The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-04-20
ROMANCE OF HISTORY.
The Golden.Hearted Tyrant.


Few Princes of distinction in the his
tory of the world displayed ever more &C.
centric traits than Leopold of Dessau, one
of the greatest Generals of his time, and
famous as the victor of Kesselsdorf, a
strategic triumph, which Frederick the
Great declared Cesar or Hannibal need
not be ashamed of.
But greatly at variance with his brill
liant war record was the private history of
this remarkable Duke Of Dessau. His
whole career as ruler, and in all rela-
lions of life other than military, was a
strange mixture of outbursts of uncon-
,rollable passion, absolutist tendencies
worthy of an ld-fashioned Turkish Pasha,
measures of sterling common sense, and
manifestations of the utmost kind heart
edness. In consequence, his subjects
hated and loved him, and the great Leib-
nitz called him "that golden hearted ty-
rant
Leopold's character was due, in a great
measure, to the extraordinary circum-
stances under which he grew up. His
parents, excellent but narrow minded peo.
pie had lost their eight children in rapid
succession. They had already abandoned
all hopes of having further offspring when
little Leopold's birth filled them with in
describable joy.
The father was especially jubilant. Lest
he should lose this precious child, too, he
gave stringent orters to all his attendants
never to arouse the boys anger, never to
trouble him with any book learning, new
er TO thwart any of his caprices, however
foolish they might be.
In consequence, young Leopold grew
up in the most blooming health, but a
more self-willed, impetuous and violent
lad could not be imagined. His doting
father died when the son was but fourteen
years old, and left Leopold's education in
the hands Of the atfectionate, but weak
mother.
In his eighteenth year, at rural ball,
Leopold made the acquaintance of Anna
Liza, youngest daughter OF Mr.. Foehse, a
poor druggist of Dessau. The girl, who
was very charming specimen of sweet
sixteen, kindled the Princes inflammable
heart. He danced with her all the after
noon, and, before they parted, he was
head over ears in love with her. When
the ball was at an end, he said to her:
Anna Liza, love you.'
The girl blushed to the roots Of her hair,
and made no reply.
Anna Liza" continued young Leo,
pold, ~ will make you my wife. You
shall become Duchess of Dessaur'
She lifted her beautiful eyes to him and
replied:
"Prince, you are making fun of mer'
He swore terrible oath-for he had
learned all that already-that no power on
earth should prevent him from keeping
his word.
But what will your mother say to it?"
asked the girl timidly.
II will 60 on the spot to her, and ask
her CONSENT" replied the young lover, in
tone Of the most infiexible determination.
But you, Anna Liza, will you become
my wife?'' lie added, bending on her
burning glance.
Anna Liza was an ambitious girl; she
liked Leopold, and so she whispered with
another still deeper blush:
"Yes, Prince!''
There was the customary kiss given BY
the Prince with the utmost warmth, where
upon he hurried away in order to obtain
his mothers consent.
Now at that time unions between the
Princes OF sovereig n houses and the
daughters OF poor burghers were absolute
ly unheard of. So when Leopold bluntly
told his mother that he had asked the poor
druggists daughter to become his wife,
with establishment and dismay. Clasping
her hands over her head, she exclaimed:
Leopold, my son, you must be mad!'
Never was in better possession of nv
mental faculties than at this moment" he
replied, with the utmost unconcern.
But the thing is utterly impossible.
my son. What, the future ruler Of the
ancient house of Anhalt, the peer of the
proudest Princes in the world, to demean
himself so low as to bestow his hand up
on commoner's daughter!"
~ love Anna Liza, and she shall be-
come my wife," replied the son, stub
bornly.
Vainly did the mother represent to him
that he was too young to marry; vainly
dld she implore him not to disgrace his
family, as she called it, by making a
pill-vender's daughter the partner of his
bosom.
II shall marry hertz he cried at last,
furiously stamping his foot, land no
power on earth shall keep me from itp'
The mother, who knew his temper, i'm
mediately ceased arguing with him.
No sooner had he stOrmed from her
room than she sent for Gen. Ditmar, the
Commander in Chief of the little army of
Anhalt, and the young Princes military
superior. The Duchess told him all about
his sons project.
IL will put stop to it," said the old
General.
He sent for the Prince
Prince" he said to him, show soon
can you be ready to leave Dessau?'
In two hours" replied the Prince.
In one hour" Numbered the General.
81 send you as our Commissioner to the
army fighting under Prince Eugene
against the troops under the King of
France. Capt. Bellman and Won Fliess
shall be your aids. The two orderlies
shall accompany you. march,"
Leopold was an enthusiastic soldier. and
he knew that the orders of his superiors
must be Obeyed at all hazards.
So he hurried to Anna Liza and babe
her an attectionate farewell, after making
her promise that she would remain true
to him, no matter how long he would stay
away from Dessau.
"ln three years, he said, II shall be of