The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-24
"You have saved my life," she exclaimed.

cut all day. aud have not brought down any game
My uncle's house is not very far distant: may
C ,nduct you 10 III"
81 must go to my annt's, said Ellen, '.hut shall
need your assistance to get there
He raised her up and gave her his arm, and they
stood minute to gaze on the powerful animal thai
lay stretched out before them. The bail had enter
ed his heart Not drop of blood was visible
"This will make feast in the valley" said the
youth; al will give a jse in honor of your safety
will you not witness III"
Ellen sighed to think how impossible it would
be to gain her aunt's consent At the door, the
stranger bowed and left her
The impression upon the young girls mind was
deep aud lasting That night her aunt's illness
greatly increased. A despatch was sent for her
father, but before his arriya al his sister had breatbed
her last. She went no more to the chapel but
returned to Soleure with her father.
Two years passed away, and Een's recollections
OF the stranger we're yet fresh in her mind she
saved my life" said she, 81 hope shall see him
again. But new scenes were fast crowding upon
her, and left no room for the wanderlngs of imagi
nation. Leopold, Duke ofAuslria, was approach
ing Soeure. with the avowed resolution of be-
sieging its walls. An inordinate thirst for victory
had taken possession Of his mind He believed it
glory to conquer even the innocent and free, and
he swore to his brother, the emperor, to plant the
Austrian standard on the towers of Soleure.
|
The attack had commenced, and Ellen stood
gazing on the scene. She neither wept nor spoke,
but was moiionless as marble statue. Her father
cast one glance on her, and hastened where his
duty called The wailings of women and children
for their husbands and fathers, from whom thew
were the first time separated, the thunder of the
| cannon, which made even the earth tremble, the
cries of exultatlon and despair, mingled with the
groans of the wounded, all struck upon the ear Of
Ellen She flew from street to street, iorgetfuI of
her own safety, at one moment in search of her
father. and the next administering comfort 10 those
as wretched as herself
At length the tumult ceased. The thunder Of
the cannon was heard no longer, and the glad
tldings were communicated from mouth TO mouth
that the enemy were repulsed. and had rereated 10
their encampment. Scarce had Ellen reoiced in
lhs intel gence, when she behed her father ap-
preaching, supported by friend .'Merciful
heaven!" she exclaimed. "you are wounded"
"Come with me. my child. said he, s.and thank
the Supreme Being for this respite from our calam
ites My wound is nothing, but you will bind il
up"
With the tenderest care she applied the emol.
lIents necessary, then, kueeng at his eet, bathed
his hand with her tears At length her father
requested her 20 lie calm. and listen to him.
"We have" said he, "this time defended The
walls of Soleure; and repulsed the enemy; but
they will return TO the attack with new vigor.
Our resources are exhausted, our last ammunition
expended, and the banner of Austria will soon
wave over the ruins of this de, oted place; but |
have still my duty peril rm, and to ihi, there was
but one obstacle. know what fate awaits you
from rude and victorious soldery in the heat of
conquest. There is but one resource-you must
repair to Leopold He is brave and generous
You will be safe from insult; and free to do nv /
duty as soldier. Away it is my command. An
swer me not! Give this letter to the duke God
bless thee my dear-my only trrasuren'
Ellen sunk upon her knees, and pressed her ia.
ters hand TO her lips: but he rushed from her into
his room, and his sobs were audible
When he came ont he gazed upon the bridge
over which Ellen was to pass. Her slight figure
was family visible, preceded by flag of truce,
and at length faded away. Snow am childess,"
said he; 81 have only to die for my country"
Surrounded by the chiefs and mobiles of his army
sat Duke Leopold, upon seat adorned with gold
and purple, which served him for throne, delibe-
raliug with them upon the most effectual means of
attacking Soleure. The curtain of the pavilion
was raised and an officer entered and informed him
that young woman, the daughter of Bucheg,
requested admission.
Leopold looked exultingly upon his mobiles
"Eashe sent his daughter to melt our purposes'"
said he; does he think that youth and beauty can
beguile our resolution' Let her enter and we win
show her that our blood is warmed only by glory.
Again the curtain was raised, and Ellen dressed
IN the plainest manner, entered. She approached
The Duke, and bent one knee to the ground-
Noble Prince" shd said, come to you as peti-
Homer to claim your protection" and she placed
her fathers letter in his hand n
The Duke looked earnestly at her, as did also
lis mobiles with still greater curiosity. The effort !
II courage was over Her eyes ere cast down, u
md her whole frame rrembled with emotion.
my lord" said the Duke, addressing an old s.
nan who stood near him, "support this young
woman to seat" He then unfolded the letter r
nd read: C.
"NoBLE PRINCE: She who brings you this let
er Is my only child-all the treasure possess in u
his world Therefore. trust her to you, relying al
n your honor Ifthe walls OF Soleure fall shall 81
buried under their ruins, but il you grant your
rejection to my daughter, shall have no more e
nxicty for her. Give me some token that YOU tn
rant my petnion, and you win receive your re- nc
ard from that being, who watches over the limo. Va
ent, and who knows our hearts.
"BUCHEG, Magistrate of Soleure." te
A deep silence prevailed. AT length the Dnke an