Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1910-04-29


Could Keep the Faithful Anniker
From the Man She Loved and From
Her Horrible Doom.
Tradition is not history. but 1t serves
to fill In the gaps left by the chroni-
clers of olden time and throws a light
sometimes a lurid one-upon the
manners and customs of bygone ages.
A dark deed cruel enough to be re-
membered even in a cruel age is re-
peated from father to son, each gener-
marvel to the story till it grows into
the fairy tale of today, mythical, yet
not without kernel of truth
Among the picturesque peasantry
of Roumania fingers many weird
tale of olden days. One such legend is
related concerning an ancient monas-
terry, the remains of which are still to
be seen on wooded hillside. Beneath
the weird walls lie nine great Jumps
of granite. and among these rocks
rises a spring Of clear water. called by
the peasants "Manolli's well" and be-
lieved by them to have strange and
wonderful origin.
Once upon a time, we are told,
Roumanian noble named Negen was
captive In the hands Of Selim. the sui
tan of Turkey. During his exile Ne
gen employed his time In studying
architecture, and. possessing consider
able talent, he undertook to superin-
tend the building of celebrated
mosque. Charmed by the beauty of
the building. the sultan granted Prince
Negen his liberty and permission to
carry back to his native land certain
costly materials similar to those used
In beautifying the mosque.
Accompanied by nine skilled masons
Negen returned to Roumania. resolved
to immortalize his name by building
there religious house such as had
never before been seen
The site chosen. the builders set to
work under his orders, but their labor
was Ill vain. lol CNSiy hiSit S'' EPh
its pulled down what had been erect
ed during the day.
One night Manolli. the chief of the
builders. had strange dream \ A
mysterious voice warned him that the
building they had undertaken would
never be reared unless they built into
the walls the living form of the first
woman who appeared at break Of day
On awaking from sleep Manolli
| told his comrades of this vision. and
together they made solemn vow to
sacrifice thus the first woman, maid or
matron. who appeared the next morn
ing.
With the first streak of dawn Ma,
nolli mounted the scaffolding and scan
ned the surrounding hills with pallid
anxious face. Alas. who is 1t he sees
In the distance? His own fair young
wife, bringing food and wine for hel
lord.
Then Manolli threw himself upor
his knees and besought heaven tt
send a food to prevent her from com
ing. and at once the rain poured down
and the river rose so that a waste Of
water covered the valley. But the
young wife waded through the water
and Manolli. in despair, beheld heI
still approaching.
Again he prayed. and fierce hurri
cane swept over the mountains, level
ing trees and hurling rocks In thu
way. Yet on.she came. Anniker hat
q brave spirit. and neither flood no
tempest would keep her from the maj
she loved.
Joyfully the masons received her
but Manolli's face was pale and strick
Ell with anguish.
They led the young wife to niche
in the newly built wall and told her tt
stand there for joke. while they pre-
tended to build her In. At first sh'
laughed merrily and entered into tn
lest, but her smiles vanished as quick