Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-09
NO. 1873.
From the st. Nicholas,
BORROWING TROUBLE.

More than two hundred years ago there
lived in CASTLE handsome prince and
beautiful princess, who had everything
that good human heart could have ex-
cept trouble. 1t seemed that this could
not come to them. They were young. full
Of health, and cheerful they had kind and
very wealthy parents; and, beyond all,
they could count friends who had for them
a sincere affection. which is very rare
happiness for persons of royal blood. Of
ten the princess would say:
Ferdinand, what is trouble How
does it feel? P"
And Ferdinand replied. "Alas? Isabel,
/ do not know"
''Let US ask our parents to give US some,"
pursued Isabel; "they never refuse US any,
thing"
But the King and Queen shuddered at
their request:
"No, no. dear children" they cried;
"you do not know what you ask. Pray
that these wicked wishes may vanish from
your hearts!'
But the prince and princess were not
satisfied with this answer. They applied
in secret to the most powerful courtiers.
and, to their great astonishment, met with
refusal accompanied with laugh and a
polite bow. They even had recourse to
the court jester.
"Ah, that trouble is a very precious
thing" said the jester. Zone cannot buy
it. and it is not to be had for the asking.
But you may borrow it"
A"Good" cried the delighted pair. 1--WE
shall borrow some this moment"
"But" added the jester. ''if you borrow
any, you must pay back in the same coin.'
"Alas!" sighed the prince and the
princess. "How can we, if we have no
trouble which belongs to us ?"
True That is the trouble" pronounced
the jester, as he stole away.
what did he intend those words to
mean?' said the prince. nearly out of
patience; "but we need not trouble our
selves about him,-he is only feol p
Then. in despair, the two children went
in search Of their faithful nurse. who had
been in the palace ever since their birth.
''Dear Catherine!" said they. 1--WE have
never had any trouble. The priests say it
is the common lot of mortals. Have you
had yours P"
"Oh, yes, my darlings; l have always
had more trouble than l want" replied
the old woman. sadly. shaking her head.
"Oh, oh! Give us some! Give US
some. good Catherine" eagerly ex-
claimed the prince and princess.
But Catherine lifted her hands in horror.
and tottered away, mumbling prayers.
Then the prince and princess went
down into the garden, and sat upon a
messy seat.
Nobody will give us what we have
asked for" said Isabel. ut was very
cruel"
"Yes. very cruel" replied Ferdinand,
| taking his sisters hand.
"Our parents never refused us any
thing BEFORE" resumed Isabel.
Never! !" answered Ferdinand.
"Nor the courtiers," added Isabel.
"Nor the courtiers," !" echoed Ferdinand.
"Nor our dear old NURSE" said Isabel,
| with strange feeling in her eyes.
''Nor our dear nurse"
ut is wickedness!'' ~
ut is insolence :"
at is ingratitude ~
Every great ingratitude ~
ut is crueltyr' finished Isabel, with
sobs 'and my eyes are full of tears
How do you feel, Ferdinand ?"
Every badly Isabel. l think my eyes
also are wet with tears -
Just then the chief gardener came that
way. He hastened to them.
my dear prince and princess" !" he ex-
claimed. throwing himself on his knees
before them. "You are weeping! Oh,
that those noble and beautiful children can
have trOuble!'
Trouble I" echoed Ferdinand and
Isabel. This is trouble, Carlos ?"
"Assuredly, l think so," said Carlos,
much puzzled.
Then the prince and princess arose
gaily and clapped their hands, and ran to
the palace as happy as two birds. Their
wish was gratified at last.