Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-09-26
The Desert Island.


make one of his slaves happy. He gave
him his liberty, and caused ship to be
equipped with many valuable goods for
his use.
go" said his master to him, land sa il
with this ship to foreign country, and
all the gain which you obtain ON these
goods shall be yours"
The slave set out; but scarcely had he
got af1oat when violent storm arose,
which tossed the vessel against cliff so
violently that it became wreck. The
precious goods sank in the sea, all his
mates persisted, and he only saved Linn
self with great difficulty, by reaching the
shore of an island
Hungry, naked, and helpless, ne pro
ceeded further inland, when he perceived,
afar of, large city, out OF which a large
crowd of inhabitants came to meet him,
with enthusiastic series.
prosperity to our king" they called.
out to him, and placed him in magnifi-
cent carriage and led him to the city.
On reaching the royal palace, he was
dressed in an ermlne robe, crown was
placed on his head, and he was made to
ascend the throne. The MOBILES gathered
round him, and prostrating themselves
before him. took the oath of obedience to
the king in the name of all the people.
The new king, at first, though this
continuation Of his happiness dispersed
all doubts that the wonderful event was
really tue.
II cannot comprehend" he said to
himself, one day, "what has blinded the
eyes OF this wonderful nation to elect a
poor stranger their king, They do not
know who l am, do not question me
whence / come, but place me on the throne
What singular custom this is!
Thus he meditated and became so cur
ious to know the reason of his elevation.
that he decided to ask one Of the mobiles
who seemed, apparently, wise man, the
situation of this riddle.
"Vizier," he addressed him, "why have
your people made me king? How could
you tell that had arrived at your island?
And what will become of me at last?"
''Sire," answered the vizier, ''this island
is inhabited by strange race. They
prayed long ago that son Of Adam
might be sent to rule them. Their peti-
ton was granted, and son of Adam
lands at their island every year at the
same time. The inhabitants hasten to
him, as you have seen, and acknowledge
him as their sovereign; but his reign
does not last longer than one year. When
his time has elapsed, and the appointed
day has arrived, he is deposed from his
dignity, deprived of his royal treasures
and attired IN common clothes His
iootmen carry him by force to the shore,
and put him in wretched boat, which
conveys him to another island. This
island is desert and barren, and the per
son who was, but a few days ago, a
mighty king, arrives there empty-handed'
| and finds neither frieEdsi nor subjects.
| Nobody shares his mistortunes, and, if he
has net used his year well. he must lead a
sad and mornful life in this desolate land
After the Punishment of the old king
they go to meet the new one, whom Prov
idence sends us every year without excep-
ton, in the usual way, and receive him
with the same joy as they did the former
This sire, is the permanent statue of This
country, which no king can alter during
| his reign"
"Have my predecessors" further asked
the king. "been warned by your high
ness of this short duration of their reign9 r.
ITO none of Them answered the vizier.
twas the law of transformers unknown
but some allowed themselves to be blind
| ed by the splendor which surrounded
their throne; they forgot the sad future,
and passed their year without being wise.
| Others intoxicated themselves in the
sweetness of their happiness; they did
not dare to think of the desert island, for
| fear of embittering the delight of their
| present enjoyment; and thus they passed
| from one amusement to another, till their
| time was up and they were cast into the
ship. When the unhappy cay arrived.
they all commenced to rcproach Them
selves, and to repent of their blindness
but it was too late, an. they we're dellv-
cred, without mercy, TO the misery which
awaited them, and which they might by
prudence, have prevented"
The history of the vizier filled the king
it'll fear. He shudderel at the fate of
the former kings, and wished to escape
heir misfortune. He saw with terror
that already a few weeks had elapsed,
and that he must hasten to spend, at
least, the rest of his days usefully.
"Wise vizer," said he, "you have dis
closed to me my future fate, and the short
duration of my kingly power; but, /
pray you, tell me what have to do, if
wish to avoid the calamity of my pre-
decessors."
Remember, sire, !" answered the vizier,
6 that you came 10 our island naked, and
that you will leave in exactly the same
state, and never return. The only means
possible to avoid the danger which threat
ems you by Punishment to that island is
to make it fruitful and cause people to
settle there. This is, according to our
laws, allowed, and your subjects are so do
cilc they will go whittier you send them.
Send, also, number of laborers thither,
and let them change the desert fields in
| to fruitful ones, build cities and store
| houses, and provide them with all nee
essary vituals. In short, prepare for
yourself new kingdom. whose inhabi-
tants may receive you joyfully after your