The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1894-03-23
CHATYM.

eSteu hearers, UOlu OIL Vne virtues ana BlO-
ries of the princes of Abkassia. He told
of one of these princes who was surround
ed by large court of cavaliers and serv-
ants, most devoted and loyal. But among
these Chatym was distinguished for his
courage and fidelity. He was the favorite
of the prince, accompanied him on his
hunting and war expeditions and advised
in the great council.
The prince knew not the number
of his soldiers, nor of his flocks and
herds. All these were given in charge to
the brave and devoted Chatym, an this
favor excited the great envy of the cava-
liers They enumerated the privileges he
enjoyed and murmured among themselves
"Why is he so well treated? Is he better
than usS Can his scimeter split the rocks?
Can he pierce three men with a single ball
from his gum Does the devil reside in the
point of his lancer Could he, think you,
alone without fear charge a troop of
horse?'
These and other malignant insinuations
were overheard by Chatym, and address
ing the more envious among the cavaliers
he said:
aye do me great injustice when We speak
So"
The cavaliers regarded Chatym with
establishment.
Elbow so?" one asked.
"Know ye not" answered the favorite,
"that from him who hath much much
will be asked? If one among ye commit
a fault, the penalty would be expulsion
from the court, but l, if fail in my duty,
would be strangled. This is the law. The
greatest punishments are for those who
have been most trusted. And l am man,
like other men, and exposed like them to
forgetfulness of the three great precepts
which should form the supreme rules of
life: First, allow not the praise of friends
to make thee proud; second, confide no Sc
crets to a woman; third love not as thine
the son of Others A friend praises today,
and tomorrow speaks ill. All must, soon
er or later, find the truth of these precepts.
l have at home youth, my adopted son,
Aster. He hath been cared for from baby
hood by me. Yet give him but two pias-
tiers and he"--
"Thou speakest well, " interrupted one
of the cavaliers, "but thou hast nothing
to fear"
"Thinkest thou so?' replied Chatym.
Before the sun has 12 times coursed over
the land of Abkassia Ipromise that shall
have made this terrible experiment, and l
swear it by the beard Of the prophet. Ye
shall see whether told ye not the truth
today"
Satisfied with this promise, the cavaliers
retired. Some days afterward the prince
departed for the province of Kabardia,
where an important affair required his
TarcOroo1 Ia 1aft -,
charge of all his most precious things, and
among them beautiful and much loved
falcon. The faithful Chatym resolved to
profit by the absence of his master to make
his experiment.
"Why is my Chatym SO thoughtful?"
asked his young wife one morning. "Why
dost thou wear that sorrowful look?"
81 know not, Assam, but it is true that
am far from gay. A strange thought
dominates me"
"Cannot know this secret, this strange
thought"
81 am afraid, Assam, for discretion is
not womanly virtue. 1t is not possible
to confide secret to a woman"
"Have 1 ever said anything imprudent
to my friends?"
perhaps not, but thou mayest not have
had OCCASION"
''Dost thou really believe could be so
thoughtless in my converse?"
'Why not? Thou art woman"
Assam did not reply, but her red lips
trembled, and the tears rolled down her
beautiful cheeks. Chatym regarded her
1ntently for moment; then he spoke:
Upon this secret depends my life"
but is not thy life dearer to me than
mine OWN"
II thank thee. But without so wishing
thou mayest become a traitress."
"No, moi will guard your secret faith
fully; l swear it. l will take better care of
it than of my beauty"
Chatym was an instant silent. Then,
turning to his beloved, he said: "Thy
promise and thy oath disarm me. Listen.
Yesterday a soothsayer came to me- Thou
knowest that these men know and see all
things. And he said to me: Thou art
happy man, Chatym. All hath come to
thee. But thy felicity is not complete.
Thou hast no son of thine own, and this
1t is which is thy secret sorrow and also
of thy wife,"
"Oh," cried Assam, show knew he my
WlsnE lie must be great seer"
81 think so, responded Chatym, "and
this wise man further said to me, Il will
tell thee a way to obtain that which thou
dost ardently DESIRE"
ga SOM Oh, treasure of my soull And
did-he tell thee how we could attain this
great joy?"
eyes. 1t is necessary to take vigor-
GUS falcon, dress and roast it."
"And am to eat it2''
"Thou hast OWNED it,
~ know where can find a falcon.
There is one in the palace of the prince. 1"
''Speak lower, Assam, or some one may
hear thee"
''In the palace of the prince" repeated
Assam.
"Wen," murmured Chatym, with 8
sigh, "the deed is done"
"What, hast thou the falcon2'
"The adored falcon of my prince, yes. l
have dressed and roasted it."
"Give it me, oh, give it me. wish to
eat it,"
at is there, on the divan, under thy
shawl. But, Assam, not a word, or 1 am
lost
ooh, not for all the world. BE tran
l..