The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-04-12

IcilCG was TeSlOT6u lnat Inc herald
might proclaim the accusation.
1t was proclaimed, and the prisoner
publicly accused of having practised
with sorcery on the affections of Count
Friedrich of Cilly-prevailing on him
to marry her, in violation of the COM
mands of his father and the Emperor
OF having by spells wrought mischiev-
ously against his late wife, the Lady
Elizabeth, so that she perished; and al
SO practising against Count Hermann
himself, who for several months had
been prey to grievous malady.
veronica of Dessenitz ~ said the
deep voice of the presiding Judge,
'sWhat hast thou to answer to these ac-
cusations 2"
=" answer not to that name, my
lord" said the prisoner, modestIy, but
with flfmness, "seeing that am the
wife OF Count Friedrich"
There was a pause, and whispered
consultation of few moments; it was
ended by repetition of the question
by another judge, who addressed her
as veronica de Cilly"
The answer was given in the same
mournful yet calm tones. "I am inno-
cent of all which is alleged against
mew
"Where is thy advocate 2" demanded
Hermann.
II have none, save God, who know
eth mine innocence, and will in His
good time make it known"
Again there was a conversation
among the judges; and then an advo-
cate was appointed, according to Gus
tom, who should plead the cause of the
accused. The witnesses were produced
and examined and sufficient were
there to testify to the ardent attach
ment of Count Friedrich to Veronica,
both before and after the death of
Elizabeth, and 10 his private though
solemn marriage with her. All the
circumstances were recapitulated that,
went to sustain the charge of sorcery;
and then the advocate appointed to de-
fend the accused, arose to speak. His
appeal was brief, yet convincing for
it needed not an array of arguments to
establish the lady's innocence. Her
youth and beauty pleaded most power
fully in her behalf, nor could any who
looked upon her marvel at the love of
Count Friedrich, or his constance to one
like her. Although prepared to con-
denim, the judges dared not decide
against the general conviction. The
herald who had proclaimed the accu-
sation was ordered to declare that the
prisoner was formally acquitted of the
crimes laid to her charge.
But no restoration to freedom followed
this public acknowledgement of her
innocence. By an order obtained from
the Emperor, Veronica was again con-
signed to prison, under the guardian
ship of a gaoler, who was the vassal of
her cruel enemy, Count Hermann de
Cilly.
Her fate is recorded by the pen of
history 1t was the design of her per-
secutor that she should be allowed to
perish of hunger in her dungeon; but
it might be that the process was
too lingering, or that the Count
lacked confidence in his servant, and
dreaded the influence of her helpless
ness and sufferings upon his human
feelings. In the dead of night two SOL
diers, sent with instructions from Cilly.
arrived at Austerwitz, and demanded
to the prison. By their
murderous hands the unfortunate Ve-
ronica perished.
The corps was removed on the sue
ceeding night, and conveyed to Fratz-
lau, where it was privately buried
Count Hermann did not live long to en-
Joy the fruits of what he had done to
save his son, as was said, from an nn-
worthy alliance. He was succeeded in
his estates by Friedrich, whose first act
after taking possession of his hereditary
was to cause the remains of
the murdered Veronica to be disinter-
red, and buried in the Carthusian con-
vent of Geyrach with funeral honors, as
a Countess of Cilly. He set apart DAYS
Of mourning for her, and for the rest of
his life seemed to remember with sor-
row the beautiful and beloved being
who, like the wife of his youth, had
fallen guiltless victim to his selfish
love and his fathers ambition.