Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-04-25
Mfs rrlIaHe.o IN.
THE vow.
A NORTHERN TALE.

In the ancient healhen times Of the
Saxons, there happened once great war
with the Danes. Adalbero, duke OF Saxo.
fnys who had counseIledit. now in the hour
Of earnest conflict. stood at the head q
his people. There few the arrows and
The iavelins there glanced many valiant
blades, on both sides; and there shone
many Bright gold shields through the dark
fight. But the Saxons, at every attack.
were Fepufsed and were already so fat
drifen back that only the siorming OF a
steep height could deliver The army and
the country, dispense The enemy, and
change aruinous and DESTRUCTIVE fight in /,
TO decisive victory.
Adalbero conducted The attack. Bu:
in vain he forced bis fiery chaiger before
the squadron 10 vain be shouted through
the field, the sacred words: Freedom,
aud Fatherland!" in vain streamed bis own
warm blood and the blood of The foe, over
his resplendent armor. THE ponderous
mass gave way; and the Enemy secure
on the height, rejoiced in 6eir decided
victory. Again rushed Adabero on with
few gallant warriors; again tie faint heart.
ed fell behind and again lie enemy re-
joiced.
IN yet time" said ADHERE and 4.
gain be shouted, Forward and II We
conquer, vow 10 the gods. 10 set FIRE 10
the four corners Of my Cash, and il shall
blaze forth in one bright fperal pile. in
honor Of our victory and d our deliver
err"
Again was the attack renefed, but again
the Saxons fed, and the enemy sent forth
shouts Of joy. Then cried Aalbero aloud
before the whole army, IL we return
victorious from this charge,ge gods. de.
vote myself 10 you as schema saci6cei'
'Shuddering. the warriorsh ss:ened after
him; but fortune was still against them !;
the boldest fell-and The bravesl fed.g
Then Adslbero, in deep affection, rallied
the scattered band, ell that remained Of
the great and noble collected around him,
and spoke thus:
'Thou art our ruin for thou hast conn-
selled this war
Adalbero replied, NJ yAcastle and my
-Aana AArnied. 10 The gods for victo-
The sad multitude called 0ury -
to him. Thou art our ruin, for thou has
counselled this war.
Then Adalbero tore open bis bosom..anc
implored the Mighty God OF Thunder Il
pierce it with thunder-bolt, or 10 give vic
toty 10 his army. But there came no Dol
froIn heaven, and the squadron stood timic
and followed notthe call.
In boundless despair, Adalbero at las
said. There remains only that which i
dear 10 me. Wife and child. | offer &
thee, thou god Of armies, for victory. MJ
beautiful blooming wits my only heart
loved child-ihey belong 10 thee, Grea
| Ruler 10 Asgard; with myovn hands will
I sacrifice them TO thee; but ] implors
thee, give me lhe victory I 49,
| Scarcely were these wordsuttered wher
fearful thunderings rolled over the FIELD
If hattie and clouds gatherei around the
comba,anp; aud the Saxons, with fear
fnl cries shouted as with onetoice. The
oods ne with us' With in,incible cou..
&c, forward rushed the hos; The heigh
was carried by storm. and Adalbero with
sudden shuddering saw the enemy flying
through the field.
/ The conquerer returned hone in tri
umph land in all parts Of delivered Saxo
ny. came wives aud children forth. and
with outsiretched arms greeted their bus
bands and fathers. But Adaibero kneU
what awaited him and every smile Of an
affectionate wife, and every shout Of a
blooming child, pierced as With poison.
ed dstt his snguished heart. At lastt they
came before bis magnificent castle. He
was not able 10 look up. as the beautifu
eSimilde met him al the gate. with hel
daughter in her hand, while The little one
always lesped and cried, Father, father
beloved father? N
Adslbero looked round on bis people Il
strengthen himself; even there he me
quisering eyeIids and bitter tears; for a
mong his warriors. many bad heard BIZ
horrible VOW. He dismissed them 10 Their
families. feeling what happy men be, The
most unhappy. was sending TO heir homes,
iher rode into the castle. and sending The
domesiics away, under various pfeiences
sprung from his horse, closed The gates
With laundering sounds, secured them
carefully and pressed bis Beloved vii.
and child 70 his heart, shedding over them
torre pt 81 lesrs.s
What il the matter, Husband ? said the
astonished Smilde.
Why do you weep. fslEer2 slammef,
ed The little pne.
We viii first prepare az Offering 10 the
gods. replied Adalbero. and then I shall
relate every thing 70 you. Come 70 ne
soon 10 the hearth
i win kindIs the fame. and fetch ia
the meantime, The implements for, sacri
zee. said the sves. Similde and the lie
lie one cried out clsPping her hands: