Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-11-25
The Smith of Ragenbach.

The Smith of Ragenbach.
In the principality of Hohenlohe,
hAlangenburg, is small village called
Ragenbach, where about twenty years
ago the following heart-rending, but
also heroic event took place One af-
ternoon, in the early spring, in the tav-
ern-room Of Ragenbach, several men
and women having assembled from the
village, sat at their ease, none anticipa-
ting what would happen Oh that event
ful day. The smith formed one of the
merry company-a strong, vigorous man
with resolute countenanee and daring
mien, but also with such a good-natur
ed smile upon his lips, that every one
who saw him admired him. Every
evil-dispozcd person Stunned him, for
the valiant smith would allow nothing
wrong in his presence, aud it was not
advisable to have anything 10 DO with
him except in proper manner. Ills
arms were like bars of iron, and his fists
like forge hammers, so that few could
equal his strength o! body.
The brave smith sat near the door,
chatting with one of his neighbors, ]
know not what; all at once the door
sprang open, and u large dog came stag
gering i'll the rooD-a great, strong,
powerful beast, with a ferocious, fright
llilaspect. His headwas hanging down,
and his eyes blood-shot, his red-colored
tongue hanging halfway out of his
mouth, and his tail dropped between
his legs. Thus the ferocious beast en-
tered the room, out of which there vas
no escape but by one door. Scarcely
had the smith neighbor, who WAS BATH
keeper OF tie place, seen the animal.
when he became deathly pale, sprang
up and exclaimed with a horrid voice.
Good heavens, the dog is mad :,
Then rose an outcry! Theroom was
full OF men and women and the foam
ing beast stood before the only entrance;
no one could leave without passing hin.
He snapped savascly right and lett,
AID no one could pass him without be
ing bitten. This increased the horrible
confusion. All sprang up, and shrank
from the furious dog with agonizlns
countenances. Who should deliver them
from him? The smith also stood among
them, and as he saw the anguish Of the
people. it flashed across his mind how
many of his happy and contentedneish-
bors would be made miserableb by mad
dog, and he formed a resolution the like
of Which is scarcely to be found i'll the
history of the human race for hishmind-
cdncss and nobleness. Certainly his
brown cheek paled little, but his eyes
sparkled with divine fire, and an eleva-
ted resolution shone from the smooth
brow of the supplemented man.
" Back all Numbered he with his
deep strong voice. Let no one stir,
for no one can vanquish the beast but
me. One victim must fall in order to
save all. and 1 will be that victim );
l will hold the brute, and. whilst | do
50, make your escape The smith had
scarcely spoken these words when the
dog started towards the shrielling pco-
pie !; but he went not far. with Gods
help" cried the smith, and lie rushed
upon the foaming beast, siezed him
with an iron grasp, and dashed him to
the floor.
Oh what terrible struggle follow
cd! The dog bit furiously on every
side in the most frightful manner. His
long teeth tore the arms and thighs of
the heroic smith, but lie would not let
him loose. Regardless alike of the cx-
ccssive pain andth horrible death which
must ensuc, he held down with an iron
grasp the swapping. biting, howling
brute, until all had cscaped-till ALL all
were rescued and in safety. He then
flung the half-strangled beast from him
against the wall, and dripping with
blood and venomous foam lie left the
room, locking the door after him. Some
persons shot the dog through the win
dows. But oh ! mercitul God! what
will become Of the brave, unfortunate
smith
Weeping and lamcnting the people
surrounded him who had saved their
lives at the expense of his own. BE
quiet, my friends; do not weep for me,
for have only performed my duty.
Wien l am dead, think Of me with love,
and now pray for me that God will not
let lie suffer long or too much. 1 will
take care that no further mischief shall
occur through me, for | must certainly
become mad. He went straight to his
workshop, and selected a long chain,
the heaviest and tirmest Of his whole
stock. He then with his own hands
welded it upon his limbs, and around
the anvil, 50 firmly, that no power on
earth could break it. There said he
at is done" after silently and solemn
Is contemplating the work. Now you
are secure, and | inofenSivc so long as
live: bring Inc my food. The rest
leave to Cod: into his hands commend
INV spirit Nothing could save tho
brave smth-ncithcr tears, lamcnta-
tions, nor prayers. Madness seized him
and after nine days he died, but truly