The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-06-20
THE SILVER CUP.

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decorated for banquet. A thousand wax
! lights burned in his stately rooms, making
them bright as mid-day. Along the walls
| glowed the priceless tapestry of the Globe.
lines, and beneath the foot lay the fabrics
of Persia. Rare vases, filled with flowers,
stood on the marble stands, and their breath
went up like incense before the life-like
pictures shining in their golden frames
above. In the great hall stood immense
tables covered with delcacies from all lands
and climes. Upon the side board glittered
massive plate, and the rich glass of Muir.
ano. Music, now low and soft, now bold
and high, toated in through the open case
ment, and was answered at intervals by
tones of magic sweetness.
All was ready. The noble and gifted
poured into the gorgeous saloons. Silks
rustled, plumes waved, and jeweled embroi.
deries flashed from Genoa velvets. Court
ly 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 hundred years had mel
lowed. Proudly the duke replied; but his
brow darkened, and his cheek paled with
passion, for his son sat motionless before
his untasted cup.
Wherefore is this 81 he angrily demand.
ed. when did my first-born learn to
insult his father 90
The graceful STRIPPING sprang from his
seat, and knelt meekly before his parent.
His sunny curls fell back from his upturned
face, and his youthful countenance was
radiant with brave and generous spirit.
Father" he said. 81 last night learned
a lesson that sunk into my heart. Let me
repeat it, and then, at thy command, Twill
drain the cup. | saw laborer stand at
the door of a gay shop. He held in his
hand the earnings Of week, and his wife,
with sckly babe and two furnishing little
ones, chung to his garments and besought
him not to enter. He tore himself away,
for his thirst was strong, and, but for the
care of a stranger, his family would have
persisted.
81 went on, and, father, citizen of
noble 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 lovely, fairer than any
lady of the court, but the shadow of a sad
heart was fast falling on her beauty. l
saw her gaze around upon the desolate
splendor of her saloon, and then clash her
hands in the wild agony of despair. When
returned her husband lay helpless on
couch, and she sat weeping beside him.
Once more l pause. A carriage
stood before a palace. 1t was rich with
FURNISHED gold, and the armorial bearings
Of duke were visible in the moon beams.
| waited for its owner to aiight, but he
did not move, and he gave no orders. Soon
fully they lifted him in their arms, and
saw that some of the jewels were torn
from his mantle, and his plumed cap was
crushed and soied, as if by the pressure of
many footsteps. They bore him into the
palace, and wondered if his duchess wept
like the beautiful wife of 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 it's victims
in demon merriment. l shuddered, father,
and resolved never again to taste it, lest I,
too, should fall. But your word is law to
me. Shall drain the cup9'
"No, my son, touch it not. 1t is poison,
as thy tutor tod thee. 1t fires the brain,
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. Surprise
and admiration were on every face, and,
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 soon be forgot
ten. We have congratulated thy father
pass with the passing season. We now
congratulate him upon that best of all
possessions, son worthy of France and
of HIMSELF
The naughty courtiers bowed a glowing
assent, and each clasped the hand of the
boy. But the father took him to his heart,
and even now, among the treasured relics
of the family, is numbered that silver cup.