The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-12-08

festivities OF that long-rememb bere
gala-day, aud not until the moon G
night" had fitted by the castle on it
shadowy wing, did the jewellers re
pose in the WEAKNESS that is the frui
of the merriest gladsomeness, as wei
as of the sturdiest toll.
At last ali was still save the tramp
ling of the sentries, maintainin,
strictest watch for those were days
when the sword of aggression wa
sharp, and the eyes of the aggresso
were open. Time had elapsed foi
Rudolph to be sunk in repose
when plainly TO the startled senti
nels,
"Adown the glen, rode armed men,
Their trampiing sounded nearer
Afar off, in the Rienthal. the val
ley of the Rhine, were the confused
and mingling sounds, familiar to
soldiers ear, of the steady approach
of body Of horse the click OF ar
NOR and the clatter of many boots
like the rush of q mountain torrent
Soon, nearer than the main body, th,
rapid gallop of single steed wa.
heard. 1t ascended the hillside near
the castle, and soon the brisk note.
Of trumpet awoke the slumberine
echoes. 1t was answered ut once,
as merrily from the castle wall, chas
ing from the eyelids of the sleeper:
their short repose.
Rudolph was the first to meet il
the ball, well accoutred squire.
Welcome, Sir squire" he cried
mot the less that your coming j:
somewhat inopportuDe, and canno,
th ,refore give you so fair greeting as
becomes the house of Wcrdenberg. .
Thanks. thanks, Count Rudolph
answered the squire with jaunty
air, tha. brought frown to Rqdoph s
brow, 'it boots little to myself bat
stand herald here, TO Grindel of May
enfield and ilfty other knights, who
will be glad with their FIVE hundred
retainers to take that hospitality for
they have rid len hard since yester-
DAYS SUM-"
They are full welcome. and by
my knighthood they are near, and
speed to be ready were will beGt.
ting"
isrhey rode noffar from me, aud |
opine they mount the berg at this
moment" said the squire. Rudolph
hastily sounded through the castle
the note of preparation. The Ser
wants were reused, the disordered
tables were set in array, the meats,
whose lordly righteousness. the feast
of the evening, had not the half con-
sumed were brought out, the huge
fagons were refilled and when the
gates swung back on their ponder
Gus hinges, and the rough pavement
of the courtyard resounded with the
ring Of many hoofs, while hundreds
of voices joined in tumultuous din,
Rudolph vas by to extend the hand
of greeting to Grindel of Mayenfeld
and the fifty Knights, and felt no mis-
giving that they would find right
dainty viands and enough to satiate
their hunger. He sprang to Grin
del's chargers side, with high born
courtesy, and gently pushed aside
the attendant squire, assisted him to
dismount, speaking at the same time
words Of heartfelt welcome.
The knight of Mayenfeld replied,
but their wss something bold, assur-
ing aud cavalier in his tone; and
when all were out of saddle, and en-
tered the hall they sprang to the
tables and attacked their goodlv
store, with an Indifference to Rudolph
that be was ill disposed to brook.
Grindel without a word, had seated
himself in Rudolph's own place, and
urged his companions to ply their
knives and attack the portly fagons,
as though be were at his own board
in Mays sn!eld, aud those bis hidden
guests.
"Bv my faith, Sir Grindel," said
Rudolph near, thou dost administer
the rites of hospitality as faithfully
as though had delegated my place
10 you; so, if it please thee be thou
the guest, and sit here in this seat Of
honor on my right: while ! warrent
thee, thoa shalt have nothing to
complain of in my administration. +"
'Sct the at rest" cried Grindel,
whom huge draughts began to make
warm 81 care not now to change,
and i; little matters Fill ppl Fill
up! to the b-i.,, and pledge me all,
10 cur master Frederick, and the
gay plumed peacock of Austria u
Rudolph, wAosp mind was en-
crossed biz the contemplation of Grip-
defs insolence, stood alooi, with
folded arms, and scowling brow, half
resolute to summon his retainers and
eject the jewellers, or force them to
purchase with blood the freedom they
now audaciopsly assumed In ~ b
a frame Of thought, be did not re-
spond to the toast proposed hY Grin
del, to which wes drank on TOO, with
stunning shouts, in brimming bump.
ers. when they were seated again,
Grindel turned to him, and sneering-
ly exclaimed
"Does it not suit thee Sir Rudolph
that your brow is knitted-this our
toast? Now by St. Francis, but
this open rejection OF the Duke
Frederick may chance 10 reach his
ear ri
Rudolph started from bis position.
and advancing to the table, seized a
goblet, and replied:
"Such story to the Duke were
foul and shameful; and thus ! prove
my friendly heart; Here's to the
great Duke Frederick p He drained
the bumper to the dregs; and ad-
ded, "but this pray ye bear to
him, that Rudolph of Werdenberg,
while he does him homage, has seen
those who serve him, braggarts OF
knightbood, too, Yhom be won I
acorn to count as his fellowsm
The fifty knights started from their
seats with oatbs of revenge. and