davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Dipping the Flag

The salutation given when vessel low
ers or dips its flag is one Of the oldest
and most honorable of all forms of marine
greetings, says Tit-Bits.
This form of salute has always been de-
manded by English speaking seamen. and
it's exaction has warmed the hearts and
used. up the powder of generations of
naval commanders
In the old days. for a foreign ship,
whether merchant or naval, to enter an
English port without yelling topsal or
dipping its national flag was to run the
risk of war, although the profoundest
peace existed.
without warning or argument the
shore defences or a man of war would
send a round shot across the bows or be-
tween the masts of the foreigner, and if
the offending flag did not instantly come
down the insolent intruder was brought
to her senses by being raked through and
through
Such was the reception accorded by Sir
John Hawkins In the sixteenth century to
the Spanish admiral who, In time Of
peace sailed into Portsmouth sound with
out yelling his topsails or lowering his
flag.
Salutes are essential matters of naval
etiquette, and are exchanged on an elab-
crate code fixed by the maritime powers
The number of guns to be fired in all
circumstances is minutely stipulated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Rivals For a Queen

Not only had she spurred on Porus to
oppose Alexander, but she had tried
her arts upon Taxiles, had harangued
her own troops and the troops of
Porus until she had worked up their
martial ardor to its highest pitch and,
finding that Taxiles seemed to hesitate,
she had sent emissaries into his camp
to stir up his soldiers.
Porus, in his argument with Taxiles,
said that Queen Axiana desired that he
give battle to Alexander,
That was a false move and Taxiles
answered coldly: 'gThe Queen, 1t seems,
has eyes for none but you"
"a slave she marks with anger and
contempt" retorted Porus.
But before their quarrel could go far
ther the Queen was seen approaching,
and Taxiles said:
Farewell. The Queen draws near.
Display that zeal, that pride, which
makes your merit in her eyes. My pres
ence would disturb your interview and
my faint-hearted prudence raise a blush. >
Saying this he stalked Indignantly away
''What is this?" cried the Queen COM
ing up. "Why does TaXiles avoid me?''
Porus broke out into invective against
Taxies, but Axiaha said: Let me try
to stop him. He loves me. l know 1t.
perhaps, can accomplish with him wha
your scorn cannot"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Captured Alexander's Heart

A LEXANDER of Macedon, the
"A young hero, the demigod, the de-
\ stroyer of Persia and 1.-The con-
oueror of the world had appeared in
India. Sceptres and crowns and broken
thrones strewed the earth before his VIC
torious course.
But now, as he rested his army upon
the banks of the Hydaspes, there came
q check to his conquests. Three armies
confronted him. One was led by the
Indian Queen Axana and the other two
by the native kings Porus and Taxiles.
Alexander did not at once attack the
embattled hosts before him. being as
ready to win by diplomacy as by war
And, in truth, he had secret reason
for not wanting to turn his arms against
Taxiles, for in the camp of that monarch
was now Taxiles' sister, the beautiful
Cleophila-and Cleophila had captured
Alexander's heart.
When the world conqueror had passed
the frontier of India he had captured the
city of Omphis and among the prisoners
taken there had been King Taxiles' sis
ter.
Her beauty her intelligence and the
nobility of her mind had made a power
full impression upon Alexander, and she,
fascinated by his fame and charmed by
his talents, had at first admired and then
loved him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Awaiting the Result

you need not go SO far" retorted
Cleophila, '1f you seek Porus he will
soon be brought here a captive. We
guard for him the fair conquest his
love has made"
While the ladies wrangled in the tent
Porus and Alexander fought upon the
plain. 1t was a battle we'll and stoutly
contested. The armies of Porus and
Axiana hurled themselves upon the
Macedonian spears and Porus per-
formed prodigies of valor.
Alexander sought him upon the field
as he sought Alexander Once their
swords crossed. but a press of soldiers
around them drove them apart
All the while the army of Taxiles re-
manned in its camp, the soldiers spec
tators of the fight in which they took
no part. Some murmured and wished
to rush to the assistance of Porus; but
the stern discipline of Taxiles held
them to their posts
Al length the tumult of the battle
ceased. The women in the tent waited
breathlessly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
No COMPROMISE

"It Is not cowardice to turn from
rashness." urged Taxiles; "it may be
all he claims is harmless homage. A
few flattering words may sooth this
ambitious prince until lust for new
conquests turns him aside and lures
him elsewhere.
"Why provoke his wrath when with
a kindly welcome we can halt his
march and waive the rights we can
resume when he has passed on? Why
refuse that which cost us nothing and
may save us from destruction?"
But Porus would hear of no compro-
mise-no concessions. His own proud
and fiery temper had been, of itself,
sufficient to urge him to plunge into
war regardless of consequences, and
Axiana had been with him that day.
adding fuel to the flames.
Madly infatuated with the Queen, he
knew that to win her hand he must
dare all against the conqueror of the
world. Axiana was determined upon
war
She was angry that the fame of Porus
was not as great as that of Alexander,
and much as she loved the Indian King,
she would rather see him sacrificed In
battle than make homage to the Greek.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Swearing immortal Hate

Taxiles put by the curtain and entered.
Axiana threw her hands above her head.
mo room for Doubt" she cried, that
brow so satisfied has the defeat of Porus
written on it."
Madam" said Taxiles, had Porus
been less rash and followed the good
counsels of friend l would have been
spared my present pain in coming to an
nounce his fate myself.
us Porus-?" cried Axiana and turning
deathly white she pressed her hands to
her heart.
"All is over" said Taxiles 'Porus is
taken in the tolls against which l warned
him. His Army is routed and yours
also"
Axiana now burst forth in frenzy
of reproach and invective.
Go bring your captive, Porus, here
she cried, before this day ends de-
sire to make my love and hatred mani
fest before your eyes-to pledge myself to
him and swear immortal hate to you.
Now love me if you will-now that you
know me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Porus Missing

At that moment Hephaestion came
back reporting that though a thorough
search had been made no trace of
Porus could be found. Alexander gave
orders for further search and went
to see Axiana.
She greeted him haughtily saying
We'll, sire, do you find pleasure in see
ing the tears your arms have caused
to flow? Or do you grudge me the
privilege of weeping alone?"
Alexander spoke soothingly to her
praised the valor and constancy OF
Porus, but at the same time showed
her how hopeless it was for the Indian
King to strive against the Macedonian
arms.
He then began to plead the cause OF
Taxiles But at the first mention oil
his name Axiana cried out, "The trail
tor"
As Alexander went on trying to make
her look with kindlier heart upon
Taxiles that monarch was seer ap-
preaching and Alexander said:
He comes to plead himself. His
voice will explain what, uttered by my
lips, seems to offend. Lovers like soli-
tude. l viii withdraw.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
A CL A S SIC
IN A P A G. E
Copyright, 1913, by Irving King All rights

Copyright, 1918, by Irving King All rights
reserved.)
Racine is one of the great names OF
literature which adorned the age of Louis
XIV, an age remarkable in literature as
In arms.
It has been said that in dramatic poetry
the names of Corneille, Mollere and
Racine are not unworthy of comparison
with those of Sophoeles, Aristophanes
and Euripides-the great dramatists of
the age of Pericles.
Racine is oftenest compared to Euri-
pdes Like that author. he confined
himself almost entirely to tragedy; but,
like him, also. he left behind one satirie
comedy Euripides left THE Cyclops'
and Racine left "The Litigants.H
IT is a curious fact to recall now but
when Alexander" was first produced
Racine's relations became seriously alarm
ed at his evident intention to make lit
erature his career and were shocked at
his intimacy with authors and actors.
His aunt Agnes wrote him sorrowful
letter of affectionate remonstranee upon
the subject.
The real hero of Raclne's Alexander
Is Porns But Racine himself says upon
this point that he made Alexander the
greater. However he admits that there
is in Porus something. perhaps which IN
terests us more from the very circum-
stance of his miss tune. For, as Seneca
has remarked, We are naturally dis
posed to admire nothing so much in the
world as man who can bear versity
with courage,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Master of Her Fortunes

'Axiana," replied Taxiles calmly, 81
love you still. Look for neither threats
nor chains Alexander knows what is
due to queens. Allow his kindness to
have free scope and keep throne Porus
should never have placed in jeopardy.
my yself, at all hazards, will save your
throne
'What?" retorted Axiana, have my
sceptre given to me by foe and upheld
by you? No, If he gives crowns let
him give ours to you. l hope that Alex
ander before long will be so vexed that
your crime should stain his victory that
he will, by your execution, clear him
self
''Knaves such as you oft play the
traitor twice. Let not Alexander's pres
cnt favors dazzle you. Farewell" /" And
tie indignant Queen swept from the tent.
You must indulge her in her present
fury said Cleophiia; her rage will not
last long. She will not refuse to mount
TO a throne. You are the master of her
fortunes and will be of her heart. But tell
me-have you seen the victor?''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Which the Worthier?

As Alexander went his way Taxiles
stood before Axiana. She greeted with
sarcasm, hailing him a mighty King
and saying that Alexander had been
singing his praises.
81 am urged. forsooth. to love you
she cried. do you know how you can
touch my heart? Well he who would
win my love must be In love with glory
las l am. And hate, as / do, Alexan
der's name. Compare yourself with
Porus and say which is the worthier OF
me-"
II see my hopes are vain, sadly re.
turned Taxiles. ''Your heart is set or
Pcrus.'
But my esteem may be regained,' re-
Piled the willy Queen; wash out in
blood your crime But you hug youl
chains. Leave me and live slave
This Is too much, madam retorted
Taxiles. and since my homage but in.
flames your pride
.'Ch, yes | know l am your prisoner, "
Interrupted Axiana, "speak with ty-
rants tongue. Here comes your sister
to prompt you. Farewell-slave!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Only With Sword in Hand

When the messenger stood before the
Kings. Porus and Taxiles, he assured
Them of the good intentions of Alexander.
Tie desired no war with them. He hoped
they would welcome him as the protector
of their states.
A nominal submission was all that
would be required. But Alexander was
ready to drop the sword or take it up.
He urged them not to rush upon their
own destruction.
Taxiles replied that he had the great
est admiration for Alexander and
knew his prowess. He urged that the
great conqueror take their friendship
and leave the people free.
Il take his friendship on these
terms" he said, "and wait him as a
monarch may. He is hero whom
glory attends. He wins my heart
but cannot touch my throne"
Porus replied in fiercer and more
defiant vein and, finally, declared that
he would meet Alexander only sword
in hand
Hephaestion replied that Alexander
would most certainly accommodate
him with all the lighting he wanted
and so returned to the Macedonian
camp
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Treating Like a King

1T is time that Alexander should be
satisfied" said Porus. YOU sire, know
that as long as | live there will be one
alive here in these regions around whom
rebellion might rally Quench in my blood
those dangerous sparks of war-then go
and conquer all the earth that is left.
But surely, sire, after the manner in
which | have withstood you, you do
not think that I can thank conqueror
and forget my rights. Speak-and with
out expecting me to soil my honor--let
me see how you can use your victory"
Alexander looked at Porus with admir-
alton. Then, slowly, and speaking with
a voice low and even. with a face calm
and grave but not vindictive, he said:
Porus, is that proud spirit of yours
still unbroken? VIII you spend your last
breath in threatening words? Victory
itself must fear such pride.
"Yes. yes, your name is still one to
conjure up armies. ] must take security,
Porus. You ask me how | can use my
victory. Well, tell me how to treat YOU
Like a king replied Porus
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Impossible to. Forget

AS the Queen left the tent there came
in Cleophila saying. Leave this thank
less Queen, brother, Her deathless hate
her."
II cannot replied Taxiles. her i'm
age is enshrined in my heart
WELL them" replied Cleophila. ''go
to the battlefield. Porus waits you
there"
Then she told him that Porus, when
the rumor of his death had held back
the conqueror's arm, had gathered to-
gether portion of his fugitive troops
and was coming to rescue Axiana or be
slain before her eyes.
Now" she said. "go and succor your
rival whom Axiana loves so tenderly"
She left her brother musing distract
edly upon the situation.
Fate" he said to himself, seems bent
upon my ruin. Shall l succor Porus and
give him back to one who loved him bet
ter when she thought him dead than we
alive? But can 1 idly stand aside and
watch the issue of affairs In feeble
wrath?"
Reason and duty called him one way
his love for Axiana pulled him another.
And yet that very love held him back.
For to do as Axiana wished him to
would simply be, if the attempt was sue
cessful, to give her to the arms of Porus.
And if-as was likely-the attempt
should fall, then all was lost--his won,
his peoples and his sisters fortune
life itself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
No Need to Blush

..That is true" returned the King; "and
am puzzled to know why he does it.
Why did he not make these proposals
to Porus? l suppose he thinks Porus too
steadfast to be approached in such man.
ner."
NO" spiritedly cried Cleophila, The
offers you a friendship which towards
may not share He deems you bravest
of his enemies. And-and-"
Here Cleophila broke down and con-
fessed all. She told of her love for
Alexander and her knowledSe-for
women instinctively know this-of
Alexander's love for her.
"You had no need to blush, sister, "
said Taxiles, "that your charms have
caused the mighty warrior to succumo.
Nor should it cause alarm that he who
has dried the Euphrates has disarmed
your heart.
But /, too, viii make a confession.
Like you, | follow the star of love.
Axiana, scorning threats, has lead
forth her army against Alexander, and
Axiana must command my sword
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Axiana's Doubts

AS the messenger departed Axiana,
who had been nearby, came hastily in
to the tent, where the interview had
taken place.
What is this l hear?' cried the
Queen. "Our foes boast that you have
submitted, at least in heart, to Alex
ander and will not march against him. .
"The words of my enemies are
scarcely to be trusted returned Tax
lies coldly.
"Then give them the lie cried
Axiana; "go like Porus and let the
enemy feel your wrath"
Madam" said Taxiles, II go to
array my army Porus performs his
duty-so will L.
lie was gone and Axiana, turning
doubtfully to Porus, said: THAT cold
and sullen brow gives me no clew as
TO what Will be done IN his jealousy
and hatred of us he desires our down
fall"
I'm losing him we lose an unstable
prop" returned Porus; let him 60.
They say Alexander loves his sister.
TaSiies turns traitor to please his sis
ter and would gladly see us destroyed
because he sees that Axiana does not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Hephaestion's Mission

Porus at once betrayed his Jealousy,
and Axiana artfully soothed him, declar-
ing that her heart was Porus' alone. But
still she would try her wiles upon Taxiles
il she could get chance
And as to seeing Alexander's messen-
ger-why. of course, they must see him
The King at once consented, for, though
he scorned to be slave to Alexander,
he gloried in being a slave to Axiana
Before he met the Kings Porus and
Taxiles, Hephaestion seized the oppor-
tunity for a hurried interview with Gle
ophila. In this interview he assured her
of his masters love, presented to her
his greetings and begged her use all
her influence with her brother to pre-
vent him from being drawn into the plans
of Porus and Axiana.
For her sake Alexander would meet
Taxiles as a friend and equal and would
give to Porus and Axiana the most lio-
eral terms.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Awaiting Their Doom

''Well,' replied Alexander, then have
your way. | will not leave my victory
incomplete. You have chosen-and will
you agree not to murmnr at the fate
assign YOU? VIII you accept what doom
bestow upon you without complaint
cheerfully obey the punishment I shall
order for you?"
AS.iana had ranged herself alongside
of Porus and stood calmly and haugh-
tily with one hand resting upon her
lovers shoulder. Alexander turned his
back and walked to tho further side OF
the tent Then coming back and facing
the royal pair he said
We'll, Porus. like Sng shall you
be treated I give you back your
crown and with it my friendship-and
Axiana. TO these bonds do | con-
demn you both. Live and reign
both OF you. Extend your rule as far
as the banks of the Ganges.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Would Rather See Him Dead j,

Suddenly Cleophila exclaimed: Here
comes the Queen, my lord"-and AK
lana entered the tent.
Bowing with great courtesy. Alex
ander said to her: well, Porus lives,
madam; heaven has heard your pray
ers and given him back to you"
mo, he is dead and that traitor
Taxiles has gone to feast his eyes upon
his blood" she replied.
Alexander finally convinced the
Queen that Porus was indeed alive,
taken prisoner, and would soon be
brought into the camp.
He would be delivered over to Taxiles,
who should be his Judge If Axiana
would beg the life of Porus from Taxiles
it would be granted.
The Queen broke out into a fury, de-
claring she would rather see Porus dead
before her than asking life Of Taxiles.
Then she turned to Alexander and called
him mere butcher
You have strange love for Porus," re-
turned Alexander when you will net
stoop to save his life. Well, If he dies,
accuse yourself of his dcath--not me. But
I see him coming. Well, well; Porus
shall pronounce his own Judgment
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
FOrestalled

IT approve your care for Taxiles,
replied Porus. What he has done for
you deserves such a reward. He has
snatched victory from me and given
you his sister. But I have already fore
stalled your care. Go-see Taxiles dead
upon the battlefield
What do you mean?" cried Alexan-
der. Cleophila sprang forward and. with
a foreboding of disaster, repatea Alexan-
der's question.
An officer came hastily into the tent
and whispered to Hephaestion. Sire
he is dead" said Hephaestion, turning
toward the royal group.
The story was quickly told. Porus
had been sent a captive to Alexander,
who had taken him at once to the camp
of Taxiles without waiting to hear the
details of the capture.
Alexander had rather wondered at the
absence of Taxiles when he came into
the royal tent. Now he heard the story.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10

Porus thought it waste of time to
hear him. But Taxiles said:
Il think it but fitting that we should
hear the envoy. We do not yet know
what terms Alexander is willing to
offer. He may wish for peace"
Peace" cried Porus In fury
would you accept peace at his hands?
Has he not already invaded our eoun-
try? Are not our rivers swollen with
our subjects blood?
Il do not scorn Alexander-I admire
his courage and his genius. But I, too
am ambitious and desire to deserve
the tribute which his greatness forces
from me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
The Judgment of a Conquerer


But | know that the death of a
gallant warrior, disarmed and captive.
would offend you. Porus would tri-
umph in a bold contempt for my harsh
hess and descend to the tomb a vic
tor. Let me end as 1 begun and bring
you generosity unstained as my best
gift
Let Porus take his crown, restored
by me-and you shall reign over all
the word besides. Make your sway no
BILE from the first and let a sisters
anger be forgotten"
Even the naughty and defiant spirit
of Axiana was softened by the Glenn
ency of Alexander. and turning to Cleo
phila she said:
Yes, madam, reign. And suffer me
to esteem the greatness of the hero
who has given his heart to you Love
him and prize him.
Porus. too, had been conquered by
the magnanimity OF Alexander
Go, sire, and subdue the world"
said he. ut shall see me lend support
to all your exploits. I am yours and
viii do all / can for so great mas
ter"
What can a heart so sad as mine
say to my lord?" said Cleophila. Alex
ander knows best what most becomes
his glory. l can speak no further.
Let me weep In silence"
81, too, mourn a faithful friend" said
Alexander, and led Cleophila from the
tent.
Next weeks one-page classic will
be 'Altiora Peto," by Lawrence Oil
phant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Every Inch a K;ng

4 considerable company now gathered
in the tent. There We're Alexander AK
lana, Cleophle, Hephaestion and Porus,
the latter surrounded by Macedonian
guards.
Outside the soldiers ran to crowd about
the witness this ending of the drama
and the tragedy which had. for so long.
occupied them in the conquest of India.
Though wounded and captive. Porus bore
himself right royalty and looked his con-
queror fearicssly In the eye.
WELL Porus,' said Alexander in a
kindly voice, your pride has borne its
fruits. Offended majesty claims a vic
tim. Yet I will once more offer you a
pardon.
This Queen rebels against my clemen-
cy. She seems to think her constancy
more precious than your life. She would.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Offering Their Crowns

At that moment the trumpets announced
the coming of Alexander He was ac-
eompanied only by Hephaestion and went
at once to where Taxiles and his sister
awaited him.
Turning to his attendant he said Go.
my Hephaestion; Porus must be found.
Take him alive and spare all the van
quished."
Then greeting Taxiles and Cleophla. he
asked of the King: rs it true, sir, that
a misguided Queen prefers the valor of
a headstrong Porus to you? But fear not.
l give you his realms. You now have
a prize to offer that may sway the
Queens mind.
'You are sovereign of two kindoms-
and hers is also in your hands. Go to
her and with your vows present three
crowns"
you are too generous replied Taxiles.
''Noy, you shall THANK me later. Go
where love calls YOU"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-10
Beyond Alexander's Friendship

There fell a silence through which came
the sobbing of Cleophila Alexander ten
derly sought to soothe her.
II must weep for my brother" she
said: 20, my lord, on me your arms have
fallen with a heavy weight. Alexander S.
. friendship cannot help Taxtiles now
But will you see him descend into
the grave unayenged?" she continued
with a flash of anger. "6Is assassin
boasts of his deeds and before you--and
before me-"
Axiana turned slowly toward Cleophila
and said: Let Alexander attend to her
tears. She mourns brother whom she
sought to save by first making him
coward. Her brother has been slain by
Porus. You, sire, revenge his death with
generous blood. Not with the blood of
Porus alone-but with mine also. l share
his crime
Then turning to Porus, the Queen said
with proud tenderness: Yes, Porus,
yes my heart is yours, as Alexander
knows. Your rival knew it to his cost. e"