The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1858-09-18
Incident in Ancient History.


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Incident in Ancient History.
Twas glorious morn, "a morn for life
in is most subtle luxury,' The first faint
rays of sunlight had began to glide the
eastern sky CT an ancient city when the
sound Of martial music, the p:ancIng of
stccds, and the hurried tread of human
feet proclaimed mighty nation going forth
to war. They have gathered themselves to-
gether and now with glittuing spear and
flashing hayonct, they prepare to go forth
mid the flourish Of trumpets and the shouts
Of the people. But why this delay? The
captain Of the hest mighty man Of valor
speaks. Silence prevails, and all heads bend
low rs, with uplftd hands the mighty
monarch makes VOW to God that if he is
victorious in this battle, if the enemy is de-
livercd into his hands. he will offer as sac
nlicc the first living thing that cometh forth
from his gates to meet him when he returns.
The vow is recorded the word of command
is given, and HAT gorgeous calvalcade move
on. Long they Travelled ere they reached the
field Of battle. lis reached at last.
A glorious array Of men in warlike armor
present themselves to view. And now they
with man the coufllc. RACES fierce and terri
bic; blood flows like water; the shrieks of
the wounded and the dying rcnd the air thu
field is covered with heaps Of the wounded,
the dying ard the dead, ere the flourish Of
trumpets and the shouts OF victory announce
the battle won-by the mighty man whose
vow was recorded c,e they left their home
and now he prepares to lead his army in tri-
unlph to the city.
On, they 90 Cor many a mile. over hi!
and dale, though forest and city. They
near the gates Of their homes. Every eye is
strained, they remember the vow, and look
on the right hand and on the cfy for the sac
rl.ice, but no good is by the side, no hcitor
gamhols near no lamb is in SIGHT, 10 bird
skins through the air, and even the dogs do
not come forth to meet them.
What means this stiffness? Why doth no
living thing appear to greet them? Are
they not vlCtors, fresh from the field of bat tie
upon their brows the laurel wreath, and
in their hands the palm ofvictory! DO they
not come with all the pomp and pride Of
martial glory? Why does no living thing
come to greet their coming?
They approach the gates o. the palace, and
the eye Of the captain casts quick and anxious
chances around, and his heart tremblcs for his
vow. What shall come forth to meet him :?
Perhaps well trained hound, or it may be a
favOIIte servant.
ilark sound Of music is borne upon the
air. Soft and sweet its strains are heard in
the distance, and now they sound louder and
more near. 1t is song Of joy and triumph |!
Why does the check of that proud man
blanch his hand trcmble upon the rein, and
his head dloop upon his breast and why is
the mystic wreath that lately bound his brow,
crushed beneath his horses feet Behold is
suing from the gates n maiden of surprising
beauty, dressed in gala robes, with timbrrl
III her hands :: she comes to greet the con-
qnorcr. and congratulate him on his safety
Well may his cheek blanch and his heart
culver, for in that fair girl he secs his daugh-
ter, his only one!
Besides her he hath neither son nor daueh-
tor She is all in all to his aged heart. Can
he yield her a sacrifice to the flames!
''Oh my daughter !" he exclaimed in an.
euish, why ddsL hou come forth to meet
me. Behold have made VOW that the first
living thing met on my return from battle
I would offer as burnt Offering. Thou art
that hrine Thing !"
One earnest, imploring look she cast upon
her father, than nk upon her knees her
whole form convulsed with agony at the
dreadful import of those fearful word. The
stiffness of death prevails, as with blanched
check and quivering lip the maiden said.
"Do unto me according to thy vow, my
father - and tho Sc brave warriors, who had
wmdcd through seas of blood and never wavcr-
ed on the field Of battle, turned silently and
tearfully away and murmured, Alas the
vow!
a short time has elapsed. ard now behold
the maiden ready for the flames. Dressed in
simple " hite she comes, accompanied by
her maldcns. singing low. mournful chant.
large multitude has gathered to see the
sacrifice. For a moment father and daugh-
ter are locked in close embrace. as if soul
had melted into soul The old man trcmb,es
paternal love is strong within his hcart, and
gladly would he recall that VOW but it may
not be-
Meekly the maiden kneels; and with bare
head and white locks streaming in the wind,
her father commends her to his COP. Now
the flames enwrap the fair form they clasp
her feet, her hands. her head, but no shrek
escapes her lips. She is dead!
The vow is performed, and the childcss
father turns in agony away, and looks to that
God 10 whom he has performed his VOW for
strength in that dark hour
For many years after the Jewish maidens
celebrated four days, annually, in comm.m-
: Grafton Of this melancholy sacrifice.