The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-24
Mlistellaneous.
From Oneo . Week.
THE MAGIC RING.

In old times there lived most Deantiiul,
pious and amiable Frau von Alvepsleben,
who was respected and beloved by her friends
and the high and mighty Of the land, and
looked up to and adored by her dependents
the poor, who for many miles around felt
the benefit OF her loving charities. This ia
vorite of fortune and nature had, however,
one drop Of gall mixed in her cup OF happi-
ness, which had well nigh embittered the
whole Of her precious gifts. She was child
less, and il WAS no small grief to her beloved
lord as well as to herself to DO denied an heir
to their noble name and vast possessions.-
frequently. when more than usually OPP
pressed by sad thoughts, sho would wander
forth and saek in assuagins the sorrows OF
Others relief to her rown painful reflections.
On one occasion, us in pensivo mood she was
returning from one of these charitable visits
to the sick and poor of her villages, her way
led through u long avenue of wcll.grown
trees bordering the banks OF the Elhe. Slow
" she walked with eyes cast on the ground,
when her steps were suddenly arrested by
little dwarf, who stood respectfully before
her. She was startled at first, but, seeing
him look smilingly at her, she soon regained
her composure, and in kind manner asked
him what he wanted.
"Nlost gracious lady," quoth the dwarf,
"all wish is to give you brighter hopes,
and to foretell that your future will bc as
happy as you deserve. Within year from
this time you will be blessed with three sons
at birth (driHinge). l pray you accept
this ring" continued he, handing her largo
gold ring most curiously wrought; shave 1t
divided into three equal parts, and when
your sons are Of an age to understand the
trust, give one piece to each OF them to keep
us talisman asai's. evil. As long as it re-
mains in the family tho Alycnslebens will
prosper"
With these words the kind little man dis.
appeared; but his prophecy was realized,
and his injunctions were carefully obeyed'-
The three sons lived to form the source of
three distinct lines of the Alvenslebens fam.
ily, and are distinguished by the names OF
the Black, the White and tho Red line.
Years-nay, Centurios--rolled by, but the
pieces of the ring were carefully preserved
by tho defendants OF the three brothers,
The age of superstition had now passed away.
Frederick the great was mighty, and scoiled
at all things; voltaire, his friend and teach.
er, sneered at every species OF belief, and
the courters thought it becoming to initiate
their master and his fayorite.
A gay party was seated on the balcony oi
the castle of Randau, which overhangs the
muddy.colored, shallow, and yet sometimes
treacherous, river Elbe. Amongst the COM
pany were several gay young officers OF the
royal hussars, then stationed at Magdeburg.
who had ridden over to pay their dovoirO to
the lady of the manor, the Frau von Alven-
sleben of the red line, a famous beauty at
Frederick's court. Although the mother Of
three fine boys, her beauty was a. It's zenith
and her sharp, ready wit aud satirical, skep
teal turn of mind had won for her as many
admirers as her rare personal attractions.
al never believed in anything do no; see
or feel !" said the lady with bright laugh,
continuing an animated conversation about
second sight and shost-sccrs; "nor do | care
ius. now to believe in anything but that
these strawberries are delicious" added she,
holding up ruddy berry; "that the air Is
pure aud balmy, my companions most agree
able, and life altogether charming and en-
joyable."
"would that life were made up o! such
moments" sighed her nearest neighbor'
with nm ardent glance: "but, alas we must
bend to 50 many influences beyond our own
control !"
"Not whit" retorted the lively lady,
"Jeder ist seines Gluckes Schimied" (every
one forgets his own happincss), saith the
provcrb."
"How can you say that, fairest of chatc'
LANES, when you know that the happiness OF
each of us is dependent upon your good
willp" responded one Of tho gallants.
"And," added the Major Won Eulenberg, a
somewhat more sedate admirer, "you your
self, madame, must not forget that you are
living under the spell Of tho famous Alvens-
leben ring; If you were to lose it, who
knows what might happsnT
"Alter schutzr von Thorheit nicht, (age is
no preservation against folly) / sce," an
swered the beauty, pertly tossing her head.
"Do you think am such an idiot as really
70 believe in this silly story Of the ring' !
though. my sentiments were better known
and to prove to you how free FROM snper''i-
tion l am"
she ran into the room through the open
folding doors, hastily unlocked caskct with
a small golden Key which hung from her
neck-chain, and swiftly returning. made a
comical low curtescy to the circle Of gentle
men, and, with graceful movement flung
what she had in her hand down into the
1 -l.... -;-o- ~ ber faat ..Thara ~ she