Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-04-05
l-177l7-1l77 - -
Are Rebels to be Trusted.


We take the following from late lee
ture on "0aths, Armistices and Rebel
lions, ;" by the Hon. James Gayarre, Of
New Orleans, delivered in that city
Some centuries ago, two kings were
contending for the crown Of CASTLE. |
forget their names for the present, but. to
facilitate me telling my story, shall call
one Alphonso and the other John. Al
phonso proclaimed, of course, that John
was usurper, and a rebel, and John re-
turned the compliment Well, John at
last defeated his rival, horse and foot,
and carries everything triumphantly be-
fore him with the exception of single
town, which Alphonso had entrusted to
stout old knight, called Aguilar, and
which, after a long siege, still remained
impregnable :,
"You have done enough for honor"
said king John, one day TO the knight,
surrender and you shall have the most
liberal terms"
IF you read the history of your coun-
try answered Aguilar, you would have
knowa that none of my race ever capt.
ulated
II will starve you, proud and obstinate
fool"
"Starye the eagle if you can.
Il 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 be-
s,ln do thab tnb-
est towers Of the beleagured city, par
ley 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, Alphonso, is dead, and the whole of
CASTLE recognize my sway as that Of its
Legitimate sovereign.
go, then, to Seville, where his body
lies. You have my royal word that |
shall attempt nothing against You on
your way or against the city in your abb
sence.
The knight came out with banner fly
ing and small escort of grim-visaged
warriors. Behind him the gates closed
before him the dense battslions 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
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 former 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; Sire, | had sworn
never to deliver to any body but yourself
the keys of the town which you had en-
trusted to my care. Here they are; |
have kept my oath, and he deposited
them on the breast of King Alphonso.
Then, bestriding his good steed, he gal
loped back to his post. II
As soon as he approached, again the
ranks of the enemy opened, and King
John confronted him.
Are you satisfied, and do you now
give up the contest 2
Yes, sire. /
Where are the keys of the town? p /
"On King Alfonsos breast Go and
get them. We meet no more"
"By heaven we shall never part J. ex-
claimed the King. Get the keys back
yourself, and remain in command Of the
town in my name" Il
The followers of the King murmured,
and complained of his rewarding rebel.
He is no longer one" said King
John. Such rebels, when won, become
the best of subjects.
Had the honor of approaching the
President, | would take the liberty of
saying to him: Follow this example, re-
spected sir. Trust, without fear, those
men who have fought to the last for the
cause which they loved, and which
claimed their fidelity. Trust those reb-
els who come to you with clean hands,
after having deposited the keys of their
loyalty on the dead body of the Southern