Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-02-15


Astarte had been received In Babylon
With the enthusiasm which is always felt
for beautiful princess who has been un-
fortunate. The city was at that time
more tranquil the Prince of Hlrcania had
been killed In one of his battles. The
Babylonans were victorious, and now de.
Clared that Astaite should marry him
whom they would choose for their soyer-
tipn. 1t was not intended that the chief
place Of the world-that of the husband of
Aslate aHd the king Of Babylon-should
defend upon intfigues and cabals. The
people desired iOr their king the wlsest
snl the most valiant of men. A grand
amptheatro was built few leagues from
the city, and lists prepared in which the
a,Ylianis TO the throne were TO prove their
bravery and skill In arms. Each eomba.-
AIT, as he arrived at the ampitheatre, had
a separate apartment prepared for him
where he could be seen by no one. In the
Trial they were each TO break four lances.
Those who should be SO fortunate as TO
yanquish four opponents must again com.
bal against each other, and hu who should
remain master Of the field should be pro-
claimed the victor In this trial. He must
iheu return, four days afterward, and ex-
plain the engmas proposed by the magls.
II he could not explain the enigmns he was
not 10 be king, aud II would be necessary
10 re-commerce the trial by arms, I'LL a
man should be found who could succeed in
both these tests; for 1t was felt to be alb.
sOlutely necessary that a new king thus
chosen from the ltoIle should be both pre-
tmnsntly wise and brave The Princess,
during this time, was to remain strictly
guarded. She was only to be permitted TO
y, side at the jousts, covered with vel,
but she would not be suffered TO speak to
any OF the pretenders, that there might be
no favor and no injutice.
All this Astaite, by her messenger, made
her lover TO know, hoping that he would
prove himself biayer and wiser than all
oilers. He hastcned towards Babylon,
praying the gods TO fortify his cjurage
aHd enlghten his intelligence. He arrived
Al the river Euphrates upon the evening
Of the great day, and inscribed his device
amoDg u ose Of the other combatanls, con-
scaling bis Yisage and his name, as the law
ordained and then went to repose himself
In the apartment which was chosen fol
him by lot. His friend CadOr, who had
rttufned TO Baby Ion after yainly searching
for Zadig in Egypt, sent to this lodge 3
suit Of arlnor which the Princess had
chosen for her lover, ard also very beau
tiul horse provided by Cador himself
zadig recognized his friend and his be
loved In these presents, and his courage
ncsiyed new force fiom his love and graft
tnde.
The morning came, the princess wa
seated In her place under canopy decor
a'ed with precious stones, and the amphi
theatre was filled with all the ladies ant
oil the orders Of Babylon. Finally tn
eombatants appeared in the arena. an'
each went to present his device at the fee
Of TIE grand magi. There were all sort
o. deyices, among which Zadig's was IN
last.
The first who advanced was a very ricl
lord named Itobad, excessively vain, b.
no means courageous, very awk yard an'
stupid ns we'll. His domestles had per
shaded him that such man as he, hn'
lhe light 10 be kingi he had answered
Ihem. ut is true II man ike me ough
10 reign Thus be appeared, armed eap
a,plei his armor was of gold enamelle
with green, his plumes were green, an
bis lance was ornamtnted, with green rib
bons. Any one could perceive FROM III
manner 10 which ltObad managed bis hors
lh't he was not the man for whom heave
opponent who ran q course against hir
alAarmed him. The second tilted hir
pAck upon the Group of his horse, his leg
IN lhe air and his arms extended. ltoba
20 himself back into kis seat but with S
" grace that the whole amphitheatI
laughed. The third who took turn wit
nlni did not delgn to strike him with b
lance, but, feigning to make pass at hi
lr caught him by the right leg, and by
uemi turn, laid him sprawling upon u
sand. The sqnires of the lists ran TO hin
Mnnghlng, and set him again In the saddl
ihe fourth combatant took him by the le
Wg and made him fall on the other sid
ne was conducted, with hurrahs, 10 b
tent where he was TO pass the night as u
NV ordained, and walking with pain m
e'meulty, he calculated; "What thing
happen TO a man like me-"
me others who appeared In the lis
acquitted themselves much better. son
l"uqulshed two opponents In succession
several went so far as TO overcome threl
Sgt only the prince Otame succeeded
" afming or unhorsing four chevalier
llg bad bis turn the last. He oven eau
Iour IN succession with more grace ~
vase Than had yet been seen it then !
ulAlned to be seen whether Otame or Zad
snould be the yanquisher. The form
eSlS arms of blue and gold, with plum
VI Tue same cOlors. Those of Zadig We
vile The interest of all was divided
rSetn the blue aud the white knighl
lne princess IAstarte, with palpitati
nnysIi' made prayers 10 heaven for t
Inc two champions rode their court
~ well and with such agility, they "a
sun mighty blows with their lanees, IN
@re so firm upon their seats, that eve
O"e' saving the princess, wished ii We
s'iole 70 have two kings Of Baby!e
= last thlir horses being wearied a
HslT lances splintered, Zadig ended /
muat by wonderful feat of addrel
~ ~ passed behind his rival, sprang up
W, Group Of his horse, caught him by
'1ule OF the body, threw him to ear
Nu seating himself In the empty sadd
eaheoled around the Blue Prince extenC
vi The ground. The amphithQatre ra
"na cries in honor of the victory Of
FlNe cheYalier