Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-09-27
From the Waverly Magazine.
THE LOVERS WELL.

To me, the most interesting part of the ole
ruins was the Lovers Well, sunk through Tho
solid rock, four hundred and ffty-six feet-ant
that, too, by the force of true love. But mus
tell the tale as Mednyansky has recorded it.
1t was in the reign of Matthias Corvinus, tina
Trentsin was in the possession of Stephan Ia
poyla, a powerful chief, who added much to the
strength and magnifcence of the noble pile
Like many other castles, however, placed on the
summit Of rocks, Trentsin paid dearly for the
advantages Of its situation, by having no sup
ply of water but what was afforded by cisterns
evidently insufficient to enable large garrison
to support long siege. To Lapoyla, this de
fciency in his favorite castle was source OF
deep disappointment; nor had any one been
able to propose an effectual remedy for it.
Musing one day on this modification, ms he
saw his new works nearly completed, he was
reused by the announcement OF his attendants
that a Turkish merchant had arrived, who wished
to treat with him for the ransom of some pris.
oners, whom he had captured in the last war,
and brought home with him in slavery. As a
soldier, alive to the courtesies of war, Zapoyla
at once expressed his willingness to take ran
som for all who still remained in his hands: GAS
for those have given my followers, they are no
longer in my power, any more than the young
girl whom my wife has chosen for her hand
maid; for the former you must treat with their
present masters; for the latter, she has become
such favorite with her mistress, that am sure
no sum would ransom her.
"But might not see this maiden 2" anxiorsly
demanded the young Turk. The girl was sent
for.
"Omar p" Fatimer'-burst at the same
moment from their lips, as they rushed into each
others arms.
Fatime, it appeared, was the daughter Of a
Pacha, and the afiianced bride of Omar, who
lost her in the night, when Zapoyla had at
tackled the Turkish camp; and her lover, dis
guised as merchant, had undertaken this
Journey in search Of her. Enraged at the
Turks presumption, Zapoyla ordered Fatime
back to the countess apartments, and deaf
alike to the entreaties and high offers of the
lover, positively refused to deprive his wife OF
the attendant she liked.
In vain Omar duplicated; in vain he threw
himself passonately at the feet Of Zapoyla, and
begged of him his mistress At last, angered
ut his perseverance, the naughty lord swore he
might more easily obtain water from the rock
they stood on, than compliance from him
"Try," said he, in scorn, and when the rock
yields water to your prayer, | give up Fatime
but not till Them
"On your honor" exclaimed Omar, spring
ing to his feet "you give up Fatime, if OBJ
tain water from this rock?'
Ii you do" said the knight, astonished that
the Turk should have understood him literally
u pledge my knightly word to release you
mistress and all my prisoners ransomfree.'
What is impossible TO youth and love2 Omar,
aided by the captive Turks, set to work, and
long and patiently did they labor at the mn
yielding stone. Three wearisome years were
passed, and they saw themselves apparently as
far from success as at the commencement
when, almost exhausted with fatigue and de-
spair, the joyful cry Of Water Water T. burst
on their ears. The spring was found, and
Fatime was free