Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-03-24
BELLOWS FALLS, VT. FRIDAY

| ana wept by turns, until the dawn Oh
morning glistened on the points of the
spears and the bright helmets of the
warriors as they defiled forth from the
walls of the town.
Several days passed, and the army un-
der the command of the Elector of Treves
pursued its march. Atlength ii encoun-
tered the rebellious peasants in the mem
orable field of Feddersheim. The battle
was terrible; the rude insurgents were
! broken and defeated, and fled in all d.
rections; and the Elector dismounting
from his horse, leant upon his sword, con-
templating the field of victory. Behind
him was his own faithful page, Rudolph,
who had fought unhinchingly by his
side. They unlaced their helmets, and
threw them on green bank which was un-
stained by blood. Their countenances
sought the fresh breeze of evening which
was now springing up, after the arduous
tolls of conflict that had lasted from
sunrise.
The elector and his page were far away
| from the other warriors; the ardor of
the contest had separated them from their
companions. Suddenly, hasty footsteps
were heard near; and FIVE or six of the
scattered peasants, returning to the field,
for the sake of plunder, approached the
hero and his youthful attendant. Not a
moment was to be lost. The elector placed
himself on his guard but his sword
broke in twain with the very first blow
which he dealt upon his assailants. To
start back and seize curtail-ax which
lay upon the ground, and which had
dropped from the hand of warrior
slaughtered in the days conflict, was
with the elector the work of moment
but ere he could WELD it, the sword of
an infuriate rebel was at his breast. In
another instant the Elector of Treves
would have been no more; but swift as
lightning, the young page rushed forward
and cut the peasant TO the ground. The
elector and Rudolph then continued to
fight with unvarying advantage, and the
other peasants soon lay dead at their feet
Thus did Rudolph save his masters
life the life of the father of her whom he
loved. The battle was won by the elect
or's army; the peasants were dispersed
in all directions and this blow put an
end TO the civil war.
Animated with triumph, and joyous
with victory, the army set out on its
march homeward on the following day;
and in due time the troops we're once
more encamped beneath the walls of
Treves. There they were to receive the
guerdon due TO their valor; and thence
would the various divisions branch off
to their own districts, under their respec-
tive princes.
The day after their return, the elector
held grand levee in the great hall of
the palace. Rudolph stood behind his
chair. The princes and chiefs Of the
army were assembled around.
-" "Highnesses and lords" said the elec-
tor, the hour is now come when my
pledge must be redeemed The hand of
my daughter Editha shall reward him
whom this conclave pronounces to have
demeaned himself most nobly in the fight.
My Lord of Stein, and you, my Lord of
Helfenstein, who advance no claim to
the prize, seeing that We are already wed
will adjudge the hand of the Princess
Editha to the most worthy"
The elector made sign, and the door
of the vast hall was thrown open. The
princess, attended BY her ladies, entered
the hall. Her countenance was deadly
pale; deep melancholy sat upon her
brow and she smiled not as her eyes
caught the glance of the young page
who stood halfconcealed by the electors
throne.
Seven princes and chiefs then stood for
ward, and each asserted his claim to the
hand of the Princess Editha.
Are there any more claimants?" de-
manded the Lord of Stein, when each
had recapitulated his services in the
field.
"Yes-Iw exclaimed the page,
FORTH
"Youw cried the elector. "Insolent
boy, what means this folly?"
"My lords" said the youth, while his
handsome countenance was flushed with
the glow of pride, and his eyes usually
80 mild and soft, flashed fire, 81 saved
The life of the Highness, the Elector -
upon that | found my claim.
"And have | not promised thee knight
hood, rash boy p cried the elector.
"I demand higher reward" said
Rudolph ;"I claim the hand of the
Princess Editha."
Knoweth thou not, proud YOUTH"