The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-10-13
OUR STORY TELLER.
A HUNGARIAN TRADITION.

Among the lofty Carpathians, where
they mirror their stern and solemn
beauty inthe clear waters of the Waag
linked together in long chain, like the
giant guardians of the fair valley at
their feet, may be seen detached and
sterile rock, almost inaccessible totally
devoid of vegetation, and levelled by
the rapid river, which hurries from be-
meath its heavy shadows to dance again
in brightness in the sunlight beyond.
The Count Stibor was as brave as he
was highborn, and riches had poured in
upon him, until he had become one of
the wealthiest mobiles in the empire. 1t
CHANGED that one day he hunted with a
great retlnue among the mountain fast
nesses, and glorious was the report of
the gallant hunt The light-footed
chamois and antlered deer, the fierce
wolf and the grizzly bear, were alike
laid low, when, as the sun was about to
set, he formed his temporary encamp-
ment on the pleasant bank of the Waag,
Just where, on the opposite side of the
channel, the lone and precipitous rock
we have described turned aside the
glancing waters.
The heart of Stibor was merry, for
the sport had gone well throughout the
day, and when his rude tent was raised.
the savory steam of the vension and the
sparkles of the wine-cup frightened his
humor, and he listened, with smile
upon his lips, to the light sallies of the
joyous company, as they talked over his
fortunes in the chase.
Hear me-" said the magnificent
noble, during transient pause in the
conversation. seem to be the only
hunter of the day to whom the sport
has been without blemish. at is true
that all your misfortunes are light
enough, but / will cast no shadow upon
my JOY; and, therefore, to compensate
you for these alleged mishaps, each of
you is free to form a WISH and, if it be
within my power TO grant it, | pledge
my knightly word that it shall be full
filled.
murmur of admiration ran through
the astonished circle, and the work of
ambition soon began. Gold was the first
thing asked for-for avarice is ever the
most greedy of all passions, and then re-
venge upon my enemy-for human
nature will often sacrifice personal gain
to Vengeance, and then power-authority
--rule over their fellowmen: the darling
occupation and privilege of poor, weak,
self-misjudging mortals. In short, there
was no boon within the reach of reason
which had not been asked and promised.
when the eye of Stibor fell upon his
jester, who was standing apart PLAYING
with the tassels of his vest, apparently
uninterested in the subject which had
made all aroundhim eager and excited.
- A nd fhnrr Al
" hast thou nothing to ask? Thou must
bestir myself, or thy master will have
little to give"
" Fear not, fear not" replied the fool;
!" the claimants have been courteous, for
they have not touched upon that por-
ton of thy possessions which | covet.
They have demanded gold, blood, do
minion, the power to enjoy themselves
and to render others wretched; they are
welcome to all they want. l ask only
for stones"
A loud laugh came through the circle.
Stones, Betzkop' echoed the aston
ished Stibor. "Thou shalt have them
to thy hearts content, where and in
what shape thou wilt"
take thee at thy word, Count Sti-
Dor. will have them yonder on the
crest OF the bold rock that stands out
like braggart, daring the foot of man,
and in the shape of good castle, in
which | may hold my own, should need
be, was the unlooked-fer reply.
Thou hast lost thy chance, Betzko,"
cried voice, amid the universal nierri-
ment that ensued. " Not even Stibor
can accomplish thy DESIRE"
Who dare to say that Stibor can not
grant it, if such be his will ?' demanded
the chieftain, in voice of thunder, as
ne rose proudly from the earth where
he had been seated ON a couch of skins.
:" The castle of Betzko shall be built
And it was built; and within year a
festival was held there, and the noble
became enamored of his own creation,
Tor It was beautiful in its strength, and
the fair DANES admired its courtly halls
as much as the warriors priced its solid
walls and its commanding towers And
then Count Stibor bought the rock
fortress from his jester with gold, and
made 1t the chief place of his abode.
and he Toasted there with his guests, and
made merry with music and dances, I'M
I'll 1t seemed as though life was to beifor
him one long festival. Men often walk
over the spot which afterward opens to
bury them.
Little by little the habit of self-induI-
gence grew upon the luxurious noble.
yet still he loved the chase beyond ali
else on earth, and his dogs were of the
heetest and finest breeds.
He was one day at the table. sur
rounded by the richest viands and the
rarest wines, when one of his favorite
hounds entered the hall bowling with
pain. and dragging after him his wound
ed foot, which dropped blood as he
moved along. Terror seized upon the
hearts of the vassals, even before the
rage Of their lord burst forth, and when
il came, terrible was the storm, as he
vowed vengeance against the wretch
who had dared thus to mutilate an ami
NAL that he valued.
An aged slave flung himself at his
feet.
Mercy, my lord, mercyw he ex-
claimed, piteously. have served You
faithfully for years; my beard is gray
with time, and my life has been one Of
hardship. Have mercy upon me, for