Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-06-25
L Fl e LAD US TIE s T.
AN INTERESTING SKETCH

AN INTERESTING SKETCH.
During the time of chivalry, when young pa
lodins presented themselves in crowds as can
didates for the honor and advantage of obtain
ing rich ladies in marriage, and were never
disheartened at any test, however severe, which
was required of them by their mistresses; in
these same times, which, happily for suitors,
are now no more, there lived young lady of
rank, who was alike renowned for the antiqui-
ty of her family, her enormous wealth. and her
enchanting beauty. She was courted by three
brave knights az once but neither of them
was to her taste, and what made matters more
distressing was, that their assiduity deprived
her of the moments she would willingly have
conSecrated to the sole object of her affections
Hildevert, the man of her affections was infe-
rior to her rank, and she naturally presumed
that innumerable obstacles would be raised as
soon she would communicate to her proud
parents the name of her lover but she was
firmly resolved rather to renounce all matri-
monial engagements, than wed any one but
him Hildevert was 4 very handsome young
man, who filed, in the castle of her father, the
office of Secretary. The young lady had grown
up by his side. and he had probably without
being aware of it, planted in her heart the
seeds of the tender sentiments which had af
terwards taken so deep root there nor could
she at the same time forget, that when her IA
ther, conformable to the pious custom of the
age, had quilted his dominons to fight beneath
the Christian standard at Palestine, Hildevert
had by his bravery, saved her parental roof
from the rage of banditti who had attacked it.
During a certain winter season, when the
three knights came regularly to WOO this lady,
she resolved to get clear of these importunate
lovers at once, and forever. She announced,
according to the custom of the time, that
test should decide to which of the three the
preference was DUE a declaration which sat
isfed at once her parents and her lovers. The
lady reserved to herself exclusively the right
of naming what the test should be, of prepar-
ing it, if necessary, and of being present when
it was executed. Tradition, however, has not
concealed from US the fact that she assis-
ted in the execution of her design by Hide
vert, and an old faithful servant. When all
the preparations were completed, she desired
the first of her suitors to be called, and ad-
dressed him thus:
"My father has, for some time had his coffin
prepared ,an order to remind him that his term
of life was drawing to close. Tonight
will order the coffin to be placed in the hail.
Put yourself in it like dead man, and don't
you stir at ALL whatever you may behold
These commands obeyed, 1 will know that yor
really love me-"
"Charming lady, (replied the knigh) can i
be difficult for him to act the part of a deat
man, who is at every instant ready to expose
himself to death for those bright eyes, Com
Inand what you please, you will find your love
unshaken TO his latest BREATH"
The young lady afterwards spoke in thes
terms to the second of her suitors:
.:We have a dead man in the castle, who's
corpse will be laid in the hall tonight; do mi
the favor to watch by its side, in order to pre-
vent the occurrence of any accident. 1t i
absolutely necessary that you conduct your
self with resolution, and maintain your pos
by the side of the coffin, whatever may chance
to happen. BY a strict fulfilment of these con
di;ions, I shall be enabled to judge of the sin
cerity of your love for me.''
HWhat command has issued from that love
ly mouth (replied the knightD This slende
test my very squire would willingly underg
for breakfast; and wherein can itpossibly OF
fer any difficulty 10 one who is ready to brav
death that he may find favor in your sight ~
The lady then took the remaining one G
her suitor's aside:
81 intend (said she) to amuse myself at tn
expense of man, who has undertaken TO watc
corpse tonight, and who boasts and pique'
himself prOdigiously upon his courage. Dis
guise yourself as devil, and 1 have dres
prepared for you. At the hour when spectre
sre said TO visit the earth, so and cndeavor