The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-06-30
THE EMPER0R'S CHOICE.
A Legend from History

a Legend from History.
Michael the Second lay in the sepul-
chral chapel erected by Justinian, In
Che Church of the Holy Apostles at
Constantinople. 1t was in the autumn
of 829 that this Emperor died, leaving
the throne of the Eastern Empire to his
son Theophilus.
Married at an early stage of his great
ness to Euphrosyne, daughter of Con-
stantine VI, Michael had suffered de-
gree of .obloquy which he could not
avert, in consequence of his marriage
Euphrosyne had already become nun,
when he accidentally saw her, as she was
returning from mathis, across the court
yard adjoining both convent and ehape..
From this time her image haunted him,
night and day; and when at length he
came to the throne, his first act was 10
obtain dispensatiOn from the Patriarch
for the beautiful reCluse to share it with
him. 1tA
There were those who dared murmur
against the desecration, as they termed
it, and the sovereign's life was embit-
tered, and perhaps his death hastened
by the reports that often reached him of
the disapproval of his subjects. Euphro-
syne, however, made as exemplary an
Empress as she lad been irreproachable
as nun, and nourned her husbands
death With as true a grief as if she had
never abiured the world. All her re-
manning affections Centered in her son,
Theophilus, who assembled the throne
when his father died, in October, S29
To please the fastidious taste that
characterized the new Emperor, and,
perhaps, to guard him against the temp
tatiOn-Of invading the sacred precints of
the cloister for wife, the Empress az
Sembled all the most beautiful and
graceful among the maidens of Constan-
tinOple to a tete in her own private
apartments. Previous to their coming
she informed him Of her object, and de-
sired him to select new empress from
smong the the many fair and high-born
maideps who would grace it.
Perhaps it was only a whim that
prompted his quick answer; but he
eventually carried it out, in a way that
accorded with his quaint and quiet
humor. Selling an apple of pure go d
from among the costly ornaments of his
mothers cabinet. he said, "Look, moth
erl L will openly present this apple to
the maiden who most shall meet nay APP
probation in your circle, this evening;
and that maiden, whoever she may be,
shall share with me the throne.
The Empress approved, and they sep
arated, to meet again-when she saorud
be surrounded by the flower of beauty
and grace in her own apartment.
awFHs# = *
The evening shades were deepening
into darkness, when a young and very
beautiful girl, dress with fairy light
ness and taste, stood before the massive
steel mirror which gave back her dashlng
eyes and. crimson checks. She was
T9bed in long, trailing garment of
transparent silver tissue, looped up at
one side with knot of white fiOwe S
Theshoulders were partially bare, and
the short sleeve was gathered up by
single spray of delicate lilies Across
the bosom the robe was drawn int9
graceful folds, parting in the center,
and decorated with flowers. The lair
was braided iEto heavy knot at the
back of the head, and wreath of tiny
green leaves encircled the knot. Except
the flowers, there was no decoration.
All was in the strictest simplicity, but
an air of indeseribable elegance and
r fnement peryaded her who appear
ance.
AS she estepped from before the Large
mirror she met the eyes OF a young
mau, bearing strong family resemblance
to her, fixing themselves earnestly and
admiringly upon her.
e You will go with mt, Justus?' she
asked, as he approached her.
If it il your pleasure, 1heodOra, +"
was the reply, g / am only too haCpY to
attend you" He bent toward her and
whispered. g IL 1 could but know that
might hope for your presence al
: yvavs-s3 9.t -
ifHush. JustusP said she; eI think
YOU must remember that the subject is
forbidden IS one likely to destroy the
bonds Of friendship between u.s. : 4. 80
"And is Friendship all that | must
hope forT' he asked -
FAllp she replied. Methinks it is
aagreat boon, the true and pure friend
ship which have heard described. Pc.
sides, are you not my own relative?-
1earer than any save q brotber2 Sisters
children we are, Justus." And she laid
her white hand upon his arm with sis.
terly freedom that disarmed him of all
resentment toward her. You will goT
she asked again.
Yes; Ihe0doFa~-and as a brother
only, if that Is all you can desire me TO
be to you. But shall make a sorry at.
endant.'
The two passed out together, and Just
as they were about to enter the quantity
decorated Greekchariot, another chario',
with wild, Prancing horses, nearly run
against them.
That is Eikasiz's carriage" said
Theodore, when her .momentary fright
was over. Did you observe what
beautiful thing it isF'