The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1891-01-04

At the head of the room sat handsome
Prince Halnassar, his dark, fine face
lighted with smile. Why should he
not be glad? Youth, wealth and fame
were his, and the promise of a crown.
The fairest maiden in the world had
given him her troth He was beloved by
the people and possessed the friendship
of the king. As he gazed about him
that night and saw among his guests the
great men of the land his pulse beat
wildly and he drained a glass of snow
cooled wine to quiet the fever of conceit
which he knew was throbbing in mis-
brain.
Near him sat the wise but wicked
Raznek, decked in gorgeous robes and
looking even thinner than before, placed
as he was between two robust men. But
Ramek. though not great in flesh, had a
brilliant tongue, and his witty jests
amused those who heard them SO that a
roar Of laughter ever and anon arose
from his corner of the board. Out of
hissrnall, burning eyes he watched the
prince and often pledged his health in a
trimming goblet Of the headiest wine.
Hamassar, unsuspecting of his rivals
purpose, drank freely and laughed bois-
terously at the pungent words Of Ralnek.
the wise.
When the fun was at its height and
sedate and solemn counselors had for
gotten their dignity and sang and drank
as though they were boys on lark
s,,.<>eo s,,.x7 <.e1fx.7 l<x-1 1890 g.
silence. After while the uproar ceased,
the wine was untouched for moment,
the song died away in cheerful echoes
through the palace, and all eyes were
turned upon the cadaverous courtier
who stood near the prince.
my friends" said Ramek, holding a
glass of wine in his hand, sit gives me
great pleasure to propose toast. 1t is
seldom that SO many circumstances of
good omen surround man as those
which crowd upon him whose health it
is fitting we should drink. 70 most
men youth itself is sufficient JOY.
What then should be the satisfaction Of
man who is not only young but hand
some, rich, and over whose head there
hangs the promise of crown? We who
love our land, who give our lives to its
advancement and look with Jealous eyes
upon all that affects its welfare, can
truly say that the event which is cele-
brated by this gathering here tonight
meen with our warm approval can
well remember the day when our host
was little child. It is hard for me to
realize that the feeting years have
changed him from toddling boy into a
firm, able man filed with a lofty pu--
pose and crowned at the outset of his
career with the laurels of success. But
must not detain you further, for see
that every glass is filed. My country
men, l give you the health and happi-
ness of Hamassar, prince and an en-
peror's hope"
a wild shout of acclaim shook the air.
Standing the guests drank the toast in
a way which proved that they loved the
prince and were glad of his advance
ment- Hamassars face flushed as he
heard the mighty cheer and met the
glances of affection which fell upon him
from all sides. AS Ramek saw the fever
in the princes eye and noted the tren-
bling of his jeweled hand he smiled ma
1iciously and seemed to gain a few
pounds of flesh.
After the guests were again seated
and quiet had been restored Prince
Hamassar began, in trembling voice,
his reply to Ramelzs speech. He was
much affected by conflicting emotions.
and at first his words were feebly put.
1T is hard to express the inner feel
ssgs Of the heart vt such time as this, I"
he said "The warm words Of my
friend, the wise and courtly RancIs,
and your approval of his praise have
filed me with joy cannot now dis
play" Here he paused and seemed to
feel the disturbing influence caused by
the gaze of 400 eyes The crisis un-
nerved him, and, seizing a tumbler Of
wine, he drained it to the lees 1t was a
fatal STEP
my friends, he began again; there
is nobody $3.50 beautiful rs my be-be-
betrothed. am proud proud Of her
hic. No man." here he braced himself
a httle--''no man ever won 80 wonder
ful-or no wonder $3.50 wonderful
Well, what mean to say Is that she is
won-wonderfuI See? Now. l want you
to observe that she has the most hic--
beautiful hair and eyes. and her figure