Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1873-07-05
A LEGAND OF THE RHINE.
Richard CGur = DE Lion, or Castle
Triefels.

Triefels.
TIE beautiful river Rhine, in some of
its windings, is not unlike that portion
cf 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,
pearched upon jagged rocks and steep
mountain passes, were the homes of the
warlike knights and barons of olden
time, whose lives seemed spent in war
ring against each other. 10 all these
ancient ruins throughout Germany, as
well as on the Rhine, are attached some
story or romance woven from history
and tradition. A charming German
author has gathered into little volume
many of these legends. One of the
legends is connected with Richard l.,
king of England, called Richard "CPur-
de-Lion," because OF his indOmitable
courage and bravery.
Richard was born in Oxford, and in
1880 succeeded his father, Henry III. 1t
is said that his hanghty spirit and
unbending will hastened the death of
the old king. Partly for 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 a second crusade in Palestine
against the famous Saladin, emperor OF
Egypt and Syria. Saladin had wrested
Jerusalem from the hands of the Christ
ian knight, Reginald de Chatillion, 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 st Jean. ID Acre, which endured
a siege of two years before yielding tC
the combined forces of England and
France. However, before the lion
hearted monarch had time to take per.
sonal possession of Jerusalem. news
reached him of war at home. He con
cIuded truce with Saladin, and quickly
embarked to Qnell the revolt in his owl
kingdom. On the coast of Italy he wa,
shipwrecked. Nothing daunted by TIM
new misfortune. he disguised himself Al
pilgrim, hoping to pass through Ger
many unseen. BY some means, how
ever, he became known to Leopold
dixie of Austria, who, to crafty a per
sonal prejudice, caused him to b
arrested and secretly imprisoned. Th
fame of this great monarch. has bee
spread far and near by pilgrims to tn
Holy Laud by the songs of trOubs
dour,, and the plaudits of those VIII
had, fought under him. His Ow
knights worshiped him, and a numbe
of them banded together, determined
il he was still living, to find his hiding
place and deliver him.
On u lovely summer morning, troO
of horsemen were passing through tn
country, in which lay portion of tn
Hartz mountains. Three noble-lOOkin
men rode forward, evidently the leaC
ers of the troop which followed. TIL
middle horseman WAS dressed as n min
strel. and on his face was an expressiO
of deep pain and anxiety. Suddenl
he stopped his horse, to catch the note
of shepherd singing in the faro
field. No sooner was the song finished
than he dashed toward the astOnishe
singer.
my boy, sing that again? See,
have cold for yOn !!
"'Tis song l love T. said the bo
as he took the gold and re-commence
his music. ....t... g.. =.
"Now, tell me, lad," said the mi
streI, "who taught you that song"
"I dare not tell !" replied the boy,
he glanced with suspicion at the knigll
GAY! But you must tell me! \
harm shall come to you! See, here
more gold for you."
"I have heard it sung in the castle
Triefels, near which 1 often feed n
sheep" ..s 10 v. .,' .r
ooh, God - exclaimed the minstre
bursting into tears, as he kuelt on u
grounl, "How wounderous are IL
waysp .-. ...r
His companions approached him Wi
amazement, to hear him exclaim /: Nv
have found him! On to Triefels y
After the excitement of their su
posed discovery had somewhat abate
Csthey decided, first. to get a view of Il
fortress, and then mature their plal
for getting within it. The shephel
boy, who was to guide them thithe
told them no strangers were allowed
~ =. dr. bridge sd the keep