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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Legends of the Rhine
+
+Author: Wilhelm Ruland
+
+Release Date: January 31, 2007 [EBook #20496]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF THE RHINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sam W., Ted Garvin, Juliet Sutherland and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                    LEGENDS OF THE RHINE
+
+                             BY
+
+                       WILHELM RULAND
+
+
+              WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PAINTINGS
+                    BY CELEBRATED ARTISTS
+
+                         8TH EDITION
+
+
+
+
+                        KÖLN AM RHEIN
+                VERLAG VON HOURSCH & BECHSTEDT
+
+
+
+
+      "O, the pride of the German heart is this noble river!
+      And right it is; for of all the rivers of this
+      beautiful earth there is none so beautiful as this."
+
+                                                 Longfellow.
+
+
+
+
+Prefatory Note.
+
+
+Last year I made the journey between Mainz and Bonn on one of our
+splendid Rhine steamers. Our vessel glided along like a great
+water-bird. On the shore rose mountains, castles, and ruins, and over
+all the sun shined brightly from a blue August sky. It was twelve
+years since I had visited the scenes of my youth, and every
+Rhinelander will understand with what pleasure I saw again those
+smiling landscapes arrayed in their summer beauty. Wandering back to
+my deck-chair, I soon became absorbed in the ever-changing panorama.
+
+Then the sound of a melodious female voice speaking English fell on my
+ears. I looked around. A girl was bending over a book, and
+entertaining her father and mother by reading something of special
+interest and beauty. I listened and recognised some of my own
+sentences rendered into the speech of Shakespeare. These three were
+learning to feel the charms of the Lorelei legend as I had felt it. I
+confess my pulse beat quicker as I heard my poor endeavours highly
+praised, and I could not refrain from advancing and thanking the young
+reader for her kindly appreciation of my endeavours. She seemed
+delighted when she discovered that I was the author, and rose to greet
+me in the most amiable manner. I complimented the travellers that
+during the past century the Rhine had become the home of romance for
+the English speaking nations, the same as Italy for the Germans. The
+girl smiled, and remarked that I must pay that compliment to her
+mother in particular, as she was by birth an Englishwoman. But the
+head of the family hastened to add that among Americans, whom he might
+speak for, the enthusiasm for the beauties of the Rhine was not less
+than among their Anglo-Saxon cousins. These two nations which are
+bound by so many ties to each other, and also to ourselves, were thus
+represented before me. The English-speaking people undoubtedly form by
+far the largest contingent of our Rhine travellers, and it was
+pleasant indeed to receive so fine a testimonial to the beauties of my
+birth place.
+
+We had a most interesting conversation, and I was not a little moved,
+as I observed that these foreigners who had travelled over half the
+world, and had seen the grandeur of Switzerland and the charms of
+Italy, should have such an unaffected admiration for our grand old
+river. I am rather sorry for those who neglect the Rhine. "Aren't
+Lohengrin and Siegfried, immortalised by the great Master of Bayreuth,
+also heroic figures in your Rhine legends?" remarked the young
+Anglo-American enthusiastically. It was the first time I had seriously
+thought of this. I was indeed touched, and my thoughts travelled back
+to the days of "long, long ago" when as a little chap in my native
+Bonn, I had first listened with interest to the charming voices of the
+golden-haired daughters of old Albion who came in large numbers to
+reside in the famous Beethoven-town.
+
+As I separated from my friends at the foot of the Drachenfels I gave
+them a small present to keep as a memento of the Rhine and one of its
+poets.
+
+      München, Mai 1906.                           Dr. Wilhelm Ruland.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+=St. Gotthard.= The Petrified Alp                                    7
+
+=Thusis on the Hinter Rhine.= The Last Hohenrätier                  10
+
+=Bodensee.= The Island of Mainau                                    13
+
+=Basle.= One Hour in Advance                                        18
+
+=Castle Niedeck.= The Toy of the young Giantess                     20
+
+=Strassburg.= The Cathedral Clock                                   22
+
+      The little Man at the Angel's Pillar                          25
+
+=Worms.= The Nibelungen Lied                                        27
+
+=Speyer.= The Bells of Speyer                                       31
+
+=Frankfort.= The Knave of Bergen                                    33
+
+=Mayence.= Heinrich Frauenlob                                       36
+
+      Bishop Willigis                                               38
+
+=Johannisberg.=                                                     40
+
+=Ingelheim.= Eginhard and Emma                                      45
+
+=Rüdesheim.= The Brömserburg                                        53
+
+=Bingen.= The Mouse-Tower                                           58
+
+=Valley of the Nahe. Kreuznach.= A mighty draught                   62
+
+      The Foundation of Castle Sponheim                             65
+
+=Assmannshausen.= St. Clement's Chapel                              69
+
+=Castle Rheinstein.= The Wooing                                     72
+
+=Castle Sooneck.= The Blind Archer                                  76
+
+=The Ruins of Fürstenberg.= The Mother's Ghost                      79
+
+=Bacharach.= Burg Stahleck                                          83
+
+=Kaub.= Castle Gutenfels                                            88
+
+=Oberwesel.= The Seven Maidens                                      93
+
+=St. Goar.= Lorelei                                                 97
+
+=Rheinfels.= St. George's Linden                                   103
+
+=Sterrenberg and Liebenstein.= The Brothers                        109
+
+=Rhense.= The Emperor Wenzel                                       117
+
+=Castle Lahneck.= The Templars of Lahneck                          120
+
+=Coblenz.= Riza                                                    123
+
+=Valley of the Moselle.= The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel           125
+
+=Andernach.= Genovefa                                              128
+
+=Hammerstein.= The old Knight and his Daughters                    138
+
+=Valley of the Ahr.= The Last Knight of Altenahr                   142
+
+      The Minstrel of Neuenahr                                     145
+
+=Eifel.= The Arrow at Prüm                                         152
+
+=Aachen.= The Building of the Minster                              154
+
+      The Ring of Fastrada                                         162
+
+=Rolandseck.= Knight Roland                                        167
+
+=Siebengebirge.= The Drachenfels                                   177
+
+      The Monk of Heisterbach                                      182
+
+      The Origin of the Seven Mountains                            188
+
+      The Nightingale Valley at Honnef                             190
+
+=Godesberg.= The High Cross at Godesberg                           192
+
+=Bonn.= Lord Erich's Pledge                                        200
+
+      The Roman Ghosts                                             203
+
+=Cologne.= Richmodis of Aducht                                     208
+
+      The Goblins                                                  212
+
+      Jan and Griet                                                216
+
+      The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne                             220
+
+=Xanten.= Siegfried                                                231
+
+=Cleve.= Lohengrin                                                 237
+
+=Zuydersea.= Stavoren                                              244
+
+
+
+
+ST. GOTTHARD
+
+The Petrified Alp
+
+
+[Illustration: Aus dem Quellgebiet des Rheines--Near the Source of the
+Rhine--Au pays du Rhin]
+
+In the region where the Rhine has its source there towered in ancient
+times a green Alp. This Alp belonged to an honest peasant, and along
+with a neat little house in the valley below formed his only
+possession.
+
+The man died suddenly and was deeply mourned by his wife and child.
+Some days after an unexpected visitor was announced to the widow. He
+was a man who had much pastureland up in that region, but for a long
+time his one desire had been to possess the Alp of his neighbour now
+deceased, as by it his property would be rounded off to his
+satisfaction.
+
+Quickly making his resolution he declared to the dismayed woman that
+the Alp belonged to him: her husband had secretly pledged it to him in
+return for a loan, after the bad harvest of the previous year. When
+the widow angrily accused him of being a liar the man produced a
+promissory note, spread it out, and with a hard laugh showed her his
+statement was confirmed in black and white. The distressed woman burst
+into tears and declared it was impossible that her late husband should
+have made a secret transaction of such a nature. The Alp was the sole
+inheritance of their son, and never would she willingly surrender it.
+
+"I will pay you compensation for the renunciation of your claim,
+although nothing obliges me to do so," declared the visitor with
+apparent compassion, in the meantime producing his purse.
+
+The weeping woman motioned to him to put back his gold and told him to
+go, which he did.
+
+Three days later the widow was summoned before the judge. There the
+neighbour produced his document and repeated his demand for the
+possession of the disputed Alp.
+
+The judge, who had been shamefully bribed, declared the document valid
+and awarded the Alp to the pursuer. The broken-hearted widow staggered
+home.
+
+The new possessor of the Alp on the other hand hastened up to the
+mountains at full gallop. The man could no longer master his
+impatience to see for the first time as his legally recognised
+property the pastureland he had acquired by deceit.
+
+There, for three days a storm had raged uninterruptedly. As quickly as
+the soaked ways would permit he ascended to the high country.
+
+Having arrived he stared around with horrified eyes, and fell in a
+swoon to the earth, overcome with consternation.
+
+Upon the soft green Alp an unseen hand had rolled a mountain of ice.
+Of the possession which the unjust judge had assigned to him nothing
+was now to be seen. His own pastures too which adjoined were covered
+with snow and ice, whilst the meadows of the other Alpsmen below, lay
+spread out in the morning light like a velvet carpet.
+
+Towards noon a broken man rode home into the valley cursing himself
+and the wicked magistrate who had consented to such an evil
+transaction.
+
+The people there however said to each other: "The Fronfasten Mütterli
+(the little mother of the Emberweeks) Frau Sälga passed over our
+valley last night with her train of maidens. Over the house of that
+greedy rich man the ghostly company stopped, and by that it is fixed
+which one must die in the course of the year."
+
+And so it happened. Up there where the youthful Rhine rushes down
+through deep rocky chasms the petrified Alp stands to this day, a
+silent warning from by-gone days.
+
+
+
+
+THUSIS ON THE HINTER RHINE
+
+The Last Hohenrätier
+
+
+[Illustration: Der letzte Hohenrätier--Nach dem Gemälde von E.
+Stückelberg]
+
+The Domleschg valley was formerly the scene of bitter feuds, and is
+mentioned in the struggle for freedom by the Swiss peasants of the
+ancient Bund, some five hundred years ago. There stood the castle of
+the Hohenrätier.
+
+The last descendant of the degenerate race on the high Realt was
+rightly feared in the whole district. He was the terror of the
+peaceful inhabitants of the district, and harried not only them but
+also merchants and pilgrims who passed along the highway below.
+
+The wrath against this unchivalrous wickedness increased mightily. One
+day this man perpetrated a daring deed of violence.
+
+Whilst on an excursion into the valley he had discovered a charming
+maid who sought berries in a lonely wood. In his wicked eagerness he
+dragged the maiden on to his horse and fled. Amusing himself with her
+lamentations, he carried his booty up the steep castle hill.
+
+A poacher had observed the occurrence and alarmed the inhabitants of
+the village. They carried the intelligence without delay into the
+Domleschg.
+
+The oppressed people around then rose and joining together approached
+the castle that very night. Having felled giant trees they threw a
+bridge over the moat, cast firebrands into the interior, and stormed
+into the castle-yard through gaps in the gates and walls.
+
+Then the baron appeared mounted on his war-horse, driven out of his
+abode by tongues of flame.
+
+Before him he held the captured maiden, and in the light of the
+conflagration his naked sword glittered in his right hand.
+
+Dealing mighty blows on both sides he forced his horse forward (the
+eyes of which had been bound), intending to make a way down the hill.
+But the living wall of peasants was impenetrable.
+
+Quickly making his resolution the knight rushed to the side where the
+wall of rock fell some seven hundred feet sheer into the youthful
+Rhine.
+
+The foaming steed stood trembling in front of the yawning abyss. The
+shout of the multitude echoed into the night. Thousands of arms were
+instantly stretched towards the river and one of them at the last
+moment succeeded in snatching his prey from the robber, just as the
+steed tortured and bleeding from sword and spur hurled itself with a
+mighty spring into the depths below. So ended the last of the
+Hohenrätiers.
+
+In the dawn only the smoking ruins of the proud castle remained, and
+the morning bells announced to the peasants that their long desired
+freedom had been won.
+
+These ruins are situated on the Hinter Rhine above Thusis, and it is
+said that the last Hohenrätier, like many others of the former tyrants
+of the Rätigau, yearly on St. John's Eve (when this event occurred)
+may be seen riding round the fallen walls of his castle, clad in black
+armour which emits glowing sparks.
+
+
+
+
+BODENSEE
+
+The Island of Mainau
+
+
+For many hundreds of years the names of the Masters of Bodmann have
+been very closely connected with the island in the lake of Boden. At
+first the island was in the possession of this noble race, but later
+on, in the thirteenth century, it passed into the hands of an order of
+German Knights. A legend relates the story to us of how this change
+came to pass.
+
+About this time the whole of this magnificent property was held in
+possession by a youthful maiden, who had inherited this beautiful
+island with all its many charms. As may be supposed, the wooers for
+the lovely maiden's hand and inheritance became very numerous. She,
+however, had made her own choice, and it had fallen upon a nobleman
+from Langenstein.
+
+Every evening when the sun was sinking down into the golden waters,
+this maiden walked along the strand watching and listening for some
+longed-for sound. Then the measured splash of an oar would be heard
+approaching in the twilight, and a little boat would be drawn up on
+the shore, a youthful boatman would spring joyfully forth, and
+lovingly greet the maiden. There this pair of lovers wove dreams
+about the time from which only a short period now separated them, when
+they should belong openly to each other before the world.
+
+The nobleman landed one evening as usual, but this time his heart was
+depressed and sorrowful; he informed his betrothed mournfully that his
+father, who was then suffering agony from gout, had once taken a vow
+to God and to the emperor that he would go on a crusade to the Holy
+Land, but being unable to fulfil his oath, he laid it to his son's
+charge to carry it out as he meant to have done.
+
+The maiden wept bitterly on hearing these unexpected tidings.
+
+"Trust me and the Powers on high, I shall not make this great
+sacrifice in vain," said her lover consolingly. "I shall return, that
+I feel confident of."
+
+Thus with bright hopes in his heart the youthful crusader bade his
+weeping betrothed good-bye.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+And every evening when the sun was sinking into the golden waters the
+maiden walked along the strand, looking with longing eyes out into the
+misty distance. Spring came and disappeared, summer followed, and the
+swallows fled from the lake to warmer climes, the maiden sending many
+a warm greeting with them. Wintry storms blew over the waters,
+whistling round the lonely island, and the maiden had become as pale
+as the flakes of snow which fell against the window-panes.
+
+News one day reached the castle that the crusaders had returned from
+the East, but that the nobleman from Langenstein was languishing in a
+Turkish prison in a remote castle belonging to the Sultan. The maiden
+was heart-broken by these tidings and now spent her days in prayers
+and tears.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Within the mighty walls of a gloomy castle in the far-off East, a
+young hero was sitting pining over his bitter fate. He prayed and
+groaned aloud in his grief thinking of his betrothed from whom he had
+been so cruelly separated. The Sultan had offered the fair-haired
+youth his favourite daughter, a seductive eastern beauty, but the
+prisoner had turned scornfully away, her dark glancing eyes having no
+charm for him.
+
+That night the youth had a strange dream. An angel was soaring over
+his couch and came down to his side, and a voice whispered, "Promise
+yourself to me, and you will see your native land again."
+
+The knight started up and said reverently, "That was the voice of
+God!" Confused thoughts rushed through his soul, he must renounce his
+love, but at least he would see her again. Throwing himself on his
+knees, he promised with a fervent oath that he would dedicate himself
+to the Lord, if he might only see the beloved maiden once more.
+
+An earthquake shook the castle to its very foundations, unfastening
+the prison doors, thus setting the prisoner at liberty in a marvellous
+way. He succeeded in reaching the coast without being caught by the
+guards of the Sultan, and a vessel sailing to Venice took him on
+board. But as he approached his native land the struggle in his soul
+between love and duty was very great; at one moment it seemed to
+overcome him, and he felt he could no longer keep his vow. But God
+again admonished him. Reaching the lake he steered his boat towards
+the island, but a sudden storm arose, threatening him with a watery
+grave. He prayed fervently to Heaven, again swearing his oath.
+
+The storm subsided, and the little boat having missed its course
+landed on the other side of the lake, where the Grand Master of an
+Order of German Knights had his seat.
+
+The tired way-farer approached, begging to be received, a boon kindly
+granted to him. Then starting off again with his boat the youth
+reached the island. He there imprinted a sorrowful kiss on his
+beloved's pure white forehead, bidding her and the world good-bye for
+ever.
+
+The young girl resigned herself at first silently to her fate; but she
+soon resolved on another plan: this place which had once been such a
+happy home had no longer any charms to offer her, and she therefore
+presented the island of Mainau to the German Order of Knights on one
+condition, that the nobleman from Langenstein should be the successor
+of the Grand Master. This request was willingly granted, the noble
+maiden gave up all her rich possession and left the island in the
+Bodensee. It is said that she retired to a convent, but no one ever
+knew where.
+
+The chronicle informs us that Hugh of Langenstein became one of the
+most capable Grand Masters of this Order of Knights of Mainau. He is
+also known as a great poet, and his poem on the martyr Martina still
+exists in old manuscripts.
+
+
+
+
+BASLE
+
+One Hour in Advance
+
+
+Basle was once surrounded by enemies, and very hard pressed on all
+sides. A troop of discontented citizens made a shameful compact with
+the besiegers to help them to conquer the town. It was arranged one
+dark night that exactly as the clock was striking twelve the attack
+was to be made from within and without. The traitors were all ready,
+waiting for midnight in great excitement, having no evil presentiments
+of what was about to happen.
+
+The expected hour approached. Accidentally the watchman of the tower
+heard of the proposed attack, and no time being left to warn the
+commander of the garrison or the guard, he quickly and with great
+presence of mind determined upon a safe expedient; he put forward the
+hand of the great clock one hour, so that instead of striking
+midnight, the clock struck one.
+
+The traitors in the town looked at each other aghast, believing the
+enemies outside had neglected or perhaps betrayed them. General doubt
+and misunderstanding reigned in both camps. While they were debating
+what plan they must now adopt, the sharp-witted watchman had time to
+communicate with the magistrate and with the governor of the town. The
+alarm was raised, the citizens warned, and the treacherous plan
+completely wrecked. The enemy at last, tired of the useless siege,
+retired discouraged.
+
+The magistrate in remembrance of this remarkable deed ordered that the
+town-clock should remain in advance as the courageous watchman had set
+it that eventful night. This singular regulation continued till the
+year 1798, and although the honest inhabitants of Basle were, as
+talkative tongues asserted, a century behind-hand in everything else,
+yet with regard to time they were always one hour in advance.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE NIEDECK
+
+The Toy of the young Giantess
+
+
+[Illustration: Das Riesenspielzeug--Nach dem Gemälde von Cnopf--The
+Giant's Toy--Les jouets des géants]
+
+In olden times a race of giants is said to have lived in Alsace.
+Castle Niedeck in the valley of the Breusch was their residence, but
+even the ruins of this fortress have long since disappeared. The
+legend however remains to tell us that they were a peaceable people,
+well disposed to mankind.
+
+The daughter of the master of the castle was one day leisurely walking
+through the adjoining wood. On approaching the fields and meadows of
+the valley, she perceived a peasant ploughing. The young giantess
+looked in great astonishment at the tiny man who seemed to be so
+busily engaged trudging along after his little team, and turning up
+the ground with his small iron instrument. She had never before seen
+anything so wonderful and was very much amused at the sight.
+
+It seemed to her a nice little toy, and she clapped her hands in
+childish glee, so that the echo sounded among the mountains; then
+picking up man, horse, and plough, she placed them in her apron and
+hurried back gaily to the castle. There she showed her father the
+nice little toy, greatly pleased at what she had found.
+
+The giant however shook his enormous head gravely, and said in a
+displeased tone, "Don't you know, child, who this trembling little
+creature with his struggling tiny animal is, that you have chosen for
+a plaything? Of all the dwarfs down in the valley below, he is the
+most useful; he works hard and indefatigably in scorching heat as well
+as in windy cold weather, so that the fields may produce fruit for us.
+He who scoffs at or maltreats him will be punished by Heaven. Take the
+little labourer therefore back to the place he came from."
+
+The young giantess, greatly ashamed and deeply blushing with
+embarrassment, put the amusing little toy back into her apron, and
+carried it obediently down to the valley.
+
+
+
+
+STRASSBURG
+
+The Cathedral Clock
+
+
+The Cathedral was finished, and the city magistrates resolved to place
+an ingenious clock on the upper tower. For a long time they searched
+in vain, but at last a master was found who offered to create a work
+of art such as had never been seen in any land. The members of the
+council were highly satisfied with this proposal, and the master began
+his work.
+
+Weeks and months passed, and when at last it was finished there was
+general astonishment; the clock was indeed so wonderful that nothing
+to match it could be found in the whole country. It marked not only
+the hours but the days and months as well; a globe was attached to it
+which also marked out the rising and the setting of the sun, and the
+eclipses of that body and the moon could be seen at the same time as
+they took place in nature. Every change was pointed out by Mercury's
+wand, and every constellation appeared at the right time. Shortly
+before the stroke of the clock a figure representing Death emerged
+from the centre and sounded the full hour, while at the quarter and
+half hours the statue of Christ came forth, repelling the destroyer
+of all life. Added to all these wonders was a beautiful chime that
+played melodious hymns.
+
+Such was the marvellous clock in the cathedral of Strassburg. The
+magistrates however proved themselves unworthy of their new
+possession; pride and presumption got the better of them, making them
+commit a most unjust and ungrateful action.
+
+They desired their town to be the only one in the land which possessed
+such a work of art, and in order to prevent the maker from making
+another like it, they did not shrink from the vilest of crimes.
+
+Taking advantage of the rumour that such a wonderful work could only
+have been made by the aid of witchcraft, they accused the clock-maker
+of being united with the devil, threw him into prison, and cruelly
+condemned him to be blinded. The unhappy artist resigned himself to
+his bitter fate without a murmur. The only favour he asked was that he
+might be allowed to examine the clock once again before the judgment
+was carried out. He said he wanted to arrange something in the works
+which no one else could understand.
+
+The crafty magistrates, being anxious to have the clock perfect,
+granted him this request.
+
+The artist filed, sawed, regulated here and there, and then was led
+away, and in the same hour deprived of his sight.
+
+The cruel deed was hardly accomplished, when it was found that the
+clock had stopped. The artist had destroyed his work with his own
+hands; his righteous determination that the chimes would never ring
+again, had become a melancholy truth. Up to the present no one has
+been able again to set the dead works going. An equally splendid clock
+now adorns the cathedral, but the remains of the first one have been
+preserved ever since.
+
+
+
+
+The little Man at the Angel's Pillar
+
+
+Close to the famous clock in the Cathedral of Strassburg, there is a
+little man in stone gazing up at the angel's pillar which supports the
+south wing of the cathedral. Long ago the little man who is now
+sculptured in stone, stood there in flesh and blood. He used to stare
+up at the pillar with a criticising eye from top to bottom and again
+from bottom to top. Then he would shake his head doubtfully each time.
+
+It happened once that a sculptor passed the cathedral and saw the
+little man looking up, evidently comparing the proportions of the
+pillar.
+
+"It seems to me you are finding fault with the pillar, my good
+fellow," the stone-cutter remarked, and the little man nodded with a
+self-satisfied look.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it? Speak out my man," said the master,
+tapping the fellow's shoulder encouragingly.
+
+"The pillar is certainly splendid," began the latter slowly, "the
+Apostles, the angels, and the Saviour are most beautiful too. But
+there is one thing troubling me. That slender pillar cannot support
+that heavy vault much longer; it will soon totter and fall down, and
+all will go to pieces."
+
+The sculptor looked alternately at the work of art and at its strange
+fault-finder. A contemptuous smile passed over his features.
+
+"You are quite convinced of the truth of your statement, aren't you?"
+asked he enquiringly.
+
+The bold critic repeated his doubts with an important air.
+
+"Well," cried the stone-cutter, with comical earnestness, "then you
+will remain there always, gazing at the pillar until it sinks down,
+crushed by the vault."
+
+He went straight off into his workshop, seized hammer and chisel, and
+formed the little man into stone just as he was, looking upwards with
+a knowing face and an important air.
+
+This little figure is still there at the present day with both hands
+leaning on the balustrade of St. Nicholas' chapel, awaiting the
+expected fall of the pillar, and most likely he will remain there for
+many a century to come.
+
+
+
+
+WORMS
+
+The Nibelungen Lied
+
+
+[Illustration: Siegfried auf der Totenbahre--Nach dem Gemälde von Emil
+Lauffer]
+
+To-day we are deeply touched, as our forefathers must have been, at
+the recital of the boundless suffering and the overwhelming
+concatenation of sin and expiation in the lives of the Recken and
+Frauen of the Nibelungen Legend. That naive singer has remained
+nameless and unknown, who about the end of the 12th century wrote down
+this legend in poetic form, thus preserving forever our most precious
+relic of Germanic Folksepic. A powerful story it is of sin and
+suffering: corresponding to the world itself and just as the primitive
+mind of a people loves to represent it. The story begins as a lovely
+idyll but ends in gloomy tragedy.
+
+The ancient Rhenish town of Worms was during the great migrations the
+seat of authority of the Burgundian invaders, an east Germanic stock.
+During the glorious reign of King Gunther there appears, attracted by
+the beauty of Chriemhild the king's sister, a young hero, Siegfried,
+by name. He is himself a king's son, his father Siegmund reigning in
+Xanten "nieden by dem Rine." King Gunther receives the fair Recken
+into his service as a vassal.
+
+Siegfried, exhibiting the fairest loyalty to his overlord, and
+rendered invisible by magic, conquers for him the redoubtable
+Brunhild, the proud queen of the island kingdom of Isenland (Iceland)
+and compels her to wed King Gunther. As a reward Siegfried receives
+the hand of Chriemhild. In the fulness of his heart the hero presents
+to Chriemhild as a marriage gift, the Nibelungen Hoard, which he had
+gained in his early years from the sons of the king of the Nibelungen
+and from Dwarf Alberich the guardian of the treasure.
+
+Joy reigns in the king's court at Worms, but it was not shared by all.
+Besides Chriemhild there was another secretly drawn towards the hero,
+and in Brunhild's heart the bridal happiness of Chriemhild awakens
+such envy that soon no friendly word passes between the women. They
+become estranged and one day her bad feeling leads Brunhild to harsh
+words. Then alas, Chriemhild gave unbridled licence to her tongue. In
+her rash insolence she represents to Brunhild that it was not Gunther
+but Siegfried who formerly overcame her. As proof of this she produces
+the ring and girdle which Siegfried had taken on that night from the
+powerful Brunhild, and which he had presented to Chriemhild. With
+fierce haughtiness Chriemhild taunts her opponent with a hateful name
+no woman could endure, and forbids her to enter the cathedral.
+
+Brunhild, weeping, informs King Gunther of the contumely heaped upon
+her. The king is filled with wrath, and his vassal, the gloomy Hagen,
+considers how he may destroy Siegfried avowedly to avenge the Queen,
+but secretly for the possession of the Nibelungen Hoard. During a hunt
+in the Odenwald Siegfried was treacherously stabbed by Hagen whilst
+stopping to drink from a well. The intention was to spread the report
+that Siegfried had been slain by robbers whilst hunting alone. So, on
+the following day they crossed the Rhine back to Worms.
+
+In the night Hagen caused the dead body of Siegfried to be laid in
+front of Chriemhild's chamber. In the early morning as Chriemhild
+accompanied by her attendants was preparing to go to mass in the
+cathedral she noticed the corpse of her hero. A wail of sorrow arose.
+Chriemhild threw herself weeping on the body of her murdered husband.
+"Alas!" she cried "thy shield is not hewn by swords: thou hast been
+foully murdered. Did I but know who has done this, I would avenge thy
+death." Chriemhild ordered a magnificent bier for her royal hero, and
+demanded that an ordeal should be held over the corpse. "For it is a
+marvellous thing, and to this day it happens, that when the
+bloodstained murderer approaches wounds bleed anew."
+
+So all the princes and nobles of Burgundy walked past the dead body,
+above which was the figure of the crucified Redeemer of the world, and
+lo! when the grim Hagen came forward the wounds of the dead man began
+to flow. In the presence of the astounded men and horrified women
+Chriemhild accused Hagen of the assassination of her husband.
+
+Much treachery and woe accompanied the expiation of this great crime.
+The Nibelungen Hoard, the cause of the shameful deed, was sunk in the
+middle of the Rhine in order to prevent future strife arising from
+human greed. But Chriemhild's undying sorrow was not mitigated, nor
+her unconquerable thirst for revenge appeased.
+
+After the burial of his son King Siegmund begged in vain that
+Chriemhild should come to the royal city of Xanten; she remained at
+Worms for thirteen years constantly near her beloved dead.
+
+Then the sorrowing woman removed to the Abbey of Lorch which her
+mother, Frau Ute, had founded. Thither also, she transferred
+Siegfried's body.
+
+When Etzel (Attila) the ruler of the Huns wooed her, Chriemhild urged
+not by love but by very different feelings gave him her hand and
+accompanied her heathen lord to the Ungarland. Then she treacherously
+invited Siegfried's murderers to visit her husband, and prepared for
+them a destruction which fills the mind with horror. The Burgundian
+king and his followers, who, since the Hoard had come into their
+possession, were called the Nibelungen, fell slaughtered in the
+Etzelburg under the swords of the Huns and their allies, thus atoning
+for their faithlessness to the hero Siegfried. And with this awful
+holocaust ends the Lied of the Nibelungen Not, the most renowned
+heroic legend in the German tongue.
+
+
+
+
+SPEYER
+
+The Bells of Speyer
+
+
+The German Emperor, Henry IV., had much trouble to bear under his
+purple mantle. Through his own and through stranger's faults the crown
+which he wore was set with thorns, and even into the bosom of his
+family this unhappy spirit of dissension had crept. The
+excommunication of the Pope, his powerful enemy, was followed by the
+revolt of the princes, and lastly by the conspiracy of his own sons.
+His eldest son, Conrad, openly rebelled against him, and treated his
+father most scornfully. When this prince died suddenly, the second
+son, Henry, attempted the deposition of his father and made intrigues
+against him. Thus forced to abdicate his throne the broken-down
+emperor fled to Liège, accompanied by one faithful servant, Kurt, and
+there lay down to his last rest.
+
+His body was left for five years in unconsecrated ground in a foreign
+country. Kurt remained faithful, and prayed incessantly at the
+burial-place of his royal master.
+
+At last the Pope at Henry's request consented to recall the ban. Henry
+ordered his father's remains to be brought to Speyer and solemnly
+interred with the royal family. Kurt was allowed to follow the
+procession to Speyer, but wearied out by this long watching the old
+man died a few days afterwards. Just at the moment of his death the
+bells in the cathedral at Speyer tolled without any human hand putting
+them in motion, as they always did when an imperial death took place.
+
+Years passed.
+
+The German emperor Henry V. lay dying on his luxurious couch at
+Speyer. His bodily sufferings were intense, but the agony of his mind
+was even greater; he had obtained the crown which now pressed so
+heavily on his head, by shameful treacherous means. The apparition of
+his father dying in misery appeared to him, and no words of the
+flatterers at his bed-side could still the voice of his conscience. At
+last death freed him from all his torments, and at the same hour the
+bells which were always rung when a poor sinner was led to execution,
+tolled, set in motion by no human hand.
+
+Thus were the bells the instrument of that Hand which wisely and
+warningly wrote ... "Honour thy father and thy mother...."
+
+
+
+
+FRANKFORT
+
+The Knave of Bergen
+
+
+[Illustration: Der Scharfrichter von Bergen--Nach einer Zeichnung von
+Adolf Menzel--The Knave of Bergen--Le bourreau de Bergen]
+
+The emperor was to be crowned at Frankfort, and great festivities were
+to be given in the town in his honour, among them a masquerade, at
+which knights and noble ladies rivalled each other in splendour. Joy
+was depicted on every face at this great assembly, only one knight
+among the many guests being noticeable for his gravity and restraint.
+He wore black armour, and the feather waving above his visor was black
+too. No one knew him or could guess who he was. He approached the
+empress with a noble grace, bent his knee, and asked her to dance with
+him, which she graciously consented to do. He glided gracefully
+through the splendid halls with the queen of the festival, and soon
+every eye was turned on them, and everyone was eager to know who he
+was.
+
+The empress was charmed with her excellent partner, and the grace of
+his refined conversation pleased her so much that she granted him a
+second and a third dance.
+
+Everyone became more and more curious to know who this masked knight
+was. Meanwhile the hour struck when every mask had to be raised, and
+every masked guest must make himself known. More than all the others
+the empress was anxious to know who her partner was. But he hesitated
+and even refused to take off his mask until she ordered him
+peremptorily to do so. The knight obeyed, but none of the high ladies
+or noble knights recognised him. Suddenly two stewards pressed through
+the crowd, crying out with indignation and horror;
+
+"It is the headsman from Bergen!"
+
+Then the emperor in great wrath ordered the shameful offender who had
+thus degraded the empress and insulted his sovereign to be led to
+execution.
+
+But the culprit, throwing himself at the emperor's feet, said boldly,
+"I have transgressed, my lord, and offended you and your noble guests,
+but most heavily have I sinned against my queen. No punishment, not
+even blood, will be able to wash out the disgrace you have suffered
+through me. Therefore, oh King! allow me to propose a remedy to efface
+the shame. Draw your sword and knight me, and I will throw down my
+gauntlet to any one who dares to speak disrespectfully of my
+sovereign."
+
+The emperor was taken by surprise at this bold proposal. However it
+appeared the wisest plan to adopt.
+
+"You are a knave," he replied after a moment's consideration, "but
+your advice is good and displays prudence, just as your offence shows
+adventurous courage. Well then,"--laying his sword on the man's
+neck--"rise Sir Knight. You have acted like a knave, and the Knave of
+Bergen you shall be called henceforth."
+
+A joyful shout of approbation pealed through the halls, and the new
+knight again glided gracefully through the crowd with the queen of the
+festival.
+
+
+
+
+MAYENCE
+
+Heinrich Frauenlob
+
+
+[Illustration: Heinrich Frauenlob--Steinbild im Dom zu Mainz]
+
+The priest or as some say, canon, in the old town of Mayence was a
+very worthy man, and at the same time a heaven-gifted singer. Besides
+devoting himself to science, he composed numerous pious verses which
+he dedicated to the Holy Virgin. He also played the harp, and wrote
+many beautiful songs in honour of the female sex.
+
+In contrast to many contemporary poets, he considered "woman" a higher
+title than "wife," which only signifies a married woman. So on account
+of the chivalry displayed in his numberless poems and songs, posterity
+gave him the name of "Frauenlob," under which title he is better known
+than under his own name of Heinrich of Meissen.
+
+The love and veneration which thankful women paid him was very great,
+not only during his life-time, but even more so after his death. Their
+grief was intense when it became known that the poet's voice would
+never more be heard in this world. It was agreed to honour him with
+such a burial as no poet had ever before received. The funeral
+procession moved slowly and sorrowfully along the streets, the greater
+part of the cortege being women in deep mourning who prayed for the
+repose of the poet's soul. Eight of the most beautiful among them
+carried the coffin, which was covered with sweet-scented flowers.
+
+At the grave songs of lamentation were heard from women's gentle
+voices. Precious Rhine-wine which had been the poet's favourite drink,
+and which so often had inspired his poetry, was poured by hands of his
+admirers over his grave, so profusely, the legend relates, that the
+entrance of the church was flooded by the libation. But still more
+precious than all these gifts were the tears, which on this memorable
+day were shed by many a gentle lady.
+
+The wanderer can still see the monument erected to this great
+benefactor in the cathedral at Mayence, which represents the figure of
+a beautiful woman in pure-white marble placing a wreath on the coffin
+of the great singer, who had honoured women in the most chivalrous of
+songs.
+
+
+
+
+Bishop Willigis
+
+
+[Illustration: Bischof Willigis in der Klosterschule--Nach dem Gemälde
+von Lindenschmitt]
+
+In the year 1000 there was a very pious priest in Mayence called
+Bishop Willigis. He was only the son of a poor wheelwright, but by his
+perseverance and his own merit he had attained to the dignity of first
+priest of the kingdom. The honest citizens of Mayence loved and
+honoured the worthy divine, although they did not altogether like
+having to bow down to one who had been brought up in a simple cottage
+like themselves.
+
+The bishop once reproved them in gentle tones for thinking too much of
+mere descent. This vexed the supercilious citizens, and one night they
+determined to play Willigis a trick. They took some chalk and drew
+enormous wheels on all the doors of his house.
+
+Early next morning as the bishop was going to mass, he noticed the
+scoffers' malicious work. He stood silently looking at the wheels, the
+chaplain by his side expecting every moment that the reverend prelate
+would burst forth in a terrible rage. But a gay smile spread over the
+bishop's features and, ordering a painter to be sent to him, he told
+him to paint white wheels on a scarlet back-ground, visible to every
+eye, just where the chalk wheels had been drawn, and underneath to
+paint the words, "Willigis! Willigis! just think what you have risen
+from." But he did not stop there. He ordered the wheelwright to make
+him a plough-wheel, and caused it to be placed over his couch in
+memory of his extraction.
+
+Thereafter the scoffers were put to silence, and the people of Mayence
+began to honour and esteem their worthy bishop, who, though he had
+been so exalted, possessed such honest common-sense.
+
+White wheels on a red ground have been the arms of the Bishops of
+Mayence ever since.
+
+
+
+
+JOHANNISBERG
+
+
+Wherever the German tongue is heard, and even further still, the king
+of all Rhine wines, "Johannisberger" is known and sought after. Every
+friend of the grape which grows on the banks of this river is well
+acquainted with it, but few perhaps know of its princely origin. It is
+princely, not because princes' hands once kept the key to
+Johannisberg, but rather because princely hands planted the vine in
+the Rhine country, and this royal giver was no other than Charlemagne,
+the all-powerful ruler of the kingdom of the Franks.
+
+Once in early spring Charles the Great was standing on the balcony of
+his castle at Ingelheim, his eyes straying over the beautiful stretch
+of country at his feet. Snow had fallen during the night, and the
+hills of Rüdesheim were clothed in white. As the imperial ruler was
+looking thoughtfully over the landscape, he noticed that the snow on
+one side of Johannisberg melted quicker in the sun's rays than on any
+other part. Charles, who was a great and deep thinker, began to
+reflect that on a spot where the rays of the sun shone so genially,
+something better than grass would thrive.
+
+Sending for Kunrat, his faithful servant, he bade him saddle his horse
+the next day at dawn and ride to Orleans, a town famous for its good
+wine. He was to inform the citizens that the emperor had not forgotten
+the excellent wine they had given him there, and that he would like to
+grow the same vines on the Rhine. He desired the citizens of Orleans
+therefore to send him plants from their country.
+
+The messenger set off to do the king's bidding and ere the moon had
+again gone round her course, was back in the castle at Ingelheim.
+Great satisfaction prevailed at court. Charles, mighty ruler as he
+was, even went so far as to cross to Rüdesheim, where he planted with
+his royal hand the French vine in German soil.
+
+This was no mere passing whim on the part of the emperor. He sent
+messengers constantly to bring word how the vines were thriving in
+Rüdesheim and on the flanks of Johannisberg, and when the third autumn
+had come round, the Emperor Charlemagne set out from his favourite
+resort, Aix-la-Chapelle, for the Rhine country, and great rejoicing
+prevailed among the vine-reapers from Rüdesheim to Johannisberg.
+
+The first cup of wine was solemnly offered to the emperor, a golden
+wine in a golden goblet, a wine worthy of a king.
+
+Charles took a long deep draught, and with brightened eyes praised the
+delicious drink. It became his favourite wine, this fiery
+"Johannisberger," making him young again in his old age. What
+Charlemagne then felt when he drank this wine, every one who raises
+the sparkling grapejuice to his lips is keenly sensible of also.
+Wherever the German tongue is heard, and even further still, the king
+of all Rhine wines is known and sought after, Johannisberger wine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The legend weaves another wonderful tale about the great emperor
+blessing his grapes.
+
+A poet's pen has fashioned it into a song, which is still often heard
+among the grapegatherers.
+
+Every spring when the vines are blossoming on the hills and in the
+valleys along the river, and their fragrance scents the air, a tall
+shadow wanders about the vineyards at night, a purple mantle hanging
+from his stately shoulders, and a crown on his head. It is
+Charlemagne, the great Emperor, who planted the grapes long years
+before. The luscious scent of the blossoms wakens him up from his tomb
+in Aix-la-Chapelle, and he comes to bless the grapes.
+
+When the full moon gently casts her bright beams on the water,
+lighting up the emperor's nightly path, he may be seen crossing the
+golden bridge formed by her rays and then wandering further along the
+hills, blessing the vines on the other side of the river.
+
+At the first crow of the cock he returns to his grave in
+Aix-la-Chapelle, and sleeps till the scent of the grapes wakens him
+next spring, when he again wanders through the countries along the
+Rhine, blessing the vineyards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Let us now relate another little story which is told of the monks who
+lived at Johannisberg.
+
+Once the high Abbot of Fulda came unexpectedly to visit the cloister
+at Johannisberg just about the time when the grapes were ripe. The
+worthy Abbot made many inquiries about his people, showed himself
+highly pleased with the works of the industrious monks, and as a mark
+of his continued favour, invited all the inmates of the cloister to a
+drinking-bout.
+
+"Wine maketh the heart glad," thus quoting King David's significant
+words, the holy man began his speech: "God's loving hand will be
+gracious in future years to your vines. Let us profit by his grace,
+brothers, and drink what he has provided for us in moderation and
+reverence. But before we refresh ourselves with God's good gifts, take
+your breviaries and let us begin with a short prayer."
+
+"Breviaries!" was whispered along the rows, and the eyes of the fat
+genial faces blinked in helpless embarrassment.
+
+"Yes, your breviaries," and the white-haired Abbot looked silently but
+sternly at the brothers.
+
+They searched and searched.
+
+Gradually the frown disappeared from the Abbot's face, and a smile
+gradually spread over his withered features.
+
+"Well, never mind, let us drink," said he. Then feeling his pockets,
+he said with a gleam in his eye, "That's too bad! I ought to have
+brought a corkscrew with me when I came to the Rhine."
+
+"A corkscrew!" Every one dives his hand into his pocket, and as many
+corkscrews were produced before the worthy Abbot as there were
+brothers present.
+
+Then a gleam of merriment beamed in the Abbot's eyes.
+
+"Bravo, ye pious monks! what a plentiful supply of corkscrews! Do not
+all look so embarrassed, we shall not be annoyed about it to-day
+but--to-morrow! Now we shall sing with King David, 'Wine maketh the
+heart glad,'" and the uncorked bottle went the rounds.
+
+
+
+
+INGELHEIM
+
+Eginhard and Emma
+
+
+I.
+
+The story which we have now to relate is a very touching one, and it
+becomes even more interesting when we know that it is based on real
+fact.
+
+In the little town of Ingelheim there was a beautiful marble castle,
+the favourite residence of Charlemagne. He often retired to this
+lonely, peaceful spot accompanied only by a few of his faithful
+vassals and the members of his own family. Eginhard, the emperor's
+private secretary, was never missing from this little circle.
+Charlemagne thought highly of this man, then in the prime of youth, on
+account of his profound knowledge and extraordinary talents.
+
+The young scholar, so different from the wise councillors not only in
+his learning but in his cultivated manners, was a great favourite
+among the ladies of the court.
+
+Eginhard who was a constant companion of the emperor, had also become
+an intimate member of the family circle, and Charlemagne entrusted him
+with the education of his favourite child Emma, daughter of his wife
+Gismonda. This dark-eyed maiden was considered the most beautiful of
+her age, and the young scholar could not long remain cold and
+indifferent to her charms. The undisturbed hours which should have
+been spent in learning, led to a mutual understanding. Eginhard
+struggled to remind himself of his duty towards his sovereign, but
+love overcame him, and soon an oath of eternal fidelity united these
+young hearts.
+
+
+II.
+
+The great emperor ought to have known what would be the consequence of
+allowing the young scholar to enjoy the society of his dark-eyed,
+passionate daughter. In the still hours of the night when all the
+inmates of the castle lay wrapped in sleep, Eginhard sought the
+chamber of his beloved. She listened enchanted to the glowing words of
+his burning heart, but their love was chaste and pure, no gusts of
+passion troubling them.
+
+But fate was against these lovers. One night they were sitting in
+Emma's chamber talking confidentially together. The great palace was
+veiled in darkness, no ray of light, no star was to be seen in the
+heavens. As Eginhard was about to leave the chamber, he perceived that
+the courtyard below was covered with snow. It would have been
+impossible to pass across it without leaving a trace behind him, but
+at all risks he must reach his room.
+
+What was to be done? Love is ingenious. After considering for some
+time together, they both concluded that there was but one way to
+prevent their being betrayed. The slender maiden took her lover on
+her back and carried him across the courtyard, thus leaving behind
+only her two small foot-prints.
+
+It happened that Charles the Great had not yet sought the repose he
+needed so much, as care banished sleep from his eyes. He sat at his
+window and looked out into the silent night. In the courtyard below he
+perceived a shadow crossing the pavement and, looking carefully, he
+recognised his favourite daughter Emma carrying a man on her
+back.--Yes! and this man was Eginhard, his great favourite. Pain and
+anger struggled in his heart. He wanted to rush down and kill him--an
+emperor's daughter and a mere secretary--but with a great effort he
+restrained himself, mastered the violent agitation which this
+unexpected sight caused him, and went back to his chamber to wait
+wearily for dawn.
+
+
+III.
+
+The next day Charles assembled his councillors. They were all
+horrified to see his ghastly look; his brow was dark, and sorrow was
+depicted on every feature. Eginhard looked at his master apprehending
+coming evil. Charlemagne stood up and spake:--
+
+"What does a royal princess deserve, who receives the visit of a man
+at night?" The councillors looked at each other speechless. Eginhard's
+countenance became white as death. The councillors soon guessed the
+name of the royal princess, and they consulted together for some time
+not knowing what to say, but at last one councillor answered:--
+
+"Your Majesty, we think that a weak woman must not be punished for
+anything done out of love."
+
+"And what does a favourite of the emperor deserve who creeps into a
+royal princess' chamber at night?"
+
+Charlemagne cast a dark look at his secretary, who trembled and became
+even paler. "Alas! all is lost," murmured he to himself. Then, raising
+his voice, he said, "Death, my Master and Emperor!"
+
+Charles looked at the young man full of astonishment. The wrath in his
+soul melted at this self-accusation and fervent repentance. Deep
+silence followed this answer, and in a few minutes the emperor
+dismissed his councillors, making a sign at the same time to Eginhard
+to follow him.
+
+Without a word Charles led him into his private chamber, where in
+answer to his summons, Emma appeared.
+
+Her heart misgave her as she saw the dark look on her father's face
+and the troubled features of her beloved. She understood all at once,
+and with a convulsive cry of pain threw herself at her father's feet.
+
+"Mercy! mercy! my father, we love each other so dearly!" murmured she,
+raising her large eyes imploringly. "Mercy!" murmured Eginhard too,
+bending his knees.
+
+The emperor remained silent. After a time he began to speak earnestly
+and coldly at first, but his voice changed to a milder tone on hearing
+the sobs of his favourite child.
+
+"I shall not separate you who are bound to each other by love. A
+priest shall unite you, and at dawn to-morrow you must both be gone
+from the castle, never to return."
+
+He left them, shutting the door behind him.
+
+The beautiful maiden sank down on her knees, only half conscious in
+her grief of what her father had said. But Eginhard's soft voice soon
+whispered in her ear.
+
+"Do not weep, Emma. By thrusting you from him, your father, my master,
+has only bound us together for ever. Come," he continued in a
+trembling voice, alarmed at her passionate tears, "we must go, but
+love will be ever with us."
+
+The next day two pilgrims left the castle of Ingelheim, and took the
+road in the direction of Mayence.
+
+
+IV.
+
+Time wore on.
+
+Charles the Great had made war on Saxony, had set the Roman crown upon
+his own head, and had become famous throughout the whole world. But
+all his fame had not prevented his hair from becoming grey, nor his
+heart from being sad. A mournful picture had imprinted itself on his
+mind, despite all his efforts to forget the past. In the evening when
+the setting sun glittered on the marble pillars of the royal palace,
+casting its golden rays into the chamber of the great emperor, it
+would find him sitting motionless in his carved oak-chair, his grey
+head buried in his hands, mournful dreams troubling his peace. He was
+thinking of the days which were past, of the young man whose gentle
+ways made him so different from the rough warriors of the court, how
+he used to recite poetry and sing the songs of the old bards so
+passionately, and the old legends which the emperor prized so much,
+how he used to read to him from the old gray parchment which he,
+Eginhard, had written so carefully, how his own favourite dark-eyed
+daughter had so often been present, sitting at his feet listening
+intently to the reader--all this came back to his memory, saddening
+his heart, and filling his eyes with tears.
+
+
+V.
+
+Bugle-horns sounded through the forest, Charles and his followers were
+at the chase. The old emperor, seeking to forget his grief, had seized
+his spear and had gone out to hunt.
+
+In his eagerness to follow a magnificent stag he had become separated
+from his escort. The sun was already low in the west; the animal, now
+seeing no way of escape, as his pursuer was close behind him, dashed
+into a river and swam to the other side. The emperor, in hot pursuit
+and much exhausted, arrived at the water's edge, and for the first
+time noticed that he was alone, and in a part of the country quite
+unknown to him.
+
+The river lay before him and the forest behind, but the latter seemed
+to be quite impenetrable. It was already night, and Charles sought in
+vain to find some path or track.
+
+As he was looking round him, he perceived a light in the distance.
+Greatly pleased he started off in that direction, and found a little
+hut close to the river, but on looking through the window Charlemagne
+saw the room was a very poor one.
+
+"Perhaps this is the hermitage of some pious man," thought he, and
+knocked at the door, whereupon a fair-haired man appeared on the
+threshold.
+
+Without mentioning his name, the emperor informed him of what had
+happened, and begged shelter for the night.
+
+At the sound of this loved voice, the man trembled, but controlling
+himself, he invited the emperor to enter. A young woman was sitting on
+a stool rocking a baby in her arms. She started, became very pale at
+the sight of the emperor, and then hurried into the next room to hide
+her emotion; Charles sat down, and refusing refreshment from his host
+leaned his head wearily on his hands.
+
+Minutes passed, and still he sat there lost in thought, dreaming of
+those happy by-gone days.
+
+At last the sweet prattle of a child roused him, and looking up he saw
+a little girl about five years old at his side, stretching out her
+arms to him, bidding him good-night. Charles looked closely at the
+little angel-like creature, his heart throbbing within him. "What is
+your name, little one?" asked he. "Emma," answered the child.
+
+"Emma," repeated Charles with tears in his eyes, and drawing the child
+closer to him he pressed a kiss on its forehead.
+
+In a moment the man and his young wife were at the emperor's feet
+imploring pardon. "Emma! Eginhard!" cried he with great emotion,
+embracing them both. "Blessed be the place where I have found you
+again!"
+
+Emma and Eginhard returned in great pomp to the emperor's court. The
+latter gave them his beautiful palace at Ingelheim, and only felt
+himself happy when he was with them.
+
+He caused a cloister to be built on the spot where he had found them
+again, which to the present day is called "Seligenstadt," "town of the
+happy."
+
+In the church belonging to this little town the tomb of Eginhard and
+Emma is still shown, for according to their wishes, their bones were
+interred in the same coffin.
+
+
+
+
+RÜDESHEIM
+
+The Brömserburg
+
+
+In the lofty cathedral of Spires stood a great assemblage of knights,
+and on the throne near the altar sat Conrad der Staufe with his hands
+resting on the hilt of his sword. All were listening intently to the
+burning words of Bernard of Clairvaux who was describing the ruthless
+manner in which the holy places of Palestine had been laid waste. As
+the saintly preacher ended with a thrilling appeal to the religious
+feelings of his audience, a great shout, "On, to Jerusalem!" rang
+through the sacred edifice. Most of the knights offered to bring as
+many followers as possible to aid their pious Emperor. Among those
+present was Hans Brömser, the lord of the Niederburg at Rüdesheim.
+This noble knight, the last of his race, was not detained at home by
+family cares. His wife had early been taken from him by death, and
+Mechtildis, the only offspring of their marriage, was left under the
+protection of the neighbouring Falkenstein family.
+
+So the pious warriors marched by devious and dangerous routes to that
+land where Our Lord lived and suffered. In fierce battle with the
+Saracens many a noble knight closed his eyes forever. Many met a
+harder fate--a living death in the noisome prisons of the unbelievers.
+After a lost battle Sir Brömser fell into the hands of the Turks, and
+in a dungeon had to suffer shameful imprisonment. Sometimes they would
+force their knightly foe to turn a millstone, while the crowd jeered.
+Then, in the hour of deepest misery the knight made a vow to God.
+"Give me my freedom again, and I vow that my child Mechtildis shall
+devote her life to the Church." And he repeated the solemn words
+again, and yet a third time.
+
+Then happened what none of his companions-in-arms had ever hoped for.
+The brave crusaders stormed this Turkish stronghold in the Syrian
+desert, and liberated their fellow-crusaders from captivity. Full of
+gratitude to God, Hans Brömser again fought valiantly in the holy
+cause.
+
+Meanwhile at home in the hospitable keep above the Rhine a maiden
+awaited with anxiety the return of her father. Often in the silent
+hours, with sweetness and sunshine around her, without and within, she
+stood on the castle-wall and she saw in reverie that blue Eastern
+land, whilst she listened to the wild throbbing of her young heart in
+which the blossoms of first love were bursting.
+
+Then one night her father returned to the Rhineland.
+
+In the moss-covered courtyard of the castle Mechtildis embraced her
+father long and silently. Beside the maiden, now in her seventeenth
+year, stood the young lord of Falkenstein. The youth bowed deeply to
+the lord of the Brömserburg, and greeted him kindly with the words,
+"Welcome home, father!" Then the vow made in the Syrian prison rose
+like a spectre to pall the joy of the crusader's return.
+
+In the banqueting-hall of the castle a large company had assembled to
+celebrate the happy return of Hans Brömser and his faithful
+companions. The praise of the crusaders resounded and many stories
+were told of the dangers the heroes had encountered. With stirring
+words the knight related to his listening guests how he himself had
+fought in the sacred cause, and how he had suffered imprisonment among
+the heathen. Then in a lower tone, and with solemn words, he told his
+friends of the vow he had made in his hour of deep despair in the
+Syrian dungeon.
+
+The painful silence which followed was broken by a stifled cry, and
+the knight's daughter, pale as the covering on the festive board, sank
+unconscious to the floor. With burning cheek and flashing eye the
+young lord of Falkenstein rose, and with a firm voice exclaimed,
+"Mechtildis belongs to me; she has solemnly given herself to me
+forever." The murmur soon subsided before the stern countenance of the
+lord of the castle. "Mechtildis has been dedicated to heaven, not to
+you, boy. The last of the Brömser race has sworn it, and abides by
+it." The knight said this with suppressed fury, and soon his guests
+departed in silence.
+
+Mechtildis lay in her chamber in wild grief. The flickering lamp
+beside the crucifix threw an unsteady light on the extended form of
+the maiden who was measuring the tedious night hours in the
+love-anguish of her young heart. To the distracted maid her chamber
+seemed to be transformed to an oppressive dungeon. Seizing the lamp
+with a trembling hand she hurried up the narrow winding stair on to
+the roof of the castle, and there committed her great grief to the
+listening ear of night. Leaning on the wall, she looked away towards
+the castle where lived the noble young lord to whom she had dedicated
+her life. "I am thine, my beloved," she sobbed. No star was visible in
+the sky. A wild autumn wind shrieked and swirled round the keep in
+accompaniment to the storm in the maiden's breast. A short piercing
+cry echoed in the darkness. Was it the bride of the winds or a human
+cry? The night swallowed it. From the parapet of the Brömserburg a
+female form had been hurled down into the dark floods of the Rhine
+below.
+
+A bright harvest morning followed a stormy night. In the Brömserburg
+they were searching everywhere in vain for their lord's daughter. Soon
+however a mournful procession approached bearing the mortal remains of
+Mechtildis. In the early dawn a young woman had rescued the body from
+the waters of the river. Now the walls of the Brömserburg echoed with
+sounds of woe over the early death of this last fair young flower of
+the Brömser race. Hans Brömser threw himself on the body and buried
+his stern features in the snowy linen. Not a tear bedewed his eyelids.
+
+As a propitiatory offering for the rest of the soul of the maiden who
+had thus avoided the monastic life, the knight in his deep sorrow
+vowed to build a chapel on the hill opposite his castle. Then Hans
+Brömser shut himself up in his chamber, and passed the following days
+in silent grief, while the grave closed over his wretched child.
+
+Many months passed, but still not a stone of the promised chapel had
+been set up. In the bitterness of his sorrow the grief-stricken father
+had separated himself more and more from the world, and now brooded in
+gloomy isolation. One day a servant came before him with a likeness of
+the Mother of God which an ox had scraped up while ploughing a field
+on the hill opposite the castle, and three times the servant declared
+he had heard the "Not Gottes" (Suffering of God) called out. Then Hans
+Brömser remembered his vow, and the chapel for the peace of the soul
+of Mechtildis was erected. "Not Gottes" it is called to this day.
+
+
+
+
+BINGEN
+
+The Mouse-Tower
+
+
+Below Bingen in the middle of the Rhine there is a lonely island on
+which a stronghold is to be seen. This tower is called "the
+Mouse-Tower." For many centuries a very gloomy tale has been told
+about it in connection with Hatto, Archbishop of Mayence, whose evil
+deeds were well-known throughout the country.
+
+Hatto is said to have been ambitious, heartless, and perfidious, as
+well as cruel towards the poor. He extorted taxes from his people,
+tolls were imposed, and new burdens invented only to gratify his
+haughty pride and his love of display. On a little island between
+Bingen and Rüdesheim he caused a tower to be built, so that all
+passing ships could be stopped in the narrow passage, where they were
+obliged to pay toll.
+
+Soon after the building of this custom-house there was a very bad
+harvest in the country round Mayence. Drought had parched the fields,
+and the little seed remaining had been destroyed by hail. The scarcity
+was felt all the more, because the bishop had bought up all the stores
+of corn that were left from the year before, and had stored them up
+safely in his granaries.
+
+A terrible famine now threatened the land, spreading misery among the
+poor. The unhappy people implored the cruel bishop to lower the price
+of the corn in his store-house, which he wished to sell at such
+exorbitant prices that his subjects could not buy it. All their
+petitions were in vain. His advisers besought him to have pity on the
+deplorable condition of the poor, but Hatto remained unmoved. When
+cries of distress and the murmuring voices of the exasperated folk
+were raised against their hard-hearted master, the bishop gave free
+vent to the wicked thoughts of his soul.
+
+One day a troop of hungry beggars came crowding to the episcopal
+palace crying for food. Hatto and his guests were just sitting down to
+a luxurious banquet. The bishop had been talking to his companions of
+these wretched people, and had expressed his opinion that it would be
+a good thing to do away with them altogether in some drastic way.
+
+As the ragged mob of men, women and children, with hollow cheeks and
+pale faces threw themselves at his feet crying for bread, a still more
+fiendish plan suggested itself. Beckoning to them with hypocritical
+kindness he promised them corn, and caused them to be led outside the
+town to a barn, where each one was to receive as much corn as he
+wished. The unhappy folk hurried forth, their hearts full of
+gratitude; but when they were all in the barn, Hatto ordered the doors
+to be locked and the barn to be set on fire.
+
+The screams of the poor wretches were heart-rending, and could be
+heard even in the bishop's palace.
+
+But cruel Hatto called out scornfully to his advisers, "Listen! how
+the mice are squeaking among the corn. This eternal begging is at an
+end at last. May the mice bite me if it is not true!"
+
+But the punishment which Heaven sent him was terrible. Thousands of
+mice came out of the burning barn, made their way to the palace,
+filled every chamber and corner, and at last attacked the bishop
+himself. His servants killed them by hundreds, but their numbers
+seemed only to increase, as did their ferocity also. The bishop was
+seized with horror and, anticipating God's punishment, he fled from
+the town and went on board a boat hoping to defend himself from his
+terrible pursuers. But the innumerable horde swam in legions after
+him, and when he reached his tower on the island thinking at least he
+would be safe there, the mice followed him, gnawing the tower and
+tearing for themselves an entrance with their sharp teeth, till at
+last they reached him whom they sought. The cruel man was devoured by
+the mice, which attacked him by scores. In his despair he offered his
+soul to the Evil One, if he would release his body from such awful
+agony. The Evil Spirit came, freed his body, but took his soul away
+for himself.
+
+Thus runs the legend. History however speaks less severely of Hatto,
+the imperious prelate.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+His great ambition was his desire of power. He was the founder of the
+temporal power which the seat of Mayence obtained, and which later on
+made it the first bishopric of the kingdom, but he was always hated by
+the citizens, who suffered much owing to his proud, despotic
+character.
+
+It is true that he was the founder of the toll which ships in olden
+times were obliged to pay on the Rhine, so that this fact and many
+other cruel exactions of his, have helped to evolve the terrible
+legend of the Mouse-Tower.
+
+
+
+
+THE VALLEY OF THE NAHE
+
+KREUZNACH
+
+A mighty draught
+
+
+Once upon a time in the high castle called Rheingrafenstein near
+Kreuznach, the flower of the knights belonging to the Rhine country
+were assembled.
+
+They were powerful warriors, these nobles of ancient rank, but the
+most prominent among them was the host himself, the proud Rhine Count.
+Many a cup had he already emptied to the health of his distinguished
+guests, and rising up once more from his richly carved chair he cast a
+look over the brilliant assembly and said in a boastful tone:
+
+"I have got a knight's high boot here, my noble lords. A courier left
+it behind him once. Now I promise on the honour of my house that
+whoever will drink it empty at one draught, to him I will give the
+village of Hüffelsheim yonder."
+
+The count, smiling at the novelty of the challenge, took the boot from
+his attendant's hand, caused it to be filled to the brim, and held up
+this novel cup to his guests. "Tis a fair challenge! Come on whoever
+will dare!" said he.
+
+Among the illustrious company present there was one, John of
+Sponheim, a knight well-known in the country for his enormous drinking
+powers; but he remained unmoved at these defiant words, only looking
+inquiringly at his neighbour, Knight Weinhart of Dhaun, who in great
+perplexity, was striving to hide his head behind a large goblet. Old
+Flörsheimer, another knight whose thirst usually seemed unquenchable,
+stroked his gray beard doubtfully, while Kunz of Stromberg, a tall
+thin man, shook his head at the thought of the after-effects which
+such a draught would bring. Even the chaplain of the castle, who
+attributed his effective intoning of high-mass to the virtues of the
+Rhenish wine which he indulged in so freely, looked longingly at the
+boot, but had not the courage to attempt such a rash act.
+
+Suddenly a knight, Boos of Waldeck by name rose. He was a muscular man
+with the strength of a bear. In a voice of thunder he banged his
+mighty fist upon the table and said scornfully, "Bring me that little
+boot!"
+
+The distinguished company stared at him in great astonishment, but
+Boos of Waldeck, taking the boot in his sturdy fist, cried out. "Your
+health, my lords!"
+
+Then flourishing it in the air, he emptied the boot at one draught.
+
+When this act was accomplished, Boos threw himself heavily into his
+chair, and addressing the master of the ceremonies, said with a
+humorous twinkle in his eye:
+
+"Did the courier not leave the other boot too? I might possibly win a
+second bet, and thus acquire the village of Roxheim into the bargain."
+
+The count looked much abashed, but the noble guests only laughed
+heartily at the joke.
+
+Thus stout Boos of Waldeck became lord of the village of Hüffelsheim.
+
+
+
+
+The Foundation of Castle Sponheim
+
+
+The following legend tells us about the origin of Castle Sponheim in
+the valley of the Nahe. Once a Knight of Ravensberg was eagerly wooing
+the beautiful young Countess of Heimburg, but there was a serious
+obstacle in his path to success. Some years before a Ravensberg had
+killed a Heimburg in a quarrel, and since that time a bitter feud had
+divided the two houses. The brave knight felt this bitterly, but in
+spite of it he did not leave off his wooing. The young countess was
+much touched by his constancy, and one day she spoke thus to her
+impetuous suitor:
+
+"My lord, if you will dare to go to the Holy Land there to expiate the
+sins of your fathers, and bring me back a relic from the sepulchre of
+our Redeemer, in that same hour your suit will be heard."
+
+The knight in great joy kissed the maiden's slender hand and departed,
+carrying the memory of her sweet smile away in his heart.
+
+Just at this time the call of the Emperor Barbarossa, now an old man,
+sounded throughout the land, and the Knight of Ravensberg did not
+neglect the opportunity, but hastened forth to join the imperial army.
+
+The expedition was a long and terrible one, and the troops wearily
+made their way across the desert plains of Palestine.
+
+The knight, though a brave man, had no special love for warlike
+adventures, and during these exhausting marches he thought sorrowfully
+of his quiet castle on the Nahe; of how he used to lie down there in
+peace and safety at night without being in fear of the Saracens who,
+under cover of darkness would break in waving their scimitars in air,
+an event which was a nightly occurrence on this expedition.
+
+Ravensberg however fought bravely in many a battle, and after the
+deaths of Barbarossa and his son, he joined the army of Richard the
+Lion-hearted.
+
+Through all this anxious time he never forgot his dear one at home,
+and his longing for her became stronger every day, till it seemed to
+get beyond endurance.
+
+King Richard was called back to England on some urgent state-affairs,
+and the Knight of Ravensberg was among the few companions-in-arms who
+embarked with him. The brave knight was very happy, and while the
+king's ship was sailing along the coast of Greece and up the blue
+Adriatic Sea, he would often stand on deck and weave bright dreams of
+the future; sometimes when no one was near, he would pull out a little
+black ebony box set with precious stones, on which a woman's name was
+written in golden letters; the interior was beautifully lined with
+costly silk; and a small splinter of wood lay within which the knight
+would kiss most reverently. He had paid a large sum of money for it
+in the Holy Land, where he had bought it from a Jewish merchant. This
+man had sworn to him that this fragment was from the cross to which
+the Son of God had been nailed.
+
+The knight was very happy during this long homeward journey, but a
+great misfortune awaited him. Just as the crusaders came in sight of
+Italy their vessel was wrecked. The King of England, the Knight of
+Ravensberg, and a few others were saved with great difficulty, and
+brought to land. But our poor knight was inconsolable; he had held the
+precious little box high above him in the water, but a mighty wave had
+torn it from him, and on opening his eyes he found himself on shore.
+The holy relic had saved him, but he had lost his treasure, and now
+all hope of his promised happiness was gone.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One day a weary and dispirited crusader returned to the castle of
+Heimburg. He announced his arrival to the young countess most humbly,
+but she, her lovely face lighted up by a bright smile, hurried to meet
+the knight whose sunburnt countenance betokened great hardships.
+
+She listened silently to his mournful story, then raising her
+beautiful head she asked: "Was not the little box set with precious
+stones and was not my name in golden letters on it?"
+
+"Yes, noble lady," said the knight, the bitterness of his
+disappointment newly awakened, "And now it lies at the bottom of the
+sea in spite of my fervent prayers to St. George to save the precious
+fragment of our Saviour's cross."
+
+The countess beckoned to a page, and after a few minutes the boy
+brought her on a velvet cushion a little black ebony box set with
+precious stones with a woman's name written on it. The knight uttered
+a cry of joyful surprise, for he recognised the jewel at once.
+
+"Entreat the Holy Patron of Knighthood to pardon you," said the
+countess with a smile. "A strange knight brought this to the steward a
+few days ago, and before I had time to send for him, he had
+disappeared."
+
+"It was St. George himself!" whispered the knight, crossing himself
+piously, "which proves that the fragment really belonged to the Holy
+Cross."
+
+Then he bent his knee before his charming mistress who, with a deep
+blush on her cheeks, gave the man she had long but secretly loved
+love's first kiss.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A happy marriage was speedily celebrated in Heimburg. The Knight of
+Ravensberg then called his castle Spanheim (Span being the German word
+for chip) in memory of the precious little relic. This name was later
+on corrupted into Sponheim.
+
+
+
+
+ASSMANNSHAUSEN
+
+St. Clement's Chapel
+
+
+[Illustration: Gefangener Raubritter--Nach dem Gemälde von Konrad
+Weigand (zur Sage: Die Clemenskapelle)]
+
+There is a very melancholy legend connected with the foundation of St.
+Clement's church, which was built on the banks of the Rhine and which,
+not long since, was rebuilt and renovated by the generosity of the
+present great lady of Rheinstein Castle.
+
+Rudolphus of Habsburg, elected emperor after the terrible anarchy
+which had reigned in Germany when the land was left without a ruler,
+determined by firm and vigorous government, to put an end to the
+evil-doings of the robber-knights who held sway along the Rhine.
+
+He had already threatened these much-dreaded nobles who disturbed the
+peace of the country and the government of its ruler, and now hearing
+that they still continued their ravages, the emperor appeared himself
+in the Rhine countries, resolved to annihilate them and to destroy
+their strongholds.
+
+On his way through the land, Rudolphus set fire to all the strongholds
+on the upper Rhine. The burning of the castles of Reichenstein,
+Sooneck, Heimburg and others, was an awful sight to the inhabitants of
+the valley below. Numerous members of these ancient noble races met
+the death of felons, and their bodies were hung up on trees as a
+warning to others.
+
+Through the gates of Mainz many a robber baron was led as a prisoner
+by the soldiers of the emperor. Every time that one of these barons
+and his companions-in-arms were led along with bound hands, towards
+the Imperial tribunal, young and old, rich and poor poured forth from
+the streets and alleys, and accompanied the highborn malefactors with
+curses. The windows of the houses around were filled with eager
+onlookers, admiring the conduct of their emperor.
+
+Moaning and wailing were then heard throughout the land, mothers,
+wives, and daughters weeping for their dead. On the other hand the
+merchants who had endured hardships and sufferings during these years,
+were now delighted with the stern justice dealt out by the emperor.
+
+Under cover of darkness stealthy forms could be seen creeping to the
+place of execution, and silently and mournfully taking away the bodies
+of their relatives to preserve them from ignominious destruction. They
+then buried the wretched remains in consecrated ground, hoping thus to
+satisfy the fears which haunted them of future punishment, for many of
+their dear ones had stained their swords with the blood of their
+neighbours.
+
+In order to atone for these sins, and in accordance with the wise
+counsel of a priest, the trees on which the bodies had been hanged
+were cut down, and the wood used to build a chapel of expiation.
+Stones were also taken from the smoking ruins of the burning castles
+and employed for the same purpose. The little church was built on the
+lonely place of execution on the Rhine near Assmannshausen.
+
+The day arrived--a day of great sorrow and weeping--when all was
+ready, and the priest was to read prayers from the altar for the first
+time. Many funeral barges were to be seen on the river, bringing the
+dead who were buried in the aisle of the church.
+
+The Archbishop of Mayence absolved the bodies from their sins, and
+afterwards they were all interred together near the little church for
+the second time.
+
+This occurred towards the end of the thirteenth century. For long
+years afterwards prayers were offered up in this church in
+Assmannshausen for the souls of the dead.
+
+The once proud and mighty races gradually died out, and their
+strongholds fell into ruins. And time which had demolished the castles
+on the heights above, began her work of destruction on the little
+church below; its roof decayed and its walls crumbled.
+
+The ancient little church of St. Clement has since that time been
+raised again from its ruins, and now the voice of God's priest is
+heard chanting in it again, as it was heard six hundred years ago.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE RHEINSTEIN
+
+The Wooing
+
+
+[Illustration: Der Brautzug--Nach dem Gemälde von L. Herterich--(zur
+Sage von Burg Rheinstein)]
+
+In Castle Rheinstein once lived a knight called Diethelm, who devoted
+himself without restraint to all the excesses of the robber barons.
+From one of his pillaging expeditions he brought back a charming
+maiden called Jutta. As the delicate ivy twines itself round the rough
+oak and clothes its knotty stem with shimmering velvet; so in time the
+gentle conduct of this maiden changed the coarse baron to a noble
+knight who eschewed pillaging and carousing, and ultimately made the
+fair Jutta the honoured wife of her captor.
+
+The first fruit of their love cost the tender mother her life. Gerda
+however, who much resembled her mother, grew to such a noble beauty
+that soon wooers from far and near came to sue for the hand of the
+beautiful daughter of the aged Diethelm. But the aged knight made a
+most careful selection, and many gay wooers had to depart in sorrow.
+One young man was however regarded favourably by the maid, and not
+unkindly looked upon by the old man. He was the oldest son of the
+owner of the Sternburg. This young man had contrived to win the
+maiden's heart, and one day, while Gerda presided as queen of love
+and beauty at a tournament held in the courtyard of Castle Rheinstein,
+Helmbrecht made an avowal of his love.
+
+Some days thereafter the young lord according to courtly fashion
+appointed his uncle Gunzelin of Reichenstein to woo his chosen bride
+for him. But Gunzelin though an old man was full of knavery and
+falsehood, and so instead of wooing for his nephew he ingratiated
+himself with Gerda's father. Moreover, as the old knight was descended
+from an ancient family and possessed of much wealth Diethelm was
+easily induced to promise him the hand of the fair Gerda. To the
+astonishment of this worthy pair Gerda would not listen to the suit of
+her rich wooer. Her heart belonged to the nephew, not to the uncle.
+Now Count Diethelm was aroused, and with the blind fury of his earlier
+years swore to his rich companion that Gerda belonged to him, and
+should never wed the young cock-sparrow of the Sternburg.
+
+In her quiet chamber the unhappy maid wept out her heart's grief, but
+burning tears did not thaw the ice-cold heart of the father. In vain
+the young lover tried to gain the old knight's favour, but Diethelm
+merely referred to his knightly word solemnly pledged to the lord of
+Reichenstein.
+
+Soon the day approached on which Gunzelin, with the smiling
+self-satisfaction of an old roué, and decked out to give himself all
+the appearance of young manhood, was to lead the fairest maiden in the
+Rhineland to his stately castle. Gerda who possessed the mild
+disposition of her deceased mother had submitted to the inevitable. On
+a bright summer morning the bridal procession started from the
+courtyard of Castle Rheinstein, and moved towards the Clement's Chapel
+situated in the neighbourhood. Horns blew and trumpets sounded. On a
+milkwhite palfrey, sat the fair young bride, deadly pale. She was
+thinking of her absent lover who in this hour must be enduring the
+greatest anguish on her account. Then all at once a swarm of buzzing
+gadflies came out of the bush and fastened fiercely on the palfrey
+which bore the fair Gerda. The animal reared and broke from the bridal
+procession. Boldly the bridegroom on his grandly caparisoned steed
+dashed forward to check the frightened animal, but his war-horse
+missing its footing on the narrow bridle path fell over a precipice
+carrying its master with it. The dying knight was carried by the
+wedding-guests back to Castle Rheinstein. The aged Diethelm was also
+unfortunate in his attempt to stop the runaway steed. The maddened
+animal had struck him on the shinbone, and wounded him. The servants
+were thus obliged to carry the moaning greybeard back to his castle as
+speedily and carefully as possible. The surgeon had a sad time of it
+during the next week as he attended to the enraged old knight's wounds
+and bruises.
+
+When the runaway horse had disappeared round a bend of the path a man
+threw himself upon it, and bringing the trembling animal to a
+standstill clasped the unconscious bride in his arms. Helmbrecht,
+concealed in the brushwood, had been watching the bridal procession,
+and now came to the rescue of his true love. When the old lord heard
+of this he came to his senses and gave the lovers his blessing. Some
+weeks later a bridal procession advanced from the Clement's Chapel up
+to the festively decorated Castle Rheinstein. Trumpets were blown and
+horns resounded. Much more joyfully than on the previous occasion the
+musicians marched in front. Upon a milkwhite palfrey, as formerly, sat
+a noble maiden in bridal state, clothed in undulating robes bordered
+with fur. Her head was bent in maiden modesty as she listened to the
+endearments which the youthful knight whispered in her ear. Behind
+rode the father of the bride sunk in thought, and along with him was
+his pious sister Notburge, the canoness of Nonnenwerth.
+
+A life of unalloyed married bliss followed this union, and God granted
+to the noble pair a long and happy life. They rest together in front
+of the altar in the Clement's Chapel which is situated across the
+Rhine from Assmannshausen. Castle Rheinstein stands in renewed
+youthful beauty on the edge of its precipitous cliff overlooking our
+noble stream.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE SOONECK
+
+The Blind Archer
+
+
+In his stronghold at Sooneck, Siebold, one of the most rapacious of
+the robber barons presided over a godless revel. Wanton women with
+showy apparel and painted cheeks lolled in the arms of tipsy
+cavaliers. The music blared, and to complete their carousal wine
+flowed freely. The lord of Sooneck flushed with drinking, and leering
+on the assembly with evil-looking eyes spoke as follows:
+
+"Noble ladies (drunken applause from his worthy associates) and
+much-married nobles (loudly giggled the shameless females), after food
+and drink, I, as your host will be pleased to entertain you by
+bringing before you a ferocious animal which I keep confined here."
+
+While the ladies pretended to take shelter timidly behind their lords,
+and the men stared at their host expecting some further explanation,
+the doors of the room opened, and led by two servants a man in coarse
+garments, and with unkempt hair and beard stood before them. A
+suppressed whisper passed round the festive board and all eyes were
+fixed on the haggard countenance of the prisoner. When for a moment
+the weary eyelids were raised, two ghastly cavities were visible.
+Again, with the same tone of levity, the lord of the castle spoke,
+"Lovely ladies, and knightly companions, the best marksman on the
+Rhine was Hans Veit of Fürsteneck. Like ourselves he was dreaded far
+and near. He and I entered on a feud of life and death. He went down."
+
+"With broken brand and battered shield, bleeding from numerous wounds
+I lay prostrate before you awaiting manfully the death-thrust,"
+murmured the prisoner, and his voice sounded as if from the grave. "It
+pained me to finish him off," said Siebold flippantly, "I got his two
+eyes taken out, and thus added to my collection of rarities, the best
+archer on the Rhine."
+
+"My murdered eyes behold your scorn," said the prisoner harshly. "But
+surely chivalry still flourishes on Sooneck," said the lord of the
+castle. "Understand then that my servants have informed me, that even
+blind, you can, guided only by sounds, hit a given mark with a bolt.
+If you come out of this ordeal successful, freedom shall be the
+reward." Stormy applause greeted these words.
+
+"Death were dearer to me than life," murmured the blind archer. As he
+seized the crossbow however, a gleam of joy went over his countenance
+like a ray of sunshine over a sombre landscape. Crowded together in a
+corner of the room the guests watched the proceedings. The lord of
+Sooneck seized a goblet and ordered the prisoner to draw upon it,
+after hearing the sound. In the next moment the silver clang
+resounded, as the goblet fell on the floor.
+
+"Shoot now," said Siebold of Sooneck, and immediately an arrow pierced
+his mouth. With a grunt like a slaughtered ox, Siebold sank among the
+rushes. Silent and motionless with the two eye-cavities gaping, stood
+the blind man. Then his shaggy head sank on his heaving breast. Like a
+flock of frightened crows the knights and their paramours fled, and
+only a few terrified squires and servants muttered prayers over the
+body of the lord of Sooneck.
+
+
+
+
+THE RUINS OF FÜRSTENBERG
+
+The Mother's Ghost
+
+
+Lambert of Fürstenberg was a hearty jovial knight, and had married
+Wiltrud, a daughter of the Florsheim family. He was attached to his
+gentle wife, who had just presented him with a son and heir. But an
+evil genius entered the castle in the person of a noble maiden called
+Luckharde. This maiden who had suddenly been left an orphan, belonged
+to a family long befriended by the house of Fürstenberg. She was only
+eighteen, but possessed a lascivious beauty, very dangerous to men.
+
+The lady of the castle, who had been in delicate health since the
+birth of her child, gave Luckharde a warm-hearted welcome into the
+bosom of her family, trusting that the young woman would be of great
+service to her in the management of her little realm, and would repay
+her kindness by sisterly love and sympathy. Luckharde however was of a
+vain and frivolous disposition, and had little love for household
+affairs, or womanly duties.
+
+As the months passed, Luckharde's ripening and dangerous beauty gained
+gradually and almost imperceptibly more and more influence over the
+susceptible heart of the lord of the castle, and soon the day came
+when he yielded himself entirely to the charms of this beautiful
+woman. Wiltrud's eyes were by no means blind to the shameful
+ingratitude of the adulteress, and the godless conduct of her husband.
+Her weakness however, prevented her from calling down the judgment of
+heaven on the sinners. Luckharde, led on by her unbridled passion, now
+formed a devilish design which would enable her to take the place of
+the lawful wife of Lambert. One night she slipped into the chamber of
+the lady of the castle, approached the bed of the sleeping woman with
+a cat-like step, and smothered her with the pillows, the poor invalid
+offering but a feeble and ineffective resistance.
+
+Wiltrud's death was deeply mourned by the household, who believed that
+she had died of a broken heart. Lambert too might be grieved, but in
+the arms of his raven-locked enchantress he soon forgot his deceased
+wife, and in a few weeks Luckharde was made lady of Fürstenberg. The
+little boy whom Wiltrud had borne to her unfaithful husband was
+hateful to the second wife, who fondled her lord, and flattered him
+with the hope of the children she would bear him. Then it was arranged
+that the knight's first-born should be handed over to the care of an
+old crone who lived in a remote tower of the castle.
+
+One night this old woman awoke suddenly, and was terrified to see a
+female form dressed in a flowing white robe, bending over the cradle
+of the little boy, who slept near. The woman seemed to be tending
+the child, and after blessing him, she vanished. The old woman crossed
+herself, and in terror muttered many prayers. In the early morning she
+hurried to her new mistress in great agitation and with white lips
+told her of her strange visitor. Luckharde at first laughed in her
+usual frivolous manner at this ridiculous ghost story, but soon she
+became more serious and alarmed. Then she ordered the old woman to
+arrange her bed beside the other servants, but still to leave the
+child in the tower-chamber. A dreadful fear had taken possession of
+Luckharde's guilty soul. Perhaps people were deceived when they
+believed Wiltrud to be dead, and it was thus that she returned at
+night to nurse her child.
+
+Then this daring and sinful woman prepared a bed for herself in the
+lonely tower beside the child. She also brought with her a formidable
+dagger, and thus she awaited what the night might bring forth. At
+midnight the female figure dressed in the flowing white robe appeared
+once more. It approached the cradle of the child, tended him and
+blessed him. Then the terror-stricken Luckharde stared motionless at
+the apparition as it rose and approached her bed. Towering there above
+her were the pallid features of the dead Wiltrud, and the lifeless
+entreating eyes looked steadily at this sinful woman who had taken the
+place of her benefactress. To Luckharde it seemed as if a great
+precipice was slowly bending over to overwhelm her. With a last mad
+effort the wretched woman seized the dagger, and struck at the
+apparition; but she might as well have struck at a misty cloud. Now
+Luckharde perceived that she was in the presence of the murdered lady
+of the Fürstenberg, and harrowed with the thought of her guilt she
+seemed to hear a voice as if from another world saying, "Do penance
+for thy sins."
+
+Next morning Lambert waited in vain for his wife to appear. On looking
+around however he noticed a piece of parchment. On it Luckharde had
+confessed with deep sorrow, how she had murdered his first wife in
+order to further her evil designs, and how the spirit of the dead had
+appeared to her in the night, and warned her of her great guilt. She
+was going to fly to a cloister to do penance during the remainder of
+her days, and she recommended her sinful accomplice to do the same.
+Lambert of Fürstenberg was deeply grieved on receiving this
+revelation. He handed over his castle and child to a younger brother,
+and spent the rest of this life as a solitary hermit.
+
+
+
+
+BACHARACH
+
+Burg Stahleck
+
+
+Ancient Bacharach was once a famous place, and long before the fiery
+wine that grows there became famous throughout the world--"it was in
+the good old times" as our grandmothers say--it was the delight of
+many a connoisseur abroad. About that time its grateful lovers erected
+an altar to Bacchus who provided them so liberally with wine. The
+place of sacrifice was on a huge rock projecting out of the Rhine,
+between an island and the right bank of the river, and in honour of
+the god they gave the town the name it still bears.
+
+The inscriptions on the altar-stone have become unintelligible, but
+the Bacharach folk know well to the present day the original meaning
+of them.
+
+Fishermen still keep up the old custom but now more as an amusement;
+they dress up a straw-man as Bacchus, place him on the altar, and
+surround him singing.
+
+The ruins of the castle of Stahleck are situated on the Rhine, above
+the wild, romantic country of Bacharach.
+
+About the time of Conrad III., the first Emperor of the House of
+Hohenstaufen, a young ambitious knight, Palatinate Count Hermann,
+inhabited this castle. Being a nephew of the emperor, this aspiring
+knight considered his high and mighty relationship as a sufficient
+reason for enlarging his dominions.
+
+He conceived no less a plan than that of taking possession of part of
+the property which bordered on his land, belonging to the Archbishops
+of Mayence and Treves, supporting his claim by declaring that for more
+than one reason he had a right of possession. The jealousy which at
+that time existed between the clerical and the secular powers, brought
+a number of neighbouring knights to his side as allies, and the count
+began his unprovoked quarrel by taking a castle at Treves on the
+Moselle by storm. This castle belonged to the diocese of that town.
+
+Adalbert of Monstereil, a man of an undaunted character, was then
+Bishop both of Treves and Metz.
+
+He at once collected his warriors to drive the bold robber from the
+conquered castle. The temerity of the count and his superior forces
+dismayed Adalbert, giving him grounds for sober reflections. But the
+good bishop was a clever man and, not believing himself sufficiently
+strong to resist the count, he sought refuge in spiritual weapons.
+
+When his people were about to assault the stronghold, he made a most
+enthusiastic speech to his troops.
+
+Holding up a crucifix in his right hand, he told to them that in the
+silent hours of the previous night the Archangel Michael had appeared
+to him, and had given him this crucifix, at the same time promising
+him certain victory if each of his warriors attacked the enemy in the
+firm belief that an invincible Higher Power was near to help them.
+
+The bishop's words inspired his men with a great courage. Led on by
+the holy man carrying the crucifix in his raised hand, they marched on
+to the assault, stormed the castle, and made Hermann's troops flee in
+great confusion. The ambitious count, now finding himself deserted by
+his troops, was forced to renounce the feud which he had hoped to
+carry on against the bishop.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The disgraceful defeat the count had suffered was most humiliating to
+him, but it had not killed his ambition.
+
+He now directed his thoughts to his other ecclesiastical neighbour.
+
+Having searched through some ancient documents, he thought he had
+found full right to a strip of land which Arnold of Solnhofen, Bishop
+of Mayence, then held in possession. He at once sent in his claim to
+this mighty prince of the church, who received it with a scornful
+laugh. "Oh!" said the bishop, tearing up the written complaint, "I
+shall be able to manage this little count as well as I have all along
+managed the stubborn people of Mayence, some of whom have bitterly
+repented of having rebelled against their bishop."
+
+Hermann was told how Solnhofen had treated his claim. In great wrath
+he swore to take vengeance on the man who had dared to tear up his
+complaint so contumeliously. His young wife implored him with tears in
+her eyes not to raise his hand against a servant of the Lord again.
+But he turned contemptuously away.
+
+Herman was well aware that, through the influence of the bishop's
+companions-in-arms, he was now hated by the citizens of Mayence. This
+circumstance made him determine to rob Arnold of land and dignity, as
+he ascribed the cause of this deadly dissension to the power the
+bishop exerted over the people of his diocese.
+
+The count, now joined by several daring knights, again prepared to
+make war against the representative of the church, and marched to
+attack the bishop in his stronghold.
+
+Arnold was enraged at this persistent striving against the dominions
+of the church, and his dark soul conceived a dastardly plan to rid
+them of their enemy. He hired two villains who treacherously put the
+count to death.
+
+Soon afterwards the rebellious citizens of Mayence successfully
+stormed the bishop's palace and turned the cruel prelate out of his
+episcopal seat, whereupon he was obliged to flee for his life. But
+Arnold was not so easily subdued and he soon returned, breathing
+vengeance. His friends warned him in vain, and even the famous
+prophetess, Hildegarde of Rupertusberg, sent a messenger to him with
+the words, "Turn to the Lord whom you have forsaken, your hour is
+near at hand."
+
+But he heeded not this admonition, and at last he was killed by the
+rebels in the Abbey of Jacobsberg, some distance from the town where
+he had taken up his residence.
+
+
+
+
+KAUB
+
+Castle Gutenfels
+
+
+[Illustration: Turnier zu Köln--Zu der Sage von Burg Gutenfels]
+
+About the middle of the thirteenth century, there was a stately castle
+near Kaub which was inhabited by Count Philip of Falkenstein. There he
+lived very happily with his beautiful sister Guta, who was as good as
+she was fair.
+
+Numerous knights had sought to win her love, but none had achieved
+this conquest, the castle maiden having no desire to exchange her
+brother's hospitable home for any other.
+
+At that time a magnificent tournament was held at Cologne, to which
+knights from all countries of the kingdom far and near and even from
+England were invited.
+
+A great multitude of spectators were assembled to see the stately
+knights contending for the prize, which a fair hand would bestow on
+them.
+
+Among the nobles present at the tournament was a knight from England,
+whose graceful figure and splendid armour were particularly striking.
+He wore a veiled visor, and the stewards of the tournament announced
+him under the name of "the Lion Knight," a golden lion ornamenting his
+shield. Soon the majestic knight's master-like manner of fighting
+created a great sensation, and when he succeeded in unhorsing his
+opponent, a most formidable combatant, loud rejoicings rang through
+the lists.
+
+Count Philip and his sister were among the guests. Guta had been
+watching the strange knight with ever increasing interest during the
+tournament, regretting at the same time that she could not see his
+face.
+
+But an opportunity soon presented itself when the knight was declared
+victor. When she was selected to present the prize, a golden
+laurel-wreath, to the winner, she became much embarrassed, and a
+feeling such as she had never before experienced seized her as she
+looked at the Briton's face for the first time.
+
+Perhaps the knight may have read in the lovely maiden's countenance
+what she in vain tried to hide from him, perhaps a spark from that
+passionate fire which had so suddenly fired her heart, may have flown
+into his soul as he knelt before her to receive the wreath, which she
+placed on his head with a trembling hand. Who can tell?
+
+Afterwards when these two were conversing together in subdued
+whispers, the knight silently admiring her grace and the maiden
+scarcely able to restrain her feelings, the thoughts which he longed
+to tell her, flamed in his heart. The same evening in the banqueting
+hall, when the music was sounding within its walls, he was Guta's
+inseparable companion, and eloquent words flowed from his lips telling
+her of the love which his eyes betrayed.
+
+The proud stranger begged Guta for her love and swore to be hers; he
+told her he must at once return to his country where urgent duty
+called him, but that he would come back to claim her in three months'
+time. Then he would publicly sue for her hand and declare his name,
+which circumstances compelled him to keep secret for the time being.
+
+Love will make any sacrifice; Guta accepted her lover's pledge
+willingly, and thus they parted under the assurance that they would
+soon meet again.
+
+Five months had passed. That terrible time ensued when Germany became
+the battle-field of the party-struggles over the election of the
+emperor. Conrad IV., the last of the house of Hohenstaufen, had died
+in Italy. In the northern countries there was a great rising against
+William of Holland who was struggling for the imperial throne;
+Alphonso of Castile was chosen king in one part of the country, while
+Richard of Cornwall, son of John, king of England, was elected in
+another; but Richard, having received most influential votes, was
+crowned at Aix-la-Chapelle, and from thence he started on a journey
+through the Rhine provinces, to the favour of which he had been
+chiefly indebted for his election.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Spring was casting her bright beams over waves and mountains in the
+valley of the Rhine, but in Falkenstein castle no ray of sunshine
+penetrated the gloom. Guta, pale and unhappy, sat within its walls,
+weaving dreams which seemed destined never to be fulfilled. Sometimes
+she saw her lover dying on a terrible battle-field with her name on
+his lips, then again laughing and bright with a maiden from that
+far-off island in his arms, talking derisively of his sweetheart on
+the Rhine. She became more and more conscious that she had given him
+her first love, and that he had cruelly deceived her. Sorrow and grief
+had taken possession of her, and all her brother's efforts to amuse
+her and to distract her attention were in vain.
+
+A great sound of trumpets was heard one day on the highway, and a
+troop of knights stopped at the castle. Guta saw the train of warriors
+from her window, where she had been sitting weeping. The count with
+chivalrous hospitality received them, and led them into the
+banqueting-hall. His astonishment was great, when he recognised the
+bold Briton, the victor at the tournament in Cologne, as leader of
+this brilliant retinue, he who had broken his secret pledge to his
+beloved sister. A dark glance took the place of the friendly
+expression on his face. The Briton seemed to notice it and pressing
+Philip's hand said cordially, "I am Richard of Cornwall, elected
+Emperor of Germany, and I have come here to solicit the hand of your
+sister Guta, who promised herself to me five months ago in Cologne. I
+come late to redeem my promise, but my love is unchanged. I beg you to
+announce my arrival to her without betraying my name."
+
+Philip bowed deeply before the illustrious guest, and the retainers
+respectfully retired to a distance. The great guest strode up and down
+the room impatiently. Then the doors were suddenly thrown open, and a
+beautiful figure appeared on the threshold, her face glowing with
+emotion.
+
+With a low cry Guta threw herself into her lover's arms, and the first
+moments of their reunion were passed in silent happiness.
+
+Philip now entered the room unperceived, and revealed the secret to
+his sister. The maiden in great confusion and shame stole a look at
+her lover's eyes, and he, drawing her gently to him, asked her to
+share all--even his throne with him.
+
+Shortly afterwards Richard celebrated his marriage with imperial
+magnificence at the castle on the Rhine, which Philip thence forward
+called Gutenfels, in honour of his sister.
+
+
+
+
+OBERWESEL
+
+The Seven Maidens
+
+
+The scattered ruins of an old knight's tower are still to be seen on
+one of the heights near Oberwesel. The castle was called Schönberg,
+after the seven virgins who once lived there, and whose beauty was
+renowned throughout all the Rhine countries.
+
+Their father had died early, some say of grief, because Heaven had
+denied him a son, and an elderly aunt had striven in vain to guide the
+seven wild sisters; but her influence had not been sufficiently strong
+to lead them in the right way. After the death of this relative the
+seven beautiful maidens were left to themselves, and now their longing
+after liberty and the pleasures of the world broke out even stronger
+than before.
+
+Many a tale was told about them, how they used to ride out hunting and
+hawking, how many a magnificent banquet was given by them, and how
+their beauty, their riches, and the gay and joyous life led by them
+attracted many knights from near and far; how many a stately noble
+came to their castle to woo one of the sisters, and how these maidens
+at first ensnared and enchanted him with a thousand attractive
+charms, only in the end to reject the enamoured suitor with scorn and
+mockery.
+
+Ashamed and very wrathful many a great knight had left the castle, and
+with indignation and disdain had blotted out of his memory the names
+of these bewitching sirens who at first had listened with deceitful
+modesty to his honest wooing, only afterwards to declare with scornful
+laughter that their liberty was so dear to them, that they would not
+give it up for the sake of any man.
+
+Alas! there were always youths to be found who put no faith in such
+speeches and, trusting to their great names and peculiar merits,
+sought their happiness among these maidens. But all the trials ended
+in the same mournful manner; no suitor succeeded in winning the heart
+of these seductive beings. Thus they continued their dangerous and
+contemptible life for some years.
+
+Once again there was a great banquet and feasting in the halls of the
+castle. A circle of knightly figures sat round the brilliant board
+among the seven sisters, who were quite conscious of their charms, one
+rivalling the other in gaiety and liveliness.
+
+The joyous scene was disturbed for a short time by two knights who
+were disputing about one of the sisters, and had angered each other by
+their growing jealousy.
+
+The scene excited general attention and was looked on at first as a
+most amusing one, but when the youths were about to draw their
+swords, it was thought necessary to separate them.
+
+Seizing this opportunity one of the other knights proposed that to
+guard against further discord, the castle maidens should be urged to
+make a final decision, so that each suitor--they all recognised one
+another as such--might know what he had to expect.
+
+The proposal met with general applause, only the sisters showed
+discontentment, declaring they could not agree to such a presumptuous
+plan. However the wooers tried every imaginable means of persuading
+them, and at last one of the sisters wavered, a second followed her
+example, and the remaining ones, after whispering to each other for
+some time, declared with laughing countenances that they would decide
+the fate of their suitors the next day.
+
+The expected hour arrived, and the knights in great suspense assembled
+in the large hall.
+
+Every eye was riveted on the door through which these Graces should
+enter, bringing a sweet surprise to some or a bitter disappointment to
+others.
+
+The folding-doors were suddenly thrown open, and an attendant
+announced that the mistresses of the castle were waiting to receive
+the knights in the garden near the river.
+
+The numerous suitors all hurried out. To their great astonishment they
+saw the fair ones all seated in a boat on the Rhine. With a peculiar
+smile they beckoned the knights to approach, and the eldest sister
+standing up in her seat, made the following speech.
+
+"You may all throw your hopes to the winds, for not one of us would
+dream of falling in love with you, much less of marrying you. Our
+liberty is much too precious to us, and we shall not sacrifice it for
+any man. We are going to sail down to Cologne to the property of a
+relation, and there we shall disappoint other suitors, just as we have
+misled you, my noble lords. Good-bye, good-bye!"
+
+The scornful speech was accompanied by a scoffing laugh which was
+re-echoed by the other sisters, and the boat set sail.
+
+The rejected suitors stood speechless with shame and anger.
+
+Suddenly a terrible storm arose, the boat was agitated violently, and
+the laughter of the seven sisters was turned to cries for help. But
+the roaring of the waves drowned their voices, and the billows rushed
+over the boat, burying it and the seven sisters in the depths below.
+
+Just on the spot where these stony-hearted maidens met their deaths,
+seven pointed rocks appeared above the surface of the water, which up
+to the present day are still to be seen, a salutary warning to all the
+young maidens of the country.
+
+
+
+
+ST. GOAR
+
+Lorelei
+
+
+[Illustration: Die Loreley--Nach dem Gemälde von C. Begas]
+
+
+I.
+
+Above Coblenz where the Rhine flows through hills covered with
+vineyards, there is a steep rock, round which many a legend has been
+woven--the Lurlei Rock. The boatman gazes up at its gigantic summit
+with awful reverence when his boat glides over the waters at twilight.
+Like chattering children the restless waves whisper round the rock,
+telling wonderful tales of its doings. Above on its gray head, the
+legend relates that a beautiful but false nymph, clothed in white with
+a wreath of stars in her flowing hair, used to sit and sing sweet
+songs, until a sad tragedy drove her forever away.
+
+Long long ago, when night in her dark garment descended from the
+hills, and her silent comrade, the pale moon, cast a silver bridge
+over the deep green stream, the soft voice of a woman was heard from
+the rock, and a creature of divine beauty was seen on its summit. Her
+golden locks flowed like a queenly mantle from her graceful shoulders,
+covering her snow-white raiment so that her tenderly-formed body
+appeared like a cloud of light. Woe to the boatsman who passed the
+rock at the close of day! As of old, men were fascinated by the
+heavenly song of the Grecian hero, so was the unhappy voyager allured
+by this being to sweet forgetfulness, his eyes, even as his soul,
+would be dazzled, and he could no longer steer clear of reefs and
+cliffs, and this beautiful siren only drew him to an early grave.
+Forgetting all else, he would steer towards her, already dreaming of
+having reached her; but the jealous waves would wash round his boat
+and at last dash him treacherously against the rocks. The roaring
+waters of the Rhine would drown the cries of agony of the victim who
+would never be seen again.
+
+But the virgin to whom no one had ever approached, continued every
+night to sing soft and low, till darkness vanished in the first rays
+of light, and the great star of day drove the gray mists from the
+valley.
+
+
+II.
+
+Ronald was a proud youth and the boldest warrior at the court of his
+father, the Palatinate Count. He heard of this divine, enchanting
+creature, and his heart burned with the desire to behold her. Before
+having seen the water nymph, he felt drawn to her by an irresistible
+power.
+
+Under pretence of hunting, he left the court, and succeeded in getting
+an old sailor to row him to the rock. Twilight was brooding over the
+valley of the Rhine when the boat approached the gigantic cliff; the
+departing sun had long sunk below the mountains, and now night was
+creeping on in silence; the evening star was twinkling in the deep
+blue firmament. Was it his protecting-angel who had placed it there
+as a warning to the deluded young man?
+
+He gazed at it in rapture for some time, until a low cry from the old
+man at his side interrupted him. "The Lorelei!" whispered he,
+startled, "do you see her--the enchantress?" The only answer was a
+soft murmur which escaped from the youth. With wide-open eyes he
+looked up and lo! there she was. Yes, this was she, this wonderful
+creature! A glorious picture in a dark frame. Yes, that was her golden
+hair, and those were her flowing white garments.
+
+She was hovering up above on the rocks combing her beautiful hair;
+rays of light surrounded her graceful head, revealing her charms in
+spite of the night and the distance and as he gazed, her lips opened,
+and a song thrilled through the silence, soft and plaintive like the
+sweet notes of a nightingale on a still summer evening.
+
+From her height she looked down into the hazy distance and cast at the
+youth a rapturous look which sank down into his soul, thrilling his
+whole frame.
+
+His eyes were fixed on the features of this celestial being where he
+read the sweet story of love.... Rocks, stream, glorious night, all
+melted into a mist before his eyes, he saw nothing but the figure
+above, nothing but her radiant eyes. The boat crept along, too slowly
+for him, he could no longer remain in it, and if his ear did not
+deceive him, this creature seemed to whisper his name with unutterable
+sweetness, and calling to her, he dashed into the water.
+
+A death-like cry echoed from the rocks ... and the waves sighed and
+washed over the unhappy youth's corpse.
+
+The old boatman moaned and crossed himself, and as he did so,
+lightning tore the clouds asunder, and a loud peal of thunder was
+heard over the mountains. Then the waves whispered gently below, and
+again from the heights above, sad and dying away, sounded the Lurlei's
+song.
+
+
+III.
+
+The sad news was soon brought to the Palatinate Count, who was
+overpowered with grief and anger. He ordered the false enchantress to
+be delivered up to him, dead or alive.
+
+The next day a boat sailed down the Rhine, manned by four hardy bold
+warriors. The leader looked up sternly at the great rocks which seemed
+to be smiling silently down at him. He had asked permission to dash
+the diabolical seducer from the top of the rocks into the foaming
+whirlpool below, where she would find a certain death, and the count
+had readily agreed to this plan of revenge.
+
+
+IV.
+
+The first shades of twilight were gliding softly over mountain and
+hill.
+
+The rock was surrounded by armed men, and the leader, followed by some
+daring comrades, was climbing up the side of the mountain the top of
+which was veiled in a golden mist, which the men thought were the
+last rays of sunset. It was a bright gleam of light enshrouding the
+nymph who appeared on the rocks, dreamingly combing her golden hair.
+She then took a string of pearls from her bosom, and with her slender
+white hand bound them round her forehead. She cast a mocking glance at
+the threatening men approaching her.
+
+"What are the weak sons of the earth seeking up here on the heights?"
+said she, moving her rosy lips scornfully. "You sorceress!" cried the
+leader enraged, adding with a contemptuous smile, "You! We shall dash
+you down into the river below!"
+
+An echoing laugh was heard over the mountain.
+
+"Oh! the Rhine will come himself to fetch me!" cried the maiden.
+
+Then bending her slender body over the precipice yawning below, she
+tore the jewels from her forehead, hurling them triumphantly into the
+waters, while in a low sweet voice she sang:--
+
+    "Haste thee, haste thee oh father dear!
+    Send forth thy steeds from the waters clear.
+    I will ride with the waves and the wind!"
+
+Then a storm burst forth, the Rhine rose, covering its banks with
+foam. Two gigantic billows like snow-white steeds rose out of the
+depths, and carried the nymph down into the rushing current.
+
+
+V.
+
+The terrified messengers returned to the count, bringing him the
+tidings of this wonderful event.
+
+Ronald, whose body a chance wave had washed up on the banks of the
+river, was deeply mourned throughout the country.
+
+From this time forth, the Lorelei was never seen again. Only when
+night sheds her dark shadow on the hills, and the pale moon weaves a
+silver bridge over the deep green stream, then the voice of a woman,
+soft and low, is heard echoing from the weird heights of the rocks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.
+
+Thou canst find it, O Wanderer, in the eyes of the maidens near the
+Rhine. It blooms on their cheeks, it lingers on their rosy lips, there
+thou wilt find its traces.
+
+Arm thy heart, steel thy will, blindfold thine eye!
+
+As a poet of the Rhine once wisely and warningly sang, "My son, my
+son, beware of the Rhine...."
+
+The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.
+
+
+
+
+RHEINFELS
+
+St. George's Linden
+
+
+The ruins of Castle Rheinfels, which stand above the pretty little
+town of St. Goar, are the most extensive of their kind on the Rhine.
+The castle was erected in the middle of the 13th century by Count
+Dietherr, a nobleman belonging to the famous Rhenish family of
+Katzenelnbogen. It was a strongly fortified burg, and within ten years
+of its completion the mighty ramparts witnessed several bloody
+encounters. Twenty-six Rhenish cities once combined to carry the
+invulnerable fortress, but though some 4000 lives were sacrificed the
+army retreated baffled. For centuries after this, the banner of the
+Hessian Landgraf waved from its battlements, none daring to attack it.
+Then the fanatic Gallic forces of the Revolution entered the
+Rhineland, and laid the magnificent castle in ruins.
+
+There is a legend associated with Rheinfels which dates from that age
+of chivalry when noble knights and their squires trod its courts, and
+this legend seems touched with the sadness of the history of the
+castle itself. The Count of Rheinfels was the proud father of a lovely
+daughter, and among her numerous wooers it was George Brömser of
+Rüdesheim who had won the maiden's heart. No one was more incensed at
+this than the knight of Berg. This knight belonged indeed to a race
+said to have been descended from an archbishop of Cologne, but his
+disposition was evil, and his covetousness and avarice made him wish
+to increase what earthly possessions he had. But the lord of Rheinfels
+was shrewd enough and hesitated before entrusting his pretty daughter
+and her large dowry to such a man. As already remarked this entirely
+agreed with the maiden's desire. She was really deeply in love with
+the chivalrous young knight of Rüdesheim, but shrank, almost with
+aversion, from the impetuous wooing of the harsh and selfish knight of
+Berg.
+
+Some time after the betrothal of the lovers the date of the marriage
+was fixed. Before the marriage had been celebrated however young
+Brömser appeared at Rüdesheim in the early dawn on his steaming
+war-horse, having ridden during the night from Rüdesheim to bring the
+following sad intelligence to his beloved. The Emperor Albrecht had
+summoned the nobles to do battle against the Swiss confederates, who
+had renounced their allegiance, driven the imperial representatives
+from their land, and finally declared war against their overlord. The
+knights of the Rhineland were called upon to suppress the flames of
+rebellion. On receiving the pressing call of the Emperor, Brömser did
+not hesitate for a moment but resolved to obey his feudal superior.
+
+At first the young bride wept, but when her lover comforted her with
+words of endearment, and her father praised the soldierly resolution
+of the young man, the maiden calmly submitted to the will of God.
+Before the young knight rode off he took a young linden-tree which he
+had pulled up in a grove, and having removed the soil with his sword,
+he planted the sapling in front of the castle. Then he spoke as
+follows to his bride. "Tend this budding linden which I have planted
+here to the honour of my patron saint. You shall keep troth with me so
+long as it flourishes, but if it fade (and may St. George in his grace
+prevent it) then you may forget me, for I shall be dead." The weeping
+bride threw herself in her lover's arms, and while he enfolded her
+gently with his right, with his left he raised his sword, and showed
+her engraved upon it in ancient letters, for daily repetition, the
+words: "Preserve O everlasting God, the body here, the soul hereafter.
+Help, knight St. George." Then, after receiving many kind wishes from
+his sorrowing friends, the young soldier rode in the morning mist down
+through the woods to join the imperial forces.
+
+Several months passed. Then the melancholy news got abroad in the
+German land that something disastrous had happened in the campaign
+against the Swiss peasants. At last came a trustworthy report to the
+effect that a bloody defeat had overtaken the proud army of Albrecht.
+It was at Morgarten, where the noble hero called Arnold of Winkelried
+had opened up to his countrymen a pathway to freedom over his
+spearpierced body. Many counts and barons found on that day a grave in
+the land of the Swiss, and sounds of mourning were to be heard in many
+a German castle. But to Castle Rheinfels no traveller brought any
+tidings either of weal or woe, and we can imagine with what sickness
+of heart the maiden waited, and how her hope faded as the days and
+weeks slipped past. It was so long since the ill-fated army had set
+out against the Forest Cantons, and now the thoughts of men were
+turned in other directions, while the Swiss peasants were quietly
+allowed to reap the fruits of their bravery. The most sanguine found
+it difficult to cheer the drooping maiden of Castle Rheinfels.
+
+Then one day her former wooer, the mean avaricious Dietrich of Berg,
+presented himself. It was certain that George Brömser must be dead,
+and he was come again to sue for the hand of so desirable a young
+lady. The dejected maiden informed her eager wooer that she had
+plighted her troth to her absent lover beside the linden-tree
+flourishing in front of the castle. Only when this tree, consecrated
+to St. George, should fade would she be released from her promise. The
+knight of Berg departed in anger, and immediately betook himself to a
+wood and there selected a decayed linden, as similar as possible to
+the green one growing before Castle Rheinfels. In the night he
+cautiously approached the castle, tore up the linden, flung it with a
+curse into the Rhine, and then planted in its place the withered
+sapling. Next morning, a morning bright with the promise of spring,
+the fair daughter of Rheinfels stepped out on the lawn. A cry of pain
+escaped her lips when she perceived the faded tree. The days and weeks
+that followed were spent in deep grief. After a suitable time had
+elapsed, the knight of Berg again put in an appearance at Rheinfels,
+mightily pleased with himself. Again he sought the hand of the maiden
+now released from her solemn promise. Sadly, but firmly however she
+told her importunate wooer that she would keep troth with her lover in
+death as in life. Then the wrath of the despised knight drove him to
+commit a horrible deed. In his savage anger he drew his sword and
+buried it in the maiden's breast. Fleeing from the scene of his
+dreadful crime he was suddenly seized with remorse, and like Our
+Lord's avaricious disciple, he went and hanged himself. Deep was the
+sorrow in Castle Rheinfels over the sacrifice of this innocent young
+bride, who had kept her troth so nobly. But grief and tears could not
+replace the lost one. In the midst of the mourning a stranger was
+announced. He came from the Swiss land.
+
+After the battle of Morgarten a brave Swiss had found George Brömser
+with broken limbs and many bleeding wounds amongst a heap of slain. In
+a peasant's hut the wounded man lay long in pain and weakness. His
+broken limbs required long and patient attention. Finally, after much
+suffering, George Brömser, the last of all the campaigners rode back
+to the Rhineland, with his lover's name on his lips and her image in
+his heart.
+
+With uncovered head the lord of Rheinfels showed the young man the
+grave of his beloved, and there the two men embraced each other long
+and silently. The young soldier pulled up the faded linden-tree and
+hurled it into the Rhine, while on the newly-made grave he planted
+white lilies. George Brömser did not a second time fall in love, but
+remained true to his chosen bride to the end of his days. We are told
+that in the company of knightly minstrels he sought to forget his
+great sorrow, and that later he composed many pretty songs. One of
+them has survived the centuries, and was recently discovered, along
+with the melody, in an old manuscript. It begins:
+
+    "A linden stands in yonder vale,
+    Ah God! what does it there?"
+
+
+
+
+STERRENBERG AND LIEBENSTEIN
+
+The Brothers
+
+
+I.
+
+In the middle ages, an old knight belonging to the court of the
+Emperor Conrad II. lived in a castle called Sternberg, near Boppard.
+The old warrior had two sons left to him. His wife had died many years
+before, and since her death, merry laughter had seldom been heard in
+the halls of the beautiful castle.
+
+Soon a ray of sunshine seemed to break into these solemn rooms; a
+distant cousin at Rüdesheim had died, leaving his only child, a
+beautiful young girl, to the care of his relative.
+
+The golden-haired Angela became the pet of the castle, and won the
+affection and friendship of the two sons by her engaging ways. What
+had already happened hundred of times now happened among these young
+people, love replaced the friendship of the two young knights and both
+tried to win the maiden's favour.
+
+The old master of the castle noticed this change, and his father's
+heart forbode trouble.
+
+Both sons were equally dear to him, but perhaps his first-born, who
+had inherited his mother's gentle character, fulfilled his heart's
+desire more than the fiery spirit of Conrad the younger.
+
+From the first moment when the orphan appeared at his family seat, he
+had conceived the thought that his favourite son Henry, who was heir
+to his name and estates, would marry the maiden.
+
+Henry loved Angela with a profound, sincere feeling which he seldom
+expressed.
+
+His brother, on the contrary, made no secret of his ardent love, and
+soon the old man perceived with sorrow that the beautiful girl
+returned his younger son's passionate love. Henry, too, was not
+unaware of the happiness of this pair, and in generous self-denial he
+tried to bury his grief, and to rejoice heartily in his brother's
+success.
+
+The distress of the elder brother did not escape Angela. She was much
+moved when she first remarked that his voice trembled on pronouncing
+her name, but soon love dazzled her eyes, so that the clouds on his
+troubled countenance passed unnoticed by her.
+
+About this time St. Bernhard of Clairvaux came from France to the
+Rhine, preaching a second crusade against the Infidels. The fiery
+words of the saintly monk roused many thousands to action; his appeal
+likewise reached the castle of Sternberg.
+
+Henry, though not envying his brother's happiness, felt that it would
+be impossible for him to be a constant witness of it, and thus he was
+glad to answer this call, and to take up the cross.
+
+Conrad, too, longing for action and dominated by the impulse of the
+moment, was stirred up by the witching charms which a crusade to
+Palestine offered. His adventurous soul, cramped up in this castle so
+far removed from the world, thirsted for the adventures, which he
+imagined were awaiting the crusaders in the far-off East. In vain the
+tears and prayers of the young girl were shed, in vain was the sorrow
+of his father who begged him not to desert him.
+
+The old man was in despair about the unbending resolutions of his
+sons.
+
+"Who will remain at the castle of my forefathers, if you both abandon
+it now, perhaps never to return," cried he sorrowfully. "I implore
+you, my eldest son, you, the very image of your mother, to have pity
+on your father's gray hairs. And you, Conrad, have pity on the tears
+of your betrothed." The brothers remained silent. Then the eldest
+grasped the old man's hand, saying gently.
+
+"I shall not leave you, my father."
+
+"And you, Angela," said the younger to the weeping maiden, "you will
+try and bear this separation, and will plant a sprig of laurel to make
+a wreath for me when I return."
+
+
+II.
+
+The next day the young knight left the home of his forefathers. At
+first the maiden seemed inconsolable in her grief. But soon her love
+began to slumber like a tired child; on awakening from this
+drowsiness indignation seized her, whispering complainingly in her
+ear, and disturbing all the sweet memories in which the picture of her
+light-hearted lover gleamed forth, he who had parted from her for the
+sake of empty glory.
+
+Now left to herself, she began to consider the proud youth who was
+forced to live under the same roof with his rejected love. She admired
+his good qualities which all seemed to have escaped her before, his
+great daring at the chase, his skill with weapons, and his many kind
+acts of pure friendship to her, with the view of sweetening the bitter
+separation from which she was suffering.
+
+He seemed afraid of rousing the love which was still sleeping in his
+heart.
+
+In the meantime Angela felt herself drawn more and more towards the
+knight; she wished to try and make him understand that her love for
+his younger brother had only been a youthful passion, which seemed to
+have flown when he left her. She felt unhappy when she understood that
+Henry, whom she now began really to love, seemed to feel nothing but
+brotherly affection for her, and she longed in her inmost soul for a
+word of love from him.
+
+Henry was not unaware of this change in her affections, but he proudly
+smothered every rising thought in his heart for his brother's
+betrothed.
+
+The old knight was greatly pleased when, one day, Angela came to him,
+and with tears in her eyes disclosed to him the secret of her heart.
+
+He prayed God fervently to bring these two loving hearts together
+whom he believed were destined for one another by will of God. In his
+dreams he already saw Angela in her castle like his dead wife and his
+first-born son, rocking her little baby, a blue-eyed, fair-haired
+child. Then he would suddenly recollect his impetuous younger son
+fighting in the crusades, and his dreams would be hastily interrupted.
+
+Just opposite to his ancestral hall he caused a proud fort to be
+built, and called it "Liebenstein," intending it for his second son
+when he returned from the Holy Land. The castle was hardly finished,
+when the old man died.
+
+The crusade at last was at an end. All the knights from the Rhine
+country brought back the news with them on their return from the Holy
+Land, that Conrad had married a beautiful Grecian woman in the East
+and was now on his way home with her.
+
+Henry was beside himself with wrath on hearing this news. Such
+dishonourable conduct and shameful neglect seemed impossible to him,
+and going to the maiden he informed her of his brother's approaching
+return.
+
+She turned very pale, her lips moved, but her tongue found no words.
+
+
+III.
+
+A large ship was seen one day sailing along the Rhine with strange
+flags waving on its masts. Angela saw it from her tower where she now
+spent many a long day reflecting on her unfortunate destiny, and she
+hastily called up the elder brother.
+
+The ship approached nearer and nearer. Soon the cries of the boatmen
+could be heard, and the faces of the crew could be distinguished.
+
+Suddenly the maiden uttered a cry, and threw herself weeping into the
+arms of the knight. The latter gazed at the vessel, his brows
+contracted. Yes! there on board, in shining armour, stood his brother,
+with a beautiful strange woman clinging to his arm.
+
+The ship touched land. One of the first, Conrad sprang on shore. The
+two watchers in the tower disappeared. A man approached Conrad and
+informed him that the new castle was destined for him. The same day
+the impetuous knight sent notice of his arrival to Sternberg castle,
+but his brother answered him, that he would wait for him on the
+bridge, but would only meet sword in hand the faithless lover who had
+deserted his betrothed.
+
+Twilight was creeping over the two castles. On the narrow ground
+separating the forts the brothers strove together in a deadly fight.
+
+They were equally courageous, equally strong those two opponents, and
+their swords crossed swiftly, one in righteous anger, the other in
+wounded pride. But soon the elder received a blow, and the blood began
+to drop on his breastplate.
+
+The bushes were at this moment suddenly pushed asunder, and a maiden,
+veiled in white, dashed in between the fighters thrusting them from
+each other. It was Angela, who cried out in a despairing voice:
+
+"In God's name stop! and for your father's sake cease, ere it be too
+late. She for whom you have drawn your swords, is now going to take
+the veil, and will beg God day and night to forgive you, Conrad, for
+your falseness, and will pray Him to bless you and your brother for
+ever."
+
+Both brothers threw down their arms. Conrad, his head deeply bowed,
+covered his face with his hand. He did not dare to look at the maiden
+who stood there, a silent reproach to him. Henry took the weeping
+girl's hand.
+
+"Come sister," said he, "such faithlessness does not deserve your
+tears."
+
+They disappeared among the trees. Silently Conrad stood gazing after
+them. A feeling which he had never known seemed to rise up in his
+heart, and, bending his head, he wept bitterly.
+
+
+IV.
+
+The cloister, Marienburg, lay in a valley at some distance from the
+castles, and there Angela found peace. A wall was soon built up
+between the two forts Sternberg and Liebenstein, a silent witness of
+the enmity between the two brothers.
+
+Banquet followed banquet in the newly built castle, and the beautiful
+Grecian won great triumphs among the knights of the Rhine.
+
+But sorrow seemed to have taken possession of Sternberg castle. Henry
+had not wished to move the maiden from her purpose, but from the time
+of her departure, his strength faded away. At the foot of the
+mountain he caused a cloister to be built, and a few months later he
+passed away from this world, just on the same day that the bells were
+tolling for Angela's death.
+
+The lord of Liebenstein was not granted a lasting happiness with his
+beautiful wife. She fled with a knight who had long enjoyed the lavish
+hospitality at castle Liebenstein. Conrad, overcome by sorrow and
+disgrace, threw himself from a pinnacle of the castle into the depths
+below.
+
+The strongholds then fell into the hands of Knight Brömser of
+Rüdesheim, and since that time have fallen into ruins. The church and
+cloister still remain in the valley, and are the scene of many a
+pilgrimage.
+
+
+
+
+RHENSE
+
+The Emperor Wenzel
+
+
+In the middle of a beautiful meadow at Rhense near Coblenz stands the
+famous historical "king's chair." Here, where the lands of the three
+great prelates of Cologne, Mayence and Treves join together, the
+princely Seven met to choose the new ruler who was to direct the
+destiny of the Holy Roman Empire.
+
+Here Charles IV. was chosen by the free will of the Electors; here
+also the Seven elected Wenzeslaus of the house of Luxemburg, Charles'
+son, emperor. During his life-time Charles had exerted himself very
+much over the election of his first-born son, and he even made a
+pilgrimage with him to Rhense on the Rhine where, at the renowned
+"Königsstuhl," the chancellor of the kingdom, Archbishop of Mayence,
+often held important conferences with their Graces of Treves and
+Cologne, and the Count Palatine.
+
+This Wenzeslaus of Bohemia had a great predilection for the Rhine and
+its wines, and later on, when, less by his own merits, than by the
+exertions of his father and the favour of the electors, he became
+German emperor, his brother inheriting the sandy country of
+Brandenburg, he had even then paid more honours to the Rhine wine than
+any other of its lovers. It afforded him a greater pleasure than the
+enjoyment of wearing a crown. Finding that a good drink tasted better
+at the place of its origin, he often visited the brave Count Palatine
+of the Rhine who dwelt in this blissful country, and who had more
+casks in his cellar than there are saints' days in a year.
+
+This proof of imperial confidence was by no means disagreeable to the
+very noble Elector Ruprecht of the Palatinate, and he neglected no
+opportunity of striving to ingratiate himself more and more in the
+emperor's favour.
+
+Gallant Ruprecht would not unwillingly have exchanged his little
+Palatinate crown for an imperial one. Sometimes when his royal guest,
+becoming very jovial from the wine he had taken, confessed that the
+high dignity of emperor was becoming troublesome to him, the count
+agreed with him frankly, and never failed to let his imperial master
+know that the electors were discontented at his careless
+administration, and would be well pleased if he retired. Emperor
+Wenzel listened to all he said with perfect indifference, continuing
+in the meantime to revel in his wine.
+
+One day the emperor was sitting with his gay companions at the
+Königsstuhl in Rhense. They were all very merry, as the cup of
+Assmannshäuser wine had already been passed round many times. This
+delicious vintage was very pleasing to Wenzel, and the other drinkers
+could not find words enough to praise it.
+
+While the goblets were being handed round, and sounds of joviality
+filled the royal hall, the emperor stood up suddenly and, addressing
+himself to the count, said in a very light-hearted tone.
+
+"I think the crown which was set on my head would not be very
+unsuitable to you. Well, I offer it to you, if you are able to place
+before me and my companions here, a wine which tastes better than this
+Assmannshäuser."
+
+There was a cunning twinkle in the count's eyes as he beckoned to his
+page. After a while a servant rolled in a great cask, from which the
+cups were at once filled. The count stood up and presented the first
+goblet to the emperor.
+
+"That is my Bacharacher wine, noble lords. Taste it; I can wait for
+your judgment without fear."
+
+They all drank, and every face beamed with pleasure. The opinions were
+undivided in favour of the fiery Bacharacher. The emperor rose and
+loudly declared he preferred it to the Assmannshäuser. He could not
+praise it too highly, nor drink enough of it.
+
+"This wine is worth more than a thousand crowns!" said he,
+enthusiastically. Wenzel kept his word and ceded his crown to Ruprecht
+of the Palatinate who, in his turn, made the emperor a present of six
+waggon-loads of Bacharacher wine.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE LAHNECK
+
+The Templars of Lahneck
+
+
+On the opposite side of the Rhine from Coblenz, and towering above
+Lahnstein, rises Castle Lahneck, a keep shaped somewhat in the form of
+a pentagon. Lahneck succumbed to the hordes of Louis XIII. in the same
+year as the castle of Heidelberg was destroyed. The following stirring
+tale is associated with Lahneck.
+
+It was the Templars of Jerusalem who erected this fortress whose
+imposing watch-tower rises nearly 100 feet above the main building.
+The riches of the Templars led to their destruction. The contemptible
+French king, Philip the Fair, by making grave complaints to the Pope
+obtained an order for the abolition of this much-abused order, and
+dragged the Grand Master with fifty of his faithful followers to the
+stake. Everywhere a cruel policy of extermination was immediately
+adopted against the outlawed knights, the chief motive of the
+persecutors being rather a desire to confiscate the rich possessions
+of the Templars than any religious zeal against heretics and sinners.
+
+Peter von Aspelt, Archbishop of Mainz, had cast envious eyes on proud
+Lahneck which sheltered twelve Knights-Templars and their retainers.
+Alleging some faulty conduct on the part of the soldiers of the cross,
+he gave orders that the castle should be razed, and that the knights
+should exchange the white mantle with the red cross for the monk's
+cowl, but to this the twelve as knights _sans peur et sans reproche_
+issued a stout defiance. This excited the greed and rage of the
+archbishop all the more. From the pontiff, whom with his own hands he
+had successfully nursed on his sick-bed at Avignon, Peter von Aspelt
+procured full power over the goods and lives of the excommunicated
+knights of Lahneck. He then proceeded down the Rhine with many vassals
+and mercenaries, and presented the Pope's letter to the Templars, at
+the same time commanding them to yield. Otherwise their castle would
+be taken by storm, and the inmates as impenitent sinners would die a
+shameful death on the gallows. The oldest of the twelve, a man with
+silvery hair, advanced and declared in the name of his brethren, that
+they were resolved to fight to the last drop of their blood, and
+further, that they were quite prepared to suffer like their brethren
+in France. And so the fight between such fearful odds began. Many
+soldiers of the Electorate fell under the swords of the knights and
+their faithful servants, but ever the furious archbishop ordered
+forward new bands to fill the gaps. Day by day the ranks of the
+defenders became thinner. Prominent everywhere in this hand to hand
+struggle were the heroic forms of the twelve Templars, in white mantle
+with blood-red cross. At last, at a breach which had been defended
+with leonine courage, one of the noble twelve sank beneath his
+shattered shield, and closed his eyes in death. A second shared his
+fate, then a third. The others, bleeding from many wounds and aided by
+the sorely diminished remnant of their retainers, redoubled their
+brave efforts, but still death made havoc in their ranks. When, on the
+evening of the day of fiercest onslaught the victorious besiegers
+planted their banner on the captured battlement, the silver-haired
+veteran, the former spokesman, stood with blood-flecked sword among
+the bodies of his fallen comrades, the last survivor. Touched by such
+noble heroism the archbishop informed him that he would be allowed to
+surrender; but calling down the curse of heaven on worldly churchmen
+and their greed of land, he raised on high his sword and rushed upon
+his foes. Pierced with many wounds the last of the twelve sank to the
+earth, and over the corpse of this noble man the soldiers of Mainz
+pressed into the fortress itself.
+
+Peter von Aspelt preserved Lahneck as a place of defence and residence
+for an officer of the Electorate of Mainz, and nominated as first
+holder of the post, Hartwin von Winningen. The castle remained in the
+possession of the Electorate of Mainz for 300 years, but the sad story
+of the twelve heroic Templars is remembered in the neighbourhood of
+Lahneck to this day.
+
+
+
+
+COBLENZ
+
+Riza
+
+
+In the first quarter of the 9th century, when the pious Ludwig, son of
+Charlemagne, was struggling with his misguided children for the
+imperial crown, a church was built in Coblenz to St. Castor, the
+missionary who had spread christianity in the valley of the Moselle.
+The four-towered edifice arose on a branch of the Rhine.
+
+The palace of the Frankish king stood at this time on the highest
+south-western point of Coblenz, on the site of a former Roman fort,
+and near by was a nunnery, dedicated to St. Castor. In this building
+lived Riza, a daughter of Ludwig the Pious, who had early dedicated
+her life to the church. Every day this king's daughter went to mass in
+the Castor church on the opposite side of the Rhine. So great grace
+had Riza found in the sight of Our Lord, that like His disciple of old
+on the sea of Genesareth, she walked over the Rhine dry-footed to the
+holy sacrament in St. Castor's. One day, the sacred legend goes on to
+say, the stream was agitated by a storm. For the first time doubt
+entered the maiden's heart as her foot touched the waves. Prudently
+tearing a prop from a neighbouring vineyard, she took it with her for
+a staff over the troubled waters. But after a few timid steps, she
+sank like St. Peter on the Galilean lake. In this wretched plight she
+became full of remorse for her want of faith in God. She flung the
+stick far away, and lifting her arms towards heaven, committed herself
+to the sole protection of the Almighty. At once she rose up from the
+waves, and arrived, with dry feet as heretofore, on the other side.
+More than ever after this did Riza, this saintly daughter of a saintly
+king, strive to excel in those works which are pleasing to God. She
+died within the cloister, and her bones were laid in the Castor
+church, near the burial-place of the saint. Soon the popular
+imagination canonised Riza, and her marble tomb is still to be seen in
+the North transept of the Castor church at Coblenz.
+
+
+
+
+VALLEY OF THE MOSELLE
+
+The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel
+
+
+The wine of Bernkastel is called "Doctor's wine," or even shorter
+still "Doctor," and it has been known by this singular name for more
+than five hundred years.
+
+About the middle of the fourteenth century Bishop Bohemund lay ill of
+a very violent fever at Bernkastel. The worthy man was obliged to
+swallow many a bitter pill and many a sour drink, but all without
+avail. The poor divine began at last to fear the worst. Despite his
+high calling and his earnest search after holy things, his bishopric
+on the lovely Moselle pleased him better than any seat in heaven. He
+caused it to be proclaimed throughout the length and breadth of his
+diocese, that whoever should be able to cure him of this terrible
+fever, be he layman or learned doctor, should receive his pastoral
+blessing, and a rich present into the bargain.
+
+At that very time, a brave old warrior lived at Treves, who heard
+about the suffering bishop and had pity on him in his great need.
+
+Moreover this gray-haired veteran, whose name has not come down to
+posterity, was very much indebted to the bishop, for once, many years
+before, Bohemund had saved him from the hands of the enemy in a
+skirmish near Sponheim.
+
+The noble old soldier was much distressed to hear that the holy man
+was suffering so terribly. He remembered too, that once he himself had
+been attacked by violent fever and had fought hard with death, and
+that his friends had talked about pills and certain bitter drinks, but
+he had sent them all away and had called his servant, desiring him to
+bring him a good bowl of fiery Bernkastler wine. When he had taken a
+hearty drink,--no small matter for one lying ill of fever--he awoke
+out of a deep sleep twelve hours later, the fever completely gone.
+
+Why should not this same Bernkastler cure, thought he, have the same
+effect on the worthy prelate?
+
+After considering for a time, the old knight set out quite alone from
+his castle in the forest of Soon to visit his spiritual benefactor,
+taking only a little cask with him.
+
+Bohemund, lying on his sick bed, is said to have cast a very
+suspicious look at the good man who stated that he could cure him, but
+who carried all his medicines and mixtures in a little cask on his
+shoulder. The knight however, making a sign to the officious servants
+and attendants to leave the chamber, informed the reverend gentleman
+of what he was about to do. He then calmly took the plug out of the
+cask, and gave the sick man a drink of the sparkling wine which he had
+brought with him.
+
+The bishop readily swallowed the wine at one draught. Another was
+administered to him soon after, and the eminent prelate fell into a
+deep sleep.
+
+The next day the people of Treves heard with great joy that the fever
+had completely disappeared.
+
+The bishop on awaking took another stout draught, and sang out of the
+depths of his grateful heart:--
+
+    "This famous wine restored my health,
+        Sure, 'tis a splendid doctor."
+
+
+
+
+ANDERNACH
+
+Genovefa
+
+
+I.
+
+In all the Rhine provinces the virtuous spouse of Count Siegfried of
+the Palatinate was esteemed and venerated. The people called her St.
+Genovefa, which name indeed she was worthy of, as she suffered cruel
+trials and sorrows. Siegfried's castle stood near the old town of
+Andernach, just at the time when Charles Martel was reigning over the
+Franks.
+
+Siegfried and his young wife lived in peaceful unity, till a cloud
+came over their happiness. The much-dreaded Arabs from Spain had
+forced their way into Gaul, and were now marching northwards, burning
+and destroying all on their course. The enemies of the cross must be
+repulsed, unless the west was to share the fate of Africa, which had
+been subdued by the Mohametans.
+
+The war-cry reached the Palatinate, and Siegfried had to go forth to
+the fight. Equipped in his armour, and having kissed his weeping wife,
+he bade farewell to the castle of his fathers. But he was sad at heart
+at leaving the spot where the happiest days of his life had been
+spent. He entrusted the administration of his property to Golo, his
+steward, and recommended his beloved wife very earnestly to his
+protection, begging her in turn to trust him in everything.
+
+The poor countess was heart-broken at this bitter separation. She felt
+the loneliness of the castle deeply, she longed for his happy presence
+and the sound of his voice. She could never speak to Golo as to the
+friend to whose care her husband had recommended her. Her pure eyes
+shrank from the passionate look which gleamed in his. It seemed to her
+that he followed her every movement with a look which her childlike
+soul did not understand.
+
+She missed her husband's presence more and more. She would go out on
+the balcony and weave golden dreams, and while she sat there, looking
+out over the hazy blue distance, she longed for the moment when
+Siegfried would return, when she could lean her head upon his breast,
+and tell him of the great happiness in store for them.
+
+Perhaps the war against the heathens might last so long that she would
+be able to hold the pledge of their love joyfully out to him from the
+balcony on his return. And the countess' lovely face would be lit up
+with a gleam of blissful happiness, and she would while away the time
+on her favourite spot, dreaming and looking out into the hazy blue
+distance.
+
+The secret aversion which the countess felt towards the steward was
+not without a reason. Her angel-like beauty had awakened lustful
+passion in Golo's breast, which he did not strive to hide. On the
+contrary his frequent intercourse with her, who was as gracious to him
+as to all her other inferiors, stirred his passion still more, and one
+day, losing all control, he threw himself at the countess' feet,
+declaring his love for her, and imploring her to return it. Genovefa
+was horrified at this confession. With indignation and scorn she
+rejected his love, forbidding him to appear before her as he had
+utterly forgotten his duty, and at the same time, threatening to
+complain of him to her husband. Golo's eyes flared up, and a deadly
+look of hatred gleamed from them.
+
+He could hope for no pardon from his angry mistress. Besides, his
+pride would not allow him to seek it, and now his one desire was
+revenge. It only remained for him to follow his dastardly plan and to
+avoid Siegfried's wrath.
+
+Hatred raged in his breast. He dismissed all the servants of the
+castle and put new ones of his own creation in their places. Then one
+day he appeared before the horrified countess, and openly accused her
+of being unfaithful to her husband far away.
+
+Shame and wrath robbed Genovefa of speech. Golo explained to the
+servants who were standing around in silent amazement, that he had
+already informed the count of his wife's faithless conduct, and that
+he, Golo, as present administrator of the castle, now condemned the
+countess to be imprisoned in the dungeon.
+
+The unhappy Genovefa awakened to find herself in an underground cell
+of the castle. She covered her face in deep sorrow, imploring Him who
+had sent her this trial, to help her in her present affliction. There
+after some time a son was born to her. She baptized him with her
+tears, giving him the name of Tristan, which means "full of sorrows."
+
+
+II.
+
+Siegfried had already been absent six months. He had fought like a
+hero in many a desperate battle. The fanatical followers of Mohamet
+having crossed the Pyrenees, struggled with wild enthusiasm, hoping to
+subdue the rest of western Europe to the doctrines of Islam by fire
+and sword. In several encounters, the Franks had been obliged to give
+way to their power. These unbridled hordes had already penetrated into
+the heart of Gaul, when Charles first appeared and engaged the Arabs
+in the bloody battle of Tours. From morning till evening the struggle
+on which hung the fate of Europe raged. And there Charles proved
+himself worthy of the name of Martel, "the hammer," which he
+afterwards received.
+
+Siegfried fought at the leader's side like a lion; but towards evening
+a Saracen's lance pierced him, and though the wound was not mortal,
+yet he was obliged to remain inactive for several months on a
+sick-bed, where he thought with longing in his heart of his loving
+wife by the Rhine.
+
+A messenger arrived one day at the camp bearing a parchment from Golo,
+Siegfried's steward. The count gazed long at the fateful letter,
+trying to comprehend its meaning. What he had read, ran thus: "Your
+wife is unfaithful to you and has betrayed you for the sake of Drago,
+a servant, who ran away." The hero crushed the letter furiously in his
+hand, a groan escaping from his white lips. Then he started off
+accompanied by a few followers, and rode towards the Ardennes, never
+stopping till he reached his own fort. A man stood on the balcony,
+looking searchingly out into the distance, and seeing a cloud of dust
+approaching in which a group of horsemen soon became visible, his eyes
+gleamed triumphantly.
+
+A stately knight advanced, his charger stamping threateningly on the
+drawbridge. Golo, with hypocritical emotion stood before the count,
+who had now alighted from his foaming horse, and informed him again of
+what had happened. "Where is the evil-doer who has stained the honour
+of my house, where is he, that I may crush his life out?" cried
+Siegfried in a fury.
+
+"My lord, I have punished the wretch deservedly and lashed him out of
+the castle," answered Golo in a stern voice, sighing deeply.
+
+The count made a sign to Golo whose false eyes gleamed with devilish
+joy, to lead the way.
+
+Siegfried entered the dungeon, followed by his servants and also by
+those who had travelled with him. Genovefa listened breathlessly in
+her prison, with a loved name trembling on her lips and a prayer to
+God in her heart. Now the terrible trial would come to an end, now she
+would leave this dungeon of disgrace triumphantly, and exchange the
+crown of thorns for the victor's wreath.
+
+The bolt was unfastened, firm steps and men's voices were heard, the
+iron doors were dashed open. She snatched her slumbering child, the
+pledge of their love, and held it towards her dear husband. His name
+was on her lips, but before she could utter it, a cry of agony escaped
+her. He had cast her from him and, his accusations falling like blows
+from a hammer on her head, the poor innocent countess fell senseless
+to the ground. The next day two servants led mother and child out into
+the forest, where with their own hands, they were to kill her who had
+been so unfaithful to her husband, and her child also. They were to
+bring back two tongues to the count as a proof that they had obeyed
+his orders.
+
+The servants drove them into the wildest depths of the forest where
+only the screams of birds of prey broke the silence. They drew their
+knives. But the poor countess fell on her knees, and holding up her
+little child, implored them to spare their lives, if not for her sake,
+at least for the sake of the helpless child. Pity entered the two
+men's hearts and withheld their hands. Dragging the mother and child
+still deeper into the forest, they turned away hastily, leaving their
+victims to themselves.
+
+They brought two harts' tongues to the count, informing him that they
+had fulfilled his orders.
+
+
+III.
+
+Genovefa's tired feet wandered through the unknown forest, her child
+crying with hunger. She prayed fervently to Heaven in her despair, and
+tears were sent to relieve the dull pain in her heart, after which she
+felt more composed, and her child was soon sweetly slumbering. To her
+great astonishment she perceived a cavern near her, where she could
+take shelter, and as if God wished to show that He had heard her
+prayer, a white doe came towards the cavern, rubbing herself
+caressingly against the abandoned woman. Willingly the gentle animal
+allowed the little child to suckle it. The next day the doe came back
+again, and Genovefa thanked God from the depths of her heart. She
+found roots, berries, and plants, to support herself, and every day
+the tame doe came back to her, and at last remained always with her.
+
+Days, weeks, and months passed. Her unfaltering faith had rendered her
+agony less. In time she learned to forgive her husband who had
+condemned her unjustly, and she even pardoned him who had taken such
+bitter revenge on her. Her lovely cheeks had become thinner, but the
+forest winds had breathed a soft red into them, and the child who had
+no cares nor gnawing pain in its heart, grew into a beautiful little
+boy.
+
+
+IV.
+
+At the castle on the Rhine, sorrow was a constant guest since this
+terrible event had happened. Siegfried's burning anger had sunk into
+sorrow, and often when he was wandering restlessly through the rooms
+so rich in sweet memories, where now a deserted stillness reigned, the
+agony awoke again in his heart. He now repented of his hastiness, and
+a voice whispered in his ear that he had been too severe in his cruel
+punishment, that he had condemned too quickly, and that he should have
+considered what he could have done to mitigate her punishment.
+
+When these haunting voices pursued him, he would hurry away from the
+castle and its loneliness, not being able to bear the torment of his
+thoughts. Then to forget his trouble, he would follow the chase with
+the yelping hounds. But he only seldom succeeded in dulling his
+misery. Everywhere he seemed to see the pale face of a woman looking
+imploringly at him.
+
+The state of his master's soul had not escaped Golo, and this crafty
+man cringed the more to the sorrowful count, feigning to care for his
+welfare. A starving person accepts even the bread which a beggar-man
+offers, and Siegfried, supposing his steward wished to compensate him
+for his loss, accepted willingly every proof of devotion, and
+recompensed him with his favour, at the same time hating the man in
+his inmost soul who had rendered him such a terrible service.
+
+One day the count rode out to the chase, accompanied by only a few
+retainers, one of whom was Golo. Siegfried pressed deeper than was his
+custom into the forest. A milkwhite doe sprang up before him and
+sportsmanlike, he chased this singular animal through the bushes,
+hoping to shoot it. His spear had just grazed it, when it disappeared
+suddenly into a cavern. A woman whose ragged garments scarcely covered
+her nakedness, leading a little boy by the hand, suddenly came out of
+the opening in the rock, and the doe, seeking protection, rubbed
+herself against her. She looked at the hunter, but her limbs trembled
+so that she could scarcely stand, only her large sad eyes gazed
+wistfully at him. A stifled cry, half triumphant, half a groan,
+escaped from her lips, and she threw herself at the count's feet. From
+the voice which for long months had only moved in earnest prayer or in
+low sweet words to the child, now flowed solemn protestations of her
+innocence. Her words burned like fire into the soul of the count, and
+drawing her to his breast, he kissed her tears, and then sank at her
+feet imploring her pardon.
+
+He pressed his little boy to his heart, overcome with gratitude and
+happiness, and wept with joy, calling him by a thousand affectionate
+names.
+
+Then at the sound of his bugle-horn his retinue hastened towards him,
+Golo among them.
+
+"Do you know these two?" thundered out the count to the latter,
+tearing him from the throng and conducting him to Genovefa.
+
+The wretch, as if struck by a club, broke down and, clasping his
+master's knees, he confessed his wickedness and begged for mercy.
+Siegfried thrust him contemptuously from him, refusing sternly, in
+spite of the countess' intercession, to pardon his crime. Golo was
+bound and led away, and a disgraceful death was his reward.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now began a time of great happiness for Siegfried and his saint-like
+wife, and they lived in undisturbed peace with their little son.
+
+In gratitude to Heaven Siegfried caused a church to be built on the
+spot where the white doe had appeared to him first. The countess often
+made a pilgrimage to this house of God, to thank Him who had caused
+her tears to be turned into joy. Then a day came when her corpse was
+carried into the forest, and was buried in the church. Even now in
+Laach, the wanderer is shown the church and the tombstone, also the
+cavern where she suffered so much. Thus the name of St. Genovefa will
+last to all time.
+
+
+
+
+HAMMERSTEIN
+
+The old Knight and his Daughters
+
+
+[Illustration: Am Sarge Kaiser Heinrich IV.--Nach dem Gemälde von
+L. Rosenfelder--Zur Sage von der Burg Hammerstein]
+
+Above Rheinbrohl, on a dreary sandstone rock, stand the ruins of the
+old imperial fortress of Hammerstein. For a thousand years the storms
+have beat on those desolate walls. One of the first owners was Wolf
+von Hammerstein, a faithful vassal of the Emperor. It was Henry IV.
+who then ruled, and partly by his own faults, partly by those of
+others, the crown had indeed become to this sovereign one of thorns.
+Wolf of Hammerstein had made the historic pilgrimage to Canossa alone
+with his master. Now, on account of the infirmities of age the
+venerable knight seldom descended the castle-hill, and only from afar,
+the loud trumpet call of the world fell upon his ears. His wife, now
+for several years deceased, had born him six daughters, all attractive
+maidens and tenderly attached to their surviving parent, but their
+filial affection met with the roughest and most ungrateful responses
+from the sour old fellow. It was a sore grievance to Wolf of
+Hammerstein that he had no son. He would willingly have exchanged his
+halfdozen daughters for a single male heir. The girls were only too
+well aware of this fact, and tried all the more, by constant love and
+tender care to reconcile their ungracious parent to his lot.
+
+One evening it thus befell. The autumn wind grumbled round the castle
+like a croaking raven, and the old knight, Wolf of Hammerstein, sat by
+a cheerful fire and peevishly nursed his gouty limbs. In spite of the
+most assiduous attentions of his daughters he remained in a most surly
+mood. The pretty maidens however kept hovering round the ill-tempered
+old fellow like so many tender doves. Then the porter announced two
+strangers. Both were wrapped in their knightly mantles, and in spite
+of his troubles the hospitable lord of the castle prepared to welcome
+his guests. Into the comfortable room two shivering and weary
+travellers advanced, and as outlaws they craved shelter and protection
+for the night. At the sound of one of the voices the knight started
+up, listening eagerly, and when the stranger raised his visor and
+threw back his mantle, Wolf of Hammerstein sank on his knees at the
+stranger's feet, and seizing his hand he pressed it to his lips,
+exclaiming: "Henry, my lord and king!" Then, with trembling voice the
+Emperor told his old comrade-in-arms that he was a fugitive, and
+before one who had torn from him the imperial crown and mantle. And
+when the old knight, trembling with excitement, demanded who this
+impious and dishonourable man might be, the Emperor murmured the
+words, "My son," and then buried his face in his hands.
+
+Rigid as a marble statue stood the old knight. Like a bolt from
+heaven the consciousness of his past ignoble conduct had flashed upon
+him. Suddenly he seemed to feel how tenderly the loving arms of his
+daughters had enfolded him. He spread out his hands towards them, as
+if anxious to atone by the tenderness of a minute for the harshness of
+years. Then the Emperor, deeply touched, thus addressed the old man.
+"Dear comrade-in-arms, your position is indeed enviable. The faithful
+love of your daughters will tend you in your declining years. No
+misguided son, impatient for your end, will hunt you from your home.
+Alas, for me, to-morrow accompanied by a few faithful followers, I
+must go down to battle against my own flesh and blood."
+
+Towards midnight the unhappy monarch was conducted to a room prepared
+with care for his reception; and, while he sank into a troubled sleep,
+the old knight overwhelmed his daughters with long-delayed caresses.
+In his heart, he silently entreated for pardon for the deep grudge he
+had long cherished against the God who had been pleased to grant him
+no son.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Three months had passed by. Sad news came to the Rhine from the
+Netherlands. The Emperor Henry was dead. In the midst of fresh warlike
+preparations death claimed him. His faithful partisans were therefore
+greatly grieved and more especially Wolf of Hammerstein. But the
+second part of the tidings made him even sadder. The consecrated earth
+was denied to the unfortunate dead Emperor. His coffin was placed in a
+cellar in Liege without any respect. Whoever wished could go there to
+slander or to pray for the repose of his soul, whenever they desired.
+When the knight was told of this he swore vehemently and did not close
+his eyes for several nights. Then his mind was made up. All the
+prayers and weeping of the daughters did not make him alter his
+decision.
+
+One day he stood before the Archbishop of Cologne and reminded him how
+he had saved his life more than twenty years ago, and he recalled to
+his memory that he had promised to grant any wish of the Hammersteins.
+
+There was a great discussion between the knight and the bishop. But
+the fidelity of the vassal was rewarded. The strong ecclesiastical
+protection of the church at Cologne facilitated the steps to the
+priests in Liege. Surrounded by pious women and earnest men he knelt,
+a week later, before the sarcophagus, he pressed his lips to it and
+murmured "Henry my master and my King." Afterwards he had the body
+transferred to Speyer where it was placed in the royal tomb.
+
+When the mournful vessel went up the Rhine from Cologne, by order of
+the knight black flags fluttered in the wind and greeted the dead
+Emperor. Hammerstein was always known later on as the most faithful
+vassal of the King.
+
+
+
+
+VALLEY OF THE AHR
+
+The Last Knight of Altenahr
+
+
+Only a few mouldering ruins now show where one of the proudest
+strongholds of the Rhine country, Castle Altenahr, once stood. A
+legend relates the mournful story of the last of the race which had
+lived there for centuries.
+
+This man was a very stubborn knight, and he would not bow down to or
+even acknowledge the all-powerful archbishop, whom His Majesty the
+Emperor had sent into the Rhine country as protector of the church.
+
+Unfortunately the bishop was also of a proud and unyielding character,
+and he nursed resentment in his heart against this spurner of his
+authority.
+
+It was not long before his smouldering rancour blazed into an open
+feud, and the mighty bishop, accompanied by a large band of followers,
+appeared before the proud castle of Altenahr. A ring of iron was
+formed round the offending vassal's hold.
+
+But its owner was not disturbed by this formidable array, and only
+laughed sneeringly at the besiegers' useless trouble, knowing well
+that they would never be able to storm his rocky stronghold.
+
+The warlike priest saw many of his little army bleeding to death in
+vain. He was very wrathful, but nevertheless undismayed.
+
+He had sworn a great oath that he would enter this invincible hold as
+a conqueror, even if the fight were to last till the Judgment Day; the
+lord of Altenahr had sworn a similar oath, and these two powerful foes
+were well matched.
+
+Thus the siege continued for some months. The besieger's anger grew
+hotter, for every attack cost him the lives of numbers of his
+followers, and all his efforts seemed useless.
+
+Already there was an outburst of discontent in his camp; many servants
+and vassals deserted from such a dangerous venture. Revolt and
+disobedience seemed on one occasion to threaten a complete dissolution
+of the besieging army, as a desperate attack had been again repulsed
+by the hidden inhabitants of the fort.
+
+The bishop's allies urged the unrelenting man to desist from his
+merciless purpose, but he received their protests with a sneer: "When
+you leave me, my greater ally, hunger, will draw near. It will come,
+that I am sure of." Then followed an uproar of confused voices;
+mutinous troopers, now become bold by the wine they had taken, fell to
+brawling with their leader. The bishop's grim smile died away.
+
+"Wait my men, just wait for one more attack," he cried in a powerful
+voice, "it will be the fiercest and the last," and with a dark face he
+turned and strode away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Dawn was creeping over the valley of the Ahr. There was a great stir
+in the camp on the side of the mountain, and up above, in the castle
+of Altenahr, silence reigned round hazy pinnacles. Suddenly a flourish
+of trumpets was heard, and the drawbridge having been let down, the
+lord of the castle galloped forth on a milkwhite charger, his tall
+figure towering over the animal, the feather of his helmet waving
+above his grey hair, and the first rays of the rising sun irradiating
+his steel armour.
+
+Holding his steed with a firm grip, he raised his right hand to the
+shouting besiegers, signifying that he wished to speak. His voice
+sounded far and wide.
+
+"See here the last man and the last charger of all those who lived in
+my tower. Hunger has snatched them all from me, wife, child, comrades.
+They all preferred death to slavery. I follow them, unvanquished and
+free to the last."
+
+The noble animal reared up at the spur of its rider ... a great
+spring, followed by a thundering crash ... then the Ahr closed her
+foaming waters over man and steed.
+
+A shudder seized those who were looking on. The dark countenance of
+their leader became pale as death, and he rode off without a moment's
+delay, followed by the curses of his mutinous troops.
+
+Since that time the castle of Altenahr has remained deserted; no one
+dared to enter the chambers hallowed by the memory of this heroic
+defence. Thus it was avoided by mankind, till time gnawed at its walls
+and destroyed its battlements.
+
+
+
+
+The Minstrel of Neuenahr
+
+
+I.
+
+He was called Ronald, this tall handsome man, with blue eyes and fair
+hair; he had a noble bearing and was a master of song.
+
+The knight at the Castle of Neuenahr had made a great feast, and
+Ronald was sitting on the drawbridge playing his harp and singing. The
+guests stopped their noisy conversation within doors and knights as
+well as noble ladies listened breathless to the unseen singer. The
+proud lord of the castle bade his page bring the traveller in. Thus
+the tall handsome man, the blue eyed, fair-haired stranger with the
+noble bearing, appeared before the high company. The knights looked at
+him with wonder and many a handsome lady regarded him with admiration
+covertly.
+
+Among the high company there was a beautiful young girl, the daughter
+of the knight, whose birthday was being celebrated. The lord of the
+castle rose from his richly carved stool, and made a sign to the
+singer who was bowing graciously to the knights and ladies and lower
+still to the master of the castle.
+
+"Give us a song, musician, in honour of our child who is seventeen
+years old to-day."
+
+The musician fixed his glance in silent admiration on the maiden. She
+dropped her eyes, and a lovely blush covered her cheeks. He seized his
+harp, and after a few chords, began to sing a song of homage. Sweetly
+sounded the music, and even sweeter the flattering words. The maiden
+flushed a deeper crimson and cast down her eyes. Once when the harper
+in his song compared her to a star lighting a wanderer's path, she
+glanced up, and their eyes met; but hers sank quickly again. She
+seemed to waken out of a dream when the song ended amid loud applause.
+She saw her father lifting up a massive goblet and handing it to the
+singer, saw how the latter raised it first to her, afterwards to her
+father and his guests, and then put it to his own lips. The maiden
+felt she was no longer mistress of her heart which was beating as it
+had never done before.
+
+
+II.
+
+"You might teach my Rothtraut to play the harp," cried the proud lord
+of the castle, who was in a very lively humour, having partaken freely
+of wine. She heard it as in a dream, and the musician bowed, murmuring
+that he was not worthy to receive so signal an honour.
+
+He remained however at the castle. Lovely Rothtraut felt afraid in her
+heart like a trembling child crossing a bridge leading to flowery
+meadows; she had no mother in whom she could confide those fears for
+which she could find no words. She therefore yielded to her father's
+desire, wishing to amuse him during the long, lonely evenings by
+playing and singing. Singing came naturally to her, for a nightingale
+seemed to slumber in her bosom, but she found more difficulty with the
+harp. Her slender fingers drew many a discordant sound from the
+strings, and often her father, comfortably seated in his armchair,
+laughed heartily at her, which made the maiden blush with shame. Her
+large eyes would wander from the harp to the musician's face; but her
+confusion only became worse when her eyes timidly met his. He was very
+patient with all her imperfect efforts, never blaming her but on the
+contrary praising all her modest attempts beyond their merits. Then he
+would sing a song of his own and play some deep chords which seemed to
+thrill the air. The knight would listen entranced, and the maiden felt
+love's blissful pain in her heart. She did not know what it was, or
+how he had long since sung himself into her soul, and her tender heart
+trembled at love's first revelation. The passion possessed her more
+and more; it spread its power over these two hearts, and soon in the
+quiet garden of the castle, Ronald clasped the daughter of the proud
+knight to his heart.
+
+
+III.
+
+Love's first rapture is often followed by sorrow however, and
+beautiful Rothtraut had yet to experience it.
+
+It once happened that the knight surprised his child in the musician's
+arms. His anger knew no bounds, and like a beast of prey he rushed at
+the singer, when his daughter, suddenly become a woman, placed herself
+bravely between her father and her lover. Her confession went to his
+heart like a dagger, for with trembling lips and glowing cheeks, the
+maiden acknowledged the secret of her love.
+
+Pale but firm the singer stood before the knight.
+
+"I am only a wanderer but not a dishonourable one. Do not destroy with
+a rough hand the flower which God has planted in our hearts, but give
+me time. I will set out on my journey and will take up arms for my
+beloved. And when I come back as a nobleman, you will give me your
+daughter who loves me. Either I shall return as a knight, or you will
+never see me again."
+
+The lord of the castle looked at him sternly, while his daughter stood
+weeping, holding Ronald's hand. "Good-bye, maiden. Do not forget me,
+Rothtraut!" He was gone, and a wailing cry burst from the lips of the
+unhappy girl.
+
+
+IV.
+
+To atone for many a wrong against Pope and Church, and also to fulfil
+a solemn vow, the Emperor Barbarossa started on a crusade in his old
+age. Many knights and heroes joined him, and his great army marched
+through several countries until they came to the Levant. Then they
+journeyed on to Syria where the great hero's career ended. Barbarossa
+was drowned, and the eyes of his followers turned to Henry, his son,
+as their leader. The latter, who became emperor under the name of
+Henry VI. was a very capable general; he was also a lover of music,
+and is said to have composed many a melody which remains with us to
+the present day.
+
+Many supposed that it was not the royal minstrel who composed the
+songs, but that they came from the hand of Ronald who was now as
+skilled with his sword as with his harp, and who had become a great
+favourite of the emperor. He was a powerful warrior, and had already
+overthrown many a Saracen. Once when the crusaders had gained a
+glorious victory, he composed a song in honour of it, and sang it
+himself on his harp. The song went the round of the camp, and the
+singer became a great friend of the emperor. But even such favour did
+not drive the shadow from Ronald's soul, and often when he was singing
+one of his most beautiful songs to Henry, he would suddenly break off
+and rush out of the tent in great grief. One day the emperor found out
+what he had long guessed, and made Ronald confess his story to him.
+
+Some days afterwards the crusaders began the storming of Acre, the
+impregnable fortress of the Saracens. Ronald was fighting by Henry's
+side. A Saracen dashed his falchion at the king's head, but Ronald
+with a mighty blow clove the infidel's skull in two. In the evening of
+the same day Henry called all his warriors together, and dubbed the
+brave champion knight with his own hand. Ronald of Harfenstein was to
+be his name, and a lyre lying on a falchion and a sword, were to be
+his arms. The emperor promised to build him a castle on the borders of
+the Rhine, which was to be called Harfeneck.
+
+Plague broke out in the camp, and many a gallant crusader fell victim
+to it. Among them was the emperor himself, whose death caused
+unspeakable grief to Ronald.
+
+
+V.
+
+One day a weary crusader was seen riding along the banks of the Rhine.
+Wherever he passed, the people asked him if it were true that
+Barbarossa was not drowned in the Holy Land, but was living in the
+Kyffhäuser Mountain, and would soon come back to his own neglected
+kingdom. The crusader barely answered their questions, but urged on
+his tired steed along the Rhine. At last the silvery waters of the Ahr
+appeared before him, and he saw the gables of the castle. The rider
+joyously spurred on his horse, and rode up through the forest to the
+fortress where once he had sat on the drawbridge as a poor traveller.
+
+The late guest was ushered up to the lord of the castle.
+
+The knight, now a bent old man, rose from a melancholy reverie to
+greet the unknown stranger.
+
+"I am Ronald, and have become a knight through the grace of the
+Emperor Henry in the camp at Acre, and now I have come to win your
+daughter Rothtraut."
+
+"Win her from death, for it robbed me of her two months ago," said the
+proud lord of the castle, turning his head aside in deep grief. Then a
+despairing groan thrilled through the chamber. Harsh words passed
+between those two, one a man in his disconsolate sorrow, the other a
+repentant father.
+
+Ronald strode off to the lonely corner of the garden, and the newly
+dug up earth showed him the place where Rothtraut lay. There he
+remained late into the night, till darkness had surrounded him and
+black night had settled on his soul. Then he turned and went away,
+never to come back again.
+
+In the East whence the crusaders had now returned, everyone talked of
+the heroic deeds accomplished by Richard the Lion-hearted. The
+Saracens well knew the fearless leader and the German knight who
+fought at his side. Richard valued his bravery, even though he was
+still a young knight. He meant to make him one of his vassals when he
+returned to his own country. But his desire was never fulfilled, for
+the thrust of a hostile lance which he had so often escaped, pierced
+the knight's heart. So the minstrel of Neuenahr found a grave in the
+Holy Land; the race of Harfenstein became extinct with the first of
+the line, and the castle was never built.
+
+
+
+
+EIFEL
+
+The Arrow at Prüm
+
+
+It was in the little town of Prüm many a long year ago that Lothaire,
+the degenerate son of St. Louis, did penance for his sins. In the
+church belonging to the town there are two very ancient pictures; one
+of them represents a knight standing on a huge rock, shooting an
+arrow, while his wife and retinue are looking devoutedly towards
+heaven; the other represents a priest at an altar to whom an angel is
+bringing an arrow.
+
+Who is the knight?
+
+Who is the holy man?
+
+The knight is Nithard, noble lord of Guise, who lived in the north of
+France towards the end of the ninth century. No children having been
+born to his excellent wife Erkanfrida, the knight determined to leave
+his estate for some pious object.
+
+He meant to endow a cloister, where after their deaths, masses would
+be read for him and his spouse. But it was a difficult matter to
+select the most worthy from the many cloisters in the neighbourhood,
+and by the advice of a pious priest he resolved to leave the decision
+to Heaven.
+
+He fastened the document bequeathing his possessions to an arrow, and
+then set out for a great rock near the castle, accompanied by his wife
+and numerous followers.
+
+After a fervent prayer he shot the arrow skyward, and, so the pious
+story runs, it was borne by angel hands, till it came to Prüm--a
+journey of several days.
+
+Ansbald, the holy abbot of the cloister, was standing at the altar
+when the arrow fell at his feet. He read the document with
+astonishment and gratitude, and in a moved voice, announced its
+contents to the assembled congregation.
+
+Knight Nithard assigned his estate to the cloister, and from that time
+forth many pilgrims journeyed to Prüm to see the arrow which had been
+carried there by angel hands.
+
+The storms of many centuries have blown over those hallowed walls, but
+the pictures in the old church belonging to the abbey still remain,
+thus preserving the legend from oblivion.
+
+
+
+
+AACHEN
+
+The Building of the Minster
+
+
+[Illustration: Karl der Große--Nach dem Gemälde von Albrecht Dürer]
+
+As Charlemagne, the mighty ruler of the Franks, rode one day from his
+stronghold at Aix-la-Chapelle into the surrounding forest, his horse
+is said to have suddenly trodden upon a spring. On touching the water,
+the animal drew its foot back neighing loudly as if in great pain.
+
+The rider's curiosity was aroused. He alighted, and dipping his hand
+into the spring, found to his surprise that the water was very hot.
+Thus Charlemagne, as the legend records, discovered the hot spring
+which was to become the salvation of many thousands of ill and infirm
+people.
+
+The pious emperor recognised in this healthgiving spring the kind gift
+of Providence, and he resolved to erect near the spot a house of God,
+the round shape of which should remind posterity of the horse's hoof.
+
+The building was soon begun, and Charlemagne saw with great
+satisfaction the walls of the new minster rising high into the air. He
+was not however destined to see its completion. When he died, he had
+to leave the great Empire of the West to a feeble son, Lewis the
+Pious. The latter was compelled to draw his sword against his own
+children in order to assure for himself the crown he had inherited.
+
+Many a great undertaking that Charlemagne had begun, remained
+unfinished.
+
+The building of the minster too was interrupted. The ground was left
+desolate, and the walls and towers were threatened with decay before
+they were finished.
+
+It was quite useless for the honourable magistrate of the town to
+apply for money to the charitable Christian inhabitants. Contributions
+came in very slowly, and were never sufficient to finish the church.
+
+The aldermen of Aix-la-Chapelle would very often seriously debate the
+question, and discuss how they could remedy the grievous lack of money
+and successfully effect the completion of the minster. They found
+however that good counsel was just as rare as building material.
+
+Once when they were met thus together, a stranger was announced who
+said he had most important news to communicate. He was allowed to
+enter the session room. After having duly saluted the Council, he said
+modestly but without any shyness, "Gentlemen, my business, in a word,
+is to offer you the money for the completion of the church." The
+worthy aldermen looked in wonder first at the speaker, then at each
+other.
+
+They silently agreed in the opinion that the man before them looked
+very suspicious in his quaint outlandish clothes and his sharp pointed
+beard.
+
+But the newcomer was not at all abashed by their suspicious looks. On
+the contrary he repeated politely but firmly his proposal, saying:
+"Honourable Sirs, I should like to help you out of your difficulty,
+and will advance you the necessary thousands without even wishing to
+be paid back."
+
+At this frank offer the councillors pricked up their ears and opened
+their eyes wide in astonishment. Before they could recover from their
+amazement, the stranger continued: "I know well, you are all far too
+proud to accept this great offer of mine without giving me a reward of
+some sort. Therefore I require a small compensation. I demand the
+first living being, body and soul, that enters the new minster on the
+inauguration day."
+
+On hearing this the honourable aldermen rose horrified from their
+seats. Many of them made the sign of the cross or uttered a short
+prayer, because nobody but the devil himself could require anything so
+monstrous.
+
+The eyes of the chairman shot a reproachful glance at the strange
+speaker, and he muttered between his teeth: "Be off! your words are
+giving offence."
+
+But Master Satan, the stranger, stood calmly in his place: "Sirs,"
+said he, "Let me answer you with a word from the scriptures, "Why are
+you so fearful, oh ye of little faith?" On the field of battle the
+sword mows down thousands of brave men. They fall often as victims to
+the ravening ambition of a single man. You can even see fathers
+fighting against their sons, brothers against their brothers, and
+nobody thinks it unjust. Now you cry out, when I only ask for one
+single living soul to be sacrificed for the welfare of the whole
+community."
+
+The eyes of the stranger looked round in triumphant joy when he had
+finished, for he read a favourable reply in the puzzled faces of the
+aldermen.
+
+Many of them at once gave up their scruples, and after a few minutes
+even the most cautious among them had no more objections to urge.
+
+The offer was closed with, and Master Satan left the Town Hall with a
+proud smile.
+
+The next day the council was again gathered together anxiously waiting
+for the promised sum.
+
+It arrived promptly, rightly weighed and in good honest coin.
+
+The joy of the aldermen was boundless.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Once more the workmen began the work of building the minster. They
+worked very busily as if to make up for the long interruption, and
+after three years the cathedral was finished.
+
+On the day when the new church was to be consecrated, a great festival
+was held in the town.
+
+The distinguished company, secular as well as clerical, who appeared
+at the inauguration ceremony, praised the magnificence of the minster,
+the great liberality of the citizens, and more than all, the wisdom of
+the Town Council.
+
+The aldermen listened to the general praise with pleasure, and
+accepted it as their due. They felt however bound to confess to each
+other that they did not feel easy when they thought of the
+inauguration day. None of them had spoken to anybody of Master Satan's
+condition.
+
+Only one of them, a henpecked fellow as malicious people said,
+confessed the whole transaction to his wife. It is needless to say
+that from that moment the whole town knew about the affair. On the
+important day of the consecration of the minster many venerable
+prelates, abbots, and monks, thousands of noble knights and lords who
+had come as guests, and the whole population of Aix-la-Chapelle looked
+forward to the fatal hour with beating hearts. It was a grand
+procession indeed that marched on in ceremonious solemnity through the
+streets. The gaily coloured flags waved merrily in the air, the
+trumpets and clarions sounded cheerily. The nobility and clergy were
+in their most gorgeous attire. On every side were the signs of joy and
+thanksgiving.
+
+But the hearts of the people were all oppressed, and many a sorrowful
+eye gazed at the morning sky, as if expecting to see Satan flying down
+with his bat-like wings.
+
+When the aldermen in their bright robes joined the procession, the
+general anxiety rose to the highest pitch.
+
+Before the worthy councillors a bulky cage was carried by four stout
+footmen. What was hidden under the covering nobody knew, but everybody
+felt sure that it contained the victim.
+
+When the procession reached the minster it stopped, the cage being
+carried foremost.
+
+At a sign from the mayor, one of the footmen quickly stripped off the
+cover and exposed to view a howling hideous wolf. Two of the men
+pushed the church door wide open with their long halberds, and the
+fourth pushed the wolf skilfully through the open door. A terrible
+noise arose suddenly within.
+
+The devil had been waiting for his spoil, as a tiger that watches for
+his prey.
+
+When the wolf entered the devil darted towards it, but seeing that it
+was only a beast he burst into a wild howl of rage.
+
+He wrung the poor wolf's neck with the quickness of lightning and
+disappeared suddenly, leaving nothing behind him but a strong smell of
+sulphur.
+
+A few minutes later the bells rang, and the whole magnificent
+procession thronged into the church, duly to celebrate its
+consecration.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+While divine service was being held in the new minster and hymns of
+praise and thanksgiving were offered at God's altar, the devil flew
+with horrible maledictions over the country.
+
+He swore an oath to punish with the utmost severity the population of
+Aix-la-Chapelle who had so cunningly outwitted him.
+
+In his flight he came to the sea-shore where he stopped a little, in
+order to consider how he could best destroy the town. As he looked at
+the sandy dunes the thought struck him, that he might bury the whole
+town with all its prelates and abbots under such a hill. With a mighty
+pull he tore one of the dunes from the shore, piled it on his
+shoulders, and flew rapidly towards the doomed city. But the way was
+much longer than Master Satan had thought. He began to perspire very
+freely under his unwonted burden, and when from time to time the wind
+blew a rain of loose sand into his eyes, he swore most horribly.
+
+In the valley of the Soers not far from Aix-la-Chapelle he was obliged
+to rest, as he was very tired after his exertions.
+
+While he was thus sitting by the wayside wiping his forehead and
+looking hot and weary, an old wrinkled woman came limping along, who
+looked with suspicion at the man and his strange burden.
+
+She wanted to pass by without saying a word, but the stranger stopped
+her and said: "How far is it from here to Aix-la-Chapelle?" The woman
+cast a sharp look at the speaker.
+
+As she had reached years of discretion, being now in her
+seventy-second year, she was shrewd enough to recognise in the man
+before her the very devil in person. She was also quite sure, that he
+must have some wicked plan in his head against the good town,
+Aix-la-Chapelle.
+
+Therefore assuming a very sad expression she answered in a complaining
+voice: "Kind sir, I am so sorry for you, the way to the town is still
+very long. Only look at my boots, they are quite worn from the long
+way, and yet I got them new from the shoemaker at Aix-la-Chapelle."
+
+Master Satan uttered something that sounded like a bitter curse. Then
+he shook off the sandy dune from his shoulders and flew away in a
+fury.
+
+The old woman was for a moment terror-stricken, but when she saw the
+fatal figure of the stranger disappearing, she was inexpressibly glad
+at having saved the town and outwitted the devil himself.
+
+If he had only looked a little more carefully he could have seen the
+tower of the new minster not a mile off.
+
+The sandy dune is still lying in the very same place where the devil
+dropped it. Its name is "Losberg" or "Ridmountain," so called because
+the town Aix-la-Chapelle got rid of a great danger.
+
+The memory of the poor wolf is also still preserved. Its image is
+engraved on the middle of the minster door, where you can also see the
+big cracks produced by the devil's hammering it in his impotent anger.
+
+
+
+
+The Ring of Fastrada
+
+
+This story too leads us back to the time of the great Emperor Charles,
+whose life has come down to us with a halo of glory.
+
+Charlemagne's favourite residence was Aix-la-Chapelle, but he also
+held court in Helvetia. His imperial stronghold stood on the shores of
+the Lake of Zürich. In its neighbourhood there was a high pillar which
+the emperor had erected to mark the place where Felix and Regula had
+died as martyrs for the Christian faith. A small bell was attached to
+this monument, which everybody in distress and want might ring if they
+wanted relief. As often as Charles held his court in Zürich he himself
+appeared at the pillar when the bell was rung, and listened to the
+complaints and petitions of his subjects.
+
+One day the sound of the bell was heard, yet nobody could be perceived
+near the pillar. On the following day about dinner-time the same thing
+happened, the bell rang, yet no one was there. The emperor, curious to
+know what this meant, commanded one of his pages to hide in the bushes
+behind the pillar.
+
+When mid-day approached the boy noticed that a serpent crept out of
+the sand, wriggled up to the pillar, and set the bell a-ringing. This
+astonishing fact was at once communicated to the emperor, who came
+without delay to the spot. He was very much surprised at seeing such
+an unusual applicant, but he said with great earnestness, "Every one
+who comes to me shall find justice, be it man or beast."
+
+The serpent bent low before the monarch, and then crept back into its
+den. Charlemagne followed, anxious to learn the reason of its strange
+behaviour. He was surprised when, on looking into the dark hole, he
+saw an ugly toad sitting on the serpent's eggs, and filling nearly the
+whole space with its hideous form.
+
+The emperor bade his attendants kill the intruder at once.
+
+In a short time Charlemagne had nearly forgotten the strange incident.
+
+But one day when he was sitting at dinner the serpent unexpectedly
+entered the hall, and crept up to the emperor's seat. Bowing low three
+times it lifted its head and dropped a precious stone into the
+emperor's goblet. It then disappeared as quickly as it had come.
+
+Charlemagne took the stone out of the cup, and saw to his amazement
+that it was a precious diamond. He ordered it to be mounted in a
+golden ring, which he presented to his well-beloved wife, Fastrada.
+
+The jewel possessed a wonderful quality. Fastrada had always been
+loved tenderly by her imperial husband, but after the diamond ring
+adorned her slender finger, a sweet charm seemed to bind her still
+more strongly to him.
+
+To many people this great love of the emperor for his wife seemed too
+absorbing, almost superhuman, and when death ruthlessly snatched her
+from the side of Charlemagne, everybody believed that it was a
+judgment from heaven.
+
+The monarch was inconsolable at this great bereavement. He spent days
+and nights in unspeakable grief by her corpse. The rumour was, that
+his sorrow was so intense that he refused to permit the remains of his
+wife to be duly buried. The charm the living Fastrada had exercised
+over him seemed to linger even after her death.
+
+The Archbishop of Rheims, the pious Turpin, heard of the emperor's
+sorrow, and he offered fervent prayers to God for help. Soon
+afterwards he had a strange dream. He saw the wonderful ring on
+Fastrada's finger glittering with a thousand lovely colours and
+surrounding the emperor with a magic light. The bishop was now sure
+that the precious stone was the cause of the superhuman love the
+emperor bore to his wife.
+
+On the following day before sunrise Turpin, the venerable old bishop,
+got up and went into the room where Charlemagne had again spent a
+night in bitter grief by the remains of his beloved wife. He was
+kneeling by the uncovered bier in fervent prayer when the bishop
+entered. Turpin went straight up to the body, and making the sign of
+the cross he took the cold waxen hand of Fastrada for a moment in
+his. Without being observed by the mourning emperor, he slipped the
+enchanted ring gently from her finger. As he had guessed the emperor
+at once rose, and kneeling down before the bishop, kissed his hand in
+adoration. Then he rose and bade Turpin have the remains of his wife
+buried that same day. So it happened that Fastrada's remains were
+brought to their last resting place in the Church of St. Albans at
+Mayence.
+
+From that time the emperor was attached with rare devotion to the old
+Archbishop of Rheims.
+
+He would not allow him to leave his side, but requested that Turpin
+should always live near him. The pious man was also nominated first
+councillor of the Empire.
+
+Turpin used his high position only for the welfare of the empire, and
+did a great many good works.
+
+Sometimes however he felt a pang of regret at the manner in which he
+had acquired the high favour of his lord, and it seemed to him very
+unfair.
+
+Once when he accompanied the monarch on one of his journeys in Western
+Germany, he threw the ring into a spring from which it could never
+more be brought up again.
+
+From that moment Charlemagne felt himself irresistibly drawn to that
+particular part of his extensive dominions.
+
+He erected a stronghold there, and a flourishing township soon
+surrounded this palace. Later on it was called Aix-la-Chapelle, and
+became the favourite residence of the great emperor.
+
+Within its walls he liked best to rest from the burden of affairs of
+State, and sometimes the old ruler could be seen sitting by the margin
+of the spring in which Fastrada's ring lay buried, recalling the sweet
+memories of past days.
+
+
+
+
+ROLANDSECK
+
+Knight Roland
+
+
+[Illustration: Roland in der Schlacht von Roncevalles--Nach dem Gemälde
+von A. Guesnet]
+
+
+I.
+
+The Emperor Charlemagne was surrounded by a circle of proud knights,
+the flower of whom was Count Roland of Angers, nephew of the King of
+the Franks. The name of no knight was so famous in battle and in
+tournaments as his. Helpless innocency adored him, his friends
+admired, and his enemies esteemed him. His chivalrous spirit had no
+love for the luxuries of life, and scorning to remain inactive at the
+emperor's court, he went to his imperial uncle, begging leave to go
+and travel in those countries of the mighty kingdom of the Franks,
+which up to that time were unknown to him. In his youthful fervour he
+longed for adventures and dangers. The emperor was much grieved to
+part with the brave knight, however, he willingly complied with his
+request.
+
+One day early in the morning the gallant hero left his uncle's palace
+near the Seine, and rode towards the Vosges Mountains, accompanied by
+his faithful squire. The first object of his journey was castle
+Niedeck near Haslach, and from there he visited Attic, Duke of Alsace.
+
+He continued his travels, and one evening as he was riding through
+the mountains, the glittering waters of the Rhine, washing both sides
+of the plain, greeted him. The river in that part of the country
+offered him few charms in its savage wildness, but he knew that the
+scenery would soon change. He moved on down the Rhine to where a
+gigantic mountain shuts the rushing current into a narrow space. Its
+foot stands chained in the floods, which only in places retire a
+little, thus leaving the poor folk a narrow stretch of land.
+
+On the heights there were proud castles, telling the wanderer below of
+the fame of their illustrious races. Thus Roland made many a long
+journey on his adventurous course down the Rhine. He passed many a
+place rich in old memories: the Lorelei Rock, where the water nymph
+sang at night: the cheerful little spot where St. Goar lived and
+worked at the time of Childebert, the Merovingian, (that wonderful
+saint who once spread a fog over his imperial uncle, compelling him to
+pass the night in the open air, because his Majesty, while journeying
+from Ingelheim to Coblenz had neglected to bend his knee in his
+chapel) and the green meadows near Andernach, where Genovefa, wife of
+Palatine Count Siegfried lived. And now Roland neared the place where
+the stream reaches the end of the Rhine Valley, and where the seven
+giants are to be seen, the summit of one of which is crowned with a
+castle; there they stand like the seven knights who in later times
+stood weeping round the holy remains of the German emperor.
+
+A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The setting sun threw a
+golden light over the hills. On the sides of the mountains there were
+numberless vineyards, to the left, hedges of beeches ascending to the
+heights of the rugged summits, to the right, the murmur of the
+rippling waters, and above, visible among the legendary rocks where
+once a terrible beast lived, the pinnacles of a knight's castle, and
+over all, the heavens clothed with a garment of silver stars.
+
+The knight paused in silence; his glance rested admiringly on the
+beautiful picture. His steed pawed the ground uneasily with his
+bronze-shod hoofs, and his faithful squire looked anxiously at the
+darkening sky. He reminded his master modestly that it was time to
+seek shelter for the night.
+
+"I should like to beg for it up there," said Roland dreamingly, an
+inexplicable feeling of sweet sadness coming over him for the first
+time. He bade his squire ask the boatman who was putting out his
+little bark to cross the river, what was the name of the castle? The
+castle was the Drachenburg, where Count Heribert sojourned sometimes.
+Thus ran the answer which pleased Roland very much. He had been
+charged with many greetings and messages to the old count at the
+Drachenburg from his friends living near the upper Rhine. Roland now
+hesitated no longer, and soon a boat was ploughing the dark waves.
+
+
+II.
+
+In the meantime night had come on. The full moon's soft beams showed
+them their way through the dark forest. Count Heribert, a worthy
+knight in the flower of his age, bade the nephew of his imperial
+master heartily welcome to his castle. Far past midnight they stayed
+in the count's chambers, engaged in entertaining conversation.
+
+The next day Count Heribert presented his daughter Hildegunde to the
+knight. Roland's eyes, full of admiration, rested on the blushing
+young maiden. Never before had the charms of a woman awakened any deep
+feeling in his heart; he had only thirsted after glory and deeds of
+daring, after tournaments and feuds. Now the bold champion was struck
+with a shaft from the quiver of love. He who had opposed the dreaded
+adversary so often, now bowed his fearless head in almost girlish
+confusion before Hildegunde's charms. She, too, stood crimsoning
+deeply before the celebrated hero whose name was famous, and who was
+beloved in all the country round.
+
+The old knight broke up the scene of embarrassing silence between the
+youthful couple with gay laughing words, and conducted his guest
+through the high halls of his castle.
+
+Roland tarried longer at the friendly castle than he had ever done
+before in any other place in the country. He seemed bound to the
+blissful spot by love's indissoluble chains, and so it happened that
+one day these two found themselves, hand in hand, the deep love in
+their hearts rushing forth in ardent words. Count Heribert bestowed
+his lovely daughter very willingly on the celebrated knight, his only
+desire being to complete the happiness of his child whom he loved so
+dearly. A castle should be erected for her on the heights of the rocks
+on the other side of the Rhine, opposite the Drachenburg, and this
+proud fort on the rugged rocky corner of the mountain, should be a
+watch-tower for the glorious Seven Mountains and their castle. In
+later times it became the famous Rolandseck. Soon the walls could be
+seen raising themselves up, and every day the lovers stood on the
+balcony of the Drachenburg looking across, where industrious workmen
+and masons were busily toiling. Hildegunde began to weave sweet dreams
+of the future round her new home, where she meant to chain the
+adventurous hero with true love.
+
+But one day a messenger appeared at the Drachenburg on a horse white
+with foam. He was sent by Charlemagne and brought the tidings of a
+crusade which the emperor had decreed against the Infidels beyond the
+Pyrenees. Charlemagne desired to have the famous knight among the
+leaders of his army. Roland received the message of his great master
+in silence. He looked at Hildegunde who with a death-like face was
+standing beside him. Grief stabbed cruelly at his heart, but he must
+obey the call of honour and duty, and, informing the royal messenger
+that he would arrive at the imperial camp in three days, he turned
+sorrowfully away, Hildegunde sobbing at his side.
+
+
+III.
+
+The cross and the half-moon were fighting furiously for the upper hand
+in Spain. Terrible battles were fought, and much blood flowed from
+both Christians and Infidels. Bloody victories were gained by the
+emperor's brave knights, the chief of whom was Roland. His sword
+forced a triumphant way for Charlemagne, it guarded his army, passing
+victoriously through the unknown country of the enemies. But the sad
+day of Ronceval, so often sung by German and other poets was yet to
+come. Separated from the main body of the army, Roland's brave
+rearguard was making its way through the dusky forest. Suddenly wild
+shouts sounded from the heights, and the cowardly Moor pressed down on
+the little band, threatening them with destruction. But the noble
+Franks fought like lions. Roland's charger, Brilliador, flew now here,
+now there, and many a Saracen was hewn down by its noble rider's
+sword, Durant. But numbers conquer bravery. The little army of Franks
+became less and less, and at last Roland sank, struck by the lance of
+a gigantic Moor. The combat continued furiously round him. When night
+spread mournfully over the battle-field, the Infidels had already done
+their terrible work. The Franks lay dead; only a few had escaped from
+the slaughter.
+
+"Where is Roland?" was the frightened cry from pale lips. He was not
+among the saved. "Where is Roland?" asked Charlemagne anxiously of the
+messengers. Through the whole kingdom their answers seemed to
+resound, Roland the hero had fallen in battle fighting against the
+Saracens; wherever this cry was heard, it awakened deep sorrow.
+
+The news soon spread as far as the Rhine, and one day the imperial
+messengers appeared at the Drachenburg, bringing the sad tidings and
+the deepest sympathy of the emperor. Heribert sighed deeply on hearing
+the news and covered his eyes with his hands; Hildegunde's grief was
+heart-breaking. Before the altar of the Queen of sorrows she lay
+sobbing her heart out, imploring for comfort in her great need. For
+days on end she shut herself up in her little bower, and even her
+father's gentle sympathy could not assuage her bitter grief.
+
+Weeks passed. Then one day the pale maiden entered the knight's
+chamber, her grief quite transfigured. He drew her softly towards him,
+and then she revealed the resolution which was in her heart. Count
+Heribert was overwhelmed with grief, but he pressed a loving kiss on
+her pure forehead.
+
+The day came, when down below on the island Nonnenwert, the convent
+bells rang solemnly. A new novice, Count Heribert's lovely daughter,
+knelt before the altar. In the holy stillness of the convent she
+sought the peace which she could not find in the castle of her father.
+With a last great convulsive sob she had torn her lover's name from
+her heart, had quenched the flame of sorrowing love for him, and now
+her soul was to be filled ever with the holy fire of the love of God.
+In vain her afflicted father hoped that the unaccustomed loneliness
+of the convent would shake her resolution, and that when the first
+year's trial was over, she would return to him. But no! the pious
+young maiden fervently begged the bishop, who was a relation of her
+father, to release her from the year's trial and to allow her after a
+short time to take her final vows. Her longing desire was fulfilled.
+After a month Hildegunde's golden locks were no more, and the lovely
+daughter of the Drachenburg was dedicated to the Lord forever.
+
+
+IV.
+
+Time rolled on. Spring had vanished and the sheaves were ripening in
+the fields. Where the river reaches the end of the Rhine valley
+crowned by the Seven Giants, a knight with his horse stopped to rest.
+Far away in the south, where the valley of Ronceval lies bathed in
+sunshine, he had lain in the hut of a poor herd. There the faithful
+squire had dragged his master pierced by a Moorish lance. The bold
+hero and leader had remained for weeks and months on his sick-bed
+struggling with death, till the force of his iron nature had at last
+conquered. Roland was recovering under loving care, while they were
+mourning him as dead in the land of the Franks. Then having recovered,
+he hurried back to the Rhine urged by an irresistible longing.
+
+A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The setting sun threw a
+golden light over the hills; numberless vineyards flanked the
+mountains, hedges of beeches were on one side, the murmur of waters
+on the other, and above the pinnacles of a knight's castle among the
+legendary rocks where once a terrible beast lived, over all the
+heavens clothed with a garment of silver stars.
+
+Silently the knight paused, his glance resting admiringly on the
+beautiful picture. Now as in months before an inexplicable feeling of
+sweet sadness came over the dreamer.
+
+"Hildegunde!" murmured Roland, glancing up at the starry heavens.
+Again as formerly a boatman rowed across the stream, and Roland soon
+was striding through the forest towards the Drachenburg, accompanied
+by his faithful squire.
+
+The old watchman at the castle stared at the late guest, and crossing
+himself, he rushed up to the chambers of his master. A man's figure,
+bent with age and sorrow, tottered forward. "Roland!" he gasped forth.
+The knight supported the broken-down old man in his arms. When Roland
+had departed long ago, his grief had found no tears; now they flowed
+abundantly down his cheeks.
+
+The knight tore himself from the other's arms. "Where is she?" he
+asked in a hoarse voice, "dead?" Count Heribert looked at him with
+unspeakable sorrow. "Hildegunde, bride of Roland whom they supposed
+dead, is now a bride of Heaven."
+
+The hero groaned aloud, covering his face with his hands.
+
+In spring he left the Drachenburg and went to the castle on the rocky
+corner, and there he laid down his arms for ever; his thirst for
+action was quenched. Day by day he sat over there, looking silently
+down on the green island in the Rhine, where the nun, Hildegunde,
+wandered about among the flowers in the convent garden every morning.
+Sometimes indeed it seemed that she bowed kindly to him, then the
+knight's face would be lighted up with a gleam of his old happiness.
+
+But even this joy was taken from him. One day his beloved did not
+appear; and soon the death-bell tolled sorrowfully over the island. He
+saw a coffin which they were carrying to its last resting-place, and
+he heard the nuns chanting the service for the dead, he saw them all,
+only one was wanting ... then he covered his face. He knew whom they
+were carrying to the grave.
+
+Autumn came, withering the fresh green on Hildegunde's tomb. But
+Roland still kept his watch, gazing motionlessly at the little
+churchyard, and one day his squire found him there, cold and dead, his
+half-closed eyes turned towards the place where his loved one was
+sleeping.
+
+For many a century the proud castle which they called Rolandseck,
+crowned the mountain. Then it fell into ruins, like the mighty
+Drachenburg, the tower of which is still standing. Fifty years ago the
+last arches of Roland's castle were blown down one stormy night, but
+later on they were built up again in memory of this tale of true and
+faithful love in the olden times.
+
+
+
+
+SIEBENGEBIRGE
+
+The Drachenfels
+
+
+I.
+
+When the wanderer has left the "city of the Muses," Bonn, he perceives
+to the left the mighty summits of the Seven Mountains. The rocky point
+of one of these hills is still crowned by the tower and walls of an
+old knight's Castle. A most touching legend is related of the mountain
+with the terrible name.
+
+In the first centuries after the birth of the world's Redeemer, the
+Germans on the left side of the Rhine accepted willingly the doctrines
+of the Cross; Maternus, a disciple of the great Apostle, had brought
+them over from Gaul. At first the pious messenger of Christ worked
+among the heathen tribes in vain. They persisted in their paganism,
+and even prevented the priests from coming into their country.
+
+At that time there was a terrible dragon living in the hollow of the
+rock which even now is called the Dragon's hole. He was of a hideous
+form, and every day he used to leave his den and rage through the
+forests and valleys, threatening men and animals. Human strength was
+powerless against this monster; the people thought that an angry deity
+had his abode in this terrible beast, so they bestowed godlike honours
+on him, sacrificing criminals and prisoners to him.
+
+A tribe of heathens lived at the foot of the mountain. These men,
+desirous of war, often made raids on the neighbouring countries,
+carrying fire and sword among their Christian brothers. They once
+crossed the water, plundering the land and making prisoners of the
+people. Among the latter there was one most lovely maiden, whose
+beauty and grace inflamed two of the leaders so much, that each of
+them desired to have her for himself. One was called Horsrik the
+Elder, a famous chieftain, known to have the strength of a bear and
+the wildness of a tiger; the other, Rinbold, of a less rough nature,
+but of equal bravery.
+
+The beautiful maiden turned aside shuddering when she saw the two
+chiefs' glaring eyes, contending for possession of her. All round were
+their men intoxicated with victory. The struggle for the Christian
+maid affected the two leaders more than the division of the booty.
+Soon the angry words of the two opponents found an echo in the hearts
+of the men standing round.
+
+Horsrik, the much-feared fighter, claimed her, and was received with
+cheers. Rinbold, the proud young chieftain, claimed her also,--great
+applause greeted him. The former glared sternly, grasping his club in
+a threatening manner. The high-priest, an old man with silver-white
+hair and stern features, stepped in between the two combatants, and in
+a voice surging with anger he said:
+
+"Cursed be every dissension for the possession of this stranger! A
+Christian must not disunite the noblest of our tribe. A daughter of
+those we hate, she shall fall to nobody's share. She, the author of
+so much strife, shall be sacrificed to the Dragon, and shall be
+dedicated to Woden's honour at the next rising of the sun."
+
+The men murmured applause, Horsrik more than the rest. The maiden held
+her head upright. Rinbold, the proud young chieftain, looked
+sorrowfully at her angel-like face.
+
+
+II.
+
+Early the following day before the sun had poured his bright beams on
+the earth, the valley showed signs of life. Through the dusk of the
+forest a noisy procession moved upwards towards the highest point, the
+priest in the middle, behind him the prisoner, pale but resolute.
+Silently, for her Lord's sake, she had allowed the priest to bind her
+forehead as a victim, and to place consecrated flowers in her loose
+flowing hair. Many a sympathetic look from the crowd had been cast at
+the steadfast maiden. The young chieftain was stricken with pain at
+the sight of her death-like countenance.
+
+There stood the projecting rock which had often been dishonoured by
+human blood. The fanatical priests wound ropes round the maiden's
+body, and then tied her to St. Woden's tree which overhung the
+precipice. No complaint escaped the Christian's white lips, no tears
+glistened in her eyes which were glancing up at the morning sky. The
+throng of people moved off, waiting silently in the distance to see
+what would happen.
+
+The first rays of the sun streamed over the mountain; they lighted up
+the wreath of flowers in the maiden's hair, playing about her lovely
+face, and crowning it with glory. The Christian maid was awaiting
+death, as a bride awaits her bridegroom, her lips moving slightly as
+in prayer.
+
+A gloomy sound came up from the depths. The Dragon started from his
+den, spitting fire on his path. He cast a look at his victim there on
+the spot which his blood-thirsty maw knew so well. He raised his scaly
+body, thus letting his sharp claws be more visible, moved his snaky
+tail in a circle, and showed his gaping mouth. Snorting the monster
+crawled along, shooting flames out of his bloodshot eyes.
+
+A shudder of death crept over the maiden at the sight of this awful
+beast. Tremblingly she tore a sparkling golden crucifix from her
+breast, held it towards the monster piteously, and called on her Lord
+in a heart-rending voice. Wonder of wonders! Raising himself, as if
+struck by lightning, the monster turned, dashing himself backwards
+over the jagged stones into the waters below, and disappearing in the
+river among the falling rocks.
+
+Wondering cries arose from the waiting heathens. Astonishment and
+wonder were depicted on every face. In quiet submission, her eyes
+half-closed, the maiden stood praying to Him who had saved her. The
+cords fell from her sides; two strong arms caught her and carried her
+into the midst of the astonished crowd. She raised her eyes and
+perceived the younger of the two chieftains. His rough warlike hand
+had seized hers. The young man bent his knee as if to a heavenly
+being, and touched her white fingers with his lips. Loud applause
+greeted him on all sides.
+
+The old priest came forward, the people waiting in great expectation.
+"Who had saved her from certain destruction? Who was the God who so
+visibly aided His own?" asked he solemnly of the Christian. With
+bright eyes the maiden answered triumphantly:
+
+"This picture of Christ has crushed the Dragon and saved me. The
+salvation of the world and the welfare of man lies in Him." The priest
+glanced at the crucifix with reverent awe.
+
+"May it soon lighten your spirit and those of all these people round,"
+said the maiden earnestly. "It will reveal greater wonders than this
+to you, for our God is great."
+
+The maiden and all the other prisoners were conducted back to their
+own country. But the former soon returned again, accompanied by a
+Christian priest. The voice of truth and innocence worked wonders in
+the hearts of the heathens. Thousands were converted and baptized. The
+old priest and Rinbold were the first who bowed their heads in
+submission to the new doctrine. Great rejoicings were held among the
+tribe when the maiden gave her hand to the young chieftain. A
+Christian temple was erected in the valley, and a splendid castle was
+built on the summit of the rocks for the newly-married couple. For
+about ten centuries their descendants flourished there, a very
+powerful race in the Rhine countries.
+
+
+
+
+The Monk of Heisterbach
+
+
+In olden times in a lovely valley near the Seven Mountains, stood a
+cloister called Heisterbach. Even now parts of the walls of this old
+monastery remain, and it was not by the hand of time, but by the
+barbarism of foolish warfare, that its halls fell into ruins. The
+monks were driven away, the abbey was pulled down, and the stones were
+used for the building of a fortress.
+
+Since that time, so the country folk relate, the spirits of the
+banished monks wander nightly among the ruins, raising mute
+accusations against their persecutors and the destroyers of their
+cells. Among them there was one, Gebhard, the last Prior of
+Heisterbach, who now, they say, wanders about the graves of the monks,
+and also haunts the burial-places of the Masters of Löwenburg and
+Drachenburg.
+
+In the Middle Ages the monks of Heisterbach were very famous. Many a
+rare copy of the Holy Scriptures, many a highly learned piece of
+writing was sent out into the world from this hermitage, telling of
+the industry and learning of the pious monks.
+
+There was one brother, still young in years, who distinguished himself
+by his learning. He was looked up to by all the other brethren, and
+even the gray-haired Father Prior had recourse to his stores of
+knowledge. But the poisonous worm of doubt began to gnaw at his soul;
+the mirror of his faith was blurred by his deep meditations. His keen
+eye would often wander over the faded parchment on which the living
+word of God was written, while his childlike believing heart, humbly
+submitting itself, would lamentingly cry out, "Lord, I believe, help
+Thou mine unbelief!" Like a ghost his restless doubts would hover
+about him, making his soul the scene of tormenting struggle.
+
+One night with flushed face he had been meditating over a parchment.
+At daybreak he still remained engrossed in his thoughts. The morning
+sun threw his bright rays over the heavens, casting playful beams on
+the written roll in the monk's hands.
+
+But he saw them not, his thoughts were wholly taken up by a passage
+which for months past had ever been hidden to him and had been the
+constant subject of his reflections, "A thousand years are but as a
+day in Thy sight."
+
+His brain had already long tormented itself over the obscure words of
+the Psalmist, and with a great effort he had striven to blot it out of
+his memory, and now the words danced again before his weary eyes,
+growing larger and larger. Those confusing black signs seemed to
+become a sneering doubt hovering round him: "A thousand years are but
+as a day in Thy sight."
+
+He tore himself away from the silent cell, seeking the cool solitude
+of the cloister-gardens. There with a heavy heart he paced the paths,
+torturing himself with horrid doubts.
+
+His eyes were fixed on the ground, his mind was far away from the
+peaceful garden, and without being aware of what he was doing, he left
+the cloister-gardens and wandered out into the neighbouring forest.
+The birds in the trees greeted him cordially, the flowers opened their
+eyes at his approach; but the wretched man heard and saw nothing but
+the words: "A thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight."
+
+His wandering steps grew feeble, his feverish brain weary from want of
+sleep. Then the monk sank down on a stone, and laid his troubled head
+against a tree.
+
+A sweet, peaceful dream stole over his spirit. He found himself in
+spheres glowing with light; the waters of Eternity were rushing round
+the throne of the Most High; creation appeared and praised His works,
+and Heaven extolled their glory; from the worm in the dust, which no
+earthly being has been able to create, to the eagle soaring above the
+heights of the earth: from the grain of sand on the sea-shore, to the
+gigantic crater, which, at the Lord's command, vomits fire out of its
+throat which has been closed for thousands of years: they all spoke
+with one voice which is not heard by the haughty, being only manifest
+and comprehensible to the humble. These were the words of Him who
+created them, be it in six days or in six thousand years, "A thousand
+years are but as a day in Thy sight."
+
+With a slight shudder the monk opened his eyes.
+
+"I believe Lord! help Thou my unbelief," murmured he, taking heart.
+
+The bell sounded in the distance. They were ringing for vespers;
+sunset was already gleaming through the forest.
+
+The monk hastily turned towards the cloister. The chapel was lighted
+up, and through the half-opened door he could see the brothers in
+their stalls. He hurried noiselessly to his place, but to his
+astonishment he found that another monk was there; he touched him
+lightly on the shoulder, and strange to tell, the man he saw was
+unknown to him. The brothers, now one, now another, raised their heads
+and looked in silent questioning at the new comer.
+
+A peculiar feeling seized the poor monk, who saw only strange faces
+round him. Growing pale, he waited till the singing was over. Confused
+questions seemed to pass along the rows.
+
+The Prior, a dignified old man with snow-white hair, approached.
+
+"What is your name, strange brother?" asked he in a gentle, kind tone.
+The monk was filled with dismay. "Maurus," murmured he in a trembling
+voice. "St. Bernhard was the Abbot who received my vows, in the sixth
+year of the reign of King Conrad, whom they called the Frank."
+
+Incredulous astonishment was depicted on the brothers' countenances.
+
+The monk raised his face to the old Prior and confessed to him how he
+had wandered out in the early morning into the cloister-gardens, how
+he had fallen asleep in the forest, and had not wakened till the bell
+for vespers sounded.
+
+The Prior made a sign to one of the brothers. Then turning to the monk
+he said: "It is almost three hundred years since the death of St.
+Bernhard and of Conrad, whom they called the Frank."
+
+The cloister annals were brought; and it was there found that three
+hundred years had passed since the days of St. Bernhard. The Prior
+also read the following note.
+
+"A doubter disappeared one day from the cloister, and no one ever knew
+what became of him."
+
+A shudder ran through the monk's limbs. This was he, this brother
+Maurus who had now come back to the cloister after three hundred
+years! What the Prior had read sounded in his ears as if it were the
+trumpet of the Last Judgment. Three hundred years!
+
+With wide-open eyes he gazed before him, then stretched forth his
+hands as if seeking for help. The brothers supported him, observing
+him at the same time with secret dismay; his face had become ashy
+pale, like that of a dying person, the narrow circle of hair on his
+head had become snow-white.
+
+"My brothers," murmured he in a dying voice, "value the imperishable
+word of the Lord at all times, and never try to fathom what he in His
+wisdom has veiled from us. May my example never be blotted out of your
+memory. Only to-day the words of the Psalmist were revealed to me. 'A
+thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight.' May he have mercy on
+me, a poor sinner." He sank lifeless to the ground, and the brothers,
+greatly moved, repeated the prayers for the dead over his body.
+
+
+
+
+The Origin of the Seven Mountains
+
+
+In olden times the Rhine flowed into a deep mighty lake above the town
+of Königswinter. Those who then lived near the Eifel Mountains or on
+the heights of the Westerwald, were in constant fear of these swelling
+waters which often overflowed, causing great destruction in the
+country. They began to consider that some great saviour was necessary,
+and sent a messenger into the country of the Giants, begging some of
+them to come down and bore through the mountain, which prevented the
+waters from flowing onward. They would receive valuable presents as a
+recompense.
+
+So one day seven giants arrived in their country bringing enormous
+spades with them, and with a few good strokes of their tools, they
+made a gap in the mountain so that in a few days the water washed
+through the gap which visibly became larger. At last the river
+streamed through in torrents. The lake gradually dried up and
+completely disappeared, and the liberated Rhine flowed majestically
+towards the plain.
+
+The Giants looked at their work with satisfaction. The grateful folk
+brought them rich treasures, which they had taken out of the mines.
+Having divided them fraternally, the Giants shouldered their spades
+and went their way. These heaps of rocky ground which they had dug out
+were so great, that ever since they have been called the Seven
+Mountains, and will remain there until the Giants come again and sweep
+them away.
+
+
+
+
+The Nightingale Valley at Honnef
+
+
+Honnef is one of the most lovely little spots on the earth, nestling
+sweetly at the foot of the old Drachenfels. The mountain protects it
+from the icy winds of the north, and the breezes blow gently in the
+valley, which may be called the German Nice.
+
+When the setting sun reminds the wanderer on the Drachenfels of coming
+darkness, and he strolls down through the valley of Honnef, the songs
+of numerous nightingales sound in his ears. This has been the
+meeting-place of these songsters for many a long year, and there is an
+old legend which gives us the reason.
+
+There was a time when they used to sing in the forest round the old
+Abbey Himmerode, as they now do in the valley of Honnef.
+
+The pious monks, walking about in the cloister gardens in holy
+contemplation heard their seductive songs: the penitents in their
+cells, mortifying the flesh heard them also. Their alluring warble
+mingled itself with their murmured prayers; and in the heart of many a
+monk, who had long since renounced the world and its pleasures, the
+remembrance of them was gently awakened, and sweet sinful things were
+whispered into the holy brother's ears.
+
+Then one day it happened that St. Bernhard came to the Abbey
+Himmerode, to examine the brother's hearts. He was greatly distressed
+to find that many a holy soul had turned from the path of peace, and
+the cause of this also became known to him. In a violent passion the
+holy man strode out into the forest surrounding the cloister, and
+raising his hand angrily towards the seductive singers, he cried.
+
+"Go from here! Ye are a curse to us." St. Bernhard had spoken
+threateningly, and lo! with a great stir in the branches, a throng of
+numberless nightingales rose from the bushes, filled the forest once
+more with their glorious song, and fled with a great flapping of
+wings.
+
+They settled down in the valley of Honnef, and no excommunication has
+driven them from there. Those who wander there are not averse to the
+pleasures of the world like St. Bernhard, and every one after his own
+manner reads a different meaning in their song.
+
+
+
+
+GODESBERG
+
+The High Cross at Godesberg
+
+
+If you walk on the high road between Bonn and Godesberg which is not
+far distant, you perceive on the left side, shimmering white amid the
+green woodland, a high pillar crowned with a cross known as the "High
+Cross."
+
+It is a pleasing sight to him who passes by on a bright day; but in
+the twilight its glaring white contrasting so sharply with the dark
+back ground, makes a dismal impression on him, which is still more
+enhanced by the legend told about it.
+
+The story leads us back to the time when instead of the grey ruins, a
+proud stronghold near Godesberg looked down into the wonderful valley
+of the Rhine. An old knight lived there, who was well known far and
+near for his bravery and generosity. His beloved wife had died,
+leaving him two sons.
+
+The elder was the very image of his mother in body and mind; he had
+gentle childlike manners, and it was therefore natural that the
+father's eye rested with more pleasure on him than on the younger son
+who was very daring, and in spite of his youth had already gone after
+strange, and not always honourable adventures. Yet the old father did
+not grieve much on his account, hoping that the sooner the reckless
+youth emptied his cup of pleasure, the sooner he would come to the
+bitter dregs. Then like others he would surely become more serious,
+and would yet fulfil the longing desire of his late mother. She had
+fervently wished to see him when a man adorned with St. Mathern's
+ring, which the bishops of Cologne wore, while Erich, the elder,
+should become lord of Godesberg Castle.
+
+The father's thoughts lingered with pleasure on the pleasant prospects
+of his sons' future. He sent up many a fervent prayer to heaven for
+the fulfilment of his desires, well knowing that the spirit of his
+beloved wife supported him at the throne of the Almighty with her own
+supplications.
+
+The old knight often spoke to his younger son about his vocation in
+life, but always observed with disappointment that his son avoided any
+allusion to the subject.
+
+When the father felt his death approaching, he imparted once more his
+wish to his two sons, that the elder should become master of the
+castle, and the younger, bishop of Cologne. With a blessing for them
+on his lips, he closed his eyes for ever.
+
+His death was sincerely deplored by all the poor people of the
+neighbourhood.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Some time after the two brothers sat as usual in the high
+banqueting-hall of Godesberg. It was a very dismal meal, for they sat
+opposite to each other, the elder with reproachful looks, the younger
+with knitted brows.
+
+"I only took what the ancient law of my fathers bestowed upon me,"
+said the elder mildly but firmly, in answer to some harsh words of his
+companion. "I am not master, but only manager of the family
+possessions. All our ancestors whose pictures look down on us in this
+hall would curse me, if I did not take good care of their legacy. But
+you, my dear brother, will receive a higher gift than a castle. You,
+the offspring of a noble race, shall become a worthy servant of our
+Saviour."
+
+"Never!" burst forth the younger one in passionate eloquence "never
+will I bow my neck to an unjust law that compels one to take up arms,
+and another meekly to accept a monk's cassock. If they offered me now
+a bishop's ring or a cardinal's hat, I would not become a priest, I
+shall remain a knight."
+
+The elder brother listened sorrowfully to this headstrong speech. "May
+God, whom you thus blaspheme, enlighten your dark heart. I would
+willingly share with you whatever I possess, but our father's will
+forbids it. Therefore bend your proud neck humbly, and beware of the
+judgment that will fall on him who despises the will of his dying
+father."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Hunting horns and trumpets sounded through the green forest which
+extended at that time from the town of Godesberg to the gates of Bonn.
+This huge wood abounded in noble game.
+
+The two brothers were indulging together in the pleasures of the
+chase, as they had done so often in their father's life-time. Count
+Erich had gladly accepted his brother's invitation to accompany him.
+
+He was only too glad to see how his dark mood had changed in the last
+few days and given way to greater cheerfulness. It appeared to Lord
+Erich as if his brother had come to reason, and after all had made up
+his mind to fulfil their parents' wish. He believed all the more in
+the happy change when he heard that his brother intended presenting
+himself to the Archbishop of Cologne, in order to deliver a letter of
+great importance from his late father to him.
+
+Count Erich's heart was glad. He roamed joyfully through the forest,
+and his gladness seemed to increase his good luck in the sport.
+Several gigantic boars were pierced through by a spear sent from his
+hand. A deer also met with a similar doom.
+
+The younger brother's success was on the contrary very meagre. His
+hand was unsteady and his whole bearing betrayed restlessness. A
+strange subdued fire gleamed in his eyes.
+
+While he was following the trail of a mighty boar, Count Erich met him
+and offered to pursue the animal in his company.
+
+They hunted through thorns and thicket, accompanied by the yelping
+hounds. Suddenly the foliage rustled, and the boar was seen to break
+wildly through the bushes. A spear from the younger brother whirred
+towards the beast, but missed its aim and remained sticking in the
+bark of an oak.
+
+"Your hand is more fit to bless pious Christians," said Count Erich
+with a smile.
+
+"But still fit enough to rid me of an inconvenient brother!" muttered
+the younger brother between his teeth, and tearing his hunting knife
+rapidly from his belt, he plunged the two-edged steel into his
+brother's breast. A terrible cry at the same time rang through the
+forest, and the murderer fled in haste.
+
+Two attendants of the Count who were hunting close by, hearing the cry
+came running to see what was the matter, and found Lord Erich lying in
+his blood, dying. They bent down over him to see if they could help
+him, but alas! it was too late. The man, mortally wounded, was beyond
+the reach of human aid. With a last effort he opened his lips,
+muttered lowly but audibly the words, "My brother!" then sank back and
+closed his eyes for ever.
+
+The terrible news that the Lord of Godesberg had been foully murdered
+by his own brother, spread swiftly through the country. Mourning again
+filled the castle on the mountain, when they carried the body of the
+poor slain man to his untimely grave. They buried him in the family
+vault next to the recent grave of his father.
+
+From that time the castle stood desolate. The next relative of the
+noble family, who lived in a lovely part of the Rhine valley near the
+Palatinate, avoided a place where such an unheard of crime had been
+committed. Only an old man kept watch in the empty castle. But even he
+was soon compelled to leave it. One night the high tower was struck by
+lightning and the whole building burnt down. Nothing remained but
+blackened ruins, looking mournfully on the gay landscape beneath.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Years went by after this crime. Nobody heard or saw anything of the
+murderer. He seemed to have totally disappeared. Some people however
+whispered that on the day of the black deed, a man was seen fleeing
+from the forest of Godesberg. He was pale and ghastly looking, and
+darted off, not caring which way he went. It was he who on the
+previous day had fostered in his burning brain the longing desire to
+take possession of his brother's heritage, and now he was a murderer,
+and bore Cain's mark on his forehead.
+
+The unfortunate youth had rashly contrived this hellish plan to rid
+himself of his brother and to become lord of Godesberg. His plan was
+to kill him while hunting, and then make the people believe that he
+had aimed at a boar and hit his brother accidentally instead. But when
+his victim sank down in agony, the knife dropped from his murderous
+hand, his courage failed him, and he felt himself driven from the wood
+as if chased by a demon.
+
+After many years had come and gone, a tired wanderer once knocked at
+the door of the cloister of Heisterbach, which had been erected by St.
+Benedict's pious disciples in a remote valley of the Seven Mountains.
+The man who desired admission looked more like a beggar than a
+pilgrim. His garments hung torn and ragged round his thin body, and
+his face was deeply furrowed by marks of long and cruel suffering.
+
+"Have pity on me," said he in a trembling voice, "I come from the Holy
+Sepulchre, my feet will bear me no further." The door-keeper was
+moved, and retired to inform the Abbot of the poor man's request. He
+received permission to bring him in. When the beggar appeared before
+the Abbot, he fell on his knees and renewed his demand for food and
+rest. For some moments the monk looked penetratingly at the man before
+him, then a sign of recognition passed over his face, and he cried
+out. "Good heavens! is it you Sir Knight?" The pilgrim trembled,
+prostrated himself before the Abbot, and embraced his knees in
+overwhelming grief. "Have mercy on me," exclaimed he, "it was I who
+twenty years ago slew my brother in the forest of Godesberg. During
+twenty long years I tried to atone for my cursed deed and obtain
+forgiveness and peace. As a pilgrim I cried for mercy at the grave of
+him whom I murdered; as a slave of the Infidels, under the weight of
+heavy chains I prayed incessantly for God's mercy, but I cannot find
+peace. Three months ago the fetters were struck from my hands, and I
+have again come home, weary unto death. You, oh worthy Abbot, have
+known me from a child. Let me rest within the walls of this cloister,
+that I may daily see the castle where I was an innocent child. I will
+pray and do penance until death releases me from my wretched life."
+
+The Abbot felt intense pity for the unhappy man. He bent down, laid
+his hands on him, and blessed him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For many years the poor penitent remained in the cloister trying to
+atone for his crime with fervent prayers and hard penance. At last God
+in His grace called him away, and the repenting sinner died hopeful of
+Heaven's forgiveness. The monks buried him in a shady place in their
+cloister garden.
+
+
+
+
+BONN
+
+Lord Erich's Pledge
+
+
+On the Klochterhof at Friesdorf near Bonn, a nobleman once lived, who
+was well known in the whole Rhine valley as a great tippler.
+
+Once Lord Erich had indulged with great relish in the noble sport of
+the chase in the forest that surrounded the neighbouring town of
+Godesberg. The day was hot, the chase unsuccessful and rather tedious
+for him, as he was more than usually tormented by a mighty thirst.
+
+The sun had set and his last golden rays were glittering on the waves
+of the Rhine, when Lord Erich shouldered his blunderbuss and turned
+homeward with a small bag, consisting of one fat hare.
+
+In those days one small inn (now they can be counted by the dozen)
+stood on the margin of the large forest of Godesberg. There Lord Erich
+entered to rest his tired limbs, but principally to quench his great
+thirst. He gave the hare to the landlady, that she might prepare it
+with skilful hands, and ordered a flowing bumper of golden Rhine wine
+which he emptied at one deep draught. I am sure that the juice of the
+grapes must have been far better then, than it is now-a-days.
+
+The landlady soon prepared the game and placed the tempting meal
+before the hungry hunter, who enjoyed it thoroughly. But he
+appreciated still more the delicious, cool wine offered to him.
+
+One glass after the other was swallowed by the thirsty Lord of
+Klochterhof, and the landlord marked just as many charcoal strokes on
+the door-post.
+
+When night approached, the noble hunter began to think of returning
+home. Sitting there had been agreeable and comfortable, but he found
+it very difficult to get up and walk.
+
+The landlord, perceiving his guest's preparations to take his leave,
+came forward and said in rather a rough tone, being an outspoken
+fellow: "Twelve bottles, my lord, don't forget to pay before you go."
+
+Lord Erich who was standing very unsteadily on his legs, muttered in a
+thick voice but very good-humouredly, "Dear landlord, I could pay you
+if I had loaded my blunderbuss with money, but I did not."
+
+With this cheerful response he turned to go.
+
+The landlord was exceedingly aggravated at this careless answer. His
+face grew quite purple with anger. "If you have no money, my lord, I
+shall keep your trousers till you are able to pay for the twelve
+bottles." So saying he took hold of the tipsy man. Whether he liked it
+or not, Lord Erich was obliged to leave his inexpressibles with the
+inexorable landlord, and to walk home without them.
+
+The firs in the wood shook their heads in disapproval at such a
+strange attire.
+
+It is not known if Lord Erich ever came back to the inn to redeem his
+nether garments.
+
+
+
+
+The Roman Ghosts
+
+
+Before the gates of the old Roman town of Bonn rises a mountain of
+moderate height, called Kreuzberg, or "Crossmountain."
+
+In early mediaeval times pious pilgrims went to this sacred place, in
+order to kneel on the holy steps of the old convent church so rich in
+memories of the martyrs, or to pray in the chapel. On the same spot at
+the beginning of the fourth century, the great saints of the Theban
+legion, Cassius, and his companions Florentius and Melusius, died for
+the Christian faith.
+
+These martyrs were the guardian saints of the country round Bonn. Many
+a prayer sent up to them had graciously been fulfilled, since the time
+when St. Helena, the pious mother of Constantine, erected a chapel to
+their honour on Kreuzberg.
+
+Once upon a time a simple peasant from the neighbouring country went
+on a pilgrimage to St. Cassius' burial place.
+
+He came to ask the kind martyr for assistance in his distress.
+Dransdorf was his village, formerly called Trajan's village, because
+the general, who later on became Emperor Trajan, is said to have had a
+villa there.
+
+A bad harvest had brought troubles on the peasant, but he firmly
+believed that through the intercession of St. Cassius he would receive
+money enough in one way or another to enable him to pay his many
+debts.
+
+On arriving at Kreuzberg, he began his religious exercises by
+confessing his sins to one of the monks belonging to the order of St.
+Francis. Then according to custom he knelt in succession on one sacred
+step after the other till he reached the chapel. His wife had
+carefully put a candle in his pocket which he now lighted before the
+image of St. Cassius. Having thus fulfilled all the duties prescribed
+by the church, he turned homewards, well content with himself.
+
+When he crossed the principal square of the town, where already at the
+time the magnificent Minster stood, he entered this church to pray
+once more, and to put another coin into the poor-box.
+
+Twilight was creeping through the aisles, and a pilgrimage being not
+at all an easy thing, our peasant soon fell asleep over his
+prayer-book.
+
+He only awoke, when, somebody pulled him by his sleeve. It was the
+sexton with a big bunch of keys.
+
+At first the peasant gazed drowsily at the unwelcome intruder, then
+with astonished eyes he looked round about him, until at last it
+dawned upon him, that he must get up and leave the church. Rousing
+himself he made the sign of the cross, and left the Minster with
+tottering steps. The night winds rustled in the old limetrees of the
+square and seemed to whisper strange tales into the ears of the late
+wanderer.
+
+The peasant crossed the open space sulkily, and steered his way
+towards the Sternthor, which led to Dransdorf. An ancient Roman tower,
+the remains of the high fortifications erected by the soldiers of
+Drusus eighteen hundred years ago, stands in the narrow lane, leading
+from the minster-square to the Sternthor. To the tired wanderer this
+tower seemed a splendid shelter, all the more so, as it would not cost
+him a penny.
+
+He entered it, and tired out with the weary day, he was soon fast
+asleep as if he had never been stirred up from the bench in the
+Minster. No sexton with noisy keys was to be feared, and yet in his
+sleep the countryman had the sensation of somebody tapping him on the
+shoulder. He sat up and looked round. To his amazement he beheld a
+magnificent warrior standing before him, clad in a coat of mail with a
+Roman helmet on his head. Two companions in similar array stood by his
+side.
+
+They nodded genially down to him, and it struck him that he had
+already seen them somewhere else. After some moments he remembered the
+pictures of St. Cassius and his friends in the chapel on Kreuzberg.
+There was no doubt the three holy martyrs stood in person before him.
+
+Our good peasant was so much awed at this discovery that he could not
+utter a word, but on a sign from his mysterious visitors, he followed
+them at a respectful distance.
+
+They marched towards the Sternthor, straight into the building, the
+walls of which were as thick as the rooms were long in the peasant's
+humble little cottage. In the middle of a high vault there was a table
+covered with sparkling gold.
+
+At this unusual sight the peasant opened his eyes very widely indeed;
+but his astonishment changed into keen delight when one of his ghostly
+visitors filled his left pocket and another his right with the
+glittering metal. Meanwhile the third man took a tumbler from the
+middle of the table, and presented it to him with an encouraging
+smile.
+
+He thought their language was very much like that which the vicar of
+the village church used in reading the service. Though the simple man
+could not understand a word of their conversation, he interpreted the
+kind invitation quite correctly, and shouting out a merry, "Vivat!" as
+a salute to his hosts, he emptied the tumbler at one big draught.
+
+The whole building resounded with the echo, "Vivat!" The three
+warriors looked pleased and answered in a cheerful voice, "Vivat,
+Vivat!"
+
+All at once it seemed to the peasant as if the vault was filled with a
+multitude of Roman soldiers who all called out to him, "Vivat!" as if
+happy to hear a sound of their native language in the country of the
+north.
+
+The man from Dransdorf became quite high-spirited, and kept on
+shouting, "Vivat, Vivat!" Suddenly startled by the noise he made, he
+awoke and found himself lying on the floor of the Roman tower in the
+Sterngasse.
+
+The events of the night only seemed to him like a strange dream. But
+when he felt in his pockets he found them stuffed with real golden
+coins of a strange ancient stamp.
+
+Our friend's joy became quite uproarious. After having sent up a
+heartfelt thanksgiving to St. Cassius, he gave vent to his delight by
+shouting through the quiet streets at the top of his voice, "Vivat,
+Vivat!"
+
+A watchman stood on duty by the Sternthor, when the jocund peasant
+passed by. He made a step forward and, reaching out his arm, he gave
+the merry man a rude knock with his lance. Unmindful of this rough
+admonition, the peasant related the event in the Roman tower to the
+watchman, and finished his story by inviting the stern man of duty to
+an early draught at the nearest inn.
+
+Rumours of the wonderful events spread far and wide, and soon every
+town and village knew the tale. The small lane leading from the
+Minstersquare to the Sternthor was called "Vivat" lane, and bears that
+name to the present day.
+
+Some years ago a heavy winter gale destroyed the old Roman tower that
+had so long withstood the vicissitudes of time. The people of Bonn
+however did not wish to obliterate the memory of this curious story,
+and therefore named the street running parallel with "Vivat"
+lane--"Cassius Graben."
+
+
+
+
+COLOGNE
+
+Richmodis of Aducht
+
+
+It was about the middle of the fifteenth century.
+
+The shadows of death hovered above the holy City of Cologne. A strange
+figure in dark garments hurried with quick steps through the streets
+and lanes. It was the plague. Its poisonous breath penetrated into
+cottages and palaces, extinguishing the lives of many thousands.
+
+The grave-diggers marked innumerable houses with a black cross, to
+warn the passers-by that the destroying angel had entered there. The
+roll of the dead rose to such numbers that it was impossible to bury
+them all in the customary manner. Therefore the bodies of the
+unfortunate people were thrown together into a common grave, covered
+only scantily with earth and marked with a plain wooden cross.
+
+Woe and sorrow thus filled the old City of Cologne.
+
+On the New-market, close to the Church of the Apostles, in a splendid
+mansion, the rich Magistrate, Mengis of Aducht lived. Wealth could not
+save his house from the dreadful epidemic, his youthful and lovely
+wife, Richmodis, was seized with the plague and died. The grief of her
+lord was boundless. He passed the whole night by the remains of his
+beloved spouse, dressed her himself in the white wedding gown she had
+worn as a happy bride a few years before, decorated the coffin with
+sweet white flowers, and covered her with the precious jewels and
+costly rings she had loved so much. Then she was buried.
+
+Night approached, and the clear starry sky looked peacefully down on
+the afflicted town.
+
+Perfect stillness prevailed in God's acre.--Suddenly a jarring sound
+like the opening of an old rusty lock was heard, and two dark shadows
+glided among the graves, on and on till they stopped before the fresh
+mound which enclosed the body of Richmodis of Aducht.--Those two knew
+the spot, and well they might, for they were the grave-diggers, and
+had prepared this grave themselves on the previous day.
+
+They were present when the lid of the coffin was screwed down, and had
+with hungry looks coveted the glittering precious stones Richmodis was
+to be buried with.
+
+Now they had come to rob the dead body. With spade and shovel the
+wreaths and flowers were quickly removed from the mound, the earth dug
+up, and the coffin laid bare. In feverish haste, spurred on by their
+greed, they burst the lid open, and the dim light of their lantern
+fell full on the mild pale face of the dead woman. With haste the
+bolder of the two wretches loosened the white waxen hands folded
+together as in prayer, and tried to tear off the rings.
+
+Suddenly the body quivered, and the white hands spread out. Aghast
+the robbers dropped their tools, scrambled in utmost terror out of the
+grave, and fled as if chased by the furies.
+
+A painful long sigh rose from the depth of the grave, and after some
+time the white form of Richmodis who had been buried alive, emerged
+from the tomb.
+
+With wide open eyes, full of horror, she looked down into the ghastly
+bed she had just left.--Could it really be true, or was it only a
+frightful dream?
+
+God's acre was silent, but for the rustling of the autumn leaves of
+the weeping willows. Stillness of death everywhere!--No answer came to
+her faint cry for help.--The horror of her situation however wakened
+her declining strength. She took up the lantern which the robbers had
+left behind them and with feeble steps reached the entrance of the
+churchyard.
+
+The streets were desolate. The stars overhead alone perceived the
+slowly moving form, every now and then resting against the walls of
+the houses.--At last she reached the New-market and stood before the
+door of her home. Dark and quiet it seemed. But from the window in the
+magistrate's room a faint light shone forth. A quiver ran through the
+frame of the poor wife, and a wild longing desire seized her to be
+sheltered by his loving arms and to feel in his embrace that she had
+really returned to life again.
+
+With a last effort she seized the knocker, and listened with newly
+awakened hope to the tapping sound which rang clear through the night.
+
+A few minutes elapsed. Then an old servant peeping out of the window
+in the door, perceived the white ghostly figure of his late mistress.
+Horror seized him, his hair stood on end. Richmodis called him by his
+name and begged him to open the door. At the sound of her voice the
+old man started, ran upstairs, dashed into his master's room uttering
+incoherent sounds, and stammering: "O Lord, the dead rise; outside
+stands our good Mistress and demands entrance!" But the Magistrate
+shook his head in deep grief: "Richmodis, my beloved wife is dead and
+will never return, never, never," he repeated in unspeakable sorrow;
+"I will rather believe that my two white horses will burst from their
+halters in the stable and mount the stairs to the tower."
+
+A terrible sound suddenly filled the quiet house, a noise like thunder
+was heard, and Mengis of Aducht and his servant saw the two white
+steeds tearing and tramping in haste upstairs.
+
+A moment later two horses looked out of the tower windows into the
+night, and shortly afterwards the Magistrate laughing and crying with
+joy at the same time, held in his arms his wife who had returned from
+the grave.
+
+For many years Richmodis lived happily with her husband, surrounded by
+several lovely children. Deep piety remained the motive power of
+Richmodis' being, and nobody ever saw her smile again.
+
+If you come to Cologne, reader, you will still see the old house of
+the Aduchts at the New-market, with two white wooden horses' heads
+looking out of the top window.
+
+
+
+
+The Goblins
+
+
+This story goes back to the "good old times" of which we modern people
+always speak with a sigh of regret.
+
+It was then when good-natured goblins appeared to mortal eyes, and
+tried to render the life of the troubled human race a little more
+cheerful. In groves and dens they had magnificent dwellings and
+watched there over the enormous mineral treasures of the earth.
+
+Often these beneficent elves were busy miners or sometimes clever
+artisans. We all know that they manufactured the precious trinkets and
+arms of the Nibelungen treasure.
+
+Deep in the interior of the earth they lived happily together, ruled
+over by a king. They could be called the harmless friends of darkness,
+because they were not allowed to come into broad daylight. If they did
+so, they were transformed into stones.
+
+The goblins did not always remain underground. On the contrary they
+often came to the earth's surface through certain holes, called
+goblin-holes, but they always avoided meeting man.
+
+Alas! the advance of civilisation has driven these friendly spirits
+gradually from the places where they used to do so much good. None of
+us, I am sure has ever had the good luck of meeting one of them.
+
+The goblins were of different sizes. Sometimes they were as small as
+one's thumb, sometimes as large as the hand of a child of four years
+old. The most remarkable feature of these tiny figures was the
+enormous head and the pointed hump that so often adorned their backs.
+Their look was on the whole more comical than ugly. German people used
+to call them "Heinzchen" or "Heinzelmännchen."
+
+A long time ago the good town of Cologne was inhabited by a host of
+dwarfs, and the honest population knew a great many stories about
+them. The workmen and artisans especially had, through the assistance
+of the little wights, far more holidays than are marked in the
+calendar.
+
+When the carpenters, for instance, were lying on their benches in
+sweet repose, those little men came swiftly and stealthily along, they
+took up the tools and chiselled and sawed and hammered with a will,
+and thus, records the poetical chronicles which I am quoting, before
+the carpenters woke up, the house stood there finished.
+
+In the same way things went on with the baker. While his lads were
+snoring, the little goblins came to help. They groaned under the load
+of heavy corn-sacks, they kneaded and weighed the flour, lifted and
+pushed the bread into the oven, and before the lazy bakers opened
+their eyes, the morning bread, brown and crisp, was lying in rows on
+the table.
+
+The butchers too could speak of similar agreeable experiences. The
+good little men chopped, mixed and stirred with all their might, and
+when the drowsy butcher opened his eyes at last, he found the fresh,
+steaming sausages adorning the walls of his shop.
+
+The cooper enjoyed also the help of the busy dwarfs, and even the
+tailor could not complain of the goblins having neglected him.
+
+Once Mr. Cotton, a clever tailor, had the honour of making a Sunday
+coat for the mayor of the town. He worked diligently at it, but you
+can easily imagine that in the heat of the summer afternoon, the
+needle soon dropped from his hand, and he fell fast asleep.
+Hush!--look there. One little goblin after the other crept cautiously
+from his hiding place.
+
+They climbed on the table and began the tailor's work, and stitched
+and sewed and fitted and pressed, as if they had been masters of the
+needle all their lives.
+
+When Master Cotton awoke, he found to his great joy the mayor's Sunday
+coat ready made, and so neatly and well done that he could present the
+magnificent garment with pride to the head of the town.
+
+The pretty wife of Mr. Cotton looked at this masterpiece of her
+husband's art with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
+
+In the night when her husband had fallen asleep, she rose from her bed
+without making the slightest noise, and scattered pease all over the
+floor of the workshop; she then put a half-finished suit on the table.
+She kept a small lantern hidden under her apron, and waited behind
+the door listening. Soon after the room was full of little men all
+tumbling, falling, and slipping over the pease. Yells and screams rose
+at the same time. The poor little men were indeed much bruised and
+hurt. Without stopping they ran downstairs and disappeared.
+
+The tailor's wife heard the noise, and thought it good sport. When the
+yells were loudest, she suddenly opened the door to see her visitors,
+but she came too late. Not a single goblin was left behind.
+
+Since that time the friendly dwarfs have never more been seen in
+Cologne, and in other places also they have entirely disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+Jan and Griet
+
+
+[Illustration: Jan und Griet--Steinbild am Jan von Werth-Denkmal in
+Köln]
+
+"There lived at Cologne on the old farm of Kümpchenshof a peasant who
+had a maid called Griet and a man-servant called Jan."
+
+Thus begins the old well-known Rhenish song of "Jan van Werth," the
+celebrated general of the imperial cavalry at the time when the Swedes
+and French were taking advantage of the civil war in Germany. But
+nobody except the inhabitants of the holy City of Cologne, knows that
+Jan van Werth was originally a simple labourer, and that he was
+indebted for his luck in life to his bad luck in love.
+
+Jan was an industrious farmer-boy with an upright character and a
+handsome face.
+
+Many a girl would not have rejected him as a sweetheart, but Jan's
+tender heart had long been captivated by the good looks of pretty
+Griet, the comely maid of the Kümpchenshof. His love could not long
+remain a secret. One day he confessed to her with sobs that he loved
+her dearly, and would with pleasure work and toil for her twice as
+much as he then did for his master. He spoke long and earnestly, and
+taking courage with every word he uttered, he at last put to her the
+all-important question--would she become his wife?
+
+Laughingly the pretty girl put her round arms akimbo, tossed her head
+back and looked at her honest suitor with a mocking twinkle in her
+eyes. Then she shook her head energetically and said: "You are only a
+farmer's labourer, my dear boy, and will remain one most probably all
+your life. True, it is not your fault, but all the same I should
+prefer to marry a rich farmer with cows and oxen and horses."
+
+Bitter anger rose in Jan's breast on hearing her talk so heartlessly,
+but he controlled himself. "Just as you like," he said sadly, and
+turned away from the haughty maid.
+
+From that day he could not endure any longer the life at the farm, and
+pocketing his wages, he said good-bye for ever to the Kümpchenshof and
+became a soldier.
+
+It was a furious war in which the German Emperor was engaged against
+the enemies of his country, and brave soldiers were rare. Any valiant
+warrior might distinguish himself and become an officer at that time.
+
+The farmer-boy, Jan, soon won by his bravery and intrepidity the
+esteem of his superiors, and was promoted to the rank of colonel. Once
+when fighting against the Swedish troops he showed such determination
+and courage that he won the battle. After this brilliant act he was
+made a general. But the name of Jan van Werth became even more famous
+when he beat the French in a skirmish at Tüttlingen.
+
+In another way also his good luck reconciled him to the first bitter
+disappointment caused for by Griet's scornful answer. He married a
+lovely and noble young lady, who was very proud of becoming the wife
+of such a celebrated general.
+
+Let us now look back and see what happened in the meantime to Griet.
+She had waited month after month and year after year for the rich
+farmer. But the longed-for suitor never made his appearance. Even in
+those by-gone days red cheeks and bright eyes were much less thought
+of than ducats and glittering gold.
+
+As time went on Griet grew old, and though she would now have been
+content with a simple man for her sweetheart, not even such a one
+condescended to ask her to become his wife.
+
+Little by little Griet gave up all hopes of ever marrying, and had to
+look out for a living to keep her in her old age from starving.
+Therefore she started a fruit stall at one of the large gateways of
+Cologne.
+
+One day the good inhabitants of this town were in great excitement,
+and crowded in their best Sunday-clothes round the gate of St.
+Severin, where Griet sat at her apple-stall. They had come to meet Jan
+van Werth, the celebrated general, who was returning victorious at the
+head of his regiment.
+
+There he was sitting on a powerful charger which was gorgeously
+covered with gilded trappings. On his fine head Jan wore a
+broad-brimmed hat with a flowing feather. Behind him rode his splendid
+soldiers. The body-guard of the town beat the drum enthusiastically,
+and the Cologne people called out: "Long live our Jan van Werth!"
+
+When the celebrated general passed the gate, he stopped his horse
+just in front of Griet's apple baskets, and looking down upon the old
+wrinkled woman, met her questioning glance with an odd smile. "Ah
+Griet," said he slowly; "whoever would have thought it?" At the sound
+of his voice an expression of sudden recognition passed over her worn
+features, and she muttered sorrowfully, but still audibly to the proud
+rider, "Oh, Jan, if I had only known it!"
+
+A magnificent monument in the form of the statue of Jan van Werth now
+stands in the centre of the old market of Cologne.
+
+It was erected there in memory not only of the heroic deeds of the
+brave general, but also as a warning to all Cologne maidens not to
+reject their suitors because they are poor, for one day, like Jan van
+Werth, they may become famous, and then they will not, like Griet,
+have to sigh over things that "might have been."
+
+
+
+
+The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne
+
+
+It was at Cologne in the year 1248 on the eve of the Ascension day of
+our Lord.
+
+Before the mighty Archbishop Kunrad of Hochstaden stood a simple
+architect offering the plan of a church, and arrogantly boasting that
+it would become one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Christendom.
+That man was Master Gerhard of Ryle.
+
+The Archbishop was greatly astonished at the grandeur of the design,
+and ordered the execution of the bold plan without delay.
+
+On the square which was selected for the erection of the new
+cathedral, another church had once been standing under the reign of
+the first king of the Franks, but it had been destroyed by the
+Normans.
+
+Now again gigantic masonry, slender pillars, bold vaults and arches
+rose to unite into a proud dome.
+
+Everybody admired the humble man, whose creative genius now employed
+thousands of industrious workmen, and Master Gerhard's name was
+mentioned with great praise at home and abroad.
+
+When the choir was finished, crowds of pious pilgrims came from the
+surrounding suburbs and even from a distance to pray before the
+relics of the three holy kings which where enshrined there. Hymns of
+praise re-echoed through the unfinished aisles.
+
+Everybody rejoiced. But he, who ought to have been the most glad, was
+sad, and dark forebodings damped his spirits. The question if after
+all he would live to see his proud building finished, or if cruel fate
+would tear him away before he should have tasted the sweetness of
+triumph, tormented him day and night. His young wife saw with grief
+the change in his disposition; but she tried in vain by tender words
+and caresses to smooth his sorrowful brow.
+
+The more he was troubled by his gloomy thoughts, the more he urged his
+workmen on.--Four years had elapsed; it was now 1252. The tower on the
+north side rose already proudly into the air. The scaffolding reached
+higher and higher every day.
+
+One day Master Gerhard stood beside the big crane, watching how the
+gigantic blocks of stone taken from the quarries at the Drachenfels,
+were lifted up. He thought with pride and satisfaction that his work
+was going on well; and that he surely would see it finished. While
+thus meditating he did not observe that a stranger stood by his side
+watching him with an ugly sneer. A burning red cloak hung round his
+tall figure, a gold chain glittered on his breast, and a cock's
+feather nodded from a quaint velvet cap. He introduced himself to the
+somewhat surprised builder as a fellow-architect. "You are building a
+lovely church," he then said, "but I created a far more magnificent
+mansion, long long years ago. Its stone will never crumble to dust,
+and it will resist the influence of time and weather forever." In
+saying this, his eyes glittered strangely under his shaggy brows. This
+presumptuous speech did not please Master Gerhard, and without
+answering he measured the bold speaker scornfully from head to foot.
+
+"Your church," continued the stranger, "will be a very lovely
+building, but don't you think that such an enterprise is far too
+audacious for mortal man. You, Master Gerhard, you ought to have known
+at the time when you laid the foundation stone of your church that you
+never would see your work finished."
+
+"Who is likely to prevent it?" angrily burst forth the builder. No one
+had ever dared to use such language towards him, nor to wound his
+pride so keenly. "Death," coolly replied the stranger. "Never," cried
+Master Gerhard in a great fury, "I will finish what I began, and would
+even bet with the devil himself to do so."
+
+"Hallo!" laughed the stranger grimly. "I should like to deal with such
+an audacious man as you, and make bold to bet with you that I will, in
+a shorter space of time, finish the digging of a canal from Treves to
+Cologne, fill it with water, and have merry ducks swimming on it, than
+you will take to complete your church."
+
+"So be it!" said Master Gerhard very much startled, taking the
+outstretched hand of the strange man. At the touch of his cold
+fingers, a sensation of horror crept into the heart of Master Gerhard.
+But the red-cloaked man burst into a yelling laugh and cried out in a
+formidable voice, "Remember we betted for your soul." Utmost terror
+seized the trembling architect, cold perspiration stood on his brow,
+and he tried in vain to utter a word.
+
+Suddenly a storm rose, the stranger unfolded his red cloak, and was
+lifted from the ground in a cloud of dust and vanished.
+
+From that day the mind of Master Gerhard grew more and more gloomy. He
+kept on wandering restlessly on the scaffoldings of the building. The
+more he considered the huge dimensions of the cathedral, the more
+doubtful he felt as to whether he would be able to finish it or not.
+
+By daybreak he could be seen among his workmen, and till late in the
+evening he wandered about on the building-ground, praising the
+industrious and blaming the idle. He looked out anxiously sometimes in
+the direction of Treves to see if he could discern anything uncommon
+there. But he never saw the slightest change, nor any sign that the
+stranger with whom he had betted, had really begun his canal in
+earnest, and he looked more hopefully into the future.
+
+One day he was standing as usual on the top of one of the completed
+towers, when he felt a hand laid on his shoulder. Turning round, he
+beheld with disagreeable surprise the ghostly stranger. Was he a
+master of the black art or was he the devil himself? "Well, Master
+Gerhard," began the unwelcome visitor, "how are you getting on with
+your work? I see it is making good progress. Happily I shall soon
+have finished my canal, else I should run the risk of losing my bet."
+
+"I can scarcely believe your boasting speech," answered the builder
+scornfully, "because I do not perceive the slightest trace of your
+having begun the canal." "Know, my dear man, that I am worth more than
+a hundred workmen together and, as I told you, my work is nearly
+ready," said the man in red.
+
+"Really," said Master Gerhard a little startled, "I should like to
+know what magic power could enable you to do so."
+
+"Come and follow me," replied the stranger, taking the builder by the
+hand. Off they flew through the air with the quickness of lightning,
+and reached the earth in the district near Treves in a few seconds. At
+the place where they descended, a spring arose from the ground and
+sent its crystal waters into an opening in a rock. "Come with me,"
+said the magic stranger, and bending down he disappeared in this
+opening.
+
+Master Gerhard followed him and came into a high glittering grotto,
+where he perceived that the water gushed tumultuously into the mouth
+of a black underground channel.
+
+"You see," said the stranger, "how well I have used my time. If you
+have the heart for it, we will follow the waters, and see how far my
+canal reaches already."
+
+Scarcely had he uttered these words, than a mysterious power seized
+both and pushed them forward with tremendous rapidity. Master Gerhard
+saw now with terror that the work of the Evil One was indeed not
+far from its completion, for when they emerged from the dark canal,
+they had the City of Cologne lying close before them. The
+cathedral-builder could no longer doubt the great skill of his rival,
+and he felt sure that he would lose his bet. The red-cloaked man
+seemed to take great delight in the builder's discomfiture, and he
+said with an ugly grin:
+
+"Well, Master Gerhard, I see you have found more than you expected. I
+am sure you would like to see the merry ducks which shall swim on my
+brook, according to our bet."
+
+He clapped his hands three times and then listened. Some minutes
+passed, but no ducks appeared. The stranger's face assumed an
+expression of rage, when he found his summons unsuccessful. He tried
+again but in vain. After this he gave a frightful yell, and vanished
+all at once, leaving nothing behind him but a smell of sulphur.
+
+The cathedral-builder had looked on in wonder, and new hope began to
+fill his heart, that after all he could win the bet.
+
+"I know well, why the ducks won't appear," thought he, "but I shall
+never betray my secret to him."
+
+After this adventurous journey, Master Gerhard was a prey to
+melancholy.
+
+He was seen oftener than before on the building ground. It was
+impossible for him to doubt any longer, that the stranger with whom he
+had made the fatal bet, was the devil himself. The unfortunate man
+was well aware that not only was his life at stake, but that the
+salvation of his soul was likewise in danger, should the master of
+hell carry out his work.
+
+There was only one little hope left for him, namely, that the devil
+would be unable to find out how to keep the ducks alive while they
+were swimming through the long underground channel. So Master Gerhard
+took courage, saying to himself: "He cannot win and I know why."
+
+His young wife was strangely moved at her husband's silence and
+melancholy. She tried by increased tenderness and love to unstop his
+silent lips and to make him tell what was lying so heavily on his
+heart.
+
+He appreciated her endeavours to cheer him very much, but could not be
+brought to tell of his dealings with the Evil One, and so he kept his
+secrets to himself.
+
+One day, not long after the mysterious journey of Master Gerhard, a
+stranger, apparently a scholar, entered the architect's house, while
+he was as usual on the building ground. A scarlet cloak enveloped his
+tall figure, and a cock's feather sat boldly on his black cap.
+
+His manners were soft and in general those of a gentleman. Hearing
+that the builder was not at home, he asked for his wife. She came and
+soon found that she liked talking to him, because he showed not only
+great eloquence, but also great sympathy for her husband.
+
+Involuntarily she disclosed to the kind stranger her secret grief
+about Master Gerhard's sadness. The scholar listened to her troubles
+with great attention, and seemed to feel for her in her sorrow. "My
+dear Mistress," said he in a soft voice, "there is surely some secret
+weighing heavily on his mind, and this and nothing else is the cause
+of his melancholy. Unless we know it, we cannot cure him. You are
+nearest to his heart. If you are very loving and tender to him, he
+will not withhold the secret for long from you. Be extremely kind to
+him. After three days I shall come back to see if you have been
+successful. If not, I will give you a remedy that will unfailingly
+make him tell you his inmost thoughts."
+
+Thus speaking he took his leave, and she was unable to find words to
+express her gratitude.
+
+For three days she tried the scholar's advice, but found that her
+husband, in spite of all her coaxing and caresses, would not tell the
+cause of his melancholy.
+
+On the fourth day, the scholar called again and heard with apparent
+grief how badly her endeavours had succeeded, "I pity you heartily,"
+said he, "but don't despair. Here is a wonderful herb. Prepare a
+beverage with it for your husband and make him drink it before he goes
+to sleep. He will dream after the draught and betray his secrets in
+his sleep."
+
+She accepted the gift gratefully, and prepared the potion according to
+his advice. Her husband took the beverage willingly, and soon fell
+into a profound sleep. After some time dreams seemed to trouble him;
+he tossed restlessly to and fro in his bed murmuring incoherent
+words. His wife listened anxiously and heard in feverish excitement
+about the terrible dealings between him and the devil. After a pause
+Master Gerhard muttered:
+
+"He will never win, because I hold the secret."
+
+"What may that be?" whispered she in the dreamer's ear.
+
+"He may do what he will," unconsciously answered he, "it is quite
+impossible that ducks should swim through the underground channel,
+unless he makes air-holes at every mile. Of course this idea will
+never come into his head."
+
+The next morning the scholar called upon the wife and heard how well
+his scheme had succeeded. She told him every thing. When she had
+revealed her husband's secret to him, the meek features of her strange
+guest suddenly changed. He gave a loud shrill scream of joy and
+disappeared. The poor wife remained on the same spot, pale and
+terror-stricken.
+
+Master Gerhard was standing the next day by the high crane of the
+cathedral as usual.
+
+The air was sultry, and black clouds were gathering from across the
+Rhine. He felt very restless, and urged his workmen even more than
+before to hurry on. The builder's heart was strangely filled with dark
+forebodings. All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turning
+round, he beheld with terror the fatal stranger. A wondrous gleam of
+red-like flames seemed to radiate all round his figure.
+
+The cathedral builder grew pale as death and trembled from head to
+foot. He was unable to utter a word.
+
+Beaming with the joy of triumph, the Evil One pointed with his hand
+downwards, and forced Master Gerhard to look in the same direction.
+Behold! At the foot of the cathedral a silvery brook was visible
+running from the direction of Treves. Merry ducks were swimming on its
+shining surface.
+
+It is impossible to describe the feelings of the builder at the sight
+of the completed work of his rival. Despair and agony made his heart
+sink within him, but the Evil One looked with joy on his victim. When
+he suddenly tried to grasp him, Master Gerhard darted to the edge of
+the scaffolding with a heart-rending scream, and dashed himself down
+into the depth below, and was instantly killed.
+
+A roar of thunder filled the air at that moment and the devil
+vanished in a blaze of lightning. The thunderstorm grew more and more
+violent. After a few minutes the unhappy cathedral builder's house was
+struck by lightning and burnt to ashes in less than an hour.
+Unfortunately, the admirable plan of the splendid church was also
+destroyed.
+
+This was the sad end of Master Gerhard and his ambition.
+
+The cathedral remained untouched for more than six centuries after.
+Its unfinished walls and towers began to decay as if they mourned the
+terrible death of their builder. The Cologne people believed for a
+long time that the spirit of Master Gerhard used to hover about
+midnight round the high towers and the desolated vaults. Strange
+sounds like the sighs of somebody in anguish were often heard in the
+deserted building, and people said it was Master Gerhard's ghost
+complaining that his proud cathedral remained unfinished.
+
+Generation after generation passed by, and six centuries elapsed
+before busy workmen began again hammering and building on the ground
+which had lain so long quiet.
+
+In 1880 the dome was finished, and towers now in all its majesty high
+above the dwellings of the people, and can be seen miles away.
+
+Since that glorious day when the last stone was added to the cathedral
+of Cologne, Master Gerhard's ghost has never been heard or seen again.
+
+
+
+
+XANTEN
+
+Siegfried
+
+
+[Illustration: Siegfried schleppt einen Bären ins Lager--Nach einer
+Lithographie von Peter Cornelius]
+
+Siegfried,--and as we pronounce this glorious name, the hero looks
+forth at us with shining eyes, for was not Siegfried the perfect
+embodiment of all that was beautiful and good?
+
+For centuries stories have been told and poems have been sung of the
+bold adventures of the young hero, whose energy only found
+satisfaction in victorious fights.
+
+The original name of the small town on the lower Rhine now called
+Xanten, was "Ad Santos," "peace for the saints." It was thus named on
+account of the pious warriors of the Theban legion who in the fourth
+century had boldly died there for their creed under their leader,
+Victor.
+
+At the time to which our story refers, a mighty stronghold formed the
+centre of the little town Xanten. A king called Siegmund with his wife
+Siegelinde and their son Siegfried lived there.
+
+While a mere boy, Siegfried had already a kingly stature, and an
+almost untamable disposition of mind. When he was only thirteen years
+of age, his longing for grand deeds was so great that he found it
+impossible to remain inactive at home. From old songs and legends
+which the minstrels recited in his father's castle, he had heard so
+much of bold adventures and brilliant exploits performed by his
+forefathers, that he was most anxious to follow in their steps. He
+felt strong and valiant enough to undertake, like the heroes of old,
+dangerous journeys. Therefore young Siegfried left one day his
+ancestral halls, and wandered southwards along the clear blue river.
+He soon found an opportunity of testing his courage.
+
+At the foot of the Seven Mountains lived a celebrated armourer called
+Mimer, renowned for making excellent swords. Our hero liked this
+warlike trade, and he asked the master to receive him as an
+apprentice, that he might learn the praiseworthy art of forging a good
+sword for himself. The armourer agreed, and Siegfried remained at
+Mimer's workshop. The journeymen with whom the youth had to work, soon
+learned the enormous strength of their new companion. The boy, often
+not knowing how to give expression to his desire for action, would
+take up his fellow-workmen, lift them high into the air, and drop
+them, not always softly, to the ground. Or when his anger was roused,
+he would imprint black and blue marks on their backs with his strong
+fists. Once he even smashed with one stroke of his hammer all the iron
+bars in the armoury, and knocked the anvil into the ground with a
+mighty blow.
+
+Mimer looked on with dismay, amazed at the boy's almost supernatural
+strength, but fearing that Siegfried's wrath might some time turn
+against him, he thought to rid himself of his dangerous apprentice,
+and conceived a cunning plan to kill him. A horrible dragon lived in
+the neighbouring forest, which tore every wanderer to pieces who
+chanced to cross its way. Mimer ordered Siegfried to fetch a sack from
+the charcoal-burner in that forest, well knowing that the boy would
+never return thence.
+
+The youth, without knowing the danger he was about to meet, went
+cheerfully on his way. In the middle of the thick wood he kindled a
+charcoal-kiln, and amused himself by putting big burning branches and
+young trees into the fire.
+
+Suddenly the monster came swiftly creeping on its huge claws. Curving
+its shimmering body the ugly beast opened wide its jaws to devour the
+young charcoal-burner. Siegfried's eyes brightened up at the prospect
+of an encounter with the terrible animal before him. Without a
+moment's hesitation, he tore a flaming beam out of the kiln, and
+pushed its burning end deep into the open mouth of the dragon. Roaring
+with pain the monster turned round beating violently with its prickly
+tail, trying in its agony to crush Siegfried. But he, jumping
+skilfully aside, rapidly dealt it heavy blows, and succeeded at last
+in smashing its head with a large piece of rock. He severed the head
+from the body, and threw it into the blazing flames. To his
+astonishment he observed how a stream of grease gushed from the
+burning pile, and collected in a pool at his feet.
+
+Close by the charcoal-kiln stood an old limetree. A little bird sang
+merrily in its branches. Siegfried, involuntarily listening to the
+clear strain, made out the following words: "If you would be covered
+with horn, and become invulnerable, undress yourself and plunge into
+the pool."
+
+Siegfried quickly threw his clothes off and anointed his whole body
+with the dragon's grease. While thus occupied a leaf from the old
+limetree above dropped between his shoulders. This part of the hero's
+body remained without horn. When he had finished, he took up the
+monster's head and returned to Mimer's workshop. The nearer he got to
+the smithy, the more his rage against his wicked master increased.
+Mimer had seen the boy from afar approaching with the trophy of his
+fight, and had hidden in great fear.
+
+Siegfried however soon found him out and slew him on the spot. Then he
+forged a good two-edged sword and shining armour for himself, and
+having saddled the best horse of Mimer's stable, he left the smithy to
+look for new adventures.
+
+For a long time he travelled aimlessly about, saw mountains and
+valleys, rivers and lakes, cities and hamlets, until he at last
+arrived at the sea-shore. He embarked with his good horse, and was
+cast by a gale on the rocky coast of an unknown country. The noble
+animal climbed courageously up the stony beach, and carried its rider
+to an enchanted castle which was surrounded by a wall of flames. For a
+moment Siegfried stood irresolute. Suddenly the voice of the little
+bird sounded again above him, "Break the charm. Straight into the
+flames with a bold dash. A most lovely maiden will be thy reward."
+
+The youth took courage, spurred his steed, and with a plunge horse and
+rider disappeared in the flames, which were at once extinguished. The
+charm was broken. Before him lay a wonderful castle. Siegfried
+penetrated into its interior, and was amazed to find every living
+creature in a profound sleep within; the horses in their stalls, the
+grooms in the stables, the cook at the hearth. When he entered the
+high hall a lovely scene presented itself to his view. On a couch the
+most exquisite form of a woman lay sleeping. Her golden hair was
+strewn with precious stones, and her limbs were clothed in the most
+costly garments.
+
+The young hero looked for a while, lost in admiration. Then bending
+down to her, he pressed a passionate kiss on her rosy lips. Brunhilde,
+the fair sleeper, opened her eyes, and at the same time every living
+being in the castle awoke.
+
+The old legend depicts in glowing colours the sweet hours of love that
+followed for Siegfried and Brunhilde. Days and months passed by
+without the lovers being aware of it. However fond of adventures
+Siegfried was, he felt himself chained to the spot by her subtle
+charms. While thus undecided he heard one day the bird's voice: "Leave
+the castle and give up a life of ignoble leisure; direct your steps
+towards the country of the Nibelungen, take possession of their
+immense treasures and of the precious invisible cap."
+
+At the prospect of new adventures Siegfried could not be kept back
+any longer by Brunhilde. They parted with the solemn promise of
+meeting again.
+
+A great many exploits are recorded of the proud hero which he
+performed in the country of the Nibelungen. After a long and hard
+struggle with the cunning dwarfs, he took away with him their
+treasure, as well as the cap which had the gift of making its wearer
+invisible.
+
+Years had passed by, and Siegfried longed to see the place of his
+childhood again. So he turned homewards and reached Xanten after many
+adventures. The joy of his noble parents at seeing their valiant son
+again was indescribable.
+
+The legend of Siegfried's youthful exploits and his home-coming is
+full of romance and happiness. But if we listen to the continuation of
+his story we shall find how every human feeling has its place in the
+hero's biography, great joy, deep sorrow, passionate love, glowing
+hatred, heroism and perfidy, cowardice and high courage, until at last
+the legend of Siegfried ends in a pitiful wail of grief.
+
+
+
+
+CLEVE
+
+Lohengrin
+
+
+[Illustration: Des Schwanenritters Abschied--Nach dem Gemälde von W. von
+Kaulbach--Lohengrin's Departure--Le départ du chevalier au cygne]
+
+The weathercock on the ancient stronghold at Cleve is a swan, and in
+olden times the dynasty that ruled over the lovely country round Cleve
+had also a swan in their crest. A legend, tragic and beautiful,
+preserved to posterity forever in Richard Wagner's lovely opera, is
+connected with it,--the legend of Lohengrin.
+
+Long centuries ago deep sorrow brooded over the walls of the castle at
+Cleve. Its mistress, the Duchess Elsa, was in great distress. Her
+beloved husband had died, and his remains had been brought to their
+last resting-place. As soon as the tomb had closed over them, one of
+the late Duke's vassals, Telramund, rose in revolt, and imperiously
+claimed the right to reign over the dukedom. The audacious man went so
+far as to ask the widowed Duchess to become his wife, declaring that
+this was the only means of saving her rank, which the death of her
+husband had deprived her of.
+
+Elsa, the youthful and lovely mistress, implored the knights of her
+dominion to assist her in her trouble, and to take up arms against the
+rebel. But Telramund, little disconcerted by this appeal, offered to
+fight in single combat with anybody who dared to take up the quarrel
+with him, well knowing that, on account of his immense strength,
+nobody would dare to become his adversary.
+
+The days passed in deepest sorrow for the unfortunate Duchess. The
+moment was approaching when the rebel would make bold to proclaim
+openly his claims before the whole assembled nobility on the open
+space before the castle. The fatal hour came. Pale, her face covered
+by her widow's veil, her queenly form enveloped in mourning garments,
+Elsa descended from her castle to the assembly. The large plain was
+crowded with a throng of people, and glittered with the brilliant
+armour of the knights.
+
+The unfaithful vassal, covered from head to foot in shining armour,
+came forward with bold steps and claimed in a loud voice the hand and
+dominion of the Duchess. The knights around, deluded by his valiant
+appearance and the firmness of his voice, broke into loud applause.
+Some of the crowd joined them in their cry of approbation, but most of
+the people looked on, full of pity and admiration for their youthful
+mistress.
+
+No answer to his first challenge having come, Telramund repeated his
+audacious demand, offering again to fight in single combat anybody who
+dared to accept it. His eyes glanced defiantly over the brilliant
+multitude of knights. He perceived with triumphant joy, how they all
+shrank from fighting with him.--Elsa looked still paler than before.
+
+For a third time the challenge of Telramund was heard. It sounded
+clearly over the whole plain. But none of the bright warriors came
+forward to take up the combat for Elsa's sake.
+
+On the contrary deep silence followed the third challenge, and
+everybody's eyes were fixed on the forsaken princess who looked in her
+abandoned position still more lovely. The little hope that had till
+that moment given her strength to bear her misfortune, had now
+entirely vanished. In her utter desolation she offered a fervent
+prayer to heaven. On her rosary, so the legend records, a little
+silver bell was hanging, which possessed the wonderful gift of giving
+forth, whenever slightly touched, a clear ringing sound audible even
+at a great distance. In praying to God for deliverance from her great
+trouble, she pressed the cross on her rosary fervently to her lips.
+The silver bell tinkled, and at the same moment a little barge
+suddenly appeared on the blue river. When it came nearer, everybody
+looked with astonishment at the strange vessel. Its form was light and
+graceful; but what astonished the people most was that it was not
+moved by either oar or rudder, but was gently gliding on the blue
+waves drawn by a snow-white swan. In the middle of the vessel stood a
+knight in shining silver armour.
+
+Long golden locks emerged from under his glittering helmet, his bright
+blue eyes looked boldly over the crowd on the shore, and his hand held
+the hilt of his broad sword firmly.
+
+The strange boat stopped just opposite the plain where the people
+stood motionless with amazement. The knight landed from the barge,
+giving a sign with his hand to the swan, which swam gently down the
+Rhine.
+
+In silence and awe the multitude made room for the stranger who
+approached with firm steps towards the middle of the brilliant circle,
+and saluted the assembly with a solemn grace. Then he bent his knees
+before the Duchess and rising, turned towards Telramund, challenging
+him proudly to fight with him for the hand and dominion of Elsa of
+Brabant. The bold rebel's temerity seemed to fail him for a few
+moments, but gathering fresh courage he pulled his sword from its
+sheath with a loud scornful laugh.
+
+The next moment the two knights darted at each other, their blades
+clashing in rapid strokes.
+
+The whole crowd looked with wonder and amazement at the strange
+knight's great prowess. He parried the blows of his strong adversary
+skilfully. The combat lasted for some time, and neither of the
+fighters seemed to give way. Suddenly a subdued cry was heard, and at
+the same time the presumptuous vassal sank to the ground, pierced by
+the sword of him whom God had sent, and expired. A tremendous shout of
+joy burst from the gazing crowd, which rang from one end of the plain
+to the other and was echoed by the glittering waves of the Rhine. The
+people rejoiced in the victory, and thought that God himself had
+decided the combat in favour of Elsa.
+
+The Duchess felt greatly moved. In her overflowing gratitude she
+sank down before her deliverer with tears in her eyes. But he bade her
+rise, and bowing low before her asked her to become his wife. She
+consented. What a heaven of bliss opened for the Duchess of Brabant!
+All her former troubles were forgotten.
+
+Her gratitude towards her rescuer was transformed into passionate
+love, to which Lohengrin, the virtuous knight, responded with tender
+adoration.
+
+Yet though everything seemed now so serene in the life of the Duchess,
+there was a dim cloud which threatened to darken the clear prospect of
+her happiness. On their wedding-day Elsa had to promise her bridegroom
+that she would never inquire about his name, his home, or his descent.
+
+Trusting her deliverer's honour and chivalrous bearing, she took the
+strange oath without a moment's hesitation.
+
+Many years of bliss and happiness passed, and Elsa of Brabant had
+strictly kept the promise she had made on her bridal morning. Their
+happiness was still more enhanced by the birth of three hopeful boys.
+They were their parents' joy, and promised to become in future shining
+ornaments of knighthood.
+
+It happened however, when the eyes of the Duchess were resting with
+pride on her sons, that her mother's heart thought with grief of the
+solemn oath she had sworn on her wedding-day.
+
+With how much more pride would she have looked upon her sons if she
+could have known them to be the offspring of a high and noble race.
+She did not doubt however that her beloved husband's lineage was a
+most noble one. Yet the thought that his sons might never bear their
+father's name, nor be able to add new glories to it, was lying heavily
+on her mind, and darkened the radiant image of her husband, that like
+a deity filled her whole soul.
+
+The fatal question she had for so long withheld burst one day forcibly
+from her lips.
+
+When she had pronounced the awful words, the proud hero grew pale, and
+freeing himself softly from her tender embrace, he cried out in bitter
+grief: "Woe to thee, my beloved wife and woe also to me! Now that thou
+hast uttered the question thou didst sware solemnly never to ask, our
+happiness is gone for ever. I must part from thee, never to see thee
+again."
+
+A cry of anguish rose from her lips, but she was unable to keep him
+back. Waving his hand to her in a mute farewell her noble husband left
+the castle. He went to the Rhine and blew his silver horn.
+
+Its sound was echoed from the shore like a long sob. The white swan
+with the boat soon appeared gliding gently over the river.
+
+Lohengrin stepped into the boat and soon vanished out of sight and was
+seen no more.
+
+His unhappy wife was inconsolable. Her grief was so intense that a
+short time after her health gave way, and she sank into a premature
+grave.
+
+Her sons became the ancestors of a noble and distinguished race in
+the Rhenish country. Their badge is a swan.
+
+The traveller who visits Cleve will still find a tombstone in its
+church with a knight carved on it, and a swan sitting at his feet.
+
+
+
+
+ZUYDERSEA
+
+Stavoren
+
+
+[Illustration: Stavoren--Nach einem Stich von Holbein]
+
+A strange story is still told about the city of Stavoren on the
+Zuydersea. It was a wondrous town, but like Vineta on the Baltic Sea
+it vanished from the earth.
+
+The merchants of Stavoren were the rulers of the Ocean, and the
+treasures of all known countries were lying in their port. The houses
+were lovely palaces, furnished in their interior like the marvellous
+abodes of the Sultan Haroun Al Rachid, in the "Arabian Nights."
+
+Of all the wealthy people of the town, there was nobody so much
+blessed with riches as Richberta, a proud and beautiful lady. Smiling
+fortune had lavishly poured its gifts upon her, and threw fresh
+treasures daily at her feet. She seemed to own everything beautiful
+that this life can bestow, but one thing she did not possess, and that
+was the soft fire of woman's kindness which lightens and warms the
+soul, and throws on all its surroundings a mild reflecting gleam.
+Richberta was cold and indifferent to either the pleasures or sorrows
+of her fellow-men. When night casts her shades upon the earth, all the
+sweet bright birds and butterflies hide and make room for a host of
+ghastly animals like owls and bats. So in Richberta's soul all her
+soft qualities had gone to sleep for want of the tender gleam of love,
+and only dark and harsh feelings haunted her soul. Immense pride in
+her own wealth, a bitter envy towards those who possessed more than
+she did, were her ruling passions.
+
+Once Richberta gave a grand feast. While the luxurious meal was being
+served, a stranger entered, who had come from far away to see the
+wonders of Stavoren with his own eyes. "I have seen," said he, bowing
+low to the lovely hostess, "many countries and many a princely court,
+but I confess that Stavoren surpasses them all in splendour."
+
+Highly flattered the proud lady bade him welcome to her table.
+According to the customs of the Orient whence he came, he begged for
+some bread and salt. Richberta ordered her servants to bring both, but
+it was useless to look for such simple fare in her house where only
+the most luxurious food was to be had.
+
+Without making any remarks however the stranger sat down and partook
+of the costly dishes. Then he began to relate his journeys, his
+success and his failures in life, and dwelt with great eloquence on
+the instability of earthly fortunes. All the guests listened with
+interest to what he said. Only Richberta sat gloomily at the head of
+her table. She felt angry that the stranger dared in her very presence
+to find fault with wealth and splendour, and to predict its probable
+destruction. Moreover she thought it rude in him that he had no word
+of praise for her own brilliant beauty, nor a glance of astonishment
+for her gorgeous palace. Her offended vanity induced her at last to
+force from him the praise he so obstinately withheld. "O, gracious
+Lady," said he rather reluctantly, "marvellous indeed is your home and
+fit for a queen. If you travelled far and near, you could not find its
+equal. But, my lady, among your treasures I miss one thing, and that
+is the noblest that the earth produces."
+
+Richberta was very anxious to learn what it was, that she might get
+it, and entreated her guest to name the precious thing. But he avoided
+any direct answer to her impetuous questions, and soon afterwards took
+his leave under a slight pretext.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On the open sea, a proud fleet was sailing. Its commander, strange to
+say, did not himself know the aim of his journey. His mistress,
+Richberta of Stavoren, had directed him to travel to all parts of the
+world to find out and bring home the most costly treasure.
+
+According to her command he set out, cruised the ocean to the East,
+and to the West, and searched everywhere for the unknown gift.
+
+In doing so it happened one day that seawater spoiled a part of the
+provisions of one of the ships. It was the flour and bread, the want
+of which was keenly felt by the whole crew. In this necessity the
+captain saw clearly that neither gold nor pearls could outweigh the
+value of bread, and the meaning of the mysterious words the stranger
+from the Orient had spoken to Richberta, dawned upon him.
+
+He steered to the coast and took a large cargo of the finest wheat
+aboard his ships. Full of joy at having at last found what he deemed
+the most costly thing on earth he sailed towards Stavoren, where he
+arrived safely.
+
+When Richberta learned of the common merchandise her captain had
+brought home, she summoned him before her and asked him
+contemptuously: "On which side of the vessel has the cargo of corn
+been taken in?" "On the right, mistress," answered the faithful
+servant, doubtful of what she meant. "Then," continued she coldly,
+"throw it from the left into the sea again."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day after the return of the fleet an animated scene was witnessed
+in the port of Stavoren.
+
+The numerous poor people of the town on hearing of the wicked command
+of Richberta, had come to beg of her not to spoil the precious wheat,
+but to divide it among those who were so much in want of it.
+
+The proud lady appeared herself to see that her will was executed. It
+was a touching spectacle to see how the crowd of miserable women and
+children surrounded the noble lady in her costly garments. The sight
+of so much misery would have moved many a cold heart, but Richberta
+showed no pity. She moved forward impatiently as if she heard not the
+supplications. But the crowd of women stopped her. They fell on their
+knees and entreated her with uplifted hands and tears in their eyes
+for the preservation of God's precious gift. Richberta heard but
+remained unrelenting. Her command was fulfilled, and the golden wheat
+was thrown into the sea.
+
+A storm of reproaches rose from the poor on the shore, and many a
+mother prayed to God on her knees to revenge this wickedness.
+
+The curses of the hungry people were fulfilled, far sooner than they
+expected.
+
+In the same year innumerable earless blades of wheat rose from the
+bottom of the sea like a forest, catching up mud, mire, weed, and
+remains of animals, so that by and by a dune rose under water which
+stopped the ships from entering the port of Stavoren.
+
+The inhabitants of the town who had principally lived by commerce,
+suddenly found the source of their wealth stopped. Want and poverty
+took possession of the once rich city. Richberta, in whom everybody
+recognised the author of this misfortune, lost everything in the
+general impoverishment, and was driven by the enraged populace from
+the town. The once proud and rich lady had now to beg for her bread.
+She walked wearily from village to village, curses following her
+wherever she went. She died in utter destitution.
+
+The sea that had for so many years been the blessing of Stavoren was
+now the destruction of the voluptuous city. One night it rose with
+immense power against the dunes, burst through them, and flooding the
+town with huge waves, buried it forever.
+
+To this day, the fishermen on the Zuydersea relate the story of the
+wonderful sunken city that once towered high into the air. When the
+water is clear they imagine they can see the high steeples of
+Stavoren's churches and the towers of her palaces shimmering up from
+the bottom of the sea.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Illustrations were inserted between pages of the original text. In
+this e-book they have been moved to the head of the relevant story.
+
+Obvious printer errors (missing or transposed letters, misspellings,
+missing punctuation, etc.) have been amended without note.
+
+There are some instances of archaic spelling, which have been retained
+throughout.
+
+Hyphenation has been made consistent without note. There are some
+occurrences of 'compound' nouns (for example, Folksepic, milkwhite,
+spearpierced, etc.), which have been retained as part of the charm of
+the text.
+
+There are some variations in the spelling of proper nouns (for
+example, Liege/Liège or Brunhild/Brunhilde). These have been retained
+throughout, except where there was an obvious error, which has been
+amended and noted. Missing titles or variations between titles and the
+Table of Contents have been amended and noted. A complete list of
+these amendments is included at the end of the text.
+
+Finally, there are two instances of unusual grammar, which have been
+retained: in the Prefatory note, "... and over all the sun _shined_
+brightly ..." and on page 152, "... his wife and retinue are looking
+_devoutedly_ towards heaven ...".
+
+List of Amendments:
+
+Prefatory Note--omitted 'I' added--"I soon became absorbed in the
+ever-changing panorama."
+
+Prefatory note--"english" amended to "English"--"... romance for the
+English speaking nations ..."
+
+Contents--"The Mothers Gost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"
+
+Page 7--title "ST. GOTHARD" amended to "ST. GOTTHARD"
+
+Page 79--title "The mother's Ghost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"
+
+Page 97--title "I." added
+
+Page 117--"Coblentz" amended to "Coblenz"--"... a beautiful meadow
+at Rhense near Coblenz ..."
+
+Page 145--title "I." added
+
+Page 155--"Charlemange" amended to "Charlemagne"--"... that
+Charlemagne had begun ..."
+
+Page 167--title "I." added
+
+Page 177--title "I." added
+
+Page 192--title "GODESBERG" inserted, to match the Table of Contents
+
+Page 216--opening quote mark in middle of the first paragraph moved to
+beginning of paragraph
+
+Page 240--"Brabrant" amended to "Brabant"--"... dominion of Elsa of
+Brabant."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF THE RHINE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 20496-8.txt or 20496-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/4/9/20496/
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Legends of the Rhine
+
+Author: Wilhelm Ruland
+
+Release Date: January 31, 2007 [EBook #20496]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF THE RHINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sam W., Ted Garvin, Juliet Sutherland and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a></span></p>
+<h1>LEGENDS OF THE RHINE</h1>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>WILHELM RULAND</h2>
+
+
+<h4>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PAINTINGS<br />
+BY CELEBRATED ARTISTS</h4>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_01.jpg" width="400" height="207"
+alt="Graphic of Hoursch und Bechstedt publisher's device"
+title="Hoursch und Bechstedt publisher's device: Wandre und Werde.
+H &amp; B. 1902." />
+</div>
+
+
+<h4>K&Ouml;LN AM RHEIN<br />
+VERLAG VON HOURSCH &amp; BECHSTEDT</h4>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">"O, the pride of the German heart is this noble<br />
+river! And right it is; for of all the rivers of this<br />
+beautiful earth there is none so beautiful as this."</p>
+
+<p class="cright">Longfellow.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a></span></p>
+<h2>Prefatory Note.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapl"><span class="dropcap">L</span></span>ast year I made the journey between Mainz
+and Bonn on one of our splendid Rhine
+steamers. Our vessel glided along like a great
+water-bird. On the shore rose mountains,
+castles, and ruins, and over all the sun shined brightly
+from a blue August sky. It was twelve years since I
+had visited the scenes of my youth, and every Rhinelander
+will understand with what pleasure I saw again
+those smiling landscapes arrayed in their summer
+beauty. Wandering back to my deck-chair, I soon became
+absorbed in the ever-changing panorama.</p>
+
+<p>Then the sound of a melodious female voice
+speaking English fell on my ears. I looked around.
+A girl was bending over a book, and entertaining
+her father and mother by reading something of
+special interest and beauty. I listened and recognised
+some of my own sentences rendered into the speech
+of Shakespeare. These three were learning to feel the
+charms of the Lorelei legend as I had felt it. I confess
+my pulse beat quicker as I heard my poor endeavours
+highly praised, and I could not refrain from advancing
+and thanking the young reader for her kindly appreciation
+of my endeavours. She seemed delighted when
+she discovered that I was the author, and rose to
+greet me in the most amiable manner. I complimented
+the travellers that during the past century the Rhine
+had become the home of romance for the <ins class="correction"
+title="Original reads 'english'">English</ins>
+speaking nations, the same as Italy for the Germans.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a></span>The girl smiled, and remarked that I must pay that
+compliment to her mother in particular, as she was
+by birth an Englishwoman. But the head of the family
+hastened to add that among Americans, whom he might
+speak for, the enthusiasm for the beauties of the Rhine
+was not less than among their Anglo-Saxon cousins.
+These two nations which are bound by so many ties
+to each other, and also to ourselves, were thus represented
+before me. The English-speaking people
+undoubtedly form by far the largest contingent of our
+Rhine travellers, and it was pleasant indeed to receive
+so fine a testimonial to the beauties of my birth place.</p>
+
+<p>We had a most interesting conversation, and I
+was not a little moved, as I observed that these foreigners
+who had travelled over half the world, and had seen
+the grandeur of Switzerland and the charms of Italy,
+should have such an unaffected admiration for our
+grand old river. I am rather sorry for those who
+neglect the Rhine. "Aren't Lohengrin and Siegfried,
+immortalised by the great Master of Bayreuth, also
+heroic figures in your Rhine legends?" remarked the
+young Anglo-American enthusiastically. It was the first
+time I had seriously thought of this. I was indeed touched,
+and my thoughts travelled back to the days of "long, long
+ago" when as a little chap in my native Bonn, I had first
+listened with interest to the charming voices of the golden-haired
+daughters of old Albion who came in large
+numbers to reside in the famous Beethoven-town.</p>
+
+<p>As I separated from my friends at the foot of the
+Drachenfels I gave them a small present to keep as
+a memento of the Rhine and one of its poets.</p>
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%" summary="Date and Signature">
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">M&uuml;nchen, Mai 1906.</span></td>
+    <td class="tdr">Dr. Wilhelm Ruland.</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a></span></p>
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="50%" summary="Table of Contents">
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>St. Gotthard.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Petrified Alp</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Thusis on the Hinter Rhine.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Last Hohenr&auml;tier</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Bodensee.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Island of Mainau</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Basle.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">One Hour in Advance</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Castle Niedeck.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Toy of the young Giantess</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Strassburg.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Cathedral Clock</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The little Man at the Angel's Pillar</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Worms.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Nibelungen Lied</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Speyer.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Bells of Speyer</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Frankfort.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Knave of Bergen</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Mayence.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Heinrich Frauenlob</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">Bishop Willigis</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Johannisberg.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Ingelheim.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Eginhard and Emma</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>R&uuml;desheim.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Br&ouml;mserburg</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Bingen.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Mouse-Tower</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Valley of the Nahe. Kreuznach.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">A mighty draught</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Foundation of Castle Sponheim</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Assmannshausen.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">St. Clement's Chapel</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Castle Rheinstein.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Wooing</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Castle Sooneck.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Blind Archer</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>The Ruins of F&uuml;rstenberg.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl"><ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'The Mothers Gost'">The Mother's Ghost</ins></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Bacharach.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Burg Stahleck</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Kaub.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Castle Gutenfels</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Oberwesel.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Seven Maidens</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>St. Goar.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Lorelei</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Rheinfels.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">St. George's Linden</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a></span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Sterrenberg and Liebenstein.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Brothers</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Rhense.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Emperor Wenzel</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Castle Lahneck.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Templars of Lahneck</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Coblenz.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Riza</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Valley of the Moselle.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Andernach.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Genovefa</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Hammerstein.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The old Knight and his Daughters</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Valley of the Ahr.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Last Knight of Altenahr</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Minstrel of Neuenahr</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Eifel.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Arrow at Pr&uuml;m</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Aachen.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Building of the Minster</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Ring of Fastrada</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Rolandseck.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Knight Roland</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Siebengebirge.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Drachenfels</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Monk of Heisterbach</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Origin of the Seven Mountains</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Nightingale Valley at Honnef</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Godesberg.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">The High Cross at Godesberg</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Bonn.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Lord Erich's Pledge</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Roman Ghosts</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Cologne.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Richmodis of Aducht</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Goblins</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_212">212</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">Jan and Griet</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdl">The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Xanten.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Siegfried</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Cleve.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Lohengrin</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><b>Zuydersea.</b></td>
+    <td class="tdl">Stavoren</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+<h2><ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'ST. GOTHARD'">ST. GOTTHARD</ins></h2>
+
+<h2>The Petrified Alp</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 266px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_03.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_03th.jpg" width="266" height="400"
+alt="A photograph of a snow-capped mountain near the source of the Rhine,
+with a small waterfall and trees in the valley below it."
+title="Aus dem Quellgebiet des Rheines--Near the Source of the Rhine--Au
+pays du Rhin" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Aus dem Quellgebiet des Rheines<br />
+Near the Source of the Rhine<br />
+Au pays du Rhin</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the region where the Rhine has its source
+there towered in ancient times a green Alp.
+This Alp belonged to an honest peasant, and
+along with a neat little house in the valley
+below formed his only possession.</p>
+
+<p>The man died suddenly and was deeply mourned
+by his wife and child. Some days after an unexpected
+visitor was announced to the widow. He was a man
+who had much pastureland up in that region, but for
+a long time his one desire had been to possess the
+Alp of his neighbour now deceased, as by it his property
+would be rounded off to his satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly making his resolution he declared to the
+dismayed woman that the Alp belonged to him: her
+husband had secretly pledged it to him in return for
+a loan, after the bad harvest of the previous year. When
+the widow angrily accused him of being a liar the man
+produced a promissory note, spread it out, and with a
+hard laugh showed her his statement was confirmed in
+black and white. The distressed woman burst into tears
+and declared it was impossible that her late husband
+should have made a secret transaction of such a nature.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>
+The Alp was the sole inheritance of their son, and never
+would she willingly surrender it.</p>
+
+<p>"I will pay you compensation for the renunciation
+of your claim, although nothing obliges me to do so,"
+declared the visitor with apparent compassion, in the
+meantime producing his purse.</p>
+
+<p>The weeping woman motioned to him to put back
+his gold and told him to go, which he did.</p>
+
+<p>Three days later the widow was summoned before
+the judge. There the neighbour produced his document
+and repeated his demand for the possession of
+the disputed Alp.</p>
+
+<p>The judge, who had been shamefully bribed, declared
+the document valid and awarded the Alp to the pursuer.
+The broken-hearted widow staggered home.</p>
+
+<p>The new possessor of the Alp on the other hand
+hastened up to the mountains at full gallop. The man
+could no longer master his impatience to see for the
+first time as his legally recognised property the pastureland
+he had acquired by deceit.</p>
+
+<p>There, for three days a storm had raged uninterruptedly.
+As quickly as the soaked ways would permit he
+ascended to the high country.</p>
+
+<p>Having arrived he stared around with horrified eyes,
+and fell in a swoon to the earth, overcome with consternation.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the soft green Alp an unseen hand had rolled
+a mountain of ice. Of the possession which the unjust
+judge had assigned to him nothing was now to be seen.
+His own pastures too which adjoined were covered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+with snow and ice, whilst the meadows of the other
+Alpsmen below, lay spread out in the morning light
+like a velvet carpet.</p>
+
+<p>Towards noon a broken man rode home into the
+valley cursing himself and the wicked magistrate who
+had consented to such an evil transaction.</p>
+
+<p>The people there however said to each other: "The
+Fronfasten M&uuml;tterli (the little mother of the Emberweeks)
+Frau S&auml;lga passed over our valley last night
+with her train of maidens. Over the house of that
+greedy rich man the ghostly company stopped, and
+by that it is fixed which one must die in the course
+of the year."</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened. Up there where the youthful
+Rhine rushes down through deep rocky chasms the
+petrified Alp stands to this day, a silent warning from
+by-gone days.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THUSIS ON THE HINTER RHINE</h2>
+
+<h2>The Last Hohenr&auml;tier</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_04.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_04th.jpg" width="400" height="256"
+alt="A painting showing the Last Hohenr&auml;tier, with his sword drawn, riding
+his horse as it jumps from the cliff edge. Villagers help a fainting maiden while
+flames show in the background."
+title="Der letzte Hohenr&auml;tier--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von E. St&uuml;ckelberg" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Der letzte Hohenr&auml;tier<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von E. St&uuml;ckelberg</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he Domleschg valley was formerly the scene
+of bitter feuds, and is mentioned in the
+struggle for freedom by the Swiss peasants
+of the ancient Bund, some five hundred
+years ago. There stood the castle of the Hohenr&auml;tier.</p>
+
+<p>The last descendant of the degenerate race on the
+high Realt was rightly feared in the whole district.
+He was the terror of the peaceful inhabitants of the
+district, and harried not only them but also merchants
+and pilgrims who passed along the highway below.</p>
+
+<p>The wrath against this unchivalrous wickedness increased
+mightily. One day this man perpetrated a
+daring deed of violence.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst on an excursion into the valley he had discovered
+a charming maid who sought berries in a
+lonely wood. In his wicked eagerness he dragged the
+maiden on to his horse and fled. Amusing himself
+with her lamentations, he carried his booty up the
+steep castle hill.</p>
+
+<p>A poacher had observed the occurrence and alarmed
+the inhabitants of the village. They carried the intelligence
+without delay into the Domleschg.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>The oppressed people around then rose and joining
+together approached the castle that very night. Having
+felled giant trees they threw a bridge over the moat,
+cast firebrands into the interior, and stormed into the
+castle-yard through gaps in the gates and walls.</p>
+
+<p>Then the baron appeared mounted on his war-horse,
+driven out of his abode by tongues of flame.</p>
+
+<p>Before him he held the captured maiden, and in the
+light of the conflagration his naked sword glittered in
+his right hand.</p>
+
+<p>Dealing mighty blows on both sides he forced his
+horse forward (the eyes of which had been bound),
+intending to make a way down the hill. But the
+living wall of peasants was impenetrable.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly making his resolution the knight rushed to
+the side where the wall of rock fell some seven hundred
+feet sheer into the youthful Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>The foaming steed stood trembling in front of the
+yawning abyss. The shout of the multitude echoed
+into the night. Thousands of arms were instantly
+stretched towards the river and one of them at the
+last moment succeeded in snatching his prey from the
+robber, just as the steed tortured and bleeding from
+sword and spur hurled itself with a mighty spring
+into the depths below. So ended the last of the Hohenr&auml;tiers.</p>
+
+<p>In the dawn only the smoking ruins of the proud
+castle remained, and the morning bells announced to
+the peasants that their long desired freedom had been
+won.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>These ruins are situated on the Hinter Rhine above
+Thusis, and it is said that the last Hohenr&auml;tier, like
+many others of the former tyrants of the R&auml;tigau, yearly
+on St. John's Eve (when this event occurred) may be
+seen riding round the fallen walls of his castle, clad
+in black armour which emits glowing sparks.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BODENSEE</h2>
+
+<h2>The Island of Mainau</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapf"><span class="dropcap">F</span></span>or many hundreds of years the names of the
+Masters of Bodmann have been very closely
+connected with the island in the lake of
+Boden. At first the island was in the possession
+of this noble race, but later on, in the thirteenth
+century, it passed into the hands of an order of German
+Knights. A legend relates the story to us of how this
+change came to pass.</p>
+
+<p>About this time the whole of this magnificent property
+was held in possession by a youthful maiden, who
+had inherited this beautiful island with all its many
+charms. As may be supposed, the wooers for the lovely
+maiden's hand and inheritance became very numerous.
+She, however, had made her own choice, and it had
+fallen upon a nobleman from Langenstein.</p>
+
+<p>Every evening when the sun was sinking down into
+the golden waters, this maiden walked along the strand
+watching and listening for some longed-for sound. Then
+the measured splash of an oar would be heard approaching
+in the twilight, and a little boat would be drawn
+up on the shore, a youthful boatman would spring
+joyfully forth, and lovingly greet the maiden. There this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+pair of lovers wove dreams about the time from which
+only a short period now separated them, when they
+should belong openly to each other before the world.</p>
+
+<p>The nobleman landed one evening as usual, but this
+time his heart was depressed and sorrowful; he informed
+his betrothed mournfully that his father, who was then
+suffering agony from gout, had once taken a vow to
+God and to the emperor that he would go on a crusade
+to the Holy Land, but being unable to fulfil his oath,
+he laid it to his son's charge to carry it out as he
+meant to have done.</p>
+
+<p>The maiden wept bitterly on hearing these unexpected
+tidings.</p>
+
+<p>"Trust me and the Powers on high, I shall not make
+this great sacrifice in vain," said her lover consolingly.
+"I shall return, that I feel confident of."</p>
+
+<p>Thus with bright hopes in his heart the youthful
+crusader bade his weeping betrothed good-bye.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>And every evening when the sun was sinking into
+the golden waters the maiden walked along the strand,
+looking with longing eyes out into the misty distance.
+Spring came and disappeared, summer followed, and
+the swallows fled from the lake to warmer climes, the
+maiden sending many a warm greeting with them.
+Wintry storms blew over the waters, whistling round
+the lonely island, and the maiden had become as pale
+as the flakes of snow which fell against the window-panes.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>News one day reached the castle that the crusaders
+had returned from the East, but that the nobleman
+from Langenstein was languishing in a Turkish prison
+in a remote castle belonging to the Sultan. The maiden
+was heart-broken by these tidings and now spent her
+days in prayers and tears.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Within the mighty walls of a gloomy castle in the
+far-off East, a young hero was sitting pining over his
+bitter fate. He prayed and groaned aloud in his grief
+thinking of his betrothed from whom he had been so
+cruelly separated. The Sultan had offered the fair-haired
+youth his favourite daughter, a seductive eastern beauty,
+but the prisoner had turned scornfully away, her dark
+glancing eyes having no charm for him.</p>
+
+<p>That night the youth had a strange dream. An angel
+was soaring over his couch and came down to his side,
+and a voice whispered, "Promise yourself to me, and
+you will see your native land again."</p>
+
+<p>The knight started up and said reverently, "That
+was the voice of God!" Confused thoughts rushed
+through his soul, he must renounce his love, but at
+least he would see her again. Throwing himself on his
+knees, he promised with a fervent oath that he would
+dedicate himself to the Lord, if he might only see the
+beloved maiden once more.</p>
+
+<p>An earthquake shook the castle to its very foundations,
+unfastening the prison doors, thus setting the prisoner
+at liberty in a marvellous way. He succeeded in
+reaching the coast without being caught by the guards<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+of the Sultan, and a vessel sailing to Venice took him
+on board. But as he approached his native land the
+struggle in his soul between love and duty was very
+great; at one moment it seemed to overcome him, and
+he felt he could no longer keep his vow. But God
+again admonished him. Reaching the lake he steered
+his boat towards the island, but a sudden storm arose,
+threatening him with a watery grave. He prayed fervently
+to Heaven, again swearing his oath.</p>
+
+<p>The storm subsided, and the little boat having missed
+its course landed on the other side of the lake, where
+the Grand Master of an Order of German Knights
+had his seat.</p>
+
+<p>The tired way-farer approached, begging to be received,
+a boon kindly granted to him. Then starting off
+again with his boat the youth reached the island. He
+there imprinted a sorrowful kiss on his beloved's pure
+white forehead, bidding her and the world good-bye
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl resigned herself at first silently to
+her fate; but she soon resolved on another plan: this
+place which had once been such a happy home had
+no longer any charms to offer her, and she therefore
+presented the island of Mainau to the German Order
+of Knights on one condition, that the nobleman from
+Langenstein should be the successor of the Grand Master.
+This request was willingly granted, the noble maiden
+gave up all her rich possession and left the island in
+the Bodensee. It is said that she retired to a convent,
+but no one ever knew where.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>The chronicle informs us that Hugh of Langenstein
+became one of the most capable Grand Masters of this
+Order of Knights of Mainau. He is also known as a
+great poet, and his poem on the martyr Martina still
+exists in old manuscripts.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BASLE</h2>
+
+<h2>One Hour in Advance</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapb"><span class="dropcap">B</span></span>asle was once surrounded by enemies, and
+very hard pressed on all sides. A troop
+of discontented citizens made a shameful
+compact with the besiegers to help them to
+conquer the town. It was arranged one dark night
+that exactly as the clock was striking twelve the attack
+was to be made from within and without. The traitors
+were all ready, waiting for midnight in great excitement,
+having no evil presentiments of what was about
+to happen.</p>
+
+<p>The expected hour approached. Accidentally the
+watchman of the tower heard of the proposed attack,
+and no time being left to warn the commander of the
+garrison or the guard, he quickly and with great presence
+of mind determined upon a safe expedient; he put
+forward the hand of the great clock one hour, so that
+instead of striking midnight, the clock struck one.</p>
+
+<p>The traitors in the town looked at each other aghast,
+believing the enemies outside had neglected or perhaps
+betrayed them. General doubt and misunderstanding
+reigned in both camps. While they were debating
+what plan they must now adopt, the sharp-witted watchman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>
+had time to communicate with the magistrate and
+with the governor of the town. The alarm was raised,
+the citizens warned, and the treacherous plan completely
+wrecked. The enemy at last, tired of the useless siege,
+retired discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>The magistrate in remembrance of this remarkable
+deed ordered that the town-clock should remain in
+advance as the courageous watchman had set it that
+eventful night. This singular regulation continued till
+the year 1798, and although the honest inhabitants of
+Basle were, as talkative tongues asserted, a century
+behind-hand in everything else, yet with regard to time
+they were always one hour in advance.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CASTLE NIEDECK</h2>
+
+<h2>The Toy of the young Giantess</h2>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_05.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_05th.jpg" width="400" height="250"
+alt="A painting showing a family of six giants, looking at a man with
+his oxen and plough standing on their table."
+title="Das Riesenspielzeug--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Cnopf--The Giant&#39;s Toy--Les jouets des g&eacute;ants" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Das Riesenspielzeug<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Cnopf<br />
+The Giant&#39;s Toy<br />
+Les jouets des g&eacute;ants</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n olden times a race of giants is said to
+have lived in Alsace. Castle Niedeck in the
+valley of the Breusch was their residence,
+but even the ruins of this fortress have long
+since disappeared. The legend however remains to tell
+us that they were a peaceable people, well disposed to
+mankind.</p>
+
+<p>The daughter of the master of the castle was one
+day leisurely walking through the adjoining wood. On
+approaching the fields and meadows of the valley, she
+perceived a peasant ploughing. The young giantess
+looked in great astonishment at the tiny man who
+seemed to be so busily engaged trudging along after
+his little team, and turning up the ground with his
+small iron instrument. She had never before seen
+anything so wonderful and was very much amused
+at the sight.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to her a nice little toy, and she clapped
+her hands in childish glee, so that the echo sounded
+among the mountains; then picking up man, horse, and
+plough, she placed them in her apron and hurried back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+gaily to the castle. There she showed her father the
+nice little toy, greatly pleased at what she had found.</p>
+
+<p>The giant however shook his enormous head gravely,
+and said in a displeased tone, "Don't you know, child,
+who this trembling little creature with his struggling
+tiny animal is, that you have chosen for a plaything?
+Of all the dwarfs down in the valley below, he is the
+most useful; he works hard and indefatigably in scorching
+heat as well as in windy cold weather, so that
+the fields may produce fruit for us. He who scoffs
+at or maltreats him will be punished by Heaven.
+Take the little labourer therefore back to the place he
+came from."</p>
+
+<p>The young giantess, greatly ashamed and deeply
+blushing with embarrassment, put the amusing little toy
+back into her apron, and carried it obediently down
+to the valley.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p>
+<h2>STRASSBURG</h2>
+
+<h2>The Cathedral Clock</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he Cathedral was finished, and the city
+magistrates resolved to place an ingenious
+clock on the upper tower. For a long time
+they searched in vain, but at last a master
+was found who offered to create a work of art such
+as had never been seen in any land. The members of
+the council were highly satisfied with this proposal,
+and the master began his work.</p>
+
+<p>Weeks and months passed, and when at last it was
+finished there was general astonishment; the clock was
+indeed so wonderful that nothing to match it could
+be found in the whole country. It marked not only
+the hours but the days and months as well; a globe
+was attached to it which also marked out the rising
+and the setting of the sun, and the eclipses of that
+body and the moon could be seen at the same time
+as they took place in nature. Every change was pointed
+out by Mercury's wand, and every constellation
+appeared at the right time. Shortly before the stroke
+of the clock a figure representing Death emerged from
+the centre and sounded the full hour, while at the
+quarter and half hours the statue of Christ came forth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+repelling the destroyer of all life. Added to all these
+wonders was a beautiful chime that played melodious
+hymns.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the marvellous clock in the cathedral of
+Strassburg. The magistrates however proved themselves
+unworthy of their new possession; pride and presumption
+got the better of them, making them commit a
+most unjust and ungrateful action.</p>
+
+<p>They desired their town to be the only one in the
+land which possessed such a work of art, and in order
+to prevent the maker from making another like it, they
+did not shrink from the vilest of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Taking advantage of the rumour that such a wonderful
+work could only have been made by the aid of
+witchcraft, they accused the clock-maker of being united
+with the devil, threw him into prison, and cruelly
+condemned him to be blinded. The unhappy artist
+resigned himself to his bitter fate without a murmur.
+The only favour he asked was that he might be allowed
+to examine the clock once again before the judgment
+was carried out. He said he wanted to arrange
+something in the works which no one else could understand.</p>
+
+<p>The crafty magistrates, being anxious to have the
+clock perfect, granted him this request.</p>
+
+<p>The artist filed, sawed, regulated here and there,
+and then was led away, and in the same hour deprived
+of his sight.</p>
+
+<p>The cruel deed was hardly accomplished, when it
+was found that the clock had stopped. The artist had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+destroyed his work with his own hands; his righteous
+determination that the chimes would never ring again,
+had become a melancholy truth. Up to the present
+no one has been able again to set the dead works
+going. An equally splendid clock now adorns the
+cathedral, but the remains of the first one have been
+preserved ever since.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The little Man at the Angel's Pillar</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapc"><span class="dropcap">C</span></span>lose to the famous clock in the Cathedral
+of Strassburg, there is a little man in stone
+gazing up at the angel's pillar which supports
+the south wing of the cathedral. Long ago
+the little man who is now sculptured in stone, stood
+there in flesh and blood. He used to stare up at the
+pillar with a criticising eye from top to bottom and
+again from bottom to top. Then he would shake his
+head doubtfully each time.</p>
+
+<p>It happened once that a sculptor passed the cathedral
+and saw the little man looking up, evidently comparing
+the proportions of the pillar.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me you are finding fault with the pillar,
+my good fellow," the stone-cutter remarked, and the
+little man nodded with a self-satisfied look.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you think of it? Speak out my man,"
+said the master, tapping the fellow's shoulder encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>"The pillar is certainly splendid," began the latter
+slowly, "the Apostles, the angels, and the Saviour are
+most beautiful too. But there is one thing troubling
+me. That slender pillar cannot support that heavy vault<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+much longer; it will soon totter and fall down, and
+all will go to pieces."</p>
+
+<p>The sculptor looked alternately at the work of art
+and at its strange fault-finder. A contemptuous smile
+passed over his features.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite convinced of the truth of your statement,
+aren't you?" asked he enquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>The bold critic repeated his doubts with an important
+air.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," cried the stone-cutter, with comical earnestness,
+"then you will remain there always, gazing at the pillar
+until it sinks down, crushed by the vault."</p>
+
+<p>He went straight off into his workshop, seized hammer
+and chisel, and formed the little man into stone just
+as he was, looking upwards with a knowing face and
+an important air.</p>
+
+<p>This little figure is still there at the present day with
+both hands leaning on the balustrade of St. Nicholas'
+chapel, awaiting the expected fall of the pillar, and
+most likely he will remain there for many a century
+to come.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WORMS</h2>
+
+<h2>The Nibelungen Lied</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_06.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_06th.jpg" width="400" height="252"
+alt="A painting showing the dead Siegfried lying in state, surrounded by mourners.
+Chriemhild kneels in front of the bier, pointing at a knight dressed in black."
+title="Siegfried auf der Totenbahre--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Emil Lauffer" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Siegfried auf der Totenbahre<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Emil Lauffer</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>o-day we are deeply touched, as our forefathers
+must have been, at the recital of
+the boundless suffering and the overwhelming
+concatenation of sin and expiation
+in the lives of the Recken and Frauen of the Nibelungen
+Legend. That naive singer has remained nameless
+and unknown, who about the end of the 12th century
+wrote down this legend in poetic form, thus preserving
+forever our most precious relic of Germanic Folksepic.
+A powerful story it is of sin and suffering: corresponding
+to the world itself and just as the primitive
+mind of a people loves to represent it. The story
+begins as a lovely idyll but ends in gloomy tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient Rhenish town of Worms was during
+the great migrations the seat of authority of the
+Burgundian invaders, an east Germanic stock. During
+the glorious reign of King Gunther there appears,
+attracted by the beauty of Chriemhild the king's sister,
+a young hero, Siegfried, by name. He is himself a
+king's son, his father Siegmund reigning in Xanten
+"nieden by dem Rine." King Gunther receives the fair
+Recken into his service as a vassal.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>Siegfried, exhibiting the fairest loyalty to his overlord,
+and rendered invisible by magic, conquers for him the
+redoubtable Brunhild, the proud queen of the island
+kingdom of Isenland (Iceland) and compels her to
+wed King Gunther. As a reward Siegfried receives
+the hand of Chriemhild. In the fulness of his heart
+the hero presents to Chriemhild as a marriage gift,
+the Nibelungen Hoard, which he had gained in his
+early years from the sons of the king of the Nibelungen
+and from Dwarf Alberich the guardian of the treasure.</p>
+
+<p>Joy reigns in the king's court at Worms, but it was
+not shared by all. Besides Chriemhild there was
+another secretly drawn towards the hero, and in Brunhild's
+heart the bridal happiness of Chriemhild awakens
+such envy that soon no friendly word passes between
+the women. They become estranged and one day
+her bad feeling leads Brunhild to harsh words. Then
+alas, Chriemhild gave unbridled licence to her tongue.
+In her rash insolence she represents to Brunhild that
+it was not Gunther but Siegfried who formerly overcame
+her. As proof of this she produces the ring
+and girdle which Siegfried had taken on that night
+from the powerful Brunhild, and which he had presented
+to Chriemhild. With fierce haughtiness Chriemhild
+taunts her opponent with a hateful name no woman
+could endure, and forbids her to enter the cathedral.</p>
+
+<p>Brunhild, weeping, informs King Gunther of the
+contumely heaped upon her. The king is filled with
+wrath, and his vassal, the gloomy Hagen, considers how
+he may destroy Siegfried avowedly to avenge the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+Queen, but secretly for the possession of the Nibelungen
+Hoard. During a hunt in the Odenwald Siegfried
+was treacherously stabbed by Hagen whilst stopping
+to drink from a well. The intention was to spread
+the report that Siegfried had been slain by robbers
+whilst hunting alone. So, on the following day they
+crossed the Rhine back to Worms.</p>
+
+<p>In the night Hagen caused the dead body of Siegfried
+to be laid in front of Chriemhild's chamber. In
+the early morning as Chriemhild accompanied by her
+attendants was preparing to go to mass in the cathedral
+she noticed the corpse of her hero. A wail of
+sorrow arose. Chriemhild threw herself weeping on
+the body of her murdered husband. "Alas!" she cried
+"thy shield is not hewn by swords: thou hast been
+foully murdered. Did I but know who has done this,
+I would avenge thy death." Chriemhild ordered a
+magnificent bier for her royal hero, and demanded
+that an ordeal should be held over the corpse. "For
+it is a marvellous thing, and to this day it happens,
+that when the bloodstained murderer approaches
+wounds bleed anew."</p>
+
+<p>So all the princes and nobles of Burgundy walked
+past the dead body, above which was the figure of
+the crucified Redeemer of the world, and lo! when
+the grim Hagen came forward the wounds of the
+dead man began to flow. In the presence of the
+astounded men and horrified women Chriemhild accused
+Hagen of the assassination of her husband.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>Much treachery and woe accompanied the expiation
+of this great crime. The Nibelungen Hoard, the cause
+of the shameful deed, was sunk in the middle of the
+Rhine in order to prevent future strife arising from
+human greed. But Chriemhild's undying sorrow was
+not mitigated, nor her unconquerable thirst for revenge
+appeased.</p>
+
+<p>After the burial of his son King Siegmund begged
+in vain that Chriemhild should come to the royal city
+of Xanten; she remained at Worms for thirteen years
+constantly near her beloved dead.</p>
+
+<p>Then the sorrowing woman removed to the Abbey
+of Lorch which her mother, Frau Ute, had founded.
+Thither also, she transferred Siegfried's body.</p>
+
+<p>When Etzel (Attila) the ruler of the Huns wooed
+her, Chriemhild urged not by love but by very different
+feelings gave him her hand and accompanied her
+heathen lord to the Ungarland. Then she treacherously
+invited Siegfried's murderers to visit her husband,
+and prepared for them a destruction which fills
+the mind with horror. The Burgundian king and his
+followers, who, since the Hoard had come into their
+possession, were called the Nibelungen, fell slaughtered
+in the Etzelburg under the swords of the Huns and
+their allies, thus atoning for their faithlessness to the
+hero Siegfried. And with this awful holocaust ends
+the Lied of the Nibelungen Not, the most renowned
+heroic legend in the German tongue.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+<h2>SPEYER</h2>
+
+<h2>The Bells of Speyer</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he German Emperor, Henry IV., had much
+trouble to bear under his purple mantle.
+Through his own and through stranger's
+faults the crown which he wore was set
+with thorns, and even into the bosom of his family
+this unhappy spirit of dissension had crept. The excommunication
+of the Pope, his powerful enemy, was
+followed by the revolt of the princes, and lastly by the
+conspiracy of his own sons. His eldest son, Conrad,
+openly rebelled against him, and treated his father
+most scornfully. When this prince died suddenly, the
+second son, Henry, attempted the deposition of his
+father and made intrigues against him. Thus forced
+to abdicate his throne the broken-down emperor fled
+to Li&egrave;ge, accompanied by one faithful servant, Kurt,
+and there lay down to his last rest.</p>
+
+<p>His body was left for five years in unconsecrated
+ground in a foreign country. Kurt remained faithful,
+and prayed incessantly at the burial-place of his royal
+master.</p>
+
+<p>At last the Pope at Henry's request consented to
+recall the ban. Henry ordered his father's remains to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+be brought to Speyer and solemnly interred with the
+royal family. Kurt was allowed to follow the procession
+to Speyer, but wearied out by this long watching the
+old man died a few days afterwards. Just at the moment
+of his death the bells in the cathedral at Speyer tolled
+without any human hand putting them in motion, as
+they always did when an imperial death took place.</p>
+
+<p>Years passed.</p>
+
+<p>The German emperor Henry V. lay dying on his
+luxurious couch at Speyer. His bodily sufferings were
+intense, but the agony of his mind was even greater;
+he had obtained the crown which now pressed so heavily
+on his head, by shameful treacherous means. The
+apparition of his father dying in misery appeared to
+him, and no words of the flatterers at his bed-side
+could still the voice of his conscience. At last death
+freed him from all his torments, and at the same
+hour the bells which were always rung when a poor
+sinner was led to execution, tolled, set in motion by
+no human hand.</p>
+
+<p>Thus were the bells the instrument of that Hand
+which wisely and warningly wrote ... "Honour thy
+father and thy mother...."</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+<h2>FRANKFORT</h2>
+
+<h2>The Knave of Bergen</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 313px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_07.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_07th.jpg" width="313" height="400"
+alt="A painting showing the Knave of Bergen, wearing armour and a helmet which
+hides his face. A woman is about to raise the visor of his helm to reveal his face."
+title="Der Scharfrichter von Bergen--Nach einer Zeichnung von Adolf Menzel--The Knave of Bergen--Le bourreau de Bergen" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Der Scharfrichter von Bergen<br />
+Nach einer Zeichnung von Adolf Menzel<br />
+The Knave of Bergen<br />
+Le bourreau de Bergen</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he emperor was to be crowned at Frankfort,
+and great festivities were to be given in
+the town in his honour, among them a masquerade,
+at which knights and noble ladies
+rivalled each other in splendour. Joy was depicted on
+every face at this great assembly, only one knight
+among the many guests being noticeable for his gravity
+and restraint. He wore black armour, and the feather
+waving above his visor was black too. No one knew
+him or could guess who he was. He approached the
+empress with a noble grace, bent his knee, and asked
+her to dance with him, which she graciously consented
+to do. He glided gracefully through the splendid halls
+with the queen of the festival, and soon every eye was
+turned on them, and everyone was eager to know who
+he was.</p>
+
+<p>The empress was charmed with her excellent partner,
+and the grace of his refined conversation pleased her
+so much that she granted him a second and a third
+dance.</p>
+
+<p>Everyone became more and more curious to know
+who this masked knight was. Meanwhile the hour<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>
+struck when every mask had to be raised, and every
+masked guest must make himself known. More than
+all the others the empress was anxious to know who
+her partner was. But he hesitated and even refused
+to take off his mask until she ordered him peremptorily
+to do so. The knight obeyed, but none of the high
+ladies or noble knights recognised him. Suddenly two
+stewards pressed through the crowd, crying out with
+indignation and horror;</p>
+
+<p>"It is the headsman from Bergen!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the emperor in great wrath ordered the shameful
+offender who had thus degraded the empress and
+insulted his sovereign to be led to execution.</p>
+
+<p>But the culprit, throwing himself at the emperor's
+feet, said boldly, "I have transgressed, my lord, and
+offended you and your noble guests, but most heavily
+have I sinned against my queen. No punishment, not
+even blood, will be able to wash out the disgrace you
+have suffered through me. Therefore, oh King! allow
+me to propose a remedy to efface the shame. Draw
+your sword and knight me, and I will throw down
+my gauntlet to any one who dares to speak disrespectfully
+of my sovereign."</p>
+
+<p>The emperor was taken by surprise at this bold
+proposal. However it appeared the wisest plan to
+adopt.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a knave," he replied after a moment's consideration,
+"but your advice is good and displays
+prudence, just as your offence shows adventurous courage.
+Well then,"&mdash;laying his sword on the man's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+neck&mdash;"rise Sir Knight. You have acted like a knave,
+and the Knave of Bergen you shall be called henceforth."</p>
+
+<p>A joyful shout of approbation pealed through the
+halls, and the new knight again glided gracefully
+through the crowd with the queen of the festival.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MAYENCE</h2>
+
+<h2>Heinrich Frauenlob</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 260px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_08.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_08th.jpg" width="260" height="400"
+alt="A carved stone bas-relief showing the head of Heinrich Frauenlob."
+title="Heinrich Frauenlob--Steinbild im Dom zu Mainz" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Heinrich Frauenlob<br />
+Steinbild im Dom zu Mainz</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he priest or as some say, canon, in the old
+town of Mayence was a very worthy man,
+and at the same time a heaven-gifted singer.
+Besides devoting himself to science, he composed
+numerous pious verses which he dedicated to
+the Holy Virgin. He also played the harp, and wrote
+many beautiful songs in honour of the female sex.</p>
+
+<p>In contrast to many contemporary poets, he considered
+"woman" a higher title than "wife," which only signifies
+a married woman. So on account of the chivalry
+displayed in his numberless poems and songs, posterity
+gave him the name of "Frauenlob," under which title
+he is better known than under his own name of Heinrich
+of Meissen.</p>
+
+<p>The love and veneration which thankful women paid
+him was very great, not only during his life-time, but
+even more so after his death. Their grief was intense
+when it became known that the poet's voice would
+never more be heard in this world. It was agreed to
+honour him with such a burial as no poet had ever
+before received. The funeral procession moved slowly
+and sorrowfully along the streets, the greater part of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+the cortege being women in deep mourning who prayed
+for the repose of the poet's soul. Eight of the most
+beautiful among them carried the coffin, which was
+covered with sweet-scented flowers.</p>
+
+<p>At the grave songs of lamentation were heard from
+women's gentle voices. Precious Rhine-wine which had
+been the poet's favourite drink, and which so often had
+inspired his poetry, was poured by hands of his admirers
+over his grave, so profusely, the legend relates,
+that the entrance of the church was flooded by the
+libation. But still more precious than all these gifts
+were the tears, which on this memorable day were shed
+by many a gentle lady.</p>
+
+<p>The wanderer can still see the monument erected to
+this great benefactor in the cathedral at Mayence, which
+represents the figure of a beautiful woman in pure-white
+marble placing a wreath on the coffin of the
+great singer, who had honoured women in the most
+chivalrous of songs.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p>
+<h2>Bishop Willigis</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_09.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_09th.jpg" width="400" height="266"
+alt="A painting showing Bishop Willigis in the Cloister school, surrounded by students
+and monks who listen as he talks."
+title="Bischof Willigis in der Klosterschule--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Lindenschmitt" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Bischof Willigis in der Klosterschule<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Lindenschmitt</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the year 1000 there was a very pious priest
+in Mayence called Bishop Willigis. He was
+only the son of a poor wheelwright, but by
+his perseverance and his own merit he had
+attained to the dignity of first priest of the kingdom.
+The honest citizens of Mayence loved and honoured
+the worthy divine, although they did not altogether like
+having to bow down to one who had been brought
+up in a simple cottage like themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The bishop once reproved them in gentle tones for
+thinking too much of mere descent. This vexed the
+supercilious citizens, and one night they determined to
+play Willigis a trick. They took some chalk and drew
+enormous wheels on all the doors of his house.</p>
+
+<p>Early next morning as the bishop was going to mass,
+he noticed the scoffers' malicious work. He stood
+silently looking at the wheels, the chaplain by his side
+expecting every moment that the reverend prelate would
+burst forth in a terrible rage. But a gay smile spread
+over the bishop's features and, ordering a painter to
+be sent to him, he told him to paint white wheels on
+a scarlet background, visible to every eye, just where
+the chalk wheels had been drawn, and underneath to
+paint the words, "Willigis! Willigis! just think what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+you have risen from." But he did not stop there. He
+ordered the wheelwright to make him a plough-wheel,
+and caused it to be placed over his couch in memory
+of his extraction.</p>
+
+<p>Thereafter the scoffers were put to silence, and the
+people of Mayence began to honour and esteem their
+worthy bishop, who, though he had been so exalted,
+possessed such honest common-sense.</p>
+
+<p>White wheels on a red ground have been the arms
+of the Bishops of Mayence ever since.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>
+<h2>JOHANNISBERG</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapw"><span class="dropcap">W</span></span>herever the German tongue is heard, and even
+further still, the king of all Rhine wines,
+"Johannisberger" is known and sought after.
+Every friend of the grape which grows on
+the banks of this river is well acquainted with it, but
+few perhaps know of its princely origin. It is princely,
+not because princes' hands once kept the key to Johannisberg,
+but rather because princely hands planted the vine
+in the Rhine country, and this royal giver was no other
+than Charlemagne, the all-powerful ruler of the kingdom
+of the Franks.</p>
+
+<p>Once in early spring Charles the Great was standing
+on the balcony of his castle at Ingelheim, his eyes
+straying over the beautiful stretch of country at his feet.
+Snow had fallen during the night, and the hills of
+R&uuml;desheim were clothed in white. As the imperial ruler
+was looking thoughtfully over the landscape, he noticed
+that the snow on one side of Johannisberg melted
+quicker in the sun's rays than on any other part. Charles,
+who was a great and deep thinker, began to reflect that
+on a spot where the rays of the sun shone so genially,
+something better than grass would thrive.</p>
+
+<p>Sending for Kunrat, his faithful servant, he bade him
+saddle his horse the next day at dawn and ride to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+Orleans, a town famous for its good wine. He was
+to inform the citizens that the emperor had not forgotten
+the excellent wine they had given him there, and that
+he would like to grow the same vines on the Rhine.
+He desired the citizens of Orleans therefore to send
+him plants from their country.</p>
+
+<p>The messenger set off to do the king's bidding and
+ere the moon had again gone round her course, was
+back in the castle at Ingelheim. Great satisfaction prevailed
+at court. Charles, mighty ruler as he was, even
+went so far as to cross to R&uuml;desheim, where he planted
+with his royal hand the French vine in German soil.</p>
+
+<p>This was no mere passing whim on the part of the
+emperor. He sent messengers constantly to bring word
+how the vines were thriving in R&uuml;desheim and on the
+flanks of Johannisberg, and when the third autumn had
+come round, the Emperor Charlemagne set out from
+his favourite resort, Aix-la-Chapelle, for the Rhine country,
+and great rejoicing prevailed among the vine-reapers
+from R&uuml;desheim to Johannisberg.</p>
+
+<p>The first cup of wine was solemnly offered to the
+emperor, a golden wine in a golden goblet, a wine
+worthy of a king.</p>
+
+<p>Charles took a long deep draught, and with brightened
+eyes praised the delicious drink. It became his favourite
+wine, this fiery "Johannisberger," making him young
+again in his old age. What Charlemagne then felt when
+he drank this wine, every one who raises the sparkling
+grapejuice to his lips is keenly sensible of also. Wherever
+the German tongue is heard, and even further<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
+still, the king of all Rhine wines is known and sought
+after, Johannisberger wine.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The legend weaves another wonderful tale about the
+great emperor blessing his grapes.</p>
+
+<p>A poet's pen has fashioned it into a song, which is
+still often heard among the grapegatherers.</p>
+
+<p>Every spring when the vines are blossoming on the
+hills and in the valleys along the river, and their fragrance
+scents the air, a tall shadow wanders about the
+vineyards at night, a purple mantle hanging from his
+stately shoulders, and a crown on his head. It is Charlemagne,
+the great Emperor, who planted the grapes long
+years before. The luscious scent of the blossoms wakens
+him up from his tomb in Aix-la-Chapelle, and he comes
+to bless the grapes.</p>
+
+<p>When the full moon gently casts her bright beams
+on the water, lighting up the emperor's nightly path,
+he may be seen crossing the golden bridge formed by
+her rays and then wandering further along the hills,
+blessing the vines on the other side of the river.</p>
+
+<p>At the first crow of the cock he returns to his grave
+in Aix-la-Chapelle, and sleeps till the scent of the grapes
+wakens him next spring, when he again wanders through
+the countries along the Rhine, blessing the vineyards.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Let us now relate another little story which is told
+of the monks who lived at Johannisberg.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>Once the high Abbot of Fulda came unexpectedly
+to visit the cloister at Johannisberg just about the time
+when the grapes were ripe. The worthy Abbot made
+many inquiries about his people, showed himself highly
+pleased with the works of the industrious monks, and
+as a mark of his continued favour, invited all the inmates
+of the cloister to a drinking-bout.</p>
+
+<p>"Wine maketh the heart glad," thus quoting King
+David's significant words, the holy man began his speech:
+"God's loving hand will be gracious in future years
+to your vines. Let us profit by his grace, brothers,
+and drink what he has provided for us in moderation
+and reverence. But before we refresh ourselves with
+God's good gifts, take your breviaries and let us begin
+with a short prayer."</p>
+
+<p>"Breviaries!" was whispered along the rows, and the
+eyes of the fat genial faces blinked in helpless embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your breviaries," and the white-haired Abbot
+looked silently but sternly at the brothers.</p>
+
+<p>They searched and searched.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the frown disappeared from the Abbot's face,
+and a smile gradually spread over his withered features.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, never mind, let us drink," said he. Then
+feeling his pockets, he said with a gleam in his eye,
+"That's too bad! I ought to have brought a corkscrew
+with me when I came to the Rhine."</p>
+
+<p>"A corkscrew!" Every one dives his hand into his
+pocket, and as many corkscrews were produced before
+the worthy Abbot as there were brothers present.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>Then a gleam of merriment beamed in the Abbot's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Bravo, ye pious monks! what a plentiful supply of
+corkscrews! Do not all look so embarrassed, we shall
+not be annoyed about it to-day but&mdash;to-morrow!
+Now we shall sing with King David, 'Wine maketh
+the heart glad,'" and the uncorked bottle went the rounds.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+<h2>INGELHEIM</h2>
+
+<h2>Eginhard and Emma</h2>
+
+
+<h3>I.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he story which we have now to relate is a
+very touching one, and it becomes even
+more interesting when we know that it is
+based on real fact.</p>
+
+<p>In the little town of Ingelheim there was a beautiful
+marble castle, the favourite residence of Charlemagne.
+He often retired to this lonely, peaceful spot accompanied
+only by a few of his faithful vassals and the
+members of his own family. Eginhard, the emperor's
+private secretary, was never missing from this little circle.
+Charlemagne thought highly of this man, then in the
+prime of youth, on account of his profound knowledge
+and extraordinary talents.</p>
+
+<p>The young scholar, so different from the wise councillors
+not only in his learning but in his cultivated manners,
+was a great favourite among the ladies of the court.</p>
+
+<p>Eginhard who was a constant companion of the emperor,
+had also become an intimate member of the
+family circle, and Charlemagne entrusted him with the
+education of his favourite child Emma, daughter of his
+wife Gismonda. This dark-eyed maiden was considered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+the most beautiful of her age, and the young scholar
+could not long remain cold and indifferent to her charms.
+The undisturbed hours which should have been spent
+in learning, led to a mutual understanding. Eginhard
+struggled to remind himself of his duty towards his
+sovereign, but love overcame him, and soon an oath
+of eternal fidelity united these young hearts.</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>The great emperor ought to have known what would
+be the consequence of allowing the young scholar to
+enjoy the society of his dark-eyed, passionate daughter.
+In the still hours of the night when all the inmates of
+the castle lay wrapped in sleep, Eginhard sought the
+chamber of his beloved. She listened enchanted to
+the glowing words of his burning heart, but their love
+was chaste and pure, no gusts of passion troubling them.</p>
+
+<p>But fate was against these lovers. One night they
+were sitting in Emma's chamber talking confidentially
+together. The great palace was veiled in darkness, no
+ray of light, no star was to be seen in the heavens.
+As Eginhard was about to leave the chamber, he perceived
+that the courtyard below was covered with snow.
+It would have been impossible to pass across it without
+leaving a trace behind him, but at all risks he must
+reach his room.</p>
+
+<p>What was to be done? Love is ingenious. After
+considering for some time together, they both concluded
+that there was but one way to prevent their being
+betrayed. The slender maiden took her lover on her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+back and carried him across the courtyard, thus leaving
+behind only her two small foot-prints.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that Charles the Great had not yet sought
+the repose he needed so much, as care banished sleep
+from his eyes. He sat at his window and looked out
+into the silent night. In the courtyard below he perceived
+a shadow crossing the pavement and, looking
+carefully, he recognised his favourite daughter Emma
+carrying a man on her back.&mdash;Yes! and this man
+was Eginhard, his great favourite. Pain and anger
+struggled in his heart. He wanted to rush down and
+kill him&mdash;an emperor's daughter and a mere secretary&mdash;but
+with a great effort he restrained himself, mastered
+the violent agitation which this unexpected sight caused
+him, and went back to his chamber to wait wearily
+for dawn.</p>
+
+
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>The next day Charles assembled his councillors.
+They were all horrified to see his ghastly look; his
+brow was dark, and sorrow was depicted on every
+feature. Eginhard looked at his master apprehending
+coming evil. Charlemagne stood up and spake:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What does a royal princess deserve, who receives
+the visit of a man at night?" The councillors looked
+at each other speechless. Eginhard's countenance became
+white as death. The councillors soon guessed
+the name of the royal princess, and they consulted
+together for some time not knowing what to say, but
+at last one councillor answered:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>"Your Majesty, we think that a weak woman must
+not be punished for anything done out of love."</p>
+
+<p>"And what does a favourite of the emperor deserve
+who creeps into a royal princess' chamber at night?"</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne cast a dark look at his secretary, who
+trembled and became even paler. "Alas! all is lost,"
+murmured he to himself. Then, raising his voice, he
+said, "Death, my Master and Emperor!"</p>
+
+<p>Charles looked at the young man full of astonishment.
+The wrath in his soul melted at this self-accusation
+and fervent repentance. Deep silence followed this
+answer, and in a few minutes the emperor dismissed
+his councillors, making a sign at the same time to
+Eginhard to follow him.</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Charles led him into his private chamber,
+where in answer to his summons, Emma appeared.</p>
+
+<p>Her heart misgave her as she saw the dark look on
+her father's face and the troubled features of her beloved.
+She understood all at once, and with a convulsive cry
+of pain threw herself at her father's feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy! mercy! my father, we love each other so
+dearly!" murmured she, raising her large eyes imploringly.
+"Mercy!" murmured Eginhard too, bending his knees.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor remained silent. After a time he began
+to speak earnestly and coldly at first, but his voice
+changed to a milder tone on hearing the sobs of his
+favourite child.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not separate you who are bound to each other
+by love. A priest shall unite you, and at dawn to-morrow
+you must both be gone from the castle, never to return."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>He left them, shutting the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful maiden sank down on her knees, only
+half conscious in her grief of what her father had said.
+But Eginhard's soft voice soon whispered in her ear.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not weep, Emma. By thrusting you from him,
+your father, my master, has only bound us together
+for ever. Come," he continued in a trembling voice,
+alarmed at her passionate tears, "we must go, but love
+will be ever with us."</p>
+
+<p>The next day two pilgrims left the castle of Ingelheim,
+and took the road in the direction of Mayence.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>Time wore on.</p>
+
+<p>Charles the Great had made war on Saxony, had set
+the Roman crown upon his own head, and had become
+famous throughout the whole world. But all his fame
+had not prevented his hair from becoming grey, nor
+his heart from being sad. A mournful picture had
+imprinted itself on his mind, despite all his efforts to
+forget the past. In the evening when the setting sun
+glittered on the marble pillars of the royal palace, casting
+its golden rays into the chamber of the great emperor,
+it would find him sitting motionless in his carved oak-chair,
+his grey head buried in his hands, mournful
+dreams troubling his peace. He was thinking of the
+days which were past, of the young man whose gentle
+ways made him so different from the rough warriors
+of the court, how he used to recite poetry and sing
+the songs of the old bards so passionately, and the old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+legends which the emperor prized so much, how he
+used to read to him from the old gray parchment
+which he, Eginhard, had written so carefully, how his
+own favourite dark-eyed daughter had so often been
+present, sitting at his feet listening intently to the reader&mdash;all
+this came back to his memory, saddening his heart,
+and filling his eyes with tears.</p>
+
+
+<h3>V.</h3>
+
+<p>Bugle-horns sounded through the forest, Charles and
+his followers were at the chase. The old emperor,
+seeking to forget his grief, had seized his spear and
+had gone out to hunt.</p>
+
+<p>In his eagerness to follow a magnificent stag he had
+become separated from his escort. The sun was already
+low in the west; the animal, now seeing no way
+of escape, as his pursuer was close behind him, dashed
+into a river and swam to the other side. The emperor,
+in hot pursuit and much exhausted, arrived at the water's
+edge, and for the first time noticed that he was alone,
+and in a part of the country quite unknown to him.</p>
+
+<p>The river lay before him and the forest behind, but
+the latter seemed to be quite impenetrable. It was
+already night, and Charles sought in vain to find some
+path or track.</p>
+
+<p>As he was looking round him, he perceived a light
+in the distance. Greatly pleased he started off in that
+direction, and found a little hut close to the river, but
+on looking through the window Charlemagne saw
+the room was a very poor one.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>"Perhaps this is the hermitage of some pious man,"
+thought he, and knocked at the door, whereupon a
+fair-haired man appeared on the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>Without mentioning his name, the emperor informed
+him of what had happened, and begged shelter for
+the night.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of this loved voice, the man trembled,
+but controlling himself, he invited the emperor to enter.
+A young woman was sitting on a stool rocking a baby
+in her arms. She started, became very pale at the sight
+of the emperor, and then hurried into the next room
+to hide her emotion; Charles sat down, and refusing
+refreshment from his host leaned his head wearily on
+his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Minutes passed, and still he sat there lost in thought,
+dreaming of those happy by-gone days.</p>
+
+<p>At last the sweet prattle of a child roused him, and
+looking up he saw a little girl about five years old at
+his side, stretching out her arms to him, bidding him
+good-night. Charles looked closely at the little angel-like
+creature, his heart throbbing within him. "What is your
+name, little one?" asked he. "Emma," answered the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Emma," repeated Charles with tears in his eyes, and
+drawing the child closer to him he pressed a kiss on
+its forehead.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the man and his young wife were at
+the emperor's feet imploring pardon. "Emma! Eginhard!"
+cried he with great emotion, embracing them both.
+"Blessed be the place where I have found you again!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>Emma and Eginhard returned in great pomp to the
+emperor's court. The latter gave them his beautiful
+palace at Ingelheim, and only felt himself happy when
+he was with them.</p>
+
+<p>He caused a cloister to be built on the spot where
+he had found them again, which to the present day is
+called "Seligenstadt," "town of the happy."</p>
+
+<p>In the church belonging to this little town the tomb
+of Eginhard and Emma is still shown, for according to their
+wishes, their bones were interred in the same coffin.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+<h2>R&Uuml;DESHEIM</h2>
+
+<h2>The Br&ouml;mserburg</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the lofty cathedral of Spires stood a great
+assemblage of knights, and on the throne
+near the altar sat Conrad der Staufe with
+his hands resting on the hilt of his sword.
+All were listening intently to the burning words of
+Bernard of Clairvaux who was describing the ruthless
+manner in which the holy places of Palestine had been
+laid waste. As the saintly preacher ended with a
+thrilling appeal to the religious feelings of his audience,
+a great shout, "On, to Jerusalem!" rang through the
+sacred edifice. Most of the knights offered to bring
+as many followers as possible to aid their pious Emperor.
+Among those present was Hans Br&ouml;mser, the lord of
+the Niederburg at R&uuml;desheim. This noble knight, the
+last of his race, was not detained at home by family
+cares. His wife had early been taken from him by
+death, and Mechtildis, the only offspring of their marriage,
+was left under the protection of the neighbouring
+Falkenstein family.</p>
+
+<p>So the pious warriors marched by devious and dangerous
+routes to that land where Our Lord lived and
+suffered. In fierce battle with the Saracens many a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
+noble knight closed his eyes forever. Many met a
+harder fate&mdash;a living death in the noisome prisons
+of the unbelievers. After a lost battle Sir Br&ouml;mser fell
+into the hands of the Turks, and in a dungeon had to
+suffer shameful imprisonment. Sometimes they would
+force their knightly foe to turn a millstone, while the
+crowd jeered. Then, in the hour of deepest misery the
+knight made a vow to God. "Give me my freedom
+again, and I vow that my child Mechtildis shall devote
+her life to the Church." And he repeated the solemn
+words again, and yet a third time.</p>
+
+<p>Then happened what none of his companions-in-arms
+had ever hoped for. The brave crusaders stormed this
+Turkish stronghold in the Syrian desert, and liberated
+their fellow-crusaders from captivity. Full of gratitude
+to God, Hans Br&ouml;mser again fought valiantly in the
+holy cause.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile at home in the hospitable keep above
+the Rhine a maiden awaited with anxiety the return
+of her father. Often in the silent hours, with sweetness
+and sunshine around her, without and within, she stood
+on the castle-wall and she saw in reverie that blue
+Eastern land, whilst she listened to the wild throbbing
+of her young heart in which the blossoms of first love
+were bursting.</p>
+
+<p>Then one night her father returned to the Rhineland.</p>
+
+<p>In the moss-covered courtyard of the castle Mechtildis
+embraced her father long and silently. Beside the maiden,
+now in her seventeenth year, stood the young lord of
+Falkenstein. The youth bowed deeply to the lord of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+the Br&ouml;mserburg, and greeted him kindly with the words,
+"Welcome home, father!" Then the vow made in the
+Syrian prison rose like a spectre to pall the joy of
+the crusader's return.</p>
+
+<p>In the banqueting-hall of the castle a large company
+had assembled to celebrate the happy return of Hans
+Br&ouml;mser and his faithful companions. The praise of
+the crusaders resounded and many stories were told
+of the dangers the heroes had encountered. With stirring
+words the knight related to his listening guests
+how he himself had fought in the sacred cause, and
+how he had suffered imprisonment among the heathen.
+Then in a lower tone, and with solemn words, he told
+his friends of the vow he had made in his hour of
+deep despair in the Syrian dungeon.</p>
+
+<p>The painful silence which followed was broken by
+a stifled cry, and the knight's daughter, pale as the
+covering on the festive board, sank unconscious to the
+floor. With burning cheek and flashing eye the young
+lord of Falkenstein rose, and with a firm voice exclaimed,
+"Mechtildis belongs to me; she has solemnly given
+herself to me forever." The murmur soon subsided
+before the stern countenance of the lord of the castle.
+"Mechtildis has been dedicated to heaven, not to you,
+boy. The last of the Br&ouml;mser race has sworn it, and
+abides by it." The knight said this with suppressed
+fury, and soon his guests departed in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Mechtildis lay in her chamber in wild grief. The
+flickering lamp beside the crucifix threw an unsteady
+light on the extended form of the maiden who was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+measuring the tedious night hours in the love-anguish
+of her young heart. To the distracted maid her chamber
+seemed to be transformed to an oppressive dungeon.
+Seizing the lamp with a trembling hand she hurried
+up the narrow winding stair on to the roof of the
+castle, and there committed her great grief to the
+listening ear of night. Leaning on the wall, she looked
+away towards the castle where lived the noble young
+lord to whom she had dedicated her life. "I am thine,
+my beloved," she sobbed. No star was visible in the
+sky. A wild autumn wind shrieked and swirled round
+the keep in accompaniment to the storm in the maiden's
+breast. A short piercing cry echoed in the darkness.
+Was it the bride of the winds or a human cry? The
+night swallowed it. From the parapet of the Br&ouml;mserburg
+a female form had been hurled down into the
+dark floods of the Rhine below.</p>
+
+<p>A bright harvest morning followed a stormy night.
+In the Br&ouml;mserburg they were searching everywhere
+in vain for their lord's daughter. Soon however a
+mournful procession approached bearing the mortal
+remains of Mechtildis. In the early dawn a young
+woman had rescued the body from the waters of the
+river. Now the walls of the Br&ouml;mserburg echoed with
+sounds of woe over the early death of this last fair young
+flower of the Br&ouml;mser race. Hans Br&ouml;mser threw himself
+on the body and buried his stern features in the snowy
+linen. Not a tear bedewed his eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>As a propitiatory offering for the rest of the soul of
+the maiden who had thus avoided the monastic life,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+the knight in his deep sorrow vowed to build a chapel
+on the hill opposite his castle. Then Hans Br&ouml;mser
+shut himself up in his chamber, and passed the following
+days in silent grief, while the grave closed over
+his wretched child.</p>
+
+<p>Many months passed, but still not a stone of the
+promised chapel had been set up. In the bitterness
+of his sorrow the grief-stricken father had separated
+himself more and more from the world, and now brooded
+in gloomy isolation. One day a servant came before
+him with a likeness of the Mother of God which an
+ox had scraped up while ploughing a field on the hill
+opposite the castle, and three times the servant declared
+he had heard the "Not Gottes" (Suffering of God) called
+out. Then Hans Br&ouml;mser remembered his vow, and
+the chapel for the peace of the soul of Mechtildis was
+erected. "Not Gottes" it is called to this day.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BINGEN</h2>
+
+<h2>The Mouse-Tower</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapb"><span class="dropcap">B</span></span>elow Bingen in the middle of the Rhine
+there is a lonely island on which a stronghold
+is to be seen. This tower is called "the
+Mouse-Tower." For many centuries a very
+gloomy tale has been told about it in connection with
+Hatto, Archbishop of Mayence, whose evil deeds were
+well-known throughout the country.</p>
+
+<p>Hatto is said to have been ambitious, heartless, and
+perfidious, as well as cruel towards the poor. He extorted
+taxes from his people, tolls were imposed, and new
+burdens invented only to gratify his haughty pride and
+his love of display. On a little island between Bingen
+and R&uuml;desheim he caused a tower to be built, so that
+all passing ships could be stopped in the narrow passage,
+where they were obliged to pay toll.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the building of this custom-house there
+was a very bad harvest in the country round Mayence.
+Drought had parched the fields, and the little seed
+remaining had been destroyed by hail. The scarcity
+was felt all the more, because the bishop had bought
+up all the stores of corn that were left from the year
+before, and had stored them up safely in his granaries.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>A terrible famine now threatened the land, spreading
+misery among the poor. The unhappy people implored
+the cruel bishop to lower the price of the corn in his
+store-house, which he wished to sell at such exorbitant
+prices that his subjects could not buy it. All their
+petitions were in vain. His advisers besought him to
+have pity on the deplorable condition of the poor, but
+Hatto remained unmoved. When cries of distress and
+the murmuring voices of the exasperated folk were
+raised against their hard-hearted master, the bishop
+gave free vent to the wicked thoughts of his soul.</p>
+
+<p>One day a troop of hungry beggars came crowding
+to the episcopal palace crying for food. Hatto and his
+guests were just sitting down to a luxurious banquet.
+The bishop had been talking to his companions of these
+wretched people, and had expressed his opinion that
+it would be a good thing to do away with them altogether
+in some drastic way.</p>
+
+<p>As the ragged mob of men, women and children,
+with hollow cheeks and pale faces threw themselves
+at his feet crying for bread, a still more fiendish plan
+suggested itself. Beckoning to them with hypocritical
+kindness he promised them corn, and caused them to
+be led outside the town to a barn, where each one
+was to receive as much corn as he wished. The unhappy
+folk hurried forth, their hearts full of gratitude;
+but when they were all in the barn, Hatto ordered the
+doors to be locked and the barn to be set on fire.</p>
+
+<p>The screams of the poor wretches were heart-rending,
+and could be heard even in the bishop's palace.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>But cruel Hatto called out scornfully to his advisers,
+"Listen! how the mice are squeaking among the corn.
+This eternal begging is at an end at last. May the
+mice bite me if it is not true!"</p>
+
+<p>But the punishment which Heaven sent him was
+terrible. Thousands of mice came out of the burning
+barn, made their way to the palace, filled every chamber
+and corner, and at last attacked the bishop himself.
+His servants killed them by hundreds, but their numbers
+seemed only to increase, as did their ferocity also. The
+bishop was seized with horror and, anticipating God's
+punishment, he fled from the town and went on board
+a boat hoping to defend himself from his terrible pursuers.
+But the innumerable horde swam in legions
+after him, and when he reached his tower on the island
+thinking at least he would be safe there, the mice followed
+him, gnawing the tower and tearing for themselves an
+entrance with their sharp teeth, till at last they reached
+him whom they sought. The cruel man was devoured
+by the mice, which attacked him by scores. In his
+despair he offered his soul to the Evil One, if he would
+release his body from such awful agony. The Evil
+Spirit came, freed his body, but took his soul away
+for himself.</p>
+
+<p>Thus runs the legend. History however speaks less
+severely of Hatto, the imperious prelate.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>His great ambition was his desire of power. He
+was the founder of the temporal power which the seat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+of Mayence obtained, and which later on made it the
+first bishopric of the kingdom, but he was always hated
+by the citizens, who suffered much owing to his proud,
+despotic character.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that he was the founder of the toll which ships
+in olden times were obliged to pay on the Rhine, so that
+this fact and many other cruel exactions of his, have
+helped to evolve the terrible legend of the Mouse-Tower.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE VALLEY OF THE NAHE</h2>
+
+<h2>KREUZNACH</h2>
+
+<h2>A mighty draught</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapo"><span class="dropcap">O</span></span>nce upon a time in the high castle called
+Rheingrafenstein near Kreuznach, the flower
+of the knights belonging to the Rhine
+country were assembled.</p>
+
+<p>They were powerful warriors, these nobles of ancient
+rank, but the most prominent among them was the
+host himself, the proud Rhine Count. Many a cup
+had he already emptied to the health of his distinguished
+guests, and rising up once more from his
+richly carved chair he cast a look over the brilliant
+assembly and said in a boastful tone:</p>
+
+<p>"I have got a knight's high boot here, my noble
+lords. A courier left it behind him once. Now I
+promise on the honour of my house that whoever
+will drink it empty at one draught, to him I will give
+the village of H&uuml;ffelsheim yonder."</p>
+
+<p>The count, smiling at the novelty of the challenge,
+took the boot from his attendant's hand, caused it to
+be filled to the brim, and held up this novel cup to
+his guests. "Tis a fair challenge! Come on whoever
+will dare!" said he.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>Among the illustrious company present there was
+one, John of Sponheim, a knight well-known in the
+country for his enormous drinking powers; but he
+remained unmoved at these defiant words, only looking
+inquiringly at his neighbour, Knight Weinhart of
+Dhaun, who in great perplexity, was striving to hide
+his head behind a large goblet. Old Fl&ouml;rsheimer,
+another knight whose thirst usually seemed unquenchable,
+stroked his gray beard doubtfully, while Kunz
+of Stromberg, a tall thin man, shook his head at the
+thought of the after-effects which such a draught
+would bring. Even the chaplain of the castle, who
+attributed his effective intoning of high-mass to the
+virtues of the Rhenish wine which he indulged in so
+freely, looked longingly at the boot, but had not the
+courage to attempt such a rash act.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a knight, Boos of Waldeck by name rose.
+He was a muscular man with the strength of a bear.
+In a voice of thunder he banged his mighty fist upon
+the table and said scornfully, "Bring me that little boot!"</p>
+
+<p>The distinguished company stared at him in great
+astonishment, but Boos of Waldeck, taking the boot
+in his sturdy fist, cried out. "Your health, my lords!"</p>
+
+<p>Then flourishing it in the air, he emptied the boot
+at one draught.</p>
+
+<p>When this act was accomplished, Boos threw himself
+heavily into his chair, and addressing the master of
+the ceremonies, said with a humorous twinkle in his
+eye:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>"Did the courier not leave the other boot too? I
+might possibly win a second bet, and thus acquire the
+village of Roxheim into the bargain."</p>
+
+<p>The count looked much abashed, but the noble
+guests only laughed heartily at the joke.</p>
+
+<p>Thus stout Boos of Waldeck became lord of the
+village of H&uuml;ffelsheim.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Foundation of Castle Sponheim</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he following legend tells us about the origin
+of Castle Sponheim in the valley of the
+Nahe. Once a Knight of Ravensberg was
+eagerly wooing the beautiful young Countess
+of Heimburg, but there was a serious obstacle in
+his path to success. Some years before a Ravensberg
+had killed a Heimburg in a quarrel, and since that
+time a bitter feud had divided the two houses. The
+brave knight felt this bitterly, but in spite of it he
+did not leave off his wooing. The young countess
+was much touched by his constancy, and one day she
+spoke thus to her impetuous suitor:</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, if you will dare to go to the Holy Land
+there to expiate the sins of your fathers, and bring
+me back a relic from the sepulchre of our Redeemer,
+in that same hour your suit will be heard."</p>
+
+<p>The knight in great joy kissed the maiden's slender
+hand and departed, carrying the memory of her sweet
+smile away in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Just at this time the call of the Emperor Barbarossa,
+now an old man, sounded throughout the land, and
+the Knight of Ravensberg did not neglect the opportunity,
+but hastened forth to join the imperial army.</p>
+
+<p>The expedition was a long and terrible one, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+the troops wearily made their way across the desert
+plains of Palestine.</p>
+
+<p>The knight, though a brave man, had no special
+love for warlike adventures, and during these exhausting
+marches he thought sorrowfully of his quiet castle
+on the Nahe; of how he used to lie down there in
+peace and safety at night without being in fear of the
+Saracens who, under cover of darkness would break
+in waving their scimitars in air, an event which was
+a nightly occurrence on this expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Ravensberg however fought bravely in many a battle,
+and after the deaths of Barbarossa and his son, he
+joined the army of Richard the Lion-hearted.</p>
+
+<p>Through all this anxious time he never forgot his
+dear one at home, and his longing for her became
+stronger every day, till it seemed to get beyond
+endurance.</p>
+
+<p>King Richard was called back to England on some
+urgent state-affairs, and the Knight of Ravensberg was
+among the few companions-in-arms who embarked
+with him. The brave knight was very happy, and
+while the king's ship was sailing along the coast of
+Greece and up the blue Adriatic Sea, he would often
+stand on deck and weave bright dreams of the future;
+sometimes when no one was near, he would pull out
+a little black ebony box set with precious stones, on
+which a woman's name was written in golden letters;
+the interior was beautifully lined with costly silk; and
+a small splinter of wood lay within which the knight
+would kiss most reverently. He had paid a large sum<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+of money for it in the Holy Land, where he had
+bought it from a Jewish merchant. This man had
+sworn to him that this fragment was from the cross
+to which the Son of God had been nailed.</p>
+
+<p>The knight was very happy during this long homeward
+journey, but a great misfortune awaited him. Just
+as the crusaders came in sight of Italy their vessel
+was wrecked. The King of England, the Knight of
+Ravensberg, and a few others were saved with great
+difficulty, and brought to land. But our poor knight
+was inconsolable; he had held the precious little box
+high above him in the water, but a mighty wave had
+torn it from him, and on opening his eyes he found
+himself on shore. The holy relic had saved him, but
+he had lost his treasure, and now all hope of his
+promised happiness was gone.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>One day a weary and dispirited crusader returned
+to the castle of Heimburg. He announced his arrival
+to the young countess most humbly, but she, her lovely
+face lighted up by a bright smile, hurried to meet the
+knight whose sunburnt countenance betokened great
+hardships.</p>
+
+<p>She listened silently to his mournful story, then
+raising her beautiful head she asked: "Was not the
+little box set with precious stones and was not my
+name in golden letters on it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, noble lady," said the knight, the bitterness of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+his disappointment newly awakened, "And now it lies
+at the bottom of the sea in spite of my fervent prayers
+to St. George to save the precious fragment of our
+Saviour's cross."</p>
+
+<p>The countess beckoned to a page, and after a few
+minutes the boy brought her on a velvet cushion a
+little black ebony box set with precious stones with
+a woman's name written on it. The knight uttered a
+cry of joyful surprise, for he recognised the jewel at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>"Entreat the Holy Patron of Knighthood to pardon
+you," said the countess with a smile. "A strange
+knight brought this to the steward a few days ago,
+and before I had time to send for him, he had disappeared."</p>
+
+<p>"It was St. George himself!" whispered the knight,
+crossing himself piously, "which proves that the fragment
+really belonged to the Holy Cross."</p>
+
+<p>Then he bent his knee before his charming mistress
+who, with a deep blush on her cheeks, gave the man
+she had long but secretly loved love's first kiss.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>A happy marriage was speedily celebrated in Heimburg.
+The Knight of Ravensberg then called his castle
+Spanheim (Span being the German word for chip) in
+memory of the precious little relic. This name was
+later on corrupted into Sponheim.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ASSMANNSHAUSEN</h2>
+
+<h2>St. Clement's Chapel</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_10.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_10th.jpg" width="400" height="262"
+alt="A painting showing bound robber barons being escorted through the streets
+by armed guards. Inhabitants of the town surround the procession, shouting and
+and throwing things at the bound men."
+title="Gefangener Raubritter--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Konrad Weigand (zur Sage: Die Clemenskapelle)" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Gefangener Raubritter<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Konrad Weigand (zur Sage: Die Clemenskapelle)</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>here is a very melancholy legend connected
+with the foundation of St. Clement's church,
+which was built on the banks of the Rhine
+and which, not long since, was rebuilt and
+renovated by the generosity of the present great lady
+of Rheinstein Castle.</p>
+
+<p>Rudolphus of Habsburg, elected emperor after the
+terrible anarchy which had reigned in Germany when
+the land was left without a ruler, determined by firm
+and vigorous government, to put an end to the evil-doings
+of the robber-knights who held sway along the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>He had already threatened these much-dreaded nobles
+who disturbed the peace of the country and the government
+of its ruler, and now hearing that they still continued
+their ravages, the emperor appeared himself in
+the Rhine countries, resolved to annihilate them and
+to destroy their strongholds.</p>
+
+<p>On his way through the land, Rudolphus set fire to
+all the strongholds on the upper Rhine. The burning
+of the castles of Reichenstein, Sooneck, Heimburg and
+others, was an awful sight to the inhabitants of the
+valley below. Numerous members of these ancient<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+noble races met the death of felons, and their bodies
+were hung up on trees as a warning to others.</p>
+
+<p>Through the gates of Mainz many a robber baron
+was led as a prisoner by the soldiers of the emperor.
+Every time that one of these barons and his companions-in-arms
+were led along with bound hands, towards the
+Imperial tribunal, young and old, rich and poor poured
+forth from the streets and alleys, and accompanied the
+highborn malefactors with curses. The windows of
+the houses around were filled with eager onlookers,
+admiring the conduct of their emperor.</p>
+
+<p>Moaning and wailing were then heard throughout
+the land, mothers, wives, and daughters weeping for
+their dead. On the other hand the merchants who had
+endured hardships and sufferings during these years,
+were now delighted with the stern justice dealt out
+by the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>Under cover of darkness stealthy forms could be seen
+creeping to the place of execution, and silently and
+mournfully taking away the bodies of their relatives to
+preserve them from ignominious destruction. They then
+buried the wretched remains in consecrated ground,
+hoping thus to satisfy the fears which haunted them
+of future punishment, for many of their dear ones had
+stained their swords with the blood of their neighbours.</p>
+
+<p>In order to atone for these sins, and in accordance
+with the wise counsel of a priest, the trees on which
+the bodies had been hanged were cut down, and the
+wood used to build a chapel of expiation. Stones were
+also taken from the smoking ruins of the burning castles<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+and employed for the same purpose. The little church
+was built on the lonely place of execution on the Rhine
+near Assmannshausen.</p>
+
+<p>The day arrived&mdash;a day of great sorrow and weeping&mdash;when
+all was ready, and the priest was to read prayers
+from the altar for the first time. Many funeral barges
+were to be seen on the river, bringing the dead who
+were buried in the aisle of the church.</p>
+
+<p>The Archbishop of Mayence absolved the bodies
+from their sins, and afterwards they were all interred
+together near the little church for the second time.</p>
+
+<p>This occurred towards the end of the thirteenth century.
+For long years afterwards prayers were offered up in this
+church in Assmannshausen for the souls of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>The once proud and mighty races gradually died
+out, and their strongholds fell into ruins. And time
+which had demolished the castles on the heights above,
+began her work of destruction on the little church
+below; its roof decayed and its walls crumbled.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient little church of St. Clement has since
+that time been raised again from its ruins, and now
+the voice of God's priest is heard chanting in it again,
+as it was heard six hundred years ago.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CASTLE RHEINSTEIN</h2>
+
+<h2>The Wooing</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_11.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_11th.jpg" width="400" height="243"
+alt="A painting showing a wedding party on horseback, with a group of musicians
+on foot. They are travelling past the edge of a wood towards a castle in the distance."
+title="Der Brautzug--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von L. Herterich--(zur Sage von Burg Rheinstein)" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Der Brautzug<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von L. Herterich<br />
+(zur Sage von Burg Rheinstein)</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n Castle Rheinstein once lived a knight
+called Diethelm, who devoted himself without
+restraint to all the excesses of the
+robber barons. From one of his pillaging
+expeditions he brought back a charming maiden called
+Jutta. As the delicate ivy twines itself round the rough
+oak and clothes its knotty stem with shimmering velvet;
+so in time the gentle conduct of this maiden changed
+the coarse baron to a noble knight who eschewed
+pillaging and carousing, and ultimately made the fair
+Jutta the honoured wife of her captor.</p>
+
+<p>The first fruit of their love cost the tender mother
+her life. Gerda however, who much resembled her
+mother, grew to such a noble beauty that soon wooers
+from far and near came to sue for the hand of the
+beautiful daughter of the aged Diethelm. But the aged
+knight made a most careful selection, and many gay
+wooers had to depart in sorrow. One young man was
+however regarded favourably by the maid, and not
+unkindly looked upon by the old man. He was the
+oldest son of the owner of the Sternburg. This young
+man had contrived to win the maiden's heart, and one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+day, while Gerda presided as queen of love and beauty
+at a tournament held in the courtyard of Castle Rheinstein,
+Helmbrecht made an avowal of his love.</p>
+
+<p>Some days thereafter the young lord according to
+courtly fashion appointed his uncle Gunzelin of Reichenstein
+to woo his chosen bride for him. But Gunzelin
+though an old man was full of knavery and falsehood,
+and so instead of wooing for his nephew he ingratiated
+himself with Gerda's father. Moreover, as the
+old knight was descended from an ancient family and
+possessed of much wealth Diethelm was easily induced
+to promise him the hand of the fair Gerda. To the
+astonishment of this worthy pair Gerda would not
+listen to the suit of her rich wooer. Her heart belonged
+to the nephew, not to the uncle. Now Count Diethelm
+was aroused, and with the blind fury of his earlier
+years swore to his rich companion that Gerda belonged
+to him, and should never wed the young cock-sparrow
+of the Sternburg.</p>
+
+<p>In her quiet chamber the unhappy maid wept out
+her heart's grief, but burning tears did not thaw the
+ice-cold heart of the father. In vain the young lover
+tried to gain the old knight's favour, but Diethelm
+merely referred to his knightly word solemnly pledged
+to the lord of Reichenstein.</p>
+
+<p>Soon the day approached on which Gunzelin, with
+the smiling self-satisfaction of an old rou&eacute;, and decked
+out to give himself all the appearance of young manhood,
+was to lead the fairest maiden in the Rhineland
+to his stately castle. Gerda who possessed the mild<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+disposition of her deceased mother had submitted to
+the inevitable. On a bright summer morning the bridal
+procession started from the courtyard of Castle Rheinstein,
+and moved towards the Clement's Chapel situated
+in the neighbourhood. Horns blew and trumpets sounded.
+On a milkwhite palfrey, sat the fair young bride,
+deadly pale. She was thinking of her absent lover who
+in this hour must be enduring the greatest anguish
+on her account. Then all at once a swarm of buzzing
+gadflies came out of the bush and fastened fiercely
+on the palfrey which bore the fair Gerda. The animal
+reared and broke from the bridal procession. Boldly
+the bridegroom on his grandly caparisoned steed dashed
+forward to check the frightened animal, but his
+war-horse missing its footing on the narrow bridle
+path fell over a precipice carrying its master with it.
+The dying knight was carried by the wedding-guests
+back to Castle Rheinstein. The aged Diethelm was also
+unfortunate in his attempt to stop the runaway steed.
+The maddened animal had struck him on the shinbone,
+and wounded him. The servants were thus obliged
+to carry the moaning greybeard back to his castle
+as speedily and carefully as possible. The surgeon had
+a sad time of it during the next week as he attended
+to the enraged old knight's wounds and bruises.</p>
+
+<p>When the runaway horse had disappeared round a
+bend of the path a man threw himself upon it, and
+bringing the trembling animal to a standstill clasped
+the unconscious bride in his arms. Helmbrecht, concealed
+in the brushwood, had been watching the bridal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+procession, and now came to the rescue of his true
+love. When the old lord heard of this he came to his
+senses and gave the lovers his blessing. Some weeks
+later a bridal procession advanced from the Clement's
+Chapel up to the festively decorated Castle Rheinstein.
+Trumpets were blown and horns resounded. Much
+more joyfully than on the previous occasion the musicians
+marched in front. Upon a milkwhite palfrey,
+as formerly, sat a noble maiden in bridal state, clothed
+in undulating robes bordered with fur. Her head was
+bent in maiden modesty as she listened to the endearments
+which the youthful knight whispered in her
+ear. Behind rode the father of the bride sunk in thought,
+and along with him was his pious sister Notburge,
+the canoness of Nonnenwerth.</p>
+
+<p>A life of unalloyed married bliss followed this union,
+and God granted to the noble pair a long and happy
+life. They rest together in front of the altar in the
+Clement's Chapel which is situated across the Rhine
+from Assmannshausen. Castle Rheinstein stands in
+renewed youthful beauty on the edge of its precipitous
+cliff overlooking our noble stream.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CASTLE SOONECK</h2>
+
+<h2>The Blind Archer</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n his stronghold at Sooneck, Siebold, one
+of the most rapacious of the robber barons
+presided over a godless revel. Wanton women
+with showy apparel and painted cheeks
+lolled in the arms of tipsy cavaliers. The music blared,
+and to complete their carousal wine flowed freely.
+The lord of Sooneck flushed with drinking, and leering
+on the assembly with evil-looking eyes spoke as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"Noble ladies (drunken applause from his worthy
+associates) and much-married nobles (loudly giggled
+the shameless females), after food and drink, I, as your
+host will be pleased to entertain you by bringing before
+you a ferocious animal which I keep confined
+here."</p>
+
+<p>While the ladies pretended to take shelter timidly
+behind their lords, and the men stared at their host
+expecting some further explanation, the doors of the
+room opened, and led by two servants a man in coarse
+garments, and with unkempt hair and beard stood before
+them. A suppressed whisper passed round the
+festive board and all eyes were fixed on the haggard
+countenance of the prisoner. When for a moment the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+weary eyelids were raised, two ghastly cavities were
+visible. Again, with the same tone of levity, the lord
+of the castle spoke, "Lovely ladies, and knightly companions,
+the best marksman on the Rhine was Hans
+Veit of F&uuml;rsteneck. Like ourselves he was dreaded far
+and near. He and I entered on a feud of life and
+death. He went down."</p>
+
+<p>"With broken brand and battered shield, bleeding
+from numerous wounds I lay prostrate before you
+awaiting manfully the death-thrust," murmured the
+prisoner, and his voice sounded as if from the grave.
+"It pained me to finish him off," said Siebold flippantly,
+"I got his two eyes taken out, and thus added
+to my collection of rarities, the best archer on the
+Rhine."</p>
+
+<p>"My murdered eyes behold your scorn," said the
+prisoner harshly. "But surely chivalry still flourishes
+on Sooneck," said the lord of the castle. "Understand
+then that my servants have informed me, that even
+blind, you can, guided only by sounds, hit a given
+mark with a bolt. If you come out of this ordeal successful,
+freedom shall be the reward." Stormy applause
+greeted these words.</p>
+
+<p>"Death were dearer to me than life," murmured the
+blind archer. As he seized the crossbow however, a
+gleam of joy went over his countenance like a ray of
+sunshine over a sombre landscape. Crowded together in a
+corner of the room the guests watched the proceedings.
+The lord of Sooneck seized a goblet and ordered the
+prisoner to draw upon it, after hearing the sound. In<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+the next moment the silver clang resounded, as the
+goblet fell on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoot now," said Siebold of Sooneck, and immediately
+an arrow pierced his mouth. With a grunt like
+a slaughtered ox, Siebold sank among the rushes.
+Silent and motionless with the two eye-cavities gaping,
+stood the blind man. Then his shaggy head sank on
+his heaving breast. Like a flock of frightened crows
+the knights and their paramours fled, and only a few
+terrified squires and servants muttered prayers over
+the body of the lord of Sooneck.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE RUINS OF F&Uuml;RSTENBERG</h2>
+
+<h2><ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'The mother's Ghost'">The Mother's Ghost</ins></h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapl"><span class="dropcap">L</span></span>ambert of F&uuml;rstenberg was a hearty jovial
+knight, and had married Wiltrud, a daughter
+of the Florsheim family. He was attached
+to his gentle wife, who had just presented
+him with a son and heir. But an evil genius
+entered the castle in the person of a noble maiden
+called Luckharde. This maiden who had suddenly
+been left an orphan, belonged to a family long befriended
+by the house of F&uuml;rstenberg. She was only
+eighteen, but possessed a lascivious beauty, very dangerous
+to men.</p>
+
+<p>The lady of the castle, who had been in delicate
+health since the birth of her child, gave Luckharde a
+warm-hearted welcome into the bosom of her family,
+trusting that the young woman would be of great service
+to her in the management of her little realm,
+and would repay her kindness by sisterly love and
+sympathy. Luckharde however was of a vain and
+frivolous disposition, and had little love for household
+affairs, or womanly duties.</p>
+
+<p>As the months passed, Luckharde's ripening and
+dangerous beauty gained gradually and almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+imperceptibly more and more influence over the susceptible
+heart of the lord of the castle, and soon the day came
+when he yielded himself entirely to the charms of
+this beautiful woman. Wiltrud's eyes were by no
+means blind to the shameful ingratitude of the adulteress,
+and the godless conduct of her husband. Her
+weakness however, prevented her from calling down
+the judgment of heaven on the sinners. Luckharde,
+led on by her unbridled passion, now formed a devilish
+design which would enable her to take the place of
+the lawful wife of Lambert. One night she slipped
+into the chamber of the lady of the castle, approached
+the bed of the sleeping woman with a cat-like step,
+and smothered her with the pillows, the poor invalid
+offering but a feeble and ineffective resistance.</p>
+
+<p>Wiltrud's death was deeply mourned by the household,
+who believed that she had died of a broken heart.
+Lambert too might be grieved, but in the arms of his
+raven-locked enchantress he soon forgot his deceased
+wife, and in a few weeks Luckharde was made lady
+of F&uuml;rstenberg. The little boy whom Wiltrud had
+borne to her unfaithful husband was hateful to the
+second wife, who fondled her lord, and flattered him
+with the hope of the children she would bear him.
+Then it was arranged that the knight's first-born should
+be handed over to the care of an old crone who lived
+in a remote tower of the castle.</p>
+
+<p>One night this old woman awoke suddenly, and was
+terrified to see a female form dressed in a flowing
+white robe, bending over the cradle of the little boy,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>who slept near. The woman seemed to be tending
+the child, and after blessing him, she vanished. The
+old woman crossed herself, and in terror muttered
+many prayers. In the early morning she hurried to
+her new mistress in great agitation and with white
+lips told her of her strange visitor. Luckharde at first
+laughed in her usual frivolous manner at this ridiculous
+ghost story, but soon she became more serious and
+alarmed. Then she ordered the old woman to arrange
+her bed beside the other servants, but still to leave
+the child in the tower-chamber. A dreadful fear had
+taken possession of Luckharde's guilty soul. Perhaps
+people were deceived when they believed Wiltrud to
+be dead, and it was thus that she returned at night
+to nurse her child.</p>
+
+<p>Then this daring and sinful woman prepared a bed
+for herself in the lonely tower beside the child. She
+also brought with her a formidable dagger, and thus
+she awaited what the night might bring forth. At
+midnight the female figure dressed in the flowing
+white robe appeared once more. It approached the
+cradle of the child, tended him and blessed him.
+Then the terror-stricken Luckharde stared motionless at
+the apparition as it rose and approached her bed.
+Towering there above her were the pallid features of
+the dead Wiltrud, and the lifeless entreating eyes
+looked steadily at this sinful woman who had taken the
+place of her benefactress. To Luckharde it seemed as
+if a great precipice was slowly bending over to overwhelm
+her. With a last mad effort the wretched<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+woman seized the dagger, and struck at the apparition;
+but she might as well have struck at a misty cloud.
+Now Luckharde perceived that she was in the presence
+of the murdered lady of the F&uuml;rstenberg, and harrowed
+with the thought of her guilt she seemed to
+hear a voice as if from another world saying, "Do
+penance for thy sins."</p>
+
+<p>Next morning Lambert waited in vain for his wife
+to appear. On looking around however he noticed
+a piece of parchment. On it Luckharde had confessed
+with deep sorrow, how she had murdered his first
+wife in order to further her evil designs, and how
+the spirit of the dead had appeared to her in the
+night, and warned her of her great guilt. She was
+going to fly to a cloister to do penance during the
+remainder of her days, and she recommended her
+sinful accomplice to do the same. Lambert of F&uuml;rstenberg
+was deeply grieved on receiving this revelation.
+He handed over his castle and child to a younger
+brother, and spent the rest of this life as a solitary
+hermit.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BACHARACH</h2>
+
+<h2>Burg Stahleck</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span>ncient Bacharach was once a famous place,
+and long before the fiery wine that grows
+there became famous throughout the world&mdash;"it
+was in the good old times" as our grandmothers
+say&mdash;it was the delight of many a connoisseur
+abroad. About that time its grateful lovers erected
+an altar to Bacchus who provided them so liberally
+with wine. The place of sacrifice was on a huge rock
+projecting out of the Rhine, between an island and
+the right bank of the river, and in honour of the god
+they gave the town the name it still bears.</p>
+
+<p>The inscriptions on the altar-stone have become
+unintelligible, but the Bacharach folk know well to
+the present day the original meaning of them.</p>
+
+<p>Fishermen still keep up the old custom but now
+more as an amusement; they dress up a straw-man as
+Bacchus, place him on the altar, and surround him
+singing.</p>
+
+<p>The ruins of the castle of Stahleck are situated
+on the Rhine, above the wild, romantic country of
+Bacharach.</p>
+
+<p>About the time of Conrad III., the first Emperor of
+the House of Hohenstaufen, a young ambitious knight,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>
+Palatinate Count Hermann, inhabited this castle. Being
+a nephew of the emperor, this aspiring knight considered
+his high and mighty relationship as a sufficient
+reason for enlarging his dominions.</p>
+
+<p>He conceived no less a plan than that of taking
+possession of part of the property which bordered on
+his land, belonging to the Archbishops of Mayence
+and Treves, supporting his claim by declaring that for
+more than one reason he had a right of possession.
+The jealousy which at that time existed between the
+clerical and the secular powers, brought a number of
+neighbouring knights to his side as allies, and the
+count began his unprovoked quarrel by taking a castle
+at Treves on the Moselle by storm. This castle belonged
+to the diocese of that town.</p>
+
+<p>Adalbert of Monstereil, a man of an undaunted
+character, was then Bishop both of Treves and Metz.</p>
+
+<p>He at once collected his warriors to drive the bold
+robber from the conquered castle. The temerity of
+the count and his superior forces dismayed Adalbert,
+giving him grounds for sober reflections. But the
+good bishop was a clever man and, not believing
+himself sufficiently strong to resist the count, he sought
+refuge in spiritual weapons.</p>
+
+<p>When his people were about to assault the stronghold,
+he made a most enthusiastic speech to his troops.</p>
+
+<p>Holding up a crucifix in his right hand, he told
+to them that in the silent hours of the previous night
+the Archangel Michael had appeared to him, and had
+given him this crucifix, at the same time promising<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+him certain victory if each of his warriors attacked the
+enemy in the firm belief that an invincible Higher
+Power was near to help them.</p>
+
+<p>The bishop's words inspired his men with a great
+courage. Led on by the holy man carrying the crucifix
+in his raised hand, they marched on to the assault,
+stormed the castle, and made Hermann's troops flee in
+great confusion. The ambitious count, now finding
+himself deserted by his troops, was forced to renounce
+the feud which he had hoped to carry on against the
+bishop.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The disgraceful defeat the count had suffered was
+most humiliating to him, but it had not killed his
+ambition.</p>
+
+<p>He now directed his thoughts to his other ecclesiastical
+neighbour.</p>
+
+<p>Having searched through some ancient documents,
+he thought he had found full right to a strip of land
+which Arnold of Solnhofen, Bishop of Mayence, then
+held in possession. He at once sent in his claim to
+this mighty prince of the church, who received it with
+a scornful laugh. "Oh!" said the bishop, tearing up
+the written complaint, "I shall be able to manage this
+little count as well as I have all along managed the
+stubborn people of Mayence, some of whom have
+bitterly repented of having rebelled against their bishop."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>Hermann was told how Solnhofen had treated his
+claim. In great wrath he swore to take vengeance on
+the man who had dared to tear up his complaint so
+contumeliously. His young wife implored him with
+tears in her eyes not to raise his hand against a servant
+of the Lord again. But he turned contemptuously
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Herman was well aware that, through the influence
+of the bishop's companions-in-arms, he was now hated
+by the citizens of Mayence. This circumstance made
+him determine to rob Arnold of land and dignity, as he
+ascribed the cause of this deadly dissension to the
+power the bishop exerted over the people of his diocese.</p>
+
+<p>The count, now joined by several daring knights,
+again prepared to make war against the representative
+of the church, and marched to attack the bishop in
+his stronghold.</p>
+
+<p>Arnold was enraged at this persistent striving against
+the dominions of the church, and his dark soul conceived
+a dastardly plan to rid them of their enemy.
+He hired two villains who treacherously put the count
+to death.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards the rebellious citizens of Mayence
+successfully stormed the bishop's palace and turned
+the cruel prelate out of his episcopal seat, whereupon
+he was obliged to flee for his life. But Arnold was
+not so easily subdued and he soon returned, breathing
+vengeance. His friends warned him in vain, and even
+the famous prophetess, Hildegarde of Rupertusberg,
+sent a messenger to him with the words, "Turn to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+Lord whom you have forsaken, your hour is near at
+hand."</p>
+
+<p>But he heeded not this admonition, and at last he
+was killed by the rebels in the Abbey of Jacobsberg,
+some distance from the town where he had taken up
+his residence.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+<h2>KAUB</h2>
+
+<h2>Castle Gutenfels</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_12.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_12th.jpg" width="400" height="261"
+alt="A painting showing two knights jousting. A group of other knights
+watch, while a castle tower can be seen in the background."
+title="Turnier zu K&ouml;ln--Zu der Sage von Burg Gutenfels" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Turnier zu K&ouml;ln<br />
+Zu der Sage von Burg Gutenfels</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span>bout the middle of the thirteenth century,
+there was a stately castle near Kaub which
+was inhabited by Count Philip of Falkenstein.
+There he lived very happily with his
+beautiful sister Guta, who was as good as she was fair.</p>
+
+<p>Numerous knights had sought to win her love, but
+none had achieved this conquest, the castle maiden
+having no desire to exchange her brother's hospitable
+home for any other.</p>
+
+<p>At that time a magnificent tournament was held at
+Cologne, to which knights from all countries of the
+kingdom far and near and even from England were
+invited.</p>
+
+<p>A great multitude of spectators were assembled to
+see the stately knights contending for the prize, which
+a fair hand would bestow on them.</p>
+
+<p>Among the nobles present at the tournament was a
+knight from England, whose graceful figure and splendid
+armour were particularly striking. He wore a veiled
+visor, and the stewards of the tournament announced
+him under the name of "the Lion Knight," a golden
+lion ornamenting his shield. Soon the majestic knight's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+master-like manner of fighting created a great sensation,
+and when he succeeded in unhorsing his opponent,
+a most formidable combatant, loud rejoicings
+rang through the lists.</p>
+
+<p>Count Philip and his sister were among the guests.
+Guta had been watching the strange knight with ever
+increasing interest during the tournament, regretting
+at the same time that she could not see his face.</p>
+
+<p>But an opportunity soon presented itself when the
+knight was declared victor. When she was selected to
+present the prize, a golden laurel-wreath, to the winner,
+she became much embarrassed, and a feeling such as
+she had never before experienced seized her as she
+looked at the Briton's face for the first time.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the knight may have read in the lovely
+maiden's countenance what she in vain tried to hide
+from him, perhaps a spark from that passionate fire
+which had so suddenly fired her heart, may have
+flown into his soul as he knelt before her to receive
+the wreath, which she placed on his head with a
+trembling hand. Who can tell?</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards when these two were conversing together
+in subdued whispers, the knight silently admiring her
+grace and the maiden scarcely able to restrain her
+feelings, the thoughts which he longed to tell her,
+flamed in his heart. The same evening in the banqueting
+hall, when the music was sounding within its
+walls, he was Guta's inseparable companion, and eloquent
+words flowed from his lips telling her of the
+love which his eyes betrayed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>The proud stranger begged Guta for her love and
+swore to be hers; he told her he must at once return
+to his country where urgent duty called him, but that
+he would come back to claim her in three months'
+time. Then he would publicly sue for her hand and
+declare his name, which circumstances compelled him
+to keep secret for the time being.</p>
+
+<p>Love will make any sacrifice; Guta accepted her
+lover's pledge willingly, and thus they parted under
+the assurance that they would soon meet again.</p>
+
+<p>Five months had passed. That terrible time ensued
+when Germany became the battle-field of the party-struggles
+over the election of the emperor. Conrad IV.,
+the last of the house of Hohenstaufen, had died in
+Italy. In the northern countries there was a great rising
+against William of Holland who was struggling for
+the imperial throne; Alphonso of Castile was chosen
+king in one part of the country, while Richard of
+Cornwall, son of John, king of England, was elected
+in another; but Richard, having received most influential
+votes, was crowned at Aix-la-Chapelle, and
+from thence he started on a journey through the Rhine
+provinces, to the favour of which he had been chiefly
+indebted for his election.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Spring was casting her bright beams over waves
+and mountains in the valley of the Rhine, but in
+Falkenstein castle no ray of sunshine penetrated the
+gloom. Guta, pale and unhappy, sat within its walls,
+weaving dreams which seemed destined never to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+fulfilled. Sometimes she saw her lover dying on a terrible
+battle-field with her name on his lips, then again
+laughing and bright with a maiden from that far-off
+island in his arms, talking derisively of his sweetheart
+on the Rhine. She became more and more conscious
+that she had given him her first love, and that he had
+cruelly deceived her. Sorrow and grief had taken possession
+of her, and all her brother's efforts to amuse
+her and to distract her attention were in vain.</p>
+
+<p>A great sound of trumpets was heard one day on
+the highway, and a troop of knights stopped at the
+castle. Guta saw the train of warriors from her
+window, where she had been sitting weeping. The
+count with chivalrous hospitality received them, and
+led them into the banqueting-hall. His astonishment
+was great, when he recognised the bold Briton, the
+victor at the tournament in Cologne, as leader of this
+brilliant retinue, he who had broken his secret pledge
+to his beloved sister. A dark glance took the place of
+the friendly expression on his face. The Briton seemed
+to notice it and pressing Philip's hand said cordially,
+"I am Richard of Cornwall, elected Emperor of Germany,
+and I have come here to solicit the hand of
+your sister Guta, who promised herself to me five
+months ago in Cologne. I come late to redeem my
+promise, but my love is unchanged. I beg you to announce
+my arrival to her without betraying my name."</p>
+
+<p>Philip bowed deeply before the illustrious guest,
+and the retainers respectfully retired to a distance. The
+great guest strode up and down the room impatiently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+Then the doors were suddenly thrown open, and a
+beautiful figure appeared on the threshold, her face
+glowing with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>With a low cry Guta threw herself into her lover's
+arms, and the first moments of their reunion were
+passed in silent happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Philip now entered the room unperceived, and revealed
+the secret to his sister. The maiden in great
+confusion and shame stole a look at her lover's eyes,
+and he, drawing her gently to him, asked her to share
+all&mdash;even his throne with him.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards Richard celebrated his marriage
+with imperial magnificence at the castle on the Rhine,
+which Philip thence forward called Gutenfels, in honour
+of his sister.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+<h2>OBERWESEL</h2>
+
+<h2>The Seven Maidens</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he scattered ruins of an old knight's tower
+are still to be seen on one of the heights
+near Oberwesel. The castle was called
+Sch&ouml;nberg, after the seven virgins who once
+lived there, and whose beauty was renowned throughout
+all the Rhine countries.</p>
+
+<p>Their father had died early, some say of grief, because
+Heaven had denied him a son, and an elderly
+aunt had striven in vain to guide the seven wild
+sisters; but her influence had not been sufficiently
+strong to lead them in the right way. After the death
+of this relative the seven beautiful maidens were left
+to themselves, and now their longing after liberty and
+the pleasures of the world broke out even stronger
+than before.</p>
+
+<p>Many a tale was told about them, how they used
+to ride out hunting and hawking, how many a magnificent
+banquet was given by them, and how their
+beauty, their riches, and the gay and joyous life led
+by them attracted many knights from near and far;
+how many a stately noble came to their castle to woo
+one of the sisters, and how these maidens at first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+ensnared and enchanted him with a thousand attractive
+charms, only in the end to reject the enamoured suitor
+with scorn and mockery.</p>
+
+<p>Ashamed and very wrathful many a great knight
+had left the castle, and with indignation and disdain
+had blotted out of his memory the names of these
+bewitching sirens who at first had listened with deceitful
+modesty to his honest wooing, only afterwards
+to declare with scornful laughter that their liberty was
+so dear to them, that they would not give it up for
+the sake of any man.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! there were always youths to be found who
+put no faith in such speeches and, trusting to their
+great names and peculiar merits, sought their happiness
+among these maidens. But all the trials ended in
+the same mournful manner; no suitor succeeded in
+winning the heart of these seductive beings. Thus
+they continued their dangerous and contemptible life
+for some years.</p>
+
+<p>Once again there was a great banquet and feasting
+in the halls of the castle. A circle of knightly figures
+sat round the brilliant board among the seven sisters,
+who were quite conscious of their charms, one rivalling
+the other in gaiety and liveliness.</p>
+
+<p>The joyous scene was disturbed for a short time
+by two knights who were disputing about one of the
+sisters, and had angered each other by their growing
+jealousy.</p>
+
+<p>The scene excited general attention and was looked
+on at first as a most amusing one, but when the youths<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+were about to draw their swords, it was thought
+necessary to separate them.</p>
+
+<p>Seizing this opportunity one of the other knights
+proposed that to guard against further discord, the
+castle maidens should be urged to make a final decision,
+so that each suitor&mdash;they all recognised one
+another as such&mdash;might know what he had to
+expect.</p>
+
+<p>The proposal met with general applause, only the
+sisters showed discontentment, declaring they could
+not agree to such a presumptuous plan. However
+the wooers tried every imaginable means of persuading
+them, and at last one of the sisters wavered, a second
+followed her example, and the remaining ones, after
+whispering to each other for some time, declared
+with laughing countenances that they would decide
+the fate of their suitors the next day.</p>
+
+<p>The expected hour arrived, and the knights in great
+suspense assembled in the large hall.</p>
+
+<p>Every eye was riveted on the door through which
+these Graces should enter, bringing a sweet surprise
+to some or a bitter disappointment to others.</p>
+
+<p>The folding-doors were suddenly thrown open, and
+an attendant announced that the mistresses of the
+castle were waiting to receive the knights in the garden
+near the river.</p>
+
+<p>The numerous suitors all hurried out. To their
+great astonishment they saw the fair ones all seated
+in a boat on the Rhine. With a peculiar smile they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+beckoned the knights to approach, and the eldest sister
+standing up in her seat, made the following speech.</p>
+
+<p>"You may all throw your hopes to the winds, for
+not one of us would dream of falling in love with
+you, much less of marrying you. Our liberty is much
+too precious to us, and we shall not sacrifice it for
+any man. We are going to sail down to Cologne
+to the property of a relation, and there we shall disappoint
+other suitors, just as we have misled you, my
+noble lords. Good-bye, good-bye!"</p>
+
+<p>The scornful speech was accompanied by a scoffing
+laugh which was re-echoed by the other sisters, and
+the boat set sail.</p>
+
+<p>The rejected suitors stood speechless with shame
+and anger.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a terrible storm arose, the boat was agitated
+violently, and the laughter of the seven sisters
+was turned to cries for help. But the roaring of the
+waves drowned their voices, and the billows rushed
+over the boat, burying it and the seven sisters in the
+depths below.</p>
+
+<p>Just on the spot where these stony-hearted maidens
+met their deaths, seven pointed rocks appeared above
+the surface of the water, which up to the present day
+are still to be seen, a salutary warning to all the young
+maidens of the country.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ST. GOAR</h2>
+
+<h2>Lorelei</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_13.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_13th.jpg" width="400" height="265"
+alt="A painting showing Lorelei sitting on her rock in the river, playing a
+lute. Below and to the left of her are the old sailor, and Ronald, who is
+reaching his hand up to her, while she looks down on them both."
+title="Die Loreley--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von C. Begas" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Die Loreley<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von C. Begas</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<h3><ins class="correction" title="Title 'I.' added">I.</ins></h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span>bove Coblenz where the Rhine flows through
+hills covered with vineyards, there is a steep
+rock, round which many a legend has been
+woven&mdash;the Lurlei Rock. The boatman
+gazes up at its gigantic summit with awful reverence
+when his boat glides over the waters at twilight. Like
+chattering children the restless waves whisper round
+the rock, telling wonderful tales of its doings. Above
+on its gray head, the legend relates that a beautiful
+but false nymph, clothed in white with a wreath of
+stars in her flowing hair, used to sit and sing sweet
+songs, until a sad tragedy drove her forever away.</p>
+
+<p>Long long ago, when night in her dark garment
+descended from the hills, and her silent comrade, the
+pale moon, cast a silver bridge over the deep green
+stream, the soft voice of a woman was heard from the
+rock, and a creature of divine beauty was seen on its
+summit. Her golden locks flowed like a queenly mantle
+from her graceful shoulders, covering her snow-white
+raiment so that her tenderly-formed body appeared
+like a cloud of light. Woe to the boatsman who passed
+the rock at the close of day! As of old, men were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+fascinated by the heavenly song of the Grecian hero,
+so was the unhappy voyager allured by this being to
+sweet forgetfulness, his eyes, even as his soul, would
+be dazzled, and he could no longer steer clear of reefs
+and cliffs, and this beautiful siren only drew him to
+an early grave. Forgetting all else, he would steer
+towards her, already dreaming of having reached her;
+but the jealous waves would wash round his boat and
+at last dash him treacherously against the rocks. The
+roaring waters of the Rhine would drown the cries
+of agony of the victim who would never be seen again.</p>
+
+<p>But the virgin to whom no one had ever approached,
+continued every night to sing soft and low, till
+darkness vanished in the first rays of light, and the
+great star of day drove the gray mists from the valley.</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>Ronald was a proud youth and the boldest warrior
+at the court of his father, the Palatinate Count. He
+heard of this divine, enchanting creature, and his heart
+burned with the desire to behold her. Before having
+seen the water nymph, he felt drawn to her by an irresistible
+power.</p>
+
+<p>Under pretence of hunting, he left the court, and
+succeeded in getting an old sailor to row him to the
+rock. Twilight was brooding over the valley of the
+Rhine when the boat approached the gigantic cliff;
+the departing sun had long sunk below the mountains,
+and now night was creeping on in silence; the evening
+star was twinkling in the deep blue firmament. Was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+it his protecting-angel who had placed it there as a
+warning to the deluded young man?</p>
+
+<p>He gazed at it in rapture for some time, until a low
+cry from the old man at his side interrupted him.
+"The Lorelei!" whispered he, startled, "do you see
+her&mdash;the enchantress?" The only answer was a soft
+murmur which escaped from the youth. With wide-open
+eyes he looked up and lo! there she was. Yes,
+this was she, this wonderful creature! A glorious picture
+in a dark frame. Yes, that was her golden hair,
+and those were her flowing white garments.</p>
+
+<p>She was hovering up above on the rocks combing
+her beautiful hair; rays of light surrounded her graceful
+head, revealing her charms in spite of the night
+and the distance and as he gazed, her lips opened, and
+a song thrilled through the silence, soft and plaintive
+like the sweet notes of a nightingale on a still summer
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>From her height she looked down into the hazy
+distance and cast at the youth a rapturous look which
+sank down into his soul, thrilling his whole frame.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes were fixed on the features of this celestial
+being where he read the sweet story of love.... Rocks,
+stream, glorious night, all melted into a mist before
+his eyes, he saw nothing but the figure above, nothing
+but her radiant eyes. The boat crept along, too slowly
+for him, he could no longer remain in it, and if his
+ear did not deceive him, this creature seemed to whisper
+his name with unutterable sweetness, and calling
+to her, he dashed into the water.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>A death-like cry echoed from the rocks ... and the
+waves sighed and washed over the unhappy youth's
+corpse.</p>
+
+<p>The old boatman moaned and crossed himself, and
+as he did so, lightning tore the clouds asunder, and
+a loud peal of thunder was heard over the mountains.
+Then the waves whispered gently below, and again
+from the heights above, sad and dying away, sounded
+the Lurlei's song.</p>
+
+
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>The sad news was soon brought to the Palatinate
+Count, who was overpowered with grief and anger.
+He ordered the false enchantress to be delivered up
+to him, dead or alive.</p>
+
+<p>The next day a boat sailed down the Rhine, manned
+by four hardy bold warriors. The leader looked up
+sternly at the great rocks which seemed to be smiling
+silently down at him. He had asked permission to
+dash the diabolical seducer from the top of the rocks
+into the foaming whirlpool below, where she would
+find a certain death, and the count had readily agreed
+to this plan of revenge.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>The first shades of twilight were gliding softly over
+mountain and hill.</p>
+
+<p>The rock was surrounded by armed men, and the
+leader, followed by some daring comrades, was climbing
+up the side of the mountain the top of which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+was veiled in a golden mist, which the men thought
+were the last rays of sunset. It was a bright gleam of
+light enshrouding the nymph who appeared on the
+rocks, dreamingly combing her golden hair. She then
+took a string of pearls from her bosom, and with her
+slender white hand bound them round her forehead.
+She cast a mocking glance at the threatening men
+approaching her.</p>
+
+<p>"What are the weak sons of the earth seeking up
+here on the heights?" said she, moving her rosy lips
+scornfully. "You sorceress!" cried the leader enraged,
+adding with a contemptuous smile, "You! We shall
+dash you down into the river below!"</p>
+
+<p>An echoing laugh was heard over the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! the Rhine will come himself to fetch me!" cried
+the maiden.</p>
+
+<p>Then bending her slender body over the precipice
+yawning below, she tore the jewels from her forehead,
+hurling them triumphantly into the waters, while in a
+low sweet voice she sang:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Haste thee, haste thee oh father dear!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Send forth thy steeds from the waters clear.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I will ride with the waves and the wind!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Then a storm burst forth, the Rhine rose, covering
+its banks with foam. Two gigantic billows like snow-white
+steeds rose out of the depths, and carried the
+nymph down into the rushing current.</p>
+
+
+<h3>V.</h3>
+
+<p>The terrified messengers returned to the count,
+bringing him the tidings of this wonderful event.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>Ronald, whose body a chance wave had washed up
+on the banks of the river, was deeply mourned throughout
+the country.</p>
+
+<p>From this time forth, the Lorelei was never seen
+again. Only when night sheds her dark shadow on
+the hills, and the pale moon weaves a silver bridge
+over the deep green stream, then the voice of a woman,
+soft and low, is heard echoing from the weird
+heights of the rocks.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.</p>
+
+<p>Thou canst find it, O Wanderer, in the eyes of the
+maidens near the Rhine. It blooms on their cheeks, it
+lingers on their rosy lips, there thou wilt find its traces.</p>
+
+<p>Arm thy heart, steel thy will, blindfold thine eye!</p>
+
+<p>As a poet of the Rhine once wisely and warningly
+sang, "My son, my son, beware of the Rhine...."</p>
+
+<p>The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+<h2>RHEINFELS</h2>
+
+<h2>St. George's Linden</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he ruins of Castle Rheinfels, which stand
+above the pretty little town of St. Goar,
+are the most extensive of their kind on the
+Rhine. The castle was erected in the middle
+of the 13th century by Count Dietherr, a nobleman
+belonging to the famous Rhenish family of Katzenelnbogen.
+It was a strongly fortified burg, and within
+ten years of its completion the mighty ramparts witnessed
+several bloody encounters. Twenty-six Rhenish
+cities once combined to carry the invulnerable fortress,
+but though some 4000 lives were sacrificed the army
+retreated baffled. For centuries after this, the banner
+of the Hessian Landgraf waved from its battlements,
+none daring to attack it. Then the fanatic Gallic forces
+of the Revolution entered the Rhineland, and laid the
+magnificent castle in ruins.</p>
+
+<p>There is a legend associated with Rheinfels which
+dates from that age of chivalry when noble knights
+and their squires trod its courts, and this legend seems
+touched with the sadness of the history of the castle
+itself. The Count of Rheinfels was the proud father
+of a lovely daughter, and among her numerous wooers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+it was George Br&ouml;mser of R&uuml;desheim who had won
+the maiden's heart. No one was more incensed at
+this than the knight of Berg. This knight belonged
+indeed to a race said to have been descended from an
+archbishop of Cologne, but his disposition was evil,
+and his covetousness and avarice made him wish to
+increase what earthly possessions he had. But the
+lord of Rheinfels was shrewd enough and hesitated
+before entrusting his pretty daughter and her large
+dowry to such a man. As already remarked this
+entirely agreed with the maiden's desire. She was
+really deeply in love with the chivalrous young knight
+of R&uuml;desheim, but shrank, almost with aversion, from
+the impetuous wooing of the harsh and selfish knight
+of Berg.</p>
+
+<p>Some time after the betrothal of the lovers the date
+of the marriage was fixed. Before the marriage had
+been celebrated however young Br&ouml;mser appeared at
+R&uuml;desheim in the early dawn on his steaming war-horse,
+having ridden during the night from R&uuml;desheim
+to bring the following sad intelligence to his beloved.
+The Emperor Albrecht had summoned the nobles to
+do battle against the Swiss confederates, who had
+renounced their allegiance, driven the imperial representatives
+from their land, and finally declared war
+against their overlord. The knights of the Rhineland
+were called upon to suppress the flames of rebellion.
+On receiving the pressing call of the Emperor, Br&ouml;mser
+did not hesitate for a moment but resolved to
+obey his feudal superior.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>At first the young bride wept, but when her lover
+comforted her with words of endearment, and her
+father praised the soldierly resolution of the young
+man, the maiden calmly submitted to the will of God.
+Before the young knight rode off he took a young
+linden-tree which he had pulled up in a grove, and
+having removed the soil with his sword, he planted
+the sapling in front of the castle. Then he spoke as
+follows to his bride. "Tend this budding linden
+which I have planted here to the honour of my patron
+saint. You shall keep troth with me so long as it
+flourishes, but if it fade (and may St. George in his
+grace prevent it) then you may forget me, for I shall
+be dead." The weeping bride threw herself in her
+lover's arms, and while he enfolded her gently with
+his right, with his left he raised his sword, and showed
+her engraved upon it in ancient letters, for daily repetition,
+the words: "Preserve O everlasting God, the
+body here, the soul hereafter. Help, knight St. George."
+Then, after receiving many kind wishes from his sorrowing
+friends, the young soldier rode in the morning
+mist down through the woods to join the imperial
+forces.</p>
+
+<p>Several months passed. Then the melancholy news
+got abroad in the German land that something disastrous
+had happened in the campaign against the Swiss
+peasants. At last came a trustworthy report to the
+effect that a bloody defeat had overtaken the proud
+army of Albrecht. It was at Morgarten, where the
+noble hero called Arnold of Winkelried had opened<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+up to his countrymen a pathway to freedom over his
+spearpierced body. Many counts and barons found
+on that day a grave in the land of the Swiss, and
+sounds of mourning were to be heard in many a German
+castle. But to Castle Rheinfels no traveller brought
+any tidings either of weal or woe, and we can imagine
+with what sickness of heart the maiden waited, and
+how her hope faded as the days and weeks slipped
+past. It was so long since the ill-fated army had set
+out against the Forest Cantons, and now the thoughts
+of men were turned in other directions, while the
+Swiss peasants were quietly allowed to reap the fruits
+of their bravery. The most sanguine found it difficult
+to cheer the drooping maiden of Castle Rheinfels.</p>
+
+<p>Then one day her former wooer, the mean avaricious
+Dietrich of Berg, presented himself. It was certain
+that George Br&ouml;mser must be dead, and he was
+come again to sue for the hand of so desirable a young
+lady. The dejected maiden informed her eager wooer
+that she had plighted her troth to her absent lover
+beside the linden-tree flourishing in front of the castle.
+Only when this tree, consecrated to St. George, should
+fade would she be released from her promise. The
+knight of Berg departed in anger, and immediately
+betook himself to a wood and there selected a decayed
+linden, as similar as possible to the green one growing
+before Castle Rheinfels. In the night he cautiously
+approached the castle, tore up the linden, flung it
+with a curse into the Rhine, and then planted in its
+place the withered sapling. Next morning, a morning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+bright with the promise of spring, the fair daughter
+of Rheinfels stepped out on the lawn. A cry of pain
+escaped her lips when she perceived the faded tree.
+The days and weeks that followed were spent in deep
+grief. After a suitable time had elapsed, the knight
+of Berg again put in an appearance at Rheinfels, mightily
+pleased with himself. Again he sought the hand
+of the maiden now released from her solemn promise.
+Sadly, but firmly however she told her importunate
+wooer that she would keep troth with her lover in
+death as in life. Then the wrath of the despised
+knight drove him to commit a horrible deed. In his
+savage anger he drew his sword and buried it in the
+maiden's breast. Fleeing from the scene of his dreadful
+crime he was suddenly seized with remorse, and
+like Our Lord's avaricious disciple, he went and hanged
+himself. Deep was the sorrow in Castle Rheinfels
+over the sacrifice of this innocent young bride, who
+had kept her troth so nobly. But grief and tears
+could not replace the lost one. In the midst of the
+mourning a stranger was announced. He came from
+the Swiss land.</p>
+
+<p>After the battle of Morgarten a brave Swiss had found
+George Br&ouml;mser with broken limbs and many bleeding
+wounds amongst a heap of slain. In a peasant's hut the
+wounded man lay long in pain and weakness. His broken
+limbs required long and patient attention. Finally, after
+much suffering, George Br&ouml;mser, the last of all the campaigners
+rode back to the Rhineland, with his lover's
+name on his lips and her image in his heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>With uncovered head the lord of Rheinfels showed
+the young man the grave of his beloved, and there
+the two men embraced each other long and silently.
+The young soldier pulled up the faded linden-tree and
+hurled it into the Rhine, while on the newly-made
+grave he planted white lilies. George Br&ouml;mser did
+not a second time fall in love, but remained true to
+his chosen bride to the end of his days. We are told
+that in the company of knightly minstrels he sought
+to forget his great sorrow, and that later he composed
+many pretty songs. One of them has survived the
+centuries, and was recently discovered, along with
+the melody, in an old manuscript. It begins:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A linden stands in yonder vale,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Ah God! what does it there?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>
+<h2>STERRENBERG AND LIEBENSTEIN</h2>
+
+<h2>The Brothers</h2>
+
+
+<h3>I.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the middle ages, an old knight belonging
+to the court of the Emperor Conrad II.
+lived in a castle called Sternberg, near
+Boppard. The old warrior had two sons
+left to him. His wife had died many years before, and
+since her death, merry laughter had seldom been heard
+in the halls of the beautiful castle.</p>
+
+<p>Soon a ray of sunshine seemed to break into these
+solemn rooms; a distant cousin at R&uuml;desheim had died,
+leaving his only child, a beautiful young girl, to the
+care of his relative.</p>
+
+<p>The golden-haired Angela became the pet of the
+castle, and won the affection and friendship of the two
+sons by her engaging ways. What had already happened
+hundred of times now happened among these
+young people, love replaced the friendship of the two
+young knights and both tried to win the maiden's
+favour.</p>
+
+<p>The old master of the castle noticed this change,
+and his father's heart forbode trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Both sons were equally dear to him, but perhaps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+his first-born, who had inherited his mother's gentle
+character, fulfilled his heart's desire more than the fiery
+spirit of Conrad the younger.</p>
+
+<p>From the first moment when the orphan appeared
+at his family seat, he had conceived the thought that
+his favourite son Henry, who was heir to his name
+and estates, would marry the maiden.</p>
+
+<p>Henry loved Angela with a profound, sincere feeling
+which he seldom expressed.</p>
+
+<p>His brother, on the contrary, made no secret of his
+ardent love, and soon the old man perceived with
+sorrow that the beautiful girl returned his younger
+son's passionate love. Henry, too, was not unaware of
+the happiness of this pair, and in generous self-denial
+he tried to bury his grief, and to rejoice heartily in
+his brother's success.</p>
+
+<p>The distress of the elder brother did not escape
+Angela. She was much moved when she first remarked
+that his voice trembled on pronouncing her name,
+but soon love dazzled her eyes, so that the clouds on
+his troubled countenance passed unnoticed by her.</p>
+
+<p>About this time St. Bernhard of Clairvaux came
+from France to the Rhine, preaching a second crusade
+against the Infidels. The fiery words of the saintly
+monk roused many thousands to action; his appeal
+likewise reached the castle of Sternberg.</p>
+
+<p>Henry, though not envying his brother's happiness,
+felt that it would be impossible for him to be a constant
+witness of it, and thus he was glad to answer
+this call, and to take up the cross.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>Conrad, too, longing for action and dominated by
+the impulse of the moment, was stirred up by the
+witching charms which a crusade to Palestine offered.
+His adventurous soul, cramped up in this castle so
+far removed from the world, thirsted for the adventures,
+which he imagined were awaiting the crusaders
+in the far-off East. In vain the tears and prayers of
+the young girl were shed, in vain was the sorrow of
+his father who begged him not to desert him.</p>
+
+<p>The old man was in despair about the unbending
+resolutions of his sons.</p>
+
+<p>"Who will remain at the castle of my forefathers,
+if you both abandon it now, perhaps never to return,"
+cried he sorrowfully. "I implore you, my eldest son,
+you, the very image of your mother, to have pity on
+your father's gray hairs. And you, Conrad, have pity
+on the tears of your betrothed." The brothers remained
+silent. Then the eldest grasped the old man's hand,
+saying gently.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not leave you, my father."</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Angela," said the younger to the weeping
+maiden, "you will try and bear this separation, and
+will plant a sprig of laurel to make a wreath for me
+when I return."</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>The next day the young knight left the home of his
+forefathers. At first the maiden seemed inconsolable
+in her grief. But soon her love began to slumber like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+a tired child; on awakening from this drowsiness indignation
+seized her, whispering complainingly in her
+ear, and disturbing all the sweet memories in which
+the picture of her light-hearted lover gleamed forth,
+he who had parted from her for the sake of empty glory.</p>
+
+<p>Now left to herself, she began to consider the proud
+youth who was forced to live under the same roof
+with his rejected love. She admired his good qualities
+which all seemed to have escaped her before, his great
+daring at the chase, his skill with weapons, and his
+many kind acts of pure friendship to her, with the view
+of sweetening the bitter separation from which she
+was suffering.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed afraid of rousing the love which was
+still sleeping in his heart.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime Angela felt herself drawn more and
+more towards the knight; she wished to try and make
+him understand that her love for his younger brother
+had only been a youthful passion, which seemed to
+have flown when he left her. She felt unhappy when
+she understood that Henry, whom she now began really
+to love, seemed to feel nothing but brotherly affection
+for her, and she longed in her inmost soul for a word
+of love from him.</p>
+
+<p>Henry was not unaware of this change in her affections,
+but he proudly smothered every rising thought in his
+heart for his brother's betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight was greatly pleased when, one day,
+Angela came to him, and with tears in her eyes disclosed
+to him the secret of her heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>He prayed God fervently to bring these two loving
+hearts together whom he believed were destined for
+one another by will of God. In his dreams he already
+saw Angela in her castle like his dead wife and his
+first-born son, rocking her little baby, a blue-eyed, fair-haired
+child. Then he would suddenly recollect his
+impetuous younger son fighting in the crusades, and
+his dreams would be hastily interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>Just opposite to his ancestral hall he caused a proud
+fort to be built, and called it "Liebenstein," intending
+it for his second son when he returned from the Holy Land.
+The castle was hardly finished, when the old man died.</p>
+
+<p>The crusade at last was at an end. All the knights
+from the Rhine country brought back the news with
+them on their return from the Holy Land, that Conrad
+had married a beautiful Grecian woman in the East
+and was now on his way home with her.</p>
+
+<p>Henry was beside himself with wrath on hearing
+this news. Such dishonourable conduct and shameful
+neglect seemed impossible to him, and going to the maiden
+he informed her of his brother's approaching return.</p>
+
+<p>She turned very pale, her lips moved, but her tongue
+found no words.</p>
+
+
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>A large ship was seen one day sailing along the
+Rhine with strange flags waving on its masts. Angela
+saw it from her tower where she now spent many a
+long day reflecting on her unfortunate destiny, and she
+hastily called up the elder brother.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>The ship approached nearer and nearer. Soon the
+cries of the boatmen could be heard, and the faces of
+the crew could be distinguished.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the maiden uttered a cry, and threw herself
+weeping into the arms of the knight. The latter gazed
+at the vessel, his brows contracted. Yes! there on board,
+in shining armour, stood his brother, with a beautiful
+strange woman clinging to his arm.</p>
+
+<p>The ship touched land. One of the first, Conrad
+sprang on shore. The two watchers in the tower disappeared.
+A man approached Conrad and informed
+him that the new castle was destined for him. The same day
+the impetuous knight sent notice of his arrival to Sternberg
+castle, but his brother answered him, that he would
+wait for him on the bridge, but would only meet sword in
+hand the faithless lover who had deserted his betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight was creeping over the two castles. On the
+narrow ground separating the forts the brothers strove
+together in a deadly fight.</p>
+
+<p>They were equally courageous, equally strong those
+two opponents, and their swords crossed swiftly, one
+in righteous anger, the other in wounded pride. But
+soon the elder received a blow, and the blood began
+to drop on his breastplate.</p>
+
+<p>The bushes were at this moment suddenly pushed
+asunder, and a maiden, veiled in white, dashed in between
+the fighters thrusting them from each other. It was
+Angela, who cried out in a despairing voice:</p>
+
+<p>"In God's name stop! and for your father's sake cease,
+ere it be too late. She for whom you have drawn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>
+your swords, is now going to take the veil, and will
+beg God day and night to forgive you, Conrad, for
+your falseness, and will pray Him to bless you and
+your brother for ever."</p>
+
+<p>Both brothers threw down their arms. Conrad, his
+head deeply bowed, covered his face with his hand.
+He did not dare to look at the maiden who stood
+there, a silent reproach to him. Henry took the weeping
+girl's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Come sister," said he, "such faithlessness does not
+deserve your tears."</p>
+
+<p>They disappeared among the trees. Silently Conrad
+stood gazing after them. A feeling which he had never
+known seemed to rise up in his heart, and, bending
+his head, he wept bitterly.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>The cloister, Marienburg, lay in a valley at some
+distance from the castles, and there Angela found peace.
+A wall was soon built up between the two forts Sternberg
+and Liebenstein, a silent witness of the enmity
+between the two brothers.</p>
+
+<p>Banquet followed banquet in the newly built castle,
+and the beautiful Grecian won great triumphs among
+the knights of the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>But sorrow seemed to have taken possession of Sternberg
+castle. Henry had not wished to move the maiden
+from her purpose, but from the time of her departure,
+his strength faded away. At the foot of the mountain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+he caused a cloister to be built, and a few months
+later he passed away from this world, just on the same
+day that the bells were tolling for Angela's death.</p>
+
+<p>The lord of Liebenstein was not granted a lasting
+happiness with his beautiful wife. She fled with a knight
+who had long enjoyed the lavish hospitality at castle
+Liebenstein. Conrad, overcome by sorrow and disgrace,
+threw himself from a pinnacle of the castle into the
+depths below.</p>
+
+<p>The strongholds then fell into the hands of Knight
+Br&ouml;mser of R&uuml;desheim, and since that time have fallen
+into ruins. The church and cloister still remain in the
+valley, and are the scene of many a pilgrimage.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+<h2>RHENSE</h2>
+
+<h2>The Emperor Wenzel</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the middle of a beautiful meadow at
+Rhense near <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Coblentz'">Coblenz</ins> stands the famous
+historical "king's chair." Here, where the
+lands of the three great prelates of Cologne,
+Mayence and Treves join together, the princely Seven
+met to choose the new ruler who was to direct the
+destiny of the Holy Roman Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Here Charles IV. was chosen by the free will of
+the Electors; here also the Seven elected Wenzeslaus
+of the house of Luxemburg, Charles' son, emperor.
+During his life-time Charles had exerted himself very
+much over the election of his first-born son, and he
+even made a pilgrimage with him to Rhense on the
+Rhine where, at the renowned "K&ouml;nigsstuhl," the chancellor
+of the kingdom, Archbishop of Mayence, often
+held important conferences with their Graces of Treves
+and Cologne, and the Count Palatine.</p>
+
+<p>This Wenzeslaus of Bohemia had a great predilection
+for the Rhine and its wines, and later on, when, less
+by his own merits, than by the exertions of his father
+and the favour of the electors, he became German
+emperor, his brother inheriting the sandy country of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
+Brandenburg, he had even then paid more honours
+to the Rhine wine than any other of its lovers. It
+afforded him a greater pleasure than the enjoyment
+of wearing a crown. Finding that a good drink
+tasted better at the place of its origin, he often visited
+the brave Count Palatine of the Rhine who dwelt in
+this blissful country, and who had more casks in his
+cellar than there are saints' days in a year.</p>
+
+<p>This proof of imperial confidence was by no means
+disagreeable to the very noble Elector Ruprecht of
+the Palatinate, and he neglected no opportunity of
+striving to ingratiate himself more and more in the
+emperor's favour.</p>
+
+<p>Gallant Ruprecht would not unwillingly have exchanged
+his little Palatinate crown for an imperial
+one. Sometimes when his royal guest, becoming very
+jovial from the wine he had taken, confessed that the
+high dignity of emperor was becoming troublesome
+to him, the count agreed with him frankly, and never
+failed to let his imperial master know that the electors
+were discontented at his careless administration, and
+would be well pleased if he retired. Emperor Wenzel
+listened to all he said with perfect indifference, continuing
+in the meantime to revel in his wine.</p>
+
+<p>One day the emperor was sitting with his gay companions
+at the K&ouml;nigsstuhl in Rhense. They were all
+very merry, as the cup of Assmannsh&auml;user wine had
+already been passed round many times. This delicious
+vintage was very pleasing to Wenzel, and the
+other drinkers could not find words enough to praise it.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>While the goblets were being handed round, and
+sounds of joviality filled the royal hall, the emperor
+stood up suddenly and, addressing himself to the count,
+said in a very light-hearted tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the crown which was set on my head
+would not be very unsuitable to you. Well, I offer
+it to you, if you are able to place before me and my
+companions here, a wine which tastes better than this
+Assmannsh&auml;user."</p>
+
+<p>There was a cunning twinkle in the count's eyes as
+he beckoned to his page. After a while a servant
+rolled in a great cask, from which the cups were at
+once filled. The count stood up and presented the
+first goblet to the emperor.</p>
+
+<p>"That is my Bacharacher wine, noble lords. Taste
+it; I can wait for your judgment without fear."</p>
+
+<p>They all drank, and every face beamed with pleasure.
+The opinions were undivided in favour of the fiery
+Bacharacher. The emperor rose and loudly declared
+he preferred it to the Assmannsh&auml;user. He could not
+praise it too highly, nor drink enough of it.</p>
+
+<p>"This wine is worth more than a thousand crowns!"
+said he, enthusiastically. Wenzel kept his word and
+ceded his crown to Ruprecht of the Palatinate who,
+in his turn, made the emperor a present of six waggon-loads
+of Bacharacher wine.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CASTLE LAHNECK</h2>
+
+<h2>The Templars of Lahneck</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapo"><span class="dropcap">O</span></span>n the opposite side of the Rhine from Coblenz,
+and towering above Lahnstein, rises
+Castle Lahneck, a keep shaped somewhat
+in the form of a pentagon. Lahneck succumbed
+to the hordes of Louis XIII. in the same year as
+the castle of Heidelberg was destroyed. The following
+stirring tale is associated with Lahneck.</p>
+
+<p>It was the Templars of Jerusalem who erected this
+fortress whose imposing watch-tower rises nearly 100
+feet above the main building. The riches of the Templars
+led to their destruction. The contemptible French king,
+Philip the Fair, by making grave complaints to the
+Pope obtained an order for the abolition of this much-abused
+order, and dragged the Grand Master with fifty
+of his faithful followers to the stake. Everywhere a
+cruel policy of extermination was immediately adopted
+against the outlawed knights, the chief motive of the
+persecutors being rather a desire to confiscate the rich
+possessions of the Templars than any religious zeal
+against heretics and sinners.</p>
+
+<p>Peter von Aspelt, Archbishop of Mainz, had cast
+envious eyes on proud Lahneck which sheltered twelve<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+Knights-Templars and their retainers. Alleging some
+faulty conduct on the part of the soldiers of the cross,
+he gave orders that the castle should be razed, and
+that the knights should exchange the white mantle with
+the red cross for the monk's cowl, but to this the
+twelve as knights <i>sans peur et sans reproche</i> issued a
+stout defiance. This excited the greed and rage of the
+archbishop all the more. From the pontiff, whom with
+his own hands he had successfully nursed on his sick-bed
+at Avignon, Peter von Aspelt procured full power
+over the goods and lives of the excommunicated knights
+of Lahneck. He then proceeded down the Rhine with
+many vassals and mercenaries, and presented the Pope's
+letter to the Templars, at the same time commanding
+them to yield. Otherwise their castle would be taken
+by storm, and the inmates as impenitent sinners would
+die a shameful death on the gallows. The oldest of
+the twelve, a man with silvery hair, advanced and declared
+in the name of his brethren, that they were
+resolved to fight to the last drop of their blood, and
+further, that they were quite prepared to suffer like
+their brethren in France. And so the fight between
+such fearful odds began. Many soldiers of the Electorate
+fell under the swords of the knights and their
+faithful servants, but ever the furious archbishop ordered
+forward new bands to fill the gaps. Day by day the
+ranks of the defenders became thinner. Prominent
+everywhere in this hand to hand struggle were the
+heroic forms of the twelve Templars, in white mantle
+with blood-red cross. At last, at a breach which had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+been defended with leonine courage, one of the noble
+twelve sank beneath his shattered shield, and closed
+his eyes in death. A second shared his fate, then a
+third. The others, bleeding from many wounds and
+aided by the sorely diminished remnant of their retainers,
+redoubled their brave efforts, but still death
+made havoc in their ranks. When, on the evening of
+the day of fiercest onslaught the victorious besiegers
+planted their banner on the captured battlement, the
+silver-haired veteran, the former spokesman, stood with
+blood-flecked sword among the bodies of his fallen
+comrades, the last survivor. Touched by such noble
+heroism the archbishop informed him that he would
+be allowed to surrender; but calling down the curse
+of heaven on worldly churchmen and their greed of
+land, he raised on high his sword and rushed upon
+his foes. Pierced with many wounds the last of the
+twelve sank to the earth, and over the corpse of this
+noble man the soldiers of Mainz pressed into the
+fortress itself.</p>
+
+<p>Peter von Aspelt preserved Lahneck as a place of
+defence and residence for an officer of the Electorate
+of Mainz, and nominated as first holder of the post,
+Hartwin von Winningen. The castle remained in the
+possession of the Electorate of Mainz for 300 years, but
+the sad story of the twelve heroic Templars is remembered
+in the neighbourhood of Lahneck to this day.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>
+<h2>COBLENZ</h2>
+
+<h2>Riza</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n the first quarter of the 9th century, when
+the pious Ludwig, son of Charlemagne, was
+struggling with his misguided children for
+the imperial crown, a church was built in
+Coblenz to St. Castor, the missionary who had spread
+christianity in the valley of the Moselle. The four-towered
+edifice arose on a branch of the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>The palace of the Frankish king stood at this time
+on the highest south-western point of Coblenz, on the
+site of a former Roman fort, and near by was a
+nunnery, dedicated to St. Castor. In this building lived
+Riza, a daughter of Ludwig the Pious, who had early
+dedicated her life to the church. Every day this king's
+daughter went to mass in the Castor church on the
+opposite side of the Rhine. So great grace had Riza
+found in the sight of Our Lord, that like His disciple
+of old on the sea of Genesareth, she walked over the
+Rhine dry-footed to the holy sacrament in St. Castor's.
+One day, the sacred legend goes on to say, the stream
+was agitated by a storm. For the first time doubt
+entered the maiden's heart as her foot touched the
+waves. Prudently tearing a prop from a neighbouring<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+vineyard, she took it with her for a staff over the
+troubled waters. But after a few timid steps, she sank
+like St. Peter on the Galilean lake. In this wretched
+plight she became full of remorse for her want of
+faith in God. She flung the stick far away, and lifting
+her arms towards heaven, committed herself to the
+sole protection of the Almighty. At once she rose up
+from the waves, and arrived, with dry feet as heretofore,
+on the other side. More than ever after this did
+Riza, this saintly daughter of a saintly king, strive to
+excel in those works which are pleasing to God. She
+died within the cloister, and her bones were laid in
+the Castor church, near the burial-place of the saint.
+Soon the popular imagination canonised Riza, and her
+marble tomb is still to be seen in the North transept
+of the Castor church at Coblenz.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+<h2>VALLEY OF THE MOSELLE</h2>
+
+<h2>The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he wine of Bernkastel is called "Doctor's
+wine," or even shorter still "Doctor," and
+it has been known by this singular name
+for more than five hundred years.</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of the fourteenth century Bishop
+Bohemund lay ill of a very violent fever at Bernkastel.
+The worthy man was obliged to swallow many a
+bitter pill and many a sour drink, but all without
+avail. The poor divine began at last to fear the
+worst. Despite his high calling and his earnest search
+after holy things, his bishopric on the lovely Moselle
+pleased him better than any seat in heaven. He caused
+it to be proclaimed throughout the length and
+breadth of his diocese, that whoever should be able
+to cure him of this terrible fever, be he layman or
+learned doctor, should receive his pastoral blessing,
+and a rich present into the bargain.</p>
+
+<p>At that very time, a brave old warrior lived at
+Treves, who heard about the suffering bishop and had
+pity on him in his great need.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover this gray-haired veteran, whose name has
+not come down to posterity, was very much indebted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+to the bishop, for once, many years before, Bohemund
+had saved him from the hands of the enemy in a
+skirmish near Sponheim.</p>
+
+<p>The noble old soldier was much distressed to hear
+that the holy man was suffering so terribly. He remembered
+too, that once he himself had been attacked
+by violent fever and had fought hard with death, and
+that his friends had talked about pills and certain
+bitter drinks, but he had sent them all away and had
+called his servant, desiring him to bring him a good
+bowl of fiery Bernkastler wine. When he had taken
+a hearty drink,&mdash;no small matter for one lying ill of
+fever&mdash;he awoke out of a deep sleep twelve hours
+later, the fever completely gone.</p>
+
+<p>Why should not this same Bernkastler cure, thought
+he, have the same effect on the worthy prelate?</p>
+
+<p>After considering for a time, the old knight set out
+quite alone from his castle in the forest of Soon to
+visit his spiritual benefactor, taking only a little cask
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>Bohemund, lying on his sick bed, is said to have
+cast a very suspicious look at the good man who
+stated that he could cure him, but who carried all his
+medicines and mixtures in a little cask on his shoulder.
+The knight however, making a sign to the officious
+servants and attendants to leave the chamber, informed
+the reverend gentleman of what he was about to do.
+He then calmly took the plug out of the cask, and
+gave the sick man a drink of the sparkling wine which
+he had brought with him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>The bishop readily swallowed the wine at one
+draught. Another was administered to him soon after,
+and the eminent prelate fell into a deep sleep.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the people of Treves heard with great
+joy that the fever had completely disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The bishop on awaking took another stout draught,
+and sang out of the depths of his grateful heart:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"This famous wine restored my health,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sure, 'tis a splendid doctor."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ANDERNACH</h2>
+
+<h2>Genovefa</h2>
+
+
+<h3>I.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n all the Rhine provinces the virtuous spouse
+of Count Siegfried of the Palatinate was
+esteemed and venerated. The people called
+her St. Genovefa, which name indeed she
+was worthy of, as she suffered cruel trials and sorrows.
+Siegfried's castle stood near the old town of
+Andernach, just at the time when Charles Martel was
+reigning over the Franks.</p>
+
+<p>Siegfried and his young wife lived in peaceful unity,
+till a cloud came over their happiness. The much-dreaded
+Arabs from Spain had forced their way into
+Gaul, and were now marching northwards, burning
+and destroying all on their course. The enemies of
+the cross must be repulsed, unless the west was to
+share the fate of Africa, which had been subdued by
+the Mohametans.</p>
+
+<p>The war-cry reached the Palatinate, and Siegfried
+had to go forth to the fight. Equipped in his armour,
+and having kissed his weeping wife, he bade farewell
+to the castle of his fathers. But he was sad at heart
+at leaving the spot where the happiest days of his life
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>had been spent. He entrusted the administration of his
+property to Golo, his steward, and recommended his
+beloved wife very earnestly to his protection, begging
+her in turn to trust him in everything.</p>
+
+<p>The poor countess was heart-broken at this bitter
+separation. She felt the loneliness of the castle deeply,
+she longed for his happy presence and the sound of
+his voice. She could never speak to Golo as to the
+friend to whose care her husband had recommended
+her. Her pure eyes shrank from the passionate look
+which gleamed in his. It seemed to her that he followed
+her every movement with a look which her
+childlike soul did not understand.</p>
+
+<p>She missed her husband's presence more and more.
+She would go out on the balcony and weave golden
+dreams, and while she sat there, looking out over the
+hazy blue distance, she longed for the moment when
+Siegfried would return, when she could lean her head
+upon his breast, and tell him of the great happiness
+in store for them.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the war against the heathens might last so
+long that she would be able to hold the pledge of
+their love joyfully out to him from the balcony on his
+return. And the countess' lovely face would be lit up
+with a gleam of blissful happiness, and she would
+while away the time on her favourite spot, dreaming
+and looking out into the hazy blue distance.</p>
+
+<p>The secret aversion which the countess felt towards
+the steward was not without a reason. Her angel-like
+beauty had awakened lustful passion in Golo's breast,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+which he did not strive to hide. On the contrary his
+frequent intercourse with her, who was as gracious to
+him as to all her other inferiors, stirred his passion
+still more, and one day, losing all control, he threw
+himself at the countess' feet, declaring his love for her,
+and imploring her to return it. Genovefa was horrified
+at this confession. With indignation and scorn she
+rejected his love, forbidding him to appear before her
+as he had utterly forgotten his duty, and at the same
+time, threatening to complain of him to her husband.
+Golo's eyes flared up, and a deadly look of hatred
+gleamed from them.</p>
+
+<p>He could hope for no pardon from his angry mistress.
+Besides, his pride would not allow him to seek
+it, and now his one desire was revenge. It only remained
+for him to follow his dastardly plan and to
+avoid Siegfried's wrath.</p>
+
+<p>Hatred raged in his breast. He dismissed all the
+servants of the castle and put new ones of his own
+creation in their places. Then one day he appeared
+before the horrified countess, and openly accused her
+of being unfaithful to her husband far away.</p>
+
+<p>Shame and wrath robbed Genovefa of speech. Golo
+explained to the servants who were standing around
+in silent amazement, that he had already informed the
+count of his wife's faithless conduct, and that he, Golo,
+as present administrator of the castle, now condemned
+the countess to be imprisoned in the dungeon.</p>
+
+<p>The unhappy Genovefa awakened to find herself in
+an underground cell of the castle. She covered her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+face in deep sorrow, imploring Him who had sent
+her this trial, to help her in her present affliction.
+There after some time a son was born to her. She
+baptized him with her tears, giving him the name of
+Tristan, which means "full of sorrows."</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>Siegfried had already been absent six months. He
+had fought like a hero in many a desperate battle.
+The fanatical followers of Mohamet having crossed
+the Pyrenees, struggled with wild enthusiasm, hoping
+to subdue the rest of western Europe to the doctrines
+of Islam by fire and sword. In several encounters, the
+Franks had been obliged to give way to their power.
+These unbridled hordes had already penetrated into
+the heart of Gaul, when Charles first appeared and
+engaged the Arabs in the bloody battle of Tours.
+From morning till evening the struggle on which
+hung the fate of Europe raged. And there Charles
+proved himself worthy of the name of Martel, "the
+hammer," which he afterwards received.</p>
+
+<p>Siegfried fought at the leader's side like a lion; but
+towards evening a Saracen's lance pierced him, and
+though the wound was not mortal, yet he was obliged
+to remain inactive for several months on a sick-bed,
+where he thought with longing in his heart of his
+loving wife by the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>A messenger arrived one day at the camp bearing
+a parchment from Golo, Siegfried's steward. The count
+gazed long at the fateful letter, trying to comprehend<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+its meaning. What he had read, ran thus: "Your wife is
+unfaithful to you and has betrayed you for the sake
+of Drago, a servant, who ran away." The hero crushed
+the letter furiously in his hand, a groan escaping
+from his white lips. Then he started off accompanied
+by a few followers, and rode towards the Ardennes,
+never stopping till he reached his own fort. A man
+stood on the balcony, looking searchingly out into
+the distance, and seeing a cloud of dust approaching
+in which a group of horsemen soon became visible,
+his eyes gleamed triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>A stately knight advanced, his charger stamping
+threateningly on the drawbridge. Golo, with hypocritical
+emotion stood before the count, who had now
+alighted from his foaming horse, and informed him
+again of what had happened. "Where is the evil-doer
+who has stained the honour of my house, where is
+he, that I may crush his life out?" cried Siegfried in
+a fury.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, I have punished the wretch deservedly
+and lashed him out of the castle," answered Golo in
+a stern voice, sighing deeply.</p>
+
+<p>The count made a sign to Golo whose false eyes
+gleamed with devilish joy, to lead the way.</p>
+
+<p>Siegfried entered the dungeon, followed by his servants
+and also by those who had travelled with him.
+Genovefa listened breathlessly in her prison, with a
+loved name trembling on her lips and a prayer to
+God in her heart. Now the terrible trial would come
+to an end, now she would leave this dungeon of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+disgrace triumphantly, and exchange the crown of thorns
+for the victor's wreath.</p>
+
+<p>The bolt was unfastened, firm steps and men's voices
+were heard, the iron doors were dashed open. She
+snatched her slumbering child, the pledge of their
+love, and held it towards her dear husband. His name
+was on her lips, but before she could utter it, a cry
+of agony escaped her. He had cast her from him and,
+his accusations falling like blows from a hammer on
+her head, the poor innocent countess fell senseless to
+the ground. The next day two servants led mother
+and child out into the forest, where with their own
+hands, they were to kill her who had been so unfaithful
+to her husband, and her child also. They were to
+bring back two tongues to the count as a proof that
+they had obeyed his orders.</p>
+
+<p>The servants drove them into the wildest depths of
+the forest where only the screams of birds of prey
+broke the silence. They drew their knives. But the
+poor countess fell on her knees, and holding up her
+little child, implored them to spare their lives, if not
+for her sake, at least for the sake of the helpless child.
+Pity entered the two men's hearts and withheld their
+hands. Dragging the mother and child still deeper into
+the forest, they turned away hastily, leaving their victims
+to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They brought two harts' tongues to the count, informing
+him that they had fulfilled his orders.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>Genovefa's tired feet wandered through the unknown
+forest, her child crying with hunger. She prayed fervently
+to Heaven in her despair, and tears were sent
+to relieve the dull pain in her heart, after which she
+felt more composed, and her child was soon sweetly
+slumbering. To her great astonishment she perceived
+a cavern near her, where she could take shelter, and
+as if God wished to show that He had heard her
+prayer, a white doe came towards the cavern, rubbing
+herself caressingly against the abandoned woman.
+Willingly the gentle animal allowed the little child to
+suckle it. The next day the doe came back again, and
+Genovefa thanked God from the depths of her heart.
+She found roots, berries, and plants, to support herself,
+and every day the tame doe came back to her,
+and at last remained always with her.</p>
+
+<p>Days, weeks, and months passed. Her unfaltering
+faith had rendered her agony less. In time she learned
+to forgive her husband who had condemned her unjustly,
+and she even pardoned him who had taken
+such bitter revenge on her. Her lovely cheeks had
+become thinner, but the forest winds had breathed a
+soft red into them, and the child who had no cares
+nor gnawing pain in its heart, grew into a beautiful
+little boy.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>At the castle on the Rhine, sorrow was a constant
+guest since this terrible event had happened.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+Siegfried's burning anger had sunk into sorrow, and often
+when he was wandering restlessly through the rooms
+so rich in sweet memories, where now a deserted
+stillness reigned, the agony awoke again in his heart.
+He now repented of his hastiness, and a voice whispered
+in his ear that he had been too severe in his
+cruel punishment, that he had condemned too quickly,
+and that he should have considered what he could
+have done to mitigate her punishment.</p>
+
+<p>When these haunting voices pursued him, he would
+hurry away from the castle and its loneliness, not
+being able to bear the torment of his thoughts. Then
+to forget his trouble, he would follow the chase with
+the yelping hounds. But he only seldom succeeded in
+dulling his misery. Everywhere he seemed to see the
+pale face of a woman looking imploringly at him.</p>
+
+<p>The state of his master's soul had not escaped Golo,
+and this crafty man cringed the more to the sorrowful
+count, feigning to care for his welfare. A starving
+person accepts even the bread which a beggar-man
+offers, and Siegfried, supposing his steward wished to
+compensate him for his loss, accepted willingly every
+proof of devotion, and recompensed him with his
+favour, at the same time hating the man in his inmost
+soul who had rendered him such a terrible service.</p>
+
+<p>One day the count rode out to the chase, accompanied
+by only a few retainers, one of whom was
+Golo. Siegfried pressed deeper than was his custom
+into the forest. A milkwhite doe sprang up before him
+and sportsmanlike, he chased this singular animal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+through the bushes, hoping to shoot it. His spear had
+just grazed it, when it disappeared suddenly into a
+cavern. A woman whose ragged garments scarcely
+covered her nakedness, leading a little boy by the
+hand, suddenly came out of the opening in the rock,
+and the doe, seeking protection, rubbed herself against
+her. She looked at the hunter, but her limbs trembled
+so that she could scarcely stand, only her large sad
+eyes gazed wistfully at him. A stifled cry, half triumphant,
+half a groan, escaped from her lips, and she
+threw herself at the count's feet. From the voice which
+for long months had only moved in earnest prayer or
+in low sweet words to the child, now flowed solemn
+protestations of her innocence. Her words burned like
+fire into the soul of the count, and drawing her to
+his breast, he kissed her tears, and then sank at her
+feet imploring her pardon.</p>
+
+<p>He pressed his little boy to his heart, overcome
+with gratitude and happiness, and wept with joy,
+calling him by a thousand affectionate names.</p>
+
+<p>Then at the sound of his bugle-horn his retinue
+hastened towards him, Golo among them.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know these two?" thundered out the count
+to the latter, tearing him from the throng and conducting
+him to Genovefa.</p>
+
+<p>The wretch, as if struck by a club, broke down and,
+clasping his master's knees, he confessed his wickedness
+and begged for mercy. Siegfried thrust him contemptuously
+from him, refusing sternly, in spite of the
+countess' intercession, to pardon his crime. Golo was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+bound and led away, and a disgraceful death was his
+reward.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Now began a time of great happiness for Siegfried
+and his saint-like wife, and they lived in undisturbed
+peace with their little son.</p>
+
+<p>In gratitude to Heaven Siegfried caused a church
+to be built on the spot where the white doe had
+appeared to him first. The countess often made a
+pilgrimage to this house of God, to thank Him who
+had caused her tears to be turned into joy. Then a
+day came when her corpse was carried into the forest,
+and was buried in the church. Even now in Laach,
+the wanderer is shown the church and the tombstone,
+also the cavern where she suffered so much. Thus the
+name of St. Genovefa will last to all time.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+<h2>HAMMERSTEIN</h2>
+
+<h2>The old Knight and his Daughters</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_14.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_14th.jpg" width="400" height="273"
+alt="A painting showing a group of people standing and kneeling at prayer around
+the sarcophagus of Henry IV. A monk sits at the base of the sarcophagus, which
+has a mass of flowers on the lid."
+title="Am Sarge Kaiser Heinrich IV.--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von L. Rosenfelder--Zur Sage von der Burg Hammerstein" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Am Sarge Kaiser Heinrich IV.<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von L. Rosenfelder<br />
+Zur Sage von der Burg Hammerstein</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span>bove Rheinbrohl, on a dreary sandstone rock,
+stand the ruins of the old imperial fortress
+of Hammerstein. For a thousand years the
+storms have beat on those desolate walls.
+One of the first owners was Wolf von Hammerstein,
+a faithful vassal of the Emperor. It was Henry IV.
+who then ruled, and partly by his own faults, partly
+by those of others, the crown had indeed become to
+this sovereign one of thorns. Wolf of Hammerstein
+had made the historic pilgrimage to Canossa alone
+with his master. Now, on account of the infirmities of
+age the venerable knight seldom descended the castle-hill,
+and only from afar, the loud trumpet call of the
+world fell upon his ears. His wife, now for several
+years deceased, had born him six daughters, all attractive
+maidens and tenderly attached to their surviving
+parent, but their filial affection met with the roughest
+and most ungrateful responses from the sour old
+fellow. It was a sore grievance to Wolf of Hammerstein
+that he had no son. He would willingly have
+exchanged his halfdozen daughters for a single male
+heir. The girls were only too well aware of this fact,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+and tried all the more, by constant love and tender
+care to reconcile their ungracious parent to his lot.</p>
+
+<p>One evening it thus befell. The autumn wind
+grumbled round the castle like a croaking raven, and
+the old knight, Wolf of Hammerstein, sat by a cheerful
+fire and peevishly nursed his gouty limbs. In spite
+of the most assiduous attentions of his daughters he
+remained in a most surly mood. The pretty maidens
+however kept hovering round the ill-tempered old
+fellow like so many tender doves. Then the porter
+announced two strangers. Both were wrapped in their
+knightly mantles, and in spite of his troubles the
+hospitable lord of the castle prepared to welcome his
+guests. Into the comfortable room two shivering and
+weary travellers advanced, and as outlaws they craved
+shelter and protection for the night. At the sound of
+one of the voices the knight started up, listening
+eagerly, and when the stranger raised his visor and
+threw back his mantle, Wolf of Hammerstein sank on
+his knees at the stranger's feet, and seizing his hand
+he pressed it to his lips, exclaiming: "Henry, my lord
+and king!" Then, with trembling voice the Emperor
+told his old comrade-in-arms that he was a fugitive,
+and before one who had torn from him the imperial
+crown and mantle. And when the old knight, trembling
+with excitement, demanded who this impious and
+dishonourable man might be, the Emperor murmured
+the words, "My son," and then buried his face in his
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>Rigid as a marble statue stood the old knight. Like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+a bolt from heaven the consciousness of his past
+ignoble conduct had flashed upon him. Suddenly he
+seemed to feel how tenderly the loving arms of his
+daughters had enfolded him. He spread out his hands
+towards them, as if anxious to atone by the tenderness
+of a minute for the harshness of years. Then the
+Emperor, deeply touched, thus addressed the old man.
+"Dear comrade-in-arms, your position is indeed enviable.
+The faithful love of your daughters will tend
+you in your declining years. No misguided son, impatient
+for your end, will hunt you from your home.
+Alas, for me, to-morrow accompanied by a few faithful
+followers, I must go down to battle against my
+own flesh and blood."</p>
+
+<p>Towards midnight the unhappy monarch was conducted
+to a room prepared with care for his reception;
+and, while he sank into a troubled sleep, the old
+knight overwhelmed his daughters with long-delayed
+caresses. In his heart, he silently entreated for pardon
+for the deep grudge he had long cherished against
+the God who had been pleased to grant him no son.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Three months had passed by. Sad news came to
+the Rhine from the Netherlands. The Emperor Henry
+was dead. In the midst of fresh warlike preparations
+death claimed him. His faithful partisans were therefore<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+greatly grieved and more especially Wolf of
+Hammerstein. But the second part of the tidings made
+him even sadder. The consecrated earth was denied
+to the unfortunate dead Emperor. His coffin was placed
+in a cellar in Liege without any respect. Whoever
+wished could go there to slander or to pray for the
+repose of his soul, whenever they desired. When the
+knight was told of this he swore vehemently and did
+not close his eyes for several nights. Then his mind
+was made up. All the prayers and weeping of the
+daughters did not make him alter his decision.</p>
+
+<p>One day he stood before the Archbishop of Cologne
+and reminded him how he had saved his life more than
+twenty years ago, and he recalled to his memory that he
+had promised to grant any wish of the Hammersteins.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great discussion between the knight
+and the bishop. But the fidelity of the vassal was
+rewarded. The strong ecclesiastical protection of the
+church at Cologne facilitated the steps to the priests in
+Liege. Surrounded by pious women and earnest men
+he knelt, a week later, before the sarcophagus, he
+pressed his lips to it and murmured "Henry my master
+and my King." Afterwards he had the body transferred
+to Speyer where it was placed in the royal tomb.</p>
+
+<p>When the mournful vessel went up the Rhine from
+Cologne, by order of the knight black flags fluttered
+in the wind and greeted the dead Emperor. Hammerstein
+was always known later on as the most faithful
+vassal of the King.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+<h2>VALLEY OF THE AHR</h2>
+
+<h2>The Last Knight of Altenahr</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapo"><span class="dropcap">O</span></span>nly a few mouldering ruins now show where
+one of the proudest strongholds of the Rhine
+country, Castle Altenahr, once stood. A
+legend relates the mournful story of the
+last of the race which had lived there for centuries.</p>
+
+<p>This man was a very stubborn knight, and he would
+not bow down to or even acknowledge the all-powerful
+archbishop, whom His Majesty the Emperor had
+sent into the Rhine country as protector of the church.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately the bishop was also of a proud and
+unyielding character, and he nursed resentment in his
+heart against this spurner of his authority.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before his smouldering rancour
+blazed into an open feud, and the mighty bishop,
+accompanied by a large band of followers, appeared
+before the proud castle of Altenahr. A ring of iron
+was formed round the offending vassal's hold.</p>
+
+<p>But its owner was not disturbed by this formidable
+array, and only laughed sneeringly at the besiegers'
+useless trouble, knowing well that they would never
+be able to storm his rocky stronghold.</p>
+
+<p>The warlike priest saw many of his little army bleeding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+to death in vain. He was very wrathful, but
+nevertheless undismayed.</p>
+
+<p>He had sworn a great oath that he would enter
+this invincible hold as a conqueror, even if the fight
+were to last till the Judgment Day; the lord of Altenahr
+had sworn a similar oath, and these two powerful
+foes were well matched.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the siege continued for some months. The
+besieger's anger grew hotter, for every attack cost him
+the lives of numbers of his followers, and all his
+efforts seemed useless.</p>
+
+<p>Already there was an outburst of discontent in his
+camp; many servants and vassals deserted from such
+a dangerous venture. Revolt and disobedience seemed
+on one occasion to threaten a complete dissolution of
+the besieging army, as a desperate attack had been
+again repulsed by the hidden inhabitants of the fort.</p>
+
+<p>The bishop's allies urged the unrelenting man to
+desist from his merciless purpose, but he received their
+protests with a sneer: "When you leave me, my greater
+ally, hunger, will draw near. It will come, that
+I am sure of." Then followed an uproar of confused
+voices; mutinous troopers, now become bold by the
+wine they had taken, fell to brawling with their leader.
+The bishop's grim smile died away.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait my men, just wait for one more attack," he
+cried in a powerful voice, "it will be the fiercest and the
+last," and with a dark face he turned and strode away.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>Dawn was creeping over the valley of the Ahr.
+There was a great stir in the camp on the side of the
+mountain, and up above, in the castle of Altenahr,
+silence reigned round hazy pinnacles. Suddenly a
+flourish of trumpets was heard, and the drawbridge
+having been let down, the lord of the castle galloped
+forth on a milkwhite charger, his tall figure towering
+over the animal, the feather of his helmet waving
+above his grey hair, and the first rays of the rising
+sun irradiating his steel armour.</p>
+
+<p>Holding his steed with a firm grip, he raised his
+right hand to the shouting besiegers, signifying that he
+wished to speak. His voice sounded far and wide.</p>
+
+<p>"See here the last man and the last charger of all
+those who lived in my tower. Hunger has snatched
+them all from me, wife, child, comrades. They all preferred
+death to slavery. I follow them, unvanquished
+and free to the last."</p>
+
+<p>The noble animal reared up at the spur of its rider ... a
+great spring, followed by a thundering crash ... then
+the Ahr closed her foaming waters over man and steed.</p>
+
+<p>A shudder seized those who were looking on. The
+dark countenance of their leader became pale as death,
+and he rode off without a moment's delay, followed
+by the curses of his mutinous troops.</p>
+
+<p>Since that time the castle of Altenahr has remained
+deserted; no one dared to enter the chambers hallowed
+by the memory of this heroic defence. Thus it
+was avoided by mankind, till time gnawed at its walls
+and destroyed its battlements.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Minstrel of Neuenahr</h2>
+
+
+<h3><ins class="correction" title="Title 'I.' added"> I.</ins></h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcaph"><span class="dropcap">H</span></span>e was called Ronald, this tall handsome
+man, with blue eyes and fair hair; he had
+a noble bearing and was a master of song.</p>
+
+<p>The knight at the Castle of Neuenahr
+had made a great feast, and Ronald was sitting on
+the drawbridge playing his harp and singing. The
+guests stopped their noisy conversation within doors
+and knights as well as noble ladies listened breathless
+to the unseen singer. The proud lord of the castle
+bade his page bring the traveller in. Thus the tall
+handsome man, the blue eyed, fair-haired stranger
+with the noble bearing, appeared before the high
+company. The knights looked at him with wonder
+and many a handsome lady regarded him with admiration
+covertly.</p>
+
+<p>Among the high company there was a beautiful
+young girl, the daughter of the knight, whose birthday
+was being celebrated. The lord of the castle rose from
+his richly carved stool, and made a sign to the singer
+who was bowing graciously to the knights and ladies
+and lower still to the master of the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Give us a song, musician, in honour of our child
+who is seventeen years old to-day."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>The musician fixed his glance in silent admiration
+on the maiden. She dropped her eyes, and a lovely
+blush covered her cheeks. He seized his harp, and
+after a few chords, began to sing a song of homage.
+Sweetly sounded the music, and even sweeter the
+flattering words. The maiden flushed a deeper
+crimson and cast down her eyes. Once when the
+harper in his song compared her to a star lighting a
+wanderer's path, she glanced up, and their eyes met;
+but hers sank quickly again. She seemed to waken
+out of a dream when the song ended amid loud
+applause. She saw her father lifting up a massive
+goblet and handing it to the singer, saw how the
+latter raised it first to her, afterwards to her father
+and his guests, and then put it to his own lips. The
+maiden felt she was no longer mistress of her heart
+which was beating as it had never done before.</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>"You might teach my Rothtraut to play the harp,"
+cried the proud lord of the castle, who was in a very
+lively humour, having partaken freely of wine. She
+heard it as in a dream, and the musician bowed,
+murmuring that he was not worthy to receive so
+signal an honour.</p>
+
+<p>He remained however at the castle. Lovely Rothtraut
+felt afraid in her heart like a trembling child
+crossing a bridge leading to flowery meadows; she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+had no mother in whom she could confide those
+fears for which she could find no words. She therefore
+yielded to her father's desire, wishing to amuse
+him during the long, lonely evenings by playing and
+singing. Singing came naturally to her, for a nightingale
+seemed to slumber in her bosom, but she
+found more difficulty with the harp. Her slender
+fingers drew many a discordant sound from the strings,
+and often her father, comfortably seated in his armchair,
+laughed heartily at her, which made the maiden
+blush with shame. Her large eyes would wander
+from the harp to the musician's face; but her confusion
+only became worse when her eyes timidly met his.
+He was very patient with all her imperfect efforts,
+never blaming her but on the contrary praising all
+her modest attempts beyond their merits. Then he
+would sing a song of his own and play some deep
+chords which seemed to thrill the air. The knight
+would listen entranced, and the maiden felt love's
+blissful pain in her heart. She did not know what it
+was, or how he had long since sung himself into her
+soul, and her tender heart trembled at love's first
+revelation. The passion possessed her more and more;
+it spread its power over these two hearts, and soon
+in the quiet garden of the castle, Ronald clasped the
+daughter of the proud knight to his heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>Love's first rapture is often followed by sorrow
+however, and beautiful Rothtraut had yet to experience it.</p>
+
+<p>It once happened that the knight surprised his child
+in the musician's arms. His anger knew no bounds,
+and like a beast of prey he rushed at the singer,
+when his daughter, suddenly become a woman, placed
+herself bravely between her father and her lover. Her
+confession went to his heart like a dagger, for with
+trembling lips and glowing cheeks, the maiden acknowledged
+the secret of her love.</p>
+
+<p>Pale but firm the singer stood before the knight.</p>
+
+<p>"I am only a wanderer but not a dishonourable one.
+Do not destroy with a rough hand the flower which
+God has planted in our hearts, but give me time. I
+will set out on my journey and will take up arms
+for my beloved. And when I come back as a nobleman,
+you will give me your daughter who loves me.
+Either I shall return as a knight, or you will never
+see me again."</p>
+
+<p>The lord of the castle looked at him sternly, while
+his daughter stood weeping, holding Ronald's hand.
+"Good-bye, maiden. Do not forget me, Rothtraut!" He
+was gone, and a wailing cry burst from the lips of
+the unhappy girl.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>To atone for many a wrong against Pope and
+Church, and also to fulfil a solemn vow, the Emperor
+Barbarossa started on a crusade in his old age. Many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+knights and heroes joined him, and his great army
+marched through several countries until they came to
+the Levant. Then they journeyed on to Syria where
+the great hero's career ended. Barbarossa was drowned,
+and the eyes of his followers turned to Henry,
+his son, as their leader. The latter, who became emperor
+under the name of Henry VI. was a very capable
+general; he was also a lover of music, and is said to
+have composed many a melody which remains with
+us to the present day.</p>
+
+<p>Many supposed that it was not the royal minstrel
+who composed the songs, but that they came from
+the hand of Ronald who was now as skilled with his
+sword as with his harp, and who had become a great
+favourite of the emperor. He was a powerful warrior,
+and had already overthrown many a Saracen. Once
+when the crusaders had gained a glorious victory, he
+composed a song in honour of it, and sang it himself
+on his harp. The song went the round of the camp,
+and the singer became a great friend of the emperor.
+But even such favour did not drive the shadow from
+Ronald's soul, and often when he was singing one of
+his most beautiful songs to Henry, he would suddenly
+break off and rush out of the tent in great grief.
+One day the emperor found out what he had long
+guessed, and made Ronald confess his story to him.</p>
+
+<p>Some days afterwards the crusaders began the storming
+of Acre, the impregnable fortress of the Saracens.
+Ronald was fighting by Henry's side. A Saracen
+dashed his falchion at the king's head, but Ronald<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+with a mighty blow clove the infidel's skull in two.
+In the evening of the same day Henry called all his
+warriors together, and dubbed the brave champion
+knight with his own hand. Ronald of Harfenstein
+was to be his name, and a lyre lying on a falchion
+and a sword, were to be his arms. The emperor
+promised to build him a castle on the borders of the
+Rhine, which was to be called Harfeneck.</p>
+
+<p>Plague broke out in the camp, and many a gallant
+crusader fell victim to it. Among them was the emperor
+himself, whose death caused unspeakable grief
+to Ronald.</p>
+
+
+<h3>V.</h3>
+
+<p>One day a weary crusader was seen riding along
+the banks of the Rhine. Wherever he passed, the
+people asked him if it were true that Barbarossa was
+not drowned in the Holy Land, but was living in the
+Kyffh&auml;user Mountain, and would soon come back to
+his own neglected kingdom. The crusader barely
+answered their questions, but urged on his tired steed
+along the Rhine. At last the silvery waters of the
+Ahr appeared before him, and he saw the gables of
+the castle. The rider joyously spurred on his horse,
+and rode up through the forest to the fortress where
+once he had sat on the drawbridge as a poor traveller.</p>
+
+<p>The late guest was ushered up to the lord of the
+castle.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>The knight, now a bent old man, rose from a melancholy
+reverie to greet the unknown stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Ronald, and have become a knight through
+the grace of the Emperor Henry in the camp at Acre,
+and now I have come to win your daughter Rothtraut."</p>
+
+<p>"Win her from death, for it robbed me of her two
+months ago," said the proud lord of the castle, turning
+his head aside in deep grief. Then a despairing groan
+thrilled through the chamber. Harsh words passed
+between those two, one a man in his disconsolate
+sorrow, the other a repentant father.</p>
+
+<p>Ronald strode off to the lonely corner of the garden,
+and the newly dug up earth showed him the place
+where Rothtraut lay. There he remained late into the
+night, till darkness had surrounded him and black night
+had settled on his soul. Then he turned and went
+away, never to come back again.</p>
+
+<p>In the East whence the crusaders had now returned,
+everyone talked of the heroic deeds accomplished by
+Richard the Lion-hearted. The Saracens well knew
+the fearless leader and the German knight who fought
+at his side. Richard valued his bravery, even though
+he was still a young knight. He meant to make him
+one of his vassals when he returned to his own country.
+But his desire was never fulfilled, for the thrust
+of a hostile lance which he had so often escaped,
+pierced the knight's heart. So the minstrel of Neuenahr
+found a grave in the Holy Land; the race of
+Harfenstein became extinct with the first of the line,
+and the castle was never built.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+<h2>EIFEL</h2>
+
+<h2>The Arrow at Pr&uuml;m</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>t was in the little town of Pr&uuml;m many a
+long year ago that Lothaire, the degenerate
+son of St. Louis, did penance for his sins.
+In the church belonging to the town there
+are two very ancient pictures; one of them represents
+a knight standing on a huge rock, shooting an arrow,
+while his wife and retinue are looking devoutedly
+towards heaven; the other represents a priest at an
+altar to whom an angel is bringing an arrow.</p>
+
+<p>Who is the knight?</p>
+
+<p>Who is the holy man?</p>
+
+<p>The knight is Nithard, noble lord of Guise, who
+lived in the north of France towards the end of the
+ninth century. No children having been born to his
+excellent wife Erkanfrida, the knight determined to
+leave his estate for some pious object.</p>
+
+<p>He meant to endow a cloister, where after their
+deaths, masses would be read for him and his spouse.
+But it was a difficult matter to select the most worthy
+from the many cloisters in the neighbourhood, and by
+the advice of a pious priest he resolved to leave the
+decision to Heaven.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>He fastened the document bequeathing his possessions
+to an arrow, and then set out for a great rock near
+the castle, accompanied by his wife and numerous
+followers.</p>
+
+<p>After a fervent prayer he shot the arrow skyward,
+and, so the pious story runs, it was borne by angel
+hands, till it came to Pr&uuml;m&mdash;a journey of several
+days.</p>
+
+<p>Ansbald, the holy abbot of the cloister, was standing
+at the altar when the arrow fell at his feet. He read
+the document with astonishment and gratitude, and in
+a moved voice, announced its contents to the assembled
+congregation.</p>
+
+<p>Knight Nithard assigned his estate to the cloister,
+and from that time forth many pilgrims journeyed to
+Pr&uuml;m to see the arrow which had been carried there
+by angel hands.</p>
+
+<p>The storms of many centuries have blown over those
+hallowed walls, but the pictures in the old church
+belonging to the abbey still remain, thus preserving
+the legend from oblivion.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+<h2>AACHEN</h2>
+
+<h2>The Building of the Minster</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 263px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_15.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_15th.jpg" width="263" height="400"
+alt="A portrait of Charlemagne. He has long hair and a beard, and wears richly
+embroidered clothes and a jewelled and decorated crown. He holds an orb with a cross
+in his left hand, and a raised sword in his right."
+title="Karl der Gro&szlig;e--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Albrecht D&uuml;rer" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Karl der Gro&szlig;e<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von Albrecht D&uuml;rer</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span>s Charlemagne, the mighty ruler of the Franks,
+rode one day from his stronghold at Aix-la-Chapelle
+into the surrounding forest, his
+horse is said to have suddenly trodden upon
+a spring. On touching the water, the animal drew
+its foot back neighing loudly as if in great pain.</p>
+
+<p>The rider's curiosity was aroused. He alighted, and
+dipping his hand into the spring, found to his surprise
+that the water was very hot. Thus Charlemagne, as
+the legend records, discovered the hot spring which
+was to become the salvation of many thousands of ill
+and infirm people.</p>
+
+<p>The pious emperor recognised in this healthgiving
+spring the kind gift of Providence, and he resolved
+to erect near the spot a house of God, the round shape
+of which should remind posterity of the horse's hoof.</p>
+
+<p>The building was soon begun, and Charlemagne
+saw with great satisfaction the walls of the new minster
+rising high into the air. He was not however destined
+to see its completion. When he died, he had to leave
+the great Empire of the West to a feeble son, Lewis
+the Pious. The latter was compelled to draw his sword<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+against his own children in order to assure for himself
+the crown he had inherited.</p>
+
+<p>Many a great undertaking that <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Charlemange'">Charlemagne</ins> had
+begun, remained unfinished.</p>
+
+<p>The building of the minster too was interrupted.
+The ground was left desolate, and the walls and towers
+were threatened with decay before they were finished.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite useless for the honourable magistrate
+of the town to apply for money to the charitable
+Christian inhabitants. Contributions came in very slowly,
+and were never sufficient to finish the church.</p>
+
+<p>The aldermen of Aix-la-Chapelle would very often
+seriously debate the question, and discuss how they
+could remedy the grievous lack of money and successfully
+effect the completion of the minster. They found
+however that good counsel was just as rare as building
+material.</p>
+
+<p>Once when they were met thus together, a stranger
+was announced who said he had most important news
+to communicate. He was allowed to enter the session
+room. After having duly saluted the Council, he said
+modestly but without any shyness, "Gentlemen, my
+business, in a word, is to offer you the money for the
+completion of the church." The worthy aldermen looked
+in wonder first at the speaker, then at each other.</p>
+
+<p>They silently agreed in the opinion that the man
+before them looked very suspicious in his quaint outlandish
+clothes and his sharp pointed beard.</p>
+
+<p>But the newcomer was not at all abashed by their
+suspicious looks. On the contrary he repeated politely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+but firmly his proposal, saying: "Honourable Sirs, I
+should like to help you out of your difficulty, and will
+advance you the necessary thousands without even
+wishing to be paid back."</p>
+
+<p>At this frank offer the councillors pricked up their
+ears and opened their eyes wide in astonishment. Before
+they could recover from their amazement, the
+stranger continued: "I know well, you are all far too
+proud to accept this great offer of mine without giving
+me a reward of some sort. Therefore I require a small
+compensation. I demand the first living being, body
+and soul, that enters the new minster on the inauguration
+day."</p>
+
+<p>On hearing this the honourable aldermen rose horrified
+from their seats. Many of them made the sign of
+the cross or uttered a short prayer, because nobody
+but the devil himself could require anything so monstrous.</p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the chairman shot a reproachful glance
+at the strange speaker, and he muttered between his
+teeth: "Be off! your words are giving offence."</p>
+
+<p>But Master Satan, the stranger, stood calmly in his
+place: "Sirs," said he, "Let me answer you with a
+word from the scriptures, "Why are you so fearful, oh
+ye of little faith?" On the field of battle the sword
+mows down thousands of brave men. They fall often
+as victims to the ravening ambition of a single man.
+You can even see fathers fighting against their sons,
+brothers against their brothers, and nobody thinks it
+unjust. Now you cry out, when I only ask for one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+single living soul to be sacrificed for the welfare of
+the whole community."</p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the stranger looked round in triumphant
+joy when he had finished, for he read a favourable
+reply in the puzzled faces of the aldermen.</p>
+
+<p>Many of them at once gave up their scruples, and
+after a few minutes even the most cautious among
+them had no more objections to urge.</p>
+
+<p>The offer was closed with, and Master Satan left the
+Town Hall with a proud smile.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the council was again gathered together
+anxiously waiting for the promised sum.</p>
+
+<p>It arrived promptly, rightly weighed and in good
+honest coin.</p>
+
+<p>The joy of the aldermen was boundless.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Once more the workmen began the work of building
+the minster. They worked very busily as if to make
+up for the long interruption, and after three years the
+cathedral was finished.</p>
+
+<p>On the day when the new church was to be consecrated,
+a great festival was held in the town.</p>
+
+<p>The distinguished company, secular as well as clerical,
+who appeared at the inauguration ceremony, praised
+the magnificence of the minster, the great liberality of
+the citizens, and more than all, the wisdom of the
+Town Council.</p>
+
+<p>The aldermen listened to the general praise with
+pleasure, and accepted it as their due. They felt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+however bound to confess to each other that they did
+not feel easy when they thought of the inauguration
+day. None of them had spoken to anybody of Master
+Satan's condition.</p>
+
+<p>Only one of them, a henpecked fellow as malicious
+people said, confessed the whole transaction to his
+wife. It is needless to say that from that moment the
+whole town knew about the affair. On the important
+day of the consecration of the minster many venerable
+prelates, abbots, and monks, thousands of noble knights
+and lords who had come as guests, and the whole
+population of Aix-la-Chapelle looked forward to the
+fatal hour with beating hearts. It was a grand procession
+indeed that marched on in ceremonious solemnity
+through the streets. The gaily coloured flags waved
+merrily in the air, the trumpets and clarions sounded
+cheerily. The nobility and clergy were in their most
+gorgeous attire. On every side were the signs of joy
+and thanksgiving.</p>
+
+<p>But the hearts of the people were all oppressed, and
+many a sorrowful eye gazed at the morning sky, as if expecting
+to see Satan flying down with his bat-like wings.</p>
+
+<p>When the aldermen in their bright robes joined the
+procession, the general anxiety rose to the highest pitch.</p>
+
+<p>Before the worthy councillors a bulky cage was
+carried by four stout footmen. What was hidden under
+the covering nobody knew, but everybody felt sure
+that it contained the victim.</p>
+
+<p>When the procession reached the minster it stopped,
+the cage being carried foremost.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>At a sign from the mayor, one of the footmen quickly
+stripped off the cover and exposed to view a howling
+hideous wolf. Two of the men pushed the church
+door wide open with their long halberds, and the
+fourth pushed the wolf skilfully through the open door.
+A terrible noise arose suddenly within.</p>
+
+<p>The devil had been waiting for his spoil, as a tiger
+that watches for his prey.</p>
+
+<p>When the wolf entered the devil darted towards it,
+but seeing that it was only a beast he burst into a
+wild howl of rage.</p>
+
+<p>He wrung the poor wolf's neck with the quickness
+of lightning and disappeared suddenly, leaving nothing
+behind him but a strong smell of sulphur.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later the bells rang, and the whole
+magnificent procession thronged into the church, duly
+to celebrate its consecration.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>While divine service was being held in the new
+minster and hymns of praise and thanksgiving were
+offered at God's altar, the devil flew with horrible
+maledictions over the country.</p>
+
+<p>He swore an oath to punish with the utmost severity
+the population of Aix-la-Chapelle who had so cunningly
+outwitted him.</p>
+
+<p>In his flight he came to the sea-shore where he
+stopped a little, in order to consider how he could
+best destroy the town. As he looked at the sandy
+dunes the thought struck him, that he might bury the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+whole town with all its prelates and abbots under
+such a hill. With a mighty pull he tore one of the
+dunes from the shore, piled it on his shoulders, and
+flew rapidly towards the doomed city. But the way
+was much longer than Master Satan had thought. He
+began to perspire very freely under his unwonted
+burden, and when from time to time the wind blew
+a rain of loose sand into his eyes, he swore most
+horribly.</p>
+
+<p>In the valley of the Soers not far from Aix-la-Chapelle
+he was obliged to rest, as he was very tired
+after his exertions.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus sitting by the wayside wiping
+his forehead and looking hot and weary, an old wrinkled
+woman came limping along, who looked with suspicion
+at the man and his strange burden.</p>
+
+<p>She wanted to pass by without saying a word, but
+the stranger stopped her and said: "How far is it
+from here to Aix-la-Chapelle?" The woman cast a sharp
+look at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>As she had reached years of discretion, being now
+in her seventy-second year, she was shrewd enough
+to recognise in the man before her the very devil in
+person. She was also quite sure, that he must have
+some wicked plan in his head against the good town,
+Aix-la-Chapelle.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore assuming a very sad expression she answered
+in a complaining voice: "Kind sir, I am so
+sorry for you, the way to the town is still very long.
+Only look at my boots, they are quite worn from the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>long way, and yet I got them new from the shoemaker
+at Aix-la-Chapelle."</p>
+
+<p>Master Satan uttered something that sounded like a
+bitter curse. Then he shook off the sandy dune from
+his shoulders and flew away in a fury.</p>
+
+<p>The old woman was for a moment terror-stricken,
+but when she saw the fatal figure of the stranger disappearing,
+she was inexpressibly glad at having saved
+the town and outwitted the devil himself.</p>
+
+<p>If he had only looked a little more carefully he
+could have seen the tower of the new minster not a
+mile off.</p>
+
+<p>The sandy dune is still lying in the very same place
+where the devil dropped it. Its name is "Losberg" or
+"Ridmountain," so called because the town Aix-la-Chapelle
+got rid of a great danger.</p>
+
+<p>The memory of the poor wolf is also still preserved.
+Its image is engraved on the middle of the minster
+door, where you can also see the big cracks produced
+by the devil's hammering it in his impotent anger.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Ring of Fastrada</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>his story too leads us back to the time of
+the great Emperor Charles, whose life has
+come down to us with a halo of glory.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne's favourite residence was
+Aix-la-Chapelle, but he also held court in Helvetia.
+His imperial stronghold stood on the shores of the
+Lake of Z&uuml;rich. In its neighbourhood there was a
+high pillar which the emperor had erected to mark
+the place where Felix and Regula had died as martyrs
+for the Christian faith. A small bell was attached
+to this monument, which everybody in distress and
+want might ring if they wanted relief. As often as
+Charles held his court in Z&uuml;rich he himself appeared
+at the pillar when the bell was rung, and listened to
+the complaints and petitions of his subjects.</p>
+
+<p>One day the sound of the bell was heard, yet
+nobody could be perceived near the pillar. On the
+following day about dinner-time the same thing happened,
+the bell rang, yet no one was there. The
+emperor, curious to know what this meant, commanded
+one of his pages to hide in the bushes behind
+the pillar.</p>
+
+<p>When mid-day approached the boy noticed that a
+serpent crept out of the sand, wriggled up to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+pillar, and set the bell a-ringing. This astonishing fact
+was at once communicated to the emperor, who came
+without delay to the spot. He was very much surprised
+at seeing such an unusual applicant, but he
+said with great earnestness, "Every one who comes
+to me shall find justice, be it man or beast."</p>
+
+<p>The serpent bent low before the monarch, and then
+crept back into its den. Charlemagne followed, anxious
+to learn the reason of its strange behaviour. He
+was surprised when, on looking into the dark hole,
+he saw an ugly toad sitting on the serpent's eggs,
+and filling nearly the whole space with its hideous
+form.</p>
+
+<p>The emperor bade his attendants kill the intruder
+at once.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time Charlemagne had nearly forgotten
+the strange incident.</p>
+
+<p>But one day when he was sitting at dinner the serpent
+unexpectedly entered the hall, and crept up to
+the emperor's seat. Bowing low three times it lifted
+its head and dropped a precious stone into the emperor's
+goblet. It then disappeared as quickly as it had
+come.</p>
+
+<p>Charlemagne took the stone out of the cup, and
+saw to his amazement that it was a precious diamond.
+He ordered it to be mounted in a golden ring, which
+he presented to his well-beloved wife, Fastrada.</p>
+
+<p>The jewel possessed a wonderful quality. Fastrada
+had always been loved tenderly by her imperial husband,
+but after the diamond ring adorned her slender<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+finger, a sweet charm seemed to bind her still more
+strongly to him.</p>
+
+<p>To many people this great love of the emperor for
+his wife seemed too absorbing, almost superhuman,
+and when death ruthlessly snatched her from the side
+of Charlemagne, everybody believed that it was a judgment
+from heaven.</p>
+
+<p>The monarch was inconsolable at this great bereavement.
+He spent days and nights in unspeakable
+grief by her corpse. The rumour was, that his sorrow
+was so intense that he refused to permit the remains
+of his wife to be duly buried. The charm the living
+Fastrada had exercised over him seemed to linger
+even after her death.</p>
+
+<p>The Archbishop of Rheims, the pious Turpin, heard
+of the emperor's sorrow, and he offered fervent prayers
+to God for help. Soon afterwards he had a strange
+dream. He saw the wonderful ring on Fastrada's
+finger glittering with a thousand lovely colours and
+surrounding the emperor with a magic light. The
+bishop was now sure that the precious stone was the
+cause of the superhuman love the emperor bore to
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day before sunrise Turpin, the
+venerable old bishop, got up and went into the room
+where Charlemagne had again spent a night in bitter
+grief by the remains of his beloved wife. He was
+kneeling by the uncovered bier in fervent prayer when
+the bishop entered. Turpin went straight up to the
+body, and making the sign of the cross he took the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+cold waxen hand of Fastrada for a moment in his.
+Without being observed by the mourning emperor,
+he slipped the enchanted ring gently from her finger.
+As he had guessed the emperor at once rose, and
+kneeling down before the bishop, kissed his hand in
+adoration. Then he rose and bade Turpin have the
+remains of his wife buried that same day. So it happened
+that Fastrada's remains were brought to their last
+resting place in the Church of St. Albans at Mayence.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the emperor was attached with rare
+devotion to the old Archbishop of Rheims.</p>
+
+<p>He would not allow him to leave his side, but
+requested that Turpin should always live near him.
+The pious man was also nominated first councillor of
+the Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Turpin used his high position only for the welfare
+of the empire, and did a great many good works.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes however he felt a pang of regret at the
+manner in which he had acquired the high favour of
+his lord, and it seemed to him very unfair.</p>
+
+<p>Once when he accompanied the monarch on one
+of his journeys in Western Germany, he threw the
+ring into a spring from which it could never more be
+brought up again.</p>
+
+<p>From that moment Charlemagne felt himself irresistibly
+drawn to that particular part of his extensive dominions.</p>
+
+<p>He erected a stronghold there, and a flourishing
+township soon surrounded this palace. Later on it
+was called Aix-la-Chapelle, and became the favourite
+residence of the great emperor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>Within its walls he liked best to rest from the burden
+of affairs of State, and sometimes the old ruler
+could be seen sitting by the margin of the spring in
+which Fastrada's ring lay buried, recalling the sweet
+memories of past days.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ROLANDSECK</h2>
+
+<h2>Knight Roland</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 248px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_16.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_16th.jpg" width="248" height="400"
+alt="A painting showing Roland in the battle of Ronceval, riding his horse Brilliador
+and raising a horn to his lips. Dead and wounded men lie at his feet, and the army
+of Saracens are all around him."
+title="Roland in der Schlacht von Roncevalles--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von A. Guesnet" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Roland in der Schlacht von Roncevalles<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von A. Guesnet</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<h3><ins class="correction" title="Title 'I.' added">I.</ins></h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he Emperor Charlemagne was surrounded
+by a circle of proud knights, the flower of
+whom was Count Roland of Angers, nephew
+of the King of the Franks. The name of
+no knight was so famous in battle and in tournaments
+as his. Helpless innocency adored him, his friends admired,
+and his enemies esteemed him. His chivalrous
+spirit had no love for the luxuries of life, and scorning
+to remain inactive at the emperor's court, he went to
+his imperial uncle, begging leave to go and travel in
+those countries of the mighty kingdom of the Franks,
+which up to that time were unknown to him. In his
+youthful fervour he longed for adventures and dangers.
+The emperor was much grieved to part with the brave
+knight, however, he willingly complied with his request.</p>
+
+<p>One day early in the morning the gallant hero left
+his uncle's palace near the Seine, and rode towards
+the Vosges Mountains, accompanied by his faithful
+squire. The first object of his journey was castle
+Niedeck near Haslach, and from there he visited Attic,
+Duke of Alsace.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>He continued his travels, and one evening as he
+was riding through the mountains, the glittering waters
+of the Rhine, washing both sides of the plain, greeted
+him. The river in that part of the country offered him
+few charms in its savage wildness, but he knew that
+the scenery would soon change. He moved on down
+the Rhine to where a gigantic mountain shuts the
+rushing current into a narrow space. Its foot stands
+chained in the floods, which only in places retire a
+little, thus leaving the poor folk a narrow stretch of land.</p>
+
+<p>On the heights there were proud castles, telling the
+wanderer below of the fame of their illustrious races.
+Thus Roland made many a long journey on his adventurous
+course down the Rhine. He passed many a
+place rich in old memories: the Lorelei Rock, where
+the water nymph sang at night: the cheerful little spot
+where St. Goar lived and worked at the time of
+Childebert, the Merovingian, (that wonderful saint who
+once spread a fog over his imperial uncle, compelling
+him to pass the night in the open air, because his
+Majesty, while journeying from Ingelheim to Coblenz
+had neglected to bend his knee in his chapel) and the
+green meadows near Andernach, where Genovefa, wife
+of Palatine Count Siegfried lived. And now Roland
+neared the place where the stream reaches the end of
+the Rhine Valley, and where the seven giants are to
+be seen, the summit of one of which is crowned with
+a castle; there they stand like the seven knights who
+in later times stood weeping round the holy remains
+of the German emperor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The
+setting sun threw a golden light over the hills. On
+the sides of the mountains there were numberless
+vineyards, to the left, hedges of beeches ascending to
+the heights of the rugged summits, to the right, the
+murmur of the rippling waters, and above, visible
+among the legendary rocks where once a terrible beast
+lived, the pinnacles of a knight's castle, and over all,
+the heavens clothed with a garment of silver stars.</p>
+
+<p>The knight paused in silence; his glance rested admiringly
+on the beautiful picture. His steed pawed the
+ground uneasily with his bronze-shod hoofs, and his
+faithful squire looked anxiously at the darkening sky.
+He reminded his master modestly that it was time to
+seek shelter for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to beg for it up there," said Roland
+dreamingly, an inexplicable feeling of sweet sadness
+coming over him for the first time. He bade his squire
+ask the boatman who was putting out his little bark
+to cross the river, what was the name of the castle?
+The castle was the Drachenburg, where Count Heribert
+sojourned sometimes. Thus ran the answer which
+pleased Roland very much. He had been charged with
+many greetings and messages to the old count at the
+Drachenburg from his friends living near the upper
+Rhine. Roland now hesitated no longer, and soon a
+boat was ploughing the dark waves.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>In the meantime night had come on. The full moon's
+soft beams showed them their way through the dark
+forest. Count Heribert, a worthy knight in the flower
+of his age, bade the nephew of his imperial master
+heartily welcome to his castle. Far past midnight they
+stayed in the count's chambers, engaged in entertaining
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Count Heribert presented his daughter
+Hildegunde to the knight. Roland's eyes, full of admiration,
+rested on the blushing young maiden. Never
+before had the charms of a woman awakened any
+deep feeling in his heart; he had only thirsted after
+glory and deeds of daring, after tournaments and feuds.
+Now the bold champion was struck with a shaft from
+the quiver of love. He who had opposed the dreaded
+adversary so often, now bowed his fearless head in
+almost girlish confusion before Hildegunde's charms.
+She, too, stood crimsoning deeply before the celebrated
+hero whose name was famous, and who was beloved
+in all the country round.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight broke up the scene of embarrassing
+silence between the youthful couple with gay laughing
+words, and conducted his guest through the high halls
+of his castle.</p>
+
+<p>Roland tarried longer at the friendly castle than he
+had ever done before in any other place in the country.
+He seemed bound to the blissful spot by love's indissoluble
+chains, and so it happened that one day
+these two found themselves, hand in hand, the deep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+love in their hearts rushing forth in ardent words.
+Count Heribert bestowed his lovely daughter very
+willingly on the celebrated knight, his only desire being
+to complete the happiness of his child whom he loved
+so dearly. A castle should be erected for her on the
+heights of the rocks on the other side of the Rhine,
+opposite the Drachenburg, and this proud fort on the
+rugged rocky corner of the mountain, should be a
+watch-tower for the glorious Seven Mountains and
+their castle. In later times it became the famous Rolandseck.
+Soon the walls could be seen raising themselves
+up, and every day the lovers stood on the balcony of
+the Drachenburg looking across, where industrious
+workmen and masons were busily toiling. Hildegunde
+began to weave sweet dreams of the future round her
+new home, where she meant to chain the adventurous
+hero with true love.</p>
+
+<p>But one day a messenger appeared at the Drachenburg
+on a horse white with foam. He was sent by
+Charlemagne and brought the tidings of a crusade
+which the emperor had decreed against the Infidels
+beyond the Pyrenees. Charlemagne desired to have the
+famous knight among the leaders of his army. Roland
+received the message of his great master in silence.
+He looked at Hildegunde who with a death-like face
+was standing beside him. Grief stabbed cruelly at his
+heart, but he must obey the call of honour and duty,
+and, informing the royal messenger that he would
+arrive at the imperial camp in three days, he turned
+sorrowfully away, Hildegunde sobbing at his side.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+<h3>III.</h3>
+
+<p>The cross and the half-moon were fighting furiously
+for the upper hand in Spain. Terrible battles were
+fought, and much blood flowed from both Christians
+and Infidels. Bloody victories were gained by the
+emperor's brave knights, the chief of whom was Roland.
+His sword forced a triumphant way for Charlemagne,
+it guarded his army, passing victoriously through the
+unknown country of the enemies. But the sad day of
+Ronceval, so often sung by German and other poets
+was yet to come. Separated from the main body of
+the army, Roland's brave rearguard was making its
+way through the dusky forest. Suddenly wild shouts
+sounded from the heights, and the cowardly Moor
+pressed down on the little band, threatening them
+with destruction. But the noble Franks fought like
+lions. Roland's charger, Brilliador, flew now here, now
+there, and many a Saracen was hewn down by its
+noble rider's sword, Durant. But numbers conquer
+bravery. The little army of Franks became less and
+less, and at last Roland sank, struck by the lance of
+a gigantic Moor. The combat continued furiously
+round him. When night spread mournfully over the
+battle-field, the Infidels had already done their terrible
+work. The Franks lay dead; only a few had escaped
+from the slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Roland?" was the frightened cry from
+pale lips. He was not among the saved. "Where
+is Roland?" asked Charlemagne anxiously of the
+messengers. Through the whole kingdom their answers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
+seemed to resound, Roland the hero had fallen in
+battle fighting against the Saracens; wherever this cry
+was heard, it awakened deep sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>The news soon spread as far as the Rhine, and one
+day the imperial messengers appeared at the Drachenburg,
+bringing the sad tidings and the deepest sympathy
+of the emperor. Heribert sighed deeply on hearing
+the news and covered his eyes with his hands; Hildegunde's
+grief was heart-breaking. Before the altar of
+the Queen of sorrows she lay sobbing her heart out,
+imploring for comfort in her great need. For days on
+end she shut herself up in her little bower, and even
+her father's gentle sympathy could not assuage her
+bitter grief.</p>
+
+<p>Weeks passed. Then one day the pale maiden entered
+the knight's chamber, her grief quite transfigured. He
+drew her softly towards him, and then she revealed
+the resolution which was in her heart. Count Heribert
+was overwhelmed with grief, but he pressed a loving
+kiss on her pure forehead.</p>
+
+<p>The day came, when down below on the island
+Nonnenwert, the convent bells rang solemnly. A new
+novice, Count Heribert's lovely daughter, knelt before
+the altar. In the holy stillness of the convent she sought
+the peace which she could not find in the castle of
+her father. With a last great convulsive sob she had
+torn her lover's name from her heart, had quenched
+the flame of sorrowing love for him, and now her
+soul was to be filled ever with the holy fire of the
+love of God. In vain her afflicted father hoped that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+the unaccustomed loneliness of the convent would
+shake her resolution, and that when the first year's
+trial was over, she would return to him. But no! the
+pious young maiden fervently begged the bishop, who
+was a relation of her father, to release her from the
+year's trial and to allow her after a short time to take
+her final vows. Her longing desire was fulfilled. After
+a month Hildegunde's golden locks were no more,
+and the lovely daughter of the Drachenburg was
+dedicated to the Lord forever.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV.</h3>
+
+<p>Time rolled on. Spring had vanished and the sheaves
+were ripening in the fields. Where the river reaches
+the end of the Rhine valley crowned by the Seven
+Giants, a knight with his horse stopped to rest. Far
+away in the south, where the valley of Ronceval lies
+bathed in sunshine, he had lain in the hut of a poor
+herd. There the faithful squire had dragged his master
+pierced by a Moorish lance. The bold hero and leader
+had remained for weeks and months on his sick-bed
+struggling with death, till the force of his iron nature
+had at last conquered. Roland was recovering under
+loving care, while they were mourning him as dead
+in the land of the Franks. Then having recovered, he
+hurried back to the Rhine urged by an irresistible
+longing.</p>
+
+<p>A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The
+setting sun threw a golden light over the hills; numberless
+vineyards flanked the mountains, hedges of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+beeches were on one side, the murmur of waters on
+the other, and above the pinnacles of a knight's castle
+among the legendary rocks where once a terrible
+beast lived, over all the heavens clothed with a garment
+of silver stars.</p>
+
+<p>Silently the knight paused, his glance resting admiringly
+on the beautiful picture. Now as in months
+before an inexplicable feeling of sweet sadness came
+over the dreamer.</p>
+
+<p>"Hildegunde!" murmured Roland, glancing up at
+the starry heavens. Again as formerly a boatman
+rowed across the stream, and Roland soon was striding
+through the forest towards the Drachenburg, accompanied
+by his faithful squire.</p>
+
+<p>The old watchman at the castle stared at the late
+guest, and crossing himself, he rushed up to the
+chambers of his master. A man's figure, bent with
+age and sorrow, tottered forward. "Roland!" he gasped
+forth. The knight supported the broken-down old man
+in his arms. When Roland had departed long ago,
+his grief had found no tears; now they flowed abundantly
+down his cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>The knight tore himself from the other's arms.
+"Where is she?" he asked in a hoarse voice, "dead?"
+Count Heribert looked at him with unspeakable sorrow.
+"Hildegunde, bride of Roland whom they supposed
+dead, is now a bride of Heaven."</p>
+
+<p>The hero groaned aloud, covering his face with his
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>In spring he left the Drachenburg and went to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+castle on the rocky corner, and there he laid down
+his arms for ever; his thirst for action was quenched.
+Day by day he sat over there, looking silently down
+on the green island in the Rhine, where the nun,
+Hildegunde, wandered about among the flowers in
+the convent garden every morning. Sometimes indeed
+it seemed that she bowed kindly to him, then the
+knight's face would be lighted up with a gleam of
+his old happiness.</p>
+
+<p>But even this joy was taken from him. One day
+his beloved did not appear; and soon the death-bell
+tolled sorrowfully over the island. He saw a coffin
+which they were carrying to its last resting-place, and
+he heard the nuns chanting the service for the dead,
+he saw them all, only one was wanting ... then he
+covered his face. He knew whom they were carrying
+to the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Autumn came, withering the fresh green on Hildegunde's
+tomb. But Roland still kept his watch, gazing
+motionlessly at the little churchyard, and one day his
+squire found him there, cold and dead, his half-closed
+eyes turned towards the place where his loved one
+was sleeping.</p>
+
+<p>For many a century the proud castle which they
+called Rolandseck, crowned the mountain. Then it fell
+into ruins, like the mighty Drachenburg, the tower of
+which is still standing. Fifty years ago the last arches
+of Roland's castle were blown down one stormy night,
+but later on they were built up again in memory of
+this tale of true and faithful love in the olden times.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+<h2>SIEBENGEBIRGE</h2>
+
+<h2>The Drachenfels</h2>
+
+
+<h3><ins class="correction" title="Title 'I.' added">I.</ins></h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcapw"><span class="dropcap">W</span></span>hen the wanderer has left the "city of the
+Muses," Bonn, he perceives to the left the
+mighty summits of the Seven Mountains.
+The rocky point of one of these hills is
+still crowned by the tower and walls of an old knight's
+Castle. A most touching legend is related of the
+mountain with the terrible name.</p>
+
+<p>In the first centuries after the birth of the world's
+Redeemer, the Germans on the left side of the Rhine
+accepted willingly the doctrines of the Cross; Maternus,
+a disciple of the great Apostle, had brought them over
+from Gaul. At first the pious messenger of Christ
+worked among the heathen tribes in vain. They persisted
+in their paganism, and even prevented the priests
+from coming into their country.</p>
+
+<p>At that time there was a terrible dragon living in
+the hollow of the rock which even now is called the
+Dragon's hole. He was of a hideous form, and every
+day he used to leave his den and rage through the
+forests and valleys, threatening men and animals. Human
+strength was powerless against this monster; the people
+thought that an angry deity had his abode in this
+terrible beast, so they bestowed godlike honours on him,
+sacrificing criminals and prisoners to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>A tribe of heathens lived at the foot of the mountain.
+These men, desirous of war, often made raids on the
+neighbouring countries, carrying fire and sword among
+their Christian brothers. They once crossed the water,
+plundering the land and making prisoners of the people.
+Among the latter there was one most lovely maiden,
+whose beauty and grace inflamed two of the leaders
+so much, that each of them desired to have her for
+himself. One was called Horsrik the Elder, a famous
+chieftain, known to have the strength of a bear and
+the wildness of a tiger; the other, Rinbold, of a less
+rough nature, but of equal bravery.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful maiden turned aside shuddering when
+she saw the two chiefs' glaring eyes, contending for
+possession of her. All round were their men intoxicated
+with victory. The struggle for the Christian maid affected
+the two leaders more than the division of the booty.
+Soon the angry words of the two opponents found an
+echo in the hearts of the men standing round.</p>
+
+<p>Horsrik, the much-feared fighter, claimed her, and
+was received with cheers. Rinbold, the proud young
+chieftain, claimed her also,&mdash;great applause greeted
+him. The former glared sternly, grasping his club in
+a threatening manner. The high-priest, an old man with
+silver-white hair and stern features, stepped in between
+the two combatants, and in a voice surging with anger
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Cursed be every dissension for the possession of this
+stranger! A Christian must not disunite the noblest of
+our tribe. A daughter of those we hate, she shall fall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+to nobody's share. She, the author of so much strife,
+shall be sacrificed to the Dragon, and shall be dedicated
+to Woden's honour at the next rising of the sun."</p>
+
+<p>The men murmured applause, Horsrik more than the
+rest. The maiden held her head upright. Rinbold, the
+proud young chieftain, looked sorrowfully at her angel-like
+face.</p>
+
+
+<h3>II.</h3>
+
+<p>Early the following day before the sun had poured
+his bright beams on the earth, the valley showed signs
+of life. Through the dusk of the forest a noisy procession
+moved upwards towards the highest point, the
+priest in the middle, behind him the prisoner, pale but
+resolute. Silently, for her Lord's sake, she had allowed
+the priest to bind her forehead as a victim, and to
+place consecrated flowers in her loose flowing hair.
+Many a sympathetic look from the crowd had been
+cast at the steadfast maiden. The young chieftain was
+stricken with pain at the sight of her death-like countenance.</p>
+
+<p>There stood the projecting rock which had often been
+dishonoured by human blood. The fanatical priests
+wound ropes round the maiden's body, and then tied
+her to St. Woden's tree which overhung the precipice.
+No complaint escaped the Christian's white lips, no tears
+glistened in her eyes which were glancing up at the
+morning sky. The throng of people moved off, waiting
+silently in the distance to see what would happen.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>The first rays of the sun streamed over the mountain;
+they lighted up the wreath of flowers in the maiden's
+hair, playing about her lovely face, and crowning it
+with glory. The Christian maid was awaiting death, as
+a bride awaits her bridegroom, her lips moving slightly
+as in prayer.</p>
+
+<p>A gloomy sound came up from the depths. The
+Dragon started from his den, spitting fire on his path.
+He cast a look at his victim there on the spot which
+his blood-thirsty maw knew so well. He raised his
+scaly body, thus letting his sharp claws be more visible,
+moved his snaky tail in a circle, and showed his gaping
+mouth. Snorting the monster crawled along, shooting
+flames out of his bloodshot eyes.</p>
+
+<p>A shudder of death crept over the maiden at the
+sight of this awful beast. Tremblingly she tore a sparkling
+golden crucifix from her breast, held it towards
+the monster piteously, and called on her Lord in a heart-rending
+voice. Wonder of wonders! Raising himself,
+as if struck by lightning, the monster turned, dashing
+himself backwards over the jagged stones into the waters
+below, and disappearing in the river among the
+falling rocks.</p>
+
+<p>Wondering cries arose from the waiting heathens.
+Astonishment and wonder were depicted on every face.
+In quiet submission, her eyes half-closed, the maiden
+stood praying to Him who had saved her. The cords
+fell from her sides; two strong arms caught her and
+carried her into the midst of the astonished crowd. She
+raised her eyes and perceived the younger of the two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+chieftains. His rough warlike hand had seized hers.
+The young man bent his knee as if to a heavenly being,
+and touched her white fingers with his lips. Loud
+applause greeted him on all sides.</p>
+
+<p>The old priest came forward, the people waiting in
+great expectation. "Who had saved her from certain
+destruction? Who was the God who so visibly aided
+His own?" asked he solemnly of the Christian. With
+bright eyes the maiden answered triumphantly:</p>
+
+<p>"This picture of Christ has crushed the Dragon and
+saved me. The salvation of the world and the welfare
+of man lies in Him." The priest glanced at the crucifix
+with reverent awe.</p>
+
+<p>"May it soon lighten your spirit and those of all these
+people round," said the maiden earnestly. "It will reveal
+greater wonders than this to you, for our God is great."</p>
+
+<p>The maiden and all the other prisoners were conducted
+back to their own country. But the former soon
+returned again, accompanied by a Christian priest. The
+voice of truth and innocence worked wonders in the
+hearts of the heathens. Thousands were converted and
+baptized. The old priest and Rinbold were the first
+who bowed their heads in submission to the new doctrine.
+Great rejoicings were held among the tribe when
+the maiden gave her hand to the young chieftain. A
+Christian temple was erected in the valley, and a splendid
+castle was built on the summit of the rocks for the newly-married
+couple. For about ten centuries their descendants
+flourished there, a very powerful race in the
+Rhine countries.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Monk of Heisterbach</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n olden times in a lovely valley near the
+Seven Mountains, stood a cloister called
+Heisterbach. Even now parts of the walls
+of this old monastery remain, and it was
+not by the hand of time, but by the barbarism of
+foolish warfare, that its halls fell into ruins. The monks
+were driven away, the abbey was pulled down, and
+the stones were used for the building of a fortress.</p>
+
+<p>Since that time, so the country folk relate, the spirits
+of the banished monks wander nightly among the ruins,
+raising mute accusations against their persecutors and
+the destroyers of their cells. Among them there was
+one, Gebhard, the last Prior of Heisterbach, who now,
+they say, wanders about the graves of the monks, and
+also haunts the burial-places of the Masters of L&ouml;wenburg
+and Drachenburg.</p>
+
+<p>In the Middle Ages the monks of Heisterbach were
+very famous. Many a rare copy of the Holy Scriptures,
+many a highly learned piece of writing was sent out
+into the world from this hermitage, telling of the industry
+and learning of the pious monks.</p>
+
+<p>There was one brother, still young in years, who
+distinguished himself by his learning. He was looked
+up to by all the other brethren, and even the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+gray-haired Father Prior had recourse to his stores of knowledge.
+But the poisonous worm of doubt began to
+gnaw at his soul; the mirror of his faith was blurred
+by his deep meditations. His keen eye would often
+wander over the faded parchment on which the living
+word of God was written, while his childlike believing
+heart, humbly submitting itself, would lamentingly cry
+out, "Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief!" Like
+a ghost his restless doubts would hover about him,
+making his soul the scene of tormenting struggle.</p>
+
+<p>One night with flushed face he had been meditating
+over a parchment. At daybreak he still remained engrossed
+in his thoughts. The morning sun threw his
+bright rays over the heavens, casting playful beams on
+the written roll in the monk's hands.</p>
+
+<p>But he saw them not, his thoughts were wholly
+taken up by a passage which for months past had ever
+been hidden to him and had been the constant subject
+of his reflections, "A thousand years are but as a day
+in Thy sight."</p>
+
+<p>His brain had already long tormented itself over the
+obscure words of the Psalmist, and with a great effort
+he had striven to blot it out of his memory, and now
+the words danced again before his weary eyes, growing
+larger and larger. Those confusing black signs seemed
+to become a sneering doubt hovering round him: "A
+thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight."</p>
+
+<p>He tore himself away from the silent cell, seeking
+the cool solitude of the cloister-gardens. There with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+a heavy heart he paced the paths, torturing himself
+with horrid doubts.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes were fixed on the ground, his mind was
+far away from the peaceful garden, and without being
+aware of what he was doing, he left the cloister-gardens
+and wandered out into the neighbouring forest. The
+birds in the trees greeted him cordially, the flowers
+opened their eyes at his approach; but the wretched
+man heard and saw nothing but the words: "A thousand
+years are but as a day in Thy sight."</p>
+
+<p>His wandering steps grew feeble, his feverish brain
+weary from want of sleep. Then the monk sank down
+on a stone, and laid his troubled head against a tree.</p>
+
+<p>A sweet, peaceful dream stole over his spirit. He
+found himself in spheres glowing with light; the waters
+of Eternity were rushing round the throne of the Most
+High; creation appeared and praised His works, and
+Heaven extolled their glory; from the worm in the dust,
+which no earthly being has been able to create, to the
+eagle soaring above the heights of the earth: from the
+grain of sand on the sea-shore, to the gigantic crater,
+which, at the Lord's command, vomits fire out of its
+throat which has been closed for thousands of years:
+they all spoke with one voice which is not heard by
+the haughty, being only manifest and comprehensible
+to the humble. These were the words of Him who
+created them, be it in six days or in six thousand years,
+"A thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight."</p>
+
+<p>With a slight shudder the monk opened his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>"I believe Lord! help Thou my unbelief," murmured
+he, taking heart.</p>
+
+<p>The bell sounded in the distance. They were ringing
+for vespers; sunset was already gleaming through
+the forest.</p>
+
+<p>The monk hastily turned towards the cloister. The
+chapel was lighted up, and through the half-opened
+door he could see the brothers in their stalls. He
+hurried noiselessly to his place, but to his astonishment
+he found that another monk was there; he touched
+him lightly on the shoulder, and strange to tell, the
+man he saw was unknown to him. The brothers, now
+one, now another, raised their heads and looked in
+silent questioning at the new comer.</p>
+
+<p>A peculiar feeling seized the poor monk, who saw
+only strange faces round him. Growing pale, he waited
+till the singing was over. Confused questions seemed
+to pass along the rows.</p>
+
+<p>The Prior, a dignified old man with snow-white hair,
+approached.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name, strange brother?" asked he in
+a gentle, kind tone. The monk was filled with dismay.
+"Maurus," murmured he in a trembling voice.
+"St. Bernhard was the Abbot who received my vows,
+in the sixth year of the reign of King Conrad, whom
+they called the Frank."</p>
+
+<p>Incredulous astonishment was depicted on the brothers'
+countenances.</p>
+
+<p>The monk raised his face to the old Prior and confessed
+to him how he had wandered out in the early<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+morning into the cloister-gardens, how he had fallen
+asleep in the forest, and had not wakened till the bell
+for vespers sounded.</p>
+
+<p>The Prior made a sign to one of the brothers. Then
+turning to the monk he said: "It is almost three hundred
+years since the death of St. Bernhard and of Conrad,
+whom they called the Frank."</p>
+
+<p>The cloister annals were brought; and it was there
+found that three hundred years had passed since the
+days of St. Bernhard. The Prior also read the following
+note.</p>
+
+<p>"A doubter disappeared one day from the cloister,
+and no one ever knew what became of him."</p>
+
+<p>A shudder ran through the monk's limbs. This was
+he, this brother Maurus who had now come back to
+the cloister after three hundred years! What the Prior
+had read sounded in his ears as if it were the trumpet
+of the Last Judgment. Three hundred years!</p>
+
+<p>With wide-open eyes he gazed before him, then
+stretched forth his hands as if seeking for help. The
+brothers supported him, observing him at the same
+time with secret dismay; his face had become ashy
+pale, like that of a dying person, the narrow circle of
+hair on his head had become snow-white.</p>
+
+<p>"My brothers," murmured he in a dying voice, "value
+the imperishable word of the Lord at all times, and
+never try to fathom what he in His wisdom has veiled
+from us. May my example never be blotted out of your
+memory. Only to-day the words of the Psalmist were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+revealed to me. 'A thousand years are but as a day in
+Thy sight.' May he have mercy on me, a poor sinner."
+He sank lifeless to the ground, and the brothers, greatly
+moved, repeated the prayers for the dead over his body.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Origin of the Seven Mountains</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>n olden times the Rhine flowed into a deep
+mighty lake above the town of K&ouml;nigswinter.
+Those who then lived near the Eifel
+Mountains or on the heights of the Westerwald,
+were in constant fear of these swelling waters
+which often overflowed, causing great destruction in
+the country. They began to consider that some great
+saviour was necessary, and sent a messenger into the
+country of the Giants, begging some of them to come
+down and bore through the mountain, which prevented
+the waters from flowing onward. They would
+receive valuable presents as a recompense.</p>
+
+<p>So one day seven giants arrived in their country
+bringing enormous spades with them, and with a few
+good strokes of their tools, they made a gap in the
+mountain so that in a few days the water washed
+through the gap which visibly became larger. At last
+the river streamed through in torrents. The lake gradually
+dried up and completely disappeared, and the
+liberated Rhine flowed majestically towards the plain.</p>
+
+<p>The Giants looked at their work with satisfaction.
+The grateful folk brought them rich treasures, which
+they had taken out of the mines. Having divided<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+them fraternally, the Giants shouldered their spades
+and went their way. These heaps of rocky ground
+which they had dug out were so great, that ever since
+they have been called the Seven Mountains, and will
+remain there until the Giants come again and sweep
+them away.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Nightingale Valley at Honnef</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcaph"><span class="dropcap">H</span></span>onnef is one of the most lovely little spots
+on the earth, nestling sweetly at the foot
+of the old Drachenfels. The mountain
+protects it from the icy winds of the north,
+and the breezes blow gently in the valley, which may
+be called the German Nice.</p>
+
+<p>When the setting sun reminds the wanderer on the
+Drachenfels of coming darkness, and he strolls down
+through the valley of Honnef, the songs of numerous
+nightingales sound in his ears. This has been the
+meeting-place of these songsters for many a long year,
+and there is an old legend which gives us the reason.</p>
+
+<p>There was a time when they used to sing in the
+forest round the old Abbey Himmerode, as they now
+do in the valley of Honnef.</p>
+
+<p>The pious monks, walking about in the cloister
+gardens in holy contemplation heard their seductive
+songs: the penitents in their cells, mortifying the flesh
+heard them also. Their alluring warble mingled itself
+with their murmured prayers; and in the heart of
+many a monk, who had long since renounced the
+world and its pleasures, the remembrance of them was
+gently awakened, and sweet sinful things were whispered
+into the holy brother's ears.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>Then one day it happened that St. Bernhard came
+to the Abbey Himmerode, to examine the brother's
+hearts. He was greatly distressed to find that many
+a holy soul had turned from the path of peace, and
+the cause of this also became known to him. In a
+violent passion the holy man strode out into the
+forest surrounding the cloister, and raising his hand
+angrily towards the seductive singers, he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Go from here! Ye are a curse to us." St. Bernhard
+had spoken threateningly, and lo! with a great stir in
+the branches, a throng of numberless nightingales
+rose from the bushes, filled the forest once more
+with their glorious song, and fled with a great flapping
+of wings.</p>
+
+<p>They settled down in the valley of Honnef, and no
+excommunication has driven them from there. Those
+who wander there are not averse to the pleasures of
+the world like St. Bernhard, and every one after his
+own manner reads a different meaning in their song.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+<h2><ins class="correction" title="Title 'GODESBERG' added, to match Table of Contents">GODESBERG</ins></h2>
+
+<h2>The High Cross at Godesberg</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>f you walk on the high road between Bonn
+and Godesberg which is not far distant,
+you perceive on the left side, shimmering
+white amid the green woodland, a high
+pillar crowned with a cross known as the "High Cross."</p>
+
+<p>It is a pleasing sight to him who passes by on a
+bright day; but in the twilight its glaring white contrasting
+so sharply with the dark back ground, makes
+a dismal impression on him, which is still more
+enhanced by the legend told about it.</p>
+
+<p>The story leads us back to the time when instead
+of the grey ruins, a proud stronghold near Godesberg
+looked down into the wonderful valley of the Rhine.
+An old knight lived there, who was well known far
+and near for his bravery and generosity. His beloved
+wife had died, leaving him two sons.</p>
+
+<p>The elder was the very image of his mother in body
+and mind; he had gentle childlike manners, and it was
+therefore natural that the father's eye rested with more
+pleasure on him than on the younger son who was
+very daring, and in spite of his youth had already
+gone after strange, and not always honourable adventures.
+Yet the old father did not grieve much on his
+account, hoping that the sooner the reckless youth emptied
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>his cup of pleasure, the sooner he would come to
+the bitter dregs. Then like others he would surely
+become more serious, and would yet fulfil the longing
+desire of his late mother. She had fervently wished
+to see him when a man adorned with St. Mathern's
+ring, which the bishops of Cologne wore, while Erich,
+the elder, should become lord of Godesberg Castle.</p>
+
+<p>The father's thoughts lingered with pleasure on the
+pleasant prospects of his sons' future. He sent up
+many a fervent prayer to heaven for the fulfilment of
+his desires, well knowing that the spirit of his beloved
+wife supported him at the throne of the Almighty
+with her own supplications.</p>
+
+<p>The old knight often spoke to his younger son about
+his vocation in life, but always observed with disappointment
+that his son avoided any allusion to the
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>When the father felt his death approaching, he
+imparted once more his wish to his two sons, that the
+elder should become master of the castle, and the
+younger, bishop of Cologne. With a blessing for them
+on his lips, he closed his eyes for ever.</p>
+
+<p>His death was sincerely deplored by all the poor
+people of the neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Some time after the two brothers sat as usual in the
+high banqueting-hall of Godesberg. It was a very dismal
+meal, for they sat opposite to each other, the elder
+with reproachful looks, the younger with knitted brows.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>"I only took what the ancient law of my fathers
+bestowed upon me," said the elder mildly but firmly,
+in answer to some harsh words of his companion.
+"I am not master, but only manager of the family
+possessions. All our ancestors whose pictures look
+down on us in this hall would curse me, if I did not
+take good care of their legacy. But you, my dear
+brother, will receive a higher gift than a castle. You,
+the offspring of a noble race, shall become a worthy
+servant of our Saviour."</p>
+
+<p>"Never!" burst forth the younger one in passionate
+eloquence "never will I bow my neck to an unjust
+law that compels one to take up arms, and another
+meekly to accept a monk's cassock. If they offered
+me now a bishop's ring or a cardinal's hat, I would
+not become a priest, I shall remain a knight."</p>
+
+<p>The elder brother listened sorrowfully to this headstrong
+speech. "May God, whom you thus blaspheme,
+enlighten your dark heart. I would willingly share
+with you whatever I possess, but our father's will
+forbids it. Therefore bend your proud neck humbly,
+and beware of the judgment that will fall on him
+who despises the will of his dying father."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Hunting horns and trumpets sounded through the
+green forest which extended at that time from the
+town of Godesberg to the gates of Bonn. This huge
+wood abounded in noble game.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>The two brothers were indulging together in the
+pleasures of the chase, as they had done so often in
+their father's life-time. Count Erich had gladly accepted
+his brother's invitation to accompany him.</p>
+
+<p>He was only too glad to see how his dark mood had
+changed in the last few days and given way to greater
+cheerfulness. It appeared to Lord Erich as if his brother
+had come to reason, and after all had made up his
+mind to fulfil their parents' wish. He believed all the
+more in the happy change when he heard that his
+brother intended presenting himself to the Archbishop
+of Cologne, in order to deliver a letter of great importance
+from his late father to him.</p>
+
+<p>Count Erich's heart was glad. He roamed joyfully
+through the forest, and his gladness seemed to increase
+his good luck in the sport. Several gigantic boars were
+pierced through by a spear sent from his hand. A deer
+also met with a similar doom.</p>
+
+<p>The younger brother's success was on the contrary very
+meagre. His hand was unsteady and his whole bearing
+betrayed restlessness. A strange subdued fire gleamed in
+his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>While he was following the trail of a mighty boar,
+Count Erich met him and offered to pursue the animal
+in his company.</p>
+
+<p>They hunted through thorns and thicket, accompanied
+by the yelping hounds. Suddenly the foliage rustled,
+and the boar was seen to break wildly through the
+bushes. A spear from the younger brother whirred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>
+towards the beast, but missed its aim and remained
+sticking in the bark of an oak.</p>
+
+<p>"Your hand is more fit to bless pious Christians,"
+said Count Erich with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"But still fit enough to rid me of an inconvenient
+brother!" muttered the younger brother between his
+teeth, and tearing his hunting knife rapidly from his
+belt, he plunged the two-edged steel into his brother's
+breast. A terrible cry at the same time rang through
+the forest, and the murderer fled in haste.</p>
+
+<p>Two attendants of the Count who were hunting
+close by, hearing the cry came running to see what
+was the matter, and found Lord Erich lying in his
+blood, dying. They bent down over him to see if
+they could help him, but alas! it was too late. The
+man, mortally wounded, was beyond the reach of
+human aid. With a last effort he opened his lips,
+muttered lowly but audibly the words, "My brother!"
+then sank back and closed his eyes for ever.</p>
+
+<p>The terrible news that the Lord of Godesberg had
+been foully murdered by his own brother, spread
+swiftly through the country. Mourning again filled
+the castle on the mountain, when they carried the
+body of the poor slain man to his untimely grave.
+They buried him in the family vault next to the recent
+grave of his father.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the castle stood desolate. The next
+relative of the noble family, who lived in a lovely
+part of the Rhine valley near the Palatinate, avoided
+a place where such an unheard of crime had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
+committed. Only an old man kept watch in the empty
+castle. But even he was soon compelled to leave it.
+One night the high tower was struck by lightning
+and the whole building burnt down. Nothing remained
+but blackened ruins, looking mournfully on the
+gay landscape beneath.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Years went by after this crime. Nobody heard or
+saw anything of the murderer. He seemed to have
+totally disappeared. Some people however whispered
+that on the day of the black deed, a man was seen
+fleeing from the forest of Godesberg. He was pale
+and ghastly looking, and darted off, not caring which
+way he went. It was he who on the previous day
+had fostered in his burning brain the longing desire
+to take possession of his brother's heritage, and now
+he was a murderer, and bore Cain's mark on his
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p>The unfortunate youth had rashly contrived this
+hellish plan to rid himself of his brother and to become
+lord of Godesberg. His plan was to kill him while
+hunting, and then make the people believe that he
+had aimed at a boar and hit his brother accidentally
+instead. But when his victim sank down in agony,
+the knife dropped from his murderous hand, his courage
+failed him, and he felt himself driven from the
+wood as if chased by a demon.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>After many years had come and gone, a tired wanderer
+once knocked at the door of the cloister of
+Heisterbach, which had been erected by St. Benedict's
+pious disciples in a remote valley of the Seven Mountains.
+The man who desired admission looked more
+like a beggar than a pilgrim. His garments hung
+torn and ragged round his thin body, and his face
+was deeply furrowed by marks of long and cruel
+suffering.</p>
+
+<p>"Have pity on me," said he in a trembling voice,
+"I come from the Holy Sepulchre, my feet will bear
+me no further." The door-keeper was moved, and
+retired to inform the Abbot of the poor man's request.
+He received permission to bring him in. When the
+beggar appeared before the Abbot, he fell on his knees
+and renewed his demand for food and rest. For some
+moments the monk looked penetratingly at the man
+before him, then a sign of recognition passed over his
+face, and he cried out. "Good heavens! is it you Sir
+Knight?" The pilgrim trembled, prostrated himself
+before the Abbot, and embraced his knees in overwhelming
+grief. "Have mercy on me," exclaimed he,
+"it was I who twenty years ago slew my brother in
+the forest of Godesberg. During twenty long years I
+tried to atone for my cursed deed and obtain forgiveness
+and peace. As a pilgrim I cried for mercy at
+the grave of him whom I murdered; as a slave of the
+Infidels, under the weight of heavy chains I prayed
+incessantly for God's mercy, but I cannot find peace.
+Three months ago the fetters were struck from my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+hands, and I have again come home, weary unto death.
+You, oh worthy Abbot, have known me from a child.
+Let me rest within the walls of this cloister, that I
+may daily see the castle where I was an innocent
+child. I will pray and do penance until death releases
+me from my wretched life."</p>
+
+<p>The Abbot felt intense pity for the unhappy man.
+He bent down, laid his hands on him, and blessed him.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>For many years the poor penitent remained in the
+cloister trying to atone for his crime with fervent
+prayers and hard penance. At last God in His grace
+called him away, and the repenting sinner died hopeful
+of Heaven's forgiveness. The monks buried him in a
+shady place in their cloister garden.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+<h2>BONN</h2>
+
+<h2>Lord Erich's Pledge</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapo"><span class="dropcap">O</span></span>n the Klochterhof at Friesdorf near Bonn,
+a nobleman once lived, who was well
+known in the whole Rhine valley as a great
+tippler.</p>
+
+<p>Once Lord Erich had indulged with great relish in
+the noble sport of the chase in the forest that surrounded
+the neighbouring town of Godesberg. The day
+was hot, the chase unsuccessful and rather tedious for
+him, as he was more than usually tormented by a
+mighty thirst.</p>
+
+<p>The sun had set and his last golden rays were
+glittering on the waves of the Rhine, when Lord Erich
+shouldered his blunderbuss and turned homeward with
+a small bag, consisting of one fat hare.</p>
+
+<p>In those days one small inn (now they can be counted
+by the dozen) stood on the margin of the large
+forest of Godesberg. There Lord Erich entered to rest
+his tired limbs, but principally to quench his great
+thirst. He gave the hare to the landlady, that she
+might prepare it with skilful hands, and ordered a
+flowing bumper of golden Rhine wine which he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
+emptied at one deep draught. I am sure that the juice
+of the grapes must have been far better then, than it
+is now-a-days.</p>
+
+<p>The landlady soon prepared the game and placed
+the tempting meal before the hungry hunter, who
+enjoyed it thoroughly. But he appreciated still more
+the delicious, cool wine offered to him.</p>
+
+<p>One glass after the other was swallowed by the
+thirsty Lord of Klochterhof, and the landlord marked
+just as many charcoal strokes on the door-post.</p>
+
+<p>When night approached, the noble hunter began to
+think of returning home. Sitting there had been agreeable
+and comfortable, but he found it very difficult to get
+up and walk.</p>
+
+<p>The landlord, perceiving his guest's preparations to
+take his leave, came forward and said in rather a rough
+tone, being an outspoken fellow: "Twelve bottles, my
+lord, don't forget to pay before you go."</p>
+
+<p>Lord Erich who was standing very unsteadily on
+his legs, muttered in a thick voice but very good-humouredly,
+"Dear landlord, I could pay you if I had
+loaded my blunderbuss with money, but I did not."</p>
+
+<p>With this cheerful response he turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>The landlord was exceedingly aggravated at this
+careless answer. His face grew quite purple with anger.
+"If you have no money, my lord, I shall keep your
+trousers till you are able to pay for the twelve bottles."
+So saying he took hold of the tipsy man. Whether he
+liked it or not, Lord Erich was obliged to leave his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+inexpressibles with the inexorable landlord, and to
+walk home without them.</p>
+
+<p>The firs in the wood shook their heads in disapproval
+at such a strange attire.</p>
+
+<p>It is not known if Lord Erich ever came back to
+the inn to redeem his nether garments.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Roman Ghosts</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapb"><span class="dropcap">B</span></span>efore the gates of the old Roman town of
+Bonn rises a mountain of moderate height,
+called Kreuzberg, or "Crossmountain."</p>
+
+<p>In early mediaeval times pious pilgrims
+went to this sacred place, in order to kneel on the
+holy steps of the old convent church so rich in memories
+of the martyrs, or to pray in the chapel. On the same
+spot at the beginning of the fourth century, the great
+saints of the Theban legion, Cassius, and his companions
+Florentius and Melusius, died for the Christian faith.</p>
+
+<p>These martyrs were the guardian saints of the country
+round Bonn. Many a prayer sent up to them had
+graciously been fulfilled, since the time when St. Helena,
+the pious mother of Constantine, erected a chapel to
+their honour on Kreuzberg.</p>
+
+<p>Once upon a time a simple peasant from the neighbouring
+country went on a pilgrimage to St. Cassius'
+burial place.</p>
+
+<p>He came to ask the kind martyr for assistance in
+his distress. Dransdorf was his village, formerly called
+Trajan's village, because the general, who later on
+became Emperor Trajan, is said to have had a villa
+there.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>A bad harvest had brought troubles on the peasant,
+but he firmly believed that through the intercession of
+St. Cassius he would receive money enough in one
+way or another to enable him to pay his many debts.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at Kreuzberg, he began his religious
+exercises by confessing his sins to one of the monks
+belonging to the order of St. Francis. Then according
+to custom he knelt in succession on one sacred step
+after the other till he reached the chapel. His wife
+had carefully put a candle in his pocket which he now
+lighted before the image of St. Cassius. Having thus
+fulfilled all the duties prescribed by the church, he
+turned homewards, well content with himself.</p>
+
+<p>When he crossed the principal square of the town,
+where already at the time the magnificent Minster
+stood, he entered this church to pray once more, and
+to put another coin into the poor-box.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight was creeping through the aisles, and a
+pilgrimage being not at all an easy thing, our peasant
+soon fell asleep over his prayer-book.</p>
+
+<p>He only awoke, when, somebody pulled him by his
+sleeve. It was the sexton with a big bunch of keys.</p>
+
+<p>At first the peasant gazed drowsily at the unwelcome
+intruder, then with astonished eyes he looked round
+about him, until at last it dawned upon him, that he
+must get up and leave the church. Rousing himself
+he made the sign of the cross, and left the Minster
+with tottering steps. The night winds rustled in the
+old limetrees of the square and seemed to whisper
+strange tales into the ears of the late wanderer.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>The peasant crossed the open space sulkily, and
+steered his way towards the Sternthor, which led to
+Dransdorf. An ancient Roman tower, the remains of
+the high fortifications erected by the soldiers of Drusus
+eighteen hundred years ago, stands in the narrow lane,
+leading from the minster-square to the Sternthor. To
+the tired wanderer this tower seemed a splendid shelter,
+all the more so, as it would not cost him a penny.</p>
+
+<p>He entered it, and tired out with the weary day,
+he was soon fast asleep as if he had never been stirred
+up from the bench in the Minster. No sexton with
+noisy keys was to be feared, and yet in his sleep the
+countryman had the sensation of somebody tapping
+him on the shoulder. He sat up and looked round.
+To his amazement he beheld a magnificent warrior
+standing before him, clad in a coat of mail with a
+Roman helmet on his head. Two companions in
+similar array stood by his side.</p>
+
+<p>They nodded genially down to him, and it struck
+him that he had already seen them somewhere else.
+After some moments he remembered the pictures of
+St. Cassius and his friends in the chapel on Kreuzberg.
+There was no doubt the three holy martyrs stood in
+person before him.</p>
+
+<p>Our good peasant was so much awed at this discovery
+that he could not utter a word, but on a sign
+from his mysterious visitors, he followed them at a
+respectful distance.</p>
+
+<p>They marched towards the Sternthor, straight into
+the building, the walls of which were as thick as the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+rooms were long in the peasant's humble little cottage.
+In the middle of a high vault there was a table covered
+with sparkling gold.</p>
+
+<p>At this unusual sight the peasant opened his eyes
+very widely indeed; but his astonishment changed into
+keen delight when one of his ghostly visitors filled
+his left pocket and another his right with the glittering
+metal. Meanwhile the third man took a tumbler from
+the middle of the table, and presented it to him with
+an encouraging smile.</p>
+
+<p>He thought their language was very much like that
+which the vicar of the village church used in reading
+the service. Though the simple man could not understand
+a word of their conversation, he interpreted the
+kind invitation quite correctly, and shouting out a
+merry, "Vivat!" as a salute to his hosts, he emptied
+the tumbler at one big draught.</p>
+
+<p>The whole building resounded with the echo, "Vivat!"
+The three warriors looked pleased and answered in a
+cheerful voice, "Vivat, Vivat!"</p>
+
+<p>All at once it seemed to the peasant as if the vault
+was filled with a multitude of Roman soldiers who
+all called out to him, "Vivat!" as if happy to hear a
+sound of their native language in the country of the
+north.</p>
+
+<p>The man from Dransdorf became quite high-spirited,
+and kept on shouting, "Vivat, Vivat!" Suddenly startled
+by the noise he made, he awoke and found himself
+lying on the floor of the Roman tower in the Sterngasse.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>The events of the night only seemed to him like a
+strange dream. But when he felt in his pockets he
+found them stuffed with real golden coins of a strange
+ancient stamp.</p>
+
+<p>Our friend's joy became quite uproarious. After
+having sent up a heartfelt thanksgiving to St. Cassius,
+he gave vent to his delight by shouting through the
+quiet streets at the top of his voice, "Vivat, Vivat!"</p>
+
+<p>A watchman stood on duty by the Sternthor, when
+the jocund peasant passed by. He made a step
+forward and, reaching out his arm, he gave the merry
+man a rude knock with his lance. Unmindful of this
+rough admonition, the peasant related the event in the
+Roman tower to the watchman, and finished his story
+by inviting the stern man of duty to an early draught
+at the nearest inn.</p>
+
+<p>Rumours of the wonderful events spread far and
+wide, and soon every town and village knew the tale.
+The small lane leading from the Minstersquare to the
+Sternthor was called "Vivat" lane, and bears that name
+to the present day.</p>
+
+<p>Some years ago a heavy winter gale destroyed the
+old Roman tower that had so long withstood the
+vicissitudes of time. The people of Bonn however
+did not wish to obliterate the memory of this curious
+story, and therefore named the street running parallel
+with "Vivat" lane&mdash;"Cassius Graben."</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+<h2>COLOGNE</h2>
+
+<h2>Richmodis of Aducht</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>t was about the middle of the fifteenth century.</p>
+
+<p>The shadows of death hovered above the
+holy City of Cologne. A strange figure in
+dark garments hurried with quick steps
+through the streets and lanes. It was the plague. Its
+poisonous breath penetrated into cottages and palaces,
+extinguishing the lives of many thousands.</p>
+
+<p>The grave-diggers marked innumerable houses with
+a black cross, to warn the passers-by that the destroying
+angel had entered there. The roll of the dead rose to
+such numbers that it was impossible to bury them all
+in the customary manner. Therefore the bodies of the
+unfortunate people were thrown together into a common
+grave, covered only scantily with earth and marked with
+a plain wooden cross.</p>
+
+<p>Woe and sorrow thus filled the old City of Cologne.</p>
+
+<p>On the New-market, close to the Church of the
+Apostles, in a splendid mansion, the rich Magistrate,
+Mengis of Aducht lived. Wealth could not save his
+house from the dreadful epidemic, his youthful and
+lovely wife, Richmodis, was seized with the plague and
+died. The grief of her lord was boundless. He passed
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>the whole night by the remains of his beloved spouse,
+dressed her himself in the white wedding gown she
+had worn as a happy bride a few years before, decorated
+the coffin with sweet white flowers, and covered
+her with the precious jewels and costly rings she had
+loved so much. Then she was buried.</p>
+
+<p>Night approached, and the clear starry sky looked
+peacefully down on the afflicted town.</p>
+
+<p>Perfect stillness prevailed in God's acre.&mdash;Suddenly
+a jarring sound like the opening of an old rusty lock
+was heard, and two dark shadows glided among the
+graves, on and on till they stopped before the fresh
+mound which enclosed the body of Richmodis of
+Aducht.&mdash;Those two knew the spot, and well they
+might, for they were the grave-diggers, and had prepared
+this grave themselves on the previous day.</p>
+
+<p>They were present when the lid of the coffin was
+screwed down, and had with hungry looks coveted
+the glittering precious stones Richmodis was to be
+buried with.</p>
+
+<p>Now they had come to rob the dead body. With
+spade and shovel the wreaths and flowers were quickly
+removed from the mound, the earth dug up, and the
+coffin laid bare. In feverish haste, spurred on by their
+greed, they burst the lid open, and the dim light of
+their lantern fell full on the mild pale face of the dead
+woman. With haste the bolder of the two wretches
+loosened the white waxen hands folded together as in
+prayer, and tried to tear off the rings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>Suddenly the body quivered, and the white hands
+spread out. Aghast the robbers dropped their tools,
+scrambled in utmost terror out of the grave, and fled
+as if chased by the furies.</p>
+
+<p>A painful long sigh rose from the depth of the grave,
+and after some time the white form of Richmodis who
+had been buried alive, emerged from the tomb.</p>
+
+<p>With wide open eyes, full of horror, she looked
+down into the ghastly bed she had just left.&mdash;Could
+it really be true, or was it only a frightful dream?</p>
+
+<p>God's acre was silent, but for the rustling of the
+autumn leaves of the weeping willows. Stillness of
+death everywhere!&mdash;No answer came to her faint
+cry for help.&mdash;The horror of her situation however
+wakened her declining strength. She took up the lantern
+which the robbers had left behind them and with feeble
+steps reached the entrance of the churchyard.</p>
+
+<p>The streets were desolate. The stars overhead alone
+perceived the slowly moving form, every now and then
+resting against the walls of the houses.&mdash;At last she
+reached the New-market and stood before the door of
+her home. Dark and quiet it seemed. But from the
+window in the magistrate's room a faint light shone
+forth. A quiver ran through the frame of the poor
+wife, and a wild longing desire seized her to be sheltered
+by his loving arms and to feel in his embrace
+that she had really returned to life again.</p>
+
+<p>With a last effort she seized the knocker, and listened
+with newly awakened hope to the tapping sound which
+rang clear through the night.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>A few minutes elapsed. Then an old servant peeping
+out of the window in the door, perceived the white
+ghostly figure of his late mistress. Horror seized him,
+his hair stood on end. Richmodis called him by his
+name and begged him to open the door. At the sound
+of her voice the old man started, ran upstairs, dashed
+into his master's room uttering incoherent sounds, and
+stammering: "O Lord, the dead rise; outside stands
+our good Mistress and demands entrance!" But the
+Magistrate shook his head in deep grief: "Richmodis,
+my beloved wife is dead and will never return, never,
+never," he repeated in unspeakable sorrow; "I will rather
+believe that my two white horses will burst from their
+halters in the stable and mount the stairs to the tower."</p>
+
+<p>A terrible sound suddenly filled the quiet house, a
+noise like thunder was heard, and Mengis of Aducht
+and his servant saw the two white steeds tearing and
+tramping in haste upstairs.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later two horses looked out of the tower
+windows into the night, and shortly afterwards the
+Magistrate laughing and crying with joy at the same
+time, held in his arms his wife who had returned from
+the grave.</p>
+
+<p>For many years Richmodis lived happily with her
+husband, surrounded by several lovely children. Deep
+piety remained the motive power of Richmodis' being,
+and nobody ever saw her smile again.</p>
+
+<p>If you come to Cologne, reader, you will still see the old
+house of the Aduchts at the New-market, with two white
+wooden horses' heads looking out of the top window.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Goblins</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>his story goes back to the "good old times"
+of which we modern people always speak
+with a sigh of regret.</p>
+
+<p>It was then when good-natured goblins
+appeared to mortal eyes, and tried to render the life
+of the troubled human race a little more cheerful. In
+groves and dens they had magnificent dwellings and
+watched there over the enormous mineral treasures of
+the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Often these beneficent elves were busy miners or
+sometimes clever artisans. We all know that they
+manufactured the precious trinkets and arms of the
+Nibelungen treasure.</p>
+
+<p>Deep in the interior of the earth they lived happily
+together, ruled over by a king. They could be called
+the harmless friends of darkness, because they were not
+allowed to come into broad daylight. If they did so,
+they were transformed into stones.</p>
+
+<p>The goblins did not always remain underground.
+On the contrary they often came to the earth's surface
+through certain holes, called goblin-holes, but they
+always avoided meeting man.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! the advance of civilisation has driven these
+friendly spirits gradually from the places where they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>
+used to do so much good. None of us, I am sure has
+ever had the good luck of meeting one of them.</p>
+
+<p>The goblins were of different sizes. Sometimes they
+were as small as one's thumb, sometimes as large as
+the hand of a child of four years old. The most remarkable
+feature of these tiny figures was the enormous
+head and the pointed hump that so often adorned their
+backs. Their look was on the whole more comical
+than ugly. German people used to call them "Heinzchen"
+or "Heinzelm&auml;nnchen."</p>
+
+<p>A long time ago the good town of Cologne was
+inhabited by a host of dwarfs, and the honest population
+knew a great many stories about them. The workmen
+and artisans especially had, through the assistance of
+the little wights, far more holidays than are marked in
+the calendar.</p>
+
+<p>When the carpenters, for instance, were lying on their
+benches in sweet repose, those little men came swiftly
+and stealthily along, they took up the tools and chiselled
+and sawed and hammered with a will, and thus, records
+the poetical chronicles which I am quoting, before the
+carpenters woke up, the house stood there finished.</p>
+
+<p>In the same way things went on with the baker.
+While his lads were snoring, the little goblins came to
+help. They groaned under the load of heavy corn-sacks,
+they kneaded and weighed the flour, lifted and
+pushed the bread into the oven, and before the lazy
+bakers opened their eyes, the morning bread, brown
+and crisp, was lying in rows on the table.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>The butchers too could speak of similar agreeable
+experiences. The good little men chopped, mixed and
+stirred with all their might, and when the drowsy
+butcher opened his eyes at last, he found the fresh,
+steaming sausages adorning the walls of his shop.</p>
+
+<p>The cooper enjoyed also the help of the busy dwarfs,
+and even the tailor could not complain of the goblins
+having neglected him.</p>
+
+<p>Once Mr. Cotton, a clever tailor, had the honour of
+making a Sunday coat for the mayor of the town. He
+worked diligently at it, but you can easily imagine that
+in the heat of the summer afternoon, the needle soon
+dropped from his hand, and he fell fast asleep. Hush!&mdash;look
+there. One little goblin after the other crept cautiously
+from his hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>They climbed on the table and began the tailor's
+work, and stitched and sewed and fitted and pressed,
+as if they had been masters of the needle all their lives.</p>
+
+<p>When Master Cotton awoke, he found to his great
+joy the mayor's Sunday coat ready made, and so neatly
+and well done that he could present the magnificent
+garment with pride to the head of the town.</p>
+
+<p>The pretty wife of Mr. Cotton looked at this masterpiece
+of her husband's art with a mischievous twinkle
+in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>In the night when her husband had fallen asleep,
+she rose from her bed without making the slightest
+noise, and scattered pease all over the floor of the
+workshop; she then put a half-finished suit on the table.
+She kept a small lantern hidden under her apron, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>
+waited behind the door listening. Soon after the room
+was full of little men all tumbling, falling, and slipping
+over the pease. Yells and screams rose at the same
+time. The poor little men were indeed much bruised
+and hurt. Without stopping they ran downstairs and
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The tailor's wife heard the noise, and thought it good
+sport. When the yells were loudest, she suddenly
+opened the door to see her visitors, but she came too
+late. Not a single goblin was left behind.</p>
+
+<p>Since that time the friendly dwarfs have never more
+been seen in Cologne, and in other places also they
+have entirely disappeared.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p>
+<h2>Jan and Griet</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 256px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_17.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_17th.jpg" width="256" height="400"
+alt="A carved stone bas-relief, showing Jan, the great general, riding his
+horse, looking down at the elderly Griet sitting on a stool with a basket
+of apples at her feet."
+title="Jan und Griet--Steinbild am Jan von Werth-Denkmal in K&ouml;ln" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Jan und Griet<br />
+Steinbild am Jan von Werth-Denkmal in K&ouml;ln</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">"T</span></span>here lived at Cologne on the old farm of
+K&uuml;mpchenshof a peasant who had a maid
+called Griet and a man-servant called Jan."</p>
+
+<p>Thus begins the old well-known Rhenish
+song of "Jan van Werth," the celebrated general of the
+imperial cavalry at the time when the Swedes and
+French were taking advantage of the civil war in Germany.
+But nobody except the inhabitants of the holy
+City of Cologne, knows that Jan van Werth was
+originally a simple labourer, and that he was indebted
+for his luck in life to his bad luck in love.</p>
+
+<p>Jan was an industrious farmer-boy with an upright
+character and a handsome face.</p>
+
+<p>Many a girl would not have rejected him as a sweetheart,
+but Jan's tender heart had long been captivated
+by the good looks of pretty Griet, the comely maid of
+the K&uuml;mpchenshof. His love could not long remain a
+secret. One day he confessed to her with sobs that
+he loved her dearly, and would with pleasure work
+and toil for her twice as much as he then did for his
+master. He spoke long and earnestly, and taking courage
+with every word he uttered, he at last put to her the
+all-important question&mdash;would she become his wife?</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>Laughingly the pretty girl put her round arms akimbo,
+tossed her head back and looked at her honest suitor
+with a mocking twinkle in her eyes. Then she shook
+her head energetically and said: "You are only a
+farmer's labourer, my dear boy, and will remain one
+most probably all your life. True, it is not your fault,
+but all the same I should prefer to marry a rich farmer
+with cows and oxen and horses."</p>
+
+<p>Bitter anger rose in Jan's breast on hearing her talk
+so heartlessly, but he controlled himself. "Just as you
+like," he said sadly, and turned away from the haughty
+maid.</p>
+
+<p>From that day he could not endure any longer the
+life at the farm, and pocketing his wages, he said good-bye
+for ever to the K&uuml;mpchenshof and became a soldier.</p>
+
+<p>It was a furious war in which the German Emperor
+was engaged against the enemies of his country, and
+brave soldiers were rare. Any valiant warrior might
+distinguish himself and become an officer at that time.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer-boy, Jan, soon won by his bravery and
+intrepidity the esteem of his superiors, and was promoted
+to the rank of colonel. Once when fighting against the
+Swedish troops he showed such determination and
+courage that he won the battle. After this brilliant act
+he was made a general. But the name of Jan van Werth
+became even more famous when he beat the French
+in a skirmish at T&uuml;ttlingen.</p>
+
+<p>In another way also his good luck reconciled him
+to the first bitter disappointment caused for by Griet's
+scornful answer. He married a lovely and noble young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
+lady, who was very proud of becoming the wife of
+such a celebrated general.</p>
+
+<p>Let us now look back and see what happened in the
+meantime to Griet. She had waited month after month
+and year after year for the rich farmer. But the longed-for
+suitor never made his appearance. Even in those
+by-gone days red cheeks and bright eyes were much
+less thought of than ducats and glittering gold.</p>
+
+<p>As time went on Griet grew old, and though she
+would now have been content with a simple man for
+her sweetheart, not even such a one condescended to
+ask her to become his wife.</p>
+
+<p>Little by little Griet gave up all hopes of ever
+marrying, and had to look out for a living to keep her
+in her old age from starving. Therefore she started a
+fruit stall at one of the large gateways of Cologne.</p>
+
+<p>One day the good inhabitants of this town were in
+great excitement, and crowded in their best Sunday-clothes
+round the gate of St. Severin, where Griet sat
+at her apple-stall. They had come to meet Jan van Werth,
+the celebrated general, who was returning victorious
+at the head of his regiment.</p>
+
+<p>There he was sitting on a powerful charger which
+was gorgeously covered with gilded trappings. On his
+fine head Jan wore a broad-brimmed hat with a flowing
+feather. Behind him rode his splendid soldiers. The
+body-guard of the town beat the drum enthusiastically,
+and the Cologne people called out: "Long live our
+Jan van Werth!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>When the celebrated general passed the gate, he
+stopped his horse just in front of Griet's apple baskets,
+and looking down upon the old wrinkled woman, met
+her questioning glance with an odd smile. "Ah Griet,"
+said he slowly; "whoever would have thought it?" At
+the sound of his voice an expression of sudden recognition
+passed over her worn features, and she
+muttered sorrowfully, but still audibly to the proud
+rider, "Oh, Jan, if I had only known it!"</p>
+
+<p>A magnificent monument in the form of the statue
+of Jan van Werth now stands in the centre of the old
+market of Cologne.</p>
+
+<p>It was erected there in memory not only of the
+heroic deeds of the brave general, but also as a warning
+to all Cologne maidens not to reject their suitors because
+they are poor, for one day, like Jan van Werth,
+they may become famous, and then they will not, like
+Griet, have to sigh over things that "might have been."</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+<h2>The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapi"><span class="dropcap">I</span></span>t was at Cologne in the year 1248 on the
+eve of the Ascension day of our Lord.</p>
+
+<p>Before the mighty Archbishop Kunrad
+of Hochstaden stood a simple architect
+offering the plan of a church, and arrogantly boasting
+that it would become one of the most beautiful cathedrals
+in Christendom. That man was Master Gerhard
+of Ryle.</p>
+
+<p>The Archbishop was greatly astonished at the grandeur
+of the design, and ordered the execution of the bold
+plan without delay.</p>
+
+<p>On the square which was selected for the erection of
+the new cathedral, another church had once been
+standing under the reign of the first king of the Franks,
+but it had been destroyed by the Normans.</p>
+
+<p>Now again gigantic masonry, slender pillars, bold
+vaults and arches rose to unite into a proud dome.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody admired the humble man, whose creative
+genius now employed thousands of industrious workmen,
+and Master Gerhard's name was mentioned with
+great praise at home and abroad.</p>
+
+<p>When the choir was finished, crowds of pious pilgrims
+came from the surrounding suburbs and even from a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
+distance to pray before the relics of the three holy
+kings which where enshrined there. Hymns of praise
+re-echoed through the unfinished aisles.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody rejoiced. But he, who ought to have been
+the most glad, was sad, and dark forebodings damped
+his spirits. The question if after all he would live to
+see his proud building finished, or if cruel fate would
+tear him away before he should have tasted the sweetness
+of triumph, tormented him day and night. His
+young wife saw with grief the change in his disposition;
+but she tried in vain by tender words and caresses to
+smooth his sorrowful brow.</p>
+
+<p>The more he was troubled by his gloomy thoughts,
+the more he urged his workmen on.&mdash;Four years
+had elapsed; it was now 1252. The tower on the
+north side rose already proudly into the air. The
+scaffolding reached higher and higher every day.</p>
+
+<p>One day Master Gerhard stood beside the big crane,
+watching how the gigantic blocks of stone taken from
+the quarries at the Drachenfels, were lifted up. He
+thought with pride and satisfaction that his work was
+going on well; and that he surely would see it finished.
+While thus meditating he did not observe that a stranger
+stood by his side watching him with an ugly sneer.
+A burning red cloak hung round his tall figure, a
+gold chain glittered on his breast, and a cock's feather
+nodded from a quaint velvet cap. He introduced himself
+to the somewhat surprised builder as a fellow-architect.
+"You are building a lovely church," he then said,
+"but I created a far more magnificent mansion, long<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>
+long years ago. Its stone will never crumble to dust,
+and it will resist the influence of time and weather
+forever." In saying this, his eyes glittered strangely
+under his shaggy brows. This presumptuous speech did
+not please Master Gerhard, and without answering he
+measured the bold speaker scornfully from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Your church," continued the stranger, "will be a
+very lovely building, but don't you think that such
+an enterprise is far too audacious for mortal man.
+You, Master Gerhard, you ought to have known at
+the time when you laid the foundation stone of your
+church that you never would see your work finished."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is likely to prevent it?" angrily burst forth the
+builder. No one had ever dared to use such language
+towards him, nor to wound his pride so keenly. "Death,"
+coolly replied the stranger. "Never," cried Master Gerhard
+in a great fury, "I will finish what I began, and would
+even bet with the devil himself to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Hallo!" laughed the stranger grimly. "I should like
+to deal with such an audacious man as you, and make
+bold to bet with you that I will, in a shorter space of time,
+finish the digging of a canal from Treves to Cologne,
+fill it with water, and have merry ducks swimming
+on it, than you will take to complete your church."</p>
+
+<p>"So be it!" said Master Gerhard very much startled,
+taking the outstretched hand of the strange man. At
+the touch of his cold fingers, a sensation of horror
+crept into the heart of Master Gerhard. But the red-cloaked
+man burst into a yelling laugh and cried out
+in a formidable voice, "Remember we betted for your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>
+soul." Utmost terror seized the trembling architect,
+cold perspiration stood on his brow, and he tried in
+vain to utter a word.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a storm rose, the stranger unfolded his
+red cloak, and was lifted from the ground in a cloud
+of dust and vanished.</p>
+
+<p>From that day the mind of Master Gerhard grew
+more and more gloomy. He kept on wandering restlessly
+on the scaffoldings of the building. The more
+he considered the huge dimensions of the cathedral,
+the more doubtful he felt as to whether he would be
+able to finish it or not.</p>
+
+<p>By daybreak he could be seen among his workmen,
+and till late in the evening he wandered about
+on the building-ground, praising the industrious and
+blaming the idle. He looked out anxiously sometimes
+in the direction of Treves to see if he could discern
+anything uncommon there. But he never saw the slightest
+change, nor any sign that the stranger with whom
+he had betted, had really begun his canal in earnest,
+and he looked more hopefully into the future.</p>
+
+<p>One day he was standing as usual on the top of
+one of the completed towers, when he felt a hand laid
+on his shoulder. Turning round, he beheld with disagreeable
+surprise the ghostly stranger. Was he a
+master of the black art or was he the devil himself?
+"Well, Master Gerhard," began the unwelcome visitor,
+"how are you getting on with your work? I see it is
+making good progress. Happily I shall soon have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>
+finished my canal, else I should run the risk of losing
+my bet."</p>
+
+<p>"I can scarcely believe your boasting speech," answered
+the builder scornfully, "because I do not perceive
+the slightest trace of your having begun the
+canal." "Know, my dear man, that I am worth more
+than a hundred workmen together and, as I told you,
+my work is nearly ready," said the man in red.</p>
+
+<p>"Really," said Master Gerhard a little startled, "I
+should like to know what magic power could enable
+you to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Come and follow me," replied the stranger, taking
+the builder by the hand. Off they flew through the air
+with the quickness of lightning, and reached the earth
+in the district near Treves in a few seconds. At the
+place where they descended, a spring arose from the
+ground and sent its crystal waters into an opening in
+a rock. "Come with me," said the magic stranger,
+and bending down he disappeared in this opening.</p>
+
+<p>Master Gerhard followed him and came into a high
+glittering grotto, where he perceived that the water
+gushed tumultuously into the mouth of a black underground
+channel.</p>
+
+<p>"You see," said the stranger, "how well I have used
+my time. If you have the heart for it, we will follow
+the waters, and see how far my canal reaches already."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he uttered these words, than a mysterious
+power seized both and pushed them forward with
+tremendous rapidity. Master Gerhard saw now with
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>terror that the work of the Evil One was indeed not
+far from its completion, for when they emerged from
+the dark canal, they had the City of Cologne lying
+close before them. The cathedral-builder could no
+longer doubt the great skill of his rival, and he felt
+sure that he would lose his bet. The red-cloaked man
+seemed to take great delight in the builder's discomfiture,
+and he said with an ugly grin:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Master Gerhard, I see you have found more
+than you expected. I am sure you would like to see
+the merry ducks which shall swim on my brook, according
+to our bet."</p>
+
+<p>He clapped his hands three times and then listened.
+Some minutes passed, but no ducks appeared. The
+stranger's face assumed an expression of rage,
+when he found his summons unsuccessful. He tried
+again but in vain. After this he gave a frightful yell,
+and vanished all at once, leaving nothing behind him
+but a smell of sulphur.</p>
+
+<p>The cathedral-builder had looked on in wonder, and
+new hope began to fill his heart, that after all he could
+win the bet.</p>
+
+<p>"I know well, why the ducks won't appear," thought
+he, "but I shall never betray my secret to him."</p>
+
+<p>After this adventurous journey, Master Gerhard
+was a prey to melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>He was seen oftener than before on the building
+ground. It was impossible for him to doubt any
+longer, that the stranger with whom he had made the
+fatal bet, was the devil himself. The unfortunate man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>
+was well aware that not only was his life at stake,
+but that the salvation of his soul was likewise in danger,
+should the master of hell carry out his work.</p>
+
+<p>There was only one little hope left for him, namely,
+that the devil would be unable to find out how to
+keep the ducks alive while they were swimming
+through the long underground channel. So Master
+Gerhard took courage, saying to himself: "He cannot
+win and I know why."</p>
+
+<p>His young wife was strangely moved at her husband's
+silence and melancholy. She tried by increased tenderness
+and love to unstop his silent lips and to make
+him tell what was lying so heavily on his heart.</p>
+
+<p>He appreciated her endeavours to cheer him very
+much, but could not be brought to tell of his dealings
+with the Evil One, and so he kept his secrets to
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>One day, not long after the mysterious journey of
+Master Gerhard, a stranger, apparently a scholar, entered
+the architect's house, while he was as usual on the
+building ground. A scarlet cloak enveloped his tall
+figure, and a cock's feather sat boldly on his black cap.</p>
+
+<p>His manners were soft and in general those of a
+gentleman. Hearing that the builder was not at home,
+he asked for his wife. She came and soon found that
+she liked talking to him, because he showed not only
+great eloquence, but also great sympathy for her
+husband.</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily she disclosed to the kind stranger her
+secret grief about Master Gerhard's sadness. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>
+scholar listened to her troubles with great attention,
+and seemed to feel for her in her sorrow. "My dear
+Mistress," said he in a soft voice, "there is surely some
+secret weighing heavily on his mind, and this and
+nothing else is the cause of his melancholy. Unless
+we know it, we cannot cure him. You are nearest to
+his heart. If you are very loving and tender to him,
+he will not withhold the secret for long from you.
+Be extremely kind to him. After three days I shall
+come back to see if you have been successful. If not,
+I will give you a remedy that will unfailingly make
+him tell you his inmost thoughts."</p>
+
+<p>Thus speaking he took his leave, and she was unable
+to find words to express her gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>For three days she tried the scholar's advice, but
+found that her husband, in spite of all her coaxing
+and caresses, would not tell the cause of his melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth day, the scholar called again and heard
+with apparent grief how badly her endeavours had
+succeeded, "I pity you heartily," said he, "but don't
+despair. Here is a wonderful herb. Prepare a beverage
+with it for your husband and make him drink it before
+he goes to sleep. He will dream after the draught
+and betray his secrets in his sleep."</p>
+
+<p>She accepted the gift gratefully, and prepared the
+potion according to his advice. Her husband took
+the beverage willingly, and soon fell into a profound
+sleep. After some time dreams seemed to trouble him;
+he tossed restlessly to and fro in his bed murmuring<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>
+incoherent words. His wife listened anxiously and
+heard in feverish excitement about the terrible dealings
+between him and the devil. After a pause Master
+Gerhard muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"He will never win, because I hold the secret."</p>
+
+<p>"What may that be?" whispered she in the
+dreamer's ear.</p>
+
+<p>"He may do what he will," unconsciously answered
+he, "it is quite impossible that ducks should swim through
+the underground channel, unless he makes air-holes at
+every mile. Of course this idea will never come into
+his head."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the scholar called upon the wife
+and heard how well his scheme had succeeded. She
+told him every thing. When she had revealed her
+husband's secret to him, the meek features of her
+strange guest suddenly changed. He gave a loud
+shrill scream of joy and disappeared. The poor wife
+remained on the same spot, pale and terror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>Master Gerhard was standing the next day by the
+high crane of the cathedral as usual.</p>
+
+<p>The air was sultry, and black clouds were gathering
+from across the Rhine. He felt very restless, and
+urged his workmen even more than before to hurry
+on. The builder's heart was strangely filled with
+dark forebodings. All at once he felt a hand on his
+shoulder, and turning round, he beheld with terror
+the fatal stranger. A wondrous gleam of red-like
+flames seemed to radiate all round his figure.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>The cathedral builder grew pale as death and trembled
+from head to foot. He was unable to utter a word.</p>
+
+<p>Beaming with the joy of triumph, the Evil One
+pointed with his hand downwards, and forced Master
+Gerhard to look in the same direction. Behold! At
+the foot of the cathedral a silvery brook was visible
+running from the direction of Treves. Merry ducks
+were swimming on its shining surface.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to describe the feelings of the builder
+at the sight of the completed work of his rival. Despair
+and agony made his heart sink within him, but the
+Evil One looked with joy on his victim. When he
+suddenly tried to grasp him, Master Gerhard darted
+to the edge of the scaffolding with a heart-rending
+scream, and dashed himself down into the depth below,
+and was instantly killed.</p>
+
+<p>A roar of thunder filled the air at that moment and
+the devil vanished in a blaze of lightning. The thunderstorm
+grew more and more violent. After a few minutes
+the unhappy cathedral builder's house was struck by
+lightning and burnt to ashes in less than an hour.
+Unfortunately, the admirable plan of the splendid church
+was also destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>This was the sad end of Master Gerhard and his
+ambition.</p>
+
+<p>The cathedral remained untouched for more than
+six centuries after. Its unfinished walls and towers
+began to decay as if they mourned the terrible death
+of their builder. The Cologne people believed for a
+long time that the spirit of Master Gerhard used to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>
+hover about midnight round the high towers and the
+desolated vaults. Strange sounds like the sighs of
+somebody in anguish were often heard in the deserted
+building, and people said it was Master Gerhard's
+ghost complaining that his proud cathedral remained
+unfinished.</p>
+
+<p>Generation after generation passed by, and six centuries
+elapsed before busy workmen began again
+hammering and building on the ground which had
+lain so long quiet.</p>
+
+<p>In 1880 the dome was finished, and towers now in
+all its majesty high above the dwellings of the people,
+and can be seen miles away.</p>
+
+<p>Since that glorious day when the last stone was
+added to the cathedral of Cologne, Master Gerhard's
+ghost has never been heard or seen again.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p>
+<h2>XANTEN</h2>
+
+<h2>Siegfried</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_18.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_18th.jpg" width="400" height="259"
+alt="A lithograph showing Siegfried dragging a bear into his camp. Other people
+in the camp are running away or drawing back in horror from the beast."
+title="Siegfried schleppt einen B&auml;ren ins Lager--Nach einer Lithographie von Peter Cornelius" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Siegfried schleppt einen B&auml;ren ins Lager<br />
+Nach einer Lithographie von Peter Cornelius</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcaps"><span class="dropcap">S</span></span>iegfried,&mdash;and as we pronounce this glorious
+name, the hero looks forth at us with shining
+eyes, for was not Siegfried the perfect embodiment
+of all that was beautiful and good?</p>
+
+<p>For centuries stories have been told and poems have
+been sung of the bold adventures of the young hero,
+whose energy only found satisfaction in victorious fights.</p>
+
+<p>The original name of the small town on the lower
+Rhine now called Xanten, was "Ad Santos," "peace
+for the saints." It was thus named on account of the
+pious warriors of the Theban legion who in the fourth
+century had boldly died there for their creed under
+their leader, Victor.</p>
+
+<p>At the time to which our story refers, a mighty
+stronghold formed the centre of the little town Xanten.
+A king called Siegmund with his wife Siegelinde and
+their son Siegfried lived there.</p>
+
+<p>While a mere boy, Siegfried had already a kingly
+stature, and an almost untamable disposition of mind.
+When he was only thirteen years of age, his longing
+for grand deeds was so great that he found it impossible
+to remain inactive at home. From old songs and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+legends which the minstrels recited in his father's
+castle, he had heard so much of bold adventures and
+brilliant exploits performed by his forefathers, that he
+was most anxious to follow in their steps. He felt
+strong and valiant enough to undertake, like the heroes
+of old, dangerous journeys. Therefore young Siegfried
+left one day his ancestral halls, and wandered southwards
+along the clear blue river. He soon found an
+opportunity of testing his courage.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the Seven Mountains lived a celebrated
+armourer called Mimer, renowned for making
+excellent swords. Our hero liked this warlike trade,
+and he asked the master to receive him as an apprentice,
+that he might learn the praiseworthy art of
+forging a good sword for himself. The armourer
+agreed, and Siegfried remained at Mimer's workshop.
+The journeymen with whom the youth had to work,
+soon learned the enormous strength of their new
+companion. The boy, often not knowing how to give
+expression to his desire for action, would take up his
+fellow-workmen, lift them high into the air, and drop
+them, not always softly, to the ground. Or when his
+anger was roused, he would imprint black and blue
+marks on their backs with his strong fists. Once he
+even smashed with one stroke of his hammer all the
+iron bars in the armoury, and knocked the anvil into
+the ground with a mighty blow.</p>
+
+<p>Mimer looked on with dismay, amazed at the boy's
+almost supernatural strength, but fearing that Siegfried's
+wrath might some time turn against him, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>
+thought to rid himself of his dangerous apprentice,
+and conceived a cunning plan to kill him. A horrible
+dragon lived in the neighbouring forest, which tore
+every wanderer to pieces who chanced to cross its
+way. Mimer ordered Siegfried to fetch a sack from
+the charcoal-burner in that forest, well knowing that
+the boy would never return thence.</p>
+
+<p>The youth, without knowing the danger he was
+about to meet, went cheerfully on his way. In the
+middle of the thick wood he kindled a charcoal-kiln,
+and amused himself by putting big burning branches
+and young trees into the fire.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the monster came swiftly creeping on its
+huge claws. Curving its shimmering body the ugly
+beast opened wide its jaws to devour the young
+charcoal-burner. Siegfried's eyes brightened up at the
+prospect of an encounter with the terrible animal before
+him. Without a moment's hesitation, he tore a
+flaming beam out of the kiln, and pushed its burning
+end deep into the open mouth of the dragon. Roaring
+with pain the monster turned round beating violently
+with its prickly tail, trying in its agony to crush Siegfried.
+But he, jumping skilfully aside, rapidly dealt it
+heavy blows, and succeeded at last in smashing its
+head with a large piece of rock. He severed the head
+from the body, and threw it into the blazing flames.
+To his astonishment he observed how a stream of
+grease gushed from the burning pile, and collected in
+a pool at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>Close by the charcoal-kiln stood an old limetree.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>
+A little bird sang merrily in its branches. Siegfried,
+involuntarily listening to the clear strain, made out
+the following words: "If you would be covered with
+horn, and become invulnerable, undress yourself and
+plunge into the pool."</p>
+
+<p>Siegfried quickly threw his clothes off and anointed
+his whole body with the dragon's grease. While thus
+occupied a leaf from the old limetree above dropped
+between his shoulders. This part of the hero's body
+remained without horn. When he had finished, he
+took up the monster's head and returned to Mimer's
+workshop. The nearer he got to the smithy, the more
+his rage against his wicked master increased. Mimer
+had seen the boy from afar approaching with the
+trophy of his fight, and had hidden in great fear.</p>
+
+<p>Siegfried however soon found him out and slew
+him on the spot. Then he forged a good two-edged
+sword and shining armour for himself, and having
+saddled the best horse of Mimer's stable, he left the
+smithy to look for new adventures.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time he travelled aimlessly about, saw
+mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, cities and
+hamlets, until he at last arrived at the sea-shore. He
+embarked with his good horse, and was cast by a
+gale on the rocky coast of an unknown country. The
+noble animal climbed courageously up the stony beach,
+and carried its rider to an enchanted castle which was
+surrounded by a wall of flames. For a moment Siegfried
+stood irresolute. Suddenly the voice of the little
+bird sounded again above him, "Break the charm.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>
+Straight into the flames with a bold dash. A most
+lovely maiden will be thy reward."</p>
+
+<p>The youth took courage, spurred his steed, and with
+a plunge horse and rider disappeared in the flames,
+which were at once extinguished. The charm was
+broken. Before him lay a wonderful castle. Siegfried
+penetrated into its interior, and was amazed to find
+every living creature in a profound sleep within; the
+horses in their stalls, the grooms in the stables, the
+cook at the hearth. When he entered the high hall a
+lovely scene presented itself to his view. On a couch
+the most exquisite form of a woman lay sleeping. Her
+golden hair was strewn with precious stones, and her
+limbs were clothed in the most costly garments.</p>
+
+<p>The young hero looked for a while, lost in admiration.
+Then bending down to her, he pressed a passionate
+kiss on her rosy lips. Brunhilde, the fair sleeper, opened
+her eyes, and at the same time every living being in
+the castle awoke.</p>
+
+<p>The old legend depicts in glowing colours the sweet
+hours of love that followed for Siegfried and Brunhilde.
+Days and months passed by without the lovers
+being aware of it. However fond of adventures Siegfried
+was, he felt himself chained to the spot by her
+subtle charms. While thus undecided he heard one
+day the bird's voice: "Leave the castle and give up
+a life of ignoble leisure; direct your steps towards the
+country of the Nibelungen, take possession of their
+immense treasures and of the precious invisible cap."</p>
+
+<p>At the prospect of new adventures Siegfried could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>
+not be kept back any longer by Brunhilde. They
+parted with the solemn promise of meeting again.</p>
+
+<p>A great many exploits are recorded of the proud
+hero which he performed in the country of the
+Nibelungen. After a long and hard struggle with the
+cunning dwarfs, he took away with him their treasure,
+as well as the cap which had the gift of making its
+wearer invisible.</p>
+
+<p>Years had passed by, and Siegfried longed to see
+the place of his childhood again. So he turned homewards
+and reached Xanten after many adventures. The
+joy of his noble parents at seeing their valiant son
+again was indescribable.</p>
+
+<p>The legend of Siegfried's youthful exploits and his
+home-coming is full of romance and happiness. But
+if we listen to the continuation of his story we shall
+find how every human feeling has its place in the
+hero's biography, great joy, deep sorrow, passionate
+love, glowing hatred, heroism and perfidy, cowardice
+and high courage, until at last the legend of Siegfried
+ends in a pitiful wail of grief.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CLEVE</h2>
+
+<h2>Lohengrin</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 293px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_19.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_19th.jpg" width="293" height="400"
+alt="A painting showing Lohengrin standing on the bank of the river outside the
+castle of Cleve. His wife holds his arm, with her face buried in his shoulder.
+The swan which draws his boat is to the side of them, while other people look
+on in the background."
+title="Des Schwanenritters Abschied--Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von W. von Kaulbach--Lohengrin&#39;s Departure--Le d&eacute;part du chevalier au cygne" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Des Schwanenritters Abschied<br />
+Nach dem Gem&auml;lde von W. von Kaulbach<br />
+Lohengrin&#39;s Departure<br />
+Le d&eacute;part du chevalier au cygne</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapt"><span class="dropcap">T</span></span>he weathercock on the ancient stronghold
+at Cleve is a swan, and in olden times
+the dynasty that ruled over the lovely
+country round Cleve had also a swan in
+their crest. A legend, tragic and beautiful, preserved
+to posterity forever in Richard Wagner's lovely opera,
+is connected with it,&mdash;the legend of Lohengrin.</p>
+
+<p>Long centuries ago deep sorrow brooded over the
+walls of the castle at Cleve. Its mistress, the Duchess
+Elsa, was in great distress. Her beloved husband had
+died, and his remains had been brought to their last
+resting-place. As soon as the tomb had closed over
+them, one of the late Duke's vassals, Telramund, rose
+in revolt, and imperiously claimed the right to reign
+over the dukedom. The audacious man went so far
+as to ask the widowed Duchess to become his wife,
+declaring that this was the only means of saving her
+rank, which the death of her husband had deprived her of.</p>
+
+<p>Elsa, the youthful and lovely mistress, implored the
+knights of her dominion to assist her in her trouble,
+and to take up arms against the rebel. But Telramund,
+little disconcerted by this appeal, offered to fight in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>
+single combat with anybody who dared to take up
+the quarrel with him, well knowing that, on account
+of his immense strength, nobody would dare to become
+his adversary.</p>
+
+<p>The days passed in deepest sorrow for the unfortunate
+Duchess. The moment was approaching when
+the rebel would make bold to proclaim openly his
+claims before the whole assembled nobility on the
+open space before the castle. The fatal hour came.
+Pale, her face covered by her widow's veil, her
+queenly form enveloped in mourning garments, Elsa
+descended from her castle to the assembly. The large
+plain was crowded with a throng of people, and
+glittered with the brilliant armour of the knights.</p>
+
+<p>The unfaithful vassal, covered from head to foot in
+shining armour, came forward with bold steps and
+claimed in a loud voice the hand and dominion of
+the Duchess. The knights around, deluded by his
+valiant appearance and the firmness of his voice, broke
+into loud applause. Some of the crowd joined them
+in their cry of approbation, but most of the people
+looked on, full of pity and admiration for their youthful
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>No answer to his first challenge having come, Telramund
+repeated his audacious demand, offering again
+to fight in single combat anybody who dared to accept
+it. His eyes glanced defiantly over the brilliant
+multitude of knights. He perceived with triumphant
+joy, how they all shrank from fighting with him.&mdash;Elsa
+looked still paler than before.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>For a third time the challenge of Telramund was
+heard. It sounded clearly over the whole plain. But
+none of the bright warriors came forward to take up
+the combat for Elsa's sake.</p>
+
+<p>On the contrary deep silence followed the third
+challenge, and everybody's eyes were fixed on the
+forsaken princess who looked in her abandoned position
+still more lovely. The little hope that had till that
+moment given her strength to bear her misfortune, had
+now entirely vanished. In her utter desolation she
+offered a fervent prayer to heaven. On her rosary, so
+the legend records, a little silver bell was hanging,
+which possessed the wonderful gift of giving forth,
+whenever slightly touched, a clear ringing sound audible
+even at a great distance. In praying to God for deliverance
+from her great trouble, she pressed the cross
+on her rosary fervently to her lips. The silver bell
+tinkled, and at the same moment a little barge suddenly
+appeared on the blue river. When it came nearer, everybody
+looked with astonishment at the strange vessel.
+Its form was light and graceful; but what astonished
+the people most was that it was not moved by either
+oar or rudder, but was gently gliding on the blue
+waves drawn by a snow-white swan. In the middle of
+the vessel stood a knight in shining silver armour.</p>
+
+<p>Long golden locks emerged from under his glittering
+helmet, his bright blue eyes looked boldly over
+the crowd on the shore, and his hand held the hilt of
+his broad sword firmly.</p>
+
+<p>The strange boat stopped just opposite the plain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>
+where the people stood motionless with amazement.
+The knight landed from the barge, giving a sign with
+his hand to the swan, which swam gently down the
+Rhine.</p>
+
+<p>In silence and awe the multitude made room for
+the stranger who approached with firm steps towards
+the middle of the brilliant circle, and saluted the assembly
+with a solemn grace. Then he bent his knees
+before the Duchess and rising, turned towards Telramund,
+challenging him proudly to fight with him for
+the hand and dominion of Elsa of <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Brabrant'">Brabant</ins>. The bold
+rebel's temerity seemed to fail him for a few moments,
+but gathering fresh courage he pulled his sword from
+its sheath with a loud scornful laugh.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment the two knights darted at each
+other, their blades clashing in rapid strokes.</p>
+
+<p>The whole crowd looked with wonder and amazement
+at the strange knight's great prowess. He parried
+the blows of his strong adversary skilfully. The combat
+lasted for some time, and neither of the fighters
+seemed to give way. Suddenly a subdued cry was
+heard, and at the same time the presumptuous vassal
+sank to the ground, pierced by the sword of him
+whom God had sent, and expired. A tremendous
+shout of joy burst from the gazing crowd, which rang
+from one end of the plain to the other and was
+echoed by the glittering waves of the Rhine. The
+people rejoiced in the victory, and thought that God
+himself had decided the combat in favour of Elsa.</p>
+
+<p>The Duchess felt greatly moved. In her overflowing
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>gratitude she sank down before her deliverer with
+tears in her eyes. But he bade her rise, and bowing
+low before her asked her to become his wife. She
+consented. What a heaven of bliss opened for the
+Duchess of Brabant! All her former troubles were
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Her gratitude towards her rescuer was transformed
+into passionate love, to which Lohengrin, the virtuous
+knight, responded with tender adoration.</p>
+
+<p>Yet though everything seemed now so serene in
+the life of the Duchess, there was a dim cloud which
+threatened to darken the clear prospect of her happiness.
+On their wedding-day Elsa had to promise
+her bridegroom that she would never inquire about
+his name, his home, or his descent.</p>
+
+<p>Trusting her deliverer's honour and chivalrous
+bearing, she took the strange oath without a moment's
+hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>Many years of bliss and happiness passed, and Elsa
+of Brabant had strictly kept the promise she had made
+on her bridal morning. Their happiness was still more
+enhanced by the birth of three hopeful boys. They
+were their parents' joy, and promised to become in
+future shining ornaments of knighthood.</p>
+
+<p>It happened however, when the eyes of the Duchess
+were resting with pride on her sons, that her mother's
+heart thought with grief of the solemn oath she had
+sworn on her wedding-day.</p>
+
+<p>With how much more pride would she have looked
+upon her sons if she could have known them to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>
+the offspring of a high and noble race. She did not
+doubt however that her beloved husband's lineage
+was a most noble one. Yet the thought that his sons
+might never bear their father's name, nor be able to
+add new glories to it, was lying heavily on her mind,
+and darkened the radiant image of her husband, that
+like a deity filled her whole soul.</p>
+
+<p>The fatal question she had for so long withheld
+burst one day forcibly from her lips.</p>
+
+<p>When she had pronounced the awful words, the
+proud hero grew pale, and freeing himself softly from
+her tender embrace, he cried out in bitter grief: "Woe
+to thee, my beloved wife and woe also to me! Now
+that thou hast uttered the question thou didst sware
+solemnly never to ask, our happiness is gone for ever.
+I must part from thee, never to see thee again."</p>
+
+<p>A cry of anguish rose from her lips, but she was
+unable to keep him back. Waving his hand to her in
+a mute farewell her noble husband left the castle. He
+went to the Rhine and blew his silver horn.</p>
+
+<p>Its sound was echoed from the shore like a long
+sob. The white swan with the boat soon appeared
+gliding gently over the river.</p>
+
+<p>Lohengrin stepped into the boat and soon vanished
+out of sight and was seen no more.</p>
+
+<p>His unhappy wife was inconsolable. Her grief was
+so intense that a short time after her health gave way,
+and she sank into a premature grave.</p>
+
+<p>Her sons became the ancestors of a noble and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>
+distinguished race in the Rhenish country. Their badge is
+a swan.</p>
+
+<p>The traveller who visits Cleve will still find a tombstone
+in its church with a knight carved on it, and a
+swan sitting at his feet.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ZUYDERSEA</h2>
+
+<h2>Stavoren</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/lotr_20.jpg">
+<img src="images/lotr_20th.jpg" width="400" height="284"
+alt="A painting showing two men and a woman sitting in the stern of a small sailboat.
+One of the men is talking, while the other listens, his chin resting on his hand.
+The woman sits in the bottom of the boat, looking down into the water."
+title="Stavoren--Nach einem Stich von Holbein" /></a>
+<span class="caption">Stavoren<br />
+Nach einem Stich von Holbein</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcapa"><span class="dropcap">A</span></span> strange story is still told about the city of
+Stavoren on the Zuydersea. It was a wondrous
+town, but like Vineta on the Baltic Sea it
+vanished from the earth.</p>
+
+<p>The merchants of Stavoren were the rulers of the
+Ocean, and the treasures of all known countries were
+lying in their port. The houses were lovely palaces,
+furnished in their interior like the marvellous abodes
+of the Sultan Haroun Al Rachid, in the "Arabian Nights."</p>
+
+<p>Of all the wealthy people of the town, there was
+nobody so much blessed with riches as Richberta, a
+proud and beautiful lady. Smiling fortune had lavishly
+poured its gifts upon her, and threw fresh treasures
+daily at her feet. She seemed to own everything beautiful
+that this life can bestow, but one thing she did
+not possess, and that was the soft fire of woman's kindness
+which lightens and warms the soul, and throws on all
+its surroundings a mild reflecting gleam. Richberta
+was cold and indifferent to either the pleasures or
+sorrows of her fellow-men. When night casts her shades
+upon the earth, all the sweet bright birds and butterflies
+hide and make room for a host of ghastly animals
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>like owls and bats. So in Richberta's soul all her soft
+qualities had gone to sleep for want of the tender
+gleam of love, and only dark and harsh feelings haunted
+her soul. Immense pride in her own wealth, a bitter
+envy towards those who possessed more than she did,
+were her ruling passions.</p>
+
+<p>Once Richberta gave a grand feast. While the luxurious
+meal was being served, a stranger entered, who had
+come from far away to see the wonders of Stavoren
+with his own eyes. "I have seen," said he, bowing low
+to the lovely hostess, "many countries and many a
+princely court, but I confess that Stavoren surpasses
+them all in splendour."</p>
+
+<p>Highly flattered the proud lady bade him welcome
+to her table. According to the customs of the Orient
+whence he came, he begged for some bread and salt.
+Richberta ordered her servants to bring both, but it
+was useless to look for such simple fare in her house
+where only the most luxurious food was to be had.</p>
+
+<p>Without making any remarks however the stranger
+sat down and partook of the costly dishes. Then he
+began to relate his journeys, his success and his failures
+in life, and dwelt with great eloquence on the instability
+of earthly fortunes. All the guests listened with interest
+to what he said. Only Richberta sat gloomily at the
+head of her table. She felt angry that the stranger
+dared in her very presence to find fault with wealth
+and splendour, and to predict its probable destruction.
+Moreover she thought it rude in him that he had no
+word of praise for her own brilliant beauty, nor a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
+glance of astonishment for her gorgeous palace. Her
+offended vanity induced her at last to force from him
+the praise he so obstinately withheld. "O, gracious
+Lady," said he rather reluctantly, "marvellous indeed
+is your home and fit for a queen. If you travelled far
+and near, you could not find its equal. But, my lady,
+among your treasures I miss one thing, and that is the
+noblest that the earth produces."</p>
+
+<p>Richberta was very anxious to learn what it was, that
+she might get it, and entreated her guest to name the
+precious thing. But he avoided any direct answer to
+her impetuous questions, and soon afterwards took his
+leave under a slight pretext.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>On the open sea, a proud fleet was sailing. Its
+commander, strange to say, did not himself know the
+aim of his journey. His mistress, Richberta of Stavoren,
+had directed him to travel to all parts of the world to
+find out and bring home the most costly treasure.</p>
+
+<p>According to her command he set out, cruised the
+ocean to the East, and to the West, and searched everywhere
+for the unknown gift.</p>
+
+<p>In doing so it happened one day that seawater spoiled
+a part of the provisions of one of the ships. It was
+the flour and bread, the want of which was keenly
+felt by the whole crew. In this necessity the captain
+saw clearly that neither gold nor pearls could outweigh
+the value of bread, and the meaning of the mysterious
+words the stranger from the Orient had spoken to
+Richberta, dawned upon him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>He steered to the coast and took a large cargo of the
+finest wheat aboard his ships. Full of joy at having at last
+found what he deemed the most costly thing on earth
+he sailed towards Stavoren, where he arrived safely.</p>
+
+<p>When Richberta learned of the common merchandise
+her captain had brought home, she summoned him
+before her and asked him contemptuously: "On which
+side of the vessel has the cargo of corn been taken
+in?" "On the right, mistress," answered the faithful
+servant, doubtful of what she meant. "Then," continued
+she coldly, "throw it from the left into the sea again."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The day after the return of the fleet an animated
+scene was witnessed in the port of Stavoren.</p>
+
+<p>The numerous poor people of the town on hearing
+of the wicked command of Richberta, had come to beg
+of her not to spoil the precious wheat, but to divide
+it among those who were so much in want of it.</p>
+
+<p>The proud lady appeared herself to see that her
+will was executed. It was a touching spectacle to see
+how the crowd of miserable women and children surrounded
+the noble lady in her costly garments. The
+sight of so much misery would have moved many a
+cold heart, but Richberta showed no pity. She moved
+forward impatiently as if she heard not the supplications.
+But the crowd of women stopped her. They fell on their
+knees and entreated her with uplifted hands and tears in
+their eyes for the preservation of God's precious gift.
+Richberta heard but remained unrelenting. Her command
+was fulfilled, and the golden wheat was thrown into the sea.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>A storm of reproaches rose from the poor on the
+shore, and many a mother prayed to God on her knees
+to revenge this wickedness.</p>
+
+<p>The curses of the hungry people were fulfilled, far
+sooner than they expected.</p>
+
+<p>In the same year innumerable earless blades of
+wheat rose from the bottom of the sea like a forest,
+catching up mud, mire, weed, and remains of animals,
+so that by and by a dune rose under water which
+stopped the ships from entering the port of Stavoren.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of the town who had principally
+lived by commerce, suddenly found the source of their
+wealth stopped. Want and poverty took possession
+of the once rich city. Richberta, in whom everybody
+recognised the author of this misfortune, lost everything
+in the general impoverishment, and was driven by the
+enraged populace from the town. The once proud and
+rich lady had now to beg for her bread. She walked
+wearily from village to village, curses following her
+wherever she went. She died in utter destitution.</p>
+
+<p>The sea that had for so many years been the blessing
+of Stavoren was now the destruction of the voluptuous
+city. One night it rose with immense power
+against the dunes, burst through them, and flooding the
+town with huge waves, buried it forever.</p>
+
+<p>To this day, the fishermen on the Zuydersea relate
+the story of the wonderful sunken city that once towered
+high into the air. When the water is clear they
+imagine they can see the high steeples of Stavoren's
+churches and the towers of her palaces shimmering
+up from the bottom of the sea.</p>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60px;">
+<img src="images/lotr_02.png" width="60" height="62" alt="Decorative device indicating end of section" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<p class="bbox"><b>Transcriber's Notes:</b><br />
+<br />
+Illustrations were inserted between pages of the original text. In
+this e-book they have been moved to the head of the relevant story.<br />
+<br />
+Obvious printer errors (missing or transposed letters, misspellings,
+missing punctuation, etc.) have been amended without note.<br />
+<br />
+There are some instances of archaic spelling, which have been retained
+throughout.<br />
+<br />
+Hyphenation has been made consistent without note. There are some
+occurrences of 'compound' nouns (for example, Folksepic, milkwhite,
+spearpierced, etc.), which have been retained as part of the charm of
+the text.<br />
+<br />
+There are some variations in the spelling of proper nouns (for example,
+Liege/Liège or Brunhild/Brunhilde). These have been retained throughout,
+except where there was an obvious error, which has been amended and noted.
+Missing titles or variations between titles and the Table of Contents have
+been amended and noted. All such amendments are indicated with a
+<ins class="correction" title="like this">faint grey underline</ins>. Hover
+the mouse pointer over the word(s) to see the note. A complete list of these
+amendments is included at the end of the text.<br />
+<br />
+Finally, there are two instances of unusual grammar, which have
+been retained: in the Prefatory note, "... and over all the sun _shined_
+brightly ..." and on page 152, "... his wife and retinue are looking
+_devoutedly_ towards heaven ...".</p>
+
+
+<p class="bbox"><b>List of Amendments:</b><br />
+<br />
+Prefatory Note&mdash;omitted 'I' added&mdash;"I soon became absorbed in the
+ever-changing panorama."<br />
+<br />
+Prefatory note&mdash;"english" amended to "English"&mdash;"... romance for the
+English speaking nations ..."<br />
+<br />
+Contents&mdash;"The Mothers Gost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"<br />
+<br />
+Page 7&mdash;title "ST. GOTHARD" amended to "ST. GOTTHARD"<br />
+<br />
+Page 79&mdash;title "The mother's Ghost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"<br />
+<br />
+Page 97&mdash;title "I." added<br />
+<br />
+Page 117&mdash;"Coblentz" amended to "Coblenz"&mdash;"... a beautiful meadow
+at Rhense near Coblenz ..."<br />
+<br />
+Page 145&mdash;title "I." added<br />
+<br />
+Page 155&mdash;"Charlemange" amended to "Charlemagne"&mdash;"... that
+Charlemagne had begun ..."<br />
+<br />
+Page 167&mdash;title "I." added<br />
+<br />
+Page 177&mdash;title "I." added<br />
+<br />
+Page 192&mdash;title "GODESBERG" inserted, to match the Table of Contents<br />
+<br />
+Page 216&mdash;opening quote mark in middle of the first paragraph moved to
+beginning of paragraph (only visible if drop cap is not displayed)<br />
+<br />
+Page 240&mdash;"Brabrant" amended to "Brabant"&mdash;"... dominion of Elsa of
+Brabant."</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Legends of the Rhine
+
+Author: Wilhelm Ruland
+
+Release Date: January 31, 2007 [EBook #20496]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF THE RHINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sam W., Ted Garvin, Juliet Sutherland and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                    LEGENDS OF THE RHINE
+
+                             BY
+
+                       WILHELM RULAND
+
+
+              WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PAINTINGS
+                    BY CELEBRATED ARTISTS
+
+                         8TH EDITION
+
+
+
+
+                        KOeLN AM RHEIN
+                VERLAG VON HOURSCH & BECHSTEDT
+
+
+
+
+      "O, the pride of the German heart is this noble river!
+      And right it is; for of all the rivers of this
+      beautiful earth there is none so beautiful as this."
+
+                                                 Longfellow.
+
+
+
+
+Prefatory Note.
+
+
+Last year I made the journey between Mainz and Bonn on one of our
+splendid Rhine steamers. Our vessel glided along like a great
+water-bird. On the shore rose mountains, castles, and ruins, and over
+all the sun shined brightly from a blue August sky. It was twelve
+years since I had visited the scenes of my youth, and every
+Rhinelander will understand with what pleasure I saw again those
+smiling landscapes arrayed in their summer beauty. Wandering back to
+my deck-chair, I soon became absorbed in the ever-changing panorama.
+
+Then the sound of a melodious female voice speaking English fell on my
+ears. I looked around. A girl was bending over a book, and
+entertaining her father and mother by reading something of special
+interest and beauty. I listened and recognised some of my own
+sentences rendered into the speech of Shakespeare. These three were
+learning to feel the charms of the Lorelei legend as I had felt it. I
+confess my pulse beat quicker as I heard my poor endeavours highly
+praised, and I could not refrain from advancing and thanking the young
+reader for her kindly appreciation of my endeavours. She seemed
+delighted when she discovered that I was the author, and rose to greet
+me in the most amiable manner. I complimented the travellers that
+during the past century the Rhine had become the home of romance for
+the English speaking nations, the same as Italy for the Germans. The
+girl smiled, and remarked that I must pay that compliment to her
+mother in particular, as she was by birth an Englishwoman. But the
+head of the family hastened to add that among Americans, whom he might
+speak for, the enthusiasm for the beauties of the Rhine was not less
+than among their Anglo-Saxon cousins. These two nations which are
+bound by so many ties to each other, and also to ourselves, were thus
+represented before me. The English-speaking people undoubtedly form by
+far the largest contingent of our Rhine travellers, and it was
+pleasant indeed to receive so fine a testimonial to the beauties of my
+birth place.
+
+We had a most interesting conversation, and I was not a little moved,
+as I observed that these foreigners who had travelled over half the
+world, and had seen the grandeur of Switzerland and the charms of
+Italy, should have such an unaffected admiration for our grand old
+river. I am rather sorry for those who neglect the Rhine. "Aren't
+Lohengrin and Siegfried, immortalised by the great Master of Bayreuth,
+also heroic figures in your Rhine legends?" remarked the young
+Anglo-American enthusiastically. It was the first time I had seriously
+thought of this. I was indeed touched, and my thoughts travelled back
+to the days of "long, long ago" when as a little chap in my native
+Bonn, I had first listened with interest to the charming voices of the
+golden-haired daughters of old Albion who came in large numbers to
+reside in the famous Beethoven-town.
+
+As I separated from my friends at the foot of the Drachenfels I gave
+them a small present to keep as a memento of the Rhine and one of its
+poets.
+
+      Muenchen, Mai 1906.                           Dr. Wilhelm Ruland.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+=St. Gotthard.= The Petrified Alp                                    7
+
+=Thusis on the Hinter Rhine.= The Last Hohenraetier                  10
+
+=Bodensee.= The Island of Mainau                                    13
+
+=Basle.= One Hour in Advance                                        18
+
+=Castle Niedeck.= The Toy of the young Giantess                     20
+
+=Strassburg.= The Cathedral Clock                                   22
+
+      The little Man at the Angel's Pillar                          25
+
+=Worms.= The Nibelungen Lied                                        27
+
+=Speyer.= The Bells of Speyer                                       31
+
+=Frankfort.= The Knave of Bergen                                    33
+
+=Mayence.= Heinrich Frauenlob                                       36
+
+      Bishop Willigis                                               38
+
+=Johannisberg.=                                                     40
+
+=Ingelheim.= Eginhard and Emma                                      45
+
+=Ruedesheim.= The Broemserburg                                        53
+
+=Bingen.= The Mouse-Tower                                           58
+
+=Valley of the Nahe. Kreuznach.= A mighty draught                   62
+
+      The Foundation of Castle Sponheim                             65
+
+=Assmannshausen.= St. Clement's Chapel                              69
+
+=Castle Rheinstein.= The Wooing                                     72
+
+=Castle Sooneck.= The Blind Archer                                  76
+
+=The Ruins of Fuerstenberg.= The Mother's Ghost                      79
+
+=Bacharach.= Burg Stahleck                                          83
+
+=Kaub.= Castle Gutenfels                                            88
+
+=Oberwesel.= The Seven Maidens                                      93
+
+=St. Goar.= Lorelei                                                 97
+
+=Rheinfels.= St. George's Linden                                   103
+
+=Sterrenberg and Liebenstein.= The Brothers                        109
+
+=Rhense.= The Emperor Wenzel                                       117
+
+=Castle Lahneck.= The Templars of Lahneck                          120
+
+=Coblenz.= Riza                                                    123
+
+=Valley of the Moselle.= The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel           125
+
+=Andernach.= Genovefa                                              128
+
+=Hammerstein.= The old Knight and his Daughters                    138
+
+=Valley of the Ahr.= The Last Knight of Altenahr                   142
+
+      The Minstrel of Neuenahr                                     145
+
+=Eifel.= The Arrow at Pruem                                         152
+
+=Aachen.= The Building of the Minster                              154
+
+      The Ring of Fastrada                                         162
+
+=Rolandseck.= Knight Roland                                        167
+
+=Siebengebirge.= The Drachenfels                                   177
+
+      The Monk of Heisterbach                                      182
+
+      The Origin of the Seven Mountains                            188
+
+      The Nightingale Valley at Honnef                             190
+
+=Godesberg.= The High Cross at Godesberg                           192
+
+=Bonn.= Lord Erich's Pledge                                        200
+
+      The Roman Ghosts                                             203
+
+=Cologne.= Richmodis of Aducht                                     208
+
+      The Goblins                                                  212
+
+      Jan and Griet                                                216
+
+      The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne                             220
+
+=Xanten.= Siegfried                                                231
+
+=Cleve.= Lohengrin                                                 237
+
+=Zuydersea.= Stavoren                                              244
+
+
+
+
+ST. GOTTHARD
+
+The Petrified Alp
+
+
+[Illustration: Aus dem Quellgebiet des Rheines--Near the Source of the
+Rhine--Au pays du Rhin]
+
+In the region where the Rhine has its source there towered in ancient
+times a green Alp. This Alp belonged to an honest peasant, and along
+with a neat little house in the valley below formed his only
+possession.
+
+The man died suddenly and was deeply mourned by his wife and child.
+Some days after an unexpected visitor was announced to the widow. He
+was a man who had much pastureland up in that region, but for a long
+time his one desire had been to possess the Alp of his neighbour now
+deceased, as by it his property would be rounded off to his
+satisfaction.
+
+Quickly making his resolution he declared to the dismayed woman that
+the Alp belonged to him: her husband had secretly pledged it to him in
+return for a loan, after the bad harvest of the previous year. When
+the widow angrily accused him of being a liar the man produced a
+promissory note, spread it out, and with a hard laugh showed her his
+statement was confirmed in black and white. The distressed woman burst
+into tears and declared it was impossible that her late husband should
+have made a secret transaction of such a nature. The Alp was the sole
+inheritance of their son, and never would she willingly surrender it.
+
+"I will pay you compensation for the renunciation of your claim,
+although nothing obliges me to do so," declared the visitor with
+apparent compassion, in the meantime producing his purse.
+
+The weeping woman motioned to him to put back his gold and told him to
+go, which he did.
+
+Three days later the widow was summoned before the judge. There the
+neighbour produced his document and repeated his demand for the
+possession of the disputed Alp.
+
+The judge, who had been shamefully bribed, declared the document valid
+and awarded the Alp to the pursuer. The broken-hearted widow staggered
+home.
+
+The new possessor of the Alp on the other hand hastened up to the
+mountains at full gallop. The man could no longer master his
+impatience to see for the first time as his legally recognised
+property the pastureland he had acquired by deceit.
+
+There, for three days a storm had raged uninterruptedly. As quickly as
+the soaked ways would permit he ascended to the high country.
+
+Having arrived he stared around with horrified eyes, and fell in a
+swoon to the earth, overcome with consternation.
+
+Upon the soft green Alp an unseen hand had rolled a mountain of ice.
+Of the possession which the unjust judge had assigned to him nothing
+was now to be seen. His own pastures too which adjoined were covered
+with snow and ice, whilst the meadows of the other Alpsmen below, lay
+spread out in the morning light like a velvet carpet.
+
+Towards noon a broken man rode home into the valley cursing himself
+and the wicked magistrate who had consented to such an evil
+transaction.
+
+The people there however said to each other: "The Fronfasten Muetterli
+(the little mother of the Emberweeks) Frau Saelga passed over our
+valley last night with her train of maidens. Over the house of that
+greedy rich man the ghostly company stopped, and by that it is fixed
+which one must die in the course of the year."
+
+And so it happened. Up there where the youthful Rhine rushes down
+through deep rocky chasms the petrified Alp stands to this day, a
+silent warning from by-gone days.
+
+
+
+
+THUSIS ON THE HINTER RHINE
+
+The Last Hohenraetier
+
+
+[Illustration: Der letzte Hohenraetier--Nach dem Gemaelde von E.
+Stueckelberg]
+
+The Domleschg valley was formerly the scene of bitter feuds, and is
+mentioned in the struggle for freedom by the Swiss peasants of the
+ancient Bund, some five hundred years ago. There stood the castle of
+the Hohenraetier.
+
+The last descendant of the degenerate race on the high Realt was
+rightly feared in the whole district. He was the terror of the
+peaceful inhabitants of the district, and harried not only them but
+also merchants and pilgrims who passed along the highway below.
+
+The wrath against this unchivalrous wickedness increased mightily. One
+day this man perpetrated a daring deed of violence.
+
+Whilst on an excursion into the valley he had discovered a charming
+maid who sought berries in a lonely wood. In his wicked eagerness he
+dragged the maiden on to his horse and fled. Amusing himself with her
+lamentations, he carried his booty up the steep castle hill.
+
+A poacher had observed the occurrence and alarmed the inhabitants of
+the village. They carried the intelligence without delay into the
+Domleschg.
+
+The oppressed people around then rose and joining together approached
+the castle that very night. Having felled giant trees they threw a
+bridge over the moat, cast firebrands into the interior, and stormed
+into the castle-yard through gaps in the gates and walls.
+
+Then the baron appeared mounted on his war-horse, driven out of his
+abode by tongues of flame.
+
+Before him he held the captured maiden, and in the light of the
+conflagration his naked sword glittered in his right hand.
+
+Dealing mighty blows on both sides he forced his horse forward (the
+eyes of which had been bound), intending to make a way down the hill.
+But the living wall of peasants was impenetrable.
+
+Quickly making his resolution the knight rushed to the side where the
+wall of rock fell some seven hundred feet sheer into the youthful
+Rhine.
+
+The foaming steed stood trembling in front of the yawning abyss. The
+shout of the multitude echoed into the night. Thousands of arms were
+instantly stretched towards the river and one of them at the last
+moment succeeded in snatching his prey from the robber, just as the
+steed tortured and bleeding from sword and spur hurled itself with a
+mighty spring into the depths below. So ended the last of the
+Hohenraetiers.
+
+In the dawn only the smoking ruins of the proud castle remained, and
+the morning bells announced to the peasants that their long desired
+freedom had been won.
+
+These ruins are situated on the Hinter Rhine above Thusis, and it is
+said that the last Hohenraetier, like many others of the former tyrants
+of the Raetigau, yearly on St. John's Eve (when this event occurred)
+may be seen riding round the fallen walls of his castle, clad in black
+armour which emits glowing sparks.
+
+
+
+
+BODENSEE
+
+The Island of Mainau
+
+
+For many hundreds of years the names of the Masters of Bodmann have
+been very closely connected with the island in the lake of Boden. At
+first the island was in the possession of this noble race, but later
+on, in the thirteenth century, it passed into the hands of an order of
+German Knights. A legend relates the story to us of how this change
+came to pass.
+
+About this time the whole of this magnificent property was held in
+possession by a youthful maiden, who had inherited this beautiful
+island with all its many charms. As may be supposed, the wooers for
+the lovely maiden's hand and inheritance became very numerous. She,
+however, had made her own choice, and it had fallen upon a nobleman
+from Langenstein.
+
+Every evening when the sun was sinking down into the golden waters,
+this maiden walked along the strand watching and listening for some
+longed-for sound. Then the measured splash of an oar would be heard
+approaching in the twilight, and a little boat would be drawn up on
+the shore, a youthful boatman would spring joyfully forth, and
+lovingly greet the maiden. There this pair of lovers wove dreams
+about the time from which only a short period now separated them, when
+they should belong openly to each other before the world.
+
+The nobleman landed one evening as usual, but this time his heart was
+depressed and sorrowful; he informed his betrothed mournfully that his
+father, who was then suffering agony from gout, had once taken a vow
+to God and to the emperor that he would go on a crusade to the Holy
+Land, but being unable to fulfil his oath, he laid it to his son's
+charge to carry it out as he meant to have done.
+
+The maiden wept bitterly on hearing these unexpected tidings.
+
+"Trust me and the Powers on high, I shall not make this great
+sacrifice in vain," said her lover consolingly. "I shall return, that
+I feel confident of."
+
+Thus with bright hopes in his heart the youthful crusader bade his
+weeping betrothed good-bye.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+And every evening when the sun was sinking into the golden waters the
+maiden walked along the strand, looking with longing eyes out into the
+misty distance. Spring came and disappeared, summer followed, and the
+swallows fled from the lake to warmer climes, the maiden sending many
+a warm greeting with them. Wintry storms blew over the waters,
+whistling round the lonely island, and the maiden had become as pale
+as the flakes of snow which fell against the window-panes.
+
+News one day reached the castle that the crusaders had returned from
+the East, but that the nobleman from Langenstein was languishing in a
+Turkish prison in a remote castle belonging to the Sultan. The maiden
+was heart-broken by these tidings and now spent her days in prayers
+and tears.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Within the mighty walls of a gloomy castle in the far-off East, a
+young hero was sitting pining over his bitter fate. He prayed and
+groaned aloud in his grief thinking of his betrothed from whom he had
+been so cruelly separated. The Sultan had offered the fair-haired
+youth his favourite daughter, a seductive eastern beauty, but the
+prisoner had turned scornfully away, her dark glancing eyes having no
+charm for him.
+
+That night the youth had a strange dream. An angel was soaring over
+his couch and came down to his side, and a voice whispered, "Promise
+yourself to me, and you will see your native land again."
+
+The knight started up and said reverently, "That was the voice of
+God!" Confused thoughts rushed through his soul, he must renounce his
+love, but at least he would see her again. Throwing himself on his
+knees, he promised with a fervent oath that he would dedicate himself
+to the Lord, if he might only see the beloved maiden once more.
+
+An earthquake shook the castle to its very foundations, unfastening
+the prison doors, thus setting the prisoner at liberty in a marvellous
+way. He succeeded in reaching the coast without being caught by the
+guards of the Sultan, and a vessel sailing to Venice took him on
+board. But as he approached his native land the struggle in his soul
+between love and duty was very great; at one moment it seemed to
+overcome him, and he felt he could no longer keep his vow. But God
+again admonished him. Reaching the lake he steered his boat towards
+the island, but a sudden storm arose, threatening him with a watery
+grave. He prayed fervently to Heaven, again swearing his oath.
+
+The storm subsided, and the little boat having missed its course
+landed on the other side of the lake, where the Grand Master of an
+Order of German Knights had his seat.
+
+The tired way-farer approached, begging to be received, a boon kindly
+granted to him. Then starting off again with his boat the youth
+reached the island. He there imprinted a sorrowful kiss on his
+beloved's pure white forehead, bidding her and the world good-bye for
+ever.
+
+The young girl resigned herself at first silently to her fate; but she
+soon resolved on another plan: this place which had once been such a
+happy home had no longer any charms to offer her, and she therefore
+presented the island of Mainau to the German Order of Knights on one
+condition, that the nobleman from Langenstein should be the successor
+of the Grand Master. This request was willingly granted, the noble
+maiden gave up all her rich possession and left the island in the
+Bodensee. It is said that she retired to a convent, but no one ever
+knew where.
+
+The chronicle informs us that Hugh of Langenstein became one of the
+most capable Grand Masters of this Order of Knights of Mainau. He is
+also known as a great poet, and his poem on the martyr Martina still
+exists in old manuscripts.
+
+
+
+
+BASLE
+
+One Hour in Advance
+
+
+Basle was once surrounded by enemies, and very hard pressed on all
+sides. A troop of discontented citizens made a shameful compact with
+the besiegers to help them to conquer the town. It was arranged one
+dark night that exactly as the clock was striking twelve the attack
+was to be made from within and without. The traitors were all ready,
+waiting for midnight in great excitement, having no evil presentiments
+of what was about to happen.
+
+The expected hour approached. Accidentally the watchman of the tower
+heard of the proposed attack, and no time being left to warn the
+commander of the garrison or the guard, he quickly and with great
+presence of mind determined upon a safe expedient; he put forward the
+hand of the great clock one hour, so that instead of striking
+midnight, the clock struck one.
+
+The traitors in the town looked at each other aghast, believing the
+enemies outside had neglected or perhaps betrayed them. General doubt
+and misunderstanding reigned in both camps. While they were debating
+what plan they must now adopt, the sharp-witted watchman had time to
+communicate with the magistrate and with the governor of the town. The
+alarm was raised, the citizens warned, and the treacherous plan
+completely wrecked. The enemy at last, tired of the useless siege,
+retired discouraged.
+
+The magistrate in remembrance of this remarkable deed ordered that the
+town-clock should remain in advance as the courageous watchman had set
+it that eventful night. This singular regulation continued till the
+year 1798, and although the honest inhabitants of Basle were, as
+talkative tongues asserted, a century behind-hand in everything else,
+yet with regard to time they were always one hour in advance.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE NIEDECK
+
+The Toy of the young Giantess
+
+
+[Illustration: Das Riesenspielzeug--Nach dem Gemaelde von Cnopf--The
+Giant's Toy--Les jouets des geants]
+
+In olden times a race of giants is said to have lived in Alsace.
+Castle Niedeck in the valley of the Breusch was their residence, but
+even the ruins of this fortress have long since disappeared. The
+legend however remains to tell us that they were a peaceable people,
+well disposed to mankind.
+
+The daughter of the master of the castle was one day leisurely walking
+through the adjoining wood. On approaching the fields and meadows of
+the valley, she perceived a peasant ploughing. The young giantess
+looked in great astonishment at the tiny man who seemed to be so
+busily engaged trudging along after his little team, and turning up
+the ground with his small iron instrument. She had never before seen
+anything so wonderful and was very much amused at the sight.
+
+It seemed to her a nice little toy, and she clapped her hands in
+childish glee, so that the echo sounded among the mountains; then
+picking up man, horse, and plough, she placed them in her apron and
+hurried back gaily to the castle. There she showed her father the
+nice little toy, greatly pleased at what she had found.
+
+The giant however shook his enormous head gravely, and said in a
+displeased tone, "Don't you know, child, who this trembling little
+creature with his struggling tiny animal is, that you have chosen for
+a plaything? Of all the dwarfs down in the valley below, he is the
+most useful; he works hard and indefatigably in scorching heat as well
+as in windy cold weather, so that the fields may produce fruit for us.
+He who scoffs at or maltreats him will be punished by Heaven. Take the
+little labourer therefore back to the place he came from."
+
+The young giantess, greatly ashamed and deeply blushing with
+embarrassment, put the amusing little toy back into her apron, and
+carried it obediently down to the valley.
+
+
+
+
+STRASSBURG
+
+The Cathedral Clock
+
+
+The Cathedral was finished, and the city magistrates resolved to place
+an ingenious clock on the upper tower. For a long time they searched
+in vain, but at last a master was found who offered to create a work
+of art such as had never been seen in any land. The members of the
+council were highly satisfied with this proposal, and the master began
+his work.
+
+Weeks and months passed, and when at last it was finished there was
+general astonishment; the clock was indeed so wonderful that nothing
+to match it could be found in the whole country. It marked not only
+the hours but the days and months as well; a globe was attached to it
+which also marked out the rising and the setting of the sun, and the
+eclipses of that body and the moon could be seen at the same time as
+they took place in nature. Every change was pointed out by Mercury's
+wand, and every constellation appeared at the right time. Shortly
+before the stroke of the clock a figure representing Death emerged
+from the centre and sounded the full hour, while at the quarter and
+half hours the statue of Christ came forth, repelling the destroyer
+of all life. Added to all these wonders was a beautiful chime that
+played melodious hymns.
+
+Such was the marvellous clock in the cathedral of Strassburg. The
+magistrates however proved themselves unworthy of their new
+possession; pride and presumption got the better of them, making them
+commit a most unjust and ungrateful action.
+
+They desired their town to be the only one in the land which possessed
+such a work of art, and in order to prevent the maker from making
+another like it, they did not shrink from the vilest of crimes.
+
+Taking advantage of the rumour that such a wonderful work could only
+have been made by the aid of witchcraft, they accused the clock-maker
+of being united with the devil, threw him into prison, and cruelly
+condemned him to be blinded. The unhappy artist resigned himself to
+his bitter fate without a murmur. The only favour he asked was that he
+might be allowed to examine the clock once again before the judgment
+was carried out. He said he wanted to arrange something in the works
+which no one else could understand.
+
+The crafty magistrates, being anxious to have the clock perfect,
+granted him this request.
+
+The artist filed, sawed, regulated here and there, and then was led
+away, and in the same hour deprived of his sight.
+
+The cruel deed was hardly accomplished, when it was found that the
+clock had stopped. The artist had destroyed his work with his own
+hands; his righteous determination that the chimes would never ring
+again, had become a melancholy truth. Up to the present no one has
+been able again to set the dead works going. An equally splendid clock
+now adorns the cathedral, but the remains of the first one have been
+preserved ever since.
+
+
+
+
+The little Man at the Angel's Pillar
+
+
+Close to the famous clock in the Cathedral of Strassburg, there is a
+little man in stone gazing up at the angel's pillar which supports the
+south wing of the cathedral. Long ago the little man who is now
+sculptured in stone, stood there in flesh and blood. He used to stare
+up at the pillar with a criticising eye from top to bottom and again
+from bottom to top. Then he would shake his head doubtfully each time.
+
+It happened once that a sculptor passed the cathedral and saw the
+little man looking up, evidently comparing the proportions of the
+pillar.
+
+"It seems to me you are finding fault with the pillar, my good
+fellow," the stone-cutter remarked, and the little man nodded with a
+self-satisfied look.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it? Speak out my man," said the master,
+tapping the fellow's shoulder encouragingly.
+
+"The pillar is certainly splendid," began the latter slowly, "the
+Apostles, the angels, and the Saviour are most beautiful too. But
+there is one thing troubling me. That slender pillar cannot support
+that heavy vault much longer; it will soon totter and fall down, and
+all will go to pieces."
+
+The sculptor looked alternately at the work of art and at its strange
+fault-finder. A contemptuous smile passed over his features.
+
+"You are quite convinced of the truth of your statement, aren't you?"
+asked he enquiringly.
+
+The bold critic repeated his doubts with an important air.
+
+"Well," cried the stone-cutter, with comical earnestness, "then you
+will remain there always, gazing at the pillar until it sinks down,
+crushed by the vault."
+
+He went straight off into his workshop, seized hammer and chisel, and
+formed the little man into stone just as he was, looking upwards with
+a knowing face and an important air.
+
+This little figure is still there at the present day with both hands
+leaning on the balustrade of St. Nicholas' chapel, awaiting the
+expected fall of the pillar, and most likely he will remain there for
+many a century to come.
+
+
+
+
+WORMS
+
+The Nibelungen Lied
+
+
+[Illustration: Siegfried auf der Totenbahre--Nach dem Gemaelde von Emil
+Lauffer]
+
+To-day we are deeply touched, as our forefathers must have been, at
+the recital of the boundless suffering and the overwhelming
+concatenation of sin and expiation in the lives of the Recken and
+Frauen of the Nibelungen Legend. That naive singer has remained
+nameless and unknown, who about the end of the 12th century wrote down
+this legend in poetic form, thus preserving forever our most precious
+relic of Germanic Folksepic. A powerful story it is of sin and
+suffering: corresponding to the world itself and just as the primitive
+mind of a people loves to represent it. The story begins as a lovely
+idyll but ends in gloomy tragedy.
+
+The ancient Rhenish town of Worms was during the great migrations the
+seat of authority of the Burgundian invaders, an east Germanic stock.
+During the glorious reign of King Gunther there appears, attracted by
+the beauty of Chriemhild the king's sister, a young hero, Siegfried,
+by name. He is himself a king's son, his father Siegmund reigning in
+Xanten "nieden by dem Rine." King Gunther receives the fair Recken
+into his service as a vassal.
+
+Siegfried, exhibiting the fairest loyalty to his overlord, and
+rendered invisible by magic, conquers for him the redoubtable
+Brunhild, the proud queen of the island kingdom of Isenland (Iceland)
+and compels her to wed King Gunther. As a reward Siegfried receives
+the hand of Chriemhild. In the fulness of his heart the hero presents
+to Chriemhild as a marriage gift, the Nibelungen Hoard, which he had
+gained in his early years from the sons of the king of the Nibelungen
+and from Dwarf Alberich the guardian of the treasure.
+
+Joy reigns in the king's court at Worms, but it was not shared by all.
+Besides Chriemhild there was another secretly drawn towards the hero,
+and in Brunhild's heart the bridal happiness of Chriemhild awakens
+such envy that soon no friendly word passes between the women. They
+become estranged and one day her bad feeling leads Brunhild to harsh
+words. Then alas, Chriemhild gave unbridled licence to her tongue. In
+her rash insolence she represents to Brunhild that it was not Gunther
+but Siegfried who formerly overcame her. As proof of this she produces
+the ring and girdle which Siegfried had taken on that night from the
+powerful Brunhild, and which he had presented to Chriemhild. With
+fierce haughtiness Chriemhild taunts her opponent with a hateful name
+no woman could endure, and forbids her to enter the cathedral.
+
+Brunhild, weeping, informs King Gunther of the contumely heaped upon
+her. The king is filled with wrath, and his vassal, the gloomy Hagen,
+considers how he may destroy Siegfried avowedly to avenge the Queen,
+but secretly for the possession of the Nibelungen Hoard. During a hunt
+in the Odenwald Siegfried was treacherously stabbed by Hagen whilst
+stopping to drink from a well. The intention was to spread the report
+that Siegfried had been slain by robbers whilst hunting alone. So, on
+the following day they crossed the Rhine back to Worms.
+
+In the night Hagen caused the dead body of Siegfried to be laid in
+front of Chriemhild's chamber. In the early morning as Chriemhild
+accompanied by her attendants was preparing to go to mass in the
+cathedral she noticed the corpse of her hero. A wail of sorrow arose.
+Chriemhild threw herself weeping on the body of her murdered husband.
+"Alas!" she cried "thy shield is not hewn by swords: thou hast been
+foully murdered. Did I but know who has done this, I would avenge thy
+death." Chriemhild ordered a magnificent bier for her royal hero, and
+demanded that an ordeal should be held over the corpse. "For it is a
+marvellous thing, and to this day it happens, that when the
+bloodstained murderer approaches wounds bleed anew."
+
+So all the princes and nobles of Burgundy walked past the dead body,
+above which was the figure of the crucified Redeemer of the world, and
+lo! when the grim Hagen came forward the wounds of the dead man began
+to flow. In the presence of the astounded men and horrified women
+Chriemhild accused Hagen of the assassination of her husband.
+
+Much treachery and woe accompanied the expiation of this great crime.
+The Nibelungen Hoard, the cause of the shameful deed, was sunk in the
+middle of the Rhine in order to prevent future strife arising from
+human greed. But Chriemhild's undying sorrow was not mitigated, nor
+her unconquerable thirst for revenge appeased.
+
+After the burial of his son King Siegmund begged in vain that
+Chriemhild should come to the royal city of Xanten; she remained at
+Worms for thirteen years constantly near her beloved dead.
+
+Then the sorrowing woman removed to the Abbey of Lorch which her
+mother, Frau Ute, had founded. Thither also, she transferred
+Siegfried's body.
+
+When Etzel (Attila) the ruler of the Huns wooed her, Chriemhild urged
+not by love but by very different feelings gave him her hand and
+accompanied her heathen lord to the Ungarland. Then she treacherously
+invited Siegfried's murderers to visit her husband, and prepared for
+them a destruction which fills the mind with horror. The Burgundian
+king and his followers, who, since the Hoard had come into their
+possession, were called the Nibelungen, fell slaughtered in the
+Etzelburg under the swords of the Huns and their allies, thus atoning
+for their faithlessness to the hero Siegfried. And with this awful
+holocaust ends the Lied of the Nibelungen Not, the most renowned
+heroic legend in the German tongue.
+
+
+
+
+SPEYER
+
+The Bells of Speyer
+
+
+The German Emperor, Henry IV., had much trouble to bear under his
+purple mantle. Through his own and through stranger's faults the crown
+which he wore was set with thorns, and even into the bosom of his
+family this unhappy spirit of dissension had crept. The
+excommunication of the Pope, his powerful enemy, was followed by the
+revolt of the princes, and lastly by the conspiracy of his own sons.
+His eldest son, Conrad, openly rebelled against him, and treated his
+father most scornfully. When this prince died suddenly, the second
+son, Henry, attempted the deposition of his father and made intrigues
+against him. Thus forced to abdicate his throne the broken-down
+emperor fled to Liege, accompanied by one faithful servant, Kurt, and
+there lay down to his last rest.
+
+His body was left for five years in unconsecrated ground in a foreign
+country. Kurt remained faithful, and prayed incessantly at the
+burial-place of his royal master.
+
+At last the Pope at Henry's request consented to recall the ban. Henry
+ordered his father's remains to be brought to Speyer and solemnly
+interred with the royal family. Kurt was allowed to follow the
+procession to Speyer, but wearied out by this long watching the old
+man died a few days afterwards. Just at the moment of his death the
+bells in the cathedral at Speyer tolled without any human hand putting
+them in motion, as they always did when an imperial death took place.
+
+Years passed.
+
+The German emperor Henry V. lay dying on his luxurious couch at
+Speyer. His bodily sufferings were intense, but the agony of his mind
+was even greater; he had obtained the crown which now pressed so
+heavily on his head, by shameful treacherous means. The apparition of
+his father dying in misery appeared to him, and no words of the
+flatterers at his bed-side could still the voice of his conscience. At
+last death freed him from all his torments, and at the same hour the
+bells which were always rung when a poor sinner was led to execution,
+tolled, set in motion by no human hand.
+
+Thus were the bells the instrument of that Hand which wisely and
+warningly wrote ... "Honour thy father and thy mother...."
+
+
+
+
+FRANKFORT
+
+The Knave of Bergen
+
+
+[Illustration: Der Scharfrichter von Bergen--Nach einer Zeichnung von
+Adolf Menzel--The Knave of Bergen--Le bourreau de Bergen]
+
+The emperor was to be crowned at Frankfort, and great festivities were
+to be given in the town in his honour, among them a masquerade, at
+which knights and noble ladies rivalled each other in splendour. Joy
+was depicted on every face at this great assembly, only one knight
+among the many guests being noticeable for his gravity and restraint.
+He wore black armour, and the feather waving above his visor was black
+too. No one knew him or could guess who he was. He approached the
+empress with a noble grace, bent his knee, and asked her to dance with
+him, which she graciously consented to do. He glided gracefully
+through the splendid halls with the queen of the festival, and soon
+every eye was turned on them, and everyone was eager to know who he
+was.
+
+The empress was charmed with her excellent partner, and the grace of
+his refined conversation pleased her so much that she granted him a
+second and a third dance.
+
+Everyone became more and more curious to know who this masked knight
+was. Meanwhile the hour struck when every mask had to be raised, and
+every masked guest must make himself known. More than all the others
+the empress was anxious to know who her partner was. But he hesitated
+and even refused to take off his mask until she ordered him
+peremptorily to do so. The knight obeyed, but none of the high ladies
+or noble knights recognised him. Suddenly two stewards pressed through
+the crowd, crying out with indignation and horror;
+
+"It is the headsman from Bergen!"
+
+Then the emperor in great wrath ordered the shameful offender who had
+thus degraded the empress and insulted his sovereign to be led to
+execution.
+
+But the culprit, throwing himself at the emperor's feet, said boldly,
+"I have transgressed, my lord, and offended you and your noble guests,
+but most heavily have I sinned against my queen. No punishment, not
+even blood, will be able to wash out the disgrace you have suffered
+through me. Therefore, oh King! allow me to propose a remedy to efface
+the shame. Draw your sword and knight me, and I will throw down my
+gauntlet to any one who dares to speak disrespectfully of my
+sovereign."
+
+The emperor was taken by surprise at this bold proposal. However it
+appeared the wisest plan to adopt.
+
+"You are a knave," he replied after a moment's consideration, "but
+your advice is good and displays prudence, just as your offence shows
+adventurous courage. Well then,"--laying his sword on the man's
+neck--"rise Sir Knight. You have acted like a knave, and the Knave of
+Bergen you shall be called henceforth."
+
+A joyful shout of approbation pealed through the halls, and the new
+knight again glided gracefully through the crowd with the queen of the
+festival.
+
+
+
+
+MAYENCE
+
+Heinrich Frauenlob
+
+
+[Illustration: Heinrich Frauenlob--Steinbild im Dom zu Mainz]
+
+The priest or as some say, canon, in the old town of Mayence was a
+very worthy man, and at the same time a heaven-gifted singer. Besides
+devoting himself to science, he composed numerous pious verses which
+he dedicated to the Holy Virgin. He also played the harp, and wrote
+many beautiful songs in honour of the female sex.
+
+In contrast to many contemporary poets, he considered "woman" a higher
+title than "wife," which only signifies a married woman. So on account
+of the chivalry displayed in his numberless poems and songs, posterity
+gave him the name of "Frauenlob," under which title he is better known
+than under his own name of Heinrich of Meissen.
+
+The love and veneration which thankful women paid him was very great,
+not only during his life-time, but even more so after his death. Their
+grief was intense when it became known that the poet's voice would
+never more be heard in this world. It was agreed to honour him with
+such a burial as no poet had ever before received. The funeral
+procession moved slowly and sorrowfully along the streets, the greater
+part of the cortege being women in deep mourning who prayed for the
+repose of the poet's soul. Eight of the most beautiful among them
+carried the coffin, which was covered with sweet-scented flowers.
+
+At the grave songs of lamentation were heard from women's gentle
+voices. Precious Rhine-wine which had been the poet's favourite drink,
+and which so often had inspired his poetry, was poured by hands of his
+admirers over his grave, so profusely, the legend relates, that the
+entrance of the church was flooded by the libation. But still more
+precious than all these gifts were the tears, which on this memorable
+day were shed by many a gentle lady.
+
+The wanderer can still see the monument erected to this great
+benefactor in the cathedral at Mayence, which represents the figure of
+a beautiful woman in pure-white marble placing a wreath on the coffin
+of the great singer, who had honoured women in the most chivalrous of
+songs.
+
+
+
+
+Bishop Willigis
+
+
+[Illustration: Bischof Willigis in der Klosterschule--Nach dem Gemaelde
+von Lindenschmitt]
+
+In the year 1000 there was a very pious priest in Mayence called
+Bishop Willigis. He was only the son of a poor wheelwright, but by his
+perseverance and his own merit he had attained to the dignity of first
+priest of the kingdom. The honest citizens of Mayence loved and
+honoured the worthy divine, although they did not altogether like
+having to bow down to one who had been brought up in a simple cottage
+like themselves.
+
+The bishop once reproved them in gentle tones for thinking too much of
+mere descent. This vexed the supercilious citizens, and one night they
+determined to play Willigis a trick. They took some chalk and drew
+enormous wheels on all the doors of his house.
+
+Early next morning as the bishop was going to mass, he noticed the
+scoffers' malicious work. He stood silently looking at the wheels, the
+chaplain by his side expecting every moment that the reverend prelate
+would burst forth in a terrible rage. But a gay smile spread over the
+bishop's features and, ordering a painter to be sent to him, he told
+him to paint white wheels on a scarlet back-ground, visible to every
+eye, just where the chalk wheels had been drawn, and underneath to
+paint the words, "Willigis! Willigis! just think what you have risen
+from." But he did not stop there. He ordered the wheelwright to make
+him a plough-wheel, and caused it to be placed over his couch in
+memory of his extraction.
+
+Thereafter the scoffers were put to silence, and the people of Mayence
+began to honour and esteem their worthy bishop, who, though he had
+been so exalted, possessed such honest common-sense.
+
+White wheels on a red ground have been the arms of the Bishops of
+Mayence ever since.
+
+
+
+
+JOHANNISBERG
+
+
+Wherever the German tongue is heard, and even further still, the king
+of all Rhine wines, "Johannisberger" is known and sought after. Every
+friend of the grape which grows on the banks of this river is well
+acquainted with it, but few perhaps know of its princely origin. It is
+princely, not because princes' hands once kept the key to
+Johannisberg, but rather because princely hands planted the vine in
+the Rhine country, and this royal giver was no other than Charlemagne,
+the all-powerful ruler of the kingdom of the Franks.
+
+Once in early spring Charles the Great was standing on the balcony of
+his castle at Ingelheim, his eyes straying over the beautiful stretch
+of country at his feet. Snow had fallen during the night, and the
+hills of Ruedesheim were clothed in white. As the imperial ruler was
+looking thoughtfully over the landscape, he noticed that the snow on
+one side of Johannisberg melted quicker in the sun's rays than on any
+other part. Charles, who was a great and deep thinker, began to
+reflect that on a spot where the rays of the sun shone so genially,
+something better than grass would thrive.
+
+Sending for Kunrat, his faithful servant, he bade him saddle his horse
+the next day at dawn and ride to Orleans, a town famous for its good
+wine. He was to inform the citizens that the emperor had not forgotten
+the excellent wine they had given him there, and that he would like to
+grow the same vines on the Rhine. He desired the citizens of Orleans
+therefore to send him plants from their country.
+
+The messenger set off to do the king's bidding and ere the moon had
+again gone round her course, was back in the castle at Ingelheim.
+Great satisfaction prevailed at court. Charles, mighty ruler as he
+was, even went so far as to cross to Ruedesheim, where he planted with
+his royal hand the French vine in German soil.
+
+This was no mere passing whim on the part of the emperor. He sent
+messengers constantly to bring word how the vines were thriving in
+Ruedesheim and on the flanks of Johannisberg, and when the third autumn
+had come round, the Emperor Charlemagne set out from his favourite
+resort, Aix-la-Chapelle, for the Rhine country, and great rejoicing
+prevailed among the vine-reapers from Ruedesheim to Johannisberg.
+
+The first cup of wine was solemnly offered to the emperor, a golden
+wine in a golden goblet, a wine worthy of a king.
+
+Charles took a long deep draught, and with brightened eyes praised the
+delicious drink. It became his favourite wine, this fiery
+"Johannisberger," making him young again in his old age. What
+Charlemagne then felt when he drank this wine, every one who raises
+the sparkling grapejuice to his lips is keenly sensible of also.
+Wherever the German tongue is heard, and even further still, the king
+of all Rhine wines is known and sought after, Johannisberger wine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The legend weaves another wonderful tale about the great emperor
+blessing his grapes.
+
+A poet's pen has fashioned it into a song, which is still often heard
+among the grapegatherers.
+
+Every spring when the vines are blossoming on the hills and in the
+valleys along the river, and their fragrance scents the air, a tall
+shadow wanders about the vineyards at night, a purple mantle hanging
+from his stately shoulders, and a crown on his head. It is
+Charlemagne, the great Emperor, who planted the grapes long years
+before. The luscious scent of the blossoms wakens him up from his tomb
+in Aix-la-Chapelle, and he comes to bless the grapes.
+
+When the full moon gently casts her bright beams on the water,
+lighting up the emperor's nightly path, he may be seen crossing the
+golden bridge formed by her rays and then wandering further along the
+hills, blessing the vines on the other side of the river.
+
+At the first crow of the cock he returns to his grave in
+Aix-la-Chapelle, and sleeps till the scent of the grapes wakens him
+next spring, when he again wanders through the countries along the
+Rhine, blessing the vineyards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Let us now relate another little story which is told of the monks who
+lived at Johannisberg.
+
+Once the high Abbot of Fulda came unexpectedly to visit the cloister
+at Johannisberg just about the time when the grapes were ripe. The
+worthy Abbot made many inquiries about his people, showed himself
+highly pleased with the works of the industrious monks, and as a mark
+of his continued favour, invited all the inmates of the cloister to a
+drinking-bout.
+
+"Wine maketh the heart glad," thus quoting King David's significant
+words, the holy man began his speech: "God's loving hand will be
+gracious in future years to your vines. Let us profit by his grace,
+brothers, and drink what he has provided for us in moderation and
+reverence. But before we refresh ourselves with God's good gifts, take
+your breviaries and let us begin with a short prayer."
+
+"Breviaries!" was whispered along the rows, and the eyes of the fat
+genial faces blinked in helpless embarrassment.
+
+"Yes, your breviaries," and the white-haired Abbot looked silently but
+sternly at the brothers.
+
+They searched and searched.
+
+Gradually the frown disappeared from the Abbot's face, and a smile
+gradually spread over his withered features.
+
+"Well, never mind, let us drink," said he. Then feeling his pockets,
+he said with a gleam in his eye, "That's too bad! I ought to have
+brought a corkscrew with me when I came to the Rhine."
+
+"A corkscrew!" Every one dives his hand into his pocket, and as many
+corkscrews were produced before the worthy Abbot as there were
+brothers present.
+
+Then a gleam of merriment beamed in the Abbot's eyes.
+
+"Bravo, ye pious monks! what a plentiful supply of corkscrews! Do not
+all look so embarrassed, we shall not be annoyed about it to-day
+but--to-morrow! Now we shall sing with King David, 'Wine maketh the
+heart glad,'" and the uncorked bottle went the rounds.
+
+
+
+
+INGELHEIM
+
+Eginhard and Emma
+
+
+I.
+
+The story which we have now to relate is a very touching one, and it
+becomes even more interesting when we know that it is based on real
+fact.
+
+In the little town of Ingelheim there was a beautiful marble castle,
+the favourite residence of Charlemagne. He often retired to this
+lonely, peaceful spot accompanied only by a few of his faithful
+vassals and the members of his own family. Eginhard, the emperor's
+private secretary, was never missing from this little circle.
+Charlemagne thought highly of this man, then in the prime of youth, on
+account of his profound knowledge and extraordinary talents.
+
+The young scholar, so different from the wise councillors not only in
+his learning but in his cultivated manners, was a great favourite
+among the ladies of the court.
+
+Eginhard who was a constant companion of the emperor, had also become
+an intimate member of the family circle, and Charlemagne entrusted him
+with the education of his favourite child Emma, daughter of his wife
+Gismonda. This dark-eyed maiden was considered the most beautiful of
+her age, and the young scholar could not long remain cold and
+indifferent to her charms. The undisturbed hours which should have
+been spent in learning, led to a mutual understanding. Eginhard
+struggled to remind himself of his duty towards his sovereign, but
+love overcame him, and soon an oath of eternal fidelity united these
+young hearts.
+
+
+II.
+
+The great emperor ought to have known what would be the consequence of
+allowing the young scholar to enjoy the society of his dark-eyed,
+passionate daughter. In the still hours of the night when all the
+inmates of the castle lay wrapped in sleep, Eginhard sought the
+chamber of his beloved. She listened enchanted to the glowing words of
+his burning heart, but their love was chaste and pure, no gusts of
+passion troubling them.
+
+But fate was against these lovers. One night they were sitting in
+Emma's chamber talking confidentially together. The great palace was
+veiled in darkness, no ray of light, no star was to be seen in the
+heavens. As Eginhard was about to leave the chamber, he perceived that
+the courtyard below was covered with snow. It would have been
+impossible to pass across it without leaving a trace behind him, but
+at all risks he must reach his room.
+
+What was to be done? Love is ingenious. After considering for some
+time together, they both concluded that there was but one way to
+prevent their being betrayed. The slender maiden took her lover on
+her back and carried him across the courtyard, thus leaving behind
+only her two small foot-prints.
+
+It happened that Charles the Great had not yet sought the repose he
+needed so much, as care banished sleep from his eyes. He sat at his
+window and looked out into the silent night. In the courtyard below he
+perceived a shadow crossing the pavement and, looking carefully, he
+recognised his favourite daughter Emma carrying a man on her
+back.--Yes! and this man was Eginhard, his great favourite. Pain and
+anger struggled in his heart. He wanted to rush down and kill him--an
+emperor's daughter and a mere secretary--but with a great effort he
+restrained himself, mastered the violent agitation which this
+unexpected sight caused him, and went back to his chamber to wait
+wearily for dawn.
+
+
+III.
+
+The next day Charles assembled his councillors. They were all
+horrified to see his ghastly look; his brow was dark, and sorrow was
+depicted on every feature. Eginhard looked at his master apprehending
+coming evil. Charlemagne stood up and spake:--
+
+"What does a royal princess deserve, who receives the visit of a man
+at night?" The councillors looked at each other speechless. Eginhard's
+countenance became white as death. The councillors soon guessed the
+name of the royal princess, and they consulted together for some time
+not knowing what to say, but at last one councillor answered:--
+
+"Your Majesty, we think that a weak woman must not be punished for
+anything done out of love."
+
+"And what does a favourite of the emperor deserve who creeps into a
+royal princess' chamber at night?"
+
+Charlemagne cast a dark look at his secretary, who trembled and became
+even paler. "Alas! all is lost," murmured he to himself. Then, raising
+his voice, he said, "Death, my Master and Emperor!"
+
+Charles looked at the young man full of astonishment. The wrath in his
+soul melted at this self-accusation and fervent repentance. Deep
+silence followed this answer, and in a few minutes the emperor
+dismissed his councillors, making a sign at the same time to Eginhard
+to follow him.
+
+Without a word Charles led him into his private chamber, where in
+answer to his summons, Emma appeared.
+
+Her heart misgave her as she saw the dark look on her father's face
+and the troubled features of her beloved. She understood all at once,
+and with a convulsive cry of pain threw herself at her father's feet.
+
+"Mercy! mercy! my father, we love each other so dearly!" murmured she,
+raising her large eyes imploringly. "Mercy!" murmured Eginhard too,
+bending his knees.
+
+The emperor remained silent. After a time he began to speak earnestly
+and coldly at first, but his voice changed to a milder tone on hearing
+the sobs of his favourite child.
+
+"I shall not separate you who are bound to each other by love. A
+priest shall unite you, and at dawn to-morrow you must both be gone
+from the castle, never to return."
+
+He left them, shutting the door behind him.
+
+The beautiful maiden sank down on her knees, only half conscious in
+her grief of what her father had said. But Eginhard's soft voice soon
+whispered in her ear.
+
+"Do not weep, Emma. By thrusting you from him, your father, my master,
+has only bound us together for ever. Come," he continued in a
+trembling voice, alarmed at her passionate tears, "we must go, but
+love will be ever with us."
+
+The next day two pilgrims left the castle of Ingelheim, and took the
+road in the direction of Mayence.
+
+
+IV.
+
+Time wore on.
+
+Charles the Great had made war on Saxony, had set the Roman crown upon
+his own head, and had become famous throughout the whole world. But
+all his fame had not prevented his hair from becoming grey, nor his
+heart from being sad. A mournful picture had imprinted itself on his
+mind, despite all his efforts to forget the past. In the evening when
+the setting sun glittered on the marble pillars of the royal palace,
+casting its golden rays into the chamber of the great emperor, it
+would find him sitting motionless in his carved oak-chair, his grey
+head buried in his hands, mournful dreams troubling his peace. He was
+thinking of the days which were past, of the young man whose gentle
+ways made him so different from the rough warriors of the court, how
+he used to recite poetry and sing the songs of the old bards so
+passionately, and the old legends which the emperor prized so much,
+how he used to read to him from the old gray parchment which he,
+Eginhard, had written so carefully, how his own favourite dark-eyed
+daughter had so often been present, sitting at his feet listening
+intently to the reader--all this came back to his memory, saddening
+his heart, and filling his eyes with tears.
+
+
+V.
+
+Bugle-horns sounded through the forest, Charles and his followers were
+at the chase. The old emperor, seeking to forget his grief, had seized
+his spear and had gone out to hunt.
+
+In his eagerness to follow a magnificent stag he had become separated
+from his escort. The sun was already low in the west; the animal, now
+seeing no way of escape, as his pursuer was close behind him, dashed
+into a river and swam to the other side. The emperor, in hot pursuit
+and much exhausted, arrived at the water's edge, and for the first
+time noticed that he was alone, and in a part of the country quite
+unknown to him.
+
+The river lay before him and the forest behind, but the latter seemed
+to be quite impenetrable. It was already night, and Charles sought in
+vain to find some path or track.
+
+As he was looking round him, he perceived a light in the distance.
+Greatly pleased he started off in that direction, and found a little
+hut close to the river, but on looking through the window Charlemagne
+saw the room was a very poor one.
+
+"Perhaps this is the hermitage of some pious man," thought he, and
+knocked at the door, whereupon a fair-haired man appeared on the
+threshold.
+
+Without mentioning his name, the emperor informed him of what had
+happened, and begged shelter for the night.
+
+At the sound of this loved voice, the man trembled, but controlling
+himself, he invited the emperor to enter. A young woman was sitting on
+a stool rocking a baby in her arms. She started, became very pale at
+the sight of the emperor, and then hurried into the next room to hide
+her emotion; Charles sat down, and refusing refreshment from his host
+leaned his head wearily on his hands.
+
+Minutes passed, and still he sat there lost in thought, dreaming of
+those happy by-gone days.
+
+At last the sweet prattle of a child roused him, and looking up he saw
+a little girl about five years old at his side, stretching out her
+arms to him, bidding him good-night. Charles looked closely at the
+little angel-like creature, his heart throbbing within him. "What is
+your name, little one?" asked he. "Emma," answered the child.
+
+"Emma," repeated Charles with tears in his eyes, and drawing the child
+closer to him he pressed a kiss on its forehead.
+
+In a moment the man and his young wife were at the emperor's feet
+imploring pardon. "Emma! Eginhard!" cried he with great emotion,
+embracing them both. "Blessed be the place where I have found you
+again!"
+
+Emma and Eginhard returned in great pomp to the emperor's court. The
+latter gave them his beautiful palace at Ingelheim, and only felt
+himself happy when he was with them.
+
+He caused a cloister to be built on the spot where he had found them
+again, which to the present day is called "Seligenstadt," "town of the
+happy."
+
+In the church belonging to this little town the tomb of Eginhard and
+Emma is still shown, for according to their wishes, their bones were
+interred in the same coffin.
+
+
+
+
+RUeDESHEIM
+
+The Broemserburg
+
+
+In the lofty cathedral of Spires stood a great assemblage of knights,
+and on the throne near the altar sat Conrad der Staufe with his hands
+resting on the hilt of his sword. All were listening intently to the
+burning words of Bernard of Clairvaux who was describing the ruthless
+manner in which the holy places of Palestine had been laid waste. As
+the saintly preacher ended with a thrilling appeal to the religious
+feelings of his audience, a great shout, "On, to Jerusalem!" rang
+through the sacred edifice. Most of the knights offered to bring as
+many followers as possible to aid their pious Emperor. Among those
+present was Hans Broemser, the lord of the Niederburg at Ruedesheim.
+This noble knight, the last of his race, was not detained at home by
+family cares. His wife had early been taken from him by death, and
+Mechtildis, the only offspring of their marriage, was left under the
+protection of the neighbouring Falkenstein family.
+
+So the pious warriors marched by devious and dangerous routes to that
+land where Our Lord lived and suffered. In fierce battle with the
+Saracens many a noble knight closed his eyes forever. Many met a
+harder fate--a living death in the noisome prisons of the unbelievers.
+After a lost battle Sir Broemser fell into the hands of the Turks, and
+in a dungeon had to suffer shameful imprisonment. Sometimes they would
+force their knightly foe to turn a millstone, while the crowd jeered.
+Then, in the hour of deepest misery the knight made a vow to God.
+"Give me my freedom again, and I vow that my child Mechtildis shall
+devote her life to the Church." And he repeated the solemn words
+again, and yet a third time.
+
+Then happened what none of his companions-in-arms had ever hoped for.
+The brave crusaders stormed this Turkish stronghold in the Syrian
+desert, and liberated their fellow-crusaders from captivity. Full of
+gratitude to God, Hans Broemser again fought valiantly in the holy
+cause.
+
+Meanwhile at home in the hospitable keep above the Rhine a maiden
+awaited with anxiety the return of her father. Often in the silent
+hours, with sweetness and sunshine around her, without and within, she
+stood on the castle-wall and she saw in reverie that blue Eastern
+land, whilst she listened to the wild throbbing of her young heart in
+which the blossoms of first love were bursting.
+
+Then one night her father returned to the Rhineland.
+
+In the moss-covered courtyard of the castle Mechtildis embraced her
+father long and silently. Beside the maiden, now in her seventeenth
+year, stood the young lord of Falkenstein. The youth bowed deeply to
+the lord of the Broemserburg, and greeted him kindly with the words,
+"Welcome home, father!" Then the vow made in the Syrian prison rose
+like a spectre to pall the joy of the crusader's return.
+
+In the banqueting-hall of the castle a large company had assembled to
+celebrate the happy return of Hans Broemser and his faithful
+companions. The praise of the crusaders resounded and many stories
+were told of the dangers the heroes had encountered. With stirring
+words the knight related to his listening guests how he himself had
+fought in the sacred cause, and how he had suffered imprisonment among
+the heathen. Then in a lower tone, and with solemn words, he told his
+friends of the vow he had made in his hour of deep despair in the
+Syrian dungeon.
+
+The painful silence which followed was broken by a stifled cry, and
+the knight's daughter, pale as the covering on the festive board, sank
+unconscious to the floor. With burning cheek and flashing eye the
+young lord of Falkenstein rose, and with a firm voice exclaimed,
+"Mechtildis belongs to me; she has solemnly given herself to me
+forever." The murmur soon subsided before the stern countenance of the
+lord of the castle. "Mechtildis has been dedicated to heaven, not to
+you, boy. The last of the Broemser race has sworn it, and abides by
+it." The knight said this with suppressed fury, and soon his guests
+departed in silence.
+
+Mechtildis lay in her chamber in wild grief. The flickering lamp
+beside the crucifix threw an unsteady light on the extended form of
+the maiden who was measuring the tedious night hours in the
+love-anguish of her young heart. To the distracted maid her chamber
+seemed to be transformed to an oppressive dungeon. Seizing the lamp
+with a trembling hand she hurried up the narrow winding stair on to
+the roof of the castle, and there committed her great grief to the
+listening ear of night. Leaning on the wall, she looked away towards
+the castle where lived the noble young lord to whom she had dedicated
+her life. "I am thine, my beloved," she sobbed. No star was visible in
+the sky. A wild autumn wind shrieked and swirled round the keep in
+accompaniment to the storm in the maiden's breast. A short piercing
+cry echoed in the darkness. Was it the bride of the winds or a human
+cry? The night swallowed it. From the parapet of the Broemserburg a
+female form had been hurled down into the dark floods of the Rhine
+below.
+
+A bright harvest morning followed a stormy night. In the Broemserburg
+they were searching everywhere in vain for their lord's daughter. Soon
+however a mournful procession approached bearing the mortal remains of
+Mechtildis. In the early dawn a young woman had rescued the body from
+the waters of the river. Now the walls of the Broemserburg echoed with
+sounds of woe over the early death of this last fair young flower of
+the Broemser race. Hans Broemser threw himself on the body and buried
+his stern features in the snowy linen. Not a tear bedewed his eyelids.
+
+As a propitiatory offering for the rest of the soul of the maiden who
+had thus avoided the monastic life, the knight in his deep sorrow
+vowed to build a chapel on the hill opposite his castle. Then Hans
+Broemser shut himself up in his chamber, and passed the following days
+in silent grief, while the grave closed over his wretched child.
+
+Many months passed, but still not a stone of the promised chapel had
+been set up. In the bitterness of his sorrow the grief-stricken father
+had separated himself more and more from the world, and now brooded in
+gloomy isolation. One day a servant came before him with a likeness of
+the Mother of God which an ox had scraped up while ploughing a field
+on the hill opposite the castle, and three times the servant declared
+he had heard the "Not Gottes" (Suffering of God) called out. Then Hans
+Broemser remembered his vow, and the chapel for the peace of the soul
+of Mechtildis was erected. "Not Gottes" it is called to this day.
+
+
+
+
+BINGEN
+
+The Mouse-Tower
+
+
+Below Bingen in the middle of the Rhine there is a lonely island on
+which a stronghold is to be seen. This tower is called "the
+Mouse-Tower." For many centuries a very gloomy tale has been told
+about it in connection with Hatto, Archbishop of Mayence, whose evil
+deeds were well-known throughout the country.
+
+Hatto is said to have been ambitious, heartless, and perfidious, as
+well as cruel towards the poor. He extorted taxes from his people,
+tolls were imposed, and new burdens invented only to gratify his
+haughty pride and his love of display. On a little island between
+Bingen and Ruedesheim he caused a tower to be built, so that all
+passing ships could be stopped in the narrow passage, where they were
+obliged to pay toll.
+
+Soon after the building of this custom-house there was a very bad
+harvest in the country round Mayence. Drought had parched the fields,
+and the little seed remaining had been destroyed by hail. The scarcity
+was felt all the more, because the bishop had bought up all the stores
+of corn that were left from the year before, and had stored them up
+safely in his granaries.
+
+A terrible famine now threatened the land, spreading misery among the
+poor. The unhappy people implored the cruel bishop to lower the price
+of the corn in his store-house, which he wished to sell at such
+exorbitant prices that his subjects could not buy it. All their
+petitions were in vain. His advisers besought him to have pity on the
+deplorable condition of the poor, but Hatto remained unmoved. When
+cries of distress and the murmuring voices of the exasperated folk
+were raised against their hard-hearted master, the bishop gave free
+vent to the wicked thoughts of his soul.
+
+One day a troop of hungry beggars came crowding to the episcopal
+palace crying for food. Hatto and his guests were just sitting down to
+a luxurious banquet. The bishop had been talking to his companions of
+these wretched people, and had expressed his opinion that it would be
+a good thing to do away with them altogether in some drastic way.
+
+As the ragged mob of men, women and children, with hollow cheeks and
+pale faces threw themselves at his feet crying for bread, a still more
+fiendish plan suggested itself. Beckoning to them with hypocritical
+kindness he promised them corn, and caused them to be led outside the
+town to a barn, where each one was to receive as much corn as he
+wished. The unhappy folk hurried forth, their hearts full of
+gratitude; but when they were all in the barn, Hatto ordered the doors
+to be locked and the barn to be set on fire.
+
+The screams of the poor wretches were heart-rending, and could be
+heard even in the bishop's palace.
+
+But cruel Hatto called out scornfully to his advisers, "Listen! how
+the mice are squeaking among the corn. This eternal begging is at an
+end at last. May the mice bite me if it is not true!"
+
+But the punishment which Heaven sent him was terrible. Thousands of
+mice came out of the burning barn, made their way to the palace,
+filled every chamber and corner, and at last attacked the bishop
+himself. His servants killed them by hundreds, but their numbers
+seemed only to increase, as did their ferocity also. The bishop was
+seized with horror and, anticipating God's punishment, he fled from
+the town and went on board a boat hoping to defend himself from his
+terrible pursuers. But the innumerable horde swam in legions after
+him, and when he reached his tower on the island thinking at least he
+would be safe there, the mice followed him, gnawing the tower and
+tearing for themselves an entrance with their sharp teeth, till at
+last they reached him whom they sought. The cruel man was devoured by
+the mice, which attacked him by scores. In his despair he offered his
+soul to the Evil One, if he would release his body from such awful
+agony. The Evil Spirit came, freed his body, but took his soul away
+for himself.
+
+Thus runs the legend. History however speaks less severely of Hatto,
+the imperious prelate.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+His great ambition was his desire of power. He was the founder of the
+temporal power which the seat of Mayence obtained, and which later on
+made it the first bishopric of the kingdom, but he was always hated by
+the citizens, who suffered much owing to his proud, despotic
+character.
+
+It is true that he was the founder of the toll which ships in olden
+times were obliged to pay on the Rhine, so that this fact and many
+other cruel exactions of his, have helped to evolve the terrible
+legend of the Mouse-Tower.
+
+
+
+
+THE VALLEY OF THE NAHE
+
+KREUZNACH
+
+A mighty draught
+
+
+Once upon a time in the high castle called Rheingrafenstein near
+Kreuznach, the flower of the knights belonging to the Rhine country
+were assembled.
+
+They were powerful warriors, these nobles of ancient rank, but the
+most prominent among them was the host himself, the proud Rhine Count.
+Many a cup had he already emptied to the health of his distinguished
+guests, and rising up once more from his richly carved chair he cast a
+look over the brilliant assembly and said in a boastful tone:
+
+"I have got a knight's high boot here, my noble lords. A courier left
+it behind him once. Now I promise on the honour of my house that
+whoever will drink it empty at one draught, to him I will give the
+village of Hueffelsheim yonder."
+
+The count, smiling at the novelty of the challenge, took the boot from
+his attendant's hand, caused it to be filled to the brim, and held up
+this novel cup to his guests. "Tis a fair challenge! Come on whoever
+will dare!" said he.
+
+Among the illustrious company present there was one, John of
+Sponheim, a knight well-known in the country for his enormous drinking
+powers; but he remained unmoved at these defiant words, only looking
+inquiringly at his neighbour, Knight Weinhart of Dhaun, who in great
+perplexity, was striving to hide his head behind a large goblet. Old
+Floersheimer, another knight whose thirst usually seemed unquenchable,
+stroked his gray beard doubtfully, while Kunz of Stromberg, a tall
+thin man, shook his head at the thought of the after-effects which
+such a draught would bring. Even the chaplain of the castle, who
+attributed his effective intoning of high-mass to the virtues of the
+Rhenish wine which he indulged in so freely, looked longingly at the
+boot, but had not the courage to attempt such a rash act.
+
+Suddenly a knight, Boos of Waldeck by name rose. He was a muscular man
+with the strength of a bear. In a voice of thunder he banged his
+mighty fist upon the table and said scornfully, "Bring me that little
+boot!"
+
+The distinguished company stared at him in great astonishment, but
+Boos of Waldeck, taking the boot in his sturdy fist, cried out. "Your
+health, my lords!"
+
+Then flourishing it in the air, he emptied the boot at one draught.
+
+When this act was accomplished, Boos threw himself heavily into his
+chair, and addressing the master of the ceremonies, said with a
+humorous twinkle in his eye:
+
+"Did the courier not leave the other boot too? I might possibly win a
+second bet, and thus acquire the village of Roxheim into the bargain."
+
+The count looked much abashed, but the noble guests only laughed
+heartily at the joke.
+
+Thus stout Boos of Waldeck became lord of the village of Hueffelsheim.
+
+
+
+
+The Foundation of Castle Sponheim
+
+
+The following legend tells us about the origin of Castle Sponheim in
+the valley of the Nahe. Once a Knight of Ravensberg was eagerly wooing
+the beautiful young Countess of Heimburg, but there was a serious
+obstacle in his path to success. Some years before a Ravensberg had
+killed a Heimburg in a quarrel, and since that time a bitter feud had
+divided the two houses. The brave knight felt this bitterly, but in
+spite of it he did not leave off his wooing. The young countess was
+much touched by his constancy, and one day she spoke thus to her
+impetuous suitor:
+
+"My lord, if you will dare to go to the Holy Land there to expiate the
+sins of your fathers, and bring me back a relic from the sepulchre of
+our Redeemer, in that same hour your suit will be heard."
+
+The knight in great joy kissed the maiden's slender hand and departed,
+carrying the memory of her sweet smile away in his heart.
+
+Just at this time the call of the Emperor Barbarossa, now an old man,
+sounded throughout the land, and the Knight of Ravensberg did not
+neglect the opportunity, but hastened forth to join the imperial army.
+
+The expedition was a long and terrible one, and the troops wearily
+made their way across the desert plains of Palestine.
+
+The knight, though a brave man, had no special love for warlike
+adventures, and during these exhausting marches he thought sorrowfully
+of his quiet castle on the Nahe; of how he used to lie down there in
+peace and safety at night without being in fear of the Saracens who,
+under cover of darkness would break in waving their scimitars in air,
+an event which was a nightly occurrence on this expedition.
+
+Ravensberg however fought bravely in many a battle, and after the
+deaths of Barbarossa and his son, he joined the army of Richard the
+Lion-hearted.
+
+Through all this anxious time he never forgot his dear one at home,
+and his longing for her became stronger every day, till it seemed to
+get beyond endurance.
+
+King Richard was called back to England on some urgent state-affairs,
+and the Knight of Ravensberg was among the few companions-in-arms who
+embarked with him. The brave knight was very happy, and while the
+king's ship was sailing along the coast of Greece and up the blue
+Adriatic Sea, he would often stand on deck and weave bright dreams of
+the future; sometimes when no one was near, he would pull out a little
+black ebony box set with precious stones, on which a woman's name was
+written in golden letters; the interior was beautifully lined with
+costly silk; and a small splinter of wood lay within which the knight
+would kiss most reverently. He had paid a large sum of money for it
+in the Holy Land, where he had bought it from a Jewish merchant. This
+man had sworn to him that this fragment was from the cross to which
+the Son of God had been nailed.
+
+The knight was very happy during this long homeward journey, but a
+great misfortune awaited him. Just as the crusaders came in sight of
+Italy their vessel was wrecked. The King of England, the Knight of
+Ravensberg, and a few others were saved with great difficulty, and
+brought to land. But our poor knight was inconsolable; he had held the
+precious little box high above him in the water, but a mighty wave had
+torn it from him, and on opening his eyes he found himself on shore.
+The holy relic had saved him, but he had lost his treasure, and now
+all hope of his promised happiness was gone.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One day a weary and dispirited crusader returned to the castle of
+Heimburg. He announced his arrival to the young countess most humbly,
+but she, her lovely face lighted up by a bright smile, hurried to meet
+the knight whose sunburnt countenance betokened great hardships.
+
+She listened silently to his mournful story, then raising her
+beautiful head she asked: "Was not the little box set with precious
+stones and was not my name in golden letters on it?"
+
+"Yes, noble lady," said the knight, the bitterness of his
+disappointment newly awakened, "And now it lies at the bottom of the
+sea in spite of my fervent prayers to St. George to save the precious
+fragment of our Saviour's cross."
+
+The countess beckoned to a page, and after a few minutes the boy
+brought her on a velvet cushion a little black ebony box set with
+precious stones with a woman's name written on it. The knight uttered
+a cry of joyful surprise, for he recognised the jewel at once.
+
+"Entreat the Holy Patron of Knighthood to pardon you," said the
+countess with a smile. "A strange knight brought this to the steward a
+few days ago, and before I had time to send for him, he had
+disappeared."
+
+"It was St. George himself!" whispered the knight, crossing himself
+piously, "which proves that the fragment really belonged to the Holy
+Cross."
+
+Then he bent his knee before his charming mistress who, with a deep
+blush on her cheeks, gave the man she had long but secretly loved
+love's first kiss.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A happy marriage was speedily celebrated in Heimburg. The Knight of
+Ravensberg then called his castle Spanheim (Span being the German word
+for chip) in memory of the precious little relic. This name was later
+on corrupted into Sponheim.
+
+
+
+
+ASSMANNSHAUSEN
+
+St. Clement's Chapel
+
+
+[Illustration: Gefangener Raubritter--Nach dem Gemaelde von Konrad
+Weigand (zur Sage: Die Clemenskapelle)]
+
+There is a very melancholy legend connected with the foundation of St.
+Clement's church, which was built on the banks of the Rhine and which,
+not long since, was rebuilt and renovated by the generosity of the
+present great lady of Rheinstein Castle.
+
+Rudolphus of Habsburg, elected emperor after the terrible anarchy
+which had reigned in Germany when the land was left without a ruler,
+determined by firm and vigorous government, to put an end to the
+evil-doings of the robber-knights who held sway along the Rhine.
+
+He had already threatened these much-dreaded nobles who disturbed the
+peace of the country and the government of its ruler, and now hearing
+that they still continued their ravages, the emperor appeared himself
+in the Rhine countries, resolved to annihilate them and to destroy
+their strongholds.
+
+On his way through the land, Rudolphus set fire to all the strongholds
+on the upper Rhine. The burning of the castles of Reichenstein,
+Sooneck, Heimburg and others, was an awful sight to the inhabitants of
+the valley below. Numerous members of these ancient noble races met
+the death of felons, and their bodies were hung up on trees as a
+warning to others.
+
+Through the gates of Mainz many a robber baron was led as a prisoner
+by the soldiers of the emperor. Every time that one of these barons
+and his companions-in-arms were led along with bound hands, towards
+the Imperial tribunal, young and old, rich and poor poured forth from
+the streets and alleys, and accompanied the highborn malefactors with
+curses. The windows of the houses around were filled with eager
+onlookers, admiring the conduct of their emperor.
+
+Moaning and wailing were then heard throughout the land, mothers,
+wives, and daughters weeping for their dead. On the other hand the
+merchants who had endured hardships and sufferings during these years,
+were now delighted with the stern justice dealt out by the emperor.
+
+Under cover of darkness stealthy forms could be seen creeping to the
+place of execution, and silently and mournfully taking away the bodies
+of their relatives to preserve them from ignominious destruction. They
+then buried the wretched remains in consecrated ground, hoping thus to
+satisfy the fears which haunted them of future punishment, for many of
+their dear ones had stained their swords with the blood of their
+neighbours.
+
+In order to atone for these sins, and in accordance with the wise
+counsel of a priest, the trees on which the bodies had been hanged
+were cut down, and the wood used to build a chapel of expiation.
+Stones were also taken from the smoking ruins of the burning castles
+and employed for the same purpose. The little church was built on the
+lonely place of execution on the Rhine near Assmannshausen.
+
+The day arrived--a day of great sorrow and weeping--when all was
+ready, and the priest was to read prayers from the altar for the first
+time. Many funeral barges were to be seen on the river, bringing the
+dead who were buried in the aisle of the church.
+
+The Archbishop of Mayence absolved the bodies from their sins, and
+afterwards they were all interred together near the little church for
+the second time.
+
+This occurred towards the end of the thirteenth century. For long
+years afterwards prayers were offered up in this church in
+Assmannshausen for the souls of the dead.
+
+The once proud and mighty races gradually died out, and their
+strongholds fell into ruins. And time which had demolished the castles
+on the heights above, began her work of destruction on the little
+church below; its roof decayed and its walls crumbled.
+
+The ancient little church of St. Clement has since that time been
+raised again from its ruins, and now the voice of God's priest is
+heard chanting in it again, as it was heard six hundred years ago.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE RHEINSTEIN
+
+The Wooing
+
+
+[Illustration: Der Brautzug--Nach dem Gemaelde von L. Herterich--(zur
+Sage von Burg Rheinstein)]
+
+In Castle Rheinstein once lived a knight called Diethelm, who devoted
+himself without restraint to all the excesses of the robber barons.
+From one of his pillaging expeditions he brought back a charming
+maiden called Jutta. As the delicate ivy twines itself round the rough
+oak and clothes its knotty stem with shimmering velvet; so in time the
+gentle conduct of this maiden changed the coarse baron to a noble
+knight who eschewed pillaging and carousing, and ultimately made the
+fair Jutta the honoured wife of her captor.
+
+The first fruit of their love cost the tender mother her life. Gerda
+however, who much resembled her mother, grew to such a noble beauty
+that soon wooers from far and near came to sue for the hand of the
+beautiful daughter of the aged Diethelm. But the aged knight made a
+most careful selection, and many gay wooers had to depart in sorrow.
+One young man was however regarded favourably by the maid, and not
+unkindly looked upon by the old man. He was the oldest son of the
+owner of the Sternburg. This young man had contrived to win the
+maiden's heart, and one day, while Gerda presided as queen of love
+and beauty at a tournament held in the courtyard of Castle Rheinstein,
+Helmbrecht made an avowal of his love.
+
+Some days thereafter the young lord according to courtly fashion
+appointed his uncle Gunzelin of Reichenstein to woo his chosen bride
+for him. But Gunzelin though an old man was full of knavery and
+falsehood, and so instead of wooing for his nephew he ingratiated
+himself with Gerda's father. Moreover, as the old knight was descended
+from an ancient family and possessed of much wealth Diethelm was
+easily induced to promise him the hand of the fair Gerda. To the
+astonishment of this worthy pair Gerda would not listen to the suit of
+her rich wooer. Her heart belonged to the nephew, not to the uncle.
+Now Count Diethelm was aroused, and with the blind fury of his earlier
+years swore to his rich companion that Gerda belonged to him, and
+should never wed the young cock-sparrow of the Sternburg.
+
+In her quiet chamber the unhappy maid wept out her heart's grief, but
+burning tears did not thaw the ice-cold heart of the father. In vain
+the young lover tried to gain the old knight's favour, but Diethelm
+merely referred to his knightly word solemnly pledged to the lord of
+Reichenstein.
+
+Soon the day approached on which Gunzelin, with the smiling
+self-satisfaction of an old roue, and decked out to give himself all
+the appearance of young manhood, was to lead the fairest maiden in the
+Rhineland to his stately castle. Gerda who possessed the mild
+disposition of her deceased mother had submitted to the inevitable. On
+a bright summer morning the bridal procession started from the
+courtyard of Castle Rheinstein, and moved towards the Clement's Chapel
+situated in the neighbourhood. Horns blew and trumpets sounded. On a
+milkwhite palfrey, sat the fair young bride, deadly pale. She was
+thinking of her absent lover who in this hour must be enduring the
+greatest anguish on her account. Then all at once a swarm of buzzing
+gadflies came out of the bush and fastened fiercely on the palfrey
+which bore the fair Gerda. The animal reared and broke from the bridal
+procession. Boldly the bridegroom on his grandly caparisoned steed
+dashed forward to check the frightened animal, but his war-horse
+missing its footing on the narrow bridle path fell over a precipice
+carrying its master with it. The dying knight was carried by the
+wedding-guests back to Castle Rheinstein. The aged Diethelm was also
+unfortunate in his attempt to stop the runaway steed. The maddened
+animal had struck him on the shinbone, and wounded him. The servants
+were thus obliged to carry the moaning greybeard back to his castle as
+speedily and carefully as possible. The surgeon had a sad time of it
+during the next week as he attended to the enraged old knight's wounds
+and bruises.
+
+When the runaway horse had disappeared round a bend of the path a man
+threw himself upon it, and bringing the trembling animal to a
+standstill clasped the unconscious bride in his arms. Helmbrecht,
+concealed in the brushwood, had been watching the bridal procession,
+and now came to the rescue of his true love. When the old lord heard
+of this he came to his senses and gave the lovers his blessing. Some
+weeks later a bridal procession advanced from the Clement's Chapel up
+to the festively decorated Castle Rheinstein. Trumpets were blown and
+horns resounded. Much more joyfully than on the previous occasion the
+musicians marched in front. Upon a milkwhite palfrey, as formerly, sat
+a noble maiden in bridal state, clothed in undulating robes bordered
+with fur. Her head was bent in maiden modesty as she listened to the
+endearments which the youthful knight whispered in her ear. Behind
+rode the father of the bride sunk in thought, and along with him was
+his pious sister Notburge, the canoness of Nonnenwerth.
+
+A life of unalloyed married bliss followed this union, and God granted
+to the noble pair a long and happy life. They rest together in front
+of the altar in the Clement's Chapel which is situated across the
+Rhine from Assmannshausen. Castle Rheinstein stands in renewed
+youthful beauty on the edge of its precipitous cliff overlooking our
+noble stream.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE SOONECK
+
+The Blind Archer
+
+
+In his stronghold at Sooneck, Siebold, one of the most rapacious of
+the robber barons presided over a godless revel. Wanton women with
+showy apparel and painted cheeks lolled in the arms of tipsy
+cavaliers. The music blared, and to complete their carousal wine
+flowed freely. The lord of Sooneck flushed with drinking, and leering
+on the assembly with evil-looking eyes spoke as follows:
+
+"Noble ladies (drunken applause from his worthy associates) and
+much-married nobles (loudly giggled the shameless females), after food
+and drink, I, as your host will be pleased to entertain you by
+bringing before you a ferocious animal which I keep confined here."
+
+While the ladies pretended to take shelter timidly behind their lords,
+and the men stared at their host expecting some further explanation,
+the doors of the room opened, and led by two servants a man in coarse
+garments, and with unkempt hair and beard stood before them. A
+suppressed whisper passed round the festive board and all eyes were
+fixed on the haggard countenance of the prisoner. When for a moment
+the weary eyelids were raised, two ghastly cavities were visible.
+Again, with the same tone of levity, the lord of the castle spoke,
+"Lovely ladies, and knightly companions, the best marksman on the
+Rhine was Hans Veit of Fuersteneck. Like ourselves he was dreaded far
+and near. He and I entered on a feud of life and death. He went down."
+
+"With broken brand and battered shield, bleeding from numerous wounds
+I lay prostrate before you awaiting manfully the death-thrust,"
+murmured the prisoner, and his voice sounded as if from the grave. "It
+pained me to finish him off," said Siebold flippantly, "I got his two
+eyes taken out, and thus added to my collection of rarities, the best
+archer on the Rhine."
+
+"My murdered eyes behold your scorn," said the prisoner harshly. "But
+surely chivalry still flourishes on Sooneck," said the lord of the
+castle. "Understand then that my servants have informed me, that even
+blind, you can, guided only by sounds, hit a given mark with a bolt.
+If you come out of this ordeal successful, freedom shall be the
+reward." Stormy applause greeted these words.
+
+"Death were dearer to me than life," murmured the blind archer. As he
+seized the crossbow however, a gleam of joy went over his countenance
+like a ray of sunshine over a sombre landscape. Crowded together in a
+corner of the room the guests watched the proceedings. The lord of
+Sooneck seized a goblet and ordered the prisoner to draw upon it,
+after hearing the sound. In the next moment the silver clang
+resounded, as the goblet fell on the floor.
+
+"Shoot now," said Siebold of Sooneck, and immediately an arrow pierced
+his mouth. With a grunt like a slaughtered ox, Siebold sank among the
+rushes. Silent and motionless with the two eye-cavities gaping, stood
+the blind man. Then his shaggy head sank on his heaving breast. Like a
+flock of frightened crows the knights and their paramours fled, and
+only a few terrified squires and servants muttered prayers over the
+body of the lord of Sooneck.
+
+
+
+
+THE RUINS OF FUeRSTENBERG
+
+The Mother's Ghost
+
+
+Lambert of Fuerstenberg was a hearty jovial knight, and had married
+Wiltrud, a daughter of the Florsheim family. He was attached to his
+gentle wife, who had just presented him with a son and heir. But an
+evil genius entered the castle in the person of a noble maiden called
+Luckharde. This maiden who had suddenly been left an orphan, belonged
+to a family long befriended by the house of Fuerstenberg. She was only
+eighteen, but possessed a lascivious beauty, very dangerous to men.
+
+The lady of the castle, who had been in delicate health since the
+birth of her child, gave Luckharde a warm-hearted welcome into the
+bosom of her family, trusting that the young woman would be of great
+service to her in the management of her little realm, and would repay
+her kindness by sisterly love and sympathy. Luckharde however was of a
+vain and frivolous disposition, and had little love for household
+affairs, or womanly duties.
+
+As the months passed, Luckharde's ripening and dangerous beauty gained
+gradually and almost imperceptibly more and more influence over the
+susceptible heart of the lord of the castle, and soon the day came
+when he yielded himself entirely to the charms of this beautiful
+woman. Wiltrud's eyes were by no means blind to the shameful
+ingratitude of the adulteress, and the godless conduct of her husband.
+Her weakness however, prevented her from calling down the judgment of
+heaven on the sinners. Luckharde, led on by her unbridled passion, now
+formed a devilish design which would enable her to take the place of
+the lawful wife of Lambert. One night she slipped into the chamber of
+the lady of the castle, approached the bed of the sleeping woman with
+a cat-like step, and smothered her with the pillows, the poor invalid
+offering but a feeble and ineffective resistance.
+
+Wiltrud's death was deeply mourned by the household, who believed that
+she had died of a broken heart. Lambert too might be grieved, but in
+the arms of his raven-locked enchantress he soon forgot his deceased
+wife, and in a few weeks Luckharde was made lady of Fuerstenberg. The
+little boy whom Wiltrud had borne to her unfaithful husband was
+hateful to the second wife, who fondled her lord, and flattered him
+with the hope of the children she would bear him. Then it was arranged
+that the knight's first-born should be handed over to the care of an
+old crone who lived in a remote tower of the castle.
+
+One night this old woman awoke suddenly, and was terrified to see a
+female form dressed in a flowing white robe, bending over the cradle
+of the little boy, who slept near. The woman seemed to be tending
+the child, and after blessing him, she vanished. The old woman crossed
+herself, and in terror muttered many prayers. In the early morning she
+hurried to her new mistress in great agitation and with white lips
+told her of her strange visitor. Luckharde at first laughed in her
+usual frivolous manner at this ridiculous ghost story, but soon she
+became more serious and alarmed. Then she ordered the old woman to
+arrange her bed beside the other servants, but still to leave the
+child in the tower-chamber. A dreadful fear had taken possession of
+Luckharde's guilty soul. Perhaps people were deceived when they
+believed Wiltrud to be dead, and it was thus that she returned at
+night to nurse her child.
+
+Then this daring and sinful woman prepared a bed for herself in the
+lonely tower beside the child. She also brought with her a formidable
+dagger, and thus she awaited what the night might bring forth. At
+midnight the female figure dressed in the flowing white robe appeared
+once more. It approached the cradle of the child, tended him and
+blessed him. Then the terror-stricken Luckharde stared motionless at
+the apparition as it rose and approached her bed. Towering there above
+her were the pallid features of the dead Wiltrud, and the lifeless
+entreating eyes looked steadily at this sinful woman who had taken the
+place of her benefactress. To Luckharde it seemed as if a great
+precipice was slowly bending over to overwhelm her. With a last mad
+effort the wretched woman seized the dagger, and struck at the
+apparition; but she might as well have struck at a misty cloud. Now
+Luckharde perceived that she was in the presence of the murdered lady
+of the Fuerstenberg, and harrowed with the thought of her guilt she
+seemed to hear a voice as if from another world saying, "Do penance
+for thy sins."
+
+Next morning Lambert waited in vain for his wife to appear. On looking
+around however he noticed a piece of parchment. On it Luckharde had
+confessed with deep sorrow, how she had murdered his first wife in
+order to further her evil designs, and how the spirit of the dead had
+appeared to her in the night, and warned her of her great guilt. She
+was going to fly to a cloister to do penance during the remainder of
+her days, and she recommended her sinful accomplice to do the same.
+Lambert of Fuerstenberg was deeply grieved on receiving this
+revelation. He handed over his castle and child to a younger brother,
+and spent the rest of this life as a solitary hermit.
+
+
+
+
+BACHARACH
+
+Burg Stahleck
+
+
+Ancient Bacharach was once a famous place, and long before the fiery
+wine that grows there became famous throughout the world--"it was in
+the good old times" as our grandmothers say--it was the delight of
+many a connoisseur abroad. About that time its grateful lovers erected
+an altar to Bacchus who provided them so liberally with wine. The
+place of sacrifice was on a huge rock projecting out of the Rhine,
+between an island and the right bank of the river, and in honour of
+the god they gave the town the name it still bears.
+
+The inscriptions on the altar-stone have become unintelligible, but
+the Bacharach folk know well to the present day the original meaning
+of them.
+
+Fishermen still keep up the old custom but now more as an amusement;
+they dress up a straw-man as Bacchus, place him on the altar, and
+surround him singing.
+
+The ruins of the castle of Stahleck are situated on the Rhine, above
+the wild, romantic country of Bacharach.
+
+About the time of Conrad III., the first Emperor of the House of
+Hohenstaufen, a young ambitious knight, Palatinate Count Hermann,
+inhabited this castle. Being a nephew of the emperor, this aspiring
+knight considered his high and mighty relationship as a sufficient
+reason for enlarging his dominions.
+
+He conceived no less a plan than that of taking possession of part of
+the property which bordered on his land, belonging to the Archbishops
+of Mayence and Treves, supporting his claim by declaring that for more
+than one reason he had a right of possession. The jealousy which at
+that time existed between the clerical and the secular powers, brought
+a number of neighbouring knights to his side as allies, and the count
+began his unprovoked quarrel by taking a castle at Treves on the
+Moselle by storm. This castle belonged to the diocese of that town.
+
+Adalbert of Monstereil, a man of an undaunted character, was then
+Bishop both of Treves and Metz.
+
+He at once collected his warriors to drive the bold robber from the
+conquered castle. The temerity of the count and his superior forces
+dismayed Adalbert, giving him grounds for sober reflections. But the
+good bishop was a clever man and, not believing himself sufficiently
+strong to resist the count, he sought refuge in spiritual weapons.
+
+When his people were about to assault the stronghold, he made a most
+enthusiastic speech to his troops.
+
+Holding up a crucifix in his right hand, he told to them that in the
+silent hours of the previous night the Archangel Michael had appeared
+to him, and had given him this crucifix, at the same time promising
+him certain victory if each of his warriors attacked the enemy in the
+firm belief that an invincible Higher Power was near to help them.
+
+The bishop's words inspired his men with a great courage. Led on by
+the holy man carrying the crucifix in his raised hand, they marched on
+to the assault, stormed the castle, and made Hermann's troops flee in
+great confusion. The ambitious count, now finding himself deserted by
+his troops, was forced to renounce the feud which he had hoped to
+carry on against the bishop.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The disgraceful defeat the count had suffered was most humiliating to
+him, but it had not killed his ambition.
+
+He now directed his thoughts to his other ecclesiastical neighbour.
+
+Having searched through some ancient documents, he thought he had
+found full right to a strip of land which Arnold of Solnhofen, Bishop
+of Mayence, then held in possession. He at once sent in his claim to
+this mighty prince of the church, who received it with a scornful
+laugh. "Oh!" said the bishop, tearing up the written complaint, "I
+shall be able to manage this little count as well as I have all along
+managed the stubborn people of Mayence, some of whom have bitterly
+repented of having rebelled against their bishop."
+
+Hermann was told how Solnhofen had treated his claim. In great wrath
+he swore to take vengeance on the man who had dared to tear up his
+complaint so contumeliously. His young wife implored him with tears in
+her eyes not to raise his hand against a servant of the Lord again.
+But he turned contemptuously away.
+
+Herman was well aware that, through the influence of the bishop's
+companions-in-arms, he was now hated by the citizens of Mayence. This
+circumstance made him determine to rob Arnold of land and dignity, as
+he ascribed the cause of this deadly dissension to the power the
+bishop exerted over the people of his diocese.
+
+The count, now joined by several daring knights, again prepared to
+make war against the representative of the church, and marched to
+attack the bishop in his stronghold.
+
+Arnold was enraged at this persistent striving against the dominions
+of the church, and his dark soul conceived a dastardly plan to rid
+them of their enemy. He hired two villains who treacherously put the
+count to death.
+
+Soon afterwards the rebellious citizens of Mayence successfully
+stormed the bishop's palace and turned the cruel prelate out of his
+episcopal seat, whereupon he was obliged to flee for his life. But
+Arnold was not so easily subdued and he soon returned, breathing
+vengeance. His friends warned him in vain, and even the famous
+prophetess, Hildegarde of Rupertusberg, sent a messenger to him with
+the words, "Turn to the Lord whom you have forsaken, your hour is
+near at hand."
+
+But he heeded not this admonition, and at last he was killed by the
+rebels in the Abbey of Jacobsberg, some distance from the town where
+he had taken up his residence.
+
+
+
+
+KAUB
+
+Castle Gutenfels
+
+
+[Illustration: Turnier zu Koeln--Zu der Sage von Burg Gutenfels]
+
+About the middle of the thirteenth century, there was a stately castle
+near Kaub which was inhabited by Count Philip of Falkenstein. There he
+lived very happily with his beautiful sister Guta, who was as good as
+she was fair.
+
+Numerous knights had sought to win her love, but none had achieved
+this conquest, the castle maiden having no desire to exchange her
+brother's hospitable home for any other.
+
+At that time a magnificent tournament was held at Cologne, to which
+knights from all countries of the kingdom far and near and even from
+England were invited.
+
+A great multitude of spectators were assembled to see the stately
+knights contending for the prize, which a fair hand would bestow on
+them.
+
+Among the nobles present at the tournament was a knight from England,
+whose graceful figure and splendid armour were particularly striking.
+He wore a veiled visor, and the stewards of the tournament announced
+him under the name of "the Lion Knight," a golden lion ornamenting his
+shield. Soon the majestic knight's master-like manner of fighting
+created a great sensation, and when he succeeded in unhorsing his
+opponent, a most formidable combatant, loud rejoicings rang through
+the lists.
+
+Count Philip and his sister were among the guests. Guta had been
+watching the strange knight with ever increasing interest during the
+tournament, regretting at the same time that she could not see his
+face.
+
+But an opportunity soon presented itself when the knight was declared
+victor. When she was selected to present the prize, a golden
+laurel-wreath, to the winner, she became much embarrassed, and a
+feeling such as she had never before experienced seized her as she
+looked at the Briton's face for the first time.
+
+Perhaps the knight may have read in the lovely maiden's countenance
+what she in vain tried to hide from him, perhaps a spark from that
+passionate fire which had so suddenly fired her heart, may have flown
+into his soul as he knelt before her to receive the wreath, which she
+placed on his head with a trembling hand. Who can tell?
+
+Afterwards when these two were conversing together in subdued
+whispers, the knight silently admiring her grace and the maiden
+scarcely able to restrain her feelings, the thoughts which he longed
+to tell her, flamed in his heart. The same evening in the banqueting
+hall, when the music was sounding within its walls, he was Guta's
+inseparable companion, and eloquent words flowed from his lips telling
+her of the love which his eyes betrayed.
+
+The proud stranger begged Guta for her love and swore to be hers; he
+told her he must at once return to his country where urgent duty
+called him, but that he would come back to claim her in three months'
+time. Then he would publicly sue for her hand and declare his name,
+which circumstances compelled him to keep secret for the time being.
+
+Love will make any sacrifice; Guta accepted her lover's pledge
+willingly, and thus they parted under the assurance that they would
+soon meet again.
+
+Five months had passed. That terrible time ensued when Germany became
+the battle-field of the party-struggles over the election of the
+emperor. Conrad IV., the last of the house of Hohenstaufen, had died
+in Italy. In the northern countries there was a great rising against
+William of Holland who was struggling for the imperial throne;
+Alphonso of Castile was chosen king in one part of the country, while
+Richard of Cornwall, son of John, king of England, was elected in
+another; but Richard, having received most influential votes, was
+crowned at Aix-la-Chapelle, and from thence he started on a journey
+through the Rhine provinces, to the favour of which he had been
+chiefly indebted for his election.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Spring was casting her bright beams over waves and mountains in the
+valley of the Rhine, but in Falkenstein castle no ray of sunshine
+penetrated the gloom. Guta, pale and unhappy, sat within its walls,
+weaving dreams which seemed destined never to be fulfilled. Sometimes
+she saw her lover dying on a terrible battle-field with her name on
+his lips, then again laughing and bright with a maiden from that
+far-off island in his arms, talking derisively of his sweetheart on
+the Rhine. She became more and more conscious that she had given him
+her first love, and that he had cruelly deceived her. Sorrow and grief
+had taken possession of her, and all her brother's efforts to amuse
+her and to distract her attention were in vain.
+
+A great sound of trumpets was heard one day on the highway, and a
+troop of knights stopped at the castle. Guta saw the train of warriors
+from her window, where she had been sitting weeping. The count with
+chivalrous hospitality received them, and led them into the
+banqueting-hall. His astonishment was great, when he recognised the
+bold Briton, the victor at the tournament in Cologne, as leader of
+this brilliant retinue, he who had broken his secret pledge to his
+beloved sister. A dark glance took the place of the friendly
+expression on his face. The Briton seemed to notice it and pressing
+Philip's hand said cordially, "I am Richard of Cornwall, elected
+Emperor of Germany, and I have come here to solicit the hand of your
+sister Guta, who promised herself to me five months ago in Cologne. I
+come late to redeem my promise, but my love is unchanged. I beg you to
+announce my arrival to her without betraying my name."
+
+Philip bowed deeply before the illustrious guest, and the retainers
+respectfully retired to a distance. The great guest strode up and down
+the room impatiently. Then the doors were suddenly thrown open, and a
+beautiful figure appeared on the threshold, her face glowing with
+emotion.
+
+With a low cry Guta threw herself into her lover's arms, and the first
+moments of their reunion were passed in silent happiness.
+
+Philip now entered the room unperceived, and revealed the secret to
+his sister. The maiden in great confusion and shame stole a look at
+her lover's eyes, and he, drawing her gently to him, asked her to
+share all--even his throne with him.
+
+Shortly afterwards Richard celebrated his marriage with imperial
+magnificence at the castle on the Rhine, which Philip thence forward
+called Gutenfels, in honour of his sister.
+
+
+
+
+OBERWESEL
+
+The Seven Maidens
+
+
+The scattered ruins of an old knight's tower are still to be seen on
+one of the heights near Oberwesel. The castle was called Schoenberg,
+after the seven virgins who once lived there, and whose beauty was
+renowned throughout all the Rhine countries.
+
+Their father had died early, some say of grief, because Heaven had
+denied him a son, and an elderly aunt had striven in vain to guide the
+seven wild sisters; but her influence had not been sufficiently strong
+to lead them in the right way. After the death of this relative the
+seven beautiful maidens were left to themselves, and now their longing
+after liberty and the pleasures of the world broke out even stronger
+than before.
+
+Many a tale was told about them, how they used to ride out hunting and
+hawking, how many a magnificent banquet was given by them, and how
+their beauty, their riches, and the gay and joyous life led by them
+attracted many knights from near and far; how many a stately noble
+came to their castle to woo one of the sisters, and how these maidens
+at first ensnared and enchanted him with a thousand attractive
+charms, only in the end to reject the enamoured suitor with scorn and
+mockery.
+
+Ashamed and very wrathful many a great knight had left the castle, and
+with indignation and disdain had blotted out of his memory the names
+of these bewitching sirens who at first had listened with deceitful
+modesty to his honest wooing, only afterwards to declare with scornful
+laughter that their liberty was so dear to them, that they would not
+give it up for the sake of any man.
+
+Alas! there were always youths to be found who put no faith in such
+speeches and, trusting to their great names and peculiar merits,
+sought their happiness among these maidens. But all the trials ended
+in the same mournful manner; no suitor succeeded in winning the heart
+of these seductive beings. Thus they continued their dangerous and
+contemptible life for some years.
+
+Once again there was a great banquet and feasting in the halls of the
+castle. A circle of knightly figures sat round the brilliant board
+among the seven sisters, who were quite conscious of their charms, one
+rivalling the other in gaiety and liveliness.
+
+The joyous scene was disturbed for a short time by two knights who
+were disputing about one of the sisters, and had angered each other by
+their growing jealousy.
+
+The scene excited general attention and was looked on at first as a
+most amusing one, but when the youths were about to draw their
+swords, it was thought necessary to separate them.
+
+Seizing this opportunity one of the other knights proposed that to
+guard against further discord, the castle maidens should be urged to
+make a final decision, so that each suitor--they all recognised one
+another as such--might know what he had to expect.
+
+The proposal met with general applause, only the sisters showed
+discontentment, declaring they could not agree to such a presumptuous
+plan. However the wooers tried every imaginable means of persuading
+them, and at last one of the sisters wavered, a second followed her
+example, and the remaining ones, after whispering to each other for
+some time, declared with laughing countenances that they would decide
+the fate of their suitors the next day.
+
+The expected hour arrived, and the knights in great suspense assembled
+in the large hall.
+
+Every eye was riveted on the door through which these Graces should
+enter, bringing a sweet surprise to some or a bitter disappointment to
+others.
+
+The folding-doors were suddenly thrown open, and an attendant
+announced that the mistresses of the castle were waiting to receive
+the knights in the garden near the river.
+
+The numerous suitors all hurried out. To their great astonishment they
+saw the fair ones all seated in a boat on the Rhine. With a peculiar
+smile they beckoned the knights to approach, and the eldest sister
+standing up in her seat, made the following speech.
+
+"You may all throw your hopes to the winds, for not one of us would
+dream of falling in love with you, much less of marrying you. Our
+liberty is much too precious to us, and we shall not sacrifice it for
+any man. We are going to sail down to Cologne to the property of a
+relation, and there we shall disappoint other suitors, just as we have
+misled you, my noble lords. Good-bye, good-bye!"
+
+The scornful speech was accompanied by a scoffing laugh which was
+re-echoed by the other sisters, and the boat set sail.
+
+The rejected suitors stood speechless with shame and anger.
+
+Suddenly a terrible storm arose, the boat was agitated violently, and
+the laughter of the seven sisters was turned to cries for help. But
+the roaring of the waves drowned their voices, and the billows rushed
+over the boat, burying it and the seven sisters in the depths below.
+
+Just on the spot where these stony-hearted maidens met their deaths,
+seven pointed rocks appeared above the surface of the water, which up
+to the present day are still to be seen, a salutary warning to all the
+young maidens of the country.
+
+
+
+
+ST. GOAR
+
+Lorelei
+
+
+[Illustration: Die Loreley--Nach dem Gemaelde von C. Begas]
+
+
+I.
+
+Above Coblenz where the Rhine flows through hills covered with
+vineyards, there is a steep rock, round which many a legend has been
+woven--the Lurlei Rock. The boatman gazes up at its gigantic summit
+with awful reverence when his boat glides over the waters at twilight.
+Like chattering children the restless waves whisper round the rock,
+telling wonderful tales of its doings. Above on its gray head, the
+legend relates that a beautiful but false nymph, clothed in white with
+a wreath of stars in her flowing hair, used to sit and sing sweet
+songs, until a sad tragedy drove her forever away.
+
+Long long ago, when night in her dark garment descended from the
+hills, and her silent comrade, the pale moon, cast a silver bridge
+over the deep green stream, the soft voice of a woman was heard from
+the rock, and a creature of divine beauty was seen on its summit. Her
+golden locks flowed like a queenly mantle from her graceful shoulders,
+covering her snow-white raiment so that her tenderly-formed body
+appeared like a cloud of light. Woe to the boatsman who passed the
+rock at the close of day! As of old, men were fascinated by the
+heavenly song of the Grecian hero, so was the unhappy voyager allured
+by this being to sweet forgetfulness, his eyes, even as his soul,
+would be dazzled, and he could no longer steer clear of reefs and
+cliffs, and this beautiful siren only drew him to an early grave.
+Forgetting all else, he would steer towards her, already dreaming of
+having reached her; but the jealous waves would wash round his boat
+and at last dash him treacherously against the rocks. The roaring
+waters of the Rhine would drown the cries of agony of the victim who
+would never be seen again.
+
+But the virgin to whom no one had ever approached, continued every
+night to sing soft and low, till darkness vanished in the first rays
+of light, and the great star of day drove the gray mists from the
+valley.
+
+
+II.
+
+Ronald was a proud youth and the boldest warrior at the court of his
+father, the Palatinate Count. He heard of this divine, enchanting
+creature, and his heart burned with the desire to behold her. Before
+having seen the water nymph, he felt drawn to her by an irresistible
+power.
+
+Under pretence of hunting, he left the court, and succeeded in getting
+an old sailor to row him to the rock. Twilight was brooding over the
+valley of the Rhine when the boat approached the gigantic cliff; the
+departing sun had long sunk below the mountains, and now night was
+creeping on in silence; the evening star was twinkling in the deep
+blue firmament. Was it his protecting-angel who had placed it there
+as a warning to the deluded young man?
+
+He gazed at it in rapture for some time, until a low cry from the old
+man at his side interrupted him. "The Lorelei!" whispered he,
+startled, "do you see her--the enchantress?" The only answer was a
+soft murmur which escaped from the youth. With wide-open eyes he
+looked up and lo! there she was. Yes, this was she, this wonderful
+creature! A glorious picture in a dark frame. Yes, that was her golden
+hair, and those were her flowing white garments.
+
+She was hovering up above on the rocks combing her beautiful hair;
+rays of light surrounded her graceful head, revealing her charms in
+spite of the night and the distance and as he gazed, her lips opened,
+and a song thrilled through the silence, soft and plaintive like the
+sweet notes of a nightingale on a still summer evening.
+
+From her height she looked down into the hazy distance and cast at the
+youth a rapturous look which sank down into his soul, thrilling his
+whole frame.
+
+His eyes were fixed on the features of this celestial being where he
+read the sweet story of love.... Rocks, stream, glorious night, all
+melted into a mist before his eyes, he saw nothing but the figure
+above, nothing but her radiant eyes. The boat crept along, too slowly
+for him, he could no longer remain in it, and if his ear did not
+deceive him, this creature seemed to whisper his name with unutterable
+sweetness, and calling to her, he dashed into the water.
+
+A death-like cry echoed from the rocks ... and the waves sighed and
+washed over the unhappy youth's corpse.
+
+The old boatman moaned and crossed himself, and as he did so,
+lightning tore the clouds asunder, and a loud peal of thunder was
+heard over the mountains. Then the waves whispered gently below, and
+again from the heights above, sad and dying away, sounded the Lurlei's
+song.
+
+
+III.
+
+The sad news was soon brought to the Palatinate Count, who was
+overpowered with grief and anger. He ordered the false enchantress to
+be delivered up to him, dead or alive.
+
+The next day a boat sailed down the Rhine, manned by four hardy bold
+warriors. The leader looked up sternly at the great rocks which seemed
+to be smiling silently down at him. He had asked permission to dash
+the diabolical seducer from the top of the rocks into the foaming
+whirlpool below, where she would find a certain death, and the count
+had readily agreed to this plan of revenge.
+
+
+IV.
+
+The first shades of twilight were gliding softly over mountain and
+hill.
+
+The rock was surrounded by armed men, and the leader, followed by some
+daring comrades, was climbing up the side of the mountain the top of
+which was veiled in a golden mist, which the men thought were the
+last rays of sunset. It was a bright gleam of light enshrouding the
+nymph who appeared on the rocks, dreamingly combing her golden hair.
+She then took a string of pearls from her bosom, and with her slender
+white hand bound them round her forehead. She cast a mocking glance at
+the threatening men approaching her.
+
+"What are the weak sons of the earth seeking up here on the heights?"
+said she, moving her rosy lips scornfully. "You sorceress!" cried the
+leader enraged, adding with a contemptuous smile, "You! We shall dash
+you down into the river below!"
+
+An echoing laugh was heard over the mountain.
+
+"Oh! the Rhine will come himself to fetch me!" cried the maiden.
+
+Then bending her slender body over the precipice yawning below, she
+tore the jewels from her forehead, hurling them triumphantly into the
+waters, while in a low sweet voice she sang:--
+
+    "Haste thee, haste thee oh father dear!
+    Send forth thy steeds from the waters clear.
+    I will ride with the waves and the wind!"
+
+Then a storm burst forth, the Rhine rose, covering its banks with
+foam. Two gigantic billows like snow-white steeds rose out of the
+depths, and carried the nymph down into the rushing current.
+
+
+V.
+
+The terrified messengers returned to the count, bringing him the
+tidings of this wonderful event.
+
+Ronald, whose body a chance wave had washed up on the banks of the
+river, was deeply mourned throughout the country.
+
+From this time forth, the Lorelei was never seen again. Only when
+night sheds her dark shadow on the hills, and the pale moon weaves a
+silver bridge over the deep green stream, then the voice of a woman,
+soft and low, is heard echoing from the weird heights of the rocks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.
+
+Thou canst find it, O Wanderer, in the eyes of the maidens near the
+Rhine. It blooms on their cheeks, it lingers on their rosy lips, there
+thou wilt find its traces.
+
+Arm thy heart, steel thy will, blindfold thine eye!
+
+As a poet of the Rhine once wisely and warningly sang, "My son, my
+son, beware of the Rhine...."
+
+The Lorelei has vanished, but her charm still remains.
+
+
+
+
+RHEINFELS
+
+St. George's Linden
+
+
+The ruins of Castle Rheinfels, which stand above the pretty little
+town of St. Goar, are the most extensive of their kind on the Rhine.
+The castle was erected in the middle of the 13th century by Count
+Dietherr, a nobleman belonging to the famous Rhenish family of
+Katzenelnbogen. It was a strongly fortified burg, and within ten years
+of its completion the mighty ramparts witnessed several bloody
+encounters. Twenty-six Rhenish cities once combined to carry the
+invulnerable fortress, but though some 4000 lives were sacrificed the
+army retreated baffled. For centuries after this, the banner of the
+Hessian Landgraf waved from its battlements, none daring to attack it.
+Then the fanatic Gallic forces of the Revolution entered the
+Rhineland, and laid the magnificent castle in ruins.
+
+There is a legend associated with Rheinfels which dates from that age
+of chivalry when noble knights and their squires trod its courts, and
+this legend seems touched with the sadness of the history of the
+castle itself. The Count of Rheinfels was the proud father of a lovely
+daughter, and among her numerous wooers it was George Broemser of
+Ruedesheim who had won the maiden's heart. No one was more incensed at
+this than the knight of Berg. This knight belonged indeed to a race
+said to have been descended from an archbishop of Cologne, but his
+disposition was evil, and his covetousness and avarice made him wish
+to increase what earthly possessions he had. But the lord of Rheinfels
+was shrewd enough and hesitated before entrusting his pretty daughter
+and her large dowry to such a man. As already remarked this entirely
+agreed with the maiden's desire. She was really deeply in love with
+the chivalrous young knight of Ruedesheim, but shrank, almost with
+aversion, from the impetuous wooing of the harsh and selfish knight of
+Berg.
+
+Some time after the betrothal of the lovers the date of the marriage
+was fixed. Before the marriage had been celebrated however young
+Broemser appeared at Ruedesheim in the early dawn on his steaming
+war-horse, having ridden during the night from Ruedesheim to bring the
+following sad intelligence to his beloved. The Emperor Albrecht had
+summoned the nobles to do battle against the Swiss confederates, who
+had renounced their allegiance, driven the imperial representatives
+from their land, and finally declared war against their overlord. The
+knights of the Rhineland were called upon to suppress the flames of
+rebellion. On receiving the pressing call of the Emperor, Broemser did
+not hesitate for a moment but resolved to obey his feudal superior.
+
+At first the young bride wept, but when her lover comforted her with
+words of endearment, and her father praised the soldierly resolution
+of the young man, the maiden calmly submitted to the will of God.
+Before the young knight rode off he took a young linden-tree which he
+had pulled up in a grove, and having removed the soil with his sword,
+he planted the sapling in front of the castle. Then he spoke as
+follows to his bride. "Tend this budding linden which I have planted
+here to the honour of my patron saint. You shall keep troth with me so
+long as it flourishes, but if it fade (and may St. George in his grace
+prevent it) then you may forget me, for I shall be dead." The weeping
+bride threw herself in her lover's arms, and while he enfolded her
+gently with his right, with his left he raised his sword, and showed
+her engraved upon it in ancient letters, for daily repetition, the
+words: "Preserve O everlasting God, the body here, the soul hereafter.
+Help, knight St. George." Then, after receiving many kind wishes from
+his sorrowing friends, the young soldier rode in the morning mist down
+through the woods to join the imperial forces.
+
+Several months passed. Then the melancholy news got abroad in the
+German land that something disastrous had happened in the campaign
+against the Swiss peasants. At last came a trustworthy report to the
+effect that a bloody defeat had overtaken the proud army of Albrecht.
+It was at Morgarten, where the noble hero called Arnold of Winkelried
+had opened up to his countrymen a pathway to freedom over his
+spearpierced body. Many counts and barons found on that day a grave in
+the land of the Swiss, and sounds of mourning were to be heard in many
+a German castle. But to Castle Rheinfels no traveller brought any
+tidings either of weal or woe, and we can imagine with what sickness
+of heart the maiden waited, and how her hope faded as the days and
+weeks slipped past. It was so long since the ill-fated army had set
+out against the Forest Cantons, and now the thoughts of men were
+turned in other directions, while the Swiss peasants were quietly
+allowed to reap the fruits of their bravery. The most sanguine found
+it difficult to cheer the drooping maiden of Castle Rheinfels.
+
+Then one day her former wooer, the mean avaricious Dietrich of Berg,
+presented himself. It was certain that George Broemser must be dead,
+and he was come again to sue for the hand of so desirable a young
+lady. The dejected maiden informed her eager wooer that she had
+plighted her troth to her absent lover beside the linden-tree
+flourishing in front of the castle. Only when this tree, consecrated
+to St. George, should fade would she be released from her promise. The
+knight of Berg departed in anger, and immediately betook himself to a
+wood and there selected a decayed linden, as similar as possible to
+the green one growing before Castle Rheinfels. In the night he
+cautiously approached the castle, tore up the linden, flung it with a
+curse into the Rhine, and then planted in its place the withered
+sapling. Next morning, a morning bright with the promise of spring,
+the fair daughter of Rheinfels stepped out on the lawn. A cry of pain
+escaped her lips when she perceived the faded tree. The days and weeks
+that followed were spent in deep grief. After a suitable time had
+elapsed, the knight of Berg again put in an appearance at Rheinfels,
+mightily pleased with himself. Again he sought the hand of the maiden
+now released from her solemn promise. Sadly, but firmly however she
+told her importunate wooer that she would keep troth with her lover in
+death as in life. Then the wrath of the despised knight drove him to
+commit a horrible deed. In his savage anger he drew his sword and
+buried it in the maiden's breast. Fleeing from the scene of his
+dreadful crime he was suddenly seized with remorse, and like Our
+Lord's avaricious disciple, he went and hanged himself. Deep was the
+sorrow in Castle Rheinfels over the sacrifice of this innocent young
+bride, who had kept her troth so nobly. But grief and tears could not
+replace the lost one. In the midst of the mourning a stranger was
+announced. He came from the Swiss land.
+
+After the battle of Morgarten a brave Swiss had found George Broemser
+with broken limbs and many bleeding wounds amongst a heap of slain. In
+a peasant's hut the wounded man lay long in pain and weakness. His
+broken limbs required long and patient attention. Finally, after much
+suffering, George Broemser, the last of all the campaigners rode back
+to the Rhineland, with his lover's name on his lips and her image in
+his heart.
+
+With uncovered head the lord of Rheinfels showed the young man the
+grave of his beloved, and there the two men embraced each other long
+and silently. The young soldier pulled up the faded linden-tree and
+hurled it into the Rhine, while on the newly-made grave he planted
+white lilies. George Broemser did not a second time fall in love, but
+remained true to his chosen bride to the end of his days. We are told
+that in the company of knightly minstrels he sought to forget his
+great sorrow, and that later he composed many pretty songs. One of
+them has survived the centuries, and was recently discovered, along
+with the melody, in an old manuscript. It begins:
+
+    "A linden stands in yonder vale,
+    Ah God! what does it there?"
+
+
+
+
+STERRENBERG AND LIEBENSTEIN
+
+The Brothers
+
+
+I.
+
+In the middle ages, an old knight belonging to the court of the
+Emperor Conrad II. lived in a castle called Sternberg, near Boppard.
+The old warrior had two sons left to him. His wife had died many years
+before, and since her death, merry laughter had seldom been heard in
+the halls of the beautiful castle.
+
+Soon a ray of sunshine seemed to break into these solemn rooms; a
+distant cousin at Ruedesheim had died, leaving his only child, a
+beautiful young girl, to the care of his relative.
+
+The golden-haired Angela became the pet of the castle, and won the
+affection and friendship of the two sons by her engaging ways. What
+had already happened hundred of times now happened among these young
+people, love replaced the friendship of the two young knights and both
+tried to win the maiden's favour.
+
+The old master of the castle noticed this change, and his father's
+heart forbode trouble.
+
+Both sons were equally dear to him, but perhaps his first-born, who
+had inherited his mother's gentle character, fulfilled his heart's
+desire more than the fiery spirit of Conrad the younger.
+
+From the first moment when the orphan appeared at his family seat, he
+had conceived the thought that his favourite son Henry, who was heir
+to his name and estates, would marry the maiden.
+
+Henry loved Angela with a profound, sincere feeling which he seldom
+expressed.
+
+His brother, on the contrary, made no secret of his ardent love, and
+soon the old man perceived with sorrow that the beautiful girl
+returned his younger son's passionate love. Henry, too, was not
+unaware of the happiness of this pair, and in generous self-denial he
+tried to bury his grief, and to rejoice heartily in his brother's
+success.
+
+The distress of the elder brother did not escape Angela. She was much
+moved when she first remarked that his voice trembled on pronouncing
+her name, but soon love dazzled her eyes, so that the clouds on his
+troubled countenance passed unnoticed by her.
+
+About this time St. Bernhard of Clairvaux came from France to the
+Rhine, preaching a second crusade against the Infidels. The fiery
+words of the saintly monk roused many thousands to action; his appeal
+likewise reached the castle of Sternberg.
+
+Henry, though not envying his brother's happiness, felt that it would
+be impossible for him to be a constant witness of it, and thus he was
+glad to answer this call, and to take up the cross.
+
+Conrad, too, longing for action and dominated by the impulse of the
+moment, was stirred up by the witching charms which a crusade to
+Palestine offered. His adventurous soul, cramped up in this castle so
+far removed from the world, thirsted for the adventures, which he
+imagined were awaiting the crusaders in the far-off East. In vain the
+tears and prayers of the young girl were shed, in vain was the sorrow
+of his father who begged him not to desert him.
+
+The old man was in despair about the unbending resolutions of his
+sons.
+
+"Who will remain at the castle of my forefathers, if you both abandon
+it now, perhaps never to return," cried he sorrowfully. "I implore
+you, my eldest son, you, the very image of your mother, to have pity
+on your father's gray hairs. And you, Conrad, have pity on the tears
+of your betrothed." The brothers remained silent. Then the eldest
+grasped the old man's hand, saying gently.
+
+"I shall not leave you, my father."
+
+"And you, Angela," said the younger to the weeping maiden, "you will
+try and bear this separation, and will plant a sprig of laurel to make
+a wreath for me when I return."
+
+
+II.
+
+The next day the young knight left the home of his forefathers. At
+first the maiden seemed inconsolable in her grief. But soon her love
+began to slumber like a tired child; on awakening from this
+drowsiness indignation seized her, whispering complainingly in her
+ear, and disturbing all the sweet memories in which the picture of her
+light-hearted lover gleamed forth, he who had parted from her for the
+sake of empty glory.
+
+Now left to herself, she began to consider the proud youth who was
+forced to live under the same roof with his rejected love. She admired
+his good qualities which all seemed to have escaped her before, his
+great daring at the chase, his skill with weapons, and his many kind
+acts of pure friendship to her, with the view of sweetening the bitter
+separation from which she was suffering.
+
+He seemed afraid of rousing the love which was still sleeping in his
+heart.
+
+In the meantime Angela felt herself drawn more and more towards the
+knight; she wished to try and make him understand that her love for
+his younger brother had only been a youthful passion, which seemed to
+have flown when he left her. She felt unhappy when she understood that
+Henry, whom she now began really to love, seemed to feel nothing but
+brotherly affection for her, and she longed in her inmost soul for a
+word of love from him.
+
+Henry was not unaware of this change in her affections, but he proudly
+smothered every rising thought in his heart for his brother's
+betrothed.
+
+The old knight was greatly pleased when, one day, Angela came to him,
+and with tears in her eyes disclosed to him the secret of her heart.
+
+He prayed God fervently to bring these two loving hearts together
+whom he believed were destined for one another by will of God. In his
+dreams he already saw Angela in her castle like his dead wife and his
+first-born son, rocking her little baby, a blue-eyed, fair-haired
+child. Then he would suddenly recollect his impetuous younger son
+fighting in the crusades, and his dreams would be hastily interrupted.
+
+Just opposite to his ancestral hall he caused a proud fort to be
+built, and called it "Liebenstein," intending it for his second son
+when he returned from the Holy Land. The castle was hardly finished,
+when the old man died.
+
+The crusade at last was at an end. All the knights from the Rhine
+country brought back the news with them on their return from the Holy
+Land, that Conrad had married a beautiful Grecian woman in the East
+and was now on his way home with her.
+
+Henry was beside himself with wrath on hearing this news. Such
+dishonourable conduct and shameful neglect seemed impossible to him,
+and going to the maiden he informed her of his brother's approaching
+return.
+
+She turned very pale, her lips moved, but her tongue found no words.
+
+
+III.
+
+A large ship was seen one day sailing along the Rhine with strange
+flags waving on its masts. Angela saw it from her tower where she now
+spent many a long day reflecting on her unfortunate destiny, and she
+hastily called up the elder brother.
+
+The ship approached nearer and nearer. Soon the cries of the boatmen
+could be heard, and the faces of the crew could be distinguished.
+
+Suddenly the maiden uttered a cry, and threw herself weeping into the
+arms of the knight. The latter gazed at the vessel, his brows
+contracted. Yes! there on board, in shining armour, stood his brother,
+with a beautiful strange woman clinging to his arm.
+
+The ship touched land. One of the first, Conrad sprang on shore. The
+two watchers in the tower disappeared. A man approached Conrad and
+informed him that the new castle was destined for him. The same day
+the impetuous knight sent notice of his arrival to Sternberg castle,
+but his brother answered him, that he would wait for him on the
+bridge, but would only meet sword in hand the faithless lover who had
+deserted his betrothed.
+
+Twilight was creeping over the two castles. On the narrow ground
+separating the forts the brothers strove together in a deadly fight.
+
+They were equally courageous, equally strong those two opponents, and
+their swords crossed swiftly, one in righteous anger, the other in
+wounded pride. But soon the elder received a blow, and the blood began
+to drop on his breastplate.
+
+The bushes were at this moment suddenly pushed asunder, and a maiden,
+veiled in white, dashed in between the fighters thrusting them from
+each other. It was Angela, who cried out in a despairing voice:
+
+"In God's name stop! and for your father's sake cease, ere it be too
+late. She for whom you have drawn your swords, is now going to take
+the veil, and will beg God day and night to forgive you, Conrad, for
+your falseness, and will pray Him to bless you and your brother for
+ever."
+
+Both brothers threw down their arms. Conrad, his head deeply bowed,
+covered his face with his hand. He did not dare to look at the maiden
+who stood there, a silent reproach to him. Henry took the weeping
+girl's hand.
+
+"Come sister," said he, "such faithlessness does not deserve your
+tears."
+
+They disappeared among the trees. Silently Conrad stood gazing after
+them. A feeling which he had never known seemed to rise up in his
+heart, and, bending his head, he wept bitterly.
+
+
+IV.
+
+The cloister, Marienburg, lay in a valley at some distance from the
+castles, and there Angela found peace. A wall was soon built up
+between the two forts Sternberg and Liebenstein, a silent witness of
+the enmity between the two brothers.
+
+Banquet followed banquet in the newly built castle, and the beautiful
+Grecian won great triumphs among the knights of the Rhine.
+
+But sorrow seemed to have taken possession of Sternberg castle. Henry
+had not wished to move the maiden from her purpose, but from the time
+of her departure, his strength faded away. At the foot of the
+mountain he caused a cloister to be built, and a few months later he
+passed away from this world, just on the same day that the bells were
+tolling for Angela's death.
+
+The lord of Liebenstein was not granted a lasting happiness with his
+beautiful wife. She fled with a knight who had long enjoyed the lavish
+hospitality at castle Liebenstein. Conrad, overcome by sorrow and
+disgrace, threw himself from a pinnacle of the castle into the depths
+below.
+
+The strongholds then fell into the hands of Knight Broemser of
+Ruedesheim, and since that time have fallen into ruins. The church and
+cloister still remain in the valley, and are the scene of many a
+pilgrimage.
+
+
+
+
+RHENSE
+
+The Emperor Wenzel
+
+
+In the middle of a beautiful meadow at Rhense near Coblenz stands the
+famous historical "king's chair." Here, where the lands of the three
+great prelates of Cologne, Mayence and Treves join together, the
+princely Seven met to choose the new ruler who was to direct the
+destiny of the Holy Roman Empire.
+
+Here Charles IV. was chosen by the free will of the Electors; here
+also the Seven elected Wenzeslaus of the house of Luxemburg, Charles'
+son, emperor. During his life-time Charles had exerted himself very
+much over the election of his first-born son, and he even made a
+pilgrimage with him to Rhense on the Rhine where, at the renowned
+"Koenigsstuhl," the chancellor of the kingdom, Archbishop of Mayence,
+often held important conferences with their Graces of Treves and
+Cologne, and the Count Palatine.
+
+This Wenzeslaus of Bohemia had a great predilection for the Rhine and
+its wines, and later on, when, less by his own merits, than by the
+exertions of his father and the favour of the electors, he became
+German emperor, his brother inheriting the sandy country of
+Brandenburg, he had even then paid more honours to the Rhine wine than
+any other of its lovers. It afforded him a greater pleasure than the
+enjoyment of wearing a crown. Finding that a good drink tasted better
+at the place of its origin, he often visited the brave Count Palatine
+of the Rhine who dwelt in this blissful country, and who had more
+casks in his cellar than there are saints' days in a year.
+
+This proof of imperial confidence was by no means disagreeable to the
+very noble Elector Ruprecht of the Palatinate, and he neglected no
+opportunity of striving to ingratiate himself more and more in the
+emperor's favour.
+
+Gallant Ruprecht would not unwillingly have exchanged his little
+Palatinate crown for an imperial one. Sometimes when his royal guest,
+becoming very jovial from the wine he had taken, confessed that the
+high dignity of emperor was becoming troublesome to him, the count
+agreed with him frankly, and never failed to let his imperial master
+know that the electors were discontented at his careless
+administration, and would be well pleased if he retired. Emperor
+Wenzel listened to all he said with perfect indifference, continuing
+in the meantime to revel in his wine.
+
+One day the emperor was sitting with his gay companions at the
+Koenigsstuhl in Rhense. They were all very merry, as the cup of
+Assmannshaeuser wine had already been passed round many times. This
+delicious vintage was very pleasing to Wenzel, and the other drinkers
+could not find words enough to praise it.
+
+While the goblets were being handed round, and sounds of joviality
+filled the royal hall, the emperor stood up suddenly and, addressing
+himself to the count, said in a very light-hearted tone.
+
+"I think the crown which was set on my head would not be very
+unsuitable to you. Well, I offer it to you, if you are able to place
+before me and my companions here, a wine which tastes better than this
+Assmannshaeuser."
+
+There was a cunning twinkle in the count's eyes as he beckoned to his
+page. After a while a servant rolled in a great cask, from which the
+cups were at once filled. The count stood up and presented the first
+goblet to the emperor.
+
+"That is my Bacharacher wine, noble lords. Taste it; I can wait for
+your judgment without fear."
+
+They all drank, and every face beamed with pleasure. The opinions were
+undivided in favour of the fiery Bacharacher. The emperor rose and
+loudly declared he preferred it to the Assmannshaeuser. He could not
+praise it too highly, nor drink enough of it.
+
+"This wine is worth more than a thousand crowns!" said he,
+enthusiastically. Wenzel kept his word and ceded his crown to Ruprecht
+of the Palatinate who, in his turn, made the emperor a present of six
+waggon-loads of Bacharacher wine.
+
+
+
+
+CASTLE LAHNECK
+
+The Templars of Lahneck
+
+
+On the opposite side of the Rhine from Coblenz, and towering above
+Lahnstein, rises Castle Lahneck, a keep shaped somewhat in the form of
+a pentagon. Lahneck succumbed to the hordes of Louis XIII. in the same
+year as the castle of Heidelberg was destroyed. The following stirring
+tale is associated with Lahneck.
+
+It was the Templars of Jerusalem who erected this fortress whose
+imposing watch-tower rises nearly 100 feet above the main building.
+The riches of the Templars led to their destruction. The contemptible
+French king, Philip the Fair, by making grave complaints to the Pope
+obtained an order for the abolition of this much-abused order, and
+dragged the Grand Master with fifty of his faithful followers to the
+stake. Everywhere a cruel policy of extermination was immediately
+adopted against the outlawed knights, the chief motive of the
+persecutors being rather a desire to confiscate the rich possessions
+of the Templars than any religious zeal against heretics and sinners.
+
+Peter von Aspelt, Archbishop of Mainz, had cast envious eyes on proud
+Lahneck which sheltered twelve Knights-Templars and their retainers.
+Alleging some faulty conduct on the part of the soldiers of the cross,
+he gave orders that the castle should be razed, and that the knights
+should exchange the white mantle with the red cross for the monk's
+cowl, but to this the twelve as knights _sans peur et sans reproche_
+issued a stout defiance. This excited the greed and rage of the
+archbishop all the more. From the pontiff, whom with his own hands he
+had successfully nursed on his sick-bed at Avignon, Peter von Aspelt
+procured full power over the goods and lives of the excommunicated
+knights of Lahneck. He then proceeded down the Rhine with many vassals
+and mercenaries, and presented the Pope's letter to the Templars, at
+the same time commanding them to yield. Otherwise their castle would
+be taken by storm, and the inmates as impenitent sinners would die a
+shameful death on the gallows. The oldest of the twelve, a man with
+silvery hair, advanced and declared in the name of his brethren, that
+they were resolved to fight to the last drop of their blood, and
+further, that they were quite prepared to suffer like their brethren
+in France. And so the fight between such fearful odds began. Many
+soldiers of the Electorate fell under the swords of the knights and
+their faithful servants, but ever the furious archbishop ordered
+forward new bands to fill the gaps. Day by day the ranks of the
+defenders became thinner. Prominent everywhere in this hand to hand
+struggle were the heroic forms of the twelve Templars, in white mantle
+with blood-red cross. At last, at a breach which had been defended
+with leonine courage, one of the noble twelve sank beneath his
+shattered shield, and closed his eyes in death. A second shared his
+fate, then a third. The others, bleeding from many wounds and aided by
+the sorely diminished remnant of their retainers, redoubled their
+brave efforts, but still death made havoc in their ranks. When, on the
+evening of the day of fiercest onslaught the victorious besiegers
+planted their banner on the captured battlement, the silver-haired
+veteran, the former spokesman, stood with blood-flecked sword among
+the bodies of his fallen comrades, the last survivor. Touched by such
+noble heroism the archbishop informed him that he would be allowed to
+surrender; but calling down the curse of heaven on worldly churchmen
+and their greed of land, he raised on high his sword and rushed upon
+his foes. Pierced with many wounds the last of the twelve sank to the
+earth, and over the corpse of this noble man the soldiers of Mainz
+pressed into the fortress itself.
+
+Peter von Aspelt preserved Lahneck as a place of defence and residence
+for an officer of the Electorate of Mainz, and nominated as first
+holder of the post, Hartwin von Winningen. The castle remained in the
+possession of the Electorate of Mainz for 300 years, but the sad story
+of the twelve heroic Templars is remembered in the neighbourhood of
+Lahneck to this day.
+
+
+
+
+COBLENZ
+
+Riza
+
+
+In the first quarter of the 9th century, when the pious Ludwig, son of
+Charlemagne, was struggling with his misguided children for the
+imperial crown, a church was built in Coblenz to St. Castor, the
+missionary who had spread christianity in the valley of the Moselle.
+The four-towered edifice arose on a branch of the Rhine.
+
+The palace of the Frankish king stood at this time on the highest
+south-western point of Coblenz, on the site of a former Roman fort,
+and near by was a nunnery, dedicated to St. Castor. In this building
+lived Riza, a daughter of Ludwig the Pious, who had early dedicated
+her life to the church. Every day this king's daughter went to mass in
+the Castor church on the opposite side of the Rhine. So great grace
+had Riza found in the sight of Our Lord, that like His disciple of old
+on the sea of Genesareth, she walked over the Rhine dry-footed to the
+holy sacrament in St. Castor's. One day, the sacred legend goes on to
+say, the stream was agitated by a storm. For the first time doubt
+entered the maiden's heart as her foot touched the waves. Prudently
+tearing a prop from a neighbouring vineyard, she took it with her for
+a staff over the troubled waters. But after a few timid steps, she
+sank like St. Peter on the Galilean lake. In this wretched plight she
+became full of remorse for her want of faith in God. She flung the
+stick far away, and lifting her arms towards heaven, committed herself
+to the sole protection of the Almighty. At once she rose up from the
+waves, and arrived, with dry feet as heretofore, on the other side.
+More than ever after this did Riza, this saintly daughter of a saintly
+king, strive to excel in those works which are pleasing to God. She
+died within the cloister, and her bones were laid in the Castor
+church, near the burial-place of the saint. Soon the popular
+imagination canonised Riza, and her marble tomb is still to be seen in
+the North transept of the Castor church at Coblenz.
+
+
+
+
+VALLEY OF THE MOSELLE
+
+The Doctor's wine of Bernkastel
+
+
+The wine of Bernkastel is called "Doctor's wine," or even shorter
+still "Doctor," and it has been known by this singular name for more
+than five hundred years.
+
+About the middle of the fourteenth century Bishop Bohemund lay ill of
+a very violent fever at Bernkastel. The worthy man was obliged to
+swallow many a bitter pill and many a sour drink, but all without
+avail. The poor divine began at last to fear the worst. Despite his
+high calling and his earnest search after holy things, his bishopric
+on the lovely Moselle pleased him better than any seat in heaven. He
+caused it to be proclaimed throughout the length and breadth of his
+diocese, that whoever should be able to cure him of this terrible
+fever, be he layman or learned doctor, should receive his pastoral
+blessing, and a rich present into the bargain.
+
+At that very time, a brave old warrior lived at Treves, who heard
+about the suffering bishop and had pity on him in his great need.
+
+Moreover this gray-haired veteran, whose name has not come down to
+posterity, was very much indebted to the bishop, for once, many years
+before, Bohemund had saved him from the hands of the enemy in a
+skirmish near Sponheim.
+
+The noble old soldier was much distressed to hear that the holy man
+was suffering so terribly. He remembered too, that once he himself had
+been attacked by violent fever and had fought hard with death, and
+that his friends had talked about pills and certain bitter drinks, but
+he had sent them all away and had called his servant, desiring him to
+bring him a good bowl of fiery Bernkastler wine. When he had taken a
+hearty drink,--no small matter for one lying ill of fever--he awoke
+out of a deep sleep twelve hours later, the fever completely gone.
+
+Why should not this same Bernkastler cure, thought he, have the same
+effect on the worthy prelate?
+
+After considering for a time, the old knight set out quite alone from
+his castle in the forest of Soon to visit his spiritual benefactor,
+taking only a little cask with him.
+
+Bohemund, lying on his sick bed, is said to have cast a very
+suspicious look at the good man who stated that he could cure him, but
+who carried all his medicines and mixtures in a little cask on his
+shoulder. The knight however, making a sign to the officious servants
+and attendants to leave the chamber, informed the reverend gentleman
+of what he was about to do. He then calmly took the plug out of the
+cask, and gave the sick man a drink of the sparkling wine which he had
+brought with him.
+
+The bishop readily swallowed the wine at one draught. Another was
+administered to him soon after, and the eminent prelate fell into a
+deep sleep.
+
+The next day the people of Treves heard with great joy that the fever
+had completely disappeared.
+
+The bishop on awaking took another stout draught, and sang out of the
+depths of his grateful heart:--
+
+    "This famous wine restored my health,
+        Sure, 'tis a splendid doctor."
+
+
+
+
+ANDERNACH
+
+Genovefa
+
+
+I.
+
+In all the Rhine provinces the virtuous spouse of Count Siegfried of
+the Palatinate was esteemed and venerated. The people called her St.
+Genovefa, which name indeed she was worthy of, as she suffered cruel
+trials and sorrows. Siegfried's castle stood near the old town of
+Andernach, just at the time when Charles Martel was reigning over the
+Franks.
+
+Siegfried and his young wife lived in peaceful unity, till a cloud
+came over their happiness. The much-dreaded Arabs from Spain had
+forced their way into Gaul, and were now marching northwards, burning
+and destroying all on their course. The enemies of the cross must be
+repulsed, unless the west was to share the fate of Africa, which had
+been subdued by the Mohametans.
+
+The war-cry reached the Palatinate, and Siegfried had to go forth to
+the fight. Equipped in his armour, and having kissed his weeping wife,
+he bade farewell to the castle of his fathers. But he was sad at heart
+at leaving the spot where the happiest days of his life had been
+spent. He entrusted the administration of his property to Golo, his
+steward, and recommended his beloved wife very earnestly to his
+protection, begging her in turn to trust him in everything.
+
+The poor countess was heart-broken at this bitter separation. She felt
+the loneliness of the castle deeply, she longed for his happy presence
+and the sound of his voice. She could never speak to Golo as to the
+friend to whose care her husband had recommended her. Her pure eyes
+shrank from the passionate look which gleamed in his. It seemed to her
+that he followed her every movement with a look which her childlike
+soul did not understand.
+
+She missed her husband's presence more and more. She would go out on
+the balcony and weave golden dreams, and while she sat there, looking
+out over the hazy blue distance, she longed for the moment when
+Siegfried would return, when she could lean her head upon his breast,
+and tell him of the great happiness in store for them.
+
+Perhaps the war against the heathens might last so long that she would
+be able to hold the pledge of their love joyfully out to him from the
+balcony on his return. And the countess' lovely face would be lit up
+with a gleam of blissful happiness, and she would while away the time
+on her favourite spot, dreaming and looking out into the hazy blue
+distance.
+
+The secret aversion which the countess felt towards the steward was
+not without a reason. Her angel-like beauty had awakened lustful
+passion in Golo's breast, which he did not strive to hide. On the
+contrary his frequent intercourse with her, who was as gracious to him
+as to all her other inferiors, stirred his passion still more, and one
+day, losing all control, he threw himself at the countess' feet,
+declaring his love for her, and imploring her to return it. Genovefa
+was horrified at this confession. With indignation and scorn she
+rejected his love, forbidding him to appear before her as he had
+utterly forgotten his duty, and at the same time, threatening to
+complain of him to her husband. Golo's eyes flared up, and a deadly
+look of hatred gleamed from them.
+
+He could hope for no pardon from his angry mistress. Besides, his
+pride would not allow him to seek it, and now his one desire was
+revenge. It only remained for him to follow his dastardly plan and to
+avoid Siegfried's wrath.
+
+Hatred raged in his breast. He dismissed all the servants of the
+castle and put new ones of his own creation in their places. Then one
+day he appeared before the horrified countess, and openly accused her
+of being unfaithful to her husband far away.
+
+Shame and wrath robbed Genovefa of speech. Golo explained to the
+servants who were standing around in silent amazement, that he had
+already informed the count of his wife's faithless conduct, and that
+he, Golo, as present administrator of the castle, now condemned the
+countess to be imprisoned in the dungeon.
+
+The unhappy Genovefa awakened to find herself in an underground cell
+of the castle. She covered her face in deep sorrow, imploring Him who
+had sent her this trial, to help her in her present affliction. There
+after some time a son was born to her. She baptized him with her
+tears, giving him the name of Tristan, which means "full of sorrows."
+
+
+II.
+
+Siegfried had already been absent six months. He had fought like a
+hero in many a desperate battle. The fanatical followers of Mohamet
+having crossed the Pyrenees, struggled with wild enthusiasm, hoping to
+subdue the rest of western Europe to the doctrines of Islam by fire
+and sword. In several encounters, the Franks had been obliged to give
+way to their power. These unbridled hordes had already penetrated into
+the heart of Gaul, when Charles first appeared and engaged the Arabs
+in the bloody battle of Tours. From morning till evening the struggle
+on which hung the fate of Europe raged. And there Charles proved
+himself worthy of the name of Martel, "the hammer," which he
+afterwards received.
+
+Siegfried fought at the leader's side like a lion; but towards evening
+a Saracen's lance pierced him, and though the wound was not mortal,
+yet he was obliged to remain inactive for several months on a
+sick-bed, where he thought with longing in his heart of his loving
+wife by the Rhine.
+
+A messenger arrived one day at the camp bearing a parchment from Golo,
+Siegfried's steward. The count gazed long at the fateful letter,
+trying to comprehend its meaning. What he had read, ran thus: "Your
+wife is unfaithful to you and has betrayed you for the sake of Drago,
+a servant, who ran away." The hero crushed the letter furiously in his
+hand, a groan escaping from his white lips. Then he started off
+accompanied by a few followers, and rode towards the Ardennes, never
+stopping till he reached his own fort. A man stood on the balcony,
+looking searchingly out into the distance, and seeing a cloud of dust
+approaching in which a group of horsemen soon became visible, his eyes
+gleamed triumphantly.
+
+A stately knight advanced, his charger stamping threateningly on the
+drawbridge. Golo, with hypocritical emotion stood before the count,
+who had now alighted from his foaming horse, and informed him again of
+what had happened. "Where is the evil-doer who has stained the honour
+of my house, where is he, that I may crush his life out?" cried
+Siegfried in a fury.
+
+"My lord, I have punished the wretch deservedly and lashed him out of
+the castle," answered Golo in a stern voice, sighing deeply.
+
+The count made a sign to Golo whose false eyes gleamed with devilish
+joy, to lead the way.
+
+Siegfried entered the dungeon, followed by his servants and also by
+those who had travelled with him. Genovefa listened breathlessly in
+her prison, with a loved name trembling on her lips and a prayer to
+God in her heart. Now the terrible trial would come to an end, now she
+would leave this dungeon of disgrace triumphantly, and exchange the
+crown of thorns for the victor's wreath.
+
+The bolt was unfastened, firm steps and men's voices were heard, the
+iron doors were dashed open. She snatched her slumbering child, the
+pledge of their love, and held it towards her dear husband. His name
+was on her lips, but before she could utter it, a cry of agony escaped
+her. He had cast her from him and, his accusations falling like blows
+from a hammer on her head, the poor innocent countess fell senseless
+to the ground. The next day two servants led mother and child out into
+the forest, where with their own hands, they were to kill her who had
+been so unfaithful to her husband, and her child also. They were to
+bring back two tongues to the count as a proof that they had obeyed
+his orders.
+
+The servants drove them into the wildest depths of the forest where
+only the screams of birds of prey broke the silence. They drew their
+knives. But the poor countess fell on her knees, and holding up her
+little child, implored them to spare their lives, if not for her sake,
+at least for the sake of the helpless child. Pity entered the two
+men's hearts and withheld their hands. Dragging the mother and child
+still deeper into the forest, they turned away hastily, leaving their
+victims to themselves.
+
+They brought two harts' tongues to the count, informing him that they
+had fulfilled his orders.
+
+
+III.
+
+Genovefa's tired feet wandered through the unknown forest, her child
+crying with hunger. She prayed fervently to Heaven in her despair, and
+tears were sent to relieve the dull pain in her heart, after which she
+felt more composed, and her child was soon sweetly slumbering. To her
+great astonishment she perceived a cavern near her, where she could
+take shelter, and as if God wished to show that He had heard her
+prayer, a white doe came towards the cavern, rubbing herself
+caressingly against the abandoned woman. Willingly the gentle animal
+allowed the little child to suckle it. The next day the doe came back
+again, and Genovefa thanked God from the depths of her heart. She
+found roots, berries, and plants, to support herself, and every day
+the tame doe came back to her, and at last remained always with her.
+
+Days, weeks, and months passed. Her unfaltering faith had rendered her
+agony less. In time she learned to forgive her husband who had
+condemned her unjustly, and she even pardoned him who had taken such
+bitter revenge on her. Her lovely cheeks had become thinner, but the
+forest winds had breathed a soft red into them, and the child who had
+no cares nor gnawing pain in its heart, grew into a beautiful little
+boy.
+
+
+IV.
+
+At the castle on the Rhine, sorrow was a constant guest since this
+terrible event had happened. Siegfried's burning anger had sunk into
+sorrow, and often when he was wandering restlessly through the rooms
+so rich in sweet memories, where now a deserted stillness reigned, the
+agony awoke again in his heart. He now repented of his hastiness, and
+a voice whispered in his ear that he had been too severe in his cruel
+punishment, that he had condemned too quickly, and that he should have
+considered what he could have done to mitigate her punishment.
+
+When these haunting voices pursued him, he would hurry away from the
+castle and its loneliness, not being able to bear the torment of his
+thoughts. Then to forget his trouble, he would follow the chase with
+the yelping hounds. But he only seldom succeeded in dulling his
+misery. Everywhere he seemed to see the pale face of a woman looking
+imploringly at him.
+
+The state of his master's soul had not escaped Golo, and this crafty
+man cringed the more to the sorrowful count, feigning to care for his
+welfare. A starving person accepts even the bread which a beggar-man
+offers, and Siegfried, supposing his steward wished to compensate him
+for his loss, accepted willingly every proof of devotion, and
+recompensed him with his favour, at the same time hating the man in
+his inmost soul who had rendered him such a terrible service.
+
+One day the count rode out to the chase, accompanied by only a few
+retainers, one of whom was Golo. Siegfried pressed deeper than was his
+custom into the forest. A milkwhite doe sprang up before him and
+sportsmanlike, he chased this singular animal through the bushes,
+hoping to shoot it. His spear had just grazed it, when it disappeared
+suddenly into a cavern. A woman whose ragged garments scarcely covered
+her nakedness, leading a little boy by the hand, suddenly came out of
+the opening in the rock, and the doe, seeking protection, rubbed
+herself against her. She looked at the hunter, but her limbs trembled
+so that she could scarcely stand, only her large sad eyes gazed
+wistfully at him. A stifled cry, half triumphant, half a groan,
+escaped from her lips, and she threw herself at the count's feet. From
+the voice which for long months had only moved in earnest prayer or in
+low sweet words to the child, now flowed solemn protestations of her
+innocence. Her words burned like fire into the soul of the count, and
+drawing her to his breast, he kissed her tears, and then sank at her
+feet imploring her pardon.
+
+He pressed his little boy to his heart, overcome with gratitude and
+happiness, and wept with joy, calling him by a thousand affectionate
+names.
+
+Then at the sound of his bugle-horn his retinue hastened towards him,
+Golo among them.
+
+"Do you know these two?" thundered out the count to the latter,
+tearing him from the throng and conducting him to Genovefa.
+
+The wretch, as if struck by a club, broke down and, clasping his
+master's knees, he confessed his wickedness and begged for mercy.
+Siegfried thrust him contemptuously from him, refusing sternly, in
+spite of the countess' intercession, to pardon his crime. Golo was
+bound and led away, and a disgraceful death was his reward.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now began a time of great happiness for Siegfried and his saint-like
+wife, and they lived in undisturbed peace with their little son.
+
+In gratitude to Heaven Siegfried caused a church to be built on the
+spot where the white doe had appeared to him first. The countess often
+made a pilgrimage to this house of God, to thank Him who had caused
+her tears to be turned into joy. Then a day came when her corpse was
+carried into the forest, and was buried in the church. Even now in
+Laach, the wanderer is shown the church and the tombstone, also the
+cavern where she suffered so much. Thus the name of St. Genovefa will
+last to all time.
+
+
+
+
+HAMMERSTEIN
+
+The old Knight and his Daughters
+
+
+[Illustration: Am Sarge Kaiser Heinrich IV.--Nach dem Gemaelde von
+L. Rosenfelder--Zur Sage von der Burg Hammerstein]
+
+Above Rheinbrohl, on a dreary sandstone rock, stand the ruins of the
+old imperial fortress of Hammerstein. For a thousand years the storms
+have beat on those desolate walls. One of the first owners was Wolf
+von Hammerstein, a faithful vassal of the Emperor. It was Henry IV.
+who then ruled, and partly by his own faults, partly by those of
+others, the crown had indeed become to this sovereign one of thorns.
+Wolf of Hammerstein had made the historic pilgrimage to Canossa alone
+with his master. Now, on account of the infirmities of age the
+venerable knight seldom descended the castle-hill, and only from afar,
+the loud trumpet call of the world fell upon his ears. His wife, now
+for several years deceased, had born him six daughters, all attractive
+maidens and tenderly attached to their surviving parent, but their
+filial affection met with the roughest and most ungrateful responses
+from the sour old fellow. It was a sore grievance to Wolf of
+Hammerstein that he had no son. He would willingly have exchanged his
+halfdozen daughters for a single male heir. The girls were only too
+well aware of this fact, and tried all the more, by constant love and
+tender care to reconcile their ungracious parent to his lot.
+
+One evening it thus befell. The autumn wind grumbled round the castle
+like a croaking raven, and the old knight, Wolf of Hammerstein, sat by
+a cheerful fire and peevishly nursed his gouty limbs. In spite of the
+most assiduous attentions of his daughters he remained in a most surly
+mood. The pretty maidens however kept hovering round the ill-tempered
+old fellow like so many tender doves. Then the porter announced two
+strangers. Both were wrapped in their knightly mantles, and in spite
+of his troubles the hospitable lord of the castle prepared to welcome
+his guests. Into the comfortable room two shivering and weary
+travellers advanced, and as outlaws they craved shelter and protection
+for the night. At the sound of one of the voices the knight started
+up, listening eagerly, and when the stranger raised his visor and
+threw back his mantle, Wolf of Hammerstein sank on his knees at the
+stranger's feet, and seizing his hand he pressed it to his lips,
+exclaiming: "Henry, my lord and king!" Then, with trembling voice the
+Emperor told his old comrade-in-arms that he was a fugitive, and
+before one who had torn from him the imperial crown and mantle. And
+when the old knight, trembling with excitement, demanded who this
+impious and dishonourable man might be, the Emperor murmured the
+words, "My son," and then buried his face in his hands.
+
+Rigid as a marble statue stood the old knight. Like a bolt from
+heaven the consciousness of his past ignoble conduct had flashed upon
+him. Suddenly he seemed to feel how tenderly the loving arms of his
+daughters had enfolded him. He spread out his hands towards them, as
+if anxious to atone by the tenderness of a minute for the harshness of
+years. Then the Emperor, deeply touched, thus addressed the old man.
+"Dear comrade-in-arms, your position is indeed enviable. The faithful
+love of your daughters will tend you in your declining years. No
+misguided son, impatient for your end, will hunt you from your home.
+Alas, for me, to-morrow accompanied by a few faithful followers, I
+must go down to battle against my own flesh and blood."
+
+Towards midnight the unhappy monarch was conducted to a room prepared
+with care for his reception; and, while he sank into a troubled sleep,
+the old knight overwhelmed his daughters with long-delayed caresses.
+In his heart, he silently entreated for pardon for the deep grudge he
+had long cherished against the God who had been pleased to grant him
+no son.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Three months had passed by. Sad news came to the Rhine from the
+Netherlands. The Emperor Henry was dead. In the midst of fresh warlike
+preparations death claimed him. His faithful partisans were therefore
+greatly grieved and more especially Wolf of Hammerstein. But the
+second part of the tidings made him even sadder. The consecrated earth
+was denied to the unfortunate dead Emperor. His coffin was placed in a
+cellar in Liege without any respect. Whoever wished could go there to
+slander or to pray for the repose of his soul, whenever they desired.
+When the knight was told of this he swore vehemently and did not close
+his eyes for several nights. Then his mind was made up. All the
+prayers and weeping of the daughters did not make him alter his
+decision.
+
+One day he stood before the Archbishop of Cologne and reminded him how
+he had saved his life more than twenty years ago, and he recalled to
+his memory that he had promised to grant any wish of the Hammersteins.
+
+There was a great discussion between the knight and the bishop. But
+the fidelity of the vassal was rewarded. The strong ecclesiastical
+protection of the church at Cologne facilitated the steps to the
+priests in Liege. Surrounded by pious women and earnest men he knelt,
+a week later, before the sarcophagus, he pressed his lips to it and
+murmured "Henry my master and my King." Afterwards he had the body
+transferred to Speyer where it was placed in the royal tomb.
+
+When the mournful vessel went up the Rhine from Cologne, by order of
+the knight black flags fluttered in the wind and greeted the dead
+Emperor. Hammerstein was always known later on as the most faithful
+vassal of the King.
+
+
+
+
+VALLEY OF THE AHR
+
+The Last Knight of Altenahr
+
+
+Only a few mouldering ruins now show where one of the proudest
+strongholds of the Rhine country, Castle Altenahr, once stood. A
+legend relates the mournful story of the last of the race which had
+lived there for centuries.
+
+This man was a very stubborn knight, and he would not bow down to or
+even acknowledge the all-powerful archbishop, whom His Majesty the
+Emperor had sent into the Rhine country as protector of the church.
+
+Unfortunately the bishop was also of a proud and unyielding character,
+and he nursed resentment in his heart against this spurner of his
+authority.
+
+It was not long before his smouldering rancour blazed into an open
+feud, and the mighty bishop, accompanied by a large band of followers,
+appeared before the proud castle of Altenahr. A ring of iron was
+formed round the offending vassal's hold.
+
+But its owner was not disturbed by this formidable array, and only
+laughed sneeringly at the besiegers' useless trouble, knowing well
+that they would never be able to storm his rocky stronghold.
+
+The warlike priest saw many of his little army bleeding to death in
+vain. He was very wrathful, but nevertheless undismayed.
+
+He had sworn a great oath that he would enter this invincible hold as
+a conqueror, even if the fight were to last till the Judgment Day; the
+lord of Altenahr had sworn a similar oath, and these two powerful foes
+were well matched.
+
+Thus the siege continued for some months. The besieger's anger grew
+hotter, for every attack cost him the lives of numbers of his
+followers, and all his efforts seemed useless.
+
+Already there was an outburst of discontent in his camp; many servants
+and vassals deserted from such a dangerous venture. Revolt and
+disobedience seemed on one occasion to threaten a complete dissolution
+of the besieging army, as a desperate attack had been again repulsed
+by the hidden inhabitants of the fort.
+
+The bishop's allies urged the unrelenting man to desist from his
+merciless purpose, but he received their protests with a sneer: "When
+you leave me, my greater ally, hunger, will draw near. It will come,
+that I am sure of." Then followed an uproar of confused voices;
+mutinous troopers, now become bold by the wine they had taken, fell to
+brawling with their leader. The bishop's grim smile died away.
+
+"Wait my men, just wait for one more attack," he cried in a powerful
+voice, "it will be the fiercest and the last," and with a dark face he
+turned and strode away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Dawn was creeping over the valley of the Ahr. There was a great stir
+in the camp on the side of the mountain, and up above, in the castle
+of Altenahr, silence reigned round hazy pinnacles. Suddenly a flourish
+of trumpets was heard, and the drawbridge having been let down, the
+lord of the castle galloped forth on a milkwhite charger, his tall
+figure towering over the animal, the feather of his helmet waving
+above his grey hair, and the first rays of the rising sun irradiating
+his steel armour.
+
+Holding his steed with a firm grip, he raised his right hand to the
+shouting besiegers, signifying that he wished to speak. His voice
+sounded far and wide.
+
+"See here the last man and the last charger of all those who lived in
+my tower. Hunger has snatched them all from me, wife, child, comrades.
+They all preferred death to slavery. I follow them, unvanquished and
+free to the last."
+
+The noble animal reared up at the spur of its rider ... a great
+spring, followed by a thundering crash ... then the Ahr closed her
+foaming waters over man and steed.
+
+A shudder seized those who were looking on. The dark countenance of
+their leader became pale as death, and he rode off without a moment's
+delay, followed by the curses of his mutinous troops.
+
+Since that time the castle of Altenahr has remained deserted; no one
+dared to enter the chambers hallowed by the memory of this heroic
+defence. Thus it was avoided by mankind, till time gnawed at its walls
+and destroyed its battlements.
+
+
+
+
+The Minstrel of Neuenahr
+
+
+I.
+
+He was called Ronald, this tall handsome man, with blue eyes and fair
+hair; he had a noble bearing and was a master of song.
+
+The knight at the Castle of Neuenahr had made a great feast, and
+Ronald was sitting on the drawbridge playing his harp and singing. The
+guests stopped their noisy conversation within doors and knights as
+well as noble ladies listened breathless to the unseen singer. The
+proud lord of the castle bade his page bring the traveller in. Thus
+the tall handsome man, the blue eyed, fair-haired stranger with the
+noble bearing, appeared before the high company. The knights looked at
+him with wonder and many a handsome lady regarded him with admiration
+covertly.
+
+Among the high company there was a beautiful young girl, the daughter
+of the knight, whose birthday was being celebrated. The lord of the
+castle rose from his richly carved stool, and made a sign to the
+singer who was bowing graciously to the knights and ladies and lower
+still to the master of the castle.
+
+"Give us a song, musician, in honour of our child who is seventeen
+years old to-day."
+
+The musician fixed his glance in silent admiration on the maiden. She
+dropped her eyes, and a lovely blush covered her cheeks. He seized his
+harp, and after a few chords, began to sing a song of homage. Sweetly
+sounded the music, and even sweeter the flattering words. The maiden
+flushed a deeper crimson and cast down her eyes. Once when the harper
+in his song compared her to a star lighting a wanderer's path, she
+glanced up, and their eyes met; but hers sank quickly again. She
+seemed to waken out of a dream when the song ended amid loud applause.
+She saw her father lifting up a massive goblet and handing it to the
+singer, saw how the latter raised it first to her, afterwards to her
+father and his guests, and then put it to his own lips. The maiden
+felt she was no longer mistress of her heart which was beating as it
+had never done before.
+
+
+II.
+
+"You might teach my Rothtraut to play the harp," cried the proud lord
+of the castle, who was in a very lively humour, having partaken freely
+of wine. She heard it as in a dream, and the musician bowed, murmuring
+that he was not worthy to receive so signal an honour.
+
+He remained however at the castle. Lovely Rothtraut felt afraid in her
+heart like a trembling child crossing a bridge leading to flowery
+meadows; she had no mother in whom she could confide those fears for
+which she could find no words. She therefore yielded to her father's
+desire, wishing to amuse him during the long, lonely evenings by
+playing and singing. Singing came naturally to her, for a nightingale
+seemed to slumber in her bosom, but she found more difficulty with the
+harp. Her slender fingers drew many a discordant sound from the
+strings, and often her father, comfortably seated in his armchair,
+laughed heartily at her, which made the maiden blush with shame. Her
+large eyes would wander from the harp to the musician's face; but her
+confusion only became worse when her eyes timidly met his. He was very
+patient with all her imperfect efforts, never blaming her but on the
+contrary praising all her modest attempts beyond their merits. Then he
+would sing a song of his own and play some deep chords which seemed to
+thrill the air. The knight would listen entranced, and the maiden felt
+love's blissful pain in her heart. She did not know what it was, or
+how he had long since sung himself into her soul, and her tender heart
+trembled at love's first revelation. The passion possessed her more
+and more; it spread its power over these two hearts, and soon in the
+quiet garden of the castle, Ronald clasped the daughter of the proud
+knight to his heart.
+
+
+III.
+
+Love's first rapture is often followed by sorrow however, and
+beautiful Rothtraut had yet to experience it.
+
+It once happened that the knight surprised his child in the musician's
+arms. His anger knew no bounds, and like a beast of prey he rushed at
+the singer, when his daughter, suddenly become a woman, placed herself
+bravely between her father and her lover. Her confession went to his
+heart like a dagger, for with trembling lips and glowing cheeks, the
+maiden acknowledged the secret of her love.
+
+Pale but firm the singer stood before the knight.
+
+"I am only a wanderer but not a dishonourable one. Do not destroy with
+a rough hand the flower which God has planted in our hearts, but give
+me time. I will set out on my journey and will take up arms for my
+beloved. And when I come back as a nobleman, you will give me your
+daughter who loves me. Either I shall return as a knight, or you will
+never see me again."
+
+The lord of the castle looked at him sternly, while his daughter stood
+weeping, holding Ronald's hand. "Good-bye, maiden. Do not forget me,
+Rothtraut!" He was gone, and a wailing cry burst from the lips of the
+unhappy girl.
+
+
+IV.
+
+To atone for many a wrong against Pope and Church, and also to fulfil
+a solemn vow, the Emperor Barbarossa started on a crusade in his old
+age. Many knights and heroes joined him, and his great army marched
+through several countries until they came to the Levant. Then they
+journeyed on to Syria where the great hero's career ended. Barbarossa
+was drowned, and the eyes of his followers turned to Henry, his son,
+as their leader. The latter, who became emperor under the name of
+Henry VI. was a very capable general; he was also a lover of music,
+and is said to have composed many a melody which remains with us to
+the present day.
+
+Many supposed that it was not the royal minstrel who composed the
+songs, but that they came from the hand of Ronald who was now as
+skilled with his sword as with his harp, and who had become a great
+favourite of the emperor. He was a powerful warrior, and had already
+overthrown many a Saracen. Once when the crusaders had gained a
+glorious victory, he composed a song in honour of it, and sang it
+himself on his harp. The song went the round of the camp, and the
+singer became a great friend of the emperor. But even such favour did
+not drive the shadow from Ronald's soul, and often when he was singing
+one of his most beautiful songs to Henry, he would suddenly break off
+and rush out of the tent in great grief. One day the emperor found out
+what he had long guessed, and made Ronald confess his story to him.
+
+Some days afterwards the crusaders began the storming of Acre, the
+impregnable fortress of the Saracens. Ronald was fighting by Henry's
+side. A Saracen dashed his falchion at the king's head, but Ronald
+with a mighty blow clove the infidel's skull in two. In the evening of
+the same day Henry called all his warriors together, and dubbed the
+brave champion knight with his own hand. Ronald of Harfenstein was to
+be his name, and a lyre lying on a falchion and a sword, were to be
+his arms. The emperor promised to build him a castle on the borders of
+the Rhine, which was to be called Harfeneck.
+
+Plague broke out in the camp, and many a gallant crusader fell victim
+to it. Among them was the emperor himself, whose death caused
+unspeakable grief to Ronald.
+
+
+V.
+
+One day a weary crusader was seen riding along the banks of the Rhine.
+Wherever he passed, the people asked him if it were true that
+Barbarossa was not drowned in the Holy Land, but was living in the
+Kyffhaeuser Mountain, and would soon come back to his own neglected
+kingdom. The crusader barely answered their questions, but urged on
+his tired steed along the Rhine. At last the silvery waters of the Ahr
+appeared before him, and he saw the gables of the castle. The rider
+joyously spurred on his horse, and rode up through the forest to the
+fortress where once he had sat on the drawbridge as a poor traveller.
+
+The late guest was ushered up to the lord of the castle.
+
+The knight, now a bent old man, rose from a melancholy reverie to
+greet the unknown stranger.
+
+"I am Ronald, and have become a knight through the grace of the
+Emperor Henry in the camp at Acre, and now I have come to win your
+daughter Rothtraut."
+
+"Win her from death, for it robbed me of her two months ago," said the
+proud lord of the castle, turning his head aside in deep grief. Then a
+despairing groan thrilled through the chamber. Harsh words passed
+between those two, one a man in his disconsolate sorrow, the other a
+repentant father.
+
+Ronald strode off to the lonely corner of the garden, and the newly
+dug up earth showed him the place where Rothtraut lay. There he
+remained late into the night, till darkness had surrounded him and
+black night had settled on his soul. Then he turned and went away,
+never to come back again.
+
+In the East whence the crusaders had now returned, everyone talked of
+the heroic deeds accomplished by Richard the Lion-hearted. The
+Saracens well knew the fearless leader and the German knight who
+fought at his side. Richard valued his bravery, even though he was
+still a young knight. He meant to make him one of his vassals when he
+returned to his own country. But his desire was never fulfilled, for
+the thrust of a hostile lance which he had so often escaped, pierced
+the knight's heart. So the minstrel of Neuenahr found a grave in the
+Holy Land; the race of Harfenstein became extinct with the first of
+the line, and the castle was never built.
+
+
+
+
+EIFEL
+
+The Arrow at Pruem
+
+
+It was in the little town of Pruem many a long year ago that Lothaire,
+the degenerate son of St. Louis, did penance for his sins. In the
+church belonging to the town there are two very ancient pictures; one
+of them represents a knight standing on a huge rock, shooting an
+arrow, while his wife and retinue are looking devoutedly towards
+heaven; the other represents a priest at an altar to whom an angel is
+bringing an arrow.
+
+Who is the knight?
+
+Who is the holy man?
+
+The knight is Nithard, noble lord of Guise, who lived in the north of
+France towards the end of the ninth century. No children having been
+born to his excellent wife Erkanfrida, the knight determined to leave
+his estate for some pious object.
+
+He meant to endow a cloister, where after their deaths, masses would
+be read for him and his spouse. But it was a difficult matter to
+select the most worthy from the many cloisters in the neighbourhood,
+and by the advice of a pious priest he resolved to leave the decision
+to Heaven.
+
+He fastened the document bequeathing his possessions to an arrow, and
+then set out for a great rock near the castle, accompanied by his wife
+and numerous followers.
+
+After a fervent prayer he shot the arrow skyward, and, so the pious
+story runs, it was borne by angel hands, till it came to Pruem--a
+journey of several days.
+
+Ansbald, the holy abbot of the cloister, was standing at the altar
+when the arrow fell at his feet. He read the document with
+astonishment and gratitude, and in a moved voice, announced its
+contents to the assembled congregation.
+
+Knight Nithard assigned his estate to the cloister, and from that time
+forth many pilgrims journeyed to Pruem to see the arrow which had been
+carried there by angel hands.
+
+The storms of many centuries have blown over those hallowed walls, but
+the pictures in the old church belonging to the abbey still remain,
+thus preserving the legend from oblivion.
+
+
+
+
+AACHEN
+
+The Building of the Minster
+
+
+[Illustration: Karl der Grosse--Nach dem Gemaelde von Albrecht Duerer]
+
+As Charlemagne, the mighty ruler of the Franks, rode one day from his
+stronghold at Aix-la-Chapelle into the surrounding forest, his horse
+is said to have suddenly trodden upon a spring. On touching the water,
+the animal drew its foot back neighing loudly as if in great pain.
+
+The rider's curiosity was aroused. He alighted, and dipping his hand
+into the spring, found to his surprise that the water was very hot.
+Thus Charlemagne, as the legend records, discovered the hot spring
+which was to become the salvation of many thousands of ill and infirm
+people.
+
+The pious emperor recognised in this healthgiving spring the kind gift
+of Providence, and he resolved to erect near the spot a house of God,
+the round shape of which should remind posterity of the horse's hoof.
+
+The building was soon begun, and Charlemagne saw with great
+satisfaction the walls of the new minster rising high into the air. He
+was not however destined to see its completion. When he died, he had
+to leave the great Empire of the West to a feeble son, Lewis the
+Pious. The latter was compelled to draw his sword against his own
+children in order to assure for himself the crown he had inherited.
+
+Many a great undertaking that Charlemagne had begun, remained
+unfinished.
+
+The building of the minster too was interrupted. The ground was left
+desolate, and the walls and towers were threatened with decay before
+they were finished.
+
+It was quite useless for the honourable magistrate of the town to
+apply for money to the charitable Christian inhabitants. Contributions
+came in very slowly, and were never sufficient to finish the church.
+
+The aldermen of Aix-la-Chapelle would very often seriously debate the
+question, and discuss how they could remedy the grievous lack of money
+and successfully effect the completion of the minster. They found
+however that good counsel was just as rare as building material.
+
+Once when they were met thus together, a stranger was announced who
+said he had most important news to communicate. He was allowed to
+enter the session room. After having duly saluted the Council, he said
+modestly but without any shyness, "Gentlemen, my business, in a word,
+is to offer you the money for the completion of the church." The
+worthy aldermen looked in wonder first at the speaker, then at each
+other.
+
+They silently agreed in the opinion that the man before them looked
+very suspicious in his quaint outlandish clothes and his sharp pointed
+beard.
+
+But the newcomer was not at all abashed by their suspicious looks. On
+the contrary he repeated politely but firmly his proposal, saying:
+"Honourable Sirs, I should like to help you out of your difficulty,
+and will advance you the necessary thousands without even wishing to
+be paid back."
+
+At this frank offer the councillors pricked up their ears and opened
+their eyes wide in astonishment. Before they could recover from their
+amazement, the stranger continued: "I know well, you are all far too
+proud to accept this great offer of mine without giving me a reward of
+some sort. Therefore I require a small compensation. I demand the
+first living being, body and soul, that enters the new minster on the
+inauguration day."
+
+On hearing this the honourable aldermen rose horrified from their
+seats. Many of them made the sign of the cross or uttered a short
+prayer, because nobody but the devil himself could require anything so
+monstrous.
+
+The eyes of the chairman shot a reproachful glance at the strange
+speaker, and he muttered between his teeth: "Be off! your words are
+giving offence."
+
+But Master Satan, the stranger, stood calmly in his place: "Sirs,"
+said he, "Let me answer you with a word from the scriptures, "Why are
+you so fearful, oh ye of little faith?" On the field of battle the
+sword mows down thousands of brave men. They fall often as victims to
+the ravening ambition of a single man. You can even see fathers
+fighting against their sons, brothers against their brothers, and
+nobody thinks it unjust. Now you cry out, when I only ask for one
+single living soul to be sacrificed for the welfare of the whole
+community."
+
+The eyes of the stranger looked round in triumphant joy when he had
+finished, for he read a favourable reply in the puzzled faces of the
+aldermen.
+
+Many of them at once gave up their scruples, and after a few minutes
+even the most cautious among them had no more objections to urge.
+
+The offer was closed with, and Master Satan left the Town Hall with a
+proud smile.
+
+The next day the council was again gathered together anxiously waiting
+for the promised sum.
+
+It arrived promptly, rightly weighed and in good honest coin.
+
+The joy of the aldermen was boundless.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Once more the workmen began the work of building the minster. They
+worked very busily as if to make up for the long interruption, and
+after three years the cathedral was finished.
+
+On the day when the new church was to be consecrated, a great festival
+was held in the town.
+
+The distinguished company, secular as well as clerical, who appeared
+at the inauguration ceremony, praised the magnificence of the minster,
+the great liberality of the citizens, and more than all, the wisdom of
+the Town Council.
+
+The aldermen listened to the general praise with pleasure, and
+accepted it as their due. They felt however bound to confess to each
+other that they did not feel easy when they thought of the
+inauguration day. None of them had spoken to anybody of Master Satan's
+condition.
+
+Only one of them, a henpecked fellow as malicious people said,
+confessed the whole transaction to his wife. It is needless to say
+that from that moment the whole town knew about the affair. On the
+important day of the consecration of the minster many venerable
+prelates, abbots, and monks, thousands of noble knights and lords who
+had come as guests, and the whole population of Aix-la-Chapelle looked
+forward to the fatal hour with beating hearts. It was a grand
+procession indeed that marched on in ceremonious solemnity through the
+streets. The gaily coloured flags waved merrily in the air, the
+trumpets and clarions sounded cheerily. The nobility and clergy were
+in their most gorgeous attire. On every side were the signs of joy and
+thanksgiving.
+
+But the hearts of the people were all oppressed, and many a sorrowful
+eye gazed at the morning sky, as if expecting to see Satan flying down
+with his bat-like wings.
+
+When the aldermen in their bright robes joined the procession, the
+general anxiety rose to the highest pitch.
+
+Before the worthy councillors a bulky cage was carried by four stout
+footmen. What was hidden under the covering nobody knew, but everybody
+felt sure that it contained the victim.
+
+When the procession reached the minster it stopped, the cage being
+carried foremost.
+
+At a sign from the mayor, one of the footmen quickly stripped off the
+cover and exposed to view a howling hideous wolf. Two of the men
+pushed the church door wide open with their long halberds, and the
+fourth pushed the wolf skilfully through the open door. A terrible
+noise arose suddenly within.
+
+The devil had been waiting for his spoil, as a tiger that watches for
+his prey.
+
+When the wolf entered the devil darted towards it, but seeing that it
+was only a beast he burst into a wild howl of rage.
+
+He wrung the poor wolf's neck with the quickness of lightning and
+disappeared suddenly, leaving nothing behind him but a strong smell of
+sulphur.
+
+A few minutes later the bells rang, and the whole magnificent
+procession thronged into the church, duly to celebrate its
+consecration.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+While divine service was being held in the new minster and hymns of
+praise and thanksgiving were offered at God's altar, the devil flew
+with horrible maledictions over the country.
+
+He swore an oath to punish with the utmost severity the population of
+Aix-la-Chapelle who had so cunningly outwitted him.
+
+In his flight he came to the sea-shore where he stopped a little, in
+order to consider how he could best destroy the town. As he looked at
+the sandy dunes the thought struck him, that he might bury the whole
+town with all its prelates and abbots under such a hill. With a mighty
+pull he tore one of the dunes from the shore, piled it on his
+shoulders, and flew rapidly towards the doomed city. But the way was
+much longer than Master Satan had thought. He began to perspire very
+freely under his unwonted burden, and when from time to time the wind
+blew a rain of loose sand into his eyes, he swore most horribly.
+
+In the valley of the Soers not far from Aix-la-Chapelle he was obliged
+to rest, as he was very tired after his exertions.
+
+While he was thus sitting by the wayside wiping his forehead and
+looking hot and weary, an old wrinkled woman came limping along, who
+looked with suspicion at the man and his strange burden.
+
+She wanted to pass by without saying a word, but the stranger stopped
+her and said: "How far is it from here to Aix-la-Chapelle?" The woman
+cast a sharp look at the speaker.
+
+As she had reached years of discretion, being now in her
+seventy-second year, she was shrewd enough to recognise in the man
+before her the very devil in person. She was also quite sure, that he
+must have some wicked plan in his head against the good town,
+Aix-la-Chapelle.
+
+Therefore assuming a very sad expression she answered in a complaining
+voice: "Kind sir, I am so sorry for you, the way to the town is still
+very long. Only look at my boots, they are quite worn from the long
+way, and yet I got them new from the shoemaker at Aix-la-Chapelle."
+
+Master Satan uttered something that sounded like a bitter curse. Then
+he shook off the sandy dune from his shoulders and flew away in a
+fury.
+
+The old woman was for a moment terror-stricken, but when she saw the
+fatal figure of the stranger disappearing, she was inexpressibly glad
+at having saved the town and outwitted the devil himself.
+
+If he had only looked a little more carefully he could have seen the
+tower of the new minster not a mile off.
+
+The sandy dune is still lying in the very same place where the devil
+dropped it. Its name is "Losberg" or "Ridmountain," so called because
+the town Aix-la-Chapelle got rid of a great danger.
+
+The memory of the poor wolf is also still preserved. Its image is
+engraved on the middle of the minster door, where you can also see the
+big cracks produced by the devil's hammering it in his impotent anger.
+
+
+
+
+The Ring of Fastrada
+
+
+This story too leads us back to the time of the great Emperor Charles,
+whose life has come down to us with a halo of glory.
+
+Charlemagne's favourite residence was Aix-la-Chapelle, but he also
+held court in Helvetia. His imperial stronghold stood on the shores of
+the Lake of Zuerich. In its neighbourhood there was a high pillar which
+the emperor had erected to mark the place where Felix and Regula had
+died as martyrs for the Christian faith. A small bell was attached to
+this monument, which everybody in distress and want might ring if they
+wanted relief. As often as Charles held his court in Zuerich he himself
+appeared at the pillar when the bell was rung, and listened to the
+complaints and petitions of his subjects.
+
+One day the sound of the bell was heard, yet nobody could be perceived
+near the pillar. On the following day about dinner-time the same thing
+happened, the bell rang, yet no one was there. The emperor, curious to
+know what this meant, commanded one of his pages to hide in the bushes
+behind the pillar.
+
+When mid-day approached the boy noticed that a serpent crept out of
+the sand, wriggled up to the pillar, and set the bell a-ringing. This
+astonishing fact was at once communicated to the emperor, who came
+without delay to the spot. He was very much surprised at seeing such
+an unusual applicant, but he said with great earnestness, "Every one
+who comes to me shall find justice, be it man or beast."
+
+The serpent bent low before the monarch, and then crept back into its
+den. Charlemagne followed, anxious to learn the reason of its strange
+behaviour. He was surprised when, on looking into the dark hole, he
+saw an ugly toad sitting on the serpent's eggs, and filling nearly the
+whole space with its hideous form.
+
+The emperor bade his attendants kill the intruder at once.
+
+In a short time Charlemagne had nearly forgotten the strange incident.
+
+But one day when he was sitting at dinner the serpent unexpectedly
+entered the hall, and crept up to the emperor's seat. Bowing low three
+times it lifted its head and dropped a precious stone into the
+emperor's goblet. It then disappeared as quickly as it had come.
+
+Charlemagne took the stone out of the cup, and saw to his amazement
+that it was a precious diamond. He ordered it to be mounted in a
+golden ring, which he presented to his well-beloved wife, Fastrada.
+
+The jewel possessed a wonderful quality. Fastrada had always been
+loved tenderly by her imperial husband, but after the diamond ring
+adorned her slender finger, a sweet charm seemed to bind her still
+more strongly to him.
+
+To many people this great love of the emperor for his wife seemed too
+absorbing, almost superhuman, and when death ruthlessly snatched her
+from the side of Charlemagne, everybody believed that it was a
+judgment from heaven.
+
+The monarch was inconsolable at this great bereavement. He spent days
+and nights in unspeakable grief by her corpse. The rumour was, that
+his sorrow was so intense that he refused to permit the remains of his
+wife to be duly buried. The charm the living Fastrada had exercised
+over him seemed to linger even after her death.
+
+The Archbishop of Rheims, the pious Turpin, heard of the emperor's
+sorrow, and he offered fervent prayers to God for help. Soon
+afterwards he had a strange dream. He saw the wonderful ring on
+Fastrada's finger glittering with a thousand lovely colours and
+surrounding the emperor with a magic light. The bishop was now sure
+that the precious stone was the cause of the superhuman love the
+emperor bore to his wife.
+
+On the following day before sunrise Turpin, the venerable old bishop,
+got up and went into the room where Charlemagne had again spent a
+night in bitter grief by the remains of his beloved wife. He was
+kneeling by the uncovered bier in fervent prayer when the bishop
+entered. Turpin went straight up to the body, and making the sign of
+the cross he took the cold waxen hand of Fastrada for a moment in
+his. Without being observed by the mourning emperor, he slipped the
+enchanted ring gently from her finger. As he had guessed the emperor
+at once rose, and kneeling down before the bishop, kissed his hand in
+adoration. Then he rose and bade Turpin have the remains of his wife
+buried that same day. So it happened that Fastrada's remains were
+brought to their last resting place in the Church of St. Albans at
+Mayence.
+
+From that time the emperor was attached with rare devotion to the old
+Archbishop of Rheims.
+
+He would not allow him to leave his side, but requested that Turpin
+should always live near him. The pious man was also nominated first
+councillor of the Empire.
+
+Turpin used his high position only for the welfare of the empire, and
+did a great many good works.
+
+Sometimes however he felt a pang of regret at the manner in which he
+had acquired the high favour of his lord, and it seemed to him very
+unfair.
+
+Once when he accompanied the monarch on one of his journeys in Western
+Germany, he threw the ring into a spring from which it could never
+more be brought up again.
+
+From that moment Charlemagne felt himself irresistibly drawn to that
+particular part of his extensive dominions.
+
+He erected a stronghold there, and a flourishing township soon
+surrounded this palace. Later on it was called Aix-la-Chapelle, and
+became the favourite residence of the great emperor.
+
+Within its walls he liked best to rest from the burden of affairs of
+State, and sometimes the old ruler could be seen sitting by the margin
+of the spring in which Fastrada's ring lay buried, recalling the sweet
+memories of past days.
+
+
+
+
+ROLANDSECK
+
+Knight Roland
+
+
+[Illustration: Roland in der Schlacht von Roncevalles--Nach dem Gemaelde
+von A. Guesnet]
+
+
+I.
+
+The Emperor Charlemagne was surrounded by a circle of proud knights,
+the flower of whom was Count Roland of Angers, nephew of the King of
+the Franks. The name of no knight was so famous in battle and in
+tournaments as his. Helpless innocency adored him, his friends
+admired, and his enemies esteemed him. His chivalrous spirit had no
+love for the luxuries of life, and scorning to remain inactive at the
+emperor's court, he went to his imperial uncle, begging leave to go
+and travel in those countries of the mighty kingdom of the Franks,
+which up to that time were unknown to him. In his youthful fervour he
+longed for adventures and dangers. The emperor was much grieved to
+part with the brave knight, however, he willingly complied with his
+request.
+
+One day early in the morning the gallant hero left his uncle's palace
+near the Seine, and rode towards the Vosges Mountains, accompanied by
+his faithful squire. The first object of his journey was castle
+Niedeck near Haslach, and from there he visited Attic, Duke of Alsace.
+
+He continued his travels, and one evening as he was riding through
+the mountains, the glittering waters of the Rhine, washing both sides
+of the plain, greeted him. The river in that part of the country
+offered him few charms in its savage wildness, but he knew that the
+scenery would soon change. He moved on down the Rhine to where a
+gigantic mountain shuts the rushing current into a narrow space. Its
+foot stands chained in the floods, which only in places retire a
+little, thus leaving the poor folk a narrow stretch of land.
+
+On the heights there were proud castles, telling the wanderer below of
+the fame of their illustrious races. Thus Roland made many a long
+journey on his adventurous course down the Rhine. He passed many a
+place rich in old memories: the Lorelei Rock, where the water nymph
+sang at night: the cheerful little spot where St. Goar lived and
+worked at the time of Childebert, the Merovingian, (that wonderful
+saint who once spread a fog over his imperial uncle, compelling him to
+pass the night in the open air, because his Majesty, while journeying
+from Ingelheim to Coblenz had neglected to bend his knee in his
+chapel) and the green meadows near Andernach, where Genovefa, wife of
+Palatine Count Siegfried lived. And now Roland neared the place where
+the stream reaches the end of the Rhine Valley, and where the seven
+giants are to be seen, the summit of one of which is crowned with a
+castle; there they stand like the seven knights who in later times
+stood weeping round the holy remains of the German emperor.
+
+A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The setting sun threw a
+golden light over the hills. On the sides of the mountains there were
+numberless vineyards, to the left, hedges of beeches ascending to the
+heights of the rugged summits, to the right, the murmur of the
+rippling waters, and above, visible among the legendary rocks where
+once a terrible beast lived, the pinnacles of a knight's castle, and
+over all, the heavens clothed with a garment of silver stars.
+
+The knight paused in silence; his glance rested admiringly on the
+beautiful picture. His steed pawed the ground uneasily with his
+bronze-shod hoofs, and his faithful squire looked anxiously at the
+darkening sky. He reminded his master modestly that it was time to
+seek shelter for the night.
+
+"I should like to beg for it up there," said Roland dreamingly, an
+inexplicable feeling of sweet sadness coming over him for the first
+time. He bade his squire ask the boatman who was putting out his
+little bark to cross the river, what was the name of the castle? The
+castle was the Drachenburg, where Count Heribert sojourned sometimes.
+Thus ran the answer which pleased Roland very much. He had been
+charged with many greetings and messages to the old count at the
+Drachenburg from his friends living near the upper Rhine. Roland now
+hesitated no longer, and soon a boat was ploughing the dark waves.
+
+
+II.
+
+In the meantime night had come on. The full moon's soft beams showed
+them their way through the dark forest. Count Heribert, a worthy
+knight in the flower of his age, bade the nephew of his imperial
+master heartily welcome to his castle. Far past midnight they stayed
+in the count's chambers, engaged in entertaining conversation.
+
+The next day Count Heribert presented his daughter Hildegunde to the
+knight. Roland's eyes, full of admiration, rested on the blushing
+young maiden. Never before had the charms of a woman awakened any deep
+feeling in his heart; he had only thirsted after glory and deeds of
+daring, after tournaments and feuds. Now the bold champion was struck
+with a shaft from the quiver of love. He who had opposed the dreaded
+adversary so often, now bowed his fearless head in almost girlish
+confusion before Hildegunde's charms. She, too, stood crimsoning
+deeply before the celebrated hero whose name was famous, and who was
+beloved in all the country round.
+
+The old knight broke up the scene of embarrassing silence between the
+youthful couple with gay laughing words, and conducted his guest
+through the high halls of his castle.
+
+Roland tarried longer at the friendly castle than he had ever done
+before in any other place in the country. He seemed bound to the
+blissful spot by love's indissoluble chains, and so it happened that
+one day these two found themselves, hand in hand, the deep love in
+their hearts rushing forth in ardent words. Count Heribert bestowed
+his lovely daughter very willingly on the celebrated knight, his only
+desire being to complete the happiness of his child whom he loved so
+dearly. A castle should be erected for her on the heights of the rocks
+on the other side of the Rhine, opposite the Drachenburg, and this
+proud fort on the rugged rocky corner of the mountain, should be a
+watch-tower for the glorious Seven Mountains and their castle. In
+later times it became the famous Rolandseck. Soon the walls could be
+seen raising themselves up, and every day the lovers stood on the
+balcony of the Drachenburg looking across, where industrious workmen
+and masons were busily toiling. Hildegunde began to weave sweet dreams
+of the future round her new home, where she meant to chain the
+adventurous hero with true love.
+
+But one day a messenger appeared at the Drachenburg on a horse white
+with foam. He was sent by Charlemagne and brought the tidings of a
+crusade which the emperor had decreed against the Infidels beyond the
+Pyrenees. Charlemagne desired to have the famous knight among the
+leaders of his army. Roland received the message of his great master
+in silence. He looked at Hildegunde who with a death-like face was
+standing beside him. Grief stabbed cruelly at his heart, but he must
+obey the call of honour and duty, and, informing the royal messenger
+that he would arrive at the imperial camp in three days, he turned
+sorrowfully away, Hildegunde sobbing at his side.
+
+
+III.
+
+The cross and the half-moon were fighting furiously for the upper hand
+in Spain. Terrible battles were fought, and much blood flowed from
+both Christians and Infidels. Bloody victories were gained by the
+emperor's brave knights, the chief of whom was Roland. His sword
+forced a triumphant way for Charlemagne, it guarded his army, passing
+victoriously through the unknown country of the enemies. But the sad
+day of Ronceval, so often sung by German and other poets was yet to
+come. Separated from the main body of the army, Roland's brave
+rearguard was making its way through the dusky forest. Suddenly wild
+shouts sounded from the heights, and the cowardly Moor pressed down on
+the little band, threatening them with destruction. But the noble
+Franks fought like lions. Roland's charger, Brilliador, flew now here,
+now there, and many a Saracen was hewn down by its noble rider's
+sword, Durant. But numbers conquer bravery. The little army of Franks
+became less and less, and at last Roland sank, struck by the lance of
+a gigantic Moor. The combat continued furiously round him. When night
+spread mournfully over the battle-field, the Infidels had already done
+their terrible work. The Franks lay dead; only a few had escaped from
+the slaughter.
+
+"Where is Roland?" was the frightened cry from pale lips. He was not
+among the saved. "Where is Roland?" asked Charlemagne anxiously of the
+messengers. Through the whole kingdom their answers seemed to
+resound, Roland the hero had fallen in battle fighting against the
+Saracens; wherever this cry was heard, it awakened deep sorrow.
+
+The news soon spread as far as the Rhine, and one day the imperial
+messengers appeared at the Drachenburg, bringing the sad tidings and
+the deepest sympathy of the emperor. Heribert sighed deeply on hearing
+the news and covered his eyes with his hands; Hildegunde's grief was
+heart-breaking. Before the altar of the Queen of sorrows she lay
+sobbing her heart out, imploring for comfort in her great need. For
+days on end she shut herself up in her little bower, and even her
+father's gentle sympathy could not assuage her bitter grief.
+
+Weeks passed. Then one day the pale maiden entered the knight's
+chamber, her grief quite transfigured. He drew her softly towards him,
+and then she revealed the resolution which was in her heart. Count
+Heribert was overwhelmed with grief, but he pressed a loving kiss on
+her pure forehead.
+
+The day came, when down below on the island Nonnenwert, the convent
+bells rang solemnly. A new novice, Count Heribert's lovely daughter,
+knelt before the altar. In the holy stillness of the convent she
+sought the peace which she could not find in the castle of her father.
+With a last great convulsive sob she had torn her lover's name from
+her heart, had quenched the flame of sorrowing love for him, and now
+her soul was to be filled ever with the holy fire of the love of God.
+In vain her afflicted father hoped that the unaccustomed loneliness
+of the convent would shake her resolution, and that when the first
+year's trial was over, she would return to him. But no! the pious
+young maiden fervently begged the bishop, who was a relation of her
+father, to release her from the year's trial and to allow her after a
+short time to take her final vows. Her longing desire was fulfilled.
+After a month Hildegunde's golden locks were no more, and the lovely
+daughter of the Drachenburg was dedicated to the Lord forever.
+
+
+IV.
+
+Time rolled on. Spring had vanished and the sheaves were ripening in
+the fields. Where the river reaches the end of the Rhine valley
+crowned by the Seven Giants, a knight with his horse stopped to rest.
+Far away in the south, where the valley of Ronceval lies bathed in
+sunshine, he had lain in the hut of a poor herd. There the faithful
+squire had dragged his master pierced by a Moorish lance. The bold
+hero and leader had remained for weeks and months on his sick-bed
+struggling with death, till the force of his iron nature had at last
+conquered. Roland was recovering under loving care, while they were
+mourning him as dead in the land of the Franks. Then having recovered,
+he hurried back to the Rhine urged by an irresistible longing.
+
+A wooded island lay in the deep-blue waters. The setting sun threw a
+golden light over the hills; numberless vineyards flanked the
+mountains, hedges of beeches were on one side, the murmur of waters
+on the other, and above the pinnacles of a knight's castle among the
+legendary rocks where once a terrible beast lived, over all the
+heavens clothed with a garment of silver stars.
+
+Silently the knight paused, his glance resting admiringly on the
+beautiful picture. Now as in months before an inexplicable feeling of
+sweet sadness came over the dreamer.
+
+"Hildegunde!" murmured Roland, glancing up at the starry heavens.
+Again as formerly a boatman rowed across the stream, and Roland soon
+was striding through the forest towards the Drachenburg, accompanied
+by his faithful squire.
+
+The old watchman at the castle stared at the late guest, and crossing
+himself, he rushed up to the chambers of his master. A man's figure,
+bent with age and sorrow, tottered forward. "Roland!" he gasped forth.
+The knight supported the broken-down old man in his arms. When Roland
+had departed long ago, his grief had found no tears; now they flowed
+abundantly down his cheeks.
+
+The knight tore himself from the other's arms. "Where is she?" he
+asked in a hoarse voice, "dead?" Count Heribert looked at him with
+unspeakable sorrow. "Hildegunde, bride of Roland whom they supposed
+dead, is now a bride of Heaven."
+
+The hero groaned aloud, covering his face with his hands.
+
+In spring he left the Drachenburg and went to the castle on the rocky
+corner, and there he laid down his arms for ever; his thirst for
+action was quenched. Day by day he sat over there, looking silently
+down on the green island in the Rhine, where the nun, Hildegunde,
+wandered about among the flowers in the convent garden every morning.
+Sometimes indeed it seemed that she bowed kindly to him, then the
+knight's face would be lighted up with a gleam of his old happiness.
+
+But even this joy was taken from him. One day his beloved did not
+appear; and soon the death-bell tolled sorrowfully over the island. He
+saw a coffin which they were carrying to its last resting-place, and
+he heard the nuns chanting the service for the dead, he saw them all,
+only one was wanting ... then he covered his face. He knew whom they
+were carrying to the grave.
+
+Autumn came, withering the fresh green on Hildegunde's tomb. But
+Roland still kept his watch, gazing motionlessly at the little
+churchyard, and one day his squire found him there, cold and dead, his
+half-closed eyes turned towards the place where his loved one was
+sleeping.
+
+For many a century the proud castle which they called Rolandseck,
+crowned the mountain. Then it fell into ruins, like the mighty
+Drachenburg, the tower of which is still standing. Fifty years ago the
+last arches of Roland's castle were blown down one stormy night, but
+later on they were built up again in memory of this tale of true and
+faithful love in the olden times.
+
+
+
+
+SIEBENGEBIRGE
+
+The Drachenfels
+
+
+I.
+
+When the wanderer has left the "city of the Muses," Bonn, he perceives
+to the left the mighty summits of the Seven Mountains. The rocky point
+of one of these hills is still crowned by the tower and walls of an
+old knight's Castle. A most touching legend is related of the mountain
+with the terrible name.
+
+In the first centuries after the birth of the world's Redeemer, the
+Germans on the left side of the Rhine accepted willingly the doctrines
+of the Cross; Maternus, a disciple of the great Apostle, had brought
+them over from Gaul. At first the pious messenger of Christ worked
+among the heathen tribes in vain. They persisted in their paganism,
+and even prevented the priests from coming into their country.
+
+At that time there was a terrible dragon living in the hollow of the
+rock which even now is called the Dragon's hole. He was of a hideous
+form, and every day he used to leave his den and rage through the
+forests and valleys, threatening men and animals. Human strength was
+powerless against this monster; the people thought that an angry deity
+had his abode in this terrible beast, so they bestowed godlike honours
+on him, sacrificing criminals and prisoners to him.
+
+A tribe of heathens lived at the foot of the mountain. These men,
+desirous of war, often made raids on the neighbouring countries,
+carrying fire and sword among their Christian brothers. They once
+crossed the water, plundering the land and making prisoners of the
+people. Among the latter there was one most lovely maiden, whose
+beauty and grace inflamed two of the leaders so much, that each of
+them desired to have her for himself. One was called Horsrik the
+Elder, a famous chieftain, known to have the strength of a bear and
+the wildness of a tiger; the other, Rinbold, of a less rough nature,
+but of equal bravery.
+
+The beautiful maiden turned aside shuddering when she saw the two
+chiefs' glaring eyes, contending for possession of her. All round were
+their men intoxicated with victory. The struggle for the Christian
+maid affected the two leaders more than the division of the booty.
+Soon the angry words of the two opponents found an echo in the hearts
+of the men standing round.
+
+Horsrik, the much-feared fighter, claimed her, and was received with
+cheers. Rinbold, the proud young chieftain, claimed her also,--great
+applause greeted him. The former glared sternly, grasping his club in
+a threatening manner. The high-priest, an old man with silver-white
+hair and stern features, stepped in between the two combatants, and in
+a voice surging with anger he said:
+
+"Cursed be every dissension for the possession of this stranger! A
+Christian must not disunite the noblest of our tribe. A daughter of
+those we hate, she shall fall to nobody's share. She, the author of
+so much strife, shall be sacrificed to the Dragon, and shall be
+dedicated to Woden's honour at the next rising of the sun."
+
+The men murmured applause, Horsrik more than the rest. The maiden held
+her head upright. Rinbold, the proud young chieftain, looked
+sorrowfully at her angel-like face.
+
+
+II.
+
+Early the following day before the sun had poured his bright beams on
+the earth, the valley showed signs of life. Through the dusk of the
+forest a noisy procession moved upwards towards the highest point, the
+priest in the middle, behind him the prisoner, pale but resolute.
+Silently, for her Lord's sake, she had allowed the priest to bind her
+forehead as a victim, and to place consecrated flowers in her loose
+flowing hair. Many a sympathetic look from the crowd had been cast at
+the steadfast maiden. The young chieftain was stricken with pain at
+the sight of her death-like countenance.
+
+There stood the projecting rock which had often been dishonoured by
+human blood. The fanatical priests wound ropes round the maiden's
+body, and then tied her to St. Woden's tree which overhung the
+precipice. No complaint escaped the Christian's white lips, no tears
+glistened in her eyes which were glancing up at the morning sky. The
+throng of people moved off, waiting silently in the distance to see
+what would happen.
+
+The first rays of the sun streamed over the mountain; they lighted up
+the wreath of flowers in the maiden's hair, playing about her lovely
+face, and crowning it with glory. The Christian maid was awaiting
+death, as a bride awaits her bridegroom, her lips moving slightly as
+in prayer.
+
+A gloomy sound came up from the depths. The Dragon started from his
+den, spitting fire on his path. He cast a look at his victim there on
+the spot which his blood-thirsty maw knew so well. He raised his scaly
+body, thus letting his sharp claws be more visible, moved his snaky
+tail in a circle, and showed his gaping mouth. Snorting the monster
+crawled along, shooting flames out of his bloodshot eyes.
+
+A shudder of death crept over the maiden at the sight of this awful
+beast. Tremblingly she tore a sparkling golden crucifix from her
+breast, held it towards the monster piteously, and called on her Lord
+in a heart-rending voice. Wonder of wonders! Raising himself, as if
+struck by lightning, the monster turned, dashing himself backwards
+over the jagged stones into the waters below, and disappearing in the
+river among the falling rocks.
+
+Wondering cries arose from the waiting heathens. Astonishment and
+wonder were depicted on every face. In quiet submission, her eyes
+half-closed, the maiden stood praying to Him who had saved her. The
+cords fell from her sides; two strong arms caught her and carried her
+into the midst of the astonished crowd. She raised her eyes and
+perceived the younger of the two chieftains. His rough warlike hand
+had seized hers. The young man bent his knee as if to a heavenly
+being, and touched her white fingers with his lips. Loud applause
+greeted him on all sides.
+
+The old priest came forward, the people waiting in great expectation.
+"Who had saved her from certain destruction? Who was the God who so
+visibly aided His own?" asked he solemnly of the Christian. With
+bright eyes the maiden answered triumphantly:
+
+"This picture of Christ has crushed the Dragon and saved me. The
+salvation of the world and the welfare of man lies in Him." The priest
+glanced at the crucifix with reverent awe.
+
+"May it soon lighten your spirit and those of all these people round,"
+said the maiden earnestly. "It will reveal greater wonders than this
+to you, for our God is great."
+
+The maiden and all the other prisoners were conducted back to their
+own country. But the former soon returned again, accompanied by a
+Christian priest. The voice of truth and innocence worked wonders in
+the hearts of the heathens. Thousands were converted and baptized. The
+old priest and Rinbold were the first who bowed their heads in
+submission to the new doctrine. Great rejoicings were held among the
+tribe when the maiden gave her hand to the young chieftain. A
+Christian temple was erected in the valley, and a splendid castle was
+built on the summit of the rocks for the newly-married couple. For
+about ten centuries their descendants flourished there, a very
+powerful race in the Rhine countries.
+
+
+
+
+The Monk of Heisterbach
+
+
+In olden times in a lovely valley near the Seven Mountains, stood a
+cloister called Heisterbach. Even now parts of the walls of this old
+monastery remain, and it was not by the hand of time, but by the
+barbarism of foolish warfare, that its halls fell into ruins. The
+monks were driven away, the abbey was pulled down, and the stones were
+used for the building of a fortress.
+
+Since that time, so the country folk relate, the spirits of the
+banished monks wander nightly among the ruins, raising mute
+accusations against their persecutors and the destroyers of their
+cells. Among them there was one, Gebhard, the last Prior of
+Heisterbach, who now, they say, wanders about the graves of the monks,
+and also haunts the burial-places of the Masters of Loewenburg and
+Drachenburg.
+
+In the Middle Ages the monks of Heisterbach were very famous. Many a
+rare copy of the Holy Scriptures, many a highly learned piece of
+writing was sent out into the world from this hermitage, telling of
+the industry and learning of the pious monks.
+
+There was one brother, still young in years, who distinguished himself
+by his learning. He was looked up to by all the other brethren, and
+even the gray-haired Father Prior had recourse to his stores of
+knowledge. But the poisonous worm of doubt began to gnaw at his soul;
+the mirror of his faith was blurred by his deep meditations. His keen
+eye would often wander over the faded parchment on which the living
+word of God was written, while his childlike believing heart, humbly
+submitting itself, would lamentingly cry out, "Lord, I believe, help
+Thou mine unbelief!" Like a ghost his restless doubts would hover
+about him, making his soul the scene of tormenting struggle.
+
+One night with flushed face he had been meditating over a parchment.
+At daybreak he still remained engrossed in his thoughts. The morning
+sun threw his bright rays over the heavens, casting playful beams on
+the written roll in the monk's hands.
+
+But he saw them not, his thoughts were wholly taken up by a passage
+which for months past had ever been hidden to him and had been the
+constant subject of his reflections, "A thousand years are but as a
+day in Thy sight."
+
+His brain had already long tormented itself over the obscure words of
+the Psalmist, and with a great effort he had striven to blot it out of
+his memory, and now the words danced again before his weary eyes,
+growing larger and larger. Those confusing black signs seemed to
+become a sneering doubt hovering round him: "A thousand years are but
+as a day in Thy sight."
+
+He tore himself away from the silent cell, seeking the cool solitude
+of the cloister-gardens. There with a heavy heart he paced the paths,
+torturing himself with horrid doubts.
+
+His eyes were fixed on the ground, his mind was far away from the
+peaceful garden, and without being aware of what he was doing, he left
+the cloister-gardens and wandered out into the neighbouring forest.
+The birds in the trees greeted him cordially, the flowers opened their
+eyes at his approach; but the wretched man heard and saw nothing but
+the words: "A thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight."
+
+His wandering steps grew feeble, his feverish brain weary from want of
+sleep. Then the monk sank down on a stone, and laid his troubled head
+against a tree.
+
+A sweet, peaceful dream stole over his spirit. He found himself in
+spheres glowing with light; the waters of Eternity were rushing round
+the throne of the Most High; creation appeared and praised His works,
+and Heaven extolled their glory; from the worm in the dust, which no
+earthly being has been able to create, to the eagle soaring above the
+heights of the earth: from the grain of sand on the sea-shore, to the
+gigantic crater, which, at the Lord's command, vomits fire out of its
+throat which has been closed for thousands of years: they all spoke
+with one voice which is not heard by the haughty, being only manifest
+and comprehensible to the humble. These were the words of Him who
+created them, be it in six days or in six thousand years, "A thousand
+years are but as a day in Thy sight."
+
+With a slight shudder the monk opened his eyes.
+
+"I believe Lord! help Thou my unbelief," murmured he, taking heart.
+
+The bell sounded in the distance. They were ringing for vespers;
+sunset was already gleaming through the forest.
+
+The monk hastily turned towards the cloister. The chapel was lighted
+up, and through the half-opened door he could see the brothers in
+their stalls. He hurried noiselessly to his place, but to his
+astonishment he found that another monk was there; he touched him
+lightly on the shoulder, and strange to tell, the man he saw was
+unknown to him. The brothers, now one, now another, raised their heads
+and looked in silent questioning at the new comer.
+
+A peculiar feeling seized the poor monk, who saw only strange faces
+round him. Growing pale, he waited till the singing was over. Confused
+questions seemed to pass along the rows.
+
+The Prior, a dignified old man with snow-white hair, approached.
+
+"What is your name, strange brother?" asked he in a gentle, kind tone.
+The monk was filled with dismay. "Maurus," murmured he in a trembling
+voice. "St. Bernhard was the Abbot who received my vows, in the sixth
+year of the reign of King Conrad, whom they called the Frank."
+
+Incredulous astonishment was depicted on the brothers' countenances.
+
+The monk raised his face to the old Prior and confessed to him how he
+had wandered out in the early morning into the cloister-gardens, how
+he had fallen asleep in the forest, and had not wakened till the bell
+for vespers sounded.
+
+The Prior made a sign to one of the brothers. Then turning to the monk
+he said: "It is almost three hundred years since the death of St.
+Bernhard and of Conrad, whom they called the Frank."
+
+The cloister annals were brought; and it was there found that three
+hundred years had passed since the days of St. Bernhard. The Prior
+also read the following note.
+
+"A doubter disappeared one day from the cloister, and no one ever knew
+what became of him."
+
+A shudder ran through the monk's limbs. This was he, this brother
+Maurus who had now come back to the cloister after three hundred
+years! What the Prior had read sounded in his ears as if it were the
+trumpet of the Last Judgment. Three hundred years!
+
+With wide-open eyes he gazed before him, then stretched forth his
+hands as if seeking for help. The brothers supported him, observing
+him at the same time with secret dismay; his face had become ashy
+pale, like that of a dying person, the narrow circle of hair on his
+head had become snow-white.
+
+"My brothers," murmured he in a dying voice, "value the imperishable
+word of the Lord at all times, and never try to fathom what he in His
+wisdom has veiled from us. May my example never be blotted out of your
+memory. Only to-day the words of the Psalmist were revealed to me. 'A
+thousand years are but as a day in Thy sight.' May he have mercy on
+me, a poor sinner." He sank lifeless to the ground, and the brothers,
+greatly moved, repeated the prayers for the dead over his body.
+
+
+
+
+The Origin of the Seven Mountains
+
+
+In olden times the Rhine flowed into a deep mighty lake above the town
+of Koenigswinter. Those who then lived near the Eifel Mountains or on
+the heights of the Westerwald, were in constant fear of these swelling
+waters which often overflowed, causing great destruction in the
+country. They began to consider that some great saviour was necessary,
+and sent a messenger into the country of the Giants, begging some of
+them to come down and bore through the mountain, which prevented the
+waters from flowing onward. They would receive valuable presents as a
+recompense.
+
+So one day seven giants arrived in their country bringing enormous
+spades with them, and with a few good strokes of their tools, they
+made a gap in the mountain so that in a few days the water washed
+through the gap which visibly became larger. At last the river
+streamed through in torrents. The lake gradually dried up and
+completely disappeared, and the liberated Rhine flowed majestically
+towards the plain.
+
+The Giants looked at their work with satisfaction. The grateful folk
+brought them rich treasures, which they had taken out of the mines.
+Having divided them fraternally, the Giants shouldered their spades
+and went their way. These heaps of rocky ground which they had dug out
+were so great, that ever since they have been called the Seven
+Mountains, and will remain there until the Giants come again and sweep
+them away.
+
+
+
+
+The Nightingale Valley at Honnef
+
+
+Honnef is one of the most lovely little spots on the earth, nestling
+sweetly at the foot of the old Drachenfels. The mountain protects it
+from the icy winds of the north, and the breezes blow gently in the
+valley, which may be called the German Nice.
+
+When the setting sun reminds the wanderer on the Drachenfels of coming
+darkness, and he strolls down through the valley of Honnef, the songs
+of numerous nightingales sound in his ears. This has been the
+meeting-place of these songsters for many a long year, and there is an
+old legend which gives us the reason.
+
+There was a time when they used to sing in the forest round the old
+Abbey Himmerode, as they now do in the valley of Honnef.
+
+The pious monks, walking about in the cloister gardens in holy
+contemplation heard their seductive songs: the penitents in their
+cells, mortifying the flesh heard them also. Their alluring warble
+mingled itself with their murmured prayers; and in the heart of many a
+monk, who had long since renounced the world and its pleasures, the
+remembrance of them was gently awakened, and sweet sinful things were
+whispered into the holy brother's ears.
+
+Then one day it happened that St. Bernhard came to the Abbey
+Himmerode, to examine the brother's hearts. He was greatly distressed
+to find that many a holy soul had turned from the path of peace, and
+the cause of this also became known to him. In a violent passion the
+holy man strode out into the forest surrounding the cloister, and
+raising his hand angrily towards the seductive singers, he cried.
+
+"Go from here! Ye are a curse to us." St. Bernhard had spoken
+threateningly, and lo! with a great stir in the branches, a throng of
+numberless nightingales rose from the bushes, filled the forest once
+more with their glorious song, and fled with a great flapping of
+wings.
+
+They settled down in the valley of Honnef, and no excommunication has
+driven them from there. Those who wander there are not averse to the
+pleasures of the world like St. Bernhard, and every one after his own
+manner reads a different meaning in their song.
+
+
+
+
+GODESBERG
+
+The High Cross at Godesberg
+
+
+If you walk on the high road between Bonn and Godesberg which is not
+far distant, you perceive on the left side, shimmering white amid the
+green woodland, a high pillar crowned with a cross known as the "High
+Cross."
+
+It is a pleasing sight to him who passes by on a bright day; but in
+the twilight its glaring white contrasting so sharply with the dark
+back ground, makes a dismal impression on him, which is still more
+enhanced by the legend told about it.
+
+The story leads us back to the time when instead of the grey ruins, a
+proud stronghold near Godesberg looked down into the wonderful valley
+of the Rhine. An old knight lived there, who was well known far and
+near for his bravery and generosity. His beloved wife had died,
+leaving him two sons.
+
+The elder was the very image of his mother in body and mind; he had
+gentle childlike manners, and it was therefore natural that the
+father's eye rested with more pleasure on him than on the younger son
+who was very daring, and in spite of his youth had already gone after
+strange, and not always honourable adventures. Yet the old father did
+not grieve much on his account, hoping that the sooner the reckless
+youth emptied his cup of pleasure, the sooner he would come to the
+bitter dregs. Then like others he would surely become more serious,
+and would yet fulfil the longing desire of his late mother. She had
+fervently wished to see him when a man adorned with St. Mathern's
+ring, which the bishops of Cologne wore, while Erich, the elder,
+should become lord of Godesberg Castle.
+
+The father's thoughts lingered with pleasure on the pleasant prospects
+of his sons' future. He sent up many a fervent prayer to heaven for
+the fulfilment of his desires, well knowing that the spirit of his
+beloved wife supported him at the throne of the Almighty with her own
+supplications.
+
+The old knight often spoke to his younger son about his vocation in
+life, but always observed with disappointment that his son avoided any
+allusion to the subject.
+
+When the father felt his death approaching, he imparted once more his
+wish to his two sons, that the elder should become master of the
+castle, and the younger, bishop of Cologne. With a blessing for them
+on his lips, he closed his eyes for ever.
+
+His death was sincerely deplored by all the poor people of the
+neighbourhood.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Some time after the two brothers sat as usual in the high
+banqueting-hall of Godesberg. It was a very dismal meal, for they sat
+opposite to each other, the elder with reproachful looks, the younger
+with knitted brows.
+
+"I only took what the ancient law of my fathers bestowed upon me,"
+said the elder mildly but firmly, in answer to some harsh words of his
+companion. "I am not master, but only manager of the family
+possessions. All our ancestors whose pictures look down on us in this
+hall would curse me, if I did not take good care of their legacy. But
+you, my dear brother, will receive a higher gift than a castle. You,
+the offspring of a noble race, shall become a worthy servant of our
+Saviour."
+
+"Never!" burst forth the younger one in passionate eloquence "never
+will I bow my neck to an unjust law that compels one to take up arms,
+and another meekly to accept a monk's cassock. If they offered me now
+a bishop's ring or a cardinal's hat, I would not become a priest, I
+shall remain a knight."
+
+The elder brother listened sorrowfully to this headstrong speech. "May
+God, whom you thus blaspheme, enlighten your dark heart. I would
+willingly share with you whatever I possess, but our father's will
+forbids it. Therefore bend your proud neck humbly, and beware of the
+judgment that will fall on him who despises the will of his dying
+father."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Hunting horns and trumpets sounded through the green forest which
+extended at that time from the town of Godesberg to the gates of Bonn.
+This huge wood abounded in noble game.
+
+The two brothers were indulging together in the pleasures of the
+chase, as they had done so often in their father's life-time. Count
+Erich had gladly accepted his brother's invitation to accompany him.
+
+He was only too glad to see how his dark mood had changed in the last
+few days and given way to greater cheerfulness. It appeared to Lord
+Erich as if his brother had come to reason, and after all had made up
+his mind to fulfil their parents' wish. He believed all the more in
+the happy change when he heard that his brother intended presenting
+himself to the Archbishop of Cologne, in order to deliver a letter of
+great importance from his late father to him.
+
+Count Erich's heart was glad. He roamed joyfully through the forest,
+and his gladness seemed to increase his good luck in the sport.
+Several gigantic boars were pierced through by a spear sent from his
+hand. A deer also met with a similar doom.
+
+The younger brother's success was on the contrary very meagre. His
+hand was unsteady and his whole bearing betrayed restlessness. A
+strange subdued fire gleamed in his eyes.
+
+While he was following the trail of a mighty boar, Count Erich met him
+and offered to pursue the animal in his company.
+
+They hunted through thorns and thicket, accompanied by the yelping
+hounds. Suddenly the foliage rustled, and the boar was seen to break
+wildly through the bushes. A spear from the younger brother whirred
+towards the beast, but missed its aim and remained sticking in the
+bark of an oak.
+
+"Your hand is more fit to bless pious Christians," said Count Erich
+with a smile.
+
+"But still fit enough to rid me of an inconvenient brother!" muttered
+the younger brother between his teeth, and tearing his hunting knife
+rapidly from his belt, he plunged the two-edged steel into his
+brother's breast. A terrible cry at the same time rang through the
+forest, and the murderer fled in haste.
+
+Two attendants of the Count who were hunting close by, hearing the cry
+came running to see what was the matter, and found Lord Erich lying in
+his blood, dying. They bent down over him to see if they could help
+him, but alas! it was too late. The man, mortally wounded, was beyond
+the reach of human aid. With a last effort he opened his lips,
+muttered lowly but audibly the words, "My brother!" then sank back and
+closed his eyes for ever.
+
+The terrible news that the Lord of Godesberg had been foully murdered
+by his own brother, spread swiftly through the country. Mourning again
+filled the castle on the mountain, when they carried the body of the
+poor slain man to his untimely grave. They buried him in the family
+vault next to the recent grave of his father.
+
+From that time the castle stood desolate. The next relative of the
+noble family, who lived in a lovely part of the Rhine valley near the
+Palatinate, avoided a place where such an unheard of crime had been
+committed. Only an old man kept watch in the empty castle. But even he
+was soon compelled to leave it. One night the high tower was struck by
+lightning and the whole building burnt down. Nothing remained but
+blackened ruins, looking mournfully on the gay landscape beneath.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Years went by after this crime. Nobody heard or saw anything of the
+murderer. He seemed to have totally disappeared. Some people however
+whispered that on the day of the black deed, a man was seen fleeing
+from the forest of Godesberg. He was pale and ghastly looking, and
+darted off, not caring which way he went. It was he who on the
+previous day had fostered in his burning brain the longing desire to
+take possession of his brother's heritage, and now he was a murderer,
+and bore Cain's mark on his forehead.
+
+The unfortunate youth had rashly contrived this hellish plan to rid
+himself of his brother and to become lord of Godesberg. His plan was
+to kill him while hunting, and then make the people believe that he
+had aimed at a boar and hit his brother accidentally instead. But when
+his victim sank down in agony, the knife dropped from his murderous
+hand, his courage failed him, and he felt himself driven from the wood
+as if chased by a demon.
+
+After many years had come and gone, a tired wanderer once knocked at
+the door of the cloister of Heisterbach, which had been erected by St.
+Benedict's pious disciples in a remote valley of the Seven Mountains.
+The man who desired admission looked more like a beggar than a
+pilgrim. His garments hung torn and ragged round his thin body, and
+his face was deeply furrowed by marks of long and cruel suffering.
+
+"Have pity on me," said he in a trembling voice, "I come from the Holy
+Sepulchre, my feet will bear me no further." The door-keeper was
+moved, and retired to inform the Abbot of the poor man's request. He
+received permission to bring him in. When the beggar appeared before
+the Abbot, he fell on his knees and renewed his demand for food and
+rest. For some moments the monk looked penetratingly at the man before
+him, then a sign of recognition passed over his face, and he cried
+out. "Good heavens! is it you Sir Knight?" The pilgrim trembled,
+prostrated himself before the Abbot, and embraced his knees in
+overwhelming grief. "Have mercy on me," exclaimed he, "it was I who
+twenty years ago slew my brother in the forest of Godesberg. During
+twenty long years I tried to atone for my cursed deed and obtain
+forgiveness and peace. As a pilgrim I cried for mercy at the grave of
+him whom I murdered; as a slave of the Infidels, under the weight of
+heavy chains I prayed incessantly for God's mercy, but I cannot find
+peace. Three months ago the fetters were struck from my hands, and I
+have again come home, weary unto death. You, oh worthy Abbot, have
+known me from a child. Let me rest within the walls of this cloister,
+that I may daily see the castle where I was an innocent child. I will
+pray and do penance until death releases me from my wretched life."
+
+The Abbot felt intense pity for the unhappy man. He bent down, laid
+his hands on him, and blessed him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For many years the poor penitent remained in the cloister trying to
+atone for his crime with fervent prayers and hard penance. At last God
+in His grace called him away, and the repenting sinner died hopeful of
+Heaven's forgiveness. The monks buried him in a shady place in their
+cloister garden.
+
+
+
+
+BONN
+
+Lord Erich's Pledge
+
+
+On the Klochterhof at Friesdorf near Bonn, a nobleman once lived, who
+was well known in the whole Rhine valley as a great tippler.
+
+Once Lord Erich had indulged with great relish in the noble sport of
+the chase in the forest that surrounded the neighbouring town of
+Godesberg. The day was hot, the chase unsuccessful and rather tedious
+for him, as he was more than usually tormented by a mighty thirst.
+
+The sun had set and his last golden rays were glittering on the waves
+of the Rhine, when Lord Erich shouldered his blunderbuss and turned
+homeward with a small bag, consisting of one fat hare.
+
+In those days one small inn (now they can be counted by the dozen)
+stood on the margin of the large forest of Godesberg. There Lord Erich
+entered to rest his tired limbs, but principally to quench his great
+thirst. He gave the hare to the landlady, that she might prepare it
+with skilful hands, and ordered a flowing bumper of golden Rhine wine
+which he emptied at one deep draught. I am sure that the juice of the
+grapes must have been far better then, than it is now-a-days.
+
+The landlady soon prepared the game and placed the tempting meal
+before the hungry hunter, who enjoyed it thoroughly. But he
+appreciated still more the delicious, cool wine offered to him.
+
+One glass after the other was swallowed by the thirsty Lord of
+Klochterhof, and the landlord marked just as many charcoal strokes on
+the door-post.
+
+When night approached, the noble hunter began to think of returning
+home. Sitting there had been agreeable and comfortable, but he found
+it very difficult to get up and walk.
+
+The landlord, perceiving his guest's preparations to take his leave,
+came forward and said in rather a rough tone, being an outspoken
+fellow: "Twelve bottles, my lord, don't forget to pay before you go."
+
+Lord Erich who was standing very unsteadily on his legs, muttered in a
+thick voice but very good-humouredly, "Dear landlord, I could pay you
+if I had loaded my blunderbuss with money, but I did not."
+
+With this cheerful response he turned to go.
+
+The landlord was exceedingly aggravated at this careless answer. His
+face grew quite purple with anger. "If you have no money, my lord, I
+shall keep your trousers till you are able to pay for the twelve
+bottles." So saying he took hold of the tipsy man. Whether he liked it
+or not, Lord Erich was obliged to leave his inexpressibles with the
+inexorable landlord, and to walk home without them.
+
+The firs in the wood shook their heads in disapproval at such a
+strange attire.
+
+It is not known if Lord Erich ever came back to the inn to redeem his
+nether garments.
+
+
+
+
+The Roman Ghosts
+
+
+Before the gates of the old Roman town of Bonn rises a mountain of
+moderate height, called Kreuzberg, or "Crossmountain."
+
+In early mediaeval times pious pilgrims went to this sacred place, in
+order to kneel on the holy steps of the old convent church so rich in
+memories of the martyrs, or to pray in the chapel. On the same spot at
+the beginning of the fourth century, the great saints of the Theban
+legion, Cassius, and his companions Florentius and Melusius, died for
+the Christian faith.
+
+These martyrs were the guardian saints of the country round Bonn. Many
+a prayer sent up to them had graciously been fulfilled, since the time
+when St. Helena, the pious mother of Constantine, erected a chapel to
+their honour on Kreuzberg.
+
+Once upon a time a simple peasant from the neighbouring country went
+on a pilgrimage to St. Cassius' burial place.
+
+He came to ask the kind martyr for assistance in his distress.
+Dransdorf was his village, formerly called Trajan's village, because
+the general, who later on became Emperor Trajan, is said to have had a
+villa there.
+
+A bad harvest had brought troubles on the peasant, but he firmly
+believed that through the intercession of St. Cassius he would receive
+money enough in one way or another to enable him to pay his many
+debts.
+
+On arriving at Kreuzberg, he began his religious exercises by
+confessing his sins to one of the monks belonging to the order of St.
+Francis. Then according to custom he knelt in succession on one sacred
+step after the other till he reached the chapel. His wife had
+carefully put a candle in his pocket which he now lighted before the
+image of St. Cassius. Having thus fulfilled all the duties prescribed
+by the church, he turned homewards, well content with himself.
+
+When he crossed the principal square of the town, where already at the
+time the magnificent Minster stood, he entered this church to pray
+once more, and to put another coin into the poor-box.
+
+Twilight was creeping through the aisles, and a pilgrimage being not
+at all an easy thing, our peasant soon fell asleep over his
+prayer-book.
+
+He only awoke, when, somebody pulled him by his sleeve. It was the
+sexton with a big bunch of keys.
+
+At first the peasant gazed drowsily at the unwelcome intruder, then
+with astonished eyes he looked round about him, until at last it
+dawned upon him, that he must get up and leave the church. Rousing
+himself he made the sign of the cross, and left the Minster with
+tottering steps. The night winds rustled in the old limetrees of the
+square and seemed to whisper strange tales into the ears of the late
+wanderer.
+
+The peasant crossed the open space sulkily, and steered his way
+towards the Sternthor, which led to Dransdorf. An ancient Roman tower,
+the remains of the high fortifications erected by the soldiers of
+Drusus eighteen hundred years ago, stands in the narrow lane, leading
+from the minster-square to the Sternthor. To the tired wanderer this
+tower seemed a splendid shelter, all the more so, as it would not cost
+him a penny.
+
+He entered it, and tired out with the weary day, he was soon fast
+asleep as if he had never been stirred up from the bench in the
+Minster. No sexton with noisy keys was to be feared, and yet in his
+sleep the countryman had the sensation of somebody tapping him on the
+shoulder. He sat up and looked round. To his amazement he beheld a
+magnificent warrior standing before him, clad in a coat of mail with a
+Roman helmet on his head. Two companions in similar array stood by his
+side.
+
+They nodded genially down to him, and it struck him that he had
+already seen them somewhere else. After some moments he remembered the
+pictures of St. Cassius and his friends in the chapel on Kreuzberg.
+There was no doubt the three holy martyrs stood in person before him.
+
+Our good peasant was so much awed at this discovery that he could not
+utter a word, but on a sign from his mysterious visitors, he followed
+them at a respectful distance.
+
+They marched towards the Sternthor, straight into the building, the
+walls of which were as thick as the rooms were long in the peasant's
+humble little cottage. In the middle of a high vault there was a table
+covered with sparkling gold.
+
+At this unusual sight the peasant opened his eyes very widely indeed;
+but his astonishment changed into keen delight when one of his ghostly
+visitors filled his left pocket and another his right with the
+glittering metal. Meanwhile the third man took a tumbler from the
+middle of the table, and presented it to him with an encouraging
+smile.
+
+He thought their language was very much like that which the vicar of
+the village church used in reading the service. Though the simple man
+could not understand a word of their conversation, he interpreted the
+kind invitation quite correctly, and shouting out a merry, "Vivat!" as
+a salute to his hosts, he emptied the tumbler at one big draught.
+
+The whole building resounded with the echo, "Vivat!" The three
+warriors looked pleased and answered in a cheerful voice, "Vivat,
+Vivat!"
+
+All at once it seemed to the peasant as if the vault was filled with a
+multitude of Roman soldiers who all called out to him, "Vivat!" as if
+happy to hear a sound of their native language in the country of the
+north.
+
+The man from Dransdorf became quite high-spirited, and kept on
+shouting, "Vivat, Vivat!" Suddenly startled by the noise he made, he
+awoke and found himself lying on the floor of the Roman tower in the
+Sterngasse.
+
+The events of the night only seemed to him like a strange dream. But
+when he felt in his pockets he found them stuffed with real golden
+coins of a strange ancient stamp.
+
+Our friend's joy became quite uproarious. After having sent up a
+heartfelt thanksgiving to St. Cassius, he gave vent to his delight by
+shouting through the quiet streets at the top of his voice, "Vivat,
+Vivat!"
+
+A watchman stood on duty by the Sternthor, when the jocund peasant
+passed by. He made a step forward and, reaching out his arm, he gave
+the merry man a rude knock with his lance. Unmindful of this rough
+admonition, the peasant related the event in the Roman tower to the
+watchman, and finished his story by inviting the stern man of duty to
+an early draught at the nearest inn.
+
+Rumours of the wonderful events spread far and wide, and soon every
+town and village knew the tale. The small lane leading from the
+Minstersquare to the Sternthor was called "Vivat" lane, and bears that
+name to the present day.
+
+Some years ago a heavy winter gale destroyed the old Roman tower that
+had so long withstood the vicissitudes of time. The people of Bonn
+however did not wish to obliterate the memory of this curious story,
+and therefore named the street running parallel with "Vivat"
+lane--"Cassius Graben."
+
+
+
+
+COLOGNE
+
+Richmodis of Aducht
+
+
+It was about the middle of the fifteenth century.
+
+The shadows of death hovered above the holy City of Cologne. A strange
+figure in dark garments hurried with quick steps through the streets
+and lanes. It was the plague. Its poisonous breath penetrated into
+cottages and palaces, extinguishing the lives of many thousands.
+
+The grave-diggers marked innumerable houses with a black cross, to
+warn the passers-by that the destroying angel had entered there. The
+roll of the dead rose to such numbers that it was impossible to bury
+them all in the customary manner. Therefore the bodies of the
+unfortunate people were thrown together into a common grave, covered
+only scantily with earth and marked with a plain wooden cross.
+
+Woe and sorrow thus filled the old City of Cologne.
+
+On the New-market, close to the Church of the Apostles, in a splendid
+mansion, the rich Magistrate, Mengis of Aducht lived. Wealth could not
+save his house from the dreadful epidemic, his youthful and lovely
+wife, Richmodis, was seized with the plague and died. The grief of her
+lord was boundless. He passed the whole night by the remains of his
+beloved spouse, dressed her himself in the white wedding gown she had
+worn as a happy bride a few years before, decorated the coffin with
+sweet white flowers, and covered her with the precious jewels and
+costly rings she had loved so much. Then she was buried.
+
+Night approached, and the clear starry sky looked peacefully down on
+the afflicted town.
+
+Perfect stillness prevailed in God's acre.--Suddenly a jarring sound
+like the opening of an old rusty lock was heard, and two dark shadows
+glided among the graves, on and on till they stopped before the fresh
+mound which enclosed the body of Richmodis of Aducht.--Those two knew
+the spot, and well they might, for they were the grave-diggers, and
+had prepared this grave themselves on the previous day.
+
+They were present when the lid of the coffin was screwed down, and had
+with hungry looks coveted the glittering precious stones Richmodis was
+to be buried with.
+
+Now they had come to rob the dead body. With spade and shovel the
+wreaths and flowers were quickly removed from the mound, the earth dug
+up, and the coffin laid bare. In feverish haste, spurred on by their
+greed, they burst the lid open, and the dim light of their lantern
+fell full on the mild pale face of the dead woman. With haste the
+bolder of the two wretches loosened the white waxen hands folded
+together as in prayer, and tried to tear off the rings.
+
+Suddenly the body quivered, and the white hands spread out. Aghast
+the robbers dropped their tools, scrambled in utmost terror out of the
+grave, and fled as if chased by the furies.
+
+A painful long sigh rose from the depth of the grave, and after some
+time the white form of Richmodis who had been buried alive, emerged
+from the tomb.
+
+With wide open eyes, full of horror, she looked down into the ghastly
+bed she had just left.--Could it really be true, or was it only a
+frightful dream?
+
+God's acre was silent, but for the rustling of the autumn leaves of
+the weeping willows. Stillness of death everywhere!--No answer came to
+her faint cry for help.--The horror of her situation however wakened
+her declining strength. She took up the lantern which the robbers had
+left behind them and with feeble steps reached the entrance of the
+churchyard.
+
+The streets were desolate. The stars overhead alone perceived the
+slowly moving form, every now and then resting against the walls of
+the houses.--At last she reached the New-market and stood before the
+door of her home. Dark and quiet it seemed. But from the window in the
+magistrate's room a faint light shone forth. A quiver ran through the
+frame of the poor wife, and a wild longing desire seized her to be
+sheltered by his loving arms and to feel in his embrace that she had
+really returned to life again.
+
+With a last effort she seized the knocker, and listened with newly
+awakened hope to the tapping sound which rang clear through the night.
+
+A few minutes elapsed. Then an old servant peeping out of the window
+in the door, perceived the white ghostly figure of his late mistress.
+Horror seized him, his hair stood on end. Richmodis called him by his
+name and begged him to open the door. At the sound of her voice the
+old man started, ran upstairs, dashed into his master's room uttering
+incoherent sounds, and stammering: "O Lord, the dead rise; outside
+stands our good Mistress and demands entrance!" But the Magistrate
+shook his head in deep grief: "Richmodis, my beloved wife is dead and
+will never return, never, never," he repeated in unspeakable sorrow;
+"I will rather believe that my two white horses will burst from their
+halters in the stable and mount the stairs to the tower."
+
+A terrible sound suddenly filled the quiet house, a noise like thunder
+was heard, and Mengis of Aducht and his servant saw the two white
+steeds tearing and tramping in haste upstairs.
+
+A moment later two horses looked out of the tower windows into the
+night, and shortly afterwards the Magistrate laughing and crying with
+joy at the same time, held in his arms his wife who had returned from
+the grave.
+
+For many years Richmodis lived happily with her husband, surrounded by
+several lovely children. Deep piety remained the motive power of
+Richmodis' being, and nobody ever saw her smile again.
+
+If you come to Cologne, reader, you will still see the old house of
+the Aduchts at the New-market, with two white wooden horses' heads
+looking out of the top window.
+
+
+
+
+The Goblins
+
+
+This story goes back to the "good old times" of which we modern people
+always speak with a sigh of regret.
+
+It was then when good-natured goblins appeared to mortal eyes, and
+tried to render the life of the troubled human race a little more
+cheerful. In groves and dens they had magnificent dwellings and
+watched there over the enormous mineral treasures of the earth.
+
+Often these beneficent elves were busy miners or sometimes clever
+artisans. We all know that they manufactured the precious trinkets and
+arms of the Nibelungen treasure.
+
+Deep in the interior of the earth they lived happily together, ruled
+over by a king. They could be called the harmless friends of darkness,
+because they were not allowed to come into broad daylight. If they did
+so, they were transformed into stones.
+
+The goblins did not always remain underground. On the contrary they
+often came to the earth's surface through certain holes, called
+goblin-holes, but they always avoided meeting man.
+
+Alas! the advance of civilisation has driven these friendly spirits
+gradually from the places where they used to do so much good. None of
+us, I am sure has ever had the good luck of meeting one of them.
+
+The goblins were of different sizes. Sometimes they were as small as
+one's thumb, sometimes as large as the hand of a child of four years
+old. The most remarkable feature of these tiny figures was the
+enormous head and the pointed hump that so often adorned their backs.
+Their look was on the whole more comical than ugly. German people used
+to call them "Heinzchen" or "Heinzelmaennchen."
+
+A long time ago the good town of Cologne was inhabited by a host of
+dwarfs, and the honest population knew a great many stories about
+them. The workmen and artisans especially had, through the assistance
+of the little wights, far more holidays than are marked in the
+calendar.
+
+When the carpenters, for instance, were lying on their benches in
+sweet repose, those little men came swiftly and stealthily along, they
+took up the tools and chiselled and sawed and hammered with a will,
+and thus, records the poetical chronicles which I am quoting, before
+the carpenters woke up, the house stood there finished.
+
+In the same way things went on with the baker. While his lads were
+snoring, the little goblins came to help. They groaned under the load
+of heavy corn-sacks, they kneaded and weighed the flour, lifted and
+pushed the bread into the oven, and before the lazy bakers opened
+their eyes, the morning bread, brown and crisp, was lying in rows on
+the table.
+
+The butchers too could speak of similar agreeable experiences. The
+good little men chopped, mixed and stirred with all their might, and
+when the drowsy butcher opened his eyes at last, he found the fresh,
+steaming sausages adorning the walls of his shop.
+
+The cooper enjoyed also the help of the busy dwarfs, and even the
+tailor could not complain of the goblins having neglected him.
+
+Once Mr. Cotton, a clever tailor, had the honour of making a Sunday
+coat for the mayor of the town. He worked diligently at it, but you
+can easily imagine that in the heat of the summer afternoon, the
+needle soon dropped from his hand, and he fell fast asleep.
+Hush!--look there. One little goblin after the other crept cautiously
+from his hiding place.
+
+They climbed on the table and began the tailor's work, and stitched
+and sewed and fitted and pressed, as if they had been masters of the
+needle all their lives.
+
+When Master Cotton awoke, he found to his great joy the mayor's Sunday
+coat ready made, and so neatly and well done that he could present the
+magnificent garment with pride to the head of the town.
+
+The pretty wife of Mr. Cotton looked at this masterpiece of her
+husband's art with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
+
+In the night when her husband had fallen asleep, she rose from her bed
+without making the slightest noise, and scattered pease all over the
+floor of the workshop; she then put a half-finished suit on the table.
+She kept a small lantern hidden under her apron, and waited behind
+the door listening. Soon after the room was full of little men all
+tumbling, falling, and slipping over the pease. Yells and screams rose
+at the same time. The poor little men were indeed much bruised and
+hurt. Without stopping they ran downstairs and disappeared.
+
+The tailor's wife heard the noise, and thought it good sport. When the
+yells were loudest, she suddenly opened the door to see her visitors,
+but she came too late. Not a single goblin was left behind.
+
+Since that time the friendly dwarfs have never more been seen in
+Cologne, and in other places also they have entirely disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+Jan and Griet
+
+
+[Illustration: Jan und Griet--Steinbild am Jan von Werth-Denkmal in
+Koeln]
+
+"There lived at Cologne on the old farm of Kuempchenshof a peasant who
+had a maid called Griet and a man-servant called Jan."
+
+Thus begins the old well-known Rhenish song of "Jan van Werth," the
+celebrated general of the imperial cavalry at the time when the Swedes
+and French were taking advantage of the civil war in Germany. But
+nobody except the inhabitants of the holy City of Cologne, knows that
+Jan van Werth was originally a simple labourer, and that he was
+indebted for his luck in life to his bad luck in love.
+
+Jan was an industrious farmer-boy with an upright character and a
+handsome face.
+
+Many a girl would not have rejected him as a sweetheart, but Jan's
+tender heart had long been captivated by the good looks of pretty
+Griet, the comely maid of the Kuempchenshof. His love could not long
+remain a secret. One day he confessed to her with sobs that he loved
+her dearly, and would with pleasure work and toil for her twice as
+much as he then did for his master. He spoke long and earnestly, and
+taking courage with every word he uttered, he at last put to her the
+all-important question--would she become his wife?
+
+Laughingly the pretty girl put her round arms akimbo, tossed her head
+back and looked at her honest suitor with a mocking twinkle in her
+eyes. Then she shook her head energetically and said: "You are only a
+farmer's labourer, my dear boy, and will remain one most probably all
+your life. True, it is not your fault, but all the same I should
+prefer to marry a rich farmer with cows and oxen and horses."
+
+Bitter anger rose in Jan's breast on hearing her talk so heartlessly,
+but he controlled himself. "Just as you like," he said sadly, and
+turned away from the haughty maid.
+
+From that day he could not endure any longer the life at the farm, and
+pocketing his wages, he said good-bye for ever to the Kuempchenshof and
+became a soldier.
+
+It was a furious war in which the German Emperor was engaged against
+the enemies of his country, and brave soldiers were rare. Any valiant
+warrior might distinguish himself and become an officer at that time.
+
+The farmer-boy, Jan, soon won by his bravery and intrepidity the
+esteem of his superiors, and was promoted to the rank of colonel. Once
+when fighting against the Swedish troops he showed such determination
+and courage that he won the battle. After this brilliant act he was
+made a general. But the name of Jan van Werth became even more famous
+when he beat the French in a skirmish at Tuettlingen.
+
+In another way also his good luck reconciled him to the first bitter
+disappointment caused for by Griet's scornful answer. He married a
+lovely and noble young lady, who was very proud of becoming the wife
+of such a celebrated general.
+
+Let us now look back and see what happened in the meantime to Griet.
+She had waited month after month and year after year for the rich
+farmer. But the longed-for suitor never made his appearance. Even in
+those by-gone days red cheeks and bright eyes were much less thought
+of than ducats and glittering gold.
+
+As time went on Griet grew old, and though she would now have been
+content with a simple man for her sweetheart, not even such a one
+condescended to ask her to become his wife.
+
+Little by little Griet gave up all hopes of ever marrying, and had to
+look out for a living to keep her in her old age from starving.
+Therefore she started a fruit stall at one of the large gateways of
+Cologne.
+
+One day the good inhabitants of this town were in great excitement,
+and crowded in their best Sunday-clothes round the gate of St.
+Severin, where Griet sat at her apple-stall. They had come to meet Jan
+van Werth, the celebrated general, who was returning victorious at the
+head of his regiment.
+
+There he was sitting on a powerful charger which was gorgeously
+covered with gilded trappings. On his fine head Jan wore a
+broad-brimmed hat with a flowing feather. Behind him rode his splendid
+soldiers. The body-guard of the town beat the drum enthusiastically,
+and the Cologne people called out: "Long live our Jan van Werth!"
+
+When the celebrated general passed the gate, he stopped his horse
+just in front of Griet's apple baskets, and looking down upon the old
+wrinkled woman, met her questioning glance with an odd smile. "Ah
+Griet," said he slowly; "whoever would have thought it?" At the sound
+of his voice an expression of sudden recognition passed over her worn
+features, and she muttered sorrowfully, but still audibly to the proud
+rider, "Oh, Jan, if I had only known it!"
+
+A magnificent monument in the form of the statue of Jan van Werth now
+stands in the centre of the old market of Cologne.
+
+It was erected there in memory not only of the heroic deeds of the
+brave general, but also as a warning to all Cologne maidens not to
+reject their suitors because they are poor, for one day, like Jan van
+Werth, they may become famous, and then they will not, like Griet,
+have to sigh over things that "might have been."
+
+
+
+
+The Cathedral-Builder of Cologne
+
+
+It was at Cologne in the year 1248 on the eve of the Ascension day of
+our Lord.
+
+Before the mighty Archbishop Kunrad of Hochstaden stood a simple
+architect offering the plan of a church, and arrogantly boasting that
+it would become one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Christendom.
+That man was Master Gerhard of Ryle.
+
+The Archbishop was greatly astonished at the grandeur of the design,
+and ordered the execution of the bold plan without delay.
+
+On the square which was selected for the erection of the new
+cathedral, another church had once been standing under the reign of
+the first king of the Franks, but it had been destroyed by the
+Normans.
+
+Now again gigantic masonry, slender pillars, bold vaults and arches
+rose to unite into a proud dome.
+
+Everybody admired the humble man, whose creative genius now employed
+thousands of industrious workmen, and Master Gerhard's name was
+mentioned with great praise at home and abroad.
+
+When the choir was finished, crowds of pious pilgrims came from the
+surrounding suburbs and even from a distance to pray before the
+relics of the three holy kings which where enshrined there. Hymns of
+praise re-echoed through the unfinished aisles.
+
+Everybody rejoiced. But he, who ought to have been the most glad, was
+sad, and dark forebodings damped his spirits. The question if after
+all he would live to see his proud building finished, or if cruel fate
+would tear him away before he should have tasted the sweetness of
+triumph, tormented him day and night. His young wife saw with grief
+the change in his disposition; but she tried in vain by tender words
+and caresses to smooth his sorrowful brow.
+
+The more he was troubled by his gloomy thoughts, the more he urged his
+workmen on.--Four years had elapsed; it was now 1252. The tower on the
+north side rose already proudly into the air. The scaffolding reached
+higher and higher every day.
+
+One day Master Gerhard stood beside the big crane, watching how the
+gigantic blocks of stone taken from the quarries at the Drachenfels,
+were lifted up. He thought with pride and satisfaction that his work
+was going on well; and that he surely would see it finished. While
+thus meditating he did not observe that a stranger stood by his side
+watching him with an ugly sneer. A burning red cloak hung round his
+tall figure, a gold chain glittered on his breast, and a cock's
+feather nodded from a quaint velvet cap. He introduced himself to the
+somewhat surprised builder as a fellow-architect. "You are building a
+lovely church," he then said, "but I created a far more magnificent
+mansion, long long years ago. Its stone will never crumble to dust,
+and it will resist the influence of time and weather forever." In
+saying this, his eyes glittered strangely under his shaggy brows. This
+presumptuous speech did not please Master Gerhard, and without
+answering he measured the bold speaker scornfully from head to foot.
+
+"Your church," continued the stranger, "will be a very lovely
+building, but don't you think that such an enterprise is far too
+audacious for mortal man. You, Master Gerhard, you ought to have known
+at the time when you laid the foundation stone of your church that you
+never would see your work finished."
+
+"Who is likely to prevent it?" angrily burst forth the builder. No one
+had ever dared to use such language towards him, nor to wound his
+pride so keenly. "Death," coolly replied the stranger. "Never," cried
+Master Gerhard in a great fury, "I will finish what I began, and would
+even bet with the devil himself to do so."
+
+"Hallo!" laughed the stranger grimly. "I should like to deal with such
+an audacious man as you, and make bold to bet with you that I will, in
+a shorter space of time, finish the digging of a canal from Treves to
+Cologne, fill it with water, and have merry ducks swimming on it, than
+you will take to complete your church."
+
+"So be it!" said Master Gerhard very much startled, taking the
+outstretched hand of the strange man. At the touch of his cold
+fingers, a sensation of horror crept into the heart of Master Gerhard.
+But the red-cloaked man burst into a yelling laugh and cried out in a
+formidable voice, "Remember we betted for your soul." Utmost terror
+seized the trembling architect, cold perspiration stood on his brow,
+and he tried in vain to utter a word.
+
+Suddenly a storm rose, the stranger unfolded his red cloak, and was
+lifted from the ground in a cloud of dust and vanished.
+
+From that day the mind of Master Gerhard grew more and more gloomy. He
+kept on wandering restlessly on the scaffoldings of the building. The
+more he considered the huge dimensions of the cathedral, the more
+doubtful he felt as to whether he would be able to finish it or not.
+
+By daybreak he could be seen among his workmen, and till late in the
+evening he wandered about on the building-ground, praising the
+industrious and blaming the idle. He looked out anxiously sometimes in
+the direction of Treves to see if he could discern anything uncommon
+there. But he never saw the slightest change, nor any sign that the
+stranger with whom he had betted, had really begun his canal in
+earnest, and he looked more hopefully into the future.
+
+One day he was standing as usual on the top of one of the completed
+towers, when he felt a hand laid on his shoulder. Turning round, he
+beheld with disagreeable surprise the ghostly stranger. Was he a
+master of the black art or was he the devil himself? "Well, Master
+Gerhard," began the unwelcome visitor, "how are you getting on with
+your work? I see it is making good progress. Happily I shall soon
+have finished my canal, else I should run the risk of losing my bet."
+
+"I can scarcely believe your boasting speech," answered the builder
+scornfully, "because I do not perceive the slightest trace of your
+having begun the canal." "Know, my dear man, that I am worth more than
+a hundred workmen together and, as I told you, my work is nearly
+ready," said the man in red.
+
+"Really," said Master Gerhard a little startled, "I should like to
+know what magic power could enable you to do so."
+
+"Come and follow me," replied the stranger, taking the builder by the
+hand. Off they flew through the air with the quickness of lightning,
+and reached the earth in the district near Treves in a few seconds. At
+the place where they descended, a spring arose from the ground and
+sent its crystal waters into an opening in a rock. "Come with me,"
+said the magic stranger, and bending down he disappeared in this
+opening.
+
+Master Gerhard followed him and came into a high glittering grotto,
+where he perceived that the water gushed tumultuously into the mouth
+of a black underground channel.
+
+"You see," said the stranger, "how well I have used my time. If you
+have the heart for it, we will follow the waters, and see how far my
+canal reaches already."
+
+Scarcely had he uttered these words, than a mysterious power seized
+both and pushed them forward with tremendous rapidity. Master Gerhard
+saw now with terror that the work of the Evil One was indeed not
+far from its completion, for when they emerged from the dark canal,
+they had the City of Cologne lying close before them. The
+cathedral-builder could no longer doubt the great skill of his rival,
+and he felt sure that he would lose his bet. The red-cloaked man
+seemed to take great delight in the builder's discomfiture, and he
+said with an ugly grin:
+
+"Well, Master Gerhard, I see you have found more than you expected. I
+am sure you would like to see the merry ducks which shall swim on my
+brook, according to our bet."
+
+He clapped his hands three times and then listened. Some minutes
+passed, but no ducks appeared. The stranger's face assumed an
+expression of rage, when he found his summons unsuccessful. He tried
+again but in vain. After this he gave a frightful yell, and vanished
+all at once, leaving nothing behind him but a smell of sulphur.
+
+The cathedral-builder had looked on in wonder, and new hope began to
+fill his heart, that after all he could win the bet.
+
+"I know well, why the ducks won't appear," thought he, "but I shall
+never betray my secret to him."
+
+After this adventurous journey, Master Gerhard was a prey to
+melancholy.
+
+He was seen oftener than before on the building ground. It was
+impossible for him to doubt any longer, that the stranger with whom he
+had made the fatal bet, was the devil himself. The unfortunate man
+was well aware that not only was his life at stake, but that the
+salvation of his soul was likewise in danger, should the master of
+hell carry out his work.
+
+There was only one little hope left for him, namely, that the devil
+would be unable to find out how to keep the ducks alive while they
+were swimming through the long underground channel. So Master Gerhard
+took courage, saying to himself: "He cannot win and I know why."
+
+His young wife was strangely moved at her husband's silence and
+melancholy. She tried by increased tenderness and love to unstop his
+silent lips and to make him tell what was lying so heavily on his
+heart.
+
+He appreciated her endeavours to cheer him very much, but could not be
+brought to tell of his dealings with the Evil One, and so he kept his
+secrets to himself.
+
+One day, not long after the mysterious journey of Master Gerhard, a
+stranger, apparently a scholar, entered the architect's house, while
+he was as usual on the building ground. A scarlet cloak enveloped his
+tall figure, and a cock's feather sat boldly on his black cap.
+
+His manners were soft and in general those of a gentleman. Hearing
+that the builder was not at home, he asked for his wife. She came and
+soon found that she liked talking to him, because he showed not only
+great eloquence, but also great sympathy for her husband.
+
+Involuntarily she disclosed to the kind stranger her secret grief
+about Master Gerhard's sadness. The scholar listened to her troubles
+with great attention, and seemed to feel for her in her sorrow. "My
+dear Mistress," said he in a soft voice, "there is surely some secret
+weighing heavily on his mind, and this and nothing else is the cause
+of his melancholy. Unless we know it, we cannot cure him. You are
+nearest to his heart. If you are very loving and tender to him, he
+will not withhold the secret for long from you. Be extremely kind to
+him. After three days I shall come back to see if you have been
+successful. If not, I will give you a remedy that will unfailingly
+make him tell you his inmost thoughts."
+
+Thus speaking he took his leave, and she was unable to find words to
+express her gratitude.
+
+For three days she tried the scholar's advice, but found that her
+husband, in spite of all her coaxing and caresses, would not tell the
+cause of his melancholy.
+
+On the fourth day, the scholar called again and heard with apparent
+grief how badly her endeavours had succeeded, "I pity you heartily,"
+said he, "but don't despair. Here is a wonderful herb. Prepare a
+beverage with it for your husband and make him drink it before he goes
+to sleep. He will dream after the draught and betray his secrets in
+his sleep."
+
+She accepted the gift gratefully, and prepared the potion according to
+his advice. Her husband took the beverage willingly, and soon fell
+into a profound sleep. After some time dreams seemed to trouble him;
+he tossed restlessly to and fro in his bed murmuring incoherent
+words. His wife listened anxiously and heard in feverish excitement
+about the terrible dealings between him and the devil. After a pause
+Master Gerhard muttered:
+
+"He will never win, because I hold the secret."
+
+"What may that be?" whispered she in the dreamer's ear.
+
+"He may do what he will," unconsciously answered he, "it is quite
+impossible that ducks should swim through the underground channel,
+unless he makes air-holes at every mile. Of course this idea will
+never come into his head."
+
+The next morning the scholar called upon the wife and heard how well
+his scheme had succeeded. She told him every thing. When she had
+revealed her husband's secret to him, the meek features of her strange
+guest suddenly changed. He gave a loud shrill scream of joy and
+disappeared. The poor wife remained on the same spot, pale and
+terror-stricken.
+
+Master Gerhard was standing the next day by the high crane of the
+cathedral as usual.
+
+The air was sultry, and black clouds were gathering from across the
+Rhine. He felt very restless, and urged his workmen even more than
+before to hurry on. The builder's heart was strangely filled with dark
+forebodings. All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turning
+round, he beheld with terror the fatal stranger. A wondrous gleam of
+red-like flames seemed to radiate all round his figure.
+
+The cathedral builder grew pale as death and trembled from head to
+foot. He was unable to utter a word.
+
+Beaming with the joy of triumph, the Evil One pointed with his hand
+downwards, and forced Master Gerhard to look in the same direction.
+Behold! At the foot of the cathedral a silvery brook was visible
+running from the direction of Treves. Merry ducks were swimming on its
+shining surface.
+
+It is impossible to describe the feelings of the builder at the sight
+of the completed work of his rival. Despair and agony made his heart
+sink within him, but the Evil One looked with joy on his victim. When
+he suddenly tried to grasp him, Master Gerhard darted to the edge of
+the scaffolding with a heart-rending scream, and dashed himself down
+into the depth below, and was instantly killed.
+
+A roar of thunder filled the air at that moment and the devil
+vanished in a blaze of lightning. The thunderstorm grew more and more
+violent. After a few minutes the unhappy cathedral builder's house was
+struck by lightning and burnt to ashes in less than an hour.
+Unfortunately, the admirable plan of the splendid church was also
+destroyed.
+
+This was the sad end of Master Gerhard and his ambition.
+
+The cathedral remained untouched for more than six centuries after.
+Its unfinished walls and towers began to decay as if they mourned the
+terrible death of their builder. The Cologne people believed for a
+long time that the spirit of Master Gerhard used to hover about
+midnight round the high towers and the desolated vaults. Strange
+sounds like the sighs of somebody in anguish were often heard in the
+deserted building, and people said it was Master Gerhard's ghost
+complaining that his proud cathedral remained unfinished.
+
+Generation after generation passed by, and six centuries elapsed
+before busy workmen began again hammering and building on the ground
+which had lain so long quiet.
+
+In 1880 the dome was finished, and towers now in all its majesty high
+above the dwellings of the people, and can be seen miles away.
+
+Since that glorious day when the last stone was added to the cathedral
+of Cologne, Master Gerhard's ghost has never been heard or seen again.
+
+
+
+
+XANTEN
+
+Siegfried
+
+
+[Illustration: Siegfried schleppt einen Baeren ins Lager--Nach einer
+Lithographie von Peter Cornelius]
+
+Siegfried,--and as we pronounce this glorious name, the hero looks
+forth at us with shining eyes, for was not Siegfried the perfect
+embodiment of all that was beautiful and good?
+
+For centuries stories have been told and poems have been sung of the
+bold adventures of the young hero, whose energy only found
+satisfaction in victorious fights.
+
+The original name of the small town on the lower Rhine now called
+Xanten, was "Ad Santos," "peace for the saints." It was thus named on
+account of the pious warriors of the Theban legion who in the fourth
+century had boldly died there for their creed under their leader,
+Victor.
+
+At the time to which our story refers, a mighty stronghold formed the
+centre of the little town Xanten. A king called Siegmund with his wife
+Siegelinde and their son Siegfried lived there.
+
+While a mere boy, Siegfried had already a kingly stature, and an
+almost untamable disposition of mind. When he was only thirteen years
+of age, his longing for grand deeds was so great that he found it
+impossible to remain inactive at home. From old songs and legends
+which the minstrels recited in his father's castle, he had heard so
+much of bold adventures and brilliant exploits performed by his
+forefathers, that he was most anxious to follow in their steps. He
+felt strong and valiant enough to undertake, like the heroes of old,
+dangerous journeys. Therefore young Siegfried left one day his
+ancestral halls, and wandered southwards along the clear blue river.
+He soon found an opportunity of testing his courage.
+
+At the foot of the Seven Mountains lived a celebrated armourer called
+Mimer, renowned for making excellent swords. Our hero liked this
+warlike trade, and he asked the master to receive him as an
+apprentice, that he might learn the praiseworthy art of forging a good
+sword for himself. The armourer agreed, and Siegfried remained at
+Mimer's workshop. The journeymen with whom the youth had to work, soon
+learned the enormous strength of their new companion. The boy, often
+not knowing how to give expression to his desire for action, would
+take up his fellow-workmen, lift them high into the air, and drop
+them, not always softly, to the ground. Or when his anger was roused,
+he would imprint black and blue marks on their backs with his strong
+fists. Once he even smashed with one stroke of his hammer all the iron
+bars in the armoury, and knocked the anvil into the ground with a
+mighty blow.
+
+Mimer looked on with dismay, amazed at the boy's almost supernatural
+strength, but fearing that Siegfried's wrath might some time turn
+against him, he thought to rid himself of his dangerous apprentice,
+and conceived a cunning plan to kill him. A horrible dragon lived in
+the neighbouring forest, which tore every wanderer to pieces who
+chanced to cross its way. Mimer ordered Siegfried to fetch a sack from
+the charcoal-burner in that forest, well knowing that the boy would
+never return thence.
+
+The youth, without knowing the danger he was about to meet, went
+cheerfully on his way. In the middle of the thick wood he kindled a
+charcoal-kiln, and amused himself by putting big burning branches and
+young trees into the fire.
+
+Suddenly the monster came swiftly creeping on its huge claws. Curving
+its shimmering body the ugly beast opened wide its jaws to devour the
+young charcoal-burner. Siegfried's eyes brightened up at the prospect
+of an encounter with the terrible animal before him. Without a
+moment's hesitation, he tore a flaming beam out of the kiln, and
+pushed its burning end deep into the open mouth of the dragon. Roaring
+with pain the monster turned round beating violently with its prickly
+tail, trying in its agony to crush Siegfried. But he, jumping
+skilfully aside, rapidly dealt it heavy blows, and succeeded at last
+in smashing its head with a large piece of rock. He severed the head
+from the body, and threw it into the blazing flames. To his
+astonishment he observed how a stream of grease gushed from the
+burning pile, and collected in a pool at his feet.
+
+Close by the charcoal-kiln stood an old limetree. A little bird sang
+merrily in its branches. Siegfried, involuntarily listening to the
+clear strain, made out the following words: "If you would be covered
+with horn, and become invulnerable, undress yourself and plunge into
+the pool."
+
+Siegfried quickly threw his clothes off and anointed his whole body
+with the dragon's grease. While thus occupied a leaf from the old
+limetree above dropped between his shoulders. This part of the hero's
+body remained without horn. When he had finished, he took up the
+monster's head and returned to Mimer's workshop. The nearer he got to
+the smithy, the more his rage against his wicked master increased.
+Mimer had seen the boy from afar approaching with the trophy of his
+fight, and had hidden in great fear.
+
+Siegfried however soon found him out and slew him on the spot. Then he
+forged a good two-edged sword and shining armour for himself, and
+having saddled the best horse of Mimer's stable, he left the smithy to
+look for new adventures.
+
+For a long time he travelled aimlessly about, saw mountains and
+valleys, rivers and lakes, cities and hamlets, until he at last
+arrived at the sea-shore. He embarked with his good horse, and was
+cast by a gale on the rocky coast of an unknown country. The noble
+animal climbed courageously up the stony beach, and carried its rider
+to an enchanted castle which was surrounded by a wall of flames. For a
+moment Siegfried stood irresolute. Suddenly the voice of the little
+bird sounded again above him, "Break the charm. Straight into the
+flames with a bold dash. A most lovely maiden will be thy reward."
+
+The youth took courage, spurred his steed, and with a plunge horse and
+rider disappeared in the flames, which were at once extinguished. The
+charm was broken. Before him lay a wonderful castle. Siegfried
+penetrated into its interior, and was amazed to find every living
+creature in a profound sleep within; the horses in their stalls, the
+grooms in the stables, the cook at the hearth. When he entered the
+high hall a lovely scene presented itself to his view. On a couch the
+most exquisite form of a woman lay sleeping. Her golden hair was
+strewn with precious stones, and her limbs were clothed in the most
+costly garments.
+
+The young hero looked for a while, lost in admiration. Then bending
+down to her, he pressed a passionate kiss on her rosy lips. Brunhilde,
+the fair sleeper, opened her eyes, and at the same time every living
+being in the castle awoke.
+
+The old legend depicts in glowing colours the sweet hours of love that
+followed for Siegfried and Brunhilde. Days and months passed by
+without the lovers being aware of it. However fond of adventures
+Siegfried was, he felt himself chained to the spot by her subtle
+charms. While thus undecided he heard one day the bird's voice: "Leave
+the castle and give up a life of ignoble leisure; direct your steps
+towards the country of the Nibelungen, take possession of their
+immense treasures and of the precious invisible cap."
+
+At the prospect of new adventures Siegfried could not be kept back
+any longer by Brunhilde. They parted with the solemn promise of
+meeting again.
+
+A great many exploits are recorded of the proud hero which he
+performed in the country of the Nibelungen. After a long and hard
+struggle with the cunning dwarfs, he took away with him their
+treasure, as well as the cap which had the gift of making its wearer
+invisible.
+
+Years had passed by, and Siegfried longed to see the place of his
+childhood again. So he turned homewards and reached Xanten after many
+adventures. The joy of his noble parents at seeing their valiant son
+again was indescribable.
+
+The legend of Siegfried's youthful exploits and his home-coming is
+full of romance and happiness. But if we listen to the continuation of
+his story we shall find how every human feeling has its place in the
+hero's biography, great joy, deep sorrow, passionate love, glowing
+hatred, heroism and perfidy, cowardice and high courage, until at last
+the legend of Siegfried ends in a pitiful wail of grief.
+
+
+
+
+CLEVE
+
+Lohengrin
+
+
+[Illustration: Des Schwanenritters Abschied--Nach dem Gemaelde von W. von
+Kaulbach--Lohengrin's Departure--Le depart du chevalier au cygne]
+
+The weathercock on the ancient stronghold at Cleve is a swan, and in
+olden times the dynasty that ruled over the lovely country round Cleve
+had also a swan in their crest. A legend, tragic and beautiful,
+preserved to posterity forever in Richard Wagner's lovely opera, is
+connected with it,--the legend of Lohengrin.
+
+Long centuries ago deep sorrow brooded over the walls of the castle at
+Cleve. Its mistress, the Duchess Elsa, was in great distress. Her
+beloved husband had died, and his remains had been brought to their
+last resting-place. As soon as the tomb had closed over them, one of
+the late Duke's vassals, Telramund, rose in revolt, and imperiously
+claimed the right to reign over the dukedom. The audacious man went so
+far as to ask the widowed Duchess to become his wife, declaring that
+this was the only means of saving her rank, which the death of her
+husband had deprived her of.
+
+Elsa, the youthful and lovely mistress, implored the knights of her
+dominion to assist her in her trouble, and to take up arms against the
+rebel. But Telramund, little disconcerted by this appeal, offered to
+fight in single combat with anybody who dared to take up the quarrel
+with him, well knowing that, on account of his immense strength,
+nobody would dare to become his adversary.
+
+The days passed in deepest sorrow for the unfortunate Duchess. The
+moment was approaching when the rebel would make bold to proclaim
+openly his claims before the whole assembled nobility on the open
+space before the castle. The fatal hour came. Pale, her face covered
+by her widow's veil, her queenly form enveloped in mourning garments,
+Elsa descended from her castle to the assembly. The large plain was
+crowded with a throng of people, and glittered with the brilliant
+armour of the knights.
+
+The unfaithful vassal, covered from head to foot in shining armour,
+came forward with bold steps and claimed in a loud voice the hand and
+dominion of the Duchess. The knights around, deluded by his valiant
+appearance and the firmness of his voice, broke into loud applause.
+Some of the crowd joined them in their cry of approbation, but most of
+the people looked on, full of pity and admiration for their youthful
+mistress.
+
+No answer to his first challenge having come, Telramund repeated his
+audacious demand, offering again to fight in single combat anybody who
+dared to accept it. His eyes glanced defiantly over the brilliant
+multitude of knights. He perceived with triumphant joy, how they all
+shrank from fighting with him.--Elsa looked still paler than before.
+
+For a third time the challenge of Telramund was heard. It sounded
+clearly over the whole plain. But none of the bright warriors came
+forward to take up the combat for Elsa's sake.
+
+On the contrary deep silence followed the third challenge, and
+everybody's eyes were fixed on the forsaken princess who looked in her
+abandoned position still more lovely. The little hope that had till
+that moment given her strength to bear her misfortune, had now
+entirely vanished. In her utter desolation she offered a fervent
+prayer to heaven. On her rosary, so the legend records, a little
+silver bell was hanging, which possessed the wonderful gift of giving
+forth, whenever slightly touched, a clear ringing sound audible even
+at a great distance. In praying to God for deliverance from her great
+trouble, she pressed the cross on her rosary fervently to her lips.
+The silver bell tinkled, and at the same moment a little barge
+suddenly appeared on the blue river. When it came nearer, everybody
+looked with astonishment at the strange vessel. Its form was light and
+graceful; but what astonished the people most was that it was not
+moved by either oar or rudder, but was gently gliding on the blue
+waves drawn by a snow-white swan. In the middle of the vessel stood a
+knight in shining silver armour.
+
+Long golden locks emerged from under his glittering helmet, his bright
+blue eyes looked boldly over the crowd on the shore, and his hand held
+the hilt of his broad sword firmly.
+
+The strange boat stopped just opposite the plain where the people
+stood motionless with amazement. The knight landed from the barge,
+giving a sign with his hand to the swan, which swam gently down the
+Rhine.
+
+In silence and awe the multitude made room for the stranger who
+approached with firm steps towards the middle of the brilliant circle,
+and saluted the assembly with a solemn grace. Then he bent his knees
+before the Duchess and rising, turned towards Telramund, challenging
+him proudly to fight with him for the hand and dominion of Elsa of
+Brabant. The bold rebel's temerity seemed to fail him for a few
+moments, but gathering fresh courage he pulled his sword from its
+sheath with a loud scornful laugh.
+
+The next moment the two knights darted at each other, their blades
+clashing in rapid strokes.
+
+The whole crowd looked with wonder and amazement at the strange
+knight's great prowess. He parried the blows of his strong adversary
+skilfully. The combat lasted for some time, and neither of the
+fighters seemed to give way. Suddenly a subdued cry was heard, and at
+the same time the presumptuous vassal sank to the ground, pierced by
+the sword of him whom God had sent, and expired. A tremendous shout of
+joy burst from the gazing crowd, which rang from one end of the plain
+to the other and was echoed by the glittering waves of the Rhine. The
+people rejoiced in the victory, and thought that God himself had
+decided the combat in favour of Elsa.
+
+The Duchess felt greatly moved. In her overflowing gratitude she
+sank down before her deliverer with tears in her eyes. But he bade her
+rise, and bowing low before her asked her to become his wife. She
+consented. What a heaven of bliss opened for the Duchess of Brabant!
+All her former troubles were forgotten.
+
+Her gratitude towards her rescuer was transformed into passionate
+love, to which Lohengrin, the virtuous knight, responded with tender
+adoration.
+
+Yet though everything seemed now so serene in the life of the Duchess,
+there was a dim cloud which threatened to darken the clear prospect of
+her happiness. On their wedding-day Elsa had to promise her bridegroom
+that she would never inquire about his name, his home, or his descent.
+
+Trusting her deliverer's honour and chivalrous bearing, she took the
+strange oath without a moment's hesitation.
+
+Many years of bliss and happiness passed, and Elsa of Brabant had
+strictly kept the promise she had made on her bridal morning. Their
+happiness was still more enhanced by the birth of three hopeful boys.
+They were their parents' joy, and promised to become in future shining
+ornaments of knighthood.
+
+It happened however, when the eyes of the Duchess were resting with
+pride on her sons, that her mother's heart thought with grief of the
+solemn oath she had sworn on her wedding-day.
+
+With how much more pride would she have looked upon her sons if she
+could have known them to be the offspring of a high and noble race.
+She did not doubt however that her beloved husband's lineage was a
+most noble one. Yet the thought that his sons might never bear their
+father's name, nor be able to add new glories to it, was lying heavily
+on her mind, and darkened the radiant image of her husband, that like
+a deity filled her whole soul.
+
+The fatal question she had for so long withheld burst one day forcibly
+from her lips.
+
+When she had pronounced the awful words, the proud hero grew pale, and
+freeing himself softly from her tender embrace, he cried out in bitter
+grief: "Woe to thee, my beloved wife and woe also to me! Now that thou
+hast uttered the question thou didst sware solemnly never to ask, our
+happiness is gone for ever. I must part from thee, never to see thee
+again."
+
+A cry of anguish rose from her lips, but she was unable to keep him
+back. Waving his hand to her in a mute farewell her noble husband left
+the castle. He went to the Rhine and blew his silver horn.
+
+Its sound was echoed from the shore like a long sob. The white swan
+with the boat soon appeared gliding gently over the river.
+
+Lohengrin stepped into the boat and soon vanished out of sight and was
+seen no more.
+
+His unhappy wife was inconsolable. Her grief was so intense that a
+short time after her health gave way, and she sank into a premature
+grave.
+
+Her sons became the ancestors of a noble and distinguished race in
+the Rhenish country. Their badge is a swan.
+
+The traveller who visits Cleve will still find a tombstone in its
+church with a knight carved on it, and a swan sitting at his feet.
+
+
+
+
+ZUYDERSEA
+
+Stavoren
+
+
+[Illustration: Stavoren--Nach einem Stich von Holbein]
+
+A strange story is still told about the city of Stavoren on the
+Zuydersea. It was a wondrous town, but like Vineta on the Baltic Sea
+it vanished from the earth.
+
+The merchants of Stavoren were the rulers of the Ocean, and the
+treasures of all known countries were lying in their port. The houses
+were lovely palaces, furnished in their interior like the marvellous
+abodes of the Sultan Haroun Al Rachid, in the "Arabian Nights."
+
+Of all the wealthy people of the town, there was nobody so much
+blessed with riches as Richberta, a proud and beautiful lady. Smiling
+fortune had lavishly poured its gifts upon her, and threw fresh
+treasures daily at her feet. She seemed to own everything beautiful
+that this life can bestow, but one thing she did not possess, and that
+was the soft fire of woman's kindness which lightens and warms the
+soul, and throws on all its surroundings a mild reflecting gleam.
+Richberta was cold and indifferent to either the pleasures or sorrows
+of her fellow-men. When night casts her shades upon the earth, all the
+sweet bright birds and butterflies hide and make room for a host of
+ghastly animals like owls and bats. So in Richberta's soul all her
+soft qualities had gone to sleep for want of the tender gleam of love,
+and only dark and harsh feelings haunted her soul. Immense pride in
+her own wealth, a bitter envy towards those who possessed more than
+she did, were her ruling passions.
+
+Once Richberta gave a grand feast. While the luxurious meal was being
+served, a stranger entered, who had come from far away to see the
+wonders of Stavoren with his own eyes. "I have seen," said he, bowing
+low to the lovely hostess, "many countries and many a princely court,
+but I confess that Stavoren surpasses them all in splendour."
+
+Highly flattered the proud lady bade him welcome to her table.
+According to the customs of the Orient whence he came, he begged for
+some bread and salt. Richberta ordered her servants to bring both, but
+it was useless to look for such simple fare in her house where only
+the most luxurious food was to be had.
+
+Without making any remarks however the stranger sat down and partook
+of the costly dishes. Then he began to relate his journeys, his
+success and his failures in life, and dwelt with great eloquence on
+the instability of earthly fortunes. All the guests listened with
+interest to what he said. Only Richberta sat gloomily at the head of
+her table. She felt angry that the stranger dared in her very presence
+to find fault with wealth and splendour, and to predict its probable
+destruction. Moreover she thought it rude in him that he had no word
+of praise for her own brilliant beauty, nor a glance of astonishment
+for her gorgeous palace. Her offended vanity induced her at last to
+force from him the praise he so obstinately withheld. "O, gracious
+Lady," said he rather reluctantly, "marvellous indeed is your home and
+fit for a queen. If you travelled far and near, you could not find its
+equal. But, my lady, among your treasures I miss one thing, and that
+is the noblest that the earth produces."
+
+Richberta was very anxious to learn what it was, that she might get
+it, and entreated her guest to name the precious thing. But he avoided
+any direct answer to her impetuous questions, and soon afterwards took
+his leave under a slight pretext.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On the open sea, a proud fleet was sailing. Its commander, strange to
+say, did not himself know the aim of his journey. His mistress,
+Richberta of Stavoren, had directed him to travel to all parts of the
+world to find out and bring home the most costly treasure.
+
+According to her command he set out, cruised the ocean to the East,
+and to the West, and searched everywhere for the unknown gift.
+
+In doing so it happened one day that seawater spoiled a part of the
+provisions of one of the ships. It was the flour and bread, the want
+of which was keenly felt by the whole crew. In this necessity the
+captain saw clearly that neither gold nor pearls could outweigh the
+value of bread, and the meaning of the mysterious words the stranger
+from the Orient had spoken to Richberta, dawned upon him.
+
+He steered to the coast and took a large cargo of the finest wheat
+aboard his ships. Full of joy at having at last found what he deemed
+the most costly thing on earth he sailed towards Stavoren, where he
+arrived safely.
+
+When Richberta learned of the common merchandise her captain had
+brought home, she summoned him before her and asked him
+contemptuously: "On which side of the vessel has the cargo of corn
+been taken in?" "On the right, mistress," answered the faithful
+servant, doubtful of what she meant. "Then," continued she coldly,
+"throw it from the left into the sea again."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day after the return of the fleet an animated scene was witnessed
+in the port of Stavoren.
+
+The numerous poor people of the town on hearing of the wicked command
+of Richberta, had come to beg of her not to spoil the precious wheat,
+but to divide it among those who were so much in want of it.
+
+The proud lady appeared herself to see that her will was executed. It
+was a touching spectacle to see how the crowd of miserable women and
+children surrounded the noble lady in her costly garments. The sight
+of so much misery would have moved many a cold heart, but Richberta
+showed no pity. She moved forward impatiently as if she heard not the
+supplications. But the crowd of women stopped her. They fell on their
+knees and entreated her with uplifted hands and tears in their eyes
+for the preservation of God's precious gift. Richberta heard but
+remained unrelenting. Her command was fulfilled, and the golden wheat
+was thrown into the sea.
+
+A storm of reproaches rose from the poor on the shore, and many a
+mother prayed to God on her knees to revenge this wickedness.
+
+The curses of the hungry people were fulfilled, far sooner than they
+expected.
+
+In the same year innumerable earless blades of wheat rose from the
+bottom of the sea like a forest, catching up mud, mire, weed, and
+remains of animals, so that by and by a dune rose under water which
+stopped the ships from entering the port of Stavoren.
+
+The inhabitants of the town who had principally lived by commerce,
+suddenly found the source of their wealth stopped. Want and poverty
+took possession of the once rich city. Richberta, in whom everybody
+recognised the author of this misfortune, lost everything in the
+general impoverishment, and was driven by the enraged populace from
+the town. The once proud and rich lady had now to beg for her bread.
+She walked wearily from village to village, curses following her
+wherever she went. She died in utter destitution.
+
+The sea that had for so many years been the blessing of Stavoren was
+now the destruction of the voluptuous city. One night it rose with
+immense power against the dunes, burst through them, and flooding the
+town with huge waves, buried it forever.
+
+To this day, the fishermen on the Zuydersea relate the story of the
+wonderful sunken city that once towered high into the air. When the
+water is clear they imagine they can see the high steeples of
+Stavoren's churches and the towers of her palaces shimmering up from
+the bottom of the sea.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Illustrations were inserted between pages of the original text. In
+this e-book they have been moved to the head of the relevant story.
+
+Obvious printer errors (missing or transposed letters, misspellings,
+missing punctuation, etc.) have been amended without note.
+
+There are some instances of archaic spelling, which have been retained
+throughout.
+
+Hyphenation has been made consistent without note. There are some
+occurrences of 'compound' nouns (for example, Folksepic, milkwhite,
+spearpierced, etc.), which have been retained as part of the charm of
+the text.
+
+There are some variations in the spelling of proper nouns (for
+example, Liege/Liege or Brunhild/Brunhilde). These have been retained
+throughout, except where there was an obvious error, which has been
+amended and noted. Missing titles or variations between titles and the
+Table of Contents have been amended and noted. A complete list of
+these amendments is included at the end of the text.
+
+Finally, there are two instances of unusual grammar, which have been
+retained: in the Prefatory note, "... and over all the sun _shined_
+brightly ..." and on page 152, "... his wife and retinue are looking
+_devoutedly_ towards heaven ...".
+
+List of Amendments:
+
+Prefatory Note--omitted 'I' added--"I soon became absorbed in the
+ever-changing panorama."
+
+Prefatory note--"english" amended to "English"--"... romance for the
+English speaking nations ..."
+
+Contents--"The Mothers Gost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"
+
+Page 7--title "ST. GOTHARD" amended to "ST. GOTTHARD"
+
+Page 79--title "The mother's Ghost" amended to "The Mother's Ghost"
+
+Page 97--title "I." added
+
+Page 117--"Coblentz" amended to "Coblenz"--"... a beautiful meadow
+at Rhense near Coblenz ..."
+
+Page 145--title "I." added
+
+Page 155--"Charlemange" amended to "Charlemagne"--"... that
+Charlemagne had begun ..."
+
+Page 167--title "I." added
+
+Page 177--title "I." added
+
+Page 192--title "GODESBERG" inserted, to match the Table of Contents
+
+Page 216--opening quote mark in middle of the first paragraph moved to
+beginning of paragraph
+
+Page 240--"Brabrant" amended to "Brabant"--"... dominion of Elsa of
+Brabant."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Legends of the Rhine, by Wilhelm Ruland
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+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF THE RHINE ***
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