Cloverdale Union High School - Spectator Yearbook (Cloverdale, CA)

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C. H. S. SPECTATOR 29 The Magic Stone There once ruled over Granada an old tyrannical Moorish chieftain. He was called Aob Haden. Among his peculiar traits was the study of the stars. He also had great faith in magic. His peculiar habits as, well as his harsh rule, made him unpopular, both in Granada and in the neighboring provinces. , The only consolation he possessed was a young and beauti¬ ful daughter, who was the pride of his heart. It was his am¬ bition to marry her to some great prince. Imagine his com ternation, then, when one day, as he strolled through his gar¬ den of Lynderax, he saw two figures at some distance, one of whom he recognized as the captain of his bodyguard and the other as his own daughter 4 ' Santa Maria!” he exclaimed, and then restrained his rage, as he saw that he was not perceived by them. He watched their movements until he became convinced that they were lovers, then he returned to his own apartments. When he reached the quiet of his own apartments he was overwhelmed with a sudden fit of anger, and seizing a piece of parchment he hastily scrawled some Arabic letters on it. 4 ‘Take this to the captain of my guard,” he said to a slave, “and tell him to leave my employ ,lest he die, and when you have done this summon to me the old astrologer whom I have heard lives in Granada.” The slave took the parchment with a trembling hand, and departed, only too glad to escape from the presence of his terrible master. The captain of the guards was passing a cell in a distant and lonely part of the Alhambra, probably planning some way to wed the young princess, when the slave entered and delivered the scroll and message. After reading the message he turned to the slave and said, “Tell your young mistress that in an hour I shall leave these walls forever, but that true lovers never part.”

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28 C. H. S. SPECTATOR I came down to the sea each day And watched the white-caps at their play, But lying yonder near the coast There was a sight I never lost — Peaceful. I came again down to the sea And saw the ship was leaving me; With anchor weighed and sails unfurled, She left me for another world, Silently. The rolling ship sailed o’er the sea, Sailed toward the west, away from me; I know not when we’ll meet again — The thought too sad for tongue or pen. Farewell. I oft since then have seen the sea But ne’er this ship returned to me; It sailed away to come no more, Like Rome’s great men in days of yore — Remembered. Thus from the school room’s narrow walls Have passed to life’s more spacious halls The friends we’ve known and held so dear, Leaving for us who linger here A memory. Wm. Me. ’ll.

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30 C. H. S. SPECTATOR The slave on leaving the apartment thought it wisest to do his mission in the city first, therefore he descended into the town. In the meantime the captain of the guards gathered to¬ gether his belongings and left the Alhambra. On his way to the city he met an old man, whom he recognized as a man noted for magic, residing in Granada. He accosted the old man: “I am told that you are versed in the arts of magic.’’ “To some small degree,” replied the man. “Perhaps you would like to obtain a stone which I brought from Palestine,” said the captain, at the same time producing a small box. “The stone which is in the box has a magic power over any one who looks upon it. If you will do what I ask of you it shall be yours.” “What, then, is thy will?” said the astrologer. “Bring me the princess of yonder castle and it shall be yours,” said the captain. “That will I willingly-do,” replied the astrologer, “but first give me the stone that I may do your bidding, and do you go to my house in Granada and await my return.” The young officer did as he was commanded. While he was making his way to the house of the astrologer, the astrologer himself reached the Alhambra and was ushered into the pres¬ ence of the king. tonight,” said the king, “do you cast the horoscope of my daughter, and tell me what is her future.” At midnight the astrologer was again summoned into the presence of the king. “My Lord,” said the astrologer, your daughter is to marry a great Christian prince, who is even now planning to ravage your territory.” The king remained silent for some time, then he said, “You are a wise man; will you advise me in this?” “Willingly,” replied the astrologer. Since it is the destiny of your daughter to marry the Christian prince, would it not be well for her to marry him before he destroys your terri¬ tory? I have magic power which will force this prince to marry your daughter, when I will it.”