The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-03-06
THE POISONED FLOWER
An Incident i'm tine Life of One of
the Early Kings Of France.

the Early Kings Of France.
5aa e af au
There are various traditions as to the
origin of the Golden Lilly upon the
shield of France Among these is the
Following incident, said to have occurred
In the latter part of the eleventh century
Iduring the reign of Philip Augustus.
The Prince was only fifteen when he
aseended the throne; but the strong hand
with which he seized the reigns of Gov
Eernment, aWing the turbulent mobiles, and
protecting the common people against
their aggressions-soon convinced them
that hewa not to be despised for his
youth.
T Though by this course he greatly en-
deared himself to the mass Of his sub
jects, his life was more than once threat
ened, and even attempted; but these plots
invariably originated ameng the naughty
mobiles, who were restive under restraints
imposed upon them by the kings strong
arm, and his just and kindly heart.
In the summer of the seventh year of
his reign, weary of the cares of State,
Philip retired with his court to his royal
residence at Chaumont, which was fa-
yorite resort to him. 9Leqia =
Among his train was Jeoffrey, Count
de Neville, the natural son of Louis VT,
the kings half brother. He was mild
and inotfensive man, apparently well con-
tented with the title and estate conferred
by the late king upon his mother, and
which he had inherited upon her death,
but, unfortunately, he married naughty,
ambitious woman, who was but lily in
clined to forego her claims to royalty.
At the death of Louis, she openly as
serted that there had been secret marri-
age between him and the late.Countess de
Neville, and upon the head of her son
should rest the crown of France, he being
the elder born, urged her husband to as
sert his claims. But this the Count re-
fused to do, being lifted by nature to
take part requiring more than usual
energy and ability, besides entertaining
too strong an affection for the young king,
who had. treated him with unusual kind
ness, to seek to deprive him of his right
ful inheritance $50
IF Philip heard of the pretensions
which the Countess set forth, he manifes-
ted no outward token of displeasure or
distrust. On the contrary, be gave his
brother many evidences of regard, ap-
porting him to honorary Offices near his
person, although he took care that they
were such that they conferred but very
little power.
This was new source Of grievance to
the naughty Countess, who never relin-
pushed the idea Of becoming a Queen,
and who had fondly imagined that, on
account of Philips youth, his brother
would obtain such strong ascendency
over his mind as would make him King
in reality, if not in name 1as3 ei 30
This disappointment was felt with in
creased bitterness when she became the
mother oil a son,in whom she centered all
her ambitious hopes, and all the love she
was capable of feeling for any one.
Unlike our modern fine ladies, the
danes of high degree of that remote. pc
riod, were early risers; and the Countess
de Neville often took long rides on horse
back before the dew was off the grass ,un-
attended, except by her groom, who kept
at a respectful distance, just near enough
to be within call, should his lady require
assistance. -
One morning, she paused in front of a
little cottage, situated in perfect will
derness of bloom. As an involuntary
ejaculation of surprise and admiration es-
capped her lips, a pretty, intelligent look
ing girl raised .her bright eyes from the
rosebush she was pruning. aoitggis go
81 have some handsomer within. ar.
ranged in boquets," she said smiling, ''if
madam would like to examine them"
Throwing the reins of her horse to her
attendant, the Countess alighted much to
the surprise of the servitor, who had new
er known his naughty mistress to be gull
ty of SO much condescension before. :
"All or any of them are at your SER
vice with the exception of this, ,"she said
pointing to one composed of golden Ill
lies and white roses. and relieved by a
few leaves of green; it is for the King.
$50 King Philip buys thy flowers, p.et-
ty maiden?'' ~ssaeEEslsfs
"Yes, madame; l have orders to- bring
them to the palace daily. The golden
lilly is his favorite flower; and there are
only those in bloom day." a
II will take this said the Countess,
selecting one of the boquets, and taking
from her purse gold piece of more than
double the value, "but first bring me a