Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-05-17
DARAB'S WINE CUP.

Truly this cup was marvel OF eXqul-
site craftsmanship. The name of its maker
was lost mid the nlists Of dead ages. In
deed SO magical seemed the skill Of its
fushioning that some there were who
thought that it surely must be tho work
| of power more than mortal. 1t was
formed wholly OF jewels that were fastened
together by soma strange, subtle device,
and it was shaped in n manner most curl.
Gus. Its craftsman had taken flower OF
peculiar beauty for his design.
As Darab, on feast nights, held it, wine
filed, before the light it seemed as if
many tinted cluster of precious stones was
plunged into n luminous sea-a sea softly,
sensuously red. The rare old grape juice,
fostcrcd to life in the long ago by the sun
! light, appeared to awake, to eXult, to live
again in the glow of Il mildcr light.
But none might drink fish this cup but
Darab-DaraIR the king!
Toghrul, tE soothsayer, he of the white
flowing beard and mystic, piercing eyes,
averrcd that this cup ofttimes possessed
strange powers He said that if Darab
gazcd into the depths of the wine as it
foamcd and sparkled within its embrace
he might see, as in pictures, happenings
in faroff places, or he might see deeply in
to the workings of the hearts of those who
stood near.
| This saying of the soothsaycr had caused
fear to enter into the minds of the Cour-
tiers, and whenever Darab looked steadily
into the cup all tremblcd, as none knew
| what next might happen. Again. it was
whispered, by whom none could tell, that
| if it was destroyed Darab would die, and
never moro would one of his race reign us
king.
Thus was this cup of grave, of ominous
import.
This night was n night of feasting and
grand rcvclry within the kings palace
Lights flashed and sheened. Wines of the
rarcst and choicest vintage flowed freely
as water Delicate viands. fruits and sub
tie triumphs of cookery were spread upon
| the great tables And there were glcam-
ings of countless gem incrusted, precious
mctalcd goblcts. Glorious clusters Of
| flowers gave forth a sense lifting all per-
vading aroma. Varied and mingling col
ors and hucs raptured the eye.
And here were women of a glory and
beauty Understandable. Silks shimmered.
Eyes shonc.
And here was the cold, cruel CLINT OF
steel, for soldiers, accoutercd, were at tho
feast.
Sable slaves ministered to the wants of
the fcastcrs. Bracelets, and anklets of
| ivory flashed as they fitted to and fro.
King, satraps women, courtiers-nay,
all-wcrc blended in grand, joying uni
ton. Like fire famed all hearts.
And music rang.
The moons light was calm and clear.
| Stars twinkled, glistencd in the profound
affair. All was still. But in the stiffness
there seemed to sleep some strange, mighty
secret. And there came into the air n
heaviness.
"Hol Toghr&l, Toghrul Thou of sooth-
saying fame come hithcr-come hither! 1
have gazcd into this cup, and, 10, it has re-
vCalcd to me the face and thoughts of ono
who is a traitor-one who plots against my
! life my throne, my all. YondCr he stands.
Hell HyderI'
! 1t was narab who called out thus in a
| loud voice. A wicked, cruel smile played
In his face rs he pointed to Hyder, one Of
his satraps. The night had passed well on,
and the rcvclry had become of the widest.
A silence as of the grave fell over all as
the king made this accusation. They
knew and feared what was coming. None
dared speak but Toghrul.
art sure, king?" he asked The
soothsayer felt kindly toward the satrap.
"Sure as that l am of woman born,
Darab replied as he again looked into the
cup, "here is the face of yon unworthy
servant. Now it is still and tells naught,
but an instant ago as gaZcd its lips NOV
ed, and from them l heard murmurings Of
revolt and trcachcry. He must die. This
cup is my safeguard and guide Ho,
guards Seize yon traitor"
Hyder turned pale Brave though he
was, he rembled-tremblcd because of one
he loved and little ones. Yes, he was lost
lost. Outlines had he known Darab to
order men to the death because Of things
revealed to him in this strange cup.
Hyder was seized, and death hung in the
air, when loud cry broke from Darab.
Again he was looking into the cup but
this time his face was convulscd with fear
"HO! To arms to armsp' he cried wild.
ly "Soldiers, all, to arms! Foemen sur.
round the palace Rebels are upon us!'
Hydcr was loOsed, and in flash the
revcl was turned to wild, terror stricken
confusion.
Then was heard low rumbling in the
air, and suddenly there came fearful roll
of thunder and succession of binding,
destroying lightning flashes. The walt
of the palace near the kings throne fell.
Clashing of arms and savage shouts vert
heard in the distance.
Darab was standing with the cup raised
aloft in his right hand. He was invoking
aid from tho powers above. Near him
stood the soothsayer and Hyder with
drawn sword. He was prepared to defenG
to the last gasp the king who had so cruel
ly condemned him. Shrieks and cries werO
rending the air.
Then came lightning flash that was
mightier and more binding than all that
had gone before. 1t struck the cup, shiv-
ering it to dust. Darab fell dead. 1t was
even as if the powers above had spoken.
Into the palace rushed the enemy.
And tumult reigned.-Bart Kennedy.
The Elephant Liked His Teddy.