The Princeton union., 1879-08-20
The Blacksmith Of Ragenbach.

In the prlncipallty Of Hohcnlohe, now
part OF the hingdom of Wiltcmberg, is
a village called Ragenbach, where, about
twenty years ago, the following event
took place: One afternoon in early au-
tumn, in the tavern-room Of the Ragen-
bach, several men and women, assembled
from the village, sat at their ease The
Smith formed one of the merry company
he was a strong man, with resOlute
countenance and daring mien, but with
such a good natured smile on his lips
that everyone that saw him admired him.
His arms were like bars of iron and his
fist like Il forge-hammer, so that few
could equal him in strength of body. @s
The smith sat near the door chatting
with one Of his neighbors, when all at
once the door opened, and dog came
staggering into the room, a great, power
full beast, with a frighttul aspect; his
head hanging down, his eyes blood shot,
his lead-colored tongue half f-way out of
his mouth, and his tail dropped between
his legs. Thus ferocious beast en-
tered the room, out of which there was
no escape but by one door. Scarcely had
the smiths neig Dor, who was bar-keeper
of the place, seen the animal than he be-
! came deadly pale, sprang up and eX
claimed in a Mortified voice, "Good heav-
ems! the dog is mad!''
Then arose a terrible outcry. The room
was full of men and women, and the
foaming beast stood before the only en-
trance-no one could leave without pass
! ing him. He snapped savageIy right and
left-no one could pass him without be-
Y,or hit T1,o <1D 4,,1
confusion. With horror depicted upon
their countenances, all sprang up and
shrank from the dog. Who should deli
YER them from him? The smith also stood
among them, and, as he saw the anguish
of the people, it flashed across his mind
how many Of his happy and contented
eighbors would be made miserable by a
mad dog, and ne formed resolution, the
like of which is scarcely to be found in
the history of the human lace, for noble
self-devotion. ..
"Back ALL thundcred he in deep,
strong voice. Let no one stir; for none
can vanquish the beast but me! One vic
tim must fall in order to save the rest;
will hold the brute, and, while I do So
make your escape The smlt, had
scarcely spoken these words when the dog
started toward the shrieking people
But he wentsnot far. "With Gods help
cried the smith, and he rushed upon the
foaminy beast, seized HIM with an iron
grasp, and dashed him to the floor. A
terrible struggle followed, The dog bit
furiously on every side in a frightened
manner. His long teeth tore the arms
; and thighs Of the heroic smith, but he
fwould nets let~him loose. Regardless
alike Of the excessive pain and the horri
BILE death that must ensue, he held dowr
; with an iron grasp the swapping, howllne
J brute till all had escaped.
He then flung the half stranglod beast
from him against the wall, and dripping
" ith blood and venomols foam he left tho
? room, locking the door after i'm. Some
persons then shot the dog through tho
windows. Weeping and lamenting the
/ people surrounded him who had saved
5 their lives at the expense of his own
t ''Be quiet, do not weep for me- he said
l one must die in order to save the others
, Donot thank me. J. have only performed
my duty. When am dead think of ne
? with love, and now pray for me, that Coo
e will not let me suffer long or too much
2 I will take, care that no further mischief
shall occur through me, for must Ger
t tainly become mad.' ....
He went straight to his workshop and
G selected a strong cham, the heaviest anc
tirmest from his whole stock; then, with
y his own hands, welded it upon his limb:
I and around the anvil firmly. "There,
t he said, "it is done,' after having silent
e ly and solemnly completed the work
a "Now you are secured, and am inoffen
t sive. So long as I live, bring me m.
food. The rest I leave to God; into Hi
S hands commend my spirit Nothing
:, could save the brave smith; neither tears
| lamentations nor prayers. Madnes
l seized him, and after nine days he died
He died, but his memory will live from
7 generation to generation, and will b
, vencrated to the end of time. Searc
It history through, and you will not find al
5. action more glorious and sublime tina
S the deed of this simple-minded man
y the smith of Ragenbach
v A Plague of LOcusts.