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

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In, the ,principality of Hohenlohe
hLangcnburg, is a small village called
Ragenbach, where about twenty years
ago the following heart-rending, but
also heroic event took place. One al
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 on that,ev
full day. The smith formed one of the
merry company astrong, vigorous man
with resolute countenanee and daring
mien, but also with such good-natur-
ed smile upon his lips, that every one
who saw him admired him. Every
evil-disposed person Stunned him, fol
the valiant smith would allow nothing
wrong in his presence, and 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 OF 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 q large dog came stag
gering in the room-a great, strong,
powerful beast, with q ferociods, fright
iulast;ect. His lIeadwas 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 was
no escape but by one door. Scarcely
had the smith S neighbor, whow;l bath
keeper of the place, seen the animal,
when he became deathly pale; sprang
up, and exclaimed with a horrio voice,
Good heavens the dog is mad; :
Then rose an outcry Tile room 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 savagely right and left,
AID no one could pass him without be-
ing bitten. This increased the horrible
confusion. All sprang up, and shranl
from the furious dog with asonizing
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 contentedneigh,
bors would be made miserable by mad
dog, and, he formed a resolution the like
of which is scarcely to be found in the
history of the huma1irace for highmlnd
cdncss and nobleness. Certainly; his
brown cheek paled a little, but his eyes
sparkled with divine fire, and an eleva-
ted resolution shone from the smooth
brow of the simple minded man.
Back ALL" Numbered he with his
deep strong voice. " Let no one stir,
for no one can vanquish the beast bat
me. One victim must fall i'll order to
save all, and 1 will be that victim
I will hold the brute, and. d.whilst | dc
50, moke your escape The smith had
see Y spoken these words when the
4 .:,arted towards the shrielling peo-
but he went not far. with Gods
help r cried the smith, and he rushed
upon the foaming beast, siezed him
with an iron grasp, and dashed him tc
the floor.
OH what a terrible struggle follow
ed! The dog bit furiously on every
side in the most flightful manner. His
long teeth tore the arms and thighs Of
the heroic smith, but he would not let
him loo.e. Regardless alike of the cx-
ccssive pain and the horrible death which
must ensue, he held down with an iror
grasp the swapping. biting 'howlins
brute, until all had cscaped-till all, al
were rescued and in safety. He ther
flung the half-strangled beas from hin
against the wall, and dripping witt
blood and venomous foam he left til,
room, locking the door after him. Some
persons shot the dog through the win
dows. But oh merciful Godl what
will become of the brave, unfortunate
smith
Weeping and lamcnting, the people
surrounded him who had saved theil
lives at the expense Of his own. Be
quiet, my friends do not weep for me
for I have only performed my dut.
When l am dead, think of me with love
and now pray for me that God will no
let me suffer long or loo much. I vii
take care that no further mischief shall
occur through me, for must certainly
become mad He went straight to hi
workshop, and selected a long chain
the heaviest and frmest Of his whole
stock. He then with his own hand.
welded it upon his limbs, and aroun(
the anvil, so firmly, that no power OF
earth could break it. There, said he
cit is donc," after silently and solemn
" contemplating the work. Now yol
are secure, and inofensivc so long a
I live; bring me my food. The rest
leave to Cod into his hands commend
INV spirit Nothing could save tn
brave smth-ncither tears, lamenta
tions, nor prayers. Madness seized him
and after nine days he died, but trul!