Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-01-19
A HEROIC DAUGHTER

J
of the NEST heroic daring, but whose
harsh and irritable temper often drove
him to commit acts of wanton cruelty.
The governor of Nancy at that time,
whose name history has not preserved,
was man OF dauntless courage and
great military experience, and, more
over, an excellent and devoted father.
His only child, whose mother had died
in giving her birth, was the joy and
pride of his heart and shone conspicu-
ously among all the maidens Of her
time for her goodness and knowledge.
Telesila at the date Of the siege was
in her eighteenth year, and had already
received many offers of marriage from
mobiles attracted by the charms of her
beauty and amiability, but she refused
all suitors, preferring to watch over the
declining days of her gray haired ia
Their. and by her love and devotion cheer
and prolong his existence.
The Inhabitants, led by their govern
or, in whose skill and judgment they
had the utmost confidence, made brave
defense against the countless troops of
the fiery duke.
All the men and youths capable of
bearing arms had taken weapons, as
was fitting in the time Of danger, and
posted themselves on the ramparts to
beat off every attack.
The aged men encouraged the faint
hearted and insisted ON the women aid
ing, as far as their strength permitted,
NV ror7,vi-,er cto7,oc 70 fI,a o11c 10 bo
hurled down on the besiegers; they also
lighted fires under enormous caldrons
filed with pitch, oil and even water,
and when the enemy ventured on an
assault the seething mass was poured
on their devoted heads.
Nothing that the most resolute BRAY
cry and experienced skill could accom-
plish was left undone to defend the
town, and Charles, after vainly endeav-
oring for considerable time to take
the place by assault, at length resolved
to make overtures of peace, hoping thus
to gain the end which it seemed useless
to expect from force Of arms.
He whose custom it was to deliver
every conquered city to be plundered
and burned: he who, after successful
siege, invariably wreaked his bitterest
vengeance on the Inhabitants and de-
tenders, now proposed to the governor
and Inhabitants of Nancy that they
should surrender and, open to him the
gates of the city, pledging himself to
protect their dwellings and property
from all plundering, and to take care
,eI,r, Il Oh l,
either in life or possessions. The pro-
posals caused many to waver, but the
noble governor, who had grown gray in
the service Of his prince, stepped for
ward and declared that he would rath-
er be buried under the ruins Of the ram
parts than deliver up the city to the ell
envy, SO long as there were means to
defend it. He encouraged soldiers and
citizens to bravery and perseverance
and i1nplored them to keep the city for
their sovereign, the Duke Of Lorraine,
and he succeeded so well by his enthu-
siastic eloquence that all swore to sacri-
fee their lives rather than surrender.
While the brave governor thus reani-
mated the courage Of the men, his
ddUSutSI1 Oii llCl SltS, ISiiSGu LIE WILL
ems fainting spirits and cheered them
by her presence and inspiriting words,
and by her own conduct gave the exam
pie to maids and matrons to share in
the hardships and dangers Of the de-
tense. she reminded them how,
short time before, when the Duke Of
Burgundy besieged the town of Beau
no Il Z 4o1
fought beside the men on the ramparts
and how they had succeeded in driving
back the besiegers.
These brave women were far fewer
than we are, continued Telesila,
while the enemy was the same in num-
Der and strength. Why should we be
afraid, when we have before us such an
example of devoted patriotism?"
This speech made the greatest impress
sion on the minds of her listeners
Fresh courage was inshlled into men
and women, and no one spoke Of sur
render
Meanwhile, Charles had recourse to
every stratagem that ingenuity could
devise to endeavor to render himself
master of the town. During the night
watches he kept the besieged in state
of alarm by continual feints Of attack,
and then, as morning advanced, when
they were quite wearied and worn out,
he would rush with tenfold violence to
the assault.
He caused large stones to be hurled
by the machines at the walls wherever
they were weakest, in the hope of max
ing breach, which at last, by the
greatest efforts, he succeeded in doing,
and after two hours desperate fighting
he forced a entrance into the city,
breathing vengeance against its defend
ers, whose obstinate resistance, COM
bined with the loss he had sustained of
his brayest warriors, had enraged him
beyond measure. But it was especially
against the governor that all his anger
and hatred were directed, as he knew
that the latter had steadfastly refused
the terms Of capitulation and had in
duced the inhabitants to offer such pro-
longed resistance.
He swore that the governor should be
the first Gu whom his relentless ven
gednc9 would fail, but his intended We
tim, TO escape recognition, had disguis-
ed himself i'll an ordinary citizens
dress, and now stood, unknown, among
the assembled inhabitants, who were
awaiting their fate at the hands Of the
enragel duke.
Charles demanded that the governor
should be instantly deliveredup to him,
but the people would rather die them
selves than betray their beloved chief
into the hands Of the bloody conqueror.
Duke Charles threatened to destroy
all with fire and sword il his demands
were not instantly complied With, while
at the same time he promised large
reward to whomsoeyeE would point out
the governors hiding place.
His threats and promises were equal
" vain. All remained silent.
Then stepped forth an old man--1t
was the governor himself in bis disguise
and said that he would reveal the Sc