Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1865-03-22
Out storr-J JtIItr.
THE GRAND DUKES NEW SUIT,

ONCE upon a time there was Grand
Duke so fond of new clothes that be spent
all his money on his toilet. Whenever
he reviewed his troops, whenever he went
to the theatre or for a ride, it was always
for one purpose--to show off his new
clothes. Every hour of the day he
changed his costume; and, as it is said
Of a King" He is in his council cham
ber,' it was said of him" He is in his
dressing room" The capital was an ex-
ceedingly gay city, thanks TO the num-
ber of foreigners passing through it. But
one day there likewise came two rascals
who gave themselves out for weavers, and
declared they were capable of weaving
the most magnificent cloth IN the world
Not only we're the colors and material of
extraordinary beauty, but the garments
made from this stuff possessed a marvel
Gus proporty-they became invisible to
every functionary ignorant of the require
ments of his Office, or to any one of lin
tied understanding.
These must, indeed, be invaluable
clothes, thought the Grand Duke to
himself "With them I should be en-
abled to find out the incapable members
of my Government, and readily distin-
guish the competent from the incompe-
tent. Yes this wondrous cloth is indis-
pensable to me" He then advonced a
large sum of money to the two rogues,
that they might Immediately commence
their work.
Indeed, they set up two looms, and
made pretense of busying themselves.
though in reality there was absolutely
nothing on the bobbins. They unceas-
ingIy asked for the finest of silk and the
purest of gold thread; but they placed
all that in their bag, working till mid
night at their empty looms.
"I should like to know how the labor
is progressing, said the Grand Duke to
himself But he felt his heart sink on
recollecting that persons ignorant or in
capable of fulfilling their functions were
unable to see this magic cloth. Not that
he for a moment doubted his own capacity,
yet he judged it best to send some one to
make a prior examination. The entire
inhabitants of the city we're oognizant of
the marvellous qualities of the cloth, and
all awaited impatiently the knowledge of
their neighbors' stupidity.
"I will send my good old Minister to
the weavers," thought the Grand Duke;
"none can judge better of the merits of
their work thon he, distinguished as he
is by his sense and knowledge of the re-
quirements Of the position he fills"
The honest old Minister entered the
room in which the two impostors piled
their empty looms.
Egad l'' thought he, opening wide
his eyes, 3" can see nothing. But this
be kept to himself
The two rogues invited him to draw
near and inquired Of him how be found
the design and cOlOrs.
They at the same time pointed to their
looms, and the old Munster earnestly fix
ed his gaze upon them but he saw moth
ing for the simple reason that there was
nothing to see.
"Gracious goodness r' thought he,
q am I in reality a blockhead? None
must have a suspicion of this. Can re-
ally be incapable2 I dare notavow that
the cloth is invisible to me"
"WelI, what think you ofit?' said one
ofthe weavers.
Charming most charming! !' replied
the Minister, putting on his spectacles
" This design and these eolOrs. Yes, 1