Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-07-09

ject of "Oaths, Amnesties and Rebel
lion" The moral pointed out is, that
President johnson may trust without
fear those men who fought to the last for
that cause they so loved, and which
claimed their fdelity-may trust the
rebels who come to them with clean
hands. after having deposited the keys
of their loyalty on the dead body of the
Southern Confederacy.
Some centuries ago two kings were
contending for the crown of the CASTLE.
I forget their names for the present, but
TO facilitate the feeling of my story, |
shall call one John and the other Alton
so. Alfonso proclaimed, Of course, that
John was usurper, rebel, and John
returned the compliment Well, John
defeated his rival, horse and foot, and
carried everything triumphantly before
him, with The exception of a single
town, which Alfonso had entrust-
ed to stout old knight, Aguilar,
and which after a long siege still re-
mained impregnable, You have done
enough for honor" said King John one
day to the knight, surrender and you
shall have the most liberal terms =" II
you had read the history of our country,
answered Aguilar, you would have
known that our race never capitulated.
II will starve you, proud and obstinate
foolr' "Starve the eagle if you can.
II will put you and the whole garrison
to the sword" Try r. was the laconic
reply, and the siege went on. fsf
One morning, as the rising sun was
beginning to gid with its rays the high
est towers of the beleaguered city, a par
ley was sounded from the camp of The
enemy. The old knight appeared on
the wall and looked down on the King
below.
Surrender said John again, my
rival, Alfonzo, is dead, and the whole OF
CASTLE recognizes my sway as that of its
legitimate sovereign.
''Sire, l believe you; but mus see
my dead master"
go, then, in Seville, where his dead
body lies You have my royal word that
shall attempt nothing against you on
your way, nor against the city during
your absence" ~
The knight came out with banners fly
lug and small escort of grim-visaged
before them the dense battalions of the
enemy opened their ranks, and, as he
passed along, slowly riding his war horse,
shouts of admiration burst wide and far
from the whole host who had so often
| witnessed his deeds of yalor, and the
echoes of the loud and enthusiastic
greeting accompanied him until the red
plume which waved over his helmet was
| out of sight.
He arrived at Seville, and went straight
to the cathedral where he found the tomb
of his late sovereign. He opened it, and
gazing awhile with moist eyes at the pale
face which met his look, he thus ad-
dressed the dead monarch Sire, | had
sworn never to deliver TO anybody but
yourself the keys of the town which you
had entrusted to my care. Here they
are. | have kept my oath, and he de-
posted them on the breast of King Al
fonso.
Then bestriding his steed he galloped
back to his post. As soon as he ap-
preached again, the ranks of the enemy
opened, and King John confronted him.
"Well," said the King, are you salts
fed, and do you not give up the contestY
Yes, sire. Where are the keys of
the city2' "0n the King Alfonso s
breast; go and get them; we part.
"By Heaven, we shall never part, ex-
claimed the King, Get the keys back
Yourself and remain in command OF the
town in my name" The followers of
the King murmured, and complained OF
his rewarding rebel "Heis no longer
one" said King John; " such rebels,
when won, become the best of subjects. "