The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-08-11
From The Ne,o Yorker,


THE FATAL WAGER.
FOUNDED ON FAcT-TRASsLATED FROM THE
GERMAN.
" A COLD, dreary night, herr Students"
said the host Of the Double Eagle, as he
threw a faggot Of wood upon the fire, around
which were seated knot Of students, silently
smoking their meerschaums, while upon table
near at hand stood number Of empty bottles
and drinking-cups bearing evidence Of their
recent good cheer. The night was far adj
vanced-it was st. Marks eve-and they had
been discussing the numerous superstitions
current among the peasantry respecting this
hallowed time. There was a pause in the
conversation, and each sat seemingly absorb
ed in his own thoughts. which, to Judge from
the grave aspect of their countenances, were
serious enough. So deeply were they buried
in meditation, that none needed the observa-
ton Of the landlord. II was toward the close
Of Autumn, and the wind whIstied shriIly as
it swept past the crazy old inn, giving token Of
the approach Of stern-visaged Winter.
" Well, Herman" said one Of the students,
laying aside his pipe, and moving little from
the fire, which now blazed brightly" since
you have laughed at all the legends and super
stitons which have been related tonight, and
profess not to believe in the existence ofspirits
good or bad, yet there is one concerning
which would ask your opinion. 1t is said
that on the eve of st. Marks one may see
the shades Of those who are to die within a
short time pass into the church, by watching
there at the hour Of midnight
. Mere stories to amuse Children" replied
Herman.
!" Yet did not Burgomeister Wagram de-
clare that he saw, on the eve of St. Marks,
as he was returning home late at night from
Grosheim, shadowy figure, the exact coun-
terpart Of himself, glide into the porch of the
church as he passed it-and did he not die a few
months afterward 7"
"Very true, Herr, Rosambert; but you
must recollect that old Wagram was not es-
teemed the most temperate in Englebach.
And it is well known that, on the occasion al
luded to, he was returning from merry-mak-
ing, and it is but just to presume that his per-
ceptiye faculties could not have been in a very
perfect state. II is probable he saw but his
own shadow, reflected by the moon, which
remember shone brightly that night; and his
disordered intellect and superstitious folly led
him to imagine it spirit. As to his death,
which occurred so shortly after, it is my firm
belief that it had no more connection with st.
Marks eve ,than---than--" puzzled for a simile
-" than fire has with water"
:. Granting all you have said, still think it
somew hat strange. Though do not profess
to be superstitious, yet there is something
beautiful in the belief that there are spirits
those Of our friends and kindred--who watch
over us in our sleeping hours, and hover
around during the busy scenes of day, guard
ing US from evi-who, when the sand OF lille
has nearly run, assume visible shape, and
beckon us from this weary world to realms Of
happiness and bliss"
'Al very fine, no doubt" said Herman,
smiling. :" / dare say, Rosambert, though
you do not profess TO be superstitious, yet are
you not fearful, as you pass the old church to
night on your way home, ofseeing your shade
lowering about the church"
1t is well that your way lies not thither,"
said Rosambert, rather nettled, for with all
your smiling, doubt whether you dare trust
yourself in its vicinity at the hour of midnight.
Indeed, / will wager dozen of mine hosts
choicest Burgundy that you dare not
Done, Rosambert, done Gentlemen"
said Herman, addressing his brother students,
hear you this wager. Egad, we'll make
night ofit! Now, Rosambert, | will do more
on the faith Of thy Burgundy will enter the
old miser's vault, concerning which there are
so many mysterious tales and should | meet
with spirit, I'll speak to it though il blast
me- The tomb is ina diapidated state, End
the entrance is easy. The wager shall be de-
cided this very night"
excellent excelentm exclaimed Ro-
sambert; and that we may know you have
been there, take this poniard, and stick it into
a coffin"