The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-09-02
he TOOK HIS MEDICINE.
A Dramatic TabIeau of servian
Court Life Described by the
Late King Milan.

Late King Milan.
One of the most dramatic stories of
royal life [ ever heard was told me
by Moreton Frewen, the English
traveller and economist, shortly before
he sailed for home, few weeks ago.
Mr.. Frewen is a good deal Of a sports
man, and has visited many countries
in search of big game. Some years
ago he was one of party that oc-
cupied a hunting lodge in the depths
of Hungarian forest. Among the
other sportsmen there was King Milan
of Servia One evening, while they
were all gathered about the supper
table in the hunting lodge, Milan
told this story:
81 had not been long upon the
throne Of Servia,'' said the king,
"before my secret agents brought me
the details OF plot that had been
formed against my life. The con-
spiracy embraced so many men in
military ard civil life that my ad-
visers were very much alarmed and
wanted ME to cause them all to be
summarily removed. replied that it
was not the business of king to de-
populate his kingdom, and if execut-
ed every man who joined plot against
me it would not be long before
had no people to rule over.
According to the plans of the con-
spirators, was to be put out of the
way by means Of poison. An annual
ceremonial banquet was soon to be
held, and one of my aides-de-camp,
Col. Blank, whose duty it was to hand
me a golden goblet of wine, was to see
that the cup contained the proper
dose. Declining to accept the advice
of my ministers to make immediate
arrests, and telling them to leave the
whole matter in my hands, went to
the banquet. At the proper moment
in the ceremonies the aid-de-camp
came up to me, extended the golden
goblet and made very pretty speech,
commencing my reign as blessing to
the Servian people, and wishing me
many years more of health and hap
piness.
II took the goblet - Continued
Milan and held it aloft a moment
while I gazed about the banquet hall.
You may imagine, gentlemen, the
tension of that moment. Probably a
third of the people in the room knew
that the wine was poisoned, many of
the conspirators being present, as well
as those Of my trusted people who had
been informed of the plot. As I
looked into the eyes of the hundred
men who sat watching me, it seemed
to me I could distinguish the friends
from the foes. though it was not
difficult to tell which we're in the
majority. Probably I was the calm
est man of them all, for knew all
that they knew, and something
more besides.
8. Eobles and gentlemen of Servia,
/ exclaimed, it gives me great plea
sure to receive this mark of affection
and support of my people. 1t is with
the happiest feelings of good viii 70
all and love for our dear country
that I drink to your toast.
' At this juncture I touched my lips
to the golden goblet and watched with
keen interest the involuntary shudder
that ran around the room. Pausing
then, without having tasted the wine,
you may be sure, / resumed:
Upon second thought, will not
drink this toast myself. I see around
me scores OF my loyal officers, ministers
and friends. There is one among them
who has given me such marked proof
of mis- devotion that I now propose to
pay him the unusual honor of asking
him to be my deputy and to drink
this toast in my stead.
So saying, turned to Col. Blank.
the aide-de-camp, and would-be regi-
eide, who stood by my side, and hand
ed the goblet to him. In his eyes I
could read his thoughts: He had been
betrayed, his plot was known to me;
he had his choice between drinking
his own poison or being executed by
my orders before daylight. He hesi-
tated moment, but only for moment,
then ne bowed to me and to the com
pany, and drained the cup to the last
drop.
A few moments later he fell dead at
my feet.
ssAnd that,'' concluded the king,
is what call the death of a gentle
man.. He took his own medicine with
bravery worthy of a better cause. -
CL:.,-., T1;,,,oe, IJorol1