and daring
look.
i crave no boon, sire,' returned the
maiden. Obeying the motion of his hand aud
rising to her feet-'at least not now. /
have come to warn you of plot against
your life.'
'Ha what mean your exclaimed Henry,
in alarm, his countenance darkening with
the suspicious that were ever ready to
spring up in his 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 l shall
ask of you
1 swear said the king, hurriedly, rails
ing the jeweled hilt of his sword to his
lips as he spoke. Now go on
You dine in state to morrow, with the
Duke of Bedford?'
That was our intention. But surely his
grace, our good uncle, has not turned trai
tor to his kiDgP
Not to my knowledge, sire, yet it is there
that death lies in wait for you Lister to
mo md rnopl rr,nrdS T. kLo -,
quet-hall you will observe among the servi-
tors man, tall, brOad.chested, and strong
of limb, and with look and bearing i'll
BETTING his garb and station. Unless
weary of like drink not of the cup he will
present you! Neither forget the promise
you made to her who has risked more man
life 10 saving yours
And before the king could recove- from
his astonishment, she was gone,
Inc err.orraInment given BY the Duke of
bUurord to his royal nephew was prepared
with all the splendor and magnifcence due
to his own rank and the character of bis
illustrious guest. A tournament and Yari-
GUS of the fanatic masquerades much in
vogue at the time, were produced expressly
for the kings amusement,
| at their close. the doors Of the banquet.
hall were thrown open, and, to the inspir-
ing strains Of music, King Henry entered
followed by the Duke, some others of the
royal family, and long retirue Of retain
ers.
The table ran nearly the whole length o:
the wide and lofty hall, and was covered
with every variety of the substantial dishes
of the time and age.
With all the demonstrations of respect
paid to royalty, the king was escorted to
bis reat, which was on o slight elevation
Upon his right sat bis host upon his left
the Earl of Derby; the rest were seated &C.
cording to their station, the lowest in rank
taking the lowest place.
King Henry, whose countenance had
worn all the morning gloomy, disquieted
air, glaDciug sharply around the hal, where
the servinR-men were ranged at regular in
tervSls. He started as bis eye fell upon a
stalwart man, who bore in his brawny
hands gilded salVer upon which was q
silver cup.
Who is that. my Lord Duke2' he ex-
claimed. 'By'r lady but he looks more
used to handling the lance than that bit of
gilded metal =
4 know not. your majesty returned the
Duke. He is stranger, who, for the day,
takes the place of my faithful butler HUI
bert, who lie 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, honey, wine and spis
ces, 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 countenance
raised il slowly 20 his lips. Only keen
observer could have detected the CLEAN Of
triumph that shot from beneath the DROPS
ing lashes, but it was not unnoticed by him
Removing the cup, he turned his eyes full
! upon his host saying:
will it please your grace to receive this
from our hand, as token of our gratitude
for the faithful and jealous service you have
rendered US 2
The Dukes face flushed with gratifed
pride; for, to be thus publicly served by bis
sovereign, and with such kind and gracious
words, vas Q high distinction.
with MANY thanks nv liara ha aaid