Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-11-17
Gales ano Sketfbts.
WHAT WOMEN LIKE BEST.

lived a cavalier who bore the title of Sir
Robert. His worldly wealth might be said
to consist of his horse and an old suit oil
armor. But nature had lavished upon him
her choicest gifts. for in his person were
united the strength Of Hercules and the
beauty of Adonis.
As he was journeying towards Rome,
whittier he was going. not to seek laurels
10 deck the brow of warrior, but to OBJ
tain absolution and remission OF his sins.
near the entrance of a wood, on the Dor
ders Of Charenton, he met the gay and
volatile Lavinia, who, dressed in all the
simplicity Of village maiden. was re-
turning from market, laden with eggs
and bitter.
Never had Sir Robert before beheld so
lovely creature. Hastily dismounting,
..Gentle maiden said he, "my means are
scanty; have only twenty crowns, which
are deposited in my portmanteau; but my
heart and fortune are yours il worth your
acceptance"
Indeed, sir. you do me too much
honor. replied Lavinia, when the amor
Gus knight in stealing kiss from the
fair one. upset her basket and broke her
eggs. During the scufile his horse took
fright, and darted into wood, where a
monk of the order Of st. Dennis CHANGED
to find it. who without ceremony mounted
and galloped off to his convent.
Now, sir knight, give me the twenty
CROWNS" said Lavinia.
Sir Robert, embarrassed and disconcer-
ted. in vain sought his charger. lie
wished to apologize for the liberties he
had taken but excuses were of no avail
Lavinia would not relent and she carried
her complaint to Dagobert. When arrived
at the palace. and ushered into the pres
ence Of the king, she thus addressed him
..Sire," said she, IA cavalier has insulied
me, robbed me, and has made me no rep
aration."
To which the intelligent prince replied
go, maiden, and state your grievance to
my wife, Bertha, for in disposing Of such
cases she is quite an adept"
Bertha. on hearing Lavinia's complaint.
Immediately assembled her council OF dew
otees.
them, when, with dOwncast looks, he con-
fessed his guilt and expressed hope that
mercy might be shown him.
His crime was of too heinous nature
to admit of leniency, and the council,
therefore, awarded him the punishment of
death.
Sir Roberts handsome person and ele-
giant figure so far excited the compassion
OF his Judges, that they shed tears for his
pitiable condition; Lavinia sighed bitterly,
and the hearts of all present seemed to
sympaihize in his unhappy fate.
Bertha in sharing the feeling of her
council, reminded them, ''that the life of
the prisoner might be spared if he chose
TO exercise his wit; for you must be
aware" she continued, ''of the existence
of law which invests us with the power
of extending mercy to any culprit who
can tell us what woman. at all times, and
on all occasions. most desire"
This proposal being made to the knight,
he Immediately agreed to attempt its solu-
ton. Bertha in OF der TO give him fair
chance, allowed him the period of eight
days to consider of it. On his knees, he
pledged his honor to the queen to appear
before her at the expiration of the time
specified. In taking leave. he expressed
his gratitude for her lenient decree. and
sorrowfully pursued his way.
After a little cool deiberation, he said
to himself. "How to find out what women
like best and how to tell without giving
offence. know not. Surely, the queen
and her senate can be only making sport
of misfortunes. Since must die, it had
been better at once to Rave delivered me
into the hands Of the hangman."
Whenever Sir Robert happened to meet
a female. he earnestly entreated her to
tell him what she most desired. To his
numerous inquiries he received different
replies he was puzzled beyond measure !;
day and night he racked his brain to solve
the mystery. but in vain; and he at length
gave himself up to despair.
Already had seven days winged their
eagle flight. and the eighth was fast wan
ing to its close. when our disconsolate
hero. wandering unheedful of his way.
found himself at the entrance of a forest
There. on a verdant grass-plot. he be-
held troop of beautiful females dancing
in a ring he approached them with view
of seeking the solution of his question, but
in an instant they all vanished and there
remained only decrepit old bag. whose
presence he had not before observed.
Her appearance was most forbidding /;
she seemed to be without a tooth in her
head, as her nose and chin were in close
contact with each other; her complexion
WAS vi NclloWlSu nut, auu itu Iueuhl
formed border to her eyes A piece of
old carpet served her as petticoat, which
scarcely covered her wrinkled extremeties.
The sight of such a being might well in
fuse terror into the heart of our gallant
knight.
She accosted him, and in familiar tone
ofvoice thus addressed him III perceive,
my son. by your melancholy and detected
looks that you are prey to some griev-
Gus affection; make me your confidant
that may administer consolation to you.
have seen much of the world, and wis
dom is the general attendant of age. To
the unfortunate often prefer advice.
which generally proves beneficial to those
who have the good sense to follow it"
ALAS my good woman" replied the
knight, II have been long seeking coun-
sel.but in vain; my hour is fast approach
ing, Tor tomorrow | am to De hanged if |
tell not the queen and the ladies of her
palace, without giving offence, what af-
lords women the greatest delight"
'.Banish your fears them replied the
old woman; .'for since Providence has
thrown you in my way. rely on it, my son.
it is for your benefit. You may now 60
to the court with light heart; but let
us repair thither together. as on the road
will reveal to you the secret You SO ar