The Life Of The Moselle - free ebook by Octavius Rooke

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The Life Of The Moselle

Octavius Rooke

65 chapters

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65 chapters

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

The beautiful scenery of the Moselle has too long been left without notice. It is true, some of our Artists have presented to us scenes on the banks of this river; but English travellers are, for the most part, ignorant how very charming and eminently picturesque are the shores of this lovely stream. “The Rhine! the Rhine!” is quoted by every one, and admired or abused at every fireside, but the Moselle is almost wholly unexplored. Lying, as she does, within a district absolutely overrun with su

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BIRTH OF THE MOSELLE.

BIRTH OF THE MOSELLE.

The fairy and the river are as one, life within life; ever flowing on, yet always present; ever young, and yet how old; ever springing freshly mid the hills and woods, yet ever ending the appointed course. One life is material, earthly, but still sweet and beautiful; the other life is born of the first, but far exceeds it,—it is the life poetic, whose other parent is the human mind: this life, which leaves the parent life behind, floats upwards on its glorious wings and reaches the highest realm

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NOONDAY CLOUDS.

NOONDAY CLOUDS.

Over our heads the sunbeams quiver, The air is filled with heat and light, While at our feet the shining river Sparkles with thousand dimples bright. The distant hills, in sombre masses, Sleep calmly on amidst the haze; A mighty cloud through heaven passes, And from the earth arrests our gaze. For in the shadows of that cloud, We seem to see extending far Valleys and hills, where seraphs bow’d, Praising their great Creator are. Praising for ever “Him on high.” Those glorious seraphs also pray, T

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ADÈLE AND GUSTAVE.

ADÈLE AND GUSTAVE.

The land rings with martial preparations; on all sides is the excitement of the coming war: the eagles and the banners are raised high; and all the air is filled with the grand anthem, “ Partant pour la Syrie .” Gustave wrote often: first he was learning his drill, then he had finished his initiation and was in favour with his superiors, often being able to assist with his clear head and ready pen. Soon after these, a letter came to say the regiment was to hasten to Marseilles, there to embark f

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THEOLINDA.

THEOLINDA.

And Theolinda entered, looking mildly and steadfastly around. “Poor shepherdess!” said the King, “thy faithful lover hath fallen; his memory will ever be dear to us. What can I do for thee?” “Oh, King,” replied Theolinda, “last night I saw him in my dreams, and he told me that by the decree of Heaven I am ordained to stop the career of the barbarian hordes. Wheresoever I cast my looks there shall the dark-red banner fail; the lilies shall advance carried by thy general, I preceding. Thus the whi

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THE MIRACULOUS SHIRT.

THE MIRACULOUS SHIRT.

On arriving at home he presented her to his Countess, and with the consent of all parties, and the Pope’s sanction, wedded her also, and they all three lived very happily together. At Erfurt may be seen the three effigies, the Count in the centre: the tombs have been opened, and one of the skulls was found to be like an Asiatic’s, thus in some measure corroborating the truth of this remarkable tale. Metz. We have now emerged from what may be termed the ancient history of Metz, and the more detai

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PLOT OF THE CORDELIERS.

PLOT OF THE CORDELIERS.

Louis, who was accompanied by his mistress, the Duchess of Châteauroux, and her sister, was taken mortally ill; previously there had been erected a wooden gallery, which led, along the sides of four streets, from the Duchess’s apartments to those of the King: this gallery was now given up at the angry remonstrances of the people, who were much scandalized by the proceedings, and the sisters proceeded to the King’s residence, where they shut themselves into an apartment adjoining that of the dyin

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MOSELLE FLOWERS.

MOSELLE FLOWERS.

If her feet have pressed the ground, There the blooming flowers are found; These gifts mark where she has strayed,— Thus we trace the fairy maid. The violet and lily grow. The wild-rose and the tiny pink. And the brilliant corn-flowers blow. Hard by the gentle river’s brink; The foxglove waves its lofty head Above the trickling streamlet’s bed; The wild convolvulus doth twine Its graceful arms around the vine. The snapdragon and mignonette. The clematis and flox, In ev’ry vale are frequent met;

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LEGEND OF THE GREAT CANAL FROM TRÈVES TO COLOGNE.

LEGEND OF THE GREAT CANAL FROM TRÈVES TO COLOGNE.

While meditating over his undertaking, the contractor for the building of the Dom was accosted by a gentlemanlike stranger in red, who said to him in a hearty tone, “Cheer up, for I can help you; but first tell me for what purpose you wish so large a house.” The contractor, delighted, guessed who the stranger was, and replied in artful words that he wished to raise this house for a gambling and drinking palace. “Hurrah!” said the man in red, “just what I am fond of!” and they agreed upon terms a

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LEGEND OF THE DOM2 OF TRÈVES.

LEGEND OF THE DOM2 OF TRÈVES.

The Moselle country was especially resorted to by hermits, who lived in recesses of the mountains; of these Saint Antony was the first. Saint Nicolas was the patron of the bridge, and his statue stands beneath the stone crucifix which adorns it. On one occasion, a mariner, whose ship was in great danger of being cast away beneath the bridge, called on the Saint, and vowed an offering of a taper as big as his mast should he escape. He landed in safety, but finding himself secure snapped his finge

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THE RING.

THE RING.

In the market-place at Trèves there stands a column, with a crucifix on its summit. An inscription on it gives the following miracle as the cause of its erection. The Huns were swarming over Germany, burning and destroying all things: their march was as a pestilence; but the people of Trèves were gay and merry, as if no danger threatened,—they rioted in wine, and luxury. One man only, within the city, still remained sober and prudent, and he dreamt that he saw a great monster descending from the

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THE CRUCIFIX IN THE MARKET-PLACE.

THE CRUCIFIX IN THE MARKET-PLACE.

It is in its infancy that the Church of Christ shines with its purest light; and it is, consequently, to this period that the mind loves to revert, and dwell on “that happy spring time” when the Fathers of the Church went forth among the heathen, gathering the nations into one family, the centre and head of which was God. How wonderful to watch “the little star appearing in the East,” and rising over the ruins and decaying temples of old Rome, till gradually the whole air was filled with the “li

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LEGEND OF ORENDEL.3

LEGEND OF ORENDEL.3

Varus, the governor of Gaul, caused so many Christians to be massacred in Trèves that the Moselle ran red with blood, until it reached Neumagen. For this he was condemned to ramble restlessly about the city after his death, and to do deeds of kindness, assisting every one requiring his aid in Trèves. In this character he is called “the City Ghost.” In after days a penitent from Trèves sought absolution from the Pope. The latter ordered him to fetch a piece of earth from Trèves; and on the penite

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THE GREAT MASSACRE.

THE GREAT MASSACRE.

St. Matern was the first Bishop of Cologne, and was much beloved. He died young, and the mourning people sent to Rome to pray St. Peter for comfort. St. Peter gave a staff to the emissaries, and bid them beat upon the earth where Matern’s bones were laid; at the same time they were to call on him to rise, as it was not yet time for him to rest, but he must still combat for the sake of God. This was done; and Matern, who had been dead forty days, arose, and administered three bishoprics at once;

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ST. MATERN.

ST. MATERN.

The first institution of this nature is said to have been in Trèves, and was thus established: Saint Goar was a very pious man, harming none, but the wicked calumniated him to the Bishop of Trèves. The Bishop ordered him to appear before him, and, to test his power, asked him to declare who was the father of a child that had been exposed near the Cathedral. The Saint bending prayed, and touched the child’s lips; whereon the child spoke, and the uttered word was “Rusticus,” which was the Bishop’s

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THE FIRST FOUNDLING HOSPITAL.

THE FIRST FOUNDLING HOSPITAL.

There were at this time four orders of nobility:—the Ecclesiastical, comprising Bishops, Abbots, and other Church dignitaries. The remaining three orders may be classed as follows:— First, the old and proud families who still retained their free grants of lands; these despised alike Princes and Bishops, Court and Ecclesiastical dignitaries. The second order was formed of the nobles belonging to the different orders of knighthood; these collectively enjoyed the power of individual princes. The re

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THE ANIMATED WINE-CASKS.

THE ANIMATED WINE-CASKS.

The Crusades gave a new impetus to arts and sciences, bringing the luxury and refinement of the East into contact with the almost barbaric simplicity of the Western nations; and from the eleventh century we find the legends assume a different character, saints and hermits giving place to knights and ladies, and minstrels sing lays of love and pleasure in place of dwelling on the old themes of war and religion. Instead of descriptions of lives passed in deserts, and celestial visions, we have pic

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THE FERRY.

THE FERRY.

On grassy bank the village stands, The crowds returning, throng The ferry-boat, which quickly lands, Impelled by arms so strong. The heavy boat is filled with men, With women, and with carts; Amongst the crowd the children Move with their lightsome hearts. The women’s brows are stamped with care, The men with toil are worn; But midst them stand those children fair, Those happy newly-born. The doom of man, “for life to toil,” Rests on the parents both, But on that young, fresh, virgin soil, Even

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CHURCH MUSIC.

CHURCH MUSIC.

From the church the anthem pealing, O’er the wave is gently stealing: Now it swells, now dies away, Making holy harmony. The spire from out the trees Our eyes directs on high; The sounds which swell the breeze, The heavens to us bring nigh; For while we listen to the song Of glory rais’d to “Him on high,” Our thoughts soar up, and dwell among Those realms where Immortality, In angel forms and bright array, Before God’s throne for ever pray, And Hallelujahs joyous raise To their “Almighty Maker’s

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LEGEND OF GENOVEVA.

LEGEND OF GENOVEVA.

Pointing to her babe, Genoveva showed that in every feature it was the counterpart of her lord: thus was Golo’s treachery made manifest, and his head, being struck from off the body, was exposed upon the castle walls. Another legend of Pfalzel tells of a wicked nun, who, by the devil’s aid, worked a magic garment and presented it to the Archbishop; immediately on putting it on horrible desires seized on him, and he felt as if the fiend were dragging him to perdition. Throwing it off, others trie

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TRITHEMIUS AND THE EMPEROR.

TRITHEMIUS AND THE EMPEROR.

Before reaching Neumagen we pass a little chapel, erected at the spot where, according to tradition, the waters of the Moselle ceased to be tinged with the blood shed at Trèves in the massacre of Christian martyrs. Neumagen enjoys a most agreeable site. Sheltered by the hills which rise at its back, it faces the bold cliffs that now have arisen on the left bank of our river. On ascending the hills at the back of the town we find ourselves on a level platform, with the Moselle on one side of us a

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THE HARVEST.

THE HARVEST.

The green leaves wither with the autumn’s breath; The brown leaves falling, pass from life to death. The winter, stealing on with silent feet, Hastens the yearly cycle to complete. But on our river’s banks no sorrows dwell, No sigh is breath’d for summer on Moselle; For autumn’s glory throws its ripening beam Upon the cluster’d vine, whose branches teem With the rich fulness of the luscious prize, Which each year gives to man, ere yet it dies. The evening spreads its shadow over earth, From ev’r

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PRAISE OF WATER.

PRAISE OF WATER.

Many sing in praise of Wine, Many toast the bounteous Vine; But I will sing in praise of Water, Earth’s fairest, best, and sweetest daughter. Many love the grape to sip, Carrying goblets to the lip; But I will rather seek the spring, Its pure delights will rather sing. Wine will cheer, but also steep Senses in a troubled sleep; Water ever thirst assuages, Cooling us when fever rages. Wine, like man its maker, flows, Joy mixt up with many woes; So water, made by “Him above,” For ever flows a stre

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REFLECTIONS.

REFLECTIONS.

* * * On the promontory which we are now leaving behind us on the right are several little villages, of which Emmel is the principal. It is celebrated for a schism which took place there. In 1790, the Directory at Paris wished the Curé of Emmel to take the same oath they had compelled the French clergy to pronounce; and on receiving the Curé’s refusal, he was proscribed. All his flock accompanied the Curé on his being driven forth, until he thus addressed them: “I quit you, but my spirit wil

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THE CELL OF EBERHARD.

THE CELL OF EBERHARD.

Within the forest stood a little chapel, in which was a statue of the Virgin. Hither came a young girl, and day by day adorned it with fresh flowers. From the Madonna’s arms the infant Jesus smiled upon the child. Thus passed the spring and summer. The girl, devoted to her occupation, and her heart filled with love for Jesus, thought less and less upon the things of this world. One thought alone troubled her as the autumn advanced; this was, that in winter she would not be able to find flowers t

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THE BLOOMING ROSES.

THE BLOOMING ROSES.

The hills are a mass of forest, and the variously-shaped houses, which are dropped at uncertain intervals along the bubbling stream, form a pleasant picture of rural beauty. Veldenz was a little principality in itself; formerly it was governed by the Counts of the same name, but afterwards it was given to the church of Verdun, and was then governed by fourteen magistrates, elected by the different villages, and presided over by a prévôt, probably appointed by the Bishop of Verdun. Irmina wept fo

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LEGEND OF VELDENZ.

LEGEND OF VELDENZ.

What enjoyment there is in finding one’s self free to climb and saunter amidst delicious scenery! Now we walk briskly along, returning the “ Guten tag ” of the ever-polite peasants, who enunciate this phrase from the bottom of their throats. The guten is not heard at all, and the tag sounds as if, in the endeavour to swallow the word, the performer choked, and was obliged, when half-strangled, to gasp it out. At midday we halt, and luxuriate over our hard-boiled eggs and bread and cheese, with g

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THE BEST DOCTOR.

THE BEST DOCTOR.

Old Houses in Berncastel. A good view is got from the ruined castle over the town; which not in itself very interesting, is yet, on this account, well worth a walk. When there, Cus lies at our feet, with the river rolling between us and it. This Cus (pronounced Koos) was the birthplace of the celebrated Cardinal Cusanus, who, report says, was a fisherman’s son: this is, to say the least of it, very uncertain; but doubtless he was born in quite a low station of life, and by his abilities raised h

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THE BAD MAURUS.

THE BAD MAURUS.

I love the river at that moonlight hour When all bad spirits lose their evil power; Calmly and holily she rides on high, The waves soft murmur and the zephyrs sigh. But most I love thee, O my gentle River! When at glad morn the mists around thee quiver; When round and o’er thee the faint-flowing veil Now falls, now rises with the swelling gale. As on her wedding morn the blushing bride, With fleecy veil and white robe seeks to hide From eager gazers, who in crowds attend, Her beauty, and the ver

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BREAK OF DAY.

BREAK OF DAY.

The shades retire, the birds melodious sing, The glad earth turns to meet its gracious King; Cool blows the wind, the water freshly flows, All earth rejoices and in sunlight glows. How strong and full of life we feel as (having break-fasted) we stride along, drinking in with every breath the pure sweet air! “ Guten morgen ” has not yet given place to “ Guten tag ,” and the peasants are ascending to their labour amid the vines; suddenly a strain of martial music fills the air, and all look toward

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THE PRIZE OF BEAUTY?

THE PRIZE OF BEAUTY?

The birds sang, “Unto us the prize “Of beauty must be given; “Our songs at morn and evening rise, “Filling the vault of heaven.” The flowers uplifted their bright heads From where they had their birth; “Nay, for our scented beauty sheds “A charm o’er all the earth.” The trees from ev’ry leafy glade Their claims with haste expressed; They urged that they “gave cooling shade, “’Neath which mankind could rest.” The stream in gentle music said, “Like birds I sweetly sing; “Like flowers a charm o’er

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THE CASK IN RESERVE.

THE CASK IN RESERVE.

Cloister-Machern is on the left bank of our river, a little further down the stream than Zeltingen. This cloister once contained a lovely nun, named Antioch had fallen before the Crusaders’ arms, and the Cross waved from her towers. The joyful tidings were brought to the banks of the Moselle, and bonfires celebrated the event. The pilgrim who had brought this news from over sea was feasted by Ermesinde’s father, and all gathered round him, eagerly catching his words. He told of the deeds of valo

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ERMESINDE.

ERMESINDE.

Then the old beggar turned round, and raising his hand to the heavens, cried out: “Woe be unto you, ye false servants of God! chastisement will soon overtake you.” So saying, he vanished into the dark cloudy night. Rupert and Ermesinde were kneeling within the chapel when the storm which was threatening burst forth; fire struck from the clouds on the cloister, destroying the nuns in the hall; the chapel alone was preserved. Ermesinde now was persuaded that she was released from her vows, and soo

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THE BISHOP’S RANSOM.

THE BISHOP’S RANSOM.

At parting, the Prelate absolved the fair Countess of guilt, and took away the excommunication under which she had laboured; so there is probably no truth in the tale that her ladyship haunts the old ruin, and constantly weeps for her crime of incarcerating so holy a man. This castle of Gräfinburg was a most important fortress, and capable of making a stout resistance, even in the days of cannon; for, in 1734, the Marquis of Belle-Isle was sent by Louis XIV., with a strong army, to ravage the te

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THE LILY IN THE CHOIR.

THE LILY IN THE CHOIR.

Marienburg. Still surrounded by very high hills, the course of our river winds onwards past Starkenburg, from which the Countess pounced down on the crafty Archbishop. The pathway to Enkirch extends, under fruit-trees, a little way inland, to where the ferry-boat crosses the river. Passing from Bertrich to Traben one day, we heard, on arriving near Enkirch, sounds of music and lowing of cattle. People in shoals, too, were crossing the river, filling the boats of all sizes. We found it was Fair-d

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THE VALLEY OF HUSBANDS.

THE VALLEY OF HUSBANDS.

The fairy Moselle seems tranquilly sleeping through noontide, while in the heavens the fleecy white clouds are protecting our gentle river from harm; and their brightness reflected in her, seems a sweet dream sent from above, which gladdens the heart of the sleeper. There is a dip in the long neck of land that leads towards Zell, which enables us to see a distant reach of our river; thus, standing quite still, three different windings are seen, and by taking a very few paces, a fourth (beyond Al

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THE PALE NUN.

THE PALE NUN.

On the upper or south side of Marienburg, and immediately opposite, is Punderich, famous for nothing except the following legend:— A little way out of the village of Punderich stands a small chapel, within which, on a stone altar, is a figure of the mother of God. A crown of silver shines on her head, and a white veil flows over her shoulders. A long while ago the Virgin was crowned with a crown of pure gold; but a wicked knight, named Klodwig, who owned many forts on the banks of the river, pas

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THE GOLD CROWN.

THE GOLD CROWN.

Merl. Soon we reach Merl, where the Knight Carl of Zant lived, who loved the Pale Nun of Marienburg. Many other distinguished families lived in this town, which is very old, and full of quaint houses; its situation is very delightful: sheltered from cold by the vine-covered mountain behind, it looks out on the bend of the river, with Marienburg opposite and Alf in the distance. Before arriving at Alf is Bullay. This charming town is celebrated for its fêtes and its gaiety; on one of its fêtes, a

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LINES ON THE KÄSEGROTTE.

LINES ON THE KÄSEGROTTE.

Pure and beautiful the streamlet flows, Fresh from the earth it springs; Like heavenly light that o’er earth glows, And fans the angels’ wings. Within the grot a Spirit dwells, Lovely, and pure, and sweet; Hard by the streamlet gently wells, Cooling the fair retreat. So, hidden in the heart of man, Is love for nature pure; So, ever since the world began, Has welled God’s mercy sure. So, hidden in the heart of man, Is love for nature pure; So, ever since the world began, Has welled God’s mercy su

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LINES ON THE PETER’S BRUNNEN.

LINES ON THE PETER’S BRUNNEN.

Trickling gently, lightly falling, The Water-Nymph to us is calling From her hidden cool retreat, Where the hill-drops fresh do meet; And to us she seems to say, “My commands on you I lay, “That, while thus you near me stay, “You shall drive all care away, “And with my waters’ murmur sweet “Refresh your minds at my retreat.” “Refresh your minds at my retreat.” The meadow that fills the valley of Bertrich is intersected with walks, and gardens are being formed at the end farthest from the village

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EVENING SHADOWS.

EVENING SHADOWS.

The sun retires—the shades draw near— Their lengthened forms now close appear; With noiseless step they onwards speed, Like Time, whose passage swift we heed As little as the close of day, Which vanishing from us away Leads surely to eternity. Oh, let the waning daylight teach This lesson; whilst yet Time can reach, Ere from our eyes is passed for ever That day which life from death doth sever,— “From earthly shadows let us fly, “Let upwards soar our thoughts on high, “To where Love reigns etern

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THE ANGEL WORKMEN.

THE ANGEL WORKMEN.

Opposite Bremm is a fair promontory, on whose sloping green turf the ruins of Kloster Stuben are seen. The hills on the left-hand bank bend round in the form of a horse-shoe, and the river flows at their base. The hills are very superb, of considerable height; and their grand sombre mass contrasts with the green fields around Kloster Stuben. This horse-shoe form constantly occurs on the Moselle; and not only is the bend of the stream in the form of a horse-shoe, but the enclosed space is usually

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GISELA.

GISELA.

The monks of Himmerode led dissolute lives, and Saint Bernard was sent to reprove them, and endeavour to bring them back to a sense of their duty. In vain the Saint lectured—the monks were wicked as ever, and the Saint in despair sought his chamber; there, opening his window, he sat down to plan fresh arguments with which he might touch the wicked hearts of the monks. The music of the sweet nightingales swelled up to his ears, and steeped his senses in bliss; but the Saint perceived, to his horr

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A LIBEL ON NIGHTINGALES.

A LIBEL ON NIGHTINGALES.

There is a fine view from the cliffs behind the cloister, and the walk hence to Beilstein is very agreeable, as the banks are all richly wooded, and of a great height. The river winds on past many a hamlet and burg; the forests and vines succeed to each other; islands are passed, and the scene constantly changes; spires rise among trees, old houses peep forth, cattle wade in the stream, and our little skiff glides along until Beilstein Castle appears, so beautifully placed, and so charmingly sur

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THE SHIPMASTER’S DAUGHTER OF BEILSTEIN.

THE SHIPMASTER’S DAUGHTER OF BEILSTEIN.

A series of valleys—all wooded, and watered, and pleasant—lie at the back of Beilstein. Unfortunately the inns are very poor, so it is not a good place to stop at; but if not very fastidious, the accommodation will suffice for two or three nights; and the white wine is good. There still remain considerable portions of wall and fragments of towers of the castle of Beilstein. Its situation is very happily chosen for both beauty and strength. On the side over the town an ascent is impossible. A nar

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LEGEND OF COCHEM.

LEGEND OF COCHEM.

Between Cochem and Beilstein there is, at a turn of the river, a beautiful cemetery, and a church with twin-spires. The cliffs and river sweep round the angle and shut in this retired nook, which, thus separated from the world, appears a fit resting-place for those whose waking will be in a world more glorious than this. There are on our river many cemeteries and graveyards, most beautifully placed; and the graves, with their simple crosses, seem the realisation of peace. Nearer to Cochem is a v

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IVY-GIRT RUINS.

IVY-GIRT RUINS.

From the ruined, crumbling wall, Ancient fragments downwards fall, No longer held in iron grasp By ivy hands, which twining clasp Those ancient towers and turrets grey, To which their girdling brings decay. As an old nation, tottering to its fall, Doth foreign legions to its armies call, A time triumphant! then the hireling Band, That erstwhile strengthened, seize on the command. Alike the ivy and the friend Their aid insidious freely lend, And gradual push their fibres in, Until the tower or la

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LEGEND OF ST. CASTOR.

LEGEND OF ST. CASTOR.

Coming suddenly on Elz as we gained the top of the mountain above it, the view was very striking; we might have been living in the dead centuries, it looked so perfectly habitable; and yet there was such a quaint look about it, it seemed scarcely real. Soon after we met some of the Count’s people going out with dogs and guns: they were dressed after the fashion of huntsmen whose representatives appear nowadays only in theatres,—at least, so we thought until now. On reaching the castle, we found

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THE PERFORATED HARNESS.

THE PERFORATED HARNESS.

Three or four miles higher up the valley of Elz is the castle of Pyrmont. It is romantically seated on rocks which border the stream that a little lower down falls in a cascade into a deep pool. This fall is said to have been a favourite resort of the lady whose lover met the sad fate here recorded:— A minstrel came to the castle-gate, And tidings ill he bore; He told of the brave Count Fred’rick’s fate,— The Count was now no more. For in the far Italian land, In lowly grave he lay; Slain by the

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THE BISHOP’S SERMON.

THE BISHOP’S SERMON.

Some rough steps lead up to the gate-tower, and a ring at the bell brought a chubby-faced child, that looked much out of place amid the ruins. We entered, and an old dreamy man took the place of the child; he led us through a ruined garden that surrounded a tower of immense thickness, entering which he slowly led us by a winding road, that would admit six men to mount abreast, up to the summit of the tower. To our surprise we now were on a piece of level ground; this tower, which was the only en

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THE LAST KNIGHT OF EHRENBURG.

THE LAST KNIGHT OF EHRENBURG.

It was Carnival in Coblence—all the world was there; the streets were thronged with masks, shows and processions were in all the public places; music, dancing, and merriment, reigned supreme. Walter, the adopted son of the Count of Ehrenburg, longed to visit the gay scene, but the Count had never yet permitted him to go so far away; at length, by dint of importunity, he got leave to set out, but was strongly cautioned to meddle with no one, and avoid all disputes or quarrels: with two stout men-

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THE TIMELY WARNING.

THE TIMELY WARNING.

After an afternoon spent at Ehrenburg we returned to the village of Brodenbach, where there are several clean little inns. The great castle of Thuron well merits its name of “the Throne Castle;” it stands on the heights above Alken, which is a considerable village at a short distance from Brodenbach. At Alken. At Alken, and in the vicinity, many Roman coins, coffins, and pieces of armour, have been found; so it is probably a place of considerable antiquity. It is sheltered by a bold rock that ju

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SIEGE OF THURON.

SIEGE OF THURON.

The views from Thuron are very extensive, a long reach of the river leads the eye back to the villages and cliffs we have past; undisturbed by those infesters of the Rhine, who turn every place of interest on that river into a tea-garden, we can here enjoy our meditations without hindrance, and muse our fill. I gazed on an ancient keep; Its hoary turrets high, And its gloomy dungeons deep, Its mould’ring cistern dry, All seemed to me to say, “Behold in our decay “An emblem of mortality!” Whilst

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THE RED SLEEVE.

THE RED SLEEVE.

Robin of Cobern had a beautiful daughter named Else. Her heart had long been given to the Knight Hans of Sable, but Hans had offended the Bishop of Trèves, and so was outlawed and excommunicated. Hans was obliged to conceal himself, and hastily flying, took refuge for a long while in solitudes. At length he could no longer endure being absent from his beloved, so he procured a harp, and set out for the castle of Cobern, where some festival was then being held. In his character of Minstrel he was

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THE HERMIT OF COBERN.

THE HERMIT OF COBERN.

This chapel is called by the people the Church of the Templars, because the castle, in whose walls it stands, was inhabited by some of the Knights of the Temple after the suppression of their Order. The proper name of the building is the St. Matthias Chapel, and it was the principal station of the great pilgrimage which yearly took place from Coblence to Trèves. These processions now are less frequent, but still, in a modified form, they often take place. With song and banners waving, these proc

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THE CHARACTERISTIC MARK OF COBERN.

THE CHARACTERISTIC MARK OF COBERN.

On the fête of Lubentius fires were lighted on the surrounding hills, in emblem of the light of the Gospel, which dispersed the darkness of Paganism. This fête took place at the time of the vintage, and the assisters thereat frequently imitated their champion, William the Chaplain, and strove to uphold their patron’s authority by the same arguments, the new wine giving life to old quarrels. The ancient documents relating to Cobern are filled with histories of the quarrels of the inhabitants one

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THE SUCCESSION OF THE SEASONS.

THE SUCCESSION OF THE SEASONS.

The day succeeded night, and eve the morn, In those far ages back ere Man was born; Then only Elves and Fairies played Beneath the leafy covert’s shade, And all was Summer, and the bright sun shone On this fair world, and ruled it for his own; For Winter there was none, nor cold Nor cloud in those bright days of old. The birds and flowers for ever bloomed and sang, The springs perpetual from the dark rock sprang; Time strode with even step along, His path begirt with flowers and song. The dainty

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THE FATE OF THE FALSE SWEARER.

THE FATE OF THE FALSE SWEARER.

The wicked Squire rode thoughtfully home, beginning to fear that he had not gained peace of mind, though he had had his revenge. He came in sight of his house, and perceiving a storm was arising, pushed on with all haste; but it is in vain to fly from our fate: the lightning flashed out, and his horse starting, reared,—then bounding forward, it hurled its rider with force to the ground. Thus perished the swearer of lies. At Winningen the inhabitants are Protestants, and are, says M. de Bourdeloi

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LEGEND OF THE MOSELLE BRIDGE.

LEGEND OF THE MOSELLE BRIDGE.

The Germans of the present time are quite as much given to amusement as their forefathers were; on every possible occasion they indulge in pic-nics, dances, fairs, processions, and festivals of all sorts. Christmas and New-year’s Days are perhaps the greatest holidays in the year, but Carnival time is also universally kept as a fête, the same as in Italy. In summer, excursions into the country are the most favourite amusements; people of all classes, high and low alike, indulge in these excursio

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LEGEND OF MARIAHILF.1

LEGEND OF MARIAHILF.1

Ritza lived in Little Coblence, just opposite to the Church of St. Castor. When the bells tolled for morning prayers she used to walk over the waters to attend at the service, returning by the same road. One day the waves were high, and the sky full of storms; she hesitated, and finally gathered a vine-branch, with which she endeavoured to assist her tottering steps: but faith had deserted her, and she sank deeper and deeper into the waves—the prop was utterly useless; then she thought on her Sa

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SAINT RITZA.

SAINT RITZA.

The great Corporal Spohn is still well remembered in Coblence; he was one of the most faithful of men. He saved the life of the Emperor Napoleon at the battle of the three Emperors. Napoleon had advanced too boldly, and was in imminent danger of being taken prisoner by the Cossacks; if not, which was more likely still, killed by those wild soldiers. Corporal Spohn having noticed the desperate position of Napoleon, ran up, and an agreement was hastily made, by which Spohn mounted the white horse

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CORPORAL SPOHN.

CORPORAL SPOHN.

Henry was expecting his dearly beloved Bertha to arrive at Coblence; he, therefore, stood watching most anxiously on the old bridge over the Moselle. At last the boat which contained her came into view, and she waved her kerchief to her constant lover. Alas! before he could clasp her the boat overturned, and Bertha was struggling beneath an arch of the bridge. Henry rushed down to save her, but just as he arrived at the edge of the water she uttered his name and went down. Marking the place, Hen

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HENRY AND BERTHA.

HENRY AND BERTHA.

Max of Schenkendorf is well known in Germany by his songs on those combats for liberty, of which so many took place in his Fatherland. The Poet was in the last stage of consumption. It was the morning of his birthday. Max lay sleeping in bed, but his wife had arisen, and was now busy adorning his chamber with flowers in honour of the Poet’s birthday. Having arranged all the bouquets, she made up a garland of evergreens, which she placed softly on the brow of the sleeper, fervently praying that i

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THE POET’S DEATHBED.

THE POET’S DEATHBED.

“Weep, not, O woman!” said his spirit to her, “weep not for the clay that lies here; the shackles are broken; what earth could not hold, nor love longer detain, can neither be fettered by Death: the body is dead, but the soul lives for ever; it lives in thy love and thy heart; it lives in the sky.” This is the last of our legends; and with a few remarks on the habits and customs of the part of Germany near our river we will come to the conclusion of our last chapter. Not without regret shall we

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Corrections

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