The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-01-13
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Battle at Faddersheim.


charming MoseIle, has its legends as we'll as
other places, great or small, in Germany /;
and one OF The most striking is that which we
are about 10 relate.
The Elector of Treves prince Of great
valor but of lofty and proud notions. was
widower and possessed one child-a daugh-
ter. Editha was about eighteen al the Time
when the war of the peasants broke out
that terrible instruction which shook Ger
many 10 its very centre and was considered
contemporaneous with the Reformation
The Young damsel was fashioned in one Of
natures most charming moulds; and the
fame Of her loneliness had bean waited TO ev-
ery court in the German empire. Many
princes made overtures TO the elector for her
hand-princes with whom an alliance, con-
Eidering The comparative insignificance oil
the electors dominons and revenues was 10
be eagerly couried. Buta rumor had reach
ed the elector that Frederick, the Archduke
Of Austria, had seen his daughters portrait
and had become enamored oil the fair origi-
nal. The archduke was very young, and re
port declared him 10 be handsome and anna
bic; the elector therefore entertained high
hopes, and accordingly returned evasive an
swers 10 the numerous sutors for his daugh-
ter's hand.
But TO proposals came from the arbhduke
time wore on; Editha was now eighteen;
and the elec.or feared that he had dalied too
long with those prncely suitors in the hopes
of obtaining overtures from the heir to the
throne Of the German empire. Thr Peas
ants' instruction broke out and the imperial
forces were levied for IFS suppression. The
princes of Germany flocked TO Treves, with
heir contingent auxiliaries 10 Join the army;
and dukes and margraves, superior in rank
and fortune 10 The elector willingly admitted
him as their chief in consequence of his
known courage and tried experience. A
mong these princes were the suitors for the
fair hand of Editha; and, on the eve of the
march Of the army for the seat Of civil con-
tention, the elcctor now despairng OF receiv
ing any overtures from the archduke, declar-
ed aloud III the presence of the ibled
chiefs, that of all his daughters suitors, he
who conducted himself best in the approach
ing conflicts should receive her hand.
Edilha heard ihis and turned pale and
tears bedmmed the eye which cast glance
ofie nderness on young page who stood be-
hind the Elecior oil Treves. The handsome
countenance of the page was animated with
flush of pride as he returned the affection
ate look OF The princess-perhaps he was
proud of having won the heart which so ma
ny lords and sovereign poteniates had striv-
en- in vain 10 possess.
Rudolph, the young page, had been about
three or four months in the service of the G.
lector who had listened 10 a tale Of wo and
orphan sorrow which the youth had narrated
to him, when he applied 10 be admitted into
his services-a tale that had gained no oh
iect. From the very first moment that Ru-
dolph set foot within tie princely dwelling al
Treves. he had won all hearts by his anna
biliiy, his talents and his beauty and Editha
had not remained insensble TO his meriis-
The young couple loved; and their vows
were plighted in secret.
But, strange TO say, Rudolph's eyes were
scarcely moistened 1iih tear, when on the
eve before the army marched he took leave
of Ediha in stolen interview on The terrace
of the palace. He kissed her hand, and
spoke words of hope, while she wept bitter
ly.
'Why do you weep my EdiIha 2 he ex-
claimed. gazing fondy on her beauteous
countenance.
'Dost thou ask me why | weep. Rudolph,
asked the princess. reproachfully, when thou
myself didst hear the pledge which my father
gave this evening 10 the princes, who have
collected beneath his banner?'
Il heard alp said Rudolph.
You heard all, and il caused you no emo
iionn murmured Ediiha.
None; for have even hope STILL answer
ed the page.
'Roper cried Editha lrantically: 'remem-
Der that my father is stern and memorable in
his determination
so long as thou lowest me, dearest Edi-
tha fear nothing. Wouldst thou wed an
otherp
'Ok no-no,' returned the lovely girl; are
not our vows pIighted ? and dost thou think
will violate mine2 Sooner will devote
my life TO thee. humble as thou art, than Ell
Their of those princes, powerful though they
ber
Then Providence will moi desert us, Edi-
iha,' exclaimed Rudolph, rapturously kissing
her hand. FarewelI-farewell; when we
meet again, we shall meet 10 be happyr
The page darted away from the princess,
and was soon out of sight. The maiden re-
turned TO her own apartment. where she went
and prayed-and prayed and wept by turns
until the dawn Of morning glistened on the
points Of the warriors, as they defed forth
from the walls of the town. Several DAYS
passed, and the army, under the command of
the Elector of Treves. pursued IFS march
AT length it encountered the rebellious peas
ants in the memorable field OF Fe6dersheim
The battle was terrible, the insurgents
were broken and defeated, and fed in all d.
rectIons; and the elector, dismounting from
his horse, leant upon his sword, contempIa- |
ting the field Of victory. Behind him was his |
own faithful page, Rudolph, who had fought
unhnchingly by his side. They unlaced
their helmets; and threw them on green
bank which was unstained by blood. Their
eountenances sought the fresh breeze of eve
nlng, which was now springing up, after the
arduous tolls OF conflict thai had lasted from
sunrise.
The eiector q his page were far away from
other he 0T he
had separated them from their companions.
Suddenly, hasty footsteps were heard near;
and five or six of the scattered peasants. re-
tuning TO the field for the sake of plumber,
approached OR hero and his youthful atten-
dant Not moment was 10 be lost. The
eiector placed himselfon his guard but his
sword broke in twain with the very first blow
which be dealt upon his assailants. To start
pack and seize cnrtail axe which lay upon
me ground, and which had dropped from the
hand ola warrior slaughtered in the days
ARA.