The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1864-07-06
THE MAID OF SOLEURE.

The town Of Soleure is situated amongst
the mountains OF Jura, in Switzerland
and along the fertile and romantic vale
of the Batstal 1t is the capital OF the
canton which bears the same name, and is
watered by the beautiful stream of Aar.
The townis small, but neat, surrounded
by stone Notifications IL clf inns the
honor of great antiquity and It's inhabi-
tants have long been distinguished for
their love Of civil independence. The
following Evolutionary story is related as
one Of the most interesting passages in
the history of that place:
Buoo Von Bucheg was a venerable
burpher and chief magistrate of the town
of Soleure He had long been regarded
as the father OF the Council and the peo-
Die placed their reliance upon him in
every time of danger. His habits were
plain and simple He had amassed no
wealth, for his services were given and
not sold. One treasure he possessed.
which he considered beyond all price and
that was his only child, Ellen. She had
early lost her mother. and spent her time
almost as she pleased in wandering about
the suburbs of the town, gathering plants
for her collections, and accommodating n
stock of health, energy and cheerfulness.
She was yet at tender age, when her
father received "a most earnest letter from
his only sister who resided III the valley
of Lauterbrunn, entreating him to spare
his daughter TO her for few months,
representing tue solitude of her own
situation and the wants she had of youth
ful society. The last plea he could not
resist, and Ellen was the first time scpa-
rated from her father. +#
She found her aunt who was widow,
sick and tow spirited. Hitherto her life
had demanded but few sacrifices; but
now her duties begun, day and night she
was seated by her bedside. Sickness often
make people selfish and unreasonable.
The invalid was unwilling to part with
her newly acquired solace for n moment,
and Ellen could gaze upon the bcautii iul
scenery around her without being al
lowed 10 plunge into its depths. 1t MAS
not until her health and spirits dropped
that she gained permission TO walk at
sunset At first the rapidity with which
she moved along was almost free from
thought 1t was recovered liberty; and
to gaze upon the heavens. the ,scfcrs
and the woods, to feel that she could
leap from rock to rock, could sing her
favorite songs and disturb no one, was
rapture. Her delight in rambling amid
the wild scenery of the district was
augmented by her naturally devotional
feelings. As she gazed on the valley
and cottages, and listened to the notes OF
the Shepherds pipe, to the tinklinS bells
of the herds of cattle, and heard their
deep sonorous voices, she broke forth in
the spirit of Milton:
"Par.rt Of GIol! thesc Thy works"
Nor were her associations less de
lightful at the hour of evening. 1t was
to gaze upon the groups of healthy,
happy children, who ran to meet their
parents returning from day of labor
To see the aflectionatc wife preparing
her little repast before the door and all
breathing the language of domestic af-
fectons:
She had gazcd late on this scene one
evening and turnd away to pursue her
path homewards As she proceeded she
perceived that she should be obliged to
pass n herd of cattle which had no herds
man. Her habits were fearless, and she
did not hesitate. Suddenly one of the
animals sprang furiously from the rest
and rushed towards her. She looked
around-a frightful death seemed inevi-
table. To escape by flight was impos-
sible. At that moment the report of Il
gun struck her ear; the animal staggered,
groaned. and fell dead at her feet a
sickness fell over her. and she knew
nothing till she found herself supported
by n young man dressed in military
uniform.
You have saved my life she ex-
claimed
'.It was a fortunate shot" said he,
smiling
Il don't often make as good one for /
have been out all day, and have not
brought down my game NY uncle's
house is not far distant; may l conduct
you to il p
Il must 90 to my aunt's," said Ellen
..but shall need your assistance to get
there
He raised her up and gave her his
arm. and they stood a moment TO gaze
upon the powerful animal that lay before
them. TIE ball had entered his heart.
Not drop OF blood was visible
This will make feast in the valley"
said the youth; II will give a Tcte in
honor of your safety will you witness it?"
Ellen sighed to think how impossible it
would he to gain her aunt's consent At
the door the stranger bow ed and left her
The impression upon the young girls
mind was deep and lasting That night
her auuts illness greatly increased \
dispatch was sent for her father, bat
before his arrival his sister had hreathed
her last. She went no more 10 the chapel
but returned TO Soleure with her father
Two years passed by. and Ellen recol.
lections Of the stranger were yet fresh in
her mind
"He saved my life" said she; II hope
l shall see him again" But new scenes
were fast crowding upon her, and left no
room FOR the wandering of imagination
Leopold. duke Of Austria, was approach
ing Soleurc with the avowed resolution
of besieging its walls An in ordinate
thirst fos victory hal taken possession
of his mind. He behevedit glory 70
conquer even the innocent and free. and
he swore TO his brother. the Emperor. 70
plant the Austrian standard on the walls
of Soleure. SS~ -
The attack had commenced. and Ellen
stood gazed on the scene. She neither
wept nor spoke, but was as motionles: