Connecticut western news., 1879-08-06
Brithric, the Saxon.
BY FRED MYRoN COLBY,

BY FRED MYRoN COLBY.
 Gay and blith esome were the day. when Saxon Edward reigned over merl, England. B.illiant and festive, even a that early time, was that royal cour which afterwards, under the Norma, snd Plantagenet kings, outshone ever, court in ChristeEdom. True to hi, Ssxon instincts, the heir of Alfred an6 Edgar gathered to his court the wisest c1 his own and other lands. In process ot time, the English capital became the re. sort of the noble, the brave, and the illustrious from all parts of Europe. Knights, scholars, and courtiers crowd ed his palace to eni oy the royal Saxon's hospitality, for Edward was generous to fault. and loved to have learned and gallant followers around bim. Famous among those who shared Edwards royal bounty was young man whose name has come down to us through history as Brithric, the Saxon. He was E 4rl of Gloucester, ard was surnamed, on ac. count of the fairness of his complexion, the Meoux, or Snow.
 Bf.thrio was noble of the highest rank in England. His ancestry was high, his patrimony sffluent, and his re- pute as warrior and courier as proud as any among the Saxon chiefs. More over, he was handsome, and man on whom the women always looked kindly. He had tall imposing person, with finely proportioned limbs, and full, broad chest. His shoulders were cloth yard from tip to tip. His face was characterized by all the royal beauty of the Saxon race. There was. English sunshine in his bright blue eyes, and in the rich luxuriance of his golden locks. His features were ex oressive and beautiful, and his complexion so dez- ziipgly fair as to make him we'll wo,t thy of the appellation of "the S1ow."
 Albeit he had handsome face and possassed many accomplishments, Brith- Tic, the Saxon, was not vain. Under heath his graceful exterior he had true heart. He loved but one among all women. Her name was Althea. She was not more beautiful than she was pure and good, and her love for the noble earl vas as fervent as the stars ; TOT did Bcithric love her less. Let others smile upon him as they might, sill he cared for only Althea. Her pure ard honest love was the polestar O. his life. She was his sun by day and his moon by night. He worshipped her. Her azure eyes, pure as the blue skies of her native land, her luxuriant hair, lus- trous as gold, and the dainty sweetness of her manner, were objects of adora- tion.
 Time went by. Brithric was hidden by his sovereign upon an embassy to Flanders-Flanders was country across the channel. It comprised what is LOW called Belgium, and the rular of the country was on terms of friendly relation with the Saxon monarch. His family occupied high rank, and enjoyed great consideration among the other potentatee of Europe. It had inter-married with the royal family of England, and the reigning earl was descended in direct line from Alfred, the most illustrious oi the English kings. Before he left the English land Brithric sought the pres ence of his betrothed.
 Among the fine old trees of he1 fdher's park he found her, and they pbghted their troth anew. He placed { ring upon her finger, and she gave hin 8 tfess of her soft fsxen hair. "Forge me not for any damsel across the seas, said the maiden "for should die wer thou to leave ms for another"
 But the knight restrained her. Ssit he: con earth there is no maiden wortl looking upon when one hath looked O, thee"
 And he kissed her on the brow. an, on the cheek, and their lips met an 30 they parted.
 Soon after, he left England, and in little while arrived in Flanders. H Journeyed to Burges, where he wa hospitably received by the gallar Baldwin Fifth. He fulfilled his mission and remained some time at the Flemis court. where he was honored with CT tertainments. At these courtly festiv4l he often met with the Earl's youngel daughter, the Lady Matilda, maide of rare accomplishments and wondror grace and beauty of person. She VI proud and fiery, too; and with all ht youth and loveliness, vain, crafty, an treacherous.
 This lady found strong attachmel fer the young Saxon envoy, and u longer he remained at her fathers cour tbe stronger grew her passion for hin