The Irish standard., 1889-10-26


D=@ wand of ebony, tipped with
iyorv, such as is used by priests and
masters of magic. Among these, indeed,
| held high rank, filing by knowledge OF
. their secrets which had learned at On
! what lacked in that skill Of hand which
comes from use. And so, with no small
shame, for I love not such play, and hold
this common magic in contempt, l set forth
through the Bruchium t. the palace ON the
Lochias, beng guided on my way by my
uncle Sepa Atlength, passing up the avenue
of Sphinxes, we came to the great marble
gateway and the gates of bronze within
which is the guard-house. And here my
uncle left me, breathing many prayers Tor
my safety and success. But I advanced
with an easy air to the gate, where Was
roughly challenged by the Gallo sentrles
and asked of my name, following and busl-
ness. I gave my name, Harmachls the
astrologer, Saying that my business was
with the Lady Charmion, the Queens lady
Thereon the man made as though to let me
pass in, when. Captain of the Guard, a
Roman named Paulus, came forward and
forbade it, Now, this Paulus was large
limbad man, with womans face aud
hand that shook from wine bibbing. Never
, iheless, he knew me again.
one who came with him, "this is the fellow
who wrestled yesterday with the Nubian
gladiator, that same who now howls for his
lost hand underneath my window. Curses
on the black brute! / had a bet on him Tor
the games! / have backed HIM against
Caius. and now he'll never fight again, and
I must lose my money, all through this
astrologer. What is it thou sayest-thou
hast business with the Lady Charmion!
Nay, then, that settles it. will not let
thee through. Fellow, I worship the Lady
Ch;srmion-ay we all worship her, though
she gives us more slaps than signs. And
dost thou think that we will suffer an
as,rologer with such eyes and such a chest
as thine to cut in the game? By Bacchus,
no! She must come out to keep the tryst,
for IN thou shalt not CO."
Sir said, humbly and yet with dig
nifty, II pray that message may be sent
| to the Lady Charmion, for my business will
not brook delay"
'tYe Godsv' answered the fool, 'swhom
have we here that he can not wait!
Caesar in disguise? Nay, be of-be offl
ii thou wouldst not learn how spear prick
feels behind
s'Nay,' put in the other officer, she is an
astrologer; make him prophecy-make n1m
play tricks"
ssAh,' cried the others who had sauntered
up, sslet him show his art. IT he is magl-
clan he can pass the gates, Paulus or no
Paulus.''
Fright willingly, good sirsl'' answered,
/ for I saw no other means OF entering.
| wilt thou, my young and noble Lord
and I addressed him who was with Paulus
is--:ssutfer that look thee in the eyes2 Per
| chance I NAV read what is written there !"
| ..Right,n said the youth; "bnt wish that
| the Lady Charmion was the sorceress. !
j would stare her out of countenance, I war
rant me-" @
| Itook him by the hand and gazed deep
J into his eyes. II see,'' said, "a field Of
battle at night, and about it bodies stretched
among them is thy body, and hyena
tears at its throat. Most noble sir, thou
D shalt die Of sword thrusts within year.
s.By Bacchusl'' said the youth, turning
white to the gills, ssthou art an il-omened
sorcerer!n, And he skunk of shortly after
ward, as It CHANGED, to meet this very tate.
For he was sent on service and slain in
1 Cyprus.
| ssNow for thee, great Captainp' | said,
speaking to Paulus. 81 will show thee how
4 Twill pass those gates without thy leave
~, and draw thee through them after me-
Bs pleased to fix thy princely gaze upon the
pcfnt Of this wand in my hand. =
Beng urged thereto by his comrades, tins
i no ala. not Willingly; and LET him gaze tn
sIssaFv'h 49, grow empty g - owls eyes