The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-24
TIE MAID OF SOLEURE.
A sW ISIS STORY.

THE town Of Soleure is situated amongst the
tile and romantic vale of the Balstal. 1t is the
capital Of the canton which bears the same name,
and is watered by the beautiful river Aar. The
town is small. but neat, and surrounded by stone
forti6cations. It claims the honor of great anti
quity, and its inhabitants have long been di,ti-
gushed for their love of civil independence. The
following traditionary story is related of one of
she most INTEREST," g passages in the history of the
place.
Hugo Won Bucheg was venerable burgher aud
chief magistrate of the town of Scleure. He had
long been regarded as father of the council and
the people placed their reliance upon him in every
time of danger. His habits were plain and simple.
He had amassed no wealth, for his services were
given and not sold. One treasure he possessed
which be considered beyend all price, and that
his only child, Ellen. She had early lost her
mother, aud had spent her time almost as she pleas
ed in wandering about the suburbs of Soleure,
gathering plants for her collections, and accumu-
Iating stock of health, energy, and cheerfuness.
She was yet at tender age, when her father
received most earnest letter from his only sister,
who resided in the valley OF Lauterbrunn entreat-
ipg him to spare his daughter to her Tor few
months, representing the solitude of her own sit
uation, and the want she had Of youthful and
cheering society. The last plea he could not
resist and Ellen was, for the first time separated
from her father
She found her aunt, who was widow, sick aud
low-spirited. 1t was new situation for Ellen
Hitherto her life had demanded but few sacrifices;
but now her duties began, and day and night she
was seated by her bedside Sickness often makes
people selfish and unreasonable The invalid was
unwilling to part Nth her newly acquired solace
for moment, and Ellen could only gaze upon the
beautiful scenery around her, without being allow
ed to plunge into its depths 1t was not ill her
health and spirits dropped that she gained permis-
sion to walk at sunset. AT first the rapidty with
which she moved along was almost free from
thought. 1t was recovered liberty; and to gaze
upon the heavens, the waters and the woods, to
feel that she could leap from rock to rock, could
sing her favorite songs, and disturb no one, was
rapture. Her delight in rambling amidst the wild
naturally devotional feelings. When the glorious
sun arose, il to her like the Creator. lifting the
curtain of the night, and coming forth from the |
darkness Of his pavilion. AS she gazed oil the |
valley and cottages, ard listelsd to The note of
the shepherds pipe, to the tinkling bells of the
herds of cattle, and heard their sonorous voices,
she broke forth in the spirit Of Milton,
i
parent Of Good these are thy works.,
Nor were her associations less delightful at the
hour of evening. 1t was to gaze upon the groups
of healthy, happy children, who ran to meet their
parents returning from day of abour-to see the
affectionate wife preparing her little repast before
the door, and all breathing the language Of domes-
tic affection.
p She had gazed late on this scene one evening,
and turned slowly away to pursue her path home-
wards. As she proceeded, she perceived she
would be obligated to pass a herd Of cattle which
bad no herdsman Her habits were fearless, and
he did not hesitate Suddenly one of the animals
,prang iuriously from the rest and rushed towards
,er. She looked around--a frightiul death seemed
Inevitable. To escape by flight was impossible.
At that moment the report Of gun struck her ear
he animal staggered and fell dead at her feet. A
ickness came over her, and she knew nothing ill
be found herself Unsupported byayou man dress- 8
d in military Uniform, iergsg
(