The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-02-14

O0tO Ill arms some Ouf0C0aplVCn,
Crushing the heart with its dreary weight,
Or lifting the soul from earth to heaven.
Into all hearts and homes and lives
Gods dear sunshine comes streaming down,
Gliding the ruins of Life's great plain
Weaving for all golden crown.
ROLAND AND OLIVER.
\ LEGEND OF CH1vALRY.
The city Of Vienne is closely bcsieged
for Duke Girard, its lord. is at feud with
his sovereign. Charles, the great king of
France. Fierccly had they quarreIled
over wager at chess, and Girard must
fly from the court, and call around him
kinsmen and vassals. Now they bravely
defend the walls round which lies the
mighty host of Charles. The twelve
peers of France arc there, Archbishop
Turpin the wise Duke Naymes, Ganilon
the traitor, Lambert of Bourges, Ogier the
Dane, Richard of Normandy, Renaud Of
Montauban, and many other knights re-
nowned in song and story. Great feats of
arms were done on either side, but all the
land grieves for this war between those
who should be at peace.
For two years the siege lasted, during
which Charles remained in the city, un-
able to take it, and unwilling to retreat.
The knights and squircs were wont to
pass much of their time in hunting and
in theSports of chivalry. One day Oil
yer, Duke Girards nephew, upon whose
chin the beard was beginning to grow,
had stolen forth from the city alone, with
out arms or signs OF rank, and passing
fcarlessly through the kings men, essaycd
his skill among band Of youths who
were playing ut the quintain. All were
astonished at the strength and grace of
this young stranger, who far surpassed
even Roland, the nephew of Charles, at
the game in which, hitherto he had al
ways borue away the prize. Suddenly
the enemy who had found his way into
the camp.
"Seize him" was the cry, and a score
Of mailed hands were laid on Oliver. He
shook them off; he snatched up a tent
stake and laid his assailants on the
ground; he sprang upon swift horse,
and flew toward the town. The kings
men followed hard and fast, and young
Roland was formost Of them all. Already
he was close upon the fugitive; he had
raised his sword to strike, when he heard
cry from the walls. He looked up, and
there was the fair Aida, divers sister,
clasping her hands and raising her blue
eyes to heaven, as she saw her brothers
danger. The arm of Roland dropped to
his side. He reined in his steed, and let
Oliver ride on unframed. Those who
beheld him thought he had been wound
o1 %bo 11o
shaft had gone to his heart.
Night and day Roland hcnceforth
thought OF the fair Aida, and no longer
cared to prove his courage in assaults
against the city of her kinsmen. There
were times of truce, too, when the ladies
Of Vienne rode freely through the kings
camp, and then the youth might feast his
eyes on her beauty. The day came when
he was made a knight, and before ever he
had dinted his bright shield, he sought
speech of this lady, and said:
II dare not ask of thee to accept me
rs thy knight; but trust that all the
deeds Of my life will prove that there is
none more faithful and devoted to thy
service"
"Ah. SIR replied the blushing maiden,
i "ASA we'll IilhC W. utlShV w A4leuOS,
but this may not be while thy house is
at feud with NINE"
From that day Roland strove to win his
uncle's mind to peace, and in likewise
counsclled Duke Naymes and the bravest
Of the peers. But Charles frowncd, and
said bitterly that he had expected other
things from the new-made knight, and
false Ganilon whispered doubts and
sneers, for Ganilon hated Roland ever
since the youn; knight had disabled
him in his first tourney. These whispers
came to Roland's ear, and made his blood
burn to show himself worthy Of his spurs
ana to shame the slanderers.
Before long he had his wish. Now ar.
rayed in rich furs and goodly mantle as
beseemed knight, came Oliver to the
kings tent to treat for peace. Before all
the barons and knights he told his er.
rand, but the kings brow was stern as he
answered:
he come with a saddle on his back to sue
for it."
MAY, my lord king" answered Oliver
"he were unworthy to be peer of France
ifhe thus debascd himself.
Then spoke the false Ganilon:
ave have here the nephew in oul
hands. Let us hang him over against
the gates, and thus teach the proud u, :!t
to rebel against his kirg."
The eyes OF Roland shone with anger
and he tellcd the traitor to the earth.
ut were shame to u.s." he cried, "if a
messenger might not come and 20 freely,
and speak all his will!'
II have done my errand,' said Oliver
preparing to depart. "Ifthe king will re.
move his host, and seek no more to harm
us, Duke Girard and all his men viii
henceforth serve him faithfully in all
things: If not, &c know we'll how we car
defend ourselves
The wise Duke Naymcs whispered ir
his masters ear, counselling him to fai,
words that might end this unworthy strife
But Charles sat silent with the cloud or
his brow. Long had he stayed round thi.
rebellious town, and he was not willing tt
depart till it had yielded to his mercy, O,
till not soul within it should be left
alive. Then suddenly Oliver turned tt
Roland, and cried:
"Shall thy uncle and mine be ever a
war? Say, young knight, wilt thou NEE
me, and fight out this quarrel in sinol.