Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-10-31
JOANNES OF SUABIA.

When the Emperor Rudolph the first,
the noble founder of the house of Haps-
drgh, and one of its very best rulers,
died, he was succeeded by his son Albert,
who was widely different from his faith
ef. Avaricious, perfdious and graphing,
Albert was mean enough to deprive his
nephew, the young duke of Suabia, of his
Swiss estates, the principal castle of
which. Kyburg, had been one of the EN-
peror Rudolph's favorite summer resorts.
It would be difficult 20 imagine more
picturesque place than Castle Kyburg.
It was erected at the beginning of the
middle ages on a wooded hill, rising
abruptly to height of 600 feet, on the
banks of the Toess river, one of the wild
est mountain torrents in Switzerland.
That hill is surrounded by densely-wood.
ed mountains, which impart to the land
scape a most romantic aspect. To-day a
pert of Castle Kyburg is In ruins, but an
other part has been restored by its pres
emit wealthy proprietor, who has convert
ed the slope into q paradise of flowers
and shrubbery, and who takes pride in
showing to tourists the cosy bay window
from which the Emperor, Rudolph, fire.
quentiy gazed upon the lovely panorama
that extended before his eyes.
Everything there how breathed peace and
tranquility, but such was not the case in
former ages, when Castle Kyburg was
frequently the scene of bloodshed and
s@other violent deeds. Especially horrible
was the tragedy that was enacted here on
Nav OaY in the wear 1905
At an early hour in the afternoon of
that day, five young knights of the most
disguised appearance, were engaged in
an animated conversation in a room ad-
joining the dining hall of the castle. These
young men were the duke of Suabia.
Joanncs, the grandson of Rudolph the
First, and the Knights Won Palm, Won
Eshenbac, Won Wart and Won Tegernfeld,
the dukes devoted friends. Every now
and then the noise Of a merry carousal
that was held by Albert of Hapsburg and
large number of distinguished guests,
fell upon their ears, and every moment
y the intense indignation, which evidently
filled them. seemed to increase.
"My uncle is william robert" ex-
claimed the young duke of Suabia. "All
this splendid country belongs to me, an
he withholds it from me with his lies and
tergiversations! Oh if his father, my
noble ancestor, Rudolph of Hampsburg,
were alive, he would kill his rascally eld-
est son for all his internal meanness."
He ought to be killed." said Won
Tegcrnfeld, in sombre tone of voice.
II will Stay him r. exclaimed Won Palm.
don't deprive me of the pleasure OF
putting bloody end to the crowned rob-
ber's existence said the duke, with a
terrible glance toward the dining-hall,
Won Wart interposed. He was some
what older than his companions. His
face was that of a. most intellectual, ania-
BILE man.
'sFor heavens sake, Sir Duke" he said
impressively, ''do nothing rash. The con-
sequences might be dreadful. Speak
once more about your Swiss inheritance
to your uncle He is just now in the best
of humor."
For a moment the duke hesitated; then
he said:
.Yes, will speak once more to him
about it. Wait for me here, my good
and trusty friends. shall not belong
He opened the door and entered the
dining-hall. It was a vast and curious
IL fitted up apartment. Albert sat at the
head of the long table, which was cover.
ed with huge TASKS and ston Jars from
which he and his guests slipped the most
generous wines of that period. Wher
Albert caught sight of his young nephew
he shouted to him:
HOh, you sober young mani Quick
step this way. Here is chair, and here
wa goblet filled with splendid old Burgun
dy. Drink nv health in bumper!"
Joannes of Suabia eyed his uncle for {
few moments with curious expression
ofcountenance; then he said with forced
smile:
81 will gladly drink your health, you
majesty, if you will bestow favor, {
great favor, upon me-"
"Certainly, my noble nephew" laugh
ed Albert.
The young luke quaffed the goblet il
his uncle's honor. Then he seated him
self ny Albert's side.
81 told you nephew" said Albert, be
fore Joannes was able to speak, "That
would bestow a great favor upon you
Here, / will take this May wreath from
my anointed head, and place it upol
yours; and this afternoon will take yo1
over to Rheninfelden, where my nobl
consort Elizabeth is, and introduce yo1
to her. Is not that great favor, M
noble nephewG"
mo, your majesty, it is not, replies
Joannes, knitting his brow.
"Itis net2" cried Albert, laughing.
"No, your majesty, care not for you
May wreath, nor for an introduction t
her majesty, but the only favor ask
YOU is to restore to me my Swiss territol
les which you unjustly Withhold from me.
said Joannes. gloomily.
aHeavensIv laughed Albert, ''dont tai
nolitics 10 me here. CONF, come, nephe'
have some more wine, and then get read
for the trip to Rheinfelden."
For q moment Joannes of Suabia fxe
his eyes with an expression of q viper NJ
an his uncle. Then he arose from tt
table, bowed to Albert deep y. and hu
ried out of the dining-hall. He rejoine
ria friends in the other room.
ii hope you bring us favorable news
e.sid Won Wart.
aNo." cried Soannes OF Suabia, liy
wilh rage, ssthe worst possible news do
hiring. What do you think2 Ny inf
nous uncle made fun Of me when I to
him what wanted. Then he asked I