The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-24

u,
to you ! confde this young maiden; knew your
integrity; your grey hairs bleached in the service
OF your country are pledge of security. Yet
one more desire-it is your son. take him for
hostage. You know love him, as If he were
nv own. Therefore by this pledge, he will know
how highly estimate my protection, given to the
daughter of Bucheg. But where is the Young
couht!" continued the Duke; 81 miss him unwil.
llngly from among my frIends''
"He is at his post answered the father, al ex-
pect him every moment. In the mean time suffer
me to express my thanks for the confidence YOU
place in me, as well as for your kindness to my
son."
The old count now took the hand of Ellen, and
said, ''You have heard, my dear child the command
OF the Duke. hope you will trust yourself TO
me-"
AS ne spoke, his son entered the pavilion. He
gazed at the scene before him in speechless aston.
lshment Ellen, too, seemed overcome by her
stuatlon The deepest blushes suff,Ised her face
aud neck, while her eyes were cast down and her
heart beat with violence
"You wonder, my young friend, said the Duke,
show this fair creature came among us rough
warriors; but you will be still more astonished
when you learn that you must welcome her as
your sister She is the only daughter of the mngis
trate OF Soleure. Her father has confided her to
me, and give her in trust to you, and thus is the
mystery explained. But am convinced The Young
lady must need rest and refreshment. Therefore
request you to see that she is properly lodged
and guarded"
With what delight did the young count receive
this command! tent was. Immediately devoted TO
the pr0fege of the Duke, and Ellen, once more
alone, exclaimed, 81 have found him at length
the preserver of my life! whose image for three
years has filled my sleeping hours! Alas! how
have foutd him.-in arms against NV countrv
against my father and his f'llow-citizens Already
his name has inspired me with terror, for he has
been first in the attack. What is my worthless life
in comparison with the liberty and safety of m,
country! oh! how have ! wasted years ia the
expectation OF meeting its preserver and now |
find him my btterest foer'
Her tears fell in torrents There is no CALAMITY
SO hard to bear as that which overhrows wears Of
self delusion. Ellen had lost no actual good: but
the castle she had erected was Row laid prostra,e
and she stood, desola,e, amongst its ruins
The darkness of night ne on. The rain had |
for several days, and it now fell in tor
'ents Yet still the young count walked as senti I
nei around the teLt which contained his fathers
:harge. He had Recognized in her the beautiful
sir that he had so fortunately befriended in the /
valley of Lauerbrunn; and though since that event
ne had often thought of her, his was an active aud
'usy life, aud he had not. like Ellen, wasted DAYS
nd years in castle building Man yields to present
motion, but women can live on ideal happiness.
lie fully believed that he should see her no more,
ma had ceased TO think of her; whereas, she had
;'nsidered her destiny united to his, and look.
ID forward with confidence to The moment when
hey should meet. 1t was not with indifference
hat the young man now beheld her tide of
'asslon rushed over his soul. Perhaps he read lis
influence IN the depth of her emotion He gazed
pon the tent she occupied and wished il were his
uiy to share it with her. "But this can never
e, thought he "To-morrow, socn as the morn.
ng dawns, must be first to PROSTATE the walls of
er native place, and perhaps am doomed TO de.
Troy her father. Would that had never seen
er, and then should have gone cheeriuIy to the
altle' A new idea struck him. Perhaps Ellen
,Ight have influence enough to persuade her father
surrender, without risking fruitless oppression;
least he will attempt it. With cautious steps he
the curtain, and spoke in low voice.
"Who calls'" said Ellen {
at is your guard, Count Papenheim, }" said he
May ask conference with you Ihave business !
communicate respecting your father"
Ellen made no reply, and raising the curtain, he !.
uttered. Tho traces of tears were s,l on her face
81 come," said he, ''to inform you, that early
'-morrow morning we attack the walls of Soleure.
hey must tall. all opposition must he useless
he lives that are dear to you may be sacrificed in
eir defence, and the blood of your citizens deIuge
e streets; but it is all in vain. come, then, to
x you TO use your influence with your father to
'are this useless conflict. Write, and | will see
at he has the letter beioremorning Tell him
at we know the state of the town; that il Is =
ithout ammunition, and the walls are totterng.
resisting ruin is ineviiabe by capitulating, he 81
ay obtain honorable terms.' "
When the young man entered, Ellen had flung "
'rself on seat, pale, trembling, and shrinking
'm his view; but as he proceeded. the color =
antled in her cheeks, and when he had ended,
e stood erect. d
"Rely not too much on the weakness of our
sources. said she; sit is for freedom we are ~
Intending, and every man feels that he is host VI
you think that If my father would listen to
ms, ne would have sent me, his only child. 10
ong his enemies for protectionl No! he will
ID the last drop of his blood for his country; and W
re TO propose cnpituation, he would spur, nv u
ter You must do your duty; but remember
tit is against the innocent you war, and make 10
the life you once preserved" continued she, ="
ueess BY taking that Of my father" ~
is said there is wonderful power in wo,nan's n,
rs, and SO il would seem, for the young man m
cared for a moment to forpet his errand A, -