Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-05-24

which he knew, and in that way we
were left free to look in whatever di-
recticn we liked. But to fully enjoy
the Rhine YOU must people the river
and the adjacent banks with spirits
and water-nymphs, giants and fairies
else that sail will appear meaningless
to you. tr
On our steamer putfed. past Bonn
until we saw the seven mountains, the
most interesting one to us being the
Drachenlels. Half way up the noun
tain-side was pointed out to us the
cave where the dragon had his retreat.
There in the time of Julien the Apos-
tate, the monster held sway demanding
daily of the people some tender NOR
sci. else would he come out from his
hole, and with his breath of flame raw
age the surrounding country.
AS the Roman soldiers didn't care to
be devourcd by The monster any more
than the natives themselves, they Of
fered q prisoner daily to the greed of
the dragon.
One day two centurions were disput-
ing with one another over the posse
sion Of a beautiful maiden. They be
nally the general decided that neither
should have her, but that she should be
offered to the monster. This Solomon
like wisdom was applauded by all.
On the day appointed the young girl
was brought forth. dressed in white,
and crowned with flowers. They lead
her up the Drachenfels and bound her
to a tree, but as she pleaded to have
her hands left free they granted her
that favor
At his customary hour the dragon
came raging out, as they had given
him a tough old prisoner the day be-
fore. Delighted to see such a young
victim he Kissed towards her, but Just
when he was on the point of devour
ing her, she drew forth a crucifix. The
creature remained motionless with
fear then crawled into his cave.
While some went to unbind the maid
en-, others followed the dragon. and
because he was invulnerable, they de-
cided to roast him in his cavern. For
three days the mountain cast forth
flames like a volcano. then all was
quiet. nothing left but the charred
cave. whose black opening we We're able
to see from the deck
Nearby the Drachenfels is the Rol-
andseck dominating the island Of
Nonnenwerth. Now a girls school re
places the One-time convent, and as
we steamed by. girlish faces greeted
us from the windows.
In the olden times, Roland, the
nephew of Chalmiagne, all ready to
start out in combat against the Sara
Gems was received by the count Ray
mond. In the latter's home he met
and won the daughter Hildegonde. Be
fore his departure Roland vowed to
have nc other wife than Hildegonde,
and Hildegonde pledged herself to him.
promising to become nun if she
couldn't be his bride.
AT first Roland won great Victories
Then news of a disaster at Roncevalle
where report had it Roland lost his
life reached the ears of Hildegonde
Mindful of her oath, she begged her
father to allow her to retire to the
convent on the island of Nonnenwerth
A week after she had pronounced
her vows, Roland, who had only been
severely wounded. came to claim her.
Heartbroken he built hermitage on
the summit of the mountain opposite
There every morning he could see
the nuns come out and scatter over the
island. One withdrew from the others,
and always sat under certain willow.
Although she was yelled, nevertheless,
Roland was sure that it was Hide
gonde. Every morning and evening
during two years he could distinguish
her voice above the others when they
sang. Then one evening that voice, so
sweet to him, was lacking. In the
morning it was the same thing, and