The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-01-16
SELECTED TALES.
THE MAID OF SoLEURE.
A SWISS STORY.

SWISS Story.
The town of SOeure is situated amongs
the mountains Of Jurn, IN Switzerland, AN,
along the fertile and romantic vale of III,
Balsla. IL is the capital of the cantor
which bears the same name, aud is waterec
by the beautiful river Aar. The town i,
small, but neat, and surrounded by ston,
Notifications. IL claims the honor of grea
antiquity, and ITS inhabitants have Ions
been distinguished for their love Of civil in,
dependence. The following traditionar,
story is related of one of the most interest
ing passages in the history uf the place,
Hugo Won Bucheg was venerable
burgher aud chief magistrate of the town o
Soeure. He had long been regarded as
father of the council, aud the people placed
their reliance upon him in every time al
danger. His habits were plain and simple
lie mud amassed no wealth, for his services
were given and not sold. One treasure he
possessed, which he considered beyond ai
price, and that was his only child, Ellen
She had early lost her mother, and had
spent her time almost as she pleased, III
wandering about the suburbs of Soleurc,
gathering plants for her collections, aud ac.
cunularing stock Of health, energy aud
cheerfdlnesS.
She WAS yet at - lender OF age, when
her father received most earnest letter
from hls only sister, who resided in the val
ley of Lauterbrum, entrea,ing him Ia spare
his daughter to her for a few monlhs, repre-.
senting the solitude Of her own situation
aud the wants she had Of youthful unC
cheering society. The last plea he couic
not resist, and Ellen was, for the first time
separated from her father.
She found her aunt, who was widow
sick aud low spirited. 1t was new silua
ton for Ellen. Hitherto her life had DC
maudrd bat few sacrifices; but now her du
ties began, and day and night she was seat
ed by her bedside. Sickness often make
people selfish and unreasonable. The in
valid was unwilling to part with her new y
acquired solace for moment, and Ellie;
could only gaze upon the beautiful scenery
around her, without being allowed t'
plunge into its depths. Il was not till heI
heallh and spirits dropped, that she gaIne'
PERMISSION To walk at sun sci. At frs:
the rapidiiy with which she moved Mon!
was almost free from thought. ii was re-
covered liberty, aud to gaze upon th'
heavens, the waters, aud the wonds, to fee
that she could leap from rock 10 rock
could sing her favorilc songs, and disturb
no one, was rapture. Her delight IN ramb-
ling amidst the wild scenery Of the district
was augmented by her naturally devotional
feelings. When the glorious sun arose, II
was, Ia her, like the Creator, Lifting the
curtain of the night, and coming forth frnn'
the darkness of his pavilion. a. she gaZed
on the valley aud cottages, and listened tc
the note of the shepherds pipe, TO the link
ling bells of the herds of cattle, aud heard
their deep sonorous voices, she broke tortl
in the spirit of MiltOn:-
Parent of God these are thy works,
Nor were her associations less delightful
at the hour of evening. 1t was to gaze up.
on the groups of healthy happy children
who ran to meet their parents returning
from day Of labo--to see the aiectonait
wife preparing her little repast before the
door, and all breathing the language of do
mestic affection.
She had gazed late on this scene on
evening, and turned slo~ly away TO pursu
her path houewards. As she proceeded
she perceived she would he obliged TO pas
a herd of cattle which had no herdsman
Her habits were fearless, aud she did no
hesitate. Suddenly one of the animal
sprang furisusIy from the rest, and rusbet
towards her. She looked around--a fright
ful death seemed inevitable. To escape b,
flight was impossible. AT that moment tb'
report Of gun struck her ear; The anima
staggered, aud fell dead at her feet. 4
sickness came over her, and she knew moth
ing ull she found herself supported by ;
Young man dressed in a military uniform.
You have saved my Iife," she eIclalm
ed" IL was a fortunate shot," he said
smiling. Il dont't often make as good I
one for ! have been out all day, aud hsv'
not brought down any game. My uncle
house is not very far distant; may | cog
duct you to It T.
IL must GO to my aunt's," said Ellen
but ] shall need your assistance To ge
there"
He raised her up and gave her his arm
aud they stool a minute 10 guze on the pow.
erfnl animal that lay stretched out befur,
them. The ball bad entered his heart. No
a drop Of blnpd was visible.
This will make feast in the valley,
said the youth; viii give a Jete IN hon.
or of your safety Will YOU not witness 1t 7
Ellen sighed to ihink how Impossible il
would be to gain her aun,'s consent. Al
the door the stranger bowed sod lett her.
The Impression upon The young girl's
mud w.s deep and ln',lng. Thst n'gh'