The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-04-30
The Silver Cuu.

@AO 6-ANOE SAPs
The palace of the Duke de Montre was
decorated for banquet. a thousand wax
lights burned in its stately rooms making
them bright as midday. Along the walls
glowed the priceless Tapestry of the Gobe.
lines, and beneath the foot lay the fabrics
of Persia. Rare vases, filed with flowers,
stood on the marble stands, and their
breath went up ike incense before the life
like pictures shining in their golden frames
above. In the great hall stood immense
tables covered with delicacies from ali
lands and climes Upon the side-board
glittered massive plate, and the rich glass
OF Murano. Music. now low and soft,
now bold and high, hoated in through the
opened easement, and was answered at
intervals by tones of magic sweetness.
All was ready. The noble aud gifted
poured into the gorgeous salons. Silks
rustled, planes waved, ssand jeweiod-
broideries flashed from Genoa velvets.-
Courtly congratulations fell from every
lip. for the Duke de Montre had made
new step in the path to power. Wit
sparkled, the laugh went round and his
guests pledged him in wine that a hund-
red years had melloWed. Proudly the
duke replied but his brow darkened, and
his cheek Paled with passion, for his son
sat motionless before his untasted cup.
"4Kherefore is this ?'' he angrily de-
msnded. "When did my frst-born learn
to insult his father?"
The graceful stripping sprang from his
seat, and knslt meekly before his parent.
His sunny curls fell back from his upturn-
ed face, and his youthful countenance was
radiant with brave and generous spirit.
Father" he said, 81 last night learned
lesson that sunk into my heart. Let
me repeat it, and then, at thy command,
/ will drain the cup. saw laborer
stand at the door of gay shop. He held
in his hand the earnings Of week, and
his wife, with ackly babe and two fam
ishing little ones, clung to his garments
and besOught him not to enter. He tore
himself away, for his thirst was strong,
and, bnt for the care of q stranger, his
family would have persisted.
81 went on, and, father, citizen of no.
BILE air and majestic form descended the
wide steps Of his fine mansion. His wife
put back the curtains, and watched him
eagerly and wistfully as he rode away.
She was very, very lonely, fairer than any
lady of the court, but the shadow of a
sad heart was fast falling on her beauty.
We saw her gaze around upon the DESC
late splendor of her salon, and then
clasp her hands in the wild agony of des-
pair. When we returned her husband Law
helpless on couch, and she sat weeping
beside him.
"Once more we paused. A carriage
stood before palace. 1t was rich with
FURNISHED gold, and the armorial bearings
of duke were visible in tho moon
beams. We waited for its owner to alight,
but he did not move, and he gave no or
ders. Soon the servants came croWding
out sorrowfully they lifted him In their
arms, and l saw that some of the Jewels
were torn from his mantle, and his plumed
cap was crushed and soiled, as if by the
pressure of many footsteps. They bore
him into the palace, and l wondered if his
duchess Tept like the beautiful wife oi
the citizen.
GAS looked on all this, my tutor told
me it was the work Of the red wine, which
leaps gaily up and laughs over its victims
in demon merriment. l shuddered, father
and resolved nsver again to taste it, lest
1, too, should fall. But your word is law
to me. Shall drain the cup"
"No, my son, touch it not It is poison
as thy tutor told thee. 1t fires the'krain
weakens the intellect, destroys the soul
Put it away from thee, and SO thou shalt
grow up wise and good, blessing to thy
self and to thy country"
He glanced around the circle. Sur.
prise and admiration were on every face
ana, moved by the same impulse, all arose
while one of their number spoke.
''Thou hast done nobly, boy" he said
"and thy rebuke shall not be soon forgot.
ten. We have congratulated thy fsthel
upon the acquisition of honors which may
pass with the passing season. We nov
congratulate him upon that best Of al
possessions, son worthy of France ano
of himself"
The naughty courtiers bowed a glowing
assent, and each clasped the hand of the
boy. But the father took him to hi
heart, and even now, among the treasured
relics of the family, is numbered that sill
yer cup.