The Ohio Democrat and Dover advertiser. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1839-1840, 1840-07-10
TEE VOW.
FROM, THE GERMAN.

war with the Danes. Adalbero, Duke
Of SaxOuy who had counselled il, now,
in the hour Of earnest conflict, stood at |
the bead Of his people. There few the |
arrows aud the javelins; there glanced
many valiant blazes on both sides; and
there shone many bright gold shields
'hToug b the dark fight. But The SaxOns
at every attack, were repulsed, and
were already so far driven back that the
storming Of a steep height could only
deliver the army and the country, dis
perse the enemy, and cbangea ruinOus
and destructive fight into a decisive vic.
tory.
Adalbero conducted the attack. But
in vain he forced his fiery charger be-
fore the squadron, in vain he shouted
through the field the sacred words,
Freedom and Fatberland!' 10 vain
streamed his warm blood, and the blood
ofthe foe, over his resPlendent armor.
The ponderous macs gave way; and
the enemy, secure on the height, re.
jOiced in their decided victory. Again
rushed Adalbero with few gallant war,
riore; again the faint hearted fell behind;
and again the enemy rejoiced.
ut 10 yet time,' said AdeIbero, and as
again he shouted Forward! and ii we
conquer, vow to the gods to set Ere
to the four corners Of my castle, and 1t
shall blaze forth one grand funeral pile,
in honor ofOur victory and our delyer-
anCe. .
AgaiGgvas the attack renewed, but
again the SaxOns fed, and the enemy
sen. forth shouts ofjoy.
Then cried Adalbero aloud before the
whole army, live return victorious
from this charge, ye gods. devote my
self 70 you as solemn sacrificed
Shudderiog, the warriors hasteued
after bim.-but fortune was still sgainst
them: the bodies. fell, the bravest fec.
Then Adalbero in deep affection, rallied
the scattered band, and all tina. remain.
cd oftbe great mobiles collected round
him and spoke thus:
| Thou art our ruin, for thou hast coun
seled this war; AdalberO replied, My
casste and myself have deVo,ed.to,tLe
gods for victory, what mole can ] do2'
The cad multitude called only the
more 10 him, Thou art our ruin, for thou
hast counselled this war;
Then Adalbero tore open bis bosom,
and implored the Mighty ued Of Thun-
der 10 pierce it with thunderbolt, or to
give the victory TO tho army. But there
came no bolt from, and the squadron
stood timid and followed not the call.
10 boundIess despair, Adalbero, al
last said, "There remains only thai
which is most dear to me. Wife and
child offer 10 thee, thou god Of armies,
for victory! My beautiful blooming
wifi, only beari-loved child. they
belong TO thee, Great Ruler 10 Asgard
with my own hand will | sacrifice them
but implore thee, give me the victory
Scarcely we're these words uttered
Sben fearful laundering rolled over tbs
field Of battle, and clouds gathered a.
round the combatants; and the Ssxons
with fearful cries, shou,ed, as with ont
voice The gods are wItb..us!' With in
vncible courage forward rushed th'
dosb the height was carried by storm, &
Adalbero, with sudden shudder saw lh'
enemy flying through the field.
i The conquoror returned home in tri
umph, aud in all parts Of deliverd Sax
oby, came wives and children forth, ant
with outstretched arms greeted their hui
bands and fathers. But Adal5ero knew
what awaited him; and every smile o
an affectionate wife. pierced as with ,
D poisoned dart, his anguished heartr A
last they came before his magni6cen
castle. He was not able 10 look up, q
: The beautiful Simildie met him at th'
gate, with her daughter in her hand
while the little one always always leap
cd and cried, Father, father, beloved
D f,ther!
I Adalbero looked round on his people
i, order to strengthen himself, but ever
r there he me. quiveriDg eye lids and bit
tT tears; for among his warriors manJ
had he ard his horrible vow. He dis
J missed them 10 their families, feeling
What happy men, he the most unhappy
3 vaS sending 10 their homes; then rod
+ ito the castle and sending the domes
. tics away, under various Prelences
!. Prung from bis horse, closed the gate
r With laundering sound, securing then
carefully, and pressed his beloved wife
! and child toy his heart. shedding owe
hem q torrent Of tears.
) what 10 The matter, husbandP sai
The astonished SImidie.
f ! why do you Weep,tather3' stammer
; cd the little ono,
We will prepare an Offering to tn
gods,' replied AdaIberO; and then cha