Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-07-22

alter Delng quesuOneu oy ueIseii, ho auilit-
ed that he had found such magnifcence and
lavishness only among kings; but concluded
by saving that on that account the more
strange to him to find wanting here the best
and noblest thing the earth produced.
In vain they importuned the stranger to
explain his meaning; he remained silent, and
the questions became too pressing, departed
and was not seen again.
The pride and curiosity of Richberta were
started, and from that time allowed her no
rest. She possessed everything costly which
the tongue could name, or the earth or sea
produce, or conceal in their depths; could she
still lack the best thing of all? She ques-
toned the sages and soothsayers, consulted
magicians and Interpreters of dreams; but
none could mention thing she had not long
possessed.
Then in her restless longings for the un-
known and inestimable treasure, she ordered
ships to be fitted out which should explore
all seas and lands, and not return until it
should be discovered. Her admiral, entrust-
ed with this commission, put to sea, undeter-
mined whittier to direct his course. A part
of his ships he sent to the most distant seas
of the east and west while he committed
his own to the guidance of the winds. Now,
it happened that the water entered the yes
sci through leak, and spoiled part Of their
provisions; and although there was no lack Of
meat, wines and other articles of luxury, yet
they soon severely felt the loss of their bread
and meal, which had become unpalatable.
In this strait, the commander was not long
in discovering what would be the best and
most precious gift to man; not the viands
and spices of India-not pearls from the bot
tom of the sea-nor gold from the deepest
mines of the mountains-but the simple,
universal gift of nature--indispensable, ines.
timable, nourishing, and quickening bread.
Now, too, he understood the mysterious
words spoken by the stranger at the feast,
and his resolution was soon made. He steer
ed to haven at one of the eastern seas, and
there took full latling of the finest wheat,
with which he sailed back to Stavoren. AS
soon as he arrived he went to Richberta, who
did not expect him so soon and informed her
that he now knew what was the best and
most precious of all good things; he had
found it and brought it in abundance. He
then related to the astonished lady how he
had made the discovery, and that the mystic
rious guest could only have meant bread, and
that he therefore believed he had properly
executed his commission.
But Richberta was not of the same opin-
ion. She cast angry glances at the astonish-
ed sailor, and with difficulty restrained an
outburst of rage, asked him from which side
of the ship the cargo was taken on board
He answered, the right side. Now, then,
cried she, with naughty mein, l command
that the whole be Immediately thrown over
board from the left side into the sea.
In vain were all remonstrances against
the rash command. In vain the admiral
sought to move the heart of Richberta, by
imploring her not to give up to destruction
the rich blessing of God, at least to alleviate
with it the wants of the poor. In vain he
sent to her crowds of the needy, to soften her
resolution. 1t was of no avail, and she had
the whole cargo thrown into the water under
her own eyes, amid the groans and impreca-
tions of the multitude.
The bottom received the cargo, and the
grain became crop ot destruction. Sprout-
ing and shooting up in mud, and continually
covered with new earth, appeared forest Of
stalks, without ears of grain, rising higher in
an unnatural growth, till it reached the sur
face; and as it presented an obstacle to the
moving particles of mud, there was formed
before the hardor of Stavoren, an immense
bar which mortal power could not break
through.
The numerous ships of the city, and among
them those of Richberta, could no longer find
an entrance to the port, and were sacrificed
to the fury of the waves. Trade and wealth
rapidly declined, and frequent reverses brot
the proud woman from her pinnacle of splen-
dor and prosperity to such degree of want
aad misery that she was even forced to beg
for bread.
But the sea, now that its accustomed inlet
was barred, beat with renewed violence
against the shore, and during the storm of a
dark, tempestuous night, broke through the
dixie, overfowiug the city, and soon buried il
with its foundations in the deep. Where
once stood Stavoren, the Zuyder Zee now
rolls its gloomy waves. Even to this day,
when clear water permits q sight of the
depths below, the mariner looks down with
horror, upon the proud towers and gates, the
streets and lofty palace roofs of the sunkeu
and once splendid city.