Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1856-05-09
From Household Words.
The Legend of Argfs.


From Household Words.
The Legend of Argfs.
One of the most curious and pathetic le-
geads of Wallachia tells of the foundation
of the great metropolitan church Of Argis.
In the middle OF the fifteenth century,
the Prince Of Niagoe, warning against the
Turks, was on the eve of fighting great
battle, and went to the hermitage of pi-
ons anehorite, before whom he made yoR
that if victorious, he would build ON that
very spot the most splendid temple that ever
sought the rays of the sun. Consequently
it is supposed that, his victory was com
plete. The ottomans were dispersed; and
he, had nothing to do but accomplish his
promise. Princes are usually faithful in
these kind of undertakings. Niagoe had
much wealth at bis command, aud knew of
an able architect named Manoli. To him
be entrusted the task of constructing the
temple-bidding him collect the best Greek,
Arab, and Byzantine workmen. That SOL
itary region was accordingly soon peopled
with strangers. The forests began to retire,
the TANKS of the mountains we're torn open;
and the bears that looked in while passing
down the long glades on the ruins became
convinced that their occupation in that part
of the world was gone forever.
Manoli set about his task With cnthusi-
asm. There were day gangs and night
gangs, so that the walls rose as if by magic.
Already the topmost pinnacle began to
appear to tue distant traveller over the sur
rounding trees, when suddenly the edifce
sunk into the ground, and spread upon it
in ruin. Manoli attributes this disaster TO
some defect in his plan, or to the too grea,
haste with which it was carried out. and
began again with more cauticu But no
sooner had the building reached IFS former
elevation, than down it came again. Not
one stone remained upoh another. Manoli
had confidence III his own talent, and was
therefore convinced that some invisible
power was determined TO cross his purposes.
He would have been inclined to give up the
work altogether; but Niagoe had become
furious. As usual in building enterprises,
the expense of the first construction ex-
cceded the estimate by at least half. To
effect the second, the prince was Obliged to
sell the diamonds of his wife. His VOW
was costing him dear, but he dared not break
it. The simpler course was to swear by his
beard that Manoli should be decapitatod,
ard all the workmen hanged if the church
was not finished by given time.
Under these circumstances, Manoli went
to consult the aged anchorite who had w.t.
messed Prince Niagoe's vow, and asked him
what was to be done. "Build again." was
the reply, sand when the last stone is about
to be laid, come to me, by that time i may
have found an expedient." Mancli accord
ingly, for the third time brought the church
near completion. Then he paused aud went
to the anchorite, who received him with
glare of horror such as be had never seen
before, hurriedly interrupted bis pious salu-
tation, aud said in strange unearthly
voice, ssWatch tomorrow from the pinnacle,
and the first woman thou beholdest ap-
preaching from the easr, cause her to be
taken, when she reaches the place of work,
with whatever she may have in her arms,
and walled up within one of the pillars of
the church. Thus only will success crown
thy efforts"
Manoli was humane man, and his heart
shrank within him on hearing this order
But his own life and that of many others
was at stake, and he went away from the
cell, sadly determined to obey what be con-
ceived TO be divine command. Hc was
awakened next morning by the singing Of
his workmen, and climbed up immediately
to the appointed place; when. shading his
eyes from the low sun with his hand, he
anxiously looked forth. Some time passed
and no female form appeared. AL length a
slight figure was seen approaching down the
grade, in the midst of slight mist kindled
into gold by the still slantiug rays of the
sun. Manoli was about to rejoice, when
suddenly he recognized in his devoted VIC
tim, his young wife Uca--his wife of two
summers, only, the mother of the boy
whose smiles and even whose cries gladden.
ed his heart when he drew near home. He
knelt down aud prayed with streaming eyes
tha, something might present itself to turn
back her steps. He had scarcely conclud-
ed when a huge dog rushed out from thick
ct, overturned the basket Of provisions
which Uca was bringing to ber husband,
and forced her to 60 back and prepare a
new meal.