Des Arc citizen., 1866-04-21
A Noble Example.

l We are indebted to the New Orleans Cres- cent for the following extract from the lec- ture of Hon. Chas. Gayarre on ''0ath, Armis- | tices and Rebellion"
 1 Some centuries ago, two kings were con | tending for the crown of Castile. forget | their names at present, but to facilitate the 1 telling of my story, shall call one Alfonso, and the other John. Alfonso proclaimed that John was usurper and rebel, and John re- turned the compliment. Well, John at last defeated his rival, horse and foot, and carried | everything triumphantly before him with the exception of a single town, which Alfonso had entrusted to stout old knight called Aguilar, impregnable. sYou have done enough for honor" said king John to the knight one day, sssurrender, and you shall have the most lib- eral terms" eff you had read the history of your country" answered Aguilar, ''you would have known that none ofmy race never capit- ulated." "I'll starve you, proud and obstinate fool. ."-sStarye the eagle, if you can." sI will put you and the whole garrison to the sword" "Try," was the laconic reply, and the siege went on One morning as the rising sun was beginning to gild it with it's rays, the highest towers of the beleagured city, par ley sounded from the camp of the enemy. The old knight appeared on the wall, and looked down upon the king below. "Surren- der" said John again, ssmy rival, Alfonso is dead, and the whole of Castile recognizes my sway as that of it's legitimate soyereign.' "Sir, believe you, but must see my dead master" ssGo, then, to Seville, to where his body lies; you may have my royal word that l shall attempt nothing against you on your way, nor against the city in your absence" The knight came out with banner flying, and small escort of grim visaged warriors. Be- hind him the gates closed; before him the dense battalions of the enemy opened their ranks, and as he passed along slowly, riding the noble war-horse, shouts of admiration burst wide and far from the whole host who had so often witnessed his deeds of valor, and the echoes of the loud and enthusiastic greet ing 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 for eign sovereign. He had it opened, and after gazing awhile with moist eyes at the pale face which met his look, he thus addressed the dead monarch:
 s'Sr, had sworn to never deliver to any body but yourself the keys of the town which you had entrusted to my care. Here they are. have kept my oath"
 He deposited them on the breast of King Alfonso; then, bestriding his good steed, he galloped back to his post. As soon as he ap- preached, again the ranks of the enemy open ed, and King John confronted him.
 ssAre you satisfied, and do you now give up the contest? ?"
 s'Yes, sire"
 ''Where are the keys of the town?o
 ssOn King Alfonso's breast; go and get them; we meet no more."
 ssBy heaven, we shall never part, exclaimed 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.
 sIIe is no longer one" said King John. "Such rebels, when won, become the best of subjects
 Had the honor of approaching the Presi- dent, would take the liberty of saying to him: Follow this example, respected sir. Trust without fear those men who have fought to the last for the cause they loved, and which claimed their fidelity. Trust those ''rebels'' who come to you with clean hands, after hay ing deposited the keys of their loyalty on the dead body of the Confederacy.