Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1910-12-22

But II had been noised abroad,
through the whole extent of Ethiopia
and through the neighboring king
doms that BaIthaser was no longer in
love with Balkis.
When the news reached Sheba. Bal
kis resented II bitterly. She com
manded her grand vizier to get every
thing ready for journey to Ethiopia
1--WE shall start this very night"
head II everything In not ready before
the sun sinks to rest"
Ava when she was alone she burst
into sobs
Il love him and he loves me not!-
she cried In all sincerity.
Then one night Balthasar, who was
on the top OF his tower, observing the
miraculous star, saw on looking down
toward the earth. long black line
winding along the sands of the desert.
like an army Of ants.
AS the caravan came nearer Baltha-
sar saw distinctly the bright scimitars
and the black horses of the queens
guards.
Then he saw her also: and he was,
troubled amazingly. and he felt that
he was going TO love her again. The
star was shining In the zenith with
marvellous brilliancy. Beneath, Balkis,
In her litter OF purple and gold, looked
quite small. and she also shone like
a star
Balthasar felt drawn toward her as
II by some Irresistible force. But,
turning his face from her with great
effort and lifting up his eyes. he saw
the star again. and the star spoke and
said:
GLORY to God In the highest, and
peace on earth to men OF good will!
Take thou measure OF myrrh.
sweet King Balthasar, and follow me,
and shall lead thee to the Child who
has just been born In stable between
donkey and an OK.
For that Child is the King OF
Kings. and he will comfort those who
wish to be comforted.
He calls thee. Balthasar, whose
mind is still as dark as thy yisage, but
whose heart is simple. even as the
heart of child
HE has chosen thee because thou
hast suffered, and he will give thee
riches. Joy and love.
He will say to thee: be poor and
retJico In thy poverty for that Is in
deed true riches. He will say: true
Joy lies in the reconciliation of JOY;
love me and love men because of me
for am the only true love-"
At these words peace divine shone
like a bright light on the dark face
OF the king.
Queen Balkis. looking up toward
Balthasar, knew that no love for her
could fill that heart now full OF love
divine. and. turning, she ordered her
caravan back to Sheba.
When the star ceased to speak the
king and his two companions came
down from the tower. and having pro-
cured measure Of myrrh. they form
ed caravan and followed the star
which went before item.
One day, being at a pace where
three roads met, they saw two kings
who were coming with long trains OF
followers. One of them was young
and white Of face. He greeted Baltha.
sar and said:
my name ia Gaspar; am a king
and am taking present of gold to
the Child who has been born In Beth
lehem OF Judea."
rhe second king also approached.
He was an old man and his white
beard flowed TO his girdle.
MY name is Melchior," he said II
am kirg and ! am taking present
OF frankincense to the Divine Child
who has come to teach truth to men,"
II am going thither also" said
II have vanquished my lust
and therefore did the star speak unto
me-"
81" said Melchoir, have vanGuished
my pride and therefore was ! called"
81" said Casper, have vanquished
my cruelty and therefore do ! go with
you"
And, 10, the star which they saw in
the east went before them till II came
and stood over where the young Child
was.
When they saw the star they re-
joiced with exceeding great Joy.
And when they we're come into the
house they saw the young Child with |
Mary his mother. and fell down and |
him; and when they had |
opened their treasures they presented
unto him gifts: god. and franklin
cense. and myrrh-as It is said In the
gospel.