The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-08-11
A LEGEND OF THE RHINE.

hhuENU Ut IHE KLINE.
The beautiful river Rhine, in some of
ats windingS, is nNt unlike that portion
hlour Hudson which flows through tile
tn ghlands. Dnt it differs vastly from
q latter, in tint 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 battlemeuts,
/. perched upon jngged rocks aud steep
mountain pnsses, were the homes OF
wlrlike knights md barons OF olden
time, whose lives seemed spent in war.
ring against each other. To all these
ancient ruins throughout Germany,
as well as on the Rhine, aro attached
some story or romance woven from his.
tory and tradition. A charming Ger.
man author has gathered into q little
volume manyof these legends. One of
the most delightful Of the legends is
connected with Richard I, King of
England, called Richard "Cuuf.de.
Lion because OF his idomitable cour.
age and bravery.
Richard was Eorn in Oxford, and in
1lS9 succeedeit his father, Henry II.
It is said thIt his naughty spirit and
nnbending will hastened the death OF
the old hAg. Partly from remorss for
past miIconduct, partly from martial
taste, '6hich early inlife distinguished
him, soon fafter his accession to the
throne he leagpedwith Philipof France
fcyr q second crusade in Palestine against
che famous saladin, Emperor of Egypt
and Syria. Saladin had wrested Jeru-
salem from the hands OF the Christian
Knight, Reginald do 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 tho
fortress OF ST. Jean.D Acre, which en-.
dured siege Of two years before yield
ing 10 the combined forces OF England
and France. However, before the lion
hearted monarch had time to regain
possession Of Jerusalem, news reached
him Of war at home. He concluded n
truce with Saladin, aud quickly en-
barked TO qnell the revolt in his own
kingdom. On the const OF Italy lie
was shibwrecked. Nothing daunted by
this new misfortune, lie disguised him.
self rs pilgrim, hoping TO pass through
Germany unseen. By some means,
however, he became known TO Leopold,
Duke OF Austria, who, TO crafty per.
sonal prejudice, caused him to be or
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 plandits Of those who had
fought under him. His own knights
worshiped him, and o number OF them
banded together, determined, II he
were still living, to find his hiding
place and deliver him. ~
On alovely summer morning troop
OF horsemen were passing through the
country in which lay q portion Of the
Hartz Mountains. Three noble-looking
men rode forward, evidently the leaders
OF the troop which followed. The mid
die horseman was dressed as minstrel,
and on his face was IN expression OF
deep pain and anxiety. Suddenly he
stopped his horse, to catch the notes OF
shepherd, singing in the far.oG fold.
No sooner was the song finished, than
he dashed towards the astonished
singer.
"Afy boy, sing that againl See, 1
have gold for youl"
"'Tis song loyel' said the boy,
as he took the gold aud RECOMMENDED
his music.
"Now, tell me, lad" said the min.
strel, "who taught yon that song"
"f dare not tell |" replied the boy,
as he glanced with suspicion ut the
knight T7.g5j..h !.
T"Ayel Bat you must tell mel No
harm shnll come 10 you'll See here is
more gold for yon,
az lave heard II sung in tho castle OF
Triefels, near which 1 often feed my
sheep" iii, i gfi,.l5J-f
a0h, Godl'' exclaimed the minstrel,
bursting into tears as he knelt on the
ground, How wondrous are thy
waysl' rg
His companions approached him
with amusement, TO hear him exclaim :
awe have found him On to Trie-
fels n W Eg 2 S1N4h-t
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 IL. The shepherd boy, who was
TO guide them tllither, told them no
strangers were allowed to cross tue
drawbridge, and the keeper 'wns imperi-
ous aud unsociable. Soon the towers
OF Triefels glittered in the sun, and
after o graceful survey Of it's surround.
ings, they moved away for further de.
liberation.
"My friends" said the knight, lin
my minstrel's dress must try alone TO
gain admission To the castle. Mean.
time, this boy will find you lodgings in
She hamlet below. II our noble king
is imprisoned hero we must release
him."
Thus saying, and with ono servant to
bear his shield and harp, he rode 10 tbe
bridge and demanded food and shelter
for himself and servant. After much
parley, he was received but very un.
graciously. However, within these
dreaty walls he found beautiful
woman, the keepers niece, whose smile
was like thewarm sunlight on winters
day.
After dinner the minstrel sung to the
drovSy uncle and tho charming niece.
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