You see they
are very small, but so they shall serve my purpose the better. Will
each of you take one and retire from the table and write upon it the
thing he most desires? Now, my dear friends, brevity is ever as the
point of the lance. Wit is blunt and Truth half armed without it. I
lay a test upon you."
All retired quickly, and, soon returning, dropped their wishes in the
box. The playful emperor closed and shook it and withdrew a disk.
"I find here the word 'preference,'" said he, and all observed that his
keen eyes were calmly measuring the prince Antipater. "It is a poor
word, and does you little honor, my young friend. In mere preference
there is no merit. Here is another, and it says 'more wine.' Keep his
goblet full," he added, pointing to that of the senator, as all
laughed. "Here is one says 'rest.' Have patience, my good daughter, I
shall soon be done talking. Another has on it the words 'your
health'--a charming compliment, dear Lady Lucia. 'Courage,' 'wisdom,'
'success,'" he added, reading from the tablets.
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