Washington telegraph., 1851-05-14
THE PRUSSIAN GIRL.
A TALE OF SILESIA.

Durlng Toe seven years war, the eXer-
,;ons of the Prussians in that critical
moment to support the falling fortunes of
their indefatigable monarch, were truly
worthy of a luminous character in the
records of history; but they were far out
done by the public sacrifices which were
voluntarily made by individuals to repel
the encroachments ofthe armies of France
in the year 1906. Each family contribu-
ted, in different ways, to the expenses OF
the war; even the poorest hordes gave in
their mite for the general good, though
it deprived their families of many little
luxury whch they had before been used to.
In one of the romantic valleys of Silesia,
lived young girl of surprising beauty
the pride and delight of her parents
whose only occupation was TO attend to
their hocks and bear the scant produce
of their little farm to neighboring town.
Ella, like the wild flowers, had grown
and bloomed in obscurity. adorned and
beautified by the unerring hand of nature.
She had seen but little of the world until
the trump of war sounded ove- the coun-
try, and echoed discordantly amidst the
recesses of solitude; and when, in con-
sequence Of her enquiries. her father was
obliged to tell her the distracted state of
her native land, the indignant blush and
high heaving of her bosom proclaimed
how much she felt for her enterprising
sovereign and the brave people who were
arrayed to defend his dominion.
"Heaven grant US the victory! exclaim-
ed she, in the patriotic enthusiasm of her
SOUL Il would, father, that nature had
made woman strong enough to fight.
The old man only smiled reply, and,
kissing her rosy cheeks, bade her keep
out of the sight of the soldiers.
The caution was scarcely needed. Ella
knew where to find one whom she might
gaze upon. and be gazed upon for hours;
and who. though not dressed out in the
trappings of the military, was more to
her than all the world besides. She was
soon on the mountain slope. watching
her herds, and listening to the mellow
notes as they flowed from the pipe Of
AdoIphe-a fine featured young man, who
sat at her feet, gazing tenderly upon her
smiling face.
"Thas hair of yours, Ella" said he, lay
ing down the instrument, IL would rive
the world for one little lock- and lie ran
his fingers through the glossy tresses as
they hung luxuriousy around her finely
moulded shoulders. e
"Ihe world is not yours to give. Mr..
Adolphe," sad she, archly; "but do you
ouly love me for my curls, which you are
always praising?'
Il love you for yourself, dear Ella; but
these ringlets, which might gra ce queen,
| almost idolize them, and yet you refuse
to bestow upon me one little tress?"
"Have l not reason? Were to give
you lock, might never see you again;
for then you would have vour idol by
you, aud | should be forgotten. No.
Adolphe-6rst prove yourself worthy of
the gift and then you shall have not only a
.ress, but my hand, too. if you deserve it.
Tel me how to become worthy of so
estlmable a gitt,'' exclaimed the enrap-
tured youth. 'aud will follow the path
which you will point out"
There it is,' answered the maiden,
pointing toward Breslau, and looking her
lover fxedly in the face.
"And what am / 10 do in Breslau!"
"Join the brave men who are strug
Cling for our liberties, and ten-fold shall
be the love of Ella"
slight blush overspread the face OF
Adclphe-he bade her farewell, and was
soon lost in the recesses of the valley.
There was more courtliness in the last
speech of Adolphe than generally falls to
the lot of the untutored mountaineers of
ollesla; and Ella thought, as he wended
his way down the narrow defile. that
there was more dignity in his mein than
she had ever before observed. She
scarcely dare ask herself who he was;
lor he had been but a short time among
The shepherds, and no one knew aught
OF his birth or professions; but every one
loved him for his generosity and noble
ness Of spirit
MY hair, said Ella to herself, as the
youth vanished from her sight-I will
dress 1t for his sake. They say it is rich
aud beautiful All! how freely would l
destroy each ample tress, and scatter it
upon the Winds did he not love to smooth
with his fingers @
Months rolled away. and Ella watched
her herds in sadness, for nothing was
heard of Adolphe, and the demon of war
continued to spread his desolation over
the land zae
1t was proposed to raise sum by con-
Intuition among the inhabitants OF the
mountain, which should be placed IN the
general fund, aud appropriated to the use
Of the defenders of the king.