The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1891-05-02

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Many centuries ago there lived in the
east an emperor who loved his people
and was beloved by them. He had
grown old happily, and no wasteful wars
had reduced his Golfers nor whitened the
hair upon his majestic head. Strong,
calm and dignifed, he welded a pater-
nal scepter above his subjects, and when
he went among them they bowed before
him in affection. It had come about rs
the years went by that his people con-
suited him upon all kinds Of curious
problems, and if a mother doubted the
vigor Of her babe she sought audience of
the king. Merchants and lawyers, doc
tors and soothsayers, took much stock in
his royal judgment, and when his eye
beamed hopefully there was joy through
out tho land.
Thus it happened that the emperor
was nearer to his people than are his
kind in modern days, and he felt the
pulse Of his race and knew the health,
SO to speak, Of his Kingdom at large.
Watching closely, therefore, tho temper
Of those about him, the aged sovereign
as time went on, became convinced
that the besetting sin of those who
called him king was self conceit. This
worried him, and in the dark watches
Ut the night he would toss about upon
his royal couch, crying, "Egotists, oh,
cgotists!''
AS the conviction grew upon him
the peace of his earlier days fast fed
from him. A simple. man Ihimsclf, he
held immodesty abho trent. and prayed
to the strange gods whose presence filled
his mind to keep hi. people humble in
his sight. 1t may he that this itself was
proof that he was not as modest as an
earnest king should he, but still the fact
remains that they who make obeisance
to n monarch should hold their pride in
check.
There was one strong reason why the
emperor should be SO firm in this regard,
for he possessed no heir, and in the course
1T nature his throne would descend to
lis daughter and her spouse. Thus was
il that he wished to leave modest
kingdom and one easy to be ruled.
Ono morning, as the emperor paced
his audience hall, these thoughts were
thick upon him. Why should men hold
their heads SO high and women plunc
themselves upon their beauty? Was not
death the end of all? The rainbow faded
and the flowers had died. The bloom
upon the forest must depart. and the
golden glory that made tho sea So fair
must pass away with night. He him
self had once been lusty, and soft, white
hands had smoothed his face ind called
Linn beautiful. but now old age had
creased his face and crowned his head
with snow. Why should men walk 40
jauntily, and women talk as though they
held the secret of immortal youth? Sure.
ly. OF I'LL tho sins that tempt the human
race. none is 80 foolish rs that of self
conceit. Thus thought the emperor as
hc looked about upon his court and Won
dered why his advisers were SO richly
dressed.
AS the morning passed the good old
rotcntate grow grave. Case after case
t:1':lo before hia notice, and in every in
stance tae conceit Of man had made e.
sential protest to the throne. Never be-
fore had the passion of self conccit
seemed to him SO hateful, and as the dav
went on his royal brow grew black. His
courticrs. grouped around, looked IN at
him III dread. for they knew his heart
was kind, and feared to see his gentle
face SO strangely overcast.
what thinks the king that he should
speak SO sharp they whispered to each
other in tones Of dread, and when he
turned his rowing eyes upon them they
shuddcrcl through and through and
pulled each others robes and coughcl.
At length there came before the king Il
man whose dress betokened wealth.
Raising his voice he spoke in tones that
thrilled the :hrong and Toasted of his
wealth. Then asked he of the emperor
revenge upon man who. as he claimed. !
had v'ronged him Of his gold.
III" man who was accused steppcd |
Forward then and loudly claimed that !
he himself was rich, and of his mental ,
forco had made his wealth. And fur
thor still he boosted Of his prol,ity and
puflesl his wife aud said that lis child
''.'s lit. The courtiers laughed, but on
ITO be eentiautd neat ,ceek.)