The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1880-03-05
ROSAMOND'S PRAYER.

Frison, one Of the counts Of Flande
Was OF those who gtrded on their harne
and who sWOre Oh the Cr0ss-handIeg
the huge swords to win the Lords Ian
and purge it thoroughly from the Mosle
race. But they were men of hot temDc
in those DAYS, and very soon it came
pass that the Count de Prison quarrel
with his companions in arms, and degel
ing the cause he had Joined return
hastily 10 his feudal castle lie strengt
encd the garrison, victualed the stores al
prepared for a siege. Now and again
rode forth with his retainets, and made
grasp on the lands Of one or other of Il
men with whom he had quarreled, firing
village or capturing drove of beeves. T
this conduct the resentment Of the who
country Wac aroused.
The Emperor, hearing Of his misdeed
threatened condign punishment. Th
King Of france declared that he woul
march an army and entirely destroy til
rebel and I'LL who belonged to him. Coun
Eustache, once a COmrade, but now u bit
Ter enemy Of Frison, arrived and settled
down before the castle walls, challengin.
him TO single combat.
A trumpcter rang out the challenge, anC
the men Of the army Of Count Eustache
shouted defiance. What need to relate
every detail Of the preparations? The Lists
were formed, and each knight taking his
lance Of elm, faced around with the plates
of steel, spurred forward Eustache was
thrown with violence. Prison, leaping
from the saddle, and with dagger at the
throat Of the PROSTATE man, called, 'FYield
thcc-rescue Or no rescue!' II weld to
thee" Then forth there came a company
Of men-at-arms, and carried the knight a
prisoner into the courtyard. Prison, re-
mounting his horse, followed, and the
heavy p0rtcullis fell behind him.
The army Of Count Eustache received
within an hour an order from their lord to
withdraw, to place themselves under the
command Of their brother-in-law, and keep
the Crusaders vow.
While the duel had been fought, far aBav
from the scenes Of combat, IN quiet and
lonely part of the castle; a girl, very
beautiful, with golden hair; and clothed
in virgin white, had been praying. She
was the child Of Count Prison; her name
was Rosam0nd, and it was her hand that
had fastened the white rose in his casuuet
She was very dear to him. He had loved
her mother with all the force of his fiery
nature; her death had maddened him; he
had rallied at heaven, had refused TO believe
that she was really dead thrown himself
beside the corpse, Tained OH it's pale, still
face shower Of hot tears; then had been
3ullen, morose, vindictiye, his hand against
every man and woman except this child of
his, and he loved her with passionate ten
derucss.
A distant shout fell on the ear OF the |
kneeling girl; she rose from her knees and
listened. Presently she heard a foot-step,
sprang to the door and threw her white
arms around her fathers neck.
''God had heard me! :"
Count Frison, exultant at his triumph
over Count Eustache, became more AFRO
CANT and daring. He tore a summons
from the Emperor to appear before him.
into shrcds, and cast it into the fire; drove
out the bearers with contumely, averring
tha. he took them to be spies, and no i'm
FeriaI messengers, filter to mate with
inrn5pitS than men of gentler birth.
This conduct. brought matters to d crisis.
\ French army Under the command Of
lod ReigHy, brother-in-law of Count {
hQSachc, was ordered to advance on the t
H"iess Prison, and lay siege to his castle
lAe Count saw his danger. He felt that
'Re Indignation Of both Gerniany and s
france was aroused against him, and that
successful resistance was very doubtful. t
Holding Il council with his chief men, he +,
asJainfuIly rejected all the advice they t
rendered; dismissed them with contempt, q
saying he would consult with his ''Iittle I
oracle. apet name he had given his daugh- /
ter =
lie found her alone and told her all his t
Houoie Council me, sweet one. A t
word OF thine is worth thousand Of those.
" the prating varlets who feed at my cost L
and betray my trust" n
IF may speak, dear father, promise to e
"caF me patiently, for I will try thy 9
Patience"
promise ona word Of a true knight-by I
NY word, my spurs, and my love for you." h
FIRST, then, release Count Eustache; "
'Da then keep your VOW. 1t twere shame Ii
?VF good sword should rest in its scab- h
o1d erimsoned with Christian blood While
"'e Lords sepulcher is detiled." t,
How can it serve ME to release "
Epstaches"
YOU will make him your friend and your Ii
te2cemaker." t,
1le rose up, kissed her and left the room.
lie shut himself up alone for two hours y
u more, and then sought his prisoners.
Ao'mt Eustache, thou art q free man" G.
Al what ansom 2" asked the Count.
our friendship" ...** b
GAstaehe regarded him for moment in
S'oAlishment, and then caught his hand it
ssaaa said \
IL Is thine, in life and death ~ h
3o0r horse, your arms are prepared 81
su humble escort will attend. Eat bread
\ '!l HE before you DEPART a
mere was high teasting in the hall that ol
r
4 9he honorable dismtssion Of Count to
I'M. ffIfisacAe, resulted i'll a suspension of hos W
H. -sS With the Count Frison. Count !,
So,tt s"y accompanied Eustache to the court
snos- ,ls Emperor, bearing letters couehed in /
4'sous and humble terms from Prison. bi
!. emperor was strangely agitated hi
y read his letters. a,
@lndeedln 'S|s'S )
#rs1,. Iye seen them iii vision while
asoos. 'e'ihg the destruction of this man AZ
AA. :, i my chamber. A girl appeared to b;
hair ~ I5 beautiful she was, with golden ca
bQe ,a ~ clothed in virgin white. She N
ssm,, ,aeFe letters and in mute entreaty III
EAte,,h hu' Ule for their writer. If such til
kaalj Il @,e eyer brosggiftt, qIoth J, there A.
s4bs5 I !, pardon free and full:' and she van III
s,c s8@at Of sight,
i. IN a'aht Frison was again received by r
teen SYlnpaniions !. in arms, and prepared OF
aaEfer,tt,A A1s YoW and join the crusade. lo
lis WA ready: he was To aepart Oh IN