Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-08-09
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THE VOW.
A NORTHERN TALE.

In tie ancient heather times Of tie SaXonS,
there happened once great war with he
DaueS. Adabero, duke ui SaXOuy, wlo had
rounseled il, now, in the hour Of earnest con
iiicl, stood at the head Of hls people. There
flew the arrllwS aud tie javelinS, there glanced
many valiant blades on both sides; and there
shone many bright gold shields through the
dark fight. But the SaAons, at every attack,
wee Trpulsed, and were already so far driven
back, hat only The StOnIng Of a deep height
cou Id deliver the army and The country, DIS
persc tie enemy, and change TUinuuS and
Ges'ruclve fight into u decisive victory
Adnlbero conducted the attack. But in
vain lie forced lis fiery charger before The
squadron; ia vain lie shouted Though ;he field,
the sacred words, "Freedom ani Futheranc
in vain Streamed his own warm blood, and the
llOod of The foe, over his reSpen1ent armor.
The pondeIous mass gave way, and The enemy
secure on the height, rejOiced in their decided
victory. Again rushed AdaIberO on with
few galan; warriors; again the faint, hearted
TELL behind; and again the enemy rejolced.
.It is vet time," said Adalbero; aud again
ne shouted, "Forword! and If we conquer
low o the goes, TO set fire 10 the four corners
OF my castle, and il shall blaze forth one bright
funeral plle, in honor Of cur victory aud ol
our deliyerahCe."
Again was lie attack renewed, Cut again
tie Saxons fed, and the enemy sent forth
shouts of joy. Then cried Adalbero aloud
tclore the whole Amy, ''ii we return vlctoIl-
Gus from tins charge, ye gods Gevole myself
10 YOU as, a solemn sacrifice -
Shuddrring the warriors fastened after him
- hut fortune was still against lhem' lie bbld-
IS. fell, the bravesl Zee. Then AtaIbeTo, II
deep in tfllctIon, rallied the scattered band,
snu all that remained of tie great and noble
collected Yrouud him, ana spoke thus:
"Thou art our ruin for Thou hast counsel
al this war"
Adabero replied "Ny castle and myse
lave devoted TO the gods IUr victory, ont
what can more :"
The saG multitude called only the more Il
him: "ThOu ait our ruin ior thou has
cOuuSeied lie war."
Then AdGlberO lore open his bosom, and i'm
plored the God OF thunder 10 pierce it with !
ihunderbolt, or 10 give The victory 10 lis q my
But there came no bolt from Heaven, aud th'
tquadron stood liniid, aud followed not liz
coll.
In boundless despair, AGalbero at last said
"There remains only that which iSnUsl tea
TO me. VIE and child clIer 10 thee, lhol
god Of armies for victory. My beautiful bloom
ing wife-my own heart loved chld-tley be
long 70 thee Great Ruler in AsgaTd; with n
own hand will sacrifice them TO thee, but
imploIe thee, give mt the victory -
Scarcely were these words uttered, wlei
fearful tlnnd rings rolled over the 1it Id Of bat
tie, and clouds gathered around the combat
ants; and the SuXOns, with fearful cries, Shout
ed, us with one voice, "The gods are viii
Ms.' With iuylncIbie courage forward lush
ed the host the lie ghth was carried by storm
and AdelJero with sudden shuddeIing, Sa,
The enemy flying though the field.
The couquerur returned home IN triumph
and in oil paris OF delivered SGXOny, cam
wives and children forth, and With oulstretche
arms, greeted their husbands and lalherS Bu
Adelbero knew what awaited hun and ever
smile Of an aflectionate wife, aud every ShOl
Of blooming child pierced, as with poison
ed dart, his anguiShed heart. AT last the
came before the magnificent castle. lie va
not able 10 look up, as the beautiful Slhildt
met him Of the gale, with her daughter IN ht
hand, while the little one always leaped an
cried, "Fatber, Iather beloved iolher!'
Adolbero looked round Oh his people, i'll o
der TO strengthen himself; even there he nj,
quivering eye-lldS and bitter tears for amor
his warriors, many had heard his horrible vOy
He dismissed them 10 their families, fee lr
sending 10 their homes, then rode into Il
castle, aud sending the domesticS away,
various prelences, sprung from hls horse, cloSt
The gates with laundering sound, secured the
carefully, and pressed his beloved wife o!
child 10 his heart, shedding over them 10
rent OF tears.
"Whlt is the matter, husband 2" said Il
astonished Simide.
"Why do you weep fatherl" stammered Il
little one.
ave will first prepare al offering 10 Il
gods, replied Adebero; "and then shall T
Jaie everything 10 you. Come to me soon,
the hearth"
81 ill kindle The fame, and fetch, in Il
meantime, the implements for sacrifice" sa
the sweet Similde and tie littls one cried o
clspping her hands:
~ also will help, also will be there !" al
slipped away with her mother.
Those words, al also will help; lso W