Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-03-30
THE VOW.
A NORTHERN TALE.

In the ancient heather times of the
Saxons, there happened once a great
war with the Danes. Adalbero, duke
of Saxony, who had counseledit, now, in
the hour of earnest conflict, stood at the
head of his people. There flew the ar
rows and the javelins; there glanced
many valiant blades on both sides; and
there shone many bright gold shields
through the dark fight. But the Sax
ons, at every attack, were repulsed, and
were already so far driven back, that
only the storming of steep height
could deliver the army and the country,
disperse the enemy, and change ruin
Gus and Obstructive fight into decisive
victory
Adalbero conducted the attack. But
in vain he forced his fiery charger be-
fore the squadron; in vain he shouted
through the field, the sacred words,
Freedom and Fatherland!'' in vain
streamed his own warm blood, and the
blood of the foe, over his resplendent
armor The ponderous mass gave way;
and the enemy, secure on the height,
rejoiced in their decided victory. Again
rushed Adalbero on with few gallant
warriors; again the faint-hearted fell be-
hind; and again the enemy reioiced.
''It is yet time," said Adalbero; and
again he shouted, Forward! and if we
conquer, VOW to the gods, to set fire
to the four corners of my castle, and it
shall blaze forth one bright funeral pile,
in honor of our victory and of our de-
liverance."
Again was the attack renewed, but
again the Saxons fed, and the enemy
sent forth shouts of joy Then cried
Adalbero aloud before the whole army,
eff we return victorious from this
charge, We gods, [ devoted myself to
you as solemn sacrificed"
Shuddering, the warriors hastened
after him-but fortune was still against
them, the boldest fell, the bravest fed.
Then Adalbero, in deep affliction, rallied
the scattered band, and all that remained
of the great and noble collected around
him, and spoke thus:
"Thou art our ruin; for thou hast
counseled this war"
Adalbero replied, ''My castle and my
self have devoted to the gods for vic
tory, and what can more?"
The sad multitude called only the
more to him ''Thou art our ruin; for
thou hast counseled this war"
Then Adalbero tore open his bosom,
and implored the mighty God of Thun-
der to pierce it with thunder-bolt, or to
give the victory to his army. But there
came no bolt from Heaven; and the
squadron stood timid, and followed not
the call.
In boundless despair, Adalbero at
last said, "There remains only that
which is most dear to me. Wife and
child l offer to thee, thou god of armies,
for victory. My beautiful blooming
wife-my only heart-loyed child-they
belong to thee, Great Ruler in Asgard;
with my own hand will 1 sacrifice them
to thee; but implore thee, give me the
victoryp'
Scarcely were these words uttered,
when fearful thunderings rolled over
the field of battle, and clouds gathered
around the combatants; and the Saxons,
with fearful cries, shouted, as with one
voice, ''The gods are with usl'' With
invincible courage forward rushed the
host; the height was carried by storm,
and Adalbero, with sudden shuddering,
saw the enemy flying through the field.
The conqueror returned home in tri-
umph; and in all parts of delivered
Saxony, came wives and children forth,
and, with outstretched arms, greeted
their husbands and fathers. But Adal-
bero knew what awaited him; and every
smile of an afectionate wife, and every
shout of blooming child, pierced, as
with poisoned dart, his anguished
heart. At last they came before his
magnificent castle. He was not able to