Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-09-07
From the Newly orker.
T III T. Il A "A l. w AG T. IL

Founded on facts-Translated from The German.
"A cold dreary nigh, for students" said
the host Of the Doute Eagle. as he threw
a faggot Of wood upon the fire around
which were seated knot of students.
silently smoking their meerschaums, while
upon a able near at hand stood a number
Of empty bottles and drinking cups, bear.
ing evidence Of their recent good cheer.
The night was far advanced--it was ST.
Marks eve-and they had been discussing
the numerous snperstilIons current among
the peasan,ry concerning this haIlowed
time. There was pause in the converse
lion. and each sat seemingly absorbed in
his own thoughts, which to Judge from the
grave aspect Of their features were serious
enough. So deeply were they buried in
meditation, that none needed The observa.
tions OF the landlord. It was toward the
close Of Autumn, and the wind wblstled
sharp as it swept past the Crazy old inn,
giving token of the approach of stern WIS.,
aged Winter.
"Well, Herman" said one of the stu.
dents laying aside his pipe and moving a
little from the fire. which now b!azed
brightly since you have laughed at all the
related tonight and profess not 10 believe
in the existence of spirits good or bad yet
there is one concerning which would ask
your opinion. II is said that on the eve of
ST. Marks one may see the shades of those
who are TO die within short time pass
into the church. by wal ching there at the
hour of midnight"
"Mere stories to amuse Children" re-
piled Herman.
yet did not Bnrgome lister declare tina,
he saw. on the eve of St. Marks, as he
was returning home late at night from
Groshelm. q shodowy figure, the exact
counterpart of himself, Tide into he church
as he passed lt-and did he not die few
months afterwards !"
"Very true. Herr Rosambert; but you
must recolec, that old Wagram was no,
esteemed the most temperate in Engle
bach. And it is well known that on the
occasion alluded to. he was returning from
merry.making. and it is but Just to pre-
sumo that his perceptive faculties could
not have been in very perfect state II
is probable that he saw but his own shadow;
by the moon, which ! remember shone
brightly that night and his disordered in
tellect and superstltious folly led him to
imagine it spirit. As to his death, which
occurred so shortly after; it is my firm
belief that 1t had no more connection with
81, Marks eve lhan--lhan-" (puzzled for
p sjmile)-''lhan fire has with water"
H'Graning all you have said still think
it somewhat strange. Though ] do not
profess 10 be superstilious, vet there is
something beautiful in that belief that there
are spiris--those of our friends and kindred
: who watch over us 10 our sleeping hours,
and hover around during the busy scenes
Of day. guarding us from evil who, when
abe sand OF life has nearly run, assumed n
visible shape, and beckon us from this
weary world to realms OF happiness and
bliss"
IAN very fine, no doubt" said Herman
smiling, 81 dare say, Rosambert, though
you do not profess 10 be superstitious, vel
are you not fearful, as you pass the old
church TO night on your way home, o,
seeing your shade lowering about the
ehurch?"
ut is well that your way lies not tbh.
en-" said Rosambert, rather netlled, "fou
with oil your smiling, doubt whether YOU
dare trust yourself in its vicinity at the
4 hour of midnight Indeed, | will wager .
dozen of mine hosts choicest Burrund,
that you dare not"
"Done, Rosambert, done Gentlemen,
said Herman, addressing his brother stu
dents, shear you this wager. Egad, wei
make q night OF it! Now Rosambert,
will do more on the faith Of thy Burgund