Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-09-08
CHAPTER ".

Surrounded by her women the Princess
Bru, looking heavy-eyed and weary, re-
clined upon divan. Two days and nights
her tears had flowed and the beauty of her face
was marred. She realized that her lover had
no chance of escape. and the thought of the
dreary life before her well nigh drove her mad.
"Why, o why, did he touch the treacherous
wine?" she would cry out in the still watches
of the night. "Why did he vaunt my charms,
and talk Of his darling nose? Hamassar, o
Hamassar, cannot let you die"
Her women regretted her sad fate. and in
gentle ways offered her what consolation lay
in their power. But they made no impression
on her bruised and bleeding heart. Their task
was fruitless because the Emperor, distrustful
of himself, refused to see his child or let her
plead her lovers cause in any way whatever.
AS Bru reclined that morning listlessly upon
her couch and watched the sunbeams chase the
brilliant colors on the rugs, her face wore a
hopeless look, as though she had played her
last coin on the black and red had won. At
last came forward one of her damsels and stood
near the couch.
Weep not, fair Princess" first she said,
turning kindly eyes upon the Emperor's child
There yet may be way to save the Prince"
what mean you, girl:' asked Bru coldly,
though with some surprise. "Delude me not
WIFI lalse ueeIlnS nOpes.
Have you not heard, continued the maiden
unabashed, "of wise old woman who lives in
the mountains many miles from here and
watches from her cave the changing stars !?
From the book of nature she learns strange
secrets that we know not of. I have heard it
said that her mind is quick, although her face
is queer. Perhaps this woman could advise
you well"
I'VE catch at straws who drown" exclaime ed
the Princess Bru. Send straight for this old
crone. And tell the messenger to ride right
hard and bring her back at once"
The day wore on to night, the night to day,
and still the Princess. sleepless as before
awaited eagerly the coming of the dame. The
sun arose and shone in splendor on city
plunged in gloom. For the people loved Hamas-
sar, and felt that his doom was hard. In vain
they had sent petitions and petitioners TO plead
before the King. His face retained its stern
ness and he refused to hear their plea. High
noon had come before the Princess Bru, still
listless from her sorrow, heard from her women
that the hag was there.
admit her quickly" said the unhappy girl,
watching the hangings eagerly. A hideous old
woman stood before her, dry as a twig and bent
with the weight of years. In her eyes, how
ever, burned the light of searching mind. No
obeisaDce made she as she entered the royal
presence, but, leaning on her stick, awaited the
words of Bru.
"You come from far, good mother. Accent
my thanks. You must be weary. Seat your
self upon this couch that you may talk in COM
fort"
The kind words of the Princess seemed to
please the aged crone. for she smiled grimly
and sank down upon the seat.
Must Prince Hamassar die, wise woman?"
asked the Emperor's child, her voice trembling
as she felt the import of her words.
Il cannot tell my child. What do my
mountains know about Hamassar? As came
hFher / heard that he had disobeyed your
fathers last decree"
" Tis true, but is there no escape? cannot
oh, cannot let him dier
She sobbed aloud and her maidens rushed
around her, tanning her devoutly and pressing
her to drink She touched her lips to the cool
ing water and seemed refreshed. Then calmly
to her guest she told the story of Hamassar's
fall, and how it was that his head had not yet
fallen from its trunk. In silence the old woman
listened, and, when the Princess ceased, spoke
not word. After time she said:
II must ponder this alone, and search the
stars tonight The law is too severe but, as it
seems to me, its right Interpretation has not
yet been reached. Tomorrow 1 will come to
you, and may have words to say worthy your
royal ears. Till then have hope for woman's
wit is often potent even where men have
failed. So saying, she slowly left the room,
and the Princess wept to see her 90.
At length the fatal day arrived which
brought with it Hamassar's final doom. Again
the audience hall was thronged. The Emperor
throne and smiled sadly on his people. Ramek
was there, the light Of triumph in his ewes and
a flush upon his chin and sunken cheeks. The
crowd was restless, and guards well armed
were scattered through the hall. Rumors had