The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-04-04
THE SPANISH MAIDBN's REVENGE

Among the many interesting passages we meet
with in the annals of the ancients, none have been
90 repeatedly read and admired by the fair sex as
the conduct of Lucretia, but the following piece
o. modern history will perhaps place the heroine
Of it in as high degree of eminence as that of
the Roman matron.
In the army OF the Duke Of Anjou, while he
was marching to the assistance OF the confederaes
against the Spaniards, was one Capt Pont. This
officer was quartered in the village Of Becourt at
the house Of q rich farmer, who had three beauti-
ful daughters. The eldest. who had the manage
ment Of the house. endeavored to pro, de for her
guest in manner suitable to his rank. After-a
few days, the officer found himself smitten with
her charms, which he resolved speedily to possess,
and for this purpose invited her and her father t,
sup with him.
In the midst Of the repast, with air of pleas.
antry, the officer demanded OF the father his daugh-
Ter in marriage. The countryman, who was
person Of sense knew very well what was meant
apologized for his refusal, by reminding the Cap
tain OF the difference of fortune between him and
his daughter. Pont Immediately flew into rage.
turned the father out of the ball. and, after having
perpetrated an outrage upon the daughter too
revolving to mention, delivered her up TO the fur
ther brutality of some subaterns, who came to
second his infamous designs. After this they
obliged her to sit down to the table with them.
r This unfortunate girl, though but sixteen years
of age, had sense and resolution above the general
fft ,roI Of
now considered as useless, and therefore turned all
her thoughts on revenge. She affected an air Of
gaiety and cheerfulness, and seemed to listen with
a kind Of satisfaction 10 their Infamous discourse
1t was not long before the Captain turned to one o
his comrades TO whisper in his ear: she seized this
favorable moment, and snatching up one of the
table knives fixed in his heat; then overturn-
ing the table, while every one was crowding
around the officer, she got away to her father, to
whom she related what had passed, and entreated
him Immediately 10 escape with her two sisters
AS: for herself, life was now become so great a
burden, that she despscd the favorable opportunity
of escaping from the punishment which threaten
cd her. She calmly awaited the approach of her
ravagers. who soon hound her to tree, and there
killed her by repeated discharges from their fusees
Before she expired she thus spoke to them: Pro.
ceed, barbarians After the violence have re-
,ceived from your brutality, which renders me
unworthy Of life, receive from your hands, as
present, the death you now give me. Heaven that
has just now revenged my injuries by the death OF
your chief, will not suffer this last scene of horror
to pass with impunity.'
p The result justified her prediction; for her father.
who was worthy of such daughter, animated by
his resentment all the neighborng peasants. Eve
ry one took up arms; they exermnated the assas-
sins, and (as is common where resentment over
comes iustice,) not Frenchman was left alive in
the village.