Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-05-09
A ROYAL MARRIAGE.

There was Il bridal in the palace
the bridal OF the eldest and most love.
ly princess girl in the bud of life,
the spring time of existence, heauti-
tul creature, radient in smiles. eX-
qulsitel Y graceful. and powerful al
lance had been formed worthy OF Il
princess 50 lovely.
Her dress was richly decorated with
Jewels, the long silk veil fell To her
feet and crown of gold, surmounted
by a chaplet of orange flowers, rested
on her brow. At the altar stood the
priest, surrounded by the emperor and
empress, the ambassador and court
waiting with eagerness the coming of
the bride
"Ah, my daughter" said the en-
peror as the princess approached,
'thou hast delayed coming :" And
he led her forward.
The ambassador slowly kneIt down,
averling his head from the guests, and
the princess followed his example,
seemingly unconscious of the presence
of the court Suddenly her eyes met
those Of the ambassador fixed upon her,
and, turning deadly pale, she made Il
sigh for the ceremony to commence.
The ring was placed upon her finger
and her small white hand rested for
one moment in the ambassadors the
blessing was pronounced, the heads of
both were meekly bent, and, glancing
timidly at the still kneeling bride
groom, the princess rose and k, cit to
her father. He raised her in his arms
and, turning to the empress presented
to the court the youthful queen Of
Germany.
God bless her, May she be hap
py - was the thrilling exclamation as
the bridal party left the salon follow
ed by the Younger sisters of the bride
and the graceful. mirth loving court
NV hat In tears p said the en-
press kindly when her daughter, over
powered by her concealed emotion,
sohbcd violently on her mothers bo.
som This is not right, my child.
Trust me- YOU shall hear OF rs often,
and. though absent, we shall never
forget You. Let me dry away your
tears, for, hark, | here sounds--foot-
steps are approaching.
Il trust your majesty will pardon
me, said the ambassador, hurriedIy
retreaiing on beholding the queen Of
Germany alone, for the empress had
retired Il was not aware your ma
Iesty was here. This pavilion i gen
orally deserted" i"
$50 il would he now, but have
come hither to see the sun set for the
last time in mine own land and to
listen to the sound OF my iavorite band,
playing beneath these windows. You
cannot blame me.
"My liege lady, would not dare to
breathe word of disrespect against
one 20 good and beautiful. Believe
me, / would die to save you one mo
ment's agony.
"Nay is life so utterly valueless p
Utterly, for its only charm is lost"
"Impossible," said the queen softly.
you have much to live for-fame,
wealth and doubtless love are yours.
Saw there is another for whom you
would die save me-
Nay, but one-torgive me. liege
lady. but one She cannot be mine.
She is lost forever to me"
Il pity you,' said the queen, tears
rushing to her eyes "ls she welded
this false one? Is she welded p
"Yes. oh, yes. but she was not false!
| did not dare to tell my love. |
knelt and prayed for strength TO wish
her happiness. have asked it for
her but she knows not
"Were your situations in life equal:'
again said the queen.
NO" he answered "she was far
above me--too good, too beautiful for
me"
"Ah, had size not been welded |
could have given you rank, wealth
equal to hers and bestowed her on you.
Should you have been happy =
Lady, ,he did nci-could not love
me. Judge my feelings when unre-