The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1911-01-05

through the whole extent OF ETHIOPIA
and through the neighboring king
doms that Balthaser was no longer IL
love with Balkis.
When the news reached Sheba, Bal
kis resented it bitterly. She COM
manded her grand vizier to get every
thing ready for journey to Ethiopia.
1--WE shall start this very night"
she said, land thou shalt lose thy
head if everything is not ready before
the sun sinks to rest"
And when she was alone she burst
into sobs.
"I love him and he loves me mott"
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
star.
Balthasar felt drawn toward her as
If by some irresistible force. But.
turning his face from her with a 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
a 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 visage, but
whose heart is simple, even as the
heart of a 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
rejoice in thy poverty, for that is in.
deed true riches He will say: true
joy lies in the remuneration of joy;
love me and love men because of me
for 1 am the only true love-"
At these words peace divine shone
like 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 a caravan and followed the star
which went before them.
One day, being at place 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 Balthar
sar and said:
"My name Is Gaspar; I am a king
and am taking present of gold to
the Child who has been born in Beth
lehem of Judea."
The second king also approached.
He was an old man and his white
beard flowed to his girdle.
my name is Melchior," he said. Il
am a king and am taking present
of frankincense to the Divine Child
who has come to teach truth to men,"
ct am going thither ALSO" said
Balthasar; IT have vanquished my lust
and therefore did the star speak unto
me-"
81" said Melchoir, have vanquisbed
my pride and therefore was called"
'T," 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 it came
and stood over where the young Child
was.
When they saw the star they re-
ioiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the
house they saw the young Child with
Mary his mother, and fell down and
worshired him; and when they had
opened their treasures they presented
unto him gifts: gold, and franklin
cense, and myrrh-as it is said in the
gospel.