The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1879-09-19

secure, because her father was resolved
that her lover should be a man of learn
ing and noble heart. The prince sal
by an open easement, looking out with
hstless air, but The song riviting his
attention, he thought, why should he
not secure this lovely lady? Might not
he be the destined lover? He was a
kings son and without an equal in the
land; he would journey to the East, and
if the harpist's description prove correct
he would sue for the lady's hand The
next morning he started, and towards
evening of the seventh day obtained his
first glimpse of the beautiful maiden's
home. For moment he hesitated, then
FASTENED toward the grim old castle
As he approached, his glance fell on a
window where the maiden herself stood
looking down; the prince was filled
with admiration for the vision of lowell.
ness, and as the princess retreated from
view, the lover blew his bugle. He was
Immediately ushered into the kings
presence. His majesty graciously wei
coined the visitor, and replied to his
statement in the following words:
Prince, we are honored by the occa-
sion of your royal highness' coming.
My daughter has many suitors. All
these about me desire her hand; but |
am resolved to bestow her on a man of
learning, and not on one who depends
entirely on his title and rank for posi-
ton IN the world / will cheerfully
present the lady to your highness If
you are found TO meet these require
mentS.''
All confident of success, the prince
was far from being appalled, by the kings
singular freak; he looked upon his RI
walls with perfect uncOncern; and with
his mind full of the beauty of which he
had obtained one hasty glimpse, he i'm
patiently awaited the morrow, when the
trial of mental strength would decide the
maiden's fate. But woe to the dreams
of ambitious youth! He was weighed
in the balance-and found wanting.
Then his eyes were opened and he saw
the fiattery of his companions, and the
treachery of his instructors. His proud
spirit was touched and he retraced his
steps full of indignation. He had been
spared one inflictiOn, however: none of
the rival suitors had satisfied the king
all had been rejected. Immediately up
on arriving at his fathers palace, the
prince devoted himself to study, losing
all interest in minor court affairs, and
seldom joining the courtlers in their
pleasures. All marveled at the change
not few tried to dissuade him from his
purpose. Your highness is becoming
pale; we fear such a severe course of
study will undermine our princes
health" Another said, rs there not
some other lady as fair as this? Thou
cOuldst have any maiden in the land
why then go to a foreign country, and
kneel at the feet of a surly old king ~
One even hired an old harpist to sing
the charms of neighboring princess.
All in vain. The prince gave no heed
to the courtiers, and at the end of three
years again started for the land of the
east. Before it was with a light heart
and buoyant spirit; now it was with
calmer feelings. He did not dare to
hope for success. Might not the prize
be already won? The old king welcomed
him with hearty goodwill; no sutton
had yet obtained the princess; and the
prince again awaited the day of trial
this time with more fear and less conf
dence. And the lady-how was it with
her? She, too, waited in suspense
The next day toward evening the ia.
Their placed the daughters hand in that
of the young prince. MY daughter" he
said, "has not only secured the husband
of her choice and my choice, but this
prince has received benefit from his en-.
deavors to secure her hand A proud
selfsatisfied person will not make good
king. | am now certain that the PEG.
pie of your land will have a worthy
sovereign"
Thus the struggle was closed The
young man had not only received his
bride, but had learned to distinguish
the tiattery of the foolish from the coun
sci of the wise. But l would warn you
The courtiers OF the king still live: be
ware lest they deceive you when you
start for the land of the east to find the
princess whose name is Wisdom.