Middletown transcript., 1888-11-22

longingAto regain the Sepulchre Of
Saviour. This thought kept them
endowed with fresh life and made
them think light Of their indrmities. 2
Ere the sea could be reached the
army must cross the Alps. Already
many had fallen by the way. their
fraiI bodies succumbing to the hard
ships despite their fervent ZEAL The
less courageous returned to their
homes, but great many still remained
when tbe Mount Cent Pass was reached.
Among those who prepared to cross
this terrible gap in the mountains
were the two friends, Leon and Ponce.
Full Of courage and hope they expec-
ted soon to reach the Holy Land, to
wrest the blessed Shrine from cursed
Saracena and to behold the land where
their sires slept.
Ponce's life in the open air fitted
him for such a journey, but it was
different with Leon. His face became
pinched, bis step slow and feeble.
Ponce walked constantly by his side
and tried to cheer him with hope.
The weary lads face would brighten
as Ponce recounted the victories they
were to achieve, and he would strug-
gle bravely forward. 3
Their previous trials were light
compared with the dreadful journey
through the Ceni Pass. Around them
all was desolation. Huge boulders
frowned dismally upon them and
heaps of snow dazzled their eyes. The
wind, skrieking and bowling, tossed
many OF the poor wanderers over the
cliffs. How terrible roar would be
heard as an avalanche rolled down the
side of the mountain. A piteous
shrek would resound above the din,
and the army knew that some of their
number would journey with them no
more. nSE.a qfAt 5atis 3s4
This terrible, climate was fatal to
Leon. His spirits sank low and Ponce
felt that he would soon be alone in
the vast army. Night drew on. Leon
with the cold and begged for
a fire. but in that dismal place not a
stick Of wood could be found. Ponce
took off his garments and wrapped
them around his dying friend. f
- Sing, sing for me-" pleaded Leon.
Forgetting his own sufferings, Ponce
sang the Crusaders Hymn -
Fairest Lord Jesus.''
The other crusaders took up the
we'll known strains, and the gloomy
pass resounded with the
voices of the tired, but sta unch, yea
lots.
In the midst of the singing Leon
reached not the tomb of a dead Christ,
put the feet of resurrected Saviour.
Once through the Alps the army
ourneyed to Pisa. Ponce was among
,he first to embark from that port for
Palestine.
The voyage over the blue waters
lad no charms for him. In prayers
md meditations he prepared himself
or the great blessing that was to be
lis-to be among the first to regain
he Holy Sepulchre.
{" Palestine Palestine |" cried a
hundred voices.
Away in the distance Ponce beheld
low line of land. How slow the
7essel seemed to move toward that |
ong desired country. Night at length |
ell upon the scene. When morning |
lawned many hearts beat with exulta-
ion in anticipation of the days VIC
ory. But what change was in store |
or them. gl1
Down upon them swooped a dozen
'aracen vessels. The children were
eized and dragged upon them. Friends |
Vho had clung valiantly together dur
ng that wearisome journey were ruth
sssly torn apart, and brother separat-
d from brother. Was this the victory
0 which they had SO bravely marched2
Ponce's sturdy frame attracted the
ye of slave dealer and be was placed
nth those captives intended for Bag
ad, the Moslem capital.
A year of servitude dragged slowly
way. Ponce often thought of his
lother and of his humble home by the
heep pasture.
One morning he fancied he saw Leon
eside him. He paused in his work
nd his mind wandered over happier
ays.
While filled with these beloved
he was summoned before
is master, who offered him the full
riviliges Of son if he would renounce
le Christian religion. This Ponce
.eadfastly refused to do.
Brides and threats of every kind were
fered, but in vain. i
Filled with rage the master cried,
Go. dog and if by to-morrow's dawn !
W renounce not your faith, you !
70 ~
Ponce spent the whole night in
aver. He knew he could expect no
ercy from his terrible master and he
'termined to die as should become Q
Hover of Christ.
When the morning came many Mos
ms flocked to see ''the Christian dog
g."
One more chance was given Ponce
deny Christ, and scarce had he
fused, when a dozen daggers few 1
rough the air and lodged in his body. c
one of them reached vital part and 1
Q poor victim fell to the ground, his 1
9 fast ebbing away. I
a. sof, ls Il n