The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1866-08-08
THE POISONED FLOWER.

There are various traditions as to the
origin of the Golden Lily upon The
shield of France. Among these is the
following incident, said to have occurred
in the latter tart Of the eleventh century,
during the reign of Phillip Augustus
The Prince was only fifteen when he
aScended the throne; but the strong
hand with which ne seized the reinS Of
the Government, awing the turbulent
mobiles, and protecting the common pco
pie against their aggressions, soon con-
vinced them that he was not to be Ge
spised for his youth.
Though oy this course he greatly en-
dcared himself to the mass of his sub
ject<, his life was more than once threat
cncI, and even attempted; but these
plots invariably originated among the
haughtv mobiles. who were restve under
the restraints imposed upon them by
the Kings strong arm, and his just and
kindly heart.
In the summer Of the eleventh year
ofhiS reign, weary Of the cares Of state
Phillip retired with his court to his roy
al residence at Chanmont, which was q
favoritc resort to him.
Among his train was Geoffry, Count
de Neville, the natural son Of Louis
VII, the Kings haIfbrothcr. He was
mild and inoifen>irc man. apparent
lv we'll cOntcntcd with the title and cs
tate conferred by the late King upon
his mother, ard which he had inherited
upon her death, but unfortunately he
married Il naughty, ambitious woman
who was but lily inclined to forego her
claims to royalty.
At the death of Louis, she openly as
serted that there had been a secret mar
riage between him a@d the late Countess
de Neville, and upon the head of her
son should rest the crown Of France, he
being the eldest born, and urged her
husband to assert his claims. But this
the Count refused to do, being i'll fitted
by nature to act part requiring more
than usual energy and ability, besides
entertaining too strong an affection Tor
the young King, who had treated him
with unusual kindness, to seek to deprive
him Of his rightful inheritance.
If Phillip heard of the pretensions
which the Countess set forth, he manifes-
ted no outward token of diSpleasure or
distrust. On the contrary, he gave his
brother many evidences Of regard, ap-
pointing him to honorary Offices near his
person, although he took care that they
were such that they conferred but little
power.
This was a new source Of grievance
TO the naughty Countess, who never re-
Inouishcd the idea of becoming a
Queen, and had fondy imagined that,
on account of Phillips youth, his broth
CT would obtain such a strong ascen-
dcncy over his mind as would make him
King in reality, if not in maine.
This disappointment was felt with IN
creased bitterness when she became the
mother Of a son, in whom she ccntcred
all her ambiyous hopes, and all the love
she was capable Of feeling for one.
Unlike our modern fine ladies, the
danes Of high degree of that remote
period were early riScrs and the Count
ess de Neville often took long rides on
horseback before the dew was off the
grass, unattended except by her groom,
Who kept at respectful distance, just
near enough to be within call, should
his lady require assistance.
One morning, she paused in front Of
little cottage, situated in perfect will
derness Of bloom. As an involuntary
a;oo,,,o+;on of cDrnriSe and admiration
escaped her lips, a pretty, intelligent
looking girl raised her bright eyes from
the rose-Oush she was pruning.
81 have some handsomer within ar
ranged in boQuets," she said smiling,
IF madame would like to examine
them"
Throwing the rcins Of her horse to
her attendant, the Countess ahghted'
much to the surprise Of the servitor, who
had never known his naughty mistress
to be guilty Of so much condescenslon
before. &C.,,
As the Countess entered the little,
low room, the pretty fower-girl display
ed her beautiful collection of bouquets
with pardonable pride.
"All or any of them are at your ser,
vice, with the exception of this" she
said, pointing to one composed Of gold;
en- lilies and white roses, and relieved
by few leaves of green; lit is for the
King"
so King Phillip buys the flowers
pretty maiden,