The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-05

cur troops while there is yet time and march,"
 Toward our provinces?" | "No, toward our kingdom" replied 1 Beleses.
 Salemenes, upon hearing what Sar-
 danapalus had done, begged that the | King would recall his order or else do
 that which Beleses had thought the
 royal intent and have the satraps kill
 ed on the homeward way.
 | But Sardanapalus declared that hls royal word was passed and that tn
 satraps should be allowed to depart ir
 safety to Babylonia and Media. l tremendous storm, accompanied by
 thunder and lighting, ragged around 'he
 royal palace that night. The swollen wat
 CTS of the Euphrates swept seaward in a l dark and turbid stream. The dark and deserted streets of the city were flooded with rain and swept by fierce winds while the gale wrought destruction on all sides But within the palace, in the | great hall of Nimrod, Sardanapalus. for- eetful of the cares and dangers of em- | pire. held high revel.
 The hall was one blaze of light the long table was loaded with rare and cost | ly foods, jeweled goblets of silver, gold | and crystal, huge vases of porcelain, | ivory and mother-of-pearl and carved bronze. Fruits of many climes, brought at immense expense from far-off places , by rapid runners, were piled high amid flowers whose odor filled the hall and mingled with the breath incense burning in the braziers upon the bronze tripods.
 Rich rugs covered the marble floors and silken hangings, exquisitely embroidered in guady colors, were upon the walls. The women guests sat upon chairs of beautiful design VI and costly material, while the men reclined upon couches cov- cred with the richest products fthe As syrian looms.
 On couch whose framework was of solid gold reclined Sardanapalus and be- side him, in a chair of carved ivory, sat Myrrah. All the guests were decorated and crowned with garlands of roses. Sphinxes, winged bulls with human faces and man faced lions carved in stone and of gigantic size stood between the lofty pillars as in the hall wherein we first saw Salemenes Musicians from behind n screen of roses sent forth a flood of ,nu- sic, joyous and amorous. As the feast proceeded the songs and shouts of the revelers could be heard even above the fury fthe tempest by the sentinels rac- their storm swept posts upon the ral. ace walls
 "till full the cup" cried the Kinr. this is my true realm bright eyes and happy faces. Is not this better than Nim rods hunting or my wild grandam's chase In search of kingdoms she could not keen when conquered"
 Aaihes-one of the nobes of the rraiu one or the sycophants and flatterers who swarm In courts reclining near the King said; "All the royal line that went be- fore did not reach the acme of Sardanap. alus, who places his joy in peaca-thc sole true glory. All hearts are hannv and all bless the King"
 There are others who say not so.p re- piled Sardanapalus.
 Traitors they" exclaimed another lord
 es' yes we will think no more of that, cried the King.
 Down on your knees euests. ,.,;aa Aames, and drink pledge to the sa fatv or the king-the Kins-the god Sardanan- alus.'
 The guests fell upon their knecs ars drained the jeweled cups with a sbout At that moment terrific clap of thunn der shook the palace and the ruests started to their feet in alarm
 Why do you rise?' cried Lord Iames. Tn that clap of thunder hts father, Baal, consented.g
 Menaced. rather" said Mvrr,b
 hing, how long will you bear this mad lmpiety? Sir. these are no times for such revolry. If this, your palace. were unroofed and dcsolate, how many flat "ouiu iich tne aust m which the King laid low"
 Peace, Myrrah. my love-" returned Sardanapalus, lis thy shell in order. S'ng me q song of Sappho."
 Into the hall at that moment strode man With q drawn sword His sword armor and garments were covered with blood. Ii was Pania, an officer of iflnce Salemenes. Secure the DOT tals. he shouted, summon all tho garrison and send endorsements to the walls. The King is in danger. Ex cuse this haste, O, King, hut the faith less satraps have revolted."
 Nou arc wounded said the King give the man cup of wine"
 All was now consternation and con fusion. The joyous banquet was tran.- formed instantly into a scene of con fusion. f=
 My wound is nothing, a mere flesh wound.' said Pania; "as soon as Arba- ces and Beleses reached their station in