Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-06-23
THE BRONZE HORSE.
A GERMAN TRADITION.


The illusirious Baron of Atterkeim inhabi-
ted at the time of the Crusades the Castle of
Stolberg. He was old and wdower with
but one child-the beautiful Hildegarde,
whose hand was sought in marriage BY all the
mobiles Of the neighborhood. Among the
number was the young Count of Frauburg,
the handsomest and bravest knight of the
province, but alas! also the poores,-he had
been sutton for the lovely Hildegarde, and
it was said that had she alone been consulted,
he would not have been reiected-but her
father had forbidden him 10 appear at the
Castle, and he had disappeared, no one knew
whither.
Two noble knights from the banks of the
Rhine presented themselves at the Castle of
Stolberg. Edward and Hermann we're bro.
tl,ers-the latter was handsome, brave and
accog1plished-he came to lay his fortune at
the feet Of the beautiful heiress, and soon OBJ
tanned her fathers consent. These two bro.
theirs had been united from infancy by the
tenderest affection-they had studied togeth-
er, travelled together, and distinguished
themselves together in the wars From the
cradle, they had shared each others lows
and sorrows-tley had long rejected the idea
of marriage, through fear that it might weak
en- the strong tie that bound them to ca oh
other, but Edward had a, last succeeded in
persuading Hermann that il was his duty to
marry, in order to continue the noble race
from which they we're descended.
Was Hildegarde satisfied with her fathers
choice2 Her attendants said, that after a
long interview with the Baron, in which he
announced to her his decision, she had wept
long and bitterly. But she dreaded her pa.
rent too much, 10 dare resist his will.
The marriage day was fixed, and Hermann
though at the summit of felicity, could not
but perceive that Edward was restless and
unhappy. Brother said he, what have
long dreaded has at length happened. The
approach of the day when you will no longer
be without rival in my affections, fills you
with uneasiness. You avoid me-you are
no longer the same-what means this changer
-speak-explain." But Edward only re-
piled by cold and embarrassed expressions,
and Hermann left him to seek Hildegarde.
The nearer the wedding day approached
the more gloomy Edward became, though
Hermann, absorbed in his love. only had
eyes for his bride. He no longer endeavor-
ed to discover the Cause of his brothers. grief
and to soothe his jealous irritation; and tina,
intimacy and confidence which had once uni.
ted them, no longer existed between them.
The Baron Of Atterkeim had given orders
that the wedding feast should be celebrated
with the utmost pomp. He appeared proud
of the alliance his daughter was about to
/ M tOHn .t,nI~ 49,
sion was 10 be remarked on his countenance E;
Hermann observed itand enquired the cause
MY friend replied the Baron, you will
perhaps blame my superstitous increduity.
Learn that for many centuries, an hciress OF
Stolberg has never married without the con-
sent Of the founder of our race, the first Ba-
ron Of Atterkeim, formerly known as the
Bronze Soldier. An ancient tradition runs
as follows:-When the marriage of "a daugh-
ter of our line is TO be followed by any mis-
fortune, the Bronze Soldier, who can read
tho future destiny of the bride, rises from his
tomb. and armed in bronze. appears the nigh,
before the ill-omened ceremony, under the
walls of the Castle, where he blows three
blasts on his bugle a. midnight My family
from father TO son, has believed in the appa-
rition, and were to hear his fatal clarion,
must refuse You Hildegarde. Yet fear no.
my son-why should we dread any obstacle
The phantom can read your hear,-he know.
you desire nothing more ardently than the
happiness Of my child"
When Hermann retired 10 his chamber
he sent for his brother-Edward was not ia
be found: for several days past. the unhap.
py young man spent his time in wandering
through tho country, and seldom returned al
tho hours Of meals his countenance had los
ito serenity. and 4 sacred sorrox seemed
preying on his heart. Hermann at this mo.
ment felt the want Of q friend, conhdant
an adviser, and for the first time in his life
he had no ono to sympathise with him.
News Of an alarming nature had been com