Connecticut western news., 1873-08-15
A LEGEND OF THE RHINE.

A LEGEND OF THE RHINE.
 The beautiful river Rhine, in some of it's windings, is not unlike that portion of our Hudson which flows through the Highlands. But it differs vastly from the latter, in that the grand old hills and immense rocks lying on either side are covered with ruins of what were once massive towers, castles, and strong holds. These frowning battlements, perched upon jagged rocks and steep mountain passes, were the homes of warlike Knights and barons of olden tune, whose lives seemed spent in war ring against each other. To all these ancient ruins throughout Germany, as we'll as on the Rhine, are attached some story or romance woven from his- tory and tradition. A charming Ger man author has gathered into little volume manyof these legends. One of the most delightful of the legends is connected with Richard I, King of England, called Richard "Ceur-de- Lion because of his idomitable cour- age and bravery s :*
 Richard was born in Oxford, and in 1l89 succeeded his father, Henry, IT. It is said that his naughty spirit and unbending will hastened the death of the old king. Partly from remorse for past misconduct, partly from martial taste, which early in life distinguished him, soon after his accession to the throne he leagued with Philip of France for second crusade in Palestine against the famous Saladin, Emperor of Egypt and Syria. Saladin had wrested Jeru- salem from the hands of the Christian Knight, Reginald de Chatillon, and slain many of his followers. News of this disaster reaching England, Richard determined to regain possession of the holy city. The key to Syria was the fortress of St. Jean Acre, which en- dured a siege of two years before yield and France. However, before the lion hearted monarch had time to regain possession of Jerusalem, news reached him of war at home. He concluded a truce with Saladin, and quickly en- parked to quell the revolt in his own kingdom. On the coast of Italy he was shipwrecked. Nothing daunted by this new misfortune, he disguised him. self as pilgrim, hoping to pass through Germany unseen. By some means, however, he became known to Leopold, Duke of Austria, who, to gratify per sonal prejudice, caused him to be ar rested and secretly imprisoned. The fame of this great monarch had been spread far and near by pilgrims to the Holy Land by the songs of trobadours, and the plaudits of those who had fought under bin. His own knights worshiped him, and number of them banded together, determined, if he were still living, to find his hiding place and deliver him.
 On lovely summer morning troop of horsemen were passing through the country in which lay portion of the Hartz Mountains. Three noble-looking men rode forward, evidently the leaders of the troop which followed. The mid dle horseman was dressed as minstrel, and on his face was an expression of deep pain and anxiety. Suddenly he stopped his horse, to catch the notes of a shepherd, singing in the far off field. No sooner was the song finished, than he dashed towards the astonished singer. ?. .-
 My boy, sing that again! See, I have gold for you!'
 "'Tis song I love p said the boy, as he took the gold and recommended his music.
 "Now, tell me, lad," said the min strel, "who taught you that song."
 "I dare not tell p replied the boy, as he glanced with suspicion at the knight.
 "Aye! But you must tell me! No harm shall come to you! See here is more gold for you"
 1T have heard 1t sung in the castle of Triefels, near which l often feed my sheep."
 "Oh, God p exclaimed the minstrel, bursting into tears as he knelt on the ground, How wondrous are thy ways"
 His companions approached him with amazement, to hear him exclaim "We have found him! On to Trie. fels !"
 After the excitement of their sup. posed discovery had abated, they de. cided, first, to get view of the fortress, and then mature their plans for getting within it. The shepherd boy, who was to guide them thither, told them nc strangers were allowed to cross the drawbridge, and the keeper was imperi ous and unsociable. Soon the towers of Triefels glittered in the sun, and after Mgraceful survey of it's surround ings, they moved away for further de. | liberation.
 "My friends" said the knight, ir my minstrel's dress must try alone tc gain admission to the castle. Mean time, this boy will find you lodgings 1T | the hamlet below. If our noble king is imprisoned here we must release him."
 Thus saying, and with one servant tc bear his shield and harp, he rode to the bridge and demanded food and shelter for himself and servant. After much barley, he was received but very un graciously. However, within these dreary walls he found a beautiful woman, the keepers niece, whose smile was like the warm sunlight on winter's day.
 After dinner the minstrel sung to tn. drowsy uncle and the charming niece As the former, after while, seemed tt sleep soundly, the knight began
 "You seem to love music, fair lady But surely you do not often hear it il this lonely castle.
 "No only myself and one poo prisoner sing"
 l "A prisoner !'
 "Yes, and he must be of gentle birth But dare not say more, less my uncle wake. He will be angry if talk O him."
 "Tell me one thing, dear maiden cen hear the song of this one, wht l ainou for fraoIn,,o