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

cording to the ruling of our King, is true.
l heard them and / know. But in our
courts the spirit, not the letter, of the law is
held 10 be the highest guidance for our use.
Now, let us look at Prince Hamassar's case
The witnesses have shown that in an ego
tistic way he boasted of his nose He spoke
not of his head, nor claimed that any feat
ure but his nose was worthy of all praise.
What follows? The letter of the law de-
mands that be shall lose his head. But this
punishment is too severe. The decree was
laid down not to oppress our land, but TO
make our people modest. Therefore I say
that its spirit will be carried out in full if
Prince Hamassar's nose is severed from his
tace. Let him lose that of which he
Dragged, and if in the future, he shall
vaunt the beauty of his ears or call his
hands unrivaled, let further mutilation be
his fate. This is strict justice, aud mercy
and reason here go hand in hand"
A roar of applause resounded through
the palace as the old mans clever speech
came to a sudden end. The Emperor
looked pleased and seemed to reflect that a
nose is not essential to son-in-law. The
Princess Bru clapped her fair hands de-
lightedly, and even Hamassar seemed to
lay aside for a moment his studied and
phlegmatic pose.
"Old man, you have spoken WE'LL" the
Emperor said. Your reasoning is most
profound. L hereby revoke the sentence
just pronounced, and decree that"
''Most gracious King" broke in Ramek,
rushing forward, grant me a moment be-
fore you take another STEP"
"What means this noise, wise Ramek?"
the Emperor cried. "You were not wont
to be a rattleplate."
"Nor am I making foolish interruption
now, my lord; but as a subject sometimes
useful to the state, crave your notice to
word or two."
go on, then, and be quick"
Permit me, then, to say that in his argu-
ment my aged friend has spoken brilliantly.
He is sklllful in the law and his persuasive
voice went to my inmost soul. But bear in
mind, my King, that this especial case will
serve for precedent, and as the late decree is
now interpreted so shall its influence for all
time be felt. Now, mark you! According
to the counselor who Just now spoke it is
sufficient for the law that he who disobeys
it should lose that of which be boasted.
Hamassar. then, forfeits to the state his nose.
But we must bear in mind that he also
showed in word and manner, quote from
the decree, 'overweening satisfaction in his
betrothed. According, therefore, to our
friends Interpretation, Hamassar's nose and
your own daughter, gracious king, must be
cut of. There is no middle course. If the
spirit of the law demands the sacrifice of
Prince Hamassar's nose, it cries out also for
the blood of the Princess Bru. I put the
matter plainly, for this is q crisis when to
mince words would be criminal. I feel that
the death of Hamassar would be national
calamity. 1 have always loved him we'll,
and have rejoiced in his advance
ment. But the life of one man
only is not here at stake. If the law be
construed in loose and careless way there
is no telling how cruel its application may
vet become. By holding to the letter OF
this stern decree all danger is avoided, and
a precedent here set for MANY generations
yet unborn. Let Hamassar rise to joyous
contemplation of the fact that in his death
he will confer upon posterity a great and
lasting boon. thank you much, o King,
for granting me this time, and hope that
YOU will understand my heart. am striv-
ing to protect the welfare of our land. III
have erred your own great wisdom will
surely set me right"
Ramek ceased, and as his voice in jeering
echoes died away shudder passed over the
assemblage. For his words, though harsh,
were wise, and all who heard them knew
the Prince must die. The Princess Bru
sobbed painfully, and the Emperor's face
was grave. He found himself in a strange
dilemma He might save the Prince by
cutting off his nose and beheading the
Princess Bru, but, with his daughter dead,
Hamassar could not he his son-in-law. On the
other hand, if he killed Hamassar, of course
be could not wed him to his daughter.
Whichever way he played the game he lost.
The throng before him, deeply moved,
seemed to gaze up at him in pity, and the
silence in the hall proved that his subjects
felt deeply the misfortune of their King.
After time he spoke.
This is a weighty matter" he said
gloomily, land not to be decided in trice.
L must ponder it at length. Hamassar, 1
remand you to prison for week. At the
end of that time your doom shall be an
nounced. Gentlemen, the court adjourns."