Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1865-03-18
lfe0n VhronillS'of Sehon1eri Solti "a ndyl
The Legend of 81. Christopher


O1ferus was soldiet--a heathen-whC
lived on the land Of Canaan. He had a body
twelve ellis long. He did not like to obey
but command lie did not care what harm
he didto OILERS, but lived a wild life, attack
ing and plundering all who came in his way
he only wished for, one thing--to sellhis ser.
vices to the niightbst and as he heard thai
the Emperor was ID those days, the head oil
Christendom, he said:
Lord Emperor, will you have me To
none less will sell my hearts blood
uIhe Emperor look sd at his Samson strength
his giant chest aud mighty fists, aud be
said r .l .... ..
If tbou viii serve me forever Offerus, |
will accept thee."
Immediately the giant answered To
serve foreUer is not so easily promised but
rs long as am your soldier none in the eAst
or west shall trouble you"
Thereupon he went with the Emperor
through all he'land, and the Emperor was
delighted with him. All the soldiers, in the
comb bat as in the vine cup, we're miserable,
helpless creatures compared with 0fierus,
Now the Emperor had q harper who sang
from morning till bed time, aud whenever the
Emperor was weary with the march, this min
htTel uhu W louCn us btflOgS.
Opee, at eventide, they pitched the tents
near forest The Emperor ate aud drank
ustily--the minstrel sang merry song; but
as in his song he spoke Of the evil one, the
Emperor signed the cross 10 the forehead. aen
Said Ofierus aloud TO his comrades, what
is this2 What jest is the Prince making
now
Then the Emperor said, "Ofierus listen:
| 4 Il th. IL. i E.
said often to haunt this forest with great rage
and fury"
That seemed marvellous to Offerus, and he
said, scorniully, to the Emperor 81 have
fancy for wild boars aud deer Let us hunt
in tbisforest.
The Emperor said softly, "0fferus, no /
Let alone the chase in this forest, for in Gil.
ing thy larder thou mightest harm thy soul"
The officer made q wry face, and said "The
grapes are sour; If your Highness is afraid
OF the devil, will enter the service Of the
Lord, who is mightier than YOU" Ttereupon
he cooly demanded his pay, took bis depart
ure with no ceremonious leave taking aud
strobe OF cheerily into the depths OF the for.
est In wild clearing of the forest he
found the devils altar, built Of black einders;
and on H. in the moonlight, CLEANED the
was insno way terrified, but quietly inspected
the skulls and bones; then he called three
times in loud voice on the evil one, and seat
ing himself fell asleep, and soon began to
snore. When it was midnight the earth
seemed 10 crack, and on coal black horse
he saw pitch black rider, who rode at him
iuriously, aud sought to bind him with solemn
promises. But Offerus said 1--WE shall see. I"
Then they went together through the king
doms Of the world, aud OGeJus found him a
better master than the Emperor needed sci.
dom to polish his armor, but had plenty Of
feasting and fun lsft .ln Q
However, one day as fhey went along the
high road, three tall crosses stood before
them, Then the Black Prince suddenly had
cold and said, "Let us creep rOuud by the
by-road2' r...-I- .a-
iSaid 0iTerus: "Methinks you are afraid
OF these gallOWs trees, spd, drawing his
bow, he shot an arrow into the middle
cross. ..... .....t.
~'"What bad manners /" said Satan, softly
"do ye not know that re who in his form as
Feryant is the son Of Mary, now exercises
great power Pc rw
"If that is The case said 0lFerus, Il came
to you fettered by no promise; now will seek
further for the mighIiest, whom only will
serve" sa od.. a..l ,ss.-
Then Satan went of with mocking laugh,
and Oaerus vent on bis way, asking every
travelerbe met for the son Of Mary, but, alas
few bore bim 10 their bsartS, and no one
could tell the giant where the Lord dwelt,
until one evening 0herus found An old pious
hermit, who gave him a nights lodgings 10
his cell aud sent him the next morning TO the
CarIhesiab CloAteE & Then the ,Lotd prior
listened to OGerus, showed him plainly the
path Of faith, and told him be must fast and
pray, as John the Baplisi did Of old ia the
wilderness eteu stst Ha