Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1854-06-10

At the foot of the lofty mountain of Crii-
iel, which rears its cloud-capped summit in
towering ma iesty, and delights ito survey
its insulated form in the waves, Of the Sol
way, opens beautiful and romantic vale,
watered by the winding Nth. The scene
is rich in all the verdant glores of nature,
but richer sill in those legendary assocla-
tions OF bygone days, that awakenthe SYM
pathy and enchain the attention OF posteri-
'ty, and will continue to exert this magic
influence, so long as the pulses Of human
affection seat responsive to the records OF
suffering, of crime, Of love, of war, and Of
sorrow. --a a e' "'
On the eastern slope Of the vale, are still
to be seen the ruins of Caerlavroch castle,
the ivy aud moss-covered walls and towers
of which are venerable with the gIories Of
more than thousand years. Nor far dis
tant, and on the opposite side of the Nth,
are seen peeping through the trees, the
gray ruins--the mouldering, yet still beau
tiful arches, columns, and walls of Sweet
heart Abbey-hacked by the lofty Criftl,
whose mountain shadows imparis solemnty
and awe to these crumbling relics Of mon
astc granduer. ''''' '-'" t.'"
And why was this solemn pile in the
days of Rome'S supremacy in Scotland, ma
med "Sweetheart Abbey ?".,Whyq do the
breezes that Sigh mournfully through the
neighboring groves of ancient trees, sound
like the wailing voices OF departed spirits ?
Attend, reader, to the sad story of fair
Ellen of Kirkonnell. ..... =
AT an early period of the thirteenth cen
tury, the Baron Maxwell, of Kirkconneli,
was one of the most powerful chieftains
that dwelt in Scotland. He was man of
high mind and stern purpose "a faithful
friend and bitter toe-proud in the con-
sciousness that the unsullied honors OF many
generations Of his princeIy race had de-
scended upon him, and that it was his duty
to uphold the name, fame, and valor ofthe
Kirkconnels, with brightness and purity
that would reflect back lustre on his an
cestry, and hand down additional greatness
and glory TO his descendants. Two !hou-
sand men at arms followed his banner TO
the field and whether in peace or war,
they exhibited devotion TO their chief,
which proved that they held the honors OF
| his house dearer than life. Often had hls
sword been drawn against the pirates OF
Denmark, or to repulSe a Northumbrian
ioray. Never had that sword been shealhed
until crimsoned with the stains of victory.
Within the halls Of his ancient castle, there
dwelt a gentle being, who formed his Only
solace, after returning from the fatigue and
danger of the fight, or the inspiring recrea-
ton OF the chase. II was his daughter
beautiful as the beam of the morning, with
mind whose noble attributes were chas-
tened by filial affection, aud all the tender
endearments OF the heart.
The great curse Of Scotland in those ear.
ly times, was the deadly feeling of ieuda
animosily, which frequently ragged the
fercest among neighboring chiellains.-
This feeling was transmitted by the heaC
Of every noble house, as an ill-omeneC
legacy TO bis successor, aud 50 enlailed al
the miseries Of private war, Tor generations
upon his county Feelings Of hereditar,
hatred Were thus cherished 10 the cradle
and could scarcely be said to have beef
buried even in .he grave.
A ieud OF this Ibis character had forage
subsistrd between the Maxwells Of Kirk
connel and the Maxwells Of Nilhisdale. -
Frequent were the conflicts between lh
rival shisiiains aud their clans, aud ore
had the loireni, which rushed through ID
valley, been dyed with the blood VI ih
best and bIay's OF lhose who dwell on 4
borders. The head OF the h0nse oi Nllhl'
dale bad bsen gathered 10 his iaihers, lea'
lns h's only son 10 support the honofs 4
bee 'as'lsl doHa'a'i sad people ioun