The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1870-08-12
wAbLEssrEIs's enosr.

Not far from the town of Gitshin,
i'm beautiful Bohemia" there rises,
on a declivity surrounded in every di-
rection by groves and cIumps of trees,
a broad-sprcading building, the rcgu-
lar architecture and massive antique
walls of which at once proclaim that
it was erected ages ago, and for no Or
binary purpose. The solemn silence
which rcigns around--a silence brok-
en- only by the melancholy signing OF
the wind through the oaks and frs, is
well adapted to bring the soul into
unison with the scene. This building
is the Walditzcr Carthusian convent
built by the great Wallenstcin OF
Frieland, and held his remains until
il was suppressed altogether with
many other religious institutions, by
Joseph the Second.
IL was on a pleasant aGtumnal NOR
ming in the year 1910, when troop of
horscmcn were seen approaching the
convent. The distant view of the
stately building quickcncd their pace,
for they hoped hospitable reception
from the monks, which should recon-
pense them for their forced marches
and many privations which they had
of late undergone. In vain, however,
did their leader, on approaching, seek
for the faintest trace of human being,
or any indication that the house was
held by friend or foe.
But the stamping Of the horses feet
upon The plank-laid entrance at last
attracted the only dweller whom the
house contained. This was an old
white-b bearded man, who chcerfuily
babe them welcome.
'Ucy, there, old fellow@ cried
many voices, as he appeared. Up
with the breakfast! Bring us wine:
and all Of the best! No hunger OF
thirst, you know, i'm a cloistcr."
aye como from afar gentlemen,
and know not that your comrades
have long since cmpticd both lardeI
ard cellar. There is fresh grass fol
your horses growing in the courtyard
but Burgundy and Rhine wine flow
not back again as readily as they run
away" - sEk Bas
"Stop your foolcry!' cried one Of
The soldiers, angrily. "We're used
TO such speeches, and don't believe
them. Bring your keys and do as
you're bid.' -
"No keys arc needed exclaimed
the old man, sadly. "BOlts and bars
have long since been borne away, and
but few of our doors hold their hin.
gcs. Yc are far from the first who
have searched in vain."
The soldiers had in the mcantimG
dismountcd, and were just disposed
10 make an excellent breakfast, when
thus disconnected by the speech of the
guardian. But no soldier readily re.
signs the hope of cali Of wine, and
these of all soldiers were the mosi
unlikely TO be satisfied with the words
of an old man.
"Uerc, then, old roguc!" exclaimed
one, whose general appearance, how
ever, indicated a better disposition
and a greater degree of responsibility
than were possessed by his compan'
ions. "Drivc no untimely jcsts will
us, but show us where the cellar lies
We'll spare thee the trouble of draw.
ing the wine-only bring candles and
cansp
The old man obeyed, and shortly
appeared with q lantern. The party
went with him. The cool subtcrra-
mean air blew pleasantly in their IA
ccs, for it reminded them of ancient
vintage stored away in cool places
At last they. could sec, half hidden in
the darkness, the round brown sides
of the immense old-fashioned casks
Hurry on, comrades, they arc
waiting for relief. Quick with tho
cans!" cried a young soldier.
"Tap them first" replied the old
man, quietly. .-.r.rsra
AT last twenty sets of fingers, well
accustomed TO broaching plundcrcd
casks Of couvcntual wine, were speed
lily busted with boring the slaves but
no wine poured forth, and the sides
raped, as last question, gave back
Il mournful hollow ring, which spoke
as plainly rs barrels could speak
there's nothing in usD
well, old fellow, thou hast fairly
spoken the TRUTH" cried one; "and
since the Kitchen and cellar are empty
show us the way 10 the chapel, that
we may return thanks to thy silver
pyx, and crucifix, and candlesticks
for the good wine we might have
had
Stunned at the dasliing tone of thu
soldier, the old man spoke not ;
word, and with trembling hands HI
led the way to the chapel. Either
from faint trace of religious memo
ries, or a growing conviction tina
there really remained nothing to take
the crowd entered slowly and grave
ly, and paused in the center of thu
hall.
"Here lies the Friedlaudcrw criet
one, and fixed his eyes on an inscrip
ton on a stone. Those who coult
read thronged around, and satisfied
themselves of the truth of his asser
ton.
"Thc one who dealt with the devil
The man who often made us start
The one who would overcome tn,
great Gustavus, and even be kins
himsclf?" cried many soldiers.
"The same" answered the sergeant
And think yc that they have buriet
him like bcggar? / trust not. As
surcdly he lies in silver coffin, ant
is covered with all the jewelled or
dcrs which he once took, or mayhal
stole from his lord the emperor!"
"And the glorious golden crown
for which he strovc in life was doubt
less put OH his head after death,
cried another. "Why, he threw ava.
gold as throw chafl, and his horses
were shod with silver, and dranl
from marble vasesp
AYE, what a glorious nest wc'v,
found,' shouted the corporal, jOyfully
"And that's the reason why they'v,
buried him here SO plainly, lest som,
good fellow might think of the treas
urc and break in" IN
well, take hold and lift, cried sew
cral who had brought bars ant
sticks.
The mighty stone soon yielded b,
their efforts, and the dark opening e
the tomb was soon free.
$50 first, old fellow" shouted tn,
soldier @Thou hast travelled thu
path ere now, dare say!"
But slight shuddcr thrilled IL,
frames of more than one among then
us they descended the antique stair
l. Al