The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-02-04
THE THREE SONGS OF THE HUNCH.
BACK.
BY ALEXANDER DUMAS.


In a solitary chateau on the borders of
the Rhine there once lived young
knight who had just returned from the
wars and married his cousin Yseult
The bride was beautiful and young.
The blended tints of the lily and the
rose are not more lovely than was the
delicate bloom of the girlish chatelaine
The knight no longer cared for the ex-
elements of the combat ; his only desire
now was for the pleasures of home life
His sword was allowed to rust in its
scabbard, and he thought about it no
more than if it were a distaff. AS for his
armor, he scarcely looked at it, though
from time to time the suns rays would
light up its bright surface as if inviting
the young man to don it, and ride forth
once more. The sun had its trouble for
its pains, the armor was left undisturbed
ON tho wall
After time baby son was given TO
the cavalier, and, as you may well think,
this arrival made no end of rejoicings in
the old chateau, for the new conner was
the one link that bound still closer the
knight and the fair Yseult.
All the friends of the happy couple
were now hidden to the castle, not for
getting a certain Magician who lived on
the other bank of the river, and whose
life had once upon time been saved by
the knight. He found the wise man with
halter about his neck, charged with
having discovered a long hidden truth,
and you know, my dear children, there
Is nothing more dangerous than to make
and publish such discovery.
Now there is no doubt that this magi-
cian was a brave old fellow; who busted
himself in trying to benefit humanity he
was very learned, too, and very virtuous.
He was old in years but always young in
feeling, and inspired the greatest conf
dence IN all who came near him.
The magician went to the baptism and
saw the child, who was called Herman.
"My deer Theos, said the knight, CT
am anxious that my son shall be happy,
and as you know everything, you can
tell me, what l must do to secure this
great good"
The magician replied "Sir Knight,
you have many kinsmen who ought to
oe able to assist you in the matter call
chem together this evening, and after the
banquet ask each one to wish something
for your son will answer that all the
wishes shall be fulfilled, bud on one con-
di6on.
"And what may that be ?"
" That may also form a wish for the
child"
"Lt as no condition that you exact
from me, replied the young father,
@ but very great honor that you con-
tet. 1 en- sure that you will make my
boy both good and haDOv "
" THIS evening, them"
This evening"
AT the time appointed Yseult appeared
in the great salon of reception, holding
in her arms the baby, all enveloped in
moe and silk stuis, and fast asleep.
Then she laid it gently down in its cradle
III gold and ivory, while the father in
vited the guests TO look at his heir, and
told them what the magician had en-
gagged TO do.
Immediately after Theos appeared.
Gentlemen" he said to the cavaliers
who surrounded the cradle, "happiness
Is worry hard to find. We all love this
Little one because we love its parents,
and we must all wish for it the things
most likely TO make it happy. have
the power TO make your wishes certain
ties. Speak, my friend" added he ad-
dressing the father, "what do you wish
Tor your son z"
"That he may be brave" replied the
Knight.
"Noblo wish, said Theos, "and it is
the first that should have been made
but the boy. would have been brave in
any event, for are you not the father,
and lave you not tho name of being one
Of tho bravest knights in Christendoml"
The cWalicr bowed.
b" And you, madam what do you de-
sire for your child 2" asked Theos of
Yseuit.
"That be shall love me as 1 love
him, "rcpiied the mother.
+" lie will love you, Madam, IA soon as
he is abe TO know you" (Here, my
reader, you will observe that Theos was
a very gallant magician.)
Thei tl.r ling toward the older guests,
ne sUd t. one of them, "What do you
wish for t1s son Of our host p
"That hs may live as many years as L
have lived, was the reply.
And your" he asked of another.
That he may be always rich"
And you2"
90 That be may be always strong"
Still there were three more wishes;
Ghrce wishes to be made by the young
girlcousins Of the baby.
Nay he have beautiful blonde hair"
said the first. "And eyes blue as sap
phirc, added the second. "And teeth /
Like pearls, wished the third.
+" Sir knight" said Theos, "your son !
VIII have all that mis- kinsmen and kins- /
women have desired for him."
Thanks, Theos, but you have a
'ctowning gift to add 80 al these"
Yes"