Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-11-21


SEAsdg the turrets Of Ruthen void,
$3.50; SzASS Castle and the stars were
reflected in the Rhine like fairy isles
enshrined ia its waters. There were
clouds suspended in the lovely skies,
but they we're Of light and silvery
texture.
The scenery around was glorious
The surrounding plains, rich with
summer blossoms, and kissed by the
glancing moonbeams, the varied dells
through which the sweet streams
poured their melody as if some genii
had touched the wind-harp Of Para
disc, and the scattered hills with
woods and waterfalls, presented to
the Imagination
.sThe glory and the freshness Of q dream"
Theyoung Count Of Ruthenwold
had arisen from his couch to the case
ment to refresh his languid brow with
the sweet fresh air. As he surveyed
the magnificent scene, the summer
breeze impaired acoolness to his pale
but feyerish cheeks His sleep had
been haunted BY a vision OF the most
surprising loneliness, and . powerful
spell had entminedit with his memory.
His fancy had represented to him
a dark and majestic rock whose giant
form was reflected in the blue water
foam of the river beneath. As his
buoyant skiff gided by it he heard
music ascend from the ripping wave
let's, deep, solemn and dreamlike
music, which entranced his heart with
its witchery. Soon as the magic
strain had ceased, . lovely nymph,
whose person was more symmetrical
than the noblest conception embodied
in marble by the sculptor, arose from
the waters, and threw aside her gold
en- hair to gaze upon Ruthenwold.
The young Count could not with
draw his sight to avoid her fascina
tions, and thus became enthralled by
q charm he was unable to resist.
As his skiff approached that portion
of the river on which she sat arrang
ing her beautiful ringlets, he sprang
into her arms, and her kisses melted
on her lips.
II love thee" said the nymph, as
he hung on her snowy bosom; "thou
shalt live with me in a land where the
sparkling moonbeams glance on the
treasurers of the mighty deep, and in
our festal halls thy sleep shall be
charmed with the music of fairy-lute.
Thou art mine, beautiful youth and
I will love thee as the water-maiden
alone can love!' IS aaa
As she breathed this bewitching
language into his ears, they gradually
descended with the tide, and Ruthen-
void awoke to ruminate on this sin
gular dream.
As he stood surveying the distant
scenes, he perceived q rock which
Horned an exquisite resemblance to
the object Of his vision, and deeply
excited his curiosity. Determined to
obtain an elucidation of the mystery,
be left his fathers castle, and submit
ting his small skiff to the dark blue
element, was soon borne along to the
place Of which he was in quest. As
he approached the rock he heard a
manly voice chant this irregular but
spirited song:
There where yon rock is sleeping.
Beneath the bright moonshlne,
nymph her watch Ia keeping.
And gazing on the Rhine.
She looks upon the river.
AS the vessels glide along:
Sne sings ana gazes ever.
But, Youth! beware her song.
With eyes so softly beami,o
Thus doth she look on All
Whilst, like sunbeams traa,n;ny
Her golden ringlets fali.
But like the inconst ant water.
Ra nroSe tha Taaa st' Al have rolled;
beware inc nood's. fair daughter.
For the wave false and coldl
AS Ruthenwo' id glided past tn
verdant bank of the river, the fores'
or OF his SIR e, the old Count Palatin'