The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1867-01-11
Alistellaneons Selettions.
The Mysterious 0rganist.
A LEGEND OF THE RHINE.

And simple faith than Norman blood. "
Years ago at a grand old cathedral
overlooking the Rhine, there appeared
a mysterious organist. The great conf
poser who had played the organ so long
had suddenly died, and everybody, from
the king to the peasant, was wondering
who could be found to fill his place,
when, one bright Sabbath morn, as the
sexton entered the church, he saw a
stranger sitting at the crape-shrouded
organ. He was tall, graceful man,
with a pale but strikingly handsome
face, great, black melancholy eyes, and
hair like the ravens wing for gloss and
color, sweeping in dark waves over his
shoulders. He did not seem to notice
the sexton, but went on playing, and
such music as he drew from the instru-
ment no words of mine can describe.
The astonished listener declaped that the
organ seemed to have grown human
that it walled and sighed and clamored
as if tortured human heart was throb-
bing through its pipes. When the mu-
sic at length ceased, the sexton hastened
to the stranger and said:
''Pray who are you9"
'.Do not ask my name," he replied.
81 have heard that you are in want Of
an organist, and have come here on
trial"
''You1 be sure to get the place." ex-
claimed the sexton. "Why, you sur
pass him that's dead and gone, sirp
"No, no; you overrate me" resumed
the stranger, with sad smile, and then,
as if disinclined to conversation, he turn
ed from old Hans, and began to play
again. And now the music changed
from a sorrowful strain to a grand old
p@an, and the mysterious organist-
Looking upward full of grace,
Prayed, till from happy place
Gods glory smote him in the face,
and his countenance seemed not unlike
that of st. Michael, as portrayed by
Guido.
Lost in the harnonies which swelled
around him, he sat with his far-seeing
gaze fixed on the distant sky, glimpse
Of which he caught through an open
window, when there was stir about the
church door, and royal party came
sweeping in. Among them might be
seen young girl, with wealth of gold
en- hair, eyes like the violet hue, and
lips like wild cherries. This was the
Princess Elizabeth; and all eyes turned
to her, as she seated herself in the vel
vet cushioned pew appropriated to the
court. No sooner had the music reach
ed her ears than she started as if a ghost
had crossed her path. The bloom faded
from her cheek, and her whole frame
grew tremulous. At last her eyes met
those of the organist, in long, yearn
ing look, and then the melody lost its
Joyous notes and once more walled, and
sighed and clamored.
"3y my faith," whispered the king tc
his daughter, 'this organist has mas
ter hand. Hark ye, he shall play al
your wedding"
The pale lips of the princess parted
she could not speak-she was dumt
with grief. Like one in painful dream
she saw the pale man at the organ, and
heard the melody which filled the vast
edifce. Aye, full well she knew who
he was, and why the instrument seemed
breathing out the agony of tortured
heart.
When the service was over, and the
royal party had left the cathedral, ht
stole away as mysteriousiy as he hac
come. He was not seen again by the
sexton till the vesper hour, and then hC
appeared in the organ loft, and com
menced his task. While he played &
yelled figure glided in, and knelt near ;
side shrine. There she remained til
the worshippers dispersed, when th'
sexton touched her on the shoulder anC
said:
MADAME, everybody has gone bu
you and me, and l wish 10 close the
DOORS"
81 am not ready to go yet" was the
reply, '.leave me-leave mew
The sexton drew back into shady
niche, and watched and listened. The
mysterious organist still kept his post
but his head was bowed upon the in.
strument, and he could not see the lone
devotee. at length she rose from the
aisle, and moving to the organ-loft paus
ed beside the musician.
"Bertram," she murmured.
Quick as thought the organist raised
his head. There, with the light of {
lamp suspended to the arch above fall
ing full upon her, stood the princess who
had graced the royal pew that day. The
court dress of velvet, with its soft er
mine trimmings, the tiara, the necklace
the bracelets, had been changed for {
gray serge robe and Il long, thick veil
which was now pushed back from the
fair girlish face.
"Oh Elizabeth, Elizabeth " exclaim
ed the organist, and he sunk at her feet
and gazed wistfully into her troubled