The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-06-09
THE FALSE GODS.

Louis Noir, in his 'Memoirs of Zou-
ave in Algiers," tells of a General H,
who wished to give an evening party in
the magnificent grounds of his villa near
Algiers. Wishing to have it conducted
in great style, he spared no expense and
did everything possible to surpass in
originality the governor, who had recent
ly given an entertainment, the splendor
of which was still the subject of CONVEX
sation in Algiers. All preparations had
been carefully made, and the General be-
lieved nothing had been neglected, when
1t occurred to him suddenly that his gar
den contained no statues, and that never
would do.
The General knew that in certain
regiment of good -for-nothing fellows was
a sculptor. He was then working in his
leisure hours on a bust intended for a
monument to fallen captain. The fell
low was not without talent, and the Gen
eral, who had no idea of the time re-
quired to model a group, doubted not
that the artist could people his grounds
with all the gods and goddesses of Olym-
pus in eight days. So he sent for him.
"My young man." said he, ''they say
you are very skilful. Hear my wish.
Next Saturday night l give an enter
tainment. l wish my gardens to be
adorned with statues. / need Bacchus,
Apollo and Venus in plaster. How much
money do you require for the plaster2"
"a hundred francs" replied the sol
dier with perfect GOODNESS. The General
found that rather dear, but gave him the
money.
"Well, Saturday evening, o'clock!n
That night it was lively in the taverns
of Algiers. The artist set the Generals
francs flying, as he circulated from one
drinking place to another; and so it went
day after day.
The day before the entertainment the
General sent for his artist. II hear fine
things, " he exclaimed, and angrily twisted
his moustache. "You are bumming in
stead of working, You are creating
scandals, getting into disorder"
General, " interrupted the soldier, 81
eau work only when am tipsy. It's so
with all great artists. If l have been
drinking | must make noise, and then
only comes the inspiration to work"
Truly" answered the General, IT
have heard that before; however, you
understand our compact and if to-mor-
row all is not ready you shall be ar
rested"
The festal night approached Every
thing was prepared, but the statues were
not there Finally the master of cere-
monies appeared and announced:
'He is below"
"At last! And the gods2"
"Are also there. He had them brought
upon biers."
"Good, are the statues handsome?"
81 have not seen them. They are COW
cred with cloths. wished to assist him
but he drove me away, and said he
would set them up himself, and if any
one hindered him he would break them
all to pieces"
''He is right" said the General, de-
lighted to know that he possessed the
gods at last. "That is not your bust
ness. One must let artists alone"
The General cast one more glance at
his toilet, then descended into the gar
den. There he found the artist in open
quarrel with the master of ceremonies.
Standing before the placard, upon which
was written, "Do not touch the statue2"
the artist found the letters much too
small and swore over it.
snake the letters larger, ordered the
general, and proceeded with the artist to
look at the gods. The fellow led him
into the thickest, shadiest avenue.
"Where the deuce have you placed your
statuef' laughed the General. "Ihis is
much too far from the light.
'It should be thus the artist in
formed him fCpIactar loolro badlU in n
strong light 1t requires foliage and
heavy shade. You shall see splendid
Jupiter