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diff --git a/old/64163-0.txt b/old/64163-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7675463..0000000 --- a/old/64163-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8517 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Legends of Switzerland, by H. A. Guerber - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Legends of Switzerland - -Author: H. A. Guerber - -Release Date: December 29, 2020 [eBook #64163] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: David Edwards, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The Internet - Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDS OF SWITZERLAND *** - - - - - LEGENDS - OF - SWITZERLAND - - - - -By the Same Author - - - LEGENDS OF THE VIRGIN AND CHRIST - LEGENDS OF THE RHINE - LEGENDS OF THE MIDDLE AGES - STORIES OF THE WAGNER OPERAS - STORIES OF FAMOUS OPERAS - MYTHS OF GREECE AND ROME - MYTHS OF NORTHERN LANDS - -$1.50 per volume - - -[Illustration: COATS OF ARMS OF THE SWISS CANTONS.] - - - - - LEGENDS - OF - SWITZERLAND - - - BY - H. A. GUERBER - - - _WITH ILLUSTRATIONS_ - - - NEW YORK - DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY - 1899 - - - - - _Copyright, 1899_, - BY DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY. - - _All rights reserved._ - - - University Press: - JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. - - - - - DEDICATED - TO - SWITZERLAND - - IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF HAPPY SUMMERS SPENT - WITHIN ITS BORDERS - - - - -PREFACE - - -Aside from the picturesque, historical, and geological interest -connected with a journey in Switzerland, that country also boasts of -a rich fund of legends, delightfully characteristic of the people at -whose firesides they have been told for centuries. - -The grand scenery, terrific storms, sudden earthquakes, landslides -and avalanches, together with the barbaric invasions and fierce wars -which have swept over it for thousands of years, have all left their -indelible stamp, not only upon the face of nature, but also in the -imagination and folklore of the people. - -In varying keys, and touching upon many chords and themes, these -legends refer to saints and to sinners, to heathen gods, giants, -ghosts, dwarfs, Devil, and fairies, as well as to kings and queens, -knights and ladies, monks and nuns, besides dwelling particularly upon -shepherds, pastures, cattle, and game. - -The rustic crudity of some of these tales, the mediæval halo of romance -around others, added to the poetic subtle charms of a few, have been -rendered as faithfully as possible, to enable the reader to gain a -nearer insight into the life and thoughts of the sturdy race which has -established the most lasting republic in modern Europe. - -Life-long familiarity with the official languages, some knowledge of -the peculiar dialects, together with prolonged sojourns in the country, -and diligent study of its principal works on national folklore, have -enabled the writer to collect these legends, some of which are now laid -before the English-speaking public for the first time. - -Trusting they may enhance the pleasure of a trip to Switzerland for all -those who have the good fortune to enjoy one, remind former travellers -of matchless scenes, and amuse and interest even stay-at-homes, this -book is sent out into the world with the sincere hope that it may meet -with a kindly welcome. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - LEGENDS OF GENEVA 1 - - LEGENDS OF VAUD AND VALAIS 6 - - FRIBOURG 69 - - LEGENDS OF NEUCHÂTEL 79 - - BERN 97 - - LEGENDS OF SOLEURE 140 - - BASEL 147 - - AARGAU 158 - - THE FOREST CANTONS 176 - - TESSIN 238 - - SCHAFFHAUSEN 242 - - LEGENDS OF ZÜRICH 248 - - LEGENDS OF ZUG 261 - - THURGAU 270 - - ST. GALL AND APPENZELL 274 - - GLARUS AND GRISONS 281 - - - INDEX 303 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - COATS-OF-ARMS OF THE SWISS CANTONS, WITH CANTONAL - BEADLES IN TRADITIONAL COSTUME (in color) _Frontispiece_ - - FACE PAGE - LAKE OF GENEVA, WITH DENT DU MIDI 2 - - THE MIGRATION OF THE HERDS 8 - - ALPINE FAY 38 - - THE MIST NYMPH 44 - - THE WILD HUNT 100 - - THE OLD ST. CHRISTOPHER TOWER 106 - - THE GIESSBACH 122 - - GRINDELWALD 132 - - THE JUNGFRAU 136 - - THE SPALENTHOR, BASEL 148 - - THE OATH ON THE RÜTLI 184 - - TELL ANSWERS GESSLER 188 - - LUCERNE, WITH MT. PILATUS 196 - - THE RIGI 214 - - THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE 236 - - THE FALLS OF THE RHINE 242 - - CHARLEMAGNE AND THE SERPENT 250 - - - - -Legends of Switzerland - - - ❦ - - - - -LEGENDS OF GENEVA - - -The crescent-shaped Leman, or Lake of Geneva, the largest and bluest -of all the Swiss lakes, has been sung by all the poets and praised by -every writer who has had the good fortune to behold it in its native -splendour. - -The fertile slopes on the northern bank, the charming resorts and -drives to the east and south, and the glorious view of Mont Blanc, in -Savoy, as seen from Geneva itself, bewitch all those who are privileged -to enjoy them. Countless steamboats and sailboats are constantly plying -to and fro over the lake, and stopping at picturesque points along -the shore, whence delightful excursions can be made either among rich -pastures, orchards, and vineyards, or up into the mountains from which, -rippling and roaring, torrents and streams pour down to fill the basin -of this beautiful lake. The most picturesque craft on the Lake of -Geneva are the lateen-sailed market-boats, hovering like birds over -waters whose colour reminds one of the Mediterranean, the only other -body of water in Europe where such vessels are frequently seen. - -A legend claims that in olden times a fairy boat of this peculiar -shape was often seen flitting from point to point along the shores of -Lake Leman. Its sails catching every gleam of golden light, it shone -like the face of the new moon in a summer sky. Drawn by eight large -snow-white swans, it glided gently over the waters, to the song both -weird and sweet of these graceful birds, accompanied by the thrilling -chords of a harp touched by the invisible fingers of the Spirit of the -Winds. - -Standing by the mast of this ship, was a tall woman of dazzling beauty, -whose golden locks streamed out in the breeze, while the sunset flush -on the snow-mountains seemed no more delicate than the bloom on her -dainty cheeks. Clad in flowing robes of purest white, she stood there, -smiling gently at countless winged and chubby sprites, hovering around -her like butterflies about a rose, and scattering handfuls of flowers -and fruit at her feet. - -[Illustration: LAKE OF GENEVA, WITH DENT DU MIDI.] - -It is said that wherever the fairy ship touched the shore, the soil -bore flowers and fruit in abundance, and any one who was so -fortunate as to catch a glimpse of the lucky vessel was sure of the -fulfilment of any desire, expressed or unexpressed. Even when buried so -deep in the hidden recesses of the heart that the owner was scarcely -conscious of its existence, the fairy’s melting blue eyes were sure to -discover this wish, and her heart was so tender that, once discovered, -she could not but grant it. - -The fairy skiff of Lake Geneva haunted its shores for many years, and -might still be seen there, had not the giant swans been frightened away -by the puffing and snorting steamboats which furrow the blue waves. -None but the oldest inhabitants ever mention this ship, of which they -caught fleeting glimpses in their early youth, when they sat by the -lakeside during the long moonlight nights, in hopes of securing the -realization of their dearest hopes. - -But the luck-ship figures not only in the tales told by the peasants -around the fireside during the long winter evenings; it is also often -seen in effigy upon Genevan holiday and birthday cards. Then “Good -Luck,” or “Happy New Year,” is inscribed across the wing-like lateen -sails, and such a card is supposed to bring the happy recipient as much -good fortune as an actual glimpse of the swan-drawn vessel of mythic -fame. - -An interesting old legend is connected with the church of Ste. Marie -Madeleine in Geneva, and with a local yearly festival celebrated there -on the twenty-second of July. - -In the days when the Madeleine church was founded, Geneva, after having -been the main stronghold of the Allobroges before Christ, and a Roman -camp from the days of Cæsar until the fifth century, was the capital -of a Burgundian kingdom. The Christians in that part of the country, -desirous of building a church where they could worship God, selected a -site just outside of the city fortifications, and then began to solicit -contributions on all sides. - -In those days there dwelt in Geneva a very good and pious girl, noted -far and wide for her deftness in spinning, and for the unusual beauty -and fineness of her thread. As soon as this virtuous maiden heard that -funds were needed for a church to be dedicated to her patron saint, she -made a solemn vow to consecrate to that good purpose all the thread she -could spin, and immediately set to work. - -From early morn until far into the night, Madeleine now spun on -unweariedly, selling skein after skein of thread to purchase stones -and mortar for the new building. As is always the case, the zeal and -gifts of many of the Christians soon ebbed, but Madeleine twirled her -distaff faster and faster, working without respite day after day, to -make up for all deficiencies. - -The workmen, who contributed their labour, soon depended upon her alone -for materials, and fearing lest her strength or courage should fail -before the church was finished, they called out to her every time they -passed her house to keep up a good heart and work on. This cry,-- - - “Tiens bon, Marie Madeleine, - Tiens bon, Marie Madelon!” - -was taken up by all the Christians in town, and now forms the refrain -of a song sung at Geneva’s yearly festival. - -Thus encouraged, Marie Madeleine went on spinning until the -building was completed, and as most of the stones were purchased -with the proceeds of her industry, the workmen carved spindles and -spinning-wheels all over the church. On the festival of Ste. Marie -Madeleine, illuminations and processions are the order of the day in -Geneva, and the statue of a spinner is carried along all the principal -streets of the town, to the rhythmic chant of the old distich, which -commemorates alike the maiden’s piety and her extreme diligence. - - - - -LEGENDS OF VAUD AND VALAIS - - -Late in the spring, when the grazing down in the valley is pretty -well exhausted, farmers in Switzerland are wont to drive their cows -up to the mountain pastures, which by this time are all covered with -luxuriant grass and gemmed with dainty wild-flowers. The day set for -the departure of the cattle is always a gala day. The people, dressed -in their Sunday best, assemble in the villages through which the herds -must pass, to exchange merry jests with the herdsmen, bid them God -speed, and admire the fat sleek cows, wearing around their necks bells -of different sizes and varying tones. - -The head herdsman proudly walks in front of his cattle, wearing a -bunch of gay ribbons or of fresh flowers in his hat or cap. His blue -cloth coat, with its short sleeves, sets off a dazzlingly white shirt -of coarse linen, and his costume is completed by knee-breeches, thick -woolen stockings, and shoes whose soles are elaborately studded with -bright nails. This man carries a bag full of salt, and an umbrella -slung across his back; and from time to time, as he strides joyfully -ahead of the herd, he offers a handful of salt to the foremost cows. -Leaning on his stout staff, he sturdily climbs the mountain, giving -vent to those long-drawn musical cries known as “huchées” or “jodels,” -according to the section of the country in which they are heard. - -Close behind the herdsman comes the bull, with a ring in his nose, -or a fine cow, the queen and leader of the cattle. Conscious of the -honour of wearing the largest and deepest-toned bell, this animal steps -proudly along, tossing a shapely head decked with bunches of bright -flowers on either horn, and between them rests the milking-stool, a -sign of particular distinction. - -Cow after cow slowly files past, greeted by calls and loving pats from -proud owners, and amid the tinkling of bells, the trample of hoofs, the -lowing of kine, and the cheers of the people sound the resonant cracks -of the herdsmen’s whips, which they snap incessantly to show their -proficiency in that greatly admired branch of their calling. - -The sight of such a herd going up the mountain invariably reminds the -old people of happy summers long gone by, and while sitting on the -benches in front of their stone or wooden houses at twilight, they -entertain the younger generation with reminiscences of the joyful past, -and a regretful sigh always heaves their aged breasts when they finally -mention the Golden Age of Switzerland. - -According to tradition, this was the time when none of the -mountains--not even the highest--were ever veiled in cold mists, or -covered with ice and snow. Neither were there any barren and rocky -heights such as we see now. Luxuriant grass grew all the way up the -steepest slopes, carpeting even the topmost ridges, and the climate -was so genial that cattle dotted the hillside pastures during nine or -ten months of the year. The cows were then far larger and fatter than -any we see now, and their milk was so abundant that they were milked -thrice a day into huge ponds, or tanks, where the herdsmen went about -in skiffs to do the skimming. - -One of these men is said to have once lost his balance and fallen -head first into a lacteal lake, but although his mourning companions -diligently sought for his corpse, and even dredged that huge natural -milkpan, they could find no trace of him. When churning-day came round, -however, and the big vats of thick cream were poured into a churn -as large and tall as a castle tower, the dead man was suddenly -discovered imbedded like a fly in the thick cream. The dairymen and -milkmaids then mournfully laid his corpse to rest in a huge cave, lined -with honeycombs so tall and massive that none was smaller than the city -gates. - -[Illustration: THE MIGRATION OF THE HERDS.] - -Such was the prosperity of all the farmers in the Cantons of Vaud and -Valais, that their men used goat cheeses (_tommes_) instead of quoits -for their daily games, and on Sundays played bowls with huge balls -of the sweetest, hardest, yellowest butter that has ever been made. -The fruit trees were as productive as the pastures; the grapes, for -instance, being so large and juicy that faucets had to be inserted in -each grape to draw off the juice, while the pears were so fine and -heavy that their stems had to be severed by means of a double hand-saw -when came time to pick them. - -The Golden Age of the Alps did not last long, however, for the -unparalleled prosperity the people enjoyed filled their hearts with -such inordinate pride that they became very insolent, and thereby -called down the wrath of heaven upon their guilty heads. The brutality -and avarice which they displayed was punished by earthquakes, storms, -and landslides, which ruined their finest pastures, and by sudden -and unwelcome changes in the temperature. Dense fogs swept over the -mountains, and there were long and heavy snow-falls which swathed the -mountains in a permanent casing of ice and snow. The summer season -became far briefer than in the past, and fields and pastures much less -productive. Cattle and fruit therefore soon dwindled down to their -present comparatively small proportions, and unlimited plenty no longer -reigned in the land. - -In the Golden Age the country boasted of a few very large but quite -benevolent giants. They roamed about at will, striding over mountains -and forests, which seemed to them no larger than mole hills and tiny -shrubs. The best known of these giants was Gargantua, renowned alike -for his athletic proportions and for his childlike spirit. He was so -huge that when he sat down to rest upon Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, or some -other large mountain, his legs hung down on either side until his feet -rested comfortably in the valleys. Sometimes, when indulging in a brief -noonday nap, he used one of these peaks as pillow for his huge and -sleepy head. His thick white beard and hair, falling around him on all -sides, then gave these heights somewhat the same aspect they have now, -with their fields of snow and rivers of ice. The sunken orbits of the -giant’s eyes and his wide-open mouth looked like valleys and crevasses, -while his nostrils could be mistaken for deep and dark caves, and his -ruddy cheeks for great patches of red rock peeping out among the snows. - -When the weather was warm, Gargantua’s breath seemed like the mist -hovering on the mountain tops; but when the temperature fell, it -rapidly congealed, spreading like a dense fog all over the country. -His gentlest snores are said to have sounded like the distant rumble -of thunder, or the crash of avalanches; and when he stretched himself -after a siesta, the whole country was shaken as by a violent earthquake. - -Once, while the giant lay asleep, his head resting against a mountain, -a large flock of sheep scrambled up over his prostrate form, and began -to thread their way through his tangled hair and beard in quest of -pasture. Awakened by a slight tickling sensation, the giant half opened -his sleepy eyes. The sight of a host of little white creatures crawling -around in his beard so angered him, that he took them up one by one -between his thumb and index, and crushed and threw them away, thinking -they were vermin. - -During another nap a large herd of cows strayed into the giant’s -wide-open mouth, which they mistook for a cave. Their presence there, -however, occasioned a prodigious coughing-fit, in the course of which -the cows were ejected with such force that they flew through miles of -space and landed in another country! - -As simple and innocent as he was large, Gargantua delighted in playing -in the dirt. To amuse himself, he hollowed out the Rhône valley, and -scooped out a basin for the Lake of Geneva. There the marks of his -fingers can still be seen, for having no other tools he freely used -those nature provides, flinging handfuls of earth and stones on either -side of him, or into a rude basket made of wattled pine-trees which he -carried on his back. - -At one time Gargantua elected to build a fine sand-heap, and carried -load after load of dirt and stones to a point southeast of the present -city of Geneva. There he dumped them one after another, and as the heap -increased in size after each basketful, he gleefully cried: “Ça lève, -ça lève!” (It is rising, it is rising!) This cry was overheard by the -people in the neighbourhood, who ever after used it as a name for that -mountain, changing the orthography to Salève. - -Gargantua sometimes threw huge rocks around him in sport, or in -petulant fits of anger, punched holes in and through the mountains, -and dug out fistfuls of earth here and there to fashion his mud pies. -He also liked to make gullies for the streams which trickled down the -mountains. Once, while scratching out the Illiez valley he forgot the -burden on his back and stooped to drink from the Rhône, which seemed -to him like a mere rill. By some mischance, however, he stubbed his -big toe against the rocks of St. Triphon, and fell sprawling along -the valley, spilling part of the dirt out of his basket. The simple -fellow, amazed at this accident, picked himself up gravely and uttered -the local substitute for “My goodness!” (Eh Monteh!). This exclamation -was thereafter used by the natives to designate a mound of earth now -covered with oak forests and known as Monthey. - -In his wrath at having tripped and broken the straps fastening his -basket to his back, Gargantua gave his burden an ill-tempered kick, -which sent it flying some distance further on, where it dumped the rest -of its contents. This heap of dirt formed the picturesque eminence on -whose wooded heights the ruined tower of Duin now stands. - -A similar accident occurring when the giant once tried to quench -his thirst in the Sarine, is the alleged origin of the hill upon -which rises the church of Château d’Oex. On another occasion, resting -one foot upon the top of the Berra and the other upon the Gibloux, -Gargantua bent down and took a draught from the Sarine, which drained -it so dry that not a drop of water flowed along its bed for three -whole days. During that time one legend claims that the giant laid the -foundation for the bridge at Pont-la-Ville, near Fribourg, but another -ascribes that construction to his Satanic Majesty in person. - -Gargantua’s feet were so large that one of his sandals could serve as -bridge over the Rhône or Sarine, and his hands so strong that he tore -great gaps in the Jura mountains to enable those two streams to make -their way to the sea. - -A mountain giant who roamed about in the mist, but never came down into -the valleys, was known as Pathô. He delighted in terrifying the people -in the lowlands by sudden wild cries, or by playfully rolling stones -down upon them, their cattle, houses, or pastures. - -Many of the Swiss giants were supposed to dwell in caves, or castles, -on the tallest mountains, hidden from the eyes of men by ever-shifting -clouds. To commemorate this superstition, Schiller wrote a charming -ballad, telling how the daughter of one of these giants once strayed -down into the valley, where, for the first time in her life, she beheld -a farmer ploughing his field. In her delight and wonder, she bundled -man, horses, and plough into her apron, and quickly carried them home, -where she proudly exhibited her new playthings to her father. The -giant, who wished the puny human race no ill, immediately bade his -little daughter carry the frightened peasant and kicking team back to -the place where she had found them, gravely warning her never to meddle -again with the people in the valley, whose diligent toil supplied -giants as well as mortals with their daily bread. - - * * * * * - -THE monks who lived in the old abbey at Romainmotier, in the northern -part of the canton of Vaud, once built a bridge over the rushing -waters of the Orbe, to enable the throngs of pilgrims to reach a -wonder-working image of the Virgin near Vallorbes. But as these monks -were very eager to enrich their monastery, they also placed a toll-gate -across the bridge, and would allow none to pass without paying a -certain sum. - -One night, the bridge-keeper was startled out of his peaceful slumbers -by the rhythmic sound of rapid hoof-beats on the hard road, and he -sprang to his window just in time to find himself face to face with a -panting, foam-flecked steed, upon which sat a girl clad in garments -apparently no whiter than her anguished face. In breathless tones the -maiden bade the keeper open wide the gate and let her pass, for her -beloved mother was dangerously ill, and she wanted to plead for her -recovery at the foot of the miraculous image. - -The gate-keeper listened unmoved to this passionate entreaty, and -instead of opening the gate, held it shut tight while sternly demanding -his toll. In vain the girl repeated she had forgotten to bring any -money, and implored him to let her pass, promising to bring him the -required amount on the morrow; he would not listen to anything she said. - -Seeing it was useless to parley any longer with such an unfeeling -man, yet determined to save her mother at any price, the brave girl -urged her steed to the very edge of the bridge, and suddenly leaped -over the low parapet into the rushing tide. For a few moments the -horrified gate-keeper saw horse and rider struggling bravely to reach -the opposite shore, but all at once their strength gave way, and they -were swept into a whirlpool in the middle of the stream. A moment later -he saw them dashed against sharp rocks, and vanish beneath the foaming -waters which were soon tinged red with blood. - -The gate-keeper stole back to his couch, trembling in every limb, but -told no one of the girl’s visit or of her frightful death. At midnight -on the anniversary of the tragedy, the conscience-stricken man was -however again roused by a loud clatter of hoofs. Torn from his bed by -invisible hands, he found himself on the bridge, face to face with -the same unhappy maid, whose snowy garments were now all stained with -blood. Still impelled by a force he could not resist, the gate-keeper -suddenly dropped down on his hands and knees before her, and felt her -spring lightly upon his back. A second later he was galloping wildly -toward the shrine of the miraculous Virgin. - -There the maiden dismounted and fervently prayed for her sick mother; -then rising hastily from her knees, she again sprang upon her human -steed, whom she urged on over the stony road by lashing him with a long -wet reed. At the bridge, the spectre maiden vanished over the parapet, -and the terrified gate-keeper straightened up once more, only in time -to hear the gurgling cry of a drowning person rising above the roaring -and splashing of the swollen stream. - -This spectral apparition visited this man every year, and so shattered -his nerves that he fell ill and died of fright. But before he breathed -his last, he humbly confessed to one of the monks his cruel treatment -of the girl, her pitiful end, and his awful punishment. - -In memory of this event, an image of a man on all fours, and ridden -by a beautiful maiden, was placed in the convent church, where it was -long exhibited to pilgrims and tourists, to whom the above story is -invariably told. - - * * * * * - -SOUTH of Romainmotier, on the road from Vallorbes to Lausanne, stands -the small and very ancient town of La Sarraz, with its quaint castle. -We are told that a statue was excavated there lately, which once -stood in the chapel, and represented a knight, on whose cheeks and -shoulder-blades clung loathsome toads. The recovery of that peculiar -statue recalled the olden tale of a young knight of La Sarraz, who, -having won great distinction in warfare, aspired to the hand of a -Count’s daughter. - -Although the maiden was far above him in station, her father consented -to their union, provided the bridegroom gave her a castle and three -hundred cows as wedding gift, or _morgengabe_. This condition filled -the knight’s heart with hopeless sorrow, for he could boast no property -except his trusty sword, his stout suit of mail, and his fiery -battle-horse. - -His parents, perceiving his dejection, questioned him tenderly, and -when they learned the cause of his sorrow, they joyfully exclaimed that -he need not despair, for they would give him castle and cattle, which -was all they had in the world. They confidently added that they knew -their son would never let them want in their old age, even if they did -bestow everything upon him, reserving naught for themselves. - -The selfish son gladly accepted this proffered sacrifice, but when -the marriage ceremony had been completed, and he and his wife were -comfortably settled in their new home, he begrudged his old parents the -little they required, and instigated by his wife, turned them out of -the house one cold and stormy night. - -After closing the door upon them, to shut off the sound of their -pitiful sobs and heartbreaking reproaches, the knight of La Sarraz -strode back into the hall of his castle, where a huge beaker of strong -beer and a fine game-pie were awaiting him near a good fire. Settling -himself down comfortably in a big armchair, the knight removed the -crusty cover of the pie. But no sooner had he done so than he started -back in horror, for two live toads sprang straight out of it to his -cheeks, where they buried their claws so deep that no one could remove -them. Every effort was made to kill these animals or drive them -away, but all in vain. The knight, in despair, finally sent for the -neighbouring priest, thinking that his prayers might accomplish what -force and skill had failed to effect. - -No sooner did the priest behold the live toads imbedded in the knight’s -cheeks, however, than he exclaimed this must be a visitation from -heaven, and bade him confess what grievous sin he had committed. But -when the knight acknowledged that he had unmercifully driven his -aged parents out of the house they had given him, the priest made a -frightened sign of the cross, and bade him apply to the bishop, as he -could not give absolution for so heinous a sin. - -The bishop, equally shocked and horrified at the knight’s confession, -referred him to the Pope, who, seeing the man’s plight, bade him return -to his native land, find his aged parents, atone for his past cruelty -by treating them kindly as long as they lived, and assured him that -when he had obtained their forgiveness, the toads would certainly -depart from his face. - -The knight of La Sarraz therefore journeyed home again, and after a -long and conscientious search discovered the dead bodies of his old -father and mother lying side by side in an abandoned hermitage. At the -pitiful sight of their wasted corpses, he fell on his knees, while -tears of bitter repentance flowed in torrents down his cheeks. These -tears effected what no other agent had been able to accomplish, for -the toads suddenly loosened their hold, and sprang from the knight’s -cheeks, down to his shoulders, where they again burrowed and clung fast. - -As long as the knight of La Sarraz lived, he bore these awful living -reminders of his sin, but as he kept them carefully hidden from sight, -no one suspected the tortures he endured for more than twenty years. It -is this sin and its awful punishment which was commemorated by the odd -statue in the chapel of La Sarraz. - - * * * * * - -IN the tenth century, when all the western part of Switzerland formed -part of the kingdom of Burgundy, good Queen Bertha rode through the -land, visiting every castle, farm, and hamlet, and taking a kindly -interest in the affairs of rich and poor. - -Wherever she went, she encouraged high and low to be good and virtuous, -setting them a shining example of industry by spinning diligently from -morning until night. Such was her skill in handling the distaff, that -she twirled it even while riding her snow-white palfrey from place to -place. Those days were so peaceful and happy, that the time “when Queen -Bertha span,” is still regarded in Switzerland as a synonym for the -Golden Age. Of course, the memory of so virtuous a ruler has been kept -green in the minds of the people, who have also carefully preserved her -saddle with its hole for her distaff. This relic can still be seen in -Payerne, where the virtuous Queen lies buried beside her husband and -son. - -Statues, pictures, and poems perpetuate Queen Bertha’s fame, and people -still relate anecdotes about her. One of these affirms that the queen, -seeing a shepherd girl spin while tending her flock, was so delighted -with her industry that she bestowed upon her a rich reward. The court -ladies, wishing to secure similar benefits, presented themselves on the -morrow, distaff in hand, before their royal mistress. Observing them -for a moment in silence, the queen then archly remarked: “Ah, ladies! -the peasant girl, like Jacob, received the blessing because she came -first, but you, like Esau, have come too late!” - -Queen Bertha was so good and charitable, that she was particularly -loved by the poor, who claim that her spirit still haunts that region. -Every year, towards Christmas time, she is said to wander through the -villages after nightfall, peering in at every window to ascertain -whether the women and girls have spun all their flax. Those who have -been careful and diligent, and can show empty distaffs and skeins of -fine, smooth thread, are rewarded by magic gifts. These consist of -skeins which never end, or handfuls of leaves, twigs, shavings, or -coal, which, if carefully put away, turn into gold before morning. But -the maidens who have been careless or lazy are sure to be punished by -sleepless nights, troubled dreams, tangled skeins, and numerous other -petty mishaps. - -We are told that Queen Bertha built the castle of Vufflens for a -faithful servant who had become insane. As it was not safe to let him -go abroad, the good Queen carefully selected this lovely spot so that -the poor man could constantly feast his eyes upon the magnificent view -of the lake, with Mont Blanc in the distance. - -It is said that a thunderbolt put a sudden and merciful end to this -madman’s life. Then, as Queen Bertha was about to leave the country to -join her married daughter in Lombardy, she bestowed the castle upon -Grimoald, a brother of the deceased, believing him to be good and -honourable too, although he was really a base-hearted wretch whom every -one feared. - -Grimoald had not deemed it necessary to marry until then, but, wishing -to have an heir for his new castle, he soon brought home a reluctant -bride, forced by a stern father to accept his hand. He treated his -wife, Ermance, moderately well until the birth of her first child. But -when he heard that this babe was a girl, instead of the boy he desired, -he flew into a towering rage, and vowed it should be confined in one -of the corner turrets of the castle, to remain there with its nurse -until he had an heir. Poor Ermance pleaded in vain for an occasional -glimpse, or even for news, of her child. Then, she began a series -of pilgrimages, and fasted and prayed without ceasing, hoping that -Providence would give her a son. To her intense sorrow, however, she -gave birth to daughters only, who as soon as they came into the world -were consigned to separate towers, their cruel father reiterating ever -more emphatically the remarks he had made at the advent of his first -child. - -When the fourth daughter came, the poor mother, clasping her -passionately in her arms, begged permission to share her imprisonment -and be her nurse. Grimoald, whose wrath by this time knew no bounds, -then angrily said: - -“Since you can give me nothing but daughters, you may go! But remember, -I shall keep you in prison for ever. Every one shall believe you are -dead, and I will take another wife, who, I hope, will not be such a -fool as you!” - -Striding out of his wife’s room, Grimoald then made all his -arrangements. By his orders, the babe was carried to the turret, and -Ermance covered with a sheet as if she were dead. Then a coffin was -brought into the room by servants, who fancied their mistress had died -of grief at losing her fourth child too. But during the night, Raymond, -Grimoald’s trusted henchman, put some stones into this coffin, nailed -down the lid, and secretly conveyed his mistress to the fourth tower, -which, like all the rest, then communicated with his own dwelling by -secret passageways. - -Years now passed by, during which Ermance devoted all her thoughts to -her last child, for her husband had made Raymond tell her that the -other little girls were all dead. From a narrow window high up in the -wall, she caught a glimpse of her funeral procession; but although she -often saw her husband ride in and out of the castle yard, she never -beheld a woman beside him, for now that his cruelty was known, no one -would consent to marry him. - -Although confined within the narrow limits of a little tower room, -Ermance’s youngest daughter throve like a flower, and became so pretty -and attractive that she won the heart of her grim jailer. Before she -was thirteen, Raymond could refuse her nothing, and when he fell ill, -he sent his adopted son and daughter to wait upon her and her mother. -In the company of these charming young people,--to whom mother and -daughter felt equally attracted,--the prisoners spent many happy hours, -and heard many tidings of the outside world. - -In the meantime Grimoald was failing fast, and Raymond rushed into the -tower one night to summon his mistress and her daughter to his master’s -death-bed. On entering her husband’s chamber, Ermance was somewhat -surprised to behold there Raymond’s adopted children with two other -beautiful girls. But she almost died of joy, when Grimoald faintly -informed her that these three maidens were the children for whom she -had mourned so long. Then, after begging and obtaining her forgiveness -for all he had made her endure, Grimoald told her that Raymond’s -adopted son, the child of an elder brother, was to inherit the castle -of Vufflens, where, however, she and her daughters might dwell as long -as they pleased. - -Neither Ermance nor her daughters could mourn greatly for a husband -and father who had treated them so cruelly, and after he was laid to -rest, they openly rejoiced to find themselves free to go wherever they -pleased. The four girls, especially, were in a state of rapturous -delight over everything they heard and saw; for, until then, their -world had consisted of narrow turret chambers, with as much of the -country as they could perceive from loop-hole windows. - -In time, three of these maidens, who were noted for their great beauty, -married the lords of Blonay, Châtelard, and La Sarraz, whose castles -still exist to-day, while the fourth became the wife of Artus, the -new and gallant young lord of Vufflens. Unlike his uncle, this knight -treated his wife and children with the utmost consideration, and the -corner turrets were never again used as prisons for innocent babes. - - * * * * * - -IN journeying on eastward along the northern shore of the Lake of -Geneva, one soon comes to a dense forest of pine and hickory, very near -Clarens, where stands the famous overhanging “Scex que Plliau,” or -Raining Rock, of which the following romantic legend is told: - -The son of a rich lord, whose castle was at Montreux, once fell -desperately in love with Joliette, the daughter of a neighbouring -mountaineer. All went well until the young man’s father heard of this -love affair, and peremptorily bade his son part for ever from the -maiden who was too far beneath him in station ever to become his wife. - -The young lover, unwilling to give up his beloved, yet not daring to -see her openly, now began to roam about the country, ostensibly in -quest of game, but in reality in hope of encountering by chance the -fair Joliette. One day, the good fairies who watch over all true lovers -of that region, brought both young people to a charming and secluded -spot in the forest, and while they sat there under an overhanging rock, -exchanging vows and confidences, the hours sped by unmarked. - -They were still lingering there, hand in hand, listening to the -soughing of the wind in the pines, and the ripple of the waters over -the stony bed of Clarens Bay, when they were suddenly startled out -of their love dream by the angry voice of the young man’s father. -Terrified beyond measure by this unwelcome interruption, Joliette fled -for protection to the arms of her lover, who, clasping her close to his -heart, gazed defiantly at his sire. - -The baron of Chaulin, however, like all mediæval fathers, expected his -son to obey him implicitly; so when he beheld this attitude, he angrily -bade his followers hurl the disobedient lovers over the rocks into the -ravine at their feet! But, before this fierce order could be carried -out, Albert sprang in front of Joliette with drawn sword, swearing he -would have the life blood of any one who dared to lay a finger upon his -betrothed. - -His resolute bearing checked for a moment the advance of the baron’s -followers, who had tried to execute their master’s order. While they -stood there motionless, silently awaiting further directions, a fairy -voice was suddenly heard, bidding the young people marry without fear, -promising them her protection, and upbraiding the hard-hearted father -for opposing their union. This speech, which somewhat encouraged the -lovers, further exasperated the baron. He furiously bade his men seek -for the witch and hang her on the nearest tree, adding that his son -should marry Joliette when water dripped through the rock above them, -but not before! - -To emphasise this statement, the baron savagely kicked the stone with -his mailed heel, and he was about to pour forth more abuse, when he -suddenly beheld the rock turn damp and saw the first drop of water form -and fall. All now gazed in open-mouthed wonder at the overhanging rock, -to which clung countless big drops which fell one after another, with a -gentle splash, while new ones formed above in their stead. - -“The rock is raining, the rock is raining!” the baron’s followers -gasped; and then, seized with superstitious terror, they turned and -fled, leaving their master alone with the lovers. - -“Yes,” cried the fairy’s voice, “the rock is raining, and unless the -baron of Chaulin breaks his word for the first time in his life, you -young people can now marry without further delay.” - -Awed by this phenomenon, or too honourable to disregard his oath, the -baron not only consented to the young people’s union, but gave them -such a grand wedding that all Montreux feasted and danced for a whole -week. - -Since then, water has constantly trickled from the overhanging Raining -Rock, down on the moss and the shiny-leaved water plants beneath -it; and the delicate fronds of the ferns, growing in every cranny, -perpetually rise and fall with dainty grace as the huge drops fall down -upon them, and glancing off, slowly roll from stone to stone until they -find their way into the Lake of Geneva. - - * * * * * - -NORTH of Clarens, on the boundary of the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg, -is the mighty Dent de Jaman, which can best be crossed by means of the -“col,” or pass, of the same name. - -A peasant who had never left his native valley in the southern part -of the canton of Fribourg, once decided that it might be well to see -a little of the world, and after talking a long while of his plans, -he bade his friends and relatives an impressive farewell and set out. -Armed with his mountain staff, he slowly climbed the rough path leading -to the Col de Jaman. Tramping sturdily on, he soon came to the boundary -line between his own canton and that of Vaud. Never yet had he ventured -so far from home, and everything seemed so strange that he kept looking -around and behind him, marvelling at the view, which grew more and more -extended with every step. - -As it was one of those bright days when every object is perceptible for -miles around, there was plenty to see, and as he had never travelled, -he was quite unprepared for the sight which greeted his eyes when -he reached the top of the pass. He therefore stood still there, in -open-mouthed wonder, his gaze fixed upon the wonderful Lake of Geneva, -whose waters were of the exact tint of the sky overhead. - -After staring thus for some time, the sturdy peasant heaved a great -sigh, turned slowly on his hobnailed heel, and wended his way home -again, along the very path which he had just trod. - -When he reached his native village once more, the people all crowded -around him, asking why he had come back so soon, and what had induced -him to give up his long-cherished plan to see the world on the other -side of the mountain? - -The peasant, whose intellect was none of the keenest, listened stolidly -to all their questions, then, scratching his curly head, slowly -explained that on reaching the top of the pass he had discovered it -would be useless and rather unsafe to venture any farther, as a big -piece of the sky had just dropped down into the valley on the other -side of the mountain! - - * * * * * - -A SIMPLE mountaineer, whose greatest ambition was to own a horse, -worked and saved with the utmost diligence until he had amassed a sum -sufficient to purchase a colt. Thinking it would be very delightful to -watch the gradual development of this animal into the coveted steed, -the good man tied up his savings in a corner of his handkerchief, and -taking his sharpest-pointed staff set out long before day-break for -Aigle, where he knew a large horse and cattle fair was held. - -After a long, fatiguing tramp down the steep Ormond mountains, the -sturdy mountaineer reached the valley, and entering the town of -Aigle, proceeded to examine every horse and foal on the market, with -the laudable aim of securing the best animal he could for his money. -Pricing them one after another, he found, to his intense dismay, that -his savings were not sufficient to pay for the smallest colt offered -for sale there, and that he would have to return home without having -made the desired purchase. - -A charlatan, who had slyly watched him for some time, now stepped up -to him, and before long drew from the unsophisticated mountaineer a -detailed account of his long cherished hopes and of his present bitter -disappointment. After listening with feigned sympathy to the whole -story, the charlatan suggested that if the peasant’s means would not -permit his buying a foal, he ought to purchase a mare’s egg; adding -that a cow could hatch it, and suckle the foal until it was old enough -to eat grass. - -The peasant, delighted with this suggestion, promptly expressed a -fervent desire to buy a mare’s egg if such a treasure could only be -secured. Assuring him there would be no difficulty about that, the -charlatan led the peasant to another part of the town, and after -threading his way amid countless bags and baskets of fruit and -vegetables exposed for sale, he finally stopped before a cart in which -lay a huge yellow squash. - -“There is a fine mare’s egg!” cried the charlatan to the peasant, -making a sign to his accomplice, the proprietor of both squash and -cart. The mountaineer, who had never seen a squash in his life, stared -at it in awe and wonder, and after asking countless questions and doing -considerable chaffering, he decided to purchase it. To carry it home -safely, he then tied it up in his huge handkerchief, which he hung on -the end of his stick over his shoulder. - -He was so elated by his purchase, and by the potations he had indulged -in with his friend, the charlatan, while closing the bargain, that he -set out for home trolling a merry song. Climbing higher and higher, he -revelled in joyful anticipations of his wife’s surprise, and of the -time when the huge egg he carried would be safely hatched and a pretty -foal would come at his call. - -While walking near the edge of a precipice, glancing from time to time -down its steep sides covered with jagged rocks and stunted bushes, -the knots in the handkerchief, loosened by the weight of the squash, -suddenly came undone, and the startled peasant beheld his precious -purchase bounding from rock to rock down the precipitous slope! As he -stood there, motionless in utter despair, the squash dashed with such -force against a sharp stone that it flew into pieces which scattered -far and wide. - -At the same moment, a brown hare, hiding in a bush near by, sprang -in terror from its cover and darted down the mountain. The peasant, -thinking this was the desired colt, accidentally released from the -shattered egg, loudly called: “Coltie, Coltie, come here!” and wrung -his hands in helpless grief when he saw the fleet brown creature -disappear. - -After vainly watching for hours for its return, the peasant sorrowfully -went home, and spent the evening relating his various adventures to -his wife. And, as long as he lived, he talked of the remarkable horse -which he would have had, had not the fleet-footed colt run away as soon -as hatched from the mare’s egg bought on the market-place at Aigle. - - * * * * * - -THE mountains around Ormont were once remarkably rich in game of all -kinds, and the favourite haunts of large herds of chamois. Tradition -claims that these animals were herded on the high pastures by countless -dwarfs, the servants of the august Spirit of the Alps. Chamois-hunters -who slew too many of these deer, or who ventured high up the mountains -and along the dizzy precipices where they were supposed to be safe from -human reach, were sure to be punished for their temerity. Either the -Spirit of the Alps appeared to them in person (as in Schiller’s poem -of the Chamois Hunter), bidding them begone in awe-inspiring tones, -or dwarfs uttered similar warnings. When some rash mortal ventured -to disobey these orders, the gnomes slyly laid bits of treacherous -ice under his feet, or deftly loosed the rocks on which he trod, thus -making him lose his precarious foothold and fall into some abyss, where -he was dashed to pieces. - -The chamois-hunters of the region not only delighted in this -venturesome sport, but prided themselves upon constantly adding -new victims to their hunting record, which was always kept with -scrupulous care. Some of these men, wandering up to almost inaccessible -heights, are said to have encountered there dainty, mist-like Alpine -fairies, who guided them safely over dangerous places, watched over -their slumbers when they rested exhausted at the edge of frightful -precipices, and often whispered wonderful dream tales into their drowsy -ears. - -Both dwarfs and fairies are also reported to have revealed to their -favourites the places where the finest rock crystals could be found, -to have delivered into their keeping long-concealed treasures, or to -have bestowed upon them magic bullets which never missed their aim, -or cheeses made of chamois milk, which became whole again after every -meal, provided a small piece was left “for manners.” - -As the chamois are the shyest of game, and their brown coats are not -easily distinguishable at a distance from the rocks, hunters often -carry spy-glasses to locate their quarry. We are told that one of these -men, discovering that the chamois were sure to see him and scamper away -before he could lay down his glass and take good aim, once decided -that it would be of great assistance to him if he could only see and -shoot around the corner of any rock behind which he chose to hide. -After much cogitation, therefore, this particular hunter bent his -gun and spy-glass so they formed sharp angles. Thanks to this clever -device, he easily discovered and killed his prey! - -[Illustration: ALPINE FAY.] - -Another sportsman once set out with his pack of dogs to hunt hares. -He had not gone very far before seven fine specimens, starting from -covert, darted away. The hounds eagerly pursued six of them, but the -hunter concentrated all his attention upon the seventh and last, which -was also the finest. This hare, however, was as sly as it was large and -fleet-footed, and knowing the man’s unerring aim, began to run around -and around a haycock. Such was the speed with which the hare ran, that -the hunter’s eyes could not follow it, and even the animal’s shadow -failed to keep up with it. The sportsman, seeing he would never bag -this fine hare unless he too resorted to stratagem, quickly bent the -barrel of his gun until it almost formed a hoop. Then, taking quick -aim, he sent after the speeding hare a bullet which laid it low in its -circular track around the haycock. - - * * * * * - -IN olden times Wotan reigned alone in the canton of Vaud, to which -he is said to have given his local name Vaudai. As long as he was -sole master of the country, Wotan proved on the whole an amiable and -benevolent ruler; but the gradual introduction of Christianity so -soured his temper and made him behave so badly, that the Christians -finally identified him with the Evil One himself. - -The new religion was so very distasteful to Wotan, that he hated both -sight and sound of it, and hoping to avoid coming in contact with -it, retreated far up into the mountains and took up his abode on the -summit of the Diablerets. There, he vented his rage by sending dense -fogs and violent storms down into the valleys, and by producing great -snow-storms so that the melting drifts should cause all the rivers to -overflow. - -Brooding over his wrongs one day, Wotan determined to make a last -and mighty effort to exterminate Christianity in the Rhône valley by -drowning all the inhabitants. He therefore called up a fearful storm, -and at his command the river began to boil and rise and overflow. -Riding on the crest of a huge wave, Wotan himself swept down the -valley, while the waters rose higher and higher, threatening to wash -away everything along their path. But all Wotan’s magic proved -powerless when he came in sight of St. Maurice, where the Christians -had set up a huge cross. Before this holy emblem the waters suddenly -cowed, crept back into their wonted place, and flowed peacefully on -within their long-appointed limits. - -Baffled and discouraged, Wotan again retreated to the Diablerets, where -he is said to beguile the monotony of his sojourn by holding monster -witch-dances on certain nights of the year. All the spirits, witches, -and sorcerers of the neighbourhood then betake themselves on their -broomstick-steeds to the Diablerets, to indulge in mad revelry. They -circle around so wildly in their sabbatical dances that the motion -raises a wind which sweeps down the mountain on all sides, while the -sounds of their cries, hisses, and flying footsteps can often be heard -far down the valley. - - * * * * * - -THE souls of all those who have done wrong while on earth are also -supposed to haunt the topmost ridges of the Diablerets, where they play -endless games of ninepins with the demons and their master. This belief -is so general that in speaking of a dead sinner the natives generally -say, “Oh, he has gone to join the demons on the Diablerets!” instead -of stating that he has gone to Hades to receive due punishment for -his crimes. Besides, one of the peaks of that mountain is called the -Devil’s Ninepin; and when a great clatter is heard on the glacier, -the people whisper in awestruck tones that the spirits are evidently -engaged in their infernal game. When stones come clattering down on the -pastures, the shepherds think they are some of the spirits’ missiles -which have strayed out of bounds, and they seek to ward off the nearer -approach of evil by repeated and fervent signs of the cross. - - * * * * * - -ON the way to Chamounix, far above the road, you can perceive the -entrance of the famous stalactite Grotte de Balme, the supposed abode -of all the fairies of that region. These creatures resembled human -maidens, except that they were dark of skin and had no heels to their -feet. Clad in long rippling hair, which fell all around them like a -garment, the fairies of Balme often sought to lure young shepherds -and hunters into their retreat. Sometimes, too, they met these men -on lonely mountain paths, where they tried to win their affections -by gifts of rare Alpine flowers, of fine rock crystals, of lumps of -gold and silver, or by teaching them the use of the healing herbs and -showing them how to discover hidden treasures. The youths who refused -the fairies’ advances encountered such resentment that they were sure -to meet shortly afterwards with some fatal accident. Those who ventured -on the Diablerets, or the Oldenhorn, for instance, were suddenly pushed -over the rocks into abysses and crevasses, from whence they never -escaped alive. - -But the young men who received the fairies’ overtures graciously were -very well treated, and a few of them were even taken up to the grotto, -where they feasted on choice game, and quaffed fiery wine as long as -they obeyed their fairy wives. If, however, they proved untrustworthy, -or tried to pry into the fairies’ secrets, they were ignominiously -dismissed; and while some of them managed to return home, the majority -never prospered again, and as a rule came to an untimely end. - - * * * * * - -BEFORE the Rhône enters the Lake of Geneva, and not very far from -Noville, there are low banks and a few picturesque little islands, -all covered with lush grass, and bordered with rustling reeds and -shiny-leaved water-plants of all kinds. - -These marshy places, with their dense luxuriant vegetation, are said -to be the favourite haunts of fairies and nixies of all kinds, and -especially of a local water-nymph known as Fenetta. All the river -sprites timidly avoid the glance of man; so it is only now and then -that some sharp-eyed native catches the gleam of a white hand gently -parting the tall reeds, or discerns a slender figure, garbed in -trailing white robes all dripping with water, and wearing a wreath of -water-lilies upon her rippling golden hair. - -The water-nymphs betray their presence only by a slight rustle among -the reeds, by an almost inaudible whisper, or by a long-drawn trembling -sigh. But at dawn and twilight their breath is so cold and clammy, that -whenever it happens to strike a mortal, cold shivers begin to creep up -and down his spine, his finger-nails turn blue, and before long his -teeth chatter noisily. Then, if the victim looks behind him, he is -pretty sure to descry somewhere among the reeds on the bank a mist-like -trail, which is the flutter of the water-nymph’s white veil. - -Although the river-sprites are lovely in appearance, none of the people -care to see them, for those whose eyes have rested upon them have -invariably died within a year. For that reason, the banks of the stream -are generally deserted after sunset, the hour when the fairies are -wont to sally forth to disport themselves in the cool waters of the -limpid river, to tread the measures of their noiseless but fantastic -dances along the shore, or to flit from one water-lily to another, -gently opening their waxen petals with cool and dainty fingers. - -Even in broad daylight it is well to shun these marshy places, and -those who do venture there should always warn the nymphs of their -approach by whistling, singing, or making some other marked sound. Such -signals enable the fairies to scurry out of sight before the visitor -draws near; and when he reaches the bank, waving reeds and grasses are -the only sign of an unseen presence. - -It is said that a coquettish maiden from Noville once bade her lover go -and get her some water-lilies, although she knew the hour had struck -when the water-sprites had left their retreat. The young man, who had -frequently declared he did not believe there were any water-nymphs, -cheerfully departed to do her bidding. Running down to the river’s -edge, he hastily unfastened his skiff, and with long and vigorous -strokes rowed out to the place where the water-lilies softly rose and -fell on the rippling waters in the midst of their broad green leaves. - -[Illustration: THE MIST NYMPH.] - -The last golden gleams had just died out in the west, gray shadows had -replaced the flush on the snow mountains, and a cool evening breeze was -sweeping gently over the river. The young man, who had laboured under -the burning sun all day, revelled in the freshness all around him, -and although he caught glimpses of vapoury white here and there along -the shore, he thought they were trails of mist, and smiled to himself -because superstitious mortals mistook them for the flutter of the -nymphs’ gossamer veils. - -He was just bending over the edge of the boat to reach the largest and -finest lily, when he felt an icy breath on his neck, and turning around -with a start, dimly perceived Fenetta’s lovely form, and noticed that -she was sadly and gently motioning to him to depart. As she vanished, -he suddenly felt cold chills running all over him, and looking downward -perceived that his sunburned hands seemed strangely wan and pale. With -chattering teeth and failing strength he now rowed back to the shore; -but although he grew colder and colder every minute, and felt as if the -chill had gone to his very heart, he picked up the lilies to carry them -to his beloved. - -Reaching her door with faltering steps, he swooned on the threshold, -scattering the lilies at the feet of the maiden, who came out to -welcome him with merry words and arch smiles. At first she fancied he -had merely tripped, but seeing he did not immediately rise, she stooped -over him barely in time to catch his last sigh and a faint whisper of -“Fenetta! Fenetta!” - -The sudden death of this stalwart young lover proved such a shock to -the maiden of Noville, that she lost her reason and began to wander -along the river-bank among the reeds, constantly murmuring “Fenetta! -Fenetta!” - -The nymph, in pity for her sorrow, must have appeared to her too; for -one evening she came home with dripping garments and shivering from -head to foot. After a few days’ illness, the girl gently passed away, -still whispering the water-nymph’s name; and since then youths and -maidens have carefully avoided this fatal spot after sundown. - - * * * * * - -IN the valley of Conthey, noted for its picturesque situation as well -as for its wines, there once dwelt a tailor who made fun of his wife -because she firmly believed in witches, ghosts, and spirits of all -kinds, and even maintained that a helpful sprite assisted her when she -had more work on hand than she could easily accomplish. - -The tailor, who had been freely tasting the vintage of some of his -neighbours, once mockingly remarked, while sitting cross-legged upon -his bench, that he wished her familiar spirit would appear and take him -on a nightly journey through the Valais, for he would like to see the -famous witches and demons about which he had heard so many tales. - -The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when a grinning, mischievous -dwarf, clad in all the colours of the rainbow, suddenly darted out of -a corner, saying, “Your wish shall be granted!” At the same moment -the tailor felt a clawlike hand close over his coat-collar, and was -whisked through the air to Monthey. There, he and the dwarf alighted -on the banks of the Viege, while the clocks were solemnly tolling the -midnight hour, and quickly mounted a coal-black ram which came rushing -out of the churchyard to meet them. The dwarf, who had jerked the -tailor on the ram’s back, roughly bade him hold fast, whispering that -their fleet-footed steed was the spectral ram of Monthey, which ranged -noisily through the land on certain days in the year. - -They now sped on so fast that the tailor felt the wind whistle through -his hair, and he almost fainted with terror when his guide pointed -out the huge Ivy Snake, which was mounting guard over all the gold of -heathendom, spread out on a barren heath. The snake no sooner perceived -them than it rushed towards them, hissing loudly and breathing fire and -brimstone from its gaping mouth. A timely kick, administered by the -dwarf, fortunately urged the black ram on to such speed, that the Ivy -Snake could not overtake them however fast it pursued. - -At St. Maurice the ram paused for a moment near the monastery -fish-pond, where a dead trout suddenly rose to the surface of the water. - -“There,” cried the dwarf, “one of the choristers has just died, for -whenever one of them breathes his last, a dead trout appears in this -pond.” - -In confirmation of his words, a funeral knell began to toll, and this -sound accompanied them for some time as they sped on towards the Plan -Nevé. Here, among the gray rocks and along the huge glacial stream, -they beheld countless barefooted ghosts painfully threading their -way. The dwarf then explained to the tailor that these spirits were -condemned to carry fine sand up the mountain in sieves, but that as -every grain ran out long before they reached their goal, they were -obliged to begin again and again their hopeless task. - -At the bottom of a neighbouring well, the dwarf next pointed out the -ghost of Nero, who, in punishment for his manifold sins, was condemned -to blow huge bubbles up to the surface without ever stopping to rest. -In the Aucenda, near Gex, the dwarf also showed him the spirits of -dishonest lawyers, who, having fished in figuratively troubled waters -all their lives, were now condemned to do the same in the ice-cold -stream, where they were further employed in brewing the storms and -freshets which desolate that region. - -Before the bewildered tailor had time to comment upon these awful -sights, he was whisked away to La Soye, where a red-headed maiden -told him she would give him a golden calf, provided he would kiss her -thrice. Reasoning that it was far from Conthey, and that his wife -could not possibly see him, the tailor pursed up his lips, and was -about to bestow the first kiss, when the red-headed girl was suddenly -transformed into a hideous, writhing dragon. This metamorphosis so -terrified the poor tailor that he buried his heels in the flanks of the -black ram, which darted away at such a rattling pace that they soon -reached Sion. - -There the dwarf transferred the tailor to the back of the three-legged -white horse which haunts this city, and as they galloped away, the -tailor saw that they were followed by a fire-breathing boar, the ram, -the dragon, the red-headed girl, the ghosts of Plan Nevé with their -sieves, and the dripping lawyers. In the dim distance he could also -descry Nero, still blowing huge bubbles, and the deceased chorister -holding a dead trout between his teeth. - -This strange procession now swept along the Rhône valley to the Baths -of Leuk, where they were joined by a mischievous sprite who rapped -loudly at every door as he darted past. At Zauchet, their ranks were -further increased by the wraith of a giant ox, whose horns glowed like -live coals and whose tail consisted of a flaming torch. - -Next they sped down the Visp valley, where a woman once refused food -to Our Lord when he journeyed through the land. In punishment for this -sin, the hamlet where she dwelt sank beneath the ground, and a stream -now runs over the broad, flat stone which formed the altar of the -village church. - -Arriving at Zermatt, the dwarf and tailor exchanged their mount for -a blue-haired donkey, whose loud bray, added to the snorts, groans, -hisses, and cries of their ghostly train, created an awful din in the -peaceful valleys through which they swept like the wind. Arriving -finally at Lake Champey, the Blue Ass swam to an island, where the -Devil of Corbassière and a number of witches were madly treading the -swift measures of an infernal dance. - -The tailor, seeing this, sprang from his steed to join them; but when -he offered to kiss the youngest and prettiest of the witches, the -Devil of Corbassière angrily flung him head first into the lake. As -the witches belaboured him with their broomsticks whenever he tried to -creep ashore on the island, the tailor finally struck out for the other -bank, where he sank down, panting and exhausted, and closed his eyes. - -Suddenly he felt a small hand laid upon him, and thinking it must be -one of his recent tormentors, he cried aloud in terror, “Leave me -alone, you witch!” - -A vigorous box on his ear made him open his eyes with a start, just -in time to see his wife standing over him with upraised hand, saying, -“I’ll teach you to call me a witch!” - -The tailor now protested that he had done nothing of the kind; but -although his wife declared that he had merely fallen asleep over his -work, he knew that his spirit had journeyed all through the Valais, in -company with the dwarf and the demons which haunt the land. - -He was so thoroughly imbued with this belief that he never made fun of -his wife’s superstitions again, and when sceptics denied the existence -of ghosts, demons, or witches, he merely shook his head, for he had -seen for himself that “there are more things in heaven and earth than -are dreamt of in our philosophy.” - - * * * * * - -THE ascension of the Fletschhorn, near the Simplon, was probably first -accomplished in 1856, but tradition claims that this feat was performed -long before this date by a dauntless Swiss. - -He resolved to be the first to reach the top of the mountain, and with -that object in view started to scale it early one fine morning. As he -did not know which road to follow, he scrambled up and down the rocks, -through snow and over ice, and thus was quite exhausted long before he -came near the top, where jagged rocks and steep walls of ice offer only -a most precarious foothold. - -The mountaineer, who was an expert climber, knew it would be folly to -venture any farther that day, so he sat down to rest a moment before he -began the descent. While sitting there on the mountain side, trying to -recover his breath, he suddenly heard a ghostly voice far above him, -bidding him bring a cat, dog, and cock, as propitiatory sacrifices to -the Spirit of the Mountain next time he attempted the ascent. - -Refreshed by a few days’ rest and by strengthening food, the -mountaineer soon set out again, taking with him the three animals the -Mountain Spirit had asked for. At the first dangerous spot the dog lost -his foothold and fell down a precipice; farther on even the cat’s sharp -claws failed to preserve it from slipping down into the blue-green -depths of a crevasse, and after some more rough climbing the cold grew -so intense that the poor cock was frozen stiff! - -The brave mountaineer now pressed on alone, although it was snowing -hard and the wind blew sharp ice splinters into his face which almost -blinded him. Presently the storm began to rage with such fury that the -man had to relinquish his purpose, although he had now reached a much -higher point than the first time. - -On arriving home, friends and neighbours crowded around him, to hear -a minute account of his adventures; but they all deemed him more -than foolhardy when he declared that, in spite of all the perils -encountered, he meant to try again on the next favourable day. - -True to his resolve, however, the man started out again with cat, -dog, and cock, which poor animals met with the same fate as their -predecessors. As for the Swiss himself, he climbed higher and higher, -until he came so near the summit that a last determined effort would -have enabled him to reach it. But the great exertions he had made, and -the rarefied atmosphere, brought on a severe headache which made him -feel very weak and dizzy. Nevertheless he bravely went on until the -pain in his head grew so intolerable that it seemed as if his skull -would burst. He therefore relinquished his attempt, and crept slowly -home, feeling his headache decrease with every downward step. - -But even this last experience could not daunt our climber, who set out -again a few days later, with the same strange trio of animals. This -time, however, he prudently provided himself with an iron hoop, which -fitting closely around his head, would prevent its bursting should he -again reach a great altitude! - -Thus equipped, he wended his way up the Fletschhorn, where cat, dog, -and rooster soon perished, leaving the man to continue his perilous -climb alone. Although the pain in his head again grew worse with -every upward step, our mountaineer pressed bravely on, knowing the -iron band would hold fast, and finally reached the topmost pinnacle of -the mountain. His fellow-citizens, proud of this feat, bestowed upon -him the Fletschalp, and honoured him as long as he lived as the most -skilful Alpine climber of that part of the country. - - * * * * * - -PATCHES of so-called red snow are sometimes found high up on the Alps; -but while scientists ascribe that peculiar colour to a microscopic -fungus growth, the legend accounts for the vivid hue in a very -different way. - -In bygone times, before the Alps had been pierced by tunnels and even -before convenient roadways had been built, rough paths leading over the -various passes served as means of communication between Switzerland -and Italy. These were much frequented by pack-drivers with their -sure-footed mules, and among other things thus imported were fiery -Italian wines. Some of the muleteers who had a tendency to drink, or -who were none too scrupulous to cheat their employers, used to tap -the barrels and kegs on their way over the mountains, replacing the -wine they had consumed by water from some mountain stream, so that the -vessels were always full when they reached their destination. - -The pack-drivers on the Furka Pass were, it seems, especially addicted -to this species of peculation, and generally paused at the top of the -pass to refresh themselves after their long and arduous climb. In -their eagerness to partake of the strength-giving fluid, some of them -often tapped their barrels so hastily that red wine spurted forth, and -falling upon the immaculate snow gave it a blood-like tinge. - -In punishment for this crime, or for so carelessly guarding their -merchandise that they did not even notice when barrels leaked, many -pack-drivers are now said to haunt this pass, continually treading -the path they once went over. They are tormented by a thirst such as -is known by the damned only, and which all the ice, snow, and running -streams around there cannot quench. Their only refreshment now comes -from the scattered drops remaining here and there upon the snow, or -from small libations which compassionate travellers still pour out -along the pass, to moisten the parched lips and throats of these -unhappy spirits. - - * * * * * - -THE old and picturesque city of Grandson, on the west shore of Lake -Neuchâtel, and in the northern part of the canton of Vaud, is noted -in history as the place where, in 1476, fifty thousand Burgundians, -under their Duke Charles the Bold, were routed with great slaughter by -less than half that number of Swiss patriots. Rich and quaint specimens -of the booty secured on that memorable occasion by the victors, still -adorn various Swiss museums and arsenals; Soleure exhibiting the -costume of Charles’s jester, while Lucerne boasts of the golden Seal of -Burgundy. - -Many romantic legends are told of the town and castle of Grandson, -which were defended by a Bernese patriot, Brandolf of Stein, at the -beginning of the Burgundian war. Such was the courage and skill of this -commander, that, perceiving he could not secure the town by force, the -Count of Romont, Charles’s ally, resorted to stratagem. It succeeded -only too well, and the Burgundians were already masters of the town -when the first alarm was given, and Stein rushed bravely into the fray -at the head of his five hundred men. The Swiss, however, soon saw -that the town was lost, and wishing to preserve the castle until his -countrymen could send reinforcements to eject the Burgundians, Stein -quickly ordered a retreat. - -To make sure that the enemy would be held at bay until all his men -were safe, and the castle gates duly closed, Stein himself covered -their retreat; but at the last moment he was surrounded and overpowered -by Romont, who, forcing him to surrender, led him away to his own -quarters to await the arrival and decree of the Duke. - -As soon as Charles came, he bade Romont lead Stein under the walls -of the castle, and have a herald proclaim that unless the garrison -surrendered immediately, Stein would be put to death. This order was -executed; but the last words of the proclamation had scarcely been -uttered when the prisoner sternly cried,-- - -“Comrades, pay no heed to these summons. You were Swiss before you -became my friends; therefore be true to your country, and die rather -than relinquish your trust. But if you love me, guard well my treasure -and cast it into the lake rather than let it fall into the hands of our -enemy.” - -Before the Burgundians could recover sufficient presence of mind to -silence him, this brief speech was ended, and it was clear that not a -word of it had been lost, for the garrison shouted a unanimous refusal -to yield when summoned to do so for the third and last time. Still, -when the Swiss saw their beloved chief led away to the scaffold, hot -tears poured freely down their bronzed and bearded cheeks. - -Such was their respect for their master’s memory that they resisted -every attack, holding out until forged papers convinced them that Bern -was in the power of the Burgundians, and that they could expect no -help from their distressed countrymen. These false tidings determined -them to surrender the castle, provided their safety was guaranteed by -Charles the Bold. - -But the gates were no sooner opened than Charles, in spite of his -promises, ordered most of these brave men cast into the lake or -hanged, sparing only a few of those who pledged themselves to serve -him faithfully. Having thus rid himself of the garrison, the Duke -next proceeded to search for Stein’s treasure, but all in vain. He -questioned the few survivors, but they truthfully declared they had -never heard of any store of gold, silver, or precious stones. Convinced -nevertheless that Stein must have owned at least one priceless jewel, -Charles bitterly regretted having slain him before ascertaining the -nature and place of concealment of that treasure. - -Thinking that Laurent, keeper of the alarm tower, an old retainer of -Stein’s, might know something about it, Charles went in quest of him, -harshly threatening to pitch him into the lake, unless he immediately -revealed all he knew concerning his master’s possessions. Thus -constrained, Laurent reluctantly admitted that Stein, having spared the -life of a Mussulman, had received from this grateful man a pyramidal -diamond of fabulous value, from which hung by a slender golden chain a -huge pear-shaped pearl. - -The Duke, who had a passion for diamonds, immediately ordered a new -and more minute search; but as the treasure was not forthcoming, he -renewed his visit and threats, telling Laurent he must produce the -missing jewel or die on the spot. In vain the poor man swore he had -never seen the diamond since his mistress wore it on her wedding-day; -the Duke refused to believe him, and angrily ordered him flung out of -the window! Just then, however, a panel in the wall directly opposite -Charles slipped noiselessly aside, revealing a deep niche in which -stood a beautiful, stern-faced woman, gowned all in black, but wearing -a dazzling diamond pendant. This woman stepped slowly forward, the -panel closed behind her, and the Duke started back in terror when she -threw the magnificent jewel at his feet, crying,-- - -“There, traitor, behold the diamond you covet; but Stein’s real -treasures, his sorrowing wife and innocent daughter, will die by their -own hand rather than fall into the power of such a miscreant as you!” - -Then, before the Duke could recover sufficient presence of mind to -speak or move, the Lady of Stein vanished behind the secret panel, and -Charles could have believed himself victim of a delusion had not the -jewel still sparkled at his feet. - -The Lady of Stein had vanished; but the Burgundian now learned from -Laurent that the two ladies were waiting, in the secret chambers of the -castle, for an opportunity to escape to a convent, where both intended -to take the veil, since he had broken their hearts by killing Stein. - -Charles, who had an eye for beauty, promptly reasoned that the daughter -of such a handsome mother must be very lovely, and he began to devise -an excuse to see her. He therefore artfully informed Laurent that -Romont alone was to blame for Stein’s death; adding that his dearest -wish was to provide a suitable husband for Elizabeth Stein, and that, -in token of regard, he would give her her father’s jewel as wedding -present. Then he persuaded Laurent to carry a message to his stern -mistress and induce her to come down into the great hall of the castle, -where he would await her. - -The Duke having departed, Laurent touched a cunningly hidden spring, -and threaded his way along secret passages which led from tower to -tower, down long, narrow stairs, and into a passageway opening out on -the lake. In one of these recesses he found his mistress, who finally -consented to appear before Charles with her seventeen-year-old daughter -Elizabeth. - -The moment Charles’s eyes rested upon this lovely maiden, he was seized -with a mad passion, which he determined to gratify at any cost. His -first move was to try and gain the good graces of both women, but in -spite of all his protestations and courteous speeches, the Lady of -Stein declared he must prove his innocence by punishing her husband’s -murderer, adding that her daughter would either marry her father’s -avenger or become a nun. - -On hearing these words, Charles gave immediate orders to seize Romont -and have him beheaded in the presence of both ladies. A few moments -later, therefore, the Count stood in the castle yard; but when the -executioner read aloud his death sentence, he boldly declared he -was neither a murderer nor a traitor, and that he could prove his -innocence, were the guest in his tent only allowed to appear with him -before Charles. Anxious to seem just and generous in the eyes of the -ladies, the Duke granted this request, and the brave young James of -Romont soon came in, followed by a man in full armour. - -“My lord Duke,” cried Romont, “I am not a traitor! I have merely been -guilty of disobeying an order which I knew you would regret in time. -You accuse me of being Stein’s murderer; that is impossible, for, -behold! there he stands!” - -At that moment the stranger to whom Romont pointed threw up his -vizor, and both ladies rapturously flew into his arms, thus proving -his unmistakable identity. The first outburst of emotion over, Stein -told his wife and daughter how generously Romont had treated him, and -Charles winced when he heard them express their undying gratitude, and -saw the glances exchanged by the young people, who had fallen in love -with each other at first sight. - -To rid himself of the youthful saviour who found such evident favour in -Elizabeth’s eyes, Charles now sternly ordered Romont back to prison, -saying he must prove himself innocent of the charge of treachery which -had also been brought against him. - -Sure of speedy acquittal,--for he was the soul of honour,--Romont -quietly allowed himself to be led away to a dungeon, where he beguiled -the weary hours by long day-dreams, and by composing and singing tender -love-songs in praise of the fair Elizabeth. - -In the meantime, Charles led the Stein family to his own camp, where -he assigned them sumptuous tents, and surrounded them with all manner -of graceful attentions. But in spite of all his efforts to win their -confidence, Stein and his wife could not help suspecting he was not -so good and true as he would fain appear. For this reason they both -watched carefully over their daughter, and the Duke could not secure a -moment’s private intercourse with her, although he frequently tried to -do so. - -This watchfulness vexed Charles greatly; for while he loved the girl, -he had no intention of marrying her, but he knew her parents would -detect his evil intentions should he approach her through them. - -One day, he accidentally learned that Romont managed to send love-songs -to the fair Elizabeth, and that her parents unconsciously encouraged -her secret passion for the young prisoner by speaking of him in terms -of the highest praise. Thinking he might perchance win Elizabeth by -working upon her fears for Romont’s safety, the Duke now informed Stein -that he would forgive and release the prisoner, provided Elizabeth -interceded in his behalf, and if he were allowed to make sure of her -real sentiments in a private interview. - -Although loath to lose sight of his daughter even for a minute, Stein -felt too deeply in Romont’s debt to refuse this apparently simple -request, and himself conducted Elizabeth to the Duke’s tent, where he -bade her enter while he mounted guard at the door. - -The timid Elizabeth therefore presented herself alone before Charles, -who gently reassured her, and then explained that if she would only -consent to be his, Romont should be released, but that if she refused, -the young man should be put to death. - -At first the virtuous Elizabeth could not credit her ears, but when the -Duke drew near as if to clasp her in his arms, she fled to her father -crying-- - -“Take me away, father! The poor prisoner we love will have to die, but -I know he would rather lose his life than see me dishonoured!” - -Stein gnashed his teeth on hearing these words, which more than -confirmed his darkest suspicions; and while he gently led his weeping -daughter back to her mother, he tried to plan how best to avenge this -deadly insult. - -In the meantime, the Duke feverishly paced his tent, and calling for -his confidant asked him what course he could pursue to recover the -maiden’s confidence and still attain his evil ends. This man, whose -task it was to gratify the Duke’s passions, now artfully suggested that -Charles should declare he had merely wished to test Elizabeth’s virtue, -and should propose to her parents that she marry Romont without delay. -Then, under pretext of sparing the latter the hard duty of fighting -against his wife’s people, Charles was to dismiss Romont from the army. - -But while he thus openly posed as the young people’s friend and -benefactor, one of his emissaries was to persuade a few of the camp -followers that Romont was a traitor, and instigate them to create a -disturbance when the bridal party left the church. In the midst of the -confusion a hired assassin could easily kill Romont; and the Duke, -in pretending to avenge his death and protect Elizabeth, would gain -possession of his vast estates and of his young widow, who would then -be at his mercy. - -This artful plan so pleased Charles that he immediately hastened to the -Steins’ tent, where he played his part with such consummate skill that -they believed all he said, and joyfully consented to their daughter’s -immediate marriage. - -The preparations were speedily made, and the nuptials solemnised; but -as the little procession left the church, Stein and the Duke were -detained for a moment by a man with a petition. - -Romont, proudly leading his peerless young bride, on whose bosom -sparkled the famous diamond, suddenly found himself surrounded by a -brawling troop of soldiers, who angrily shook their fists at him and -denounced him as a traitor. Before he could speak one word in his own -defence, the hired assassin sprang forward with raised dagger, crying, -“Die, thou traitor!” - -Just then Elizabeth sprang forward, and the sharp blade had to pass -through her slender body before it could touch Romont. A scene of -indescribable confusion ensued; but although Romont swiftly carried his -dying bride into her mother’s tent, where every care was lavished upon -her, she lived only long enough to whisper, “I die happy since I could -save you, beloved!” and gently breathed her last. - -When the fatal truth dawned upon the frantic bridegroom, he fell -fainting across his dead bride; and it was only then that they -discovered that he too had been wounded, for his doublet was drenched -with blood. Nobly forgetting her own sorrow to minister to her -husband’s saviour, the Lady of Stein nursed Romont so carefully that in -spite of his longing to follow Elizabeth’s pure spirit into the better -land, he was soon restored to health. But he never forgot his bride, -and when her parents ultimately died, he left his own country to take -up his abode in a foreign land. - -As for the Duke, he was sorely punished for all his crimes. Not only -did he lose Elizabeth, whom he passionately loved; but a few days after -her death he was defeated by her countrymen at the battle of Grandson. -Such was the fury of that Swiss onslaught, that Charles would have -fallen into their hands had not his fleet steed swiftly carried him out -of their reach. A few months later he suffered a second crushing defeat -at their hands at Morat; and he was slain near Nancy, in the following -year, while trying to escape from his Swiss foes for the third and last -time. - - - - -FRIBOURG - - -The city of Fribourg, capital of the canton of the same name, is -picturesquely situated on a rocky height almost surrounded by the -Sarine, one of the tributaries of the Aare. A mediæval town, it boasts -of many interesting relics, while in its cathedral stands the great -modern organ known the world over. - -When Charles the Bold experienced his second appalling defeat at Morat, -in 1476, one of the Swiss soldiers volunteered to carry the joyful -tidings to Fribourg, his native city. Although he had fought bravely -and was very weary after his almost superhuman efforts, he snatched -a green twig from a neighbouring lime-tree, stuck it in his hat so -that his people could see from afar this sign of victory, and quickly -started for home. Tradition claims that he ran every step of the -way; the fact is, he reached the city so exhausted that he sank down -lifeless as soon as the one word “Victory” had escaped from his parched -lips. - -His fellow-citizens were so proud of this victory, and of the messenger -who brought the news so quickly to them, that they planted the -lime twig on the very spot where he had fallen. There it throve and -grew, until it is now a mighty tree, with a boll fourteen feet in -circumference; and it still serves as a green monument of this famous -triumph of the Swiss army. - -The whole valley of the Sarine and its tributaries is most picturesque, -and the soil so fertile that it supports countless heads of the finest -cattle in the world. After passing the quaint little mediæval town of -Romont, with its old castle and fortifications, you come to a hill in -the middle of the Sarine valley on which rises the famous castle of -Gruyère, recently restored, and now one of the most beautiful show -places in Switzerland. - -The view from Gruyère is most charming, and includes not only the -winding course of the Sarine, and the green hills dotted with the -herds,--which furnish the renowned Swiss or Gruyère cheese,--but beyond -rise rocky pine-clad mountains, the most important of which is the -Moléson. - -The founding of the castle of Gruyère is attributed to Gruerius, a -captain in the Thebaid legion, who, escaping martyrdom in the days of -Diocletian, fled into the mountains. After threading his way through -the dense forests which then clothed these grassy hills, he finally -reached the point where the castle now stands. There, helped by other -fugitive Christians, he began to clear away the primeval forest, and -founded the castle and town which bear his name. - -Gruyère thus became the cradle of a new race, which, constantly -increasing in wealth and power, soon ruled over a vast extent of land -peopled by many vassals. The Counts of Gruyère were in general good -masters; and the land, carefully tilled by their dependants, grew more -and more productive, until many villages dotted the country, while the -tinkle of cow-bells was heard for miles around. - -In the days of the Crusades, many knights passed this castle on their -way to the Holy Land; and the Counts of Gruyère, assuming the cross -too, joined them with the fatalistic cry, “Go we must, return who may!” -(“S’agit d’aller, reviendra qui pourra!”) - -In spite of their wealth and extensive possessions, the Counts of -Gruyère were none too well informed, for we are told they naïvely asked -their companions whether the sea they had to cross on their way to -Palestine could possibly be as large as the stretch of water they had -seen in making a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lucerne. - -Toward the end of the fourteenth century, Margaret, Countess of -Gruyère, was very sad, because, although she had already been married -several years, Providence had not yet vouchsafed her a child. In -her anxiety to obtain offspring, this fair Countess consulted the -astrologers and other fortune-tellers who visited the castle; but as -their promises afforded her very little satisfaction, she soon resorted -to pilgrimages, fasting, and long seasons of fervent prayer. - -All the pilgrims who stopped at the castle, on their way to and from -the shrines at Einsiedlen and Lucerne, were entertained with the utmost -hospitality at Gruyère, and when they departed the Countess invariably -loaded them with gifts, gently begging them to intercede for her when -they reached the goal of their pilgrimage. - -Garbed like a nun, in the plainest of homespun dresses, the Countess -diligently visited the poor and sick, helped the needy, and was so good -and charitable to all that she was revered throughout the country like -a saint. Besides, every night and morning, she spent hours on her knees -in the castle chapel, imploring the Virgin and all the saints to grant -her her heart’s desire. - -One evening, when twilight was fast merging into darkness, she still -lingered there on her knees, weeping bitterly because hitherto all her -prayers had remained unanswered. Absorbed in sorrowful thoughts, and -uttering broken words of supplication between her sobs, the Countess -failed to notice the entrance of a lame beggar who had often been the -recipient of her bounty. - -The sound of suppressed weeping and convulsive prayer soon attracted -the beggar’s attention, and peering through the gloom,--which the -taper burning on the altar only seemed to intensify,--he soon descried -a woman clad in rough homespun. Lame Hans, whose sorest trial was an -occasional lack of food, immediately concluded that this poor woman -must be needy, and catching the word “children,” he hastily drew some -coarse bread and cheese out of his wallet, and laid it beside her, -saying,-- - -“This is all I have, my poor woman, but the Holy Virgin’s blessing -resting upon it will enable it to dry your tears.” - -Then, before the astonished Countess could say a word, the lame man -hobbled off; and although he went to bed hungry, he felt a warm glow in -the region of his heart whenever he pictured the zest with which the -hungry children would devour his bread and cheese. - -The Countess came out of the chapel a few moments after Hans, and as -she returned to her apartments her servants marvelled at the radiant -expression of her face, although it bore marks of recent tears. They -were still more surprised when they saw her come forth in her richest -apparel to welcome her husband and his friends on their return from -the chase. Their amazement was shared by the hunters, who gazed with -unconcealed wonder at the hostess whom they had left in the morning -pale, silent, and dejected, but who now seemed radiant with life and -hope. - -Her unwonted vivacity charmed both husband and guests; and when toward -the end of the evening meal she begged leave to lay before them a new -dish, they all received the proposal with joyful acclamations. At a -sign from the fair châtelaine, her aged nurse and favourite page then -brought in two covered silver dishes, which they gravely set before -their master. - -All eyes were riveted on these vessels when the Count of Gruyère -simultaneously raised both covers; and his expression of disappointment -was mirrored on every face, when instead of choice dainties nothing -was seen but the coarse bread and cheese of the peasant population. -Interrogative glances were therefore soon directed to the Countess, -who with charming grace and simplicity related her adventure in the -chapel and repeated the lame beggar’s words. She concluded by saying -that she now believed her prayers would be answered, and begged all -present to partake with her of the food which had come to her in such -a strange way. Touched by the tale she told, one and all solemnly -ate the bread and cheese she gave them; but her old nurse laid her -share carefully aside, saying she would partake of it only when her -mistress’s dearest wish had been fulfilled. - -Then the castle chaplain arose, filled all the beakers with wine, -blessed them as solemnly as if he were about to celebrate a communion -service, and all drank to the health of the gracious Countess and the -speedy coming of a son and heir to the castle of Gruyère. - -Within a year from that day the Stork brought a beautiful boy to the -Countess, and at his christening feast many noble guests merrily drank -his health. The Countess, radiant with happiness, bestowed bountiful -alms upon all the poor, giving lame Hans a new suit of clothes, and a -pension to prevent his ever feeling the pangs of hunger again. - -In the midst of this feast the old nurse came in and solemnly ate her -carefully treasured share of Hans’s bread and cheese. Then she made a -deep curtsey to her mistress, saying,-- - -“Gracious Lady, you see it is just as I always told you. To the one who -gives freely, much will be given. May God preserve you and your husband -and grant your son a long, happy, and useful life at Gruyère!” - - * * * * * - -FROM the castle and town of Gruyère one can enjoy a fine view of -the Moléson, the highest peak in that region, from whose summit can -be seen the Lake of Geneva with Mont Blanc, the Dent du Midi, and -the Diablerets to the south. West and east are the Jura and Titlis -mountains, while to the north extends the fertile valley of the Sarine. - -Here on the Moléson, as well as on most mountain pastures in -Switzerland, you can often hear the famous Ranz des Vaches, Kuhreihen, -or musical call, which the cattle no sooner hear than they crowd around -their herdsmen. - -This melody, repeated by the echoes, and accompanied by the ripple and -splash of running waters, the tintinnabulations of cow-bells, and the -lowing of the kine, has a peculiar charm for all who hear it, and in -words runs about as follows:-- - - “The herdsmen of the Colombettes - At the dawn of day have risen; - Ha, ah! ha, ah! - Cows, cows, to the milking come! - Come here, all of you. - White ones and black ones, - Red and brindled, - Young ones, old ones, - Under this oak-tree, - Where I will milk you; - Under this poplar, - Where I will drain you! - Cows, cows! to the milking come!”[1] - - [1] Poems of Places--Switzerland: Longfellow. - -The Moléson was long the favourite field of the chamois-hunters in -Fribourg. One of these men having been overtaken by darkness high up on -the mountain, once sought refuge in a deserted herdsmen’s hut. Drawing -near it, he was surprised to hear the tinkle of bells, the lowing and -stamping of cattle, and the voices of herdsmen, for he knew the cows -had already left the high pastures. Entering the hut, he was further -amazed to see four queer, wizened-looking men, whose thumb and first -and second fingers were missing. Besides, one of these men was lame, -the second hunchbacked, the third had but one eye, and the fourth was -apparently a leper. - -These men signed to him to take a seat near the fire, where they were -busy making green cheese, of which, however, they had already a large -store in the hut. - -The hunchback herdsman offered the guest bread and meat which looked -so unpalatable that the hunter took but one mouthful and set the food -aside, muttering that they must have forgotten the salt when preparing -it. This remark so incensed his hosts that they began to gnash their -teeth, and came toward him making such threatening gestures that in -sudden terror the hunter made a sign of the cross. At that moment -herdsmen, cheese, cows, and fire vanished, and the chamois-hunter found -himself alone in the deserted hut. - -But when he told his night adventure at home, he learned that a small -piece of meat had been cut out of the left hind quarter of his best -cow. One of the oldest inhabitants of the village, moreover, informed -him that the men whom he had seen were wicked herdsmen, who had -neglected their duties while in the flesh, and had besides been guilty -of perjury. In punishment for their wickedness, they had not only lost -the three fingers upheld in taking an oath, but were condemned to atone -for past laziness by working hard every night. - - - - -LEGENDS OF NEUCHÂTEL - - -A younger son of one the Counts of Neuchâtel, wishing to found a family -of his own, went to settle in 1155 in the picturesque Val de Ruz in -the Jura mountains. Here he selected a tall and jagged rock, washed by -the Seyon, as the site of his new stronghold, the Castle of Vallangin. -Owing to its position, it was almost impregnable; but it was a very -dismal abode, for the heights of Chaumont at the south overshadowed it, -cutting off much sunlight, while the dense pine forests around it did -not tend to lessen the gloom. - -The Val de Ruz was so fertile, however, that the lords of Vallangin -soon grew rich and powerful, ruling wisely over the many peasants -who came to settle there under their protection. At the end of the -thirteenth century their vassals already numbered many thousands, and -included all classes of society. - -Rollin, lord of Vallangin, was but sixteen years of age, when two -of his most powerful vassals renounced their allegiance to him and -prepared to despoil him of his property. With that end in view, they -armed their retainers and sallied forth to attack their young master. -The friends of the latter, however, getting wind of this plot, hastily -assembled the noblemen, clergy, and peasants who were still faithful -to their lord, and consulting with them took active measures to meet -and conquer the foe. Young Rollin himself, supported by the lords of -Neuchâtel, of Colombiers, and of Vauxtravers, set out at the head of -his army, and meeting the two faithless lords on the plain of Coffrane, -defeated their forces in pitched battle, and secured the persons of the -recreant vassals. - -Many men perished on both sides in this encounter; and hundreds of -years later, a staff of command lost in this battle was ploughed up by -a farmer and placed in the Museum of Neuchâtel, where it is carefully -preserved as a relic of the fight. - -Rollin, having seized the faithless vassals, had them brought before -him, and sternly informed them that in his anger at hearing of their -treachery, he had vowed nothing short of two heads would ever satisfy -him. At these words the guilty lords trembled and grew pale, for they -felt their last hour was near. Their despair was such that when Rollin -bade them reveal the place where they had concealed their treasures, -they offered no resistance, but meekly obeyed. Before long, therefore, -two huge heaps of silver lay at Rollin’s feet. He gazed at them a few -moments in silence, then addressed the culprits, saying: - -“I swore I would have two heads, and this solemn vow cannot be -recalled. But, as I have never yet sentenced a guilty man to death, I -am loath to shed your blood. I will therefore spare you, on condition -that two silver heads be cast from this metal, to take the place of -those which you have forfeited, but which I allow you to retain. You -shall also recover your freedom and go home in peace, but I hereby warn -you that should you ever prove faithless again it will be bloody and -not bloodless heads which I will claim!” - -The delinquent lords, happy to escape their death sentence, solemnly -presented two heavy silver heads to the young lord of Vallangin. These -were placed by his order on the high altar of the collegiate church -at Neuchâtel, where they remained until the days of the Reformation, -when an ignorant iconoclast, deeming them idols, removed them from the -altar. Since then no trace of the silver busts has been seen. - - * * * * * - -EARLY in the fourteenth century, some of the vassals of the lord of -Vallangin went to settle in the lovely valleys of the Jura Mountains, -where, joined by a few families from Burgundy, they founded Le Locle -and La Chaux-de-Fonds. These two colonies speedily increased in numbers -and wealth, and the towns thus founded are now important centres for -the manufacture of watches and jewelry. - -Many of the people of the Canton of Neuchâtel having turned Protestant, -Wilhelmine of Bergy, grandmother of one of the lords of Vallangin, a -stanch Catholic, sadly forsook the castle which she had entered as -a happy young bride, to go and live like a hermit in the village of -Gezard, which was her dowry. - -This lady, already eighty years of age, was lamed by gout and quite -feeble, but she nevertheless took great interest in the peasants around -her, whom she often visited and frequently helped by her good advice. - -One day, sitting among the women of the village who were diligently -spinning, she heard them comment bitterly upon their sad lot, saying it -was very hard that among all the fields they tilled, there was not a -single acre which they could call their very own and which was entirely -free from taxation. - -Emboldened by the kindly interest the old lady showed in their remarks, -they finally ventured to beg her to give them part of her land, to -have and to hold without being asked for tithes or rent in exchange. -Wilhelmine, who could not dispose of the land otherwise, then said: - -“My good women, your request shall be granted. You shall have one half -of the land which I can walk around in one day.” Saying these words, -the old lady painfully rose from her seat, and tottered slowly back to -her humble dwelling. - -The peasant women, whose hearts had swelled with joy at her first -words, but whose hopes had been shattered by the conclusion of her -speech, sadly watched her limp out of sight, and then murmured -regretfully,-- - -“The poor mistress is so old and weak, that with the best intentions in -the world, she will hardly be able to creep around a single acre!” - -Early the next morning, while darkness yet veiled the landscape, and -the nightingale’s song still pulsated in the quiet air, Wilhelmine of -Bergy painfully rose from her couch, and set out on her self-appointed -journey, supported on one side by a trusty staff and on the other by a -strong young servant maid. - -The two women slowly crept out into the darkness, and wandering along -the dewy meadows saw the night gradually make way before the first -gleams of silvery light. Then they beheld the mountain tops change from -blue to silver gray, then turn dazzling white, and suddenly blush and -glow beneath the first rays of the rising sun. - -The larks rose straight up into the blue, singing their triumphant -morning hymn; the bees and butterflies hovered around them, but all the -lovely sights and sounds of early morn could not beguile the old lady -to take even a moment’s rest, and she hobbled bravely on. The peasants, -rising from their hard beds to partake of frugal fare before beginning -a long day’s work, stared in speechless amazement at their aged -mistress, already well on her way, and gazed anxiously at the feeble -form, wondering how long her strength and energy would last. - -All through the bright morning hours, Wilhelmine plodded on without -a pause; and it was only when the sun stood directly overhead, that -she stopped for a moment under a tree to partake of food and of -strengthening drink. Then, while the peasants stretched out in the cool -shade to enjoy their midday rest, the old lady again stepped out into -the quivering sunshine to continue her task. All through the glowing -heat of afternoon, and long after the sun had set and the shades of -evening had fallen, Wilhelmine crept on with faltering steps and ebbing -strength, but with undiminished energy and determination. Darkness -had long set in when she finally reached the village once more, and -entering a hut where burned a small rushlight, and where the people had -assembled by her order, she cried in weak but joyful accents,-- - -“My children, I have walked around a thousand acres! Five hundred of -these belong to you, free from all taxes from this time forth. Do not -blame me if your share is somewhat small, for I have done all I could -to help you, but alas! although my spirit is willing, my aged feet -could carry me no farther.” - -Having said these words, old Wilhelmine tottered back to her own house, -where she lay down so exhausted that she never found the strength to -rise from her bed again. But the people whom she had benefited never -ceased to be grateful to her; and when she died, in 1543, six years -after this wonderful walk, they mournfully followed her to her last -resting-place, shedding abundant tears while softly reminding each -other of the many steps taken in their behalf by her weary old feet. - - * * * * * - -UNTIL the end of the eighteenth century, the city of Neuchâtel -boasted a ghost whose apparition was the invariable precursor of -a conflagration in town. Shortly before any signs of fire were -perceptible, this spectral old woman passed swiftly along the streets, -frantically wringing a cloth all dripping with blood until she vanished -in a lurid mist in the direction of the lake. - -No one now living remembers ever having seen this ghost, but old people -in Neuchâtel solemnly aver that the woman was frequently seen by their -ancestors, and that a fire always broke out shortly after her visit. -They add that the ghost was the unfortunate widow of Walter, Count of -Rochefort, publicly accused of forgery, and beheaded, in 1412, on the -shores of the lake, on the very spot where the wraith always melted -away in a crimson cloud. It is said that the Count’s widow, having -secured his blood-stained shirt, constantly exhibited it to her sons, -urging them to avenge their father, who, according to her assertions, -had been wrongfully accused, and condemned without sufficient proof of -guilt. - -The implacable widow finally prevailed upon these young men to take -a fearful revenge by secretly setting fire to the city; and it is a -fact that Neuchâtel was almost destroyed by what is known as the great -conflagration of 1450. Since then, either through remorse or to parade -her spite, the old woman’s spectre heralded every conflagration, until, -weary of destruction, or frightened away by effective modern methods -of fighting fires, she ceased to haunt the city and frighten the -inhabitants. - - * * * * * - -D. J. RICHARD started the manufacture of watches in Le Locle and La -Chaux-de-Fonds, but the principal legend relating to that industry -refers to Jacques Droz, the clever inventor of mechanical clocks, of -music boxes, and of a writing automaton. - -We are told that in the eighteenth century, the King of Spain once -came to La Chaux-de-Fonds, and having heard of Jacques Droz’s clever -contrivances, went with his suite to visit the inventor’s workshop. -There the King examined everything, and was particularly charmed by -a clock upon which stood figures of a negro, a shepherd, and a dog. -Whenever the clock struck, the shepherd played a soft air upon his -pipe, while his dog frisked joyfully around him. - -This artistic contrivance so delighted both King and courtiers, that -one and all loudly expressed their wonder and admiration. Jacques Droz -listened quietly to their exclamations, then turning to the King, he -smilingly informed him that the tiny dog was the faithful guardian of -his master’s property, as could readily be seen if any one attempted to -lay hands upon the apples in a basket at the shepherd’s feet. - -The King, wishing to test the dog’s watchfulness, now attempted to -abstract an apple, but no sooner had he touched it than the mechanical -dog began to bark with such fury that the royal pet hound, springing -forward, answered him. The monarch, startled by this unexpected -development, stepped back in amazement, while his suite fled, making -repeated signs of the cross. None of the Spanish grandees, with the -exception of the minister of the navy, remained in the shop, so when -the King had recovered from his momentary fright, he laughingly bade -that official ask the negro what time it was, adding that after the -wonders they had seen, it would not surprise him in the least to hear -the darky talk. The minister, therefore, politely inquired the time of -day, but as the question was put in Spanish, he received no reply until -Jacques Droz suggested that he should repeat it in French, for the -negro understood no other tongue. - -The minister therefore translated his question with a somewhat -sceptical smile, but when the negro courteously answered: “Messieurs, -il est trois heures moins un quart!” (“Gentlemen, it is a quarter of -three”), he too bolted from the room in terror, crying that the clock -must be the work of the Evil One himself! - -The legend claims that the King of Spain purchased this wonderful piece -of mechanism, but we are told that Jacques Droz merely constructed -musical clocks for him. The Spaniards, however, were not the only ones -who fancied the watchmaker had made a pact with Satan, for his own -countrymen used to look askance at him, and frequently averred that he -was a sorcerer. - - * * * * * - -THE watchmaking industry has long been the great source of gain in -western Switzerland, and clocks and watches are shipped from there to -all parts of the world. The valleys of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds -being very near the frontier, watches and jewelry are constantly -smuggled into France over the mountain paths to avoid paying duty upon -them. - -In the days of post chaises, this smuggling assumed such proportions -that the chief of the French police determined to make a special effort -to check it. He therefore journeyed in person to Switzerland, and -visiting one of the largest manufactories, selected a case full of fine -watches. He then bargained with the manufacturer to pay for the goods -only on condition that they were delivered free from duty at a certain -address in Paris, and solicitously inquired whether the dealer thought -he could pass them across the boundary safely? The merchant smilingly -answered that the job presented no insurmountable difficulties, and -took leave of his customer, promising that the watches should reach -Paris as quickly as he did. - -The chief of police, delighted with this answer, went back to the inn, -where he gave orders to prepare for immediate departure. Seated in -his carriage and rolling rapidly homeward, he congratulated himself -upon the clever way in which he had managed; for all the custom-house -officers had been duly warned to guard the frontier with special care, -as a large number of watches were to be smuggled over within the next -twenty-four hours. Their zeal had further been stimulated by the -promise of a large reward should they secure watches and lawbreaker, -while speedy punishment was to be the lot of any man who allowed them -to escape. - -At the frontier, the chief of police made a short halt, and thrusting -his head out of the carriage window, again admonished the officer -there to be very vigilant. The latter, promptly recognising his -superior, confidently answered that not a squirrel should cross the -frontier unseen, for all along the line were posted men eager to secure -the promised reward. - -Satisfied by this assurance, the chief of police now gave orders to -drive on, and journeyed straight to Paris, stopping on his way only -long enough to change horses or partake of hasty meals. - -When he entered his own house, although worn out by the long and -fatiguing journey, his first question was whether a parcel had arrived -for him from Switzerland. His servants promptly denied having seen -anything of the sort, so the chief of police threw himself down in an -armchair, gleefully exclaiming: “Then my men have managed to intercept -it at the frontier, and we will make such an example of the smugglers -that none will venture to continue this business!” - -His satisfaction did not last long, however, for, upon entering his -bedroom, he saw resting upon the top of the rest of his luggage a case, -which, upon investigation, was found to contain the very watches he had -purchased in Switzerland. - -In his anger, the chief of police hotly inquired of his servants how -the parcel had come there; but none could give him any information, -further than that it had probably been brought in without their notice -by one of the men called to attend to his luggage. - -The chief of police, angrier than ever, wrote scathing letters to all -the custom-house officers, who one and all declared they were ready -to stake their lives and reputations that no one, except himself, had -crossed the frontier without being subjected to a thorough search. - -Still hoping to secure the man who had delivered the parcel in Paris, -and of reaching the smugglers through him, the chief of police now sent -for his coachman, to ask him whether he had seen any one carry the case -of watches into his house. To his amazement the coachman immediately -replied,-- - -“Indeed I did. I gave it to the man myself, and was very glad to see -the last of it, I can tell you!” - -This answer astounded his master, who, upon asking for an explanation, -learned that while the coachman was preparing the carriage for -departure in the inn yard at La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the waiters had -suddenly appeared with a box, saying his master wished him to stow -it away under his seat and keep it safely out of sight of every one -until they reached Paris. He added that the case contained articles -of great value which the chief feared might else fall into the hands -of highwaymen, who of course would not dream of looking under the -coachman’s seat for anything but oats. Thus cautioned, the coachman -had carefully hidden the box away; but throughout the journey he had -refused to lose sight of the carriage for an instant, lest his master’s -secret should be discovered, and his property stolen. - -On receiving this explanation, the chief of police made a wry face, -for he now perceived how cleverly he had been outwitted by the -watchmaker. The latter, having discovered his customer’s identity in -some mysterious way, had defeated his purpose by bribing one of the -inn waiters to give the box to the coachman, thus making the chief of -police unconsciously smuggle his own goods across the frontier! - - * * * * * - -ANOTHER story runs that a Swiss naturalist often crossed the frontier -at Pontarlier, where he was greatly annoyed by a cross and over-zealous -French custom-house officer. The latter, for some inscrutable reason, -had conceived an intense dislike to the Swiss savant, whose luggage he -always examined with exaggerated care, although the naturalist was well -known as a man of unimpeachable integrity. - -Exasperated by this rude treatment, the naturalist finally determined -to give this disagreeable official a lesson which he would not be -likely to forget in a hurry. The next time he stopped at Pontarlier, -therefore, besides his usual baggage, he had a tightly closed box, -which he handled with special care. - -In answer to the customary question, he truthfully swore he had no -dutiable goods with him, but the custom-house officer, who had singled -him out as his victim, gruffly demanded his keys and proceeded to turn -his trunk topsy turvy as usual. To his evident chagrin, not the tiniest -object upon which he could exact payment was forthcoming, but leaving -the owner to rearrange his tumbled garments as best he might, the -officer took up the box, shook it hard, and asked what it contained. - -“Natural history specimens,” quietly answered the naturalist. - -This reply elicited a contemptuous snort from the officer, who declared -such a statement must be verified. The naturalist then protested -vehemently, swore it contained nothing contraband, and finally seeing -that he could not prevent the opening of the box, angrily cried,-- - -“Very well! Open the box if you choose, but don’t blame me for the -consequences!” and marched out of the office where the discussion had -taken place, slamming the door behind him with marked emphasis. - -Left alone, the officer, armed with chisel and hammer, proceeded to -tear off the cover of the box, out of which squirmed and tumbled a -number of small snakes. - -With a wild cry of terror, the custom-house officer rushed out of the -office, crying, “Snakes, snakes!” but as he was often tipsy, or “lost -his way in his master’s vineyard,”--as the local saying goes,--his -companions would not believe him, and fancied he was the victim of a -delusion natural to a man of his intemperate habits. - -But one of his comrades venturing boldly into the office to convince -him of his mistake, came out again precipitately, crying that snakes -were really crawling all over the floor! The naturalist now stepped -forward, calmly offered to replace the reptiles--which were perfectly -harmless--in their box, and added that he had warned the officer not to -tamper with natural history specimens. - -After that, the custom-house officers at Pontarlier were particularly -careful how they handled this savant’s luggage, and never again did -they venture to raise the cover of any box when he told them that it -contained materials for his collections. - - - - -BERN - - -The little city of Erlach, or Cerlier, on the Lake of Bienne, is -romantically situated at the foot of the Jolimont, on which stand -great rocks known as the Devil’s Burden. We are told that his Infernal -Highness brought these stones hither to crush the Christians at the -foot of the mountain. But, turned aside by the hand of God, the blocks -fell where they could do no damage, and now serve as picturesque -features in the landscape. - -The castle of Erlach, founded in 1100 by a bishop of Basel, was -entrusted to the care of a governor, or bailiff, who made ruthless -demands upon the time and strength of his master’s vassals. No -servant was ever strong and diligent enough to suit him; and when a -tall foreigner came to offer his services, the bailiff, noting his -well-developed muscles, immediately said he would engage him provided -he could lift the huge rock which stood at the castle gate. - -Picking up the stone with the utmost ease, the newcomer tossed it up -as if it were a mere pebble, although its weight was such that it sank -deep into the ground on the spot where it fell. This proof of strength -fully satisfied the bailiff, who at first treated his new servant quite -fairly. But as time went on, he exacted more and more, and once bade -him take four horses and bring back to the castle a load of wood which -twelve horses could not have drawn without great effort. - -The muscular servant nevertheless set out undaunted to fulfil this -task, and finding one pair of horses inclined to balk, unharnessed -them, tied them to the tail of the cart, and taking their place, pulled -so vigorously that the load safely reached the foot of the hill leading -to the castle. There, however, the second pair of horses stopped short, -and refused to advance another step. The servant quickly unharnessed -these, too, bound them on top of the wood, and single-handed drew wood, -wagon, and horses up the hill, although the load was so heavy that the -deep ruts it made in the rock road can still be seen to this day. - -When the bailiff beheld this new and startling proof of great strength, -he was duly awed, and fearing the servant might prove troublesome -some day, determined to get rid of him. With that purpose in view, -he ordered a well dug, and when it was quite deep, made his men -throw a huge stone down upon the strong servant’s head. To the -general surprise, this man tossed the stone up out of the well again, -muttering, “Don’t throw any more sand down into my eyes, or I’ll get -mad.” - -But looking up just then, he caught such an evil expression in the -bailiff’s eyes that he was seized with a sudden fit of blind rage. -Scrambling out of the hole, he pursued the conscience-stricken bailiff -into the castle; and as neither man nor master were ever seen again, -people suppose that the strong servant must have been an emissary of -Satan, sent to carry their cruel master off to Hades, to receive due -punishment for all his crimes. - - * * * * * - -ON the way from Basel to Bern, the train passes through a long tunnel -piercing a hill upon which stand the ruins of Castle Grimmenstein. This -was once the home of so enthusiastic a hunter, that he even broke the -Sabbath to indulge in his favourite sport. His wife, a gentle and pious -soul, once vainly besought him not to desecrate a particularly holy day -of rest, but he nevertheless sallied forth, and after a long search -came across a doe with its young. - -Although this gentle animal bravely tried to defend her offspring, the -cruel hunter slew them all one after another. But, just as the doe -breathed her last, a giant sprang out of the ground, shook his fist -vehemently at the Sabbath-breaker, and exclaiming that the harmless -animals were already avenged, vanished with them underground! - -The lord of Grimmenstein, awed in spite of himself by these mysterious -words and by the sudden disappearance of the quarry he had slain, gave -up all thought of further hunting for that day and rode slowly home. -But when he entered his wife’s apartment, he found her and his children -dying from the very wounds he had inflicted upon the gentle doe and her -young. - -Ever since then, when war or pestilence threaten the land, the lord -of Grimmenstein rises from his grave, blows a resonant blast upon his -hunting-horn, and again sets out to range through woods and valleys in -quest of game. - -[Illustration: THE WILD HUNT.] - -Besides this hunter and Sabbath-breaker, almost every valley and -hillside in Switzerland is said to be visited at times by some similar -wraith, sweeping by on the wings of the wind. But the apparition which -makes the most noise and causes most damage is undoubtedly that of -Odin, the Wild Huntsman himself, who often rushes through the land with -all his ghostly train of heathen deities.[2] - - [2] See the author’s “Myths of Northern Lands.” - - * * * * * - -AFTER passing through the Wynigen tunnel, the train soon comes to -Burgdorf, an ancient and picturesque little city, with an old castle in -which Pestalozzi established a school toward the end of the eighteenth -century. - -Tradition relates that dense forests once covered all this region, -which was infested by wild beasts of all kinds, not omitting an -immense, fire-breathing dragon, which had its abode in a cave in the -hill on which Burgdorf castle now stands. - -Sintram and Baltram, the two sons of the Duke of Lenzburg, once -penetrated into this wilderness in pursuit of game, and discovering the -trail of this dragon, resolved to track him into his lair and rid the -country of such a pest. But when they drew near the mouth of the cave, -the dragon suddenly darted forth, and seizing Baltram, swallowed him at -one gulp! At this sight Sintram boldly dismounted, drew his sword, and -attacked the monster with such fury that he finally laid him low. Then, -slitting him open, he had the good fortune to find his brother still -alive and quite unharmed, thanks to the strong armour he wore. - -The brothers were so proud of their victory over the monster, and so -grateful for their miraculous escape from its teeth and claws, that -they built a chapel on this spot, dedicating it to St. Margaret, -because she too once met and defeated a dragon. In this chapel they -placed a picture representing their fight with the Burgdorf monster, -and as they soon founded the town and castle, their name and fame still -endures in that section of the country. - - * * * * * - -IN the twelfth century, Burgdorf was the home of Berthold V. of -Zähringen, who conquered and brought into subjection the various -nobles in the Bernese Oberland. He built Fribourg on his own land, and -founded a new city on a rocky height almost entirely surrounded by the -Aare. History claims that he called this town Bern, in honour of his -favourite hero and ancestor, Dietrich of Bern (Verona).[3] But legend -states that, not knowing what name to bestow upon the new city, he -decided to call it after the first animal he slew in the chase. - - [3] See the author’s “Legends of the Middle Ages.” - -Sallying forth one day, he met and slew some bears (_Bären_), and -therefore called the city Bern. It is because the city is popularly -supposed to have thus obtained its name, that there is a bear in its -shield, and that these animals are conspicuous there in every form. -The most famous and imposing bears in Bern are the stone effigies -which long stood on either side of the city gates, and which now -guard the entrance to the Historical Museum; but the most amusing are -undoubtedly the live bears kept in a special pit. - -According to some authorities these animals are the descendants of a -cub which the Duke of Zähringen brought back from his memorable hunting -expedition; according to others of a pair given to the town by René, -Duke of Lorraine. Besides, you may also hear it stated that a Swiss -soldier brought home a couple of cubs as trophy after the battle of -Novarre, in 1513, which were preserved in the city. In 1798, General -Brune carried off the Bern bears to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, -and the present bruins are also said to have descended from those or -from a pair imported from Russia. - -The city of Bern was laid out for the Duke by his henchman von -Bubenberg, who, foreseeing its importance, made it twice as large as -he was told. The Duke in wrath then demanded what he meant by this -disobedience, but von Bubenberg soon proved that he was right, for so -many settlers poured into the new place that only a narrow space could -be allotted for each house. All the buildings were made from the wood -growing within the new city limits, which gave rise to the distich,-- - - “Holz, lass’ dich hauen gern, - Die Stadt muss heissen Bern.” - (Wood, let yourself be felled readily, - The city must be called Bern.) - -Bern became independent soon after its foundation, bravely withstood -two sieges made by the redoubtable Rudolf von Hapsburg, and some time -after defeating the Burgundian forces at Laupen, in 1339, joined the -Swiss Confederation, of which it is now the head. - -In the middle of the fifteenth century, the citizens began the -construction of the beautiful cathedral, which, owing to lack of -funds, remained incomplete for centuries and has only recently been -crowned by its wonderful spire. In front of this building now stands -the equestrian statue of Rudolph von Erlach, the hero of Laupen; but -here, too, once stood a large wooden statue of St. Christopher. It was -placed there after a silver communion service had been stolen from the -cathedral, for the people believed that the giant saint would mount -faithful guard over ecclesiastical property. But when in spite of his -presence there, the communion service again fell a prey to thieves, -great indignation was felt in town. - -To punish St. Christopher for his lack of vigilance, he was banished -to a niche in a tower bearing his name, where, as a further mark of -disgrace, and because he stood directly opposite the fountain of -David, he was dubbed Goliath. At that time a tradition was current -in Bern that when St. Christopher _heard_ the town clock strike the -noon hour, he invariably rained _weckli_ (local rolls) down upon the -people. To fix this saying in the minds of a younger generation, a -lady of the town ordered a large number of _weckli_ cast down upon -the waiting school children at the stroke of twelve, one day before -the tower was razed and the statue removed. The benevolent woman who -played this innocent trick upon the delighted little ones, celebrated -her one-hundredth birthday at Bern, in 1897, when the cathedral chimes -pealed forth at noon a gay carillon in her honour. - -When the quaint Christopher tower was torn down, in the middle of the -nineteenth century, the head of the gaudily coloured statue of the -saint was removed to the city Museum, where it now forms part of a -collection of local antiquities. - -South of the Cathedral, and extending all along one side of the -building, is a beautiful broad terrace, commanding a marvellous view of -the whole range of the Bernese Alps. On this shady place stands a fine -statue of the founder of the city, with Bruin as his shield-bearer. -At the edge of the terrace, set deep in the wall, is a tablet -commemorating the miraculous escape of a student, whose frightened -horse vaulted over the parapet in 1654. Theobald Weinzäpfli, for such -was the student’s name, not only survived the fall which killed his -steed, but became pastor of Kerzerz, where he died forty years later. - -From the terrace, besides the matchless background of glaciers, there -is a fine view of the pyramidal Niesen, darkly outlined against them, -and of the winding Aare, which passes through the Lake of Brienz and -that of Thun at the foot of this mountain. At one end of the Lake of -Thun, where the Aare has its outlet, and less than an hour’s railway -journey from Bern, stands the picturesque little city of Thun, with -its ancient castle. At the other extremity, on a narrow strip of land -between the two lakes, rises Interlaken, the goal of all Swiss tourists. - - * * * * * - -LEGEND claims that in the days when St. Peter was preaching in Rome, -he converted there an English traveller, who received in baptism -the name of Beatus. Longing to publish the good tidings he had -received, this pious man set out from Rome, and preaching as he went, -finally came to the shores of the Lake of Thun. There he found a large -population of thrifty people still devoted to the Scandinavian religion -practised by their ancestors. - -[Illustration: THE OLD ST. CHRISTOPHER TOWER.] - -The spot was so lovely, and the task awaiting him so urgent, that -Beatus resolved to make a prolonged sojourn; but he was so busy caring -for souls that he had no time to build himself a hut. He therefore -determined to take up his abode in some cave, and searching for one -which might answer his purpose, climbed the mountain on the north side -of the lake. Far up the slope, he descried a large cavern, which he was -about to enter. But he suddenly found himself face to face with a huge -dragon, whose eyes were as big and round as cart-wheels, whose claws -were as long and as hard as grappling-hooks, and whose long, tapering -body and tail were covered with scales so thick that no weapon could -pierce them! This monster lashed its tail, opened wide its capacious -jaws, and spat forth such a torrent of fire and smoke that Beatus -thought his last hour had surely come. Alone and unarmed, resistance -was impossible, and as flight would have been equally vain, Beatus -commended his soul to God and made a hasty sign of the cross. - -At the same moment the monster crept back into its den with a cry of -rage and terror; and Beatus, perceiving that it had quailed at the -sign of the cross, immediately determined to use so potent a weapon to -rid the country of this emissary of Satan. He therefore took up his -post at the mouth of the Beatushöhle, where he mounted guard night -and day, fasting and praying persistently. The presence of this holy -man, the constant sound of fervent supplication, and the sight of the -awe-inspiring sign of the cross every time it moved, so worked upon the -dragon’s nerves, that it exploded on the eighth day, and vanished in a -cloud of stinking smoke. - -The Evil One having thus departed, Beatus took possession of the cave, -which he fitted out to serve as a hermitage. From one of the trees on -the bank of the lake, he fashioned a rude skiff, in which he rowed from -point to point along the shore, often preaching from his boat as his -Master had done on the Sea of Galilee. - -By the blessing of God, Beatus’ words bore rich fruit, and conversions -became so numerous that Satan was alarmed, and determined to make -another attempt to kill or drive away the zealous missionary. He -therefore stirred up fearful storms every time Beatus left his cave, -caused brooks to swell and overflow whenever he tried to cross them, -rolled rocks down the mountain to obstruct his pathway, and after many -vain trials, succeeded in breaking his oars and making his poor skiff -almost useless. - -One day, when Beatus came down to the lakeside, he perceived that the -waves rose to such a height that it would be impossible for him to -cross the lake to officiate at Einigen as he had promised. Loath to -disappoint the faithful anxiously awaiting him, Beatus spread out his -cloak upon the bank and sat down upon it, hoping that the storm stirred -up by the Evil One would soon abate sufficiently to enable him to cross -without imminent danger. - -While sitting there, inwardly praying, a gust of wind suddenly stole -under his outspread cloak; and a moment later Beatus found himself -soaring through the air, high over the tossing lake, and was soon -gently deposited on the greensward near the little church. The people -welcomed him gladly, listened to his teachings, and practised the -Christian virtues so diligently that the place where they assembled for -worship was soon known far and wide as Paradise. - -The concourse of people there became daily greater, and as Beatus was -often busy elsewhere, he bade his disciple Justus take charge of the -services whenever he failed to appear at the appointed time. Now, it -seems that while Beatus himself was very eloquent, his disciple was -extremely prosy and long-winded; and Satan, perceiving this, determined -to claim, on the judgment day, the souls of all those who slept through -the sermon and thus missed the final benediction. He therefore entered -the little church at Einigen one Easter morning, seated himself -directly under the pulpit, and spreading out a ram-skin on his lap, -prepared to take down the names of all who dozed during the service. -Although Beatus was expected to preach on that day, and an unusually -large congregation was present, he had not yet appeared when the little -bell ceased ringing; so Justus mounted the pulpit and began to expound -the Scriptures in his stead. - -The place was overcrowded, the weather quite warm; and as the worthy -man’s teachings were even more uninteresting than usual, one auditor -after another nodded and slept. Beatus, who had been detained by a work -of mercy, slipped unperceived into the church shortly after the sermon -had begun, and seating himself modestly in a corner, lent a reverent -and attentive ear to his colleague’s halting discourse. - -Looking up, however, he suddenly became aware of the fact that the -whole congregation was fast asleep, and that the Evil One was jotting -down their names with fiendish glee. While Beatus was hesitating -whether to be guilty of the sin of disturbing divine service by making -a noise which would wake the imprudent sleepers, or whether he should -leave their souls in such a dangerous predicament without making an -effort to save them, he perceived that the Devil had almost reached the -bottom of his ram-skin, and had not space enough left to inscribe all -the remaining names. - -At that very moment the Devil became aware of the selfsame fact, but, -notoriously quick at devising expedients, he immediately seized the -skin between his teeth, and began tugging at it with all his might so -as to stretch it sufficiently to serve his purpose. In his haste he -gave a jerk which, tearing the skin, threw his head backward, hitting -the pulpit such a resonant bang that every man, woman, and child in the -congregation awoke with a start. - -Beatus, the only one who had seen the accident, disgraced himself by -laughing aloud; and the Devil, perceiving he had defeated his own ends, -flounced angrily out of the church, and vanished with a yell, while the -people sank on their knees and frantically prayed to be forgiven for -yielding to fatigue. - -Beatus, we are told, was duly punished for laughing in church, for -when he again spread out his mantle, expecting to be wafted across the -lake, as usual, it remained stationary, and although he ultimately died -in the odour of sanctity and was duly canonised, he ever after had to -resort to ordinary means of transportation. The cave in which Beatus -dwelt on the Beatenberg, and which still bears his name, has been -uninhabitable since his day. From its mouth now pours forth a noisy -stream during the spring months, and after heavy falls of rain. - - * * * * * - -MANY steamboats daily furrow the lake over which St. Beatus was wont to -fly on his mantle; and after passing the romantic town of Oberhofen, -directly opposite Einigen, where Justus preached, they come to Spiez, -where stands a tower of the old castle of Strättlingen. A lord of that -name is said to have been suddenly converted, while out hunting, by the -sight of a stag bearing a luminous crucifix between its wide antlers. -During the Christian persecutions under Hadrian, this Strättlingen took -refuge in Burgundy, where he greatly distinguished himself during a -quarrel with France. - -It seems that the two kings had decided that their difference should -be settled by a duel between champions of their selection. The king of -France, however, produced a giant so strong that no Burgundian dared -meet him; and when Strättlingen volunteered to fight, the king of -Burgundy was duly grateful. - -Reaching the lists before his antagonist, Strättlingen sat down to -await his coming, which he dreaded so little that he quietly fell -asleep. When the giant came, he gazed in angry astonishment at a rival -snoring as peacefully five minutes before the redoubtable encounter -as if he were merely taking a nap before dinner. Convinced that some -miracle lay behind this marvellous composure, the giant gazed at his -foe more closely still, and declared himself ready to acknowledge his -defeat without striking a blow, because the Archangel Michael stood -beside the sleeping champion, ready to battle for him. - -In reward for the great victory thus won in his sleep, the Burgundian -king gave Strättlingen his daughter’s hand in marriage, a large estate -on the Lake of Thun, and great treasures. Part of this wealth was -employed by Strättlingen in erecting the castle which still bears his -name, and which long remained in the possession of his family. One of -his descendants, Wernhardt von Strättlingen, was known far and wide for -his great charity, and when a shivering pilgrim knocked at his gate one -cold winter morning, he unhesitatingly bestowed upon him a brand-new -cloak and bade him enter and spend the night in the castle. - -When morning came, pilgrim and cloak had vanished, and the lady of -Strättlingen, who was very economical and far less charitable than -her spouse, reproached him bitterly for wasting such a good cloak -upon an ungrateful scamp. Although her scolding was vehement and oft -renewed, the husband bore it patiently, and when about to set out on -a pilgrimage, parted amicably with her, giving her half his ring and -telling her she might marry again at the end of five years, if in the -meantime he did not return to claim her by producing the other half of -the circlet. - -This arrangement made, Strättlingen set out for Garganum, where he -had heard that St. Michael, his patron saint, had recently alighted. -Arriving there, he had a vision of St. Michael himself, who gave him -his blessing. But on the way home, Strättlingen was cast into a prison -in Lombardy, where he languished four whole years. Throughout this long -captivity Strättlingen’s faith never wavered; and when came the time -set for his wife’s remarriage should he not return, he fervently prayed -that she might be preserved from bigamy. - -At that moment the pilgrim appeared in his cell, wrapped in the mantle -he had given him, and humbly confessed that he was a demon sent to -Strättlingen to entrap him into a reckless act of charity, in hopes -that the scolding his wife was sure to administer would cause him to -sin. The demon next went on to explain that he was now sent by St. -Michael to convey him home. Then he proceeded to carry out the orders -he had received from the archangel, and did it so skilfully that a -few minutes later the lord of Strättlingen stood at his castle gate, -wrapped in the cloak he had given the pilgrim five years before. - -Returning thus unexpectedly and unrecognised, Strättlingen perceived -that wedding preparations were even then being made. Amid the throng -of guests, he stepped up to the table unseen and dropped his half of -the ring into his wife’s cup. When she raised it to her lips to drink, -she found this pledge, and looking eagerly around her, recognised -her husband in his pilgrim’s garb and fell upon his neck. Instead of -a wedding feast, a banquet of reunion was now held in the great hall -at Strättlingen, and as thank-offering for his miraculous return, the -count built the church of St. Michael at Einigen. - -This church was secretly dedicated by the archangel himself, who -graciously made that fact known to the noble builder. The latter is -said to have founded a dozen other churches in the neighbourhood, -besides one large monastery. After a time, however, he began to pride -himself upon his piety and great gifts to the church, and in punishment -for this sin, fell desperately ill. - -During this illness he saw the archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel -wrestling with the Devil for the possession of his soul. But they -finally agreed to decide the matter in a strictly impartial way by -weighing Strättlingen’s good and bad deeds in opposite scales. Held by -one saint and filled by another and by the Devil, the scales wavered -for a moment. Then the one containing the virtues seemed inclined to -kick the beam, until St. Michael rested his hand heavily upon it. -Seeing this, the Devil slyly clung to the bottom of the scale in which -he was specially interested. But his black and claw-like fingers -appearing over the edge of the scale, betrayed his stratagem to St. -Michael, who, drawing his sword, drove him away. - -This curious legend is illustrated by a painting which long graced -the church in Lauterbrunnen, and the various legends told above are -carefully preserved in the curious chronicle of the church at Einigen. - - * * * * * - -OPPOSITE Spiez, at the foot of the Ralligenstock, and near the -present town of Ralligen, there was once a village named Roll, whose -inhabitants were noted all along the lake shore for their selfishness -and pride. - -One night when the wind was blowing very hard and after it had rained -persistently for several days, a little dwarf came into the village, -and knocking at every door humbly begged for shelter. All rudely -refused to receive him, except an aged couple living at the end of the -village. They bade him enter, gave him the best food that they had in -the house, and would gladly have let him sleep in their own bed, had -he only been willing to tarry with them over night. But the dwarf told -them he still had much to do, and bidding them farewell, ran through -the place again, crying that it would soon disappear. - -Before morning a terrible storm broke, the lightning struck the top -of the Ralligenstock, and all at once the awestruck people heard the -rumbling sound of a great landslide. Peering hastily out of their -window, the charitable couple saw their little guest gliding rapidly -down the mountain side on a huge rock, which he seemed to steer like a -sled. Guiding this rock close to their hut, he brought it to a sudden -standstill there, making it serve as a bulwark for the tiny house where -he had been so hospitably entertained. The rest of the earth and stones -swept all the other houses and inhabitants of Roll into the lake, in -punishment for their pride and lack of hospitality. But we are told -that the little cabin so miraculously spared, stood on the very site of -the present castle of Ralligen. - - * * * * * - -ON the same side of the Lake of Thun, and not very far from Ralligen, -is the charmingly situated town of Merligen. According to somewhat -malicious legends, the people there were none too intelligent. They -once built a beautiful City Hall, but discovered only too late that -they had forgotten to provide any windows, and that it was pitch dark -inside. As it was impossible to transact business in utter obscurity, -the city council immediately declared light must be brought in without -delay, and bade each of the councillors procure a bagful. All therefore -betook themselves in a body to a sunny meadow, opened wide their sacks, -and when they saw them full of sunlight, closed them tight and bore -them off to the City Hall. But although one bagful after another of -golden sunshine was carried in there, and all were opened at once, the -hall, to their great surprise and disappointment, remained as dark as -ever. - -There once stood a nut tree close by the lake at Merligen. It bent -so far over the water that the people fancied the topmost branches -wanted a drink, so they determined to help it reach the water. The -chief magistrate climbed the tree, and seizing the highest bough, bade -another citizen catch hold of his legs. This done, a third clung to -the second, and continuing thus the people formed a living chain which -reached down into the lake. The last man now cried,-- - -“Are you all ready? Shall we pull?” - -“No!” cried the chief magistrate, “wait a minute; I want to spit in my -hands!” - -Saying this, he suddenly let go, and the whole chain of men splashed -into the lake, where they were drowned! - -At the end of the eighteenth century, after the French had carried -off the treasure of Bern to meet the expenses of the Egyptian war, the -other cities decided it might be well to hide or bury their valuables, -lest they too should fall into their enemies’ hands. The people of -Merligen therefore put all their treasures on board a boat, rowed out -to the middle of the lake, and sank them in the deepest spot. To make -sure, however, that they would be able to find again the exact spot -where the valuables were lying, they carefully drew a heavy mark on -their boat directly above the sunken treasure. Unfortunately, this -streak did not remain on the spot where the treasure was hidden, but -to the dismay of the people accompanied them back to Merligen; and it -is said no one has ever yet been able to locate these valuables, whose -loss is still mourned. - - * * * * * - -THE strip of land between the lakes of Thun and Brienz is watered by -the Aare, which, flowing through both these bodies of water, also -serves as a connecting link between them. Interlaken, as its name -indicates, is situated between the two lakes. - -From the steamboats on the Lake of Brienz, one can see the wooded -slopes and charming village of Iseltwald. Here, we are told, you often -hear sounds such as might be produced by a huge Æolian harp. Sometimes -loud, sometimes low, the melancholy, ghost-like melody quivers softly -through the summer air. - -Tradition assures us that a huntsman of this region had his right arm -disabled by a stroke of lightning; so, taking up his hunting horn, he -wandered from place to place, playing wonderful tunes for a living. -His admiring auditors rewarded him for his music by small gifts, and -all delighted in his constant tunes. Early in the morning, when the -first lark rose to the sky, the stirring notes of “Awake, my heart, and -sing!” roused the sleeping inhabitants; and far into the night gentle -reveries lulled them to sleep. All day long the music played strong, -brisk, helpful accompaniments to their labours, and when a thief -prowled about their huts at night, ready to seize their property, a -sharp danger signal from the ever-ready horn pealed through the quiet -air. - -Every one loved the wandering huntsman,--no feast or funeral was -complete without him, and wherever he went he invariably met with an -enthusiastic welcome. The time came, however, when the poor man felt -his last hour was near; and seating himself near the edge of the lake -he played a melodious farewell to life, and to the land he loved. -Then, addressing a lame beggar who had stolen up to listen to his -music, he gave him all the money he had, on condition that he would -promise to bury him in the Iseltwald. - -“But,” he added, “be sure to place my beloved hunting horn in my hand. -It has been my friend and comforter for many a year; and if the dead -can still feel and move, I shall be glad to beguile the dark and lonely -hours spent in my grave. There I shall play soft tunes, until released -by the peal of Gabriel’s trump on the day of judgment, when I, too, -shall arise to take part in the grand concert played before the throne -of God.” - -The old huntsman had scarcely finished these words when he died; and -true to his promise the beggar laid him to rest at the foot of a mighty -oak, with his beloved horn clasped tight in his dead hand. Since then, -belated boatmen have often heard a musical call guiding them safely -homeward; and the still summer air often pulsates with the sweet, weird -melody the huntsman softly plays to himself while waiting to join in -the grand Hallelujah Chorus on the judgment day. - - * * * * * - -AFTER leaving Iseltwald the steamers on the Lake of Brienz stop at the -Giessbach, part of which famous falls can be seen from its deck, and -thence run on to Brienz, where one can take the train to Meiringen and -see the beautiful Reichenbach. - -[Illustration: THE GIESSBACH.] - -Near the last-named town, on the way to the Hohenstollen, whence a -magnificent view is obtainable, one passes the Balisalp, of which the -following picturesque legend is told. A shepherd named Res used to tend -his cattle here; and after they were duly cared for every evening, he -was wont to take the huge funnel through which he poured his milk into -his pans, and reversing it, step out on a projecting ledge of rock to -call out a loving good-night to his sweetheart, who spent the summer -on the Seealp. Then, when it was too dark to see the place where she -stood, he would quietly enter his hut, climb up into the loft, and -lying down on his pallet, would sleep soundly until the next day, when -his first morning greeting was also shouted to the girl he loved. - -One night the herdsman suddenly awoke, and hearing a crackling sound, -peered down into the châlet to see what it might be. To his surprise -he saw three strange-looking men sitting around a bright fire they -had kindled on his hearth, busy making cheese in a giant kettle. The -largest of the three kept stirring the milk, the next one brought more -to add to it, while the third kept up a bright blaze by adding fuel to -the fire from time to time. - -Watching these men, the owner of the hut saw the cheesemaker pour a -reddish fluid into the kettle. Then the second stepped to the door, -and taking a huge horn, began to play a weird melody. Low at first, -it gradually roused all the echoes, and had a magical effect, for all -the cows came running up to him and soon stood around in a circle as -if to listen. This musical performance ended, the third man poured -the contents of the huge kettle into three vessels, and the watching -herdsman noted with surprise that the liquid in each receptacle was of -a different hue. - -Just then, the tallest man looked up, and bade the herdsman come down -and drink from any vessel he pleased,--explaining that if he partook of -the red liquid he would be as strong as a giant and receive one hundred -cows; if he tasted of the green, he would have a large fortune; while -if he chose the white, he would receive the magic horn and be able to -play the weird tune, which, as he had seen, would charm cows as well as -men. - -The young dairyman had been so enraptured by the music he had heard, -that he unhesitatingly snatched the bowl containing the white liquid -and took a deep draught. When he set it down again, his strange -visitors warmly congratulated him upon his selection, for had he -drunk out of either of the other vessels he would surely have died, -and centuries would have elapsed before the Alphorn would again have -been offered to mankind. This explanation given, the three strangers -suddenly vanished, leaving no trace of their presence save the Alphorn, -which the young man put to his lips just as the first gleams of light -appeared in the east. Then, to his delight, he found he could play as -well as the mysterious stranger. - -He soon made a second horn just like the one he had received from his -night visitors, and taught his beloved to use it. They kept up a lively -musical intercourse all summer, although too far apart to hear each -other’s words. In the autumn they were married, and their descendants -inherited their wonderful musical instruments, and still play the -peculiar air, which has, as yet, lost none of its primitive charm. - -A similar story is told of the Wengernalp, where, however, on the eve -of the wedding, the young herdsman’s musical call was answered by a -ghostly voice announcing the death of his betrothed. The expectant -bridegroom was so shocked by these tidings that he dropped his -wonderful horn, which was shattered on the rocks below him. Then, -maddened by grief, he ranged the mountain, until, in a fit of despair, -he committed suicide. - -Since then, many imitations have been made of the magic horn, but none -has ever reproduced any of its best high notes, and all the present -instruments are remarkable for their deep, sad tones, which produce an -indescribably mournful impression upon all those who hear them for the -first time. - - * * * * * - -ON the way from Meiringen to the famous Rhône glacier, one sees some -of the most beautiful and varied scenery in the world. After passing -charming points too numerous to mention, the road, which rises rapidly, -leads over the barren Grimsel Pass, where stands a famous refuge for -poor travellers, the well-known Grimsel Hospice. - -A legend claims that in olden times this region blossomed like the -rose, and that the highest mountains were as fertile as any valley -nestling in a sheltered location at their foot. When Our Lord bade the -Wandering Jew[4] begin the never-ending journey for which he is so -noted, he immediately set out, and tramping incessantly, started to -cross the Alps at the Grimsel. Although constantly urged along by a -power he could not resist, Ahasuerus, the Jew, marked the happy people -dwelling on the banks of the Aare and the Rhône, and marvelled at the -extreme fertility of the pass, where grapes and figs grew in abundance, -where no barren spot could be seen, and where mighty oaks covered the -tops of mountains now crowned by eternal snows. - - [4] See the author’s “Legends of the Virgin and Christ.” - -The air was mild and balmy, even at the greatest altitude; and hosts -of birds in bright plumage flitted about, twittering and singing in -the merriest way. Ahasuerus also noticed that the people were gentle -and hospitable, for wherever he asked for food or drink it was quickly -granted, and he was warmly invited to tarry with them and rest his -weary limbs. This invitation, however, he could not accept; but hurried -on, unconscious of the fact that a blight fell over every place through -which he passed; for the curse laid upon him not only condemned him to -move on for ever, but enhanced his punishment by making cold, want, and -pestilence follow in his train. - -Many years passed by before the Wandering Jew again found himself near -the Alps; but weary as he was, he somewhat quickened his footsteps, -hoping to feast his eyes upon the landscape which had so charmed him -the first time, and to meet again the warm-hearted people who had been -so kind to him once before. - -As he drew near the mountains, however, sad forebodings wrung his -heart, for they were enveloped in a dense fog, which seemed to him -particularly cold and clammy. Hurrying on up the pass, he eagerly -looked from side to side, yet saw nothing but dark pines wildly tossing -their sombre branches against a gray sky, while ravens and owls flew -past him, croaking and hooting. Vines, figs, and oaks had vanished, and -the happy people, driven away by the constant windstorms which swept -the mountains, had taken refuge in the sheltered valleys. But although -all else was changed, the spirit of hospitality still lingered on the -heights, for the charcoal-burners gladly shared their meagre supply of -coarse food with the Wandering Jew, and warmly invited him to be seated -at their campfire. - -The Jew, however, had to hasten on; and many long years elapsed before -he again trod the Grimsel Pass. For a while he still perceived dark -firs and smouldering fires, but it seemed to him that they were much -nearer the foot of the mountain than they had been at his second -visit. As he climbed upward he also noticed that the path was much more -rugged than before, for rocks and stones had fallen down upon it from -above, making it almost impassable in certain places. As no obstacle -could stop this involuntary traveller, he went on over rolling stones -and jagged rocks, and nearing the top of the pass discovered that -every trace of vegetation had vanished, and that the place formerly -so fertile was now covered with barren rocks and vast fields of snow. -Raising his eyes to the peaks all around him he perceived that oaks, -beeches, and pines had all vanished, and that the steep mountain sides -were heavily coated with ice, which ran far down into the valleys in -great frozen streams. - -The sight of all this desolation, which had taken the place of such -luxuriant vegetation, proved too much for poor Ahasuerus, who sank down -on a rock by the wayside and burst into tears. There he sat and sobbed, -as he realised for the first time the blighting effect of his passage. -His tears flowed so freely that they trickled down into a rocky basin, -and when he rose to pursue his way down into the Hasli valley, he left -a little lake behind him. - -In spite of the masses of snow and ice all around, and of the cold -winds which constantly sweep over that region, the waters of the lake -still remain as warm as the tears which fell from Ahasuerus’s eyes; and -no fish are ever found in this pool. - -Still, notwithstanding the desolate landscape, Ahasuerus found the -spirit of hospitality not quite dead, for far up on the pass rose a -shelter for weary travellers, where they were carefully tended by pious -monks. But even here he could not rest, and as he passed along down the -mountain, he heard the thunder of falling avalanches behind him. It is -during this last journey that he is supposed to have lost the queer old -shoe which was long treasured in one of the vaults of the Bern Library. - -It is also said that when pausing at one of the huts in the Hasli -valley, he sorrowfully foretold that when fate brought him there for -the fourth and last time, the whole fruitful valley, from the top of -the mountains down to the Lake of Brienz, would be transformed into a -huge unbroken field of ice, where he would wander alone in quest of -the final resting-place which until now has been denied him, although -Eugene Field claims he found it in the New World.[5] - - [5] See “The Holy Cross,” by Eugene Field. - -This account of the passage of the Wandering Jew is told with slight -variations of all the passes between Switzerland and Italy. Every -particularly barren spot in the former country is supposed to have been -blighted because he passed through there, or because mortals sinned so -grievously that they brought a curse down upon it. - - * * * * * - -ALTHOUGH travellers coming over the Grimsel often make their way from -there to Grindelwald, in the heart of the Oberland, this point is most -easily reached from Interlaken, by means of the railroad following -the course of an Alpine stream, the Lütchine, which flows in a rocky -bed between tall cliffs and steep pine-clad hills. After passing -Burglauenen, of which the same story is told as of Roll on the Lake -of Thun, you come to Grindelwald, where you have the best view of the -Wetterhorn. - -A picturesque legend claims that in the Golden Age, when no snow or -ice had ever been seen in Switzerland, rich pastures lay between -the Faulhorn and the Siedelhorn. A fine brook flowing through there -supplied the cattle with all the water they needed, and enabled the -herdsmen to keep all their pails and pans in a state of dazzling -whiteness and immaculate purity. The pasture was so rich, and the -cows gave such quantities of milk, that the men were always tired of -milking long before they were through. Spoiled by too great plenty, and -over-inclined to take their ease, these men cursed cows and pasture, -so a great change soon took place, which at first struck them as very -welcome, because as the kine’s milk decreased their work diminished. - -But one day a maiden came to Gidi, the principal herdsman, and -breathlessly announced that a very strange thing had happened, for the -brook was all covered with a very thin sheet of glass! When Gidi heard -this, he cried,-- - -“Then it is high time we should change our pasture!” - -He therefore immediately drove his herd down into the valley, where, -clearing away the dense forest, he built the little village Gidisdorf, -which still bears his name. Since then, that place--more generally -known as Grindelwald--has become a great resort for tourists, who are -attracted thither by the healthful situation, and by the marvellous -views obtainable on all sides. From this place many interesting -excursions are possible, among others that to the Scheidegg. - -[Illustration: GRINDELWALD.] - - * * * * * - -IT seems that the possession of the Great or Hasli Scheidegg was -once the cause of a serious dispute between the people of Hasli and -Grindelwald. As the matter could not be settled otherwise, it was to -be decided by oath. The people of Grindelwald, who could not swear -truthfully that it belonged to them, nevertheless won it by stratagem, -for their champion, filling his shoes with earth from his garden at -Grindelwald, boldly presented himself before the judge on the disputed -land. There he swore in a tone of such intense conviction that he stood -upon Grindelwald soil, that the judge, persuaded of the rectitude of -his claim, awarded the disputed land to his community. - -The perjurer was, however, duly punished for this crime, for even now -his soul can find no rest. Mounted the wrong way round upon a ghostly -steed, he rides every night from the spot where he committed perjury -down to Meiringen; and if one listens attentively one can often hear -his sighs and groans as he takes this nightly jaunt. - - * * * * * - -ON either side of the Upper Grindelwald Glacier tower the Wetterhorn -and the two Schreckhorn peaks. The latter mountains are said to be -haunted by an unhappy chamois-hunter, who insisted on going in pursuit -of game, although a terrible storm was raging and his wife frantically -implored him to stay at home. - -After climbing far up among the rocks, he detected a fine chamois, and -crouching near the edge of a fearful abyss, took careful aim and fired. -But just then his gun recoiled, and losing his insecure footing, he -slipped over the edge. Instead of falling all the way down, however, -the hunter landed on a narrow ledge of rock, whence he could not stir, -for the cliff rose straight above and fell sheer below him hundreds of -feet. - -The poor man, unable to move, remained almost in the same position for -three days and two nights, when, seeing no hope of escape, and unable -to endure his sufferings any longer, he resolved to commit suicide. -Writing the story of the accident which had befallen him and of his -fatal resolve, he threw the scrap of paper down into the abyss at his -feet. Then, reloading his gun, which he had held fast in his fall, he -sent an unerring bullet straight through his brain. - -Months later the paper was found close by his shattered corpse; and -since then, whenever a storm rages, one can hear the sudden report of a -gun, a crashing fall, prolonged heart-rending groans, and the people -declare it is the suicide repeating the awful tragedy which ended his -life. - - * * * * * - -IT seems that there was once a convent at Interlaken where the nuns, -unmindful of their vows, led anything but pure lives. Banished after -death to the Schreckhorn, these nuns lie buried deep in the snow; but -the spots where they rest glitter in a peculiar way, and are known as -Snow Eyes. People say that they are placed there to serve as a constant -warning to the valley maidens not to follow the example of those -dissolute nuns. - -A legend claims that St. Martin once came to Grindelwald, and finding a -valley too narrow to admit as much sunshine as he deemed necessary for -the good of the people, determined to widen it. He therefore resolutely -braced his back against the Mettenberg, and jamming his stick hard -against the Eiger, pushed with such force that he partly accomplished -his purpose. Such was the effort he made, that the imprint of his -back can still be seen in the Mettenberg and a final thrust of his -staff punched a hole through the Eiger! This perforation, far up the -mountain, is known as the Heiterloch or Martinsloch, and the sun always -shines through it on St. Martin’s Day, to keep bright the memory of -the saint who made it. - - * * * * * - -FAR up on the southwestern side of the Jungfrau, or Virgin Mountain, is -a desolate, icy place, known as the Rothenthal, or Red Valley. In olden -times this was one of the most fertile pastures that had ever been -seen. And as it was all gemmed over with delicate Alpine flowers, it -was generally known as the Alp of the Little Flowers, or the Blümelis -Alp. - -A beautiful winding road leading right through this valley formed -a convenient pass between the cantons of Bern and Valais, and the -people there would have been perfectly happy had they not been subject -to tyrannical lords. These noblemen were grasping and unprincipled, -as well as cruel, and built a castle near the highway so that they -could conveniently despoil all travellers and levy supplies from the -peasants in the neighbourhood. Not content with these depredations, -they cultivated every vice they could think of, and often kidnapped the -maidens who happened to please their taste or catch their lustful eyes. - -[Illustration: THE JUNGFRAU.] - -A beautiful and innocent maiden was once tending her cows upon the -fragrant Blümelis Alp when the lord of Rothenthal suddenly perceived -her, and inflamed by passion suddenly tried to seize her. The poor girl -uttered a wild shriek of terror, and looked around her for help. No -one was in sight, however, and she already deemed herself lost, when -a big black goat suddenly appeared, and rushing against her assailant -with lowered horns, bucked him repeatedly, and finally hurled him over -the edge of the precipice. The maiden, who had fled when the nobleman -let go of her to defend himself against his horned antagonist, turned -around just in time to see her persecutor fall. At the same moment -the mountains shook violently, and huge masses of ice and rock came -crashing down upon the blooming pasture, which, in the twinkling of an -eye, was converted into the icy waste you can see there to-day. - -Although now seldom trodden by human feet, the Rothenthal is still said -to be haunted by the spirits of all those who have oppressed their -fellow-men. Here they wander, up and down, bewailing their fate with -sighs and groans which can be heard far and wide. Whenever the demons -bring a new spirit thither to share their punishment, there is a grand -commotion in the Rothenthal,--stones roll, avalanches fall, and the -cries and groans become so loud and sustained that the people in the -neighbouring valleys, awakening with a start, hide their heads under -their blankets and murmur,-- - -“They are bringing another lord to the Valley!” - -A moment later a sudden and stronger gust of wind sweeps past their -dwellings; and when it is over, they timidly emerge from their -coverings, making the sign of the cross to ward off evil, or softly -breathing a prayer to be preserved from harm. - - * * * * * - -INTERLAKEN is also the usual point of departure for those who wish to -visit the valley of Lauterbrunnen, the famous Falls of the Staubbach, -and the pastures of Mürren, whence such a beautiful view of the Alps -can be obtained, and whence the sunset effects on the glaciers are -particularly grand. As Mr. Samuel Longfellow says,-- - - “From Mürren’s pastures zoned with snow - I watch the peaks, with quickened breath, - Flush in the sunset’s passionate glow-- - Fade into pallor passing death.”[6] - - [6] Poems of Places--Switzerland: Longfellow. - -We are informed that in olden times, before the stream here had -hollowed out its deep ravine, a herdsman used to exchange long -conversations with his beloved, who tended her cattle on the opposite -side of the Sausbach. One day when there was a great freshet, and the -noise of the roaring waters drowned their voices, the young people, in -a playful mood, began to fling handfuls of grass and sod at each other, -laughing merrily and making mocking signs whenever one of the harmless -missiles reached its goal. In the excitement of the game, however, the -young man finally tore up a great lump of loose earth, and unconscious -of the fact that a sharp stone lay imbedded deep in it, hurled it with -accurate aim straight at the head of his sweetheart. Instead of the -half-laughing, half-indignant outcry he fully expected, he suddenly saw -the maiden sink lifeless to the ground, for the sharp stone had run -straight into her temple! - -The broken-hearted youth gave up his herd, withdrew from the company -of his former associates, and building a hut on the very spot where -the girl he loved had perished, spent the rest of his life in penance -and prayer. It is also said that he finally died there, without having -known another happy moment, and without ever smiling again. - - - - -LEGENDS OF SOLEURE - - -Soleure, on the Aare, in the canton of the same name, is said to be, -after Trèves, the oldest city north of the Alps. Most of the old -landmarks and fortifications of this city have had to make way for -modern improvements; so the most interesting legends of the region are -connected with the pretty drives just outside the city. - -In olden times, the picturesque Verenathal, or Verena valley, is said -to have been the retreat of a woman so very good and pious that she -was known as St. Verena long before her death. This worthy creature, -wishing to devote all her time to the worship of God, had betaken -herself to this lonely spot, where she built a small hermitage and -erected a cross, at the foot of which she spent many hours in fervent -prayer. Such was her charity, that she constantly interceded for the -wicked, pleading particularly for those who were most likely to succumb -to temptation and thus fall into the devil’s clutches. - -These prayers and intercessions were not without avail; and the Evil -One, perceiving that he could not bag as many souls as usual in that -vicinity, finally set out to discover what was the matter. Walking past -the hermitage, the sound of passionate and persistent prayer fell upon -his ear; so he noiselessly drew near to ascertain the exact nature of -the petition. - -Listening attentively, he soon distinguished the words, and gnashed his -teeth with rage when he overheard her interceding with special fervour -in behalf of the very souls he hoped soon to have in his power. This, -then, was the reason for the alarming and otherwise unaccountable -decrease in the number of his victims! He therefore resolved that the -prayers of the holy woman should immediately be stopped, and with that -end in view tore a huge mass of stone from a neighbouring cliff. Then -stealing near the saint, he held it for a moment suspended directly -above her head, carefully measuring the distance, so that he could kill -her with one blow. - -But just as he was about to let the mass fall upon Verena and crush -her to death, she suddenly looked up, and met his baleful glance with -such a look of mingled purity, compassion, and reproach, that Satan, -starting back involuntarily, let the rock slip from his nerveless -hand. The boulder, falling on his foot, crushed it so badly that he -immediately vanished with a wrathful howl of pain and disappointment. - -The rock thus dropped by the Evil One can now be seen on the very spot -where it fell, and it still bears the distinct imprint of the Devil’s -claws, which seem burnt in the stone. - - “Wilt thou not believe my legend, - Go to St. Verena’s glen; - In the rocky clump thou’lt see there - Print of Satan’s fingers ten.”[7] - - [7] Poems of Places--Switzerland: Longfellow. - -Since then, his Infernal Majesty is said to have systematically avoided -passing through the narrow gorge where he met with this unpleasant -accident. But he is constantly reminded of St. Verena and of his -luckless attempt, for his crushed foot never recovered from this -accident, and he has walked lame from that day to this. - -Near the hermitage hallowed by the holy life and death of St. Verena, -there is a tiny chapel; and a little farther on one can see a -representation of the Holy Sepulchre, hewn out of the rock, and adorned -with life-size statues. This place is frequently visited by pilgrims, -who also stand in awe and wonder before the fountains of the Soleure -Cathedral, which represent Moses striking the rock, and Gideon wringing -the dew out of the fleece, which, by a miracle, was dripping wet when -all the ground around it was dry. - - * * * * * - -NOTED as a railway junction, as well as a pleasantly located town on -the Aare, Olten is only five miles distant from the pretty health -resort of Frohburg, on the Hauenstein. From this eminence one can enjoy -a wonderful panorama of the Alps, extending from the Sentis at the -extreme northwest, to Mont Blanc at the southeastern end of the mighty -range of snow-capped mountains. - -Within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel of Frohburg, are the ruins of -a castle of the same name, once famous for its beauty as well as its -great strength. The owner of this castle, the last Count of Frohburg, -was known far and wide as a wealthy and powerful nobleman, who ruled -his people with a heavy hand. His lands, extending for miles around the -castle, were carefully parcelled out among the peasants, who, beside -the feudal service required of them by their exacting master, were -further compelled to give him one tenth of all the produce of their -little farms. - -On the day appointed for the payment of the grain tithes, the lord of -Frohburg, standing on the battlements of his castle, yearly beheld the -approach of a train of wheat-laden wagons, which formed an unbroken -line several miles long. Indeed, it is said that when the first cart -vanished under the tunnel-like gateway of the castle, the last could -just be seen crossing the bridge at Olten, more than five miles away. - -All this wealth and power, however, only tended to spoil the Count of -Frohburg, who daily grew more haughty and overbearing, and finally -persuaded himself that his vassals had been created for his good -pleasure only, and were not human beings like himself. This belief made -him extremely cruel and tyrannical, but his overweening pride was soon -to be severely punished. - -One day, shortly after the grain tithes had been paid, while the lord -of Frohburg was away from home, a terrible earthquake suddenly shook -the whole range of the Jura Mountains. The castle of Frohburg, unable -to withstand the awful shock, although its owner proudly averred it -would stand forever, was soon reduced to a heap of unsightly ruins, -from which rose dense clouds of choking dust. Towers and battlements, -halls and dungeons, were all laid low, and a messenger set off in great -haste to apprise the Count of the utter destruction of his abode. - -This emissary met his master on the bridge, where he breathlessly and -tremblingly imparted his bad tidings. No sooner had the Count heard -his report, than he flew into an awful passion, cursing and swearing -so vehemently that all the people shrank away from him in horror. In -his anger at his loss, and further enraged by his retainers’ evident -reluctance to remain in the company of a blasphemer, the lord of -Frohburg raised his right hand to heaven and threateningly cried,-- - -“As true as I am lord of the land, not one of you shall again till his -fields, until my castle has been rebuilt by the work of your hands!” - -At these words the distressed people groaned aloud, for the castle was -a huge edifice, and many months of arduous labour would be necessary -before it again rose in all its strength and magnificence. Forced to -work without pay for their cruel lord, they would be doomed to starve -to death with their wives and children, while the fields which had been -so productive hitherto would lie fallow and bare. - -While they still stood there in speechless dismay, a thunderbolt -suddenly fell from a cloudless sky upon the cruel lord of Frohburg, -who soon lay before them a blackened and lightning-scarred corpse. -Thus, in the midst of his vassals, Providence punished the wicked man -for his cruelty and blasphemy. - -As this nobleman was the last of his race, the Castle of Frohburg was -never rebuilt. It can still be seen, a mass of ruins, as it was left -by the memorable earthquake of 1356, which made such a havoc among the -buildings in the Jura mountains. - - - - -BASEL - - -Basel, the capital of the canton of the same name, was founded by the -Romans before Christ. After serving as one of their military posts, it -became a free town under the empire, and at the very beginning of the -sixteenth century joined the Swiss Confederation. - -The centre of a bishopric founded by Charlemagne, this city was -already famous in his day for its churches, monasteries, and schools, -although the present cathedral was built only two hundred years later. -It suffered sorely from the great earthquake of 1356, when tradition -asserts that the building rocked so portentously that a huge bell of -pure silver was hurled from its spire straight into the Rhine. There -it still lies, and on clear days can be seen shining deep down under -the water. Sometimes, too, its sound can be heard there, for the -Rhine spirits--who are all good Christians--ring it regularly at the -appointed hours for prayer. - -The old fortifications of the town have nearly all vanished, but the -fourteenth-century Spalenthor still stands. Between that gate and -the Spalenberg, the Spalen, a ghostly creature, is said to rush every -stormy night. None of the inhabitants can describe it exactly, for they -have only caught fleeting glimpses of it, although they have frequently -heard it pass. - -This ghost is variously designated as a sea-horse, a pig, a dragon, -or a griffin, but if any one attempts to ascertain its exact nature, -by looking out of the window when the sound of its flying footsteps -is heard, he is duly punished by waking up on the morrow with a very -swollen face. A bold spirit, who once recklessly thrust his head far -out of the window to satisfy his curiosity, is said to have been -stricken with such sudden and exaggerated inflammation that the window -frame had to be removed before he could again draw in his head! - -[Illustration: THE SPALENTHOR (OR THE SPALEN GATE) BASEL.] - -The two divisions of the town, on either side of the river, were long -at feud, and this division was commemorated by a statue on the old -bridge, which by means of a curious mechanism continually stuck out a -derisive tongue at the people on the other side. This image, locally -known as the “Lällenkönig” is now in the city museum. In reply to this -insult the people of the opposite side are said to have set up a rival -statue, which turned its back in the most contemptuous way to the -famous Lällenkönig.[8] - - [8] For this and other legends of Basel, see the author’s - “Legends of the Rhine.” - - * * * * * - -NOT far from the Summer Casino stands the St. Jacob monument, -commemorating a battle of the same name fought in 1444. Tradition -declares that thirty days before this fight, the people of Basel were -warned of its approach by sudden noises high up in the air above them. -First came a rush, as of mailed steeds; then a clash like that of -contending armies, followed by a din of cries and groans. Although -nothing was visible, the people knew full well that Satan’s ghostly -train was already fighting in the air above them in anticipation of the -coming carnage. - -When the fight at St. Jacob really took place, Burkard of -Landskron--whose ruined castle stands near Basel--sided with the -French. He fought all day with such fury that when evening came and the -battle was ended, he and his milk-white battle steed were all covered -with blood. Gazing around him, Burkard saw the ground strewn with -corpses, the grass and bushes drenched with blood, while the very brook -ran red with gore. - -The warrior, who delighted in warfare, gazed enraptured at this awful -scene; then, patting his horse, he joyfully cried,-- - -“Ah, old fellow! you and I are bathing in roses to-day, are we not?” - -These unfeeling words, which were answered by a gentle neigh from the -weary steed, fell upon the dying ears of a brave Swiss, who had gone -into battle echoing his companions’ dauntless cry, “Our souls to God, -our bodies to the enemy!” - -Raising himself feebly, he fixed dim, resentful eyes upon the cruel -victor; then, recognising in him a bitter foe of his country, his heart -swelled once more in violent anger. Too weak to rise and strike another -blow with the sword which had done such good service that day, the -Swiss fumbled around for a moment, then, seizing a stone dyed red with -patriot blood, hurled it straight at Landskron, saying,-- - -“There, eat one of your roses, you fiend!” - -The stone, flung with unerring aim, struck the warrior in the middle of -his forehead, and he fell with a crash to the ground, bathed in his own -life-blood. This last effort, however, entirely exhausted the patriot, -who, after seeing his enemy fall, sank back on the blood-stained sward, -where he breathed his last sigh. - -The bravery of the small Swiss force which held out here, hour after -hour, against an army twenty or thirty times greater, so surprised -Louis XI. that he gladly made peace with the Swiss, who still consider -this battle their Thermopylæ. - - * * * * * - -NOT far from the ruined castle of Landskron, and near the village of -Ettingen on one of the spurs of the Jura mountains, are the remains of -the old castle of Fürstenstein, the home of a lord of Rothberg in the -fourteenth century. - -A thoroughly virtuous knight, this nobleman married a good wife, and -both were equally devoted to their only child, a charming little girl -of about four years of age. One day the mother took the little maiden -out into the forest, where she let her run about to fill her basket -with wood-flowers, and with the tiny wild strawberries whose perfume -and flavour are so delicious. The mother sat down in the shade of a big -tree, where the little one came every few moments to exhibit some new -treasure; but the Lady of Rothberg sprang to her feet in terror when a -sharp cry rang suddenly through the air. - -Rushing to the place where her child had stood a moment before, she now -beheld a frightfully steep precipice, but when she leaned far over the -edge, frantically calling the child, nothing but a loud echo replied. - -Beside herself with grief, the unhappy mother rushed down the mountain -path, wildly imploring the Virgin to protect her babe. On reaching -the foot of the mountain, and the entrance to the ravine, she almost -fainted with joy, for her little girl came running joyfully forward to -meet her. The mother clasped the child rapturously to her breast, and -when the first emotion was over, and she had assured herself that her -darling was uninjured, she gently began to question her. The little -maiden artlessly related that she had gone very near the edge of the -precipice to pick a beautiful flower, and had suddenly fallen. But -before she could touch the ground, she was caught in the arms of a -beautiful woman, who gently set her down upon the soft grass, pointing -out the red strawberries which grew there in profusion and which she -had begun to pick for her father. - -This miraculous rescue of their only child filled the parents’ hearts -with such gratitude that they built a rock chapel on the spot where the -little one fell. An image of the Virgin was placed in this building, -which soon became a resort for pilgrims coming from far and from near -to pray at the shrine of Maria im Stein. Later on, a Benedictine -abbey, Mariastein, was erected near here; and a fine church now rises -on the crag just above the rock-hewn commemorative chapel. - - * * * * * - -THE ruined castle of Waldenburg, near the village of the same name, -was once the home of an exacting nobleman, who required such hard and -continual labour from his numerous vassals, that they had no time to -till the fields destined to supply their families with food. - -One poor man had been kept so persistently at work for his lord, that -his wife and children were in sore need. When a messenger came to -require further service, he desperately seized a dish, and holding it -out to him, declared he would work no more, unless that vessel were -filled thrice a day with wholesome food for his starving family. - -When the messenger gave this answer to the cruel lord, the latter -immediately clapped the recalcitrant vassal into a damp prison, vowing -he should remain there until he died miserably among the toads and -other vermin which infested it. - -The poor wife, driven almost frantic by the cries of her hungry -children, painfully wended her way up to the castle one cold winter -day, and meeting her master as he rode out of the gate on his way to -the chase, fell on her knees in front of him, begging for her husband’s -release. - -The lord of Waldenburg, who did not even know the meaning of the word -compassion, roughly bade her rise, threatening to trample her under -foot like the rest of the dirt if she did not immediately get out of -his way. But the woman still knelt on, pleading for her husband and for -the hungry children who had no bread. - -Motioning to his huntsman to give her one of the stones by the wayside, -the lord now mockingly cried,-- - -“There is bread for your children. It will last all the longer because -it is so hard; but when they have eaten it, you may come again, and I -will give you some more of the same kind.” - -This unfeeling remark proved too much for the outraged mother and wife. -She sprang indignantly to her feet and cursed her master with trembling -lips, saying that she wished his whole body might be turned into stone -as hard and cold as his heart. - -At that instant, the lord of Waldenburg felt a strange chill run -through his veins, his muscles suddenly stiffened, and before he could -move or even utter a sound, he and his steed were petrified. His -vassals, seeing Heaven had avenged them, now rushed into the castle, -freed the prisoners, took possession of all the money and food, and in -passing out again taunted the stone image of the man who had wronged -them so persistently. - -This stone knight still mounts solemn guard near the entrance of his -former castle, although wind and weather have so disintegrated the once -hard rock that its primitive shape is now almost unrecognisable. - - * * * * * - -IN many parts of Switzerland, the noisy June bugs are known as thunder -bugs. Near Basel, as well as at Ormond, the following amusing story -is told of some simple peasants who dwelt in a deep valley. A long -drought had made the soil so hard and dry that the people feared their -harvests would be ruined unless they soon had rain. As their prayers -and processions proved alike unavailing, they longed to try some more -efficacious means of rain-making. - -A joker, hearing their quandary, now gravely bade them go to Basel and -buy a little thunder at the drug-store there, assuring them that if -they only let it loose in their valley, the rain would soon follow. The -peasants, hearing this, immediately sent a deputation to the city, and -entering the largest and most fashionable apothecary shop, the rustic -spokesman confidentially informed the clerk that he had come to buy -some thunder. - -The clerk, who was not devoid of humour, gravely asked a few leading -questions, then went into the rear of the store, saying he would get -what they wanted. Stepping out into the garden unseen, he caught a -few June bugs, and packed them carefully in a large pill-box. This he -wrapped up and solemnly delivered to the waiting peasants, making such -a very small charge that they openly regretted not having known sooner -that thunder could be purchased so cheap in Basel. - -The men now set out on their return journey to the Frickthal, and as -the apothecary had gravely charged them not to open the box until they -reached their village, they passed the little parcel from hand to hand, -weighed and shook it, and grinned at each other with delight when they -heard a faint rumbling noise within it. - -Their impatience to see what this thunder might look like so engaged -their attention that they did not notice dark clouds looming up behind -them, and when they reached the top of the mountain at the foot of -which lay their village, they determined to wait no longer and opened -the box. With a loud buzz and a bang, the June bugs, resenting their -imprisonment and violent shaking, now flew, as luck would have it, -directly over the village, while the deputation raced wildly down the -mountain side with empty pill-box! - -The people were all on the market-place ready to receive them, and as -soon as they appeared, clamoured to see the thunder they had purchased. -The men sheepishly confessed what they had done, but declared all -would yet be right, because the thunder bugs had flown straight over -the village, and the rain would doubtless soon follow. Fortunately for -them, the first black cloud just then appeared over the top of the -mountain, and the people, perceiving it, gave a loud shout of joy. In -an almost incredibly short space of time, all the Frickthalers were -obliged to take refuge in their dwellings, for the rain came down in -torrents, drenching the soil which had been so parched, and thus saving -all the people from the threatened famine. - - - - -AARGAU - - -In early days when men were simple-minded and pious, two lovely -children were often seen hovering over the Aargau grain fields when -the ears were just beginning to form. A boy and a girl, with golden -curls waving over plump white shoulders, and gleaming white garments -flowing down to the tiny feet which barely touched the swaying grain, -this little pair flitted on from field to field, with dimpled hands -outstretched as if in blessing. - -Wherever they passed a golden gleam rested like a halo upon the land, -where they were generally known as the Grain Angels, and people knew -that a fine harvest was assured. These radiant little cherubs were the -spirits of two little children, who, straying into a harvest field, -lost their way and died there like the fabled Babes in the Woods. - - * * * * * - -THE people of Brugg once agreed to assemble on the next rainy day, and -sallying forth in a body, plant an extensive oak forest near their -quaint little city. As soon as the sky darkened, therefore, and the -rain began to fall, they all went out, thrust sharp sticks into the -damp ground, dropped acorns into the holes thus made, and pushing the -dirt down with their feet, pressed it down hard. As men, women, and -children took part in this sowing-bee, twelve acres were soon planted, -and when the wet workers came back to town, the magistrates rewarded -them by giving each a small wheaten roll. - -The acorns thus consigned to the soil failed to grow because planted -too deep, so the expedition was repeated on the following year, the -seed being now laid in furrows instead of separate holes. This system -of planting proving equally unsuccessful, the Brugg magistrates, on the -third year, bade the inhabitants go forth into a neighbouring forest, -dig up promising young trees, and plant them carefully on the spot -where the future forest was to stand. - -This third attempt, made in 1532, was turned into a sort of picnic by -the merry children, who, singing in chorus, carried the young oaks to -the appointed place, where each carefully planted the chosen tree. When -they came home, the magistrates again gave each child a roll, and -invited the older people to a grand public banquet where all drank to -the success of the young oaks. - -This time the trees throve apace, and on every anniversary of this -famous oak-planting, the little ones march in gay procession all around -the woods and come home brandishing green branches, to prove to their -parents that the forest is doing well. This quaint procession of wands, -or Ruthenzug, has been kept up for centuries, and we are told the Brugg -school-children enjoy it to-day as much as any of their ancestors. - - * * * * * - -THE mineral springs at Baden were once under the protection of three -wise women, who, although no one knew who they were or whence they -came, were generally supposed to have inhabited the old castle of Stein. - -Although usually on duty near the springs, these wise dames avoided -being seen by the bathers, but if the water were defiled in any way, or -if any of the rules were disregarded, they suddenly and mysteriously -checked the flow of the healing waters, and did not allow another drop -to run until the impurities were removed, or the wrong-doing ceased. - -The wise women of Baden were particularly careful of the Verena -spring, so called because the saint of that name once bathed in its -waters. Into that basin they directed a stream of mineral waters of -special potency when used by women and children. Sick babies plunged -into this healing flood emerged rosy and well, and the women who came -here to recover lost health or to secure the blessing of offspring, -were sure soon to see the fulfilment of their dearest hopes. - -The three guardian spirits of the Baden springs were so beautiful and -benevolent that the people likened them to the Virgin, and at a loss -for another appellation designated them the three Marys. Their memory -is not only treasured at Baden, but it is also enshrined in a nursery -rhyme, to which all German-speaking children are trotted in Switzerland. - - “Rite, rite Rössli, - Ze Bade stoht e Schlössli, - Ze Bade stoht e güldi Hus, - Es lueged drei Mareie drus. - Die eine spinnt Side, - Die andere schnützelt Chride, - Die dritt schnit Haberstrau, - B’hüet mir Gott das Chindle au!” - - * * * * * - -AT Wettingen, the building now occupied by the Normal School was once -an old abbey founded in 1227 by Henry, Count of Rapperswyl. This -nobleman was so good and pious that he spent most of his time in -pilgrimages, thereby winning the nickname of The Wanderer. Returning -from the Holy Land, he once found himself in imminent danger of -perishing in the waves, and fixing his eyes upon a bright star which -suddenly shone through a break in the stormy sky, he made a solemn vow -to build a monastery at Wettingen should his life be spared. - -This prayer was evidently heard, for the storm soon abated and the ship -came safely to land. When the Count of Rapperswyl therefore reached -home, he founded the abbey, which, in memory of his vow, and of the -star he saw at sea, was called Maria Stella, or Meer Stern, the Star of -the Sea. - - * * * * * - -THE handsome old castle of Hallwyl, the ancestral home of a noble -Swiss family of the same name, stands on the road between Lucerne and -Lenzburg, near the Lake of Hallwyl. - -A lord of Hallwyl had three sons, and as the two elder ones died early, -the third had to drop his clerical studies and prepare to fulfil his -duties as future head of his house. Although this young man duly -married and had a fine son, it seems that he never ceased to regret -his interrupted priestly career, but, surrounded by monks of all kinds, -spent his time in religious practices and in poring over homilies and -church records. - -None too strong to begin with, these long vigils and fasts so -undermined his health, that he finally became dangerously ill. One -day, fearing that he was about to die, he vowed he would send his -son on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land should he recover. True to this -promise, the lord of Hallwyl no sooner left his bed than he recalled -his son, who was fighting under Rudolf of Hapsburg, and bade him set -out immediately for the Holy Sepulchre. The young man, who thought his -services more needed at home, nevertheless prepared to obey, for a -vow was a sacred matter and children in those days rarely ventured to -question parental orders. - -At parting the old lord of Hallwyl broke his ring in two, telling the -young man that when death overtook him he would leave his half to his -father confessor. The latter would administer the estates carefully, -giving them up to none but the man who established his right to them by -producing the other half of the broken ring. - -It took twenty years for John of Hallwyl to fulfil his father’s vow. -During that time the old man died, and the monks took possession of -castle and estates. They were so determined not to give them up again, -however, that they not only announced the death of young Hallwyl, but -turned out of his castle an orphaned relative to whom he had been -betrothed in her infancy according to his mother’s wish. Alone and -friendless,--for she refused to yield to the monks’ suggestions and -enter a convent,--this young girl would have died of want, had not the -lord of Müllinen, a friend of her betrothed, offered her a home with -his mother and sister in his own castle. - -Clémence gratefully accepted this kind proposal, and as she had been a -mere babe when John of Hallwyl started out on his perilous journey, she -did not prove faithless to him when she unconsciously fell in love with -his noble friend. - -Now it happened that John of Hallwyl was not dead, as many supposed. On -the contrary, he was even then on his way home to claim his estates. -The monks, hearing this by accident, and determined to keep his -property, hired highwaymen to lie in wait for him and murder him before -he could reach Hallwyl and make himself known. This bold plan might -have succeeded, had not the lord of Müllinen chanced to hunt near -the place where the highwaymen were ambushed. Hearing the noise of a -fight, he spurred rapidly forward, and perceiving a knight on the point -of succumbing to a large force, made such a gallant charge that the -robbers fled. - -When Müllinen bent over the prostrate form of the man he had rescued, -he found him grievously wounded, and had him carefully carried home. -There, when the traces of blood had been gently removed, he recognised -in the stranger his long-absent friend. Of course, he and the ladies -now vied with each other in caring for Hallwyl, who, becoming aware -during his convalescence of the affection existing between his friend -and betrothed, generously released her and bade them be happy together. - -As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he presented himself before -the monks to claim his inheritance. They, however, pretended not -to recognise him, but politely declared that if he could produce a -fragment of ring exactly fitting the one entrusted to their keeping by -the last lord of Hallwyl, they would gladly surrender the castle to him. - -Hearing this, John of Hallwyl immediately presented the broken ring, -and the monks sent for the casket in which they preserved the token -left by the deceased. To John’s surprise and indignation, however, it -failed to fit his half of the circlet, and the monks called him an -impostor and dismissed him empty-handed. - -Hallwyl and his friend now rode back to Müllinen, determined to appeal -to the feudal court of Aargau for justice. There, both parties were -called upon to expose their case and take their oath, but as the judge -was entirely at a loss to decide which was right, he decreed the matter -should be settled by a judiciary duel between John of Hallwyl and a -champion selected by the monks. - -On the appointed day, and in the presence of all the lords and ladies -of the country, Hallwyl met his opponent in the lists, and after a -fearful struggle and the display of almost fabulous strength and -courage succeeded in defeating him. Then, while the monks’ champion lay -where he had fallen, slowly dying from his many wounds, he suddenly -confessed aloud that he and a band of assassins had been hired to -waylay and kill Hallwyl on his return home. - -Before he could add another word he expired, but the monks one and all -solemnly declared that the poor man was raving, for they had always -been willing to relinquish possession of the Hallwyl estates to any one -who produced the right token. The mendacity of this statement was soon -proved, however, for a dying jeweller confessed that he had been hired -to make an exact copy of the broken ring, but altering its shape in -such a way that the fragment in the young man’s possession would fail -to fit it. - -John of Hallwyl, having thus recovered his estates, soon went off to -war again, and only when weary of fighting came home, married, and -brought up several sons whose descendants still live in different parts -of the country to-day. - -The ring of Hallwyl is noted in Swiss art and literature, and the above -story forms the theme of poems, paintings, and historical romances, -which, bearing an unmistakable mediæval imprint, have a peculiar and -enduring charm of their own. - - * * * * * - -AT the foot of the Wülpelsberg, on the right of the beautiful Aare -valley, are the Schinznach sulphur baths, so frequently visited by -French and Swiss sufferers from skin diseases. - -One of the favourite walks from this point leads up the mountain to the -ruins of Hapsburg Castle, the most famous of all Swiss strongholds. -Founded in 1020, it is the cradle of the imperial family of Austria, -in whose hands it remained for more than two centuries. Then, by -papal decree, it passed out of their keeping, and was Swiss property -until the Canton of Aargau presented it as a wedding gift to Rudolf, -the prince imperial, on his marriage with a Belgian princess. Only one -crumbling tower of the famous castle now stands, but the ruins are -surrounded by such a halo of history, legend, and romance, that they -are particularly attractive to all visitors. - -The founders of this castle, the Counts of Altenburg, trace their -genealogy back to the seventh century, when their ancestors ruled in -Alsacia and Alemannia. Rich and influential even at this early date, -these noblemen sought to extend their possessions by every means in -their power. Their repeated encroachments upon their neighbours’ -dominions were not accepted without protest, however, and when the -emperor, in answer to frantic appeals for justice, bade them relinquish -the territory to which they could lay no rightful claim, they assumed -so defiant an attitude that an armed struggle soon ensued. The upshot -of this conflict was that the grasping noblemen were despoiled of -the main part of their estates, forced to leave Alsacia, and they -took refuge in Helvetia, where they had already acquired some -property. There they built new homes at Wohlen, Altenburg, and Muri, -where, by fair means and by foul, they continued their policy of -self-aggrandisement until their shattered fortunes were fully restored. - -The sun of prosperity shining brightly over their heads once more, -these noblemen again openly defied the imperial authority. But, taught -by experience, they wisely resolved to prepare for future emergencies -by erecting an impregnable fortress, in which they and their dependents -could successfully resist even the emperor’s forces. - -Gazing about them for the most favourable site for their projected -stronghold, the Altenburgs finally decided upon the Wülpelsberg. -Tradition relates, however, that while they were still hesitating -where to build their future castle, Count Radbod of Altenburg went out -hawking one day. While he was flying his birds in the Aare valley, -one of them got away, and refusing to obey his call, flew off to a -neighbouring height. Loath to lose his favourite bird, Count Radbod -set out in pursuit of it, scrambled up the wooded slopes of the -Wülpelsberg, nor paused until he caught the truant hawk, which was -perched on the topmost ridge of the mountain. - -The bird duly secured and hooded, Count Radbod--who had been too intent -upon its capture to pay any attention to his surroundings--looked -about him to find his bearings, and remained spell-bound before the -magnificent view he now beheld. - -At his feet lay the Birrfeld,--a plain where Constantius Chlorus fought -a bloody battle against the Alemans in 303. Many thriving villages -now dot this part of the country, and their gables and church spires -rise here and there among flourishing fruit trees. But the modern -traveller’s glance rests by preference upon the peaceful hamlet where -Pestalozzi, founder of the kindergarten and prince of educators, spent -the last few years of a useful life. - -Count Radbod gazed enraptured at the extensive forests, and the -picturesque valleys of the Aare, the Limmat, and the Reuss, tracing the -course of these mountain streams to the point where they meet and merge -into one, near the site of the old Roman station, Vindonissa. Then his -eyes rested upon the green hills rising in ever widening circles around -him, while above and behind them towered the Alps, like a host of -snow-clad angels mounting silent guard over the matchless landscape. - -Charmed with the prospect before him, and quickly perceiving the -strategic value of the location, Count Radbod immediately determined to -build his fortress on the spot where he had caught his hawk, calling -it the Hawk’s Castle, or Habichtsburg, in memory of the circumstances -under which this decision had been reached. - -The castle was therefore duly begun, the walls being built strong and -thick so as to resist every attack. Still, only a small part of the -funds furnished by the family for the erection of the stronghold was -devoted to that purpose, for Radbod wisely used the main portion to -acquire numerous friends, vassals, and servants, who promised to stand -by him and his in time of danger. - -The castle was not entirely finished when Radbod’s brother, Bishop -Werner, announced his visit to inspect the work. Upon receipt of this -news, Count Radbod summoned his dependents, bade them hide in the -neighbourhood, and noiselessly surround the fortress at a given signal. -Then he went to meet the Bishop and escort him up to the new castle. -Werner sincerely admired the location and strength of the building, but -found fault because it was not flanked by outer walls and towers, and -because the interior was so bare of all ornamentation. He finally asked -Radbod somewhat testily what had become of all the money sent him, -for it was self-evident it had not all been expended on the fortress. -Radbod good-naturedly bade the bishop cease his grumbling and go to -bed, promising to prove on the morrow that every penny had been wisely -invested in making the castle impregnable and in strengthening their -position in the land. - -At sunrise, on the following day, Werner rose from his couch, and going -to the window gazed in speechless admiration at the view. But while -he stood there, feasting his eyes upon the flame-tipped glaciers, his -attention was suddenly attracted by shadowy forms, which, starting -up from behind every rock, shrub, and tree at his feet, stealthily -surrounded the castle. In terror lest the imperial forces--whose coming -he always dreaded--should have stolen a march upon him, and lest he and -his brother should fall into the enemy’s hands, the bishop rushed to -the door to give the alarm. But on the threshold he met Count Radbod, -who, smiling at his fright, quietly said,-- - -“Rest without fear, my brother. The men you see yonder are your vassals -and mine, fully armed for our defence. I acquired their services with -the funds entrusted to my care, for I knew strong walls would prove of -little avail, unless defended by stout hearts and willing hands.” - -This answer, and the sight of the brave men now drawn up in military -array for his inspection, more than satisfied the bishop, who, -accepting Radbod’s invitation, betook himself to the great hall of the -castle, where he received the oath of fealty and the respectful homage -of the new retainers of his race. Since then, all the members of the -old Altenburg family have been known as the counts of Habsburg, or -Hapsburg, a modification of the old Habichtsburg.[9] - - [9] See the author’s “Legends of the Rhine.” - -The Hapsburgs throve apace in their new home, their power increasing -until even the freemen of the land humbly besought their protection -in exchange for the payment of certain taxes. But the ascendency thus -gained by these noblemen made them more arrogant and tyrannical than -ever, so that they finally considered themselves owners of the land, -and lords of the free people they were gradually exasperating by their -arbitrary treatment. - -In those days, the greatest of all the Hapsburg race, Rudolf III., was -born in the castle, the emperor being his sponsor. At twenty-one, owing -to the early death of his father, Rudolf became head of the family, -and began that career of warfare and conquest for which he is noted -in history. Afraid of nothing, and ready to grasp at everything, his -neighbours soon learned to dread him, and the Bishop of Basel--with -whom he had a feud--expressed the general opinion of his congeners by -crying out once in comical dismay,-- - -“Sit firm upon Thy throne, O Lord God, or the Count of Hapsburg will -crowd Thee, too, out of it!” - -Still, Rudolf was so frank and genial, that he won many friends and -adherents, and his sturdy warriors were particularly devoted to him, -because he shared all their fatigues, cheerfully partook of their -frugal fare, and was even seen by their camp fire diligently mending -his worn garments. - -When Rudolf could not compass his ends by force, he frequently resorted -to ruse. For instance, wishing to take a castle on the Uetliberg near -Zürich, which was owned by a Robber-Knight who despoiled all the -citizens passing along that way, he devised the following stratagem. -Thirty tall and strong horsemen, mounted upon sturdy steeds, were -directed each to take a companion behind him, and ride up the mountain. -A force of thirty men had no terrors for the Robber-Knight, who -boldly sallied forth with his garrison to attack them. But when he -found himself face to face with double that number, he fled in terror -followed by all his retainers. Rudolf’s small force now entered the -wide-open gates of the castle, and after disposing of its occupants and -riches, razed it to the ground. - -While administering his affairs in person, Rudolf proved a kind and -just master, and often sat under the linden-tree at Altorf, to award -justice to the freemen of Uri, who had chosen him as their umpire. -But while he was away, upholding the tottering fortunes of the -Hohenstauffens, or extending his domains, his bailiffs and stewards -ruled with a rod of iron over the estates he had won. Such were their -exactions, that the people of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwald, who had -long prided themselves upon their independence, finally determined to -recover their freedom. In 1245 they openly rebelled, but while Uri -recovered its lost liberty, and was again allowed to depend directly -from the crown, Schwyz and Unterwald were compelled to remain under the -overlordship of the Hapsburg race. - - - - -THE FOREST CANTONS - - -Rudolf von Hapsburg’s many possessions included an old castle on the -Ramflue, which, although it is said to have been founded by the Romans, -was known as Neu Hapsburg. Charmingly located on the banks of the Lake -of Lucerne, this castle was a favourite resort of Rudolf, who went -thither, in the intervals of fighting, to hunt the chamois and the deer. - -Tradition claims that Rudolf once set out for the chase from Neu -Hapsburg, mounted upon his favourite steed, and followed by one squire, -who rode an inferior horse, and therefore had some trouble in keeping -up with his rapid pace. While crossing a beautiful green meadow, -Rudolf’s attention was suddenly attracted by a tinkling sound. His -curiosity aroused, he spurred ahead in the direction of the noise, -and soon beheld a priest carrying the Sacrament, and preceded by a -sacristan dutifully ringing a little bell. - -At this sight, Rudolf immediately dismounted. Then, kneeling, he did -respectful homage to the Blessed Body of our Lord, and in that humble -posture watched the little procession pass along its way. A few moments -later, he sprang up surprised, for the priest had come to a sudden -standstill. After a brief period of evident hesitation, Rudolf saw him -set the Host down upon a neighbouring stone, and begin to remove his -sandals and gird up his cassock. Hastening toward him, Rudolf perceived -that recent heavy rains had so swollen the mountain torrent which -flowed through the meadow, that the rude bridge had been entirely swept -away. No other means of crossing being available for many miles, the -priest had determined to wade through the ice-cold waters, for that was -his only chance of reaching the dying man who had begged for the last -sacrament. - -After vainly trying to dissuade the priest from a struggle with the -cold and rushing stream, Rudolf, impressed by the good man’s devotion -to duty, suddenly offered him his steed. The priest demurred at first, -but realising he might not reach his parishioner in time if he had to -wade through every torrent, he gratefully accepted the offer. Rudolf -then helped him mount the fiery steed, and, once safely across the -torrent, saw him speed away to the dying man, whom he reached just in -time to bestow the last consolations of religion and thus smooth his -path to the grave. - -In the meantime, Rudolf patiently awaited the coming of his squire, -then mounting the latter’s palfrey went on his way. But, early next -morning, the priest appeared at Neu Hapsburg, leading the borrowed -steed by the bridle, and he warmly expressed his gratitude for the -timely loan of a mount whose strength and speed had enabled him to -reach and comfort a dying man. When he added, however, that he had come -to restore the animal to its owner, Rudolf impetuously cried: “God -forbid that I, or any of my men, should ever use again for war or the -chase the steed which bore the sacred Body and Blood of our Blessed -Lord!” Then he formally presented the horse to the priest, to have and -to hold for ever, bidding him use it for the fulfilment of his holy -duties. - -Later, on that selfsame day, Rudolf visited a convent, where a nun -suddenly addressed him saying: “My lord, you honoured the Almighty -by the timely gift of your horse. This good deed will not remain -unrewarded, for it has been revealed to me that you and yours will -attain the highest temporal honors.” - -The castle of Neu Hapsburg was destroyed by the inhabitants of Lucerne -in 1352, but since then the peasants have declared that the ruins are -haunted by the spirits of departed knights and ladies. A peasant girl, -rowing past there early in the morning and late at night, said she -often saw a gayly dressed company. Sometimes the knights and ladies -made friendly signs to her, but at others the men were all in armour -and terrified her by their threatening gestures. Encouraged by their -signs, she once stepped ashore to watch them play on the grassy slope -with disks of bright gold, which she vainly tried to catch in her apron -and carry home. - -The nun’s prediction to Rudolf was duly fulfilled, for the priest -who had received his steed, having become chaplain to the Bishop of -Mayence, used his influence to such good purpose that he secured -Rudolf’s election to the imperial crown of Germany, in 1273. Schiller, -in his poem “The Count of Habsburg,” claims that at the coronation -feast at Aix-la-Chapelle an aged minstrel brought tears to the eyes of -all the guests by singing a touching ballad, describing the good deed -performed by the new emperor, when he was only a count. - -Rudolf proved as successful as ambitious while seated on the German -throne, but as the imperial crown was elective and not hereditary, he -secured for his descendants Austria, Styria, and Carinthia. These -lands were won during a war with the king of Bohemia, and have ever -since formed the patrimony of the Hapsburg race, which has provided -many rulers for Europe, America, and India. - -When Rudolf died in 1291, the imperial crown was disputed by two -candidates, until, by the death of one of them, it finally fell -into the hands of Albert of Hapsburg, Rudolf’s son. As grasping and -tyrannical as any of his race, Albert refused to let his nephew -John--the son of an older brother--have the Castle of Hapsburg, which -was his by right of inheritance. Embittered by this act of injustice, -and despairing of redress since the wrong was committed by the emperor -himself, John began to plot with several malcontents, biding his time -until he could take his revenge by slaying his uncle. - -John was not the only one who complained of injustice. The freemen of -Helvetia also had good cause for resentment. On mounting the imperial -throne, Rudolf had refused to confirm Uri’s charter, and his bailiffs -and stewards ruthlessly exerted the power entrusted to them. Thus, -they gradually alienated the peaceful peasants, and drove them to the -verge of despair. Mindful of their former independence, and weary of -tyranny and extortion, the principal citizens of the cantons of Uri, -Schwyz, and Unterwald met, seventeen days after Rudolf’s death, and on -the 1st of August, 1291, took a solemn oath to stand by each other and -resist all foreign intervention, until they had recovered their former -freedom. This oath--the corner-stone of the Swiss Confederation--was -duly sworn by all the principal inhabitants, among which figure men -whose names are noted in legend as well as in history. - -Tradition has richly supplemented the meagre historical data of this -epoch, thus giving us one of the most romantic, if not authentic, -chapters of Swiss history. The legend, which gradually arose, has been -the theme of Schiller’s tragedy of “William Tell,” of Rossini’s opera -of the same name, and a source of inspiration for countless poems, -pictures, and statues. Such is the popular belief in the tale, that -all the most famous places mentioned in it are always pointed out to -strangers, and kept alive in the memory of the public by more or less -picturesque monuments. - - * * * * * - -THE famous Tell legend runs as follows: The stewards and bailiffs of -the House of Austria, encouraged by immunity, daily grew more and more -cruel, until, under the slightest pretext, they thrust Swiss freemen -into damp and dark prisons, keeping them there for life. Fearful -stories of the heartlessness of these bailiffs were noised abroad, and -no one could speak strongly enough of their greed, cruelty, and total -lack of principle. - -The Swiss bore this oppression as patiently as they could, and until -their position became so unbearable that they perceived they must -assert and maintain their rights to freedom, or they would soon be -reduced to a state of such abject slavery as to be deprived of all -power of resistance. Walter Fürst, Arnold von Melchthal, and Werner -Stauffacher, the wealthiest and most respected citizens of the -cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwald, therefore met to discuss the -advisability of an uprisal, and, in support of their views, quoted -recent acts of wanton cruelty perpetrated by Austrian bailiffs. For -instance, one of these men had grievously insulted the wife of a -peaceful citizen, who, to defend her, slew the oppressor and was now a -hunted fugitive. - -A young man of Uri was told he must surrender the fine team of oxen -with which he was ploughing, because the bailiff wanted them. As the -messenger coolly proceeded to taunt him and unyoke his oxen, the young -peasant, in a frantic effort to save the cattle, dealt a blow which -raised a terrible outcry among the bailiff’s servants. Knowing that -such an offence would be punished by life-long imprisonment in some -foul dungeon, if not by prolonged torture and cruel death, the young -man hastily fled. But the blow so thoughtlessly given was visited upon -his aged father, whose eyes were put out by order of the vindictive -bailiff. - -Countless other examples of fiendish cruelty and wanton oppression -were not lacking, and when the three men parted, it was with the -understanding that they were to ascertain how many of their countrymen -were willing to help them. They furthermore arranged to meet again, -October 17, 1307, on the Grütli or Rütli, a plateau at the foot of the -Seelisberg, close by the Mythenstein, on the Lake of Lucerne. - -One moonlight night, therefore, three bands of ten picked men, led by -Fürst, Stauffacher, and Melchthal wended their way to the Grütli, and -there beneath the open sky, and in sight of the snow-crowned mountains -tipped by the first glow of dawn, the leaders, clasping hands, raised -three fingers to heaven. In that position they solemnly swore to shake -off the yoke of the oppressor, their motto being, “One for all and all -for one.” This oath was fervently echoed by the thirty companions they -had brought thither, and ere they parted all agreed to be ready to rise -at a given signal on New Year’s Day, to drive the tyrants out of the -land for ever. - -On the traditional spot where the Swiss patriots stood while -registering this solemn oath, three springs of crystal clear water -are said to have sprung. The legend further claims that in one of the -clefts of the Seelisberg the patriots sit, wrapped in slumbers which -will remain undisturbed until their country again has need of their -services. - -Swiss peasants say that the Three Tells--for such is their popular -designation--have been seen several times. A young shepherd, for -instance, seeking a stray goat, once came to the entrance of this -mysterious cave, and beheld three men fast asleep. While staring in -speechless amazement at their old-fashioned garb and venerable faces, -one of the sleepers suddenly awoke and asked, “What time is it up in -the world?” - -“High noon,” stammered the shepherd, remembering that the sun stood -directly overhead when he entered the cave. - -“Then it is not yet time for us to appear,” drowsily remarked the -aged man, dropping off to sleep again. - -[Illustration: THE OATH ON THE RÜTLI.] - -The shepherd gazed in silent awe upon the three Tells, then, stealing -noiselessly out of the cave, carefully marked the spot, so he could -find it again when he wished to return. These precautions were vain, -however, for he and his companions searched every nook and cranny in -the mountain, without ever being able to find the entrance to the -cave of the Swiss Sleepers. But the natives declare that some simple -herdsman may again stumble upon it by accident, and many believe that -the guardians of their country’s liberties will come forth to defend -them in case of need. - -Among the patriots who took the oath upon the Rütli, was a man named -Tell, son-in-law of Walter Fürst, and noted far and wide for his skill -as a marksman. Strong and sure-footed, Tell delighted in pursuing the -chamois over almost inaccessible heights, and along the jagged edges of -dangerous precipices, where a moment’s dizziness or a single misstep -would have hurled him down on the rocks hundreds of feet below. Tell -lived, with his wife and two little sons, in a hut at Bürglen, in Uri, -on the very spot where a chapel was built in his honour in 1522. - -It came to pass, shortly after the patriots had met on the Grütli, -and before the time set for their uprisal, that Gessler, an Austrian -bailiff, one of whose castles rose in sight of Hapsburg, determined -to ascertain by a clever device how many men in Uri were loyal to his -master. He therefore set up a pole in the market-place at Altorf, upon -which he hung a hat,--the emblem of Austrian power,--bidding a herald -proclaim aloud that all must do homage to it under penalty of death or -life-long imprisonment. - -The freemen of Uri were justly incensed when they heard this decree, -and by common consent avoided passing through the square. When -compelled to do so, they resorted to various stratagems to avoid -obeying Gessler’s orders without forfeiting life or liberty. One of -their devices was to send the priest to take up his position with the -Host directly under the obnoxious Austrian emblem. Of course, all who -now passed by reverently bent the knee; but it was quite evident, even -to the guards, that the homage was paid to the Sacrament alone, and not -to the imperial hat. - -Living only a short distance from Altorf, but ignorant of all that -had recently happened there, Tell came down to the village one day, -leading his little son by the hand. Unconscious alike of pole, hat, -and guards, he strolled across the square, and was greatly surprised -to find himself suddenly arrested for defying Gessler’s orders. While -protesting his innocence, and striving to make the guards release him, -Tell saw Gessler ride by; so, turning toward him, he loudly called for -justice. The bailiff immediately drew near, and standing in the midst -of the crowd composed of his attendants and of the startled inhabitants -of Altorf, he sneeringly listened to Tell’s account of his unjust -arrest. - -Now, it happened that Gessler had often heard Tell’s skill as a -marksman loudly praised, and that he had long wished to see an -exhibition of it. He therefore seized this opportunity for gratifying -both his curiosity and his cruelty, and promised to set the prisoner -free, if he shot an apple from the head of his child at a distance of -one hundred and fifty paces. - -At these words a murmur of indignation arose in the crowd, but such was -the fear inspired by the cruel Gessler that none ventured to interfere -in behalf of Tell, whose prayers and protestations proved alike vain. -Seeing no other means of escape, and urged by his child, who of his own -accord ran to place himself against a linden-tree on the spot where -the fountain now stands, Tell tremblingly selected two arrows from -his quiver. One he hastily thrust in his bosom, the other he carefully -adjusted in his crossbow; but when he would fain have taken aim, the -weapon fell from his nerveless hand. Still, a sneer from the bailiff, -and an encouraging call from his boy, steeled Tell’s heart for this -awful test of skill. A moment later the child came bounding forward, -proudly exhibiting the apple transfixed by his father’s dart. - -Just as Tell, still dazed by emotion, was about to turn away, Gessler -called him back to inquire why he had drawn two arrows from his -quiver, when only one shot was required to prove his proficiency. Tell -hesitated; but when Gessler assured him that he could speak without any -fear for his life, he hoarsely answered,-- - -“Had I injured my child, this arrow would have found its goal in your -heart, for my hand would not have trembled a second time!” - -Beside himself with rage at these bold words, Gessler now bade his -guards bind Tell fast, and convey him immediately down to his waiting -boat at Flühlen, adding that while he would keep his promise not to -kill Tell, he would nevertheless thrust him into a dungeon where -neither sun nor moon would ever shine upon him, and where snakes would -prey upon his living body. - -[Illustration: TELL ANSWERS GESSLER.] - -Placed in the boat, with fast-bound hands and feet, his useless -weapons close beside him, Tell despairingly watched the bailiff embark -and the shore near Altorf slowly recede. But when the rowers tried to -round the Axenstein, a sudden tempest swept down on the lake, whipping -its waters to foam, and bringing skiff and passengers in such imminent -danger that there seemed no hope of escape. The boatmen, remembering -that Tell was the most clever steersman on the lakeside, now implored -Gessler to let him help, and the prisoner, freed from his bonds, -quickly seized the rudder. - -With strong arm and fearless gaze he stood there, and boldly directed -the boat toward a broad ledge of rock forming a natural landing-place -at the foot of the Axenberg, at a point where the lake is nearly seven -hundred feet deep. - -As the boat drew near this place, Tell suddenly let go the rudder, -and seizing his bow and arrows, sprang ashore! This spot, since known -as Tellsplatte, is one of the most interesting sites on the Lake of -Lucerne, and in the chapel commemorating this feat there are several -paintings representing various phases of the legend. - -Gessler’s boat, hurled back among the seething waves, tossed about in -great danger, although his boatmen now made frantic efforts to save -their own lives. Dreading the bailiff’s vengeance should he manage to -escape, Tell hastened over the mountains to the Hohle Gasse, or Hollow -Way, a narrow road between Küssnacht and Immensee, along which Gessler -would have to pass to reach home. - -There, crouching in the bushes on the steep bank, Tell patiently waited -to see whether his enemy would escape from the perils of the storm. -Before long the bailiff appeared, riding at the head of his troop, -and evidently meditating in what way he could best effect his revenge -upon Tell. His wicked plans were all cut short, however, for an arrow -from Tell’s bow put a sudden end to his tyrannical career. The spot -where Tell stood and where Gessler fell has long been marked by a -small chapel, decorated with a painting representing this scene. After -ascertaining that Gessler was really dead, Tell fled, making his way -back to Bürglen, where he cheered friends and family by the assurance -that the tyrant could never trouble them again. - -The story of Swiss independence and of Tell’s brave deeds has been so -ably dramatised by Schiller, that a grateful people have carved his -name on the Mythenstein, where it may be seen by passengers on the -boats constantly plying to and fro on the Lake of Lucerne. - -Besides the three picturesque chapels known by the name of Tell, where -anniversary services are held every year, and the huge statue erected -at Altorf, on the very spot where he shot the apple from the head of -his son, Tell’s name has been honoured in poetry, painting, sculpture, -and song. His death was on a par with the rest of his life, for when -far advanced in age, he fearlessly sprang into the Schächen to save -a drowning child. The sudden plunge into the ice-cold waters of this -mountain stream, and the great exertion required to stem its current, -so enfeebled the old man that he soon died. - - “And thus the great life ended; - God!--was it not the best - Of all the deeds of valour - That won a hero’s rest? - So mused I by the Schächen; - So say we, true and well - That the last deed was the best deed - That closed the life of Tell!” - - HENRY MORFORD.[10] - - [10] Poems of Places--Switzerland: Longfellow. - -Tradition claims that Gessler’s cruel treatment of Tell precipitated -historical events, for when the men of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwald -heard that Gessler was dead, they gave the agreed signal for a general -uprising. Then they simultaneously attacked all the Austrian bailiffs, -slew or drove them away, and razed their castles to the ground, after -freeing their captive countrymen. - -This rebellion roused the wrath of the Emperor Albert, who immediately -set out from Hapsburg Castle to put it down with a heavy hand. But -while crossing the Reuss, in full view of his castle and retainers, -Albert was murdered by his nephew John and by four Swiss noblemen, the -only persons who were with him. Then the murderers fled, leaving the -emperor to breathe his last in the arms of a peasant woman who happened -to be near. - -It is said that, wandering among the mountains, John finally reached -Tell’s cottage at Bürglen, where he stopped to beg food. Here he -confessed what he had done, and was sternly reproved by Tell, who -proved to him that murdering a relative in revenge for personal -injuries and for the sake of selfish gain, was very different from -killing a tyrant in self-defence and for the good of one’s country. - -All but one of Albert’s murderers escaped justice; but not content with -slaying that victim in the most barbarous way, his wife and daughter -persecuted all the friends and relatives of those who had taken part -in the crime. More than a thousand of these unfortunates are said to -have perished, and it is claimed that Agnes, the emperor’s daughter, -personally superintended some of the executions, and rapturously -exclaimed, “Now I am bathing in May dew!” when she saw their blood flow -in torrents. - -On the spot where Albert died--the site of the old Roman -Vindonissa--his widow and daughter erected the famous Abbey of -Königsfelden, which was richly decorated with historical paintings -and stained-glass windows. About two centuries later the abbey was -secularised, and it is now used as an insane asylum; but the principal -objects of interest there are still shown to admiring tourists. - - * * * * * - -ALBERT was succeeded by two emperors who, not belonging to the Hapsburg -race, were inclined to help the Swiss. But their brief reigns having -come to an end, another Hapsburg was raised to the imperial throne, and -on the 15th of November, 1315, made a determined attempt to conquer the -Swiss. The latter, however, were lying in wait for his army, which they -suddenly attacked while it was hemmed in between Lake Ægeri and the -mountain at Morgarten. Far from expecting such an impetuous onslaught, -the imperial forces, notwithstanding all their boasted panoply of war, -were completely routed by an inferior number of poorly armed patriots. -The latter, impelled by long-pent fury for all the wrongs they had -endured at the hands of the Austrians, fairly swept them into the lake, -where many of the knights were drowned. - -Ever since then, at midnight on the anniversary of the battle, it is -said the lake suddenly begins to boil, and that its seething waters -assume a bloody hue. Then, from the depths of the lake, the spirits -of all these drowned warriors arise, still clad in full armour and -bestriding their huge battle steeds. Led by Death on his pale horse, -brandishing his scythe and hour-glass, the dead knights march in solemn -procession around the lake, plunging back into its waters when the -clocks in the neighbouring villages strike one. - -A memorial chapel, containing a painting representing the famous -encounter at Morgarten, marks the spot where the battle was fought, and -solemn anniversary services are held there every year. This memorable -victory won so many adherents for the Swiss in their own land, that -before long the Confederation numbered eight instead of three cantons. - - * * * * * - -SEVENTY years after Morgarten, the Austrians made a second attempt to -conquer the Swiss, but they were again defeated at Sempach, on the -lake of the same name, near Lucerne. At first it seemed as if this -battle would prove fatal to the Swiss, for the Austrians were armed -with long pikes, which enabled them to make havoc in the ranks of their -opponents, whose weapons were too short to reach them. - -Perceiving his companions fall around him, without being able to strike -a single blow, Arnold von Winkelried suddenly determined to break the -enemy’s ranks. Calling loudly to his friends to look after his wife and -children, this hero seized an armful of the long Austrian spears, and -driving them into his own breast, fell, crying, “Make way for liberty!” -His countrymen, pouring into the breach he had thus made at the expense -of his life, attacked the enemy with such fury that they soon won a -brilliant victory. - -The battle of Sempach is commemorated by a monument, upon which stands -the simple inscription: “Hier hat Winkelried den seinen eine Gasse -gemacht.” 1386. (Winkelried here made a way for his friends). - -At Stanz, in Unterwald, the birthplace of Winkelried, a fine statue -represents his heroic death. The Austrian spears clasped in a last -embrace, he turns his dying glance upon his countrymen, urging them -to rush over his prostrate body against their country’s foe. On the -anniversary of the battle a ghostly voice is heard in the castle at -Richensee, dolefully calling, “Conrad! Conrad!” In answer to this cry, -a knight in black armour, with ghastly wounds in head and breast, -suddenly appears on the ruined tower, and as though responding to a -roll-call, gruffly answers, “Here, Austria!” - -This apparition is said to be a lord of the castle, who fell at -Sempach, fighting for Austria as bravely as one of his ancestors who -lost his life in that cause at Morgarten. - - * * * * * - -AN outpost of the mighty Alps, Mount Pilatus, on the boundary of the -cantons of Lucerne and Unterwald, is one of the most picturesque -features of that region. - -[Illustration: LUCERNE, WITH MT. PILATUS. - -(Old View.)] - -In the days of Roman occupation a light-house (_lucerna_) is said to -have shone on the spot where the Wasserthurm now stands, and to have -given its name to canton, lake, and town. At that epoch Mount Pilatus -was known as Mons Fractus, Fracmont, or the Broken Mountain, owing to -the jagged crag-like appearance of its summit. This descriptive name, -however, was gradually supplanted by another, equally appropriate, that -height--seldom free from clouds--being called Mons Pileatus, or the -Capped Mountain. Every storm coming from the north or west gathers -around this majestic peak, which serves as a natural barometer for all -the people dwelling within sight of it. According to a very old and -equally popular rhyme, the weather probabilities are that the day will -be fair if the clouds merely rest upon the mountain top; when they -extend part way down, it is well to be prepared for sudden changes; -but should trails of mist reach far down Pilatus’ rugged sides, it is -considered an infallible sign of a coming storm. In its oldest form -this rhyme runs:-- - - - “Das Wetter fein und gut - Wann Pilatus hat ’nen Hut; - Trägt er einen Degen - So gibt es Regen.” - -In the course of time this jingle has undergone sundry modifications, -until the English version now reads:-- - - “If Pilatus wears his cap, serene will be the day; - If his collar he puts on, you may venture on the way; - But if his sword he wields, at home you’d better stay.” - -With the introduction of Christianity, and the substitution of the -vernacular for the Latin language, the original meaning of _pileatus_ -was entirely forgotten. The natives therefore soon began to claim -that the mountain was named after Pontius Pilate, the unscrupulous -governor of Judea who sentenced our Saviour to death. Little by little -this belief gave rise to the picturesque legend connected with this -locality, which, owing to numerous accretions, is singularly complete -and interesting. - -In the second century after Christ, there already existed an apocryphal -Epistle of Pilate, containing his account of the trial and condemnation -of Jesus Christ.[11] Warned by his wife, Procla, who had “suffered many -things in a dream because of him,” and by sundry miracles enumerated -in his epistle, Pilate, convinced of the divine origin as well as of -the innocence of the Prisoner brought before him, nevertheless weakly -yielded to the threats of a few among the Jews, and condemned our Lord -to an ignominious death. A moral coward, Pilate next sought to escape -the natural consequences of his pusillanimous compliance by publicly -washing his hands, and solemnly crying, “I am innocent of the blood of -this just person; see ye to it.” - - [11] For the Pilate legend see the author’s “Legends of the - Virgin and Christ.” - -Pilate’s report and various other rumours concerning the death and -resurrection of Christ, together with frequent bitter complaints of -extortion and misgovernment, finally reached the ears of Tiberius. -Moved by anger and curiosity, this emperor immediately summoned the -accused official to Rome to render a minute account of his stewardship. -But before Pilate could reach the Eternal City, Tiberius died and was -succeeded by Caligula, who, equally incensed against the faithless -governor, loudly boasted that he would make very short work of his -trial. The Roman courtiers were therefore seized with unbounded -astonishment when they beheld their savage master treat Pontius Pilate -with every mark of extreme courtesy, and heard the mild and gentle -tones in which he addressed him. But no sooner had Pilate left the -tribunal than all Caligula’s wrath flamed up anew, and he peremptorily -ordered the delinquent governor to be brought in again. - -When Pilate stood before his irate judge, the latter, suddenly and -mysteriously soothed, once more overwhelmed him with tokens of the -highest favour instead of punishing him as he wished. The courtiers’ -wonder grew apace, nor did it diminish when, after Pilate’s second -exit, the emperor breathed forth curses and threats even more violent -than before. Summoned a third time with the same baffling result, -Caligula, convinced that Pilate must be protected by some amulet of -great power, bade his courtiers carefully search the Judean governor -ere they brought him into his presence for a fourth and last time. - -In executing these orders, the courtiers discovered that Pilate wore -under his usual garments the “seamless robe” of Our Lord, which he had -purchased from the soldier to whom it had fallen by lot. Stripped of -this talisman, Pilate stood before Caligula, who, no longer restrained -from anger and vituperation by the presence of the holy relic, poured -out all the vials of his wrath upon the prisoner’s head, and sentenced -him to an ignominious death. - -To avoid the jeers of the Roman mob, and the disgrace of a public -execution, Pilate is said to have committed suicide in his prison -by stabbing himself with his table-knife. His corpse--as was then -customary in cases of self-murder--was cast into the Tiber. But the -waters, refusing to suffer such pollution, rose with unprecedented fury -and overflowed their banks, while the thunder rolled, the lightning -flashed, and the earth shook with such violence that all hearts were -filled with awe. The terrified Romans therefore hastened to consult -their oracles, and learning that the dreadful tumult was occasioned by -Pilate’s corpse, they quickly withdrew it from the Tiber, whose fury -immediately subsided as if by magic. To dispose of the body,--which -could not be buried in the usual way,--it was now cast into the -Mediterranean Sea. But there, too, its presence caused such dire -commotion that to ward off further misfortunes it was again removed. - -Finding earth and water equally loath to harbour such an abhorred -tenant, the Romans, remembering they owed a grudge to the inhabitants -of Vienne, in Gaul, carefully placed Pilate’s corpse upon a barge, and -sent it up the Rhône. Arrived at Vienne, the Roman envoys obediently -cast the body into the deepest spot in the river. But its presence -there caused such damages that the frightened inhabitants hastened to -forward it on to Lausanne. The same unpleasant phenomena recurring -there also, Pilate’s remains were finally sent out into the wilderness, -far from the haunts of men. After carrying them for many days up hill -and down dale, the bearers finally reached an almost inaccessible -mountain. Convinced that this point was sufficiently remote from -civilisation to satisfy all reasonable requirements, they cast their -uncanny burden into a small lake at the foot of a barren peak, and -hastened away as quickly as they could. Still, it was only with the -utmost difficulty that they managed to reach home, for no sooner had -Pilate’s body touched the waters of the lonely tarn, than it stirred up -such a tempest as had never before been seen in that region. - -Night and day, year in and year out, the storm went on raging around -the lonely mountain-top, filling with awe the hearts of the simple -peasant-folk who dwelt in the neighbouring valleys. They too soon -longed to be rid of the unquiet spirit, but could find no people -willing to harbour a ghost which raged round the mountain, waded about -the lake until it overflowed, stormed up and down the jagged rocks -howling with fear and remorse, and which occasionally indulged in -fearful wrestling-bouts with the spirit of King Herod, or those of -other famous malefactors. Even in his comparatively quiet moments, -Pilate was dreaded, for then he sat aloft on the Güppe,--one of the -peaks of the mountain,--grimly conjuring new storms, washing his hands -in the dripping clouds, and shaking huge rain-drops from his trembling -fingers down upon the fertile pastures below him. None of the shepherds -dared venture near him, because he stampeded their flocks by his -violent gestures, and often hurled cows and goats over the precipices -and down on the sharp rocks, where they were dashed to pieces. - -Years, therefore, passed by without Pilate’s being molested in any way; -but at last there came a travelling scholar, who, having mastered the -Black Art at Salamanca, was fully competent to deal with spirits of all -kinds. The people no sooner heard of his unusual accomplishments than -they crowded around him, eagerly imploring him to cast a quieting spell -upon Pilate’s restless ghost, and proffering rich rewards if he would -only put an end to their woes. - -Thus urged, the magician consented to try his skill. Journeying up -the mountain, he came, after several hours of hard climbing, to the -foot of the peak upon which Pontius Pilate sat watching his approach -with lowering brows. Placing himself upon a large stone, the conjurer -drew a magic circle around him, and then began his incantations. -But even his most powerful formulas left Pilate unmoved, although -they made the rocks around him quiver and shake as if about to fall. -When the magician perceived this, he changed his position to a peak -directly opposite the one Pilate had chosen for his favourite seat, -and undismayed by his first failure, again began reciting all the most -potent exorcisms he knew. This time they were not without effect, for -Pilate suddenly rose in anger from his rocky throne and rushed toward -the intruder as if to sweep him off the face of the earth. But balked -of this amiable intention by the magic circle, instead of whisking the -magician off into space, Pilate could only rage around and around him, -trampling the ground with such fury that no grass can even now grow on -that spot. Indeed, his mere footprints laid such a curse upon the soil -that no dew has fallen upon it, nor any animal ventured to cross it -since that day! - -After careering thus wildly around the scholar for some time, Pilate’s -ghost, weakening perceptibly, finally agreed to retire to the tarn high -up the mountain side. There he promised to remain in peace, provided -no one wantonly disturbed his rest, and he was allowed to range the -mountain at will one day in the year. - -The exorcist having consented to this stipulation, Pilate further -proved he had not sojourned among the Jews in vain, by carefully -bargaining that a steed should be provided to bear him off in state -to his last resting-place. The Salamancan scholar therefore called up -from the depths a flame-breathing steed of the blackest hue, which bore -Pontius Pilate off at a truly infernal pace. As they dashed over the -rocks, the steed’s clattering hoofs struck out so many sparks that the -mountain was illumined from base to summit, and it stamped so hard that -the marks of its flying feet can still be seen in the rocks near the -tarn. - -Arriving there, Pontius Pilate vanished in the depths of the lake, or -morass, where he quietly stayed, thus honestly keeping his part of the -agreement. Since then, unless disturbed by sceptics coming to mock at -him, or cast sticks and stones into his retreat, Pilate has quietly -reposed in the depths of his lake. But although sure to resent any mark -of disrespect, by rising to stir up a fearful storm, his spirit has -always been sufficiently discriminating to make no demonstration when -his rest is broken by accident or through ignorance. - -Such was the dread of rousing Pilate’s wrath, that the magistrates of -Lucerne solemnly issued a decree forbidding all strangers to visit the -tarn. They also made all the herdsmen take a yearly oath not to guide -any foreigner thither, or to point out the road which led there. Any -infringement of this edict was punished with the utmost severity, as -can still be seen in the annals of Lucerne; and the law remained in -force until 1585, the time of the Reformation. - -Then a doughty pastor prevailed upon the magistrates to repeal their -edict, and climbed up to the tarn. There he convinced all the people -that there was no further cause for their superstitious fears, by -flinging stones into the water, calling out every imaginable insult, -and boldly challenging Pilate’s ghost to rise and do its worst. - -Pilate’s spirit, banned by the Salamancan student, has ever since -been said to rise only on Good Friday. Clad in purple, he then sits -upon a judgment seat, which comes up out of the lake, and repeats in -pantomime the actions he performed on the fatal and memorable day when -he sentenced Christ to the cross. Then, too, Pilate always washes -his shaking hands, in the futile effort to cleanse himself from all -share in that deadly sin; and any wanderer who, by choice or accident, -gazes at his distorted features at that time is sure to die within the -year. On Good Friday, too, Pilate often rages around the mountain in -despairing remorse, but at midnight he invariably sinks down again into -his morass. - -There are numerous variations of this legend, one of which claims that -Pilate ruled in Vienne, where he committed suicide by casting himself -into the Rhône. Another version says that, full of remorse for his -crime, he wandered from place to place, until in despair he finally -drowned himself in the lake on the mountain bearing his name. - -Such was the terror inspired by this mountain, and the difficulty of -reaching its summit, that the first ascension is said to have taken -place only in 1518. As one can seldom obtain a clear view even after -bearing the fatigue of such an arduous climb, it was rarely visited -by strangers until the wonderful railway was built which now enables -travellers to reach its top with the utmost ease. Since then Mount -Pilatus has become a favourite goal for excursions, and those who have -once beheld the extensive panorama visible from its crest can never -forget the marvellous view, which, extending as far as the eye can -reach, includes glaciers, mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes, not -to mention picturesque towns, villages, churches, and castles, which -abound in that section of the country. - - * * * * * - -BESIDES the legend from which Mount Pilatus is popularly supposed to -have derived its name, many others are told relating to various points -on the mountain. For instance, it is said that a cooper from Lucerne -once climbed up its rocky sides in quest of wood for barrel hoops and -staves, and fell into a deep gully whose sides were so high and steep -that he could not get out of it again. The soil at the bottom was so -soft and slimy that the cooper, uninjured by his fall, next tried to -make his way out by following the bottom of this cleft. He could find -no issue, however, but finally came to a sort of tunnel in the rocks. -Entering boldly, he suddenly found himself face to face with a couple -of huge, fire-breathing dragons. A hasty sign of the cross, and a -fervent, if trembling prayer for the Virgin’s protection, effectively -closed the mouths of the dragons already gaping wide to devour him, and -transformed them into gentle creatures which fawned upon him, humbly -licking his hands and feet. Their manners were so ingratiating that the -cooper soon ceased to fear them, and sitting down beside them, spent -six months in their company, feeding as they did upon a salty substance -which exuded from a crack in the rocks. - -Winter over, the dragons, who had lain supine in the cave all that -time, wriggled slowly out into the gorge, where they began stretching -and shaking themselves, spreading and furling their wings, as if -to make sure their pliancy had not suffered from a long period of -inaction. Then the amazed cooper suddenly beheld one of the monsters -rise straight up into the air, and once out of the deep cleft, fly in -wide circles far above his head and finally pass out of sight. - -The second dragon soon after showing signs of a desire to follow its -mate, the cooper promptly grasped it by the tail, and was whisked up -out of the abyss, but gently set down again on a soft grass plot near -the city of Lucerne. On entering that town, he was rapturously welcomed -by his friends, who, after vainly seeking him on the mountain, had -given him up as dead. - -In token of gratitude for his marvellous preservation, and safe return -to his native city, the cooper gave a communion service to the church -of St. Leodegarius in 1420. On this service is a quaint representation -of his adventure with the dragons on Mount Pilatus. The legend -declares, however, that, unable to digest common viands after living so -long upon the dragons’ mysterious food, the cooper died of starvation -two months after his return to Lucerne. - - * * * * * - -ANOTHER legend claims that a peasant from Lucerne once beheld a dragon -rise slowly from the Rigi and fly heavily towards Mount Pilatus. Gazing -in open-mouthed astonishment at this wonderful sight, the peasant next -saw the monster drop something, and when sufficiently recovered from -his terror to investigate what it might be, he discovered it was a huge -clot of blood in which lay imbedded a precious stone. - -This jewel was found in time to possess wonderful curative powers, for -a mere touch of it healed victims of the pest and of other equally -fatal diseases. The Dragonstone was, therefore, carefully preserved in -the city, where it can still be seen, although for some time past its -medicinal powers are said to have deserted it. - - * * * * * - -WHILE the summit of Mount Pilatus is quite barren, the lower slopes -provide pasture for large herds of cows and goats which graze there -under the care of their herdsmen. One of the highest and finest -pastures is the Bründlisalp, near which is a cave known as the -Dominikhöhle or Dominican’s Grotto. A huge rock bearing the rough -semblance of a human form stands at the entrance to this cave. - -According to tradition, a mountain giant was once posted in this grotto -to keep watch over the region round about, and give the people due -notice of the approach of any foe. When an enemy drew near, he gave the -alarm; then, placing himself at the head of the natives, attacked the -foe with such strength and fury that he always secured the victory for -his country. - -But a day finally came when the Swiss, who had never borne arms except -to defend themselves against the incursions of strangers, suddenly -found themselves unable to agree, and resorting to force, began a civil -war. Feeling strife in the air, the giant rushed out of his cave to -ascertain what was the matter. But when he beheld brother armed against -brother, saw the Swiss attack each other with rage, and viewed their -blood flow in torrents, he was so horror-struck that his cry died on -his lips, his blood froze in his veins, and he stood there immovable, -turned into stone! Ever since then, the petrified giant at the entrance -of the Dominican Cave is pointed out as an emblem of patriotism and as -a solemn warning against civil strife. - - * * * * * - -MOUNT PILATUS is said to have long been the home of countless little -gnomes who hid in every nook and crevice and under every stone. These -dwarfs were about eighteen inches high, and wore long green mantles to -conceal the fact that they had goose-shaped feet. Bright red caps were -jauntily perched on top of their snow-white hair, while long beards -of the same colour flowed down over their breasts. The gnomes not only -watched over the chamois, bounding from rock to rock, but tended the -fish sporting in the depths of the mountain streams, and protected all -game from the greed of wanton sportsmen. - -These gnomes were so obliging that they cheerfully helped the herdsmen -watch and tend their cattle, milk the cows, make butter or cheese, and -in exchange for their manifold services merely required a small bowlful -of milk or cream. Gentle and helpful as long as they were treated -kindly, the gnomes were sure to revenge themselves upon any mortals who -ill-treated them or their protégés, or hurt their feelings by trying to -get a sight of their misshapen feet. - -A rich peasant once pastured his cattle high up on the beautiful -Kastelnalp, on Mount Pilatus, where the grass was so rich that the cows -had to be milked three times a day. Magdalen, the only daughter of a -widowed cousin, once painfully made her way up to this alp to beg for a -little help for her sick mother, who had neither food nor medicine in -the house. The rich man, who had provisions in plenty, and who stored -away cheese after cheese in his cellars, nevertheless refused to help -his poor relatives, and sent Magdalen home empty-handed and in tears. - -Overtaken on her way down the mountain by a sudden thunder-storm, the -girl sought shelter in the hut of her lover, a herdsman to whom she -confided all her sorrows. A generous, noble-hearted fellow, Alois -no sooner heard of his sweetheart’s destitution and disappointment -than he ran to get a small cheese, the only food he had in the house, -and forced her to accept it for her starving mother. The storm over, -Magdalen set out again with lightened heart, but her foot suddenly -slipping on the wet grass, she let go the precious cheese, which, -bounding from rock to rock, rolled over the edge of a precipice, into -whose depths it disappeared. - -Magdalen’s tears now flowed afresh; but while she sat there wringing -her hands in despair, she suddenly felt a twitch at her dress. Looking -down, she there beheld one of the tiny mountain spirits, carrying a -small cheese upon his shoulder, and holding a bundle of medicinal herbs -in his hand. - -“Weep no longer,” the little man gently said. “The hard-hearted owner -of the Kastelnalp shall be duly punished for his refusal to help you. -In the meantime take these herbs, which will restore your mother’s -health, and I am sure both you and she will enjoy this cheese.” - -The little man then vanished, leaving his gifts behind him, and -Magdalen hastened joyfully home. Her first care was to prepare herb -tea for the patient, whose health was miraculously restored as soon -as she had tasted it. But when Magdalen tried to cut the cheese the -kind-hearted gnome had given her, she was amazed to find it was a solid -lump of pure gold! She and her mother were so rich with this treasure -that they soon purchased the Bründlisalp, where Magdalen and Alois, a -happy husband and wife, tended their flocks together. - -As for the hard-hearted owner of the Kastelnalp, he was justly punished -for his lack of charity. The sudden rain-storm, loosening the rocks -above his pasture, started a landslide which covered his alp with such -a mass of loose stones that not a blade of grass has ever been seen on -it since. Besides this, a fragment of rock struck the owner as he fled, -and breaking both his legs, left him so badly crippled that he never -walked without crutches again. - - * * * * * - -AS picturesque as Mount Pilatus, although in a different way, and far -more accessible for pedestrians, the Rigi has long been a centre of -attraction for travellers from all parts of the world. Before the two -railways were built, which now carry passengers up to the mountain-top -in less than an hour and a half, ascensions were frequently made on -foot or on horseback. This climb was cheerfully undertaken in hopes -of enjoying the marvellous views obtainable from many points on the -mountain, and the vast panorama, with changing hues at sunset and -sunrise, which can best be seen from the mountain’s crest. - -[Illustration: THE RIGI] - -The slopes of the Rigi are now all covered with orchards and rich -pastures, for although snow frequently falls on its summit even in -mid-summer, it never lingers there long, owing to the warm rays of the -sun striking directly upon it. There are countless points of interest -to be seen on this mountain, but the most characteristic of all its -legends is connected with the gushing spring of ice-cold water at -Rigi-Kaltbad. - -We are told that in the days when Austrian bailiffs still exercised -their tyranny over the land, three lovely sisters dwelt in the Arth -valley at the foot of the Rigi. Not content with despoiling these -defenceless maidens of all their worldly goods, the bailiff of -Schwanau, although aware that they loathed him, persecuted them with -his unwelcome attentions, and even attempted to rob them of their -honour. - -In their terror lest they should become victims of this evil man’s -lust, the sisters fled from Arth one night, and boldly rushed into the -dense forest which then covered all the slopes of the mountain. The -wild beasts abounding in that region seemed to these helpless maidens -far less to be dreaded than the human beast whose pursuit they were -trying to escape. They therefore bravely threaded their way up the Rigi -by the dim light of the stars, nor paused in their flight until they -reached a sheltered plateau high up on the mountain. - -Exposed to the southern sun, and provided with a spring of crystalline -water flowing plentifully from the rocks near by, this place seemed -so remote from mankind, and so fitted by nature to serve as a safe -retreat, that the three sisters determined to spend the rest of their -lives there. They therefore built a little hut of bark stripped from -the trunks of fallen trees and of wattled branches, and gathering moss -for their beds, spent summer and winter there in utter seclusion. The -berries and edible roots collected on the mountain side were their only -food, while the sparkling water from the fountain served as their sole -beverage. In their gratitude for escaping from their cruel persecutor, -the sisters, who had always been remarkable for their piety, spent -most of their days and part of their nights in praising God for their -deliverance, fervently praying that they might live and die in the -service of their Maker. - -Although entirely cut off from mankind,--for no one ever ventured so -far up the mountain then,--and notwithstanding the cold and the other -privations they had to endure, the sisters dwelt here year after year, -without a murmur over their hard fate. Such was their piety, that the -angels kept constant watch over them, and finally bore their sinless -souls to heaven, leaving three lambent flames to hover over their -tenantless bodies. - -In the meantime no one knew what had become of the three girls who -had vanished so mysteriously from the Arth valley, and their former -friends, gazing up at Mount Rigi, little suspected that those tender -maidens were even then living like hermits far above their heads. When -the sisters died, however, the miraculous lights hovering over their -bodies were distinctly perceived from various parts of the lake and -valley, greatly rousing the curiosity of all who saw them. Night after -night the lights twinkled up there in undiminished brightness, until -the stars paled and the sun rose, flooding mountain, lake, and valley -with its golden beams. - -Thinking some holy hermit must have built his cell up there, and -wishing to satisfy their curiosity as well as secure his blessing, -some herdsmen determined to make their way up the mountain in spite of -pathless forests and dense undergrowth. After a long and arduous climb, -they finally reached the plateau, where they were amazed to find a hut -showing signs of prolonged occupation, but now fast falling into ruins. -In searching for further traces of the supposed hermit, they suddenly -discovered the bodies lying side by side near the ever-flowing spring, -and beheld the three flames float slowly upward and vanish into the -blue sky. - -Awed by this miracle, the herdsmen reverently buried the three corpses, -and over the spot where they rested, built a rustic chapel which was -first dedicated to the Virgin Mary and then to the archangel St. -Michael. A church now stands on this hallowed spot, which is frequently -visited by pilgrims, as well as by those who come to Rigi-Kaltbad for -health or for pleasure. The spring, which still gushes from the rock, -was long known as the Schwesternborn, in memory of the pious sisters, -whose sinless lives and death cast a glamour of romance over that spot. - - * * * * * - -THE ruins of the Castle of Schwanau, on the island of the same name, -in the Lake of Lowertz, at the foot of the Rigi, are connected with -the above legend, because here lived the cruel persecutor from whom -the pious sisters fled. Not content with driving these girls away from -home, the Lord of Schwanau once kidnapped a maiden from Arth, whom he -carried by force into this castle, where she vainly tried to escape -from his clutches. This lady, however, was not entirely destitute of -male protectors, and when her brothers heard how she had been treated, -they sallied forth in anger and slew her ravisher. Then calling the -freemen of Schwyz to their aid, they captured and destroyed the castle, -leaving it a mass of smoking ruins, with only one tower standing to -serve as a monument of the Lord of Schwanau’s crimes and of their -revenge. - -It is said that although the cruel kidnapper was slain nearly six -hundred years ago, his spirit can still find no rest. Every year, at -midnight, on the anniversary of the day when the frantic girl rushed -wildly through the castle to escape his pursuit, a flash of lightning -and a deep roll of thunder herald his return to the scene of his crime. -Suddenly he appears in the midst of the ruins, where he stands, quaking -with fear, until a maiden, clad in white and bearing a flaming torch, -rushes out of the tower. Then the bailiff utters a blood-curdling cry -of terror, and turning, races madly from one part of the castle to the -other, closely pursued by his innocent victim. Over crumbling stones, -up and down the ruined tower, through former passages and along ruined -battlements, pursuer and pursued hasten with flying steps, until, -seeing no other hope of escape, the Lord of Schwanau, with a last mad -shriek, plunges from the parapet into the lake, whose dark waters close -with a dull splash over his head. Then the avenging maiden vanishes, -not to be seen again until the hour strikes when she must once more -sally forth to torture the bailiff for his heinous crime. - - * * * * * - -ANOTHER legend, also connected with the Lake of Lowertz, claims that -a church once stood very near the edge of the water. There, while -the women and children of the neighbourhood knelt within its holy -precincts, Sunday after Sunday, dutifully reciting their prayers, the -men sat on the church steps, smoking, drinking, and gambling. Such was -their lack of respect for religion and the divine service, that they -even swore out loud, and flung their dice down upon the stones with -such violence that the noise often drowned all sounds of prayer and -praise. - -These wicked men, who mocked at the priest whenever he tried to make -them change their evil ways, were, however, to be sorely punished for -their sacrilegious behaviour. One Sunday, while gambling on the church -steps as usual, a sudden storm swept over the little lake, and before -they could gather up their dice or scramble to their feet, a huge wave -swept right over their heads. At the same moment the church sank down -into the depths of the lake, where it still lies many fathoms under -water. Some of the local boatmen claim that the top of the church spire -can still be seen when the water is clear, and that at the wonted hour -for worship the bells can always be heard ringing a soft and musical -peal. Then the sound of prayer and praise becomes faintly audible, -and very keen ears can distinguish a rattle of dice and muttered -oaths. The women and children are said to be perfectly happy in their -endless adoration, but the men are compelled to continue for ever the -sacrilegious game which has become prolonged and unbearable torture. - - * * * * * - -LEAVING the city of Stanz and going up the Aa valley, toward the -Titlis, which forms the boundary between the cantons of Uri and -Bern, you pass Engelberg, and the Sürenenalp, of which the following -characteristic legends are told. - -Count Conrad von Seldenbüren, in a moment of great danger, made a -solemn vow that he would build a monastery should he escape unharmed. -Saved from his imminent peril, he immediately prepared to keep his -promise, and with that purpose in view, set out with a number of his -friends and retainers to select a site for the projected building. - -Riding along the valley, he drew rein from time to time to admire the -lovely landscape, and to inhale the perfumed breezes wafted down from -the surrounding mountains. There were so many charming spots that -Conrad, quite bewildered by the choice, finally breathed a fervent -inward prayer for divine guidance. Looking up a moment later, he -suddenly beheld an angel host sweep down through the blue sky. They -alighted on a neighbouring eminence, where the celestial choir intoned -a hymn of praise, their voices faintly reaching Conrad’s ear and -filling his heart with ineffable bliss. - -The hymn ended, the angels again rose up into heaven; but Conrad, -overjoyed by the miracle vouchsafed him, loudly declared that not only -should the monastery be built on the hill upon which the angels had -rested, but that it should ever after be known as the Engelberg, or -Angels’ Mountain. - -Founded in 1119, the Engelberg Abbey soon became rich and prosperous, -for the monks owned all the pastures around there, and had so many -head of cattle that they stored away countless cheeses in their great -cellars. The choicest of all their grazing grounds were, however, on -the Sürenenalp, where they sent their herdsmen with their finest cattle. - -One of these men is said to have developed a special affection for a -silvery-white sheep entrusted to his care, which followed him wherever -he went, and so became a great pet. His fondness for the creature -became such that he finally baptized it with holy water stolen from -the monastery chapel. He did this, hoping to preserve it from all -harm; but no sooner was the sacrilegious ceremony accomplished than -the silvery-fleeced sheep, transformed into a raging monster, fiercely -attacked shepherds and flocks, and drove them away from the rich -pastures. Such was the fear inspired by this creature--which no weapon -could wound--that the peasants, one and all, refused to venture up -the mountain, and even the much frequented Sürenen Pass was entirely -deserted. - -The monks of Engelberg, unable to use their pastures themselves, or to -derive any income by renting them out to others, finally sold them for -a mere song to the people of Uri. The latter, thrifty in the extreme, -could not bear the thought that the fine grass on the Sürenenalp was -going to waste, so they tried various devices to kill or capture the -demoniacal sheep. Weapons, prayers, and exorcisms proving equally -unavailing, they finally bespoke the good offices of a travelling -scholar, who had studied the Black Art under no less capable an -instructor than Satan himself. - -After sundry liberal potations of the warm southern wine brought by the -Urners from Italy over the famous St. Gothard and Furka passes, and -after duly securing a pocketful of gold, the magician gave the people -minute directions, assuring them that if carefully carried out they -would settle the obnoxious sheep for ever. - -By his directions, the Urners selected a snow-white bull, which was fed -with the milk of one cow during the first year, and with that of two -during the second. Increasing the rations of this animal at the rate -of a cow per year, the bull in the ninth year was consuming the entire -produce of nine cows, and had grown to a prodigious size. - -The ninth year ended, a virgin from Attinghausen, carefully arrayed in -bridal white, was told to lead the chosen bull to the Sürenenalp. Her -little hand passed through the ring set in the bull’s nose, this maiden -slowly wended her way up the mountain, followed by the bull, which -obeyed her slightest touch. When they reached the choicest pasture, the -maiden suddenly let go her charge, for the monster sheep stood very -near and about to attack her. At the same moment the bull thundered -past her with lowered horns, and rushing toward the christened sheep -began a terrible fight. The mountain shook and groaned beneath the -trampling feet of the animals, which wrestled together with locked -horns, while black clouds loomed up over the pasture, blotting out the -bright sunshine, and making the air oppressively hot and close. - -The darkness soon grew so intense that the people in the valley could -no longer distinguish either trembling maiden or struggling monsters. -All at once a dazzling flash of lightning rent the black clouds -asunder, and it was instantly followed by a peal of thunder so loud and -prolonged that the peasants, ducking their heads between their knees in -terror, tightly closed their eyes. - -When they again ventured to look up, they fairly gasped with amazement, -for the blue sky again arched above the alp, the storm clouds were -rapidly drifting away, and golden sunbeams flooded the spot where bull -and sheep had met. - -No trace of cattle or maiden being visible, the peasants, after some -hesitation, timidly ventured up the mountain to see what had become of -both. On the grass they found a bloody and trampled mound of flesh, -which upon investigation proved to be the remains of the accursed -sheep, but the maiden had vanished for ever, leaving no trace. On the -banks of the Aawasser, quite near its source, they further discovered -the body of the snow-white bull, which, having drank too greedily of -the ice-cold waters while overheated from his exertions, had met with a -sudden but natural death. - -Since then, the place where the bull expired has been known as the -Bull’s Stream, or the Steersbrook, and cows, sheep, and goats have -feasted unmolested upon the luscious pastures on the Sürenenalp. -Besides, in grateful recognition for the white bull’s services, the -people of Uri placed his head upon a shield, decreeing that ever after -the head of a bull should grace the official seal of the canton of Uri -and form its sole coat of arms. - - * * * * * - -AT the northern extremity of the canton of Uri, and at the point -where the Lake of Lucerne makes a sudden southward bend, rises the -Seelisberg, renowned alike for its beautiful scenery and rich pastures. -Here once dwelt a peasant who, having won the good-will of the mountain -dwarfs, often received their help. The herdsman, in return for their -favours, lavished upon them the best of all he had, and when called -away by urgent business, often left them in charge of châlet and herd. - -The mountain dwarfs could always be trusted to see to everything, -provided the Föhn, or south wind, did not blow. But whenever the breath -of that strong wind swept over the glaciers, they one and all crept far -down into the bowels of the earth; whence they did not emerge until it -ceased to rage. - -Once, while the herdsman was on the opposite side of the lake, the -Föhn suddenly broke loose with such fury that although he made frantic -efforts to cross the water, it was four whole days before the waves -subsided enough to enable him to return home. During all that time the -dwarfs had cowered down in the depths of the earth; so nearly all the -cattle had perished from hunger and thirst. When the peasant entered -his stables and saw this sad state of affairs, he tore his hair, and -in his despair even cursed his little friends. The latter, who in -ordinary times would have resented the slightest approach to bad -language, patiently bore all his reviling, and when he was somewhat -cooler, offered to teach him the art of making cheese from sweet milk. -This would enable him to use much produce generally lost because it did -not thicken in time for use. - -The herdsmen, on hearing this offer, reluctantly admitted that if it -were possible to make cheese from sweet milk, he might yet retrieve -his fortunes. So the dwarfs bade him kill his old goat, showed him how -to curdle milk by using its stomach, as rennet, and taught him to make -the excellent cheese for which the Seelisberg is still noted. Thanks to -the secret revealed by the repentant dwarfs, the peasant soon became -rich again, and when he died at a good old age, he left behind him fine -pastures, countless heads of cattle, and the invaluable receipt which -he had learned from his little friends, and which his descendants still -use. - - * * * * * - -IN going over the Klausen Pass, and in crossing the boundary of the -cantons of Glarus and Uri, one is reminded of the famous old quarrel -concerning this frontier. Both cantons once claimed the best pastures -along it, and as the herdsmen often came to blows over this matter, it -was finally arranged to settle the dispute once for all. - -The jury before whom the matter was laid, composed of the most honest -and influential citizens in both cantons, decreed that as the matter -could not be settled satisfactorily otherwise, it should be decided by -a race. According to their minute directions, each canton was to select -a cock and a champion. On an appointed day, at their respective cocks’ -first crow, these champions were to start from Altorf and the Linth -valley, and running with all their might, fix the boundary line for -ever on the spot where they finally met. This wise decree pleased both -cantons; cocks and champions were duly chosen, and the day for the race -was eagerly expected. - -The people of Glarus, thinking their rooster would be most likely to -wake early if well fed and tended, lavished every care upon him, while -those of Uri kept theirs half starved, declaring he would sleep little -if hungry and thirsty. - -When fall came and the time appointed for the race, the Urner’s -conjectures proved correct, for their skinny rooster awoke at the very -first gleam of dawn. His hoarse crow had scarcely been uttered, when -their champion set out from Altorf for his race to the frontier. - -Over in Glarus, however, matters were less promising, for while all -the people of the Linth valley stood in expectant silence around -their cock, he slept on and on, until all the changing tints of dawn -had coloured the sky in turn, and the sun rose triumphant above the -horizon. Then he gave a lusty crow; but although the Glarus champion -ran his best, he had set out so long after his rival that he soon saw -him coming rapidly down the Grat. - -When they met, the Urner triumphantly cried: “Here is the boundary!” - -But the Glarner, pleading for his community, said: “Neighbour, I pray -thee, be so just as to grant me a bit of the fine pasture land thou -hast acquired by good luck.” - -At first the Urner would not consent, but as his antagonist continued -to plead with gentle importunity, he finally exclaimed: “Well, friend, -thou shalt have as much ground as thou canst carry me over!” - -The overjoyed man from Glarus now picked up his opponent, and although -the latter was heavy, and the road led up a steep hill, toiled -valiantly onward until he sank down lifeless far up the slope. By his -heroic efforts this man thus won a considerable piece of pasture land -for his fellow-citizens, who, in grateful memory of his efforts in -their behalf, buried him on the spot where he fell, and still speak of -his feat of strength with wonder and admiration. - - * * * * * - -THE marvellous St. Gothard Railway, which cost ten years of persistent -labour, crosses almost countless tunnels and bridges, and gives the -traveller an opportunity to see some of the finest and wildest scenery -in the world. At Altorf it passes the Capuchin Monastery, in connection -with which the following story is told. - -The monks, in olden times, lived on a very friendly footing with the -people all around there, until one of them, meeting a pretty girl on -a lonely path, declared he must have the bunch of Alpine flowers she -wore on her breast, and a kiss besides. The peasant maiden, who had -picked the flowers for her lover, and who was far from expecting such -behaviour on the part of one of the monks, gave a loud shriek when he -attempted to secure the bouquet and salute her by force. - -At the same instant the ground shook, a wide crevice appeared, whence -rose a cloud of smoke. Then a slip knot suddenly closed around the -neck of the monk, who was dragged down into the abyss, which closed -over him with an ominous crash! Since then, if we are to believe -the chronicles, no monk from the Capuchin convent has ever dared -raise his eyes to any of the girls of the town, or to exchange even a -conventional greeting with them. - - * * * * * - -ONE of the tunnels crossed by the railroad, is near a ravine which is -known as the Pfaffensprung or the Monk’s Leap, and owes its name to the -following legend. A wicked monk once kidnapped a young girl, and was -fleeing with her through the mountains, when he suddenly discovered -that he was pursued. To escape from his would-be captors, and retain -possession of the girl he had carried off, this monk ran to the edge of -the Reuss. There, seizing her in his arms, he took a desperate leap, -and--helped by the Devil--landed safely on the other side! According to -some versions of the story, the monk was none other than the Evil One -himself, for it is claimed no one else could have leaped across a chasm -which measures no less than twenty-two feet at this place. - - * * * * * - -THE old-fashioned stage road which winds its way over the St. Gothard, -passes through Schoellenen, Goeschenen (the entrance to the St. Gothard -tunnel), and over the new Devil’s Bridge. This is built across the -Reuss at a point where steep rocks tower above and below it on all -sides, and where the scenery is extremely wild and impressive. - -From the new bridge one can see the remains of a more ancient -structure, of which the following legend is told, as well as of all -old bridges built in dangerous or difficult places, such as that of -Pont-la-Ville over the Sarine in Fribourg, and the one in the ravine of -the Morge in the Valais. - -Already in very olden times the people of Uri had discovered that if -they could only establish a safe road over the St. Gothard mountain -they would be able to earn many a penny by trading with Italy. They -therefore spared neither pains nor expense, and built one foot after -another of the road, even piercing the hard rock in one spot to make -what is still known as the Urner Loch, or Hole of Uri. Countless -apparently insurmountable obstacles were gradually overcome, and the -road, which had been begun on both sides of the mountain, was rapidly -drawing close together near the banks of Reuss. There, however, the -builders paused appalled on either bank, for it seemed quite impossible -to bridge the awful chasm near the falls. - -A meeting was therefore called at Goeschenen, where, although there -was no lack of talking, smoking, and drinking, no satisfactory decision -could be reached. A stranger, clad in black, with broad-brimmed hat -and bold heron feather, sat at a neighbouring table and listened -attentively to this discussion. Finally, seeing the meeting about -to break up, he drew near the talkers, and taking a seat beside the -principal magistrate in front of the fire, announced that he was a -famous builder, and could span the stream before morning. He even -offered to show them a fine bridge there at dawn, on the next day, -provided they were willing to pay his price. - -One and all now exclaimed that nothing he could ask would seem too -much, so the stranger in black quickly responded,-- - -“Very well, then, it is a bargain! To-morrow you shall have your -bridge, but in payment I shall claim the first living creature which -passes over it. Here is my hand upon it!” - -Saying these words, he seized the hand of the astonished magistrate -beside him, and before any one could add another word, disappeared. The -people gazed at one another in silence for a moment, then made furtive -signs of the cross. As soon as the chief magistrate could speak, he -loudly declared the stranger must be his Satanic Majesty in person! In -support of this assertion, he declared that the stranger, while sitting -in front of the fire, had boldly thrust his feet right into the red-hot -coals, where he kept them while talking, as if the heat were agreeable -to him; and added that he had distinctly felt sharp claws when the man -in black shook hands with him to close the bargain. - -All now shuddered with fear, and a general wail of terror arose. -But a tailor who was present at the meeting, promptly bade his -fellow-citizens fear naught, for he would settle the bill with their -architect on the morrow. This offer was gladly accepted, the meeting -was speedily dissolved, and all hastened home, because none of them -cared to be out after dark while still under the spell of their recent -encounter with the Spirit of Evil. That night no one slept in the -neighbourhood, for although the sky had been clear when they went to -bed, a sudden storm arose and raged with fury until morning. - -Amid the roll of thunder, incessant flashes of vivid lightning, and -violent gusts of wind, they heard the splitting and falling of rocks, -which seemed to roll all the way down the steep mountain side and crash -into the valley. But when morning came, no signs of storm were left, -and as soon as the sun had risen and they again dared venture out, -all rushed forth in a body to see what had happened. When they drew -near the Reuss, they could not sufficiently express their wonder and -admiration, for a fine stone bridge arched boldly over the swift stream. - -On the opposite side stood the black-garbed stranger, grinning -fiendishly and encouraging the people by word and gesture to test his -bridge by walking across it. Just then the tailor appeared, carrying -a large bag. He advanced as if to cross first, but instead of setting -foot upon the structure, deftly opened his bag, from which escaped rats -and mice, closely followed by a few cats. - -The Devil, for it was he, gave a yell of rage when he saw himself thus -outwitted, and, forgetting the part he had played until then, cast off -his disguise and ran down Goeschenen for a huge rock, which he intended -to hurl at the bridge so as to wreck it entirely before any other -living creature could cross. - -On his way back, however, Satan met a little old woman, who, frightened -by his black looks, made a sign of the cross which caused him to drop -his burden and beat a hasty retreat into his own realm. To this day, -however, the people still point out the huge boulder in which the -marks of Satan’s claws are still visible, and which is known as the -Devil’s Stone. - -[Illustration: THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE.] - -According to another version, the Devil no sooner saw himself outwitted -than he seized handfuls of rock which he hurled at the bridge. But -these missiles were all deflected by a cross which the tailor planted -in the middle of the structure as soon as the animals reached the other -side. These big stones now lie scattered in the bed of the Reuss, -and around the pillars of the bridge, where, to the Devil’s constant -chagrin, they only serve to strengthen his construction. - -To avenge himself in a slight measure, however, the Evil One posted -one of his own imps in this valley. When travellers pass, this demon -pounces down upon them unseen, snatches their hats off their heads, -and with a slight mocking whistle tosses them into the middle of the -stream. This imp, known as the Hat Fiend, or Hut Schelm, still haunts -the valley, although centuries have passed since the Devil played the -part of engineer for the people of Uri. - - - - -TESSIN - - -A judge of Bellinzona, known far and wide for his unswerving honesty, -was wont to ride daily to Magadino to attend court there and mete out -strict justice to all who appeared before him. - -Although this was long years ago, when most judges openly accepted -bribes, this particular magistrate could never be bought, and while the -innocent loudly praised him, all wrong-doers hated him cordially. - -Confirmed thieves and habitual criminals were particularly angry at his -mode of procedure; so they finally decided it would be well to waylay -the upright judge one dark night on his homeward journey, and end his -blameless career by a foul murder. - -Three young men therefore registered a solemn oath to kill the -magistrate, and posting themselves in ambush behind the rocks by the -roadside, they impatiently awaited the appearance of their victim. -Toward midnight a clatter of hoofs was heard on the stony pathway, -and the lurking assassins, peering cautiously forth, beheld the judge -galloping toward them, preceded and followed by three armed horsemen. -The three highwaymen, who had expected to see the judge alone or -in company of one servant only, feeling loath to attack a force so -superior to their own, allowed the judge to pass by unmolested, and -postponed their attempt until the morrow. Then, reinforced by six of -their evil companions, they again lay in wait for the incorruptible -magistrate. - -But instead of rushing out to attack him as soon as he drew near, they -cowered low in fear, for their expected victim was escorted by a troop -of twelve armed men, riding six before and six behind him. The crime -was deferred by unanimous if tacit consent until the next day, when six -more ruffians joined the murderers, to accomplish their wicked purpose -without further delay. - -Again they waited and listened, and again their hearts beat fast at -the sound of approaching horsemen; but their hands dropped powerless -to their sides on perceiving the judge ride rapidly past them with an -escort of twenty-four men! - -Convinced that their plans had been revealed to the man they hated, -the murderers now resolved to follow him home, to discover which men -formed his body-guard, and if possible to find the informer or at least -secure the connivance of the horsemen by means of large bribes. They -therefore noiselessly pursued the little cavalcade, and saw it come -to a sudden halt in front of the judge’s house. There the magistrate -slowly dismounted, gave the bridle of his weary steed to a waiting -servant, and entered his house without saying a word or making a sign -to the horsemen standing all around him. - -As the door slammed shut, the servant led the horse away to the stable, -and the mounted escort suddenly vanished into thin air. Then only, -the amazed highwaymen became aware that the judge had been guarded -by angelic spirits, detailed to watch over his safety, but of whose -presence he was evidently not aware. This discovery filled their hearts -with such awe that they never again attempted to lay violent hands upon -him; but one of their number, overcome by remorse, finally went to seek -him, and confessing their evil intentions, humbly begged his pardon for -the projected crime. - -The judge, who was as merciful as he was just, freely forgave this man; -but, relying upon divine protection in case of need, he continued to -mete out justice as before, and rode home alone when his day’s work -was over. No harm ever befell him, and it is said that when his upright -career on earth was ended, the invisible body-guard escorted him to the -great tribunal, where the verdict awarded to him was: “Well done, thou -good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - - - - -SCHAFFHAUSEN - - -In olden times, when the Alemans first invaded Switzerland, they -practised the bloody rites of their religion at the Falls of the Rhine, -near Schaffhausen, and sacrificed many white horses to the god of the -Rhine. These steeds were driven into the water some distance above the -cataract, and in spite of their frantic efforts were swept over the -brink by the rapid current. - -Not long ago, horse-shoes could still be seen in the cracks of the -rocks near the waterfall, and even now, on moonlight nights or on misty -days, the ghosts of these sacrificed steeds can still be seen, rearing -and plunging in the waters, and wildly tossing their snow-white manes. -These wraiths are most clearly discerned during the night from Friday -to Saturday, because it was then that they were offered up in sacrifice -to the old heathen gods. - -[Illustration: THE FALLS OF THE RHINE.] - -A ghostly chariot, drawn by white oxen, was also seen formerly driving -down the stream to Schaffhausen, where it went thrice around the town. -When this circuit took place from right to left, it was considered -an infallible sign of good fortune; but when it made the journey in an -opposite direction, bad luck was sure to ensue. - - * * * * * - -IN olden times, when nothing but a convent and boat-landing stood on -the present site of the city of Schaffhausen, a nobleman once came down -to the river to fish. Weary of his exertions, he finally fastened his -skiff, and lying down in the bottom of it, fell asleep. - -But while thus oblivious of all that was taking place, his vessel -slipped its moorings, and drifting out into mid-current, was swept over -the falls. The passenger was so sound asleep, however, that he did not -even rouse when hurled down into the thundering abyss, and was greatly -amazed on awakening to find his boat had drifted ashore far below the -dreaded cataract. - -In token of gratitude for this narrow escape, this nobleman is said to -have founded the Benedictine abbey at Rheinau, on the very spot where -his skiff drifted ashore after its perilous journey down the Rhine.[12] - - [12] For other legends of Schaffhausen, etc., see the - author’s “Legends of the Rhine.” - - * * * * * - -A YOUNG fisherman, who had a similar experience, fatuously imagined -that if his vessel went safely over the falls without being steered, -it could not fail to do the same when guided by an experienced hand. -He therefore loudly boasted that he was about to go over the cataract -again, and in spite of all remonstrances on the part of friends and -relatives, actually made the attempt. - -The skiff, however, was soon caught in the whirling waters, and in -spite of all the fisherman’s efforts, dashed against the rocks. For one -minute the horrified spectators saw the broken boat and clinging youth -pause on the brink of the abyss, then they were swept over into the -whirlpool, whence they never emerged! Since then, on the anniversary -of this foolhardy attempt, the ghost of the reckless youth can be seen -drifting down the stream, and with a blood-curdling cry of despair it -invariably plunges over into the vortex at the foot of the Rhine Falls. - - * * * * * - -WHEN noble knights still dwelt on the Randenberg, a pious maiden set -out from there before dawn every morning to walk to the convent of All -Saints at Schaffhausen, where it was her custom to attend early mass. - -Her sole escort on this daily walk was a faithful stag, which patiently -awaited her coming at the castle gates every morning. When it was -very dark, this faithful animal walked lightly ahead of her, proudly -carrying a flaming torch between its branching antlers, and it always -waited at the city gates to accompany her home. - -One day when the pious maiden and her attendant stag were nearing the -city, they were suddenly attacked by wayside thieves. With a cry of -terror, the maiden sped on as fast as her trembling limbs would carry -her; but when she came to the city gates she saw with terror that they -were still shut. Knowing no human help could reach her in time to save -her from the hands of the miscreants, she now had recourse to a short -but fervent prayer, and the last words were scarcely uttered when an -angel darted down from heaven, keys in hand, and led the maiden into -the city, closing and locking the gates in the very face of the cruel -highwaymen. - -Ever since the pious maiden was thus miraculously saved by angelic -intervention, that gate of Schaffhausen has been known as the -Engelbrechtsthor, or the gate broken open by an angel. - - * * * * * - -WHERE the recently restored castle of Munot now stands, there was -once an older building occupied by a noble lord, who set out for a -pilgrimage to the Holy Land, leaving wife and children safe at home. - -Those were the days of slow travel and no mail; so months became years -without the Lady of Munot’s receiving any tidings of her absent spouse. -She therefore began to fear that he was dead, or that he had entirely -forgotten wife and children at home. But such was not the case, for -the knight, having surmounted many perils, was now very near home, and -spurring on with all haste, in spite of the darkness, to see his family -sooner. - -Only a short stretch of wood, and the torrent of the Mühlenthal lay -between him and his castle; but although the knight fancied he knew -every inch of the ground, he soon lost his way. Instead of crossing -the swollen stream at the usual place, he plunged into its waters at -the most dangerous point, only to find a watery grave within sight -and sound of home. One of his faithful retainers, however, managed to -escape from the torrent, and sadly bore the sorrowful tidings to the -poor widow. - -When the Lady of Munot learned how her spouse had perished, she put -on mourning which she never laid aside, and to prevent other belated -travellers from meeting a similar fate, hung a silver bell in the -castle tower and had it rung for an hour every night. - -The mournful toll of this little bell at nightfall not only served -to guide travellers safely through the forest, and keep the knight’s -memory green, but also reminded his former vassals to say a prayer for -the rest of their dead master’s soul. - - - - -LEGENDS OF ZÜRICH. - - -Zürich, the old Roman Turicum, on either side of the Limmat at the -point where it flows out of the green-hued lake, is the capital of -the canton of the same name, and noted alike for the beauty of its -situation and for its famous University. - -In the days of the early Christian persecution, Felix and Regula, the -patron saints of Zürich, were beheaded near this town. Strange to -relate, though, immediately after the execution, both martyrs picked -up their severed heads, tucked them under their arms, and stalked off -to the spot where the minster now stands, where they wound up their -marvellous performances by burying themselves comfortably! On the spot -where they suffered martyrdom Charlemagne erected a memorial pillar, -above which he hung a bell, saying that it could be rung by any one who -had been wronged, and that they should receive immediate justice. - -During one of his visits to Zürich, Charlemagne took up his abode in -the Choristers’ House, and while he sat there at table one day he -suddenly heard a loud peal from the bell of justice. He immediately -despatched a servant to see what wrong had been done, and was greatly -annoyed when the man reported that careful search had failed to reveal -the presence of any living creature. A few moments later the bell -rang again, but when the servant once more announced that no one was -there, the emperor bade his guards hide near the pillar, and seize the -miscreant who dared to pull the bell of justice in mere fun. - -Before long the bell sounded a third time, and a few moments later the -guards rushed into the emperor’s presence with faces blanched with -fear, to report that a snake had coiled itself around the pillar, and -seizing the rope in its teeth, tugged until the bell rang forth loud -and clear. The emperor immediately rose from table, saying he must see -this phenomenon with his own eyes, and followed by all his court went -down to the pillar. As he drew near, the snake came forward to meet -him, and rising upon its coiled tail, bowed low before the monarch in -evident recognition of his exalted station. Then, dropping down to the -earth once more, it crept away, turning from time to time, and making -signs as if to invite the emperor to follow. The serpent’s actions -were so eloquent that Charlemagne, understanding them, obediently -followed it down to the edge of the water, where, parting the reeds, -the snake showed him its nest, in which sat an enormous toad. - -Charlemagne now bade his guards seize and kill the intruder, and when -the snake had bowed its thanks and contentedly coiled itself around its -eggs, he went back to his interrupted meal, loudly praising the bell by -means of which even dumb animals could appeal for justice. - -The next day, while the emperor again sat at dinner, the guards -rushed in breathlessly to announce the coming of the strange snake. -Charlemagne quickly bade them stand aside and not try to hinder the -reptile, which now crawled into the room where he sat, climbed up on -the table, did obeisance to the emperor, and delicately lifting the -cover of his drinking-cup, dropped into it a jewel of fabulous price. -Then, replacing the cover of the vessel, the snake bowed low again, and -creeping down, left the cloister to return to its nest by the lake. - -[Illustration: CHARLEMAGNE AND THE SERPENT.] - -According to one version of this legend, Charlemagne set this precious -stone in a ring which he gave to his wife, Frastrada.[13] Unknown to -him, however, the stone had the magic power of fixing his affections -upon its wearer. When the queen, therefore, thought she was about to -die, she slipped the ring into her mouth to prevent its falling into -the hands of some rival. For eighteen years Charlemagne refused to part -with his wife’s body, and carried it with him wherever he went. But at -the end of that time his minister Turpin discovered the secret of his -infatuation, and obtaining possession of the magic stone, soon saw all -Charlemagne’s affections fixed upon him. - - [13] For other version, see the author’s “Legends of the - Rhine.” - -As the emperor’s devotion proved somewhat of a bore to the old -minister, he tried to get rid of the spell by casting the ring into the -mineral springs at Aix-la-Chapelle. While out hunting the next day, -Charlemagne urged his steed to drink of that water, and when the animal -hastily withdrew its foot and refused to approach the pool again, the -emperor dismounted to investigate the cause. - -Touching the imprint of the horse’s hoof, Charlemagne discovered that -the mud was very warm, for he was near the hottest of these thermal -springs. While resting near that pool, he was seized with such an -affection for the spot that he soon founded there his capital of -Aix-la-Chapelle. - -In memory of the horse which guided him hither, the Cathedral was -built in the shape of a horseshoe, and as Charlemagne could not endure -the thought of ever leaving this enchanted neighbourhood, he left -orders to bury him in the minster of Aix-la-Chapelle. - -On the spot where Charlemagne’s famous bell once hung, at Zürich, -stands the Wasserkirche, which now contains a large library with -valuable and interesting manuscripts. Charlemagne’s great-grandson -Louis II. often visited Zürich, where his two pious daughters induced -him to build a convent and the Frauenmünster. - -It is said that the place for these buildings was staked out by angel -hands, and that the stakes were connected by a silken string of the -finest make. This rope was hung above the altar of the new church, -where it remained until the Reformation. It was then removed with many -other relics, and served for years as ordinary bell-rope in a private -house. - -The king’s daughters, who both became abbesses, long dwelt at Baldern -Castle, whence, however, they went down to the Frauenmünster whenever -the bell rang for prayers. They even attended the midnight services -there, and when it was very dark a stately stag invariably walked -before them carrying a flaming torch between its antlers. - -At the foot of the southern slope of the Albis--a green mountain near -Zürich--lies the little lake of Türl or the Türlersee. Tradition claims -that this valley once belonged to the lords of Schnabelberg, whose -castle stood on the height still bearing that name. They intrusted the -care of their lands to an unprincipled steward who once induced a miser -to sell his daughter for a piece of rich land down in the valley. This -iniquitous bargain had no sooner been concluded than the inhuman father -hastened down to view his new farm; but while he was inspecting it, a -fearful storm arose. Thunder-bolts, repeatedly striking the mountain, -detached great masses of stone, which, in falling, made a dam across -the valley. - -In a few moments the rain, pouring down the mountain side in swift -torrents, filled all the hollow made by this dam, covering every inch -of land the miser had received in exchange for his child. Terrified by -this visitation from Heaven, the unjust steward not only let the maiden -go unharmed, but paid a rich dower to the convent she entered, and -mended his evil ways as much as he could. - - * * * * * - -NEAR the Lake of Türl once lived a lady named Kriemhild, who was -jealous because her neighbours’ lands were more productive than her -own. In hopes of ruining their crops, she bade a Salamancan student -flood their fields. The latter, scorning magic arts for so simple a -task, dug a deep ditch, which, allowing the waters of the lake to -escape, would accomplish his evil purpose just as well. - -St. Verena, passing by there accidentally, discovered his purpose, and -before he could complete his task whisked him and Kriemhild off to the -Glarnisch in Glarus, where both are condemned to dig in the ice and -snow until they have made plants bloom in the desolate spot still known -as St. Verena’s or Vreneli’s garden. As for the ditch it is still to be -seen, and in memory of Kriemhild’s evil intentions it still bears her -name. - - * * * * * - -ONLY a short railway journey from Zürich is the ancient castle of -Kyburg, which rises between Winterthur and Frauenfeld. It once belonged -to a family of the same name, a side branch of the famous house of -Welfs or Guelfs. To account for this name, tradition relates that a -Kyburg having married Irmentrude, Charlemagne’s sister-in-law, went to -live with her in a castle near Altorf. - -One day, a poor woman came to this castle begging for food, and sadly -yet proudly exhibited triplets, whose recent arrival into the world -prevented her working as usual for her living. The Countess of Kyburg, -seeing these children, sternly refused all help to the woman, declaring -no faithful wife had ever been known to bear so many children at once, -and that she would not encourage vice in her lands by giving alms to -women of bad lives. - -The virtuous peasant woman, justly offended at this harsh speech, -turned angrily away. But she paused a moment at the gate, to call -Heaven to prove that she had always been true to her marriage vows -by giving the Countess twelve children at a birth. The Countess paid -little heed to this curse, but many months later she was terrified by -the simultaneous arrival of twelve sons, all exactly alike, and all -unmistakable Kyburgs. - -Now it happened that her husband was away when these babes came into -the world, and the Countess, fearing he might take the same view of the -affair as she had taken of the poor woman’s triplets, bade her faithful -old nurse drown eleven of the babes in a neighbouring pond. The nurse, -for whom the Countess of Kyburg’s words were law, immediately bundled -eleven of the boys into her apron, and stealing out of the castle by a -postern gate, made her way towards the pool. She had nearly reached -it when she was suddenly confronted by her master just returning home, -and he immediately inquired what she had in her apron, and what she was -going to do. - -The poor woman, hoping to shield her mistress, stammered that she was -on her way to drown a litter of wolf cubs; then she tried to slip past -him, but he insisted on seeing the cubs, and when she resisted, laid -violent hands upon the apron she held so tightly together. A mere -glimpse of its contents made him hotly demand a full explanation, and -when posted about every detail of the affair, he bound the nurse over -to secrecy, took charge of the boys, and had them carefully brought up, -unknown to his wife, who fancied they were all dead. - -For six years the Count of Kyburg kept this secret, but at the end -of that time he gave a great banquet, to which he invited all his -relatives and friends. In the middle of this meal, the eleven boys, -richly dressed, were shown into the hall by his order. The guests all -stared in amazement at these children, who were so exactly like one -another, and like the supposedly only son of their host, that no one -could doubt their parentage. - -While they were still speechless, the Count of Kyburg suddenly -inquired, in terrible tones, what punishment should be awarded to -the person who had tried to murder eleven such promising young Welfs -(Wolves)? At these words the guilty Countess suddenly fainted, and the -guests were informed of the part she had played. When she recovered her -senses, her husband generously forgave her, but the children he had -rescued were known ever after by the name their father gave them when -he first introduced them to his friends. - - * * * * * - -KING LOUIS II. of France is said to have promised one of the Welfs as -much land as he could ride around in a golden wagon in one day. This -Welf immediately decided to secure the boon by a subterfuge, since he -could not get it otherwise. - -By his orders, a tiny golden wagon was made, and sitting upon this toy, -placed in a wagon to which were harnessed his quickest pacing oxen, he -rode around a tract of land on either side of the Rhine, which included -the site of Kyburg Castle. Thus he won the Kyburg estate where his -three sons were born. In due time two of these became bishops, equally -renowned for their learning and great piety. - -One of them, in serving Mass at Easter, saw a huge poisonous spider -fall into the chalice. Loath to disturb the communion service, he -swallowed the spider with the wine, and after Mass sat down to table, -where, however, he refused to partake of any food. Exhausted by a long -spell of fasting, he soon fell asleep, and his drowsy head rested on -the table, while his breath passed softly between his parted lips. -His friends, watching him, suddenly saw the spider--an emissary of -Satan--creep out of his mouth and slink away, having been unable to -injure so good a man. - -The two bishops once sat in the castle, before a well-spread board, -on the eve of a solemn fast-day. Although food and wine lay in plenty -before them, they partook of them but sparingly, and were so absorbed -in pious conversation that they remained there hour after hour, quite -unmindful of the flight of time. The castle clock had just pealed -forth the midnight hour, and the solemn fast had begun, when their -secretary stepped into the hall to inquire whether they still had -need of his services. This man, envious of their reputation, had long -been jealous of them, and anxious to catch them tripping so he could -publish the fact abroad. When he therefore beheld them seated before a -huge roast of boar’s flesh, with several bottles full of wine still -before them, his eyes flashed with malicious pleasure. A moment later, -however, he stood with lowered eyes and in subservient attitude before -his superiors, who bade him go to rest, and, in the kindness of their -hearts, gave him a big portion of meat and a bottle of wine to carry -away with him. - -The secretary meekly thanked the bishops, and took leave of them with -apparent humility; but no sooner had he closed the door behind him, -than he rushed off to a neighbouring convent, his heart dancing with -fiendish glee. Rousing the brethren, he told them, with every mark of -sanctimonious regret, that their shepherds were faithless, for they -were even now, on a solemn fast-day, partaking of forbidden meat and -drink! - -He added that when they found themselves detected in this wrong-doing, -they tried to silence him by giving him a portion of their viands, thus -making him a partaker in their sin. In proof of this assertion, he -produced the food they had given him, and the monks all crowded around, -with long-drawn faces, to see and smell these evidences of their -superiors’ guilt. - -To the secretary’s surprise, however, they soon turned indignantly upon -him, declaring that the so-called boar’s flesh was the fish served on -the monastery table every fast-day; and the rich wine nothing but the -small beer which invariably accompanied it. The secretary protested -wrathfully, but when he, too, examined those articles carefully, he was -forced to acknowledge the monks right, and to confess that Providence -had worked a miracle to prevent two absent-minded saints from -inadvertently committing a grievous sin. - - - - -LEGENDS OF ZUG - - -The Lake of Zug, the home of prehistoric lake-builders, is beautifully -situated at the foot of the Rigi, and separated from the Lake of -Lucerne by a narrow strip of land. At one end of this small sheet of -water is the city of Zug, the capital of the canton of the same name, -and at the other extremity, the pretty city of Arth, at the foot of the -Rossberg. - -This mountain is famous for its landslides, which have cost many lives -and buried whole villages at its foot. The legend ascribes these -cataclysms to the hard-heartedness of the people, who incurred the -anger of the dwarfs by refusing them hospitality, as was the case at -Roll on the Lake of Thun. The city of Zug has twice been undermined by -the lake. The first time, in 1435, two whole streets sank down into the -water; but while science attributes such accidents to perfectly natural -causes, legend tries to account for them in a more poetic way. - -In the centre of the lake, far down below the surface of the water, -nixies and water-nymphs are supposed to dwell in a marvellous palace -all hung with gleaming crystal stalactites, paved with silver and gold, -and brightly lighted by the sparkle of precious stones encrusting its -walls. The dainty inhabitants of this sub-aqueous palace seldom rise -to the surface of the lake, except at night, when they are seen in -the moonlight, dancing here and there over the waves, floating gently -ashore, or hovering along grassy banks, where they love to spread out -their mist like veils. - -These nymphs occasionally appear at village dances, where they can be -distinguished from mortal maidens by their superior beauty, and by -the ever wet hem of their long white gowns. One of these nymphs fell -violently in love with the handsome young son of a magistrate of Zug, -and besides meeting him at dances on the green, held nightly trysts -with him on the edge of the lake. - -The youth was deeply enamoured with the dainty nymph, and when she -rose out of the waves one evening with reddened eyelids, he insisted -upon knowing the cause of her grief. The sprite now told him that -her father, having discovered her infatuation for a mere mortal, had -forbidden her to have any further intercourse with him, unless he were -willing to follow her down into her father’s abode and live with -her there in happy wedlock. The young man, on hearing this, vowed he -would be only too happy were such a course possible to him, but gently -explained that the element in which she lived was not adapted to human -lungs. The nymph, however, declared such an obstacle could easily be -removed, and immediately proffered a magic draught, which would enable -him to breathe in the water as easily as in the air. The enamoured -youth quickly seized the cup she tendered, and after quaffing the -crystal clear, tasteless fluid it contained, sank with her down into -the depths of the lake. - -Delighted with his new powers, and with the wonders he saw on all -sides, the youth was very happy for a while, but homesickness finally -seized him in the crystal palace. When the nymph tenderly inquired what -was the matter, he sadly confessed that he longed to see his parents -and friends once more, and that he would never be entirely happy unless -he could attend divine service regularly in his parish church. - -At these words the nymph’s sweet face darkened, but it was soon -illumined again by a brilliant idea which she vowed she would put into -immediate execution. That evening, for the first time, she left her -beloved, and stealing into the sleeping city, replaced all the drinking -water in the houses of two streets by the same magic fluid she had -given to the youth. Then, plunging into the lake again, she called all -her father’s minions to her aid, and gently and noiselessly undermined -those houses. When the people were sound asleep the next night, she -drew them softly down to the bottom of the lake. - -On awakening in this new element, on the morrow, they found all their -surroundings unchanged, and took up their life where they had left it -off when they went to sleep the night before. The youth could now hold -constant intercourse with his former neighbours and friends, attend -service whenever he pleased, and he and all the others are still as -happy as the day is long, for the magic draught has endowed them with -the immortality which all water spirits enjoy. - -When the waters are very clear, you can still see the spire of the -sunken church and the gables of the old houses, and people gifted with -particularly keen eyes and lively imaginations can detect the stir of -busy life in the streets, catch the sound of ringing bells, and the -deep solemn tones of an organ, gently accompanying the chants of the -sunken congregation. - - * * * * * - -ON the spot where the boundaries of Zürich, Zug, and Schwyz converge, -stands the Hohe Rhonen, the goal of charming excursions; for from the -top of this mountain one can enjoy a fine view of the lake, the Sentis, -and the Toggenburg and Glarus mountains. - -Part of the Hohe Rhonen consists of fine pastures, and a legend claims -that a miser once tried to cheat a widow and several orphans out of -their portion of this soil. To establish his claim to the pastures, the -wicked man not only resorted to forgery, but as the judge still seemed -doubtful of the justice of his claims, boldly volunteered to swear on -the spot itself that it was rightfully his. The judge accepted this -offer, and accompanied by plaintiff, defendant, and several witnesses, -wended his way up the mountain to the disputed alp. Standing on a huge -granite boulder which lay there, the miser took his oath, holding up -three fingers as usual, and when the judge cried, “Woe upon thee, if -thou swearest falsely!” boldly added, “If I have committed perjury, may -these fingers sink into this hard stone as easily as into water!” - -Saying these words, he thrust his fingers downward, and to his horror -and dismay felt them sink into the stone up to the second joint! But -although they entered so easily, he could not draw them out again, -and standing there, a convicted perjurer, had to confess his sin. He -had scarcely ceased speaking, when he was hidden from sight by a dark -cloud, a terrible cry was heard, and when the rock again became visible -to the amazed spectators, the man had disappeared, carried off to Hades -by the Devil. But the stone, with the imprint of his perjured digits, -is still known as the Three Finger Stone, and remains there as a -constant warning against falsehood and treachery. - - * * * * * - -NOT very far from the Hohe Rhonen, but in the canton of Schwyz, stands -the church of Einsiedlen, a famous place of pilgrimage ever since the -ninth century. The legend claims that the spot is particularly holy -because Our Lord once drank from the fountain with fourteen mouths, -while journeying through the country to preach the gospel. - -Besides, Meinrad, Count of Sulgen, having vowed to spend the rest of -his life in prayer, came to this lovely valley long years ago. Here he -built a little chapel to contain a wonder-working image of the Virgin, -which he had received from one of the princess-abbesses of Zürich. -Meinrad also built a small hut close by this chapel, and as this was -generally called his hermitage (Einsiedelei), its name was given to -the town which has since arisen on that spot. - -Meinrad was known far and wide for his piety as well as for his -charity, and all the gifts he received from strangers were immediately -lavished upon the poor. Years were spent by the hermit in penance, -prayer, and works of mercy, and when very old, the death angel suddenly -appeared to him one day in the chapel, to announce that his end was -near. - -Meinrad, who had longed for Heaven for many a year, received this -warning with solemn joy, and after returning thanks went out of the -chapel, to feast his eyes once more upon the lovely landscape. While -he sat near his hermitage, two tame ravens which he had brought up -came to nestle in his lap, and he gently stroked them with his aged -and trembling hands. While he sat there quietly, two robbers suddenly -sprang out of the thicket, and exclaiming that they had come for the -treasures accumulated during all these years, drove their daggers deep -into his heart. - -The old man fell to the ground lifeless, the ravens flew croaking away, -and the thieves, picking up the corpse, threw it into the chapel, so -as not to have it continually under their eyes while they made their -search. With feverish haste they next turned over every article in -the little hermitage, ripped open the straw pallet, peered into the -depths of the one crock, and dug up the floor; but to their chagrin no -treasure was forthcoming. Thinking the holy man might have concealed -his wealth in the chapel, they now betook themselves thither; but no -sooner had they crossed the threshold than they paused aghast, feeling -their hair slowly rise up on end. - -The chapel, which had been so dark a while ago, was now illumined by -lights burning on the altar; the corpse was carefully laid out at its -base, with tapers burning all around it, and close by stood the two -crows, mounting solemn guard over their dead master. But when the -murderers, recovering a little from their first surprise and terror, -ventured to take a step forward, these faithful birds forsook their -post, and so furiously attacked the intruders with beak and claws that -they soon drove them out of the chapel. - -Terrified by this attack, the robbers fled over the mountains to -Zürich, and did not feel quite safe until seated in a little inn where -they were wont to linger for hours. They were drinking hard, hoping -to forget their recent uncanny experiences, when in through the open -window suddenly flew two ravens which circled wildly around their -heads, croaking loudly and threatening to pick out their eyes. The -criminals, with a common impulse, ducked their heads, and groaning -aloud, exclaimed: “Meinrad’s watchers! Meinrad’s watchers!” - -These words, and the mysterious behaviour of the birds, which could -not be driven away for some time, so aroused the suspicions of the -city magistrates, that they sent both men to prison until they could -ascertain whether Meinrad were still safe. That same evening, however, -a traveller reported the murder of the hermit, whom he had found dead -in the chapel, and when the judges summoned the prisoners they had -to confess their crime. In punishment for slaying a hermit whom all -revered like a saint, the murderers were first broken on the wheel and -then burned at the stake. - -A monastery was soon erected on the site of Meinrad’s hermitage; and -since then a beautiful church, a fine abbey, and many inns and hotels -have been built for the accommodation and edification of tourists and -pilgrims who visit Einsiedlen in great numbers. - - - - -THURGAU - - -The canton of Thurgau, bordering on the Lake of Constance, is less -frequently visited by tourists than almost any other, because it -consists principally of arable land and thriving manufacturing towns. -It is not, however, without romantic interest; but most of its legends -are only slight variations of those already mentioned in connection -with other places. - -In the days of Charlemagne a Thurgau giant named Kisher joined the -imperial forces, and went with them to fight against the Huns and -Avars. Such was the size and strength of this warrior that he waded -across every river, however deep, and when his horse hesitated to -follow him, dragged it after him by its tail, crying, “Comrade, you -must come along too!” - -In presence of the enemy this mighty giant remained unmoved, and -placing himself at the head of the army, mowed down the foe as calmly -and steadily as if he were cutting hay in his native country. The -battle over, Kisher strung seven or eight of his victims on his lance, -and flinging it across his shoulder, tramped home as coolly as if -returning from a day’s hunt with his game. Such were his prowesses that -Charlemagne declared that, as he was a host in himself, his name should -be changed from Kisher to Einheer, which means an army. - - * * * * * - -IN going from Romanshorn to Constance, one passes the village of -Güttingen with its old castle. The lords of this place, equally noted -for their wealth and avarice, had several other castles, one of which -stood so near the lake that the waves constantly dashed against its -walls. - -Once, when there was a great famine in the land, the starving people, -knowing their lords had great quantities of food stored away in their -granaries, surrounded the castle and began to clamour loudly for -grain. The lords of Güttingen, who were living on the fat of the land -themselves, would not give anything to the poor, and, weary of their -importunate cries, determined to get rid of them once for all. - -They therefore bade their hungry vassals assemble in an empty old barn, -where they assured them their pangs would soon be stilled. The people, -thinking their masters were about to distribute food, thronged into -this place; but when it was full, almost to overflowing, the cruel -lords of Güttingen bade their servants close the doors and set fire to -the building. When the bright flames rose all around them, the poor -victims loudly begged for mercy; yet although their pitiful cries would -have touched any one else, the lords of Güttingen quietly sat there on -their steeds, and laughed aloud when one of them sarcastically cried, -“Just hear those mice squeak!” - -Before long the roof fell in and the clamours ceased; but from the -smoking ruins suddenly came hosts of mice, which, running straight -to the Güttingen castles, devoured everything they could find. The -lords themselves, terrified at the sight of these pests, fled to their -Wasserburg, or Castle in the Water. But the mice pursued them there -too, and having disposed of everything else, pounced upon them. In a -few moments heaps of clean picked bones were all that was left of these -heartless lords, whose castle shortly afterwards sank into the lake. -There its ruins can be seen when the water is very low, and some people -claim you can still hear mice gnawing the bones of those cruel men if -you listen very attentively.[14] - - [14] For similar legends of Bingen and others of this - section, see the author’s “Legends of the Rhine.” - - * * * * * - -A COUNT of Seeheim eloped with a maiden of Kyburg because her father -objected to their union. The lovers, dreading the Count of Kyburg’s -wrath, placed themselves immediately under the protection of the Abbot -of Reichenau, who promised to aid and watch over them, and pronounced -their nuptial benediction. - -The bride, having a fortune of her own, soon built a castle near the -boundary of her father’s land, carefully providing it with strong walls -so that he could not molest her or her beloved spouse. For some time -after the two families lived on a war footing, but in course of time a -complete reconciliation took place. - -In memory of this feud and of its happy termination, the town which -rose around the new castle received the name of Frauenfeld, and the -coat of arms of that city still bears the effigy of the faithful woman. -She is represented controlling a lion, which fierce animal is intended -to represent the race from which she sprang, and whose wrath she -successfully defied and subdued. - - - - -ST. GALL AND APPENZELL - - -St. Gall, capital of the canton of the same name, which entirely -surrounds that of Appenzell, is noted for the famous abbey founded -in 614 by St. Gallus, an Irish monk. He had come into this unsettled -region to preach the gospel, and when his disciple Hiltiboldus urged -that they would be exposed to the attacks of the bears, wolves, and -boars, quietly answered, “If God is with us, who can be against us?” - -The snakes which had infested that region departed for good and all at -the saint’s command, and his disciple soon discovered that even the -wild beasts of the forest stood in awe of so holy a man. One evening, -while Gallus was praying at the foot of a rustic cross, a bear came -down the mountain to devour his provisions. St. Gallus, perceiving the -theft, quietly bade the bear earn the food he had eaten, by bringing -wood to keep up his fire. The crestfallen Bruin humbly fulfilled this -penance, and when the saint told him henceforth to remain on the -heights, never ventured down into the valley again. - -One day Gallus’s disciple discovered an apple-tree far up the mountain, -and climbing up shook down some fruit to carry home to his master. But -when he slid to the ground again, he was dismayed to find a huge bear -on the other side of the tree greedily munching the fallen apples. The -disciple’s first impulse was to flee, but remembering that his master -was fond of fruit, he determined to secure some for him. Taking his -staff, therefore, he scratched deep marks at right angles with the -tree, and then gravely informed the bear that while he was welcome to -the apples on his side of the line, those which fell on the other were -reserved for St. Gallus. Strange to relate, the bear understood this -speech, and as long as the apples lasted never ventured to touch one on -the saint’s side of the line, although he devoured all those on his own! - -The cell and cross of St. Gallus were the nucleus of a monastery and -school, which for several centuries had no rival in Europe. Kings and -emperors were wont to visit it, and the abbey, enriched by their gifts -and concessions, daily increased in importance and wealth. - -Within the walls of this edifice dwelt men noted for their learning, -and countless scribes spent their lives there, patiently copying -and illuminating manuscripts which, but for their efforts, might -have been lost to mankind. Some of these manuscripts still remain in -the abbey library; among others, a thirteenth century copy of the -Niebelungenlied, Germany’s famous epic. Innumerable scholars visited -the school and abbey at St. Gall, which is said to have been the scene -of a comical encounter between the abbot and Charlemagne, almost an -exact counterpart of the story of King John and the Archbishop of -Canterbury.[15] - - [15] See the author’s “Legends of the Rhine.” - -The old monastery life so ably depicted in “Ekkehard,” by Von Scheffel, -with its descriptions of the herdsmen and hermit on the Sentis, have -surrounded that region with a halo of romance for all who have enjoyed -the perusal of the book. - - * * * * * - -THE Sentis, with its cap of snow, is the highest mountain in Appenzell, -and the goal for travellers who wish to make a whey cure or to -enjoy an excursion to its summit. From the top of this mountain the -view embraces the Lake of Constance, southern Germany, the Tyrolean -Mountains, and the Alps in Glarus and Bern. All the way up are various -pastures with their low châlets, where butter and cheese are constantly -made and carried down the steep paths for consumption in the valleys. -The Sentis, like all other mountains where cattle go to pasture, is -supposed to be haunted by mountain-folk, who, when well treated, always -helpful to mortals. - -The Devil, too, plays his part in the Sentis legends, for one of them -claims that a lazy herdsman once called upon him to take his cattle, so -that he need no longer run after them when they strayed into dangerous -places. The words were no sooner uttered than a hurricane swept down -the mountain, and the terrified peasant saw Satan, riding on the wind, -drive his cows over the edge of the abyss. In sudden repentance he made -a sign of the cross, fell on his knees, and cried that he had sinned -grievously. At those words the wind ceased, the Devil vanished; but -ever since then the pasture, which had been known as the Glücksalp, or -Lucky Alp, has been called Im Fehlen, or In Sin. - - * * * * * - -ANOTHER legend claims that the Devil once came striding across northern -Switzerland with a huge bag slung over his shoulder. In this sack -he had packed away a large number of houses, together with their -inhabitants, and was carrying them away with the intention of removing -them for ever from Swiss soil. While taking a leap over the Sentis, -however, he burst a hole in his bag, and the houses all tumbled down -in Appenzell, where they still stand in irregular groups, just as they -fell. - - * * * * * - -THE same story which is told of the Alphorn at Meiringen is also -told of the heights near the much frequented baths of Ragatz, in the -southern part of the canton of St. Gall. Not very far from this resort, -and on the same wild stream, the Tamina, are the no less noted baths of -Pfäfers, and farther up the gorge an ancient abbey of the same name, to -which legend ascribes the following origin:-- - -In the beginning of the eighth century St. Pirminius and his disciple -Adalbert preached the gospel in the eastern part of Switzerland. Their -efforts were rewarded with such success that they determined to build a -chapel and monastery in this part of the country. Wishing to secure the -Pope’s consent and blessing for this undertaking, Pirminius set out for -Rome, bidding Adalbert in the meantime select a suitable site and begin -clearing ground. - -After much search Adalbert decided upon a lovely sheltered valley, -where the sun shone brightly, where grass and fruit-trees were -abundant, and where limpid waters flowed gently through meadows and -forests. He and his converts now began felling trees, but while doing -so Adalbert’s axe suddenly slipped, inflicting a deep wound in his -sandalled foot. The blood gushed forth, staining the chips around, and -while all were trying to check its flow, a white dove suddenly alighted -near them, and catching up a gory chip, flew off to a neighbouring -tree. At the same moment Adalbert’s blood stopped running, the wound -closed, and in a moment he felt no more pain. - -This miraculous cure seemed to all connected in some way with the dove; -so when the bird flew slowly away with the chip, Adalbert determined to -follow it. Flitting from tree to tree and from rock to rock, the dove -entered the cold and dark Tamina gorge, and penetrating ever farther, -finally perched on a sombre pine, and dropped the bloody chip at its -foot. Returning to his companions, Adalbert now told them he must await -Pirminius’ return, and relate these marvels to him so that he might -interpret them if he could. - -When the saint came back from Rome and learned what had happened, he -immediately cried that Providence had sent them a sign, wishing them -to build a church and abbey on the spot where the dove had dropped -the bloody chip. He added that such a wild, desolate region was more -fitted to encourage a life of constant penance, labour, and prayer than -the valley flowing with milk and honey first chosen by Adalbert. By his -orders the Abbey of Pfäfers was begun, and to this day its seal bears a -white dove carrying a bloody chip in its beak, in memory of the miracle -to which it owes its location. - - - - -GLARUS AND GRISONS. - - -Near the city of Chur or Coire, and at the foot of the majestic -Calanda, are the ruins of several castles, among others that of -Haldenstein. Not very far from its crumbling walls is a fine spring -of clear water, where people claim a charming vision was often seen. -Dressed in a long white gown which fell in classic folds to her feet, -this lovely maiden was wont to linger on the sunniest spot by the edge -of the spring, dabbling her hands in its cool waters. A hunter once -came to this place, saw the beautiful maiden, and heard her weeping -softly. He immediately drew near and looked at her so compassionately -that she told him if he would only hold her hand and not let it go -until she bade him, he would release her from the baleful spell which -caused her tears. - -The young man unhesitatingly took her slender white hand between his -own sunburned palms, but started at finding it as cold as ice. While -he held it tight, trying to communicate a little of his own warmth -to the chilled fingers, a tiny old man came out of the castle and -silently offered him a diamond basket full of gold. Although he could -easily have secured this treasure by stretching out one hand, the young -huntsman continued the task he had voluntarily undertaken, and was soon -rewarded by feeling a little warmth steal into the slender hand he held -so firmly. At the same time the girl’s sad eyes beamed with pleasure, a -slight flush stole into her pallid cheeks, and looking up at him, she -joyfully exclaimed,-- - -“I see I was not mistaken. You have proved trustworthy; so you may now -let go my hand, and take that basket as a token of my gratitude.” - -The maiden softly drew her hand from his, gave him the treasure, and -vanished with a seraphic smile. - -Since then the White Lady of Haldenstein has never been seen by -mortals, but the spring over which she mounted guard became known far -and wide for its curative properties. These lasted for many a year; but -although the spring still flows as clear as ever, it is said to have -now lost all its healing powers. - - * * * * * - -ON the way from Coire to Castiel one passes the awful Tobel, where a -huge dragon once took up its abode. Such were the ravages it made in -that region that the people of Castiel, Calfriesen, and Lüen solemnly -pledged themselves to provide it with a human victim every year on -condition that the monster left them unmolested the rest of the time. - -The dragon in the Castieltobel agreed to this arrangement, and the -yearly victim was chosen by lot from each of the villages in turn. Now -it came to pass that a tall, muscular stranger soon came to settle -there with his only daughter, and when the lot fell upon her, he boldly -declared he would accompany her to the monster’s den, and slay it or -perish with her. - -Leading the maiden by one hand, and holding his trusty sword tight -in the other, the brave man advanced cautiously, followed at a safe -distance by all the people, who wished to witness his encounter with -the dragon. They did not have to wait long, for, ravenous after a whole -year’s fast, the monster rushed eagerly forward to swallow its prey. It -had already opened wide its capacious jaws, when the desperate father -rushed toward it, thrust his sharp blade right into its throat, and -inflicted such a severe wound that the dragon expired a moment later. - -Overcome with joy at having saved his beloved daughter, the father -now fell on his knees, and raising his hands to Heaven, gave solemn -thanks for her preservation. While he was in that attitude, a drop of -dragon-blood fell from his sword upon his head, and such was the deadly -nature of the venom that it instantly killed him. The village people -were so grateful to him for delivering them from this dragon, however, -that they generously provided for his daughter, and erected a church on -the very spot where he had breathed his last. - - * * * * * - -ABOUT half-way between Castiel and Davos is the village of Arosa, where -grows a fine tree from beneath whose roots gushes a living spring. -According to popular superstition, lucky people can find a golden key -in the hollow whence this water flows from the ground. As soon as -secured, one suddenly perceives a passage-way barred by an iron door, -which can only be opened by means of this golden key. - -A herdsman, who once came to refresh himself at this spring, discovered -this key by great good fortune, and boldly opening the locked door, -found himself in a vast cave. There a dwarf bade him choose between a -heap of gold and diamonds, which would make him the wealthiest man in -the country; a golden cow-bell which would assure him the possession of -the finest cattle for miles around; or a lovely girl, whose eyes were -fixed imploringly upon him, and who softly whispered that he would find -true happiness only with her. - -The young man hesitated, but as he had a passion for fine cows, he -finally left the cave with the golden bell. He felt so weary upon -leaving this place, however, that he lay down to rest a moment near -the spring, and soon fell asleep. When he awoke, the magic key had -vanished, and he might have believed the whole adventure a mere dream, -had not the golden bell still lain beside him. - -On returning to his post, he found his herd miraculously increased, and -all his cows were so handsome that his neighbours soon became jealous -of him, and refused to have anything more to do with him. The young -herdsman, therefore, left alone with his cattle, often regretted he had -not chosen an intelligent companion to share his solitude; but although -he frequently tried to find the golden key again, and thus secure the -fair maid he had once seen, it was all in vain. Within a year from -that time, he lost all his fine cattle, because he brooded continually -over his loneliness instead of taking care of them, and before long he -committed suicide by flinging himself down from the top of one of the -sharp peaks near there. - - * * * * * - -EAST of Coire and south of the lovely Prätigau, is Davos Platz, so -charmingly located near the top of a pass, where it is well sheltered -from the northeast winds. Besides its interest as a health resort -visited by many noted people, and the beautiful scenery and healthful -climate, this place derives additional charms from its legends. On the -western slope of the Davos Schwartzhorn, for instance, there is a place -generally known as the Dead Alp. Not a shrub or blade of grass is seen -there now; so it offers a striking contrast to the many other fine -pastures in that vicinity. - -In olden days this desolate spot was the finest grazing-ground for -miles around, for it was then thickly covered with heavy grass, -and watered by springs of the freshest water. At one time the land -belonged to a rich young dairy maid, who came down into the valley one -fine Sunday afternoon to dance on the village green. She had so many -partners, and so thoroughly enjoyed herself with them, that she did -not want to go home, although she knew that it was time to milk the -cows. Duty warned her to return; but the delights of dancing proved -so tempting that she determined to linger, and tried to silence the -voice of conscience by recklessly cursing both pasture and kine. This -malediction had scarcely left her lips, when her fruitful alp was -turned into a desert, her cows all vanished, and she suddenly found -herself deprived of all the worldly goods she had so little known how -to appreciate! - - * * * * * - -OTHER Davos herdsmen, as pleasure-loving as she, once cursed the -Icelandic moss or Cyprian herb which was then so rich in milk-producing -qualities that they had to milk their cows several times a day. No -sooner was the curse uttered than the luscious herb dried up, and ever -since then it has been the poorest sort of fodder, which no animal will -eat as long as something else can be found to satisfy its hunger. - - * * * * * - -NOT very far from the Dead Alp, you can see, summer and winter, a broad -field of snow, far below the usual snow-line. This, too, was once a -luxuriant pasture, where herdsmen were kept very busy tending their -cows, and making butter and cheese from the milk they gave in such -profusion. - -The owner of this alp was so good and generous that the poor were in -the habit of going up there for food whenever they were hungry, and -there was much wailing among them when he grew ill and died, and they -heard the pasture now belonged to an avaricious man. They soon found -the new proprietor was even worse than they expected, for he was very -cruel too, and drove all beggars away with curses and hard blows. - -A poor but numerous family, travelling through the country, climbed up -these heights one cold and foggy day, to beg for the food and shelter -no one else could have denied them. But when they drew near the châlet, -cross dogs rushed out to meet them, barking, snarling, and showing -their teeth in the fiercest way. The poor people nevertheless made -their way to the door, where they stood, humble suppliants, while the -oldest among them described their pitiful plight and asked for aid. - -The hard-hearted herdsman would not listen to him, however, roughly -bade him begone with all his family, and seeing he did not immediately -obey, called out to his men to drive the beggars away. This order was -only too promptly obeyed. The rough servants rushed out, and falling -upon the poor family, lashed them with their long whips, threw stones -at them, and laughed with uproarious glee when their fierce dogs began -to chase the beggars down the mountain. - -Besides several old people, there were weak women and puny little -children among these poor fugitives; still these cruel men felt no -respect for age or sex, and merely urged on their dogs worse than ever. -Their inhumanity proved too much for an old man, who, as he tottered -last down the path, with torn garments and bleeding limbs, suddenly -turned around and cursed their alp, wishing it might soon be hidden -beneath a covering of snow that might rest upon it for ever. - -That wish was fulfilled the self-same night, for huge masses of snow -and ice fell down upon the pasture, transforming it into a wintry -waste, which well deserves its name, the Cursed Alp. Since then, -whenever a storm rages, or whenever fog envelops the mountain, the -buried herdsmen rise from their shroud of snow, and one can again hear -them snapping their whips, exciting their dogs, and hotly pursuing -ghosts of beggars whom they are condemned to chase for ever in -punishment for their sins. - - * * * * * - -IN the centre of the Grisons arises a reddish peak known as the -Rothhorn, which towers above all the other heights around it, and from -whence a fine view can be enjoyed. - -It is said that the people of Plurs once exploited the gold mines in -this mountain, and thus became very rich. All this prosperity was not -owing to their exertions alone, but due mainly to the fact that they -had won the good graces of the gnomes, who, at noon every day, poured a -canful of liquid gold down into a vein which they could easily reach. - -Unfortunately, the people of Plurs did not make a wise use of this -wealth, but drank, gambled, and led vicious lives. This fact so -incensed their former friends, the mountain spirits, that they slyly -loosened great masses of stones and dirt, and hurled them down upon the -city one dark night in 1618. - -Only one of the inhabitants, a pack-driver, escaped from general -destruction. He had arrived in the village late, intending to tarry -there overnight, but his leading mule refused to stop at the inn, and -passing on was dutifully followed by all the rest, although the driver -tried to stop them. Three times this man drove his train back to the -inn, but three times they passed by, and the pack-driver had to follow. - -When they had gone some distance from the city for the third and last -time, the man suddenly heard a terrible noise, and, looking behind -him, witnessed the landslide and the total destruction of the once -prosperous little city. - - * * * * * - -THE Engadine Valley, noted for its bracing climate, is rather bleak, -for, according to a popular saying, it boasts nine months of winter and -three of cold. - -In the seventh century St. Florinus with one disciple came to Rémus, in -the northern part of this valley, to preach the gospel. Feeling very -weak and ill one day, the saint bade his faithful companion beg some -wine at a neighbouring castle to restore his failing strength. - -The disciple obeyed, and having secured a crockful, slowly wended his -way home. He soon met a poor woman weeping bitterly, and inquiring -the cause of her sorrow, learned that her husband had been very ill, -and that she had no money to buy the wine he needed to restore his -strength. Touched by her tears, the disciple poured all he had received -into the vessel she held, and then went back to the castle to beg -for more. But the people up there, having seen him give the wine to -the poor woman, now reproved him harshly, and sent him empty-handed -away. The disciple departed sadly, regretting his generous deed; and, -fearing to present himself before his master with an empty crock, he -filled it with water at a wayside spring. As soon as St. Florinus -saw him standing at his bedside, he reached up eagerly, seized the -crock, and took a long deep draught. The disciple, who fully expected -an exclamation of bitter disappointment, was dumfounded to hear the -saint declare he had never tasted such good and strengthening wine; -and, when invited to try it also, he discovered that the miracle of -Cana had been repeated, for the Lord had again turned water into wine. -This transformation took place, as long as the saint needed a tonic; -but when he was quite well, the crock was found to contain nothing but -water as before. - - * * * * * - -THE people of the Engadine valley are very simple indeed; so simple -that a legend claims they were often cheated, and never could decide -what it was best to do. A traveller, hearing the people of Sils -complain, mischievously suggested that they ought to buy a little -wisdom, and when they seriously inquired what it was and where it could -be procured, he gravely informed them that it was a precious herb, -purchasable only in Venice. - -The people, believing him implicitly, took up a collection and sent an -emissary to Italy to buy the rare plant. After a long painful journey, -this man came home, having purchased from a charlatan the only sprout -of the herb of wisdom still to be had in that city. The people all -crowded eagerly around their emissary to see and admire the wonderful -herb, compared it exhaustively with those which grew around them, -and although they could perceive but little difference, planted it -carefully on their village green. But, while they were indulging in a -great jollification to celebrate the advent of wisdom among them, an -old donkey came straying along, and before they could prevent it, ate -up the precious plant! - -Since then, the people of Sils have never been able to secure another -specimen, and it is said they still grievously mourn their great loss. - - * * * * * - -THE scene of the above legend is located in the Upper Engadine or Inn -Valley, south of the much frequented towns of St. Moritz and Pontresina. - -From there, you can see the dazzling snow top of the Bernina, a high -mountain between Switzerland and Italy, with a much travelled pass -leading from the Engadine to the Valteline Valley. Journeying from -Poschiavo over the Bernina, one passes a desolate spot formerly -occupied by the small town of Zarera. The inhabitants of that place are -said to have taken advantage of their position on the highway between -Italy and Switzerland, to extort money from all the pack-drivers and -travellers who passed through there. In fact, they enriched themselves -by such unlawful and questionable means that they finally incurred -the wrath of Heaven. One night, when the moon was partly veiled by -shifting clouds, a maiden dressed in white rode slowly around their -town on a snowy palfrey, calling to them to repent while it was still -time. But this admonition fell upon ears that would not hear, and the -predicted retribution soon came. Dark clouds gathered around the top -of the mountain, vivid flashes of lightning zigzagged through the -ever-increasing gloom, and soon the rain came down in such torrents -that rocks and trees were swept down the mountain like pebbles and -chips. In a few minutes the once prosperous town of Zarera was -completely annihilated, and only the fragments of ruined houses could -still be detected here and there. All the people perished in this -flood, with the exception of a mother and daughter, noted for their -piety, who dwelt at some distance from the wicked town. - -These two women had been very busy that day, doing their semi-annual -baking; for, like most of the people around there, they made bread -only twice a year. In spite of the serious work on hand, they prayed -as long and read their Bible as diligently as usual, and even while -setting the bread to rise, commented reverently upon the teachings -contained in Our Lord’s mentions of leaven and flour. - -From time to time one or the other gazed out into the garden, where -chestnut-trees three hundred years old overshadowed their little house. -The southern exposure and the protection afforded by the mountain -against the cold winds from the north and east, made their peach and -apricot trees bloom already in February, allowed fresh figs to grow -close at hand, and made their vines as productive as those in the -Valteline. The two women were very grateful for all these blessings, -and would have been perfectly happy with their lot, had they not sorely -missed their husband and father, who had died three years before. - -While taking the huge loaves of sweet-smelling fresh bread out of the -oven, they thrice heard the melancholy, wailing note of the storm bird, -but they were so absorbed in their occupations that they paid no heed -to it, until the tempest fairly broke over their heads and the rain -began to fall with violence. - -All through that awful storm, which wrecked the town of Zarera, they -knelt in prayer, and when morning came and the downpour ceased, they -found their garden transformed into a stony waste, and all their trees -uprooted and swept down into the valley. - -In spite of the losses which suddenly deprived them of their means -of existence, these two women returned fervent thanks for their -preservation, and seeing that their house was now unsafe, and that -it would be useless to remain on the mountain, they picked up their -few remaining possessions, and wended their way down into the valley. -There they soon found shelter, and by dint of hard work finally -managed to retrieve their shattered fortunes; but, as long as they -lived, they both remembered the awful storm in which they would surely -have perished had it not been for the hand of God stretched out in -protection over them. - - * * * * * - -FOLLOWING the Rhine’s devious course toward its source in the St. -Gothard mountain, we come to the junction of two branches of this -stream at Disentis.[16] Here stands an abbey, dating from the seventh -century, when its monks served as missionaries to the people around -them. - - [16] For other data, see the author’s “Legends of the Rhine.” - -The heathen from the banks of Lake Constance once made a raid down -this valley, and visiting every castle, church, convent, and hut, -destroyed almost everything they could not carry away. Laden with -booty, they were slowly making their way north again, when they were -surprised at Disentis by the exasperated Swiss. The latter there -attacked the heathen with such fury that all those who were not killed -were only too glad to seek safety in precipitate flight. - -The brave Swiss were so weary, when the battle was over, and so parched -with thirst, that they longed for a drink. As there was no spring near -by, and as their extreme exhaustion would not permit their going in -search of one, their venerable old leader made a short but fervent -prayer, and then thrust his sword into the ground up to the very hilt. -When he slowly drew it out again a moment later, a strong jet of water -shot straight up into the air, and falling down again on the rocky -soil, soon formed a pool and brook where all could drink. This spring -still flows as freely as ever, and its limpid waters possess medicinal -properties which have since attracted many visitors to this picturesque -spot. - - * * * * * - -THE line between Glarus and Grisons was long undetermined, so -the shepherds from either canton often indulged in raids and -cattle-stealing, which not infrequently resulted in violence and -bloodshed. - -Once the men of Glarus suddenly came over the border, and noiselessly -surrounding a large pasture, drove away all the cows, after tumbling -the herdsmen head first into the great kettles of boiling milk where -they were busy making cheese. Only one of these men managed to escape -death by hiding in the hay. As soon as the raiders vanished, he -determined to sound the alarm. Taking his horn, he therefore climbed -up into a pine-tree, just above the great Flimser Rock, and calling -through this instrument with all his might, told his beloved Trubina, -who dwelt on another alp, of the misfortune which had occurred. The -strain was such, however, that the unhappy youth burst a blood-vessel, -and sank dying from the top of the tree. His life blood ran in a thin -stream over the great rock, where it made an indelible red streak, -which can still be seen, and which serves to remind people of his -heroic deed. - -The timely warning he had given enabled Trubina to start a party -of Grisons herdsmen after the cattle, which they followed down the -mountain to the village of Flims. By careful reconnoitring, they soon -ascertained that the cows had been turned into an enclosed orchard, -just beside the inn where the raiders were celebrating their capture in -the most convivial way. - -Stealing unseen into this orchard, the Grisons men slyly fastened all -the cow-bells to one steer, which they left in the enclosure, while -they noiselessly drove all the rest of the herd home. The revellers, -hearing the constant tinkle of cow-bells, deemed their prizes quite -safe, and were therefore greatly surprised and chagrined, when after -their carousal they found only one bull calf in the enclosure, and saw -how cleverly they had been duped. - - * * * * * - -ON the frontier between Glarus and Uri, and not far from the Klausen -Pass, where the great Boundary Race took place, rises a majestic -glacier known as the Claridenalp. The people around there claim that -this mountain was once fine pasture-land up to the very top, where a -small ice-cap served to feed the many streams trickling down through -the rich alps into the valley. - -Most of the grazing on the Claridenalp once belonged to a young -herdsman, who, although he revelled in plenty, cruelly let his old -parents starve in the valley below him. This young man was, however, -lavish enough when it suited him to be so, for he daily sent rich -presents to his sweetheart, who, on the whole, was as selfish and -heartless as he. - -Finding separation from her unendurable, the young herdsman finally -begged her to come up and spend the summer with him in his fine -châlet, and receiving a favourable answer, immediately began elaborate -preparations for her reception. His cows were groomed until they shone, -and decked with bright ribbons and garlands of flowers; his larder -stocked with every dainty he could secure, and lest his beloved should -bruise her tender feet against a stone, or soil her dainty apparel in -walking near the châlet, he paved the space all around it with fine -rich cheeses, thus making a soft and smooth, if rather costly floor. - -Meeting his sweetheart part way down the mountain, the herdsman -joyfully escorted her to the châlet, where she duly admired all his -arrangements, and encouraged his extravagance by throwing butter into -the fire to keep up a bright flame. The revelry up in the châlet grew -more fast and furious hour after hour, and the lovers feasted and sang, -while the poor parents, faint from lack of food, lay shivering on their -hard pallets down in the valley. - -A burst of loud music floating down from the mountain finally roused -the old father from his torpor. Sitting up in bed, he then shook his -emaciated fist in the direction of the châlet, and solemnly cursed his -unnatural son. - -That night, an awful storm swept down the mountain, and when morning -broke, the people in the valley saw that the Claridenalp had been -transformed overnight into the glacier which you now see. Pasture and -cattle, herdsman and sweetheart had all vanished, but the spirits of -the lovers are said to haunt the site of their mad revelry. - -Similar stories, with trifling variations, are told of many other -snow mountains in Switzerland. The Plan Nevé, for instance, is said -to have become a waste because a herdsman ill-treated his old mother. -But the Blümelisalp, once the possession of a rich dairymaid, who -built a staircase of cheeses from valley to châlet so she could more -easily trip down to the weekly dances, was transformed into the present -glacier, because she cruelly gave an aged beggar a drink of milk in -which she maliciously stirred some rennet. The milk, turning suddenly -into a hard lump of cheese in the poor woman’s stomach, caused her such -intolerable suffering that she cursed the cruel giver. - -Since then, the alp, once thickly strewn with the many delicate -Alpine flowers which gave it its name, has been almost inaccessible. -But countless mortals constantly admire it from a distance, and -breathlessly watch it flush at sunset, or glitter in all its icy -splendour beneath the silvery rays of the full moon. - - * * * * * - -HELVETIA boasts of many other legends connected with nearly every part -of her soil; but as they are mostly repetitions of those already quoted -they are purposely omitted here. The samples of Swiss folklore already -supplied will enable travellers to gain some idea of the old-time -village tales which have cast their glamour over “the playground of -Europe.” These crude yet often poetical imaginings lend additional -charms to scenery which rises before our mental vision whenever we hear -or see the magic word “Switzerland.” - - - - -Index - - - Aare, 106, 120, 127, 140, 144, 167, 170. - - Aargau, 158–175. - - Aa Valley, 221. - - Aawasser, 226. - - Abbey, 153, 243, 280, 296. - - Adalbert, 278–280. - - Ægeri, Lake of, 193–194. - - Agnes of Hapsburg, 193. - - Ahasuerus, 126–131. - - Aigle, 33–36. - - Aix-la-Chapelle, 179, 251, 252. - - Albert of Hapsburg, 192–193. - - Alemannia, 168. - - Alemans, 170, 242. - - Allobroges, 4. - - All Saints, 244. - - Alois, 213–214. - - Alphorn, 124–126, 278, 298. - - Alpine flowers, 41, 136, 231, 302. - - Alp of Little Flowers, 136, 302. - - Alps, 55, 106, 128, 138, 140, 143, 170, 196, 276. - - Alsacia, 168. - - Altenburg, 168–169. - - Altorf, 175, 186–187, 189, 191, 229–230, 231, 254–257. - - Angels’ Mountain, 222. - - Appenzell, 274–280. - - Archbishop of Canterbury, 276. - - Arnold von Melchthal, 182, 183. - - Arnold von Winkelried, 195–196. - - Arosa, 284–285. - - Arth, 215, 219, 261. - - Artus, 27. - - Attinghausen, 224. - - Aucenda, 49. - - Austria, 167, 179, 196. - - Austrian, 182, 186, 194, 195, 196, 213. - - Axenberg, 189. - - Axenstein, 189. - - - Babes in the Woods, 158. - - Baden, 160–161. - - Baldern, 252. - - Balisalp, 123–124. - - Balme, Grotto of, 41. - - Basel, 97, 99, 147–157. - - Beatenberg, 107–112. - - Beatus, St., 107–112. - - Beatushöhle, 108. - - Bellinzona, 238–241. - - Benedictine Abbey, 153, 243. - - Bergy, Wilhelmine of, 82–85. - - Bern, 59, 97–139, 221, 276. - - Bern, Dietrich of, 102. - - Bernese, 57. - - Bernese Alps, 106. - - Bernese Oberland, 102. - - Bernina, 293–296. - - Berra, 14. - - Bertha, Queen, 21–24. - - Berthold V. of Zähringen, 102–104. - - Bertram, 101–102. - - Birrfeld, 170. - - Bishop of Basel, 97, 174. - - Bishop of Mayence, 179. - - Bishop Werner, 171–173. - - Black Art, 203, 224. - - Blanc, Mt., 1, 10, 23, 76, 143. - - Blonay, 27. - - Blümelisalp, 136, 301–302. - - Bohemia, 180. - - Boundary Race, 229–230, 299. - - Brandolf of Stein, 57–68. - - Brienz, 123. - - Brienz, Lake of, 106, 120,122. - - Broken Mountain, 196. - - Brugg, 158–160. - - Bründlisalp, 210, 214. - - Brune, General, 103. - - Bubenberg, Von, 103–104. - - Bull’s Stream, 226. - - Burgdorf, 101–102. - - Burglauenen, 131. - - Bürglen, 185, 190, 192. - - Burgundian 4, 57–68, 104. - - Burgundy, 21, 82, 113. - - Burkard of Landskron, 149–150. - - - Cæsar, 4. - - Calanda, 281. - - Calfriesen, 283. - - Caligula, 199–200. - - Capped Mountain, 197. - - Capuchin, 231–232. - - Carinthia, 180. - - Castiel, 282–284. - - Castieltobel, 283. - - Castle in the Water, 272–273. - - Cerlier, 97–99. - - Chamounix, 41. - - Champey, Lake of, 51. - - Charlemagne, 147, 248–252, 254, 270–271, 276. - - Charles the Bold, 57–68. - - Château d’Oex, 14. - - Châtelard, 27. - - Chaulin, 29–31. - - Chaumont, 79. - - Chaux-de-Fonds, la, 82, 87, 89, 92. - - Choristers’ House, 248–249. - - Christ, 4, 108, 126, 147, 198, 200, 206, 266, 292, 295. - - Christian, 4, 5, 39, 40, 71, 109, 113, 248. - - Christianity, 39, 197. - - Christopher, St., 104–105. - - Chur, 281. - - Clarens, 28–31. - - Clémence, 164–165. - - Coffrane, 80. - - Coire, 281, 282, 286. - - Col de Jaman, 31–32. - - Colombettes, 77. - - Colombiers, 80. - - Confederation, 194. - - Conrad, 196, 222. - - Constance, 271. - - Constance, Lake of, 270, 296–297. - - Constantius Chlorus, 170. - - Conthey, 46–52. - - Corbassière, 51. - - Crusades, 71. - - Cursed Alp, 289. - - Cyprian Herb, 287. - - - David, 105. - - Davos, 284, 286. - - Davos Platz, 286–289. - - Davos Schwartzhorn, 286–287. - - Dead Alp, 286–287. - - Death, 194. - - Dent de Jaman, 31. - - Dent du Midi, 76. - - Devil, 111, 140–143, 232, 234–237, 266, 277–278. - - Devil’s Bridge, 232–237. - - Devil’s Stone, 237. - - Diablerets, 39–41, 42, 76. - - Dietrich of Bern, 102. - - Diocletian, 70. - - Disentis, 296–297. - - Dominican Grotto, 210–211. - - Dominikhöhle, 210–211. - - Dragonstone, 210. - - Droz, Jacques, 87–89. - - Duin, 13. - - - Eiger, 135. - - Einheer, 271. - - Einigen, 109–112, 116, 117. - - Einsiedlen, 72, 266–269. - - Ekkehard, 276. - - Elizabeth of Stein, 61–68. - - Engadine Valley, 291–296. - - Engelberg, 221–223. - - Engelbrechtsthor, 245. - - Erlach, 97–99. - - Erlach, Rudolf von, 104. - - Ermance, 24–27. - - Esau, 23. - - Ettingen, 151. - - Evil One, 141–143, 232, 237. - - - Falls of the Rhine, 242–244. - - Faulhorn, 131. - - Felix, St., 248. - - Fenetta, 43–46. - - Fletschalp, 55. - - Fletschhorn, 52–55. - - Flims, 298–299. - - Flimser Rock, 298. - - Florinus, St., 291–292. - - Flühlen, 188–189. - - Föhn, 227. - - Forest Cantons (Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Unterwald), 176–237. - - Fracmont, 196. - - France, 113. - - Frastrada, 250. - - Frauenfeld, 254, 273. - - Frauenmünster, 252. - - French, 120. - - Fribourg, 14, 31, 69–78, 102, 233. - - Frickthal, 155–157. - - Frohburg, 143–145. - - Furka Pass, 56, 224. - - Fürstenstein, 151–153. - - Fürst, Walter, 182, 183, 185. - - - Gabriel, St., 116, 122. - - Gargantua, 10–14. - - Garganum, 114. - - Gaul, 201. - - General Brune, 103. - - Geneva, 1–5, 12. - - Geneva, Lake of, 1–5, 12, 28, 31, 32, 76. - - Germany, 179, 276. - - Gessler, 186–191. - - Gex, 49. - - Gezard, 82. - - Gibloux, 14. - - Gideon, 143. - - Gidi, 132. - - Gidisdorf, 132. - - Giessbach, 122. - - Glarnisch, 254. - - Glarus, 228–231, 254, 276, 281–302. - - Glücksalp, 277. - - Goeschenen, 232, 233, 236. - - Golden Age, 8–10, 22, 131–132. - - Goliath, 105. - - Gothard, St., 224, 231, 232, 233, 296. - - Grain Angels, 158. - - Grandson, 56–68. - - Grimmenstein, 99–100. - - Grimoald, 24–27. - - Grimsel, 126–131. - - Grindelwald, 131–132, 133, 135. - - Grisons, 281–302. - - Grotte de Balme, 41. - - Gruerius, 70. - - Grütli, 183, 186. - - Gruyère, 70–76. - - Guelfs, 254–257. - - Güppe, 202–204. - - Güttingen, 271–273. - - - Habichtsburg, 171, 173. - - Habsburg, 173. - - Hadrian, 113. - - Haldenstein, 281–282. - - Hallwyl, 162–167. - - Hallwyl, Lake of, 162. - - Hans, 73–75. - - Hapsburg, Rudolf von, 104, 173, 176–180. - - Hapsburg Castle, 104, 167–175, 180, 186, 192, 193. - - Hasli Scheidegg, 133. - - Hat Fiend, 237. - - Hauenstein, 143. - - Hawk’s Castle, 171. - - Heiterloch, 135. - - Helvetia, 168, 180, 302. - - Henry of Rapperswyl, 162. - - Herod, 202. - - Hiltiboldus, 274–275. - - Hohenstauffens, 175. - - Hohenstollen, 123–125. - - Hohe Rhonen, 265–266. - - Hohle Gasse, 190. - - Hole of Uri, 233. - - Hollow Way, 190. - - Holy Land, 71, 163, 246. - - Holy Sepulchre, 142, 163. - - House of Austria, 181. - - Huchées, 7. - - Hut Schelm, 237. - - - Icelandic moss, 287. - - Illiez Valley, 13. - - Im Fehlen, 277. - - Immensee, 190. - - Inn Valley, 293–296. - - In Sin, 277. - - Interlaken, 106, 120, 131, 135, 138. - - Irmentrude, 254. - - Iseltwald, 120–122. - - Italy, 55, 131, 233, 292. - - Ivy Snake, 48. - - - Jacob, 23. - - Jacob, St., 149–151. - - Jaman, 31–32. - - James of Romont, 57–68. - - Jardin des Plantes, 103. - - Jesus Christ, 198. - - Jew, The Wandering, 126–131. - - Jodels, 7. - - John of Hapsburg, 180, 192. - - John of Hallwyl, 163–167. - - Joliette, 28–31. - - Jungfrau, 136. - - Jura, 76, 79, 82, 144, 151. - - Justus, 110–112. - - - Kastelnalp, 212–214. - - Kerzerz, 106. - - King Herod, 202. - - King John, 276. - - Kisher, 270–271. - - Klausen Pass, 228–231, 299. - - Königsfelden, 193. - - Kriemhild, 253–254. - - Kuhreihen, 76, 124–125. - - Küssnacht, 190. - - Kyburg, 254–260, 273. - - Kyburg Castle, 257. - - - La Chaux-de-Fonds, 82, 87, 89, 92. - - Lady of Haldenstein, 281–282. - - Lady of Munot, 246–247. - - Lake of Ægeri, 193–194. - - Lake of Brienz, 106, 120, 122. - - Lake of Champey, 51. - - Lake of Constance, 270, 276, 296–297. - - Lake of Geneva, 1–5, 12, 28, 31, 32, 76. - - Lake of Hallwyl, 162. - - Lake Leman, 1, 2. - - Lake of Lowertz, 218–221. - - Lake of Lucerne, 176, 183, 189, 190, 226, 261. - - Lake of Neuchâtel, 56. - - Lake of Sempach, 195. - - Lake of Thun, 106, 107, 114, 118, 120, 131, 261. - - Lake of Türl, 253–254. - - Lake of Zug, 261–264. - - Lake of Zürich, 248. - - Lällenkönig, 148–149. - - Landskron, 149–151. - - La Sarraz, 18–21, 27. - - La Soye, 49. - - Laupen, 104. - - Lausanne, 18, 201. - - Lauterbrunnen, 117, 138. - - Le Locle, 82, 87, 89. - - Leman, Lake, 1, 2. - - Lenzburg, 101, 162. - - Leodegarius, St., 209. - - Leuk, 50. - - Limmat, 170. - - Linth Valley, 229, 230. - - Locle, Le, 82, 87, 89. - - Lombardy, 24, 115. - - Lorraine, 103. - - Louis II., 252, 257. - - Louis IX., 151. - - Lowertz, Lake of, 218–221. - - Lucerne, 72, 162, 178, 183, 189, 190, 195, 196, 205, 207, 209, 226. - - Lucerne, Lake of, 176, 183, 189, 190, 226. - - Luck Ship, 1–3. - - Lucky Alp, 277. - - Lüen, 283. - - Lütchine, 131. - - - Magadino, 238–241. - - Magdalen, 212–214. - - Margaret, St., 102. - - Margaret of Gruyère, 72–76. - - Maria im Stein, 152. - - Mariastein, 153. - - Maria Stella, 162. - - Marie Madeleine, Ste., 4–5. - - Martin, St., 135–136. - - Martinsloch, 135. - - Maurice, St., 40, 48. - - Mayence, 179. - - Meer Stern, 162. - - Meinrad, 266–269. - - Meiringen, 123, 126, 133, 278. - - Merligen, 118–120. - - Mettenberg, 135. - - Michael, St., 113–117, 118. - - Midi, Dent du, 76. - - Moléson, 70, 76–78. - - Monk’s Leap, 232. - - Mons Fractus, 196. - - Mons Pileatus, 197–198. - - Mont Blanc, 1, 10, 23, 76, 143. - - Monte Rosa, 10. - - Monthey, 13, 47. - - Montreux, 28, 31. - - Morat, 68, 69. - - Morgarten, 193–194. - - Morge, 233. - - Moritz, St., 293. - - Moses, 143. - - Mount Pilatus, 196, 205, 206, 207–214. - - Mühlenthal, 246. - - Müllinen, 164–166. - - Munot, 245–247. - - Muri, 160. - - Mürren, 138, 139. - - Mythenstein, 183. - - - Nancy, 68. - - Nero, 49, 50. - - Neuchâtel, 79–96. - - Neuchâtel, Lake of, 56, 81, 86–87, 79–96. - - Neu Hapsburg, 176–179. - - Niebelungenlied, 276. - - Niesen, 106. - - Novarre, 103. - - Noville, 42–46. - - - Oberhofen, 112. - - Oberland, 102, 131. - - Odin, 100. - - Oex, Château d’, 14. - - Oldenhorn, 42. - - Olten, 143, 144. - - Orbe, 15. - - Ormond, 33–36, 153. - - Our Lady of Lucerne, 72. - - - Palestine, 71. - - Paradise, 110. - - Paris, 90, 91, 92, 93, 103. - - Pathô, 14. - - Payerne, 22. - - Pestalozzi, 101, 170. - - Pfäfers, 278–280. - - Pfaffensprung, 232. - - Pilate, Pontius, 198–205, 206, 207. - - Pirminius, St., 278, 280. - - Plan Nevé, 48, 50, 301. - - Plurs, 289–290. - - Pontarlier, 93–96. - - Pont-la-Ville, 14, 233. - - Pontius Pilate, 198–205, 206, 207. - - Pontresina, 293. - - Poschiavo, 293. - - Procla, 198. - - - Radbod of Altenburg, 169–173. - - Ragatz, 278. - - Raining Rock, 28–31. - - Ralligen, 117–118. - - Ralligenstock, 117–118. - - Ramflue, 176–177. - - Randenberg, 244–245. - - Ranz des Vaches, 76, 124–125. - - Raphael, St., 116. - - Rapperswyl, 162. - - Raymond, 25–27. - - Red Snow, 55. - - Red Valley, 136. - - Regula, St., 248. - - Reichenau, 273. - - Reichenbach, 123. - - Rémus, 291–292. - - René of Lorraine, 103. - - Res, 123–125. - - Reuss, 170, 192, 232, 233, 236, 237. - - Rheinau, 243. - - Rhine, 147, 242–244, 296. - - Rhône, 12, 14,39–40,42–46, 50, 126, 127, 201, 206. - - Rhône Glacier, 126. - - Richard, D. J., 87. - - Richensee, 196. - - Rigi, 214–218, 261. - - Rigi-Kaltbad, 215–218. - - Rochefort, 86. - - Roll, 117–118, 131, 261. - - Rollin of Vallengin, 79–81. - - Romainmotier, 15–18. - - Roman, 4, 147, 170, 193, 199, 200, 201, 248. - - Romanshorn, 271. - - Rome, 107, 199, 278. - - Romont, 57–68, 70. - - Rosa, Monte, 10. - - Rossberg, 261. - - Rossini, 181. - - Rothberg, 151–153. - - Rothenthal, 136, 137, 138. - - Rothhorn, 289–290. - - Rudolf von Erlach, 104. - - Rudolf von Hapsburg, 104, 173–180, 181. - - Ruthenzug, 160. - - Rütli, 183, 185. - - Ruz, Val de, 79–81. - - - Saint Felix, 284. - - St. Florinus, 291–292. - - St. Gabriel, 116, 122. - - St. Gall, 274–280. - - St. Gallus, 274–276. - - St. Gothard, 224, 231, 232, 233, 296. - - St. Jacob, 149–151. - - St. Leodegarius, 209. - - St. Margaret, 102. - - St. Marie Madeleine, 4–5. - - St. Martin, 135–136. - - St. Maurice, 40, 48. - - St. Michael, 113–117, 218. - - St. Moritz, 293. - - St. Pirminius, 278, 280. - - St. Raphael, 116. - - St. Regula, 248. - - St. Triphon, 13. - - St. Verena, 140–143, 160, 254. - - Salamanca, 203, 204, 206, 254. - - Salève, 12. - - Sarine, 14, 70, 76, 233. - - Sarraz, La, 18–21, 27. - - Satan, 14, 39, 40, 51, 99, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 116, 117, 149, - 224, 235, 237. - - Sausbach, 139. - - Savoy, 1. - - Scandinavian, 107. - - Scex que Plliau, 28. - - Schächen, 191. - - Schaffhausen, 242–247. - - Scheffel, Von, 276. - - Scheidegg, 132, 133. - - Schiller, 15, 36, 179, 181, 190. - - Schinznach, 167. - - Schnabelberg, 253. - - Schoellenen, 232. - - Schreckhorn, 133–135. - - Schwanau, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220. - - Schwartzhorn, 286–287. - - Schwesternborn, 218. - - Schwyz, 175, 181, 182, 191, 265, 266–269. - - Seealp, 123–125. - - Seeheim, 273. - - Seelisberg, 183, 184, 227–228. - - Seldenbüren, Conrad of, 222. - - Sempach, 195–196. - - Sentis, 143, 276–278. - - Seyon, 79. - - Siedelhorn, 131. - - Sils, 292, 293. - - Simplon, 52. - - Sintram, 101–102. - - Sion, 49–50. - - Snow Eyes, 135. - - Soleure, 140–143. - - Soye, La, 49. - - Spain, 87. - - Spalen, 148. - - Spalenberg, 148. - - Spalenthor, 148. - - Spiez, 112, 117. - - Spirit of the Alps, 36. - - Spirit of Evil, 235. - - Spirit of the Mountain, 53. - - Spirit of the Winds, 2. - - Stanz, 195, 221. - - Star of the Sea, 162. - - Staubbach, 138. - - Stauffacher, 182, 183. - - Steersbrook, 226. - - Stein, Brandolf von, 57–68. - - Stein Castle, 160. - - Strättlingen, 112–117. - - Styria, 180. - - Sulgen, Count of, 266. - - Sürenenalp, 221, 223–226. - - Sürenen Pass, 223. - - Swiss Sleepers, 185. - - Swiss Confederation, 104, 147, 181. - - - Tamina, 278–280. - - Tell chapels, 183, 189, 190. - - Tellsplatte, 189. - - Tell, William, 181, 185, 189, 191, 192. - - Tessin, 238–241. - - Thebaid, 70. - - Theodore Weinzäpfli, 106. - - Three Finger Stone, 266. - - Three Marys, 160–161. - - Three Tells, 184–185. - - Thun, 106. - - Thun, Lake of, 106, 107, 114, 118, 120, 131. - - Thurgau, 270–273. - - Tiber, 200–201. - - Tiberius, 199. - - Titlis, 76, 221. - - Tobel, 282–283. - - Trèves, 140. - - Triphon, St., 13. - - Trubina, 298–299. - - Turicum, 248. - - Türl, Lake of, 253–254. - - Türlersee, 253–254. - - Turpin, 251. - - Tyrolean Mts., 276. - - - Uetliberg, 174–175. - - Unterwald, 175, 181, 182, 191, 195, 196. - - Upper Engadine, 293–296. - - Upper Grindelwald Glacier, 133. - - Uri, 175, 180, 181, 182, 185, 186, 191, 221, 224, 226, 228–231, 233, - 237, 299. - - Urner Loch, 233. - - - Valais, 6–68, 136, 233. - - Val de Ruz, 79–81. - - Vallengin, 79–81, 82. - - Vallorbes, 15, 18. - - Valteline Valley, 293–296. - - Vaud, 6–68. - - Vauxtravers, 80. - - Venice, 292. - - Verena, St., 140–143, 160, 254. - - Verenathal, 140–143. - - Verona, 102. - - Viege, 47. - - Vienne, 201, 206. - - Vindonissa, 170, 193. - - Virgin, 15, 72, 73, 152, 153, 208, 218, 266–269. - - Vreneli’s Garden, 254. - - Vufflens, 23–27. - - - Waldenburg, 153–155. - - Walter of Rochefort, 86. - - Walter Fürst, 182, 183, 185. - - Wanderer, 162. - - Wandering Jew, 126–131. - - Wasserburg, 272–273. - - Wasserkirche, 252. - - Wasserthurm, 196. - - Weinzäpfli, Theodore, 106. - - Welfs, 254–257. - - Wengernalp, 125–126. - - Werner, 171–173. - - Werner Stauffacher, 182, 183. - - Werner von Strättlingen, 114–117. - - Wetterhorn, 131, 133. - - Wettingen, 161–162. - - Wild Huntsman, 100. - - Wilhelmine of Bergy, 82–85. - - William Tell, 181–192. - - Winterthur, 254. - - Wohlen, 169. - - Woods, Babes in the, 158. - - Wotan, 39–40. - - Wülpelsberg, 167–173. - - Wynigen, 101. - - - Zähringen, 102–104. - - Zarera, 293–296. - - Zauchet, 50. - - Zermatt, 50–51. - - Zug, 261–269. - - Zug, Lake of, 261–269. - - Zürich, 174, 248–260, 265, 268–269. - - Zürich, Lake of, 248. - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes - - -Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a -predominant preference was found in the original book; 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