The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-15

hnndkerehiefs adorned with black initials, they began to shed tears both bitter and salt.
 "Our names," said the spokesman of the party, who was very tall and thin, are h' E. Morse, A. Sorrow and Great Griet' Coun- cillors of State to His Most Sorrowiul Maj esty Megrim H.. King of Woe. am treat Grief, Barren of Joy"
 Great Grief indicated the other two with wave of his hand, and they bowed, with politeness as profuse as their tears.
 ''I count 1t an honor, merry gentlemen, said Muchslash, "that our sovereign has sent his Councillors of State to visit the hum blest of his subjects. Let us all be thankful that we have arms and legs and good digestion to wait on them.'
 S'lt is sad world" sighed Lord Morse
 "Nery," replied the honest Aiuchslash. Il have just eaten my last sadiron.'
 Then you have, so to speak, eaten the goose which has brought to you golden store. Why, l surprise myself by making most cheerful sally of wit'' said the Barren or Joy.
 'I wot not" said R. E. Morse, "to find great physician who would also be cheef- full wight. We may, l think, brothers Ill woe, acquaint Dr. Muehslash with the na- ture of our business"
 ''I did not know, replied Muchslash' with Il rare smile, that was n great physician.
 
 padding shoulders for q good many years. You may call me physician II you hhe' From what particular brand of misery do you suffer? Have you stitches ln your sides?'
 ..The need of our king" replied the tailest of the sorrowful men, ''is greater than ours. Since his birth he has never smiled, ana we fear that nnless he does so he will die lh sorrow. We heard of you and have come to ask your mighty aid
 Has he, then, no iester?" asked Mueh- slash. "Who ever heard Of King Wlihoue u dwarf in cap and bellsy
 "Alas!, replied the Chief Councillor, me has n clown named Mournful Merton. who ls the saddest subject in all his realm.
 .'I opine then merry gentlemen, replleu Nuchslash that it were well should hrst minister to inc jester. Come. let us hie as quickly as need be. also think that l am talking as becomes person who has been called to interfere in affairs of state.
 Wbercupon the venerable Muchsiash rose from his bench, and. wrapping hlmseii Tn ms blue chinchilla cloak and donnlhg ms shin ing beaver hat, took his magic shea,s anu went with the three Councillors of the au- gust monarch. Megrim H., ruler or the Kingdom of Woe.
 He stopped at taverns for food ana urihk' and told stories which brought tears or laughter to the cheeks of all who heardih him. ue danced with mlkmaids and played hop scotch with boys and girls, and n a1 last he arrived at the gates of the ~astle Rlue where dwelt the King of Woe, both he and his followers were in hilarious mood.
 The tailor was shown into the throne room of the castle, whore sat the youthfui King. At the feet of the ruler was dachs- huud with watery eyes, and on the back of his chair sat parrot, which necessarily repeated the words: Rattle his bones over inc stones; he's only pauper whom no- body owns" On carpet few yards from the royal presence stod sad-faced clown who was polslng himself on horizontal bar.
 "Your Majesty" said Mournful Merton, the sour-faced acrobat, "before you let thls tailor entertain you l wish to have you see my most side splitting feat
 Whereupon Mornfu Merton looked at the moldlng which ran along the frieze of the chilly room and slowly balanced himself
 "Out upon you. cried the King, in rage. ''How dare you make so pitiful speetaeief To the glbbet with youl No! Wait! You may as well have a companion. This tailor shall go with you unless he makes you grin from chin to ear"
 .I am fond of sorrow more than life, replied the mournful Merton, "and do not feel at all cut up over the prospect of going to the headsman's block. Ifeyer had cause to weep have it now
 Merton buried his face in his trembling hands and great salt tears welled between his fingers and fell upon his black ralment.
 Muchslash waved the new shears about his head and smiled.
 Woe" he said. 'is not my speciality, and as far as being put to death is concerned have never given the matter serious thought. I could make a Sphinx answer questions