Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-08-15
THE RAVEN.

The Count Stibor was as brave as he
was highborn. and riches had poured in
upon him until he had become one Of
the wcalthicst mobiles i'll the empire. 1t
CHANGED that one day he hunted with a
great retinue among the mountain fast
nesses, and glorious was the sport Of
that gallant hunt The light footed
channels, the antlercd deer, the fierce
wolf. and the grizzly bear were alike
laid low When the sun was about
to set, he formed his temporary cncamp-
ment ON the pleasant bank Of the Waag,
just where, on the opposite side Of the
channel, lone and PERCEPTIONS rock
turned aside the CHANGING waters.
The heart If Stibor was merry, for
the sport had gone well throughout the
day, and when his rude tents were
and the sparkle Of the wine cup bright
ened his humor. and he listened, with
n smile upon his lip. to the light sallics
of the joyous company.
As they talked idly Of the days hunt
ing. however, one wished that the deer
had taken another direction; "A second
that he had not missed a certain shot !;
third that he had not lost his coutcau
de chase in the underwood. In short,
there was not an individual among
them who had not some regret blended
with his triumph, like drop Of gall i'll
a cup Of honey.
Hear me-" said the magnificent.
noble, during a transient pause i'll the
conversation. Il seem to be the only
hunter Of the day towhon the sport has
been without a blcmish II is true that
all your misfortunes are light enough,
but will have no shadow cast upon my
own joy, and therefore 10 compensate
you for these alleged mishaps, each Of
you is free TO form a wish, and if it be
within my power TO grant il. pledge
my word that it shall be fulfilled.
A murmur If admiration ran through
the astonished circle, and the work Of
ambition soon began. Gold was the first
thing asked for, for avarice is ever the
most greedy Of all passions, and then re-
vcnge upon an enemy, for human nature
will often sacrifice personal gain to
vengeance. and then power. authority,
rule over their fellow men. the darling
occupation and privilege If poor. weak.
self misjudging mortals In short, there
was no boon within the reach Of reason
which had not been asked and promised,
when the eye Of Stibor fell upon his
jester, who was standing apart playing
with the tasscls of his vest and appar-
entity quite unintcrcstcd in subject
which had made all around him eager
and excited.
And thou. knave," said the noble,
''hast thou nothing TO ask? Thou must
bestir myself. or thy master will have
little left a. give. if the game go on
thus.
Fear not, fear not, replied the fool.
1.-The claimants have been courteous, for
they have not touched upon that portion
of thy possessions which covct. They
have demanded gold. blood, domain, the
power 10 enjoy themselves, and 10 rem
der others wrCtched-they are welcome
to all they want only ask for stones. Z"
A loud laugh ran through the circle.
"Stones. Bctzkor' echoed the astonished
Stibor ''Thou shalt have them to thy
hearts content. where and in what
shape thou wilt.
II take thee ut thy word, Count Sti-
Dor will have them yondcr ON the
crest e the bold rock that stands out
like braggart daring the foot Of man,
and i'll the shape of a good castle in
which may hold my own, should need
BE-, " was the unlocked for reply.
Thou hast lost thy chance, Betzko, :"
cried voice amid the universal merri-
ment that ensued Not even Stibor can
accomplish thy desire. "
WHO darcs TO say that Stibor cannot
grant il, If such he his will?h demanded
the chi,ftain in voice of thunder as he
rose proudly from the earth where he
had been seated on Il couch Of skins
THE castle e Bctzko shall he builtr'
And il was built, and within year
a festival was held there, and the noble
became cnamored of his own creation,
for it was beautiful i'll its strength, and
the fair DANES admired its courtly halls
as much as the warriors priced its solid
walls and its commanding towers. And
thus Count Stibor bought off the rock
fortress from his jester with gold, and
made il the chief place of his abode.
and he Toasted there with his guests
and made merry with music and dances
until it seemed as though life was TO be
for him one long festival. Men often
walk over the spot which afterward
spens to bury them.
Little by little the habit of self in
diligence grew upon the luxurious noble.
Yet still he loved the chase beyond all