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

mar, ny MS nrn, yet mia detneanor, by his reSolil-
ton to die rather than yield. But, added she with
dignity, "every citizen resembles him in this de-
termination, all are my fathers or brothers,
A loud noise was heard at distance The SOL
begun, Of a nature which bafiled the might OF
man.
It's well known with what Overwhelming fury
the Aar sometimes rushes along, destroying and
laying waste the country through which It passes
Six days of incessant rain had increased its waters
TO an alarming height, and besides delugng the
country around its waves rose aiarmingly high, and
spurned all restraint. The greatest CONSERVATION
prevailed throughout the army. All were in mo.
ton. The only hope that remained was from the
bridge that tound both shores. 1t was built of
stone, and they hoped it might resist the force of
the waters, aud to secure this object was their
immediate aim. 1t was necessary to load it with
immense weight, and Leopold ordered men and
horses TO this post. ''It is our only chance" said
he; "ii the bridge gives way, we are lost"
The danger every moment increased. Nothing
could exceed the horror OF the scene; the darkness
of the night making more terrible the groans and
cries of those who waited Oh the Shore the fright
fnl death that was approaching. The Austrians
who had so lately threatened immediate destruction
to the devoted town of Soleure, stood with their
conquering banners in their hands. What mighty
arm could now help them in their need! There
was but one; and that seemed already raised for
their destruction
1t was now that their danger reached its crisis.
The bridge tottered to its base, yet it still stood,
when, as il TO mock their fruitess efforts the wind
suddenly arose; the few remaining soldiers rush.
ed on it, and, amid the howling of the storm, and
the cries and excamations of the army, the bridge
suddenly gave way and the waters rushed over
them
Now were the gates of Soleure thrown open
and the inhabitants rushed forth with desperate
resolution In moment the wild ard tempestuous
Aar was covered with RATS and boats Fearless of
the death that threatened, they pursued their OBJ.
ject, and by their flaming torches discovered the
victims who were sinking Every measure was
used, aud the greater part saved, aud conveyed to
the town AID the gates immediately closed.
BY the light of the torches, Leopold beheld what
was g"ing forward. He saw his army in the hands
of the enemy, and not possibility of preventing
r. "SiIamc' shume!' he cried, ''unheard of cru
city, to seize snch moment of public calamity to
satisfy their rnurderous thirst for human life, to
condemn their fellow beings to second death
My brave soldiers and companions would that you
lad sunk beneath The wave! It is frightful! it |
deserves revenge, and shall have ii!-bloody il re-
'enge! The walls OF Soleure shall be laid pros
rate. and every citizen pay with his life this hoyr-
'le outrage; and as for Butheg-ha! well thought
'i,' cried he, starting up, shave not the weapon
n my hand that will pierce his hearth The un-
.rateu wretch! Did not receive his daughter
With the tenderness of parent! did not give my
word to protect her' Ills baseness exceeds human
comprehension. Co." he exclaimed t, one OF his
ttendants, "bring the girl here. Her father shall
Utterly repent of his ou,rages''
my noble lord and prince" said the young
'ountIapcnheim, his eyes sparkling with fire, and
rs cheeks glowing with emotion, 81 am the young
st of your guards; but ifnone else will speak,
will beseech you. for the sake of your plighted
'ord, not 10 withdraw your protection. You are
Ist and good; do not ia moment of anger COM
lit deed ihatyou will forever repent" AT this
ioment Ellen appeared. She was pale, and evil
emily suspected some new calamity awaited her.
he father of the young Count gazed sternly upon
i'm. "What means this unwonted exctement?'
nd he. "ls il for mercy only you plcad' mark
your confusion the first time you saw this young
oman in the pavilion OF the duke, what am to
elievep
"My dearest father,' said the Count, seizing
IS hand. sit was not the first time that had seen
ar 1t was on visit to my uncle in the valley of
auterbrunn, That neither Iknew nother name,
I'D though have often thought Of her, had given
p all expectations fseeing her again. see, my i
ince," continued he, raising his eyes to the duke,
thatyou hear my acknowledgment with scorn and
spi.on 1t is now too late for concealment. I {
We her. and, kneeling, implore your mercy for (
,r."
The duke looked angry.and perturbc5, and cast /
oomy and threatening glances around him. His /
'bles spoke not word. All was still; even the t
orm was hushed, and the roaring ofthe winds and j
aters had ceased Ellen had supported herselfto t
c utmost, but, overcome by terror and emotion, n
as sinking to the ground when the young count {
she'd forward 10 support her. d
Away! exclaimed the duke; they shall both a
put under guard" $
Al that moment a page entered, and informed S
Ike that his army were returning with the magis. o
tie at their head.
"Oh! my father"' exclaimed Ellen, springing Il
ward. n
The duke and his mobiles gazed upon each other "
IN establishment "Let him enter" exclaimed IA
duke, sternly. e,
IN momentthe venerable Bucheg appeared be- ii
e him. ''My lord" said he. II deliver to YOU D,
men whose lives we saved All that their for h.
. situation required we have administered. | SO
ne 10 the name Of my fellow citizens to restore sa
m TO you as fellow men. Tomorrow il will be a I
hard lot to fight them as foes. But have one sal