Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-01-04
The Magic Sickle.

Once upon time there was king, good
and just, aud beloved by his subjects. But
he had not been long seated on the throne
before his health began to fail. He cared
not to go forth from his palace, aud all its
beautiful adornments gave him no pleasure.
The feast spread before him he scarcely
tasted for al! his appetite was gone. The
king grew thin, his form wasted he had no
spirit either for work or amusement. At
last, the courtiers whispered among them
selves: "Alas alas our king is gradually
wasting away He will not long remain in
this world Many doctors were sent for
Various were the opinions which they gave
as to the cause Of the kings illness, the ma.
ture of his disease. Some persons even
limited at poison. Much medicine was
given to the king, but still he grew no better.
lie seemed at last unable to do anything but
recline on cushions, taking hardly any nour-
ishment, and finding solace in nothing but
smoking his hookah. 1t was commonly re-
ported in the city, "Our good king is going
to die" AT last very famous physician
from neighboring country was sent by its
neighboring king. The fame of this pSysi.
clan had been spread far and wide, SO nu.
merous had been the cures which he had
wrought. The physician was admitted to
the presence of the king, whom he found
pale and almost lifeless, with closed eyes,
extended on his soft couch. The physician
| felt the kings pulse, inquired into his symp-
| toms, aud then asked for twenty-four hours
| before deciding on his case. The next day
the physician returned with something
wrapped up in an embroidered cloth, and
with countenance 80 cheerful that the
hearts of all gathered hope. al I'VE you, o
physician found out any cure for my griev-
Gus sickness ?" asked the king. :" have
found something, o ruler of the world
which, by the favor of the All-merciful, may
work cure, if used with courage and perse-
verance," said the physician. al will shrink
from no remedy, however painful" cried
the king, "if only my lost health can be re-
stored" The physician slowly opened the
folds of the cloth, and behold bright
sickle, with handle of carved ivory, ap-
peared in view. The attendants looked on
in wonder, for they knew not by what magic
power a sickle could work cure. Then
said the physician, Every day. o mighty
monarch, take the sickle in your royal hand,
and descend into yon field in which | behold
corn ripening in the sunshine. Ply the sickle
with force and vigor, until the ivory handle
almost cleaves to the hand that grasps it
aud the toildrops stand on your maiesty's
| pioWs intus ICbuinlLk W luc DtldCt, utlBn
to partake Of the food which will then be
set before your majesty. Persevere in thus
using my sickle until your field be reaped !;
and If my lords health be not improved, let
his servants head be the forfeit" The sick
monarch agreed to try the virtue of the
wonderful sickle, which, when not actually
used, was by his command to be kept locked
up in sandal-wood chest. No one was to
touch one ear of corn in the little field ex-
cept the king, who hoped to gather health
from its reaping. He went forth alone on
the following morning with the wonderful
sickle, nor returned till his hand almost
clave to the ivory, and the toil-drops stood
on his brow. Bring me food, and quickly "
cried the king. al am half dead with
fatiguel" And he threw himself back on
his cushions. Food was served in silver
vessels The courtiers looked on wondering
as the king proceeded to eat it. Yester,
day." whispered one, "the dishes went
away almost as full as when they were
brought. To-day the king has almost fin
ished the pilau, and now he is busy with the
curry and rice " After plentiful meal,
the king, who was usually sleepless, fell into
long, deep slumber. When he awoke, he
observed with a smile al have not had
such sleep for many months. There must
| uo mu5iS 'h Iuo III eno Sichle' LAY Dy uay
the monarch went out to reap his corn and
bind up his sheaves, which were always
given to the poor. Day by day he returned
weary and very hungry. His step grew
firmer, his eye brighter, he was far more
cheerful and hopeful. Soon the king gave
audience to ambassadors, then felt able
again to judge the canse OF the poor in per-
son. All the dwellers in the city rejoiced to
see his returning health, all praised the
gifted physician, and sick grandees offered
the latter thousands of rupees for magic
sickes like that used by the king. When
all the corn in the little field had been
reaped by the royal hand, the monarch sent
for the physician. He loaded the doctor
with praises and costly gifts, and permitted
him to return to his own land. The won.
derful sickle was preserved amongst the
choicest treasures of the king