Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1858-04-23

HV'A 'ne "iuaoWs; anu with the trampliD
noise Of SO many little feet, were minele
the sobs and grOans of the unhappy par
ents, who followed the long, long train O
children as far as the gates of the town
Here the sorrowiug mothers took las
sad farewell Of their children and man,
Of them, amost whom was the strong an,
hearty Mrs. Wolf, tainted quite away.
The feelings of poor Wolf, who had de
vised and proposed the plan which brough
such anguish to the hearts of all his fellow
citizens, may be easily conceived. Nothin!
but the frmest trust in God kept up BIZ
resolution, and enabled him to persevert
in his enterprise.
/ Whilst the children were leaving The
town, the bell of the great tower tolled t.
summon the old and the feeble to offer ny
their supplica:ions for the safe return oi
the youthful petitioners. But most Of
their mothers turned a deaf ear to the
call. They betOOk themselves to the town
walls, on the side which commanded a
view Of the road leading to the enemy's
camp. Here they stood to watch, impa-
tienily dashing the binding tears from
their eyes, until the children at length
disappeared from their sight.
Wolf now found himself alone with his
precious charge. He felt as if he was an.
swerable for each one Of the little ones who
had been confded to hi, care. The re.
sponsibility pressed heavily upon him, and
many deep sigh found its way from bis
overburdened heart. But his thoughts
were soon diverted from their melancholy
"nurse, BY the cheerful remarks and nu.
merous questions Of the children, who
were anxious to know whs. the camp Of
the enemy was like, and how they were to
behave when they came to it. Their little
fee. went faster and faster, and they pro.
ceeded as eagerly and impatiently as if
they were abou; to join party of plea
sure, instead of encoun,ering an encauped
army. In vain did the astouishei soldiers
as they approached present q close and
compact phalan1. The children pressed
boldly and fearlessly forward, with con.
hdent steps and undaunted mien. Not
sound, not prayer, no. a cry Of terror,
escaped their lips. As the kinsly lion is
subdued BY the steady glance Of the hu. /
man eye, SO the perplexei soldiers raised
their lances before the irresistible looks of
Ib-- jnr>:r--t - g ----
sion arrived unhindsred in front Of Pro-
kop's tent. 1t was crowded with officers,
who had hurried up to learn from their
how they and their subordi. |
mates mus, behave to the approaching
host Of white.robed children.
Looking sternly, the martial Prokop
came forward from the midst of his at
tendants.
"What is the meaning of this:" he
said firmly. SHOW dare you"-Here
the children fell on their knees, raising
their little folded hands; and thousands
of childish tongues cried in clear and mea.
sured chorus, "Mercy. mercy! mercy"
Amidst the youthful supplicants Wolf
stood alone, like rock amongst the bsea-
kers.
The impression which the thrice repeat
ed cry for mercy from the kneelipg chill.
dren in their white dresses produced upon
the soldiers, was quite irresistible. They
did not, however, acknowledge this to
each other, or even to themselves. On
the contrary, Prokop pu. on the semblanoe
of excessive anger, and turning to Wolf,
exclaimed sternly: "You audaelous man
do you venture to appear before my face
again? Have you forgotten what l shrea-
tened you with -
"sir," replied Wolf, mildly, "out Of
the mouth of babes and sucklings did
Christ our Lord ordain praise to himself.
Do you the same by hearing the prayers
Of these little ones, and granting mercy to
their fathers and mothers. Oh, if you
have children Of your own, you can meas.
ure the greatness of the sacrifice which the
parents Of these children have made, and
Of the trust they place in your generosity"
"Stand up"' said Prokop, with assum-
ed roughness to the children. "Putyou
hands down. Have you any children of
your own amongst ,hsm'" continued he
to Wolf.
"Yes, sir" answered Wolf, Gall my
children, eight in number"
(Which are they ?" asked Prokop,
"tbat may punish them for the audaci'y
and disobedience of their father"
"They are scattered amongst the other
children" said Wolf, turning pale. 81
could not very easily find them in such q
multitude, all dressed alike"
"Then will do it for you - cried
Prokop, with laugh, using the same de
vice by which the wise Solomon discover
ed the true mother of the living and o'
the dead child. "Sapka, Rudmiiz, Jan
ka out Yr