Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-09-20

and thlckets Z
'You talk like young men, replied the vet
eran. 'Glory is a prize one may FIGHT for
abroad, but safety is the object when the en-
envy is at the door,
One day, however, the young men sue
ceeded in drawing down their father INTO the
| plain. Abdalass Immediately seized on the
opportunity, and threw himself between the
Goths and their mountain Businesses. The
odomir saw too late the danger into which he
was betrayed. 'Wllat can our raw troops
do said he, against these squadrons of horse
that move like castles? Let us make rap
id retreat to Orihucla, and defend ourselves
from behind its walls
Father said the eldest son, sit is now too
late to retreat; remain here with the reserve,
while my brother and | advance. Fear moth
ing; am not your son, and would not die
to defend you ?
'ln TRUTH replied the veteran, Il have my
doubts whether you are my son. Blu, if !
remain here, and you should all he killed,
where then would be my protec,on7 Come,
added he, turning to the second son, Il trust
that thou art virtually my son; let us hasten
to retreat before it is too ate.'
Father replied the youngest, Il have not
a doubt that am honestly und thoroughly
your son, and as such honor YOU; but |
owe duty likewise to my mother; and when
| sailed to the war she gave me her blessing
as long as | should act with valor, bni her
curse should prove craven aud nv the field
FEAR nothing, father; [ will defend Won
while living, and even after YOU are dead
4 V shall f',;I g l.. 4
chrc among your KINDRED
~ pestlIence on you both, cried Theodo-
mir, 'tor brace of mishegottrn madmen !
What care |, think We, where We Law my body
when am dead! One days existence it,
"A howell is worth an age of intcrmrnt IN IL
marble scpuIchrc. Come, my friends, said
he, turning to his principal cavaliers, 'lct us
leave these ho;-headed slrplings, aud max,
our retreat; if we tarry any longer the enc
my will be upon u.s.
Upon this, the cavaliers and proud hidal.
goes drew up scornfuIlv and tossed ,hri,
heads: What do you see in u.s." said they
that you think we will show orr backs ,c
the enemy! Forward was ever the gooc
old Gothic watcl,word, and with that we will
live and die 7"
While time was lost in these disputes, tho
MosIem army kept advancing; until rclrea
was no longer practicable. The battle wa,
,umutuous and bloody. Theodomir Tough
like lion, but it was all in vain he saw hi,
two sons cut down, and the greater part o
their rash companions, while his raw noun.
tain troops fled in all directions.
Seeing there was no longer any hope, he
\ '.-l lA at
near him, and who was about squirting for the
mountains. Part not from me- said he
but do thou at least attend to my counsel
my son, and Of truth | believe thou ar,
my son, for thon art the offspring of one Of
my landmarks who was kind unto me- And
indeed the youth marvelously resemblec
him.
Turning then the renS of his own steed
and giving him the spur, he fled aman from,
the field, followed by the page: nor did h,
stop until he had arrived within the walls OF
Oliehuea.
Ordering the gates to be barred and bolt
ed, he prepared to receive the encmv-
There were but few men in the city capable
OF bearing arms, most Of the youth having
fallen in the field. He caused the women
therefore, to clolhe themselves in male attire
to put on hats and helmets, 10 take long reed,
IN their hands instead of lances, and to cross
their hair upon their cliins in scmblance OF
boards. With these troops he lined the wall.
and towers.
1t was about the hour of twilight that Alb.
dalasis approached with his army, but he
paused when he saw the walls so nnnerousl,
garrisoned. Then Thcodomir took flag OF
truce in his hand, and put herald's tabard
on the page, and they two sailed forth to
capiiullte, and were graciously received b,
Abdalasis.
Il come said Theodomr, ION the behalf
of the commander of this city, to treat for
terms worthy ofyour magnaniniry and of hi,
dignity. You see that the city is canable q,
wthslanling long siege, but he is dcsrou.
of sparing the lives of his soldiers.
that the inhabitants shall be a, liberty to dc.
part unmoestcd with their properly, and
the city will be delivered up to you lo-mor.
row morning without blow; Otherwise W,
are prepared to fight until not man be left