The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1876-05-17
THE GoLDEN.nEARrED TYRAxr

Few princes Of distinction IN the
history Of the world ever displayed
more eccentric traits than Leopold
OF Dessau, one of the greatest gener-
ais OF his Time, and famous as the
victor of keselsdorf, a strangetic
triumph, which Frederick the Grea,
declared Cesar or Hannibal need not
be ashamed OF.
But greatly at variance with his
brilliant war record was the private
history of'this remarkable Duke of
Dessau. His whole career as ruler,
and in all relations of life other than
military, was strange mixture of
outbursts of uncomfortable passion,
absolutist tendencies worthy of an
old-fashioned Turkish Pasha, meas
ures Of sterling common sense, and
manifestations Of the utmost kind
heartedness. In consequence, his
subjects hated and loved him that
golden hearted tyrant.'
Leopold character was due, in a
great measure, to the extraordinary
circumstances under which be grew
up. His parents, excellent but mar
row minded people, had lost their
eight children in rapid succession.
They had already abandoned all
hopes of having further offspring
when little Leopold's birth filed them
with indescribable joy.
The father was especially jnbilant.
Lest be should lose this precious
child, too, he gave stringent orders
to all bis attendants never to arouse
the boys anger, never to trouble him
with any book learning, never to
thwart any of his caprices, however
foolish they might be.
In consequence, young Leopold
grew up in the most blooming health,
but more self-willed, impetons, and
violent lad could not be imagined.
His dotins father died when the son
was but fourteen years old, and left
Leopold's education in the hands of
the affectionate but weak mother.
In his eighteenth year, at a rural
ball, Leopold made the acquaintance
of Anna Liza, youngest daag hter of
Mr.. Foeshe, q poor druggist of
nressau. The girl, who was very
charming specimen Of sweet sixteen,
kindled the Princes lnfamable heart.
He danced with her all the afternoon,
and, before they parted, he was head
over ears in love with her. When
the bali was at an end, he said to
her:
Anna Liza, l love you.'
The girl blushed to the roots of her
hair, and made no reply.
Anna Liza continued young
Leopold, L will make you my wife.
You shall become duchess of Dessaur
She lifted her beautiful eyes to him
end replied:
Prince, you are making fun of
mer
He swoye Q terrible oath-for be
had learned all that already-that no
power en- earth should prevent him
from keeping his word.
But what will your mother say to
it?' asked the girl timidly.
i will go on the spot TO her, and
ask her consent replied the young
lover, in tone Of the most inflexible
determination. But you, Anna Liza,
will you become my wife?' he added,
benoing on her burning glance.
Anna Liza was an ambitious girl;
she liked Leopold, and so she whis-
pered with another still deeper blush;
Yes, Prince!
There was the customary kiss CIV
en- by the prince with the utmost
warmth, whereupon he hurried away
in order TO obtain his mothers con.
sent.
Now at that time unions between
the princes Of sovereign houses and
the daughter of poor burghers were
absolutely unheard Of So, when
Leopold bluntly told his mother that
lie had asked the poor druggists
daughter TO become his wife. the good
old Duchess was almost petrifed
with astouishment and dismay.
Clasping her hands over her head,
she exclaimed;
Leopold, my son, you must be
mad!'
Never was in better possession of
my mental faculties than OF this mo-
ment,' he replied with the utmost un-
concern.
But the thing isutterly impossible.
my son What the future ruler of
the ancient house of Anholt, the peer
of the proudest Princes in the world,
should demean himself SO low as to
bestow his hand upon a commoper's
daughter
Il love Anna Liza, aud she shall
become my wife, replied the son
stubornly.
Vainly did the mother represent to
him that he was too young to marry |;
uasnlx dsA che h,r, not -