Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-08-28

would they dare to harbor a single
treacherous thought. Think upon thisl
You are known as one whom it is hard to
move, well versed in Oriental lore and
mysteries Surely then, it can be no
mere empty fable that, within few mo
ments' space, could change your whole
appearance into that of one who has
learned some sacred truth! Again, you
who are notorious for your cruelty, allow
me to livei You, whose cupidity is
bye-word, shower your gold upon me !!
( Your paternal love amounts to arrogance,
and yet, at word, you bestow your
daughter upon me, an unknown, humble
strangerl What doubt could possibly
remain in your courtiers' minds 7 In
what should the value of secret message
sent from heaven consist, if not in the
belief of those around you that you alone
possess it have kept my word; the
rest depends upon yourself. As to the
money and the dignity, | despise them
both. My demanding them was simply
to establish further proof amongst those
who know your character so well, of the
incredible value of my imaginary secret.
Tche- Tang, the Viceroy, |, Tse-i-la, bound
by your orders 10 this post and in the
presence of the Terrible Death, do now
exalt the glory and enlightenment Of the
wise Li-tai-pe, my Master! declare to
you, in all truth, the wisdom of the
policy now dictate. Let us return to
your court-your own face stern, but
radiant. Publicly give thanks to heaven.
Threaten to be, for the future, without
particle of pity. Order fetes and illnmi-
nations for the pleasure of the people
and in honor of Fo Ito whom, indeed,
owe the inspiration of this divine ruse).
myself will depart to morrow. In some
distant province, thanks to your grant Of
money, | shall live in perpetual happiness
with the chosen of my heart. The
diamond button which would betoken my
rank as mandarin, / shall not take away.
My ambition lies not in that direction.
l believe solely in harmonious thoughts
and deep studies which outlast all princes
and all dynasties; being a king in their
immortal Empire, why should | aspire to
be prince in yours Are you not con-
WINGED that the gods have given me as
strong a heart and as much intelligence
as those who surround you possess am
more acceptable then IN the eyes Of
young girl than one of your own digni- /
taries. Ask Li-tien Sc, my beloved, If | /
do not speak the truth. When she looks /
into my eyes, dare swear what she will /
say. As for yourself, OF Nieeroy, you /
will reign in peace, protected by this
and, moreover, should you
see fit to temper your rule with justice,
fear will be changed into love for your
throne. In that is the
secret Of all kings and rulers worthy of
.he name. | have none other to impart
% you. Ponder my words; choose and
your choice. have spoken
Tse-i-la was silent.
Perfectly motionless, Tche-Tang APP
1eared for some moments to he lost IN
his figure casting a dark
hadow on the iron door. Presently he
advanced towards the young man and
aging a hand on either shoulder gazed
earchingly into his eyes as il to read his
cry soul, and as if himself overcome
With thousand indefnable sensations.
At last, drawing his sword, he cut the
hongs which bound Tse-i-la; then,
hrowing his own royal collar about the
outh's neck, he said "Come."
Mounting the dungeon steps, he laid
lis hand upon the door beyond which
Fere light and liberty.
Dazed by his sudden fortune and the
riumph of his love, Tsei-la gazed at
he royal emblem.
What This too p he murmured.
You have been slandered, vilely SLAM
cred 1t is worth more than the fortune
GU have promised me. What does this
lit mean, your Highness For what is
a recompense ~
'For your insolence, 2 scornfully an
wered Tche-Tang. as the sunlight
reamed through the open door. The
pooh.