~~~ l\\\\S \ \ "x>vQ l-rA / > U ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A-NDEEAS HOFERI LAID HIS HAND UPON IIIS WIFE'S HIEAD. Frontispiece. ANDRBAS HOFER. AN HISTORICAL NOVEL. BY LOUIStA MUHLBAOCH, AUTHOR OF "JOSEPH TI. AND HIS COURT," "FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT," "BERLIN AND BANS-SOUCI," "THE MERCHANT OF BERLIN," ETC., ETC. TRBNLATED FROM TUE GERMAN, BY F.- JORDAN. COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. glllsu4ated bl (astoun lra" NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY. 1868. ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by D. APPLETON & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Now York. CON TEN TS. P~AGE PAGE CHar. I.-1809,... 5 CaAr. XXV.-The Emperor Francis at WolkersII.-The Emperor Francis,.. 11 dorf,... 148 III.-The Courier and the Ambassador,. 18 XXVI.-The Reply of the King of Prussia, 155 IV.-The Emperor and his Brothers,. 25 XXVII.-The Battle of Wagram,. 161 V.-The Performance of" The Creation," 31 XXVIII.-The Armistice of Znayim,. 165 VI.-Andreas Hofer,... 36 XXIX. —Hofer and Speckbacher,. 170 VII.-Andreas Hofer at the Theatre.. 44 XXX.-The Capuchin's Oath,.. 175 VIII.-Consecration of the Flags, and Fare- XXXI.-The First Battle,.. 182 well,.... 48 XXXII.-The Fifteenth of August at InnIX.-'Tis Time.... 53 spruck,.... 186 X.-Anthony Wallner of Windisch-3latrey, 59 XXXIII.-Andreas Hofer, the Emperor's XI.-The Declaration of Love,.. 65 Lieutenant,..... 193 XII.-Farewell I.... 71 XXXIV.-The Fifteenth of August at CoXIII.-The Bridegroom,.. 74 morn,.... 197 XIV.-The Bridge of St. Lawrence,.. 80 XXXV.-A Day of the Emperor's LieuXV.-The Bridge of Laditch,.. 85 tenant,.. 205 XVI.-On the Sterzinger MIoos,.. 90 XXXVI.-The Lovers,... 211 X-NII.-The Hay-Wagons,... 96 XXXVII.-Elza's Return,.. 217 XVIII.-Capture of Innspruck,.. 100 XXXVIII.-The Wedding,.. 221 XIX.-The Capitulation of Wiltau,. 105 XXIX. —The Treaty of Peace,.. 227 XX. —Eliza Wallner's Return,.. 115 XL.-Dreadful Tidings,... 234 XXI.-The Catastrophe,... 119 XLI.-Betrayal and Seizure of Hofer, 240 XXII.-Eliza and Ulrich,... 124 XLII.-The Warning,... 247 XXIII. —The Triumph of Death,., 135 XLIII.-The Flight,.... 251 XXIV.-The Archduke John at Comorn,. 143 XLIV.-Andreas Hofer's Death,. 257 ANDREAS tHOFE R. -------- ---- "And he will be silent until the favorable moCHAPTER IL ment has passed," sighed the Archduke John, 1809. when, on returning from a very long interview THE year 1809 had come; but the war against with the emperor, he was alone with his friend, France, so intensely longed for by all Austria, had General Nugent, in his cabinet. not yet broken out, and the people and the army He had communicated to this confidant the full were vainly waiting for the war-cry of their sov- details of his interview with the emperor, and conereign, the Emperor Francis. It is true, not a few cluded his report by saying, with a deep sigh: great things had been accomplished in the course " The emperor will be silent until the favorable of the past year: Austria had armed, organized moment has passed! " the militia, strengthened her fortresses, and filled Count Nugent gazed with a look of heart-felt her magazines; but the emperor still hesitated to sympathy into the archduke's mournful face; he take the last and most decisive step by crowning saw the tears filling John's large blue eyes; he his military preparations with a formal declaration saw that he firmly compressed his lips as if to of war. stifle a cry of pain or rage, and that he clinched No one looked for this declaration of war more his hands in the agony of his despair. Animated intensely than the emperor's second brother, the by tender compassion, the general approached the Archduke John, a young man of scarcely twenty- archduke, who had sunk into a chair, and laid his seven. He had been the soul of all the preparations hand gently on his shoulder. " Courage, courage! " which, since the summer of 1808, had been made he whispered; "nothing is lost as yet, and your throughout Austria; he had conceived the plan of imperial highness-" organizing the militia and the reserves; and had "Ah, why do you address me with'imperial drawn up the proclamation of the 12th of May, highness?"' cried the archduke, almost indig1808, by which all able-bodied Austrians were nantly. "Do you not see, then, that this is a called upon to take up arms. But this exhausted miserable title by which Fate seems to mock me, his powers; he could organize the army, but could and which it thunders constantly and, as it were, not say to it, " Take thefield against the enemy! " sneeringly into my ears, in order to remind me The emperor alone could utter this word, and he again and again of my deplorable powerlessness? was silent. There is nothing'imperial' about me but the 6 ANDREAS HOFER. yoke under which I am groaning; and my' high- "Did he not arrest his victorious career, and recall ness' is to be compared only with the crumbs of him from the army, although, or rather because, Lazarus which fell from the rich man's table. And he knew that the army idolized him, and that all yet there are persons, Nugent, who envy me these Austria loved him and hoped in him? Ah, becrumbs,-men who think it a brilliant and glori- lieve me, the emperor is distrustful of all his brothous lot to be an'imperial highness,' the brother ers, and all our protestations of love and devotedof a sovereign emperor! Ah, they do not know ness do not touch him, but rebound powerlessly that this title means only that I am doomed to from the armor of jealousy with which he has everlasting dependence and silence, and that the steeled his heart against us. You see, I tell you emperor's valet de chambre and his private secre- all this with perfect composure, but I confess it tary are more influential men than the Archduke cost me once many tears and inward struggles, John, who cannot do any thing but submit, be and it was long before my heart became calm and silent, and look on in idleness." resigned. My heart long yearned for love, con"Now your imperial highness slanders yourself," fidence, and friendship. I have got over these exclaimed Count Nugent. "You have not been yearnings now, and resigned myself to be lonely, silent, you have not looked on in idleness, but have and remain so all my life long. That is to say," worked incessantly and courageously for the sal- added the archduke, with a gentle smile, holding vation of your people and your country. Who out his hand to the count, "lonely, without a drew up the original plan for the organization of sister, without a brother-lonely in my family. the militia and the reserves? Who elaborated its However, I have found a most delightful compenmost minute details with admirable sagacity? It sation for this loneliness, for I call you and Horwas the Archduke John-the archduke in whom mayr friends; I have my books, which always all Austria hopes, and who is the last refuge and comfort, divert, and amuse me; and last, I have comfort'f all patriots!" my great and glorious hopes regarding the future "Ah, how much all of you are to be pitied, my of the fatherland. Ah, how could I say that I was friend, if you hope in me! " sighed John. " What poor and lonely when I am so rich in hopes, and am I, then? A poor atom which is allowed to have two noble and faithful friends? I am sure, move in the glare of the imperial sun, but which Nugent, you will never desert me, but stand by would be annihilated so soon as it should presume me to the end-to the great day of victory, or to to be an independent luminary. Pray, Nugent, the end of our humiliation and disgrace?" do not speak of such hopes; for, if the emperor "Your imperial highness knows full well that should hear of it, not only would my liberty be my heart will never turn from you; that I love endangered, but also yours and that of all who are and revere you; that you are to me the embodiof your opinion. The emperor does not like to inent of all that is noble, great, and beautiful; see the eyes of his subjects fixed upon me; every that I would be joyfully ready at any hour to kind word uttered about me sours him and in- suffer death for you; and that neither prosperity creases the ill-will with which he regards me." nor adversity could induce me to forsake you. "That is impossible, your highness," exclaimed You are the hope of my heart, you are the hope tlie count. " How can our excellent emperor help of my country-nay, the hope of all Germany. loving his brother, who is so gifted, so high- We all need your assistance, your heart, your minded and learned, and withal so modest and arm; for we expect that you will place yourself kind-hearted? How can he help being happy to at the head of Germany, and lead us to glorious see that others love and appreciate him too?" victories! " "Does the emperor love my brother Charles, "God grant that the hour when we shall take who is much more gifted and high-minded than the field may soon come! Then, my friend, I I am?" asked John, shrugging his shoulders. shall prove that I am ready, like all of you, to THE YEAR 1809. 7 shed my heart's blood for the fatherland, and con- plans of my adversaries; they did not wish to quer or die for the liberty of Austria, the liberty carry on the war with sufficient energy and perof Germany. For in the present state of affairs severance; they would not give my brother the fate of Germany, too, depends on the success Charles and me an opportunity to distinguish ourof our arms. If we succumb and have to submit selves and gain a popular name. Whenever I to the same humiliations as Prussia, the whole of planned a vigorous attack, I was not permitted to Germany will be but a French province, and the carry it into effect. Whenever, with my corps, I freedom and independence of our fatherland will might have exerted a decisive influence upon the be destroyed for long years to come. I am too fortunes of the war, I was ordered to retreat weak to survive such a disgrace. If Austria falls, with my troops to some distant position of no imI shall fall too; if German liberty dies, I shall die portance whatever; and when I remonstrated, too." * they charged me with rebelling against the em"German liberty will not die!!" exclaimed peror's authority. Ah, I suffered a great deal in Count Nugent, enthusiastically; " it will take the those days, and the wounds which my heart refield one day against all the powerful and petty ceived at that juncture are bleeding yet. I had tyrants of the fatherland. Then it will choose to succumb, when the men who had commenced the Archduke John its general-in-chief, and he the war at a highly unfavorable time, conducted will lead it to victory! " it at an equally unfavorable moment, and made "No, no, my friend," said John, mournfully; peace. And by that peace Austria lost her most "Fate refuses to let'me play a decisive part in the loyal province, the beautiful Tyrol, one of the history of the world. My role will always be but oldest states of the Hapsburgs; and her most fera secondary one; my will will always be impeded, tile province, the territory of Venetia and Dalmy arm will be paralyzed forever. You know it. matia, for which I did not grieve so much, because You know that I am constantly surrounded by it always was a source of political dissensions and secret spies and eavesdroppers, who watch me quarrels for the hereditary provinces of Austria. with lynx-eyed vigilance, and misrepresent every What afflicted me most sorely was the loss of the step I take. It was always so, and will remain Tyrol, and even now I cannot think of it without so until I die or become a decrepit old man, the most profound emotion. It seemed as though whose arm is no longer able to wield the sword Fate were bent on blotting out from our memory or even the pen. That I am young, that I have a all that might remind us of our ancestors, their heart for the sufferings of my country, a heart not virtues, their patriotism, and their perseverance only for the honor of Austria, but for that of Ger- in the days of universal adversity; and as though. many-that is what gives umbrage to them, what in consequence of this, the spirit of the Hapsburgs renders me suspicious in their eyes, and causes had almost become extinct, and we were to lose them to regard me as a revolutionist. I had to all that they had gained in the days of their greatsuffer a good deal for my convictions; a great ness.* But now Fate is willing to give us another many obstacles were raised against all my plans; opportunity to repair our faults and show that we and yet I desired only to contribute to the welfare are worthy of our ancestors. If we all6w this to of the whole; I demanded nothing for myself, but pass too, all is lost, not only the throne of the every thing for the fatherland. To the fatherland Hapsburgs, but also their honor!" I wished to devote my blood and my life; for the "This opportunity will not pass I " exclaimed fatherland I wished to conquer in the disastrous the count. "The throne of the Hapsburgs will campaign of 1805. However, such were not the be preserved, for it is protected by the Archdukes John and Charles, a brave army that is * The Archduke John's own words.-See "Fortyeight Letters from Archduke John of Austria to Johan- * John's own words.-See " Forty-eight Letters from nes von Mi;ller," p. 90. Archduke John to Johannes von Miiller," p. 103. 8 ANDREAS HOFER. eager for a war with France, and a faithful, in- independence, and become Napoleon's vassals; trepid people, which is sincerely devoted to its they obey his will, they submit to his orders, and imperial dynasty, which never will acknowledge send their armies not against the enemy of Geranother ruler, and which never will desert its many, but against the enemies of France, no Hapsburgs." matter whether those enemies are their German "Yes, the people will not desert us," said brethren or not. The German princes have John, "but worse things may happen; we may formed the Confederation of the Rhine, and the desert ourselves. Just look around, Nugent, and object of this confederation is not to preserve see how lame we have suddenly become again; the frontier of the Rhine to Germany, but to how we have all at once stopped half way, un- secure the Rhine to France. The German princes able to decide whether it might not be better are begging for honors and territories at the for us to lay down our arms again and surrender court of Napoleon; they do not shrink from at discretion to the Emperor of the French." manifesting their fealty to their master, the "Fortunately, it is too late now to take such a Emperor of the French, by betraying the interresolution; for Austria has already gone so far ests of Germany; they are playing here at Vienna that a hesitating policy at this juncture will no the part of the meanest spies; they are watchlonger succeed in pacifying the Emperor of the ing all our steps, and are shameless enough to French. And it is owing to the efforts of your have the Emperor Napoleon reward their infamy imperial highness that it is so; we are indebted by conferring royal titles on them, and to accept for it to your zeal, your energy, and your en- at his hands German territories which he took thusiasm for the good cause, which is now no from German princes. Bavaria did not disdain longer the cause of Austria, but that of Ger- to aggrandize her territories at our expense; many. And this cause will not succumb; God Wurtemberg accepts without blushing the terriwill not allow a great and noble people to be tories of other German princes at the hands of trampled under foot by a foreign tyrant, who Napoleon, who thus rewards her for the incesbids defiance to the most sacred treaties and sant warnings by which the King of Wurtemberg the law of nations, and who would like to over- urges the Emperor of the French to be on his throw all thrones to convert the foreign king- guard against Austria, and always distrust the doms and empires into provinces of his empire, intentions of the Emperor Francis.* In the midblot out the history of the nations and dynas- dle of the German empire we see a new French ties, and have all engulfed by his universal mon- kingdom, Westphalia, established by Napoleon's archy." orders; it is formed of the spoils taken from "' God may not decree this, but He may per- Prussia and Hanover; and the German princes haps allow it if the will of the nations and the suffer it, and the German people bow their heads princes should not be strong enough to set silently to the disgraceful foreign yoke! Ah, bounds to such mischief. When the feeling Nugent, my heart is full of grief and anger, full of liberty and independence does not incite of the bitterness of despair; for I have lost faith the nations to' rise enthusiastically and de- in Germany, and see shudderingly that she will fend their rights, God sends them a tyrant as decay and die, as Poland died, of her own weaka scourge to chastise them. And such, I am ness. Ah, it would be dreadful, dreadful, if we afraid, is our case. Germany has lost faith in too, had to fall, as the unfortunate Kosciusko did, herself, in her honor; she lies exhausted at the with the despairing cry of' Finis Germanice!'" feet of" the tyrant, and is ready to be trampled "No, that will never happen!" cried Nugent. in the dust by him. Just look around in our " No, Germany will never endure the disgrace and German fatherland. What do you see there? German fatherland. What do yo see there * Schlosser, "History of the Eighteenth Century," All the sovereign princes have renounced their vol. vii., p. 488. THE YEAR 1809. 9 debasement of Poland; she will never sink to ruin secret corridor caused the archduke to pause and and perish like Poland. It is true, a majority of turn his eyes with a searching expression to this the German princes bow to Nspoleon's power, and door. we may charge them with infidelity and treason The rapping was repeated, more rapidly than against Germany; but we cannot prefer the same before. charge against the German people and the subjects " It is Hormayr," exclaimed the archduke, joyof the traitorous German princes. They have re- fully; and he hastened to the secret door and mained faithful, and have not yet lost faith in their opened it quickly. fatherland. They are indignantly champing the A tall young man, in the uniform of an Austrian bit with which their despots have shut their superior officer, appeared in the open door. The mouth; and, in silence, harmony, and confidence archduke grasped both his hands and drew him in God, they are preparing for the great hour hastily into the cabinet. when they will rise, for the sacred day when they "Hormayr, my friend," he said, breathlessly, will break their shackles with the divine strength "you have returned from the Tyrol? You have of a united and high-minded people. Everywhere succeeded in fulfilling the mission with which I the embers are smouldering under the ashes; ev- intrusted you? You have carried my greetings erywhere secret societies and leagues have been to the Tyrolese? Oh, speak, speak, my friend! formed; everywhere there are conspirators, depots What do my poor, deserted Tyrolese say?" of arms, and passwords; everywhere the people Baron von Hormayr fixed his flashing dark eyes of Germany are waiting only for the moment when with an expression of joyful tenderness on the they are to strike the first blow, and for the sig- excited face of the archduke. nal to rise. And they are in hopes now that Aus- "The Tyrolese send greeting to the Archduke tria will give the signal. Our preparations for John," he said; "the Tyrolese hope that the war have been hailed with exultation throughout Archduke John will deliver them from the hateGermany; everywhere the people are ready to ful yoke of the Bavarians; the Tyrolese believe take up arms so soon as Austria draws the sword. that the hour has arrived, when they may recover The example of Spain and Portugal has taught the their liberty; and to prove this —" Germans how the arrogant conqueror must be met; "To prove this? " asked the archduke, breaththe example of Austria will fill them with bound- lessly, when Hormayr paused a moment. less enthusiasm, and lead them to the most glori- "To prove this," said Hormayr, in a lower voice, ous victories! " stepping up closer to the prince, " some of the "And we are still temporizing and hesitating," most influential and respectable citizens of the exclaimed John, mournfully; "we are not coura- Tyrol have accompanied me to Vienna; they desire geous enough to strike the first blow! All is to assure your imperial highness of their loyal deready; the emperor has only to utter the decisive votedness, and receive instructions from you." word, but he refuses to do so!" "Is Andreas Hofer, the landwirth, among " The enthusiasm of his people will soon com- them? " asked the archduke, eagerly. pel him and his advisers to utter that word," said " He is, and so are Wallner and Speckbacher. Nugent. "Austria can no longer retrace her I bring to your imperial highness the leading men steps; she must advance. Austria must lead of the Tyrolese peasants, and would like to know Germany in the sacred struggle for liberty; she when I may introduce them to you, and at what can no longer retrace her steps." hour you will grant a private audience to my Ty" God grant that your words may be verified!" rolese friends?" cried John, lifting his tearful eyes to heaven; "Oh, I will see them at oace!" exclaimed " God grant that-" John, impatiently. "My heart longs to gaze into A low rapping at the door leading to the small the faithful, beautiful eyes of the Tyrolese, and 10 ANDREAS HOFER. read in their honest faces if they really are still "Something of importance must have ocdevoted and attached to me. Bring them to me, curred," whispered John; " otherwise the empress Hormayr; make haste-but no, I forgot that it would not have ventured to send me a direct mesis broad daylight, and that the spies watching me sage. I did not lend her a book, and you know have eyes to see, ears to hear, and tongues to re- we agreed with the ladies of our party to comport to the emperor as dreadful crimes all that municate direct news to each other only in they have seen and heard here. We must wait, cases of pressing necessity. Let us see now what therefore, until the spies have closed their eyes, it is." until dark and reticent night has descended on He hastily tore open the sealed package and earth, and-. Well; Conrad, what is it?" the drew from it a small prayer-book bound in black archduke interrupted himself, looking at his valet velvet. While he was turning over the leaves de chambre, who had just entered hastily by the with a smile, a small piece of paper fluttered from door of the anteroom. between the gilt-edged leaves and dropped to the "Pardon me, your imperial highness," said floor. Conrad; " a messenger of her majesty the em- "That is it," said John, smiling, picking up the press is in the anteroom. Her majesty has or- paper, and fixing his eyes on it. "There is nothdered him to deliver his message only to the arch- ing on it," he then exclaimed, contemplating both duke himself." sides of the paper. " There is not a word on it. "Let him come in," said the archduke. It is only a book-mark, that is all. But, perhaps, Conrad opened the door, and the imperial mes- something is written in the book, or there may senger appeared on the threshold. be another paper." " Her majesty the Empress Ludovica sends her "No, your imperial highness," whispered Nurespects to the archduke," said the messenger, gent, stepping back a few paces from the door. approaching the archduke respectfully. "Her " The Princess Lichtenstein whispered to me majesty thanks your imperial highness for the yesterday, at the court concert, that she had obbook which you lent her; and she returns it with tained an excellent way of sending a written messincere thanks." sage to her friends and allies, and that, if we reAn expression of astonishment overspread ceived a piece of white paper from the ladies of John's face, but it soon disappeared, and the arch- our party, we had better preserve it and read it duke received with a calm smile the small sealed afterward near the fireplace." package which the messenger handed to him. " Ah, sympathetic ink," exclaimed John; "well, "All right," he said; "tell her majesty to ac- we will see." cept my thanks." He hastily approached the fireplace, where a The messenger returned to the anteroom, and bright fire was burning, and held the piece of Conrad closed the door behind him. paper close to the flames. Immediately a number "Place yourself before the door, Nugent, that of black dots and lines appeared on the paper; nobody may be able to look through the key- these dots and lines assumed gradually the shape hole," whispered John, "for you know that I do of finely-written words. not trust Conrad. And you, Hormayr, watch the The archduke followed with rapt attention secret door." every line, every letter that appeared on the white The two gentlemen hastened noiselessly to obey. paper, and now he read as follows: The archduke cast a searching glance around the "The French ambassador has requested the walls, as if afraid that even the silken hangings emperor to grant him an audience at eleven o'clock might contain somewhere an opening for the eyes this morning. A courier from Metternich in of a spy, or serve as a corer to an ear of Diony- Paris has arrived, and, I believe, brought imporsiuis tant news. The decisive hour is at hand. Hasten THE EMPEROR FRANCIS. 11 to the emperor; leave nothing undone to prevail him that every thing is at stake, and that we on him to take a bold stand. Send somebody to must risk all to win all. But you, Hormayr, go the Archduke Charles; request him to repair like- to my dear Tyrolese; tell them that I will receive wise to the emperor and influence him in the them here at twelve o'clock to-night, and conduct same direction. I have paved the way for you. them to me at that hour, my friend. We will I hope the French ambassador will, in spite of hold a council of war at midnight." himself, be out ally, and by his defiant and arro- "And your imperial highness does not forget gant bearing, attain for us the object which we that you promised to go to the concert to-night?" have hitherto been unable to accomplish by our asked Nugent. "Your highness is aware that our persuasion and our arguments. Make haste! friends not only intend to-night to give an ovation Burn this paper." to the veteran master of German art, Joseph The archduke signed to his two confidants to Haydn, but wish also to profit by the German come to him, and pointed to the paper. When music to make a political demonstration; and they had hastily read the lines, he threw the paper they long for the presence of the imperial court, into the flames, and turned to the two gentlemen that the emperor and his brothers may witness who stood behind him. the patriotic enthusiasm of Vienna." " Well, what do you think of it? " he inquired. " I shall certainly be present," said the arch"Shall I do what these mysterious lines ask of duke, earnestly, "and I hope the empress will me? Shall I go to the emperor without being succeed in prevailing on the emperor to go to the summoned to him?" concert —Well, then, my friends, let us go to " The empress requests you to do so, and she is work, and may God grant success to our efforrs!" as prudent as she is energetic," said Count Nugent. " I say, like the empress, the decisive hour is at hand," exclaimed Baron von Hormayr. "Hasten to the emperor; try once more to force the sword CHAPTER II. into his hand, and to wrest at length the muchwished-for words,' War against France!' from THE EMPEROR FRANCIS. his lips. The Tyrolese are only waiting for these THE Emperor Francis had to-day entered his words, to rise for their emperor and become again study at an earlier hour than usual, and was inhis loving and devoted subjects. All Austria, nay, dustriously engaged there in finishing a miniature all Germany, is longing for these words, which cup which he had commenced cutting from a will be the signal of the deliverance of the father- peach-stone yesterday. On the table before him land from the French yoke. Oh, my lord and lay the drawing of the model after which he was prince, hasten to the emperor; speak to him with shaping the cup; and Francis lifted his eyes only the impassioned eloquence of the cherubim, break from time to time to fix them on the drawing, and the fatal charm that holds Austria and the Tyrol compare it with his own work. These comparienthralled!" sons, however, apparently did not lead to a cheerAt this moment the large clock standing on the ing result, for the emperor frowned and put the mantel-piece commenced striking. cup rather impetuously close to the drawing on " Eleven o'clock," said the archduke-" the the table. hour when the emperor is to give an audience to " I believe, forsooth, the cup is not straight," the French ambassador. It is high time, there- murmured the emperor to himself, contemplating fore. Nugent, hasten to my brother; implore from all sides the diminutive object which had him to repair forthwith to the emperor, and to cost him so much labor. " Sure enough, it is not act this time at least in unison with me. Tell straight, it has a hump on one side. Yes, yes, 12 ANDREAS HOFER. nothing is straight nowadays; and even God in good reasons to believe that he had brought highly heaven creates His things no longer straight, and important news. does not shrink from letting the peach-stones grow It was exactly for the purpose of dispelling the crooked. But no matter-what God does is well anxiety with which this unpleasant intelligence done," added the emperor, crossing himself de- had filled him, that Francis had laid aside the revoutly; "even an emperor must not censure it, port and recommenced his work on the cup; and and must not grumble when his cup is not straight by this occupation he had succeeded in forgetbecause God gave the peach-stone a hump. Well, ting the burdensome duties of his imperial office. perhaps, I may change it yet, and make the cup He was just trying very hard to plane one side straight." of his cup, when a low rap at the small door leadHe again took up the little cup, and commenced ing to the narrow corridor, and thence to the apartindustriously working at it with his shairp files, ments of the empress, interrupted him. The empointed knives, and gimlets. It was hard work; peror gave a start and looked toward the door, large drops of sweat stood on the emperor's fore- listening and hoping, perhaps, that his ear might head; his arms ached, and his fingers became sore have deceived him. But no, the rapping was heard under the pressure of the knives and files; but the once more: there could no longer be a doubt of emperor did not mind it, only from time to time it-somebody sought admittance, and intended to wiping the sweat from his brow, and then con- disturb the peaceful solitude of the emperor. tinuing his labor with renewed zeal. "What does the empress want? " murmured Close to the small table containing the tools Francis. "What does she come here for? I am stood the emperor's large writing-table. Large afraid something unpleasant has happened again." piles of documents and papers lay on this table, He rose with a shrug from his chair, put his and among them were scattered also many letters miniature cup hastily into the drawer of his table, and dispatches with broad official seals. But the and hurried to open the door. emperor had not yet thought of opening these dis- Francis had not been mistaken. It really was patches or unsealing these letters. The peach- the Empress Ludovica, the third consort of the stone had engrossed his attention this morning, emperor, who had married her only a few months and he had unsealed only one of the papers; the ago. She wore a handsome dishabille of ememperor had read only the report of the secret broidered white muslin, closely surrounding her police on the events of the previous day. These delicate and slender form, and trimmed with beaureports of the secret police and the Chl re- Cabinet tiful laces. The white dress reached up to the wvere the favorite reading matter of the Emperor neck, where a rose-colored tie fastened it. Her Francis, and he would have flown into a towering beautiful black hair, which fell down in heavy passion if he had not found them on his writing- ringlets on botb sides of her face, was adorned table early every morning. with a costly lace cap, from which wide ribbons of Thanks to these reports, the emperor knew rose-colored satin flowed down on her shoulders. every morning all that had occurred in Vienna But the countenance of the empress did not corduring the previous day; what the foreign am- respond to this coquettish and youthful dress. bassadors had done, and, above all things, what She was young and beautiful, but an expression his brothers, the Archdukes Charles, Ferdinand, of profound melancholy overspread her features. Joseph, and John, had said, done, and perhaps Her cheeks were transparently white, and a sad, only thought. To-day's report had not communi- touching smile quivered round her finely-chiselled, cated many important things to the emperor; it narrow lips; her high, expansive forehead was hAd only informed him that, at daybreak, a courier shaded, as it were, by a cloud of sadness; and her from Paris had arrived at the house of the French large black eyes shot, from time to time, gloomy ambassador, Count Andreossi, and that there were flashes which seemed to issue from a gulf of fiery THE EMPEROR FRANCIS. 13 torture. But whatever passions might animate Such was the grief that was gnawing at the her delicate, ethereal form, the empress had heart of the young empress-the wound from l'arned to cover her heart with a veil, and her lips which her proud and lofty soul was bleeding. never gave utterance to the sufferings of her soul. But for a few weeks past she had overcome her Only her confidantes were allowed to divine them; silent grief, and the presence of her mother, they alone knew that twofold tortures were rack- the shrewd and intriguing Duchess of Modena, ing Ludovica's fiery soul, those of hatred and seemed to have imparted fresh strength to the wounded pride. Napoleon! it was he whom the empress, and confirmed her in her determination empress hated with indescribable bitterness; and to conquer the heart and confidence of her husthe neglect with which her consort, the Emperor band. Whereas she had hitherto met his indifFrancis, treated her, cut her proud heart to the ference by proud reticence, and feigned not to noquick. Thanks to the intrigues and immense tice it, she was now kind and even affectionate riches of her mother, Beatrix of Este, Duchess of toward him; and it often happened that, availing Modena, she had become the wife of an emperor, herself of the privilege of her position, she travand herself an empress; but she had thereby ob- ersed the private corridor separating her rooms tained only an august position, not a husband and from those of her husband, and, without being partner. She was an empress in name only, but summoned to him, entered his cabinet to talk not in reality. Francis had given her his hand, politics with him in spite of his undisguised averbut not his heart and his love. He disdained his sion to doing so. beautiful, lovely wife; he avoided any familiar The emperor hated these interviews from the intercourse with her with anxious timidity; only bottom of his heart; a shudder pervaded his in the presence of the court and the public did he soul, and a cloud covered his brow, whenever he treat the empress as his consort, and tolerate her heard the low rap of the empress at his private near his person. At first Ludovica had submitted door. To-day, too, the dark cloud covered his to this strange conduct on the part of her bus- forehead even after the empress had entered his band with proud indifference, and not the slightest cabinet. Ludovica noticed it, and a mournful murmur, not the mildest reproach, had escaped smile overspread her pale face for a moment. her lips. For it was not from love that she had "As your majesty did not come to me to bid chosen this husband, but from ambition and pride. me good-morning, I have come to you," she said, She had told herself that it would be better for in a gentle, kind voice, holding out her beautiful her to be Empress of Austria than Princess of white hand to the emperor. Modena and Este; and even the prospect of being Francis took it and pressed it to his lips. " It the third wife of Francis of Austria, and the step- is true," he said, evidently embarrassed, " I did mother of the ten children whom his second wife not come this morning to pay my respects to you, had borne to him, had not deterred her. She but time was wanting to me. I had to go at once meant to marry the emperor, and not the man; to my cabinet and work; I am very busy." she wished to play a prominent part, and exert a "I see," said Ludovica; " your majesty's dress powerful influence on the destinies of the world. still bears the traces of your occupation." But these hopes were soon to prove utterly futile. The emperor hastened to brush away with his The emperor granted her publicly all the privi- hands the small particles of the peach-stone that leges of her exalted position by his side; but in had remained on his shirt-bosom and his sleeve; the privacy of her apartments he never made her but while he was doing this his brow darkened still his confidante; he refused to let her have any in- more, and he cast a gloomy and defiant glance on fluence over his decisions; he never consulted her the empress. as to the measures of his administration; nay, "Look, empress,'? he said; iperhaps you behe avoided alluding to such topics in her presence. long to the secret police, and have been employed 14 ANDREAS HOFER. to watch me in order to find out what I am doing band, I beseech you, do not disdain my friendwhen I am alone in my cabinet. Why, if I found ship; accept a friend's hand, which I offer to you out that that was so, I should be obliged to be on honestly and devotedly." my guard and have this door walled up, so that "My God, that is precisely what I long for! " my esteemed consort might no longer be able to exclaimed the emperor fervently, again pressing surprise and watch me." to his lips the hand which the empress held out "Your majesty will assuredly not do that," said to him. "My fondest wish is fulfilled when your Ludovica, whose voice was tremulous, and whose majesty will give me your friendship, and confide cheeks had turned even paler than before. "No, in me as your best, most devoted, and faithful your majesty will not make me undergo the bu- friend!" miliation of making known to the world the de- "But this confidence must be reciprocated, my plorable secret with which we alone have hitherto dearest friend," said Ludovica, putting her hand been acquainted. Your majesty will not deprive on the emperor's shoulder, and gazing long and me of the only privilege which I enjoy in common ardently into his eyes. " Your majesty must conwith your former consorts, and thereby proclaim fide in me too, and count implicitly on my fidelto the world that I am in this palace a stranger ity." who has not even access to the rooms of her hus- "That is what I do," said Francis, hastily; band." "never should I dare to doubt the fidelity of the "I do not say that I intend to do it," said purest, chastest, and most virtuous empress and Francis, shrugging his shoulders; "I say only lady —he fidelity of my wife." that it is highly repugnant to me to have my steps "I did not refer to the wife's fidelity," said dogged and watched in any manner. It is true, Ludovica, sighing, " but to the fidelity of my my former consort had also the keys of this pri- friendship, which is joyously ready to share all vate corridor, but-pardon me for this remark, your cares and afflictions." your majesty-the empress never used these keys, " Well, then," said the emperor, nodding to her but always waited for me to open the door." smilingly, " I will give you a proof of my faith in "And she did not wait in vain," said the em- your friendship. Yes, you shall share my cares press, quickly; "your majesty never failed to and afflictions." come, for you loved your consort, and I have been "Oh, my husband, how happy you make me told you never suffered even a few hours to pass by these words!" exclaimed Ludovica, and a by without leaving your cabinet and crossing the faint blush beautified her noble face. secret corridor to repair to the rooms of the em- " I will let you participate in my work to-day, press." and you shall give me your advice," said the em"But the good Empress Theresa," exclaimed peror, nodding to the empress, and stepping to the emperor, "when I was with her, never en- the writing-table, from whose drawer he took the deavored to talk to me about politics and state little cup. "Look, my dear friend," added the affairs." emperor, handing the cup to his consort, "I " I understand that," said Ludovica; "you had wished to make a little cup from this peach-stone both so many mutual interests to converse about. and give it to Maria Louisa, who delights in such You had your mutual love, your children, to talk things; but when I had nearly finished it, I disabout. I, who am so unhappy as not to be able covered suddenly that the peach-stone was crooked to talk with you about such matters, how in- and not equally round on both sides. Now give tensely soever my heart longs for it, must content me your advice, my fair friend; tell me what I myself with conversing with my husband on dif- am to do in order to straighten the cup. Look ferent subjects; and I desire to share at least his at it, and tell me how to fix it. It would be an cares when I cannot share his love. My hus- everlasting disgrace for an emperor to be unable THE EMPEROR FRANCIS. 15 to straighten a thing which he himself made muskets. If the lion is determined to use his crooked." teeth, he will easily succeed in destroying the wereThe empress had turned pale again; her dark wolf; for this rapacious and bloodthirsty were-wolf eyes shot fire for a moment, and she compressed her is brave and invincible only when he has to deal lips as if to stifle a cry of indignation. But she with lambs; only the feeble and disarmed have overcame her agitation quickly, and hastily took reason to fear him." the little cup which the emperor still held out to "In speaking of a were-wolf, I suppose you reher. fer to the Emperor Napoleon?" asked the em" Your majesty is right," she said; "the cup is peror, smiling. " I must tell you, however, that, really crooked, and will not stand erect when you in your warlike enthusiasm, you do him injustice. put it on the table. As your majesty has asked It seems to me he is brave not alone when he has me what ought to be done about it, I advise you to deal with lambs, and not alone the feeble and to get rid of the thing, declare war against the disarmed have reason to fear him. I think I did little cup, and remove it forever by touching it in not march lambs against him at Austerlitz, but this manner with your little finger." brave men, who were not feeble and disarmed, but She upset the miniature cup with her slender strong and well-armed. Nevertheless, Bonaparte little finger, so that it rolled to the other end of overpowered them; he gained the battle of Austhe table. terlitz over us, and we had to submit to him, and " That is very energetic advice, indeed," said accept the terms of peace which he imposed on Francis, smiling, "but I do not like it. To upset us." a thing that is not well done is no way of improv- "Yes, your majesty had to submit to him," ing it." cried the empress, ardently; " you were obliged " Yes, your majesty, to destroy what is not well to repair to the proud usurper's camp and beseech done is paving the way for something better," ex- him to grant you peace!" claimed Ludovica. " You yourself said just now " I was not obliged to go to him, but I did so it would be an everlasting disgrace for an emperor in order to restore peace to my people, and preto be unable to straighten any thing which he him- vent all Austria from sinking into ruin. It is true, self made crooked. It seems to me, now, an em- it was a dreadful walk for me, and when I saw the peror should extricate himself from any position Emperor of the French at his camp-fire, he became imposing on him the necessity of doing any thing utterly distasteful to me.* Nevertheless, the truth crooked and unworthy of his imperial dignity. If cannot be gainsayed, and the truth is that the Emsuch is his duty in regard to a thing so insignifi- peror Napoleon is more than a were-wolf killing cant as a peach-stone, how much more urgent is only lambs; he is a lion whose furious roar causes this duty, when there is at stake something so all thrones to tremble, and who, when he shakes great and sacred as tile independence and honor his mane, shakes all Europe to its foundations." of your empire and policy!" "The more is it incumbent on us then to put an "See, see! " said the emperor, scratching his end to this unnatural state of affairs," exclaimed head with an expression of ludicrous surprise; the empress, vehemently; "to strengthen the " then we have really got back from the peach- thrones, and restore at length tranquillity to Eustone to political affairs and the war-question. rope. And there is only one way of doing this, Now, this war-question is a hard peach-stone to my lord and emperor, and that is war! We must crack, and the mere thought of it sets my teeth destroy the lion in order to restore tranquillity to on edge." the peaceable nations." " Ah," said Ludovica, " your teeth are firm and "But what if, instead of destroying the lion, we strong, for they are composed of three hundred * The emperor's own words.-See "Lebensbilder aus thousand swords, and thousands of cannon and dem Befreiungskriege," vAl. i :6 BANDREAS HOFER should be destroyed by him? "asked the emperor, for the signal, but Bonaparte will give it to them, with a shrug. " What if the lion should a second and, when they march, they will march against time place his foot on our neck, trample us in the Austria and strive to fight us bravely in order to dust, and dictate to us again a disgraceful and obtain from the French Emperor praise, honors, humiliating peace? Do you think that the pres- titles, and grants of additional territories. No, ent position of the King of Prussia is a pleasant no, I cannot be blinded by brave words and bomand honorable one, and that I am anxious to incur bastic phrases; I know that Austria, in case a war a similar fate? No, madame! I am by no means should break out, would stand all alone, and that eager to wear a martyr's crown instead of my im- she must either conquer or be ruined. In 1805, perial crown, and I will rather strive to keep my when, in consequence of the disastrous battle of crown on my head, regardless of the clamor of the Austerlitz, I lost half my states, I was not alone, German war-party. These German shriekers are Russia was my ally. But Russia has recently denice fellows. They refuse to do any thing, but dared that, in case a war should break out, she think it is enough for them to cry,' War! war!' would not assist us against Napoleon, but observe and that that will be sufficient to conquer Bona- a strict neutrality as long as possible; if she should, parte. But, empress, a great deal more is required however, be obliged to take a decided stand, she for that purpose than the fanatical war-clamor of would be on the side of France and against us. the aristocratic saloons, and the scribblings of the Consequently, I am entirely isolated, and Napojournalists and patriotic poets; in order to attain leon has numerous allies." so grand an object, it is indispensable that all "But your majesty has a powerful ally in the Germany should rise, take up arms, and attack universal enthusiasm of the Austrians and Gerthe enemy with united forces." mans, in the universal indignation of the nations "It is as your majesty says," exclaimed Ludo- against Napoleon. You have public opinion on vica, enthusiastically; "all Germany is ready for your side, and that is the most powerful ally." the struggle against the enemy. The nation is " Ah, let me alone with that abominable ally," only waiting for Austria to give the signal, draw cried the emperor, vehemently; " I do not want the sword, and advance upon France, when all to hear of it nor to have any thing to do with it. Germany will follow her." Public opinion is the hobby which my brother, "I know these fine phrases," said Francis, the popular Archduke John, is riding all the time; shrugging his shoulders; "I hear them every day but it will throw him one day into the mire, and from my brothers, who are eager for war, and who then he will find out what it really amounts to. manage to gain a great deal of popularity in so Pray, never speak to me again of public opinion, comfortable a manner. But after all, they are for I detest it. It smells of revolution and insurphrases with very little sense in them. For just rection, and, like a patient donkey, suffers itself tell me, empress, where is the Germany which, to be led by whosoever offers it a thistle as a bait. you say, is only waiting for Austria to give the I renounce once for all the alliance of public opinsignal? Where are the German armies which, ion, and I do not care whether it blesses or cruciyou say, are only waiting for Austria to advance, fies me, whether it calls me emperor or blockhead. when they will follow her? I have good, sound You see now, empress, that I am entirely isolated, eyes, but I cannot see such armies anywhere. I for the ally which you offer to me will do me no am quite familiar with the geography of Germany, good; I do not want it, and I have no other allies. I know all the states that belong to it, but among I thought it necessary to arm, in view of the forthem I vainly look for those which are waiting midable armaments of France, and show our adfor us to give such a signal. Prussia is utterly versary that I am not afraid of him, but am prepowerless, and cannot do any thing. The princes pared for every thing. I therefore put my army of the Rhenish Confederacy, it is true, are waiting on the war footing, and showed Bonaparte that TIHE EMPEROR FRANCIS. 17 Austria is able to cope with him, and that money 1 self will be present to receive the homage of his and well-disciplined armies are not wanting to her. admirers." But just now I shall not proceed any further, and, "'m, h'm! I am afraid there is something else unless something important should occur, all this behind it," said the emperor, thoughtfully, "and war-clamor and all importunities will make no im- the audience will not content itself with merely pression on me. The important event to which offering homage to old Haydn. -But no matter, I alluded would be Napoleon's defeat in Spain, your majesty wishes to go to the concert, and whereby he would be compelled to keep his armies it will afford me pleasure to accompany my emthere. In that event, I should no longer be iso- press." lated, but Spain would be my ally, and I should At this moment they heard a low rap at the probably declare war. But if matters should turn door leading from the emperor's cabinet into the out otherwise, if fortune should favor Napoleon conference-room, where the officers of the private there as everywhere else, necessity alone will de- imperial chancery were working. termine my course. I shall not attack, and there- "Well, what is it?" exclaimed the emperor. by challenge fate of my own accord d; but I shall " Come in!" wait, sword in hand, for Napoleon to attack me. The emperor's private chamberlain slipped If he does, God and my good right will be on my softly through the half-opened door, and, on beside, and whatever may be the result of the strug- holding the empress, he stood still without uttergle, people will be unable to say that I rashly ing a word. plunged into war and broke the peace. If we suc- "Never mind, the empress will excuse you," cumb, it is the will of God and the Holy Virgin, said Francis. " Just tell me what you have come and'not our fault. And now, empress," said the in for." emperor, drawing a deep breath, "I have con-'"Your majesty," said the chamberlain, "the plied with your wishes and talked politics with French ambassador, Count Andreossi, has just you. I think it will be enough once for all, and arrived, and requests your majesty to grant him you and your political friends will perceive that an audience. He says he wishes to communicate you cannot do any thing with me, and that it will information of great importance to you." be best for you to let me entirely alone; for I am "Why did he not apply to my minister of forso stubborn as not to allow others to lead me, but eign affairs? " asked the emperor, indignantly. pursue my own course. You have promised me, " Your majesty, the ambassador begs your empress, to be a faithful friend to me. I ask you pardon, but he says the Emperor Napoleon gave now to give me a proof of your friendship. Let him express orders to endeavor if possible to us spealk of something else than politics; that is speak with your majesty." all that I ask of your friendship." " And he is already in the anteroom, and waits " Well, then, let us drop the subject," said the for an immediate audience?" empress, with a deep sigh. "Your majesty will " Yes, your majesty." be kind enough to permit me now to ask a favor "Well, then, I will receive him," said the emof you?" peror, rising. "'Conduct the ambassador to the "Ah, you speak as if there were any thing small audience-room.-Well?" asked the emperthat I could refuse you," exclaimed the emperor, or, wonderingly, when the chamberlain did not smiling. withdraw. "You do not go? Do you wish to Ludovica bowed slightly. " I pray you, there- tell me any thing else?" fore," she said, "to be kind enough to accompany "I do, your majesty. A courier has just arme to the concert which is to be given at the uni- rived from Paris with pressing dispatches from versity hall. Haydn's'Creation' will be per- Count Metternich to your majesty." formed there, and I believe the old maestro him- " Ah, that changes the matter!" exclaimed the 2 18 ANDREAS HOFER. emperor. "Tell the ambassador that I cannot "this is no time for bewailing mypersonal fate, for receive him now, but that he is to come back in the fate of all Austria is at stake at this juncture. an hour, at eleven precisely, when I shall be Highly important events must have occurred at ready to receive him. Tell the courier to come Paris, else Metternich would not have sent his to me at once." confidant and assistant Hudelist, nor would AnThe chamberlain slipped noiselessly out of the dreossi demand an audience in so impetuous a door, and the emperor turned again to the em- manner. Perhaps this intelligence may at length press. lead to a decision to-day, or we may at least con"Empress," he said, " do me the honor of per- tribute to such a result. I will write to the Archmitting me to offer you my arm, and conduct you duke John, and ask him to see the emperor. back to your rooms. You see I am a poor, tor- Perhaps he will succeed better than I did in permented man, who is so overwhelmed with busi- suading nmy husband to take a determined stand." ness that he cannot even chat an hour with his She hastened to her writing-desk, and penned wife without being disturbed. Pity me a little, that mysterious little note which she sent to the and prove it to nme by permitting nie henceforth Archduke John in the book which she pretended to rest in your presence from the cares of busi- he had lent to her. ness, and not talk politics." "The ivish of my lord and emperor shall be fulfilled," said the empress, mournfully, taking the arm which the emperor offered to her to conduct her back to her rooms. CHAPTER I. Just as she crossed the threshold of the imperial cabinet, and stepped into the corridor, she THE COURIER AND TIIE AMBASSADOR. heard the voice of the chamberlain, who an- THE emperor, on returning to his cabinet, like nounced: "The courier from Paris, Counsellor the empress, carefully locked the door behind von Hudelist." him. He then turned hastily to the courier, who "All right, I shall be back directly! " exclaimed was standing near the opposite door, and was just the emperor, and he conducted the empress with bowing most ceremoniously to his majesty. a somewhat accelerated step through the corri- " Hudelist, it is really you, then?" asked the dor. In front of the door at its end he stood emperor. " You left your post by the side of still and bowed to the empress with a pleasant Metternich without obtaining my permission to smile. come to Vienna? Could you not find any other " I have conducted you now to the frontier of man to bring your dispatches? I had commis your realm," said Francis; "permitme, therefore, sioned you to remain always by the side of Met to return to mine. Farewell! We shall go to ternich, watch him carefully, and inform me of the concert to-night. Farewell!" wbht he was doing and thinking." Without waiting for the reply of the empress, " Your majesty, I have brought my report with he turned and hastily reentered his cabinet. me," said Hudelist; "and as for your majesty's Ludovica entered her room and locked the door order that I should always remain by the side of behind her. "Closed forever!" she said, with a Count Metternich, I have hardly violated it by sigh. " At least I shall not try again to avail coming to Vienna, for I believe the count will folmyself of this door, and shall not expose myself low me in the course of a few (lays. Unless your again to the sneers of the emperor. I must, then, majesty recalls him to Vienna, the Emperor Nabear this disgrace; I must submit to being dis- poleon, I think, will expel him from Paris." dained and repudiated by my husband; I- "You do not say so!" exclaimed Francis, But huslh!" the empress interrupted herself, shrugging his shoulders. "You think he will THE COURIER AND TEE AMBASSADOR. 19 issue a manifesto against Metternich, as he did have such a court about him as Louis XIV. had. against the Prussian minister Von Stein? Well, But the lawyer's son always reappears in the emlet me hear the news. What have you to tell peror, and, if it please God, He will one day deic? " prive him of all his power and splendor." "So many important things, your majesty, that "And, if it please God, your majesty will be the count and myself deemed it expedient to re- His instrument in putting an end to Napoleon's port to your majesty verbally, rather than send a power and splendor," cried Hudelist, with a smile dispatch which might give you only an unsatisfac- which distorted his face strangely, and caused two tory idea of what has occurred. Itence I came rows of large yellow teeth to appear between the post-haste to Vienna, and arrived here only a pale lips of his enormous moulth. " It is true he quarter of an hour since; I pray your majesty stands firm as yet, and rebukes his ministers as therefore to pardon me for appearing before you Nero did his freedmen. Talleyrand was still in my travelling-dress." thunderstruck at what the emperor had told him, " Sit downl, you must be tired," said the emper- when he had an interview with Count Metternich or, good-naturedly, seating himself in an arm- and myself in Fouch6's green-house. To be sure, chair, and pointing to the opposite chair. "Now the phrases which he repeated to us were well tell me all!" calculated to make even the blood of a patient " Your majesty," said Hudelist, mysteriously, minister boil. Napoleon sent for the two miniswhile a strange expression of mischievous joy ters immediately after his arrival; when they overspread his ugly, pale face, "the Emperor came to him, he let them stand at the door of his Napoleon has returned from Spain to France." cabinet like humble suppliants, and, running up The Emperor Francis gave a start and frowned. and down before them, and casting fiery glances "Why?" he asked. of anger upon them, he upbraided them with "Because he intends to declare war against their conduct, and told them hl was aware of all Austria," said Hudelist, whose face brightened their intriigues, and knew that they were conspirmore and more. " Because Napoleon is distrust- ing with Austria, Spain, and, through Spain, with ful of us, and convinced that Austria is intent on England. Then he suddenly stood still in front attacking him. Besides, he felt no longer at ease of them, his hands folded on his back, and his in Spain, and all sorts of conspiracies had been glances would have crushed the two ministers if entered into in Paris, whereby his return might they had not had such a thick skin.'You are have been rendered impossible if he had hesitated impudent enough to conspire against me!' he any longer." shouted, in a thundering voice.'To whom are "Who were the conspirators? you indebted for every thing-for your honors, "Talleyrand and Fouch6, the dear friends and rank, and wealth? To me alone! How can you obedient servants of the Emperor Napoleon. lie preserve them? By me alone! Look backward, knows full well what their friendship and devoted- examine your past. If the Bourbons had reas. ness amounts to. Hence *he had the two gentle- cended the throne, both of you would have been men well watched, and it seems his spies sent him hanged as regicides and traitors. And you plot correct reports, for, after returning from Spain, he against me? You must be as stupid as you are rebuked thema unmercifully; he told them, with ungrateful, if you believe that anybody else could the rage of a true Corsican, and regardless of eti- promote your interest as well as I have done. quette, what miserable fellows they were, and how Had another revolution broken out, on whatever high he stood above them." side you might have placed yourselves, you would "And yet he would like so much to be an em- certainly have been the first to be crushed by it.' " peror in strict accordance with court etiquette," * Napoleon's own words * saidapoleon's own words.-ee chlosser, He isistory ofanxious t the Eighteenth Century, said the emperor, laughing.,6 He is anxious to the.ighteenth Century," vol. viii., p.1458. 20 ANDREAS HOFER. " That is very plain talk, indeed," said Francis, Confederacy. His own troops and these German laughing. "But Talleyrand and Fouche have contingents are to form an army to which he insound stomachs; they will digest it, and not get tends to give the name of'the German Army of congestions in consequence of it, provided the the Emperor Napoleon.' Although Count Metemperor does not punish them in a different ternich was aware of all this, he hastened to atmanner." tend the great reception which took place at the "For the time being, he only punished Talley- Tuileries after Napoleon's return, in order to asrand, whom he deprived of the position and sal- sure him again of the friendly dispositions of the ary of lord chamberlain. Fouche remained imperial court of Austria. But Napoleon gave police minister, but both are closely watched by him no time for that. He came to meet him with Napoleon's secret police. Nevertheless, they sue- a furious gesture, and shouted to him in a thunceeded in holding a few unobserved interviews dering voice:' Well, M. de Metternich! here is with us. Count Metternich learned also from fine news from Vienna. What does all this another very well-informed quarter, many accurate mean? Have they been stung by scorpions? details regarding the plans and intentions of the Who threatens you? What would you be at? Emperor Napoleon." Do you intend again to disturb the peace of the " What do you mean? What well-informed world and plunge Europe into numberless calamquarter do you refer to? " asked the emperor. ities? As long as I had my army in Germany, "Your majesty," said Hudelist, with a significant you conceived no disquietude for your existence; grin, " Count Metternich is a very fine-looking but the moment it is transferred to Spain, you man; now, Queen Caroline of Naples, Murat's consider yourselves endangered! What can be the wife, and Napoleon's favorite sister, is by no end of these things? What, but that I must arm means insensible to manly beauty, and she ac- as you arm, for at length I am seriously menaced; cepted with evident satisfaction the homage which I am rightly punished for my former caution." * the count offered to her. For the rest, Napoleon "What an impudent fellow!" murmured the winked at and encouraged this flii ation; for, pre- Emperor Francis to himself. " And Metternich? vious to his departure for Spain, he said to his What did he reply?" sister loud enough to be overheard by some of "Nothing at all, your majesty. He withdrew, our friends,'Amusez-mnous ce niais,,Monsieur de returned immediately to the legation, and I set l[clltcrnichl. Nous en avons besoin d pfresent!'" * out that very night to convey this intelligence to Madame Caroline Murat told Count Metternich, your majesty. Your majesty, we can no longer for instance, that it is the Kings of Bavaria and doubt that Napoleon has made up his mind to Wiirtemberg that keep their spies for Napoleon wage war against Austria. His exasperation has here in Vienna, and that they urged Napoleon risen to the highest pitch, and the events in Spain vehemently to return from Spain in order to have still more inflamed his rage and vindictivedeclare war against Austria. And Napoleon is ness." determined to comply with their wishes. He "Then he is unsuccessful in Spain?" asked the travelled with extraordinary expedition from emperor, whose eyes brightened. Madrid to Paris, stopping only at Valladolid, "Spain is still bidding him defiance, and fightuwhere he shut himself up for two days with Maret, ing with the enthusiasm of an heroic people who his minister of foreign affairs, and dispatched will suffer death rather than be subjugated by a eighty - four messages in different directions, tyrant. She will never accept King Joseph, with orders to concentrate his forces in Germany, whom Napoleon forced upon her; and as they see and call out the full contingents of the Rhenish themselves deserted and given up by their royal * Hormayr, "The Emperor Frahlcis and Metternich, * Napoleon's own words. —See Schlosser, vol. vii., p. a Fragment," p. 55. 490. THE COURIER AND THE AMBASSADOR. 21 family, the Spanish patriots turn their eyes toward isters, and the murmurs of his people; and he Austria, and are ready to proclaim one of your fears, besides, that the fanaticism of the Spaniards majesty's brothers King of Spain, if your majesty may dim his military glory; hence, he feels the would send him to them with an auxiliary army." necessity of arousing the enthusiasm of his people "That would be a nice thing!" cried the em- by fresh battles, of silencing the malcontents by peror, angrily. " Not another word about it! If new victories, and of reviving the heroic spirit of my brothers should hear it, their heads would be his army. He hopes to gain these victories in a immediately on fire, for they are very ambitious; war between his German army and the Austrian hence, it is much better that they should not learn forces. He is, therefore, firmly resolved to wage any thing of these chlateaux en Evpaygne. Tell me war, and the only question now is, whether your rather how it looks in France. Are the French majesty will anticipate him, or await a declaration still satisfied with their emperor by the grace of of war on his part. This is about all that I have the people? " to communicate to your majesty; the vouchers " They are not, your majesty. Let me tell you and other papers I shall have the honor to deposit that not only Napoleon's own officers, his mar- at the imperial chancery." shals and ministers, are dissatisfied with him; The emperor made no reply, but gazed into vabut the whole people, those who possess money cancy, deeply absorbed in his reflections. Hudeas well as those who own no other property than list fixed his small sparkling eyes on the tent form their lives, are murmuring against the emperor. of the emperor: and as he contemplated his careHe robs the moneyed men of their property by worn, gloomy face, his flabby features, his proheavy taxes and duties, and those who have nothing truding under-lip, his narrow forehead, and his but their lives he threatens with death by forcing whole emaciated and fragile form, an expression'of muskets into their hands, and compelling them to scorn overspread the face of the counsellor; and do military service. Another conscription has his large mouth and flashing eyes seemed to say, been ordered, and as the population of France is " You are the emperor, but I do not envy you, for decreasing, youths from sixteen to eighteen years I am more than ycu are; I am a man who knows old have to be enrolled. Fgince is tired of these what he wants." everlasting wars, and she curses Napoleon's insa- At this moment the clock commenced striking tiable bloodthirstiness no longer in secret only, slowly, and its shrill notes aroused the emperor but loud enough to be heard by the emperor from from his contemplation. time to time." "Eleven o'clock," he said, rising from his chair, " And the army?" " the hour when I am to give an audience to the "The army is a part of France, and feels like French ambassador. Hudelist, go to the chancery the rest of the French people. The marshals are and wait there until I call you. You will not requarrelling among themselves, and some of them turn to Paris anyhow, but resume your former hate Napoleon, who never gives them time to re- position in the chancery of state. I am glhld that pose on their laurels and enjoy the riches which you have returned, for I consider you a faithful, they have obtained during their campaigns. The able, and reliable man, with whom I have good army is a perfect hot-bed of conspiracies and reason to be content, and who, I hope, will not secret societies, some of which are in favor of the betray my confidence. I know, Hudelist, you restoration of the republic, while others advocate are ambitious, and would like to obtain a distinthe restoration of the Bourbons. Napoleon, who guished position. Well, serve me-do you hear?is served well enough at least by his spies, is aware serve none but me honestly and faithfully; watch of all these things. He is afraid of the discontent every thing, and watch closely; never think of and disobedience of his marshals and generals, obtaining the friendship and good graces of others, conspiracies in the army, the treachery of his min- nor seeking for any other protectors, save me; and 22 ANDREAS HOFER. I shall always be favorably disposed toward you, through all the various stages of excitement, and and see to it that the cravings of your ambition involuntarily performing in its features the five are satisfied. Go then, as I said before, to the acts of a tragedy. And all the better when this chancery of state; and on hearing me reenter the human face is that of an emperor! During my room, step in again. There are many other things whole journey from Paris to Vienna I was enjoywhich I wish to tell you." ing, by anticipation, the moment when I should "I see through him," said Hudelist, looking deliver this Pandora's box to the emperor. He is with a smile after the emperor, who closed the opposed to war, and must nevertheless wage it; door of the cabinet behind him, to repair to the that is the best part of the joke. Aba! it is a small reception-room; "yes, I see through the fine sight to behold the gods of this earth a prey emperor. He is glad of my return, for I am a good to such human embarrassments! I felt like burstspy for him in regard to the doings of his broth- ing into loud laughter at the woe-begone appearers, of whom he is jealous, and whom he hates ance of the emperor. But hush, hush I I will go to with all his heart. If I succeed one day in com- the chancery until he returns." municating to him things capable of rendering the In the mean time the emperor had repaired to archdukes suspicious to him, or even convicting the small reception-room, where Count Andreossi, them of a wrong committed against him, the em- the French ambassador, was already waiting for peror will reward and promote me, and, as he says, him. satisfy the cravings of my ambition. Wlell, well, Francis responded to the respectful greeting of we shall see. If you watch a man very closely and the ambassador by a scarcely perceptible nod, and are really intent on spying out something suspi- strode, with head erect, into the middle of the cious in his conduct, you will in the end surely find room. There he stood still, and casting a stern some little hook or other by which you may hold and almost defiant glance on the ambassador, he him, and which you may gradually hammer out said in a cold, dignified tone: "You requested an and extend untilit becomes large enough to hang audience of me in a very unusual manner. I the whole man on it. In the first place, I shall granted it to prove to you my desire to remain at pay particular attention to the Archduke John, for peace with France. Now speak. What has the his brother is particularly jealous of' and angry ambassador of the Emperor of the French to say vwith him. Ah, if I could discover such a little to the Emperor of Austria? " hook by which to hold him, the emperor would "Your majesty, I have to present to you, in the reward my zeal with money, honors, and orders, first place, the respects of my master, who has reand he would henceforward repose the most im- turned from Spain to Paris." plicit confidence in my fidelity. Well, I shall think Francis nodded his head slowly. " What next?" of it: the idea is a good one, and worthy of being he asked. matured. I shall form a scheme to make the good "Next, my sovereign has charged me with a and munificent Archduke John the ladder by very difficult commission, for the execution of which I shall rise. I must conquer, and if I can which I must first, and above all things, beg your do it only by pulling down others, it is the duty majesty's pardon." of self-preservation for me not to shrink from the "You are your master's servant, and it is your task. I will now go to the chancery and Wrait duty to obey him," said the emperor, dryv. "Say there for the emperor's return. Ah, how his old therefore, wh'at he ordered you to tell me." limbs trembled when lie heard of' Napoleon's re- "Well, then, as your majesty has granted me twirn! How hard and unpleasant it was for him permission, I will say that my master, the Emperor to swallow the bad news which I cor.mmnii.ated of the French, has taken deep umbrage at the to him! There is no more interesting spectacle hostile course which Austria has of late pursued than that presented by a human face passing toward him." THE COURIER AND THE AMBASSADOR. 23 "And what is it that your emperor complains herself in a posture of open hostility against of?" asked the emperor, with perfect composure. France, when France has given her so many "In the first place, the Emperor Napoleon has proofs of her forbearance, and has hitherto always taken deep umbrage at Austria's still hesitating spared Austria, notwithstanding the numerous to recognize King Joseph as Kin, of Spain, and to acts of duplicity and evident hostility of the Aussend a minister plenipotentiary to his court." trian court. The Emperor Napoleon informs your "I did not know where to send my ambassador, majesty that he is well aware of the ambitious and where he would find M. Joseph Bonaparte, schemes of Austria, but that he thinks your maKing of Spain, for the time being-whether at jestv is not strong enough to carry them into Madrid or at Saragossa; in the camp, on the field effect. He requests your majesty never to forget of battle, or in flight. Hence I did not send an the magranimity which the Emperor Napoleon ambassador to his court. So soon as the Spanish manifested toward you after the battle of Austernation is able to inform me wh.cre I may look for litz. The Emperor Napoleon has instructed me the king it has elected and recognized, I shall im- to remind you of the fact, well known to you, that mediately dispatch a minister plenipotentiary to you can confide in his generosity, and that he is his court. State that to your monarch." firmly resolved to observe the treaties. Napfes, "Next, his majesty the Emperor Napoleon com- Prussia, and Spain, would stand erect yet, if their plains bitterly that Austria, instead of being in- rulers had relied on their own sa-acity, and not tent on maintaining friendly relations with France, listened to the fatal advice of their ministers, or has left nothing undone to reconcile the enemies even of courtiers, women, and ambitious young of France who Were at war with each other, and princes. His majesty beseeches the Emperor of to restore peace between them; and that Austria, Austria not to listen to such insidious advice, nor by her incessant effort-, has really succeeded now to yield to the wishes of the arar-party, which is in brin0ging about a treaty of peace between Turkey intent only on gratifying its passionate ambition, and England. Now, my master the emperor must and whose eyes refuse to see that it is driving look upon this as a hostile act on the part of Aus- Austria toward the brink of an abyss where she tria against France; for to reconcile England with must perish, as did Prussia, Naples, and Spain." * Turkey is equivalent to setting France at variance "It is very kind in his majesty the Emperor with Turkey, or at least neutralizing entirely her Napoleon to give me such friendly advice," said influence over the Sublime Porte." the Emperor Francis, smiling. "But I beg his " Turkey is my immediate neighrbor, and it is majesty to believe that, in accordance with his highly important to Austria that there should be wishes, I rely only on my own individual sagacity; no war-troubles and disturbances on all her firon- that I am influenced by no party, no person, but tiers. Every independent state should be at liberty am accustomed to direct myself the affairs of my to pursue its own policy; and while this policy country and the administration of my empire, and does not assume a hostile attitude toward other not to listen to any insinuations, from whatever independent states, no one can take umbrage at quarter they may come: I request you to repeat it. Are you through with your grievances?" these words to his rmajesty the Em:nperor Napoleon, "No, your majesty," said Andreossi, almost with the same accuracy witll whiclh you commonimournfully. "The worst and most unpleasant cated his message to me. And now, Count Anpart remains to be told; but, as your majesty was ldreossi, I believe you have communicated to me all gracious enough to say, I must obey the orders that your master instructed you to say to me." of my master, and it is his will that I shall now "Pardon me, your lmajesty, I am instructed communnicate to your majesty the emperor's views last to demand in the emperor's name an explain his own words. It has given great offence to the Emperor Napoleon that Austria should place * Hormayr, " Allgameine Geschichte," vol iii., p. 205. 24 ANDREAS HOFER. nation as to the meaning of the formidable arma- law of nations, the beloved and universally rements of Austria, the organization of the militia, spected head of Christendom of his throne, and and the arming of the fortresses on the frontiers, subjected him to a most disgraceful imprisonand to inquire against whom these measures are ment; he exerted on all seas the most arbitrary directed. The emperor implores your majesty to pressure on the Austrian flag. And now, after all put a stop to these useless and hurtful demonstra- this has happened, after Austria has endured all tions, and orders me expressly to state that, if these wrongs so long and silently, the Emperor Austria does not stop her armaments and adopt Napoleon undertakes even to meddle with the inmeasures of an opposite character, war will be ternal administration of my empire, and forbids inevitable." * me what he, ever since his accession, has inces"In that case, Mir. Ambassador of the Emperor santly done, to wit: to mobilize my army, levy Napoleon, war is inevitable," cried Francis, who conscripts for the troops of the line and the renow dropped the mask of cold indifference, and serves, and arm the fortresses. He asks me to allowed his face to betray the agitation and rage put a stop to my armaments; else, he says, war filling his bosom, by his quivering features, flash- will be inevitable. Well, Mr. Ambassador, I do inn eyes, and clouded brow. "I have calmly not care if the Emperor Napoleon looks at the listened to you," he added, raising his voice; "I matter in that light, and I shall not endeavor to have received with silent composure all the arro- prevent him from so doing, for I shall not stop, gant phrases which you have ventured to utter but continue my preparations. I called out the here in the name of your emperor. I look on militia, just as the Emperor of the French conthem as one of the famous proud bulletins for stantly calls new levies of conscripts into immewhich your emperor is noted, and to whose over- diate activity; and if war should be inevitable in bearing and grandiloquent language all Europe is consequence thereof, I shall bear what is ineviaccustomed. But it is well known too that these table with firmness and composure." bulletins are not exactly models of veracity, but " Your majesty, is this your irrevocable resolusometimes the very reverse of it. An instance tion?" asked Andreossi. "Is this the answer of the latter is your emperor's assertion that he that I am to send to my master, the Emperor observes the treaties, and that he gave me proofs Napoleon?" of his magnanimity after the battle of Austerlitz. "I think it will be better for you to convey No, the emperor did no such tling; he made me, this answer in person to your emperor," said on the contrary, feel the full weight of his mo- Francis, calmly. " As no one has witnessed our mentary superiority. He was my enemy, and interview, only you yourself can repeat my words treated me as an enemy, without magnanimity, with perfect accuracy; and it is therefore best for which, for the rest, I did not claim at the time. you to set out this very day for Paris." 13ut he has proved to me, too, that he does not "That is to say, your majesty gives me my observe the most sacred treaties. He violated passports, and war will immediately break out every section of the peace of Presburg; he did between France and Austria! " sighed Andr6ossi. not respect the frontiers as stipulated in that "Your majesty should graciously consider-" treaty; he forced me, in direct violation of the "I have considered every thing," interrupted treaties, to allow him the permanent use of cer- Francis, vehemently, "and I request you not to tain military roads within the boundaries of my speak to me again in the style of your French empire; he hurled from their thrones dynasties bulletins. I will hear the bulletins of the Emwhich were related to me, and whose existence I peror Napoleon on the field of battle rather than had guaranteed; he deprived, in violation of the in my cabinet. Set out, therefore, for Paris, Mr. Ambassador, and repeat to the emperor what I N apoleon's own words. —See "Lebensbilder," vol. ii., and Hormayr, " Allgemeine Gcschichte," vol. ii. have said to you." THE EMPEROR AND HIS BROTHERS. 25 "I will comply with your majesty's orders," " Why, this is a rare spectacle," said Francis, said Andreossi, with a sigh; "I will set out, but sneeringly, "to see my brothers side by side in I shall leave the members of my legation here as such beautiful harmony. In truth, it was only yet, for I do not yet give up the hope that it may wanting to me that even you two should be of be possible for the two courts to avoid a declara- the same opinion, and come to me for the purpose tion of war, and to spare such a calamity to two of inviting me, as Schiller says, to be the third in countries that have such good reasons to love your league." each other." " Your majesty would always be the first in this "Let us quietly await the course of events," league," said the Archduke John, in his clear, replied the emperor. "Farewell, Count Andre- ringing voice; "my brother would be the second, ossi. If you will accept my advice, you will set and I only the third." out this very day; for so soon as my dear Vien- "See, see, my brother is very modest and humnese learn that war is to break out in earnest, they ble to-day," said Francis, smiling. " This means will probably give vent to their enthusiasm in the doubtless that you have come to ask a favor of most tumultuous and rapturous demonstrations, me, and that, by your kindness and devotedness, and I suppose it would be disagreeable to you to you wish to induce me to comply with your rewitness them. Farewell, sir!" quest, as a dog is decoyed with'cakes and sweets He waved his hand toward the ambassador, by the thief who intends to steal something from bent his head slowly and haughtily, and left the the dog's master." reception-room without vouchsafing another " Oh, your majesty, we do not intend to steal glance to Count Andreossi. any thing from our master! " exclaimed John, "Now my brothers will be in ecstasies," said laughing. "But there is really an attack to be the emperor to himself, slowly walking up and made on our master's property; only he who indown, his hands folded on his back, in the sitting- tends to make it does not decoy us with cakes room adjoining the reception-room. "They will and sweets, but assails us with the sword and be angry though, because I did not consult them, coarse invectives." and decided the whole affair without listening to " It was very shrewd in you to mention at once their wisdom." the subject on which you wished to speak with " Your majesty," said a footman, who entered me," said the emperor, with a slight sneer. "But the room at this moment, "their imperial high- permit me first to say a word to my brother nesses, the Archdukes Charles and John, request Charles there, and bid welcome to his imperial an audience of your majesty." highness, the illustrious captain, the generalissimo "They are welcome," said the emperor, whose of our army, the hope and consolation of Ausfeatures were lit up by a faint smile. "Show my tria." brothers in." " Your majesty wishes to mock me," said the Archduke Charles, in a mournful voice. - "I repeat only what I read every day in the newspapers, and what the dear Viennese are singing and shouting in every street! " exclaimed the CHAPTER IV. emperor. " Yes, yes, my dear brother, you must consent to be the hope and consolation of AusTHE EMPEROR AND HItS BROTHERS. tria, and to be praised as the august and invinA FEW minutes afterward the two archdukes cible hero of our immediate future." entered the room of the emperor, who slowly So saying, the emperor gazed with a long and went some steps to meet them, and greeted them searching look at his brother's form, and a scornwith a grave, cold glance. ful expression overspread his features. 26 ANDREAS HOFER. Indeed, the epithets which the emperor had Your majesty, this hesitation and silence rests like applied to his brother corresponded but little to a nightmare on every heart and every bosom; all the appearance of the Archduke Charles. His eyes are fixed hopefullyon your majesty. Oh, my small, bent form, with its weak, shrivelled limbs, lord and emperor, one word from your lips, and was not the form of a hero; his pale, wan face, this nightmare will disappear; all hearts will rewith the hollow cheeks; the dim eyes deeply im- joice in blissful ecstasy, and every bosom will exbedded in their sockets, and the clouded brow, on pand and breathe more freely when your majesty which thin tufts of hair hung down, was not the shall utter this word:'War! war!' We hold the face of a bold captain, confident of achieving bril- sword in our hands; let the will of my august emliant triumphs by his heroic deeds, and deserving peror give us the right now to draw the sword of the name of the hope and consolation of Aus- against him who, for years past, has swept like a tria. But the Austrians did call him by that destructive hurricane through all Germany, all name, and the glory of his military achievements, Europe, and who tramples alike on princes and which filled not only Austria, but the whole of peoples, on liberty and law. Your majesty, in the Germany, caused them really to build their hopes name of your people, in the name ot' all German on the Archduke Charles, despite his very feeble patriots, I bend my knees here before my lord and health. The Emperor Francis was aware of this; emperor, and thus, kneeling and full of reverence, he knew that the Archdukes Charles and John I implore your majesty to let the hour of deliverwere by far more popular than he was; hence he ance strike at length; let us, with joyful courage, was jealous of and angry with them-nay, he al- expel the enemy who has already so long been most hated them. threatening our frontiers with defiant arrogance: " You look very pale and sick to-day, my dear let us take the field against the impudent usurper, Archduke Charles," said the emperor, after a and wrest from him the laurels which he gained pause, during which he had contemplated the at Austerlitz, and of which he is so proud. Your archduke with a searching expression. majesty, your people are filled with warlike ar"I am very feeble and unwell, your majesty," dor; your faithful Tyrolese are waiting only for a sighed Charles; " and but for the special request signal to break their chains and rise for their beof my brother, the Archduke John, I should not loved emperor. Your Italian provinces are longhave dared to come here this morning. However, ing for the day when war shall break o-ut, in order I a;m afraid that I can do but little to comply to avenge themselves on the tyrant who promised with his wishes, and that my brother John will them liberty and brought them only slavery. soon think it would have been better for him not The hour of retribution has come for Napoleon; to ask me to accompany him to your majesty." may your majesty consult our best interests by "Ah, then, you are after all not so harmonious saving that we are to profit by this hour, and that as'I thought when I saw you entering here to- war, a mortal struggle, is to begin now against gether!" exclaimed the emperor, laughing. the Emperor of the French!" "There are still differences of opinion, then, be- And, still bending his knees before the empertween the two pillars of my throne, and were I to or, John looked up to him with longing, beseechlean on one, the other would totter and give way. ing eyes. Well, what do you want? What brought you Francis looked down on him with a gloomy air, here? " and the noble and enthusiastic face of his brother, "Your majesty, only the intense desire to dedi- who was ten years younger, and much stronger cate our services to Austria and our emperor!" and better-looking, made a disagreeable impresexclaimed John, enthusiastically. "We wished sion on him. to implore your majesty to utter at length the "Rise, brother," he said, coldly; "your knees word that will deliver Austria and all Germany. must ache, and I, for my part, do not like such THE EMPEROR AND -HIS BROTHERS. 27 theatrical scenes at all, and such fine phrases "Ah, do you hear our Fabius Cunctator, make but little impression on my cold and prosy brother John, the Lion-hearted!" exclaimed the heart. I amn accustomed to follow always my emperor, sarcastically. "Which of you is right, convicticns, and when I advance a step, I must be and whose wise advice shall I follow now-I, the sure not to fall into an abyss which some poetical poor emperor, who is not strong and sa-acious hero may perhaps have merely covered for me enough to be his own adviser and advance a step with his flowery phrases. That I am aware of the without his brothers? John, the learne-l soldier, dangers threatening us on the part of France I beseeches me to declare war, and Charles, the inhave proved by putting the army on the war foot- trepid hero, implores me not to do so. What ing,' by intlusting you, Archduke John, with organ- am I, the poor emperor, who cannot advise himizing, the militia and the reserves in accordance self, and who receives too much advice from with the plan you drew up for that purpose; and others, to do under such circumstances? Whose by placing you, Archduke Charles, at the head of will must I sumbit to?" my army and appointing you generalissimo." "Your majesty," cried John, in disnnay, " it is "An honor, your majesty, which I accepted we that must submit; it is your will on which dewith reverent gratitude, although it almost crush- pends the decision. I implored your majesty to es me at the present time," said the Archduke declare war, because I deem it necessary; but, if Charles, with a sigh. " Permit me now, your ma- your majesty should take a different resolution, I jesty, to open my heart to you, and lay my inner- shall submit silently and obediently." most thoughts at your feet. To do so, I accom- "And I," said Charles, " requested you to post panied my brother John to you. Ite said he pone the declaration of war, because I do not bewould implore your majesty once more to post- lieve that we are sufficiently prepared for the pone the declaration of war no longer, but utter at contest; but, like my brother, I shall submit silength the decisive word. I implored him not to lently if your majesty should take a different resodo so, and not to force us to engage prematurely lu!ion." in a war that could not but bring the greatest ca- "Indeed, will you do so, archdukes?" asked lamities on Austria. But my dear brother would the emperor, in a scornful tone. "Will you be not listen to my remonstrances and prayers; he mindful of your duties as subjects, and, instead of called me a secret friend and admirer of Napo- givin, me unnecessary advice, obey me silentleon; he demanded that I should at least speak ly?" out freely and openly in your majesty's presence, The two archdukes bowed to indicate their suband refute him if I could, or yield to him if my missiveress. The emperor advanced a few steps, arguments should prove untenable. Your majes- and proudly raising his head, he looked at his two ty, I have therefore complied with the wishes of brothers with a stern and imperious expression. my brother, the Archduke John; I have come to "Let me tell you, then, archdukes, what I, your you, but only to say to my lord and emperor: lord and emperor, have resolved," said Francis, Your majesty, I implore you, in the name of your sternly. " I have resolved to declare war!" people and your throne, do not yet unshelth the Two loud cries resounded with one accord; a sword! Wait until our army is ready for the cry of joy burst from John's lips, a cry of dismay contest, and until our armaments are completetl. from those of Charles. Pale, reeling like a drunken Do not plunge rashly into war, lest victory escape man, the generalissimo approached the emperor us. A great deal remains to be done yet before and held out his hands to him with a beseeching we can say that our armaments are completed; expression. and only after being fully prepared can we dare " Your majesty," he said, " you have resolved to take the field against the Emperor Napoleon to declare war, but you do not mean to say that it and his hitherto victorious legions." is to commence immediately?" 28 ANDREAS HOFER. "That is what I mean to say," replied the em- Now your majesty knows all, you will take back peror, sarcastically. your word, and say no longer that you will declare The Archduke Charles turned still paler than war. You will be gracious enough to give me before; a strange tremor passed through his frame, time to repair the injury resulting from the crimes his head dropped on his bosom, and a deep groan of the commissary-general, and to provide the army issued from his breast. with all that is unfortunately wanting to it as yet." The Archduke John, forgetful of his quarrel with "No," cried the emperor, vehemently, "'I will his brother Charles, at the sight of the latter's not! I will not take back my word, and I had profound grief, hastened to him, and tenderly already made up my mind before you, my brothgrasped both his hands. ers, entered here to assist me so generously by " Brother," he asked, anxiously, " what is the your wisdom. War will be declared immediately; matter? Are you unwell? " my resolution is irrevocable. I have already in" I am," said Charles, wiping from his forehead formed the French ambassador of it, and ordered the large drops of sweat standing on it. "I am him to leave Vienna this very day. Your warnunwell, but I must say a few additional words to ings come just as much too late as did John's enthe emperor. I must disclose to him a melan- treaties. I did what I myself deemed best; and choly secret of which I heard only an hour ago.- I deemed it best to declare war against Bonaparte, Your majesty, I implore you once more, postpone in reply to his intolerable arrogance. Every thing the war as long as possible; for-hear my terrible is fixed and settled; war will commence withsecret-we have been infamously defrauded by out delay: and you, Archduke Charles, are the Commissary-General von Fassbender." generalissimo of my army." "Your intimate friend?" interposed the em- The Archduke Charles made no reply; he utperor, with a scornful laugh. tered a painful groan and sank to the floor by' Yes, my intimate friend," exclaimed the arch- John's side. All his limbs trembled and quivered; duke, in a loud, shrill voice; "he deceived me his pale face became distorted, he clinched his most shamefully. All the army contracts had been fists, and his eyes were glassy as though he were intrusted to him, and he assured me he had filled dying. them in the most conscientious manner. I be- "He has one of his fits," said the emperor, lieved him, and it is only now that I find out that calmly, looking down on his brother. " Call his he has shamefully deceived me and his emperor. servants and his doctor, Archduke John, that they All his bills for the supplies which he pretended may remove the generalissimo to another room to have furnished are in my hands, but the troops and administer medicine to him." did not get the supplies. The scoundrel sent only John rushed to the door, and soon the servants sour flour, bad linen, and moth-eaten uniform cloth and the physician, who always accompanied the to the regiments, and yet he drew enormous sums Archduke Charles, hastened into the room. They of money for the fill amount of his contracts." lifted with practised hands the archduke, who was " We shall compel the thief to disgorge his ill- still writhing in convulsions, and carried him tengotten gains," cried the emperor. derly out of the room. "No, your majesty," said Charles, with a groan; John, who, with touching solicitude, had reand leaning more firmly on his brother's arm, in mained near the sufferer, would have accompanied order not to sink to the floor, he added: "no, him; but a word from the emperor called him your majesty, the criminal is beyond the reach of back. your power.' HIe escaped from human justice by "Stay a moment, archduke," said Francis; " the committing suicide an hour ago. The criminal Archduke Charles only has his fits, and his serhas fled from his judges, but his crimes remain, vants will take care of him. I have yet to speak and our army suffers in consequence of them. a few words witl you. This will be a formidable THE EMPEROR AND HIS BROTHERS. 29 war, brother, and we must see to it that it breaks lese, too, that I should be glad if they would out at the same time in all quarters of our empire, become again my dear subjects." and that the people rise with one accord and take "Your majesty," exclaimed John, joyously, up arms. We have made our preparations every- " these words of their emperor will be the signal where, and our emissaries have done their duty; for them to rise as one man, take their rifles, they have everywhere enlisted friends of our cause, and expel the Evil One, that is to say, the Bavaand established committees which have made all rians." necessary dispositions for the defence of the coun- "I shall be glad to see the Tyrolese do so, and, try. You yourself sent your emissary, Baron von moreover, do it in time," said the emperor, nodIlormayr, to your beloved Tyrol; if I am correctly ding his head. "Repeat my words to Andreas informed, he has already returned to Vienna." Hofer, brother John, and pledge him my word "Your majesty, he arrived here this morning," that, if' we recover the Tyrol this time, we shall said John, looking at his brother with an air of never give it up again. But Andreas Hofer must surprise and even terror. behave with great prudence, and not show himself This did not escape the emperor, and a smile to the public here, but keep in the background, of satisfaction lit up.his face. that the police may wink at his presence in Vi" You see, my agents serve me very well, and I enna, and act as though they did not see him and am aware of all that is going on,"' said Francis, his friends. And now, brother, farewell, and ingravely. "I know, too, that Baron von Hor- quire if the generalissimo has recovered from his mayr has returned to Vienna not alone, but ac- fit. It would be bad, indeed, if these fits should companied by some good friends. I believe you befall him once in the midst of a battle. Well did not come here to give me your advice, but to let us hope for the best for us all, and especially beg permission to receive your Tyrolese friends for the Tyrol. You have now a great task before at your palace to-night." you, John, for you will receive a command; you " What! " asked John, surprised; "your ma- shall assist the Tyrolese in shaking off' the foreign jesty is aware of this, too?" yoke." "( I have told you already that my agents serve " Oh, my lord and emperor," exclaimed John, me very well. Let this be a warning to you not with a radiant face and fiery glance, "how kind to do or undertake any thing that you would like and gracious you are to-day! Ii is the heart of a to conceal from me. I know that Andreas Hofer brother that speaks out of your mouth-of a is here, to concert with you some sort oAk plan for brother who wishes to make me happy, and the insurrection of the Tyrol. Under the present knows how to do so. Yes, send me with a corps circumstances I permit you to do so, for it is to the assistance of the Tyrolese; let me bring really important that the German and Italian freedom and salvation to my beloved mountainTyrol should rise; and as we are going to have eers. That isa task which fills me with boundwar, we will strive to recover our Tyrol. But we less ecstasy, and for which I shall always be gratemust proceed cautiously, and the world must not ful and devoted to you, brother." find out that we instigated the Tyrolese to rise in "Be devoted to your emperor, archduke," said arms. That would be setting a bad example to Francis, smiling; "the brothers will get along the other nations of our empire. We may at well enough; they have nothing to do with poltimes profit by popular insurrections, but must itics and public affairs. Farewell, John. But, beware of letting the world know that we our- remember, we shall meet again to-day, for I shall selves brought them about. Hence, I do not summon the ministers and generals to a consulwant to know any thing of your Tyrolese, and tation, and you will, of course, be present. Once shall not grant them an audience. But I permit more, then, farewell!" you to do so, and you may tell these brave Tyro- He nodded repeatedly to the archduke, and left 30 ANDREAS HOFER. the room with unusual quickness. The emperor Now you will never fly to your mountaineers and walked hastily and with a gloomy face through bring them freedom and salvation. You will on the adjoining room, and entered his cabinet, the the contrary stick to the wall of your emperor's door of which he closed rather noisily. room, and learn that your brother is your master. "I am to let him bring freedom and salvation Why, this is most amusing sport te-day! I shall to his beloved mountaineers," murmured Francis not stop before killing a dozen Archdukes Charles to himself-" to Ahis mountaineers! I believe he and John! " would be glad if they really were his, and if he And Francis hunted eagerly on the walls and could become King of the Tyrol. Well, we shall the furniture for other flies, which he pursued and see. I have lulled his suspicion by permitting killed with his fly-flap, always applying the name him to hold intercourse with the Tvrolese, and of Charles to one, and that of John to the next. concert plans with them. We shall see how far In the excitement of this strange sport he had my brother will go, and what his gratitude and not noticed that, soon after he entered the cabinet, devotion will amount to. It is a troublesome the door had opened, and Counsellor von Hudelist burden for me to have such dangerously ambi- had come in. Francis did not remember at that tious and renowned brothers, against whom I must moment that he had given express orders to be constantly on my guard. 1 would I could pick Hudelist to reniiter the cabinet as soon as he them off as quickly as I remove the flies from this heard the emperor return to it; he had fixed his wall." thoughts exclusively on the cruel pleasure of killSo saying, he took from the table the fly-flap ing the flies Charles and John, and Hudelist took which had always to lie on it in readiness, good care not to disturb him in this pleasant pasand entered upon his favorite amusement, the time. He stood leaning against the wall close to pursuit of the flies on the wall and furniture, the door; his small, flashing eyes followed every which his servants took good care not to drive motion of the emperor with rapt attention, and from the emperor's cabinet, because Francis whenever Francis, on killing a fly, pronounced the would never have pardoned them for spoiling his name of either of his brothers in a triumphant sport. tone, a malicious smile overspread the pale and Walking along the walls with a rapid step, the ugly face of the counsellor. emperor commenced killing the flies. Now, however, Francis, in hunting for flies, had " Ha! " he exclaimed, striking a fly, " ha! brother arrived at the extreme end of the room. Until Charles, this sthoke is intended for you. Really, then, his back had been turned to Hudelist. If there lies the fly writhing, as the generalissimo he should turn now and continue his sport on the did, on the floor. But he has a tougher life than other side of the room, he would discover him, and the fly; for the fly will writhe until it is dead, but be disagreeably surprised at his presence. Therethe generalissimo always revives; and when he fore, before the emperor turned, Hudelist opened has no fits, he is a very brave and illustrious man, once more the door near which he was standing, before whom his emperor must humbly stand and closed it rather noisily. aside. I cannot take the fly-flap and strike his The emperor turned and asked gayly: " Well, writhing limbs as I do this miserable fly, the little what is it, ir. Counsellor?" Archduke Charles, that is writhing on the floor "Your majesty ordered me to return to the there. So, now you are dead, confounded little cabinet as soon as you should be back." brother Charles, and we will hunt for your "But I returned some time ago," said Francis, brother John. See, see, there he sits on the wall, casting a distrustful, searching glance on Hudecleaning his wings and making himself tidy and list. pretty. There! There is an affectionate blow "Pardon me, your majesty, I believed I heard from your imperial brother, and you are done for you only just now close the door, and had until F'7!: I n TIlE EMPERtOR FRA2NCIS. p. 30. THE PERFORMANCE OF "THE CREATION." 31 then vainly waited for some sound in the cabinet," replied Hudelist, with a perfectly innocent CHAPTER V. expression of countenance. " The second door THE PERFORMANCE OF "THE CREATION." separating the conference-room from your majestv's cabinet is so heavily lined with cushions as to A BRILLIANT festival was to take place to-night render it almost impervious to sound, and I beg in the large aula of the Vienna University. All your pardon again for not having heard despite the composers, musicians, dilettaeni, and amateurs the most eager attention." of Vienna, had joyously consented to participate in The emperor's face had again entirely-cleared it. The most distinguished names of the arisup. "Never mind," he said; " I am glad that tocracy and the artistic circles of Vienna were at those in the adjoining room cannot hear what is the head of the committee of arrangements. going on here. I like to have ears for all, but do Among these names were those of the Princes not like anybody to have ears for me. Now let Lichnowsky and Lichtenstein, the Countesses me hear what you have brought for me from Kaunitz and Spielmaun, of Beethoven and Salieri, Paris." Kreutzer and Clementi, and finally, those of the' Above all things, your majesty, I succeeded in poets Collin and Carpani. obtaining, for a considerable sum of money, the Every one wished to participate in this festival, receipt for making Spanish sealing-wax, from a which was to render homage to the veteran GerSpanish refugee, who was formerly employed at man composer, the great Joseph Haydn, on the the royal sealinc-wax factory of Madrid, and was occasion of the twenty-fifth performance of the perfectly familiar with the formula for making it. maestro's great work, " The Creation." Ten years Your majesty knows that this receipt is a secret, had elapsed since the first performance of " The and that the officers and workmen employed at Creation" at Vienna, and already the sublime the factory must even swear an oath not to di- composition had made the tour of Europe, and vulge it." had been performed amidst the most enthusiastic "And you obtained the receipt nevertheless, applause in London and Paris, in Amsterdam and and brought it with you?" inquired the emperor. St. Petersburg, in Berlin, and all the large and "Here it is, your majesty." small cities of Germany. Everywhere it had exFrancis hastily seized the paper which Hudelist cited transports of admiration; everywhere dehanded to him with a respectful bow. lighted audiences had greeted with rapturous en" See, see, this is a very kind service which you thusiasm this beautiful music, so full of holy ardor have rendered me, and I shall be grateful fbr it! " and childlike piety, this great work of the German he exclaimed. " You shall test the receipt with composer Joseph Haydn. me alone; we will try it right away. But hold To-day the twenty-fifth performance of "The on; I must first tell you some grave news. We Creation " was to take place at Vienna, and shall declare war. I have already told the French Joseph Haydn himself was to be present at the ambassador to leave Vienna to-day, and Metter- concert. The committee of arrangements had innich can come home too. I will hold a council vited him, and he had accepted the invitation. of the ministers and generals to-day. Tell the Although his seventy-seven years were resting functionaries at the chancery to inform the minis- heavily on his head, and had paralyzed his ters, archdukes, and generals, that I wish to see strength, he could not withstand the honorable them in the conference-room at four. Make request of his friends and admirers, and he had haste, and then come to my laboratory. We will replied with a touching smile to the committee of try the Spanish receipt." arrangements, whose delegates had conveyed the invitation to him: "I shall come to take leave of the world with my'Creation,' and bid a last 32 ANDREAS HOFER. farewell tomy dear Viennese.' You will often yet French pride and arrogance. They wished to sing my'Creation,' but I shall hear it for the last show to France that, although Germany was distime!" membered, the heart of the Germans throbbed "For the last time! " These were the words for Germany and German art, and that they did which had thrilled all the friends and admirers of not feel at all alarmed at the grandiloquent threats the maestro, and filled them with the ardent de- of the Emperor of the French, but yielded with sire to greet him once more, and render him hom- undisturbed equanimity to the enjoyment of Gerage for the last time. For all felt and knew that man art. While the threatening words of the Haydn had spoken the truth, and that his end Emperor Napoleon were resounding, like ringing was drawing near. All, therefore, longed to take war-fanfares, from Paris, the Viennese desired to part in this last triumph of the composer of " The respond to him by the beautiful notes of sublime Creation," whom death had already touched with music; and, regardless of the growls of the lion its inexorable finger. beyond the Rhine, they wished to delight in the Hence, there was a perfect jam in front of the soul-stirring harmonies of " The Creation." university building; the equipages of the high All preparations were now completed. The nobility formed two immense lines down the long hall was all ablaze with the wax-lights which were street; like a black, surging stream, rising from beaming down from those gigantic lustres, and moment to moment, the part of the audience ar- whose rays were reflected in the large mirrors riving on foot moved along the houses and be- covering the walls. The imperial box was splentween the double line of carriages toward the en- didly festooned with rare flowers, and decorated trance of the building. with carpets and gilt candelabra, whose enormous Thousands had vainly applied for admission at wax-lights filled the interior of the spacious box the ticket-office; there was room only for fifteen with broad daylight. hundred persons in the aula and the adjoining Opposite the imperial box, on the other side of rooms, and perhaps as many thousands had come the hall, rose the large tribune destined for an orto hear the concert. As they could not be ad- chestra of eighty performers, and a choir of one mitted into the hall, they remained in the street hundred singers. All the latter, too, were in joyin front of the building; as they could not hear ous spirits; all were animated to-day, not by the Haydn's music, they wished at least to see his envy and jealousy so often to be found among arface and cheer him on his arrival at the door. tistes, but by the one great desire to contribute But there was a surging crowd also in the fes- their share to the homage to be rendered to Gertively-decorated university hall. All had come in man art. They did not wish to-day to exhibit their holiday attire, and joy and profound emotion themselves and their artistic skill, but desired only beamed from all faces. Friends shook hands and to render homage to the music of the great maesgreeted each other with radiant eyes; and even tro, and to German art. those who did not know each other exchanged And now the hour was at hand when the conkindly greetings and pleasant smiles on seating cert was to commence. The audience had taken themselves side by side, and looked at each other their seats, the orchestra ceased tuning their inas though they were friends and acquaintances, struments, the singers were in readiness, and the and not entire strangers. committee of arrangements had gone down to the For all felt the great importance of this hour; street-door to await Haydn's arrival. all felt themselves Germans, owing to the homage The door of the imperial box opened at this which they were to render to the German maestro moment, and the emperor and empress entered, and to German music; and all knew that this fes- followed by the archdukes and their suites. Totival would be looked upon beyond the Rhine as day for the first time the audience took no notice a hostile demonstration of the Germans against of these august persons; they did not rise to greet THE PERFORMANCE OF "'THE CREATION." 33 the imperial couple and the archdukes. No one again and again with pleasant nods of his head had perceived their arrival, for all eyes were and waves of his hand Joseph Haydn, thus borne steadfastly fixed on the large folding-doors by along above the heads of the audience. But which Joseph Haydn was to enter the hall. the Emperor Francis, who was standing by the He had been expected already for some time, side of his consort, looked with a somewhat and the audience began to whisper anxiously: sneering expression on the crowd below, and, "Will he, perhaps, not come, after all? Will his turning to the empress, he said: " Perhaps my physician not permit him to go to the concert dear Viennese may consider Haydn on his easybecause the excitement might be injurious to chair yonder their emperor, and I myself may him?" abdicate and go home. They did not even look But all at once the silence was broken by a at us to-night, and are raising such a fuss now noise in the street, which sounded like the roar as though God Almighty had entered the hall I " of the stormy ocean; it rent the air, and caused In effect, the exultation of the audience inthe windows of the hall to rattle. And the au- creased at every step which the procession addience was joyfully moved; all faces became ra- vanced, and endless cheers accompanied the diant, all turned their eyes toward the door. composer to the seat which had been prepared Now this door opened, and a beautiful though for him on an estrade in front of the orchestra. strange group appeared in it. In its midst, on HIere two beautiful ladies of high rank came to the shoulders of eight strong young men, arose an meet him, and presented to him, on cushions of easy-chair, festooned with flowers, and in this gold-embroidered velvet, poems written by Collin chair sat the small, bent form of an old man. and Carpani, and printed on silken ribbons. At His face was pale and wan, and in his forehead the same time many hundred copies of these the seventy-seven years of his life had drawn poems flitted through the hall, and all shouted deep furrows; but from his large blue eyes joyously, "Long live Joseph Haydn, the German beamed the eternal fire of youth, and there was maestro! " And the orchestra played a ringing something childlike and touching in. the smile of flourish, and the cheers of the audience rent the air his mouth. On the right side of his easy-chair again and again. was seen the' imposing form of a gentleman, Joseph Haydn, quite overcome, his eyes filled plainly dressed, but with a head full of majestic with tears, leaned his head against the back of his dignity, his face gloomy and wild, his high fore- chair. A mortal pallor overspread his cheeks, and head, surrounded by dense dishevelled hair, his his hands trembled as though he had the fever. eyes now gleaming with sombre fires, now glan- "Maestro, dear, dear maestro! " said the Princing mildly and amiably. It was Louis von cess Esterhazy, bending over him tenderly, "are Beethoven, whom Haydn liked to call his pupil, you unwell? You tremble, and are so pale! Areand whose fame had at that time already pene- you unwell? " trated far beyond the frontiers of Austria. On " Oh, no, no," said Haydn, with a gentle smile;. the left side of the easy-chair was seen the fine, " my soul is in ecstasies at this hour, which is aexpressive face of Salieri, who liked to call him- precious reward for a long life of arduous toils. self Gluck's pupil; and side by side with these My soul is in ecstasies, but it lives in such a weak two walked Kreutzer and Clementi, and the other and wretched shell; and because the soul is all", members of the committee of arrangements. ablaze with the fires of rapturous delight, the, Thundering cheers greeted their appearance; whole warmth has entered it, and the poor mortal the whole audience rose; even the Empress Lu- shell is cold and trembling." dovica started up from her gilded chair and The Princess Esterhazy took impetuously frombowed smilingly; and the Archduke John ad- her shoulders the costly Turkish shawl in which, vanced close to the railing of the box to greet her form was enveloped; she spread it out before 8 34 ANDREAS HOFER. Haydn and wrapped it carefully round his feet. Haydn took no notice of it; he heard only his Her example was followed immediately by the music; his soul was entirely absorbed in it, and Princesses Lichtenstein and Kinsky, and the lifting both his arms to heaven, he said devoutly Countesses Klunitz and Spielmann. They doffed and humbly, " It comes from above!" * their beautiful ermine furs and their Turkish and The audience had heard these loud and enthusiPersian shawls, and wrapped them around the old astic words; it applauded no longer, but looked composer, and transformed them into cushions in reverent silence toward the aged composer, which they placed under his head and his arns, who, in the midst of his most glorious triumph, and blankets with which they covered him.* rendered honor to God alone, and bowecd piously Haydn allowed them smililglyvto do so, and and modestly to the work of his own genius. thanked, w-ith glances ofjoyfulemotion, the beal- The performanee proceeded. But Joseph IHaydn tiful ladies who manifested so much tender solici- hardly heard much of the music. Itis head leaned tude for him. against the back of the chair; his face, lit up by "Why can I not die now?" he said to himslf a blissful smile, was deathly pale; his eyes cast in a low voice. "Why does not Death kiss my fervent glances of gratitude toward heaven, and lips at thi glorious hour of mny triumph? Oh, seemed, in their ecstatic gaze, to see the whole come, Death! waft mae blissfillly info the other heavens opened. world, for in this world I am useless henceforth; "Maestro," said the Princess Esterhazy, when my strength is gone, and my head has no more the first part of the performance was ended, " you ideas. I live only in and on the past! " must no longer remain here, but return to your "And vet you live for all time to come," said quiet home." the Princess Esterhazy, enthusiastically, "and "Yes, I shall return to the quiet home which while German art and German music are loved awaits us all," said Haydn, mildly, "and I feel and honored, Joseph IIaydn will never die and sensibly that I shall remain no longer among men. never be forgotten." A sweet dream seems to steal over me. Let the Hushed now was every sound. Salieri had taken performers commence the second part, and my his seat as conductor of' the concert, and signed soul will be wafted to heaven on the wings of my now to the orchestra. music." The audience listened in breathless silence to But the Princess Esterhazy beckoned to his the tumultuous notes depicting in so masterly a friends. "Take him away," she said, "the exmanner the struggle of light and darkness, the citement will kill him, if he stays any longer." chaos of the elements. The struggle of the ele- They approached his chair and begged permisments becomes mnore and more furious, and the sion to escort him home. Haydn nodded his asmusic depicts it in sombre, violent notes, when sent silently and smilingly, and his eyes glanced suddenly the horizon brightens, the clouds are dreamily round the hall. rent, the dissonant sounds pass into a sublime Suddenly he gave a start as.if in great terror, harmony, and in glorious notes of the most bliss- and rose so impetuously that the furs and Turkish ful exultation resound through the struggling uni- shawls, which had been wrapped round him, fell verse the grand, redeeming words, " Let there be to the floor. His face crimsoned as if in the light light!" And all join in the rapturous chorus, and of the setting sun; his eyes looked up with a radirepeat in blissful concord, " Let there be light! " ant expression to the box yonder-to his emperor, The audience, carried away by the grandeur whom he had loved so long and ardently, for whom and irresistible power of these notes, burst into he had wept in the days of adversity, for whom long-continued applause. he had prayed and sung at all times. Now he * See "' Zeitgenossen," third series, vol. vi., p. 82. * "Zeitgenossen," ibid. THE PERFORMANCE OF "THE CREATION." 35 saw him who, in his eyes, represented fatherland, "Take me home, dear ones," he said, faintly, home, and human justice; he felt that it was the "sing on, my'Creation;' my soul will remain last time his eyes would behold him, and he wished with you, but my body can no longer stay. Old to bid farewell at this hour to the world, his father- age has broken its strength. Farewell, farewell, all land, and his emperor. of you! My soul will always be among you when With a vigorous hand he pushed back the you sing my music; my body will go, but the sour friends who would have held him and replaced will remain. Farewell! " him in his chair. Now he was no longer a weak And the votaries of art who had conveyed him and decrepit old man; he felt strong and active, to the hall now placed the maestro's chair again and he hastened forward with a rapid step through on their shoulders, and carried it slowly through the orchestra toward the conductor's seat and the the hall toward the entrance. piano in front of it. He laid his hlands, which The audience stood in silent reverence and trembled no longer, on the keys, and struck a full looked up to Haydn's passing form, and durst not concord. He turned his face toward the imperial break this profound stillness by uttering a sound. box; his eyes beamed with love and exultation, They bade farewell to the universally beloved and and he began to play his favorite hymn with im- revered maestro only by bowing their heads to him pressive enthusiasm-the hymn which he had and shedding tears of emotion-farewell for evercomposed ten years ago in the days of Austria's more! adversity, and which he had sung every day since The solemn procession had now arrived at the then,-the hymn," Gott erkhalte Franz den Kaiser, door. Joseph Haydn lifted his weary head once unsern guten Kaiser Franz! " And the audience more; his spirit gleamed once more in his eyes; rose and gazed with profound emotion upon Joseph an expression of unutterable love beamed from his Haydn's gleaming face, and then up to the em- mild face; he stretched out his arms toward the peror, who was standing smilingly in his box, and orchestra as if to bless it, and greeted it with his the empress, from whose eyes two large tears smile, with the nodding of his head, and the tears rolled down her pale cheeks; and with one accord which filled his eyes.* the vast crowd commenced singing: A low rustling and sobbing passed through the " Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser, hall; no one was courageous enough to clap his Unsern guten Kaiser Franz I Lange lebe F'ranz der Kaiser hands; all hearts were profoundly moved, all eyes In des Glickes hellem Kranz! filled with tears. Ihm erblithen Lorbeerreiser, Wo er geht zum Ehrenkranz. But now he disappeared, and the door closed Wo er geht, zum Ehrenkranz. Gott erhalte —" * behind Joseph Haydn. The German maestro had Haydn's hands dropped exhausted from the to-day celebrated his apotheosis amidst the enkeys; his form rocked to and fro, and, half faint- thusiastic people of Vienna. Life had dedicated ing, he sank back into the arms of Salieri and to him the laurel-wreath which usually only death Kreutzer. grants to poets and artists. The audience paused; all forgot the imperial The audience was still silent, when all al once a hymn, and looked only at the venerable old maes- powerful voice exclaimed: " Let us sing the tro, whom Salieri and Kreutzer lowered now softly second verse of Haydn's favorite hymn-the into the easy-chair, which had been brought to second verse of' Gott erhalte Franz den Kaithem. ser I' " * "God preserve the emperor, " Yes, yes," shouted all, enthusiastically, " the Francis, ouar good emperor I second verse! the second verse I" Long live Francis, brightest gem In fair Fortune's diadem I And hundreds of voices shouted to the orches. O'er him see the laurel wave Honoring the true, the brave I God preserve-" * " Zeitgenosaen," third series, vol. iv., p. 33. 36 ANDREAS HOFER. tra beseechingly, imperiously, thunderingly, that breathless silence which ensued, the Archduke it should play the accompaniment; and the mu- John shouted in a loud and powerful voice: "The sicians complied with this tumultuous request. emperor announces to his dear Viennese that he is The audience expressed their gratitdde by an determined to submit no longer to the arrogance outburst of applause, and sang thereupon the of France, and that war is irrevocably resolved second verse: on." "Lass von seiner Fahne Spitzen A cry of rapture burst from all lips; all shouted Strashen Sieg und Furchtbarkeit I exultingly, " War! war! We shall at length bid Lass in seinem Rathe sitzen Weisheit, Klugheit, Redlichkeit, defiance to the arrogance of the French emperor! Und mit seiner Hoheit Blitzen We shall have war with France; we shall avenge Schalten nur Gerechtigkeit. Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser, the wrongs which we have suffered so long, and Unsern guten Kaiser Franz I" * set bounds to the encroachments of France! " The emperor bowed his thanks to the audience, And friends and acquaintances greeted each the orchestra commenced again playing the air, other with radiant eyes and glowing cheeks; and the audience sang anew: neighbors, entirely unknown to each other, shook "Lass von seiner Fabne Spitzen hands and said, smilingly: "Now at length we Strahlen Sieg und Furchtbarkelt I n shall have war! At length we shall remove from And arms and hands were lifted here and there our German honor the stains with which France beseechingly toward the emperor; in vain the has sullied it. At length we shall have war, and orchestra tried to play on; the audience, with rare God will grant us-" unanimity, as if seized with one sentiment and The ringing notes of the orchestra interrupted one wish, sang again and again: the animated conversation of the excited audience.' Lass von seiner Fahne Spitzen Salieri had taken his seat again, he raised his Strahlen Sieg und Furchtbarkelt " baton, and the second part of "The Creation" And then all shouted loudly, beseechingly, and commenced. withal angrily and courageously, "War! war! Lass von seiner Fahne Spitzen strahlen Sieg und Furchlbarkeit i " CHAPTER VI. The excitement of the audience grew constantly bolder and more impetuous. The men left their AN D R ES H 0 FE R. seats and crowded around the imperial box, re- THE streets of Vienna were silent and deserted; peating again and again the words: all houses were dark; everywhere the note of life " Lass von seiner Fahne Spitzen had died away, and only here and there a hackneyStrahlen Sieg und Furchtbarkeit " coach was heard to drive slowly through the lonely The emperor withdrew in confusion into the streets, or a belated wanderer was seen to return background of his box, and whispered quickly a home with a weary step. few words to the Archduke John. The archduke Vienna slept and dreamed of the welcome news advanced to the railing of the box, and commanded which, despite the late hour, had spread like wildsilence by waving his hand to the audience. The fire from the concert-hall through the city —of singers paused immediately, and amidst the the joyful intelligence that war against France was resolved on, and that the time was at length at "Before his banner floating high resolved on, Let victory shout and foemen fly I hand when the wrongs perpetrated by Napoleon In his counsels let preside Wisdom. prudence, noble pride were to And in lofiness enshrined Vienna slept and dreamed; only in the wing of Homely justice dwelling find I the imperial palace where lay the rooms occupied God preserve the emperor, Francis, our good emperor I" by the Archduke John, the lights had not yet been ANDREAS HOFER. 37 extinguished, and at times dark figures were seen were there, and entered his cabinet now by the moving to and fro behind the windows. secret door. They mvere headed by Baron vo,, The Archduke John did not sleep yet, but he Hormayr in his brilliant gold-embroidered uniform, had already dismissed Conrad, his valet de chamin- which rendered doubly conspicuous the beauty of bre; he had permitted the other footmen to retire his slender yet firmly-knit form, and the noble from the anteroom to their bedchambers, and had expression of his prepossessing, youthful face. He then himself locked the door of the outer ante was followed by three Tyrolese, clad in their na room. tional costume, and holding their rifles in their "I do not trust Conrad, my valet de chambre," arms. he said to Count Nugent, who was with him in his The first of them was a man about fortv vears cabinet; "it is he, doubtless, who has been placed old. His frame was Herculean, his shoulders as a' guardian angel' by my side, and is to report broad, his strength immense; his head was covered regularly all I am doing." with dense black hair, his bronzed face was radiant "Your highness ought to discharge the fellow with kind-heartedness and good-humor. His dress forthwith," exclaimed Count Nugent, indignantly. was the common habit of the country, with some "I shall take good care not to do so," said John, trifling variations: a large black hat, with a broad smiling; "on the contrary, I shall try to keep brim, black ribbons, and a dark curling feather; Conrad as long as possible in my service, for I a green jacket, red waistcoat, broad green braces know him, and shall be able to mystify him. I crossed on the breast; a black leathern girdle, shall always have to suffer a spy by my side, for adorned, according to the Tyrolese custom, with the love and solicitude of my imperial brother will all sorts of ivory and other ornaments; black never leave me for a single moment without close breeches, red stockings, and black shoes with surveillance; and Conrad is less distasteful to me buckles. About his neck was always to be seen than another spy probably would be. Still, I did a silver crucifix fastened to a heavy gold chain, not want him to report any thing about the visitors and over it, down to the girdle, flowed his large who will be here to-night, and therefore I dis- black beard, which imparted a strange, fantastic missed him for the night." air to his whole appearance. This man was An" But be will probably stand in the street to dreas Hofer, the innkeeper of Passeyr, to whom watch his master's windows," said Nugent, with a the Italian Tyrolese, on account of his long beard, shrug; "and the shadows which he Fill see he had given the name of "Barbone." may distort into all sorts of spectres which will be The second of the Tyrolese who entered the mentioned in the emperor's police-report to-mor- archduke's cabinet was a man of no less imposing row morning." appearance, dressed entirely like Andreas Hofer; " Oh, I am not afraid of that at this hour," ex- only the long beard was wanting to him, and, inclaimed John. "The emperor knows that I am stead of a black hat9 he wore the pointed green to receive the delegates of the Tyrolese; I myself Tyrolese hat, adorned with hunting ornaments. told him so to-day, and he approves of it. But His face, less good-natured and serene than that harm might befall my Tyrolese at their homes, if of his friend, was expressive of energy and resotheir plans were discovered previous to their de- lution; courage and shrewdness beamed from his liverance from the Bavarian yoke. But hush, did black eyes, and a peculiar expression of defiance you not hear a rustling sound in the corridor? " and scorn played around his full lips. This was " Yes, I did; it is drawing near-it is at the Joseph Speckbacher, known by every inhabitant door now, and-somebody raps already." of the northern Tyrol as "the bold chamois"Our friends are there," exclaimed John, hasten- hunter." ing to the door, and drawing back the bolt. He was followed by a third Tyrolese, as proud The archduke was not mistaken; his friends and strong, as robust and fine-looking, as his two 38 ANDREAS HOFER. companions. It was Anthony Wallner, the inn- Andreas Hofer, it is time! Yes, Anthony Wallkeeper of Windisch-Matrey, and, like Speckbacher, ner, Austria will assist the Tyrolese with her Hofer's intimate friend. troops and cannon in expelling the Bavarians and The archduke advanced to meet the Tyrolese, French from their country. Yes, Joseph Speckand shook hands with each of them. bacher, Austria intends to call upon her faithful "Welcome, my Tyrolese, welcome!" he said, Tyrol to rise and fight under her banners; she in a deeply-moved voice; "may God and the will engage in a mortal contest for you and with Holy Virgin grant that no harm result from your you!" visit to me! You know that I lhave never ceased "God grant success to our united efforts! " said to love you, and that when, in the year 1805, I Andreas IIofer, folding his hands over the crucifix had to bid farewell to Andreas Hofer and the on his breast. "During all these years I have dear Tyrol, my heart almost broke with grief and prayed every day to the IIoly Virgin to let me despair." live and see the day when the Austrian eagle "' Look, look!" exclaimed Andreas Ilofer, turn- shall once more adorn our boundary-posts, and ing with a radiant smile to his two friends; "he when we may again fondly and faithfully love our is indeed the same man who bade us farewell at Emperor Francis as our legitimate sovereign. th.at time in Brunecken, and was not ashamed of The good God in heaven, I hope, will forgive me embracing Andreas Hofer and shedding tears on for having been a very bad and obstinate subject his shoulder for the poor sacrificed Tyrol." of the King of Bavaria. I would never submnit to "And who is glad to-day to be able to embrace the new laws, and could not discover in my old Andreas Hlofer again," sai(l the arlchduke, en- Austrian heart a bit of loyalty or love for the circling the IIerculean form of the Tyrolese inn- ruler who was forced upon us." keeper with his arms. " But I will shed nlo tears "No, you were a stubborn disloyalist, Andy," to-day, Andreas, for I hope the time of tears is said Hormayr, "and, as spokesman of your whole over, and you have come to tell me so, to bring district, you raised your voice against every new me love-greetings from the Tyrolese, and the hope law which the Bavalrian government promulgated of better timles. Say, you three brave men from in you- country. But, it is true, the Tyrolese love the Tyrol, Andreas IHofer, Joseph Speckbacher, their Andy for this, and say that he is the most Anthonv Wallner, is it not so? Ilave you not honest, faithful, and reliable man in the whole comeI1 to tell me that the Tyrol is longing for her valley of the Adige." emperor and desirous of getting rid of the Ba- "To be courag cous is not so difficult if the varians?" cause which you fight for is a good one," said " Yes, we have come to say this to our dear Andreas Hofer, calmly. " God Himself engraved John," exclaimaed Andreas I ofer. on my heart the conimandnment to be loyal to my "We have come to ask if Austria don not inl emperor, my country, and its laws; and if you tend to call upon her Tyrol to rise and fight under call me reliable, dear fiicind, you merely say that her banners," said Joseph Speckbachber. I do my duty as a C-lristlan, bfor the Bible says, "We have come to ask our Archduke John if' Let your communication be, Yea, yea; nay, nay; he will help us fwith his troops and cannon in case for -whatsoever is more than these cometh of sin.' we Tyrolese should rise now to expel the Ba- Therefore, do not praise me for that, which is v.:rians fromn the country," said Anthony Wall- only my duty, and which Speckbacher and Wallner, with flashing eyes. ner, and all our dear friends in the valley of the "We have come to ask our John, Is it time? " Adige, do just as well as 1. For the rest, I must exclaimed Andreas Hofer. tell you, gentlemen, it is not so strange that we The archduke held out his hand to him with a should be attached to the emperor; for the Bafirm and resolute glance. " Yes," he said, " yes,, varians are governing our country in such a man ANDREAS HOFER. 39 ner as if they were intent only on making us love said Anthony Wallner, " to ascertain the wishes our emperor every day more and more, and long and intentions of the emperor and his government, for him more intensely." prefer our bitter complaints, and decla:re the firm "It is true, Andy is right," exclaimed Anthony resolution of the Tyrolese to shrink from no sacWallner; "the Bavarians oppress us fearfully, rifice in order to be reunited with Austria and and we will not stand it any longer; we will be- to reconquer our ancient rights and liberties." come Austrians again, as our fathers were, and "But we need assistance for this purpose," will fight for our liberty and our old privileges added Joseph Speckbacher, "speedy and vigorous which Bavaria solelonly guaranteed, and which assistance; above all, we need trcops, money, her authorities basely intend to overthlrow." amnmunition, and supplies. Will - Austria give " Whicl they have already ovcrtllrown," cried them to us?" Joseph Speckbacher, his eyes flashing with anger.' She will," said the archduke. " She will send "The court of Mlunich seems intent owmly on mak- you a corps d'armee, money, ammLlunition, and ing the utlost of their new acquisition. Our old supplies. Only you must be ready and prepared constitution has been overthrown by a royal edict; to rise as one man. when we give you the signal thle repn)resentative estateos have been suppressed, of insurrection." and the provincial fulds seized. No less than "We are ready," exclaimed Andreas Hoier, eight new and oppressive taxes have been imi- nodding j0oyously. "But you must not delay the posed:ndi are being levied with the utmnost rigor; signal wry long, for delays are hi:ghly dangerous the vecry name of our country has been abolished:; under the present circumstances. We and our the royal property has all been b)rong*lt into th!l friends hale prepared the insurrection, and it is mrirl:t; - new imports are daily csxetcd without as if a large torrent of ire were flowing secretly any consu,.ltation wi th the (states of the people; under the slrfilce of the Tyrol; if some shrewd spocie hlia becotme scarce, from the quantity of it Bavarian shlould scratch awnay solmo of the earth, which is being drawn off to the: Bavarian tre as- he wnould discover the fire, fetch wa:tcr, and exurv; tlhe: Austrian nlotes have been reduced to tinguish the flanes, before tlhe Au;trians reach the half the-ir value; arnd, to crown all these wvrongs, country and prevent hiln firomn so d, ilng. A secret compulsory levies are held amnong our yonyl known to a great man) is seldom-, well kept; it men, who are to serve in the ranks of our opl- is, as it were, a ripe fruit which must fall from pressors! No, we must break thi. yoke w-cigl- the tree, even though it should hit and crush the inrg us down —we will become freemen ag;ain-as head of the ow'ner of the tree." freemcnl we will live and (lic — as frcemen we vill "Y es, what is to be done must be done soon," belong again to our beloved Emperor Francis, said Anthony XVallner. "Thli: men of Passeyr, whose ancestors have ruled over us for so man'y -'eran; Mays, and. Algund, are ready, andll have centuries past." entered into a secret league with the whole valley "If all tfle Tvrolese think and feel as yolL three of the Inn. The district of the Alige, too, has do," said the Archduke John, with sparkling eyes, joined us, and the German anl Itallian Tyrolese, " you will recover your liberty anuljy-,ur emperor, who) forn-merly nlever liked each dthcr, hiave now des.t)it e te Bavarians and irenci." agetedl to stanll shoulder to shoulder and rise on " All feel and think as w ec dol," sail IIoflr, olne day an as one mnlll, ii order to drive the tllougltfully; " we hlave all vowed to God anitl tl,3n Bavarians and French from-a their mountains." Holy Virgin that we will deliver the Tyrol foi-om "AV are waiting only for Austria to give the sigthe enlemy; and every man, every lad in our nal; pray do not keep u;, xaaiting too long, for we mountains and valleys, is ready to take up ii.s men of the Lower Innthal, too, are all ready and rifle and fight for his dear Emperor Francis." armed. An enormous worm of insurrection, as it "We are here as delegates of the whole Tyrol," were, is creeping through the LoNwer Inn valley, 40 ANDREAS gOFER. and the worm has four heads, wiich look toward "You are an excellent man, Andy," exclaimed all quarters of the world. One head is Rupert John, holding out his hand to Hofer with a tender Wintersteller, of Kirchdorf; the second is Jacob glance-" a childlike soul, full of love, fidelity, and Sieberer, of Thiersen; the third is Antony Asch- tenderness; and, in gazing at you, it seems as if bacher, of Achenthal; and the fourth is I, Joseph the whole dear Tyrol, with its mountains and valSpeckbacher, of Kufstein." leys, its Alpine huts and chapels, its merry singers "In the Puster valley, too, a storm is brewing, and pious prayers, were present before me. Come, and all are ready and impatient to rise in insur- then, Andy, and you other dear friends, come, let rection," said Hofer. " Therefore, dear brother us be seated and hold a council of war." of our emperor, give us good news, that we may They seated themselves around the table standtake it home to the men of the Tyrol, for their ing in the middle of the room. hearts are longing and crying for their sovereign Day was already dawning, the candles had burned the emperor." down very low, the streets began to become lively, "And the emperor, on his part, is longing for and still the Tyrolese remained in the archduke's his Tvrolese," said the archduke. " The time has cabinet, their faces glowing with defiance and rescome when that which belongs together is to be olution, and their eyes flashing with boldness and reunited. Let us consult and deliberate, then, enthusiasm.'For every thing was settled and demy friends, what we should do in order to attain cided now; each of them had received his instrucour great object, and reunite the Tyrotese with tions and been informed of the part which he was their emperor." to play in the struggle. War with the Bavarians "Yes, let us consult," said Hofer, solemnly; and French, and liberty for the Tyrol, was the "and let us pray God and the Holy Virgin to en- battle-cry and goal. lighten our minds." "The plan is settled, then," said the Archduke He raised the crucifix from his breast to his John, nodding kindly to the Tyrolese. "Eleven face and bent over it, muttering a prayer. points, especially, have been agreed upon, after "Now I am ready," he said, slowly dropping mature deliberation; and it would be good for us the crucifix; "let us deliberate. But I tell you to repeat them briefly." beforehand, I am no military hero, nor a wise "Let us do so," said Andreas Hofer. "First, man in council. I am resolved to do all that is then: The Tyrolese will rise against the Bavarinecessary to deliver my dear Tyrol from the ans, in order to be reunited with Austria. We enemy, and to strike and fire at the Bavarians shall enlist as many soldiers for the insurgent and French until they run away terror-stricken, army as possible, and try to make all Tyrolese our and restore us to our dear Emperor Francis. But fellow-conspirators. They will meet on Sundays I am unversed in negotiations and devising at the taverns, and the innkeepers in the valleys shrewd tricks and stratagems. I am only a plain and mountains are the leaders of the conspiracy; peasant, who has a great deal of love and fidelity they will call the meetings and facilitate the interin his heart, but only few thoughts in his head. course of the conspirators with each other. If it Baron von I-Iormayr and the archduke may do the please God, the insurrection will break out on the thinking for me. They shall be the head, and I 9th of April, when the Austrian troops will cross the arm and the heart. Speckhacher and Wall- the frontier of the Tyrol and hasten to our assistner yonder have good heads too, though I do not ance. This is the best point, and God grant that wish to say that their hearts are not also in the it may be well executed " right place; on the contrary, I know that they "The second point," said Joseph Speckbacher, are. Let us consult, then, and bear in mind that "is as follows: No written communication whatGod hears us, and that the Tyrolese are waiting ever shall be permitted among the conspirators, ftr us." and those who violate this order shall be severely ANDREAS HOFER. 41 punished. The secret messages will be carried by santly by the mountaineers; they must be prereliable and well-tried messengers from court-house vented night and day from obtaining rest and to court-house, and village to village. To this the food; the best marksmen must pick off their offithird point adds the following: The oldest men cers and blow up their ammunition-wagons. The in the villages will establish secret tribunals to Tyrolese should chase the Bavarians and the try and punish those whom fear, self-interest, or French in this manner from Botzen to Brixen, up bribes may induce to turn traitors. The families the Brenner, and thence down to Trent. Now, of suspicious persons, and those who betray our friend Hormayr, repeat the remaining four points." secrets from weakness or in a state of intoxica. "The eighth point is: The removal of the Bation, must be closely watched, and they themselves varian treasure must be prevented by all means. will be sent to distant Alpine huts and into the Ninth: The Tyrolese living on the rivers must mountain fastnesses, where they will be kept in prevent the enemy by all means from destroying close confinement." the bridges and roads, so that the Austrians may "Fourth," said Anthony Wallner: "Every inn- be able to succor them more rapidly; but they keeper must strive to amass provisions, forage, must also hold men and tools in readiness, that, wine, and ammunition; for the inns in the moun- after the Austrians have arrived, they may destroy tains are, as it were, small fortresses for the Ty- the bridges in the rear of the enemy, and render rolese, and the enemy can reach them only slowly the roads impassable, by obstructing them with and after surmounting a great many difficulties. piles of wood and rocks. Tenth: The Tyrolese Besides, the innkeepers must arrange target-shoot- will try cautiously to bring about an understandings every Sunday, that the men from the neigh- ing with Switzerland, and establish connections borhood may assemble at their houses and join with the Lower and Upper Engadine, Chur, Apthe great league of the defenders of the country. penzell, and St. Gall; for thence will come the The innkeepers at very important places will re- English agents who will convey arms and money ceive for these purposes bills of exchange on Salz- to the Tyrolese. Eleventh-" burg, Klagenfurth, and Tiieste; and each of us "Ah, let me state the eleventh point," exclaimed three, Hofer, Speckbacher, and I, will take home Joseph Speckbacher, with flashing eyes. "I inwith us one hundred and twenty ducats to be dis- tend to take part in carrying out this point of the tributed among the innkeepers. Fifth: The in- programme. It is, to take the fortress of Kufstein tercourse between the mountain districts, on one on the frontier by a nocturnal coup tie main. side, and the plains and towns, on the other, must Field-marshal Jellachich will move several comhenceforth become rarer and rarer till the hour of panies of riflemen as close up to the fortress as the outbreak. But the mountaineers must send possible, and Jacob Sieberer and Joseph Speckout, at intervals of four days, spies to ascertain bacher, who will beforehand enlist assistants in the state of affairs in other parts of the country." the town and spy out every thing, will join them. " Sixth," exclaimed the Archduke John, with The capture of Kufstein is to commence the gloribeaming eyes: " On the day when the insurrection ous struggle; it is to be the first hymn of liberty is to break out, Field-Marshal Jellachicll will arrive which the Tyrolese will send up to heaven like a in front of Innspruck, and the vanguard of Field- lark in spring, and by which they will bless and Marshal Chasteler will march through the Puster praise the good God. The eleventh and last point valley to the heights of Schwabs and Elbach toward is Kufstein. God protect us in carrying out these Brixen, and advance the head of his column be- eleven points!" * yond the Brenner as far as Botzen. Seventh: * These eleven points were settled in this manner at All the forces of the enemy moving toward Ger- Vienna by the delegates of the Tyrolese, the Archduke many must be chased between these two columns John, and Baron von Hbrmayr, and noted down by the latter.-See Hormayr, "Geschichte Andreas Hofer's," of the Austrians and pursued and fired at inces- vol. i., p. 193 et seq. 42 ANDREAS HIIOFER. "Amen!" exclaimed Andreas Hofer, raising allow yourselves to be seen in the streets of Vienhis crucifix, and pressing it to his lips. " We na in the daytime. Your beard, d,;All, especially have, then, resolved here in council with our Arch- is a treacherous thing, and it would re:ally be 1,cWt duke John, and I hope also in council with the for the Barbone to shave off his long mlourr' good God above, that the Tyrol is to be restored flag." to its beloved imperial house., The work is to be- Andreas Ilofer seized his beard with,oil,.'gin on the 9th of April, and we must be ready hands, almost in terror, and drew it carcs-:i1?y1 to rise on that day. On the 9th of April the througll his fingers. Austrians are to cross the frontier, and on the " N(,," he said, my friends ald,countrymen previous evening they will inform us by firing off know inc by my beard, anld the Barlbone i. a welthree rockets that they are at hand. At the same come igue-t in thie Itaiian Tyrol. They *would not time bale-fires will be lirghted on a hundred hills, recognize me if I lshouldt alpcar a ten ir,! \\ with and on the follo;-ing morning Nwe shall throwv large a smloothl cllil; a.,d thl'y would dout.bt if it wa.- Anquantities of blood, flour, or charcoai, into our dsreas Iofekr who talked to tliem about tfl,.'reat mountain-torrents, that their blood-red, flour- coJltspiracy an( insurrection in case theyb did not white, or codl-black waters, flowing into and out see hii black beard." of the country, may proclaim to the people tlhat "No, archduke, " said,peckbaehur, sr -iling anld the time has come when all must rise, rifle in wi.nikin-, " you onust not object to ollr Andly's hand, to conquer or die for the dear Tyrol and the b(.rri, for it is: the flag ronmd wilhich the Tyrdelcse good Emperor Francis." will rally, and witll which thle *ryrol ill adlorn'lAndll I, too, LTiL ready to conquer or die for itself on the day of i;nsurrection, as tlrcy put on the Tyrol alnd the emperor, and so is tlie cor?;s tlheir best clothes on the day of oAf':,,,;. whose collmmandr I am," exclaimed the archduke Morc)ver, Andreas Ilofer mlust not be,eirat,;: enthusiastically. " The emperor, may gracio-,s:and he wouhld be ungratefill if lie should cut otf master, intend, to intrust me with the colrmand. his beard and throw it away, for his beard gain{ed of the army which is to fight Nwith and for tlh.- him one day a couple of fat oxen." Tyrol, whichl will check thle advalnce of t!:e cCll!'lnv "Is that true, Andy? " asked John, laughing. approaclrirng the Tyrol'room the Itlli:n. f!trtic r, "It is," said Andreas IIofer, gravely. "M Tv and will second and strentlihen te llm i: ir.;:'.:ii. beard did gain rme two oxern. It happe:,ed as I;,1of the Tyrolese. Now, thlen, 1r frienil. t cl! c) s- lows, lrclduk I was t qllite a yo11ig ran yet, rades, let u:; prepare the great work br vcl, pru- anal ]lr mirrcl wi fe, _.a; rtru hw Ladurdently, and carefullv. Collect -your f:'rce-', ~" I a r, onldy a year tc1)re. I wa31 v lry ford of nmy shall collect mni:il; make all your di::;', -iio-,L 11 a Ittlu, r.-ife,'o,r; linl rot lik to sit for lollrs ii tlhe exhort all to behave as true si.i or tlje T-yrol. ta —.ri, a,. I I.:'l dion le(icrct,rtf)re. I stanvl at homne Above all thrings, be caution!-. 1 tc l c i cften coo f.:d o f'atteudlirrg to r1v 1h e1( ssa, only your tongues, but your fteCS, e:-c-iAllr" here and.,oi -,o d'-ni to Itafly or Germany to carry- on in Vi,,nna. For if'tire B'.tavnrian, si',~; t e.-'e'ek:-ret my t tle:' in crl, winc,. liorres, and oxen, bv out thlati. ATndrllc: I ofir, peel;k:ia', l bolo::,r al I had v;e:de a great deal of roe.. MTy re ij VienT' a,:rndl that I have l iad i:tClericv. fir'il.-,; sn:eCe.redt at ury staying so rmurl, at bomne, witl thlem, tlhcir l-ccn, nosesr' wil..c;t,!.: oni' ao l.-r idl:'A A-ndy lofer, the Saldllwirth, is a lienwhat is goinl on, and tl;ey wilt -sldl, cv-n ljeC-or': p ked;l c lhuandl, and lhis w.if' i.; mster (f tire we reach tlhe Tyrol, so mnany Bvariail: tln( Frlebch h orlse.' Thi.s was vere disalreCrealeo to me, for, soldiers into your country, that you will be ti-,l altrhonghl I love ny Ainna Gertrudle fir(mi tie, hothln(ld and foot, and cannot raise your a:.n cln tle tom of rny heart, I hale always beelr the o;raster; oth of April to seize your rifles. Therefore, I and she has been obedient to nle, as the,iil e, says relpeat it, keel) your faces in check and do not it should be between husband arnd wife. WAVll, ANDREAS HOFER. 43 ne day I sat at home with a few friends; we "No, Andreas," said the archduke, kindly, "I vere drinking wine in the bar-room. Suddenly there will not. Wear your fine beard as you have done ntered the room an old beggar with a tremendous hitherto; may it be, notw:ithstanding its black ecard reaching down to his girdle. I laugh at the color, the victorious flag round which the loyal card and rejoice over its enormous length. One Tyrolese shall rally on rising' for their lord and f my friends, Anthony Waidlinger, the rich Am- emperor! And now farewell, niy fiiends; it is elwirth, asks me:' Well, Andy, would you like to dawning, and it is time for us to repose a little. wear as long a beard as that?''Why not?' I Go home, therefore, and what remintis io be seteply merrily.'Ah,' exclaims Anthony, laughing, tled you may talk over to-lnorrow with Baron von'you must not talk so saucily. You must not wear IIormnayr, who will give you money for travelling'so long a beard. Your wife will not permit it, expenses, and for distribution among the innkecpAndy!' This makes me very angry; I start up, ers. Day after to-morrow you will set out for and hardly know what I am doing.' What!' I cry, home, and bring to all loyal Tyrolese the joyful m' y wife? S]le must obey me whether she likes it news that war will break out." lor not. What will you bet I will not shave my "Yes, yes, war will break out! " exclaimed the'beard for a whole year?''I will bet you two three Tyrolese, exultingly. oxen,' says Anthonll;' but let me warn you, Andy, " Iush, for God's sake, hush!" said John, laugh-'you will lose the oxen; for 1 stick to it, your wvife ing. "You mnust keep quiet, alnd, instea:l of (lowill never permit you to become the laughing-stock ing so, you sho)ut as jubilantly as tlough you of the childrllen by appearing in thle streets with were standing, on a crest of tile Brenner, and had such a lion's mane. Therefore consider the matter just discovcrcd the hidill-place of a chlamis. well, Andy, for there is time iet. Admit that you Let ine therefore tell you once lm;re it is neceswill not'tin the bet, for two oxen are at stake?' sary that the people of Vienna shlould not filld out'I have already considered everythin, I say; and that you are in the city. Pledge me your word, as for the two oxen, they will be just what I want. then, that you will not go into the street to-:nor-,A vear lhence you will bring them to me, Anthony row in the daytime, nor allow any one to see Waidlinger.' And this prediction was fulfilled. you." I did not shave my beard, and Anna Gertrude, "We pledge you our word!" excllimed the my wife, rejoiced at her Andy's beard instead of Tyrolese, with one accord; "' we will not eppe).r being angry at it, and thouhllt it made her hus- in the street to-morrow in the daytime, -nd day band look a great deal better. When the year after to-morrow we shall set out." was up, Anthlony Waidlinger drove his two oxen " Yes, we sh:tll set out thenl," rl)eated Andclrs with a sullen air into my stable, and said:' Now IIofer, " and return to our mlonitains and friends, you may cut off your fur and have a pillow made and wait patiently and faithfully until the day from it for your wife.''I need not cut off my when we shall see rising to the slky the signal beard for that purpose,' I replied;'it may be my which is to tell us that our (lear Archllduke John wife's pillow even while it hangs down on my sends us his soldiers to assist us in delivering our breast. For she is a good and dutiful wife, and I counltry fromn thle etemy, and restoring it, with am fondly attached to her.' That, archduke, is our mountains, our love, and our loyalty, to our the story of my beard, which I have worn ever (dear Emperor Francis. God grant that wec may since, and which has often been a pillow when my succeed in so doing, and may the HIoly Virgin little boy and my three girls fell asleep on my lap, pray for us all, and restore the Tvyrol to the emand under which thev have often concealed their peror!" little heads when their mother was looking for them. You will ask me no more to cut off my beard-the pillow and plaything of my children." 44 ANDREAS HOFER. myself. But it is your own fault. You do no CHAPTER VIT. keep your word." "Your excellency! " cried Hormayr, indig ANDREAS HOFER AT THE THEATRE. nantly. COUNT STADION, the minister of foreign affairs, "Bah! it is true. You do not keep your word was pacing his cabinet with a quick step and an You promised me that your Tyrolese should nol anxious expression of countenance. At times he show themselves, lest we might be charged witi stood still, and, bending his head toward the door, fomenting an insurrection; and it was necessary. seemed to listen intently for some sound; all re- also, to prevent the Bavarians from learning pre. maining silent outside, he commenced again strid- maturely our plans. Can you deny that you ing up and down, and whenever he approached promised this to me?" the clock on the mantel-piece, he cast an anxious No, your excellency, I do not deny it at all." glance on it. "Well, your Tyrolese are running around every"I am afraid Hormayr was not at home," he where." murmured moodily to himself; " his servants did "Pardon me, your excellency, that cannot be not know where he was, and therefore the mis- true. You must have been misinformed." chief cannot be stopped." "What! misinformed? How dare you sav so He drew a golden snuff-box from his pocket and to my face, sir? Your beardman, or bushman, or took a large pinch from it. " I said at the very Sandwirth Hofer is at the Karnthnerthor Theatre, outset," he murmured, " that we ought to keep and is the observed of all observers. I saw him aloof from these stupid peasants, who will only with my own eyes; and that was the reason why involve us in trouble and mischief. But those I left the theatre and sent for you." * gentlemen would not listen to me, and- Really, " Your excellency saw him with your own eyes I I believe I hear footsteps in the anteroom. Yes, Then, of course, it must be true, and I would beg yes, somebody is coming!" leave of your excellency to go immediately to the Count Stadion was not mistaken. The door theatre and take him to his hotel." opened, and a footman announced, in a loud voice, "That was just what I wished to ask you to do, "Baron von Hormayr!" Baron von Hormayr. Make haste and induce this " Let him come in, let him come in, quick! " bushman to leave Vienna immediately." said Count Stadion, waving his hand impatiently; "He will leave the capital early in the mornand when Hormayr appeared on the threshold of ing. Your excellency will permit me now to withthe door, he hastily went to meet him. draw." " In truth, it took my servants a good while to Baron von Hormayr hastened down-stairs, left find you!" exclaimed the minister, angrily. "I the chancery of state, and crossed the Joseph's have been waiting for you half an hour." Place. On reaching the Karnthnerthor Theatre, "I was at the Archduke John's rooms, with he bought a ticket at the office and entered the whom I had business of importance, your excel- pit. lency," said Hormayr, emphasizing his last words. "The Marriage of Figaro," by Mozart, was per"Moreover, I could not guess that your excellen- formed at the Karnthnerthor Theatre to-nighlt, and cy would wish to grant me an audience at so un- this favorite opera of the Viennese had attracted usual an houlr, and without my asking for it." so large an audience that not a seat was vacant, "At so unusual an hour!" cried Count Stadion, and the baron had to elbow his way with no little putting one pinch of snuff after another into his difficulty through the crowd filling the pit, in ornose. "Yes, yes, at so unusual an hour! It der to reach a point where he might be able to would have been more agreeable to me, too, if it Count tadion's own ords.- me to trou-See you and dreormayrs "An-Hofer," vol. had beci unnecessary for me to trouble you and dreas Hofer," vol. i., p. 209. ANDREAS HOFER AT TIIE THEATRE. 456 e every part of the house, and discover him for perspiration from his forehead, and cast furious hose sake he had come. glances on Andreas Hofer, who, however, was utAt length he had succeeded in advancing so far terly unaware of his presence, and from whose lat, leaning against one of the pillars supporting breast, protected as it was by his beard and crue upper tiers of boxes, he was able to survey cifix, rebounded all such glances like blunted are lower part of the house. But all faces were rows. erted from it, all eyes were fixed on the stage. The actors, who, interrupted by the unexpected e opera had just reached the scene where Count cheers and the incident in the audience, had Imaviva lifts the carpet from the chair and finds paused a few minutes, and had themselves hardly herubino under it. A loud outburst of laughter been able to refrain from bursting into laughter, lesounded from the pit to the upper gallery. But now continued their scene, and the charms of the a the midst of the din, a loud and angry voice music and the interesting character of the action ixclaimed: "Ah, you young good-for-nothing, if soon succeeded again in riveting the attention of had you here I would show you how to be- the audience. nave!" And a threatening fist and vigorous arm Andreas Hofer, who had in the mean time revere raised in the midst of the orchestra-stalls. lapsed into his silent astonishment, gazed fixedly i Good heavens! that is really Andreas Hofer," upon the stage. Baron von Hormayr left his Murmured Baron von Hormayr, concealing him- place quietly and walked to the entrance. He ielf anxiously behind the pillar. A renewed slipped a florin into the hand of the doorkeeper, bhout of laughter greeted Hofer's words, and all who was leaning against the wall. "Say," he,yes turned toward the side where they had been whispered to him hastily, " as soon as the curtain,ttered. And there sat the good Andreas Hofer, drops, go to the giant with the long beard, who in his handsome national costume, with his long sits in the orchestra-stall yonder, and whose black beard, and his florid, kind-hearted face. words amused the audience just now. He is a There he sat, quite regardless of the gaze which cattle-dealer from Hungary, and I must see him the audience fixed upon him, utterly unaware of at once. Just whisper into his ear that his counthe fact that he was the observed of all observers, tryman with the wine and horses has arrived, and?nd quite engrossed in looking at the stage, where it is necessary that he should come and see him proceeded the well-known scene between Cheru- right away.-Thank God, the curtain falls! Now bino, the count, and Figaro. He followed the make haste. If you bring the cattle-dealer with Progress of the action with wrapt attention, and you into the corridor, I will give you another!when Cherubino tried to prove his innocence by florin." all sorts of plausible and improbable falsehoods, The doorkeeper's face beamed with satisfaction; "Hofer's brow became clouded. He averted his he elbowed himself' courageously through the,eyes from the stage, and turned to his neighbor. crowd, and succeeded in reaching the "cattle" Why," he said, loudly and indignantly, "that dealer from Hungary," who sat absorbed in his boy is as great a liar as though he were Bonaparte reflections, with his head bent on his breast. He!himself!" touched his shoulder softly and whispered his Now the merriment of the audience knew no message into his ear. longer any bounds. They applauded, they shout- Andreas Hofer gave a start and stared at the ed, "Bravo! bravo!" they forgot the scene on doorkeeper. "' What countrymen?" he asked; the stage entirely, and devoted their exclusive at- "and how can he bring to me wine and horses tention to the queer, bearded stranger in the or- here as-" chestra-stall, on whom all eyes and opera-glasses "I do not know any thing about it," whispered were fixed. the doorkeeper; " I know only that your counBaronl von Hormayr behind his pillar wiped the i tryman with the wine and the horses is waiting 46 ANDREAS HOFER. for you, and that he says he must see you right way. All at once I got into a dense crowd, an, away." thought I had arrived at St. Stephen's Cathedral "Well, then, come, conduct me to him," said and that the crowd consisted of pious Christian Andreas, rising from his chair, and drawing up going to vespers; hence, I allowed myself to b'his colossal form to its full height. "I should drawn along into the door, because I thought i like to binow who this countryman is. Lead the was the church." way, sir; I will follow you." "And on buyving a ticket, Andy, you suppose: The doorkeeper retraced his steps through the you purchased indulgence, did you not?" crowd; Andrea:s Iofer followed him, greeting "No, I did not," said Andreas, in a tone of emn kindly and pleasantly in all directions, and push- barrassment. "But, on seeing all those persons ing aside the men like flies whenever they stood step to the office and get tickets, I thought there in his way. were Christian passion-plays performed there, as At length they reached the door, and stepped at Innspruck in Lent; and on hearing the mar into the corridor. Baron von Hormayr, like a standing before me shouting,'Ticket for an ortiger pouncing upon his prey, rushed upon An- chestra-stall,' I shouted, also,'Ticket for an ordreas IHofer, seized his arm, and drew him down chestra-stall,' and threw a florin on the table. the corridor into the outer hall, which was so de- Thereupon they handed me a ticket, and I folserted and silent that there was no danger of lowed the othersinto the hall. The performance their conversation being overheard by an eaves- commenced almost at the same moment, the curdropper. tain rose, and the actors began to sing. It is true, Here at length Hormayr stood still and dropped it is not a passion-play, and there is nothing from the arm of Andreas Ilofer, who had followed him, the Bible in it; but then it is a nice play. I bedumbfounded with astonishment, and glancing lieve the curtain will rise again immediately, and around as if lookincg for somebody else. it is time for me to return to my seat. But I "Andy," exclaimed Hormayr, vehemently, should like to know where my countryman with " what am I to think of you? The Tyrolese al- the horses and wine is. He insisted on seeing ways keep their promises, and to think that our me, sent for me, and does not come now." honest Sandwirth alone should not do so! You " But, Andy, do you not yet know that it was I pledged me your word that you would conceal who sent for you? " asked Hormayr. " Why, it your presence here in Vienna as much as possible, was only a stratagem of mine to get the Barbone and now you are running about the city in your out of the theatre and take him away from here." national costume and with your bearded'face to "But why do you want to take me away from hear the opera-trills and see how theballet-dancers here? I tell you I like the play very well, and stretch their legs?" * have never seen any thing like it. It is true, Cher"Andreas Hofer never breaks his word," said ubino, the boy, is an arrant liar, but he is a jolly Hofer, gravely. " I promised not to appear in the fellow, and I do not want him to come to grief. streets in the daytime, and I have faithfully kept And Figaro is a sly fox, and withal a brave man. my word. I stayed at home all day, and it was only I should like to make his acquaintance and ask after nightfall that' we three went together into him if he really promised old Marielle to marry the street. Speckbacher and Wallner went to the her; for it would be wrong if he did not keep his Archduke John's gunsmith, Anthony Steger, to word now, and refused to make her his wife betake leave of him, and I intended to go to St. cause he likes the young woman better than her. Stephen's Cathedral to attend vespers. But I am If I knew where he lives, I would go to him, this a stranger in the city, and happened to lose my very night and tell him what he ought to do." " Oh, you foolish old child of Nature! what you ~ Hormayr's own words. —See Hormayr's "Andreas. Hofer," vol. i., p. 209. saw on the stage was nothing but a play. Figaro ANDREAS HOFER AT THE THEATRE. 47 never existed; and even though he did, you would " No, Andy," said Ilormayr, smiling, " you need not go to him, but accomlpany me and take supper not be uneasy; Figaro will not marry old AMarielle, with me." for she is his own mother." "I am sorry," said Andreas, gravely, "I cannot "What! " cried Andreas, in (lismnay; " she hlis do so; for, in the first place, I must stay here and mother, and hle has promised to marry her? That wait for the countrymilan who has arlivcd ihrc is most sinful and infamous! No good Christian with the horses and wine." should listen to such things. Come along, sir. "Jesus Maria! what do you say? The coun- I do not want to hear another word of it. Good trymanll? Did I not tell yeu that it is I, Andy? " heavens! what will Anna Gertrude say when I tell "Oh, yes, I had talready forgotten it. But, sec- her what I have seen here, and that there are here oend, I cannot go beccause I must sec the remain- in Victna men infamous enough to promise to der of the play. Let me, therefore, returnl to my mnarry their mothers?" seat, for I paid for the whole performance; I be- "But they never do so in reality, Andy, but lieve I have hllcady idissed a great deal; but they only on the stage. Otherwise the police would be will assuredly not return to me at the office a after them at once. For the emperor is a very penny for what I (lid not hear." * pious and virtuous gentleman, and he does not " Thcv will not, and shall not either," cried perimit any infractions of the sacred laws of God Hornvayr, angr;ily. "You iwill not return to your and the Church in his dominions." scat, Andy.], but go and takle Supper with me. For "Yes, the emperor is a very pious and virtuous you know, ray dear fellow, that you have come gentlcman," exclaimed Andreas HIofer, enthusiasto Vienna. not to oo to the theatre, blut to aslk the ticallly, " and that is the reason why the Tyrolese dear Archduke Johln's assistance and succor for love him and wish to be again his subjects and the beloved Tyrol, and inquire of the emperor if children. Come, I will go home with you. I do he will not aid his loy)al Tyrolese in their attempt not want to hear any more of the theatrical nonto becomen. his subjects; once more. And the eia- sense. Let us speak of our emperor and our dear peror a1nd thlle archduke will help you; they prom- Archduke John. God grant that we may soon be ise to send soldiers and guns in time to the Ty- able to say he is our emperor again, and the archrol. But, in return, you must do what the arch- duke is our John, and his Tyrolese are again his duke astked you to do; you must carefully conceal subjects, because they fought well for their liberty, yourself, Andy, in order to prevent the Bavarians and because God blessed their efforts and crowned from learning of your trip to Vienna; otherwise them with victory. Come, we will go home, and they would arrest you and your friends after your to-morrow I shall return to the Tyrol, to my wife return to the Tyrol. Hience you must not return and children, and mountain and valley shall know to your seat, where so many persons would see that the time has come, and that we shall become you, and unfortunately hatve seen you already." Austrians again. May the Holy Virgin protect "Well, if it niust be so, let us go, sir," sighed us and grant us a safe return; may she prevent Andreas. "But just listen how they are singing, the Bavarians from waylaying us and frustrating shouting, and cheering inside! Jesus Maria! our great and noble purpose!" * Figaro, I believe, will have to marry old Marielle after all, and give up pretty little Susanne. Ah, * The delegates of the Tyrolese left Vienna on the folmy God i she will die heart-broken, for she loves lowing morning; their presence there, however, had been reported to the Bavarian officers, who, during their homehim so dearly. Pray, sir, let me go in once more, ward journey, almost succeeded in arresting them. John that I may see whether or not he must marry old von Graff, a banker of Botzen, was apprised of their arthat I may see whether or not he must marry old rival in Vienna by his correspondent in that city, and inMarielle." fornmed the commissary-general at Brixen of what be had learned. A warrant for the arrest of the three delegates * Hofer's own words.-See IIormayr, " Andreas IIofer," was issued, but they escaped in time into the mountains. vol i.. p. 310. 1 — IIormayr, vol. i., p. 191. 48 ANDREAS HOFER. ered velvet canopy was surmounted by a very large CHAPTER VIII. imperial crown; four golden doubled-headed eagles adorned the four corners of the canopy, and CONSECRATION OF THE FLAGS, AND FAREWELL. CONSECRATION OF THE FLAGS, AND FAREWELL held in their beaks the colors of Austria and HunTHE die was cast, then. The war with France gary. Under the canopy stood gilt arm-chairs, was to break out again. There was to be no with cushions of purple velvet. This was the more procrastination and hesitation. The time for tribune destined for the emperor and his family; action was at hand. all eyes were riveted upon it, and all hearts longed Already the French ambassador, Andreossi, to greet the sovereign, and thank him for the had left Vienna, and all the members of the lega- proud happiness of this hour. tion had followed him. Already Clement Count Further on rose other and no less splendidly Metternich had arrived at Vienna; but he had decorated tribunes, the seats of which had been not left Paris as Count Andreossi had left Vien- sold at enormous rates to the aristocracy and na, quietly and unmolested, but Napoleon had wealthy citizens of Vienna for the benefit of the caused him to be escorted to the French frontier militia; and thousands had found seats on the by a detachment of yens d'armes. trees surrounding the broad promenade and the And to-day, on the 9th of March, Austria was rondel, and paid for their airy perches only with to proclaim to all Germany, by means of a public some pains and bruises. festival, that she was resolved to renew the strug- Since early dawn this pilgrimage to the glacis gle with France and risk once more the blood of had been going on; by ten o'clock all seats, her people and the existence of her imperial dy- roads, tribunes, trees, ditches, and bridges, were nasty in order to deliver Germany from the occupied by a dense crowd; and, in order to preusurper who was intent on crushing in his iron vent accidents, the authorities had already ordered hands the liberty and independence of the German all approaches to the glacis to be closed. nation. On the broad promenade, too, matters assumed A solemn ceremony was to take place to-day on a very lively aspect. The militia marched up the Glacis of Vienna. The flags of the militia with banners unfurled and drums beating. They were to be consecrated by the Archishop of Vi- drew up in line on both sides of the road, and ernna, and the whole imperial family was to be their officers and standard-bearers repaired to the present at the solemnity. Hence, all Vienna pre- large rondel where another had been constructed sented a festive appearance; all stores were in face of the imperial tribune. They ranged closed, and no one was seen following his every- themselves around the altar, on whose steps day avocations. The Viennese had made a hol- priests in full vestments were kneeling, and which iday; no one would toil for his daily bread; all was surmounted by a gigantic crucifix, visible to wished to refresh themselves only with mental all spectators far and near, and waving to all its food, and greet with their glances and acclamations blessings and love-greetings. the noble men who were to take the field for the And now all the church-steeples commenced salvation of the fatherland. ringing their peals; the iron tongues of their bells The people were surging in dense masses tow- proclaimed to the inhabitants of Vienna, and to ard the glacis, rushing with irresistible impetu- the many thousands of strangers who had come osity into the empty ditches, and climbing the to witness the solemnity, that the emperor with trees on their edges, or gaining some other stand- his consort and his children had left the Hofburg, point whence they could survey the solemnity and was approaching the glacis, followed by his which was to take place on the broad promenade suite. The militia assumed a stiff military attitude, of the glacis. On the large rondel of the glacis the drums rolled, the cannon boomed, the bugles bad been erected a tribune whose golden-broid- sounded merry notes, and the emperor, leading CONSECRATION OF THE FLAGS, AND FAREWELL. 49 his consort by the hand, entered the tribune. He "' Your majesty," said Ludovica, gazing timidly looked pale; his form was bent and trembling as into her husband's face, "I1 believe the people are if shaken by an inward fever; and even more sin- cheering the Archdukes Charles and John, for they gular appeared his down-hanging under-lip and the are just walking along the ranks of the militia." gloomy, morose expression of his lustreless blue "Ah, my brothers!" murmured the emperor, eyes. But the people did not see this; they saw with an angry expression, whichl, however, disaponly that their emperor had arrived-their em- peared again immediately; "the people are cheerperor, who had resolved to deliver Austria friom ing my brothers as though they were two divinities the ignominious foreign yoke; who would die from whom alone they expect salvation and proswith his subjects rather than longer bear the ar- perity." rogance of France; and who boldly and coura- "Your majesty, the people cheer the archdukes geously staked all in order to win all, to restore at because they are the brothers of the emperor, and length a lasting peace to Austria and Germany, because the confidence of your majesty has placed and vindicate their honor and independence. For them at the head of the Austrian armies to lead this reason all hearts greeted the Emperor Francis them to battle, and, if it please God, to victory. with love and exultation, and he was received It is your majesty alone that appointed the Archwith deafening and constantly-renewed cheers. duke Charles generalissimo of all your forces, and The emperor received with a forced smile the the Archduke John commander of the army of flattering homage which was rendered to him, but Lower Austria." more radiant was the smile of his consort; in her "Yes, I did so, for, blessed as I am with brotlldark and glowing eyes glistened tears of joyful ers so heroic and spirited, I must of course disemotion, when she glanced at this jubilant mass tinguish and employ them in accordance with their of spectators and the enthusiastic regiments of the merits; otherwise they might believe I was jealous militia. She was also full of exultation; she did of their glory and splendor. This would be ennot, however, give vent to her feelings, but pent tirely false, for, so far firom being jealous of them, them up in her heart, owing to the moroseness of I love them dearly, and give them now again anher imperial husband. other opportunity to gain laurels as they did in 1805. In the midst of a fresh outburst of popular en- It is true, my brother the generalissimo, was not thusiasm, Francis bent over the empress. "I victorious at Austerlitz, and my brother John has suppose you are, well satisfied now, empress?" he likewise sustained many a defeat; but that does asked. "You have attained your object; all of not prevent them from being heroes and great you have fanned the flame until war is ready to men. Just listen to the roars with which the peobreak out, and every thing will go again topsy- ple greet them. Jesus Maria! I hope the generalturvy. But I tell you, empress, we shall fail again; issimo will not have his fits from excessive joy." I do not believe that we shall conquer." Ludovica cast a quick, mournful glance on the "Well, your majesty, then we shall succumb maliciously smiling face of her husband. "Your and die, but it will be an honorable defeat. It is majesty need not be alarmed," she said; "your better to perish in a just and honorable struggle tender apprehensions will fortunately not be fulthan submit patiently to foreign usurpation." filled. You see that the archduke is quite well; "A very nice phrase, but the practical execu- he is just addressing his troops." tion of such ideas is sometimes by far more un- " Yes, yes, I know his speech. M. von Gentz pleasant than the theory which they express. I wrote it for him, and I permitted him to deliver it. am afraid you will have good reason to regret this Ah, it abounds with fine phrases, and my dear clay, and —but what fearful noise is this again?- Austrians will be astonished on hearing what The people are cheering as though they were wel- liberal men we have become all of a sudden, and coming God Almighty Himself. What is it? " what grand ideas of liberty, equality, and popular 4 50 ANDREAS HOFER. sovereignty we have adopted. Just listen to him; the soldiers. "Adieu, until we meet again," he the conclusion is very fine, and sounds just as exclaimed with a radiant air, and in a voice of joythough the Marseillaise had been translated into ful enthusiasm; " adieu, until we meet again at the language of the Austrians." the hour of danger!" "Soldiers," shouted the archduke, at this mo- "Adieu, until we meet again at the hour of ment, in a loud, ringing voice, "the liberty of danger!" echoed the soldiers with enthusiasm. Europe has take refuge under the flag of Austria; Seeing then that thle archbishop bent his knees, the rights, freedom, and honor of all Germany ex- they knelt likewise and bowed their heads in pect their salvation only of our armies. Never prayer. Hushed was every sound on the vast shall they, instruments of oppression, carry on in place. Only the church-bells were pealing and foreign countries the endless wars of a destructive the artillery was booming in the distance, and the ambition, annihilate innocent nations, and with murmur of the devout prayers which rose to God their own corpses pave for foreign conquerors the from so many pious hearts broke the silence. road leading to usurped thrones. Soldiers, we In the fervent enthusiasm of this hour no one take up arms only for the liberty, honor, and felt the least timidity, no one looked anxiously rights of all Germany; it is these sacred boons into the future. Even the mothers did not shed that we have to defend! " tears for their sons who were about to take the A long-continued, deafening outburst of ap- field; the affianced brides allowed their lovers to plause both of the soldiers and the people was the depart without uttering complaints or weeping at reply to the stirring address of the generalissimo; the thought of their impending departure, wives but suddenly every sound was hushed, for at the took leave of their husbands with joyous courage, altar, yonder by the side of the tall crucifix, ap- pressing their infants to their breasts and compeared now the archbishop, accompanied by the mending them trustinglyto God's protection. The whole body of the high clergy. patriotic enthusiasm had seized all, and carried The emperor rose from his seat and bowed away even the coldest and most selfish hearts. humbly and devoutly to the prelate who had been The rich contributed their money with unwonted the teacher of his youth, and had afterward mar- liberality; those who were in less favorable cirried him three times, the last time only a few cumstances laid down their plate and valuables on months ago. the altar of the country; the mechanics offered And now the archdukes marched the troops into to work gratuitously for the army; the women the middle of the place, and the consecration of scraped lint and organized associations for the the flags commenced amid the peals of all the relief of the wounded; the young men offered church-bells and the booming of artillery. their life-blood to the fatherland, and considered The emperor looked on, standing, bareheaded, it as a favor that their services were not rejected. and with hands clasped in prayer. Ludovica The long-concealed hatred against France burst turned her eves heavenward, and her lips moved forth in bright flames throughout Austria and in a low, fervent prayer. Behind them stood the Germany; the war was hailed with rapturous enyoung archdukes and archduchesses, muttering thusiasm, and every heart longed to take part in prayers, and yet glancing around curiously; and this struggle, which seemed to all a war of holy the cavaliers of the imperial couple, looking vengeance and retribution. For the first time in gloomy, and plainly showing in their sombre faces long years, Austria felt again thoroughly identified the rage that filled their hearts. with Germany, while the other Germans were The ceremony being finished, the archbishop looking upon Austria as a German state and holdlifted up his hands and stretched them out toward ing out their hands to their Austrian brethren, telling them that they sympathized most vividly * Iormayr, "Allgemeine Geschichte," vol. iii., p. 219. with the ends which they were trying to attain. CONSECRATION OF THE FLAGS, AND FAREWELL. 51 But while the utmost exultation was reigning A minute afterward the archduke entered the among the people and the soldiers on this joyful cabinet. His face was still joyously lit up by the day, a gloomy silence prevailed in the imperial soul-stirring solemnity in which he had participalace. The joyous mask with which the gen- pated in the morning; his eye was yet radiant eralissitno, the Archduke Charles, had covered his with noble enthusiasm and exultation, and a face while on the glacis, had disappeared from it serene smile played around his lips. Thus he apso soon as he had returned to his rooms. Pale peared before his brother, whose face seemed and faint, he rested in an easy-chair, and, fixing doubly gloomy in the presence of his own. his sombre eyes on his quartermaster-general, "I come to take leave of your majesty and bid Count Griinne, he said: " My friend, listen to that farewell to my brother Francis," he said, in a mild, which I am going to say to you now, and which tender voice. " I intend to set out to-night for you will remember one day. I have objected Gratz, and organize my staff there." three times in the most emphatic manner to this "God bless you, commander of the Southern declaration of war, for I know that our prepara- army! " said the emperor, dryly; " God bless you, tions are not sufficiently matured, and I know brother. You were all eager for war; now you also that I have here in Austria powerful enemies have it!" who are intent on impeding all my efforts, and "And your majesty has witnessed the enthusiwho will shrink from nothing in order to ruin me, asm with which the Austrian people hailed the and with me you too, my poor friend. The whole declaration of war. And not only the people of aristocracy is hostile to me, and will never allow Austria, but all Germany, looks now with joy, the emperor's brothers to set bounds to its oligar- hope, and pride toward Austria, and participates chy by their merits and influence; it will always most cordially in our warlike enthusiasm." oppose us, even though it should endanger there- "I do not care for that," said the emperor, by the power and honor of the fatherland. I dryly. "Thank God, I cast off the crown- of Gerknow all the perils and intrigues surrounding me, many three years ago, and am no longer Emperor and because I know them I tried to avoid them, of Germany." opposed the war, and strove to get rid at least of "But one day, when your armies have conthe command-in-chief. But the emperor would quered France and delivered the world from the not allow me to do so; he ordered me to accept insatiable usurper, Germany will gratefully lie the arduous position of generalissimo of his forces, down at your majesty's feet and beseech you to and, as his subject, I had to obey him. But I re- accept the imperial crown again at her hands." peat it, this will be a disastrous war for Austria, "Much obliged, sir, but I would not take it," and I look with gloomy forebodings into the exclaimed the emperor, with a shrug. "But say, future." brother, are you really convinced that we can and And as gloomy as the generalissimo's face was shall conquer Bonaparte? " that of his brother, the Emperor Francis. He "I am. We shall conquer, if —" had retired into his cabinet, and strode growlingly "Well, if-" asked the emperor, when the archup and down, holding the fly-flap in his hand, duke hesitated. and striking savagely at the flies which his search- "If we are really determined to do so," said ing eyes discovered here and there on the wall. John, looking the emperor full in the face; "if Suddenly the door opened, and the footman we act harmoniously, if we do not impede each announced the Archduke John. ThQ emperor's other, if no petty jealousies favor the efforts of face became even more morose. He cast the fly- one and frustrate those of the other. Oh, brother, flap aside, and murmured to himself, " My broth- permit me at this farewell hour to utter a few ers never leave me any rest." He then said in a frank and truthful words, and I beg your majesty loud voice, "Let him come in." to forgive me if my heart opens to you in un 52 ANRDIREAS HOFER. reserved confidence. Brother, I confess frankly tions, neither to yours, nor to that of the others. all is not as it should be here. Where concord I listen only to myself, and require submissiveness should reign, there is discord; where all should and obedience of my servants. You are one of have their eyes fixed only on the great goal, and the latter; go, then, and obey me. I have reavail themselves of all means and forces, they are solved on war; go, then, to your corps and fight, split up into factions bitterly hostile to each other. as you are in duty bound, for your emperor and 01l, my gracious emperor, I beseech you, do not for Austria. Defeat Napoleon if you can. You listen to these factions, do not confide in those are playing a game which may easily become danwrho would like to arouse your suspicion against gerous to ourselves. Yon have stirred up an inyour brothers. Believe me, you have no more surrection in the Tyrol; you will have to bear loyal, devoted, and obedient subject than I am; the responsibility if this insurrection shall be untherefore, confide in me, who wish only to con- successful." tribute to the greatness, honor, and glory of my "I will bear it, and God will forgive what I country and my emperor, to the best of my have done!" said John, solemnly. "Your majpower, however insignificant it may be. My esty, you would not listen to the brother who ofbrother, there has long been a gulf between us; fered you his love frankly and honestly. I have God knows that I did not dig it. But let us fill it nothing to add to what I have said, nor shall I up forever at this farewell hour. I implore you, ever make another attempt to gain your conibelieve in my love, my devoted loyalty; take me dence." by the hand and say,' John, I trust you! I be- "Is that intended as a threat? " asked the emlieve in you!' See, I am waiting for these words peror, angrily. as for the blessing which is to accompany me into "No," said John, mournfully, " I do not threatbattle, and rest on my heart like a talisman. en you. I shall always bear in mind that I loved Brother, speak these words of love and confi- you, and that you are not only my lord and emdence! Give me your hand-open your arins to peror, but also the son of my mother." your brother!" "And I," cried the emperor, vehemently, "Why should we enact here a sentimental "shall always bear in mind that you were the scene?" asked the emperor, harshly. "I do not head of the faction which, by its insensate lilke such things, and want to see family dramas clamor for war, first aroused Napoleon's anger, only performed on the stage. Thank God, I am brought about demonstrations and armaments not a theatrical emperor, but a real one, and will on our part, and finally obliged me to resolve have nothing to do with scenes from plays. Nor on war, although I know full well that this do I know of any gulfs existing between you and resolution will inevitably involve Austria in me. I never perceived them, and was never dis- great disaster. Let me likewise speak a fareturbed thereby. But why do you protest your well word to you, brother. We shall succumb love and loyalty in so passionate a manner to me? again, although my wise and learned brothers are'Who tells you, then, that I suspect them? That at the head of the army. I consulted the most would be equivalent to considering my brother a experienced and sagacious men. I myself paid a tr:litor, and it would be very unfortunate for him; visit to Count Cobenzl, who is lying at the point for toward traitors I shall always be inexorable, of death, and asked his opinion. He hates Nawhosoever they may be, and whether they be poleon as ardently as any one, and yet he is in persons of high or low rank. Let us speak no favor of peace. I consulted the Prince de Ligne longer of it. But, besides, you have again ad- and Minister Thugut; one is an ambitious capvised me, without being requested to do so, and tain, the other a vindictive diplomatist, who would demand that I should not listen to any factions. like to overthrow Napoleon; and yet both were I never do, brother. I never listen to any fac- for peace with France, and I will tell you the rea 'TIS TIME 53 son why: because they know that among all my I but also war between the factions in Austria, and captains and generals there is not one determined the consequence will be, that my brothers will gain and able enough to cope with Napoleon and his but very few laurels." marshals: because they knew that even my The Archduke John returned slowly to his brother Charles, the generalissimo, is vacillating rooms. After entering his cabinet, he sank on and irresolute; and because they do not know the divan, as if crushed and heart-broken. He what an eminent captain the Archduke John would sat a long time in silence, his head bent on his be, if he only had a chance to show his military breast, and uttering from time to time heart-rendtalents. If, despite all this, I resolved on war, it ing groans. After a long pause, he slowly lifted was because circumstances, and not my convic- his tearful eyes to heaven. tions, obliged me to do it-circumstances which "Thou knowest, my God," he said, in a low were mostly brought about by you and your voice, "that my intentions are good and pure, an-l friends." that I desire nothing but to serve my country an:l "Your majesty," said John, in a grave and dig- deliver it from the disgrace which it has had to nified manner, "permit me to say a few words in submit to for so many years past. Thou knowest reply to what you have just said. You allude to that I wish nothing for myself, but all for the my military talents, which you say I have not had fatherland. Help me, my God, help our poor, una chance to show. Well, give me such a chance; fortunate Austria! Let us not succumb and deliver me from the surveillance tying my hands; perish! Grant victory to our arms! O Austria, let me pursue my path as your general freely and O Germany, why can I not purchase liberty and without restrictions, and I pledge you my word independence for you with my blood? But I can that I will reconquer the Tyrol and your Italian at least fight and die for you! I shall welcome provinces." death, if my dying eyes can behold liberty dawn"See, see, what a nice plan!" exclaimed the ing upon Germany! " emperor, laughing. "You wish to be another generalissimo, and independent of any other commander's will?" "No, your majesty; I wish to obtain only equal CHAPTER IX. rights and authority to deliberate and decide joint-'TIS TiMe! ly with my brother Charles." "It is very bold in you, sir, thus to oppose IT was late in the afternoon of the 8th of April. your generalissimo," said the emperor, sternly. The setting sun was shedding his last red rays on "To-day you will no longer obey the generalis- the distant mountain-crests of the Janfen and simo-to-morrow you will perhaps refuse to obey the Timbler Toch, whost blood-red summits conthe emperor. Not another word about it! Go trasted wonderfully with the deep azure of the and do your duty. The Archduke Charles is clear sky. On the lower slopes of the mountains generalissimo, and you will submit to his orders twilight hal set in; the pines, the daring chamnois and instructions. Farewell, brother; may God of the vegetable kingdom, which had climbed up and the Holy Virgin bless you and your army!" to the highest parts of the mountains, cast the "Farewell, your majesty," said the archduke, gray veil of dusk over these lower slopes. Below, bowing ceremoniously to the emperor. He' then in the Passeyr valley, however, night already preturned hastily and left the room. vailed, for the mountains looming up on both The emperor looked after him with an angry sides of the valley filled it with darkness even beair. "I believe the two archdukes will thwart fore sundown; and only the wild, roaring Passeyr, each other on all occasions," he said, in a low which rushes from the mountain through the valvoice. " There will not only be war with France, ley, glistened like a silver belt in the gloom. 54 ANDREAS HOFER. The church-bells of the villages of St. Leonard "I do not think so," said Hofer, gravely, and and St. Martin, lying on both sides of the valley, loud enough to be heard by all. "Do not detolled a solemn curfew, awakening here and spond, my dear friends! The Austrian governthere a low, sleepy echo; and from time to time ment will assuredly keep its word, for the dear was heard from a mountain-peak a loud, joyous brave Archduke John promised me in the emperJodler, by which a Tyrolese hunter, perhaps, an- qr's name that Austria would succor the Tyrolese, nounced his speedy return to his family in the and send troops into our country, if we would valley. The gloom in the narrow Passeyrthal. be in readiness on the 9th of April to rise became deeper and deeper, and, like bright glow- against the Bavarians. My dear friends, do you worms, the lights in the houses of St. Leonard put no confidence, then, in the word of our exand St. Martin glistened now in the darkness. cellent emperor and the good archduke, who has Lights appeared not only in the valley below, always loved us so dearly?" but also here and there on the mountain-slopes; " No, no, we put implicit confidence in their and especially in the solitary house on the knoll word!" shouted the Tyrolese, with one accord. situated half-way between the two villages, was "The messenger will surely come, just have a seen the bright glare of many candles, and the little patience," added Hofer, with a pleasant nod; persons passing on the road in the valley looked "the day is not vet at an end, and until midnight up and whispered to each other: "Andreas Hofer we may smoke yet many a pipe and drink many a is at home, and, it seems, has a great many guests glass of beer.-Anna Gertrude, see to it that the at his house, for all the windows of his handsome glasses of the guests are always well filled." inn are illuminated." Anna Gertrude, a fine-looking matron of thirThe solitary house on the knoll, then, belonged ty-six, with florid cheeks and flashing hazel eyes, to Andreas Hofer. It was the Gasthalus zun had just placed before her husband another jug, Sand, far famed throughout the Tyrol. And the, filled with foaming beer, and she nodded now to passers-by were not mistaken. Andreas Hofer her Andy with a smile, showing two rows of was at home, and had a great many guests at his faultless white teeth. house. On the benches of the large bar-room sat " I and the girls will attend to the guests," she his guests, handsome Tyrolese, with flashing eyes said, " but the men do not drink any thing. The and animated faces, which were all turned toward glasses and jugs are all filled, but they do not the Sandwirth,* who was sitting on the small ta- empty them, and-Look! who comes there?" ble yonder, and conversing in a low tone with his Andreas Hofer turned his head toward the friends Eisenstecken and Sieberer. All the guests door; then suddenly he uttered a cry of surprise seemed excited and anxious; no one opened His and jumped up. mouth to utter merry jests; none of the gay "Halloo!" he exclaimed, "I believe this is songs so popular among the Tyrolese resounded; the messenger whom we are looking for." And and the guests did not even venture to address he pointed his outstretched arm at the small, playiful remarks to Hofer's pretty daughters, who dark form entering the room at this moment. were gliding noiselessly through the room to fill "It is Major Teimer," he continued, joyfully; "I the empty beer-glasses. suppose you know yet our dear major of 1805?" "It seems," murmured Anthony Sieberer, "that "Hurrah! Martin Teimer is there," shouted the the Austrian government has again postponed the Tyrolese, rising from their seats, and hastening to matter, and we shall vainly look for the arrival of the new-comer to shake hands with him and bid the message. This new delay puts an end to the him heartily welcome. whole movement." Martin Teimer thanked them warmly for this kind reception, and a flash of sincere gratification *The name usually given to Hofcr.-Sandwirth, landlord o' the inn " Znm Sand." burst from his shrewd blue eyes. 'TIS TIME! 55 "I thought I should meet all the brave men of because I think that every one is in duty bound to the Passeyr valley at Andy's house to-night," he risk his limbs and life for the sake of the fathersaid, "and I therefore greet you all at once, my land, and place himselfjust where he can serve it dear comrades of 1805. That year was disastrous best. But if I am to be your captain, you must to us, but I think the year 1809 will be a better all assist me to the best of your power. We must one, and we shall regain to-day what we lost at act harmoniously, and strain every nerve to dethat time." liver the fatherland and restore the Tyrol to our "Yes, we shall, as sure as there is a God," beloved emperor." shouted the Tyrolese; and Andreas Hofer laid his "We are resolved to do so," shouted the men, arm on Teimer's shoulder and gazed deeply into with one accord. his eyes. "I know it full well," said Andreas Hofer, joy"Say, Martin Teimer, are all things in readiness, ously. " Let us go to work, then, and circulate and do you bring us word to rise?" throughout the Tyrol the message'that the Austri" I do. All things are in readiness," said ans are coming, and that it is time. Say, Teimer, Teimer, solemnly. " Our countryman, Baron von did you not bring a written message with you?" Ilormayr, whom the Austrian government ap- "Here is a letter from Hormayr," said Martin pointed governor and intendant.of the Austrian Teimer, drawing a large sealed paper from his forces which are to cooperate with us, sends me bosom. to Andreas Hofer, whom I am to inform that the Andreas took it and opened it quickly. But Austrian troops, commanded by Marquis von Chas- while he was reading it, a slight cloud overspread teler and General Hiller, will cross the Tyrolese his countenance, and for a moment he cast a rapid, frontier to-night." searching glance on Martin Teimer's bright, keen "Hurrah, hurrah! the Austrians are coming!" face; however, no sooner had he met Teimer's shouted the Tyrolese, jubilantly, swinging their stealthy, inquiring glance, than he quickly turned pointed hats in the air. " The war has broken his eyes again to the paper. out, the Austrians are coming, and we will expel " Well," he said then, striking the paper with the Bavarians from the country!" his right hand, " the statements contained in this Andreas Hofer's face, too, was radiant with joy; letter are entirely in accordance with our wishes. but, instead of singing and shouting, he was silent, We are to rise at once, for already to-morrow the lifted his eyes slowly to heaven, and seized with Austrians will have czssed our frontiers. Marquis both his hands the crucifix resting on his breast. von Chasteler will march from Carinthia into the " Let us pray, my friends," he said in a loud Puster valley; General Hiller is moving from Salzand solemn voice; "let us thank our Lord God burg toward the Lower Inn valley; the former and Our patron saint in the stillness of our hearts." thinks he will reach Brixen in the course of four The men paused; like Andreas Hofer, they days; the latter says he will be at Innspruck clasped their hands, bent their heads, and muttered within the same time. I and Martin Teimer here, fervent prayers. who no longer keeps a tobacco-shlop at Klagen, After a long pause Hofer raised his head again. furth, but is again Major Teimer as he was four " And now, men, listen to what I have to say to years ago,-we are to direct and manage every you," he exclaimed, cheerfully. " I have invited thing in the Tyrol, and are intrusted with the duty you all because you are the most influential and of seeing to it that the flames of the insurrection respectable men in this part of the country, and burst forth now as speedily as possible from one because the fatherland has need of you and counts end of the Tyrol to the other, and that it shall upon you and me. The sharpshooters of the Pas- become a conflagration that will burn up all seyrthal told me, if war should break out, I Frenchmen and Bavarians, or compel them to must be their captain; and I accepted the position escape from the country.. Assist us, then, my 56 ANDREAS HIOFER. men, in spreading the news over the mountains eral Hiller will march from Salzburg to the Lower and through the valleys, that all may rise and par- Inn valley, and General von Chasteler from Caticipate in the great work of deliverance. Every rinthia to the Puster valley. On the 11th or 12th able-bodied man is to shoulder his riflf, and the of April the former will arrive at Innspruck, and women and children are to carry, from house to the latter at Brixen. The Archduke John orders house, little balls of paper on which are written that the Miihlbach pass be occupied by peasants the words "Tis time!' as we have agreed at our from the Puster valley, and the Kuntersweg by meetings. And now, in compliance with the prom- mounted men. They are to allow all forces of the ise I gave Hormayr in Vienna, I will issue a cir- enemy marching from Botzen to Brixen to pass, cular to all our friends that they may know what and will cut off all communications only so soon to do under these circumstances. Is there among as they discover that the Bavarian civilians and you any one who can write well and correctly, and soldiers are trying to escape from Brixenl to Botto whom I may dictate? For my own handwsrit- zen. Not a man must be allowed to pass then." ing is none of the best, and although what I write While Andreas Hofer was dictating his " open may be thought correctly, it is not spelled as order" with a firm voice and thoughtful air, the learned men tell us it should be. If there is peasants stood dumbfounded with admiration, among you one who can write nicely and correctly staring at him with a feeling of awe, and delighted what I wish to dictate, let him come forward." with his sagacity and understanding. That Ilofer " I can do it," said a young man, stepping for- cast from time to time a searching glance at Howard. mayr's letter did not disturb the admiration they "It is Joseph Ennemoser, son of John Enne- felt for their chosen leader, and they were silent moser, the Scewirth," said Andreas Hofer, smiling. and stared at him long after he was through. " Yes, I believe you are a good scribe; you have "So," said Andreas when the writing was finbecome quite a scholar and an aristocratic gentle- ished, "now Martin Teimer and I will affix our man, and are studying medicine at the University names to this open order; Ennemoser will then of Innspruck." copy it half a dozen times, and six of you will "For all that, I have remained an honest moun- carry the copies to the other leaders who are altaineer; and as for my studies, I will not think ready waiting for them, and who will give the sigof them until we have delivered the Tyrol from nal to their friends in the lower valley. You, the Bavarian yoke. I shall keep only my pen, George Lanthaler, will carry the order to Joseph and act as Andreas Hofer's obedient secretary." * Speckbacher at Kufstein; you, Joseph Gufler, will "Sit down, then, my boy, and write. You will take it to the farmer at the Schildhof; you, George find pen and ink in the drawer of yonder table. Steinhauferle, will go to Anthony Wallner, the Take them, and I will dictate to you." Aichberger at Windisch-Matrey. Quick, quick, And amidst the respectful silence of the men, my friends, we have no time to lose; you must walking up and down slowly, and stroking his long walk night and day; you cannot rest on the road, beard with his right hand, Andreas Hofer com- for we must strike the blow with lightning speed, menced dictating his' open order," which was and it must be done at the same time all over the as follows: country." "Early in the morning of the 9th of April Ger- "And I will likewise set out again to spread the news throughout the country," said Martin.TJoseph Ennemoser, son of John Ennemoser, the tailor Teimer. " For two weeks past I have been in all and Seewirth of the Passeyrthal, was a shepherd in his parts of the Tyrol, and have worked everywhere boyhood. His father sent him to the gymnasium of Innspruck, and afterward to the university of the same city, for our cause, and know now that we may count where he studied medicine. In 1809 he was Hofer's see- upon all our countrymen. They are waiting for retary. Afterward he became a celebrated professor of medicine at the University of Bonn. the signal, and we must give it to them. Here, 'TIS TIME! 57 take this package; it contains a large number of in front of his wife, and gazed at her with a long, those little paper balls upon which are written searching, and tender look. Gertrude, as if lifted the words''Tis time!' Each of you can take a up by this glance, rose, encircled his neck quickly handful of them and give them to your wives and with her arms, and looked with an expression of children, that they may carry them to the neigh- terror and anxiety into his face. bors and distribute them everywhere. Speckbacher "Andy," she exclaimed, mournfully, "my own, and Wallner, too, have packages of such paper dearest Andy, I am afraid harm will befall you!" balls, and so soon as our faithful messengers bring "That is what I expect," he said, sighing, " and them our' open order,' they will likewise send I am sorry for you, my dearest wife. I was just around their wives and children through the neigh- speaking with God and my conscience, and asking borhood; and everywhere the cry will be, "Tis them so fervently if it was not wrong in me not time!' We must expel the Bavarians! I will go to think above all things of my dear wife and my now, for I must concentrate my men in order to beloved children, and if I ought not to live and prevent the Bavarians from crossing the bridge of die only for them? For I tell you, and I know, Laditch. Farewell, then, and God grant that we what I am going to do is dangerous, and may may all meet again before long as free and happy easily cost my life. I do not blind my eyes to it; men at our good city of Innspruck!" I may lose my life in either of two ways. A bul"We must go too," exclaimed the Tyrolese let may strike me in battle; or, if my life should when Martin Teimer had left the house as quickly be spared in the struggle, and if we should be deas he had entered it. "We must go into the feated, the Bavarians would treat me as a traitor; mountains and inform our friends that it is time." and then a bullet would strike me also, for they "Bat go through the kitchen, my dear messen- would shoot me." gers," said Andreas Hofer; "there is a bag of " Oh, Jesus Maria! my Andy," cried Gertrude, flour for each of you; take it on your back, and taking Hofer's head in her hands, as if to protect on passing during your march a rivulet or a moun- it from the murderous bullets. tain torrent, throw some of the flour into it; and "I do not say that this till oCcur; I say only wherever you find dry brushwood on the road, pile that it may occur," said Andreas, with a gentle it up and kindle it, that the bale-fires may pro- smile. "I wished to tell you only that I am fully claim to the country,''Tis time!'" alive to the dangers threatening me when I step Half an hour afterward the large bar-room was to-morrow morning out of my street-door, and deserted, and profound silence reigned in the inn enter upon the duties of the position which they Zum Scacl. The servants and children of the have conferred on me; for I am to command the Sandwirth had gone to bed; only he himself and peasants of the Passeyr valley and direct the inhis faithful wife, Anna Gertrude, were yet up. surrection in alf this part of the country. ThereBoth had retired into the small sitting-room ad- fore, I asked God and my conscience whether or joining the bar-room. Andreas iofer was walk- not I did right in taking upon myself so responsible ing up and down there silently and thoughtfully, a task, and plunging my family, perhaps, into grief his hands folded on his back; Gertrude sat in the and distress. But do you know what both of them leathier-covered arm-chair at the stove, and looked replied to me? They said:'It is your duty to ht her husband. Every thing was still around love your wife and your children; but you must also them; only the slow, regular ticking of the clock love your emperor and your country; and when broke the profound silence, and outside was to be the latter call you and say, " Come, we need your heard the wild roaring of the Passeyr, which hurled arm and assistance," you must, as an honest man, its furious foaming waters not far from the inn obey the call, go to them, and leave your family; over pebbles and fragments of rocks. for to love the fatherland is every man's highest Fiually, after a long pause, Andreas stood still i honor, and to be loyal and devoted to the ernperor 58 ANDREAS HOFER. is the first duty of every Tyrolese.' God and my wishest to use me for Thy great purposes, do so! conscience spoke thus to me in my breast, and I offer Thee my arms, my body, and my life! now I ask you too, dear wife-I ask you before Take them! " God and your conscience-would you like your "But thou, Holy Virgin," murmured Gertrude, husband not to obey the emperor's call, but stay " and thou Saint George, our patron saint, stretch at home, while his brave brethren and friends are out your arms over him Graciously and protect taking the field to defend the country and expel my Andy. Bear in mind that he is my most prethe Bavarians?" cious treasure on earth! Preserve my dear hus"No, indeed, Andy, I would not," cried Ger- band to me, and to my children the father whom trude, in dismay; " I should never dare again to they love so ardently!" lift my eyes before anybody; I should not even "Amen!" exclaimed Andreas. "And now, venture to pray to the Holy Virgin and to God, dearest wife, come and give me a kiss, a parting for, as both gave up their divine Son, so an kiss!" honest woman must give up her husband for the "You do not intend to set out this very night?" sake of the fatherland." asked Gertrude, anxiously. Andreas laid his hand on his wife's head as if "No, Gertrude, but still it is a parting kiss. to bless her. "It is as you say, Gertrude," he For henceforth I must become another man-a said, solemnly. "For the sake of the fatherland hard man, who will no longer think of his family, and the emperor you must give up your husband, but only of the fatherland and the emperor. I and your children their father; and we are not wept a few minutes ago as a good father and husallowed to shut our ears in order not to hear that band, but now I must become as hard as a good the dear Tyrol and the good Emperor Francis soldier ought to be. Until the Bavarians have have called me. I have heard the call, and must been expelled from the country, I shall no longer obey it. I shall do so joyously and readily, and think of you and the children, but shall be only a yet my heart grieves, and there is in my breast brave and intrepid soldier of my lord and emperor, here something telling me that our happiness is and the commander of the Passeyr militia. Kiss at an end, that our sun has set, and-Gertrude, I me, therefore, a last time, Anna Gertrude! am not ashamed of it-I weep! " There! Give me another kiss! Who knows but He leaned his head against his wife's shoulder, it may be the last time you will ever kiss me, dear and, folding her to his heart, sobbed aloud. But Gertrude? And here is still another kiss for our this lasted only a short time; then he raised him- girls. Now it is enough. Go to bed now, Gerself again, and drew his hand quickly across his trude, and pray for me." eyes. "You will not go to bed, Andy?" asked Ger"There," he said, " it is all over now. I wept trude, anxiously. as a good Christian is surely allowed to do when " No, I will not, Anna Gertrude. I have busihe takes leave of his wife and his children, and ness to attend to in the yard with Joe, our laborer. gives them up for the sake of his country. Did We will kill the brindled cow." not Abraham weep too, and beg God for mercy, "What? This very night?" when he was to sacrifice his son to the Almighty? "This very night.* We need the blood and But he nevertheless was ready to make the sac- meat. We shall pour the blood into the Passeyr, rfice. And, like Abraham, I have wept and and you will see to-morrow that we need the meat, lamented now, but I shall make the sacrifice. for I believe we shall have a great many guests in Here I am, my God," he added, lifting his eyes the morning." and hands to Heaven; " here I am, for Thou hast Andreas Hofer's prophecy was fulfilled. A1called me. Do with me as Thou deemest best. I ready early in the morning a great many men asam nothing but Thy faithful servant; but if Thou sembled in front of the inn Zum Sand. They ANTIIONY WALLNER OF WINDISCSH-MATREY. 59 were the sharpshooters of the Passeyr valley, amply deserved such treatment at our hands, for who were flocking from all parts of the district to they have sorely oppressed us. When you had Hofer's house to report to the beloved commander finished a wooden image, could you carry it to Viof Passeyr. They came down from the mountains enna and sell it? No, you could not! Is that and up from the valleys. They wore their holiday freedom? You are Tyrolese; at least your fathers dresses, and their yellow Sunday hats were dec- called themselves so; now you are to call yourorated with bouquets of rosemary and handsome selves Bavarians. And, moreover, our ancient ribbons. They were merry and in the best of castle of Tyrol in the Passeyr valley was not spirits, as if they were going to the dance; only spared! Are you satisfied with this? If you instead of their rosy-cheeked girls, they held their harvest three blades of corn, the government trusty rifles in their arms. Nevertheless, they claims two of them; is that happiness and prossmacked their lips, uttered loud exclamations of perity?,But there is a Providence and there are joy, and shouted as merrily as larks-"'Tis angels; and it was revealed to me that if we retime! The Bavarians must leave the country! solved to avenge our wrorgs, God and St. George, Long live the emperor! Long live the Archduke our patron saint, would help us. Up, then, against John!" the Bavarians! Tear the villains with your teeth And echo seemed to answer: "The Bavarians while they stand; but when they kneel down and must leave the country! " But it was not echo that pray, give them quarter. Up against the Bavarihad repeated these words. They proceeded from ans!'Tis time!" the throats of merry men, and a gay procession "Up against the Bavarians!'tis time! " shouted descended now from the mountain-path. It con- all the brave men, enthusiastically; and the mounsisted of the sharpshooters and peasants of Meran tain echoes answered: ".Up against the Bavariand Algund, who were marching up in the beau- ans!'tis time!" tiful costumes of the Adige valley. Oh, how their And the blood-red waters of the Passeyr carried eyes flashed, and the rifles in their arms also. down into the valley the message: "Up against And with what jubilant Jodlers the men of Passeyr the Bavarians!'tis time!" received their dear friends from Algund and Meran. All at once every sound was hushed, for in the door of the inn appeared Andreas Hofer, looking like a king in his handsome holiday attire; his CHAPTER X. good-natured, honest face gleamed with joy, and his glance was mild and clear, and yet so firm and ANTHONY WALLNER OF wINDISCH-MATREY. commanding. His whole bearing breathed calm AN unusual commotion reigned in the marketdignity, and it seemed to the men of Passeyr as place of Windisch-Matrey on the afternoon of the though the morning sun which illuminated his 9th of April. The men and youths of Windischface surrounded his head with a golden halo. Matrey and its environs were assembled there in They stood aside with timid reverence and awe. dense groups, and thronged in constantly-increasHofer advanced into the middle of the circle which ing masses round the house of the innkeeper Anthe men of Passeyr, Meran, and Algund, formed thony Aichberger, called Wallner. The women, around him. He then looked around and greeted too, had left their houses and huts, and hastened the men on all sides with a smile, a pleasant nod, to the market-place. Their faces were as threatenand a wave of his hand. ing as those of the men; their eyes shot fire, and "My friends," he exclaimed in a loud voice, their whole bearing betokened unusual excitement. "the day has come when we must expel the Ba- Everywhere loud and vehement words were utvarians from the country and restore the Tvrol to tered, clinched fists were raised menacingly, and the Austrians.'Tis time! The Bavarians have glances of secret understanding were exchanged. 60 ANDREAS HOFER. The liveliest scene, however, took place in the the Tyrolese, striking the table with his powerful large bar-room of the inn. The foremost men of fist. the whole district, strong, well-built forms, with "No, they shall not be arrested," echoed all, in defiant faces and courageous bearing, had assem- loud, defiant tones. bled there around Anthony Wallner-Aichberger. "But you will not be able to prevent them," They spoke but little, but sat on the benches said old Thurnwalden, when all were silent again against the walls of the room, and stared into their and had drunk a long draught from their glasses glasses, which Eliza, Wallner's eldest daughter, as if to confirm their words. "You know there filled again and again with beer. Even the young is a whole company of soldiers at Castle Weissengirl, who was usually so gay and spirited, seemed stein, and Ulrich von Hohenberg, the castellan's to-day sad and dejected. Formerly her merry nephew, is their captain. He is a Bavarian, body laughter and clear, ringing voice were heard every- and soul, and, if we resist the authorities, he will where; to-day she was moody and taciturn. For- lead his men with muskets and field-pieces against. merly her cheeks glowed like purple roses, a us." charming arch expression played around her beau- "Why, you have become greatly discouraged, tiful small mouth, and the fire and spirit of youth Caspar Thurnwalden," said Anthony Wallner, beamed from her large black eyes; to-day, only a sneeringly, "and one would almost think you had faint crimson tinged Eliza's cheeks, her lips were turned a friend of the Bavarians. We have got firmly compressed, and her eyes were dim and as good muskets as the Bavarians, and if they lustreless. From time to time, while waiting on shoot we shall shoot back. And as for the fieldthe guests, she cast an anxious, searching glance pieces, why, we have got wheels and may roll down through the windows over the market-place, and cannon from Castle Weissenstein to Windischseemed to listen to the hum of voices, which often Matrey. But come, my dear friends, I see the became as deafening as the wild roar of the storm, Bavarian tax-collectors walking across the marketand shook the window-panes. place yonder. They look very grim and stern, as Anthony Wallner, her father, was likewise grave if they meant to devour us all. Let us go ollt and and anxious, and in walking to the groups of see what is going on." guests seated on the benches here and there, he The men rose as if obeying a military order, glanced uneasily toward the windows. and followed Anthony Wallner from the room'to " It may be that they will not come, after all, the market-place. Eliza Wallner was for a moTony, and that the Viennese have fooled you," ment alone in the room; and now that she had whispered old Thurnwalden from Meran to him. no longer to fear the eyes of the guests, she sank "I cannot comprehend it," sighed Anthony quite exhausted on a chair and buried her face in Wallner. " The insurrection was to break out on her trembling hands. the 9th of April, and the Austrian troops were to "What am I to do? " she murmured in a low cross the frontier on that day; and this was the voice. "Oh, God in heaven, would I could die reason why we have hitherto resisted the con- this very hour!" scription and refused to pay the new taxes. But "Why do you weep, Lizzie?" asked a gentle the 9th of April has come now, and we have re- voice by her side; and, on looking up, Eliza beceived no message from Hofer or the Austrians." held the grave, sympathetic face of her mother, "And to-day the time which the Bavarians have who had just entered the room without being given us is up," growled George Hinnthal; "if heard by her. Eliza sprang up and embraced her our young lads do not report voluntarily to the mother with passionate tenderness. "Dearest enrolling officers by this evening, they will be ar- mamma," she whispered, " I am afraid." rested to-morrow." " Afraid of what? " asked her mother, in a low "They shall not be arrested," exclaimed one of voice. "Are you afraid the Austrians may not ANTIIONY WALLNER OF WINDISCH-MATREY. 61 tome, and the Bavarians may then imprison your he is a Bavarian. His father, our castellan's dear father, because they have found out that he brother, has lived for thirty years past downat |has instigated the people to disobey their be- Munich, and his son entered the Bavarian service bests?" long before he knew that we people of Windisch"No," said Eliza, blushing with shame, "no, Matrey desire to become Austrian subjects again. that is not what I am afraid of. They will not Now his general sent him hither with his soldiers dare to arrest my dear father, for they know full for the purpose of helping the officers to collect the well that the people of the whole district are taxes and enroll the names of our young men. Is greatly attached to him, and that the men of the he to blame for the necessity he is under of obeywhole Puster valley would rise to deliver Anthony ing the orders of his general?' Wallner. It is something else, dearest mother; "No, he is not," said her mother, gravely. come with me into the chamber; there I will tell "But when the Austrians come now, and my you all." father and the other men rise, and expel and kill She drew her mother hastily into the chamber the Bavarians, they will kill Ulrich von HohenAdjoining the bar-room and closed the door after berg too, although it is not his fault that lie is a her. Bavarian. Oh, dearest mamma, he is such a' Mother," she said, tremblingly and breathless- good, kind-hearted young man! he is my dear ]y, "listen to me now. I am sure the Austrians Eliza's cousin and our castellan's nephew, and are coming, and if the men outside hear of it, they you know how well Eliza and her father have will kill all the Bavarians." treated me, and that they take care of me, when"Let them do it," said her mother, composedly; ever I am at the castle, as though I were the "tthe mean, sneaking Bavarians have certainly castellan's own child. Dearest mamma, shall we'deserved to be killed after the infamous treatment permit our men to kill the nephew of our excelwe have endured at their hands." lent castellan?" "BLut, mother, there are also good men among "No, we will not, Lizzie," said her mother, resthem," exclaimed Eliza. "You know very well I olutely. " Quick, run up the footpath leading to am a loyal Tyrolese girl, and love my emperor the castle. Tell the young officer that the Tyrk)dearly, for you have taught me from my earliest lese are going to deliver themselves from the Ba. youth that it was incumbent on me to do so. varian yoke, and that he had better effect his esBut, mother, there are also good men among the cape while there is time." Bavarians. There is, for instance, Ulrich von "Mother, he will not do it, for he is a brave Hohenberg up at Castle Weissenstein. You know young man! " sighed Eliza; " and then-I cannot his cousin has always treated me as a sister; we betray father's secret to him. If the Austrians have grown up together and I was allowed to did not come after all, and I had told Ulrich von p:irticipate in her lessons and learn what she Hohenberg what father and the other Tyrolese learned. We were always together, and even now intend to do, would I not be a traitress, and would I have not ceased going to Castle Weissenstein, not father curse me? " although it is garrisoned by a detachment of Ba- "True, true, that will not do," said her mother varian soldiers. Father himself wished me to go musingly; "your father would never forgive you. t) the young lady as heretofore, for he said it But I know what you must do. Just run up to would look suspicious if I should stay away all of the castle and act as though you wished only to a sudden. Therefore I went to see my dear friend pay a visit to your friend Eliza; no one knows as Eliza von Hohenberg every day, and I always met yet what is going to occur. None of your friends there her cousin, the captain of the Bavarian sol- have disclosed the secret; and the castellan too, diers. He is a very kind-hearted and merry though I think he is a good Austrian at heart, gentleman, mother, and it is no fault of his that does not yet know any thing about it. Your 62 ANDREAS HOFER. father told rue so this very morning. You will smilingly, "als for the shooting, we are likewise remain at the castle, and so soon as you hear the well versed in that. We are first-rate marksmen report of a rifle on the market-place here, you we Tyrolese!" will know that the insurrection is breaking out. "What!" cried the tax-collector, furiously There is father's rifle; when it is time, I will step " do you speak again of Tyrolese? Did I not for out of the back gate with it and shoot. You will bid you to call yourselves so? You are no Tyro hear the report, and tell the young officer that the lese, but inhabitants of South-Bavaria, do yot Tyrolese are going to rise, and that he had better hear? His majesty the King of Bavaria does no' conceal himself until the first rage of the insur- want any Tyrolese as subjects, but only Southerr gents has blown over." Bavarians, as I have told you twice already." * "Yes, I will do so," exclaimed Eliza; "I will "Very well; if his majesty does not want any run up to the castle now. Good-by, dearest Tyrolese as subjects, you need not tell us so more mamma." than once," exclaimed Anthony Wallner. "He She imprinted a kiss on the hand of her mother, prefers Southern Bavarians, does he? Bear that and then sped away as gracefully as a young roe. in mind, Tyrolese; the King of Bavaria wants only'She is a very good girl," said her mother, Southern Bavarians." looking after her smilingly, " and has a soft and "We will bear that in mind," shouted the Tycompassionate heart. She wishes to save the rolese; and loud, scornful laughter rolled like castellan's nephew merely because she pities the threatening thunder across the market-place. young man who is exposed to such imminent "You laugh," exclaimed the tax-collector, endanger. It is very kind of her! It-. But, deavoring to stifle his rage; "I am glad that you Holy Virgin! what is the matter outside? Is are so merry. To-morrow, perhaps, you will laugh the outbreak to commence already? I believe it no longer; for I tell you, if you do not pay to-day is my Tony who is talking outside in so loud a the fine imposed on you, I shall have it forcibly voice. I must go and hear what is the matter." collected by the soldiers at daybreak to-morrow She hastened through the bar-room to the morning." street-door opening upon the market-place. "We must really pay the fine, then?" asked Yes, it was Anthony Wallner-Aichberger who Anthony Wallner, with feigned timidity. " You was gesticulating so violently yonder. Round him will not relent, then, Mr. Tax-collector? We really stood the men of Windisch-Matrey, looking with must pay the heavy fine, because we had a little gloomy faces at the three Bavarian revenue offi- fun the other day? For you must say yourself, cers who were standing in front of Wallner. sir, we really did no wrong.";" I repeat it, sir," exclaimed Anthony Wallner " You did no wrong? You were in open insurat this moment with an air of mock gravity, " that rection. On the birthday of your gracious master we are all very loyal and obedient subjects, and the king, instead of hanging out Bavarian flags, as that it is wrong in you, Mr. Tax-collector, to call you had been ordered, you hung out Austrian flags us stubborn, seditious fellows. If we were such, everywhere." would we not, being so numerous here, punish "No, Mr. Tax-collector, you did not see right; you and your two officers for speaking of us so we hung out none but Bavarian flags." contemptuously and disrespectfully?" "That is false! I myself walked through the " You know full well that, at a wave of my whole place, and saw every thing with my own hland, the company of soldiers will rush down eyes. Your flags did not contain the Bavarian from Castle Weissenstein and shoot you all as colors, blue and white, but black and yellow, the traitors and rebels," said the tax-collector haugh- Austrian colors." tily. " Well, Mr. Tax-collector," exclaimed Wallner, * See "' Gallery of Heroes: Life of Andreas Hofer," p. 1,5. ANTHONY WALLNER OF WINDISCH-MATREY. 63 "Possibly they may have looked so," exclaimed speech, he whispered to him: "I come from AnAnthony Wallner, " but that was not our fault. dreas Hofer; he sends you his greetings and this The flags were our old Bavarian flags: but they paper. I have run all night to bring it to you." were already somewhat old, the blue was faded He handed a folded paper to Walluer, who and looked like yellow, and the white had become opened it with hands trembling with impatience. quite dirty and looked like black." It was Andreas Hofer's "open order." "Thunder and lightning! Wallner is right," Wallner's facebrightened up, he cast a fiery exclaimed the Tyrolese, bursting into loud laugh- glance around the place filled with his friends, and ter. " The flags were our old Bavarian flags, but fixed his flashing eyes then on the hat of the they were faded and dirty." bailiff who had rebuked the young Tyrolese in so The young lads, who had hitherto stood in overbearing amanner. At abound hewas byhis groups around the outer edge of the market-place, side, drove the bailiffs round official hat with one now mingled with the crowd to listen to the speak- blow of his fist over his head, so that his whole ers; and a young Tyrolese, with his rifle on his face disappeared in the crown, and exclaimed in a arm, and his pointed hat over his dark curly hair, loud, ringing voice: approached with such impetuous curiosity that he "Villain! do you not see the Tyrolese?" suddenly stood close to the tax-collector. How- A loud outburst of exultation greeted Wallner's ever, he took no notice of the officer, but looked bold deed, and all the men crowded around him, with eager attention at Wallner, and listened to ready to protect Anthony Wallner, and looking at his words. the tax-collector with flashing, threatening eyes. But the grim eyes of one of the two bailiffs no- The latter seemed as if stunned by the sudden ticed with dismay that this impudent fellow dared change in Wallner's demeanor, and he looked in to place himself close by the side of the tax-col- dismay at the audacious innkeeper who was standlector without taking off his hat. Striking with ing close in front of him and staring at him with his fist on the young fellow's hat, he drove it deep a laughing face. over his forehead. "What does this mean?" he asked at length, " Villain!" he shouted, in a threatening voice, in a tremulous voice. "do you not see the tax-collector?" " It means that we want to be Tyrolese again," The young fellow drew the hat with an air of shouted Anthony Wallner, exultingly. " It means embarrassment from his forehead, and crimsoning that we will no longer submit to brutal treatment with rage, but in silence, stepped back into the at the hands of your Bavarian bailiffs, and that we circle of the murmuring men. will treat you now as you Boafoks * have treated " That is just what you deserve, Joe," said An- us for five years past." thony Wallner. "' Why did a smart Tyrolese boy " For God's sake, how have we treated you, like you come near us Southern Bavarians when then? " asked the tax-collector, drawing back from we were talking about public affairs? " the threatening face of Anthony Wallner toward At this moment a lad elbowed himself hastily his bailiffs. through the crowd. His dress was dusty, his face "Listen to me, Tyrolese," shouted Anthony was flushed and heated, and it seemed as though Wallner, scornfully, " he asks me how the Bahe had travelled many miles on foot. To those varians have treated us! Shall I tell it to him who stood in his way he said in a breathless, pant- once more?" ing voice:" Please stand aside. I have to de- "Yes, yes, Tony, do so," replied the Tyrolese liver something to Anthony Wallner-Aichberger; on all sides. " Tell it to him, and if he refuses to I must speak with him." The men willingly stood aside. Now he was * Boafoks, the nickname which the Tyrolese gave to close behind XVallner, and, interrupting him in his the Bavarians at that time. It signifies "'Bavalrian pigs." 64 ANDREAS HOFER. listen, we will tie him hand and foot, and compel vided into the departments of the Inn, the Adige, him to hear what you say." and the Eisach; the passion-plays, which formed "Well, MIr. Tax-collector," said Wallner, with so large a part of the amusements of our people, mock politeness, "I will tell you, then, how you were prohibited; all pilgrimages to chapels or Bavarians have treated us for four years past, and places of extraordinary sanctity were forbidden. only when you know all our grievances will we The convents and monasteries were confiscated, settle our accounts. Listen, then, to what you and their estates sold; the church plate and holy have done to us, and what we complain of. You vessels were melted down andl disposed of; the have behaved toward us as perjured liars and royal property was all brought into the market. scoundrels, and I will prove it to you. In the New imposts were daily exacted without any confirst place, then, in 1805, when, to our intense sultation with the estates of our people; specie grief and regret, our emperor was obliged to cede became scarce from the quantity of it which was the Tvrol to Bavaria, the King of Bavaria, in a drawn off to the royal treasury; the Austrian letter which he wrote to us, solemnly guaranteed notes were reduced to half their value, and the our constitution and our ancient privileges and feelings of our people irritated almost to madness liberties. That is what your king promised in by the compulsory levy of our young men to serve 1805. To be sure, we did not put much confi- in the ranks of your army. In this manner you dence in what he said, for we well knew that, tried to crush us to earth. But I tell you, we when the big cat wants to devour the little mouse, shall rise again, the whole Tyrol will rise and no it treats the victim at first with great kindness longer allow itself to be trampled under foot and throws a small bit of bacon to it; but no You say the king does not want any Tyrolese as sooner does the mouse take it than the cat pounces subjects. He shall not have any, for the Tyroupon its unsuspecting victim and devours it. And lese want to become again subjects of their dear such was our fate too; the cat Bavaria wanted to Emperor Francis of Austria. Men of the Tyrol, swallow the little mouse Tyrol; not even our from Pusterthal, Teffereck, and Virgenthal, you name was to be left to us, and we were to be wish to become again subjects of the Emperor called Southern Bavarians instead of Tyrolese. Francis, do you not?" Besides, our ancient Castle of Tyrol, the sacred "We do, we do!" shouted the men, uttering symbol of our country, was dismantled and deafening cheers. " Our dear Francis is to bedestroyed. You thought probably we would come again our lord and emperor! Longlivethe forget the past and the history of the Tyrol, and Emperor Francis!" all that we are, if we no longer saw the Castle of "Silence! " cried the tax-collector, pale with Tyrol, where the dear Margaret Maultasch sol- rage and dismay; "silence, or I shall send for emnly guaranteed to her Tyrolese their liberties, the soldiers and have every one of you arrested, great privileges, and independence, for all time to and-" come. But all was written in our hearts, and your "Be silent yourself!" said Anthony Wallner, infamous conduct engraved it only the more last- seizing him violently by the arm. " Sir, you are ingly thereon. You took from us not only our our prisoner, and so are the two bailiffs yonder. name, but also our constitution, which all Tyro- Seize them, my friends, and if they shout or relese love as their most precious treasure. The sist, shoot them down. And if you utter a cry or representative estates were suppressed, and the a word, Mr. Tax-collector, so help me God if I do provincial funds seized. No less than eight new not kill you for a Boafok, as you are! Keep quiet, and oppressive taxes were imposed, and levied therefore, be a sensible man, and deliver your wvith the utmost rigor; the very name of the coun- funds to us. Come, men, we will accompany this try, as I said before, was abolished; and, after the gentleman to the tax-collector's office; and now model of revolutionary France, the Tyrol was di- let us sing a good Tyrolese song: THE DECLARATION OF LOVE. 65 D'Sch;rgen und d'Schreiber und d'Richter allsammt the small gate leading to the meadow, down the Sind'n Teufel auskomma, druck'n iiberall auf's Land, Und schinden Bauern, es is kam zum sog'nfoot-path, up the mountain-road, jumping from Es war ja koan Wunder, wir thAten's allsammt ersch- stone to stone, courageous and intrepid as a true log'n." * daughter of the Tyrol. Now she stood at the He concluded with a long and joyous Jodler, portal of the castle, in front of which some of the and shouted triumphantly: "Dear brethren, An- Bavarian soldiers were lying in idle repose on a dreas Hofer sends you his greetings, and informs bench, while others in the side-wing of the castle you that the Austrians have invaded the Tyrol.allotted to them were looking out of the windows, Hurrah,'tis time!" and dreamily humming a Bavarian song, fro"Yes,'tis time," murmured Anna Maria, An- quently interrupted by loud yawns. thony Wallner's wife, to herself; "'tis time for Eliza walked past them with a slight greeting me to give Lizzie the signalsfor the insurrection and entered the house. The old footman sitting has broken out." in the hall received ber kindly, and told her, in She hastened into the house, took her bus- reply to her inquiry, that the castellan, old Baron band's old rifle from the chamber, ran with it out von Hohenberg, had set out early in the morning of the back-door of the house, and fired the signal for Salzburg to attend court, but that his daughter for her daughter. and her cousin, Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg, " There," she said, returning quietly into the were lunching in the small dining-room up-stairs. house, " she will have heard the report, and there This was all the information Eliza needed; she is time yet to save him. I will do now what Tony nodded to the footman, and ascended te stairasked me to do. When he sings the song, I shall case quickly. The old footman did not follow take the paper-balls from the table-drawer in the her; he knew that it was unnecessary for him to back-room, give a package to each of the two announce beautiful Lizzie to his mistress, but that boys and two servant-girls, and tell them to go she always was welcome to her. He therefore with it into the mountains and circulate the sat down again quietly, and took up the woodpaper-balls everywhere, that the inhabitants of work with which he had been occupied before. the whole Pusterthal, from one end to the other, Eliza reached the dining-room and threw open from the Gross-Glockner to the Venediger and the door with a hasty hand; a blissful smile then Krimler Tanern, may learn this very day that it is overspread her flushed face, for on the balcony time, and that the Boafoks are to be expelled yonder, behind the open glass-door, she beheld from the country. Halloo, boys, come here! the tall slender form of Captain Ulrich von HoHalloo, girls, your mistress wants to speak to henberg. She heard him chatting and laughing you! " gayly; and through the door she also saw her friend Elza von Hohenberg, who was listening to her cousin's words in smiling repose. Scarcely touching the floor with her feet, she hastened CHAPTER XI. through the room. THE DECLARATION OF LOVE. " I assure you, cousin," said Elza at this moELIZ WLLNE, after leaving her mother, ad ment, in her clear, distinct voice, "I believe at ELIZ WALLNER after leaving her mother, had, times that,she is the resuscitated Maid of Orleans sped with the utmost rapidity through the back-, and that she will perform heroic deeds one day. door, across the yard, through the garden, out of Oh, I know my dear beautiful Eliza Wallner, * Song of the Tyrolese in 1809.-See Mayr, "Joseph and-" Speckbacher," p. 29. "The pushing-the writers, and magistrates all, "Do not speak of me, for I am listening to Possessed by the devil, our country enthrall, you," exclaimed Eliza, entering the balcony. And grind the poor peasants; alas,'tis a shame I No wonder if we too share ruin the same." "Ah, my Lizzie," exclaimed Elza, rising and 5 66 ANDREAS HOFER. tenderly embracing her friend. "Have you come stupid, whom would it concern?" asked Eliza, at length, my merry, beautiful lark?" defiantly. "Yes, I have, and I am glad that I am here," "Ab, there they are quarrelling again," exsaid Eliza; and her large hazel eyes turned for a claimed Elza, laughing. "Come to me, sweet moment smilingly to the young officer, who, like Lizzie; sit down by my side on this bench and his cousin, had risen on beholding Eliza Wallner. give me your hand. I am so glad that you are He did not utter a word of salutation; neverthe- here, for it always seems to me as though I were less, Eliza blushed on meeting his glance, and a lonely orphan when my dearest Lizzie, with her averted her eyes timidly from him, turning them pretty face and her merry laughter, is absent from toward the distant summits of the glaciers which me. But hear, Lizzie, you rrust look upon me were glittering around the horizon yonder in won- with due awe to-day, for to-day I am not only derful majesty. your friend and sister, but I am-the castellan! " You are glad that you are here, my sweet My father will be absent four days, and I reprechild? Why did you not come at an earlier sent him here. He delegated his whole power to hour?" asled Elza. "You are always expected. me, and intrusted me with all the keys. Treat My dear silent cousin, she is always expected, is me, therefore, with great respect, Lizzie." she not?"'That is what I always do, Elza," said Lizzie, "Most assuredly she is," said the young cap- tenderly, pressing the slender white band of her tain, with a smile; " and she is as welcome as the friend to her lips. "You are always my better first rose of ]May." self, and I obey you because I love you, and I "How impudent you are! " exclaimed Miss love you because I obey you so gladly!" Elza, laughing; "you bid my Lizzie welcome as " Well, then, I command you, Lizzie, to be our the first rose of May, and yet I was here before guest all day and stay with us until nightfall. her! " Oh, no objections, Lizzie; if you love me, you "l He means only the wild hedge-rose, Elza," must obey.!" said Eliza, smiling archly, "for you know very "And I obey you willingly, Elza; only when my well that the beautiful and aristocratic roses do father sends for me, I must go, for you know we not yet bloom in May." must not violate the fourth commandment; our "Well, tell me, cousin, did you really intend to worthy priest would never forgive us." compare my darling here with a wild hedge-rose?" " When your father sends for you, Eliza, I shall asked Elza. myself go down to him and beg him to leave you "' Do not answer, sir," exclaimed Eliza, eagerly. here. Well, then, you belong to us for the whole " You have blundered in trying to flatter me, and day, and we will consider now how we shall spend that is good. You will see at length that fine this day. Cousin, do not stand there in silence phrases amount to nothing, and that they are all the time, staring at the glaciers, but look at us colors that fade in the sunshine. You had better and propose quickly some excursion for us to speak frankly and honestly to me, for I have often make to-day." told you I am a stupid daughter of the Tyrol, and "What could I propose?" asked the young do not know what to reply to such fine city officer, shrugging his shoulders. phrases." "I submit rather silently and obediently to "But for all that you are not stupid, my beau- your proposals, for Miss Eliza would certainly tiful Eliza," said Ulrich von HIohenberg. "In reject all my proposals merely because I make truth, I who compare you with a rose am not a them." liar, but he would be who should charge you with Eliza burst into merry laughter. "1 Flza, dearstupidity." est Elza," she exclaimed, "he calls me'Miss "But if I should, nevertheless, assert that I am Eliza I' No, sir, let me tell you, >;Joor Tyroleso THE DECLARATION OF LOVE. 67 girl like me is no'miss,' no aristocratic lady; come back, you will inform me what pleasure you people call me Lizzie, only Lizzie; do not forget have devised for us to-day." that!"'No, Elza, let me go with you," begged Eliza, "People here call her' beautiful Lizzie," said almost anxiously, "I shall assist you —" the officer, il a low voice, casting an admiring "You cannot help me outside, Lizzie," said glance on the young girl. Elza, laughing;" but here you can take my place "That does not concern you, sir," she replied, and be my cousin Ulrich's companion. Be merry, blushing like a crimson rose; "you do not belong my dear children, until I come back!" to the people here, and you must not call me any- She nodded pleasantly to them, took the large thing but Lizzie, do you hear? I think the no- bunch of keys from the table, and swinging it tions which city folks entertain about beauty are noisily in her hand, Zsipped through the room different from those of peasants like us. We con- and out of the door. sider the daisy and the Alpine rose beautiful; Lizzie had followed her a few steps; then, as if though they are but small flowers, yet they suit arrested by a sudden thought, she paused and reus. However, the city folks laugh at our taste, turned slowly to the balcony. She cast a quick and step recklessly on our flowers. They con- glance on the officer, who was leaning against the sider only the proud white lilies and the large wall on one side of the balcony, and, with his gorgeous roses beautiful flowers. I do not be- arms folded on his breast, did not avert his eyes long to them, I am only a daisy; but my Elza from her. likes this daisy and fastens me to her bosom, and Eliza gave a start and withdrew to the other I rest there so soft and sweetly." side of the balcony. There she sat down on the She encircled Elza's neck with her arms, leaned bench like a timid little bird, and allowed her her head against her breast, and looked tenderly eyes to wander dreamily and thoughtfully over up to her with her hazel gazelle eyes. the landscape. And, indeed, the view which they Elza bent over her and kissed her eyes and enjoyed from the balcony was wondrously beauti. white forehead. Ulrich von Hohenberg looked ful. On one side extended the splendid valley, at them both with a tender, ardent glance; then with its meadows clad in the freshest verdure of he averted his head to conceal the crimson glow spring, its foaming white mountain-torrents, its suffusing his cheeks. houses and huts, which disappeared gradually in At this moment the door opened, and the cas- the violet mists bordering the h6rizon. On both tellan's overseer entered with an air of hurry and sides of the valley rose the green wooded heights, self-importance. interspersed here and there with small verdant "Miss Elza," he said, "the wood-cutters have pastures and clearings, on which handsome red brought wood and are waiting for a receipt. Be- cows were grazing or lying in majestic repose. sides, the head dairy-woman wishes to see you Behind the clearings black pines and firs dotted about the butter which she is to send to town; the slopes, which, however, in their more elevated and the cattle-dealer has arrived, and —" portions became more and more bare; where the "I am coming, I am coming," exclaimed the trees ceased, appeared here and there again green young lady, laughing. " Do you see, Lizzie, what pastures, and on them, gray and small, like birds' an important person I am? But for me the nests, the hutslofthe mountain cow-keepers, who, whole machine would stand still and sink in ruins. the most advanced sentinels, as it were, were Fortunately, I am equal to the occasion; and set guarding the frontiers where the war between the wheels in motion, and the machine can go on. nature and man commences, the frontiers of the You may stay here and consider how we are to snowy region and the world of glaciers. Behind amuse ourselves to-day. In the mean time I shall the cow-keepers' huts flashed already masses of regulate our domestic affairs a little, and when I snow from several mountain-gorges; farther above, 68 AN)DREAS HOFER. the snow had spread its white silver veils far and himself by her side, seizing her hand in spite of wide over all the mountain-peaks, so that they her resistance, and pressing it to his heart. "I glittered and sparkled with indescribable beauty do not want to be your friend, my sweet, beautiin the bright morning sun, and loomed like swans' ful, wild Alpine rose; no, not your friend, but necks up to the azure sky. your lover. And I commence by loving you with Below, in the foreground of the valley, at the intense ardor, by desiring and longing for nothing, foot of Castle Weissenstein, lay the village of and thinking of nothing but you alone. Oh, Eliza, Windisch-Matrey, with its scattering groups of believe me, I love you intensely-by far more than handsome houses, from whose midst arose the Elza, more than your parents, more than all your church, with its tail, pointed steeple. From the friends together." standpoint which she occupied, Eliza was able to "More, perhaps, but not better," she said, distinctly survey the market-place and its crowds shaking her head, and gently withdrawing her of men, which, in the distance, resembled busy hand from him. black ant-hills. She gazed upon them fixedly, and "No, let me keep your hand!" he exclaimed the small specks seemed to her practised eye like hastily, seizing it again; "let me keep it, Eliza, human forms; she thought she could distinguish for I tell you I love you better too than all the several of them, and, among others, the tall and others; I love you with my soul, with my heart, powerful form of her father; she thought- with my blood, with my life! Oh, believe me, "Eliza," said all at once a low voice by her sweet, lovely child; believe me and give me your side-" Eliza, you do not want to see me, then? heart; follow me, and be mine-mine foreverYou are still angry with me?" more! I will give you a happy, brilliant, and She gave a start, and climnsoned, when, on look- beautiful existence; I will lay at your feet all the ing up, she saw young Ulrich von Hohenbe.r.g pleasures, enjoyments, and charms of this stapding close in front of her, and gazing at her world-" with ardent and beseeching eyes. "Sir," interrupted Eliza, hastily, jumping up, "No, sir," she said, " I really did not see you." and fixing her eyes upon him with a strange, ar"That is to say, Eliza, you are still angry with dent expression, " I hope I understand you right, me?" he asked, eagerly. " You are silent, you and my ears do not deceive me? You offer me avert your head. My God! Eliza, what did I do your hand? You want to marry me and make then to incur your anger?" me your wife?" " Not much, perhaps, for city folks, but by far The young man gave a slight start and dropped too much for a poor peasant-girl," she said, with his eyes. Eliza saw it, and a sarcastic smile eyes flashing proudly. "You told me you loved played round her lips. "Why do you not me, you tried forcibly to embrace and kiss me, speak?" she said. "Reply to me. Did I underand begged me to go up early in the morning to stand you? Did you make serious proposals of the yellow grotto, where you would wait for me. marriage to me? Will you go down to my father You told me further not to say a word about it to this very day and say to him:' Listen, sir. I, anybody; it should remain a secret between you the aristocratic gentleman, I, Captain Ulrich von and me, and I should not even mention it to the Hohenberg, want to marry your daughter Lizzie. priest at the confessional. That was not honest I think this country girl, with her manners, her of you, sir; nay, it was bad of you to try and language, and bearing, is well fitted to associate persuade me to such mean things. It showed me with my aristocratic and distinguished family, and that you cannot be a good man, and that your my parents in Munich would be overjoyed if I friendship for me is prompted by evil intentions." should bring to them this Tyrolese girl as their "I do not feel any friendship for you, none daughter-in-law, and a brown cow and a white whatever," said the young man, ardently, seating goat as her dower.' Tell me, sir, will you go THE DECLARATION OF LOVE. 69 down to my dear father, the innkeeper of Win- round you wherever we might be, and, above all disch-Matrey, and say that to him?" things, here in our mountains. But, look, it is "But, Eliza," sighed the young man, mourn- just as I said; you are desirous to find a'lonely fully, " if you loved me only a little, you would island of happiness'-that is to say, nobody is to not immediately think of marriage, but would find out that the aristocratic gentleman loves the forget every thing else, allow your whole past to poor Tyrolese girl, and that is the reason why you sink into oblivion behind you, and think of noth- want us to hide in the mountains or elsewhere, ing but the fact that I love you intensely, and that and see if we can be happy without the blessing you return my love." of the priest, our dear parents, and all other good "But I do not admit at all that I love you," men." said Eliza, proudly; " on the contrary, you alone "Oh, Eliza, have mercy on me. I swear to you say and swear that you love me, and I reply that that I love you intensely; that I would be the I do not believe you." happiest of men if I could marry you publicly and " And why do you not believe me, cruel, beau- make you my wife in the face of the whole world, tiful girl?" that " "Because you utter so many fine phrases which Eliza interrupted him by singing with a smiling amounlt to nothing at all. You tell me that you air, and in a merry, ringing voice: are very fond of me, but I think if you love any- "Und a Bisserle Lieb' und a Bisserle Treu' body with all your heart, you must be anxious to Und a Bisserle Falschheit ist all'zeit dabei!" preserve him from misfortune, and do all you can "No, no falsehood," cried Ulrich, " only the to make him happy, even though it were at the irksome, terrible necessity, the —" expense of your own happiness. But you, sir, do The loud crash of a rifle, finding an oft-repeated not intend to make me happy; on the contrary, echo in the mountains, interrupted him. Eliza you are bent on plunging me into misery and dis- uttered a cry of dismay and jumped up. grace, and that is the reason why I contend that "Jesus Maria!" she murmured in a low voice, youl do not love me." "it is the signal. It has commenced!" "Then you have a heart of stone," cried Ulrich "What? What has commenced?" asked the ton Hohenberg, despairingly; "you will not see young man, in surprise. what I am suffering, nor how intensely I love Eliza looked at him with confused and anxious yo0." eyes. "Nothing, oh, nothing at all," she said, in "Sir," said she, smiling, " if I cannot compre- a tremulous voice. " Only-I mean "-she paused hend it, pray explain to me how you love me." and looked with fixed attention down on the large "I love you as the most beautiful, lovely, and place. She distinctly saw the groups moving charming creature I have ever known and ad- rapidly to and fro, and then pouring with furious mired. I love you as a girl whose innocence, nat- haste through the streets. uralness, and goodness, fill my heart with ecstasy "They are coming up here," she murmured; and profound emotion; by whose side I should anud her eyes turned toward the wing of the castle like to spend my whole life, and united with whom on the side of the balcony, where the Bavarian I should wish to seek for a lonely island of happi- soldiers had their quarters. The latter, however, ness to dream there-remote from the world, its apparently did not suspect the imminent danger. prejudices and follies-a sweet, blissful love-life, They were sitting at the windows and smoking or from which only death would arouse us." cleaning their muskets and uniforms. Eliza "Sir, if you really love me in this manner, you could hear them chatting and laughing in perfect need not run away with me to seek elsewhere in tranquillity. foreign lands the' lonely island of happiness,' as ~ X * "And a bit of love, and a bit of truth, you call it, for in that case you would have it And a bit of falsehood, make life, forsooth!" ANDREAS HOFER. " Well, Eliza, beautiful, cruel girl," asked U1- "I love you, Eliza, and will prove it to you. I rich von Hohenberg, " will you tell me what has swear, therefore, to do what you shall request of suddenly excited you so strangely?" me." "Nothing, sir, oh, nothing," she said; but "Thank you, thank you," she exclaimed, joythen she leaned far over the railing of the balcony fully. " Now come with me; I will conduct you and stared down; she beheld four young Tyrolese under the roof; I know of a hiding-place there sharpshooters running up the castle-hill at a fu- where no one will find you, and you will swear to rious rate, and the host of their comrades follow- me to stay there until I come to you with a suit ing them. The four who led the way now entered of clothes which you will put on. Thereupon I the court-yard, and reached with wild bounds the shall conduct you in the dead of night into the large door forming the entrance of the wing of mountains, and thus you will escape." the building occupied by the soldiers. With "Escape? Never! And why, then?" thundering noise they shut it, turned the large "Sir, because the peasants will assassinate you key which was in the lock, and drew it im- if you remain." mediately out. The young officer burst into loud laughter. Two sharpshooters now ran up from the op- " They will assassinate me? Ah, I have my solposite side. diers and my own arms, and am not afraid of the "IWe have locked the back-gate," they shouted peasants. My soldiers would soon put down the exultingly. insurgents if they should really rebel to-morrow." "That door is locked too," replied the others, " Sir, they will not wait until to-nmorrow; they jubilantly. "They are all prisoners in the have already risen; the insurrection has comcastle! " menced this very hour. Oh, thank God, you did " Sir," cried Eliza, drawing Ulrich von Iohen- not find out what was going on; you felt so seberg back from the balcony, " you may come with cure in your pride and despised the Tyrolese so me into the dining-rooni; I must tell you some- much that you did not fear them.* But I tell you thing." now, the insurrection has broken out; the whole "No," he said, " I shall stay here and see what Tyrol is rising; all our people are in commotion is the matter. What does this mean? More from Innspruck down to Salzburg. You can no than fifty Tyrolese are entering the court-yard; longer prevent or stifle it. You must submit. and why did those mad young fellows lock the Save yourself, then, sir; you have sworn to grAnt door upon my sodiers? " my request, and you must keep your word." " I suppose it is some mad freak of theirs, that "No, I cannot and will not! I must do my is all," said Eliza, trembling. "Come, dear sir, duty. Let me go, Eliza! I must go! I must go leave the balcony and follow me into the room. I to my soldiers!" wish to tell you something-quite secretly, sir, — "You can no longer react them, for they have oh, come! I do not want heaven and God and locked them up. Come, you must save yourself! " the snow-clad mountains yonder to hear a word She seized his arm with superhuman strength, of it." and tried to draw him away, but he disengaged "Eliza," he exclaimed, transported, "how you himself and rushed toward the door. But Eliza smile, how you blush! Oh, my God, what do you was quicker than he; she bounded forward like wish to say to me? " an angry lioness, and just as Ulrich was about to She encircled his arm with her hands and drew him into the room. "Listen," she said, looking * The Tyrolese kept the secret of their intended insurrection so well, and the Bavarians were so overbearing at him with imploring eyes, " if it is true that you and careless, that they did not know any thing about the plans of the insurgents until the day of the rising, and on love me, give me a proof of it and swear that you to -s that day they tried to levy contributions by force of arms. Nwill do what I shall request of you! " -See "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas IHofer," p. 50. FAREWELL. 71 seize the knob, she stood before the door and it led stood Elza, surrounded by more than twenty pushed him back. Tyrolese sharpshooters, with whom she was talk" I shall not permit you to leave the room," she ing in a loud, animated voice. Her cheeks were cried. "Youmustkill mefirst; thenyoumaygo." very pale, her lips were quivering, but her eyes "Eliza, I cannot stay. I implore you, let me flashed courageously, and, notwithstanding the go out. My honor, my good name, are at stake. paleness of her face, it did not betray the least You say the peasants have risen in insurrection, anxiety or terror. my soldiers are locked up, and you think I could "Have you considered well what you are going be cowardly and miserable enough to conceal my- to do, men of the Puster valley? " she asked, in self and surrender my name to well-deserved dis- a clear, full voice. "Do you know that you are grace? Let me go out, Eliza; have mercy upon about to rebel against your government and your me! Do not compel me to remove you forcibly king, and that the rebels will be judged and punfrom the door!" ished with the full rigor of the law?" "Ah," cried Eliza, with scornful laughter, "But the Bavarians will not judge us, for we "you'think I will step back from the door and shall drive them from the country," shouted the let you go to kill my father and my brothers? Tyrolese. "We do not want a king nor a BavariListen, sir; you said you loved me. Give me a an government; we want to get back our Emperor proof of it. Let me go out first, let me speak with Francis and our old constitution." my father-only three words! Perhaps I may "But you will not succeed," said Elza; "you persuade him to release your soldiers and go home are too weak against them. There are too many with his friends." of them and too few of you; they have cannon, " Very well, I will prove to you that I love you. and you have nothing but your rifles, and there Go down, Eliza, speak with your father. I give are many of you who have not even a rifle." you ten minutes' time; that is to say, I sacrifice "But we have our God and our emperor, and to you ten minutes of my honor." those two will help us. Tile Austrians, as AnEliza uttered a cry of joy; she encircled Ulrich's dreas Hofer has written to us, are already in the neck impetuously with her arms and imprinted a country, and all the people are rising to drive the glowing kiss on his forehead. French and Bavarians from the country." " Farewell, sir," she whispered, " farewell, and "It is so, Elza," said Eliza, encircling her qLiend's God bless you!" neck with her arm. "I know you-I know that Then she pushed him back, hastened to the you are a loyal daughter of the Tyrol, and you will door, threw it open, and sprang out. She closed be glad to see our dear country delivered from the the door carefully behind her, locked it with a foreign yoke and restored to the good Emperor firm and quick hand, drew the key from the lock, Francis." and concealed it in her bosom. "But, Lizzie, think of my poor cousin Ulrich," "Holy Virgin, I thank Thee," she exclaimed, whispered Elza to her. "IHe will defend himself joyfully. " He is saved, for the room has no other to the last drop of his blood." outlet, and the balcony is too high for him to "He is unable to do so," whispered Lizzie, with jump down." a cheerful smile. "I have locked him up in the dining-room, and the key is here in my bosom. Ulrich cannot get out, therefore, and though he is CHAPTER XII. furious and grim, he must remain in the room like a mouse in a trap." FAREWELL!a FAREWELLThat reassures me," said Elza, smiling, "and SHE sped as gracefully and quickly as a gazelle I understand now, too,.why my father acted in the down the corridor. In the large hall into which manner he did. He doubtless suspected what 72 ANTDREAS HOFER. would occur here, and got rid of all responsibility, And Anthony Wallner, followed by his sharpleaving me entirely free to choose between my Ba- shooters, hastened out into the court-yard. Large varian relative and my Tyrolese countrymen. Here numbers of armed men had assembled there in is my hand, Anthony Wallner; I am a loyal the mean time; even married women and young daughter of the Tyrol, and shout with you,'Long girls, carried away by the uhiversal enthusiasm, live our Emperor Francis!'" had armed themselves and came to take an active "Hurrah, long live our Emperor Francis!" part in the struggle for the fatherland and the shouted the Tyrolese. "Long live Miss Elza, the emperor. All shouted and cheered in wild confuloyal daughter of the Tyrol!" sion, all swore to remain true to the fatherland "Thank you," said Elza, smiling. "I think I and the emperor to their last breath. The sol shall prove my loyalty when dangers and war be- diers looked on wonderingly, and watched in set us. I shall establish here in the castle a hos- breathless irresolution for their captain from the pital for our wounded, and the women of Wind- windows. isch-Matrey will assist me, scrape lint, and help At this moment, Anthony Wallner and a numme to nurse the wounded. For without wounds ber of courageous sharpshooters took position in and bloodshed we shall not recover our indepen- front of the windows. dence, and the Bavarians will not suffer themselves "Soldiers," he shouted, in a thundering voice, to be driven from the country without offering the " surrender, you are our prisoners! Surrender, most obstinate resistance. Have you considered throw your muskets and fire-arms out of the winthat well, my friends?" dows, and we will open the door of your prison " We have; we are prepared for every thing,'" and allow you to return to Bavaria." said Anthony Wallner, joyously. " We will suffer The soldiers made no reply, but leaned far out death rather than give up our emperor and our of the windows and shouted: " Captain! Where dear Tyrol. We do not want to become Southern is our captain?" Bavarians, but we will remain Tyrolese, and de- " Here I a! " shouted a powerful voice above fond our constitution and our liberty to the last the heads of the Tyrolese; and, looking up in drop of our blood. Will we not, my friends?" great surprise, they beheld on the balcony young " Yes, we will," shouted the Tyrolese. Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg, with a pale face, "AAd as for the Bavarians, we are not afraid his features distorted with rage and grief; and of them," said Wallner, firmly. "All the func- stretching out his right arm, with his flashing tionaries have already humbly submitted to the sword menacingly toward the Tyrolese. freemen of the Tyrol. They have surrendered "Great God! " murmured Eliza, clinging anxwith their wives and children, delivered their iously to Elza's arm, "if he resists, hle is lost." funds at our demand, and are now guarded in tlheir "Here I am, my brave soldiers! " shouted U1official dwellings by our men. And as for the rich von Hohenberg a second time. " Come to Bavarian soldiers at the castle here, we need not me, my brave lads! I have been locked up here; be afraid of them either, for we have locked them hence, I cannot come to you. Come up to me, up, like badgers in their holes, and they cannot then. Knock the doors in, and deliver your capget out of the door." tain." "But if they cannot get out of the door, they "First, let them deliver themselves, sir," shoutwill jump out of the windows," said Elza, "and ed Wallner up to him. He then turned once more offer the most determined resistance." to the soldiers. "Listen to what I am going to " We shall see if they can," exclaimed Wall- say to you in the name of my countrymen, in the ner, energetically. "We must get through with name of the whole Tyrol," he shouted. "For them right away. Come, men, we must see to the four long years you have oppressed and maltreatBoafoks." ed us: you have insulted, humiliated, and morti FAREWELL. 73 fled us every day. But we are Christians, and "Yes, forward for our honor and our king!" will not revenge ourselves; we want only our shouted the soldiers, and one of them jumped out rights, our liberty, and our emperor. Therefore, of each of the windows. if you submit willingly and with good grace to Another shot was fired from the balcony, and what cannot be helped, we will let you depart wounded one of the Tyrolese sharpshooters. without punishing or injuring you in any way, and Wild cries of rage filled the court-yard, all eyes allow you to return to your accursed Bavaria. turned menacingly to the balcony. But Ulrich But first you will have to do two things, to wit: von Hohenberg had stepped back into the room, throw ill your muskets out of the windows, and and nobody saw that he was reloading his fowlingswear a solemn oath that you will no longer bear piece, which, with his hunting-pouch and powderarms against the Tyrolese." horn, had hung in the dining-room. "You will never swear that oath, soldiers," "I shall defend myself until my soldiers come shouted Ulrich von Hohenberg from his balcony. to deliver me," he said courageously to himself. "You will keep the oath which you swore to your Thereupon he moved the large table from the king and commander-in-chief. You will not incur room to the balcony, placed it on its side, and the disgrace of surrendering to a crowd of rebel- leaned it against the railing; on the other side of lious peasants!" the balcony he placed the bench in the same " No, no, we will not," shouted the. soldiers to manner, and, protected behind this three-cornered him; and thereupon they disappeared from the barricade from the bullets of the Tyrolese, be upper floor, and soon reappeared in dense groups pushed his gun into the aperture between the at the windows of the lower story. These win- bench and the table, and fired again. dows were only five feet above the ground, and Furious cries again filled the court-yard, for the they were therefore able'to jump out of them. captain's shot had disabled another Tyrolese. " Shoot down the first soldier who jumps out of The women wailed and lamented loudly, the men the window!" cried Anthony Wallner to his sharp- uttered fierce imprecations, and lifted their shooters. clinched fists menacingly toward the balcony. The soldiers took no notice of his threats; a The soldiers had withdrawn from the windows, soldier appeared in each of the windows ready to and were deliberating with their officers as to the risk the leap. One of them, more agile and in- course which they were to adopt. A defence was trepid than the others, was the first to jump almost impossible, for, although they had their down. Scarcely had his feet touched the side-arms and carbines, they could not do any ground, when a rifle crashed and a cloud of thing with the former beforle reaching the ground white smoke enveloped every thing for a moment. and engaging in a hand-to-hand fight with the When it disappeared, the Bavarian soldier was peasants; and the carbines were utterly useless, seen to writhe on the ground in the agony of as no ammunition had been distributed among death, while one of the Tyrolese sharpshooters them, the cartridges being in the captain's room was quietly reloading his rifle. in the main part of the castle. But now crashed another shot, and the Tyro- "Ten ofiyou will enter the castle," commanded lese rifleman, pierced through the heart, reeled Anthony Wallner now. " You will take the capback into the arms of his friends with the last tain prisoner, and if he refuses to surrender, groan of death. shoot him down as he has shot three of our breth"Soldiers," cried Ulrich von Hohelberg, rais- ren." ing his discharged gun triumphantly, "I have Tei of the most courageous sharpshooters avenged the death of your comrade. Now for- stepped from the ranks and rushed into the ward, jump down! Forward for your honor and castle. your king!" " He is lost I " murmured Eliza Wallner, with 74 ~ANDREAS HOFER. pale lips, and she sank on her knees by the side in the despair of his rage and grief, the captain of her friend Elza. jumped from the balcony into the midst of the Now were heard resounding in the castle the crowd in the court-yard. thundering blows which the Tyrolese struck with the butt-ends of their rifles against the door of the room where Ulrich von Hohenberg was locked up. "The door is old and worm-eaten, it will give CHAP T ER XIII. way," sighed Elza, and she hastened resolutely toward Anthony Wallner, who was just calling THE BRIDEGROOM. again on the soldiers with cool intrepidity to sur- WILD shouts were heard now, and a great comrender to him. motion arose among the Tyrolese. The bold deed "Anthony Wallner," she said, in a soft, suppli- of theBavarian had surprised and confused them; ant voice, "you will not stain your great and sa- they had forgot the soldiers for a moment, and cred cause by cowardly murder. You will never riveted their whole attention on the captain. think of killing in my father's own house his rela- He was uninjured, for, in jumping down, he had tive and guest?" fallen on the backs of two Tyrolese, dragged them "Let him surrender; no harm will befall him down with him, and thus broken the violence of then," cried Anthony Wallner, in a harsh, stern the fall. voice. " He has shed the blood of our men, and Before the two men, stunned by their sudden if he is killed, it will be done in a fair fight. fall, had recovered from their surprise, Ulrich was Leave us now, miss; the struggle between the again on his feet, and, drawing his sword, cleared Tyrolese and the Boafoks has commenced; look himself a passage through the quickly-receding at the corpses yonder, and say for yourself crowd. whether we can retrace our steps, and-" "Come to me, my soldiers, come to me!" he A loud, thundering crash, followed by trium- shouted, in a panting voice. phant cheers, resounded in the castle. "Here we are, captain," cried twenty soldiers, "They have opened the door," murmured driving the crowd back with powerful strokes. Eliza, still on her knees. " Holy Virgin, protect TLey had profited by the favorable moment when him, or he is lost!" the windows had not been watched, and had A shot crashed in the dining-room, a cloud of jumped to the ground. white smoke issued from the open balcony doors, Now followed a hand-to-hand struggle of indeand a loud cry, accompanied by wild imprecations, scribable fury. Nothing was heard but the wild was heard. imprecations and shouts of the fighting, the "He has shot another Tyrolese, you will see shrieks and groats of the wounded, and the that he has!" shouted Wallner, raising his screams of the women and chil ren. clinched fists menacingly toward the balcony. But amidst the struggle and the general confuThe cries drew nearer and nearer, and now sion, Anthony Wallner did not lose his presence Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg, his features pale of mind. He had posted twenty sharpshooters in and distorted with rage, rushed out on the bal- front of the windows, behind which the soldiers cony. were standing, and, with rifles raised, they threat" Surrender!" shouted the Tyrolese, pursuing ened death to all who should dare to approach him. the windows. Hence, the soldiers had retired "Never!" he cried. "I will die sooner than into the back part of the rooms, and were delibsurrender to a rabble of peasants like you." erating on the course which they were to pursue. And forgetful of the dangers besetting him, and But their faces were anxious and irresolute, and 11 d'aaQflID aH 1ana aaaxaawiis ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,::..,::.~,!........::::,miII.-PIM5 I' Miiirl ~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ "M&O..w muw l:iii::lii w Ti[m I.:ilr: ll!,~il~ I II ~'RI? ". A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ n ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ n -Fiji~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~: 1.T_. ~~ ><,t,,u~.?______'p'.'-:.:,LWU~fll~l1lA-1 _____ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ &i ~ i'. I Il _______________~ ~ ~~~~~~~i ij M Id1 I...a............. 1,aF'' al Ftialiidlm'aa ________ 4jtl ill ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~kil _______________'jI 41U1"idiui~i ~i~ll~ia'Ij ~alail..~aaia~iilliI~l~l~jil; ________ W~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a~~~~aja~~~~~~~;~~ ~ ~ ~ _________ I a -j' I U~~ k~ MW.I~i~u~i~a1~m.aajj~~~~~~aatn iJ1Ia,, 1~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ (I ~~ I szaua aa THE BRIDEGROOM. 75 they whispered to each other: "If our captain arm convulsively, and a loud, anxious voice exshould fall, nothing remains for us but to sur- claimed: render." "Father, do not kill him! He is my brideBut their captain had not yet fallen; he still groom!" lived and defended himself courageously, sur- "Her bridegroom!" echoed the Tyrolese, startrounded by his soldiers, against the Tyrolese, who ing back in surprise. attacked him furiously and parried the sabre- "Your bridegroom?" asked Anthony Wallner, strokes with the butt-ends of their rifles, but had casting a look of dismay on his daughter Eliza, no room, and did not dare to shoot at him, for who was standing in front of her father, pale, with fear of hitting in the wild melge one of their own flashing eyes, encircling Ulrich's neck with one men instead of their enemy. arm, lifting up the other menacingly, and staring But the odds were too great; six of the sol- at her father with a resolute and defiant expresdiers had already been knocked down by the butt- sion. ends of the Tvrolese rifles. The Tyrolese had "Away from him, Lizzie!" cried Wallner, furiwrested the sabres from the hands of the fallen ously; " I cannot believe that my child will inflict soldiers, and had rushed with them upon their on me the disgrace of loving a Bavarian." comrades. Then followed a furious hand-to-hand "Yes, I love him," exclaimed Eliza, with glowstruggle. The fumes of the blood flowing on the ing cheeks. " If you wish to kill him, you must ground, the shouts of the combatants, the hatred kill me first, for we have sworn to live and die toand fury with which the enemies stood face to gether. He is my bridegroom, father, and shall face, had filled their hearts with boundless fero- become my husband, so help me God! " city. Nobody gave, nobody asked quarter. Un- "No, never!" cried Ulrich von Hohenberg, tryder the butt-end blows of the Tyrolese, the Bava- ing to disengage himself from Eliza. " Never can rians sank to the ground with a glance of hatred; the peasant-girl become my wife! Begone, Eliza, pierced by the swords of the Bavarians, the Ty- I have nothing further to do with you." rolese fell, with an imprecation on their lips. "And still you swore a few minutes ago that Ulrich von Hohenberg was still holding his you loved nothing on earth more dearly than me ground; his sword had spread destruction and alone," said Eliza, in a loud voice, " and you imdeath around him; he was still encouraging his plored me to go with you and remain always by soldiers with loud shouts, but his voice was be- your side?" ginning to grow faint, and his blood was running "But never did I say that I would marry you," from a terrible wound in his shoulder. exclaimed Ulrich, pale with rage, and still trying " To the rescue, soldiers!" he shouted now to disengage himself from Eliza's arm. with a last effort; "do not suffer your captain to " You would not marry her! " cried Anthony be slain by miserable peasants. To the rescue! Wallner; "you intended only to dishonor her, my help me or shoot me, that I may die an honorable proud Bavarian gentleman? You thought a Tydeath, and not be assassinated by the traitors." rolese peasant-girl's honor an excellent pastime, "I will comply with your w ishes," cried An- but you would not marry her? " thonv Wallner, rushing into the midst of the "Father, father," cried Eliza, beseechingly, bloody 2nelgEe close up to the captain; "yes, you clinging firmly to Ulrich's side, "father, I love shall die; I will put an end to your life!" him and cannot live without him. He is my And his arm, brandishing the sword of a fallen bridegroom!" Bavarian, rose threateningly above Ulrich's head, "No, no," shouted Ulrich, and a wild imprecawhile two other Tyrolese rushed upon him from tion against Eliza burst from his lips. behind with furious shouts. The Tyrolese in the mean time had long since At this moment two hands clutched Wallner's overpowered the few soldiers, and, attracted by 76 ANDREAS HOFER. the strange scene, crowded around the curious I shall marry Lizzie. The proud and wealthy baron group; only the twenty sharpshooters were still who despises the Tyrolese peasants so much shall standing with rifles raised in front of the windows now marry the Tyrolese peasant-girl." of the imprisoned soldiers, and watching them "Yes, yes, that is right," exclaimed the Tyrolese with threatening eyes. exultingly; "the proud baron shall marry the Anthony Wallncr had dropped his arm and Tyrolese peasant-girl." looked down musingly; on hearing the captain's "Let us go down to the village, then," said insulting words, he gave a shout and lifted up his Anthony Wallner; "' our curate shall marry them face flushed with pride and indignation. immediately at the church; and then let the two "Just listen to the traitor, brethren!" he said leave the place as quickly as possible, and beware in the cold, quiet tone which only the most pro- of ever returning to Windisch-Matrey; for never found exasperation imparts to the human voice. shall the wife of the Bavarian Captain Ulrich von " First he turned the girl's head and heart by the Hohenberg dare to say that she is Eliza Wallner, protestations of his love, causing her even to for- daughter of the Tyrolese Anthony Wallner-Aichget her father and her Tyrol; and now he insults berger, the inn-keeper of Windisch-Matrey. I her and refuses to marry her!" have no longer a daughter-I tear her from my "He said it only in his rage, father, but he heart, as she tore honor, righteousness, and faith loves me after all," exclaimed Eliza, clinging to from hers." the captain notwithstanding his resistance, and Eliza called two Tyrolese with an impetuous trying to wrest his sword from him. wave of her hand to her side. " Hold him," she "b'egone, Eliza!" cried Ulrich, "or -." said, pointing to Ulrich, who, pale and tottering, He pushed her violently from him, and quickly exhausted from his superhuman efforts and loss raised his sword against her. But two Tyrolese of blood, was scarcely able to stand on his feet; prevented him from carrying out his fell design " hold him, I must speak to my father." by rushing upon him, seizing his arm with Hercu- She hastened to him, seized both his hands lean strength, wresting the sword from his hand, despite his resistance, and drew his face so close throwing the weapon far away, and exclaiming to hers that his hot, panting breath touched her triumphantly- "Now surrender, Bavarian! You cheek; but he averted his eyes with a gloomy are our prisoner." expression and avoided meeting her fiery glances. "Then shoot me at least," shouted Ulrich, be- "You do not want to know me, father!" she side himself with rage; " shoot me, I say; death asked mournfully. " You avert your eves from is preferable to the disgrace of being the prisoner your Lizzie, whom you called only yesterday your of such miserable rabble." dear, brave Tyrolese girl? " " Hush, beloved, for God's sake, hush!" said " You are no child of mine, you are no Tyrolese Eliza, clinging to him tenderly. girl," exclaimed her father, angrily and mournHe pushed her violently from his side. "Be- fully. "You want to marry the Bavarian, and gone, hypocritical wench! " he shouted in a par- become an aristocratic lady." oxysm of fury; "I do not want to have any thing " It is all the same to n1e whether Ulrich yonto do with you!" der is an aristocratic gentleman or not," said "But you shall have something to do with Eliza, shaking her head proudly; "I love him her," said Anthony Wallner, with proud calm- only because he pleases me so well, and because ness. " The girl says that she loves you, and he loves me so fondly and ardently. But, father, that you promised to marry her. It was bad in you must not say that I am no true daughter of you to persuade her behind the backs of her the Tyrol, and do'not love the fatherland. I will parents and infatuate her poor heart, and you prove to all of you that I do love it; and to U1shall be punished now for your infamy. You rich yonder, who wished to persuade me' to run THE BRIDEGROOM. 77 away with him secretly, and who must marry me He said no more; a stream of blood rushed now to atone for it, I will prove likewise that I from his mouth, a mortal pallor overspread his am no baroness although I love him, and that I cheeks, his eyes closed, and he sank to the ground do not love his king and his brilliant uniform, but with a groan of pain. that I will remain loyal to my emperor alone. "He is dying, he is dying!" cried Eliza, despairListen to me, therefore, father, and all of you: ingly. She rushed to him, knelt down by his side, Ulrich von Hohenberg is my bridegroom, and and encircled him firmly with both her arms, so therefore you shall not kill him, nor do him any that his head reposed on her breast. harm, but convey him as a prisoner to my fathler's A cry, a loud, painful cry, resounded above her house, not for the purpose of being married to me, in the air; all eyes turned toward the balcony, but to be kept and nursed as a wounded prisoner. but no one was there; only for a moment it I swear by the Lord God and the Holy Virgin, I seemed to them as though a female form glided will not marry him till we have conquered, till through the dining-room. all Bavarians have been driven from the country, "Elza, it was Elza! " murmured Eliza. "Why and the Emperor Francis is once more sovereign does she not come to me? whv —" At this moof the Tyrol. Nor shall I stay at home to nurse ment Ulrich opened his eyes again, and fixed a my bridegroom and speak with him of love and look of proud hatred full upon Eliza's face, which marriage, but I will go and fight with you for our was tenderly bent over him. Tyrol and our emperor. I will fight with my "I do not love you, I detest you!" he hissed, father and my countrymen, and prove that I a,* a between his firmly-compressed teeth. true daughter of the Tyrol. When you have "Hie lives, thank God, he lives!" cried Eliza; nothing to eat, I will cook for you; and when you " now all is well, and I am no longer afraid of any go to fight the Bavarians, I will fight with you. thing. Schrhpfel, come here; take him on your My father's lame porter, our faithful Schripfel, shoulders,'dear Schripfel, or let John help you to shall have my bridegroom in his custody, and carry him to my chamber, where you will lay him protect him until we return to our homes. But on my bed. You swear to me by the Holy Virgin we shall not return before our dear Tyrol is free that you will watch over him faithfully?" and restored to the Emperor Francis. And then, " I swear by the Holy Virgin," said Schripfel, father, when your Lizzie has bravely fought for lifting his heavy fists to heaven, and then fixing our dear Tyrol, you will permit her to marry the his small, flashing eyes on Ulrich, as a watch-dog man whom she loves, and you will no longer say eyes the bone he fears may be taken from him. that she is not your daughter, will you?" "And now let us settle that affair with the sol" No, Lizzie, then I shall no longer say or think diers yonder," said Anthony Wallner, going to the so," cried Wallner, folding his daughter to his windows, in front of which the sharpshooters were heart, overcome by his emotion. " Yes, you are still drawn up in line. a brave child of the Tyrol; you shall march to "Soldiers in the rooms," he shouted in a powerthe field with us, and when we return to our ful voice, "surrender! The fight is at an end; homes, you shall marry your Bavarian. Say, my your captain is our prisoner. Surrender, or you dear friends, shall it be so?" are lost; we will set fire to the house, and shoot "Yes, it shall," shouted the Tyrolese. " Her down whosoever jumps out of the windows. If wedding shall take place when we return to our you wish to save your lives, surrender." homes, and when the Tyrol is free." One of the sergeants appeared at the window. "No, no," cried Ulrich, raising himself up with " We are locked up and surrounded," he said; a last effort; "never will my father's son dis- "we have no ammunition, and our captain is a honor himself so deeply as to marry a peasant- prisoner. Therefore, we will surrender if you girl-" will allow us to evacuate the castle." 78 ANDREAS HOFER. "Yes, but without arms," said Anthony Wall- "What should I have done there?" asked ner, imperatively. " You will all come in squads Elza, in a bitter, mournful tone. "He reposed of four to the windows and hand out your carbines well on your breast; he did not need me. I am and side-arms. There are yet a hundred of you only his cousin, but you, you are his affianced in the rooms. As soon as we have got a hundred bride." carbines and a hundred sabres, we shall open the "But formerly, I suppose, Elza, he was to be portal and let you out. You may return then to your affianced bridegroom? " asked Eliza, in a low, Bavaria, and tell your government that no South- tremulous voice. "Oh, I always thought so; I ern Bavarians, but true Tyrolese, live in the Pus- knew it all the time, although you never told me terthal, the Vintschgau, and the Passeyrthal." so. I always thought Elza and Ulrich would be a "We accept your terms," replied the sergeant; good match; they are suited to each other, and will "come, therefore, and receive our arms." love each other and be happy. Elza, Ulrich was The Tyrolese stepped up to the windows, at to be your bridegroom, was'he not?" each of which squads of four soldiers made their " What is the use of talking about it now?" appearance, and silently and sullenly handed out asked Elza, vehemently. "He is your bridetheir arms, which the Tyrolese took and stacked groom, he has sworn eternal fidelity to you, and I in the middle of the court-yard. shall not dispute him with you. Marry him and "Now I will go and see where my Elza ha's be happy." concealed herself," murmured Eliza to herself; and "And would your Lizzie be happy if her Elza she glided hastily through the ranks of the Tyro- were not content with her? " asked Eliza, tenderly. lese into the castle.' "Tell me only this: your father and his parents No one was to be seen in the large hall, and, thought you were a good match-did they not?" unnoticed by anybody, Eliza ascended the stair- "Yes, they did," whispered Elza, bursting again case, hastened down the corridor, and entered the into tears. " My father told me yesterday that dining-room. it was his wish, as well as that of Ulrich's The instinct of her heart had guided her rightly; parents." yonder, ill the most remote corner of the room, sat "And Ulrich told you, too, that he loved you Elza,- groaning aloud in bitter woe, her hands and would marry you? Tell me the truth, Elza. clasped on her knees, her head bent on her breast, Never mind what I said in the court-yard about and not perceiving in her agony that Eliza came Ulrich being my bridegroom. Remember only in, that she hastened rapidly, yet noiselessly and that I am your Lizzie, who loves you better than on tiptoe through the room, and stood still now she can tell ydu, but who will prove it to you if close in front of her. the good God will permit her to do so. Tell me "Why do you weep, dearest Elza?" asked therefore, my darling, Ulrich said to you he loved Eliza, kneeling down before her friend. you and wished to marry you?" Elza gave a start, and quickly raised her face, "No, he did not say so, Lizzie, but-but I over which were rolling rivers of scalding tears. thought so, I believe, and he thought so too; and, " I do not weep at all, Eliza," she said, in a low 0 God! I believe I love him. It seemed to me voice. as though a dagger pierced my heart' when you "Eliza? " she asked, wonderingly. "You call said that he was your bridegroom. I could not me Eliza? Then I am no longer your darling, bear it, and hastened into the house in order not yourLizzie? You did not assist me when I had to see and hear any thing further. I meant to to save your cousin Ulrich below in the court-yard? seat myself quietly in the dining-room here and You uttered a loud cry when he lay more dead submit to all that might happen; and yet I was than alive in my lap, and you did not come to help drawn irresistibly toward the balcony, and on him and me? And now you call me Eliza?" rushing out I saw you holding him in your lap THE BRIDEGROOM. 79 and pressing his dear pale head to your bosom. I "But do you not love him? " asked Elza, felt as though the heavens were falling down on smiling. me; I had to cry out aloud in my anguish and de- "Do you not know that Joseph Thurmwalder spair. I hurried back into the room, fell on my has been courting me for a year past? My father knees, and prayed that death might deliver me will be glad to have me marry him; for he is the from my pains. 0 God, God! it did not; I must son of rich parents and the most skilful and handcarry on life's dreary burden, and cannot die!" some hunter in the whole Puster valley." She buried her face in her hands and sobbed "But you have often told me that you did not aloud. love him?" While Elza was speaking, Eliza had turned paler "Have you not often told Ime likewise that you and paler; a slight tremor passed through her did not love Ulrich, Elza? We girls are queer whole frame, and she compressed her lips firmly beings, and never say whom we love!" as if to restrain the cry oppressing her bosom. "But Ulrich! He loves you! Yes, yes, I Now she laid her hand gently on Elza's head. know he loves you. I have suspected it a long "'You love him, Elza," she said mildly. " I under- time, and always teased him with his attachment stand your heart, dearest Elza, you love him. to you." And now dry your tears anti listen to what I have "And he always denied it, did he not?" to say to you. But first you must look at me, "Yes, he did, and yet —" Elza, and you must show me your dear face; "And he denied it to-day too, when the lie otherwise I won't tell you the good news I have would have saved him at once. He would die got for you." rather than be a peasant-girl's bridegroom! You Elza dropped her hands from her face, and see, therefore, that he does not love me, Elza. looked, smiling amid her tears, into Eliza's coun- But my lie saved his life, and no one must find tenance, which seemed now again entirely calm out that Ulrich is not my bridegroom. For if my and serene. father And his friends should discover it, they "Now listen, Elza," she whispered, hurriedly; would kill him, because he insulted them too "Ulrich'is not my bridegroom, and he never told deeply to be forgiven. He must remain my me that he loved me." bridegroom until tranquillity is reestablished in Elza uttered a cry of joy, and a sunbeam seem- the country." ed to illuminate her face. "Yes, my Lizzie, my darling! " exclaimed Elza, " I merely said so in order to save him," added encircling Eliza's neck with her arms; " yes, let Lizzie; " that was the only reason why I uttered him remain your bridegroom, my sagacious, brave that impudent lie, which God Almighty, I hope, Tyrolese girl. I always said and knew that you will forgive me. I saw that my father was just would be a heroine if you should have to meet a about to kill him, and my heart told me I ought great danger, and to-day you were a heroine." to save him at all hazards. I hastened to my "Not yet, Elza, but I shall be one. I am going father, and the words escaped my lips, I myself to prove to my father and all his friends that I am do not know how. I said I loved him, he would, a true daughter of the Tyrol, even though the marry me, and was my affianced bridegroom; and Bavarian captain is my bridegroom. And now, this saved him, for he was intent on dying rather farewell, dearest Elza; I must go down again to than fall alive, as he said, into the hands of the my father. But listen, I have to tell you somepeasant-rabble. That was the reason why he was thing else yet. I shall leave our village with my so bold, abused the Tyrolese so violently, and father to-day. We shall march with our friends would not cease resisting them. Therefore, I had to Andreas Hofer, for the Tyrolese must concento save him, not only from my father, but from trate their whole forces in order to be strong his own rage; and I did it." enough when they have to meet the enemy. 80 ANDREAS HOFER. Hence, it was resolved at the very outset, that, so house, do not inquire for Ulrich, and do not try soon as it was time for the people to rise against to have him brought to the castle here. He is the Bavarians, Speckbacher and his friends, and under Schripfel's surveillance, and Schripfel my father with the peasants of the Puster valley, would shoot him if he should suspect that all is should join the men of the Passeyr valley under not as it should be. But if God should decree myv Hofer's command. I know that father will set death, Elza, Ulrich would be free at once, and my out to-day, and I shall accompany him, Elza. I father would not injure him, inasmuch as he was am not afraid of death and the enemy; I know his Lizzie's affianced bridegroom. He would set that our cause is just, and that the good God will him free. Ulrich will then come to you, and Elza, be on our side." you will tell him not to think that Lizzie Wallner "But, nevertheless, many noble hearts will be was a bad girl, and that she was intent only on pierced for this just cause, and yours, dearest getting an aristocratic husband. You will tell Lizzie, may be among them," exclaimed Elza, him that my sole object was to save his life, and tenderly folding her friend to her heart. "Oh, that I never thought of marrying him. You will stay here, my darling, let the men fight it out tell him also that I forgave him the injury which alone; stay here!" he did me to-day, and that I shall pray to God "No, Elza, I must go with them. My honor Almighty for him. And when you stajld before re4uires it, and forbids me to stay at our house God's altar, and the priest joins your hands, think with Ulrich von Hohenberg, for whose sake my of me, and do not forget that I loved you, dearest father called me publicly to-day a recreant Elza, better than any one else on earth. And daughter of the Tyrol, and threatened to disown now, farewell, Elza; I shall not kiss you again, for me forever. I must prove to all the world that I it makes my heart heavy." am a loyal daughter of the Tyrol; and I feel, Elza, "Lizzie, Lizzie!" shouted a powerful voice that it will do me good to contribute my mite to outside at this moment; " Lizzie, where are you? the deliverance of the fatherland. I am not'Tis time to set out!" gentle and patient enough to sit quietly at home "Here I am, dear father!" exclaimed Lizzie, and wait until dear Liberty looks into my door stepping quickly out on the balcony. "I shall and says to me,'God bless you, Lizzie I I am come down to you now. I was only taking leave here now, and you also may profit by the happi- of Elza. Now I am ready to set out and fight ness which will be caused by my arrival.' No, for the dear Tyrol and the dear Emperor FranElza, I must go with my father, I must help him cis!" to find this dear Liberty on the mountains and in "Hurrah, we will do so," cried the Tyrolese. the valleys, and must say to her,' God bless thee, "We will fight for the dear Tyrol and the dear Liberty! I am here now, and thou mayst profit Emperor Francis! Hurrah! we will expel the by my strength, and I will help thee that thou Bavarians! Hurrah! the Austrians are coming! mayst rule again over the mountains and valleys Hurrah! the Tyrol will be free again!" of our dear Tyrol."' "Ohi, Lizzie, you are a genuine heroine!" exclaimed Elza; " I blush to think that I shall not accompany you and fight by your side for liberty." tCHAPTER XIV. "You cannot," said Lizzie, gravely. "You have an aged father who will stay at home, and THE BRIDGE OF ST. LAWRENCE. whom you must take care of; and the poor and ANTHONY WALLNER and his men marched all sick count upon you, for they know that Elza will day and all night through the Puster valley, along always be their good angel. Stay at home and the road to the Miihlbach pass. His daughtel pray for me. But never go down to my father's Eliza, and young John Panzl, his friend and sym THE BRIDGE OF ST. LAWRENCE. pathizer, walked by his side; and behind him through the valleys; it was received everywhere marched the brave Tyrolese, whose force gained with deafening cheers, and gained at every step strength at every step as it advanced, and who, fresh accessions of men, who rushed enthusiastiamidst the most enthusiastic acclamations, ap- cally out of their huts, armed with their rifles, or pointed Anthony Wallner commander-in-chief of other weapons, even though they had only wooden the men of the Puster valley, and John Panzl his clubs, and bravely joined the defenders of the lieutenant and assistant. country "I accept the position, my friends," said Wall- Already they approached their destination; in ner, taking off his hat, and kindly greeting the the expansive valley below, yonder, lay the town men; " yes, I accept the position, and will be of Brunecken, surmounted by Castle Bruneck and your commander, and will always lead you faith- other ancient and decaying feudal castles; and fully and honestly against the enemy. But will behind it, on the way down toward Brixen, in the you always follow me? Will you not be afraid narrower gorge, bordered on both sides ny precipof the enemy's fire, and take to your heels before itons mountains, through which the Rienz hurls his artillery?" its foaming waters, they beheld already the small "'No, we will not," shouted the brave men; town of St. Lawrence. After reaching St. Law" we will stand by you faithfully, and fight with rence, they had only an hour's march to the you for the fatherland and the emperor!" Miihlbach pass, which, in accordance with An"That is right, men," cried John Panzl, mak- dreas tHofer's orders, the brave men of the Puster ing a leap which drew loud exclamations of admi- valley were to occupy and defend against the earation from the Tyrolese. " I tell you it is right emy moving up from Botzen. in you to think so, and therefore I will likewise But all at once, right in the midst of the march, joyfully accept the honor which you have offered Anthony Wallner stood still, and, turning to to me; I will be your second commander, will al- Panzl, who was walking by the side of the colways obey the orders of our brave commander-in- umn, gave him a sign to halt. The whole column chief, and assist him and you in driving the enemy stopped and listened. from our country, for the glory of God and our Yes, there was no doubt about it, that was the emperor. Ah, my dear Tyrolese, I would we rattle of musketry at a distance! And now they could catch the French and the Boafoks at length, heard also the loud booming of artillery, and the take them by the neck, and hurl them out of the ringing of the tocsin at Brunecken and St. Lawcountry. I tell you, after we have done it, I rence. shall dance so merrily with Eliza Wallner, my "Now forward, Tyrolese, forward!" shouted dear cousin, that the snowy heads of the Gross- Anthony Wallner. "At the double-quick down Glockner and Venediger will become warm and to Brunecken! " melt with delight. Lizzie, we two, the most cele- "Forward!" shouted the men; and their exbrated dancers of the whole Puster valley, will clamations were echoed joyously by the women perform a dance in honor of our victory, will we who had courageously accompanied their husnot? " bands, and who were ready, like them, to fight for "We will, Cousin Panzl," said Eliza, smiling. their country and their emperor. "But before dancing, we must march on and They marched with great speed down the Brunnever run back." ecken. The whole town was in the utmost com"No, never run back," shouted the merry and motion. Young and old men, women, childrencourageous Tyrolese. all were hurrying toward the gate leading to St. "Forward, then forward 1" commanded An- Lawrence. thony Wallner, and the whole force set out again "What is the matter 9 " shouted Anthony and marched rapidly across the mountains and Wailner, grasping the arm of an old man, who, 0 82 ANDREAS HOFER. armed with a pitchfork, was speeding along at a of the country with fervent, pious words, and utfurious rate. tering scathing imprecations against the enemy. "What is the matter?" echoed the old man, And amidst this commotion thundered the fieldendeavoring to disengage his arm from Wallner's pieces, whose balls crashed again and again against powerful grasp. "The matter is, that the insur- the bridge; the bells were tolled in the churchrection has broken out at length. The Bavarians steeples, and the musketry of the Bavarians ratare bent on destroying the bridge of St. Law- tled incessantly. But few of their bullets hit their rence, in order to prevent the Austrians from cross- aim. The Tyrolese were too remote firom them; ing it. The whole military detachment left our and only occasionally a loud scream indicated that place some time ago for the bridge, and sappers a half-spent bullet had found its way into the and miners, who are to blow it up, have arrived breast of a Tyrolese. More fatal and unerring this morning from Brixen. But we will not allow were the bullets of the Tyrolese sharpshooters, them to do it. They must shoot us all before we who had concealed themselves on the heights on permit them to destroy the bridge." both sides of the valley, and fired from their hid"No, we will not!" cried Anthony Wallner. ing-places at the Bavarians, never missing their "Forward, men of the Puster valley, forward to aim and picking off a soldier by every shot they the bridge of St. Lawrence! " discharged. They continued their march through the valley Anthony Wallner comprehended the whole situat the double-quick. They heard the rattle of ation at a glance. "Boys! "he shouted, in a ringmusketry and the booming of artillery more and ing voice, "we must take the cannon. We must more distinctly, and now, at a bend in the valley, not permit the enemy to destroy the bridge which the most wonderful and striking spectacle pre- the Austrians are to cross. Let us attack the Basented itself to their eyes. varians! We must take the cannon! " Yonder at a distance lay the well-known bridge, "Yes! " shouted the men, "we must take the composed of a single arch, between tremendous cannon!" rocks; by its side stood two battalions of Bavari- And the shouts reached another troop of armed an infantry in serried ranks, and on a knoll, close peasants, who repeated it with tumultuous enthuto the bank of the river Rienz, had been planted siasm, and soon the men on the heights and in the three cannon pointed menacingly both against the vallev cried, " We must take the cannon!" bridge and the people who were moving up to it Anthony Wallner gave a signal to his sharpin denser and denser masses. Captains and other shooters, and moved with them into the small officers were galloping up and down in front of forest extending up the mountain near the cannon. the Bavarians, and encouraging their men to at- The courageous men disappeared soon in the tack these insurgents who were coming up be- thicket, and, as if in accordance with a general hind, in front, and on both sides of them. The agreement, the other Tyrolese likewise entered the courageous sons of the Tyrol rushed down from all forest. Below, in the valley, knelt the women and the heights; the tocsin of Brutecken and St. children, and before them stood the priests with Lawrence had not called them in vain. They their crucifixes, protecting them therewith, as it oame down the mountains and up the valley; they were, from the enemy who was posted on the other came, men and women, old men and children; and side of the valley, and whose ranks were thinned all were armed: he who did not possess a gun had more and more by the bullets of the Tyrolese. a flail, a pitchfork, or a club. Like a broad, mot- All at once, on the height above the cannon, ley river, the crowd was surging up from all sides, where there wan a clearing, and where the rocks and at the head and in the midst of the warlike were moss-grown and bare, the Tyrolese were seen groups were to be seen priests in boly vestments, rushing in dense masses from the forest. They holding aloft;the crucifix, blessing the defenders were headed by Anthony Wallner and John Panzl. THE BRIDGE OF ST. LAWRENCE. 83 Each of them jumped on a projection of the rocks woman was seen to rush amidst the deadliest and raised his rifle. They fired, and two gunners shower of bullets into the ranks of the fighting fell mortally wounded near the cannon. men, lift up the fallen brave, and carry him in her The Tyrolese greeted this exploit of their leaders strong arms out of the thickest of the fight to the with loud cheers; but up from the Bavarians re- quiet spot on the edge of the forest, which a prosounded the commands of the officers; a whole truding rock protected from the bullets of the volley crashed, the bullets whistled round the ears enemy. of Wallner and Panz], but none hit them; and This young woman was Eliza Wallner. Behind when the smoke cleared away, John Panzl was the rock she had established a sort of field hospiseen to make a triumphant leap in the air, which tal; a few women and girls had assembled around he accompanied with a shout of victory, while An- her there, and taken upon themselves the sacred thony Wallner calmly raised his rifle again. He care for the wounded, while two priests had joined fired, and the gunner at the third field-piece fell them to administer extreme unction to the dying. dead. But Eliza Wallner had reserved the most difficult "Now, boys, at them; we must take the can- and dangerous part of this work of love for hernon!" shouted Wallner, jumping forward, and self. She alone was courageous enough to plunge the Tyrolese followed him down the slope with into the thickest of the fight to remove the fallen furious shouts. brethren; she alone was strong enough to carry " Forward, forward! " shouted the lieutenant- them to the quiet asylum, and it was only the colonel in the valley to his Bavarians; " forward! joyous enthusiasm inspired by the consciousness the cannon must not fall into the hands of the of doing good that imparted this strength to her. peasants; we must defend them to the last man. Her eyes were radiant, her cheeks were flushed, Therefore, forward at the double-quick! " and the face of the young girl, formerly so rosy And the Bavarians rushed forward up the slope. and serene, exhibited now the transparent paleBut the Tyrolese had already succeeded in ness, and grave, proud calmness which only great shooting or knocking down all the gunners, and resolves and sublime moments impart to the hutaken possession of the cannon. While Anthony man countenance. Wallner, at the head of a furious detachment of And the women followed her example with joyhis men, hastened to meet the approaching Ba- ous zeal; they washed the wounds of the brave varians, and hurled death and destruction into their Tyrolese with water fetched from the neighboring ranks, John Panzl remained with the others to spring, tore their handkerchiefs and dresses to defend the guns. make the necessary bandages of them, and closed, A furious hand-to-hand fight now arose; the with tears of devout compassion, the eyes of those Bavarians were repulsed again and again by the who gave up the ghost amid the blessings of the Tyrolese, and the sharpshooters, posted behind the priests. trees and rocks, assisted their fighting brethren From these pious works of charity the women with their rifles, which, aimed steadily, never were suddenly aroused by the loud cheers of the missed their man. But the Bavarians, who were Tyrolese. Eliza sprang forth from'behind the drawn up farther down in the valley, likewise en- rock to see what was the matter. Renewed and deavored to assist their struggling comrades: but still louder cheers resounded, for the victory was the bullets which they fired up the hill frequently gained. Anthony Wallner and his men had atstruck into the ranks of their countrymen, and not tained their object. They had succeeded in hurlinto those of the Ty:olese. Often, on the other ing the three field-pieces from the height into the hand, these bullets did not miss their aim, but Rienz, which was rolling along far below in its carried wounds and death into the midst of the rocky bed. The earth was shaking yet from the insurgents. Whenever this occurred a young terrific crash, and echo was resounding still with 84 ANDREAS HOFER. the thundering noise with which the field-pieces Eliza, with eager determination. " I am not able had fallen into the Rienz, whose waters had hurled to sit at home and spin and pray when my father their foaming spray into the air, and were rolling is fighting for the country. Mother can attend now with an angry roar over the sunken cannon. alone to our household affairs, and Shrdpfel will This exploit, which excited the transports of the assist her; but you cannot attend alone to the Tyrolese, exerted a contrary effect upon the Ba- hard work here, and I will help you, dearest varians. They had lost their artillery, and with father. I will be the doctor and surgeon of your it the means of blowing up the bridge; and now men until you have found a better and more they stood before the enemy uncovered and al- skilful physician. You must not reject me, dearmost defenceless. In obedience to a loud com- 0est father, for you would commit wrong against mand uttered by Anthony Wallner, the Tyrolese the poor wounded who have no other assistance returned quickly into the forest, and, hidden be- than what they receive at my hands and at those hind trees and rocks, hit a Bavarian with every of the women whom I beg and persuade to help bullet, while the Bavarians vainly fired at the me." well-concealed enemy. "You are right, Lizzie; it would be wrong in The commander of the Bavarians, Lieutenant- me to send you home and not permit you to asColonel Wreden, perceiving the danger and use- sist and nurse the wounded," said her father, lessness of a continuance of the struggle, ordered gravely. " May God and the Holy Virgin help his troops to retreat; and no sooner had the Ba- and protect you! I devote you to the fatherland varians received this longed-for order, than they to which I devote myself." fell back at the double-quick from the bridge and He kissed her once more, and then turned to took the road to Sterzing. the Tyrolese, who, encamped in groups on the This retreat of the enemy was greeted by the edge of the forest, and reposing from the struggle, renewed cheers which Eliza Wallner had heard; were partaking of the bread and meat which they and, both laughing and weeping for joy, she has- had brought along in their haversacks. tened to fold her father to her heart, and thank "Brethren," exclaimed Anthony Wallner, in a God that no bullet had hit him. powerful voice, "now let us be up and doing I Wallner embraced her tenderly, and imprinted We must cut off the enemy's retreat to Sterzing. a kiss on her forehead. We must also occupy the Miihlbach pass, as An"You have behaved very bravely, Lizzie," he dreas Hofer ordered us to do in the Archduke said; "I saw how you carried our poor brethren John's name. The enemy has set out thither, out of the thickest of the fight. My heart was and if he gets before us through the gap of Brixen proud of you, and I should not have wept to-day and reaches the bridge of Laditch, we shall be uneven though you had fallen in the sacred service able to prevent him from passing through the of the fatherland. But I thank God that nothing Miihlbach pass and marching to Sterzing. Hence, has happened to you, and I beseech you, dearest we are not at liberty to repose now, but must adLizzie, do not accompany us any farther. I now vance rapidly. One detachment of our men, believe again in you, and I know that you are a commanded by my Lieutenant Panzl, will push true daughter of the Tyrol, although you unfortu- on quickly on the mountain-road to the Miihlnately love a Bavarian. Therefore, go home; for bach pass. The rest of us will follow you, but it is no woman's work that is in store for us; we we must previously detain the enemy at the gap have a hard struggle before us, and a great deal of Brixen; and while we are doing duty, another of blood will be shed before we have driven the detachment of our men will go farther down to mean Bavarians and the accursed French from our the bridge of Laditch and destroy it in order to beloved country." prevent the enemy from crossing the Eisach. "No, father, I shall stay with you," exclaimed Forward, my friends! Forward to the gap of THE BRIDGE OF LADITCH. s5 Brixen! We must roll down trees, detach large of Brixen before us. We are all lost, for we fragments from the rocks, and hurl them down shall be entirely cut off from our friends and suron the enemy; we must fire at them from the rounded by our enemies, who are able to avail heights with deadly certainty, and every bullet themselves of their mountain fastnesses and hidingmust hit its man. Forward! forward! To the places, while we must march through the valley bridge of Laditch! " and across the open plain. But all these com"Yes, yes! " exclaimed the Tyrolese, with en- plaints are useless. We must do our duty! The thusiastic courage. "Forward to the bridge of soldier's life belongs to his oath and his king; and Laditch!" if he falls in the service, he has done his duty." And with strong determination and bold courage the lieutenant-colonel threw back his head, and CH~APTE~R XV. fixed his eye steadfastly on his soldiers. "Forward," he shouted, "forward, boys! ForTHE BRIDGIE OF LADITCH. ward against these miserable peasants, who have NIGHT had at length brought some repose to violated the faith they plighted to our king. Forthe exhausted Bavarians. At no great distance ward! forward!" from the gap of Brixen they had halted late in the The column, headed by Lieutenant-Colonel von evening, and encamped on the bare ground in the Wreden, commenced moving. His eyes glanced valley below. The green turf was their bed, anxiously over the plain now opening before them. a stone their pillow; nevertheless, they had Suddenly they are riveted on a point yonder on been able to enjoy a few hours of peaceful slum- the mountain-road leading southward to Italy. ber, for they were familiar with the habits of the What is that? Does it not flash there like a Tyrolese; they knew that they never undertook mass of bayonets? Does it not look as though a any thing, not even a hunting-excursion, in the brilliant serpent, glittering in blue, red, and gold, dead of night, and that they had nothing to fear were moving along the road? It draws nearer from them until sunrise. and nearer, and the lieutenant-colonel is able to But now the first streaks of dawn illuminated distinguish its parts. Yes, these parts are soldiers; the sky; it was time, therefore, to continue the this serpent consists of regiments marching along march. Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden rose from in serried ranks. the couch which the soldiers had prepared for Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden uttered a cry him of moss and branches, and reviewed, ac- of joy and galloped forward. Already he discompanied by his officers, his small force, which cerned distinctly the uniforms of the staff-officers began sullenly and silently to form in line. A riding at the head of the column. They were cloud darkened Wreden's face when, marching friends; they were French soldiers headed by through the ranks, he counted the number of his General Bisson. soldiers. He had arrived yesterday at the bridge Wreden galloped forward to salute the general of St. Lawrence with nearly four hundred men; and communicate to him in brief, winged words scarcely one-half of them were left now; the other his own disaster and his apprehensions regarding half lay slain at the bridge of St. Lawrence, or, ex- the immediate future. hausted by the loss of blood and by the pains of "Well, you have nothing to fear now," said gaping wounds, had sunk down on the road and General Bisson, with a pleasant and proud smile. been unable to continue the march. "It was no accident, but a decree of Fate, that "And these poor men will likewise be killed to- caused us to meet here. I was ordered by my day unless speedy succor comes," murmured the emperor to march with a column of four thousand lieutenant-colonel to himself; "we are all lost if men from Mantua to Ratisbon, and I am now on the miserable rabble of peasants reach the gap the road to the latter place. Hence, our route 86 ANDREAS HOFER. leads us through the gap of Brixen, and as a mat- once to bristle with enemies. Like an enormous ter of course you will join us with your troops. I man-of-war, lying at first calm and peaceful, and hope our united forces will succeed in routing then opening her port-holes, these gray rocks these miserable peasants!" seemed suddenly to open all their port-holes and "Yes, if we could meet them in the open pour out death and destruction. plain," sighed Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden. From the rock in front yonder, from the steep "But in their mountains and gorges our thousands mountains on both sides, from the precipitous will vainly struggle against their hundreds. The hill jutting out in their rear and closing the gloomy bulwarks of their mountains protect them." gorge, rifle-shots rattled down with unerring aim; "We shall drive them from these bulwarks," every bullet hit its man, every bullet struck down said General Bisson, haughtily. " But I believe a soldier in the ranks of the Bavarians and French; the rabble will not even wait for this, but take to then were heard the triumphant cheers of the Tytheir heels as soon as they see the head of my rolese, who, for a moment, stepped forth from their column. Therefore, join my regiments, lieutenant- safe hiding-places, danced on the rocks, jeered at colonel, and let us march fearlessly through the the enemy with loud, scornful words, and disapgap of Brixen." peared again so quickly, that the bullets which Half an hour afterward they had reached the the soldiers fired at them glanced harmlessly from dark and awe-inspiring gap of Brixen, and the the flanks of the rocks. united Bavarian and French troops marched with But the Tyrolesc fought not with their rifles a measured step along the narrow road, on both alone against the enemy marching through the sides of which rose steep gray rocks, covered here deep and awful gorge. Nature had prepared and there with small pine forests, and then again other means of defence for them; it had given exhibiting their naked, moss-grown walls, crown- them trees and rocks. They hurled the trees, ed above aith their snowy summits glistening which the storms had felled years ago, and which like burnished silver in the morning sun. fragments of rock had held on the brink of the The column under General Bisson penetrated precipice, into the depth of the gorge; they dedeeper and deeper into the gorge. Enormous tached large fragments from the rocks, and rolled rocks now closed the road in their front and rear. them down on the soldiers, many of whom were A profound, awful stillness surrounded them; only crushed by these terrible mnissiles. And when here and there they heard the rustling of a cas- these trees and rocks fell into the depth, and cade falling down from the mountains with silvery spread death and confusion in the ranks of the spray, and flowing finally as a murmuring rivulet soldiers, the Tyrolese profited by this moment to through the valley; now and then they heard also aim and strike down additional victims by their the hoarse croaking of some bird of prey soaring rifle-bullets. in the air; otherwise, all was Still. And there was no escape for these poor solGeneral Bisson, who was riding in the middle diers, who, exposed to the fury of their enemies, of his column, turned smilingly to Lieutenant- did not even enjoy the consolation of wreaking Colonel Wreden: "Did I not tell you, my dear vengeance upon them. In silent despair, and lieutenant-colonel," he said, "that these miserable shedding tears of rage, the French and Bavarians peasants would take to their heels so soon as our continued their march; the corpses of their column came in sight? They were, perhaps, able brethren, which the rear-guard met on the horto cope with your few hundred men, but my four rible road, could not detain them; they had to thousand men —" pass over them, and abstain even from coming to The loud crash of a rifle interrupted his sen- the assistance of their dying friends; crushed untence; a second, third, and fourth report followed der their feet, the latter had to give up the ghost. in rapid succession. The heights seemed all at At length the gorge widens before them; the THE BRIDGE OF LADITCH. 87 rocks in front recede on both sides, and a bright, tuously. " It will, therefore, be necessary for us expansive plain opens to their view. The soldiers to construct a temporary bridge in order to get greet this prospect with loud cheers of delight, over to the other side." which their officers dare not repress in the name Yes, the Tyrolese had destroyed the bridge of of discipline; for, on emerging from an open Laditch; and while a small division of their men grave, a soldier feels like a human being, and had quickly moved on to occupy the Miihlbach thanks God for the preservation of his life. Hun- pass, the others, uinder the command of Anthony dreds had fallen, but several thousands were left, Wallner, had taken position on the opposite bank and their ardent rage, their fiery revengefulness of the Eisach, in order to prevent the enemy from longed for the struggle in which they might avenge crossing the river. All the men from the neightheir fallen comrades. And Fate seemed intent boring village of Laditch had joined the forces of on fulfilling their wishes. Yonder, at the ex- Anthony Wallner, and on the mountains stood the tremity of the plain through which the soldiers sharpshooters from the villages far and near, were now marching; yonder, on the bank of the called out by the tocsin, and ready to dispute Eisach, wa3 seen a motley crowd ascending the every inch of the beloved soil with the enemy. slopes of the mountains on both sides of the The columns of the Bavarians and French apriver. proached, and shots were exchanged on both " Yes, there are the Tyrolese, there are our en- sides. "Forward!" shouted Anthony Wallner, emies," cried the Bavarians and French, with grim and he advanced with his brave men to the Puster satisfaction; and they marched at the double- valley, close to the bridge upon which the enemy quick toward the bank of the river. was moving up. "The peasants, I believe, intend to prevent us The bullets whistled around him, but he paid from crossing the river," said General Bisson, with no attention to them; he saw only the enemy, a contemptuous shrug. and not the dangers menacing him. But the "They have taken position in front of the other Tyrolese saw them only too well. Up in bridge of Laditch, and so closely that I can see the mountains they were brave and resolute; but nothing of it," replied Lieutenant-Colonel von in the plain, where they were on equal ground Wreden. Suddenly he uttered a cry of surprise, with the enemy, they felt ill at ease and anxious. and looked steadfastly toward the extremity of Moreover, the odds of the enemy were truly forthe valley, where the rocks jutted out again into midable, not only in numbers, but also in arms. it, and where the furious Eisach makes a sudden Only a part of the Tyrolese were provided with bend from one side of the valley to the other. rifles and muskets; more than half of them were Formerly there had risen here, between tremen- armed only with flails, pitchforks, and clubs. The dous rocks, the majestic arch of the bridge of soldiers had not only their muskets, but also fieldLaditch. For many centuries past this wonderful pieces, whose balls thundered now across the arch had spanned the abyss; it was a monument plain and carried death into the ranks of the Tydating from the era of the ancient Romans, and rolese. Coesar himself, perhaps, had crossed this bridge on Terror and dismay seized the sharpshooters; his march against the free nations of the North. they turned and began to flee into the mountains. But now this arch had disappeared, or rather its But an unexpected obstacle obstructed their path. central part had been removed, and between its A number of intrepid women, who had flocked to two extremities yawned a terrible abyss, through the scene from the neighboring villages, met them which the Eisach rushed with thundering noise. at this moment. They received the fugitives with "The Tyrolese have destroyed the bridge!" threatening invectives; they drove them back exclaimed Von Wreden, in dismay. with uplifted arms, nwith flaming eyes, with im "Ah, the brigands!" said Bisson, contemp- precations, and scornful laughter, down the slope, 88 ANDREAS HOFER. regardless of the bullets whistling around them, head, and immediately after its contents pour in a and of the enemy moving up closer and closer to clear cold stream down on her face and neck. A them. The fugitives are obliged to turn and bullet had struck the keg and passed clear through plunge once more into the struggle, which be- it. Eliza bursts into merry laughter, lifts the keg comes more and more furious. Yonder, close to with her plump, beautiful arms from her head, the fragments of the bridge, stand the Tyrolese; and stops the two holes with both her hands, so here, near the fragments on this side of the river, that the wine can no longer run out. are the soldiers and the French engineers advan- "Now come, boys," she shouts, in a loud, mercing to construct a temporary'bridge across the ry voice; "come and drink, else the wine will chasm, and thereby unite again the disrupted run out. The enemy has tapped the keg; he ends of the ancient Roman structure. wished to save us the trouble. Come and drink." The fire of the Tyrolese becomes weaker; loud "Stand back, Lizzie," shouts Panzl to her; lamentations burst from their ranks. They are "step behind the rock yonder, that the bullets exhausted and weary, owing to the heavy exer- may not hit you." tions of the day; hunger and thirst torment them, "I shall not do it," said Eliza, with a flushed and their strength is gone. face; " I shall not conceal myself. I am a true "Give us something to eat! Give us some- daughter of the Tyrol, and God will protect me thing to drink!" they shout to the women occu- here as well as there.-Come, boys, and drink. pying the mountain-path in their rear up to the Bring your glasses, or rather apply your mouth to solitary house, the inn Zur Eisach, which has al- the keg and drink." ready been hit by many a -ball from the enemy's Two young Tyrolese sharpshooters hastened to guns. her. Eliza held up the keg; the two young men "Courage, brethren, courage! " shouted Eliza knelt before her and applied their mouths to the Wallner. "I will bring you refreshments." holes made by the bullet, and sucked out the And, like a gazelle, she hastens up the hill- wine, looking with enamoured glances up to the side, skipping from rock to rock until she reaches heroic girl who looked down on them smilingly. the battered house. The bullets whistle around "Now you have drunk enough, go and fight her, but she laughs at them, and does not even again for the fatherland," she said, and signed to turn to vouchsafe a glance at the danger. She two other sharpshooters to refresh themselves leaps on courageously; now she reaches the from the keg. The two young men hastened house, she disappears through the door, and no back to their comrades, not knowing whether it sooner has she entered than a cannon-ball strikes was the wine or the sight of the lovely Tyrolese the wall right above the door. After a very brief girl that filled them with renewed courage and enspace of time, Eliza Wallner reappears in the thusiasm. door. On her head she carries a keg, which she ~ The two other Tyrolese had drunk likewise. supports with both her uplifted arms. With a Suddenly another bullet whistles along and darts serene glance, with rosy cheeks and smiling lips, past close to Eliza's cheeks, causing her to reel a charming picture of grace, loveliness, and cour- for a moment. A cry of dismay burst from the ageous innocence, she descends the mountain-path lips of tlose who saw it; but Eliza already smiled again, and even the bullets of the enemy respect again, and she exclaimed, in a merry voice: her; they whistle past her on both sides, but do "Make haste, boys! else another bullet will come not hit her. Eliza hastens down the slope, and and pierce the keg again, when the wine will run now she reaches the bridge, and arrives where are into the grass. Therefore, make haste!" posted the Tyrolese, who receive the courageous Two other Tyrolese hastened up to drink; girl with deafening cheers. then two more, and so on, until the keg was All at once she feels a jerk in the keg on her empty. K~~~~~~~~~" i Il ij j I Iljk' ~:'' \i / I I i [v Iii C ~ 1w..AI C s \I i\;-~ ~__-__ _ ELIZA WALLNER. P. 88. THE BRIDGE OF LADITCH. 89 "Now you have refreshed yourselves," cried Some threw down their rifles to embrace each Eliza, " and you must bravely return to the strug- other and swing their hats merrily, while others gle." were dancing with their rifles as though they were And the Tyrolese took position on the river- their sweethearts; and others again sang and bank, with redoubled courage and enthusiasm, to warbled ringing Tyrolese Jodlers. Finally, some prevent the French from finishing the temporary of them, filled with profound emotion and fervent bridge. gratitude, sank down on their knees to thank God But the fire of the enemy thinned the ranks of for this wonderful rescue and the long-wished-for the Tyrolese fearfully; their shots became few sight of the dear Austrian uniforms. and far between, and gradually a regular panic The French and Bavarians, in the mean time, seized them. They began to give way; even the thunderstruck at the sudden arrival of the Ausscornful cries of the women, who tried to ob- trians, whose numbers they were as yet unable to struct their path, were powerless to keep them ascertain, had made a retrograde movement in back. They pushed the women aside, and rushed their first terror. But this did not last long. resistlessly up the mountain-path. "If we do not want to perish here to the last At this moment loud cheers burst from the lips man, we must try to force a passage," said Genof the enemy. The Tyrolese started. They eral Bisson. " Forward, therefore, forward!" looked back, and saw to their dismay that the The troops moved, and began to march across engineers had succeeded in finishing the tempo- the bridge. rary bridge across the Eisach, and that nothing But now the Austrians had come close up to prevented the enemy now from passing over to them. The Tyrolese received them with deafentheir side of the river. ing shouts of "Long live the Emperor Francis! " Surrender! Lay down your arms! " shouted Long live Austria!" Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden, on the other Then they turned once more with fervent enbank. thusiasm toward the enemy. "Down with the The Tyrolese were silent, and gazed with mute base Bavarians! Forward! forward! Down with dismay upon the bridge. All at once they heard them!" they shouted on all sides; and the Tyroa voice resounding on the hills above them as it lese rushed with furious impetuosity upon the were from the clouds. This voice shouted: enemy. Their scythes and flails mowed down "The imperialists are coming! The Austrians, whole ranks, and many soldiers were soon laid our saviors, are coming!" prostrate by the unerring aim of the mountain And at the same time a detachment of light- sharpshooters. Mountains of corpses were piled horse appeared on the heights of Schaps. They up, rivers of blood- flowed down into the waters galloped down the slope, and were followed by of the Eisach, and the crimson-colored waves several companies of chasseurs and infantry, who carried down through the Tyrol the intelligence rushed down at the double-quick. that the struggle for the fatherland had cornLoud, exulting cheers burst from the lips of menced. the Tyrolese, and found thundering echoes in the Nevertheless, the forces of the enemy were too mountains and gorges. numerous for the Tyrolese and the small advanced The French and Bavarians started, for this sud- guard of the Austrians to annihilate them entirely. den apparition took them completely by surprise; The Bavarians and French forced a passage they had not even suspected that the Austrians through the ranks of their enthusiastic enemies had already invaded the Tyrol. They hesitated, with the courage and wrath of despair; hundreds and did not venture to cross the river. of them remained dead on the bloody field, but This hesitation of the enemy and the arrival of nearly two thousand ascended the Eisach toward the Austrians filled the Tyrolese with transports. Sterzing. 90 ANDREAS HOFER. Anthony Wallner beckoned to his daughter, Holy Virgin will protect you. I have no fears for and stepped with her behind a jutting rock. your safety." "First, Lizzie, my heroic girl, give me a kiss," he "Nor I either, dearest father. The good spirits said, encircling her with one of his arms, and of the mountain will accompany me. Farewell!" pressing her fondly to his broad breast. "You She kissed her hands to him, and bounded up have been your father's joy and pride to-day, and the mountain-path with the speed and gracefulI saw that the dear little angels were protecting ness of a gazelle. you, and that the bullets for this reason whistled harmlessly around you. Hence, you are now to render an important service to the fatherland. I must send a messenger to Andreas Hofer, but I CHAPTER XV. need the men for fighting here; and, moreover, the enemy might easily catch my messenger. But ON THE STERZINGER MOOS. he will allow a Tyrolese girl like you to pass WHILE these events were going on below Brixthrough his lines, and will not suspect any thing en, Andreas Hofer had marched with the men wrong about her. Now will you take my message of the Passeyr valley across the Janfen. The to Andreas Hofer?" inhabitants everywhere had received him with " I will, father." loud exultation; they had risen everywhere, ready "Run, then, my daughter, run along the moun- to follow him, to fight under him for the delivertain-paths; you can climb and leap like a cha- ance of the fatherland, and to stake their fortunes mois, and will easily get the start of the enemy, and their lives for the emperor and the beloved who is marching on the long roads in the valley. Tyrol. Hofer's column accordingly gained strength Hasten toward Sterzing. If all has passed off as at every step as it advanced. He had set out agreed upon, you will find Andreas Hoferbthere. with a few hundred men on the 9th of April; Tell him now in my name that the Austrimns are and now, on the'morning of the 11th of April, coming up from Salzburg, and that I have done., already several thousand men had rallied around my duty and redeemed my pledge. Tell him him, and with them he had reached the heights further that the wholePuster valley is in insurrec- of Sterzing. Andreas Hofer halted his men here, tion, and that we are bravely at work, and driving where he had a splendid view of the whole plain, the Bavarians and French from the country. and ordered his Tyrolese to encamp and repose But tell him also to be on his guard, for we have after their long and exhausting march. He himnot been able to annihilate the enemy entirely, self did not care for repose, for his heart was and they will soon make their appearance at heavy and full of anxiety; and his glance, usually Sterzing. Let him be ready to receive the enemy so serene, was clouded and sombre. there as they deserve it." While the others were resting and partaking "Is that all, dearest father? " gayly of the wine and food which the women and "Yes, Lizzie, it is. Tell Andy what has hap- girls of the neighboring villages had brought to pened here, and do not forget to tell him how them with joyous readiness, Andreas Hofer asyou brought down the keg of wine that the boys cended a peak from which he had a full view of might drink courage from it." the mountain-chains all around and the extensive "No, father, I shall not tell him that. It plain at his feet. His friend and adjutant, Anwould look as though I thought I had done some- thony Sieberer, had followed him noiselessly; and thing great, and wished to be praised for it. But on perceiving him, Andreas Hofer smiled and now farewell, dearest father. I will hasten to nodded pleasantly to him. Andreas Hiofer." "See, brother," he said, pointing with a sigh "Farewell, dearest Lizzie. The angels and the down to the valley, " how calm and peaceful every ON THE STERZINGER MOOS. 91 thing looks! There lies Sterzing, so cozy annd and dying, I should thank God for vouchsafingc sweet, in the sunshine; the fruit-trees are blossom- such an honor to me, and allowing me to purchase ing in its gardens; the daisies, primroses, and the liberty of the country with my blood. But I hawthorns have opened their little eyes, and are am but a poor and humble servant and soldier of looking up to heaven in silent joy. And now I the Lord, and my blood will not be sufficient; but am to disturb this glorious peace and tranquillity, many will have to spill theirs and die, that the rest tear it like a worthless piece of paper, and hurl it may be free and belong again to our dear emperor. like Uriah's letter, into the faces of the people. And this is the reason why, on contemplating the Ah, Sieberer, war is a cruel thing; and when I brave men and courageous lads who have followed take every thing into consideration, I cannot help my call, I feel pity, and ask myself again and again, Ithinking that men commit a heavy sin by taking had I a right to call them away from their homes, the field in order to slay, shoot, and stab, as though their wives and children, and lead them, perhaps, they were wild beasts bent on devouring one into the jaws of death? Will not the Lord curse another, and not men whom God created after His me for preaching insurrection and war instead of bwn likeness; and I ask myself, in the humility submissiveness and humility?" of my heart, whether or not I have a right to in- "Well, you are a pious man, Andy," said Siestigate my dear friends and countrymen to follow berer, with a reproachful glance, " and yet you me and attack men who are our brethren after all." have forgotten what our Redeemer said to the " If you really ask yourself such questions, and Pharisees." have lost your courage, then we are all lost," said "What do you mean, Anthony? Tell me, if it Sieberer, gloomily. " It is Andreas Hofer in whom will comfort me." the men of the Passeyr valley believe, and whom " He said,' Render unto COesar the things which they are following into the bloody struggle. If are Cesar's, and unto God the things that are'Hofer hesitates, all will soon despond; and it would God's.' Now, I think that our Tyrol is the embe better for us to retrace our steps at once, and peror's, and that the Bavarians and French have allow Bonaparte and the French to trample us nothing to do with it, but have merely stolen it again in the dust, instead of lifting our heads like from the emperor. Therefore, we act only in acfreemen, and fighting for our rights." cordance with the'precepts of our Lord Jesus "We have gone too far, we can no longer re- Christ, if we stake our lives and fortunes to restore trace our steps," said Andreas Ilofer, shaking his to the emperor that which is thQ emperor's. And head gently, and lifting his eyes to heaven. After I think, too, that the churches:aid convents are a pause he added in a loud, strong voice: " And the houses of the Lord and belong to Him alone. even though it were otherwise, even though we Now, the Bavarians have stolen the houses of tile could still retrace our steps, I should not consent Lord in the Tyrol, and have ignominiously driven to it. I shall never repent of having raised my out His servants. Hence, we act again in accordvoice in behalf of the Tyrol and the emperor; ance with the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor have I lost my courage, as you seem to think, if we stake our lives and fortunes to restore to brother Sieberer. I know full well that we owe it God that which is God's; and if, in doing so, we to our good emperor and the fatherland to defend it should all lose our lives, we should die in the holy fo the last breath, and I do not tremble for myself. service of God and the emperor!" I have dedicated my life to the dear fatherland; You are right, brother Sieberer," exclaimed I have taken leave of my wife and my children, Hofer, joyfully, "and I thank you for comforting and belong now only to the Tyrol and the emperor. and strengthening - my heart. Yes, we are in the If my blood were sufficient to deliver our country, service of God, our emperor, and the beloved TyI should joyously and with a grateful prayer throw rol." myself down from this peak and shatter my bones; "And Go4:nd the emperor have imposed on 92 ANDRtEAS HOFER. Andreas Hofer the duty of acting at the same time "That is unnecessary," she replied, calmly; " 1I as prophet of the Lord and as captain of the em- see that you are Andreas Hofer. You look preperor. Go, then, Andreas, and do your duty!" cisely as my father described you to me. There said Sieberer, solemnly. is the long beard, the crucifix, the saint's image "I shall do my duty bravely and faithfully to on your breast; and there are the kind eyes, and the last!" exclaimed Hofer, enthusiastically. the whole dear face. God bless you, Andreas Then.he raised the small crucifix from his breast, Hofer! I bring you many cordial greetings from kissed it devoutly, and prayed in a low voice. my father, Anthony Wallner-Aichberger." A sarcastic smile overspread Anthony Sieberer's " God bless you, maiden," exclaimed Andreas face, but it disappeared quickly when he happened Hofer, holding out both his hands to her. Eliza to turn his eyes to the neighboring mountains. took them, bent over Hofer's right hand, and imHe looked keenly and searchingly toward the printed a glowing kiss on it. mountain-path leading to Mittewald. He saw "Girl, what are you doing?" asked Hofer, there a small black speck which was advancing blushing with confusion. with great rapidity. Was it a bird? No, the "I kiss the dear hand which the Lord has speck had already become larger; he saw it was chosen to deliver the Tyrol," she said; " the dear a human being-a woman speeding along the hand which holds the rosary so piously and the mountain-path. Now she was so close to them sword so bravely; the hand into which my father that he could distinguish her face; it was that of laid his hand, as if on an altar, when he swore to a young girl; her cheeks flushed, her eyes radi- God that he would assist in delivering the Tyrol ant; bold and intrepid as a chamois, she hastened from the enemy and restoring it to the emperor." forward; her long, black tresses were waving "Look at this girl, Sieberer; how well she round her head, and her bosom heaved violently knows how to flatter me," exclaimed Andreas, under the folds of her white corset. smilingly patting her flushed cheek. "And you Now, she stood still for a moment, and seemed say your father sent you to me? " to listen; then she bent far over the precipice, on "Yes, he did, Andreas Hofer. I ran all day the brink of which she was standing, and below yesterday; and this morning I rose with the sun which the Tyrolese were encamped. No sooner and continued my trip in order to reach you as had she perceived them than she uttered a loud soon as possible, and deliver my father's mescry of exultation, and bounding forward, she ex- sage to you." claimed joyously: "There are the men of the "You must be tired, poor little girl!" said Passeyr valley! Now I shall find their leader, Hofer, compassionately. "Sit down on the rock Andreas Hofer, too!-Andreas Hofer! where are yonder. There! And now speak! " you, Andreas Hofer?" ("In the first place, Anthony Wallner sends "Here I am! " shouted Andreas Hofer, start- greeting, and informs you that he has kept his ing up from his fervent prayer, and advancing a word faithfully. The whole Puster valley has few steps. already risen in insurrection; all the men followed The young girl gave a start on discovering the him, and were ready and eager to fight for the two men, who had hitherto been concealed from Tyrol and the dear Emperor Francis. We have her by a large rock; but she looked at them fought already a bloody battle at the bridge searchingly, and did not seem to be frightened or of St. Lawrence, and another at the bridge of anxious. Laditch. Many soldiers of the enemy were killed "Are you really Andreas Hofer P " she asked, in the gap of Brixen, and many French and Babreathlessly. varians fell at the bridge of Laditch; but we also "Ask him if I am," said Hofer, smiling, and lost a great many men there. Our men fought pointing to Sieberer. bravely, but there were too many of the Bavarians ON THE STERZINGER MOOS. 93 and French, and so they finally succeeded in open plain. I saw his troops marching through breaking through our ranks and continued their the valley while I was walking on the heights; march toward Sterzing. Hence, my father sent and I think it will not be long until we can see me to you in the greatest haste to inform you of them below in the plain." what has occurred, and tell you to be on your "See, there they are already!" exclaimed Anguard. There are several thousand Bavarians thony Sieberer, who, while Eliza was speaking, and French on the march to Sterzing. It is true, had spied with his keen eyes far into the plain our men have occupied the Miihlbach pass; but called the Sterzinger Moos. the enemy is too strong, our men will not be able In fact, a large motley mass was to be seen i to annihilate him entirely." moving up in the distance yonder; yes, they were "Then he will come hither," exclaimed Andreas Bavarian soldiers, and they were drawing nearer Hofer. and nearer. "Yes, and we shall have a fight at length," "Hurrah! the Bavarians are coming, the strugsaid Anthony Sieberer, joyously. "I am glad gle begins," exclaimed Anthony Sieberer, joyousthat our men will at length be face to face with ly; and the Tyrolese encamped below echoed his the enemy and see bloodshed." shout with loud exultation: "The Bavarians are "And the Austrians are not coming yet," sighed coming! The struggle begins!" Andreas Hofer. " The struggle begins," said Hofer, "and God "Yes! they are!" exclaimed Eliza. "Anthony grant, in His mercy, that not too much blood may Wallner instructed me to tell you that too. Sev- be shed, and that we may be victorious! Come, eral hundred Austrians joined us already at the dear girl, I will take you under my protection, bridge of Laditch. It was their advanced guard, for you cannot immediately set out for home, but and they said that all the others would follow must stay here with me. I shall see to it that no them soon." harm befalls you, and, while we are fighting, we "It is General Hiller with the troops moving will try to find a cave or nook in the rocks where up from Salzburg," said Hofer. "But where are we may conceal you." Chasteler and Hormayr, who were to join us "I do not want to conceal myself, Andreas from Carinthia? I think they are tarrying too Hofer," said Eliza, proudly. "The priests and long." women have likewise to perform their parts in war" But the Bavarians do not tarry," said Eliza, times; they must carry the wounded out of the "and they are savage and cruel men. I did not range of the enemy's bullets and dress their enter the town of Sterzing, but the people on the wounds; they must pray with the dying, and nurse road told me how the Bavarians killed, burned, those whose lives are spared." and plundered there yesterday; and those who "You are a brave daughter of the Tyrol; I like told me cried with rage and grief. The whole to listen to your soul-stirring words," exclaimed town is in insurrection; all have armed for the Andreas Hofer. " Now come, we will speak with Emperor Francis, and will die rather than longer our men." obey the Bavarians and French. Major von He grasped Eliza's hand, beckoned to his adjuBarenklau, the commander of the Bavarians in tant Sieberer, and descended with them the path Sterzing, finally got frightened; and on being in- toward the Tyrolese. formed that Andreas Hofer was moving against They were no longer reposing, but all had risen him on one side with the men of the Passeyr and were looking with rapt attention in the direcvalley, and that Anthony Wallner with the men tion of the enemy. On beholding Hofer, they of the Puster valley, on the other side, had occu- burst into loud cheers, and asked him enthusiasti pied the bridge of Laditch, he deemed it prudent cally to lead them against the enemy. to evac-ate'terzir.- and await our men in the "Lct us asncerta'n first wheret he in going and 94 ANDREAS HOFER. what his intentions are," said HIofer, thoughtfully. Hofer waved his hand imperatively toward them. "Perhaps he does not know that we are here, and "Now keep very quiet," he said,'"that we may intends to continue his march. In that case we not attract the attention of the enemy prematurewill let him pass us, follow him, and attack him ly, and thereby cause him to occupy the ravine only after he has entered the Miihlbach pass." before we have reached it. Forward, then, quickly " No, he does not intend to continue his march," through the forest, and then descend noiselessly exclaimed Sieberer. "Look, he takes position in into the valley. But before setting out, we will the plain and forms in squares as he has learned pray two rosaries. If we long for success in batto do from Bonaparte. Oh, brethren, let us at- tle, we must invoke God's assistance." tack him now. Never fear. I know such squares, He took his rosary and prayed; and the Tyrofor, in 1805, I often attacked them with our men, lese bent their heads devoutly, and prayed like and we broke them. Forward, then, my friends, their commander. Then they glided quickly and forward! Now let us fight for God and our em- noiselessly through the thick forest, headed by peror! " Andreas Hofer, who led Eliza Wallner with tender' For God and our emperor! " shouted the Ty- solicitude by the hand. At length they reached rolese; and all seized their arms and prepared for the gorge, and Andreas Hofer was just about enthe struggle. tering it with the others, when Anthony Sieberer, "Hold on! " cried Hofer, in a powerful voice. Jacob Eisenstocken, and a few other prominent " As you have elected me commander, you must Tyrolese, stepped to him and kept him back with be obedient to me and comply with my orders." tender violence. "We will, we will!" shouted the Tyrolese. "A general does not accompany his soldiers " Just tell us, commander, what we are to do, and into the thickest of the fight," said Eisenstocken. we shall obey." "That is not his province. He has to direct the "You shall not descend into the plain, nor at- battle with his head, but not to fight it out with tack the enemy on all sides. For you see, the his arm." squares are ready to shoot in all directions, and if "But bear in mind that Bonaparte does not you attack them on all sides in the open plain, leave his soldiers even in battle," said Andreas you will be exposed to their most destructive fire; Hofer, trying to push them aside and advance. moreover, as they are by far better armed than "No, dearest commander," exclaimed Anthony we, and have cannon, many of our men would be Sieberer, "you must not go down with the men. uselessly sacrificed in such an attack." Think of it, what would become of us and our "What the commander says is true," growled cause if an accident befell our commander and a the Tyrolese. "It is by far better for us to at- bullet shattered his beloved head! Our friends tack the enemy from a covered position, and have and sharpshooters would feel as though that bulour rear protected by the mountains." let had shattered all their heads; they would be "And I will show you now such a covered posi- discouraged and give up our cause as lost. No, tion from which you are to attack the enemy," no, Andreas Hofer, you owe it to your fatherland, said Andreas Hofer, with impressive calmness. your emperor, and your Tyrolese, not to expose "Look there, to the left. Do you see the ravine yourself to too great dangers; for your life is neleading into the mountains yonder? Well, we cessary to us, and you are the standard which the will now ascend the mountain-path rapidly, de- Tyrolese are following. If our standard sinks to scend into the ravine, and thence rush upon the the ground, our Tyrolese will be panic-stricken and enemy." run away. Consequently you must not go into "Yes, yes, that is right! We will do so! An- battle, either to-day or at any time hereafter." dreas Hofer is a good captain! " said the Tyrolese "You are right, I see it," said Hofer, mournto each other. fully. "They would be thunderstruck if a bullet ON THE STERZINGER MOOS. 95 should hit their commander; hence I submit, and responded to the Tyrolese, and the cannon thunshall stay here. You will stay with me, Lizzie dered across the plain reeking with gore and powWallner, and Ennemoser, my secretary, shall do so der. too. Now go, all of you, and God grant that we The Tyrolese gave way a second time, for the may all meet again. I shall stay at this very spot, murderous fire of the Bavarians filled them with and he who wants to see me must come hither. I stupor and dismay. can survey from here the whole plain of the Sterz- "In this manner we shall never gain a victory, inger Moos. Now, my dear friends and brethren," and our men will be uselessly slaughtered," said he shouted in a loud, ringing voice, "for God, Andreas Hofer, who was watching the struggle the fatherland, and your emperor 1" with breathless suspense. "But we must not "For God, the fatherland, and our emperor! " incur the disgrace of losing the first battle, for shouted the Tyrolese, rushing down the mountain- that would discourage our men for all time to path into the ravine whence they were to attack come. Come, Ennemoser, run down to them and the enemy. tell them to try a third time. If they do not, AnBut the Bavarians had been on their guard, and dreas Hofer will rush all alone upon the enemy their commander, Colonel Birenklau, divining the and wait for a bullet to shatter his head." tactics of the Tyrolese, had ordered his two guns Young Ennemoser, the secretary, sped down to be pointed against the ravine. the ravine; Hofer pressed his crucifix to his lips Now the first shots thundered from their and prayed; Eliza Wallner advanced close to the mouths, and volleys of musketry were discharged edge of the precipice, and peered down into the from all the squares at the same time, at the plain. Her eyes filled with tears when she peradvancing column of the Tyrolese. The Tyro- ceived the many corpses piled up on both sides lese, not prepared for so sudden and violent an of the ravine, but the squares of the enemy likeattack, dismayed at the havoc produced in their wise had been considerably thinned, and death ranks by the balls and bullets of the Bavarians, had made fearful havoc in their ranks. gave way and ran over the corpses of their breth- "Andreas Hofer," she cried, exultingly, "' your ren back to the ravine. But there stood the message was successful. Our men are rushing crowd of women who had accompanied the col- forward. Do you not hear their cheers?" umn, who had hastened up from Sterzing and the "I do, and may the good God grant them sucwhole neighborhood, and had advanced with the cess!" sighed Andreas iofer, stepping close up to Tyrolese out of the ravine almost close to the Eliza. squares of the enemy. They received the fugi- They saw the Tyrolese emerging again at the tives with invectives and angry glances; they double-quick from the ravine, and rushing upon strove to kindle their courage; they went and the enemy, who received them with volleys of begged them with clasped hands and tearful eyes musketry and artillery-fire. But, alas! they saw not to desert the cause of the fatherland, become the Tyrolese give way again and retreat, though discouraged in so disgraceful a manner in the more slowly than before, to the ravine. very first battle, and thereby make themselves "This will never do," cried Hofer, despairingly. the laughing-stock of the hateful Bavarians and " Our men are slaughtered in this way, and canFrench. not reach the enemy, whose cannon are mowing And the men listened to these voices; they them down like scythes. 0 God, show me a way drank courage from the wine which the women to help our men!" handed to them, and rushed forward a second His eyes glanced despairingly over the plain, as time. Their rifles crashed and mowed down the if searching for relief. All at once a bright flash front ranks of the Bavarians, but behind the of joy lit up his features. corpses stood the rear ranks, and their volleys " have found a way I thank Thee, my 96 ANDREAS HOFER. God!" he exclaimed, aloud. "See, Lizzie, look him until the dense shrubbery below concealed there. What do you see in the plain yonder be- her from his eyes; then she knelt down, and, lifthind the ravine?" ing both her hands to heaven, exclaimed, in a "I see there four large wagons filled with hay," loud, beseeching voice: " Holy Virgin, protect said Lizzie; "yes, four wagons filled with hay, me! Grant success to my enterprise for the benothing else." loved fatherland " "And these wagons filled with hay will save us. She then jumped up, and, quick as a chamois, They must be driven through the ravine directly scarcely touching the ground with her feet, she toward the enemy; our sharpshooters will con- hastened toward the point where the hay-wagons ceal themselves behind them, and will safely ad- were standing. vance; and when close enough to the enemy, Meanwhile, Andreas Hofer had descended into they will discharge their rifles, and first pick off the ravine whence constantly new crowds of Tythe gunners, in order to silence the guns which rolese were rushing forward, although they were have made such havoc among our men. Come, driven back again and again by the murderous Lizzie, we will go down to Sieberer and the other fire of the enemy. On beholding Hofer's erect captains, and give them my orders. I hope there and imposing form, and his fine head, with the will be four lads intrepid enough to drive the hay- splendid long beard, the Tyrolese burst into loud wagons toward the enemy." cheers, and his presence seemed to inspire them "There will be!" exclaimed Eliza, enthusiasti- with fresh courage. They advanced with the cally. most intrepid impetuosity. Andreas Hofer called "It is only necessary for one to risk his life, the brave captains of his sharpshooters to his and drive the first wagon. The other wagons side, and communicated to them briefly the stratwill be covered by the first. But the driver of agem he had devised. the first wagon will doubtless be killed, and I "That is a splendid and very shrewd idea," shall be responsible for his death." said Anthony Sieberer. "He will die for the fatherland," exclaimed "The hay-wagon is your Trojan horse with Eliza. "Go, Andreas Hofer, descend and tell which, like Ulysses, you will conquer your Troy," our men what is to be done, for it is high time exclaimed the learned Ennemoser, Hofer's young for the hay-wagons to come up and cover our secretary. men." " I do not know where Troy is situated," said "Come, let us go, Lizzie; give me your hand." Andreas Hofer, quietly, "but I know where the "No, lead the way; I will follow you imme- Sterzinger Moos lies, and what should be done diately." there. For the rest, there are no horses before the hay-wagons, but oxen, and it is all-important that the gunners should not immediately hit the driver of the first wagon." a E CHAPTE R X V II. 1" But his last hour has surely come, and he may rely on going to paradise to-day! " exclaimed EnTHrE HAY-WAGONS. nemoser. "But look, what throng is yonder in ANDREAs HOFER had already descended half the the ravine, and what causes the women to shout mountain-path with a rapid step, and he did not so vociferously? Their shouts sound like trionce look behind him, for he was sure that Wall- umphant cheers. And the lads now join in the ner's daughter was following him, and he kept acclamations too, and all are rushing forward so his eyes steadfastly fixed on his friends and breth- impetuously." ren. Indeed, the whole mass of men and women asBut Eliza did not follow him She looked after sembled in the rear of the ravine rushed forward THE HAY-WAGONS. 97 with loud shouts, like a single immense wave, close enough to the enemy, s.tep forward and surging with extraordinary impetuosity up to shoot down the gunners." Andreas IIofer and the captains standing by his Ten young lads hastened forward, amid loud side. cheers, and took position in pairs behind the All at once this wave parted, and in the midst wagon, which advanced heavily and slowly, like of all this eager, shouting throng, which tools po- an enormous avalanche. sition on both sides of the ravine, appeared two There was a -breathless silence. All eyes folof those broa(d-hornedl, brown-red oxen, of a beau- lowed the wagon, all hearts throbbed and adty, majesty, and strength, such as can be found dressed to Heaven prayers in behalf of the, couonly in tha Tyrol and in Switzerland. Behind rageols girl who -was driving it. these two oxen came thle wagon filled up with Suddenly a cry of horror burst from all lips. hay. A cannon-ball had struck the hay-wagon, which But who drove the hay-wacgon? Was it really was shaking violently from the tremendous shock. the lovely young girl hanging on the back of the But now a ringing cheer was heard in front of ox —the beautiful creature whose face was radiant the wagon. By this cheer Eliza Wallner anwith enthusiasm, whose cheeks were glowing like nounced to the Tyrolese that the ball had not hit the morning sun, and whose eyes flashed like her, and that she was uninjured. stars? The cannon boomed again, and Eliza's ringing Yes, it was she-it was Eliza Wallner, who, voice announced once more that the balls had with sublime courage, had mounted the back of penetrated harmlessly into the closely-coimpressed the ox, and who now was driving forward with hay. loud shouts and lashes of the whip the two ani- Meanwhile the wagon rolled out farther and reals, frightened by the crowd and the shots farther into the plain of the Sterzinger Moos. crashing incessantly. Even the oxen seemed to be infected with the "Eliza Wallner! " cried Andreas Hofer, with heroism of their fair driver, and trotted more an air of dismay, as the heavily-laden wagon rapidly toward the enemy, whose balls whistled rolled more rapidly forward. round them without hitting them. She turned her head toward him, and a won- Suddenly Eliza stopped their courageous trot, drous smile illuminated her face. "Send greet- and, turning back her head, she shouted: "Forings to my dear father! " she exclaimed. "Send ward now, boys! Do not be afraid of the Bavagreetings to him in my name, if I should die." rian dumplings. They do not hit us, and we J1o "I cannot allow her to do it-it is certain not swallow them as hot as the Bavarians sen I death!" cried Andreas Hofer, anxiously. "Let them to us!" me go and lift her from the ox." The young sharpshooters concealed behind the "No, no, Andreas," said Anthony Sieberer. wagon replied to Eliza, amid merry laughter: "Let her proceed. The intrepidity of this young "No, we are not afraid of the Bavarian dumpgirl will fire the courage of the lads; and, for the lings, but we are going to pick off the cooks that rest, if lives have to be sacrificed, the life of a send them to us." girl is not worth any more than that of a lad. And with their rifles lifted to their cheeks, five We are all in God's hand." sharpshooters rushed forward on either side of "May God and His heavenly host protect her! " their green bulwark. Before the Bavarians had said Andreas Hofer, laying his hand on the time to aim at the ten daring sharpshooters, the image of St. George, which adorned his breast. latter raised their rifles and fired, and the gun" Now, boys," shouted Anthony Sieberer, "do ners fell dead by the sides of their guns. not allow the girl to make you blush. Quick, The Bavarians uttered loud shouts of fury, and march behind the hay-wagon, and when you are aimed at the sharpshooters; but the Tyrolese'1 98 ANDREAS HOFER. had already disappeared again, whistling and form his lines; vainly did those who had rallied cheering, behind the wagon, which was still ad- round him at his command, make a desperate vancing toward the enemy. effort to force their way through the ranks of' the The other hay-wagons now rolled likewise from infuriated Tyrolese. The fierce bravery of the the ravine. The first of them was driven by an- latter overcame all resistance, and rendered their other young girl. Imitating the heroic example escape impossible. set by Eliza Wallner, Anna Gamper, daughter of "Surrender!" thundered Andreas Hofer to the a tailor of Sterzing, had courageously mounted Bavarians. "Lay down your arms, and surrender the back of an ox, and drove forward the wagon, at discretion!" filled with an enormous quantity of hay. Twenty A cry of rage burst from the pale lips of Colonel young sharpshooters, encouraged by the success von Birenklau, and he would have rushed upon of their comrades, followed this second wagon. the impudent peasants who dared to fasten such Behind them came the third and fourth wagons, a disgrace upon him. But his own men kept him followed by twenty or thirty more sharpshooters, back. who were well protected by the broad bulwark "We do not want to be slaughtered," they cried, which the wagons formed in front of them. perfectly beside themselves with terror; " we will The gunners had fallen; hence, the cannon surrender, we will lay down our arms!" no longer thundered or carried destruction and A deathly pallor overspread the cheeks of the death into the ranks of the Tyrolese; only the unfortunate officer. musketry of the Bavarians was still rattling, but "Do so, then," he cried. "Surrender yourthey only hit the bay, and not the brave girls selves and me to utter dishonor! I am no longer driving the oxen, nor the sharpshooters, who, con- able to restrain you from it." cealed behind the hay, rushed from their covert And with a sigh resembling the groan of a whenever the enemy had fired a volley, raised dying man, Colonel von Barenklau fainted away, their rifles triumphantly, and struck down a Ba- exhausted by the terrible exertion and the loss of varian at every shot. blood which was rushing from a gunshot wound All four hay-wagons had now driven up close on his neck. enough, and the Tyrolese, who were nearly one "We surrender! We are ready to lay down hundred strong, burst with cheers from behind our arms! " shouted the Bavarians to the Tyrolese, them, and rushing forward in loose array, but who were still thinning their ranks by the deadly with desperate resolution, using the butt-ends of fire of their rifles and their terrible butt-end blows. th Air rifles, fell with savage impetuosity upon the "Very well, lay down your arms,'" cried Andreas Bavarians, who were thunderstruck at this unex- Hofer, in a powerful voice. " Stop, Tyrolese I If pected and sudden attack. they surrender, nobody shall hurt a hair of their Loud cheers also resounded from the ravine. heads, for then they are no longer our enemies, The whole force of the Tyrolese advanced at the but our brethren.-Lay down your arms, Badouble-quick to assist their brethren in anni- varians! " hilating the enemy. The Tyrolese, obedient to the orders of their A violent struggle, a fierce hand-to-hand fight commander, stopped the furious slaughter, and now ensued. The Bavarians, overwhelmed by gazed with gloomy eyes at their hated enemies. the terrible onset of the peasants, gave way; the There was a moment of breathless silence, and squares dissolved; and the soldiers, as if para- then the Bavarian officers were heard to command lyzed with terror, had neither courage nor strength in tremulous voices, "Lay down your arms!" left to avoid the furious butt-end blows of the And their men obeyed readily. Three hundred peasants. and eighty soldiers, and nine officers, laid down Vainly did Colonel von Biirenklau strive to re- their arms here on the plain of the Sterzinger THE HAY-WAGONS. 99 Moos, and surrendered at discretion to the Ty- " No, no, Anthony Sieberer; we have not time rolese.* for that. We must bury the corpses here quickly, On seeing this, the Tyrolese burst into loud and remove every trace of the contest, in order cheers, and Andreas Hofer lifted his beaming eves that the French, on arriving here, may not disto heaven. "I thank Thee, Lord God," he said; cover what has occurred, and that we are close "with Thy assistance we have achieved a victory. by. Only thirty of our men shall escort the It is the first love-offering which we present to prisoners to Castle Steinach." fatherland and our Emperor Francis." "Only thirty, commander? Will that be suf"Long live the Tyrol and our Emperor Francis! " ficient for three hundred and eighty prisoners? shouted the Tyrolese, enthusiastically. If they should attack our men on the road, they The Bavarians stood silent, with downcast eyes would beat them, for they would be twelve to one." and pale faces, while the active Tyrolese lads "That is true," said Andreas Hofer in confusion; hastily collected the arms they had laid down and " what are we to do to get a stronger escort for placed them on one of the wagons, from which the prisoners?" they had quickly removed the hay. He stroked his beard nervously, as was his "What is to be done with our prisoners, the wont in moments of great excitement, and he Bavarians?" said Anthony Sieberer to Andreas glanced uneasily, now here, now there. All at Hofer. " We cannot take them with us." once a smile illuminated his face. "No, we cannot, nor will the enemy give us "I have got it," he said, merrily. "Look there, time for doing so," replied Iofer. " Anthony Sieberer, look there. What do you see there?" Wallner has informed me that a strong corps of "The women who have accompanied us, and Bavarians and French is approaching in the direc- who are kissing Eliza Wallner and Anna Gamper tion of the Miihlbacher Klause. They must not for their heroic conduct." meet us here on the plain, for a fight under such "The women shall help our thirty sharpshootcircumstances would manifestly be to our disad- ers to escort the prisoners to Castle Steinach. vantage. They would be a great deal stronger Our women have brave hearts and strong arms, here than we. But in the mountains we are able and they know how to use the rifle for the fatherland to overcome them. They are the fortresses which and the emperor. Let them, then, take some of the good God built for our country; and when the the arms which we have conquered, and, jointly enemy passes, we shall attack and defeat him." with thirty of our men, escort the prisoners to " And shall we take the prisoners with us into the good Baroness von Sternberg. Oh, Lizzie the mountains, commander?" Wallner, Lizzie Wallner! " "No, we will not, for we cannot guard them "Here I am, commander," cried Eliza, hastenwell up there, and they would escape. We will ing to Andreas Hofer with flushed cheeks and not take the prisoners with us, but convey them beaming eyes. to the Baroness von Sternberg at Castle Steinach. He patted her cheeks smilingly. " You are a She is ardently devoted to our cause, and loves brave, noble girl," he said, " and none of us will the Tyrol and the emperor. She will take care ever forget what you have done to-day; and the of the prisoners, and they will be unable to escape whole Tyrol shall learn what a splendid and infrom the large tower, the Wolfsthurm, on the crest trepid girl you are. But I wish to confer a speyonder, which you can see from here." cial reward on you, Lizzie; I wish to appoint you "But who is to convey the prisoners to Castle captain of a company, and your company is to Steinach? Are we all to march thither and de- consist of all those women." liver them before advancing farther?" " And what does the commander-in-chief order me to do with my company of women?" asked * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 81. Eliza Wallner. 100 ANDREAS HOFER. "Captain Lizzie, you are to escort with your m inet, whither he had summoned some of the sucompany and thlrty Tyrolese sharpshooters the perior officers to give them fresh instructions. three hundred and eighty Bavarians to Castle To-day, the 11th of April, all sorts of news had Steinach. Your arms you will take from the arrived from the Tyrol; and although this news wagon yonder, which Captain Lizzie drove so did not alarm the Bavarian general, he thought heroically toward the enemy. Will you under- it nevertheless somewhat strange and unusual. take to escort the prisoners safely to Steinach?" He had learned that Lieutenant-Colonel von " I will, commander. But after that I should Wreden, despite General Kinkel's express orders, like to return to my father. He must be uneasy had rashly evacuated his position at Brunecken about me by this time, and he would like also to and destroyed the bridge of Laditch. Besides, know how the Tyrolese have succeeded on this vague rumors had reached him about an insurrecside. Oh! he will be exceedingly glad when I tion among the peasants in the neighborhood of bring him greetings from his beloved Andreas Innspruck; and even on the surrounding mounHofer." tains, it was said, bands of armed insurgents had "' Go, then, my dear child," said Andreas Hofer, been seen. nodding to her tenderly, and laying his hand on We have treated these miserable peasants by her beautiful head. " Go with God's blessing, and far too leniently and kindly," said General Kinkel, greet your father in my name. Tell him that God with a shrug, when his officer communicated this and the Holy Virgin are with us and have blessed intelligence to him. " We shall adept a more our cause; therefore we will never despond, but rigorous course, make examples of a few, and all always fight bravely and cheerfully for our liberty will be quiet and submissive again. What do and our dear emperor. Go, Lizzie; escort the these peasants want? Are they alleady so arprisoners to Steinach, and then return to your rogant as to think themselves capable of coping father." with our brave regular troops?" Eliza kissed his hand; then left him and cornm- They count upon the assistance of Austria," municated Andreas lHofer's order to the women. replied Colonel Dittfurt; "and General von They received it joyously, and hastened to the Chasteler is said to have promised the peasants wagon to get the arms. th" t he will invade the Tyrol one of these days." Half ant hour afterward a strange procession "It is a miserable lie!" cried the general, was seen moving along the road leading to Castle with a disdainful smile. " The Austrians will not Steinach. A long column of soldiers, without be so bold as to take the offensive, for they arms, with heads bent down and gloomy faces, know full well that the great Emperor Napoleon marched on the road. On both sides of them will consider every invasion of Bavarian territory walked the women, with heads erect, and proud, an attack upon France herself, and that we ourtriumphant faces, each shouldering a musket or a selves should drive the impudent invaders from sword. Here and there marched two Tyrolese our mountains." sharpshooters, who were watching with the keen "That is to say, so long as the mountains are and distrustful eyes of shepherds' dogs the sol- still ours, and not yet occupied by the peasants, diers marching in their midst. your excellency," said Major Beim, who entered the room at this moment. "What do you mean?" asked the general. APTER. "I mean that larger and larger bands of peasCHAPTER XVIII. ants are advancing upon Innspruck, that they C A P T UR E OVP IN N S P a UC K. have already attacked and driven in our pickets, GENERAL KINKEL, governor of Innspruck, had and that the latter have just escaped from them just finished his dinner, and repaired to his cab- into the city." CAPTURE OF INNSPRUCK. 101 "Then it is time for us to resort to energetic of each picket have returned; the others lie dead and severe steps," cried General Kinkel, angrily. outside the city." " Clonel Dittfurt, send immediately a dispatch to "Matters seem to become serious," murmured Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden, who is stationed General Kinkel. "All our pickets driven in! at Brixen. Write to him in my name that I am That is to say, then, the peasants are in the immehighly indignant at his evacuating his position at diate neighborhood of the city? " Brunecken and destroying the bridge of Laditch. "All the environs of Innspruck are in full inTell him I order him to act with the utmost en- surrection, your excellency, and the citizens of Innergy; every peasant arrested with arms in his spruck seem likewise strongly inclined to join the hands is to be shot; every village participating insurrection. There are riotous groups in the in the insurrection is to be burned down; and he streets, and on my way hither I heard all sorts of is to advance his patrols again to and beyond Bru- menacing phrases, and met everywhere with sulnecken. These patrols are to ascertain if Austrian len, defiant faces." troops are really following the insurgent peasants. "Ah, I will silence this seditious rabble and Briang this dispatch to me that I may sign it, and make their faces mild and modest! " cried the genthen immediately send off a courier with it to Lieu- eral, in a threatening voice. " Let all the public tenant-Colonel von Wreden." * places in the city be occupied by troops, and fieldColonel Dittfurth went to the desk and com- pieces be placed on the bridges of the Inn. Let menced writing the dispatch. "Miserable peas- patrols march through the streets all night, and ants!" he murmured, on handing the dispatch to every citizen who is found in the street after nine the general; "it is already a humiliation that we o'clock, or keeps his house lighted up after that must devote attention to them and occupy our- hour, shall be shot. Make haste, gentlemen, and selves with them." carry my orders literally into execution. Have "Yes, you are right," sighed the general, sign- the putrols call upon all citizens to keep quiet and ing the dispatch; "these people, who know only not appear in the streets after nine o'clock. Senhow to handle the flail, become every day more tence of death will be passed upon those who vioimpudent and intolerable; and I am really glad late this order." that I shall now at length have an opportunity to Owing to these orders issued by the general, a humiliate them and reduce them to obedience. profound stillness reigned at night in the streets Henceforth we will no longer spare them. No of Innspruck; no one was to be seeninthe streets, quarter! He who is taken, sword in hand, will and on marching through them the patrols did not be executed on the spot. We must nip this in- find a single offender whom they might have subsurrection in the bud, and c}lastise the traitors jected to the inexorable rigor of martial law. But with inexorable rigor. Well, what is it?" he asked no sooner had the patrols turned round a corner vehemently, turning to the orderly who entered than dark forms emerged here and there from bethe room at this moment. hind the pillars of the houses, the wells, and the "Your excellency, I have to inform you that all crucifixes, glided with the noiseless agility of cats our pickets have been driven into the city. The along the houses, and knocked here and there at peasants have assembled in large masses on the the window-panes. The windows opened softly,'neighboring mountains and opened thence a most whispers were heard and the rustling of paper, and murderous fire upon our pickets. Only a few men the forms glided on to commence the same working and whispering at the next house. The Bavarian patrols had no inkling of these * General Kinkel sent off this dispatch a day after Wre- o den had been defeated by the Tyrolese, and after the Aus- dark ravens flitting everywhere behind them, as trians had invaded the Tyrol. The Bavarian authorities if scentinn in them already the prey of death; but at Innsprnck were in complete ignorance of all these events. the citizens of Innspruck considered these birds 102 ANDREAS HOFER. of the night, who knocked' at their windows, aus- entered them, or took position behind the pillars, picious doves, even though, instead of the olive- and fired from the windows and their hiding-places branch, they brought only a sheet of paper with at the Bavarians who were stationed on the upper them. But this sheet of paper contained words bridge of the Inn, and were firing thence at the that thrilled all hearts with joy and happiness; it Tyrolese. The Bavarian bullets, however, whisannounced that the Austrians had already invaded tled harmlessly through the streets, the alert Tythe Tyrol; that General von Chasteler was already rolese concealing themselves, before every volley, advancing upon Inuspruck; that the Emperor in the houses or behind the walls. But no sooner Francis sent the Tyrolese the greetings of his love; had the bullets dropped than they stepped forand that the Archduke John was preventing the ward, sang, and laughed, and discharged their French troops in Italy from succoring the Bavari- rifles, until the exasperated Bavarians fired at them ans in the Tyrol; nay, that he and his army would again, when the singing Tyrolese disappeared once deliver and protect the Tyrol. Some of the brave more in their hiding-places. sharpshooters of the Passeyr valley had been bold All at once loud cheers and hurrahs resounded enough to steal into the city of Inuspruck despite on the conquered bridge of Mh!lau, and a tall, the presence of the Bavarian troops, and the pa- heroic form, surrounded by a detachment of armed trols could not prevent the citizens from receiving Tyrolese, appeared on the bridge. the joyful tidings of the approach of the Austri- It was Joseph Speckbacher, who, after capturans, nor the Tyrolese sharpshooters from whisper- ing Hall by a daring coup de main, had now aring to them: " Be ready early to-morrow morning. rived with his brave men to assist the Tyrolese in To-morrow we shall attack the city; assist us delivering Innspruck from the Bavarians. then, hurl down from the roofs of your houses on The Tyrolese thronged exultingly around him, the Bavarians stones, jars, and whatever you may informing him of the struggle that had already have at hand; keep your doors open, that we may taken place, and telling him that the Bavarians get in, and hold food and refreshments in readi- had been driven from the bridge and hurled back ness. We shall come to-morrow. Innspruck into the city. must be delivered from the Bavarians to-morrow!" "And now you stand still here, instead of The morrow came at last. The 12th of April advancing? " asked Speckbacher, casting fiery dawned upon the city of Innspruck. glances toward the enemy. " What are you waitThe Bavarians had carried out the orders of ing for, my friends? Why do you not attack the General Kinkel; they Ihad occupied all the public enemy? " places, and planted batteries on the bridges of the Without waiting for a reply, Speckbacher took Inn. off his hat, swung it in the air, and shouted in But so ardent was the enthusiasm of the Tyro- a loud, enthusiastic voice: "Long live the Emlese, that these batteries did not deter them. They peror Francis! Down with the Bavarians!" rushed forward with loud shouts; using their All repeated this shout amid the most tumulspears, halberts, and the butt-ends of their mus- tuous cheers. All cried, " Long live the Emperor kets, they fell with resistless impetuosity upon the Francis! Down with the Bavarians!" Bavarians, drove them back, shot the gunners at "Now forward! forward! We must take the the guns, and carried the important bridge of bridge!" shouted Speckbacher. "Those who love Miihlau. the Tyrol will follow me!" Tremendous cheers announced this first victory And he rushed forward, like an angry bear, to the inhabitants of Innspruck. The Tyrolese toward the bridge of the Inn. then rushed forward over the bridge and penetrat- The Tyrolese, carried away by their enthusiasm, ed into the streets of the HhIttinger suburb. The followed him at the double-quick toward the street-doors of the houses opened to them; they bridge, where the mouths of the cannon were CAPTURE OF INNSPRUCK. 103 staring at them manacingly. But the Tyrolese struggle was going on. There, at the head of his were not afraid of the cannon; death had no regiment, stood Colonel Dittfurt, firmly deterlonger any terrors for them! their courage im- mined to die rather than surrender to the peasparted to them resistless power and impetuosity. ants. They rushed up to the cannon, slew the gunners But the peasants came up in overwhelming with the butt-ends of their rifles, or lifted them numbers, and a detachment of sharpshooters, up by the hair and hurled them over the railing headed by Major Teimer, had already penetrated of the bridge into the foaming waters of the Inn. into the general's house, and entered his sittingThen they turned the cannon, and some students room. From the houses all around, the Tyrolese from Innspruck, who had joined the Tyrolese, un- were firing at the soldiers, who, gnashing their dertook to man them. teeth with rage and grief, did not even enjoy the A dense column of Bavarians advanced upon satisfaction of wreaking vengeance on them; for them; the peasants uttered loud cheers, the can- their enemies were concealed behind the walls non thundered and mowed down whole ranks of and pillars, while the soldiers were defenceless, them. They gave way, and the Tyrolese who saw and had to allow themselves to be laid prostrate it, advanced with triumphant shouts into the city by the unerring aim of the sharpshooters. and took street after street. And wherever they Angry, scolding, imperious voices were now came, they met with willing assistance at the heard at General Kinkel's window, and a strange hands of the citizens; in every street which they sight was presented to the eyes of the dismayed entered, the windows opened, and shots were soldiers. Teimer's face, flushed with anger and fired from them at the Bavarian troops; every excitement, appeared at the window. He was house became a fortress, every tbwer a citadel. seen approaching it hastily and thrusting General A frightful scene ensued: the Bavarians in some Kinkel's head and shoulders forcibly out of it. places surrendered and begged for quarter; in "Surrender!" threatened Teimer; "surrender, others they continued the combAtt with undaunted or I shall hurl you out of the window!" * resolution; and in the mele'e several bloody deeds "Colonel Dittfurt," cried General Kinkel, in a were committed, which, in their cooler moments, doleful voice, "you see that further resistance is the Tyrolese would have been the first to con- useless. We must surrender! " demn. "No!" shouted the colonel, pale with rage; All at once loud cheers burst forth in the "no, we shall not surrender; no, we shall not streets, and the Tyrolese repeated again and incur the disgrace of laying down our arms before again the joyful news: "Major Teimer has ar- this ragged mob. We can die, but shall not rived; he has several companies of the militia surrender! Forward, my brave soldiers, forunder his command, and with these brave men ward!" he has already penetrated into the heart of the And Dittfurt rushed furiously, followed by his city, up to the principal guard-house! He has soldiers, upon the Tyrolese who were approachalready surrounded the Engelhaus, General Kin- ing at this moment. Suddenly he reeled back kel's headquarters, and is negotiating a capitula- Two bullets had hit him at the same time, and the tion with the general." This almost incredible blood streamed from two wounds. But these intelligence raised the enthusiasm of the Tyrolese wounds, instead of paralyzing his courage, into the highest pitch. They rushed forward with flamed it still more. He overcame his pain and irresistible impetuosity toward the barracks and weakness, and, brandishing his sword, rushed fordisarmed all the soldiers who had remained there ward. in order to relieve their exhausted comrades. A third bullet whistled up and penetrated his Then they rushed again into the street, toward. _ _._ * Hormayr's "History of Andreas Hofer," vol. i., p. the principal guard-house, where an obstinate 249. 104 ANDREAS HOFER. breast. HIe sank down; blood streamed from There the enemy had likewise surrendered in his mouth and his nose. The Tvrolese burst the mean time, and the barracks which, until yesinto deafening cheers, and approached the fallen terday, had been the quarters of the oppressors officer to take his sword from him. But he of the Tyrolese, the Bavarian soldiers, became sprang once more to his feet; he would not fall now the prisons of the defeated. Escorted by alive into the hands of the peasants; he felt that the peasants, the disarmed and defenceless Bavahe had to die, but he would die like a soldier on rians were hurried into the barracks, whose doors the field of honor, and not as a prisoner of the closed noisily behind them. peasants. Livid as a corpse, his face covered Innspruck was now free; not an armed Bavawith gore, his uniform saturated with blood, rian soldier remained in the city, but the TyroDittfurt reeled forward, and drove his soldiers, lese, to the number of upward of fifteen thousand, with wild imprecations, entreaties, and threats poured into the streets, and the citizens joined toward the hospital, whence the Tyrolese poured them exultingly, and thanked the courageous their murderous fire into the ranks of the Bava- peasants for delivering them from tile foreign rians. But scarcely had he advanced a few steps yoke. The city, which for three hours had been when a fourth bullet struck him and laid him a wild scene of terror, havoc, bloodshed, and prostrate. death, resounded now at the hour of mid-day with His reiiment, seized with dismay, shouted out cheers and exultation; nothing was heard but that it would surrender, and, in proof of this hurrahs, songs, and cheers for the Emperor Franintentiop, tthe soldiers laid down their arms. cis and the beloved Tyrol. The Bavarian cavalry, to avoid the disgrace of Every minute added to tbe universal joy. The such a capitulation, galloped in wild disorder tow- victorious Tyrolese, mounted on the horses of ard the gate and the Hofgarten. But there the Bavarian cavalry, and headed by the proud Speckbaclher had taken position with the peas- and triumphant Speckbacher and a rural band ants, who, mostly armed only with pitchforks, had of music, appealed with their prisoners. Two hurried to the scene of the combat from the im- badly-tuned violins, two shrill fifes, two iron potmediate environs of Innspruck. But these pitch- lids, and several jews'-harps, were the instruforks seemed to the panic-stricken cavalry to be ments of this band. But the musicians tried to terrible, murderous weapons; cannon would have make as much noise with them as possible, and appeared to them less dreadful than the glittering the citizens considered their music sweeter and pitchforks, with which the shouting peasants finer than the splendid tunes which the bands rushed upon them, and which startled not only of the Bavarian regiments had Flayed to them up the soldiers, but their horses also. The soldiers to this time. thought the wounds made by pitchforks more New cheers rent the air at this moment. A horrible and ignominious than utter defeat, and squad of peasants brought the great imperial even death. Thunderstruck at their desperate eagle, which they had taken down from the tomb position, hardly knowing what befell them, un- of Maximilian in the High Church of Innspruck. able to offer further resistance, they allowed They had decorated it with red ribbons, and cUrthemselves to be torn from their horses by the ried it amid deafening acclamations through the peasants, to whom they handed their arms in si- streets. On beholding the eagle of Austria, the lence. The Tyrolese then mounted the horses, excited masses set no bounds to their rejoicingss; and in a triumphant procession, headed by Jo- they flocked in crowds to gaze at it;,citizens and seph Speckbaeher, they conducted their prisoners peasants vied in manifesting their devotion to the back to Innspruck.* precious emblem; they blessed it and kissed it. No one was permitted to stay a long while near * Iormayr's "History of Andreas Hofer," vol. i, p. 250.'' it, for the impatience of his successor compelled THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. 105 him to pass on. But an aged man, with silvery and there is our John. -Look, docs it not seem as hair, but with a form still vigorous and unbent, though he were smiling at us, and were glad of would not allow himself to be pushed on in this being here again anud able to gaze at us? Long manner. An hour ago he had fought like a lion live our dear Archduke John!" in the ranks of the Tyrolesc, and anger and rage And they again burst into cheers whllich, if the; had flashed from his face; but now, at the sight Archduke John had been able to hear them, would of the Austrian eagle, he was as mild and gentle' have filled his heart with deliglht and his eyes with as a lamb, and only love and blissful emotion tears. beamed from his face. He encircled the eagle These rejoicings around the eagle and the por. with both his arms, kissed the two heads and traits lasted all day. The whole city presented gilded crowns, and, stroking the carved plumes a festive spectacle, and the overjoyed Tyrolese tenderly, exclaimed: "Well, old eagle, have your scarcely thought to-day of eating and drinking, plumes really grown again? Have you returned much less of the dancers which might menace to the loyal'T'yrol to stay here for all time to them. They sang, and shouted, and laughed; and come? Will-" when night came they sank down exhausted by Loud cheers interrupted him at this moment. the efforts of thie fight, and still more by their Another crowd of Tyrolese came up the street, boundless rejoicings, to the ground where they preceded by four peasants, who were carrying were standing, in the streets, in the gardens, in two portraits in fine golden frames. Deafening the fields, and fell asleep. acclamations rent the air as soon as the people Profound silence reigned now in the streets of beheld these.two portraits. Everybody recog- Innspruck. Itwas dark everywhere; brightlights nized them as those of the Emperor Francis and beamed only from the portraits of the emperor the Archduke John. The peasants had found and the Archduke John; and the stars of heaven them in the old imperial palace. looked down upon the careless and happy sleep"Long live the Emperor Francis! Long live ers, the victors of Innspruck. our Archduke John! " shouted the people in the They slept, drean.ing of victory and happiness. streets, and in the houses which the procession Woe to them if they sleep too long and awake too passed on its imarch through the city. Even the late, for the enemy does not sleep! He is awake Austrian eagle, which had been greeted so ten- and approaching, while the victors are sleeping. derly, was forgotten at the sight of the two portraits, and all accomlpanied this solemn procession of love and loyalty. This procession mnoved through the whole city until it finally reached tihe triumphal arch which CHAPTER XIX. Maria Theresa had ordered to be erected in honor of the wedding of her son Leopold. The Tyro- THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. lese placed the portraits of Leopold's two sons on TiHE Tyroleose were still asleep, and profound this triumphal arch, and surrounded them by stillness reigned yet in the streets of Innspnlck, candiles kept constantly burning; every one then although it was already after daybreak, and the bent his knee, and exclaimed: "Long live the first rays of the rising sun shed a crimson lustre Em(nperor Frl'allcis! Lon live our dear Archduke on the summits of the mountains. All at once John!" Woe unto him who should have dared this silence was broken by a strange, loud, and to pass these portraits without taking off his hat! plaintive note which seemed to resound in the the Tvrolese would have compelled him to do it, air; it was followed by a second and third note; and to bend his knee. and, as if responding to these distant calls, the "Well," they exclaimed, "there is our Francis, I large bell of the High Church of Innspruck 106 ANDREAS HOFER. aroused with its ringing voice the weary sleepers them enter the city," exclaimed Speckbacher, to renewed efforts. courageously. They raised themselves from the ground; they "No, we will not, except in the same manner listened, still drowsy, to these strange notes in the in which you brought the cavalry into the city air. Suddenly two horsemen galloped through the yesterday, that is, to imprison them in the barstreets, and their clarion voices struck the ears of racks," said Major Teimer. the Tyrolese. "Yes, yes, we will do so," shouted the Ty"Up, sleepers!" cried Joseph Speckbacher; rolese; "we will let the French come to Inn"do you not hear the tocsin? Rise, rise, take spruck, but only as our prisoners." your rifles; the French and Bavarians are at the "Well, let us be up and doing now, my friends," gates of the city, and we must meet them again." exclaimed Speckbacher. "We must fortify the "Rise, Tyrolese!" shouted Major Teimer; "the city against the enemy. Having gone thus far French and Bavarians are coming. We must yesterday, we cannot retrace our steps to-day. prevent them from penetrating into Innspruck. But we do not want to retrace them, do we?" We must barricade the gates, and erect barricades "No, we do not!" cried the Tyrolese. in the streets." "We have raised the Austrian eagle again," The Tyrolese jumped up, fresh, lively, and ready said Major Teimer, "and the portraits of the for the fray. Their sleep had strengthened them, emperor and our dear Archduke John are looking and yesterday's victory had steeled their courage. down upon us from the triumphal arch. They The enemy was there, and they were ready to de- shall see that we are good soldiers and loyal sons feat aim a second time. of our country. Forward, men, let us be up The bells of all the churches of Inn:pruck were and doing! Barricade the city, the streets, and now rung, and those of the neighboring village- the houses; make bullets, and put your arms in steeples responded to them. They called upon readiness. The French are coming! Hurrah! the able-bodied men to take up arms against the Long live the emperor Francis and the Archduke enemy, whose advanced guard could be seen al- John!" ready on the crests yonder. Yes, there was no Deafening cheers responded to him, and then mistake about it: those men were the French and the Tyrolese rushed through the streets to barri. Bavarians, who were descending the slope and cade the city in accordance with Teimer's orders. approaching in strong columns. The gates were immediately barricaded with A Tyrolese rushed into the city. "The French casks, wagons, carts, and every thing that could are coming! " lie exclaimed, panting and breath- be found for that purpose; and the approaches to less. " I have hurried across the mountains to the city were filled with armed men, ready to give bring you the news. It is General Bisson with the enemy a warm reception. The doors of the several thousand French troops, and Lieutenant- houses were locked and bolted, and frantic women Colonel Wreden with a few hundred Bavarians. within them boiled oil and water which they inWe had a hard fight with them yesterday at the tended to pour on the heads of the soldiers in case bridge of Laditch and in the Miihlbacher Klause; they should succeed in forcing their way into the but they were too strong, and were joined yester- city; bullets were made and stones were carried day by another French column; therefore, we to the roofs, whence they were to be hurled on the were unable to capture them, and had to let them enemy. Meanwhile the tocsin resounded incesmarch on. We killed hundreds of their soldiers; santly, as if to invite the Tyrolese to redoubled but several thousands of them escaped, and are efforts and increased vigilance. coming now to Innspruck." The tocsin, however, had aroused not only the "They will not come to Innspruck, for we are Tyrolese, but also the Bavarians who were locked much stronger than they are, and we will not let up in the barracks; the prisoners understood full THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. 107 well what the bells were proclaiming. To the heard him repeating his rigorous instructions to Tyrolese they said: " The efiemv, your enemy, is the sentinels outside; they heard also the acapproaching. He will attack you. Be on your clamations with which the Tyrolese responded to guard!" To the prisoners they proclaimed: him. The prisoners, therefore, became silent; "Your friends are approaching. They will de- they forced back their hopes and wishes into the liver you. Be ready for them i" And now the depths of their hearts, and only prayed inwardly. Bavarians began to become excited, their eyes for their approaching friends, and cursed in the flashed again, the clouds disappeared from their same manner their enemies, the ragged mob of the humiliated brows; and with loud, scornful cheers peasants. and fists clinched menacingly, they stepped before The tocsin was still ringing, and its sinister their Tyrolese guards and cried, "Our friends are notes penetrated likewise into the large guard-house, coming. They will deliver us and punish you, and spoke to the prisoners confined there. One and we shall wreak bloody vengeance on you for of these prisoners was a gloomy, broken-down old the disgrace you have heaped upon us. Hurrah, man, General Kinkel; the other was a youth, our friends are coming! We shall soon be free mortally wounded and violently delirious. It was again!" Colonel Dittfurt. The bullet of the Tyrolese had " No, you will not," shouted a loud, thundering not killed him; he still lived, a prisoner of the voice; and in the middle of the large dormitory peasants, and, amidst his delirium and his agony, occupied by the Bavarians appeared suddenly the he was fully conscious of his disgrace. This contall, Herculean form of Joseph Speckbacher. On sciousness rendered him raving mad; it brought passing the barracks, he happened to hear the words of wild imprecation to his cold, bloodless cheers of the prisoners and had entered in order lips; he howled with rage and pain; he called to learn what was the matter. "No," he said down the vengeance of Heaven upon "the ragged once more, " you will not; you must not suppose mob," the peasants, who had dared to lay hands that we shall be so stupid as to allow you to es- upon him, the proud aristocratic colonel, and rob cape. Do not rejoice therefore at the approach him not only of his life, but also of his honor. of the French and your countrymen; for I tell All the night long he had raved in this manner; you, and I swear by the Holy Mother of God, if and it was truly horrible to hear these words, the French should enter the city victoriously, our full of contempt, hatred, and fury, in the mouth last step before evacuating it would be to kill of a dying man; it was dreadful to see this every one of you. Do you hear, Tyrolese guards? scarred form on the bloody couch, writhing If the prisoners do not keep quiet, if they make in the convulsions of death, and yet unable to any noise, or even threaten you, shoot down the die, because anger and rage revived it again and ringleaders! But if the enemy penetrates into again. At daybreak Major Teimer had entered the city, then shoot them all, and do not spare a the guard-house with a detachment of Tyrolese; single one of them.* We will not incur the dis- and while he repaired with some of them to Gengrace of reSnforcing the enemy by several thou- eral Kinkel, the other Tyrolese had entered Colsand men. The guards at all doors here must be onel Dittfurt's room, to see the miracle of a man quadrupled, and at the first symptom of mischief whose head had been pierced by a bullet having among the prisoners, you will fire at them. Now vitality enough left to rave, swear, and curse, for you know, Bavarians, what is going to be done. twenty-four hours. Beware, therefore!" Gradually the whole room became crowded And Joseph Speckbacher left the hall with a with Tyrolese, who yesterday had been the mortal proud nod of the head. The listening Bavarians foes of the colonel, but who gazed to-day with profound compassion and conciliated hearts at the Hpoormayrs "History of ndreah Hofer," vol. i., p. 263. poor, mutilated being that disdained even on the 108 ANDREAS HOFER. brink of the grave to consider a peasant as en- He paused, the expression of his eyes became titled to equal rights and as a brother of the more fixed, the shades of death descended deeper nobleman. and deeper on his forehead, which was covered Colonel Dittfurt lay on his couch with his eyes with cold perspiration. distended to their utmost, and stared at the Tyro- The Tyrolese minded him no longer. They lese assembled round him. For some minutes looked at each other with exultant and enthusiasthe curses and invectives had died away on his tic glances. " He saw a leader at our head? " lips, and he seemed to listen attentively to the they asked each other. ", A leader mounted on a sinister notes of the alarm-bells which were call- white horse, and holding in his hand a sword flashing incessantly upon the Tyrolese to prepare for ing like a sunbeam? It must have been St. the struggle. James, the patron of the city of Innspruck. lie "Is that my death-knell?" he asked, wearily. was our leader yesterday. Yes, yes, that is it! "HIave I, then, died already, an( is it death that St. James combated at our head, unknown to us; is lying so heavily on my breast? " but he showed himself to the enemy and defeated "N o, sir, you still live," said one of the Tyro- him. Did you not hear, brethren, what the pious lese, in a low, gentle voice. " You still live; the priests told-us of the Spaniards who have likewise bells you hear are ringing the tocsin; they aroused risen to fight against Bonaparte, the enemy of the us because the French and Bavarians are a.dvan- Pope and all good Christians? St. James placed cing upon the city." himself in Spain likewise at the head of the pious "The Bavarians are coming! Our men are peasants; he led them against Bonaparte and the comning! " cried Dittfurt exultingly, and he lifted French, and made them victorious over the enemy, his head as if to rise from his couch. But the who was bent upon stealing their country and their iron hand of death had alreadv touched h.m and liberties. And since St. James got through with kept him enthralled. His head sank heavily back the Spaniards in Spain, he has come to the Tyrol upon the pillow, and his eyes became more lustre- to lend us his assistance. St. James, our patron less and fixed. saint, is our leader! He assists us and combats "They vanquished me," he said, after a pause; at our head!" "I know I am a prisoner of the peasants, and it is And the Tyrolese, regardless of the colonel, who they who keep me chained to this couch and pre- at this moment was writhing in the last convulvent me from going out to participate in the con- sions of death, rushed out of the room to commutest. Oh, oh, how it grieves me! A prisoner of nicate the miracle to their brethren outside. The the peasants! But they fought like men, and. news spread like wildfire from house to house, their leader must be an able and brave officer. from street to street; all shouted joyously: "St. Who was the leader of the peasants?" James, our patron saint, is our leader. He assists "No one, sir," said the Tyrolese, on whom the us and combats at our head!" * dying officer fixed his eyes. " We ha:l no leader; And this belief enhanced the enthusiasm of the we fought equally for God, the emperor, and our Tyrolese, and with the most intrepid courage they native country." looked upon the enenty, who had by this time " No, no," said Dittfurt, "that is false, I know come close up to the city, and was forming in line better; for I saw the leader of the peasants pass of battle on the plain adjoining the village of Wilme often. He was mounted on a white horse; his tau. From the houses in the neighborhood of the face was as radiant as heaven, his eyes twinkled triumphal arch, the Tyrolese were able to survey like stars, and in his hand he held a sword flash- the whole position of the enemy; they could dising like a sunbeam. I saw the leader of the peas- cern even the various uniforms of the French and ants, he always rode at their head, he led them into battle, I —" * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 41. THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. 109 Bavarian soldiers. Up yonder, on the roof of a I tial envoy into the town, he may become fully louse, stood Speckbacher and Teimer, and with alive to the fact that it is impossible for him to heir eyes, which were as keen and flashing as defeat us. Above all things, we must send several hose of the eagle, they gazed searchingly upon thousand sharpshooters to Mount Isel and the he position of the enemy and that of their own adjoining heights, in order to cut off the enemy's orces. The line from the village of Wiltau down retreat." o the River Sill was occupied by the French troops The letter which Major Teimer had extorted mder General Bisson; on the right side of Wil- from General Kinkel had really the effect which,au to the Inn stood Lieutenant-Colonel Wreden he had expected from it. General Bisson sent to vith the Bavarians, his front turned toward the Innspruck one of his staff-officers, accompanied fity. by Lieutenant-Colonel von Wreden, the com"Now we must surround them as in a mouse- inander of the Bavarians. A few other officers trap, and leave them no outlet for escape," said followed these two, and repaired with them to Major Teimer, with a shrewd wink. "Is not that Major Teimer, who received them at the principal your opinion too, Speckbacher?" guard-house in the presence of the most prominent " Certainly it is," replied Speckbacher. " Mount Tyrolese. Lsel yonder, in the rear of the Baoyarianls, must be Meanwhile General Bisson awaited with painful ccupied by several thousands of our best sharp- impatience the return of the two ambassadors hooters, and a cloud of our peasants must con- whom be had sent into the town; and, his e es stantly harass their rear and drive them toward constantly fixed on Innspruck, he walked uneasily Innspruck. Here we will receive them in fine up and down. But already upward of an hour style, and chase them until they are cll dead or had elapsed, and the ambassadors had not yet lay down their arms. The only impriant thing made their appearance. He had good reason to for us is to cut off their retreat and keep them be- be uneasy and anxious, for the situation of the tween two fires." French and Bavarians was now almost desperate. " You are right, Speckbacher; you are a skilful He had found out at the bridge of the Eisach, on soldier, and are better able to be a general than the plain of the Sterzinger Moos, and at the many an officer-for instance, General Kinkel. Mililbacher Klause, that the French had to deal Kinkel is an old woman; he wept and swore in with an enemy who was terribly in earnest; that one breath when I was with him just now; he says the whole Tyrol was in insurrection; that Chasall the time that he will commit suicide, and yet teler, with a body of armed peasants, as well as he is not courageous enough to do it, but preferred a few regular troops, was descending the Brenner, to comply with my demands." and already menacing his rear; while the rocks "And what were your demands, Teimer?" and thickets in his front and flanks were bristling "I demanded that he should give me an open with the peasants of the Innthal, who, in great letter to General Bisson, urging him to send some strength, obstructed his advance. confidential person into the town who might re- "We shall die here, for we are hemmed in on port the state of affairs, and convince him of the all sides," said General Bisson, gloomily, to himimmense superiority and enthusiasm of the Tyro self.' There is no hope left, and in the end we lese, and of the impossibility of defeating us or may be obliged to submit to the disgrace of surforcing his way through our ranks." rendering to the mob of peasants. But what on "And did old General Kinkel give you such a earth prevents the officers from returning to letter? " me? " "He did, and I will send it out now to the And Bisson turned his searching eyes again French camp. We must make all necessary dis- towvard Innspruck. Now he perceived two men positions that, when the general sends a confiden- approaching at a run. He recognized them; they 110 ANDREAS HOFER. were the companions of his staff-offlicer and lieu- "We are between two fires," he murmured to tenant-colonel, Von Wreden, and their pale, dis- himself, in dismay. " We are caught, as it were, mayed faces told him that they were bearers of in a net, and will be annihilated to the last bad tidings. man." "Where are the two gentlemen whom I sent to And this conviction seized all the soldiers, as Innspruck?" he asked, advancing rapidly toward was plainly to be seen from their pale faces and them. terror-stricken looks. " They were taken into custody at Innspruck," There was a sudden lull in the fire of the Tyrofaltered out one of them. lese, which had already struck down several.hun"Major Teimer said he had taken upon him- dred French soldiers, and from the triurmphal self no obligation in regard to these officers, and arch of Innspruck issued several men, waving would retain them as hostages," panted the other. white handkerchiefs, and advancing directly tow" He then caused us to be conducted through the ard the French. It was Major Teimer, accompawhole city, that we might satisfy ourselves of the nied by some officers and citizens of Innsprnck. tremendous strength of the Tyrolese and their He sent one of them to General Bisson to invite formidable preparations. Oh, your excellency, him to an interview to be held on the public the peasants are much superior to us in strength, square of the village of Wiltau. for there are at least twenty thousand able-bodied General Bisson accepted the invitation, and remen in their ranks; they are well armed, and paired with his staff and some Bavarian officers the most celebrated marksmen and the most to the designated place. daring leaders of the Tyrol are among them." Major Teimer and his companions were already "Bah! it would make no difference, even though there. Teimer received the general and his disthey were ten to one!" cried General Bisson; tinguished companions with a proud, condescend"for ten peasants cannot have as much courage ing nod. as one soldier of the grand army of my glorious "General," he said, without waiting for the emiemperor. We will prove to them that we are not nent officer to address him, "I have come here to afraid of them. We will attack them. A detach- ask you to surrender, and order your soldiers to ment of Tyrolese yonder has ventured to leave lay down their arms." the city. Fire at them! Shoot them down until General Bisson looked with a smile of amazenot one of them is left!" ment at the peasant who dared to address to him The shots crashed, the artillery boomed, but so unheard-of a demand with so much calmness not a Tyrolese had fallen; they had thrown them- and composure. selves on the ground, so that the bullets and balls "My dear sir," he said, " I am convinced that had whistled harmlessly over their heads. But you are not in earnest, but know full well that now they jumped up and responded to the shots we never can or will comply with such a demand. of the enemy; and not one of their bullets missed Moreover, our situation does not by any means its aim, but all carried death into the ranks of the compel us to allow conditions to be dictated to French. At the same time the sharpshooters us. Nevertheless, I am ready to make some conposted on Mount Isel, in the rear of the French cessions to you. Hence, I will pledge you my and Bavarians, commenced firing, and mowed word of honor that I will neither attack you, nor down whole ranks of the soldiers. injure the city of Innspruck in the least. But in General Bisson turned in dismay toward this return I demand that you allow us to pass without new enemy, covered by the thicket, which, ris- molestation through Innspruck, that we may ing almost to the summit of Mount Isel, made march to Augsburg in obedience to the orders of the Tyrolese invisible, and protected them froh my emperor." the missiles of the soldiers. "And you believe we can be so stupid as to THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. 111 grant this demand, general?" asked Teimer, to the tender mercies of our infuriated people. shrugging his shoulders. "I do not want to be Farewell, general." beaten down, but stick to my first demand. He turned his back on him and advanced sevEither you order your troops to lay down their eral steps toward Innspruck. At the same moarms, or you will all be put to the sword." ment he waved his arm three times. Immediate"No, so help me God! never will I accept so ly, as had been agreed upon, the Tyrolese on arrogant a demand," cried the general, indignant- Mount Isel, and in front of Innspruck, commenced ly; "never will I incur the disgrace of signing so firing, and their close discharges, admirably diignominious a capitulation." rected, thinned the ranks of the French grena" Then, general, you will appear this very day diers, while the shouts with which the mountains before the throne of God to account for the lives resounded on all sides were so tremendous that of the thousands whom you devote to an unne- they were completely panic-struck. cessary death. For all of you will and must die; General Bisson saw it, and a deadly pallor there is no escape for you. You know it full overspread his face. Teimer stood still and well, general, for otherwise you, the proud general gazed sneeringly at the disheartened and terrified of Monsieur Bonaparte, and commander of several soldiers, and then glanced at their gencral. thousand splendid French soldiers, would not Bisson caught this glance. "Sir," he cried, have come to negotiate here with the leader of and his cry resembled almost an outburst of dethe peasants, who knows nothing of tactics and spair, "pray return to me. Let us negotiate!" strategy. You know that there are enemies both Teimer did not approach him, he only stood in your front and rear. Our men occupy Mount still. " Come to me, if you have any thing to say Isel, and the whole country back of Mount Isel is to me," he shouted; " come, and —" in insurrection. You cannot retrace your steps, The rattle of musketry, and the furious shouts nor can you advance, for you will never get to of the Tyrolese, now pouring down from all the Innspruck, and there is no other road to Augs- mountains, and advancing upon the French, burg. We have barricaded the city, and have drowned his voice. nearly twenty thousand men in and around Inn- To render his words intelligible to Teimer, and spruck." to hear his replies, General Bisson was obliged to "But I pledged you my word that I would approach him, and he stepped up to him with not attack you, nor take any hostile steps his staff-officers in greater haste perhaps than whatever. All I want is to march peaceably was compatible with his dignity. through the city; and, in order to convince you "What else do you demand?" he asked, in a of my pacific intentions, I promise to continue tremulous voice. my march with flints unscrewed from our mus- "What I demanded at the outset," said kets, and without ammunition." Teimer, firmly. "I want your troops to lay "I do not accept your promises, they are not down their arms and surrender to the Tyrolese. sufficient," said Teimer, coldly. I have already drawn up a capitulation; it is "Well, then," cried General Bisson, in a trem- only necessary for you and your officers to sign ulous voice, "hear my last words. I will march it. The capitulation is brief and to the point, on with my troops without arms; our arms and general. It consists only of four paragraphs. ammunition may be sent after us on wagons." But just listen to the shouts and cheers of my "If that is your last word, general, our nego- dear Tyrolese% and see what excellent marksmen tiations are at end," replied Teimer, with perfect they are I" sang-froid. "You have rejected my well-mean- Indeed, the bullets of the Tyrolese whistled ing solicitude for your safety; nothing remains again at this moment through the ranks of the for me now but to surrender you and your troops enemy, and every bullet hit its man. Loud 112 ANDREAS HOFER. shouts of despair burst from the ranks of the have no trouble in signing the document. SubFrench and Bavarians, who were in the wildest scribe it, therefore, general, and let your staffconfusion, and did not even dare to flee, because officers do so too. Spare the lives of your poor they knew full well that they were hemmed in on soldiers, for you see every minute's delay costs you all sides. additional losses." General Bisson perceived the despair of his "I cannot sign it, I cannot! " cried Bisson, detroops, and a groan escaped from his breast. spairingly. He burst into tears, and in his bound"Read the capitulation to me, sir," he said, dry- less grief he struck his forehead with his fist and ing the cold perspiration on his forehead. tore out his thin gray hair with his trembling Teimer drew a paper from his bosom and un- hands.* "I cannot sign it," he wailed loudly. folded it. He then commenced reading, in a "Sign it," cried his officers, thronging round loud, ringing voice, which drowned even the rat- the table. " You must refuse no longer, for the tie of musketry: lives of all our soldiers are at stake." "In the name of his majesty the Emperor " But my honor and good name are likewise at Francis I. of Austria, a capitulation is entered stake," groaned Bisson, "and if I sign the capitinto at this moment with the French and Ba- ulation, I shall lose both forever." varian troops which advanced to-day from "But you will thereby preserve to the emperor Steinach to Wiltau; the following terms were the lives of upward of three thousand of his solaccepted: diers," exclaimed the officers, urgently. "' First. The French and Bavarian soldiers lay "Never will the emperor believe that this disdown their arms on the spot now occupied by aster might not have been averted," wailed Genthem. eral Bisson. " Even were I merely unfortunate, "Secondly. The members of the whole eighth he would impute it to me as a crime. IHe will forcorps are prisoners of war; and will be deliv- give me no more than Villeneuve and Dupont. ered as such to the Austrian troops at Schwazs, His anger is inexorable, and it will crush me." whither they will be conveyed immediately. "Then let it crush you, general," said Teimer, " T77irdly. The Tyrolese patriots in the custody calmly. " It is better that you should be crushed of these troops will be released on the spot. than that several thousand men should now be "Fourtlhy. The field and staff-officers of the crushed by the Tyrolese." French and Bavarian troops will retain their bag- "Sign, sign! " cried the French officers, stepgage, horses, and side-arms, and their property ping close up to the table, taking up the pen, and will be respected." presenting it to the general.' You see, sir, it is impossible for me to sign "Then you are all determined to sign the capitthis," cried General Bisson. "You cannot ex- ulation after I have done so?" asked General pect me to subscribe my own disgrace.". Bisson, still hesitating. " If you refuse to subscribe the capitulation, "We are," cried the officers. you sign thereby not only your own death-warrant, " We are ready to do so," said Major Armance, but that of all your soldiers," said Teimer, calmly. "and in proof hereof I affix my name to the "See, general, here is fortunatel]y a table, for this capitulation before you have signed it, general." is the place where the people of Wiltau assemble He subscribed the paper with a quick, but on Sundays, and dance and drink. Fate placed steady hand. Another staff-officer stepped up, this table here for us that we-might use it for sign- took the pen, and also wrote his name, " Varin." ing the capitulation. There is the capitulation; "Now, general," he said, presenting the pen to I have already affixed to it my name and title as Bisson. commissioner of the Emperor Francis. I have also brought pen and ink with me, that you might * Hormayr's "And(reas Hofer," vol. i., p. 257. THE CAPITULATION OF WILTAU. 113 The general took the pen, cast a last despairing "And Andreas iofer, the Barbone, is the other glance toward heaven and then toward his sol- commissioner, is he not? I will remember it in diers, bent over the paper, and signed it. case we should meet again." The pen dropped from his hand, and he had to "You will then take your revenge; that is quite lean against the table in order not to sink to the natural. But to-day we take our revenge for the ground. Major Teimer drew a white handker- long oppressions and insults which we have enchief from his pocket and waved it in the air. dured at the hands of the French. Come, general, The Tyrolese ceased firing immediately, and deaf- let us ride to Innspruck." ening cheers burst forth on all sides. An hour afterward a long and brilliant proces"You see, general, you have saved the lives of sion moved through the triumphal arch. It was your soldiers," said Teimer. headed by the band of the captured Bavarian Bisson only sighed, and turned to his officers. regiment, which had to play to glorify its own dis"Now, gentlemen," he faltered out, " give orders grace to-day; next came an open carriage in which to the troops to lay down their arms on the spot Martin Teimer sat with a radiant face, and by his now occupied by them." side General Bisson, pale, and hanging his head. The officers hastened away, and General Bisson In another carriage followed the staff-officers, started to leave likewise, when Teimer quickly laid escorted by the municipal authorities and clergy his hand on his arm and detained him. of Innspruck, and afterward appeared the whole "General," he said, "pray issue still another enormous force of the Tyrolese conducting the order." disarmed prisoners in their midst.* "'What order, sir?" All Innspruck had put on its holiday attire; at "You have of course brought your carriage all the windows were to be seen gayly-dressed with you; order your coachman to drive up with ladies and rejoicing girls, holding in their hands it, and permit me and these gentlemen here to enter wreaths, which they threw down on the victors. it with you, and ride to Innspruck." The bells of all the churches were ringing, not the:" That is to say, I am your prisoner, and you tocsin, but peals of joy and thanksgiving. wish to make your triumphal entrance into the For the task was accomplished, the Tyrol was city with me?" free! In three days after the insurrection broke "That is about my intention. I should like to out, the Tyrolese, by means solely of their own return to the city seated by your side; and as the valor and patriotism, aided by the natural strength good inhabitants of Innspruck are very anxious of the country, had entirely delivered the province to see a French general, one of Bonaparte's gen- from the enemy. The capitulation of Wiltal erals, who does not come with his troops to de- crowned the work of deliverance, to the everlastvastate the city, to rob and plunder, I request you ing glory of the brave Martin Teimer, and to the to let us make our entrance in an open, uncovered disgrace of General Bisson and the French and carriage." Bavarians. "We will do so," said Bisson, casting a sombre There were great rejoicings in Innspruck all the glance on Teimer's shrewd face. "You are mer- day long; glad faces were to be met with everyciless to-day, sir. What is your name?" where, and all shouted enthusiastically: "We "My name is Martin Teimer; I hold the rank have become Austrians again! We are subjects of major in the Austrian army, and Archduke John of the Emperor of Austria again! Long live the has appointed me commissioner for the Tyrol." free Tyrol! Long live the Emperor Francis!" " Ah, one of the two commissioners who signed * Hormayr's " Life of Andreas Hofer," vol. i., p. 259. the' open order' with which the country was t Major Teimer was rewarded for this capitulation of instigated to rise in insurrection V? Wiltau with the title of Baron von Wiltau, and with the c order of Maria Theresa. The Emperor of Austria, besides, "Yes, general." presented him with valuable estates in Styria. 8 114 ANDREAS HOFER. The streets presented a very lively appearance; " He sends the best greetings of his love to his all the painters of the city were occupied in re- dear Andreas Hofer," said Hormayr, " and thanks moving the hateful Bavarian colors, blue and him for all he has done here." white, from the signs and houses, and putting on "He thanks me?" asked Hofer, in surprise. them the Austrian, black and gold; and the Ty- "We have done only what our hearts longed for, rolese marksmen held a regular target-shooting at and fulfilled our own wishes. We wished to bethe Bavarian lion, which, to the great disgust of come Austrians again, for Austrians means Gerthe Tyrolese, had been raised four years ago over mans; we wanted no longer to be Bavarians, for the entrance of the imperial palace. Prizes were Bavarians meant French; hence, we were anxious awarded for every piece which was shot from it, to rid our mountains of the disgrace and make and the principal reward was granted to him who our country again free and a province of Gerpierced the crown of the lion. many. We have succeeded in doing so, for the Yes, the northern Tyrol was free; but the good God blessed our efforts and helped us in our Soutb, the Italian Tyrol, was groaning yet under sore distress. Now we are once more the faithful the yoke of French oppression, and Andreas children of our dear emperor, and the dear ArchHofer intended to march thither with his forces, duke John will come to us and stay yvith us as as he had concerted at Vienna with the Archduke governor of the Tyrol." John and Hormayr, in order to bring to the "He certainly will, and I know that he longs Italian Tyrolese the liberty which the German to live again in the midst of his faithful Tyrolese. Tyrolese had already conquered. But for this reason, Andy, we must help him that Hence Andreas Hofer, though his heart yearned he may soon come to us, and aid him in deliverfor it, had refrained from making his solemn ing the Southern Tyrol. I have great news for entrance into Innspruck, and had gone on the you, Andy, from the Archduke John. I wished 17th of April to Meran, where he was to review to communicate it to you first of all. No one was the Landsturm of that town and its environs, the to hear of it previous to you." brave Then who were to accompany him on his ex-" I hope it is good news, Baron von Hlormayr," pedition to the Italian Tyrol. said Andreas Hofer, anxiously. " The dear archThe Tyrolese were drawn up in four lines; at duke, I trust, has not met with a disaster? Tell their head was to be seen IHormayr, surrounded me qnick, for my heart throbs as though one of by tWhe priests and civil officers who had been ex- my dear children were in imminent peril." iled by the Bavarians, and who were returning "You yourself are a child, Andy. Do you supnow with him and the Austrian army. pose I should look so cheerful if our dear archA cloud of dust arose from the neighbor- duke had met with a disaster? And even though ing gorgey of the Passeyr valley, and a joyous such were the case, would I then be so stupid as mturrur ran through the ranks of the Tyro- to inform you of it now, at this joyful hour, when lese. Deafening cheers rent the' air then, for it is all-important that we should be in high Andres Hofer,ganoped up on a fine charger, fol- spirits? No, Andy, I bring splendid news. The lowed by ther men of the Passeyr valley. His Archduke John achieved yesterday a glorious face glowed, his eyes beaned with delight, and his victory at Sacile over the Viceroy of Italy, Eugene,whole bearing breathed -upbounded satisfaction Beauharnais; it was a great triumph, for he took and happiness. eight thousand prisoners, and captured a great He shook hands. with Hormayr, laughing mer- many guns. But amidst this triumph he thought rily. "We have kept," heexclaimed, "the prom- of his dear Tyrolese, and dispatched from the ises we made. at Vienna, have we toa? And our battle-field a courier who was to bring to me the dear Arch4uke John, I suppose, wil!, hoe content news and his order to tell his dear Tyrolese that with us?:he defeated the French yesterday." ELIZA WALLNER'S RETURN. 115 Andreas Hofer overjoyed, and with his coun- walked in former times, and where they swore to tenance full of sunshine and happiness, galloped their Tyrolese that they should be freemen, and down the long line of his sharpshooters. that their free constitution should be sacred for "Hurrah! my dear friends and brethren," he all time to come!" shouted, "the Archduke John sends his greetings He bent down, kissed the moss-grown stones, to yenou, and informs you that he defeated the and encircled them tenderly with his arms as French yesterday at Sacile and took eight thou- though they were an altar before which he was sand prisoners and a great many guns. Hurrah! uttering devout vows and prayers. The Tyrolese, long live the Archduke John, the future governor who had gradually reached the summit, had of the Tyrol!" silently knelt down behind Andreas Hofer, and And the Tyrolese repeated, with deafening were praying like him. cheers: "Hurrah! long live the Archduke John, One sentiment animated them all and illuminatthe future governor of the Tyrol!" ed their faces with the radiant lustre of joy: the "And I have to bring you still another greeting Tyrol was delivered from the foreign yoke, and from the Archduke John," shouted Baron von they, the sons of the country, had alone liberated Hormayr. " But you shall not hear it here in the their beloved fatherland. plain, but up at the ancient castle of Tyrol. It is "Now, men of the Tyrol," shouted Hormayr, true, the Bavarians and the miserable French " listen to the message which the Archduke John have destoyed the tine castle, but the ruins of the sends to you." ancient seat of our princes remain to us. We And amid the solemn silence of the Tyrolese, will now ascend to those ruins, and up there you and the peals of the Meran church-bells penetratshall hear the message which the Archduke John ing up to them, Hormayr read to them a document sends to you." drawn up by the Archduke John, by virtue 6f The whole force of the Tyrolese thereupon which he resumed possession of the Tyrol in the moved up the mountain-path leading to the castle name of the emperor, declared'it to be incorpoof Tyrol, headed by Andreas Hofer and Baron von rated with the imperial states, and solemnly Hormayr. vowed that, as a reward of its loyalty, it should On reac:hing the crest of the hill, Hofer stopped remain united with Austria for all future time. and alighted from his horse. He knelt down At the same time, the ancient constitution and amidst the ruins of the castle with a solemn, the former privileges were restored to the Tyrodeeply-moved face, and holding the crucifix on his lese, and Baron von Hormayr was appointed govbreast between his hands, and lifting his eyes to ernor of the Tyrol. heaven, he exclaimed with fervent devotion: " Thanks, Lord God, thanks for the aid that Thou hast hitherto vouchsafed to us! Thanks for delivering the country and permitting us to be Aus- CHAPTER XX. trians again! 0 God, grant now stability to our ELIZA WALLNER'S RETURN. work-and preserve it from falling to ruin! If Thou art content with me, let me further serve ALL WVindisch-Matrey was again in joyful comand be useful to my native country! I am but a motion to-day, for a twofold festival was to be weak instrument in Thy hand, my God, but Thou celebrated: the return of the men of Windischhast used it, and I pray Thee not to cast it aside Matrey, who had so bravely fought for the now, but impart to it strength and durability that country and so aided in delivering it; and then, it may l'ast until the enemy has been driven from as had been resolved previous to their departure, the country, and the whole Tyrol is free again for Eliza Wallner's wedding was to come off to-day. evermore! I kiss the dear soil where our princes She had redeemed her pledge, she had proved 116 ANDREAS HOFER. that she was a true and brave daughter of the She hastened up-stairs. At the door of the Tyrol, and Anthony Wallner, her father, was no room where the prisoner was confined stood the longer angry with her; he wished to reward her servant, pressing his face to the brown panels of for her courage and intrepidity, and make her the door. happy. Therefore, he had sent a messenger "Now, Schrdpfel," asked Mrs. Wallner, laughsecretly and without her knowledge to Windisch- ing, " can you see through the boards? For you lfMatrey, and had ordered his wife to decorate the put your eyes to the door as though it were a house festively, and request the curate to repair window." to the church and perform the marriage rites. It is a windo4," said Schrbpfel, in a low voice, The returning Tyrolese were to march to the limping up a few steps to his mistress. "I have church, and, after thanking God for the deliver- bored four small holes in the door, and through ance of the Tyrol, the curate was to marry Eliza them I am able to see the whole room and all that Wallner and her lover in presence of the whole the prisoner is doing. Look, M's. Wallner! the congregation. hole below there is my window when he is in bed Since early dawn, therefore, all the married and asleep; I can see his face through it. The women and girls of Windisch-Matrey, dressed in hole a little above it enables me to watch him while their handsome holiday attire, had been in the he is seated at the table, and writing or reading; street, and had decorated the route which the re- and through the hole up here I can see his face turning men were to take, and adorned the church when he is pacing the room." with wreaths and garlands of flowers. "You are a strange fellow," said Mrs. Wallner, Wallner's wife alone had remained at home, for shaking her head. "You watch the poor sick she had to attend to the preparations for the wed- prisoner as though he were an eagle, always ready ding-banquet, with which she and her servant-girls to fly from the nest." had been occupied during the whole of the previ- "H e is about what you say," said Schripfel, ous day. There were a great many things to be thoughtfully. "He is no longer sick, and his done yet; the table had to be set in the large bar- wings have grown a great deal during the week room for the wedding-guests; the roasts had to since he was here. I believe he would like to fly be looked after in the kitchen; and the whole from here." house had to be decorated, and festoons of flowers "Oh, no," said Mrs. Wallner, with a shrug. to be suspended round its entrance. "He loves my Lizzie, and I do not believe that he "Schropfel might render me good service now," who loves that girl will wish to fly away before said Wallner's wife, eagerly. "I have so many she flies with him." things to attend to, and he does not move his " I do not know about that; I have my own hands, but sits like a log at the door of dear Ulrich notions about it," said SchrSpfel. " He is a Bavon Hohenberg, and cares for nothing else. Oh, varian for all that, and the Bavarians are all faithSchllrpfel, SchrSpfel, come here! I want to see less and dishonest. I swore to watch him and not you! " lose sight of him, and I must keep my oath; hence, At the staircase leading down into the hall ap- I shall not leave the door until I am relieved." peared the sunburnt, furrowed face of old Schrdp- "Then you will not come down-stairs and help fel. me fix the wreaths and garlands, set the table, "If you want to see me, you must come up and clean the knives " here," he shouted. "I have been told to stand "No, dear Mrs. Wallner, I am not allowed to guard here, and I will not desert my post, even do so, much as I would like to assist you. A sen. for the sake of Mrs. Wallner, until I am relieved." tinel must never leave his post, or he will be called "He is a queer fellow," said Mrs. Wallner, a deserter, and Mr. Wallner always told me that lau.;hing, " but I must do what he says." that was a great disgrace for an honest fellow. ELIZA WALLNER'S RETURN. 117 Now, as I am an honest fellow, and, owing to my rich von Hohenberg, and it was this very suspicion lame leg, cannot serve the country in any other that rendered Schr6pfel distrustful, and caused way than watching this prisoner, I shall stay here him to watch his prisoner night and day with as a sentinel and take good care not to desert." sombre vigilance. "Well, do so, then," exclaimed Mrs. Wallner, He stood a few minutes patiently, and waited half angrily, half laughingly. "But you may go for the captain to address him; but Hohenberg in to the gentleman and tell him to be of good continuing to take no notice of him, he resolutely cheer, for Eliza will come back to-day, and the laid his hand on his shoulder. wedding will take place immediately after her re- " Sir, awake!" he exclaimed, sullenly. turn, when he will be free. Tell him to prepare The captain gave a slight start, and pushed for the ceremony; for, when the bells commence the servant's hand with an angry gesture from his ringing, the returning defenders of the country shoulder. will have reached the village, and we are to go " I am awake," he said; "it is therefore quite with him to the church, where the curate will unnecessary for you to lay hands on me. What await us." is it? What do you want of me? " "Of course, I shall tell him all this," growled "I want to tell you only that our men will reSchrbpfel, and Mrs. Wallner hastened down-stairs turn this morning, and that this will be a great again. holiday in Windisch-Matrey. For our men are "Yes, I shall tell him," murmured Schripfel to victorious, and the country is delivered from the himself, "but I wonder if it will gladden his heart? enemy. Mr. Wallner has written to us that the During the first few days, when he had the wound- brave Tyrolese delivered the whole country in fever, he talked strange things in his delirium, and three days, that they have taken prisoners eight derided and scorned our beautiful Lizzie, who, he thousand infantry, and one thousand cavalry, and said, was bent upon becoming an aristocratic lady. captured eight guns, two stands of colors, and two Since he is well again, he abuses her no longer, French eagles. Besides, several thousand French but he looks very sombre, and during the whole and Bavarians have perished in the gorges and on week he has not once inquired after his betrothed. the battle-fields. Very few of our own men have God blast the accursed Boafok if he should love been killed, and not one of them made prisoner. the girl no longer, and if he did not honestly in- Now the wtole country is free, and our victorious tend to make her his wife! I will go in to him men are coming home." and see how he receives the news." Not a muscle in the captain's face had beUlrich von Hobenberg was seated in his arm- trayed that he had heard Schripfel's report. He chair, and gazing musingly out of the window. He still stared quietly at the sky, and his features did not turn when the old servant entered his expressed neither grief nor surprise at the asroom; he seemed not to have noticed his arrival, tounding news. but continued staring at the sky even when Schrbp- " You do not ask at all, sir, if Eliza Wallner fel stood close to him. The face of the young will return with the men?" asked* Schrdpfel, anman was still pale and wan, and under his eyes, grily. " I should think you ought to take some formerly so clear and cheerful, were to be seen interest in that, for Lizzie is your betrothed." those bluish circles indicative of internal sufferings "She is not! " cried the captain, starting up inof the body or the soul. However, since the dignantly,with flushed cheeks and flashing eyes. wound-fever had left him, he had never uttered a " Yes, she is," said SchrSpfel, composedly. " I complaint, and the wound, which was not very myself heard the girl say to her father and the severe, had already closed and was healing rapidly. men of Windisch-Matrey:'He is my bridegroom; Hence, it was doubtless grief that imparted so I love him, and you must not kill him.' And begloomy and sickly an appearance to Captain U1- cause she said so, the men spared your life, al 118 ANDREAS HOFER. though Anthony Wallner Aichberger was very able peasants," he wailed; "the Bavarian prisangry, and would not forgive his daughter for oners were marched off under an escort of wohaving given her heart to an enemy of her coun- men!" try, a Bavarian, and moreover a nobleman, and Sehripfel stood as if petrified, and this outnot to an honest peasant. But Lizzie begged and burst of the grief of the usually haughty and lawailed so much that her father could not but conic young man filled him with the utmost suryield, and promised her to forgive all if she proved prise and confusion. that she was no traitress to her country, but a However, the captain suddenly dried his tears true and brave daughter of the Tyrol; after doing and dropped his hands from his face. so, he would permit her to marry her Bavarian "And Eliza Wallner, you say, led the women betrothed. And now she has proved that she is who escorted the Bavarian prisoners?" he asked, a true and brave daughter of the Tyrol, and the in a firm, almost menacing voice. whole country is full of the heroic deeds per- "Yes, sir, she did," said SchrSpfel. "And now formed by Lizzie Wallner, and of the intrepidity her father is reconciled with her, and, to prove it, which she displayed under the most trying cir- he will marry his daughter to you to-day." cumstances. And to-day, captain, you will meet The captain said nothing; only a proud, scornagain your betrothed, who saved your life, and ful smile played around his lips for a moment. who went with the men only to perform heroic "Yes," added Schr6pfel, " the wedding will deeds that would induce her father to consent to come off to-day. Immediately after their return her union with you. I tell you, sir, beautiful the procession will move to the church, where a Lizzie Wallner, your betrothed, will return in an thanksgiving service wi!l be held; it will be folhour or two." lowed by the marriage-ceremony. Mr. Wallner The young man's face crimsoned for a moment, wrote to his wife to send you to the church as and when the color disappeared from his cheeks, soon as the bells commenced ringing, and to keep their pallor was even more striking and ghastly you in the vestry until you were sent for. Rethan before. member, therefore, as soon as the bells commence "Eliza Wallner fought, then, very bravely ringing, I shall call for you and take you to the against-against my countrymen?" he asked, vestry." pantingly. The young man was silent, and gazed thought"No, she did not fight, sir, but she went into fully before him; he then threw back his head the thickest shower of bullets to carry away the with an air of bold resolution. wounded Tyrolese, and attend to their injuries; "All right," he said, "I shall accompany you. and she drove a hay-wagon directly toward the en- Did you not say that'my baggage had been sent emy, and our men were concealed behind the hay; hither from the castle?" and she brought a keg of wine to our men while "Yes, yes, Miss Elza sent every thing hither by the bullets were whistling round her; and finally, her servants, and she herself came with them. she and the other women escorted the Bavarian And during the first days, when you had the prisoners to Castle Steinach." wound-fever, she came here at least three times a The young man uttered a cry, and buried his day and asked how you were, and cried and laface in his hands. mented, and entreated me for God's sake to admit " What a disgrace, oh, what a disgrace! " he her to your room only for a brief moment. But groaned, despairingly; and in his grief he seemed I had sworn not to admit any one to my prisoner, to have entirely forgotten the presence of the nor to permit him to speak with any one; hence, servant, for he wept, wept so bitterly that large I could not make an exception even in favor of scalding tears trickled down between his fingers. the kind-hearted young lady. She comes fiever"Our brave soldiers were defeated by miser- theless every day and inquires about you; and THE CATASTROPHE. 119 she begged hard and long until Mrs. Waliner per- flashed in the sun! How beautifully the bouquets mitted her to send your dinner always from the adorned their pointed green hats! And now castle. As you will be free to-day, I may tell you they were already able to distinguish the faces all this, for it, ill no longer do any harm." and the individual forms. Immediately behind " No, it will no longer do any harm," said the the boys, at the head of the procession, walked captain, with a peculiar smile. "Listen, I wish Anthony Wallner Aichberger. How splendid the to dress up for to-day's ceremony and don my commander-in-chief looked; and how beautiful gala uniform. Therefore be so kind as to fetch was Lizzie, walking by his side, handsomely it." dressed, and wearing a beautiful bouquet in her "I will, captain, I will fetch the uniform and bosom! Her attentive father had dispatched a be back directly," said Schripfel, cheerfully, limp- special messenger to his wife for Lizzie's holiday ing hastily toward the door. But outside he dress and her trinkets, so that Lizzie, the pride stood still and pressed his finger thoughtfully to and joy of his heart, might make her entrance in his nose. " I do not know exactly what to think a becoming manner into Windisch-Matrey. of it," he murmured to himself " At first, he ut- Lizzie looked really splendid in her holiday attered a loud cry and said Lizzie Wallner was not tire. Her raven hair, flowing down in heavy his betrothed; afterward he lamented piteously tresses on her neck, was interwoven with darkibecause Lizzie Wallner escorted the Bavarian red ribbons, and large rosettes of the same color prisoners; and finally he asked for his gala uni- were fastened with silver pins to her head. Her form in order to dress up for the ceremony. Well, low-necked corset, adorned with silver trimmings, we shall see very soon if he has honest intentions was fastened on the breast with silver chains; and toward Lizzie and really loves her. If he thinks above it rose a white chemisette trimmed with he can play her a trick, he had better beware, for laces, and veiling chastely her faultless bust and I shall never lose sight of him; I shall always be beautifully-shaped shoulders. Large white sleeves behind him, and if he does not treat the girl as covered her arms and were fastened to her wrists he ought to, I will strike him down with my fists with dark-red rosettes. An ample skirt of fine like a mad bull! I will do it, so help me God!" dark-red wool, trimmed with black velvet, fell from her slender waist down to her ankles, and her small feet were encased in handsome stockings and shoes adorned with large silver buckles. OH A P T ER XXI. The boys had brought to her the splendid bouquet which she wore in her bosom, and had told her, THE cATASTROPHE. amid laughter and cheers, that her betrothed sent THE bells were ringing, the men were rejoicing, her the bouquet as a wedding-present. and the girls of Windisch-Matrev and its environs But these words had rendered Lizzie silent and took position with baskets of flowers on both sad. The smile had disappeared from her lips, sides of the street. For the victorious defenders and the color had faded from her cheeks; she of the country were approaching; their cheers looked anxiously at her father, but he nodded to were,already heard at a distance; and they al- her and said, laughingly: " Do not ask me any ready saw the merry boys who had gone out to questions to-day, Lizzie, for I will not tell you any meet them, and who now headed the procession thing. Await quietly the events that will take amid manifestations of the liveliest delight. Yes, place, and bear in mind that your father loves you they were coming, they were coming! Yonder, dearly, and is anxious to make his little daughter down the mountain-slope, moved the motley pro- happy and contented." cession of the Tyrolese, resembling a glittering Eliza tried to divine what these words of her serpent of gigantic proportions. How their rifles father meant, and a gloomy foreboding, a terror 120 ANDREAS HOFER. which she was unable to explain to herself, filled parish for her courage and the assistance she had her heart. rendered to her countrymen wounded in battle. She listened no longer to the joyous shouts of But now Eliza heard a dear familiar voice, the boys, and ceased singing with Panzl the fine which caused her to raise herself from her mothsongs of the Tyrolese mountains, but walked along, er's arms and look up. pale, silent, and hanging her head. Yes, it was the old, kind-hearted Baron von Now they reached Windisch-Matrey, and stood Hohenberg who was standing before her, and held still at the entrance of the street, where the clergy, out his hand to her with his sunniest and kindest municipal authorities, and the beautifully-dressed smile. " My brave daughter," he said, feelingly, girls, bade them welcome. Oh, it was a soul- "give me your hand. You know that I love you stirring moment, a sacred festival of welcome! as though you were my own child; and now I am The brave men had gone out to fight for their proud of you, for you have become a heroine, and native country, their emperor, and the liberties of have done honor to our Tyrol. Eiza was right the Tyrol; and God had granted them victory, He after all in always calling you another Maid of had assisted them in all contests, the country was Orleans, and saying you were a born heroine." free, the emperor was again master of the Tyrol, "But where is Elza? " said Lizzie, anxiously, and the men of Windisch-Matrey returned victori- to the old castellan. ously to their homes. All seemed to greet them "Here I am, dearest Eliza," said the young with glowing looks of love; the whole earth lady, who had hitherto kept herself behind her seemed to shout " welcome! " to them. Even the father and the clergyman. glistening snow-clad summits of the Gross-Glock- "Oh, my Elza, my dear, dear Elza!" exner seemed to look at them over the other moun- claimed Eliza, rapturously; and she encircled her tains with an air of curiosity and solemn kind- friend's neck with her arms, and imprinted a glowness; and on the green mountain-pastures stood ing kiss on her lips. the red cows so proud and handsome, as if they But she felt that Elza's lips quivered, that she had placed themselves there for the purpose of did not return the kiss, nor press the friend to her adorning the landscape for the returning heroes. heart; and it seemed to Eliza as though a cold And the wild Iselbach murmured merrily at the hand suddenly touched her heart and pressed i; roadside and sent its silvery spray into the air, rudely and cruelly. She raised her head from and the boys laughed and sang; the bells pealed Elza's shoulder, and looked her full in the face. so loudly and solemnly, and received ringing re- It was not until now that she saw how pale Elza sponses from the villages farther down in the val- was, how red her eyes with weeping, and how ley; the priests stood with solemn, devout faces, forced her smile. at the entrance of the place, blessing the heroes "You are sick, Elza," she said, anxiously. with uplifted hands, and eyes turned to heaven; "No," whispered Elza, "I am not." and the girls and matrons, strewing flowers to the "Then you love your Lizzie no longer?" asked returning men, stood on both sides of the street, Eliza, pressingly. and greeted them with beaming smiles. "Yes, I do," said Elza, in a hollow voice, and Oh, this sweet, sublime moment silenced all with a wondrously mournful smile. "I do love cares and doubts. The smile returned to Eliza's you, and, to prove it, I present you with this lips, her cheeks crimsoned, and her eyes beamed wreath. God bless you, dear Lizzie; may He with the purest joy. With a loud cry of delight grant you happiness!" she threw herself into the arms of her mother, "Elza," cried Eliza, anxiously, "Elza, pray and kissed her a thousand times, and scarcely come to me and tell me what it means, what —" listened to the address of the curate, who re- "Hush, Lizzie, hush," said her father, seizing turned thanks to her in the name of the whole her hand, and drawing her forward. "Do you THE CATASTROPHE. 121 not see that the procession is moving on, and that All at once she started in sudden terror, and we must go with it? See, the curate and the her cheek turned deadly pale. Yonder, behind castellan are already far ahead, and we must go the windows of the vestry, she beheld a young too." man in a handsome uniform; it was he, he whom "But where, father, where?" she had looked for without knowing it herself; " To the church, you dear little goose!" he from whose sight her heart had shrunk with "To the church? What are we to do there? anxiety and dismay. And yet Eliza had longed Why do we not go home?" to see him, for she had been uneasy on his ac"'Have you become so impious during your count; she had feared lest he should still suffer campaign, Lizzie, as not to know that we must gravely from the consequences of his wound. always render homage to God first and above all But she had not dared to ask any one about him; things? We are going to church to return hence, she was glad to see that he was well, and thanks; come with me, and ask no more ques- showed her gladness in her gaze at him. Their tions." eyes met, but he looked upon her with an expres"But I will take off the myrtle-wreath! " ex- sion of hatred and contempt; a haughty, disdainclaimed Lizzie, lifting her hand anxiously to the ful smile played round his lips, and he threw back wreath. But her father drew back her hand. his head superciliously, instead of nodding pleas"No, Lizzie," he said, "do not remove the antly to her. wreath. It fits well on your head." Eliza felt a terrible pain in her heart; she " But I am no bride going to church on her wished to jump up, she- All at once she heard wedding-day." her name drop from the lips of the curate, who wAs "Really, Lizzie, are you not? " asked her fa- standing before the altar, and who had just conther, laughing. "But hush now, my child, we are eluded the thanksgiving prayer. What did he already at the church-door, and do you not hear say-why did he mention her? She held her the glorious swelling notes of the organ? Let us breath to listen to him. Great Heavens! anenter the church, dear Lizzie." other name fell from the curate's lips. He utHe drew her forward, and Eliza followed him; tered the name of Ulrich von Hohenberg; he probut indescribable anguish oppressed her soul; she claimed him the bridegroom of Eliza Wallner, did not know why, and she felt as though some- who was present; he called upon Captain Ulrich thing dreadful were about to happen here, and as von Hohenberg to appear before the altar, and though she ouht to flee, flee far into the moun- receive the consecration of his union with his betains, into solitude. trothed in the presence of all these witnesses. But her father held her by the hand, and walked With a hollow groan, crushed, and as if browith her up the main aisle to the large altar. ken-hearted, Eliza sank back into her chair, and Rows of chairs, decorated with flowers, had been her pale lips murmured: " Now I am lost, and so placed here, and Eliza had to seat herself on one is he!" of these chairs; by her side sat her father; op- "Ulrich von Hohenberg," shouted the priest at posite her, the castellan and her friend Elza; then the altar, "come hither and take your bride by came the municipality, and John Panzl, lieuten- the hand." ant-commander of the men of Windisch-Matrey, The door of the vestry opened, and Ulrich von and behind them stood the dense crowd of the Hohenberg stepped in. His tall, slender form sharpshooters of the Pusterthal. presented a very fine appearance in the brilliant Eliza cast a searching glance on the dense gala uniform; a flashing cross adorned his breast; crowd; she looked at all the pews, and yet she in his hand he held his gold-laced hat, with the did not know what she was looking for, nor what waving white plume; only the sword was wanting alarmed her heart so much. to his side, and this alone betokened his humil 122 ANDREAS HOFER. iating position, and showed that he was a prisoner I tain Ulrich von Hohenberg, a soldier who took amidstall these armed men. But the conscious- the oath of allegiance to his king, could act so ness of this fact seemed not to humiliate him, for dishonorably and meanly as to join the rebels! he walked up, his head proudly raised, and his No, never! Never will the daughter of the rebel stern, cold eyes gazing scornfully upon the as- Anthony Wallner become my wife! Kill me now sernbly. if you want to do so. You may take my life, He stepped close up to the altar. " Reverend but you cannot dishonor me! " father," he said, in a clear, loud voice to the Eliza sat still motionless, and as if petrified. priest, "you have called me. Here I am. What She had heard, as if in a dream, the captain's do you want of me?" words; and, as if in a dream, she saw that " I have called you, Ulrich von Hohenberg, to Schrdpfel rushed forward and raised his powerful marry.you to your betrothed. ElizaWallner, step arm against him, and that all the men crowded to the side of your bridegroom." up to him with menacing gestures; as if in a But Eliza Wallner did not rise from her chair; dream, she heard wild shouts and imprecations. she leaned her head, almost in a swoon, against All at once two ice-cold, trembling hands the back of her chair, and stared, as if uncon- seized Eliza's arms, and a beloved voice penescious of what was going on around her, at the trated her ear with the vehemence of mortal anpriest and the young man, who fixed his eyes on guish and terror. her at this moment with an air of cold contempt. "Eliza!" cried this voice-" Eliza, will you " Eliza Wallner," he cried aloud, " do not come allow them to kill him? " hither, for I am not your betrothed, and never "Elza! " murmured Eliza, as if starting up from shall you become my wife!" a trance, "Elza, what is the matter? " A deafening cry of rage burst from, all lips; "They will assassinate him, Eliza!" wailed the eyes of all the brave men in the church Elza. "They have tied and gagged him, and flashed with anger, and they laid their hands men- say that they will take him out and shoot him. acingly on their rifles. Eliza, you alone can save him! Have mercy, But Anthony Wallner sprang to his feet, pale forget what he said in his rage and grief. Have with rage, his eyes shooting fire, like those of an mercy upon him, upon me! For I tell you, they angry tiger, rushed toward the captain, and seized will assassinate him. Oh, see, they are forming his arm. a circle round him, and dragging him down the "What!" he cried, furiously, "you infamous, aisle! They are taking him out to the public perjured scoundrel, refuse to marry my daughter? place! They intend to shoot him! Save him, First you stole her love, you promised to marry Eliza, save him! " her, and now that I would give her to you, you Eliza made no reply; she sprang up from her refuse to take her!" seat and hastened down the aisle after the men, " Yes, I do," cried Ulrich von Hohenberg, al- who were just issuing from the church-door, and most joyously. "Never will Eliza Wallner, the in whose midst was walking Captain Ulrich von peasant-girl, become my wife; never will I stoop Hohenberg, conducted by Anthony Wallner, and so low as to allow a wife to be forced upon me his servant, lame old Schrdpfel, his hands tied on merely to save my life, and least of all her who his back, and a gag in his mouth. has fought against my countrymen and brethren; But the sharpshooters surrounded the prisoner who participated in the studied insult inflicted like a thick, impenetrable wall. Vainly did Eliza'upon the brave soldiers of my king, and in the beg and implore the men to let her pass; vainly infamous treason you have all committed against did she try with the strength of despair to elbow your king and lord. Yes, I tell you, you are in- her way through the ranks. The men pushed her famous rebels and traitors, and you think I, Cap- back impetuously. THE CATASTROPHE. 123 "You shall not intercede in behalf of the infa- "But, Lizzie, did you not hear, then, how he mous villain," they said; "you shall not save the repudiated and abused you, the faithless Bavalife of the mean Bavarian who calls us rebels and rian? " asked her father. traitors, and yet did not keep his own word. He "I did, and I forgive him," she said, gently, shall and must die, he has forfeited his life." "for I know full well that he does not mean what And their strong arms pushed her from the circle he says. Are you so stupid, men, as not to comwhich they now formed on the large place in prehend that he cannot act otherwise, and that front of the church. In its middle stood the he must speak thus, and not otherwise? Father, captain, by his side Anthony Wallner, and be- you said I was a true daughter of the Tyrol, and hind him Schrdpfel, like a watch-dog ready at any that you loved me and were content with me. I moment to tear his enemy. pray you then, dearest father, spare the life of Anthony lifted his arm with slow, solemn tran- my betrothed until to-morrow morning, and have luillity, and dropped it heavily on the captain's him taken back as a prisoner to our house until shoulder. then. Schrbpfel may watch him, and not take "Ulrich von Hohenberg," he said, " you are an his eyes from him. Oh, dear, kind friends, brave infamous villain, for you pledged your word to men, have mercy upon me! Bear in mind that my daughter that you would marry her, and now we fought together for our beloved country, and you repudiate her. You are a liar and a slan- that you told me you would never forget me, and derer, for you call us infamous rebels and traitors would comply with my wishes whenever you merely because we fought for our country and could. I wish now that you spare the life of my our emperor. Therefore, you have sinned against betrothed only until to-morrow morning." God, man, and honor. Ulrich von Hohenberg, " He says he is not your betrothed, Lizzie, and you must die! " will never marry you! " exclaimed the men, with "Yes, he must die! " shouted the men; and irresolute faces, and already half softened by the they took the rifles from their shoulders and beseeching, touching expression of Eliza's counloaded them. tenance. Anthony Wallner and Schripfel stepped back "He says so," she said, casting a fiery glance from the prisoner, and the men who had stood on the captain, who stood pale and motionless, behind him moved out of the way. Hence the heard every word, and was unable to make a recircle, which had hitherto been impenetrable, now ply; "he says so, but I know that he loves me, opened. Eliza saw it, and sprang forward, re- and will be joyously ready to-morrow morning to gardless of the sharpshooters, who were just do what I ask of him. Father," she added, in a raising their muskets, regardless of the danger low voice, seizing Anthony Walluer's arm, and menacing herself. Pale, with panting breath, her drawing him aside quickly, " do you not comprehands lifted to heaven, she sped across the open hend, then, that Ulrich cannot speak differently? space toward the captain, and, placing herself Would not his king, after his return to Bavaria, before him, exclaimed, with flashing eyes, and in pronounce him a traitor, and charge him with an exulting voice: "Now shoot, men, shoot! having joined us and the Austrians, and with havFor I tell you he shall not die alone, and if you ing convicted himself by marrying a Tyrolese shoot him, you shall kill me too." girl? Be wise, dearest father, and see how "Eliza! " cried her father, beseechingly, and shrewdly Ulrich manages every thing, and that he withal angrily, "Eliza, stand back. He is a trai- acts precisely as I told him. It must look as tor, and must die." though he did not marry me of his own accord, "He is no traitor, nor must he die; and if you but compelled by you; otherwise his king and assassinate him you shall assassinate me too," his father, who is a very proud man, would nevei cried Eliza. forgive him. But when they hear what has oc 124 ANDREAS HOFER. curred here, and that you threatened to shoot him where you have kept him for a week past. Ulrich because he would not marry me, the gen- But I tell you, watch him well, and admit I1o cue tlemen at Munich will understand that Ulrich had to him except Lizzie, and prevent him from talkto take me in order to save his life." ing with anybody but his betrothed." "And are you satisfied to have it look as though "I will do so, and watch him as I have done he married you only under compulsion? " asked up to this time," said Schrbpfel, gloomily. " He her father, gloomily. shall not talk with anybody, and I should like it "I am, father," she said, "for I love my be- best if he were not permitted either to speak with trothed; and he shall not become unhappy for Lizzie, for I do not believe at all that she is his my sake and forfeit the good graces of his king betrothed." and his father. State all this to your friends, "We shall see to-morrow morning, when the dear father, and tell them to let Ulrich and me marriage is to take place," said Anthony Wallner. alone for to-day; but ask them all to come to our -" Take the prisoner away." house to-morrow morning and accompany the "You let him go? " exclaimed the men. "You bride and bridegroom to the church, for lrich spare his life?" will marry me at nine to-morrow morning." "Only until to-morrow morning, because Lizzie "But, Lizzie, why not to-day? " asked her begged me to do so," said Anthony Wallner. father. " Why not at this hour? " " The wedding will take place at nine to-morrow "It will not do, father. If you had told me morning; I invite you all to attend it, men, and beforehand what was to be done here, I should we shall see then. To-morrow morning there will have told you at once what I am telling you now: be a wedding or an execution. Now let us speak it will not do for a young girl to appear before no more of it to-day; let us forget what has hapGod's altar without due preparation, and as pened to Anthony Wallner and his daughter; and though she were going to a dance. What I am let us bear in mind only that we have returned going to do is something very serious, and I will after delivering our dear Tyrol from the French do it seriously. I will pray to God to-day, go to and Bavarians. Let us go now to my house, confession, and have a great many things to talk where my wife awaits us with a keg of excellent over with Ulrich, for I know he wants me to set wine. Come, we will drink to the welfare of our out with him immediately after we have been fatherland, and to the health of our dear Emperor married, that it may not look as though he had Francis i" stayed voluntarily with you in our valley. I must, therefore, pack up my things and prepare for departing as soon as we have been married. Let us CHAPTER XXII. alone, then, dear father, to-day, and invite the men to come to-morrow morning and attend my ELIZA AND ULRICH. marriage with Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg." SCHRSPFEL, the faithful servant, had taken Ulrich "Well, then, Lizzie, I will comply with your von Hohenberg, in obedience to Anthony Wallwishes," said Wallner, after a short reflection. ner's order, back to the small room where he had " I will give you and him time until to-morrow passed the last eight days as a prisoner. Since he morning; but I tell you, my daughter, if he con- had him again in his custody, no additional pretinues the same game to-morrow, and talks then cautions were necessary, for Schrdpfel knew that in the same strain as to-day, I shall take the jest he could rely on his own vigilance, and that the in dead earnest, and will not believe a word of all prisoner surely would never escape from him. you say to excuse him: and then his life is for- Hence, he loosened the cords with which he had feited, and he must die.-No, Schrdpfel, come here; been tied, and removed the handkerchief with take the prisoner back to my house, and confine which he had been gagged. ELIZA AND ULRICH. 125 "If it affords you pleasure," said Schripfel, dishonest, and who treated our beautiful, noble' you may use your mouth and inveigh against Lizzie in so infamous a manner! Well, if I were Lizzie Wallner, who has saved your life to-day a in the girl's place, I would not take the perfidious second time, and whom you rewarded like a genu- wretch who has denied her twice already. Oh, inc Bavarian, that is to say, with black ingrat- how merry they are down-stairs! No one thinks itude and treachery. But I advise you not to of me and gives me a drop of wine that I may abuse her loud enough for me to hear you out- likewise drink to the welfare of the fatherland." side, for I am not as patient as Lizzie, and I shall But Schrbpfel was mistaken for once, for quick never permit you to abuse and treat so contempt- footsteps ascended the stailcase at this moment, uounsly the noblest and best girl in the whole and now appeared the lovely head of Eliza Wallcountry. She acted toward you to-day as a good ner above the railing, then her whole form, and a Christian and a brave girl, for you insulted her, second afterward she stood in the passage close and she not only forgave you, but protected you before Schrdpfel. In her hands she held a plate and saved your life. And now, sir, abuse her if with a large piece of the fine cake which her:ou cannot help it; but I tell you once more, do mother herself had baked, and a large glass of ex, not speak too loud, lest I should hear you." cellent red wine. And Schripfel turned with a last threatening "There, good, faithful Schripfel," she said in glance and left the room. Outside he sat down her gentle voice, nodding to him pleasantly, and on the cane-settee.which, for the past eight days, handing the plate to him, " eat and drink, and let had been his seat by day and his couch by night; me in the mean time go and see your prisoner." and he pressed his eye to the middle hole which "What do you want of him? " asked Schrdpfel, he had bored in the door. He could distinctly moodily. see and watch the captain through it. Ulrich "I want to see him about our wedding to-morhad sunk down on a chair and leaned his head on row," said Eliza, calmly; "and you know father his hand; he lifted his sombre eyes to heaven, has given me permission to go to him and speak and there was a strange expression of emotion with him." and grief upon his face. But he seemed not to "Yes, he did, and I cannot prevent you from intend availing himself of the permission which entering, which I would do otherwise," growled Schrdpfel had given him to abuse Lizzie Wallner, Schripfel. "Go in, then, but do not stay too long; for his lips were firmly compressed, and not a and if he should abuse you again, pray call me, sound fell from them. Or could Schriipfel, per- and I will assist you." hips, not hear him, because the men down in the "Thank you, dear Schripfel," said Eliza, "but bar-room were laughing and shouting so merrily, pray admit me now." and speaking so loudly and enthusiastically of the Schrbpfel withdrew his settee from the door, Tyrol, and drinking the health of the emperor and and allowed Eliza to open it, and, entering to the the Archduke John, who had again taken posses- prisoner, closed it again behind her. sion of their country and solemnly proclaimed Ulrich von Hohenberg still sat, as Schripfel had that he would restore the ancient and liberal con- seen him, at the table, leaning his head on his stitution to the Tyrolese? hand; only he had now covered his eyes with his "How merry they are down-stairs!" growled hands, and long sighs issued from his breast. He Schripfel. " I might be there too; I have amply seemed not to know that the-door had opened and deserved to have a little exercise and pleasure. some one had entered, or rather perhaps he thought Instead of that, I must sit here with a dry mouth; it was only Schripfel, and he did not wish to take and if this goes on much longer, I shall surely any notice of him. grow fast to my settee. And all that for the sake Eliza Wallner stood leaning against the wall, of the mean, perfidious Bavarian, who is so utterly and gazed at him a long time with a wondrous ex 126 ANDREAS HOFER. pression of love and grief; for a moment she laid so as a mendacious Bavarian; I did not believe hler hand on her bosom, as if to stifle the cry which you, and knew full well that you had no honest her lips were already about to utter; then sL, cast intentions toward me. For this reason I laughed a beseeching glance toward heaven, and, as if at you, and said the peasant-girl was no suitable strengthened by this mute invocation, she stepped match for you, and rejected all your oaths and forward. protestations of passionate love." "Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg! " she said, in "But afterwards, to punish me for venturing to her sweet, melodious voice. speak of love to you," he exclaimed, impetuously, He gave a start, dropped his hand from his face, "you feigned to have believed my protestations and jumped up. and oaths; and although you had previously "Eliza Wallner!" he said, breathlessly and in laughed at me, you wished now to become my great confusion. wife." She only nodded her head, and fixed her clear,," No," she said, with a fiery glance of disdain; piercing eyes with a proud, reproachful expression "no, afterwards I only wished to save your life. on his face; he dropped his eyes before her gaze. You have utterly mistaken Eliza Wallner's charOn seeing this, Eliza smiled, and, crossing the acter, Ulrich von Hohenberg. You thought Lizzie room with a rapid step, went to the window. Wallner would deem herself exceedingly fortunate " Come here, sir, and look at that. What do to become the wife of an aristocratic gentleman, you see vyonder?" even though he took her only by compulsion; you Ulrich stepped to her and looked out. " I see thought she would be content to leave the Tyrol the mountains and the summits of the glaciers," by the side of the nobleman who disdained her, he said; " and in the direction in which you are and go to the large foreign city of Munich, where pointing your finger, I see also my uncle's castle." the aristocracy would scorn and mock the poor " Do you see also the balcony, Ulrich von Ho- Tyrolese girl. No, sir, I tell you, you have utterly henberg? " she asked, somewhat sarcastically. mistaken my character. I attach no value what"I do," he replied, almost timidly. ever to your aristocratic name, nor to the distinShe looked at him with the proud and lofty air guished position of your family; when I marry, of a queen. I shall choose a husband who loves me with all " When we met last and spoke with each other, his heart, and who does not wish to live without we stood on yonder balcony," added Eliza. " Do me, and takes me of his own accord, and with the you remember what we said at the time, sir?" full enthusiasm of a noble heart. But he would " Eliza," he murmured- have to remain in the mountains and be a son of "You remember it no longer," she interrupted the Tyrol; for my heart is attached to the mounhim, " but I do. On yonder balcony you swore tains, and never would I or could I leave them to to me that you loved me boundlessly; and when remove to a large city. You -see, therefore, UlI laughed at you, you invoked heaven and earth rich, that a marriage with you would by no means to biear witness of your love. Now, sir, heaven appear to me a very fortunate thing; and, moreand earth gave you an opportunity to prove your over, if you had allowed yourself to be compelled ardent love for Eliza Wallner. Did you profit by to marry nme, had you not refused to do so, I that opportunity?" should have despised you all my life long as a "No," he said, in a low voice; "it is true, I miserable coward. I thank you, therefore, for reacted harshly and cruelly toward you, I occasioned sisting the men so bravely, for I should have been, you bitter grief, I-" sorry to be obliged to despise you; you are my "I do not complain," she exclaimed, proudly. dear Elza's cousin, and I myself have always liked "I do not speak of myself, but only of you. You you so well." swore eternal love to me at that time, but you did "Eliza," he exclaimed, impetuously, "you are ELIZA AND ULRICtH. 127 an angel of goodness and lenity, and I stand be- father said:'To-morrow morning there will be a fore you filled with shame and grief. You say you wedding or an execution.'" always liked me so well, and I treated you with so " Well, then, there will be a wedding to-morrow much ingratitude and disdain! Oh, let me press morning," exclaimed Ulrich, casting an ardent this dear hand to my lips, let me thank you for glance on the young girl; "yes, there will be a all that you have done for me!" wedding to-morrow morning. Pray, Eliza, save He tried to seize her hand, but she withdrew it my life a third time to-morrow; become my from him quickly. wife!" "Captain von Hohenberg," she said, "we are " I will save your life," she said, throwiing back no longer on the balcony yonder; nor is it neces- her head, proudly; " but fortunately it is unnecessary that you should kiss my hand. That may be sary for me to become your wife for that purpose. suitable when you have fair ladies from the city I have come here only to save you. Sir, you must before you, but not when you are speaking with escape to-night." a Tyrolese girl. Besides, I did not tell you all'Escape," he said, shrugging his shoulders; this to obtain praise and admiration from you, but "escape, when Schripfel is guarding my door?" to prevent you from taking me for a mean-spirited " Hush! do not speak so loud, sir; he might girl, respecting herself so little as to try to get a hear you, and he must know nothing about it. husband in so dishonorable a manner. No, by the Bend your head closer to me and listen: Go to Holy Virgin, I would rather die and be buried bed early this evening, but extinguish your light under an avalanche than act so meanly and dis- beforehand, lest Schripfel should see any thing. gracefully. But when the peasants were going to My mother told me Schripfel had bored holes in kill you, there was no other way for me to save the door, and was watching you all the time. your life than that of saying that you were my Therefore, go to bed early, and leave your window betrothed, and that was the only reason why I said open. When the church-clock strikes two, listen so. However, I had no ideathat the wedding was fobr any noise, and hold yourself in readiness. to take place to-day, for my dear father had con- That is all I have to say to you, and now goodcealed it from me, and wished to surprise me, be- by." cause he really believed that I loved you. If I She nodded to him, and turned to the door. had known beforehand what father had in view, "But I, Eliza-I have to tell you many things I should have devised some way of preventing him yet," said Ulrich, detaining her. "Pray, stay yet from carrying his plan into effect. But I swear to awhile and listen to me!" you, I had no inkling of it. Therefore, I beg your "No sir, it is time for me to go; my mother is pardon, sir, for the harsh treatment you received waiting for me," replied Eliza, withdrawing her at their hands for my sake." hand from his. "Good-bv, and if you can pray, "Eliza," he said, mournfully, " your words rend pray to God to protect you to-night!" my heart. Oh, do not be so gentle and generous! She opened the door hastily, and stepped out, Be angry with me, call me an infamous villain, and smiled at Scripfel, but the old servant looked who, in his blindness, did not penetrate your mag- at her gloomily. nanimity and heroic self-sacrifice; do not treat me "You stayed a long while with the Bavarian," with this charming mildness which crushes me! he growled. You acted like an angel toward me, and I treated "And yet you did not eat your cake nor empty vou like a heartless barbarian." your glass in the mean time," said Eliza, with at "I forgive you with all my heart, and therefore smile. "You looked again through the hole in you may forgive yourself," she said, with a gentle the door, did you not? You saw, then, Schrbpfel, smile. "But let us speak no longer of the past; that we stood together like a pair of sensible let us think only of the future. You heard what lovers." 128 ANDREAS HOFER. "I did not see any thing," exclaimed Schripfel, go to bed in my chamber. If any thing happens, angrily, "for you placed yourself close to the I shall wash my hands of it." window, and my hole does not enable me to look "Wash them as much as you please, Schrdpfel, around the corner; nor did I hear any thing, for but come down to supper," cried Eliza, hastening you whispered as softly as though you were a down-stairs with the agility of a bird. couple of sparrows which understand each other Shrdpfel looked after her, shaking his head; he when billing and cooing." then locked the door, put the key in his pocket, "Fie, Schrdpfel! do not talk such nonsense," and placed the heavy iron-bound box against the cried Eliza, blushing deeply. "Behave yourself, door. Schrhpfel, and I will bring you another bottle of "And before going to bed, I shall unchain wine to-day, and beg father to let you come down Phylax," he said, as if to console himself, while to supper to-night, and permit you to sleep in your he was going slowly and stiffly down-stairs. bedchamber." Schrdpfel kept his word. Weary and exhaust" I shall take good care to do no such thing," ed as he was, he waited until all the inmates of growled Schrspfel. " I am a sentinel here, and the house had gone to bed, and until all noise had must not desert my post." diel away. He then went into the yard and un" But you may take your sentry-box with you," chained the formidable and ill-humored watch-dog. said Eliza, pointing to his settee. "W When a sol- Phylax howled and trembled with joy and delight dier remains close to his sentry-box, he does not at being released; but Schrdpfel seized his ear and desert his post. Well, good-by, Schripfel; the pointed his other hand at the prisoner's window, sentinel will be relieved to-night." which was brightly illuminated by thile moon. Eliza's words were fulfilled. Toward nightfall "Watch that window well, Phvlax," he said, she informed Schripfel that her father permitted " watch it well; and if you see any thing suspi. him to take his supper at the table down-stairs, cious, call me at once. I shall not sleep so fast and afterward go to bed in his own chamber. as not to hear your barking. Watch it well, "Well, and who is to watch the prisoner in the Phylax." mean time?" asked Schripfel. The dog looked up to the window as if he had "You yourself! Look, you will lock the door understood the order; he then fixed his clear, lusand put the key in your pocket. In addition, you trious eyes on Schrbpfel, and uttered a threatening may put that heavy kox yonder against the door; growl. then you will be sure that your prisoner cannot "Very well," said Schrhpfel, "you have underget out, for I think his chamber has no other stood me. You will watch him, and I may go to outlet." bed." "Yes, it has-the window!" He dropped the ear of the dog, who thereupon "Do you think the Bavarian has wings and bounded wildly through the yard, while Schriipfel will fly out of the window to-night?" limped back into the house. He was heard slowly "It is true he cannot fly out, nor can he jump ascending the staircase and opening the creaking out, for he would simply break his neck. But, door of his bed-chamber, and then all became sinevertheless, I do not like this arrangement at lent. all. Something tells me that it will turn out Night spread its pall over the weary, the sleepwrong. I shall, at least, unchain the watch-dog, ers, and the weeping; the moon stood with silvery who will prevent the Bavarian from escaping lustre high in the heavens, and illuminated the through the window. For the rest, I feel that all snow-clad summits of the mountains rising in the my limbs are stiff, and that I have at length de- rear of the outbuildings in Wallner's yard. Hour served some repose. As it is your father's will, after hour passed by, and all remained silent; not I will go down-stairs, take supper, and afterward a sound broke the holy stillness of night. ELIZA AND ULRICH. 129 Hour after hour passed by; nothing stirred in ly, and the four-footed custodian of the prisoner the yard; the dog sat, as if he had really under- was now a prisoner himself. stood Schrhpfel's words, in the middle of the yard, The yard was empty now. Schrbpfel slept and stared steadfastly at the prisoner's window. soundly in his bedchamber up-stairs, and Phylax Phylax watched, as Schrbpfel had gone to bed; was revelling in epicurean joys in the larder. Phylax watched, and did not avert his eyes from The yard was empty now, but not long, for the the window on which his whole attention seemed dcor of the house opened noiselessly, and a huto be concentrated, for he did not stir, he did not man form stepped out. For a moment it stood even disturb the flies buzzing round his ears; he still near the door, and two voices were heard was all attention and vigilance. All at once whispering in a low tone. something occurred that had never happened to "Good-by, dearest mother," said one voice. him during his nocturnal service; a wondrous, "It is time now, I must go." appetizing scent was wafted to him on the wings "God and the IIoly Virgin will protect you, of the night-breeze. Phylax averted his eyes for dear Lizzie," said the other voice: "for that which a moment from the window and glanced search- you are going to do is right and noble; and father ingly round the yard. Nothing stirred in it, but himself will see before long that you did right. this wonderful scent of a roast sausage still im- Go, Lizzie, and return safely." pregnated the air, and seemed to grow even "I shall be back at eight in the morning," stronger and more tempting; for Phylax pricked whispered Lizzie. "Until then you must say up his ears, raised his nose, snuffing eagerly to nothing about it, dear mother, but tell father I inhale the scent, and rose from the ground. He wished to be alone in my chamber till the wedglanced again round the yard, and then advanced ding-hour. Good-by until then." a few steps toward the window yonder on the She imprinted a kiss on her mother's lips, and side of the house. This window was open, and hastened into the yard. The door was closed the keen nose of the dog told him that the appe- softly. At this moment the church-clock struck tizing scent had come from it. All at once, how- two. ever, Phylax stood still, as if remembering his Eliza glided noiselessly across the yard toward master's orders, and looked again toward the the large ladder leaning against the stable. She prisoner's window. lifted it up with vigorous hands, carried it across At this moment a low voice called him: "Phy- the yard, and placed it against the dwelling-house, lax! come here, Phylax!" so that its top reached the open window of the The dog hesitated no longei.; he had recog- prisoner. She examined if the ladder stood firm, nized the voice of his friend and playmate, Eliza laid a few stones at its foot, to prevent it from Wallner. With two tremendous bounds he was sliding, and then ascended it with cat-like agility, at the window, and, raising himself up, laid his carrying a small bundle on her arm, while she had forepaws on the window-sill, and stretched out put down another in the yard. his head, waiting longingly for the appetizing Now she had reached the captain's window. sausage. "Are you awake, sir?" she asked, in a low "Come, Phylax, come," whispered Eliza; and voice. She stepped back with the sausage into the inte- "I am, Eliza," whispered a voice inside. " I rior of the room. "Come to me, Phylax, come have been awake and waiting for you an hour." to me." "Take this, sir," she said, handing the bundle The temptation was too strong. Phylax hesi- into the window. "It is a suit of clothes, which tated no longer; he moved back a step, and you must put on. It is myfather's holiday dress,, leaped through the window into the room. for you must not wear the Bavarian uniform now. The window was closed behind him immediate- You must put up for a few days with being dis9 130 ANDREAS HOFER. guised as a Tyrolese. Put it on quickly, and rich, in a low voice; and he was soon at the foot then wrap up your uniform in the blanket in of the ladder, and standing in the yard close to which I brought the suit of clothes. But make Eliza. haste, and when you are ready, descend the lad- "Now come," she said; " tread lightly, and do der, and come down into the yard, where I shall not speak, but go softly behind me." await you. Bring the package with the uniform She left him no time for reply, but walked with you, and, above all things, make haste." across, opened the door of the small shed, which She gave the captain no time for reply, but was ajar, went quickly through it, and passed glided rapidly and noiselessly down the ladder. through the opposite door into the orchard lying Onarriving in the yard, she took the haversack behind it. She stood still in front of the door which she had left there, hung it over her shoul- of the shed, and when Ulrich had emerged from der, and took up the rifle. Then she seated her- it, she locked it, and put the key into her pocket. self quietly on a large log close to the ladder, and "Now let us walk as fast as possible, sir," she looked up to the moon, which illuminated her whispered. " We must walk for three hours. face and her whole form. Her face wore a won- Keep your eyes on me, and follow me wherever derfully calm expression; only round her critnson I go." lips quivered at times something like hidden grief, "I will follow you, Eliza," said the captain, and a tear glistened in her large, dark eyes. But earnestly, " wherever you go. You see I have imwhen this tear rolled down her cheek slowly, Eliza plicit confidence in you, for I do not even ask shook her head indignantly, and brushed it away whither you intend to conduct me, or what you with her hand. wish to do with me. I place my life and my fu"Foolish girl! " she murmured, "how can you ture in your hands, and shall do whatever you weepnow? You must bravely take your heart in want me to." your hands now, and hold it so firmly that it can " It will be the best for you," she said, nodding neither cry nor tremble. You must be proud and her head, slightly. "Now come." stiff, and never forget what is due to your honor, And with the quick, firm step peculiar to the and what you owe to your friend Elza. There- Tyrolese, she advanced through the garden, out fore, do not weep, but be a brave Tyrolese girl. of the gate, and into the narrow path leading To-morrow night you may weep in your chamber, through the valley and up to the mountains rising for nobody will see you there; but not to-night- on the opposite side. The moon still shone no, no, not to-night! " brightly upon the valley, and illuminated the two She shook her head violently, forced herself to forms rapidly walking behind each other, casting smile, and gazed pleasantly up to the moon. their long, dark shadows on the side of the road. "God bless thee, golden, rapid wanderer!" she Ulrich von Hohenberg saw in the moonlight said. "Thou shalt accompany us to-night, and that Eliza was carrying the haversack and rifle; pray, dear moon, send all clouds home, and re- he therefore advanced quickly until he stood by main as bright and clear as now; for our route her side, and laid his hand on her arm. is a dangerous one, and if thou dost not help us, "Eliza," he said, vehemently, "pray let me we may easily fall into an abyss, and- Hush, carry the rifle and the haversack; let me take hush, he is coming." your burden upon myself." She rose and looked up to the window, whence She looked at him with a singular expression. the captain emerged at this moment, and appeared "Every one has to carry his own burden," she on the ladder. said; "you have yours, and I have mine." " Throw down your package, sir-I will catch " But what are the arms for, Eliza? You have it," whispered Eliza. armed yourself against me? " "Thank you, I can carry it myself," said U1- She shrugged her shoulders carelessly. " Were ELIZA AND ULRICH. 131 I afraid of you, I would not allow you to walk Now they had reached the summit, and the behind me. But grant me one request, will peak on which they were standing afforded them you?" a strikingly beautiful view. "Speak, Eliza, and whatever it may be, I will "This is the place where we may rest," said comply with it." Eliza, drawing a deep breath. "Well, then, sir, be so kind as not to speak "And may I speak now, Eliza?" asked Ulwith me. Speaking exhausts us and makes us rich. absent-minded. We have a long march before "No," she said; "do you not see that God is us, and must save our breath, and devote our speaking now?" whole attention to the route; for it will lead us And she pointed to the part of the horizon over the narrow paths of the chamois-hunters, and which, radiant in its crimson lustre, lay at the a single false step may hurl us into an abyss. end of the lovely valley opening before them. Therefore, sir, pray do not address me until I Gazing at it, Eliza sank noiselessly down on the speak to you." fragment of a rock, and clasping her hands on "I will obey," said Ulrich, humbly. " Lead her knees, she contemplated the glorious spectathe way; I will follow." cle by which God speaks to man every morning. She nodded to him, and advanced through the The valley was still wrapped in the gloom of narrow valley. The road soon became steeper, twilight, but behind the flat and gently-rounded and led them past precipices, from one rock to mountains yonder rose the flaming glow of raanother, all of which were spanned by narrow diant crimson, and sent a few purple clouds as planks, under which unfathomable chasms heralds of the approaching majesty into the azure yawned. Then it led through thickets of shrub- sky. A rosy hue covered the glaciers of the Ven bery and pine-forests, or down precipitous slopes, ediger and Gross-Glockner, which looked down in and over small fragments of rock, which gave way proud majesty on the mountains bordering the at every step, and rolled into the depth. Eliza valley, and which had hitherto wrapped their sumsuddenly stood still and broke the silence for the mits in veils of glistening silver. On beholding first time. the divine majesty of the sun, they dropped their " You must not go behind me here, sir," she veils, their summits crimsoned and loomed up to raid, " for the loose stones would not permit you the sky in dazzling splendor. The rays gilding to advance. Come to me, and give me your hand. them shed a lustre on the lower wooded mounlVe must walk side by side." tains, greeted the spires of the churches rising He was immediately by her side, and took her amidst the villages, dissipated the mist which had hand. "May I speak now, Eliza?" he asked. hitherto filled the valley, and converted the wa" No," she said, imperatively, "we have no ters of the foaming Isel, meandering through the Jime for chatting. Forward!" valley, into liquid gold. The gloom entirely disAnd they continued ascending the mountain. appeared, and the whole landscape was radiant in the valley, and even the mountain-forest, lay al- its morning beauty. God had willed that there,eady deep under them. Only scattered and should be light, and the earth lay smiling and;tanted trees stood here and there, and finally surpassingly beautiful under the first glowing!ven these disappeared entirely. The moon com- rays of the sun. nenced paling in the heavens, and vet it did not Eliza gazed with a rapt smile upon the sublime )ecome darker, for the gray twilight was lit up at scene; the clouds had disappeared from her brow;imes with a purple lustre; the small, scudding also, and the gloom bad vanished from her eyes. blouds began to turn red; the pale, foggy moun- "Oh, how beautiful is the world! how beauti-.ain-peaks colored, and a strange whispering ful is my dear Tyrol!" she exclaimed, fervently, )assed through the air. "I greet you, beloved mountains guarding our 132 ANDREAS HOFER frontiers! I greet you, Gross-Glockner and Windisch-Matrey; for all your kindness and magVenediger! Yes, gaze upon the Tyrol, for now nanimity I shall give you the only thing I have to you may rejoice over it! The enemy is no longer give, my name. You will, you shall become my in the country, and I am bringing you the last Ba- wife! Come, your father and your friends await varian who is still here, that you may send him us at the church; I will conduct you thither and across the border. Sir," she added, turnipg her to the altar." face, illuminated by the sun, slowly to the young "I will not do it," she exclaimed, proudly; " foI man, who had not contemplated the sun, but only as sure as there is a God in heaven, I should say her face, " we must part here. I only intended to'no' before the altar, and reject your hand." conduct you hither, to the Kalser Thcrl. You "Well, then, do that," he said, gently; "I have will now descend to the village of Kals, which you deserved this humiliation; I owe you an oppor see in the valley yonder. Look, back there, its tunity to wreak your vengeance on me." red roofs are rising out of the green shrubbery. "I do not want to avenge myself. I have sworn You will go to the inn there, and give this letter to myself and to my dear Elza to save you, and I to Lebrecht Panzl, the innkeeper. He is my will. Go, sir; time is fleeting, and you have E mother's brother, and she writes him in this march of seven hours before you." letter to give you a reliable guide, who is to con- " No, I will not go," cried Ulrich, vehemently duct you over the Pruschler Thilrl and the Katz- "I cannot go, for I love you, Eliza. Oh, I have enstein to Heiligenblut. You will reach Ileiligen- loved you a long while, but my haughty heart re blut in seven hours. Its inhabitants speak Ba- volted at this love, and would not yield to it; an( varian German; your Bavarian dialect will not be yet I was deeply, passionately enamoured of you suspicious to them, and you will easily find there But my heart did not know itself, it believed a a guide to conduct you wherever you wish to go. l1st that it might hate you, when all at once you Ydu will find some food for to-day in the haver- generosity, lenity, and magnanimity dissipated al sack here, and also some money, and powder and mists concealing my heart from my eyes, and lead. Take it, sir; here is the rifle, and here the perceived how passionately I loved you. Oh haversack. Unless you have them with you, no Eliza, beloved girl, do not turn from me! Giv, one will take you for a genuine Tyrolese. There. me your hand; let us go home; accept my hand Put your clothes into the sack, you can carry them become my wife! Love beseeches of you nov better that way; hang the rifle round your shoul- what pride refused to you before: accept my hand der, and then adieu!" my name! Let us descend into the valley, go t, "And vou think, Eliza, I can accept all this the church, and be married." kindness and magnanimity? " cried Ulrich, vehe- She shook her head slowly. "I have alreadI mently; "you think I can accept at your hands told you," she said, "that I should say'no' hb food, money-nay, more, my life, my honor, and fore the altar. We do not belong together. Yol leave you with a cold'thank you,' after deny- are a nobleman, and I, as you have often calle. ing and insulting you in the despair of my wounded me in your anger, am a peasant-girl; you are a Be military honor? No, Eliza, you have mistaken varian, and I, thank God, am again an Austriar my character. I will not go, I will not leave you. We do not belong together, and I believe it woul, I followed you here to see how far your magna- not behoove you to appear with me now befor nimity and noble self-abnegation would go; but the altar and marry me. For every one woul, now I shall return with you to Windisch-Matrey. think you took me only to save your life, and you Your father invited to the wedding the men who honor would be lost, not only in Bavaria, but als wished to kill me yesterday; they will await usat here among us. The brave men would despis the church at nine this morning, and they shall you, and contempt-I felt it when you looked a not wait in vain. Come, Eliza, let us return to me so disdainfully yesterday-is worse than death :. ---- ----- - -` — -- --:- -- --------- ------- --— 7_ —--- _-2L —-- —;----=-= —-— - — - --- ----- —----- ----------.. —-;-1 — — j —-L-; —- L L —= —-1ZLT-_-- __- —;_ _- _;; ---- --— C —L —S.i --- ---- -—' ----- -— =-cc — ------- --- —- —- --- ~ — -- -- L1=-=--I ---7;=-==-=r====_;-_ - ----— —---— —--- -— —— -__ —-- ~ —- - — -- —-----------— ------— ~: — -- — LL---- --: - -:I~r-===-1 -— ___ -— 45 —-— =. —- ---- -— i rI rj IiI,I iir ~aasg` ~:r: IiliI' I' i; Ilr b/& I (I I1 1 IiJj jj i I II 1 -c= — jl I -s-, — —---!~Jj II' i l!j II111! (i ii a:BI i1 I g iiliii IIiii!iiiiiil;;i riirii;i SLPINE ROSES. p.;3:. ELIZA AND ULRICH. 133 Go, therefore, my dear sir; your honor requires must be at home again by eight o'clock, in order it." not to keep the men waiting. Let us part, there"Well, then, you are right, I will go. I see fore." that I must not apply for your hand at this june- "Well, then," sighed Ulrich," it is your will, ture. But I shall return so soon as peace is re- and we must part, but not forever. I swear, by stored to the country, and when all these troubles God Almighty and my love, I shall return when are over. Promise me, Eliza, that you will wait the war is over, and when the quarrels of the nafor me and not forget me. For I swear to you, I tions are settled. I shall return to ask you if you shall return and marry you, in spite of the whole will be mine, my beloved wife, and if you will at world." last crown my love with happiness. Hush, do not "You will not," she said, shaking her head, contradict me, and do not tell me again that you "for I shall not take you. I do not love you." do not love me. I hope in the future, and we "Eliza," he cried, seizing her hand impetuous- shall see whether it will bring me happiness or ly, and gazing deep into her eyes, "you are just doom me to despair. Farewell, then, Eliza; and hs much mistaken as I was myself. I loved you if you will yet give to the poor wanderer, to whom a long time without knowing it, and thus, sweet you have given life, food, money, and clothes, a one, you love me too!" priceless treasure, a talisman that will shield him "No," she exclaimed, vehemently, and turning from all temptations of the world, then give me a very pale, "no, I do not love you!" kiss!" " Yes, you do," he said, tenderly. " I felt it, "No, sir; an honest Tyrolese girl never kisses and knew it by the tone in which, stepping before any man but the one whose wife she is to be. You me, and shielding me with your body, you ex- see, therefore, that I cannot give you a kiss. Go; claimed yesterday,'If you shoot him, you shall sir. But have you no commissions to give me for kill me too.' Pity and compassion do not speak your uncle and my dear Elza?" thus; only love has such tones of anguish, de- " Greet them both; tell them that I love you, spair, and heroism. I felt it at that moment, and Eliza, and that you rejected my proposals." the blissful delight which filled my heart on recog- "That does not concern anybody, and only we nizing it, made me at length conscious of my own two and the good God shall know, it, but no one love. I confessed to myself that I never should else. But, sir; give me a souvenir for Elza; it be able to love any other woman on earth, and will gladden her heart." never would marry any other woman than you. "I have nothing to give her," he said, shrugOh, Eliza, let us no longer resist the happiness ging his shoulders. that is in store for us. Let the whole past be She pointed to the crimson Alpine roses bloomburied behind us. Let the future be ours, and ing at their feet amidst the grass and moss. with it love and happiness!" "Gather some of these flowers, and give them She shook her head slowly. "You have read to me," she said; "I will take them to Elza, and badly in my heart," she said; "you do not under- tell her that you gathered the flowers for her." stand the letters written in it, and what you spell He knelt down, gathered a handful of Alpine from it is false. I do not love you, and would roses, and tied them together with a few blades rlever consent to become your wife. Let us drop of grass. "I would," he said, still kneeling in the subject. We two can never be husband and the grass, "they were myrtles that I was gatherwife, but we may remember each other as good ing for you, Eliza, for you, my affianced bride, friends. And so, sir, I will always remember you, and that you would accept them at my hands as and shall be glad to hear that you are well and the sacred gift of love. There, take the bouquet happy. But let us say no more about it, and go. for Elza, and give it to her with my greetings." You have a march of seven hours before you; I She stretched out her hand to take it; but Ul 134 ANDREAS HOFER. rich, instead of giving it to her, pressed the bou- Eliza, uttering a loud cry, knelt down, and quet to his lips, and imprinted an ardent kiss on tears, her long-restrained, scalding tears, streamed the flowers; then only did he hand it to Eliza.- like rivers down her cheeks. She lifted her arms, "Now, Eliza," he said, "take it. You refused her clasped hands, to heaven, and nurmured me a kiss, but you will carry my glowing kiss with quivering lips: "Protect him, my God, for home with you,, and with it also my heart. I Thou knowest how intensely I love him!" shall come back one day to demand of you your She remained a long time on her knees, weepheart and my kiss. Farewell! It is your will, ing, praying, struggling with her grief and her and so I must go. I do not say, forget me not; love. But then all at once she sprang to her feet, but I shall return, and ask you then:' Have you brushed the tears from her eyes, and drew a deep forgotten me? Will you become my wife?' Un- breath. til then, farewell!" "I must and will no longer weep," she said to He gazed at her with a long look of love and herself in a loud, imperative voice. "Otherwise tenderness; she avoided meeting his look, and they would see that I had been weeping, and no when he saw this, a smile, radiant as sunshine one must know that. I must descend in order to and bliss, illuminated his features. be at home in time, and then I will tell father and " Go, sir," she said, in a low voice, averting her the other men that Ulrich never was my betrothface. ed, and that I said so only to save his life. They "I am going, Eliza," he exclaimed. "Fare- will forgive me for helping him to escape when I well!" tell them that I never loved him nor wvould have He seized her hand impetuously, imprinted on taken him, because he is a Bavarian, but that I it a burning kiss before she was able to prevent saved him because he is a near relative of my him, dropped it, and turned to descend the slope dear Elza. And after telling and explaining all with a slow step. this to the men, I shall go to Elza, give her the Eliza stood motionless, and as if fascinated; flowers, and tell her that Ulrich sent them to her, she gazed after him, and followed with an ab- and that his last word was alove-greeting for her. sorbed look his tall, noble form, descending the God, forgive me this falsehood! But Elza-loves mountain, surrounded by a halo of sunshine. him, and it will gladden her heart. She will preAll at once Ulrich stood still and turned to her. serve this bouquet to her wedding-day, and she " Eliza," he shouted, "did you call me? Shall I will not notice that I kept one flower from it for return to you?" myself. It is the flower which he kissed; it shall She shook her head and made a violent gesture be mine. I suppose, good God, that I may take indicating that lie should not return, but said it, and that it is no theft for me to do so? " nothing; the words choked in her breast. She looked up to heaven with a beseeching He' waved his hand to her, turned again, and glance; then she softly drew one of the flowers continued (lescending the slope. from the bouquet, pressed it to her lips, and conEliza looked after him; her face turned paler cealed it in her bosom. and paler, and her lips quivered more painfilly. "I will preserve this flower while I live," she Once they opened as if to call him back with a exclaimed. " God strengthened my heart so that cry of anguish and love; but Eliza, pressing her I was able to reject him; but I shall love him forhand violently upon her mouth, forced the cry ever, and this flower is my wedding-bouquet. 1 back into her heart, and gazed down on Ulrich's shall never wear another!" receding form. She extended her arms in the direction where Already lie had descended half the slope; now Ulrich had disappeared. "Farewell!" she cried. he reached the edge of the forest, and alas! dis- "I greet you a thousand times, and my heart goes appeared in the thicket. with you! " THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH. 135 Then she turned and hastily descended the path i asperation in their hearts, and surrender to the which she had ascended with Ulrich von Hohen- tender mercies of the French emperor; they had berg. opened their gates to the enemy, but not their hearts. Their hearts were filled with boundless rage and shame, which brought wild imprecations C1H~APTER XXIII. to the lips of the men, and tears to the eyes of the women. THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH. Joseph Haydn, the silver-haired octogenarian, IT was a wondrously beautiful morning in May; had still the heart of a fiery man in his bosom, the sun shone clear and bright; the birds sang in and his trembling lips cursed the conqueror, the all the shrubs and trees, and the gay spring flowers relentless foe of Austria, and called down the exhaled their fragrant odors in all the gardens. wrath of Heaven on the French emperor, who Nature had donned its holiday attire, and yet always spoke of peace and conciliation, and alhumanity was in mourning; the sun shone clear ways stirred up quarrels and enmities. The latest and bright, and yet the eyes of men were sombre reverses of Austria had produced a most painful imand lustreless, and instead of rejoicing over the pression upon the aged maestro, and the ravishing fresh verdure and the blossoms of spring, they joy which had illuminated Joseph Haydn's face grieved, and their hearts were frozen with care at the performance of "The Creation," had long and pain. since disappeared from his careworn and mournFor the Emperor Napoleon had raised his proud ful countenance. His eyes were gloomy and dim, hand again against Germany; he had defeated and often veiled with tears; and when he played the Austrians at Ratisbon and Landshut, and his imperial hymn, as he did every morning, he made his triumphant entrance into Vienna on the could not sing to it, for tears choked his voice, 12th of May, 1809. and the words, so full of confidence and triumFor the second time the imperial family, fleeing phant hope, seemed to him a bitter mockery. from the victorious Napoleon, had been compelled He led now a very quiet and lonely life at his to leave the capital; for the second time the for- small house in the Mariahilf suburb, and he did eign emperor occupied the palace of Sch;nbrunn, not even leave it, as he had formerly always done, and Vienna had to bow again to the will of thle on Sundays, in order to go to mass. The sight all-powerful conqueror. The Emperor Francis had of the French uniforms wounded his heart, and escaped with his wife and children to Hungary, he grieved on seeing his beloved Viennese opand Vienna, whose inhabitants had at first sworn pressed and humiliated. enthusiastically to defend their city to the last "God is every where," said Haydn to his faithman, and lay it in ashes rather than surrender it ful servant, Conrad, "and He-I will hear my prayer to the French, had nevertheless opened its gates even though I should utter it in my quiet closet, already on the 12th of May to thle Emperor Na- and not at church. But to-day, my friend, I will poleon and his army. It had to bow to stern pray to God in the open air. See how gloriously necessity, for during the previous night the Arch- the sun shines, and how blue the sky is! To-day duke Maxirnilian, with the weak forces with which is Sunday. Let us, therefore, put on our Sunday he had been ordered-to defend Vienna, had evacu- clothes. Conrad, give me the fine ring which the ated the city, had burned the great bridge of great King of Prussia presented to me, and then Thabor to prevent Napoleon from pursuing him, come to hear mass in my little garden." and had succeeded in escaping, leaving it to the Conrad fetched quickly the Sunday clothes of Viennese to make terms with the conqueror and his master; he helped him to put on the silken invoke his clemency and generosity. They had and silver-embroidered coat, and put the large thus been obliged to conceal their rage and ex- diamond-ring, which Frederick the Great had one 136 ANDREAS HOFER. day sent to the great master of harmony, on his donna assoluta, and compare him with the nightfinger. Then he handed him his hat and his ingale. But tell me, for God's sake, where did strong cane, which was adorned with a golden the bird hear that melody? Why, Paperl whistles cross-piece, that the tottering octogenarian might the great base-air from' The Creation' as though lean on it. Joseph Haydn now left the room he were the first singer. Where did he learn slowly, his right hand leaning on his cane, his left it?" arm resting on the shoulder of his servant. Be- "I taught him the melody, doctor," said Con hind him walked with a grave step the old cat, rad, proudly; "I gave him lessons for three an heirloom from Haydn's lamented wife, and months, and he took pains to learn the melody, hence highly prized and honored by the aged for he knew full well that we two were preparing maestro. Purring softly, now raising its beautiful a little surprise and joy for our dear master, the long tail, now rolling it up, the cat followed close great Joseph Haydn." in the footsteps of its master, through the hall and "And that is the reason why I have not seen across the yard to the small garden. Paperl for so long," said Haydn, nodding his "Howbeautiful it is here!" said Haydn, stand- head gently. "I did not wish to inquire after ing still in the door of the garden, and slowly him, for I was afraid the answer would be that looking around at the flowers and shrubbery, the the bird was dead and had gone home to my dear humming bees and flitting butterflies. "Oh, how old wile." gloriously beautiful is God's creation, and how "Well, I am sure Paperl would never go to radiant-" her," said Conrad, laughing; "the two could " How radiant is nature," interrupted Conrad; never get along with each other, and were always "how brilliantly the sun shines, and how splendid quarrelling. Whenever Paperl could catch one the lawn looks!" of your wife's fingers, he bit it with his thick "You are a fool, old Conrad, to repeat these beak, and she hated the bird cordially for it, and words firom my'Creation,'" said Haydn, with a would have preferred sending him to the grave to gentlesmile. "I wasnot thinkingofmy' Creation' descending into it herself. But Paperl did not at this moment, but of God's creation. And He die, and you need not be anxious on his account, certainly knew more about the music of the doctor. Such parrots live a thousand years. creation than I did, and-just listen how the Therefore, I locked him up in my chamber for nightingale sings in the elder-bush yonder! It is three months, and taught him the beautiful air, an air such as is to be found only in God's creation, that the bird might whistle it to mankind a thouand as Joseph Haydn, with all his talents and en- sand years hence, and remind all of the great comthusiasm, never was able to compose. Oh, how poser, Joseph Haydn." sweetly this prima donna assoluta of the good God "Ah, my dear old Conrad," sighed Haydn, sinksings, and what divine melodies, modulations, and ing into the easy-chair which Conrad had placed harmonies she warbles forth, and-but what is for him under the fragrant elder-bush, " a thouthat?" sand years hence no one will know any thing "That is the parrot singing an air from Joseph about us, and we shall be nothing but dust reHaydn's'Creation,"' exclaimed Conrad, bursting turned to dust. But God will remain, and His into triumphant laughter. "And just listen, doe- sun will shine a thousand years hence as glorioustor, the prima donna assoluta of the good God has ly as it does to-day; and His nightingales will sing become entirely silent, and listens with delight to the same wonderful melodies from His creation the divine melodies, modulations, and harmonies long after my' Creation' has been forgotten." of my dear master, Joseph hIaydn." He paused, and clasping his hands devoutly, "You are a fool, Conrad, despite your seventy lifted his eyes to heaven. By his side, on the years," said Haydn, " to call old Paperl my prima high pole, its right leg fastened to it with a small THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH. 137 silver chain, the parrot sat, and fixed its piercing, hypocritical French emperor, who throws the firesagacious eyes upon him; the cat lay at Haydn's brand of war into all parts of Europe, who always feet, and gazed with philosophical equanimity at has pharisaical words of peace in his month, and the flies which were buzzing from flower to flower, gives himself the appearance of wishing to reconand pricked up its ears attentively whenever a cile all, when he is intent only on setting all at small bird rustled in the shrubbery, or skipped variance. Oh, Conrad, when I think of this Emmerrily from branch to branch in the fragrant peror Napoleon, of the innocent blood which he walnut-tree. Beside the easy-chair stood Conrad, has already shed, and of the many thousand victhe old servant, his faithful, honest face turned tims which have already fallen to his ambition, toward his master with an expression of infinite my heart swells up in boundless exasperation, tenderness, and quite absorbed in contemplating and I begin to doubt even the goodness and justice this mild, smiling, and calm octogenarian, whose of God!-But hush, hush, my wild heart," he ineyes were looking around slowly, and seemingly terrupted himself, lifting his eyes with a beseechgreeting God and Nature. In the distance bells ing glance to heaven. "God will manage every were ringing and calling devout worshippers to di- thing for the best. He will one day, with a beck vine service; their notes resounded tremulously of His hand, hurl the French usurper from his through the air like a solemn accompaniment to throne, and cause Austria to rise great and powerthe voices of Nature. ful from her humiliating position. Ile will pro"Oh, how beautiful, how beautiful! " murmured tect Germany from the wrongs inflicted upon her Haydn. "Why can I not exhale with this sigh by France, and avenge the disgrace which every of joy my old life, which is no longer good for German has to stiffer at the hands of the French. any thing? Why can I not die with this prayer That is the hope which I shall take with me into of gratitude toward God on my lips, and waft my my grave; that is the confidence I have in Thee, soul up to heaven, as that bird yonder is at this 0 my God!" moment soaring toward the sun!" He lifted both his hands toward heaven, and "Oh, sir, why do you talk already of dying? " prayed in a low voice. Then he rose slowly from cried Conrad, anxiously; "you must live yet a long his chair, and turned his head with smiling greetwhile, a joy to mankind, and honored and es- ings on all sides. teemed by the whole world." "Conrad," he said, gently, "I take leave of "And a burden to myself," sighed Haydn. "I Nature to-day, for it seems to me as if I never am exhausted, Conrad; I have no longer strength should see again my dear little garden, the flowenough to live. This unfortunate war crushed to ers and birds, the sun and the sky. Oh, farewell, the ground and broke my poor heart.* When then, great and holy Nature! I have loved thee Napoleon made his second entrance into Vienna, passionately all my life, and glorified thee in my and our good Emperor Francis had to escape works to the best of the power which God imagain from the capital, I felt as though my heart parted to me. Farewell, Nature! farewell, sunwere rent asunder, and this rent will never heal shine and fragrant flowers! Joseph Haydn takes again. The misfortunes of my fatherland will leave of you, for his task is fulfilled, and his soul cause me to bleed to deathll Ah, how dreadful is weary. Come, my old Conrad, conduct me'it is that Austria and my emperor were humiliated back to the house. I will return to my room. I so profoundly, and that they had to bow to the am tired, ah, so exceedingly tired!" Emperor of the French! I cannot comprehend He passed his arm around Conrad's neck, and, why the Lord permits it, and why He does not leaning his other hand on his cane, walked slowly hurl down His thunderbolts upon the head of this and pantingly up the narrow path. At this moment the nightingale in the elder* Haydn's own words.-" Zeitgenossen," vol. iv., p. 36. bush recommenced its jubilant song, and at the 138 ANDREAS HOFER. same time the parrot raised its shrill voice, and pinks, and elder-flowers, dried the tears filling his began to whistle the sweet notes of the air from eyes, and conducted his master carefully back into Haydn's "' Creation." the house. Haydn stood still and listened.' "Conrad," he He had just seated him in his easy-chair, and said, in a low voice, " we will now consult an ora- placed the embroidered cushion under his feet, cle as to my life and death. If the parrot pauses when the shrill street-bell resounded in the ball. first, I shall die soon; if the nightingale pauses, "Go and see who is there," said Haydn, holdGod will permit me to live a while longer." ing the bouquet in both his hands, and contemHle lifted his eyes devoutly to the sky, over plating it with loving eyes. whose azure plain white cloudlets were scudding Conrad slipped out of the room and returned in like silver swans, and his lips muttered a low a few minutes. prayer. "There is a stranger from Berlin," he said, The nightingale still sang its wonderful love- "who begged me urgently to adnit him to Dr. songs, and the parrot tried to drown its notes Haydn. Mr. Schmid, the manager of the theatre, with Haydn's beautiful melody. is with him, and requests you to see the stranger, Conrad smiled blissfully. " My Paperl has a who, he says, is a celebrated poet." long breath," he said, "and the nightingale will "If Schmid is with him, let them come in," be unable to cope with him; Rupert will outsing said Haydn, mildly; "it will doubtless be the it." last time I shall see my dear old friend on earth." But the nightingale, as if irritated by this rival- Conrad threw open the door, and beckoned the ry, now seemed to put forth its whole art and gentlemen, who were standing outside, to come strength. The ringing trills were followed by in. The two crossed the threshold softly on tiplong, sweet flute-notes, which filled the air like a toe, and with faces expressive of profound reverjoyous hymn of tenderness, drowning the voices ence; as if seized with compassion or pious awe, of all other birds, and the sighing breeze, and they stood still at the door, and gazed with eyes seemed to arouse the flowers from their sweet full of tenderness upon Haydn, who, at this moslunber, till they trembled with blissful trans- ment, overcome perhaps by the spring air, had ports, and softly raised their flowery crowns tow- closed his eyes, and not heard the entrance of the ard the blooming elder, in whose dark foliage was visitors. concealed the nightingale, Nature's great and yet "That is he," whispered one of the two, a man modest artiste. of a tall, erect form, with a face radiant with unYes, all Nature seemed to listen with blissful derstanding and sagacity. "That is he!" he reattention to this wonderful song of the nightin- peated, fixing his ardent eyes on the composer. gale, and even the parrot could, no longer resist " Yes, that is Joseph Haydn," said the other, the charm. Paperl hesitated, then commenced in a low voice, and an expression of profound again, hesitated a second time, and was silent. grief overspread his broad, good-natured face. HIaydn dropped his clasped hands slowly, and "But hush! he opens his eyes." turned his eyes from heaven to earth. "I knew And he approached Haydn, who held out both it full well," he murmured; "the oracle has de- his hands to him, and greeted him with a gentle cided my fate, and Joseph Haydn's' Creation' is smile. silenced by God's creation. Come into the house, "Do you come to bid farewell to your old Conrad; Iam cold and tired. But first give me a friend once more previous to his death?" he few of my fragrant friends, my dear flowers. They asked, mildly. "Do you wish to take leave of shall speak to me in my room of the splendor and me, my dear friend Schmid?" beauty of the world." "No, I do not come to bid you farewell, but Conrad gathered hastily a full bouquet of roses, wish you good-day," said Schmid, warmly, " and THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH. 139 pray you to receive this gentleman here kindly. "Yes, the' Seasois,'" cried Haydn, almost reIt is Ifiland, the celebrated actor and poet from hemently, " gave me the death-blow. It was so Berlin. He had come to Vienna before the difficult for me to derive enthusiasm from the French took the city, and after its capture he words of the text. The words said solittle, really could no longer get out; they detained him, and so very little! Frequently a single passage caused it was not until now that, by dint of the most me a great deal of;rouble for several days, and I pressing solicitations, he received permission to did not succeed after all in expressing the idea I return to Berlin." wished to convey to the hearers. The words were "But I could not leave Vienna without seeing a dead weight on my music. Well, it is all over the great Haydn," exclaimed Iffland, in his fine, now. Yes, you see, it is all over now. The sonorous voice. "What would the people of Ber-' Seasons' is to blame for it, for it exhausted my lin think of me if I had not seen the most illustri- last strength. I have had to work hard all my ous genius of our time?" lifetime; I had to suffer hunger, thirst, and cold "Sir," said Haydn, with a sigh, "look at me, in my wretched attic, whence I had to descend a and learn from my weakness how fragile man is hundred and thirty steps before reaching the with all his glory." street. Privations, hard work, hunger, in short, " Man alone is fragile, but genius is immortal," all that I suffered in my youth, are now exerting exclaimed Iffland, "and Joseph HIaydn is a genius their effects on me and prostrating me. But it is whose glory never will die." an honorable defeat-it is hard work to which I "Let my footman tell you the glory of the night- am succumbing. However, God assisted me. I ingale and the parrot," said Haydn, with a faint never felt it more strikingly than this very day, smile. "The works of man are perishable, but and therefore I am so happy, oh! so happy, that the works of God last forever." I must shed tears of blissful emotion. Do not "But the works of man come likewise from laugh at me on this account. I am a weak old God, for it was lie who gave him the strength to man, and when any thing affects me profoundly, I breate them," replied Iffiland, warmly. "Did not must weep. It was otherwise in former years. the great and glorious creations of your genius Ah, in former years!" lie turned his tearful eyes come just as much from God as the flowers which toward the window, and gazed into vacancy. "In you hold in your hand, and the perfumes of which former years my mind was strong and vigorous," he delight you so visibly?" sighed, " and when I wrote my' Creation,' a manly "Yes, these flowers are beautiful," said Haydn, fire filled my heart." musingly. "Your enthusiasm is imprinted on your great "The bouquet is doubtless a gift from one of work, and it will never disappear from it," said the many fair admirers of our maestro?" asked Iffiand. "Joseph Haydn's' Creation' is immortal Schmid, laughing. andfilll of eternal youth. The Viennese proved Haydn looked up to him smilingly and shook it to you on hearing your sublime music the other his head gently. "No," he said, "it is the last day." souvenir of Nature, to which I have bidden fare- "But I proved to them that I had become so well. I worshipped to-day in the open air, feeble that I could no longer bear listening to my and this is the rosary with which I will pray. Ah, own music. I had to leave the room long before I love Nature so passionately!" the performance was at an end." "And you have taught those whose eyes and " You ought not to have gone to the concert at ears were closed against the holy charms of Na- all," said Schmid. "The excitement might have ture, how to see and hear, " said Iffland. " Your been injurious to your health." Seasons' is the most glorious hymn on God's "It was injurious to me," said Haydn, "but splendid world." considerations of health had no right to prevent 140 ANDREAS HOFER. me from being present. It was not the first time Haydn, smilingly. " I will show them to you.that homage had been rendered to Haydn, and I Conrad, give me my treasures." wished to show that I was able to bear it this time Conrad opened the drawer of the large writingtoo. Ah, it was a glorious evening, and never did table which was standing close to Haydn, and I hear a better performance of my' Creation.' which contained a great many large and small "It was the great composer's apotheosis which Rtuis, caskets, and boxes. the musicians and singers were celebrating," said "You shall see my treasures now," exclaimed Iffland, deeply moved. Haydn, cheerfully. In the first place, he showed "It is true the Viennese have done a great deal them a beautiful casket made of ebony and gold. fbr me. They are so good, and they love me It was a gift with which the young Princess Esterdearly." hazy had presented the beloved and adored friend " Oh, the Viennese are not ahead of the people of her house only a few weeks ago, and on whose of Berlin in this respect," exclaimed Iffiland. " In lid was painted a splendid miniature representing Berlin, too, every one knows and loves the great the scene at the last performance of " The CreaJoseph Haydn, and his' Creation' is likewise recog- tion," when Haydn received the enthusiastic h omnized there as a masterpiece. It was performed age of the audience. He then showed them the in Berlin quite recently at a charity concert, the large gold medal sent him, in 1800, from Paris, receipts of which amounted to over two thousand by the two hundred and fifty musicians who, on dollars." Christmas evening in that year, had performed "Over two thousand dollars for the poor," said " The Creation," and thereby delighted all Paris. Joseph Haydn, with beaming eyes; "oh, my Then followed many other medals from musical work, then, gave the poor a good day. That is societies and conservatories, and valuable diamond splendid, that is the most beautifill reward for a rings, snuff-boxes, and breastpins from kings and life of toils and privations! But," he added, after emperors. Last, Haydn showed them, with pecua brief pause, " it is all over now. I can no longer liar emotion, the diploma of citizenship which the do any thing. I am a leafless tree, which will break city of Vienna had conferred on him. It was condown to-day or to-morrow." tained in a silver case, and its sight caused his " The fall of this tree will move the whole of eyes even now to flash with the most intense satisGermany as a great calamity befalling every lover faction. of his country." He had placed on the table before him every' Yes, it is true, much love has been manifested piece, after showing it to them and explaining its for me, much homage has been rendered to me," meaning; and now that all the treasures were said Haydin, musingly. spread out before him, he contemplated them with "All nations and all princes have rendered hom- a blissful smile, and nodded to them as if to dear age to you," exclaimed Iffland. "The laurel- old friends. wreath, for which we other poets and artists are "Do not laugh at me," he said, lifting his eyes struggling all our lifetime, and which is generally to Iffland, almost beseechingly. " I am fondly bestowed upon us only after we are in the grave, attached to these things, and hence it delighted was long since granted to you in the most flatter- me to look at them from time to time with my ing and gratifying manner. Europe has presented friends. You will say they are the playthings of you, not with one, but with many laurel-wreaths, an old man. But they are more than that to me; and you may look back on your life like a victori- on beholding them, I think of my past life, and ous hero, for each of your exploits was a triumph my recollections render me young again for a few for which you received laurel-wreaths and tro- moments. After my death all these things will phies." pass into dear hands, and I hope that, when "Yes, I have many souvenirs of my past," said I am slumbering in my grave, my souvenirs will THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH. 141 be carefully preserved and honored if only for in his hand, and fixing his gleaming eyes on my sake.".* H-aydn, who gazed at him with a gentle smile, "I hope the day is distant when Germany will Iffland recited in his full, sonorous voice Wiehave to lament the death of her favorite, Josephl land's beautiful lines: Haydn," exclaimed Iffland. "Wie strom't dein wogender Gesang'That day is close at hand," said Haydn, In unsre Herzen ein I Wir 3seen "I feel to-day more distinctly than ever Der Schopfung mlcht'gen Gang, calmly;'*I teel to-day more distinctly than ever Den Hauch des Herrn auf dem Gewasser wehen; before that my end is drawing nigh. My strength Jetzt durch ein blitzend Wort das erste Licht entstehen, is exhausted." stee, Und die Gestirne sich durch ihre Bahnen drehen; "Let us go," whispered Schmid, pointing to Wie Baum und Pflanze wird, wie sich der Berg erhebt, Und froh des Lebens sich die jungen Thiere regen. Haydn, who had feebly sunk back into hionner rollet uns easy-ntgegen; Der Donner rollet uns entgegen; chair, and was leaning his pale head against the Der Regen sauselt. jedes Wesen strebt In's Dasein; und bestimmt, des Schopfers Werk cusihions. zu kronen Iffland fixed his eyes for a long time with an Sehn wir das erste Paar, gefiihrt von Deinen TVnen. expression of heart-felt grief on the groaning, Oh, jedes Hochgefiihl, das in dem Herzen schlief, Ist wach! Wer rnlet nicht: wie schen ist diese Erde I broken form reposing in the easy-chair. Und sch~iner, nun ihbr Herr auch dich in's Dasein rief, Auf dass sein Werk vollendet werde I" * " And that is all that is left of a great composer, of a genius who delighted the whole world! " he After concluding his recitation, Ifland apsighed. " Ah, what a fragile shell our body is, a proached the old man quickly, knelt down before miserable dwelling for the soul living in it! Come, him, and imprinted a kiss on his clasped hands. my fiiend, let us softly leave the room. Only I Then, without adding another word, he rose, and, would like to take a souvenir with me, a flower walking backward as if before a king, approached from the bouquet which Haydu held in his hands. the door, opened it softly, and went out, followed May I venture to take one? " by Schmid. t At this moment Haydn opened his eyes again, " Farewell" exclaimed Haydn, in a deeplyand fixed them with a gentle expression on Iff- moved voice, and sank back in the easy-chair. land. "I heard all you said," he remarked; "but Profound silence now reigned around him; but I was too feeble to speak. You wish to get one all at once this silence was broken by a thunderof my flowers? No, you shall have them all." * "Thy wondrous song in melting strains He took the bouquet, looked at it tenderly, andts swift entrance To our mute hearts swift entrance gains; buried his whole face for a moment in the flowers, By magical yetunfelt force, We see creation's mighty course: and then handed it to Iffiand with a gentle smile. The firmament appears in space"Farewell," he said; " remember me on look- God breathes upon the water's face. One flashing word bids primal light appear, ing at these flowers. I would I had known you Revolving stars bein their vast career; Revolving stars begin their vast career; in happier days, when I should have been able to Upheaving mountains now are seen, and admire your art. Tall trees and tender herbage green; enjoy our genius and admire your art. You Young animals to being rise, must be a great actor, for you have a wonderfully And animate by living cries; sonorous and pliable voice. I should like to hear We hear the mighty thunder roar, And rains in gushing torrents pour. you declaim, even though you should recite but a All creatures struggle into life; and stand Before our eyes, fresh from their Maker's hand, The first pair, led by thy sweet tones. "Permit me, then, to recite the lines in which Now waked by inspiration's art, Wieland celebrated your' Creation,'" said Iffland; Enthusiasm stirs our heart. Who cries not,' Earth is passing fair I' and, advancing a few steps, holding the bouquet Yet far more fair her Maker is, How perfect every work of IIis I " Iattydn bequeathed all his trinkets and manuscripts t The whole account of this interview between Joseph to the Esterhazy family, who had honored him so highly Haydn and Iffiand is in strict accordance with Iffland's durling his whole life. own report of it in his " Theatre-Almanac," pp. 181-207. 142 ANDREAS HOFER. ing crash, which caused the windows to rattle and And in truth Joseph Haydn's strong will once shook the walls. The deafening noise was re- more overpowered death, which had already peated again and again, and rolled through the touched him with its finger. He raised himself air like the angry voice of God. upon his couch; he would not die while Austria And now the door opened, and Conrad and was struggling on the reeking, gory field of battle Kate, the aced servant-woman, rushed into the for the regeneration or her end. room. "Ah, master, master, it is all up now, Two days followed, two dreadful daylof uncerand we are all lost! The Austrians and the tainty and terror; they heard incessantly the French are in force close to Vienna, and the bat- booming of artillery; but, although the Viennese tle has already commenced." gazed down firom their church-steeples all day, "The battle has commenced!" exclaimed they were unable to discern any thing. TremenJoseph Haydn, rising from his easy-chair, and lift- dous clouds of smoke covered the country all ing his hands to heaven. "The battle has com- around, and wrapped the villages of Aspern and menced! Good and great God in heaven, pro- Essling and the island of Lobau in an impenetect our fatherland, and grant Austria a glorious trable veil of mist. victory over her arrogant foe! Do not allow Joseph Haydn passed these days, the 21st and Austria and Germany to succumb; help us to de- 22d of May, in silent grief and gentle resignation; feat the proud enemy who has humiliated and he prayed often, and played his imperial hymn oppressed us so long! O Lord my God, shield three times a day. the honor of Germany and Austria! Protect the Thus the morning of the 22d of May had come. emperor! " Conrad had gone into the street to ask for news, And Joseph Haydn walked through the room for the booming of artillery had ceased, and the with the vigor and alacrity of a youth, dropped battle was over. " Which side was victorious?" his hands on the keys of the piano, and began to That was the question which caused all to tremplay in fill concords the melody of his imperial ble, and which filled all hearts with intense anxhymn, " Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser " iety. Conrad and Kate stood behind him, singing in Haydn's heart, too, was full of grave anxiety, a low, tremulous tone; but outside, the booming and, to overcome his impatience till Conrad's reof artillery continued incessantly, and they heard turn, he had caused Kate to conduct him to his also the cries of the people who were hurrying in piano. dismay throt,gh the streets, and the tolling of all "I will play my imperial hymn," he said, hasthe church-bells, which called upon the Viennese tily; " I have often derived comfort and relief to pray to God. from it in the days of uneasiness and anxiety; All at once Haydn paused in the middle of the and when I play it, my heart is always so much tune; his hands dropped from the keys, a long at ease. Its strength will not fail me to-day sigh burst from his lips, and he sank fainting into either." * the arms of his faithful Conrad. His servants He commenced playing; a blissful smile illumicarried him to his couch, and soon succeeded in nated his features; he lifted his radiant eyes to restoring him to consciousness. He opened his heaven, and his music grew louder and fierier, and eyes slowly, and his first glance fell upon Conrad, his fingers glided more powerfully over the keys who stood weeping at his bedside. of the piano. Suddenly the door was thrown' The nightingale was right; my end is drawing open, and Conrad rushed in, panting from the nigh," he said, with a faint smile. "But I will rapid run, flushed with excitement, but with a joy not die before learning that the Austrians have ful face. defeated the enemy, and that my emperor has ygained a battle." third series, vol. 8i. gained a battle." third series, p. 86. THE ARCHDUKE JOHN AT COMORN. 143 "Victory!" he shouted. "Victory!" And he sank down at Haydn's feet. CHAP.TER XXIV. "Which side was victorious?" asked Havdn, THE ARCHDUKE JOHN AT COMCRN. anxiously. "The Austrians were victorious," said Conrad, THE unheard-of event, then, had taken place. pantingly. "Our Archduke Charles has defeated Napoleon had been defeated by the Austrians. the Emperor Napoleon at Aspern; the whole The Archduke Charles had gained a brilliant vicFrench army retreated to the island of Lobau, tory; Napoleon had transferred his whole army whence it can no longer escape. Thousands of to the island of Lobau; he himself passed his French corpses are floating down the Danube, and time in moody broodings at the Castle of Ebersproclaiming to the world that Austria has con- berg, and the unexpected disaster which had bequered the French! Hurrah! hurrah! Our hero, fallen him, and which at the same time had the Archduke Charles, has defeated the villanous brought about the death of one of his favorites, Bonaparte! Hurrah!" Marshal Lannes, seemed to have suddenly de" Hurrah! hurrah!" repeated the parrot on its prived the emperor of all his energy. He did not pole; and the cat raised its head from the cushion speak, he did not eat; he sat for whole days in on which it had lain, and gazed with keen, search- his cabinet, staring at the maps spread out being eyes at the parrot, as if it had understood Pa- fore him on his table, and yet forgetting to cover perl's jubilant notes. them, as he used to do on conceiving the plans Joseph Haydn said nothing, but clasped his of his campaigns, with the colored pins which hands and looked rapturously upward. After a represented the different armies. Victory had no pause he exclaimed, in a loud and joyous voice: longer been able to soften this marble Caesarean "Lord God, I thank Thee for not disappointing face, but defeat caused his features now to wear my firm trust, but protecting Austria and helping an expression of profound anger and grief. Nevher to vanquish her foe. I knew full well that ertheless, he did not complain, and never did he the just cause would triumph, and the just cause confess even to his confidants that he was sufferis that of Austria; for France, hypocritical France ing. Only once, for a brief moment, he lifted the alone provoked this war, and Austria drew the veil concealing his feelings, and permitted his sword only to defend her honor and her frontiers. marshals to see into the innermost recesses of his The just cause could not but triumph, and hence soul. Marmont had dared to pray the emperor, Austria had to conquer, and France had to sue- in the namne of all the marshals, to yield no longer cumb in this struggle. God protect the Emperor to his grief at what had occurred, but bear in Francis! Imaylie down now and die. Austria is mind that it was incumbent on him to preserve victorious! That is thelast joyful greeting which himself for the welfare of his subjects and the the world sends to me. With this greeting I will glory of his future. Napoleon had answered with die-ay, die! Death is already drawing nigh. a faint smile: "You think I am sitting here to But Death wears a laurel-wreath on its head, and brood over my misfortune? It is true, I am its eye is radiant with triumphant joy. Glory to burying my dead, and, as there are unfortunately Austria'! Glory to the German fatherland!" a great many of them, it takes me-a long time to These were Joseph Haydn's last words. He do it. But over the tomb of the dead of Essling, fainted away, It is true the physicians succeeded I am going to erect a monument which will be rain restoring him to life, and he breathed yet for diant with the splendor of victory, and on its fronsix days; but his life resembled only the last fee- tispiece shall be read the word' Vengeance!' ble flicker of the dying flame, and in the night The Emperor of Austria is lost. Had I defeated of the 30th of May death came to extinguish him in this battle, I should, perhaps, have forthis flickering flame. given his arrogance and perfidy; but as he de 144 ANDREAS HOFER. feated me, I-must and shall annihilate him and "No, my dear count," said the archduke, sighhis army." ing, "for they will lose it again. All this blood While Napoleon was thus burying his dead, and will have been shed in vain, and my poor Tyrol reflecting on his " monument of vengeance," the will be lost in spite of it." utmost rejoicings reigned at the headquarters of " You believe so?-you who called upon the the Archduke Charles, the victor of Aspern; and Tyrolese to take up arms, who invited its heroes all Austria, all Germany joined in these rejoicings, and champions to such daring efforts, who are and blessed the glorious day of Bonaparte's first ready yourself to fight for the courageous mounhumiliation. taineers to the last extremity?" And this victory was soon followed by the news "Yes, I am always ready to do so," cried John, of a triumph hardly less glorious than the battle laughing bitterly, "but what good will it do? of Aspern. The Tyrolese, those despised peas- They willwind cunning shakcles enough round my ants, had gained a brilliant victory over the feet to make me fall to the ground; they will French veterans, and their Bavarian auxiliaries, manacle my hands again, and put my will into the on the 21st of May, on Mount Isel, near the city strait-jacket of loyalty and obedience. I cannot of Innspruck. Andreas Hofer, commander-in- do what I want to; I am only a tool in the hands chief of the united forces of the Tyrolese, jointly of others, and this will cause both my ruin and with Speckbacher, Wallner, and the Capuchin that of the Tyrol. I am willing to sacrifice my Haspinger, had again defeated the Bavarians and life for the Tyrol, and yet I shall be unable to French, who had reintered the Tyrol, and deliv- save it. For the rest, my friend, I knew already ered the province a second time from the enemy. all these particulars of the battle on Mount Isel. Count Nugent, quartermaster-general of the A courier from Hormayr had just reached me Archduke John, had entered the latter's room and brought me full details. I was able to send with this joyful news, and told him with sparkling back by the courier a fine reward for the brave eyes of the heroic deeds of the Tyrolese; of Ho- Tvrolese, a letter from the emperor, my august fer's pious zeal; of the bold exploits of Wallner brother, which I received this morning with the and Speckbacher, whose deeds recalled the an- order to forward it to them. I kept a copy of cient heroes of Homer; of the intrepid Capuchin the imperial letter, for there may be a day when friar, Haspinger, who, with a huge wooden cross it will be necessary for me to remind the emperor in his hand, led on the attack, and animated his of this letter. Here is the copy. Read it aloud, followers not less by his example than the as- that I may hear, too, how fine the imperial words surances of Divine protection which he held sound." forth. Count Nugent had related all these heroic The archduke handed a paper to Count Nugent, deeds with fervid eloquence to the archduke, and who read as follows: yet, to his utter astonishment, the latter's face had "After our arms had suffered heavy reverses, and remained gloomy, and not a ray of joy had illumi- after the enemy had captured even the capital of nated it. the empire, my army succeeded in defeating the "Your imperial highness, then, does not share French army under Napoleon on the 21st and 22d my exultation?" he asked, mournfully. " You of May, on the Marshfield, and driving it in disreceive the news quite coldly and indifferently, order across the Danube. The army and people and yet I am speaking of' your beloved Tyrolese, of Austria are animated with greater enthusiasm of your heroes, Andreas IIofer, Joseph Speck- than ever; every thing justifies the most sanguine bacher, and Anthony Wallner! They and their hopes. Trusting in God and my just cause, I deheroic men have delivered the Tyrol a second time dare to my loyal provinces of the Tyrol and Vofrom the enemy, and your imperial highness does rarlberg, that they shall never again be separated not rejoice at it? " from the Austrian empire, and that I will sign no THE ARCHDUKE JOHN AT COMORN 145 peace but one which will indissolubly incorporate press and Count Stadion. But the empress has these provinces with my other states. Your no- unfortunately little influence over her husband, ble conduct has sunk deep into my heart; I will and Count Stadion is no more influential than her never abandon you. My beloved brother, the majesty. His generous enthusiasm aud fiery imArchduke John, will speedily be among you, and petuosity are repugnant to the emperor, who will put himself at your head. FRANcIs." * remove him so soon as he has discovered a more " And your imperial highness doubts, even after submissive and obsequious successor who has as this solemn promise given to the Tyrolese by his much work in him as Stadion. But there is one majesty the emperor? " point as to which these incessantly quarrelling par"My friend," said the arch'duke, casting a long, ties are agreed and join hands, and that is their searching look round the room, " we are alone; common hostility against the archdukes, the emno one watches, and, I trust, no one hears us. peror's brothers; so virulent is this hatred, that Let me, therefore, for once, speak frankly with the peace-party deserts its leader in order to operyou; let me unbosom to you, my friend, what I ate with the war-party against him and his interhave hitherto said to God alone; let me forget for ests. The Austrian nobility has always claimed a quarter of an hour that I am a subject of the em- the privilege of filling all superior offices, and it is peror, and that his majesty is my brother; permit furious at seeing the archdukes animated with the me to examine the situation with the eyes of an desire of dedicating their abilities to their fatherimpartial observer, and to judge of men as a man. land and their emperor. Hence, the nobility is Well, then, I must confess to you that I cannot decidedly opposed to the success of the archdukes, share the universal joy at the recent events, and- which might set bounds to its oligarchy. It opmay God forgive me!-I do not believe even in the poses me as well as the other archdukes, whether promises which the emperor makes to the Tyro- this opposition may endanger the interests of the lese. HIe himself may at the present hour be fatherland, and even the emperor, or not. Things firmly resolved to fulfil them; he may have made would be even more prosperous in this campaign, up his mind never to sign any peace but one which if the generals serving under the archdukes had will indissolubly incorporate the Tyrol with his carried out the orders of their superiors with greater empire; but the events, and especially men, will zeal, promptness, and willingness. But they have assuredly compel him to consent to another treaty been intentionally slow; they have often hesitated, of peace. You knonw full well that there are two misunderstood, or purposely forgotten their orders. parties about the emperor, and that there is a They are intent on proving the incapacity of the constant feud between these two parties. One archdukes in order to overthrow them; and they wants war, the other wants peace; and the peace- well know that they are rendering a service to the party is unfortunately headed by the Archduke emperor by doing so, for they are aware that the Charles, the generalissimo of our army. You know emperor does not love his brothers." the fawning and submissive letter which the gen- "No, your imperial highness," exclaimed Nueralissimo addressed to Napoleon after the defeat of Ratisbon, and which Napoleon disdained to not personally present. Ipropose to your majesty to exanswer.j The war-party is headed by the em- change them, man for man, rank for rank; and, if that proposal proves agreeable to you, point out the place where it may be possible to carry it into effect. I feel flat* Hormayr, "Das Heer von Inner-Oesterreich unter tered, sire, in combating the greatest captain of the age; den Befehlen des Erzherzogs Johann," p. 189. but I should esteem myself much happier if Heaven had t The Archduke Charles wrote to Napoleon on the 80th chosen me to be the instrument of procuring for my counof April, 1809: "You Majesty announced your arrival by try a durable peace. Whatever may be the events of a salvo of artillery; Ihad no time to reply to it. But, war, or the chances of an accommodation, I pray your though hardly informed of your presence, I speedily dis- majestyto believe that my desires will always outstrip covered it by the losses which I experienced. You have your wishes, and that I am equally honored by meeting taken many prisoners from me, sire, and I have taken your majesty either with the sword or the olive-branch some thousands from you in quarters where you were in your hand." 10 146 ANDREAS HOFER. gent, when the archduke paused with a sigh. "I observations unfortunately do not deceive me. hope that this is going too far, and that you are The generalissimo is desirous of punishing me for likewise mistaken about it. It is impossible that my victories at Sacile and St. Boniface, and for the emperor should not love his brothers, who are advocating a declaration of war when he prodoing so much honor to the imperial house by nounced three times against it. He has already their surpassing accomplishments, virtues, and several times told the emperor that I am selftalents." willed, disobedient, and always inclined to oppose "My friend, you speak like a courtier," said his orders by words or even deeds; and the emJohn, shaking his head, " and you exaggerate as peror always takes pleasure in informing me of a friend. But even though you were right, those the generalissimo's complaints." qualities would not be calculated to render the' It is true," sighed Count Nugent; "this averemperor's heart more attached to us. He wants sion of the generalissimo to your imperial highthe emperor alone to shed lustre on and do honor ness unfortunately cannot be denied, and you to the imperial house, and not the archdukes, his yourself have to suffer by it." father's younger sons, whom he hates." c" Oh," cried John, impetuously, " if that were "No, no, your imperial highness, it is impossible all, I should not complain; I should add it to the that the emperor should hate his brothers! " many other pin-pricks of my fate, and strive to "And why impossible?" asked John, shrug- bear it without murmuring. But my soldiers and ging his shoulders. " Do not his brothers, the the glory of the Austrian arms suffer by it, and it archdukes, hate each other? Or do you believe, will destroy the liberty of the Tyrol. It is well perhaps, that the Archduke Charles, our general- known that this is my most vulnerable point; that issimo, loves me or even wishes me well? I was I love the Tyrol, and am determined to leave notlhso unfortunate as to be twice victorious during the ing undone in order to redeem the emperor's present campaign, while he was twice defeated; I pledges to preserve the Tyrol to the imperial beat the French at Sacile and St. Boniface, while house, and restore its ancient privileges and liberhe lost the battles of Landshut and Ratisbon. This ties. It is known, too, that I long intensely to is a crime which the archduke will never forgive live in the future days of peace as the emperor's me, and for which he will revenge himself." lieutenant in the Tyrol; to live, far from the noisy "Perhaps he thinks that he took a noble and bustle of the capital, in the peaceful seclusion of glorious revenge at the battle of Aspern?" the mountain country, for myself, my studies, and "Oh, my friend, you forgot that our mother the men whom I love, and who love me. Oh, my was a daughter of Italy, and that we, therefore, do poor, unfortunate Tyrol will grievously suffer for not care for a noble and glorious revenge, but long the love which I bear it; Austria will lose it a for an Italian vendetta. The generalissimo will not second time, and now, perhaps, forever." content himself with having obtained glory, but I "Does your imperial highness believe so?" must suffer a defeat, a disgrace which will neutral- cried Nugent, in dismay. " You believe so, even ize what few laurels I gathered at Sacile and St. after communicating to me the letter in which the Boniface. Oh, I know my brother the generalis- emperor promises to the Tyrolese never to sign a simo; I see all the little threads which he is spin- peace that will not indissolubly incorporate the ning around me, and which, as soon as they are Tyrol and Vorarlberg with his monarchy, and in strong enough, he will convert into a net, in which which he announces the speedy arrival of his behe will catch me, in order to exhibit me to the loved brother John, who is to put himself at the world as an ignoramus and dreamer, destitute both head of the Tyrolese?" of ability and luck as a general. Do not tell me "My friend, these numerous and liberal promthat I am mistaken, my friend; I have hitherto ises are the very things that make me distrustful, observed every thing with close attention, and my and convince me that they are not meant serious THE ARCHDUKE JOHN AT COMORN. 147 ly. If the emperor had the preservation of the Because the generalissimo's army had been defeatTyrol really at heart, and intended earnestly that ed at Ratisbon, I was compelled, instead of purmy army should succor and save the Tyrolese, suing the enemy energetically and obliging him to would he not have left me at liberty to operate keep on the defensive, to retreat myself, and, inaccording to the dictates of my own judgment and stead of being the pursuer, be pursued by the in full harmony with the Tyrolese, instead of tying forces of the viceroy. Insteadl of going to the my hands, and regarding and employing my force Tyrol, I was ordered by the generalissimo to turn only as a secondary and entirely dependent corps toward Hungary and unite with the volunteers in of the generalissimo's army? Look into the past, that country. No sooner had I done so, than I Nugent, bear in mind all that has happened since was ordered to advance again toward the Southern we took the field, and tell me then whether I am Tyrol, march upon Villach and Salzburg, unite right or not? " with Jellachich, form a connection with Field"Unfortunately you are," sighed Nugent; "I Marshal Giulay, and operate with them in the can no longer contradict your imperial highness, rear of the enemy, who was already in the immeI cannot deny that many a wrong has been inflict- diate neighborhood of Vienna. And he who gave ed on you and us; that you have always been pre- me these orders did not know that Jellachich had vented from taking the initiative in a vigorous in the mean time been beaten at Wiirzl; that manner; that you and your army have constantly Villach had been occupied by the French; that I been kept in a secondary and dependent position; was not in the rear of the enemy, but that the that your plans have incessantly been frustrated; enemy was in my rear; he did not or would not and that your superiors have often done the re- know that the Viceroy of Italy was in my rear verse of what you wished and deemed prudent and with thirty-six thousand men, and that the Duke advisable." of Dantzic was in front of my position at Salz"And yet they will hereafter say that I was burg. Since then we have been moving about alone to blame for the failure of my plans," cried amidst incessant skirmishes and incessant losses; the archduke, with a mournful smile; "they will and scarcely had we reached Comorn to reorcharge me with having been unable to carry out ganize and reinforce my little army, when we rethe grandiloquent promises which I made to the ceived orders to march to the island of Schiitt emperor and the Tyrolese, and the emperor will and toward Presburg. I vainly tried to remonexult at the discomfiture of the boastful archduke strate and point to the weakness and exhaustion who took it upon himself to call out the whole of my troops; I vainly asked for time to reorpeople of the Tyrol, put himself at their head, and ganize my forces, when I would attack Macdonald successfully defend against all enemies this for- and prevent him from uniting with Napoleon. I tress which God and Nature erected for Austria. vainly proved that this was his intention, and that The faithful Tyrolese have taken up arms; I am no one could hinder him from carrying it into efready to put myself at their head, but already I feet, so soon as I had to turn toward Presburg have been removed from the Tyrol, and my arm and open to Macdonald the road to Vienna. My is paralyzed so that I can no longer stretch it out remonstrances were disregarded; pains were taken to take the hand which the Tyrol is holding out to prove to me that I was but a tool, a wlieel in to me beseechingly. If I had been permitted to the great machine of state, and the orders were advance after the victories which my army gained renewed for me to march into Hungary. Well, I over the Viceroy of Italy and Marmont, I should will submit again-I will obey again; but I will probably now already have expelled the enemy not do so in silence; I will, at least, tell the em from Upper Italy and the Southern Tyrol. But peror that I do it in spite of myself, and will march I was not allowed to follow up my successes; I to Presbuig and Raab only if he approves of the was stopped in the midst of my victorious career. generalissimo's orders." 148 ANDRIEAS HOFER. "That is to say, your imperial highness is go- blunders he has committed. There is wild and ing to declare openly against the generalissimo? " insidious blood circulating in Bonaparte's veins, "No; it is to say that I am going to inform my and the battle of Aspern has envenomed it more sovereign of my doubts and fears, and unbosom than ever. Did you not hear, Stadion, of what to him my wishes and convictions. You smile, Bonaparte is reported to have said? He declared my friend. It is true, I am yet a poor dreamer, that there was no longer a dynasty of the tHapsspeculating on the heart, and believing that the burgs, but only the petty princes of Lorraine. truth must triumph in the end. I shall, however, And do you not know that he has addressed to at least be able to say that I have done my duty, the Hungarians a proclamation advising them to and had the courage to inform the emperor of the depose me without further ceremony, and elect true state of affairs. I shall repair this very day another king, of course one of the new-fangled to his majesty's headquarters at Wolkersdorf. I French princes? Do you not know that he has will dare once more to speak frankly and fear- sent to Hungary emissaries who are calling upon lessly to him. I will oppose my enemies at least the people to rise against me and conquer their with open visor, and show to them that I am not liberty, which he, Bonaparte, would protect? In afraid of them. God knows, if only my personal truth, it is laughable to hear Bonaparte still prathonor and safety were at stake, I should with- ing about liberty as though it were a piece of sugar draw in silence, and shut up my grief and my ap- which he has only to put into the mouth of the prehensions in my bosom; but my fatherland is nations, when they are crying like babies, in order at stake, and so is the poor Tyrol, so enthusiastic to silence them, and thereupon pull the wool in its love, so unwavering in its fidelity; and so quietly over their eyes. But it is true, the na. are the honor and glory of our arms. Hence, I tions really are like babies; they do not become will dare once more to speak the truth, and may reasonable and wise, and the accursed word God impart strength to my words!"'liberty,' which Bonaparte puts as a flea into their ears, maddens them still as though a taran. tula had bitten them. They have seen in Italy and France what sort of liberty Napoleon brings CHAPTER XXV. to them, and what a yoke he intends to lay on their necks while telling them that he wishes to THE EMPEROR FRANCIS 1AT TW~OLgKERSDORF. make freemen of them. But they do not become TImE Emperor of Austria was still at his head- wise, and who knows if the Magyars will not likequarters at Wolkersdorf. The news of the victory wise allow themselves to be fooled and believe in at Aspern had illuminated the emperor's face with the liberty which Bonaparte promises to them?" the first rays of hope, and greatly lessened the in- "No, your majesty," said Count Stadion, " the fluence of the peace-party over him. The war- Magyars are no children; they are men who know party became more confident; the beautiful, pale full well what to think of Bonaparte's insidious face of the Empress Ludovica became radiant as flatteries, and will not permit him to mislead them it had never been seen before; and Count Stadion by his deceptive promises. They received the told the emperor he would soon be able to return Archduke John with genuine enthusiasm, and to Vienna. every day volunteers are flocking to his standards But the Emperor Francis shook his head with to fight against the despot who, like a demon of an incredulous smile. " You do not know Bona- terror, tramples the peace and prosperity of all parte," he said, " if you think he will, because he Europe under his bloody feet. No, Bonaparte can has suffered a defeat, be immediately ready to no longer count upon the sympathies of the namake peace and return to France. Now he will tions; they are all ready to rise against him, and not rest before he gains a victory and repairs the in the end hatred will accomplish that which love THE EK1i~E i LYt { F-RANCIS AT WOLKERSDORF. 149 and reason were unable to bring about. The ha- may come to change their opinions; for thley seek tred of the nations will crush Bonaparte and hurl.for instruments to carry out their principles; they him from his throne." profit to-day by the services of a tool which' Provided the princes of the Rhenish Confed- seems to them sufficiently sharp to perform its eration do not support him, or provided the Em- task, and they cast it aside to-morrow because it peror Alexander of Rulssia does not catch him has become blunt, and must be replaced by anin his arms," said Flancis, shrugging his shoul- otter. This is what happens to the nations and ders. " I have no great confidence in what you to myself at this juncture. The nations are bitcall the nations; they are really reckless and terly opposed to France; the whole German peochildish people. If Bonaparte is lucky again, even ple, both north and south, is unanimous in its inthe Germans will idolize him before long; but if tense hatred against Napoleon. The nations do he is unlucky, they will stone him. Just look at not allow him to deceive them; they see through my illustrious brother, the generalissimo. After the Casarean mask, and perceive the face of the the defeats of Landshut and Ratisbon, and the tyrant, despot, and intriguer, lurking behind it. humble letter which he wrote to Bonaparte, you, They do not believe a word of his pacific protesCount Stadicn, thought it would be good for the tations and promises of freedom and liberal reArchduke Charles if we gave him a successor, forms; for they see that he always means war,and if we removed him, tormented as he is by a when he prates about peace, that he means tyranpainful disease, from the command-in-chief of the ny when he promises liberty, and that he gives army. We, therefore, suggested to the archduke Draconic laws instead of establishing liberal inquietly to present his resignation, which would be stitutions. The nations hate Napoleon and abhor promptly accepted. But the generalissimo would his despotic system. They seek for means to annot hear of it, and thought he would have first to nihilate him and deliver at length the bloody and make amends for the defeats which he had sus- trembling world from him. If tile princes were tained at Landshut and Ratisbon. Now he has as unanimous in their hatred as the nations are, done so; he has avenged his former defeats and Germany would stand as one man, sword in hand; achieved a victory at Aspern; and after this bril- and this sublime and imposing spectacle would liant victory he comes and offers his resignation, cause Napoleon to retreat with his host beyond stating that his feeble health compels him to lay the Rhine, the German Rhine, whose banks would down the command and surrender it to some one be guarded by the united people of Germany." else. But all at once my minister of foreign af- "You speak like a Utopian, my dear count," fairs has changed his mind: the victory of Aspern said the emperor, with a shrug. " If the united has converted him, and he thinks now that the people of Germany are alone able to defeat and generalissimo must remain at the head of the expel Bonaparte, he will never be defeated and army. If so sagacious and eminent a man as expelled, for Germany will never be united; she Count Stadion allows success to mould his opin- will never stand up as one man, but always reion, am I not right in not believing that the frivo- semble a number of rats grown together by their lous fellows whom you call' the nations' have no tails, and striving to move in opposite directions. well-settled opinions at all?" Let us speak no more of a united Germany; it "Pardon me, sire," said Count Stadion, smil- was the phantom that ruined my uncle, the Eming; "yourmajesty commits a slight error. Your peror Joseph, whom enthusiasts call the Great majesty confounds principles with opinions. An Joseph. But I do not want to be ruined, and honorable man and an honorable nation may therefore I do not want to hear any thing of a change their opinions, but never will they change united Germany. Thank God, since 1806, I am their principles. Now the firmer and more im- no longer Emperor of Germany, but only Emperor movable their principles are, the more easily they of Austria, and that is enough for me. I do not 150 ANDREAS HOFER. care what the princes of the Confederation of the under which John's young laurels of Sacile and Rhine are doing, nor what intrigues Prussia is en- St. Boniface will wither.- Ah, here is my tering into in order to rise from its humiliating brother." prostration; I fix my eyes only on Austria, and The emperor advanced a few steps to meet think only whether Austria will be able to cope the Archduke John, who had just crossed the with Bonaparte, or whether she may not ulti- threshold, and stood still at the door to bow mately fare as badly as Prussia did. We have deeply and reverentially to his imperial brother. unfortunately experienced already one Austerlitz; "No ceremonies, brother, no ceremonies," said if we should suffer another defeat like it, we would the emperor, smiling; "we are here not in the be lost; hence we must be cautious, and I ask you, imperial palace, but in the camp; my crown is in therefore, why you do not want me now to accept Vienna, and my head is therefore bare, while yours the resignation of the generalissimo, when, only a is wreathed with laurels." fortnight ago, you advocated his removal from the The emperor said this in so sarcastic a tone command-in-chief of the army?" that the archduke gave a start, and his cheeks " Your majesty, because a fortnight ago he had crimsoned with indignation. But he restrained been repeatedly defeated, and because he has now his anger, and fixed his eyes calmly on the sneergained a brilliant victory. This shows your ma- ing face of the emperor. jesty again the difference between opinions and "Your majesty condescends to jest," he said, principles. Opinions change and are influenced composedly, " and f am glad to see from this that by success. After the battle of Ratisbon, the my brother, the victor of Aspern, has gladdened generalissimo was looked upon with distrust and your majesty's heart." anxiety by his army, nay, by the whole people of "Your majesty," said Count Stadion, in a low, Austria, who turned their eyes to the Archdlke pressing tone, " will you not graciously permit me John, the victor of Sacile and St. Boniface, and to withdraw?" wanted to see at the head of the army a victorious " Ah, you think your presence would be incongeneral, instead of the defeated Archduke Charles; venient during our interview, and might hinder but the latter has acted the hero, and been victo- the free exchange of our confidential communicarious at Aspern, and the love and confidence of tions? But I do not believe that I and my the army and people are restored to him; all look brother have any special secrets to communicate upon him as the liberator of the fatherland, and to each other, so that the presence of my minwill stand by him until-" ister would be inconvenient to us. However, let " Until he loses another battle," interrupted the archduke decide this point. Tell me therethe emperor, sneeringly. "My dear count, one fore, brother, is it necessary that you should see swallow does not make a summer, and- Well, me alone and without witnesses?" what is it, Leonard?" said the emperor, turning "On the contrary, your majesty," said John, quickly to his footman, who entered the room at calmly, " it will be agreeable to me if the ministhis moment. ter of foreign affairs is present at our interview; "Your majesty, his imperial highness the Arch- for, as your majesty deigned to observe, we never duke John has just arrived, and requests an au- have confidential communications to make to dience." each other, and as we shall speak only of busi"Let the archduke come in," said the emperor; ness affairs, the minister may take part in the and when the footman had withdrawn, Francis conversation." turned again to the minister. "He is the second "Stay, then, count. And now, my esteemed swallow in which the childish people here are brother, may I take the liberty of asking what hoping," he said. "But two' swallows do not induced the commanding-general of my army of make a summer either; there may still be a frost Upper Austria, now stationed at Comorn, to THiE EMPEROR FRANCIS AT WOLKERSDORF. 151 leave his post and pay me a friendly visit here in their simplicity that they might love a little at Wolkersdorf?" their emperor's brother, who had been sent to " Your majesty, I come to implore my sover- their assistance by his majesty, and that they eign to graciously fulfil the promise which your might place his picture without further ceremony majesty vouchsafed to me at Vienna. Your ma- by the side of that of the emperor. But that they jesty promised me that I should succor with the nevertheless knew very well how to distinguish forces intrusted to me the Tyrolese in their heroic the emperor from the archduke, and that they struggle for deliverance from the foreign yoke, granted to the emperor the first place in their and that I might devote all my efforts to aiding hearts, and deemed him the sole object of their this noble and heroic people, which has risen as loyalty, is proved by the song which the Tyrolese one man in order to be incorporated again with sang with enthusiastic unanimity on fastening the Austria. It was I who organized the insurrection Austrian eagle to the imperial palace at Inn — of the Tyrol, who appointed the leaders of the spruck. As such full particulars of the events peasants, and fixed the day and hour when the in the Tyrol were sent to your majesty, I am sure insurrection was to break out." this beautiful song was likewise communicated to "' Yes, yes, it is true," interrupted the emperor; you." " you proved that you were a skilful and shrewd " No, it was not," said the emperor, carelessly. revolutionist, and it was really fortunate for me " What song is it?" that you availed yourself of your revolutionary " Your majesty, it is a hymn of joy and tritalents, not against me, but for me. If I shall umph which, ever since that day, is sung by all ever recover full possession of the Tyrol, I shall Tyrolese, not only by the men, but also by the be indebted for it only to the revolutionary skill women and children, and which resounds now as of my brother John; and I shall hlways look the spring-hymn of the new era both in the valupon it as an act of great disinterestedness on leys and on the summits of the mountains. I your part to leave me the Tyrol, and not keep it am sorry that I do not know the words by heart, for yourself; for it is in your hands, and it is you but I shall have the honor of sending them to whom the Tyrolese in their hearts call their real your majesty. I remember only the refrain of emperor." every verse, which is as follows: " Your majesty is distrustful of the love of the'Ueberall lebt'st sch treu und bieder, faithful Tyrolese," said John, mournfully, "and Wo der Adler uns angeschaut, Und nu' haben wir unsern Franzel wieder,'yet they have sealed it with their blood since the Well wir halt auf Gott und ihn vertraut."' * insurrection broke out; it was always the name of their Emperor Francis with which they went. "That is quite pretty," said the emperor, smilinto battle, the name of the Emperor Francis ing. " And is that the song they are singing now with which they exulted triumphantly when God in the Tyrol?" and their intrepidity made them victorious." " Your majesty, they not only sing it, but they " No, archduke, I know better! " exclaimed the believe in it too. Yes, the Tyrolese confide in emperor, vehemently. " They did not confine your majesty; they believe implicitly in the themselves to rendering homage to me, but when promises which your majesty has made to them, the peasants had taken Innspruck, they placed and they would punish as a traitor any one who the Archduke's John's picture on the triumphal should dare to tellthem that these promises would arch by the side of my own portrait, surrounded not be fulfilled." it with candles, and rendered the same homage to it as to that of the emperor." * "Far reaching as the eagle's view, "It is true, the honest peasants know nothing beating loyal hearts and true; Once more our Francis can we claim. of etiquette," said John, sadly. " They believed Because we trust in God's great name I" 152 ANDREAS HOFER. t"And who asserts that they will not be ful- "He commands me, further, to make myself filled?" asked the emperor. master of the two islands of Schiitt in front of "Your majesty, the facts will unfortunately Presburg, take Altenburg by a coup de main, and soon convince the Tyrolese that they must not garrison, supply, and provision the two fortresses look for the fulfilment of these promises," said the of Raab and Comorn for six months." archduke, sighing. "At the very moment when A sarcastic expression overspread the emperor's the Tyrol is being threatened by two hostile ar- face. " Well, these are excellent and most enmies, those of the Viceroy of Italy and the Duke ergetic orders," he said. " Carry them out, thereof Dantzic, and when the Tyrol, therefore, if it is fore." not to succumb again to such enormous odds, "But, your majesty, it is not in my power to urgently needs assistance and succor, I receive do so. These orders look very fine on paper, but orders to leave the Tyrol and march to Hungary. they cannot be carried into effect. I have neither That is to say, I am to give up Salzburg, which is troops nor supplies enough to garrison, supply, occupied by the French; I am not to succor Inn- and provision Raab and Comorn, and hold Presspruck, which is menaced by Baraguay d'Hilliers. burg, even after effecting a junction with the Not only am I not to lend any assistance to the troops of the Archduke Palatine and the HunTvrolese, but I am to break their moral courage garian volunteers. And the generalissimo is well and paralyze their energy, by showing to them aware of it, for I have always acquainted him by my retreat that the emperor's promises will with what occurred in my army; he knows that not be fulfilled, and that the army of Upper Aus- my forces and those of the Archduke Palatine tria abandons the Tyrol to succor Hungary." together are scarcely twenty-five thousand strong, "Well, the Tyrol is not yet abandoned, even and that one-half of these troops consists of unthough the Archduke John is no longer there," disciplined recruits. lie knows that the enemy said the emperor, shrugging his shoulders. " We is threatening us on all sides with forty thousand have two generals with corps there, have we not? veteran troops. The generalissimo is so well Are not the Marquis of Chasteler and Count aware of this, that he spoke of the weakness of Buol there? " the remnants of my army in the dispatches which " They are, your majesty; but the Marquis of he addressed to me only a few days ago. But Chasteler is morally paralyzed by the sentence of the victory of Aspern seems suddenly to have outlawry which Napoleon has issued against him, made the generalissimo believe that, inasmuch as and Count Buol has too few troops to oppose the he himself has performed extraordinary things, he enemy's operations, which are not checked by any may demand of me what is impossible." corps outside the Tyrol." "What is impossible!" said the emperor, with "Alh, you wish to give me another proof of the mischievous joy. " So brave and heroic a soldier fraternal love reigning between you and the Arch- as you, archduke, will not deem impossible what duke Charles?" asked the emperor, sarcastically. his chief orders him to do. The Archduke "You wish to oppose the orders of your gen- Charles is your chief, and you have to obey him. eralissimo? " He orders you to hold Raab anl Presburg. Go, "I wish to ask the emperor, my sovereign, then, and carry out the orders of your commandwhether I am to give up the Tyrol or not; I wish er-in-chief." to ask him if he orders me to march my army to " As your majesty commands me to do so, I Presburg, unite with the insurgent forces, and shall obey," said John, calmly; "only I call your operate there against the enemy." majesty's attention to the fact that, if the enemy "Are these the generalissimo's orders?" accelerates his operations and compels me soon "They are, your majesty." to give battle, I shall be unable to hold Raab, for "And what else does he command? " which so little has been done hitherto, and that I THE EMPEROR FRANCIS AT WOLKERSDORF. 153 shall lose the battle unless the generalissimo sends aid us not only with money, as England does, but a strong corps to my assistance." also with troops." " It is your business to come to an understand- "And what allies would be most desirable for ing with the generalissimo as to that point. He Austria, according to your opinion, archduke?" possesses my full confidence, for he showed excel- The archduke cast a rapid, searching glance on lent generalship at Aspern. There is no reason the face of the minister, who responded to it by a why I should distrust him." scarcely perceptible nod of his head. "And God forbid that I should wish to render "Your majesty," said Archduke John, quickly, you distrustful of him!" exclaimed John, ve- "Prussia would be the most desirable ally for hernently. " I hope my brother Charles will re- Austria." main yet a long while at the head of the army, The emperor started back, and then turned aland give many successors to the victory of As- most angrily to Stadion. "In truth," he said, "it pern." is just as I thought; the archduke repeats your " But you doubt if he will, do you not? " asked own proposals. It seems, then, that the formerly the emperor, fixing his small light-blue eyes with so courageous war-party at my court suddenly a searching expression on John's face. "You do droops its wings, and thinks no longer that we not rejoice much at the brilliant victory of As- are able to cope single-handed with Bonaparte. pern? You do not think that Bonaparte is Hence, its members have agreed to urge me to entirely crushed and will hasten to offer us conclude an alliance with Prussia, and now come peace? " the besieging forces which are to overcome my "Your majesty, you yourself do not believe it," repugnance. The minister himself was the first said John, with a smile. "Napoleon is not the to break the subject to me; now he calls the man to be deterred by a defeat from following up Archduke John to his assistance, and takes pains his plans; he will pursue them only the more to be present at the very hour when the archduke energetically, and he will attain his ends, though, arrives here to second his efforts in attacking me. perhaps, somewhat less rapidly, unless we adopt Half an hour later, and the empress will make her more decisive measures." appearance to assist you, and convince me that we " Look, Stadion," exclaimed the emperor, smil- ought to secure, above all things, the alliance of ing, " I am glad that the Archduke John agrees Prussia." with me. He repeats only what I said to you "Pardon me, your majesty," said Count about Bonaparte." Stadion, earnestly; "I have, unfortunately, not "But, your majesty, the archduke added some- the honor of being one of the archduke's conthing to it," said Count Stadion, quickly; " he said fidants, and I pledge you my word of honor that Austria ought to adopt more decisive measures." I did not know at all that his royal highness was "Ah, and now you hope that the archduke will coming hither." say to me what you have already said so often, "And I pledge your majesty my word of honor and that he will make the same proposals in re- that neither the empress nor Count Stadion ever gard to more decisive measures as you did, min- intimated to me, directly or indirectly, that they ister?" share my views, and have advocated them already "Yes, I do hope it, your majesty." before your majesty." "Well, let us see," exclaimed the emperor, with " Then you have come quite independently, and great vivacity. "Tell me, therefore, archduke, of your own accord, to the conclusion that we what more decisive measures you referred to." ought to form an alliance with Prussia?" "Your majesty," replied John, quickly, "I " Yes, your majesty; I believe that this has now meant that we should strive to get rid of our iso- become a necessity for us." lated position, and look around for allies who will "But Prussia is a humiliated and exhausted 154 ANDREAS HOFER. state, which exists only by Bonaparte's grace and ceeds in keeping the German powers at variance the intercession of the Emperor of Russia." and enmity, and uniting with Russia against them, "Your majesty speaks of Prussia as it was in our last hour will strike; for these two powers, 1807," said Count Stadion, "after the defeats of if united, will easily come to an understanding as Jena, Eylau, and Friedland. But since then two to the division of Europe; and even though Russia years have elapsed, and Prussia has risen again did not entertain such an intention, France would from her prostration; she has armed secretly, communicate it to her.* Hence, Russia should rendered her resources available, and found saga- likewise be gained, and its alliance, by Russia's cious and energetic men who are at work silently, intercession, be secured, so that Germany, in days but with unflaggingg zeal, upon the reorganization of adversity, might count upon her." of the army, and preparing every thing for the day "You believe then, archduke, that days of adof vengeance." versity are yet in store for us?" asked the em"Let us ally ourselves with regenerated Prus- peror. sia, which is longing for vengeance! " cried John, "Your majesty, I am afraid they are, if we ardently; " let us unite with her in the struggle stand alone. All is at stake now, and all must be against our common foe. Prussia and Austria risked. We are no longer fighting for provinces, should be harmonious, and jointly protect Ger- but for our future existence. We shallfight well; many." but even the best strength is exhausted in the "No," said the emperor, almost angrily, "Prus- long run, and he who holds out longest remains -sia and Austria are natural enemies; they have victorious. Which side has better chances? been enemies ever since Prussia existed, for Prus- Austria, so long as she opposes France singlesia, instead of contenting herself with her inferior handed, has not; but Austria and Prussia, if position, dared to be Austria's rival; and, more- united, assuredly have. If Austria falls now, the over, Austria can never forgive her the rapacious best adversary of France falls, and with her falls conquest of Silesia." Prussia, and Germany is lost." "Oh, your majesty," exclaimed John, impetu- "And what would you do, archduke, if Ausously, " let us forget the past, and fix our eyes on tria, as you say, were lost? " the present and future! France is the common "Your majesty, if Austria should sink into enemy of all Europe; all Europe ought to unite ruin, I should know how to die!" in subduing her, and we will not even solicit the "You would, like Brutus of old, throw yourself cooperation of our neighbor! But an alliance be- upon your sword, would you not? Well, I hope tween Austria and Prussia will render all Ger- we shall not fare so badly as that, for you have many united, and Germany will then be, as it were, pointed out to me a way of saving the country. a threatening rock, and France will shrink from You have proved to me that Austria can be saved her impregnable bulwarks, and retire within her by an alliance with Prussia. Fortunately, I have natural borders." sometimes ideas of my own, and even a head of "Words, words! " said the emperor, shrugging my own. I had this morning a long interview his shoulders. "You enthusiasts alway taik of a with the Prince of Orange, who has just arrived united Germany, but in reality it has never exist- from Kdnigsberg, where he saw the King of ed yet." Prussia. He laid before me a detailed report of " But it will exist when Prussia and Austria are what he had seen there, and I made up my mind allied; only this alliance must be concluded soon, before I had heard your advice.-Count Stadion, for wve have no time to lose, and every delay is be so kind as to take the paper lying on the desk. fraught with great danger. France is intent on Do you know the handwriting!" establishing a universal monarchy; Napoleon does * The archduke's own words.-See "Letters from the not conceal it any longer. If France really suc- Archduke John to Johannes von Miller," p. 81. THE REPLY OF THE KING OF PRUSSIA. 155 "I believe it is your majesty's handwriting," emperor closely watched the effect it produced said Count Stadion, who, in accordance with the upon the archduke. He saw that John was at emperor's order, had taken the paper from the first surprised, that his eyes gradually brightened, desk. that his face crimsoned with joy, and that a smile "Yes, it is my handwriting; for, though not as played round his lips. learned as my brother John, I am at least able, When Count Stadion was through, the archif need be, to write a letter. Be so kind, minis- duke stepped up to the emperor with an exprester, as to read my letter aloud." sion of profound emotion and intense gratitude. Count Stadion bowed, and read as follows: " Your majesty," he cried, " you have filled me " To his majesty, King Frederick William of both with shame and ecstasy. Oh, give me your Prussia: hand, let me press it to my lips; let me thank " HEADQUARTERS, WVOLKERSDORF, June 8, 1809. you for this gracious punishment! I am grate"SIR, MY BROTHER: The Prince of Orange, who ful, too, for the gracious confidence with which has arrived at my headquarters here, has told me you initiate me into your plans." Imreservedly, and with full confidence, of the re- That is unnecessary," said the emperor, withpeated conversations he had with your majesty out giving him his hand; "you need not thank during his recent sojourn at Kdnigsberg. You me. Nor was it my intention to give you a speleft no doubt in his mind as to your firm con- cial proof of my confidence. I did not cause viction that the existence of our two monarchies the letter to be read to you in order to have you can be protected from the rapacious system of participate in my plans, but only to prove to you the Emperor Napoleon only by an active and cor- that I can make up my mind without your addial alliance. For a long time past, aware of vice, and to request you not to molest me hencethe opinions and wisdom of your majesty, I forth with any such suggestions. Now, brother, could foresee that your majesty would not refuse we have nothing further to say to each other. to take a step, justified not less by the logic of Return to Comorn, and carry out the generalisevents than the loyalty of the nations which simo's order, as behooves a good officer, promptProvidence has confided to our care. ly, carefully, and without grumbling. Fortify and "The bearer, Colonel Baron Steigentesch, a hold Raab, defend Presburg, take Altenburg by a distinguished staff-officer of my army, will confer coup de main; in short, do all that the generaliswith your majesty's government as to the ques- simo wants you to do. If I should need your adtions which may arise in regard to an alliance be- vice and wisdom, I shall send for you; and when tween the two countries; he is authorized to reg- Baron Steigentesch returns from his mission to uiate the proportions of the forces to be em- Prussia, you shall be informed of the results. ploved on both sides, and the other arrangements Farewell, brother, and let me soon hear of new not less salutary than indispensable for the secu- victories! " rity of the two states. For the same reasons I shall speedily send instructions to my ambassador at Berlin in conformity with the overtures CHAPTER XXVI. made by Count von der Goltz. "Your majesty will permit me to assure you THE REPLY OF THE KING OF PRUSSIA. that I remain as ever, Two weeks after this interview between the "Your most obedient, Archduke John and the emperor, the archduke, "FRANCIS, Emperor of Austria." * at the request of the emperor, repaired again to While Count Stadion was reading the letter, the the imperial headquarters at Wolkersdorf, and sent in his name to his brother. * "Lebensbilder," vol. iii., p. 266. " You come just in time, brother," said the em 156 ANDREAS HOFER. peror, when John entered his cabinet. " I knew Ban in time to join me at Comorn on the 13th of that Baron Steigentesch would arrive here to-day, June, and he had positively assured me, by letter hence I sent for you, for I promised to let you and verbally, that he would promptly be on hand hear the reply of the King of Prussia to my on the stated day. I counted upon his arrival, proposal. The colonel did arrive a few minutes and made my dispositions accordingly. Tile genago, and waits in the anteroom for an audience." eralissimo had instructed me to keep open nmy "Before admitting him, your majesty, pray lis- communications with the main army on the right ten to me," said John, in a grave, tremulous bank of the Danube by way of Raab; and I, therevoice. fore, started oil the morning of the 13th from Co"I hope you do not intend to reveal a secret morn, firmly convinced that Giulay's troops would to me? " asked the emperor. join me in time and follow me. But I waited for " No, your majesty; unfortunately that which him in vain; he failed me at the critical moment, I have to say to you will soon be known to every- despite my orders and his promises, and this was body, and our enemies will take care to let their the principal reason why we lost the battle." triumphant bulletins circulate the news through- "You prefer a grave charge against a man whom out Europe." I have always found to be faithful, brave, and hon" It is a defeat, then, that you have to announce orable," said the emperor, with cutting coldness. to me? " asked the emperor, gloomily. "Your majesty, I beg you to be so gracious as " Yes, your majesty, a defeat. I met the enemy to call the Ban of Croatia to a strict account," cxyesterday at Raab [June 14, 1809]. Our men claimed John, vehemently. "I beg you to be so fought bravely; some performed the most heroic gracious as to send for the orders which I gave exploits; but the odds of the enemy were too him, and ask him why he did not obey them." overwhelming. The Viceroy of Italy attacked us "I shall do so," replied the emperor, " and it is with his well-disciplined veteran troops, thirty-nine my conviction that he will be able to justify himthousand strong. In the outset, we, that is, the self completely." Archduke Palatine and I, were about as strong, The Archduke John gave a start, a deathly including the Hungarian volunteers. But the very pallor overspread his cheeks, his eyes shot fire, his first attack of the enemy, the first volleys of mus- lips opened to utter an impetuous word, but he reketry, caused the volunteers to fall back; they strained it forcibly; compressing hislips, pale and fled panic-struck, abandoned the hill where I had panting, he hastily moved back a few steps and posted them, and rushed in wild disorder from the approached the door. field of battle. The enemy then occupied the hill, " Stay! " ordered the emperor, in a harsh voice. and this decided the fate of the day against us, "I have yet some questions to put to you. You shortly after the commencement of the battle. are responsible for this battle of Raab, and you However, we might have held out and gained a owe me some explanations concerning it. How victory, if all had carried out my orders promptly was the retreat effected? Where are your forces and carefully, and if, as usually during this cai- now?, paign, no obstacles had been placed in my way." "The retreat was effected in good order," said "Ah,. archduke, to avoid charges being pre- John, in a low, tremulous voice. "I marched ferred against yourself, you intend to prefer charges with four battalions of grenadiers and two batagainst others! " exclaimed the emperor, shrugging talions of Gratz militia slowly along the heights to his shoulders. Als, where we arrived at midnight; and to-day we "Yes, your majesty; I charge Ignatius Giulay, went back to Comorn. There our forces are now." Ban of Croatia, with violation of my orders, disobedience, and intentional delays in making- the obedience, and intentional delays in making the * See Schlosser's " History of the Eighteenth Century," movements I had prescribed. I had ordered the vol. vii., p. 540 THE REPLY OF THE KING OF PRUSIA. 157 "Anwl Raab? Have the enemy taken it already?" and honest reply to this question? " asked John, "No, your majesty, it still holds out: but it looking at the emperor firmly and gravely. will fall, as I told your majesty two weeks ago, for " I will." the generalissimo has sent me neither ammunition "Well, then, your majesty, I do not offer my nor rehnforcements, despite my my most pressing re- resignation because I am not an invalid; because quests." I am young, strong, and able to work. I request "Is that to be another charge? " asked the em- the emperor not to dismiss me from the service, peror, sternly. because I serve not only him, but the fatherland, "No," said John, mournfully; "it is only to be and because I owe to it my services and strength. my defence, for unfortunately it is always neces- I know well that many would like me to retire sary for me to defend myself." into privacy and withdraw entirely from public "Ah, archduke, you always consider yourself affairs; but I cannot fulfil their wishes, and never the victim of cabals," exclaimed the emperor; shall I withdraw voluntarily from the service. "you believe yourself always persecuted and ca- No matter what wrongs and slights may be inlumniated; you suspect invariably that you are flicted upon me, they will be fruitless, for they slighted and placed in false positions by those will never shake my purpose. All the disagreewho are jealous of your exalted qualities, and en- able things that happen to me in my career, I vious of your talents. You think that your great- think, proceed from individuals, and not from the ness excites apprehensions, and your genius and fatherland; why should I, then, avenge myself on learning create misgivings, and that you are there- the fatherland by resigning and depriving it of my fore persecuted; that intrigues are entered upon services when it has done me no wrong?* I against you, and that not sufficient elbow-room is serve the fatherland in serving your majesty; given to your abilities. But you are mistaken, should I resign, I should be unfaithful to both archduke. I am not afraid of you, and although my masters, and only then would your majesty I admire you, and think, like you, that you are have a right to despise me." the greatest captain of the age-" "Listen," said the emperor; " the word father" Your majesty," interrupted John, in a loud, land is a dangerous and two-edged one, and I do vehement voice," your majesty, I-" not think much of it. The insurgents and revo"Well, what is it? " cried the emperor, hastily lutionists have it always in their mouths; and advancing a few steps toward his brother, and when rising against their prince and refusing staring at him with defiant eyes. "What have him obedience, they likewise say that they do so you got to say to me?" in the service of the fatherland, and devote their'"Nothing, your majesty," said John, inahollow strength and fidelity to it. The soldier, above voice; "you are the emperor! I am silent, and all, has nothing to do with the fatherland, but submnit." only with his sovereign; it is to him alone that "And you are very prudent in doing so, for, as he has sworn allegiance, and to him alone he you say, I am the emperor, and I will remain the must remain faithful. Now, as you are a soldier emperor, despite all my great and august brothers. and wish to remain in the service, pray bear in If your imperial highness does not like this, if you mind that you have sworn allegiance to your emthink you are treated unjustly, if you consider peror, and let me hear no longer any of your yourself a martyr, why do you not imitate what subtle distinctions between your emperor and the generalissimo has done already three times your fatherland. And now that you have reported during the present campaign-why do you not to me the result of the disastrous battle of Raab, offer your resignation? Why do you not request Baron Steigentesch may come in and report the your emperor to dismiss you from his service? " * The arcbikre's own words. —See his " Letters to " Will your majesty permit me to make a frank Johannes son Lfiller," p. 92. 158 ANDREAS HOFER. results of his mission to Krinigsberg. Stay, there- "Now, Colonel Steigentesch, let me hear the fore, and listen to him." results of your mission. In the first place, tell The emperor rang the bell, and ordered the me, has King Frederick William sent no letter to footman who entered the room to admit im- me in reply to mine?" mediately Minister Count Stadion and Colonel "No, your majesty," replied Colonel SteigenBaron Steigentesch. A few minutes later the tesch, with a significant smile; " I am only the two gentlemen entered the cabinet. bearer of a verbal reply. I believe the king " Now, colonel," said the emperor to him, " you thought a written answer too dangerous, or he are to report the results of your mission to was afraid lest he should thereby compromise Khnigsberg, and I confess that I am quite anx- himself. But after every interview I had with the ious to hear them. But before you commence, I king or the queen, I noted down every word wish to say a few words to your minister of for- their majesties spoke to me; and if your majesty eign affairs. On the same day that I dispatched permits, I shall avail myself of my diary in replyColonel Steigentesch to Kinigsberg, I handed you ing to you." a sealed paper and ordered you to preserve it till "Do so," said Francis, "let us hear what you my ambassador's return. Have you done so? " noted down in your diary." " I have, your majesty." Colonel Steigentesch drew a memorandum-book " And have you brought-it with you now?" from his bosom and opened it. " Here it is, your majesty," said Count Stadion, " Well, then, how did the king receive you? " drawing a sealed envelope from his bosom, and inquired Francis, after a pause. presenting it to the emperor, with a low bow. " The king received me rather coldly and stiffFrancis took it, and examined the seal with close ly," read Colonel Steigentesch from his diary; attention, then held it to his nose and smelled it. "he asked me what was the object of mr mis"Indeed," he exclaimed joyfully, "it has re- sion. I replied that my emperor's letter stated tained its perfume, and is as fresh and brilliant as this in a sufficiently lucid manner. The king was though it had been put on only at the present silent for a while; then he said rather morosely: moment. And what a beautiful crimson it is!'The emperor asks for succor now; but hereafter I have, tlhen, at length found the right receipt for he will, perhaps, conclude a separate peace and good sealing-wax, and this, which I made myself, sacrifice me.' I replied,' The Emperor Francis, may vie with that made at the best Spanish fac- my august master, does not ask for succor. The tories. Oh1, I see, this sealing-wax will drive my battle of Aspern has proved that means of deblack cabinet to despair, for it will be impossible fence are not wanting to Austria. But as it is to open a letter sealed with it; even the finest the avowed object of this war that the powers knife will be unable to do it. Do you not think should recover their former possessions, it is but so too, minister?" just and equitable that they should take an active "I am no judge of sealing-wax," said Count part in the contest, whose object can only be atStadion, coldly, " and I confess that I did not even tained by seizing the favorable moment. I have look at the seal of this envelope; your majesty not been sent to you to argue a question which ordered me to keep it and return it to you after should be settled already, but to make the arBaron Steigentesch's return. I complied with rangemenlts necessary for carrying it into effect.'" vour majesty's orders, that is all." "An expedient reply," exclaimed the emperor, The emperor smiled, and laid the sealed paper nodding his head eagerly. "And what did the with a slight nod on the table by his side; then King of Prussia answer to you?" he sank into an easy-chair, and beckoned to the "The king was silent a while, and paced his gentlemen to take seats on the chairs on the other room repeatedly, his hands clasped on his back. side of the table. Then he stood still in front of me, and said in a THE REPLY OF THE KING OF PRUSSIA 159 loud, firm voice:'Despite the fear which I might "I did not, your majesty. I replied that I have of being deserted by Austria, I am deter- could not even state this, for it was repugnant to mined to ally myself one day with your court; but it my sense of honor; however, I would not contrais not yet time. Continue the war; in the mean diet such a rumor if it were circulated." time I will gradually strengthen my forces; only "Very well, colonel," said the emperor, smil-& then shall I be able to take a useful part in the ing; " you have acted in a manner worthy of a contest. I lack powder, muskets, and money; my true Austrian. And now tell me, did you see the artillerists are all young and inexperienced sol- queen also?" diers. It is painful to me to avow the whole "I did, your majesty. Her majesty sent for me wretchedness of my position to an Austrian offi- on the day of my arrival. The queen looked pale cer; but I must do so to prow;, to your master and feeble, but she seemed to take pains to conwhat it is that keeps me back at this juncture. ceal her sufferings under a smile which illuminated You will easily convince yourself that I am striv- her face like a sunbeam." ing to'be useful to you by all means. Your sick "See, see," exclaimed the emperor, sarcastisoldiers are nursed at my hospitals and sent to cally; " our colonel talks in the enthusiastic strain their homes; I give leave of absence to all my of a poet now that he refers to the queen. Is she officers who wish to serve in your army. But to so very beautiful, then?" ask me to declare now in your favor, is to call upon " Your majesty, she is more than beautiful; she me to sign my own ruin. Deal the enemy another is at the same time a noble, high-spirited woman, blow, and I will send an officer out of uniform to and an august queen. Her misfortunes and huyour emperor's headquarters to make all neces- miliations have not bent her neck, but this noble sary arrangements.' * After these words the king lady seems even more august and majestic in the bowed to me and dismissed me." days of adversity than in those of splendor and "Ah, indeed, the king of Prussia gives us very prosperity." wise advice," exclaimed the emperor; " we are to "And what did the queen say to you? Was deal Bonaparte another blow, and then Prussia she of her husband's opinion that Austria should will negotiate with us. After we have gained an- not be succored at this juncture, and that Prussia, other victory, the cautious King of Prussia will before declaring in our favor, ought to wait and enter into secret negotiations with me, and send see if Austria can defeat France single-handed?" to my headquarters an officer, but, do you hear,'" Youremajesty, the queen was more unreserved out of uniform. in order not to compromise him- and frank in her utterances than the king. She self. Did you not wear your uniform, then, openly avowed her hatred against Napoleon, and colonel'" it is her opinion that Prussia should take a de"Pardon me, your majesty, I did. But this cided stand against France.'For,' she said,'I seemed to be disagreeable to the king, and he am convinced that the hatred of the French emasked me to doff my uniform at K6nigsberg; but peror against Austria, and his intention to overI replied, that I was, since the battle of Aspern, so throw all dynasties, leave no hope of peace. I proud of my uniform that I could not doff it.t am the mother of nine children, to whom I am The king thereupon requested me to state publicly anxious to preserve their inheritance; you may, that I had come to Prussia only for the purpose therefore, judge of the wishes which I enterof asking of the king permission to buy corn in tain.' * Silesia and horses in Prussia." "If such were the queen's sentiments, I sup" And you complied with this request, colonel! " pose she profited by the great influence which she * The king's own words.-See "Lebensbilder," vol. iii. is said to have over her husband, to prevail upon p. 262. t The king's own words.-See "Lebensbilder," vol. iii.,, * The queen's own words.-See "Lebensbilder," vol. p. 262. iii., p. 260. 160 ANDREAS HOFER. him to take a bold stand, and you bring me the of war, spoke as violently and with as undisguised news of it as the final result of your mission, do hostility against France. He presented to the you not?" king a memoir in which he said:' I will not go " Pardonl me, yc,ur majesty, I do not. It seems dishonored into my grave; I should be dishonored the influence of the queen does not go far enough did I not advise the king to profit by the present to induce the king to change his mind after he moment, and declare war against France. Can has once made it up. Now, the king has resolved your majesty wish that Austria should return your not to ally himself with Austria at this juncture, states to you as alms, if she were still generous but to wait until Austria, as he says,'has dealt enough to do so; or that Napoleon, if victorious, the Emperor of the French another blow.' All should disarm your soldiers like the militia of a my interviews with the king were, as it were, only free city?' But all these remonstrances, these variations of this theme. In the last interview supplications, nay, even the tears of the queen, which I had with the king, he did not express were in vain. The king repeated that he would any thing but what he had already told me in the unite with Austria one day, but it was not yet first. He repeated that he would, as soon as time. Austria ought first to deal France another Austria had dealt France another decisive blow, blow, and gain a decisive victory; then would send an officer out of uniform to the headquarters have come for Prussia the moment to declare of your majesty; but then, he added:'I hope to openly against France. This, your majesty, is the come myself, and not alone.' When I took leave only reply which I bring with me from my mission of the queen, she was even sadder than usual, and to Prussia." her voice was tremulous, and her eyes filled with "Well, I must confess that this reply is decidtears, when she said to me she hoped to meet me edly cautious and wise!" exclaimed the emperor, soon again under more favorable circumstances." laughing. "After we have drawn the chestnuts'"And what did the other persons at the Prus- out of the fire, Prussia will be kind enough to sit sian court say? How did the princes, the gener- down with Austria and help her to eat them. als, and ministers express themselves?" Well, what do'you think of it, brother John?" "Prince William,the king's brother, said to me "I think that this hesitating policy of Prussia with a shrug:' You will not find the spirit reign- is a misfortune, not only for Austria and Prussia, ing here much to your taste. The king's irreso- but for Germany. For if France and Russia join lution will ruin him again.' The princess, his hands now against our disunited country, Gerwife, apologized for not inviting me to dinner, the many will be lost. The welfare of Europe is now king having positively forbidden her to do so. inseparably bound up with an alliance between The kin,'s generals and ministers unreservedly Austria and Prussia, which can alone prevent the gave vent to their impatience and indignation. outbreak of a European war. But this alliance Grand-chancellor von Beyme said to me:'The must be concluded openly, unreservedly, and with king would like to unite with you, but he cannot mutual confidence. No private interests, no secmake up his mind to do so. Hon-wever, as every- ondary interests calculated to frustrate the enterbody about him is earnestly in favor of an alliance prise, but the great ends of saving the states, and with Austria, I hope that the king will be carried restoring peace and prosperity to humanity, away.' * General Blitcher wrote to the king in should be kept constantly in view; then, and his impetuous, frank manner, that'he would not then only, success will crown the great undertakwitness the downfall of the throne, and would pre- ing." * fer serving in a foreign army, provid!ed it were at "And Prussia seems little inclined to keep such war with the French.' Scharnhorst, the minister ends inview," said the emperor. " Well, minis* The archduke's own words.-See his "Letters to Jo* "Lebensbilder," vol. iii., p. 262. hannes von Miiller," p. 91. THE BATTLE OF WAGRAM. 161 er, you do not say a word. You were so elo- on the struggle against France single-handed; but, luent in trying to gain me over to this alliance after dealing her another blow, for which the King with Prussia; you assured me so often that Prus- of Prussia longs, we shall take good care not to 4ia was waiting only for me to call upon her, invite Prussia to our victorious repast. It would when she would ally herself with me; and be just in us even to compel her to give us the now —" sweet morsel of Silesia for our dessert. Well, we "Now, your majesty," said Count Stadion, shall see what time will bring about. Our first mournfully, " I see, to my profound sotrrow, that blow against France was successful.-Archduke, Prussia prefers her separate interests to the in- go and help us to succeed in dealing her another; terests of Germany; and I confess that I was and, after defeating France single-handed, we mistaken in Prussia." shall also be masters of Germany." "And you tried to convince me that I was wrong in entertaining a different opinion; and my esteemed brother yonder spoke so wisely and loftily of our Prussian brethren, and the united Germany C A P T E R XVI. which we would form together! Well, you shall see at least that, although I yieldedf and, to get THE BATTLE OF WAGRAM. rid of all you wise men, applied to Prussia, I did "AT length! " exclaimed the Archduke John, not believe in the success of the mission. Minis- joyously, holding up the letter which a courier of ter, be kind enough now to take the letter which the generalissimo hed just brought him from the you have kept for me so long. There! Now headquarters of Wagram. "At length a decisive break the nice seal, open the letter, and read to blow is to be struck.-Count Nugent, General us what I wrote on the day when I dispatched Frimont, come in here! A courier from the genColonel Steigentesch to the King of Prussia. eralissimo!" Red!" So saving, the archduke had opened the door Stadion unfolded the letter and read: of his cabinet, and called the gentlemen who were " Colonel Steigentesch will return from his mis- in the anteroom. sion without accomplishing any thing. Prussia "A courier from the generalissimo," he reand Austria are rivals in Germany, and will never peated once more, when the two generals came in. join hands in a common undertaking. Austria "Your highness's wish is fulfilled now, is it can never forgive Prussia for taking Silesia from not?" asked Nugent. "The generalissimo acher, and Prussia will always secretly suspect that cepts the assistance which you offered to him. He Austria is intent upon weakening her rising power permits you to leave this position with your troops and humbling her ambition. Hence, Prussia will and those of the Archduke Palatine and reinforce hesitate and temporize even at this juncture, al- his own army? " though it is all-important now for Germany to "No, he does not reply to my offer. It seems take a bold stand against her common enemy, ra- the generalissimo thinks that he does not need us pacious and insatiable France; she will hesitate to beat the French. But he writes to me that he because she secretly wishes that Austria should is about to advance with his whole army, and that'be humiliated; and she will not bear in mind a decisive battle may be looked for. He says the that the weakening of Austria is fraught with enemy is still on the Island of Lobau, busily endanger for Prussia, nay,. the whole of Germany." gaged in erecting a tMte-de-pont, and building a "Now, gentlemen," said the emperor, when bridge across the Danube." Count Stadion was through, " you see that my " And our troops do not try to prevent this by opinion was right, and that I well knew what I all means?" cried General Frimont, vehemently. had to expect from Prussia. We must now carry " They allow the enemy to build bridges? They 11 162 ANDREAS HOFER. look on quietly while the enemy is preparing to all his troops to Vienna, and that al1 his columns leave the island, and do not prevent him from so are already on the march thither. Tell him that doing? " it is all-important for us to detain him, and that I, " My friend," said the archduke, gently, " let therefore, have resolved to make a sortie from the us never forget that it does not behoove us to tete-de-pont, and request the Archduke Palatine to criticise the actions of the generalissimo, and that cooperate with me on the right bank of the Danour sole duty is to obey. Do as I do; let us be ube. Let us go to work, gentlemen, to work! silent and submit. But let us rejoice that some-'We have no time to lose. The order is to keep thing will be done at length. Just bear in mind the enemy here by all means; let us strive to do how long this inactivity and suspense have lasted it!" already. The battle of Aspern was fought on And they went to work with joyous zeal and the 22d of May, to-day is the 3d of July; and in untiring energy; all necessary dispositions were the mean time nothing has been done. The en- made for forming a pontoon-bridge, and preventing emy remained quietly on the Island of Lobau, the enemy from joining Napoleon's main army. nursing his wounded, reorganizing his troops, The Archduke John superintended every thing in erecting tetes-de-pont, and building bridges; and person; he was present wherever difficulties were the generalissimo stood with his whole army on to be surmounted, or obstacles to be removed. the bank of the Danube, and took great pains to In his ardent zeal, he did not hesitate to take part watch in idleness the busy enemy. Let us thank in the toils of his men, and the soldiers cheered God, therefore, that at last the enemy is tired of enthusiastically on seeing him work so hard in the this situation, that he at length takes the initiative midst of their ranks. again, and brings about a decision. The general- Early in the morning of the 5th of July the issimo informs me that the enemy's artillery dis- bridge was completed, the tate-de-pont was fully lodged our outposts yesterday, and that some armed, and every thing was in readiness for the French infantry crossed over to the Miihlau. The sortie. The archduke, who had not slept all the generalissimo, as I told you before, advanced with night long, was just returning from an inspection his troops, and hopes for a decisive battle within of the preparations, when a courier galloped upto a few days." him in the middle of the bridge. On beholding "And yet the generalissimo does not accept the the archduke, he jumped from his horse, and assistance which your imperial highness offered to handed him, panting and in trembling haste, a him? " asked Count Nugent, shaking his head. letter from the generalissimo. "No, he does not. The generalissimo orders "You have ridden very rapidly? You were me, on the contrary, to stay here at Presburg and instructed then to make great haste? " asked operate in such a manner against the corps sta- John. tioned here, that it mav not be able to join Na- "I rode hither from Wagram in ten hours, your poleon's main army. Well, then, gentlemen, let imperial highness," said the courier, breathlessly; us comply with this order, and perform at least "I was instructed to ride as rapidly as possible.'? our bumble part of the generalissimo's grand plan. "You have done your duty faithfully. Go and Let us help him to gain a victory, for the victory rest." will be useful to the fatherland. We will, there- He nodded kindly to the courier, and repaired fore, form a pontoon-bridge to-day, and make a to his headquarters to read the letter he had just sortie from the tete-de-pont. You, General Fri- received from his brother. mont, will order up the batteries from Comorn. This letter revoked all orders which had been You, General Nugent, will inform the Archduke sent to him up to this time. The archduke had Palatine of the generalissimo's orders. Write him vainly offered his cooperation and that of the Archalso that it is positive that the enemy is moving duke Palatine four days ago. At that time not THE BATTLE OF WAGRAM. 163 even a reply had been made to his offer; now, at thousand men with the utmost rapidity toward the last moment, the generalissimo called impetu- Marchegg. The troops were exhausted by the ously upon his brother to hasten to his assistance. toils and fatigues of the last days; they had not He demanded that the Archduke John should set eaten any thing for twenty-four hours; but the out at once, leave only troops enough to hold the archduke and his generals and staff-officers altite-le-ponat, and hasten up with the remainder of ways knew how to stir them up and induce them his forces to the scene of action. to continue their march with unflagging energy. When the arllhduke read this order, a bitter Thus they at length reached Marchegg, where smile played round his lips. "See," he said, they were to rest for three hours. mournfully, to General Frimont, "now I am But no sooner had they arrived there than needed all at once, and it seems as if the battle Count Reuss, the generalissimo's aide-de-camp, cannot, be gained without us. It is all-important galloped up on a charger covered all over witlt for u? to arrive in time at the point to which we foam. The count had ridden in seven hours from are crlled so late, perhaps too late. Ah, what is Wagram to Marchegg, for it was all-important that? What do you bring to me, Nugent?" that the archduke should accelerate his march.' Another courier from the generalissimo has The battle was raging already with great fury. arrived; he brought this letter." The generalissimo was in urgent need of the arch" You see, much deference is paid to us all of a duke's assistance. Hence, the latter was not to sudlden; we are treated as highlly important assist- rest with his troops at Marchegg, but continue his ants," sighed the archduke. He then unfolded the march, and advance with the utmost speed by paper quickly and read it. Siebenbrunn to Loibersdorf. At Siebenbrunn he " The generalissimo he said, "informs me now would find Field-Marsial Rosenberg; he should that he has changed his plan, and will not give then, jointly with him, attack the enemy. battle on the bank of the Danube, but take posi- "Let us sot out, then, for Loibersdorf," said tion in the rear of Wagram. He instructs me to John, sighing; " we will do all we can, and thus make a forced march to Marchegg, advance, after avoid being charged with tardiness. Up, up, my resting there for three hours, to Siebenbrunn, and braves! The fatherland calls us; we must obey take position there. Very well, gentlemen, let us it!" carry the generalissimo's orders into effect. At But the soldiers obeyed this order only with.ne o'clock to-night, all must be in readiness for low murmurs, and many remained at Marchegg, setting out. We need the time between now and exausted to death. then to concentrate the extended lines of our The troops continued their march with restless troops. If we are ready at an earlier hour, we speed, and mute resignation. The archduke's shall set out at once. Make haste! Let that be f:ce was pale, his flashing eyes were constantly the password to-night! " prying into the distance, his breast was panting Thanks to this password, all the troops had been his heart was filled with indescribable anxiety, concentrated by midnight, and the march was just and he exhorted his troops incessantly to accelerabout to begin when another courier arrived from ate their steps. Now they heard the dull roar the generalissimo, and informed the archduke that of artillery at a distance; and the farther they the enemy was advancing, and that it was now advanced, the louder and more terrific resounded the generalissimo's intention to-attack him and the cannon. The battle, therefore, was going on, force him to give battle. The Archduke John was and the utmost rapidity was necessary on their ordered to march as rapidly as possible to Sieben- part. Forward, therefore, forward! IAt.e brunn, whither a strong corps of the enemy had o'clock in the afternoon they at And reached set out. Siebenbrunn. But where was Fie'-MIarshal Ro. The Archduke John now advanced with his ten I senberg? What did it mean that the roar of 164 ANDREAS HOFER. artillery had almost entirely died away? And and exasperation; but finally the Archduke what dreadful signs surrounded the horizon on all Charles had been compelled to evacuate the field sides? Tremendous clouds of smoke, burning of battle and retreat. The Emperor Napoleon villages everywhere, and added to them now the had remained in possession of the field; he had stillness of death, which was even more horrible gained the battle of Wagram. after the booming of artillery which had shaken Large drops of sweat stood on the archduke's the earth up to this time. Where was Field-Mar- forehead while he was listening to this report; shal Rosenberg? his eyes filled with tears of indignation and anger; An officer galloped up at full speed. It was a his lips quivered, and he lifted his eyes reproachmessenger from Field-Marshal Rosenberg, who in- fully to heaven. Then he turned slowly to Genformed the archduke that he had been repulsed, eral Frimont, who was halting by his side, and that all was over, and that the day was irretriev- behind whom were to be seen the gloomy, mournably lost. ful faces of the other officers. " I have been ordered to march to Loibersdorf," " The generalissimo has lost a battle," he said, said the archduke, resolutely; "I must comply with a sigh. " This is a twofold calamity for us. with my instructions." You know that we could not come sooner. We And he continued his march toward Loibers- arrived even at an earlier hour than I had promdorf. Patrols were sent out and approached ised. You will see that the whole blame feor the Wagram. The fields were covered with the dead loss of the battle will be laid at our door, and we and wounded, and the latter stated amid moans shall be charged with undue tardiness. This preand lamentations that a dreadful battle had been tended tardiness will be welcome to many a one. fought, and that the Austrians had been defeated. A scapegoat is needed, and I shall have to be this The archduke listened to these reports with a scapegoat!" * pale face and quivering lips. But le was still in The Archduke John was not mistaken; he had hopes that he would receive a message from the predicted his fate. He was really to be the scapegeneralissimo; hence, he remained at Loibers- goat for the loss of the battle. In the proclamadorf and waited for news from his brother. Night tion which the Archduke Charles issued to his came; profound stillness reigned all around, army a few days afterward at Znaym, and in broken only now and then by dull reports of can- which he informed it that he had concluded an non and musketry fired at a distance; and there armistice with the Emperor Napoleon, he deplored was no news yet from the generalissimo! that, owing to the too late arrival of the ArchOne of the patrols now brought in a French duke John, the battle had not been won, despite officer who had got separated from his men, and the admirable bravery which the troops had diswhom the Austrians had taken prisoner. The played at Wagram, and that the generalissmo had archduke sent for him, and asked him for infor- been compelled thereby to retreat. mation regarding the important events of the day. The Archduke John did not defend himself. The officer gave him the required information He lifted his tearful ey,es to heaven and sighed: with sparkling eyes and in a jubilant voice. A "Another battle lost, and this battle decides the great battle had been fought during the previous fate of Austria! Now Prussia will not ally hertwo days. The French army had left the Island self with us, for we did not strike the second blow of Lobau on four bridges, which Napoleon had which the king demanded, and she will look on caused to be built in a single night by two hun- quietly while Austria is being humiliated! 0 dred carpenters, and had given battle to the God, God, protect Austria I Protect Germany! Archduke Charles at Wagram. A filrious com- save us from utter ruin!" bat had raged on the 5th and 6th of July. Both * The archduke's own words.-See Hormayr's work armies had fought with equal boldness, bravery, on " The Campaign of 1809," p. 236. THE ARMISTICE OF ZNAY'I. 165 had long since left Anthony Steeger's house, and CHAPTER XXVIII. Andreas'Hofer alone remained with him to talk with his faithful friend about the disastrous change THE ARMISTICE OF ZNAYM. in their affairs, and the gloomy prospects of the TnE guests of Anthony Steeger, the innkeeper future. of Lienz, had been greatly excited to-day; they "I cannot believe that all is as they say," said had talked, debated, lamented, and sworn a. great Andreas Hofer, with a sigh. " The emperor promdeal. In accordance with the request of Andreas ised us solemnly never to give up or forsake again Hofer, the most influential leaders of the Tyrolese his faithful Tyrol, and it would be high-treason to had met there and drawn up, as Hofer proposed, suppose that the emperor will not honestly rea petition to the Emperor Francis, who was now deem his pledges. No, no; I tell you, Anthony, in Hungary at one of the palaces belonging to tho the emperor and our dear Archduke John cerPrince of Lichtenstein. The disastrous tidings tainly do not intend to abandon us; only the of the battle of Wagram had been followed a few Austrian generals are opposed to the continudays afterward by news fully as disheartening. ance of the war, and long to get away from our The Archduke Charles had concluded an armistice mountains, because they are afraid of Bonaparte, with the Emperor Napoleon at Znaym, on the 12th and think he would punish them if they should of July, 1809. By this armistice hostilities were stay here any longer and refuse to deliver the to be suspended till the 20th of August; but in the province to his tender mercies." mean time the Austrians were to evacuate the "I am likewise loth to believe that the Emperor Tyrol, Styria, and Carinthia entirely, and restore Francis would forsake us," said Anthony Steeger, to the Bavarians and French the fortified cities nodding his head approvingly. " For the emperor which they had occupied. loves us, and will not allow us to fall into the These calamitous terms of the armistice bad hands of the infidel Bonaparte, who has just cominduced Andreas Hofer to summon some of his mitted another outrage by arresting the Holy friends to Lienz, and draw up with them a petition Father in Rome and dragging him away from his to the emperor, in which they implored him with capital." touching humility to have mercy upon them in "Well, the Holy Father excommunicated him their distress, and not to forsake his faithful Tyrol. for this outrage," cried Andreas Hofer, with flashThey stated that they had been told that the ing eyes; "he called down the wrath of God and Austrian troops, in accordance with the stipula- man on the head of the Antichrist, and rendered tions of the armistice, were to evacuate the Tyrol, it incumbent on every pious Christian to wage but this did not confer upon the French and Ba- war against the criminal who laid his ruthless varians the right of occupying the Tyrol. They hands even upon the holy Church, and trampled besought the emperor to prevent this, and not to under foot him whom the Almighty has anointed. permit the enemy to occupy the country. Anthony Steeger, let me tell you, I will not allow Such were the contents of the petition which the French to return to our country, and never Andreas Hofer and the other leaders of the Ty- will I permit the Austrians to evacuate the Tyrolese had signed to-day at the inn of Anthony rol." Steeger, at Lienz, and which Jacob Sieberer was "And how will you prevent them from so to convey as the last cry of the despairing Tyrol doing?" asked Anthony Steeger, shrugging his to the headquarters of the emperor at Totis, while shoulders. Eisenstecken was to deliver a copy of the petition " I said to-day how I and all of us are going to to General Buol, commander-in-chief of the Aus- prevent it. We shall not suffer the Austrians to trian troops. depart; we shall keep them here by prayers, Night had now come; the friends and comrades stratagems, or force. I have given instructions 1 so ANDREAS HOFER. to all the commanders to do so; 1 have given them " I am writing to old Red-beard," he said; " I written orders which they are to communicate to am writing to him that he is to come to me imour other friends, and in which I command them mediately. And after finishing the letter to old not to permit the departure of the Austrians. I Red-beard, I will write the same thing to Speckbelieve I am commander-ir-chief as yet, and they bacher and Anthony Wallner, Mr. Intendant of will obey my bidding." the Tyrol." "If they can do it, Andy, they certainly will; "Do not apply that title to me any longer, but what if they cannot? What if the Austrians Andy," said Hormayr, with a slight frown. "I cannot be kept here by prayers or stratagem?" am no longer intendant of the Tyrol, for you know " In that case we must resort to force," cried that we must leave the Tyrol and restore it to the Hofer, impetuously. "We must compel them to French and Bavarians." stay here; the whole Tyrol must rise as one man " I for one do not know it, Mr. Intendant of the and with its strong arms keep the Austrians in Tyrol," cried Andreas, with an angry glance. " I the country. Yes, yes, Anthony, we must do it; know only that the Archduke John appointed you it will be best for us all. It must look as though military intendant of the Tyrol, and that you took we detain the Austrians by force, and this will be a solemn oath to aid us in becoming once more, most agreeable to the Emperor Francis; for what and remaining, Austrians." fault of his is it that the Tyrolese prevent him." I think, Andy, I have honestly redeemed my from carrying cut what he promised to Bonaparte pledges," said Hormayr. " I assisted you everyin the armistice? It is not his fault, then, if the where to the best of my power, was always in Austrians stay here, and if we prevent them from your midst, encouraging, organizing, fighting, and leaving our mountains. We must detain them, mediating; and I think you will admit that I haJl we must. And I will write immediately to old likewise my little share in the deliverance of the Red-beard, Father Haspinger, Joseph Speckbach- Tyrol, and proved myself one of its good and er, and Anthony Wallner. I will summon them faithful sons." to a conference with me, and we will concert "Well, yes, it is true," murmured Hofer; "you measures for a renewed rising of the Tyrol. Give did a great deal of good, and, above all things, me pen and ink, Tony; I will write in the first you gained over to our side the Austrian generals, place to old Red-beard, and your Joa shall take who would not have any thing to do with us peasthe letter this very night to his convent." ants, and refused to make common cause with us; Anthony Steeger hastened to bring him what he for you possess a very eloquent tongue, and what wanted, and while Hofer scrawled the letter, his can be accomplished by means of the tongue you friend stood behind him, and followed with atten- do accomplish. But now, sir, the tongue will no tive eyes every word which Andreas finished with longer suffice, and we must fight also with the considerable difficulty. sword." Both were so much absorbed in the letter that "God forbid, Andy!" exclaimed Hiormayr; they did not perceive that the door opened be- "'you know that the emperor has concluded an hind them, and that Baron von Hormayr, in a armistice with Bonaparte, and while it lasts we are dusty travelling-dress, entered the room. For a not allowed to fight with the sword." moment he stood still at the door and cast a "The emperor has concluded an armistice? searching glance on the two men; he then ad- Well, then, let there be an armistice. But you vanced quickly toward Andreas Hofer, and, lay- will not confine yourself to an armistice-you ining his hand on his shoulder, he said: "Well, tend to evacuate the Tyrol. That seems to me no Andy, what are you writing there?" fair armistice, and therefore I shall summon old Andreas looked up, but the unexpected arrival Red-beard, and my other faithful friends, and conof the baron did not seem to excite his surprise. cert with them measures to prevent you from THE ARMISTICE OF ZNAYM. 167 concluding such an unfair armistice and forsak- him away with him, I will endeavor to detain him ing us." forcibly." "And Andy is right in doing so! " exclaimed When the door had closed after Anthony SteeAnthony Steeger. "We must not permit the ger, Hormayr nodded kindly to Andreas Hofer Austrians to leave the province, and we are firmly and shook hands with him. resolved that we will not." "Now we are alone, Andy," he said, "and will "You are fools, both of you," said Hormayr, speak confidentially a word which no one is to shrugging his shoulders. " The Emperor Francis hear save us two." agreed positively that the Austrian troops should "But you should always bear in mind that evacuate the Tyrol during the armistice; hence, God Almighty is present, and listens to us," said the troops must leave, lest the emperor should Hofer, lifting his eyes devoutly to heaven. break his word." "We shall speak nothing that can offend the "But if they do, the emperor breaks the word good God! " exclaimed Hormayr, laughing. " We he pledged to us," cried Anthony Steeger, vehe- shall speak of you, Andy, and the Tyrol. I wish mently. to pray you, Andy, in the name of the Archduke "Anthony Steeger," said Hormayr, sternly, " I John, who sent me to you, and who sent his kindhave come hither to have an interview with An- est greetings with me, not to close your ears dreas Hofer, to whom I wish to communicate against good and well-meant advice." something of great importance. Therefore, be so "What did the archduke say? What does he kind as to withdraw, and leave me alone with want of me?" asked Andreas, quickly. him." "He wishes Andreas Hofer, like himself, to "I believe Andy does not want to keep any submit to the emperor's orders quietly and pathing secret from me, and I might, therefore, tiently; he wishes Andreas Hofer to yield to stern just as well stay here. Say, Andy, is it not so?" necessity, and no longer sow the seeds of hatred "It is. Speak, Mr. Intendant; Tony may hear and discord, but obey the will of his master with it all." Christian humility and resignation. He wishes "No, Andy, I shall not speak unless I am Andreas Hofer to set a good example to all the alone with you; and what I have to say to you is Tyrolese, and undertake nothing in opposition to highly important to the Tyrol. But no one but the stipulations of the armistice; and the Archyourself must hear it." duke John finally wishes his beloved Andreas Ho"If that is the case, go out and leave me alone fer to secure his life and liberty by leaving the with the intendant," said Hofer, shaking hands Tyrol with the Austrian troops, and remaining for with his friend. some time under the protection of the imperial Anthony Steeger cast an angry glance on Hor- army." mayr, and left the room. " I know very well why "Never, never will I do that! " cried Andreas, he wanted to get rid of me," he growled, as soon vehemently; "never will I leave my beloved as he was out in the hall. "He intends to per- country! I swore to the priest, and in my own suade Andreas Hofer to leave with the Austrians heart, that, while I lived, I would be faithful to and abandon the Tyrol. He thinks when he is my God, my emperor, and my country, and that I alone with Hofer, he will yield sooner because he would spill the last drop of blood for our liberty, is a weak and good-hearted man, who would like our constitution, and our emperor; and never wil! to comply with every one's wishes. He thinks if I break my oath, never will I desert my flag like I were present I should tell Andy the truth, and a faithless soldier!" not permit him to desert our cause, and set a bad "But, Andy, you are not to desert it, but only example to the others. Well, I will keep a sharp convey it to a place of safety for a short time. lookout, and if the intendant really tries to take Listen to me, Andy, and let me tell you all about 168 ANDREAS HOFER. it. You think all may be changed yet, and you "And all our blood has been shed in vain! may prevent the Austrians from leaving your cried Hofer, bursting into tears. " All the faithmountains. But unfortunately it is already too fuJ Tyrolese who have fallen in battle gave up late. Already the Austrian general-in-chief, Baron their lives for nothing. We fought bravely; the von Buol, has concentrated his scattered forces, good God helped us in battle; but men deserted and marched them to-night from Brixen to Schabs. us, and even the emperor, for whom we fought, There you can do nothing against himn; his artil- will not redeem the pledges he gave us, nor help lery and ammunition are safe there, and you can- us in our sore distress." not hinder him from marching with his troops "The emperor will never abandon his faithful this very day into Carinthia." Tyrolese," said Hormayr; "only you must be "'But we can prevent General Schmidt from patient. He cannot do any thing now; he can surrendering the fortress of Sachsenburg to Gen- not endanger his whole empire to serve the small eral Rusca," cried Andreas, triumphantly. province of the Tyrol. For the time being, fur" Do you think Commander Joseph Turk, in ther resistance is out of the question, but the emUpper Carinthia, surprised and occupied the for- peror profits by the armistice to concentrate a tress of Sachsenburg immediately, because you new army; and when hostilities are resumed,'he wrote to him to do so previous to Rusca's arri- will first think of the Tyrol, and deliver it again val? You look at me so wonderingly, you big from the enemy." child! See, here is your letter to Joseph TUrk! "But until then the T3roI itself ought to mainOur men intercepted it; hence, Joseph Turk did tain its liberty!" exclaimed Andreas Hofer, with not occupy the fortress, and General Rusca has flashing eyes. " Listen to what I wish to say to arrived there already." you, Mr. Intendant, and what God Himself " It is my letter, indeed," sighed Andreas Ho- prompts me to tell you. I see full well that the fer, staring at the paper which Hormayr had emperor himself is unable to speak for the Tyrol, handed to him. " They did not allow it to reach and cannot order his troops to remain in the Joseph Turk; they no longer respect what I say country; I see full well that the emperor, sorely and do." pressed as he is by Bonaparte, cannot do any "They cannot, Andy, for your and their su- thing for us. But until he is ready again, some perior, the emperor, has ordered his soldiers to one ought to be courageous enough to take his evacuate the Tyrol. It was surely most repug- place, and, as the emperor's lieutenant, defend nant to the emperor to do so, and I know that the Tyrol against the enemy. You, Mr. Intenthe Archduke John shed tears of grief and rage dant, are the man to do it. You have often ason being obliged to instruct General Buol to evac- sured us that you were a brave and patriotic son uate the Tyrol. But he submitted to stern neces- of the Tyrol; prove now that you told us the sity, and you will do so too, Andy." truth. Instead of leaving the Tyrol at this hour " What am I to do, then? What do you want of its greatest peril, and surrendering it to the of me? " asked Andreas, with tears in his eyes. enemy, place yourself at its bead, protect it "The Archduke John wants you to preserve against the enemy, and preserve it to the emperyourself for better times, Andy. He implores you or.* Become Duke of Tyrol, take charge of the to repair to a place of safety, not only for the government and defence of the country. As prosake of your wife and children, but also for that visional duke, call upon the faithful people to of your fatherland. Believe me, Andreas, a take up arms, and they will rise as one man and gloomy time is dawning upon the Tyrol. The defend its frontiers against every enemy. Rule enemy is approaching on all sides, and the over the Tyrol in the emperor's place, until he French and Bavarians have already crossed the frontiers of the Tyrol in order to occupy it again." "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 103. THE ARMISTICE OF ZNAYM. 169 himself is able again to do so and fold us again deuce, will leave the Tyrol this very day of their to his heart." own accord and accompany our Austrian troops to " What you say is nonsense, Andy," exclaimed Carinthia." Hormayr, shrugging his shoulders. "You want "That is false, that is impossible!" cried Anme to become provisional Duke of Tyrol? Why, drea3,vehemently. " Speckbacher will never do so." the whole world would laugh at me, and the em- " Yes, he will, Andy. I saw him this morning. peror would punish me as a rebel!" I-e resisted and fought as long as he could; but "Well, then, cried Andreas Hofer, in a power- since the armistice compels him to lay down the ful voice, " if you will not do it, I will! I shall sword, and since, moreover, the French and Batake charge of the government and call myself varians are entering the country once more, he' Andreas Hofer, Sandwirth of Passeyr and Duke feels that it is better for him to save his life than of Tyrol,' as long as it pleases God!" * be caught and hung here by the vindictive enemy. "No, you will not, Andy," said Hormayr, grave- Hence, Speckbacher accepted the offer of the Ausly; "you will be sensible, on the contrary, and trian officers, and will accompany them." not, from worldly pride, endanger your country, "Joseph Speckbacher will leave the Tyrol!" your friends, and yourself. Bear in mind, Andy, murmured Andreas Hofer, mournfully. that you would be responsible for the blood that " And he is not the only one, Andreas: Aschwould be shed, if you should incite the people to bacher, Piichler, Sieberer, and many other brave rebellion, and that you would be the murderer of captains of the Tyrolese, will likewise leave with all those who should fall in the struggle provoked the Austrians. All have asked me to implore you by you so recklessly and in open opposition to the to follow their example, and flee from the perils orders of your emperor. Bow your head, Andy, menacing you all. Oh, believe them, believe me, and submit as we all do. Intrust your and our Andreas! Ifyoustay here, the Bavarians willnot cause to God; as it is good and just, He will not rest until they have taken you prisoner-until forsake it, but render it victorious when it is their hated enemy, the formidable Barbone, has time." fallen into their hands. Dear Andy, think of your " I believe you," sighed Andreas; " but how can wife at home, the faithful Anna Gertrude, who I keep quiet when, as you have often told me, I am prays for you morning and evening, and beseeches God's instrument and destined by Him to deliver the Almighty to spare the life of her dear husband; the dear Tyrol from the enemy? And what would think of your dear children, whose only protector my brave lieutenar.s sav if their commander-in- and supporter you are; do not make your dear chief, Andreas Hofer, were to leave the country in wife a widow, nor your sweet children orphans! its sore distress, after he had taken an oath to de- Andreas Hofer, you cannot now be useful to the fend it while he lived? Would they not point fatherland; save yourself, then, for your wife and their fingers at me, and call me a traitor, a Judas children!" Iscariot who sold his country for the sake of his " My good wife, my dear children!" sighed Anown safety? " dreas, profoundly moved; "it is true, they love " You are mistaken, Andy. You think your me dearly, and would be very lonely on earth if friends, the captains and other commanders, with their father should be taken from them!" whom you fought for the deliverance of the Tyrol, "Preserve their father to them, then, and prewould despise you if you followed the Austrians serve yourself also to the fatherland! Follow the now and saved your life? Now listen to me, my example of your brave friends Speckbacher, Aschfriend. Your best friends, the brave Tyrolese bacher, Sieberer, and all the others; accompany captains, in whom you repose the greatest confi- us, leave the Tyrol for a while, and when the time has come, return with them and fight once more * Andreas IIofer's own words. —See Horntayr's "Andreas Hofer," vol. ii., p. 3861. for the deliverance of the country." 170 ANDREAS rIOFE=. "Speckbacher will leave, and so will all the others," murmured Andreas to himself. "The CHAPTER XXIX. Tyrol will fall again into the enemy's hands, and HOFER AND SPECKBACHER. all has been in vain!i" He hung his head and heaved a deep sigh. SCARCELY had the sun risen next morning when " Come, Andreas, be sensible; think of yourself Baron von Ilormayr arose and quickly prepared and your family," said Hormayr, beseechingly. every thing for their departure. After seeing that "I have come hither for the sole purpose of tak- his carriage was at the street door, he descended ing you with me; let me not have travelled in vain the staircase in order to go to Andreas Hofer. from Brixen to Lienz. Come, Andreas, come! Anthony Steeger followed him with a gloomy My carriage is in readiness at the door; let us ride face, and watched his every movement attentively. together to Matrey. Speckbacher, the other " If he tries to take Andy with him," he said to friends, and the Austrians are waiting for us there; himself, "I will strangle him. It is true, he has we shall cross the Tyrolese frontier with them this told me already that Hofer will accompany him, very day, and you and all your friends will be safe. but I do not believe it, and he shall not coax him Therefore, do not hesitate any longer, but come! " away. This time I shall be present, and see what "I cannot make up my mind so suddenly," said he is after." Hofer, disengaging himself gently from the hand They stood now in front of Hofer's door, and of Hormayr, who was trying to draw him up from Hormayr put his hand on the knob to open it, but his chair. " It is a grave, momentous step which it was locked on the inside. you ask me to take, and before I can do so I must "Andreas Hofer, Andreas Hofer!" he shouted consult God and pray to Him fervently. There- out almost imperatively. "The time is up; come fore, pray leave me alone a little while, that I may to me, Andreas Hofer!" speak to the good God and consult Him and my The door opened, and the tall, powerful form conscience." of the Sandwirth appeared in it. "Very well, Andy, I give you a quarter of an "Here I am," he said, smiling calmly, "and hour to make up your mind," exclaimed Hormayr, you see I am ready to set out." approaching the door. "You will accompany me then, Andy?" asked "A quarter of an hour is not enough," said Hormayr, joyfully. Andreas, shaking his head. "It is late at night, "You will leave us?" cried Anthony Steeger, and night is the time for repose and prayer. indignantly. Therefore, stay here, Mr. Intendant; sleep a few "I was waiting for you, sir," said Andreas, hours, and to-morrow morning, at sunrise, come quietly; "and if you had not come of your own to my chamber and awaken me. I will tell you accord, Tony, I should have called you, for you then what God in heaven has told me to do." shall hear what I have got to say to the intend"You pledge me your word, Andreas, that you ant. Come in, then, both of you, and let us speak will not leave during the present night?" a last word with each other. Anthony Steeger, "I do. I shall stay here. And now good-night. Baron von Hormayr, our countryman, came hither My heart is profoundly moved, and I long for re- to persuade me to accompany him and leave the pose. This is my chamber; I begged Anthony Tyrol. Our friends will do the same thing, for Steeger to let me have it; he has fine rooms for the Bavarians and French are already entering aristocratic guests up-stairs, and he will give you the country. Speckbacher, Sieberer, and others, one of them. Now good-night, sir!" will save their lives for this reason, and go with lie bowed kindly to the baron, shook hands the Austrians; and the intendant thinks I ought with him, and conducted him to the door. to do the same, for the sake of my wife and children. However, I wished first to consult the HOFER AND SPECKBCtCHER. 171 good God. I did so all night long. I prayed the Tyrol, and I shall call upon them to rally and reflected a great deal, and it seemed to me as round me. We have twice delivered the country though the Lord spoke to me and enlightened my from the enemy without any outside assistance, soul to find the true path. Listen then, M3r. In- and we shall, perhaps, succeed a third time." tendant of the Tyrol, and you, too, friend An- "But if you should fail," cried Hormayr, "if the thony Steeger, to what I have resolved to do seduced Tyrolese should curse you, if the tears with God's assistance. I took an oath to serve and lamentations of your family should accuse the fatherland as long as I lived: as an honest you, if you ruin yourself and your country, then man, I must keep my word, and stay in the remember this hour, and the warning I gave yovl Tvrol." in order to save you!" Anthony Steeger uttered a loud cry of joy, but "I will, Mr. Intendant," said Andreas, calmly. Hormayr's face grew very sombre. "You do not "Every one must do his duty after his own fashion. see, then, that you are rushing upon your own Youl think you are doing yours by leaving the destruction?" he asked. "You are intent on Tyrol; I think I do mine by staying in the counrendering your wife and children unhappy? You try. God will decide which did right. And now, are bent on incurring the most imminent peril?" God bless you, sir! Greet Speckbacher and all "I will incur it courageously," said Hofer, the others; and when you see the Archduke John, kindly. " I know very well that what I am about tell him that my heart has not lost faith in him, to do is not prudent, but itis right. When the and that I know full well he would never have tempter took Jesus up into an exceeiing high given up the poor Tyrol if he could have helped it. mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the And now, sir, do not look at me so indignantly; world and their glory, and said,'All these things shake hands with me, and let us part in peace." will I give Thee, if thou wilt fall down and wor- He held out his hand, but Hormayr, overcome ship me,' the Saviour did not accept the offer, but by his emotion, spread out his arms and threw remained true to Himself, and sealed His teach- them around Hofer's neck with an air of impasings with his death. I will follow the Saviour's sioned tenderness. example, and never, while I live, prove recreant "Farewell, Andy, farewell," he said, in a low to the love which I vowed to the dear Tyrol; voice. " I cannot approve of what you are doing, never will I leave it, but I will stand by it and but I must love and admire you for all thaw. serve it to the last. Depart, then, Baron von Hor- Farewell, farewell 1" mayr; I cannot accompany you, for the country He disengaged himself quickly, hastened out of keeps inme here, and never will I abandon it what- the room, and walked hurriedly through the hall. ever may happen! "* A few minutes afterward his carriage rolled away "Is that your last word, Andreas?" asked with thundering noise. Hormayr, gloomily. "He is gone!" cried Anthony Steeger, joyous"It is," said Hofer, gently. "But pray, sir, do ly; " the tempter has left us, and you have renot be angry with me for it. Were I more pru- mained firm, Andy; you did not allow yourself to dent and sagacious, I should certainly follow yvur he seduced by his blandishments. The Tyrol will advice; but I am only a plain peasant, and cannot reward you and love you for it for evermore!" but obey the promptings of my heart. Let the "If you speak the truth, it is well; if you do Austrians leave the Tyrol. Andreas Hofer cannot not, it is well too," said Andreas, calmly. "I accompany them, nor can he look on quietly while remain because it is my duty, and because I feel the'enemy is reentering the country. Many brave that the Tyrol needs me. Anthony, the enemy is men, many excellent sharpshooters will remain in reentering the country; we must drive him out a third time; that is my opinion." * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Iofer," vol. iii., p. 104. "It is mine, too," replied Anthony Steeger, ex 172 ANDREAS HO{FER. ultingly. "After succeeding twice in so doing, self in his plans and thoughts. He was animated we shall expel him a third time also." only by one idea, that his beloved country was in "It is true, it is a bad and mournful thing that danger, and that it needed him. Speckbacher is going to de~.ert us," said Andreas, "I do not know if I shall be able to save it," musingly; "but Anthony Wallner and the Cap- he murmured to himself, "but I do know that I uchin will surely stand by us, and Peter Mayer must not run away. I shall hide as long as it is will not leave us either. Besides, you are here, necessary, and prepare myself by prayer and deand so am I, and we five men will raise our voices votion. Forward, my horse, forward!" and call upon the people to rise and expel the And he rode on through the valley and across enemy once more. I believe the brave men will the heights. Profound silence reigned everylisten to our voices, and not one of them will stay where. It was vet early in the morning, the road at home; all will come to us, bring their rifles was quite deserted, and Andreas could brood unwith them, and fight the French and Bavarians." interruptedly over his thoughts and conceive his " I think so too, Andy. When the brave Ty- plans. All at once his musings were interrupted rolese hear your voice, they will come to a man, by the roll of a wagon approaching on the road. and we will achieve another Innspruck triumph, It was a large wagon with racks, drawn by four and gain another victory on Mount Isel." horses, and many men sat in it. Andreas Hofer "God grant it in His mercy!" exclaimed was as yet unable to see who they were, but the Andreas, touching the crucifix on his breast. red and white colors of their gold-and-sil-er-em"But I must set out now, my friend. So long as broidered coats showed him that they were solwe are unable to cope with the enemy, we must diers. When the wagon came closer up to him, avoid meeting him, conceal our forces, and pre- he recognized them; they were Austrian officers pare actively for the struggle. Hence, I shall not and soldiers. But who was he that occupied one tell you where I am going, and no one shall learn of the front seats among them? Who was that of my whereabouts until the time has come for tall, slender man in the dress of the Tyrolese, his me to appear once more at the head of a strong head covered with a pointed green hat? The and brave army. Do your duty here, Tony, and wagon came nearer and nearer. Andreas Hofer enlist courageous sharpshooters for the father- halted his horse and looked steadfastly at the land. Inform all the patriots secretly of my plan, Tyrolese seated in the midst of the Austrian offiand tell them that we must not heed the armistice cers. "Good heavens," he murmured, giving a concluded by Austria, but must fight on for our start, " I believe it is Joseph Speckbacher! Yes, liberty and our emperor. Have my horse brought yes, it is." to the door, my friend; the sun is already over Now the wagon was close by his side, and it the mountains, and it is time for me to start." was really he, it was Joseph Speckbacher; and it Anthony Steeger hastened away; he saddled was plainly to be seen that he had likewise recoghis friend's horse with his own hands and brought nized Andreas Hofer, for he uttered a cry, and a him to the door. Andreas vaulted with the agil- deep blush suffused his cheeks. But the Austrian ity of a youth into the saddle, and shook hands officers had also recognized the brave Sandwirth, with his friend. the universally beloved Barbone, and they shouted F'-'arewell, Anthony Steeger," he said; "you to the coachman to drive quicker and whip his shall hear from me soon." horses into a full gallop. The coachman did so, He then spurred his horse and galloped along and the carriage sped away at a furious rate. the highway leading through the Puster valley. Andreas Hofer halted at the roadside; his tearful His horse knew the way very well; it was un- eyes gazed upon his friend, and when Speckbacher necessary for Andreas Hofer to guide him; he was whirled past him, Andreas exclaimed in a could let him trot along quietly, and absorb him- loud, mournful voice, "Speckbacher, are you too HOFER AND SPECKBACHER. 173 going to desert the country? They are driving "And now tell me, Andy, what are you going you to your own disgrace, Joe!" * to do?" asked Speckbacher, after a long pause. The wagon passed him noisily, and Joseph " I hope you will not look on quietly and peaceSpeckbacher's horse, which was tied behind, gal- ably while the Bavarians and French are reenterloped rapidly after it. Andreas Itofer looked ing the country? I could not bear it, and this after his friend until a cloud of dust enveloped the was the very reason why I did not want to stay in disappearing wagon, and he heard only the sound the country; for the Austrian officers told me, if of the wheels at a distance. He then heaved a I wished to remain in the Tyrol, I should have to deep sigh, wiped a tear from his eye, and rode keep very quiet and allow the enemy to take poson. But his heart was heavy and melancholy, session of the province, in accordance with the and his thoughts returned again and again during stipulations of the armistice. And you see, Andy, his ride on the lonely road to Joseph Speck- my heart revolted at that; therefore I wished to bacher, who had turned his back on the Tyrol get away and remain abroad until the armistice and was about to leave it in the hour of its sorest had expired, when we would be once more allowed distress. Suddenly he thought he heard his own to fight bravely for our country and our emperor." name uttered behind; the call was repeated louder "No one shall prevent us from doing so now," and more urgently. said Andreas, calmly. "What do we care for the Andreas Hofer halted his horse and turned. A armistice? The emperor concluded it; we did cloud of dust came up the road like a whirlwind; not, and I believe the emperor will not blame us now it opened, and the head and neck of a horse for disregarding it and continuing the war as we and the slender rider mounted on him came in commenced it." view. The cloud veils his face as yet, but he "You are right, we will do so," exclaimed comnes nearer and nearer; his horse is now by Speckbacher, joyfully. "And now I will commuAndreas Hofer's side, the rider stretches out his nicate to you some important news which the Ausarms toward him and exclaims exultingly: "An- trian officers received only this morning. Anthony dy, here I am! I heard what you said, and Wallner, of Windisch-Matrey is also of your opinjumped from the wagon, untied my horse, vaulted ion; he refuses likewise to acknowledge the arinto the saddle, and sped after you, my Andy. I mistice and make peace with the enemy. When had to overtake you and tell you that I do not the Bavarians, four days ago, intended to cross want to he disgraced; that I will not leave the the frontier near Windisch-Matrey, Anthony WallTyrol unless you do too." ner and John Panzl went to meet them with four "I never will, Joe, unless I should die," said hundred sharpshooters whom they had gathered Andreas Iofer, solemnly. "But God be praised in great haste. They took position at the bridge that I have got you back, for a piece of my of Taxenbach and tried to prevent the Bavarians heart would have left the country with you. from crossing it. The Bavarians were seven thouBut you are back, and I am so glad of it! And sand strong, and Wallner had only four hundred I must give you a kiss in the name of God, the men; but our friends, nevertheless, defnded the country, and the Emperor Francis. Welcome bridge for seven hours, killed and wounded over home, good and faithful son of the fatherland!" three hundred Bavarians, and retreated into the He encircled Speckbacher's neck with his arms mountains only because the odds were too great." * and imprinted a kiss on his forehead. They re- " I know Anthony Wallner, and was convinced mained locked in a long embrace, keeping their that he would not submit quietly," said Andreas, horses side by side, and gazing at each other with joyfully. "And we will follow his example, proud, smiling joy. Joseph. The good God has imposed on us the * Andreas Hofer's own words.-See Mayr'8 "Joseph * Peternader, "Die Tyroler Landesvertheidigung tin Speckbacher," p. 143. Jahre 1809," vol. ii., p. 84. 1 74 ANDREAS I-IOFER task of defending the Tyrol, and we will filfil it bacher and galloped down the valley, while Speckfaithfully." bacher trotted up the mountain-path. "Yes, we will, and we will begin this very hour. Andreas Hofer rode all day long through the We must find out, above all things, if all of our country. He saw the people everywhere in comcountrymen are of our opinion, and if they are motion and uproar; they greeted him with jubicourageous enough to continue the struggle, even lant cheers, and the men swore everywhere that after the Austrians have left us." they would not allow the enemy to reinter the "What good did the Austrians do us while they country without resistance; that they did liot bewere here? " asked Andreas, indignantly. " Let lieve in the pacific assurances of the proclamame tell you, Joe, on the whole I am glad that the tions with which the Bavarians had flooded the Austrians are evacuating the province. It is bet- country; that they were satisfied, on the contrary, ter for us to fight alone, and trust only our own that the enemy would revenge himself as cruelly strength. Regular troops and insurgents never as he had done after his return in May; and that tight well together in the end, for there are always they were, therefore, firmly resolved to fight and jealousies between them; they mutually charge expel the enemy once more. each other with the blunders committed during "Get your rifles and ammunition, then, and prethe campaign, and grudge each other the glory pare for the struggle," said Andreas Hofer every obtained in the battles. Hence, it is better for us where to the men who were so full of ardor. to be alone and have no other allies than the good " You shall hear from me soon, and learn what God, the Holy Virgin, and her Blessed Son." * God wants us to do." "You are right, always right, Andy," said Andreas Hofer did not rest even at night. The Speckbacher. "We will go courageously to work, great task which was imposed upon him urged then; and you shall see, my Andy, that Speck- him on incessantly. He therefore profited by the bacher is still what he always was, and that he clear moonlight to ride across the Janfen, and at will henceforth never think of leaving the country, daybreak his horse neighed joyously and stopped but will stand faithfully by it and fight until the at the bank of the foaming Passeyr, at no great enemy has been expelled once more, and we are distance from the white house of the Sandwirth, free again. I will ride now through the whole the home which contained his greatest treasures Puster valley, and then from Brunecken through on earth, his wife and children. the Dux valley to my home, the Rinn; and I will But Andreas HTofer did not intend to return to stir up the people everywhere, and call upon the them now; he did not want to have his heart men to follow me and fight once more for liberty softened by the sight of his wife, who would cerand the fatherland." tainly weep and lament on learning of his resolve "Do.so, Joe, and I will follow your example. I to renew the war against the Bavarians and French. will return to the Passeyr valley; you shall all And for the same reason he wished to avoid meethear from me before long, and then my voice shall ing his children, whose dear faces might remind resound throughout the Tyrol. God will make it him that he was about to endanger the life of their strong enough to penetrate to every ear, and fill father, and that their bright eyes might soon fill every heart with enthusiastic devotion to the coun- with tears of bitter grief. He would speak only try and the emperor. Farewell, then, Joseph! to God, and solitud6 was to be his sole adviser. The Tyrol and I have recovered you, and my heart Andreas Hofer greeted his house and its beloved thanks God fervently for it. Farewell, you shall inmates with a long, tearful look; he then dried hear from me before long!" his eyes and alighted. The horse neighed joyously He nodded once more kindly to Joseph Speck- and sped merrily down the hill toward his stable. But Andreas Hofer took a by-path and ascended Andreas Hr,fer's own w)rds. —ee Mayr's e" Joseph Spleckbacher," p. 145. the mountain through the forest and shrubbery to THE CAPUCHIN'S OATH. i75 the Kellprlsn, cave known only to him and some terminating at its upper end in a carved image of his intimante iiends, where his faithful servant of St. Francis; and the Capuchin did not carry had prepared him a couch, and kept always in this staff in order to lean upon it, but lie brandished readiness for him, in a secret cupboard fixed in the it in the air like a sword, or held it up triumrock, wine and food, some prayer-books, and writ- phantly as though it were a victorious banner. ing-materials. But however strange and unusual the Capuchin's In this cave Andreas Hofer intended to pass a appearance might be, no one laughed at him, but iew days in prayer and solitude. he was greeted everywhere with demonstrations of love and reverence; and when he passed some slow wanderers with his rapid step, they looked after him with joyfill surprise, and said to each CHAPTER XXX. other, "Look at old Red-beard, look at brave Father Haspinger! He has fought often enough T H E C AP U C H I N S O ATH, for the fatherland. Now he is going to pray for A GREAT festival was to be celebrated at Brixen the Tvrol." to-day. It was the 2d of August, the day of St. "Pray, and fight again, if need be," said the Cassian, and not only were the bones of this saint, friar, turning to the speakers. which reposed in the cathedral adorned with two " You think, then, reverend father, that there splendid towers, to be exhibited, as they were will be war again?" asked many voices; and every year, to the devout pilgrims, but the pious dense groups surrounded the friar, and asked him bishop had resolved that these sacred relics should anxiously if he advised them to allow the enemy be carried in solemn procession through the whole to reinter the country; if it would not be better city, that all might have an opportunity to see the to drive him back forcibly, or if he thought it saint's remains and implore the assistance of God would be preferable for them tb keep quiet and in the sore distress which had befallen the Tyrol submit to stern necessity? again. Since early morning, therefore, the peas- "I think there is a time for every thing-for antrv had been flocking from all sides toward the keeping quiet as well as for fighting, for praying gates of Brixen; women and children, young and as well as for politics," said Father Haspinger, old men, came from all parts of the country to take shrugging his shoulders. " If you wish to pray part in the solemn procession and the devout pray- and confess your sins, come to me. I am ready ers for the welfare of the country. to teach you how to pray, and exhort you with Among those who were wandering along the true earnestness. But if you want to fight and road to Brixen, was a monk of a strikingly bold expel the enemy from the country, why do you and martial appearance. His tall, broad-shouldered not apply to your commanders, and consult, above form was remarkable for its military bearing; his all, the brave and pious Andreas Hofer?" long, well-kept red whiskers and mustache did not "We cannot find him anywhere," shouted correspond to the tonsure on his head, which was several voices. " He is not at home, and even his covered with thin reddish ringlets; and in striking wife does not know where he has concealed himcontrast with it were likewise the broad red scar self." on his healthy sunburnt countenance, and -the " Do you, impious wretches, think that the most bright, defiant glance of his eyes, which indicated pious man in the whole Tyrol, Andreas Hofer, has boldness and intrepidity rather than piety and hu- concealed himself because he is afraid of the Bamility. He had tucked up his brown robe, and varians who are reentering the country? " asked thus exhibited his stout legs, which seemed to the friar, in a thundering voice. mock the soft sandals encasing his broad, power- "No, your reverence, we do not. We know ful feet. In his hand he held a long brown staff, well that Andreas Hofer will not act like Ash 176 ANDREAS HIOER. bacher, Sicberer, Teimer, Eisenstecken, and very grave and devout; he lifted the rosary hang. Speckbacher, and abandon us in our sore dis- ing at his belt, and, while entering the city by the tress." gate, he commenced praying a Pater-noster in an " He who does not extricate himself from his undertone. sore distress will not be saved by others," cried The city meanwhile was already in great comthe friar, indignantly. "Do you not know the motion. The bells had begun to ring their solemn eleventh commandment, you white-livered cow- peals, and all devout worshippers, consisting on ards, who think you are lost when there is no this occasion of the whole population of the city, leader to put himself at your head? Do you not were flocking to the cathedral. All at once the know the eleventh commandment, saying that he doors of the cathedral were thrown open, and who trusts in God and fights well will overpower under a gold-embroidered baldachin borne by four his enemies? But you will never overpower your priests appeared the pious bishop, cairying in his enemies; you do not trust in God, and hence you uplifted right hand the casket containing the can not fight well." bones of Saint Cassian. Behind the bishop came "But we will fighbt well, your reverence," re- the priests bearing wax-lights, and singing soulplied the men, with bold, defiant glances; "only stirring hymns. Next followed the long line of our leaders do not stand by us. Every one can- acolytes with smoking censers; and pious wornot fight alone and at random, but there must be shippers, carrying torches and repeating the some one at the head to lead the whole movement. hymns intoned by the priests, closed the procesSince Andreas Hofer cannot be found, pray put sion. This procession gained strength at every yourself at our head, your reverence, and become step as it advanced, and soon it had been joined our leader!" by the whole population of the city and the hun"That request is not so stupid," said the Capu- dreds of pious pilgrims who had flocked to Brixen chin, smiling, and stroking his red beard. " You to take part in the holy festival. know very well that old Red-beard does not stay Haspinger, the Capuchin friar, was likewise in at home when an effort is to be made to save the the procession; he walked in the midst of the fatherland, and perhaps I may soon be able to ac- brave peasants with whom he had conversed, singcept your offer and call upon you to defend the ing with head erect and in a tone of solemn earTyrol." nestness the hymns with which the holy relics " Do so, do call upon us," shouted the men en- were being invoked. Only it seemed to the thusiastically. "We will not permit the French peasants who heard his powerful voice as though and Bavarians to murder our people and burn our he somewhat changed the passage imploring Saint houses as they did last May; we will fight rather Cassian to grant the Tyrolese peace, protection, until we have driven them from the country or and tranquillity, and prayed for the very reverse. perished to a man!" The passage was as follows: " Have mercy upon "These are brave and pious sentiments," said our weakness, and grant us peace and tranquilFather Haspinger, his eyes flashing for joy; "and lity." But Father Haspinger, brandishing his we will speak further about them. Come up to staff with the image of Saint Francis, sang in a the, church of Latzfons to-morrow, and hear me tone of fervent piety: "Have mercy upon our preach; and after the sermon we will confer as to valor, and grant us war! " To those who looked the state of the country. But now keep quiet, for at him wonderingly on account of this change of you see we are at the gate of Brixen; turn your the text, he nodded with a shrewd twinkle of his souls, therefore, to God, and pray St. Cassian to eyes, and murmured: " Come to-morrow to the have mercy upon you, and intercede for you with church of Latzfons. We will hold a council of God and the Redeemer." war there I " And Father Haspinger's face became suddenly The procession had not yet finished one-half of THE CAPUCHIN'S OATH. 177 its route, and had just reached the market-place At length the procession had returned to the when a torseman galloped up the street leading portals of the cathedral. Father Haspinger signed from the gate to the market-place. It was prob- to the Sandwirth's servant, who was walking beably a belated worshipper, who intended to take hind him, and instead of accompanying the other part in the procession. He alighted hurriedly worshippers into the church, he walked along the from his horse, and tied it to the brass knob of a procession until he reached a tall, slender young street door, and then walked close up to the pro- man, with whom he had already exchanged many cession. However, he did not join it, but stood a glance. still and contemplated every passer-by with pry- " Martin Schenk," said the friar to him, "will ing eyes. Now he seemed to have found him you go home now?" whom he sought, for a smile illuminated his sun- " I will, and I request you, reverend sir, to acburnt face, and he advanced directly toward Father company me," said the young man, hastily. " I Haspinger, who was singing again: "Have mercy believe you will find a number of friends at my upon our valor, and grant us war!" But on per- house. Peter Kemnater, the innkeeper of Schabs, ceiving the young lad who was approaching him, and Peter Mayer, the innkeeper of Mahr, will be he paused, and a bright gleam of joy overspread there. I invited them, and had I known that you his features. would be here, I should have invited you too." " It is Andreas Hofer's servant, Anthony Wild," "You see that I come without being invited, murmured Father Haspinger, joyfully, holding for I think the fatherland has invited us all; and out his hand to the lad. "Say, Tony, do you I believe we will not partake of an epicurean come to bring me a message from brother An- breakfast at your tavern to-day, but confer as to dreas?" the terrible calamities of our country. We are'I do, reverend sir. The Sandwirth sends me the cooks that will prepare a very spicy and unto you, and as I did not meet you at your convent healthy breakfast for the French and Bavarians, of Seeben near Klausen, I followed you to Brixen; and I believe I am the bearer of some salt and for my master instructed me to deliver my mes- pepper from Andreas Hofer for this purpose. See, sage as quickly as possible into your hands and Martin Schenk, in my belt here, by the side of the return with your answer." rosary, is a letter from our dear brother Andreas " What message do you bring me, Tony?" Hofer." "This letter, reverend sir." "And what does he write to you? I hope he The friar took it and put it quickly into his does not want us to keep quiet and permit the belt. "Where is brother Andreas? " he asked. enemy to reinter the country, as all prudent and "In the cave which is known only to him, to cautious people advise us to do? " you, and to myself," whispered Anthony Wild, "Hush, hush, Martin! do not insult our corninto the friar's ear. "He awaits your reply there, mander-in-chief by such a supposition. I have reverend sir." not read the letter yet, but I believe I know its "And you shall have it this very day, Tony. contents, and could tell you beforehand every Now, however, we will not forget our divine ser- word that the good and faithful Andreas has vice, but worship God with sincere piety. Take written to us. Ah, here is your tavern, and let'the place behind me in the procession; and when me ask a favor of you now. The lad who is folwe return to the cathedral, follow me wherever I lowing us is Andreas Hofer's faithful servant, may go." Anthony Wild, who brought me the letter from And the friar commenced singing again; his his master, and who must wait for my answer. hand, however, no longer held the rosary, but he Give him a place where he may rest, and a good put it firmly on the letter which was concealed in breakfast, for he must set out for home this very his belt, and whose contents engrossed his thoughts. day." 12 178 ANDREAS HOFER. " Come in, Anthony Wild; you are welcome," looked at him with rapt suspense, seeking to read said the young innkeeper, shaking hands with in his features the impression produced by AnHofer's servant. dreas Hofer's words on the heart of the brave "Thank you, but I must first fetch my horse, Capuchin. Indeed, the friar's features brightened which I tied to a pole somewhere down the street. more and more, his forehead and face colored, I rode very fast, and must first attend to the and a smile illuminated his hard features. horse; afterward I will request you to let me have "Listen, men," he exclaimed, triumphantly, some breakfast." waving the paper as though it were a flag; "listen And Hofer's servant hastened down the street. to what Andreas writes to me!" And the friar The innkeeper and the fiiar entered the house and read in -a clarion voice: stepped into the large bar-room. Two men came "Dear brother Red-beard! Beloved Father to meet them there. Joachim Haspinger: You know, brother, that all One of them, a man about forty-five years old, has been in vain; the Austrians are evacuating dressed in-the simple costume of the Tyrolese, the country, and the emperor, or rather not the and of a tall, powerful form, was Peter Mayer, emperor, but his ministers and secretaries, stipu known throughout the Tyrol as one of the most lated in the armistice concluded with Bonaparte, ardent and faithful patriots, and a man of extraor- that the French and Bavarians should reenter the dinary intrepidity, firmness, and energy. Tyrol and recommence the infamous old system. The other, a young man of scarcely twenty-two, But I think, even though the emperor has abanslender yet well built, and far-famed for his fine doned us, God Almighty will not do so; and even appearance, boldness, and wealth, was Peter Kem- though the Austrian soldiers are crossing our nater, the most faithful and devoted friend of the frontiers, our mountains and glaciers remain to fine-looking and patriotic young innkeeper, Martin us; God placed them there to protect our fronSchenk. tiers, and He gave us strong arms and good rifles The two men shook hands with the new-comers and keen eyes to discern the enemy and hit him. and bowed to them, but their faces were gloomy, We are the inhabitants of the Tyrol, and the and not the faintest gleam of a smile illuminated Austrian soldiers are not, hence it is incumbent them. on us to protect our frontiers, and prevent the "Have you come hither, Father Joachim Has- enemy from invading our territory. If you are of pinger, only to join in the peace-prayers? " asked my opinion, gather about you as many brave Peter Mayer in his laconic style, fixing his dark, sharpshooters as you can, call out the Landsturm piercing eyes on the friar's face. where it is possible, tell the other commanders to "No, Peter Mayer," said the Capuchin, gravely; do the same, and advance, if possible, at once "I have come hither because I wanted to see you toward the Brenner, where I hope you will meet three, and because I have to say many things to me or hear further news from me. Joseph Speckyou. But previously let me read what our pious bacher did not leave the country either; he is enand patriotic brother Andreas Hofer has written listing sharpshooters and calling out the Landto me." sturm in his district. It is the Lord's will that "You have a letter from Andreas Hofer! " ex- the Tyrol be henceforth protected only by tle claimed Mayer and Kemnnater, joyfully. Tyrolese. Bear this in mind, and go to work."Here it is," said the friar, drawing it from his Your faithful Andreas Hofer, at present not knowbelt. "Now give me a moment's time to read ing where he is." * thd letter, and then we will confer upon the mat- " Well," asked the friar, exultingly, "do you ter that brought us here." think that Andreas Hofer is right, and that we He stepped to the window and unfolded the * Andreas Hofer signed all his letters and orders in letter. While he was reading it, the three men this strange manner while he was concealed in his cave. THE CAPUCHIN'S OATH. 179 ought not to allow the enemy to reenter the of Innspruck. Rusca's wild legions are already country?" near Lienz; General Pery is moving up from the "I think he i;," said Peter Kemnater, joy- south with his Italian troops; and the exasperated ously. "I think it will be glorious for us to ex- Bavarians, under Generals Wreden and Arco, are pel the French and Bavarians once more from already at Salzburg. In short, more than fifty our frontiers." thousand men are coming up from all sides to " Or, if they have already crossed them, drive trample the poor Tyrol under foot. They are them ignominiously from the country," added veteran soldiers; they have got artillery and betPeter Mayer. ter arms than we, and are superior to us in num"I have passed, during the last few days, bers, equipments, and strength. Consider, therethrough the whole of Puster Valley," said Martin fore, whether you are willing to undertake the Scbenk. "Everywhere I found the men deter- heavy task nevertheless; consider that you risk mined to die, rifle in hand, on the field of battle, your property, your blood, and your lives, and rather than stay peaceably at home and bend that, if you should be so unfortunate as to fall their necks before the enemy.'It is a misfor- into the enemy's hands, he would perhaps punish tune,' said the men,'that the Austrians are aban- you as criminals and rebels, It is true, you are doning us at this critical juncture; but it would ready to risk your property, your blood, and your be a greater misfortune still for us to abandon lives, for the fatherland and the liberty of the ourselves and consent to surrender at discre- Tyrol; but then you have also duties to your tion.'" ifamilies, your parents, your brides; you have a "And I say it is no misfortune at all that the duty to yourselves-that of not endangering your Austrians have left us," cried the Capuchin, ve- lives recklessly. It is true, even though the hemently. "The cause of the fatherland has not enemy should punish you as rebels, you would suffered much by the retreat of the Austrians. die the beautiful death of martyrs for your Who assisted us at the battle of Mount Isel? fatherland, and the halo of your virtue and love Who helped us to drive the enemy twice from of country will immortalize your names; but you the country? Not an Austrian did! We accom- must consider, also, whether your death will be plished all that was great and glorious in the useful to the country, and whether you will not short and decisive struggle. Let us not complain, shed your blood in vain. Ask your hearts, my then, that no one stands by us now, and that we friends, whether they will be courageous and know that no one will help us but God and we strong enough to brave cheerfully whatever reourselves. But we must not plunge blindly and verses and calamities may befall us, and whether furiously into the struggle; on the contrary, we they really will risk death, imprisonment, and the must consider whether wve are able to defeat the scaffold, without flinching and trembling? That enemy. The French and Bavarians are sending is what I wished to say to you before concerting large forces on all sides to the poor Tyrol. I can- measures with you and sending an answer to not conceal from you that the enterprise which Andreas Hofer. Consider it all, my friends, and we are going to undertake, and to which Andreas then speak." Hofer invites us, is a dangerous one. Let me "We are to ask our hearts if they will not flinch tell you that that miserable assassin and ruffian and tremble?" said Peter Mayer, almost contemptLefebre, whom they call Duke of Dantsic, is ap- uously. " When the enemy returned to the Typroaching from the north with twenty-five thou- rol last May, he burned down eight houses which sand men, and is already close to Innspruck. belonged to me, and for some time I did not know General Deroi, too, is coming; he intends to but that my wife and children had perished in the march through the whole Vintschgau, and force conflagration. Did you see me tremble-did you his way over the Gcrlos Mountains to the district hear me comiiplain at that time? Did I not stand 180 ANDREAS HOFER. up cheerfully in the battle on Mount Isel, without knew that my fields and meadows were to be deweeping or murmuring, and bearing in mind only vastated, and my houses burned down, like those that I was fighting for liberty, the fatherland, and of Peter Mayer, I should say, nevertheless, we will the emperor? It was not until we had gained the fight for the fatherland! We will defeat the enemy, victory, and obtained our freedom, that I went home even though we should all become beggars, and to mourn and weep on the smoking ruins of my even though I knew that I should die before seehouses. But I found my wife and my children alive ing my affianced bride again, and that she would and well; a friend had concealed them and taken curse me in my grave. That is what I have got to care of them; and after thanking God for our vic- say. Now you may speak, Martin Schenk; tell tory, I thanked Him for preserving my wife and the father whether your heart is flinching and children; and only now, when we were happy and trembling." free, did I shed tears. But since the enemy is re- "Yes, it is," cried Martin Schenk, "but only entering the country, and fresh misfortunes are when I think the men of the Tyrol could be so to befall us, my tears are dried again; my heart cowardly and mean-spirited as to keep quiet and is full of courage and constancy; and I believe we submit to their oppressors, because the latter are must risk all, because otherwise every thing that powerful and superior to us in numbers. I have we have done hitherto will be in vain. I love my a young wife whom I married only a year ago, and wife dearly; but, if she came now to dissuade me who gave birth to a little boy a week since, and I from taking part in the struggle, and if I felt that assure you that I love her and her child with all my heart was giving way to her persuasion, I my heart. But if I knew that their death wouldbe would strangle her with my own hands, lest she useful to the fatherland, and would contribute to should prevent me from serving the great cause of its salvation, 1 would shoot them with my own the fatherland. It is true, our task is difficult, rifle, and should not weep on seeing their corpses but it is not impossible; and that which is not at my feet; but I should rejoice and exclaim,'I impossible should be tried for the fatherland! I did it for the sake of the fatherland; I sacrificed have given you my opinion; it is your turn now, my most precious treasures for the beloved Tyrol.' my young fiiends. Peter Kemnater, speak! Tell Even though the enemy is very strong and numerFather Red-beard whether your heart is trembling ous, even though the emperor has abandoned us, and flinching, and whether you think we had bet- God stands by us. The mountains stand firm yet; ter keep quiet, because the enemy is so powerful they are our fortresses, and we will fight in them and superior to us." until we are all dead, or until we have defeated "I have an affianced bride of whom I am very the enemy, and delivered the Tyrol a third time. fond," said Peter Kemnater, with flushed checks Now you know my opinion, Father Joachim Hasand flashing eyes; "a girl whom I love better pinger." than my parents, than any thing in the world, and The Capuchin made no reply. He stood with whom I intended to marry a fortnight hence; but bands clasped in prayer and eyes lifted to heaven, I swear to God and the Holy Virgin that my wed- and two large tears rolled down his bronzed cheeks ding shall not take place until the Tyrol is free into his red beard. again, and we have expelled the enemy once more "Great God in heaven," he murmured in a voice from the country. And if my bride should be tremulous with emotion, "I thank Thee for letting angry at this, and demand that I should think me see this hour, and hear the soul-stirring words more of her than of the fatherland, and prefer liv- of these patriotic men. What can I say now, what ing for her alone to dying perhaps for the father- have I to sacrifice to the fatherland? I have no land, I should break with her, and never look at wife, no children, no property; I am but a poor her again, never speak another word with her. I Capuchin! I have nothing but my blood and my have many houses and lands; but even though I life. But I will give it to the country, even though THE CAPUCHIN'S OATH. 181 the bishop and the abbot should excommunicate humbly prostrate at his feet, and while all the me for it and condemn. my soul to burn in ever- princes were basking in the sunshine of his favor, lasting fire. It is better that a poor Capuchin's four poor men, neither learned nor even well edusoul should burn in hell than that the fatherland cated, three peasants and a monk, were concertshould groan with pain and wear the brand of dis- ing measures to bid defiance to "Bonaparte, the grace and slavery on its forehead. It is better to robber of crowns," and expel his powerful armies be a faithless son of the bishop and abbot, than a from their mountains! All Germany was subjufaithless son of the fatherland. It is better to be gated, and had given up all further resistance to a bad Christian than a bad patriot. Therefore, the all-powerful conqueror; only the small Tyrol whatever may happen, I shall share every thing would not suffer herself to be subjugated; only the with you, danger or victory, triumph or death. brave sons of the German mountains were still inHenceforth I am no longer a Capuchin, but old tept on braving the tyrant, and upholding their Red-beard Joachim Haspinger, the defender of his liberty and independence, despite the formidable country; and I swear that I will no more lay down efforts he was making to crush them. my head and repose before we have delivered the Already on the following morning the tocsin country from the enemy and concluded an honor- sounded in all the valleys and on all the heights, able peace. If that is your sentiment also, swear and called upon the men to fight for the fatherhere before God that you will fight henceforth for land. After midnight the three brave men had the country, devote your whole strength to it, and left Brixen; each had set out in a different direcperish rather than give up the struggle, make peace tion to incite the men to insurrection, inform them with the enemy, and submit to the Bavarian yoke." of Andreas Hofer's order, and implore them in the And the three men lifted their hands and eyes name of the fatherland to take up their rifles again to heaven, and exclaimed with one accord, in a and risk once more their lives for the deliverance loud and solemn tone: "We swear by God Al- of the Tyrol. mighty, and by all that is sacred and dear to us Father Haspinger had walked all night to Latzon earth, that we will fight henceforth for the fons, and on the following morning he preached country, devote our whole strength to it, and per- to the people at the church of that place an enish rather than give up the struggle, make.peace thusiastic sermon, in which he called upon them with the enemy, and submit to the Bavarian yoke! " to make one more effort in behalf of their beloved "Benedictus! benedictus!" cried Father Has- country, and promised entire absolution for one pinger, laying his hands on those which the three vear to every one who should kill a dozen French men had joined on taking the oath. " The Lord soldiers, and absolution for five years to any who has heard and accepted your oath; the Lord will should kill twice as many.* bless you, the Holy Virgin will protect you! Carried away by the soul-stirring words and Amen! " promises of the Capuchin, full of ardor to serve "And now let us concert measures for the the fatherland, and desirous of obtaining absolustruggle, and consider what we ought to do," said tion, the men took up arms, and even a company the friar, after a pause. " In the first place, we of women was formed for the holy service of the will inform Andreas Hofer that his wishes shall fatherland. be complied with, and that we will call out the At night on the same day three hundred sharpLancsturm and all our forces. Let me write to shooters had rallied around the martial friar, and him, therefore, and then we will hold a council of with them he marched toward Unterau, constantly war." receiving reenforcements on the road; for the inThe council of war lasted until midnight; and habitants everywhere rose again as one man, and while all Europe was truckling to the "invincible Emperor Napoleon," while all Germany was lying Mayer's " Speckbacher," p. 151. 182 ANDREAS HOFER. with their redoubted rifles on their shoulders de- ultingly, and folded their leader, Anthony Wallner, scended every lateral glen and ravine, and joined tenderly to his heart. his command to conquer or die under him. "You have fought again like a hero," he exAnd joyful news arrived from all sides, an- claimed, patting his cheeks affectionately; "the nouncing that the inhabitants were rising through- whole Tyrol is extolling your exploits at the out the Tyrol. Already Peter Mayer and Peter murderous battle of Taxenbach, and they are tellKemnater had gathered around them all the ing wonderful stories about the surpassing heroism sharpshooters of the neighboring towns and vil- and bravery you displayed on that occasion." la-es, and their four companies now united with "It is true, we fought bravely," said Anthony the friar's troops. News also came from Andreas Wallner, sighing; "but it did not do much Hofer: he had emerged again from the cave, and good, for the enemy was ten to one, and we were at his call all the sharpshooters of the Passeyr finally unable to check his advance. But we folvalley had rallied around him, and companies had lowed him, and will now unite with you, reverend flocked to him from all parts of the country to father, in order to expel him once more from the fight again under their beloved commander-in- country. I believe there will be another battle on chief. Andreas Hofer had marched with them Mount Isel, for the enemy is always intent on across the crest of the precipitous Janfen, and his forcing his way to Innspruck, believing that the army gathering strength like a mountain-torrent whole Tyrol is subjugated so soon as the capital from every tributary stream which crossed its has fallen into his hands. We must strive, therecourse, soon embraced all the able-bodied men of fore, to meet him there once more; for you know Passeyr, Meran, and Algund. the old prophecy, saying that Mount Isel will be a The Tyrolese had risen a third time to defend lucky place for the Tyrolese." the independence of their country. "I do know it," said the friar; "and if it please God, we will verify it. The freedom of the Tyrol is buried on Mount Isel near Innspruck, and we will disinter the golden treasure there and a E CHAPTE R X XXI. cause it to shed its lustre once more on our mountains and valleys. You shall help me to do it, THlE FIRST BATTLE. Anthony Wallner, you and your famous sharpWHAT the four men had sworn at the inn of shooters of Windisch-Matrey. But previously I Brixen, and what Andreas Hofer had agreed upon think, my friend, we shall have something to do with his friend Speckbacher, had succeeded. The here; for our scouts have returned with the news whole Tyrol had risen and was eager for the fray. that the enemy is approaching. His column is A small army, commanded by Father Haspinger, headed by Saxon and Bavarian troops under the was encamped near Brixen, and received hourly French general, Royer; his forces are followed by fresh accessions. Pefer Kemnater and Peter Mayer the main army under the commander-in-chief, were still traversing the country, and calling upon Marshal Lefebvre, or as he proudly calls himself, the peasants to repair to Father Red-beard's the Duke of Dantsic. General Royer has got alcamp near Brixen, and their appeals were readily ready as far as Sterzing, and if we do not interfere complied with. The brave peasants of Rodeneck, the Saxons will soon reach Brixen." Weitenthal, and* Schoneck, led by their coura- "But we will interfere," cried Anthony Wallgeous pastor, George Schoneck, came into camp; ner; x"we will not allow them to advance to and so did Anthony Wallner with the four hun- Brixen, and I will occupy immediately with my dred men who had followed him from the Puster sharpshooters the mountain-passes on the route of valley. the enemy. We will receive the Duke of Dantsic Father HIaspinger received these brave men ex- with fireworks which will sadden his heart." THE FIRST BATTLE. 183 "Do so, dear Anthony," exclaimed Haspinger, Joseph Speckbacher, gayly. "Now come, my joyfully. " I myself will first go to Brixen and brave lads, we must take the Saxons between two teach the members of the municipality better fires. They are miserable scoundrels and traitors. manners. Their terror and anguish have rendered Ah, they do not shrink from serving the rapacious them quite eloquent, and they have dissuaded conqueror Bonaparte, and turning their arms many hundred peasants, who were passing through against their German countrymen, merely because Brixen to join my command, from so doing, and the French emperor orders them to do so, and induced them to return to their homes. I shall because we refuse to submit to the foreign yoke speak a serious word with those gentlemen, and and are determined to preserve our German tongue teach them a little patriotism." and our German rights! How disgraceful it is taspinger nodded kindly to Anthony Wallner, that Germans should attack Germans at the bidand calling ten of his best sharpshooters to him, ding of the foreign oppressor! Therefore, we will repaired to the city hall of Brixen, where the punish the Saxons and Bavarians in the name of members of the municipality were assembled. God and the Holy Virgin. We will let them adHe made them a furious speech, which, however, vance down the defile, and attack them only after did not impress the gentlemen as forcibly as the they are in it. They cannot retrace their steps, threats which he added to it. He swore that, for we are behind them; nor can they advance if the members of the municipality would not very far, for Father Red-beard will meet them in have the tocsin sounded immediately and send out front. Now come and let us make festive prepamounted messengers to call out the peasants and rations, as it behooves those who are expecting dissend them to him, he would cause every one of tinguished guests. We will erect a few triumphal them to be hanged or shot in the morning! And arches to them, and show them how avalanches this oath was effectual enough, for the terrified roll down our mountains. Ah, we will build up gentlemen knew full well that Father Haspinger for thenl artificial ruins which will excite their had the power and the will to fulfil his oaths. sincere admiration! " Hence, the tocsin was sounded, mounted messen- " Yes, yes, we will! " shouted the peasants, who gers were sent out in all directions, and on the went to work, singing and laughing. In the first following morning upward of two thousand able- place, they erected "triumphal arches" to the bodied men arrived at Haspinger's camp.* enemy; that is to say, they obstructed the road "All right," said the friar; "if Andreas Hofer by raising a number of abatis, besmeared with and Speckbacher join us with their forces, I be- pitch the wooden railing of the bridge built across lieve we shall succeed, and St. Cassian will have the Eisach near the village of Pleis, loosened the understood our prayers." planks of the bridge, and began to build "avaWhile Anthony Wallner and his sharpshooters lanches." They felled a considerable number of occupied the mountain-gorges this side of' Brixen tall larches, tied ropes to both ends' of them, on the road to Mittewald, Joseph Speckbacher lowered them half-way down the precipitous side and his men had penetrated far beyond Mittewald of the mountain, and fastened the ropes above to toward Sterzing, and had learned that the Saxons, the strong branches of trees firmly rooted in the under General Royer, were resting at Sterzing soil of the crest. Then they threw huge masses with the intention of advancing in the morning of rock and heaps of rubbish on these hanging through the wild valley of the Eisach toward scaffolds; and after the "avalanches" bad thus Brixen. been completed, they withdrew cautiously and " Well, if the Saxons are resting, we must work rapidly into the mountain-gorges. Only Zoppel, in order to prepare eternal repose for them," said Joseph Speckbacher's servant, and an old peasant remained near the "avalanches." They stood on * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 110. both sides of the ropes, hatchet in hand, casting 184 ANDREAS HOFER. fiery glances into the defile on the bank of the which received with a wild roar the two corpses, Eisach, and between overhanging wood-clad pre- the first victims of the reopening struggle. cipices. Meanwhile the Tyrolese sharpshooter on the Profound silence reigned all around; only from height above had reloaded his rifle and shot time to time a rustling noise was heard in the another soldier. On seeing this, he uttered a shrubbery; the flashing barrel of a rifle was then loud Jodler, made a leap of joy, and nodded seen, and it seemed as though the fleet-footed laughingly to the enemy, who cast threatening chamois appeared on the heights above.' But glances on him. But he did not see that one of they were Tyrolese sharpshooters who had the officers below called four soldiers to him, climbed up to the watch-towers of their natural pointed his hand at the top of the rock, and gave fortresses to espy the enemy, and on his appear- them a quick order. The four soldiers sprang at ance to welcome him with the bullets of their once from the ranks and disappeared in the shrubrifles. bery covering the base of the rock. Profound silence reigned all around, and the The sharpshooter was reloading his rifle, when two men were still standing, hatchet in hand, by the shrubbery behind him rustled, and, on turnthe side of the ropes holding the artificial ava- ing hastily, he saw one of the soldiers rushing lanches. toward him. A cry of rage burst from the lips All at once a loud, shrill whistle resounded in of the sharpshooter. He then raised his rifle and front of the entrance to the defile; it was repeated fired. The soldier fell, but at the same moment all around the gloomy gorge. one of his comrades hastened from the thicket "That is the signal that the enemy has passed toward the top of the'rock. Another cry burst the inn am Sack and is entering the defile of the'from the sharpshooter's lips, but this time it Eisach," murmured Zoppel, examining once more sounded'like a death-cry. He saw that he was the edge of his hatchet with his hand. Then he lost, for already the uniforms of the other two looked down attentively into the depth, where soldiers were glittering among the trees, and the only a footpath meandered close along the bank second soldier was only a few steps from the edge of the foaming Eisach. of the rock where the sharpshooter was standing. A few soldiers were now seen entering the de- The Tyrolese cast a last despairing glance around file yonder, where the road projected between two him, as if to take leave of heaven and earth, and jutting rocks forming the background of the of the mountains and valleys of his beloved Tygorge. rol. Then he threw down his rifle and seized the The form of a Tyrolese sharpshooter appeared soldier furiously. IHis arms encircled the body at the same moment on the top of the precipitous of his enemy like iron clasps, and he forced him rock. He stepped close to the edge of the rock, with irresistible impetuosity toward the edge of allowed the soldiers, who looked around slowly the rock. and distrustfully, to advance a few steps, and "In God's name, then," he shouted in a loud then raised his rifle. He fired; one of the sol- voice echoed by the rocks all around. " In God's diers fell immediately to the ground, and the Ty- name, then!" rolese sharpshooter reloaded his rifle. He fired With a last effort he threw himself with the again, and laid another soldier prostrate. soldier into the depth, and both disappeared in The two reports had accelerated the march of the waters of the Eisach. the enemy. The soldiers entered the defile with Speckbacher's servant, the faithful Zoppel, had a hasty step; in order to advance, they had to seen and understood everything; and when the remove the two soldiers who were writhing in the two sank into the foaming torrent, he wiped a agony of death and obstructing the narrow path, tear from his eves. and throw them into the waters of the Eisach, "He died like a brave son of the Tyrol," he Add==: i = —' —_-~__ - -— X1~-= —-~~~! ~~~~1 ~,~ __~_~~-~-L~-~..- ---- I-'~-= X An~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. 18C,4=:. -= —---- -~ —T —;- -' tS L _m_~~~~~- ---—'-~~~~ —--- HE~ —~-~ DIE LIE ABREE SOT F TE TROL p.lS THE FIRST BATTLE. 185 murmured, and the Hc!y Virgin will assuredly "Advance at the double-quick!" commanded bid him kindly welcome. But we, Hisel, will the general, sternly. avenge his death on the accursed enemy below." "Advance at the double-quick!" they repeated "Yes, we will," cried the peasant grimly; and to their soldiers along the whole line; the latter, he raised his hatchet with a furious gesture. in obedience to this order, hurried on under the "It is not yet time," said Zoppel thoughtfully. black mass which still hung threateningly over "Just wait until a larger body of troops has en- their heads. tered the defile. See, Hisel, how splendid they All at once a powerfill voice above shouted out: look in their gorgeous uniform, and how proudly "Now, Hisel, in the name of the Holy Trinity, cut they are marching on! " the ropes!" Thereupon thev heard the strokes The Saxons did march on proudly, but not with of two hatchets. drums beating. They advanced in silence, filled The soldiers, who were rushing forward in serwith misgivings by the profound stillness which ried ranks, looked up again, and indescribable surrounded them all at once, listening attentively horror seized them. The black mass of rock and to every sound, and examining anxiously the top rubbish which had hitherto hung over them, comof every projecting rock. menced moving and rolling down with a terrible The head of the serried column had arrived crash. A cloud of dustrose and filled the gloomy now directly under the hanging "avalanche" in defile as with the smoke of powder. At the same the middle of the gloomy defile. The silence was time a heavy fire burst forth on all sides, and from suddenly broken by a loud angry voice, which amid the leafy screen the deadly bullets of the seemed to resound in the air like the croaking of sharpshooters brought death with every discharge the death-angel. into the allied ranks. A death-like silence then This voice asked, "Zoppel, shall I cut the rope ensued for a moment, for out of the depths rose now?" the wails and lamentations of the hundreds of sol" Not yet! not yet!" replied another voice; diers who had been crushed and mutilated by the and the precipitous rocks all around echoed " Not " avalanche." The Tyrolese, filled with curiosity yet! not yet!" and compassion, looked down into the defile. The The Saxons gave a start and looked up. smoke and dust had disappeared, and they could Whence came these voices? What meant that distinctly survey the scene of horror, devastation, huge black mass suspended on the precipitous and death, in the gorge. side of the mountain right over their heads? Happy those whom the falling "avalanche" Thus they asked each other shudderingly and had hurled from the narrow footpath into the stood still, fixing their eyes on the black mass of foaming torrent! It is true, death had been in rock and rubbish, which filled their hearts with store for them there, but it had quickly put an wonder and dismayv. end to their sufferings. But what was the agony "Let us retrace our steps! Let us not pene- of those who lay buried under the fragments of trate farther into the defile," murmured the sol- the rocks, their limbs fearfully mutilated! What diers with trembling lips, but in so low a tone were the sufferings of the hundreds of soldiers lythat the officers marching by their sides could not ing on the road, on this narrow, gory path, upon hear them. which the " avalanche" had thundered down! But the officers, too, were filled with strange It was a horrible sight; even the Tyrolese tremmisgivings; they ordered the soldiers to halt, and bled on beholding this rubbish, these fragments, hastened back to General Royer to report to him whence large numbers of bloody corpses prothe mysterious words which they had heard, and truded, and amidst which torn, mutilated limbs to ask him whether they were to halt or retrace were moving, while here and there soldiers, covtheir steps. ered all over with dust, and bleeding from fearful 186 ANDREAS HOFER. wounds, tried painfully to raise themselves from of the Saxons; Anthony Wallner and his men the ground. made their appearance likewise; Peter lMayer Those of the Saxons who had not been struck brought up fresh forces; and Andreas Hofer sent by the terrible avalanche, fell back shuddering. word that he would be on hand speedily. But When the Tyrolese saw this, their compassion at the Saxons were likewise reinforced, both by the the cruel fate of the dead gave way, and with French, who moved up from Brixen, and the Badeafening shouts they burst forth from their con- varians, who approached from Sterzing. cealment, and, mingling with the enemy, a fright- The contest was continued with unabated vioful slaughter took place. lence, and both sides struggled obstinately for The Saxons rallied, however; courageous disci- the Victory. But the Tyrolese fought for their pline presided over unskilled valor, and the col- rights, their liberty, their German country; the umn advanced slowly and painfully in the direc- Saxons and Bavarians fought for tyranny, for the tion of the bridge, through a murderous fire, and foreign oppressor, and the subjugation of their surmounting the ruins which obstructed the road countrymen. God granted victory to the Tyroand covered the bodies of their comrades. lese, and in the defile of Mittewald upward of a All at once exultant shouts and cheers resound- thousand Saxons had to atone by their death for ed at the entrance of the defile, and the clarion- having fought at the bidding of the French connotes of martial music joined in these stirring queror on German soil against their German counacclamations. Fresh troops, reenforcements of trymen. the Saxons, were coming up from the rear. The The Tyrolese fought for their rights, their libBavarians had arrived with their artillery, which erty, their German'country; and the Duke of they had placed in a very favorable position; they Dantsic, the proud marshal of France, was dehad already taken the two farm-houses at the en- feated by the despised peasants; he had to flee trance of the gorge where the Tyrolese had taken from their wrath, and arrived without his cloak position, and were now rushing into the defile. and hat, trembling and deathly pale, on his foamThe Tyrolese, dismayed at this impetuous advance, ing horse, at Sterzing, which he had left a few retreated into the mountains. hours previously with the firm conviction that he For two days the struggle was continued in would inflict a crushing defeat upon the " haughthese gorges near Mittewald. For two days Sax- ty peasant-rabble." Now this "haughty peasant. ons and Tyrolese opposed each other in this fra- rabble " had defeated him. tricidal contest, in which Germans fought against God is with those who fight for the rights and Germans in obedience to the behests of the tyrant liberty of Germany. God is with those who rise who had subjugated all Germany, and to whom boldly against French tyranny and French arroonly the undaunted Tyrol still offered a stubborn gance! resistance. The victory was long undecided. Once the forces of the Duke of Dantsic succeeded at one CHAPTER XXXII. extremity of the defile in driving back the sharpshooters under Joachim Haspinger, the Capuchin, THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT INNSPRUCK. and clearing a passage for the Saxons struggling GOD is with those who fight for the rights and in the gorge. But the Capuchin had retreated liberty of Germany. He had granted another viconly to bring up fresh forces, dispatch messen- tory to the Tyrolese. gers to Speckbacher, Peter Mayer, Andreas Hofer, Animated by their brilliant successes, the paand Anthony Wallner, sound the tocsin, and con- triots no longer stood on the defensive, but, flockcentrate more armed peasants. And Speckbacher ing from all quarters to the standard of Hofer, came up with his brave sharpshooters in the rear assembled in great multitudes on Mount Isel, the THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT INNSPRUCK. 187 scene of their former triumphs, and destined to but toward nightfall the bridge of the Sill was carbe immortalized by a still more extraordinary vic- ried after a desperate struggle, and their left flanmk tory. Lefebvre had collected his whole force, being thus turned, theFrench and Bavarians gave consisting of twenty-six thousand men, of whom way on all sides, and were pursued with great two thousand were horse, with forty pieces of slaughter into the city. They lost six thousand cannon, on the little plain which lies between Inn- men, of whom seventeen hundred wounded fell spruck and the foot of the mountains on the into the hands of the Tyrolese, while on the side southern side of the Inn. They were far from of the latter not more than nine hundred had being animated, however, by their wonted spirit; fallen. Lefebvre had to retreat hastily toward the repeated defeats they had experienced had in- Salzburg, where his whole army was collected on spired them with that mysterious dread of the the 20th. mountaineers with which regular troops are so This great victory was immediately followed by often seized, when, contrary to expectation, they the liberation of the whole Tyrol; and when, on have been worsted by undisciplined bodies of the morning of the 15th of August, the sun rose men; and a secret feeling of the injustice of their over Innspruck, Andreas Hofer and his victorious cause, and the heroism with which they had been host stood on Mount Isel, gazing with profound resisted, paralyzed many an arm which had never emotion on the reeking, gory battle-field, on which, trembled before a regular army. two days ago, war had raged with all its horrors, The Tyrolese consisted. of eighteen thousand and on the city of Innspruck, whose smoking and men, three hundred of whom were Austrian sol- burning houses betokened the last outburst of the diers who had refused to follow their officers, and rage of the fugitive French marshal.* remained to share the fate of the inhabitants. "See how much blood it has cost, and how They were tolerably supplied with ammunition, many wrongs had to be committed, that we might but had little provisions, in consequence of which obtain our rights! " sighed Andreas Hofer, pointseveral hundred peasants had already gone back ing to the battle-field. "My heart overflows with to their homes. pity on seeing these horrors, and I implore you Joseph Speckbacher commanded the right wing, all to be merciful with the wounded and to treat whose line extended from the heights of Passberg the prisoners leniently. Among these prisoners to the bridges Qf Hall and Volders; Hofer was are about one thousand Bavarians and Saxons. with the centre, and had his headquarters at the See, they are standing down yonder in dense inn of Spade, on the Schdnberg; Haspinger di- groups, and our men surround them, mocking and rected the left, and advanced by Mutters. abusing them. Go down to them, dear Secretary At four in the morning, the brave Capuchin Dininger; tell them to be merciful and compasroused Hofer from sleep, and, having first united sionate, and to bear always in mind that the priswith him in fervent prayer, hurried out to commu- oners are no longer their enemies, but their Gernicate his orders to the outposts. man brethren; that they are Saxons and BavariThe battle commenced at six, and continued ans, speak one and the same language with us, without intermission till midnight, the Bavarians and are our countrymen. Repeat this to our men, constantly endeavoring to drive the Tyrolese from Dininger, and say to them in my name,' Do not their position on Mount Isel, and tley, in their injure the prisoners; they are Saxons and Bavariturn, to force the enemy back into the town of ans, and good and brave men!'" jt Innspruck. " They are not exactly good men," said SpeckFor a long time the contest was undecided, the bacher, who was standing on the right side of Ansuperior discipline and admirable artillery of the dreas Hofer; " no, they are not exactly good men, enemy prevailing over the impetuous but disorderof the mountaineers t Gallndreas ofer's of Andreas Hofer," p. 126. ly assaults and deadly aim of the mountaineers; t Andreas Hofer's own words. —Ibid., p. 125. 188 ANDREAS HOFER. Andy; otherwise they would not have fought and Jodlers, their shouts and laughter died away; against us, who are assuredly good men and have only prayers were heard from their lips, and, as done nothing but defend our dear country." an accompaniment to them, the melodious peals Instead of replying to him, Andreas Hofer of the bells, with which the people of Innspruck turned smilingly to the Capuchin, who was stand- were celebrating the departure of the French ing on his left side. " Brother Joachim," he said marshals, and the approach of the defenders of gently, " you ought to exhort our Joseph here a the country. little, that he may comply with the Redeemer's At this momernt the sun burst forth from the precept and forgive his enemies. He is a very clouds, and shed a radiant lustre on this whole good, but very stubborn fellow; a brave and ex- sublime scene-the three kneeling heroes on the cellent soldier, but it would do him no harm if he height above, and all around the Tyrolese, clad in were a better Christian." their picturesque national costume, kneeling and "If we had been good Christians latterly we thanking God, with tears in their eyes, for the should never have defeated the enemy," growled victory He had vouchsafed to them. the Capuchin, shaking his head. "If we were The Bavarian and Saxon prisoners, carried good Christians, we should have to love our ene- away by this spectacle, knelt down like the Tyromies, do good to them that hate us, and pray for lese, and prayed to God, like their enemies-not those who despitefully use us and persecute us. thanking Him, as the latter did, for the victory, So long as we are soldiers, Andy, we cannot be but for having made them prisoners of good and good Christians; and I thank God for it that we pious victors.* fought like downright brave heathens. But after All at once this pious scene was interrupted by the enemy has been expelled from the country, loud cheers, shouts, and Jodlers, and a long, imand peace prevails again everywhere, and I have posing procession of singing, jubilant men asreturned to my tedious convent at Seeben, I will cended the mountain. The new-comers were the become again a pious Capuchin, and exhort our students of Innspruck, who came to congratulate dear brave Joseph Speckbacher to become as good Andreas Hofer on his brilliaht victory, and aca Christian as our Andreas Hofer." company him on his triumphal entry into the "No, no, brother Joachim, we will not wait city. Many persons followed them, and all shoutuntil then to show to the world that we are good ed exultingly, "Where is Andreas Hofer, the Christians," exclaimed Andreas. "God stood by savior of the country? Where is Andreas Hofer, us in the battle of Mount Isel and made us vic- the liberator? " torious over our enemies. Let us thank Him, The band heading the procession of the stutherefore, for His surpassing goodness and mercy; dents struck up a ringing flourish on beholding let us pray Him to bless our victory and grant a Andreas, who had risen from his knees at their apglorious resurrection to those who had to sacrifice proach. But he raised his arm imperatively; the their lives for it." band ceased playing immediately, and the cheers He drew his large rosary from his bosom, and, died away on the lips of the students, who bowed lifting his eyes devoutly to heaven, sank down on respectfully to the tall, imposing form of the Barhis knees. bone. "Yes, let us pray God to bless our victory," "Hush, hush," said Andreas, gravely; "pray! said Father Haspinger, bending his knees like An- No cheers, no music! Neither I nor any of us dreas Hofer; and Joseph Speckbacher followed did it; all the glory is due to Him above!" t his example. "But you helped the good God a little," said And the pious Tyrolese, seeing their leaders the speaker of the students, "and therefore you kneeling on the height above, were filled with devout emotion; they knelt likewise; their cheMayer's Joseph Speckbacher," p. 197. vout emotion; they knelt likewise; their cheers t Andreas Hofer's own words. —Ibid., p. 197. THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT INNSPRUCK. 189 must submit to accept the thanks of the whole to look well pleased and cheerful when they arc Tyroi, and to being called the savior and liber- so much molested by the enthusiasm of the people. ator of the country. We come to you as mes- I looked forward with a great deal of joy to the sengers of the capital of the Tyrol, and are in- day when we should make our entry into the structed to request you to tarry no longer, but city, and I thought it would be much more beaumake your triumphal entry into the city." tiful; but now I am greatly tired of the whole "Yes, I will come," exclaimed Andreas, joy- thing; I should be glad if they would cease fidfully; " what I implored of the Lord as the high- dling, and clear a passage for the carriage to est boon has been realized now: we shall make move on more rapidly. I am hungry, and I would our triumphal entry into the city, wheret the I were already at the tavern of my dear friend mean enemy behaved so shamefully. Return to Niederkircher." Innspruck, my friends, and say to the inhabitants "Well, you must learn to put on a pleasant that we shall be in the city in the course of an face when the people cheer you," said Haspinger, hour-old'Red-beard, Speckbacher, and I-and laughing. "You have now become a prince too, that we shall be glad to meet all our excellent and I think your people will love you dearly." friends there again." "What nonsense is that, brother? " asked HoAnd an hour afterward Andreas Hofer and his fer, angrily. friends made their entry into Innspruck. He sat "It is no nonsense at all, Andy; on the conin a gorgeous carriage, drawn by four splendid trary, it is quite true. Just listen to their acclawhite horses, which he himself had taken from a mations." French colonel during his flight across the Bren- "Long live Andreas Hofer!" shouted the ner. By the side of the Sandwirth sat Joachim crowd, which was dancing and singing around the Haspinger, the Capuchin, and beside the carriage carriage. " Long live the commander-in-chief of rode Joseph Speckbacher, with a radiant face, the Tyrol!" and his dark, fiery eyes beaming with triumphant " They call me commander-in-chief of the Tyjoy; he was mounted on the proud, magnificently- rol," said Andreas, musingly. " Tell me, Joachim, caparisoned charger that had borne the haughty is it necessary for me to assume that title? " Duke of Dantsic two days ago. "Yes, it is. There must be a head of the The carriage was preceded by a crowd of re- state, a man to whom the people may look up as joicing peasants, and a band of fifers and fiddlers; its star, and to whom it may apply as its comfort, carpets and banners hung from all the windows support, and judge. And as the people have conand balconies; ladies in beautiful attire greeted fidence in you and love you, you must be the man the conquering hero with waving handkerchiefs; to hold the whole together, lest it should fall asunand the people in the streets, the ladies on the der. You shall be the head, and we others will balconies, and the boys on the roofs and in the be your hands and thoughts, and will work and trees, shouted enthusiastically, " Long live An- fight, and think for you and the Tyrol. We must dreas Hofer! Long live the commander-in-chief have a leader, a commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, of the Tyrol! " And the bells pealed, the cannon and you are the man, Andy." posted on the market-place thundered, and the "If you say so, it must be so," said Andreas, fifers and fiddlers made as much noise as pos- nodding his head gently. "V Well, then, I shall be sible. commander-in-chief of the Tyrol until order and " Listen, brother Haspinger," said Andreas peace are restored, and until the enemy has been Hofer, turning to the Capuchin, while the carriage expelled from the country for evermore. But see, was moving on slowly, " I should really dislike to we have arrived in front of Niederkircher's tavern, enter the city always amid such fuss and noise; and there is Niederkircher himself with his dear and I believe it is heavy work for princes always round face. God bless you, Niederkircher, why 190 ANDREAS IIOFER. do you look at me so solemnly, and why have you "I should have preferred dumplings and native dressed up so nicely? Why, you wear your holi- wine in the small back room," said Andreas Hofer, day clothes, and yet I think this is neither Sunday dolefully, while he ascended with the innkeeper nor a holiday." and the Capuchin to the best room on the first " It is a great holiday," exclaimed Niederkircher, floor. "the commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, the great This was a very fine room indeed, and even Andreas Hofer, is making his triumphal entry into though it was not as cozy as the back room for the city. That is why I have put on my Sunday which Hofer had longed, it was at all events very clothes and look so solemn; for it would not be agreeable to him to be once more under a hospibecoming for me to embrace the distinguished tabl*oof, and enjoy a little rest and tranquillity. commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, as I should like In the middle of the room stood a table handto do under other circumstances." somely festooned with flowers, and covered with "You are a fool, old fellow!" said Andreas, bottles of wine, cake, and all sorts of fruit. encircling his friend's neck with his arm; "if I "Now, my distinguished friends, make youram commander-in-chief before the world, I am, selves as comfortable as possible," said Niederkirbefore my friends, always Andreas Hofer, the cher, cheerfully; "lie down awhile on the silken Sandwirth and humble peasant. Let us go into divan and repose. Meanwhile I will go to the thea house, my dear friend; and you, Joachim, kitchen and order dinner to be served to the comcome with us. There! Take me to the small mander-in-chief and his two generals, Haspinger back room which I always occupy during my stay and Speckbacher." in the city." "I shall comply with your request," growled "God forbid!" exclaimed the innkeeper; "you the Capuchin, "and make myself as comfortable never must occupy the back room again; that as possible." would not be becoming for the commander-in- He hurled his heavy, dusty leathern shoes chief of the Tyrol. You must take my best room quickly from his feet into a corner of the room; with the balcony opening on the street; besides, he then lay down on the carpet in front of the all is there in readiness for your reception." divan, and, stretching his limbs, exclaimed, "For" Must I take it, Joachim?" said Andreas to sooth, I have not been able for a long while to the Capuchin, almost anxiously. make myself as comfortable as to-day! " " Yes, Andy, you must," replied the friar. " You "But you, commander-il-chief," said Niedermust do honor to your new dignity, and to us kircher, beseechingly, "I hope, will not disdain all." my divan? Rest there a little, Andy, until the "It is a pity that I must do so," sighed An- waiters bring you your dinner." dreas. " I was so glad that I should soon be in "God forbid! I must first attend to my horses," the old back room, where it is so cozy and quiet, exclaimed Andreas. " I suppose, Niederkircher, and where you do not hear any thing of the noise you saw my four splendid white horses? They and shouting outside. But, if it cannot be helped, are honest war-spoils; I will keep them forever let us go to the best room; but pray, if it is pos- and never sell them, although I could get a round sible, give us something to eat there. Some sound sum for them, for they are fine animals; only the dumplings and a glass of native wine, friend Nie- first horse on the right-hand side, I believe, is a derkircher." little weak in the chest, and ought not to be over"No, no, Andreas Hofer, that will not do to- worked. Before going to dinner and making myday," replied the innkeeper; "I have had all my self comfortable, I must go and feed the horses servants at work in the kitchen ever since sunrise, and see if they are comfortable. You know, Nieand you will have a dinner suitable for the com- derkircher, I have always fed my horses myself, mander-in chief of the Tyrol." and will do so to-day also." THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT INNSPRUCK. 191 And he hastened toward the door; but Nieder- And now a feeling of profound emotion overkircher ran after him and kept him back. came the tender, grateful heart of Andreas Hofer; "For God's sake, Hofer," he cried in dismay, joy and ecstasy filled his soul in the face of "what are you going to do? Why, you are not a so much love and enthusiasm, and tears of the horse-trader nor the Sandwirth to-day, but com- most unalloyed bliss glistened in his eyes, which mander-in-chief of the Tyrol." greeted the jubilant people with tender, loving "It is true, I forgot it," sighed Andreas.," Go, glances. He was anxious to thank these kind then, dear friend, get us our dinner, and have a people and give utterance to his love; and he large bundle of hay put into the manger of the lifted up his arm, asking them to be quiet that he horses.-But, great God! what dreadful noise is might address them. that in the street? Why, those men are shout- The cheers and acclamations ceased immediateing so loudly that the walls are shaking and the ly, and Hofer spoke amidst the breathless silence windows rattling! What do they want? Why of the crowd in a loud, ringing voice: do they always repeat my name? Look out, "God bless you, dear people of Innspruck I Niederkircher, and see what is the matter." As you wanted me to become your commanderNiederkircher hastened to the window and in-chief, I am now in your midst. But there are drew the curtain aside in order to look out into many other Tyrolese who are not inhabitants of the street. A dense crowd was assembled in front Innspruck. All who wish to be my comrades of the tavern; it was incessantly cheering and must fight as brave and honest Tyrolese for God, shouting: "Andreas Hofer! Come out! Long the emperor, and our fatherland. Those who are live the commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, the lib- unwilling to do so must go back to their homes. erator! We want to see him, we must thank Those who wish to become my comrades must him for delivering us from the enemy. Andreas never desert me. I shall not desert you either, Hofer! Andreas Hofer!" as sure as my name is Andreas Hofer! You have "You cannot get around it, Andy; you must seen me now, and heard what I had to say to step out on the balcony," said Niederkircher, step- you; therefore good-by!" * ping back from the window. " The people are per- When Hofer had concluded his speech, thunfectly beside themselves with love and enthusiasm, dering cheers rent again the air; they continued and will not keep quiet until you come out and even after he had left the balcony, closed the make a speech to them. Do, my friend, step out door after him, and stepped back into the room. on the balcony!" "That was a very fine speech, Andy," said "Must I do it? " asked Andreas, dolefully, Niederkircher, shaking hands with him, and gaz. turning to the Capuchin, who was stretching him- ing tenderly into his flushed face. " It was eviself comfortably on the carpet. dent that your words were not learned by rote, " You must, brother," said Haspinger, gravely. but came from your heart, and hence they could "The people wish to see their beloved leader, and not but make a profound impression. But now, it would be ungrateful not to accept their love." commander-in-chief, of the Tyrol, dinner is ready. Andreas Hofer sighed, but he yielded and ap- The soup is already on the table, and I myself proached the balcony, the doors of which were shall have the honor of waiting on you." thrown open by the innkeeper. " But Speckbacher is not yet here," said AnNo sooner had the thousands assembled in front dreas Hofer, " and we cannot dine without him. of the house beheld the tall form of their favorite We fought and worked together; now we will leader, than thundering cheers rent the air; all also rest and attend to our comforts together. waved their hats and shouted, " Long live An- Do you not think so too, brother Red-beard? " dreas Hofer! Long live the commander-in-chief Hofer's own words. —See "Gallery of Heroes: Anof the Tyrol! " dreas Hofer," p. 126. 192 ANDREAS HOFER. But the Capuchin made no reply, or rather he even thanked him for his greeting; for all his responded only by a loud and long snore. thoughts were now fixed upon God, and he re"By the Holy Virgin! Haspinger has fallen proached himself contritely with almost forgetting asleep on the floor yonder," exclaimed Andreas, God, owing to the cravings of his stomach. smiling. "Forgive me, my Lord and God," he murmured, "Let us waken him, then," said Niederkircher, on entering the gloomy nave of the church, "for turning to the sleeper. not coming to Thee at once!" " No, my friend, no, we will not do so," whis- He walked up the aisle with a noiseless, hurpered Andreas, drawing him back. " Our faithful ried step, in order not to disturb the worshippers, and brave brother Red-beard has been so long to one of. the small altars, before which he knelt awake and at work that we must let him rest, down devoutly. and it would be very wrong. in us to arouse him "Here I am, my Lord and God," he murmured, from his sleep. Let us defer dinner, therefore, clasping his hands, "to render homage to Thee until Speckbacher is here, and until Haspinger and thank Thee for delivering us from the enemy has slept enough." and granting victory to us. I thank Thee for it "But you said you were hungry, Andreas. Why from the bottom of my heart, for Thy mercy was do you want to wait, then? Why do you not dine with us, and Thou didst lead us as a true general. now and let the other two dine afterward? You Guide us henceforth likewise, my Lord and God, are commander-in-chief, the highest officer of all, and stand by Thy faithful servant, that he may and they must do as it suits you, and you must not fail in the difficult task which he has now not do as it suits them." taken upon himself. Lord, Thou knowest that "Do not repeat such nonsense," cried Andreas, vanity and pride do not prompt me to become vehemently. "I am commander-in-chief only be- more than I ought to be; Thou knowest that I cause it is necessary that there should be one to would rather be quietly at home with my wife and hold the whole together lest it should fall asunder. children, than play the distinguished gentleman That is what Father Haspinger said, and it is true. here and assume an aristocratic title. - But the But even though I am commander-in-chief of the Capuchin, who is wiser than I, says it must be so, Tyrol, I am not commander-in-chief of my fiiends and I must be c6mmander-in-chief. Hence, I subin my intimate intercourse with them. All three mit patiently, and consent to play the ruler here of us have worked to the best of our power for the until Thou, my Lord and God, allowest me again fatherland, and I have not done more than Speck- to be Thy humble and simple servant, and to rebacher or the Capuchin. It is true, I am hungry, turn to my beloved Anna Gertrude, my three little but I shall not go to dinner without my friends; daughters, and my dear little boy. 0 Holy Virmoreover, it is good that they are not here yet, gin, watch with maternal care over my dear ones and that I have a little time left. The cravings at home; protect them, and grant peace to their of my stomach made me almost forget my duty to hearts, that they may not tremble for my safety. God, and by the absence of my friends He reminds Grant peace to us all, Holy Mother of God, and-" me that I owe Him something and must come to "Look, look, there he is!" shouted a loud Him. Keep your fine soup, therefore, a little while, voice behind him, interrupting him in his prayer. Niederkircher; I will, in the mean time, go to the "See, there is the great hero! How humbly he church of the Franciscans to report there to the is kneeling before the altar! Look at Andreas Lord as His faithful servant and soldier." Hofer." He took his black Tyrolese hat, descended Andreas Hofer turned, indignant at the interhastily the staircase, and went into the street. ruption and the words. so loudly uttered in that He had not noticed the dissatisfied air of Nieder- sacred place. He saw several hundred persons kircher, and the fact that the innkeeper had not thronging the aisle and fixing their eyes upon ANDREAS HOFER, THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. 193 him. All crowded forward and raised their heads i and there is no longer an enemy to fight, they to see Andieas Hofer, admire his fine beard, and will forget my humble services, and I shall live examine his whole appearance. They had fol- again quietly at my inn in the Passeyr valley. No lowed him quietly, and as the news that Andreas one will then run after the Sandwirth when he Hofer, commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, had gone comes to Innspruck to sell horses; and I shall to the church of the Franciscans, spread rapidly, sit again in Niederkircher's back room, eat dumpall had hastened thither to see him and render him lings, and drink native wine. Ah, Holy Virgin, homage. let it soon be so again, that the commander-inBut Andreas Hofer thought this homage de- chief may be again Sandwirth Andreas Hofer." cidedly irksome, and he was angry that the spec- "Hurrah, long live the commander-in-chief of tators had disturbed his prayer. He, therefore, the Tyrol!" shouted at this moment some men made a bi5*er-sweet face in response to the en- who had recognized him, and stood still to do thusiastic demonstrations and affectionate greet- homage to him as though he were a sovereign ings of the people, and elbowed his way hastily prince. toward the door. Andreas Hofer accelerated his step, and was "I thank you for your attachment," he said to very glad on reaching the tavern soon afterward. those who were close to him, " but I should have been better pleased if you had allowed me quietly to pursue my way, and had not interrupted my prayer. But now pray let me go home alone, and CHAPTER XXXIII. do not follow me. It may be becoming for aristocratic gentlemen to have a large suite behindE EMPEROR'S EUTEN. them, but I am only a simple Tyrolese like you ANDREAS ascended the staircase hastily, and all, and do not want to be any thing else. More- entered the balcony-room. over, I am a very ordinary-looking man, and there The Capuchin had now risen from the carpet; is no reason whatever why you should stare at me Joseph Speckbacher was with him, and both hasin this manner. Pray, therefore, do not go with tened to meet Andreas Hofer. me, but let me return quietly to Niederkircher's "You have kept us waiting a long while, tavern, where I am going to dine." brother," said the Capuchin, indignantly; "you They obeyed, of course, and opened a passage ought to have borne in mind that we have not for him to step out of the church door. But eaten any thing, and are, therefore, very hungry." thereupon they rushed out to look after him and "Yes, Father Audy," exclaimed Speckbacher, shout, " Long live Andreas Hofer, the pious cor- smiling, "you hung our bread-basket very high; mander-in-chief of the Tyrol!" But no one ven- we are quite weak from waiting and hunger." tured to follow him; all gazed affectionately and "Now they blame me for keeping them waitreverentially after his tall form, as he walked with ing," said Andreas, mildly. "And yet I think a slow and dignified step down the street. they kept me waiting, and hunger drove me to "'There are strange people in these cities," the church. Well, never mind, my dear friends murmured Hofer to himself, while walking along; and comrades; we are together now, and I am "they do not even let me pray quietly, and are as very glad of it. Look at Niederkircher and his curious as swallows. They follow me everywhere, large dish! How splendidly it smokes and smells, and stare at me as though I were a wild beast. and how good it will be to eat! Well, NeiderIf that is being a famous man, I do not care for kircher, put the dish on the table here, and sit fame; and for the whole world I would not be down and dine with us." an aristocratic or famous man all my lifetime. "No, no, commander-in-chief, it is my duty toWhen peace. has been restored to the country, day to wait on you, for you are now a highly dis18 194 ANDREAS HOFER. tinguished gentleman, and so are the other two; said the Capuchin, smiling;. " the people believe hence, it would not behoove me to dine with in you, and it would be cruel and short-sighted in you." us to shake their faith in you. Every thing must "If you refuse to do so, I shall not eat at all," come from you; you must have done and accomcried Andreas Hofer. plished every thing." "And I shall run away," said Speckbacher, "And what we others did, we did only in your jumping up from his chair. name, Father Andy!" exclaimed Speckbacher; "I shall sit still," growled the Capuchin, "but "the people and the sharpshooters would not I shall henceforth turn my back upon Neider- have obeyed us so well, had they not believed kircher if he allows our soup to become cold that you had issued all the orders and instrucinstead of sitting down at once and dining with tions which we gave them. On hearing your Us." name they obeyed, fought well, and were confi"I will do so," cried Niederkircher, moving a dent that we should succeed. And for this rea chair to the table, and seating himself on it, son they are justified in coupling your name with "But now, my friends, permit me at least to fill the celebration of the victory. Just listen how your plates." they are shouting your name! It is true, the dear "We will not object to that!" exclaimed the boys have tremendous lungs, and if you do not three friends, laughing; " and pray fill them well, comply with their wishes, and show yourself on Neiderkircher." the balcony, I am afraid they will make us deaf There was a long pause now; nothing was and themselves quite hoarse." heard but the rattling of the spoons on the plates. " Well, I do not care," sighed Andreas; "open All at once this comfortable silence was broken the door again, Niederkircher, I must step out on by deafening cheers and shouts uttered on the the balcony." street. " And make another fine speech as before," said Hofer dropped his spoon, frowned, and listened. the innkeeper, throwing open the folding-doors. " I believe they are calling me again," he sighed, Andreas made no reply, but went to the balcony dolefully. with a grave and almost angry face. Deafening He was not mistaken. Hundreds of youthful cheers greeted him, and the dense crowd assemvoices were heard shouting Andreas Hofer's name, bled in the street shouted: "Long live Andreas and their cheers were followed by a loud, ringing Hofer, the commander-in-chief! Long live Anflourish of violins, fifes, bugles, and trumpets. dreas Hofer, the liberator! " " They have musicians with them," exclaimed "My brave son, Joseph Speckbacher," said the Hofer, anxiously. "Holy Virgin, just listen how Capuchin, filling his glass, " you see every one they are roaring! It seems as if they were in- gets his due in the end. Day before yesterday, tent on upsetting the house." while we were fighting in the sweat of our brows " They are calling you, they want to see you," on Mount Isel, my dear brother Andreas Hofer sat said Niederkircher, who had stepped to the win- up at his friend Etschmann's tavern. A bottle of dow. "They are the students of the university; wine stood before him, and his rosary lay on the they have come in their holiday attire to serenade table; and while we were fighting, he prayed and you.". drank, and sent us from time to time his orders, "And why do they want to serenade me?" which sounded like oracles, which no one underasked Andreas Hofer, almost indignantly. "Why stood, and which every one interpreted as he not Speckbacher, or the Capuchin, or Peter Mayer, deemed prudent. Now he must toil in his turn or Anthony Wallner? They all did just as much and fight with his tongue, while we are sitting as I did, and perhaps even more." here snugly and drinking our wine. There is "But you are the people's favorite, brother," another flourish outside! Trara I trara!" ANDREAS HOFER, THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. 195 And the Capuchin waved his glass and emptied now, and cannot pray as much as I should like to it at one draught. do. Say to the good God that we toiled honestly Suddenly the crowd in the street became silent; and bravely; say to Him that we suffered privaa student came forward and advanced several steps tions, watched, fought, and conquered, for the toward the balcony. fatherland; and pray to Him for the brave men "Andreas Hofer, beloved commander-in-chief who accompanied us to the holy struggle, and who of the Tyrol," he said, in a loud, solemn voice, will never return, but have succumbed to their " our hearts are full of love for you and praise of mortal wounds. Do not sing, but pray for their your heroic deeds, and our lips, too, would like to poor souls. Play your merry melodies no longer, overflow. Permit us, therefore, noble hero, be- but go home quietly and pray God to protect us loved liberator, to sing before you a song glorify- henceforth as He has heretofore. That is what I ing your exploits; a song praising your struggles wished to tell you, my dear friends. And now and victories; a song which will henceforth be God bless you, and accept my heart-felt thanks for sung by every man, woman, and child, throughout your love and attachment." * the Tyrol. We students wrote the song, for your The students, seized with profound emotion, heroic deeds filled our hearts with enthusiasm, and and deeply impressed by the simple yet soul-stirour attachment to you taught us the finest music ring words of Andreas Hofer, complied quietly for it. Permit us, therefore, to sing before you and willingly with his request. Their fifes, violins, the song of the victorious hero Andreas Hofer." and bugles became silent, and the crowd dispersed " No, no, my dear friends, do not sing," ex- noiselessly, without uttering any more cheers and claimed Hofer, gravely and almost angrily. "Do acclamations. not sing, and do not play any longer on your fifes " They are fine, dear lads," said Andreas Hofer, and violins. We did not take the field to sing looking after them with beaming eyes; "strong and dance, and I did not leave my wife and chil- and hearty lads, full of spirits and impetuosity, dren at home with a light heart, but with tears but on the other hand so gentle and submissive!and anxiety. But I did it because it was the Well, now," he exclaimed joyfully, stepping back Lord's will; and as He accompanied me into bat- into the room, " I hope we shall have some rest, tle, we succeeded in defeating the enemy. But it and shall be able to finish our dinner in peace." was a hard and mournful task; many brave and This hope, however, was not to be fulfilled. excellent men lost their limbs or even their lives, The dinner was not yet over by'any means, when and many wounded patriots are yet imploring God cheers and loud noise resounded once more in tle to relieve them of their terrible agony. And while street, and another solemn procession approached they are groaning and wailing, can you wish to the tavern. This time, however, the members of sing? While so many fathers and mothers are the procession did not remain in the street, but lamenting their fallen sons, can you wish to exult entered the house, and the landlord, who had just here and make music? No, my dear friends, that gone down-stairs to fetch some more bottles of would not be becoming for a Christian and chari- wine from the cellar, hastened back to the baltable people. You had better lay your violins cony-room and announced that all the commanders aside and take up your rosaries. Do not sing, but of the Landsturm and the municipal officers had pray. Pray aloud and fervently for our beloved arrived to pay their respects to the commander-inemperor, and, if you like, you may add a low prayer chief of the Tyrol and communicate a request to for poor Andreas Hofer. But you shall not sing him. any songs in his honor, for God alone accom- "Well, then," sighed Hofer, rising, "let them plished it all, and homage should be rendered to come in here. I see that our dinner is spoiled none but Him. Therefore, do not sing, but pray. Pray in my name, too, for I have not much time * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 180. 196 ANDREAS HOFER. anyhow. Let them come in here, Niederkir- thusiastic gentlemen to be silent, but lie looked ch iar. quite respectfully at the mayor in his long black "God forbid! There are so many of them that robe, who was approaching him with a grave step they would not have room here; besides, it would between two members of the city council. not be becoming for you to receive all these "We come," he said, solemnly, "not only to gentlemen here where there is a dinner-table. I thank you for the heroic deeds which you have have conducted them all to the large ballroom; performed, but to pray you to do still more for us they await you there, Andreas Hofer." and the fatherland. You have delivered the "I would I knew what they want of me," sighed country from the enemy, but there is lacking to it Hofer, stroking his long beard. a head, a crown. The Bavarian government com"I know what they want, Father Andy," said mission, and Count Rechberg, the king's lieuteSpeckbacher, smiling. "I myself suggested to nant, have escaped from Innspruck with the French the commanders of the Landsturm the plan of forces. We are free from the Bavarian yoke; we asking of you what they are going to communi- are no lcnger'governed by the king's lieutenant, cate to you now. And you must not refuse to and in his place we want a lieutenant of the emcomply with their request, Father Andy; for the peror. There must be one in whose hands all good of the country demands that you should power is concentrated, and who rules over the counyield, and the emperor himself will thank you for try in the emperor's name. You must fill this so doing." position, Andreas Hofer. The authorities and " I know likewise what these gentlemen want the people of Innspruck elect you the emperor's of you, brother Andy," exclaimed the Capuchin, lieutenant. You shall govern the country in his filling his glass. "I was yesterday already in name, and we will all swear to you obedience, Innspruck, where I conferred with the mayor and fidelity, and love." the members of the city council, and they will tell After he had concluded his address, Anthony you now what we resolved then. You must not Wallner stepped forth from the ranks of the comresist, brother; you must, on the contrary, cor- manders of the Lanclsturm. "Yes," he exply with their request; for it is God's will that claimed, "you shall be the emperor's lieutenant. you should, and therefore you must. Now go to We will all swear to you" obedience, fidelity, and the ballroom, dear Andy." love. We commanders of the Landsturm wished "I shall not, unless you two accompany me to say this to our commander-in-chief, and this thither," answered Andreas Hofer, emphatically. was the reason why we came hither. We want "They will finally believe I wish to monopolize to pray you to govern the Tyrol in the emperor's all honors, and will charge me with forgetting name. Your consent would give us the greatest that Haspinger and Speckbacher, day before yes- satisfaction." terday, did a great deal more than myself at the "We want to pray you," said one of the membattle of Mount Isel, and that we should never bers of the city council, coming forward from the have gained a victory there without them. There- midst of his colleagues, " to take up your residence fore, you must walk side by side with me, one on as the emperor's lieutenant in the imperial palace my right, the other on my left hand; and we will on the Remplatz." enter the ballroom just as we fought in battle." "That will never do," cried Andreas Hofer, in On entering the ballroom, where the command- dismay. "How could I be so impudent as to ers of the Landsturm in their uniforms and the reside in the palace of his majesty the emperor? officers of the municipality had ranged themselves No, no, that will never do; I cannot consent to along the walls, the three heroes were received it." with three deafening cheers; and this time An- "It will do very well, and you must consent to dreas Hofer was not bold enough to tell the en- it," said Ilaspinger, solemnly " You shall reside THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT COMORN. 197 in the imperial palace, not to gratify your own charge of the government. Let us pray God and vanity, but to reassure the people, and show them the Holy Virgin that theft day may soon dawn that they are not entirely destitute of a ruler and upon us! " protector. You shall govern the country for God "Long live the emperor's lieutenant!" shouted and the emperor until all our enemies are worsted the whole assembly, joyously. and the war is at an end. The emperor has not " Now," exclaimed the mayor, "give me your time at this juncture to take care of us; he must hand, Andreas Hofer, lieutenant of the emperor, devote his whole attention to the reorganization and commander-in-chief of the Tyrol. We will of his army and prepare for the resumption of conduct you in solemn procession to the imperial hostilities. The armistice expires at the end of palace, for the lieutenant must take up his resithis month, and war will then, of course, break dence there." out once more, for the French emperor will not "Yes, yes, let us accompany Andreas Hofer to keep quiet and submit before he is worsted and the imperial palace," exclaimed all, in joyful excrushed entirely; and we have still a great deal citement. to do, a great deal to fight, and much more blood "Well, if it please God, I will take up my resiwill have to be shed, before we have delivered dence in the imperial palace," exclaimed Andreas the whole Southern Tyrol, Carinthia, and Car- Hofer, solemnly, giving his hand to the mayor and niola, from the yoke of the tyrant. In order to do stepping with him to the door of the ballroom. so, Speclkbacher, WXallner, and I, will lead the He was followed. by the Capuchin, Joseph brave Tyrolese against the enemy. Now, if the Speckbacher, Anthony Wallner, the other corncountry is to be governed properly while we are manders of the Landsturm, and the municipal au fighting, a man in whom both the people and the thorities. On stepping into the street, they were authorities have confidence must be at the head received with thundering cheers by the people of the government. You are this man, Andreas who thronged the street and the neighboring Hofer. The people, the authorities, and the de- place; and amid singing and deafening acclamafenders of the country, pray you to consent to it; tions, and the ringing of all the church-bells, the but God commands you through my mouth to ac- emperor's lieutenant and commander-in-chief of cept the position." the Tyrol, Andreas Hofer, was conducted to the "Well, then," exclaimed Andreas, enthusiasti- magnificent imperial palace, where the Sandwirth c.,lly, lifting his eyes devoutly to heaven, "I will was to take up his residence. do joyfully what God commands, and what you request me to do. I will take upon myself this arduous duty; I will comply with your wishes. You say it is necessary for the good of the country CHAPTER XXXIV. and the emperor that there should be a lieutenant THE FIFTEENTn OF B~UGUST AT CO~ORN. of the emperor; and if there is no other and better man than 1, and if you have confidence in me, I WHILE the people of Innspruck set no bounds will accept the position. I am nothing but an in- to their rejoicings on the 15th of August, and acstrument in the hand of God my Lord, and I do companied Andreas Hofer, the emperor's lieuwhat He wants me to do, even though it should tenant, amid the most rapturous manifestations cost my life. My life is in His hand, and what I of enthusiasm, to the imperial palace; while the am, and have, and can be, belongs to my emperor Emperor Napoleon was celebrating the 15th of and my country. I will be, then, the emperor's August, his birthday, by a great parade at Schin. lieutenant in the Tyrol until the emperor issues brunn, and the bestowal of orders and rewards on orders to the contrary, or until peace is restored to many distinguished persona, the Emperor Francis the country, and the emperor is able again to take was at the fortress of Comorn. Only a few of his 198 ANDREAS HOFER. faithful adherents had followed him thither; only " I made a mistake. In place of the receipt, I his servants and officers surrounded him at his handed to your majesty the draft of the proclamamournful court there. The Empress Ludovica tion to your subjects, which your m:jesty ordered and the archduchesses had already repaired to me to write. Oh, I humbly beg your majesty's Totis, a country-seat of Prince Lichtenstein, in pardon for having made so lamentable a blunder; Hungary, whither the emperor intended to follow I —" her in the course of a few days. "Well, never mind," interrupted the emperor; "I should set out this very day," he said, "there is no harm done. You handed me one pacing his cabinet, to his confidential agent Hude- receipt in place of another; and it is true, the list, the Aulic counsellor, "but I should like to sealing-wax receipt may remain in your pocket see previously Count Bubna, whom I have sent to until we arrive at Totis, but the other receipt Bonaparte." is needed immediately, for it is destined to "I hope, your majesty, that the count will yet reduce the people to submissiveness and tranreturn to-day," replied Hudelist, in his humble,- quillity. Well, read the proclamation you have bland voice. drawn up." "God grant it!" sighed the emperor. "It is "Your majesty, I have carried ouit carefully very tedious here, and I hope our sojourn at Totis the orders of your majesty, and the instructions will not be so mournful and wearisome. Prince of your minister, Count Metternich, and written Lichtenstein told me there were excellent fishing- only what your majesty had agreed upon with the ponds there, and he added that he had caused to minister." be built a laboratory where I might manufacture "Read it," said the emperor, taking the flysealing-wax. I think, Hudelist, we shall be very flap from the table; and, while he was slowly industrious there, and manufacture new and beau- gliding along the walls, and killing now and then tiful styles." a fly, Iludelist read as follows: "I received to-day a new receipt for making "To my people and my army!-My beloved carmine sealing-wax, perfumed d la rose," said subjects, and even my enemies know that, in enHudelist, smiling. tering upon the present war, I was induced to "Ah, that is nice," exclaimed the emperor; take up arms neither by thirst for conquest nor by "give it to me-let me read it." mortified personal feelings. The Aulic counsellor drew a paper from his "Self-preservation and independence, a peace bosom and handed it with a low bow to the em- which would be compatible with the honor of my peror. Francis took it quickly, and fixed his eves crown, and which would give security and transmilingly on it. quillity to my people, were the lofty and only obHis features, however, suddenly became very jects which I strove to attain. gloomy, and he threw the paper indignantly on "The fickle fortunes of war have not fulfilled the table. "What do you give me this for?" he my expectations; the enemy penetrated into the asked, angrily. " In speaking of the receipt, I had heart of my states, and exposed them to the deforgotten the abominable political situation for a vastations of a war carried on with the most remoment, but you must at once remind me of it." lentless exasperation and barbarity; but, at the "My God!" faltered out Hudelist, "what did I same time, he became acquainted with the pado, then, to excite your majesty's indignation?" triotic spirit of my people and the bravery of my The emperor took the paper from the table and army. handed it to him. "See," he said, already half- "This experience, which he purchased after pacified, "is that a receipt for making sealing- fearful bloodshed, and my unvarying solicitude wax?" for the happiness of my, subjects, brought about "Good heavens!" groaned Hudelist, in dismay, mutual advances for peace negotiations. My pleni THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT COMORN. 199 potentiaries met with those of the French em- surely accomplish at a later time. At this juncperor. ture Bonaparte is strong and superior to us; but "I am desirous of concluding an honorable let us wait until there is a moment when he is peace, the terms of which offer the possibility and weak; your majesty will'profit by this moment, prospect of its duration. The bravery of my and crush him." army, its unwavering courage, its ardent patriot- "See, see how kind you are! " exclaimed the ism, its emphatic wish not to lay down its arms emperor, with a sardonic smile; "you are so prior to the conclusion of an honorable peace, obliging as to give me advice which I did not ask prevent me fiom submitting to terms which would for. I thank you, Mr. Aulic Counsellor, but I beshake the foundations of the empire, and dishonor lieve it will be better for me to follow my own us after such great and generous sacrifices and so understanding. As God Almighty has placed me much bloodshed. at the head of Austria, and made me emperor, He "The noble spirit animating the army is a suf- must confide in my ability to discharge the duties ficient guaranty that, if the enemy should after all of my imperial office. Well, you need not look mistake our intentions and strength, we shall so dismayed; I know that your intentions are certainly obtain the reward of constancy in the good, and I confide in you." end." * "Your majesty knows that I am ready to die " There!" cried the emperor at this moment, for you, and that I should shed my blood for you striking with the fly-flap at the wall, " that will at unhesitatingly and joyously," exclaimed Hudelist, length put an end to your humming, with which enthusiastically. " It was, therefore, only my inyou have dinned my ears for a quarter of an hour. tense love and veneration which made me venture Come here, Hudelist, and look at this bluebottle to communicate my views freely and openly to fly. The whole time while you were reading I your majesty; but I shall never do so again, for was chasing it, and have only just got it. Did I was unfortunate enough to displease your mayou ever see so large a fly?" jesty thereby." "It is a very large fly indeed," said Hudelist, "On the contrary, you shall always do so, you with a grin. shall always tell me your opinion freely and "I do not believe that it is a bluebottle fly," openly," cried the emperor, vehemently. "You exclaimed the emperor. " It is Bonaparte, who has shall tell me all that you believe, all that you transformed himself into a bluebottle fly, as Jove know, and all that you hear and learn from once transformed himself into an ox; and he others. Your ears, eyes, and tonglle, shall belong came hither to annoy me and din my ears until I to me." am quite sick. Yes, yes, Hudelist, believe me, "And my heart, above all things, belongs to my Bonaparte is a huge bluebottle fly, which drives adored emperor, your majesty." all Europe mad. Ah, would I could treat him as " Have you really got a heart? " asked the emI treat this abominable bluebottle fly now, and peror, smiling. " I do not believe it, Hudelist; crush him under my foot!" you are a clever, sagacious man, but you had betAnd the emperor crushed the writhing insect ter say nothing about your heart, for I think you under his heel. have used it up in your countless love-affairs. "Your majesty will surely enjoy one day the Moreover, I do not care for it. I do not think a pleasure of crushing Bonaparte, the huge blue great deal of men who have too much heart, and bottle fly, under your heel," said Hudelist. "Only who always allow their rash heart to influence your majesty must be gracious enough to have their actions. My distinguished brother, the patience, and not now try to attain what you will Archduke John, for instance, has this fault and weakness; his heart frequently runs away with * See Hormayr's "Andreas Hofer," vol. Ii., p. 440. his head, and his legs finally run after it." 200 ANDREAS HOFER. "But he is a very brave general," said Hude- emperor, striding uneasily up and down the room. list, gently; " a courageous captain, and a most "The Archduke John sowed the seeds of pernidefiant and foolhardy enemy of France. How cious weeds, and played a very dangerous game." unwavering were the courage and intrepidity "It is true, it is dangerous to preach rebellion with which he met the Viceroy of Italy every- to a people, and teach it how to rise in insurrecwhere, and attacked him, even though he knew tion," said Hudelist, thoughtfully. "And it canbeforehand that he would be unable to worst the not be denied that the insurrection of the Tyrosuperior enemy! How great was the magnanimity lese sets a deplorable example in some respects. with which he risked all, and did not shrink from It is true, the archduke organized the conspiracy sacrificing the lives of thousands in attempting to only for the good of Austria and her emperor; carry out an insignificant coup against the enemy! but what the Tyrolese are doing to-day for the And how sublime was the heroism with which he emperor, they might another time do against him; has often dared to brave the orders of the com- and if the archduke were not so exceedingly loyal mander-in-chief and pursue his own way, on find- and entirely above suspicion, one might think he ing that these orders were dangerous and perni- had stirred up the insurrection for his own purcious to his army i" poses and benefit. At all events, it only depends' Yes," cried the emperor, bursting into scorn- on him to have himself proclaimed King of the ful laughter, "it was owing to this disobedience Tyrol, for his influence is all-powerful in that and stubbornness that we lost the battle of Wa- province." gram. If the Archduke John had been more The emperor uttered a cry of rage. IIis eyes obedient, and arrived with his troops in time, we shot fire, his lips quivered and muttered incoheshould have gained the battle, I should not be in rent threats, his cheeks had turned livid, and he this miserable hole, and it would not be necessary paced his room in indescribable agitation. Then, for me to sue Bonaparte so humbly and contritely as if to give vent to the rage filling his breast, he for generous terms of peace. The good heart of took up the fly-flap and struck violently at the my distinguished brother subjected me to this flies seated here and there on the wall. unpleasant necessity, and I shall one day mani- Hudelist followed his every motion with his fest to him my gratitude for it." cold, stealthy eyes, and an expression of scorn "Oh, your majesty," said Hudelist, in his and malicious joy illuminated his sombre fade for blandest voice, " if the archduke should have un- a moment. wittingly committed a blunder on this occasion, "It was effectual," he murmured to himself; he has made a thousand amends for it. Your "jealousy and suspicion have struck roots in his majesty should bear in mind all that the noble heart, and we shall succeed in neutralizing the Archduke John accomplished inlthe Tyrol. Your influence of the archduke, who constantly preaches majesty owes it only to the archduke that the war, and war at any cost." Tyrol rose as one man, that it fought, and is fight- Suddenly the emperor cast his fly-flap aside, ing still, with the utmost heroism. He arranged and.turned to Hudelist, whose face had quickly it all; he organized a conspiracy in the Tyrol resumed its quiet, humble, and impenetrable exwhile the country was yet under the Bavarian pression. yoke-a vast, gigantic conspiracy; owing to his "Hudelist," said the emperor, in a low and secret instigation, the revolution broke out simul- mysterious tone, " always tell me all you know taneously in all parts of the Tyrol, and it is the about the archduke, and do not conceal any thing name of the Archduke John which fills this peo- from me. I must know all, and count upon your ple of heroes with the sublime courage which it sincerity and talent of observation." displays in the most murderous battles." "Your majesty," cried Hudelist, ardently, "I "It is bad enough that it is so," exclaimed the swear that I will faithfully carry out the orders of THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT COMORN. 201 my emperor. Not a word, not a step, not a man- "Abh, if your people could see your majesty in ifestation of public opinion shall be concealed your generous excitement, with how much enthufrom your majesty; for, as your majesty was gra- siasm they would follow their emperor and expel cious enough to observe, my ears, eyes, and the enemy!" exclaimed Count Bubna. "And tongue, belong to your majesty." yet even the most intense enthusiasm might fail, At this moment the door of the anteroom for circumstances are more powerful than your opened, and a footman announced Count Bubna. majesty's heroism. The Emperor Napoleon is "Let him come in," said the emperor; and he determined to follow up his success to its most dismissed, with a quick wave of his hand, Hude- extreme consequences, and we are at this juncture list, who, bowing respectfully, and walking back- unable to cope with him in the long run. All the ward, left the emperor's cabinet at the same mo- gaps in his army have been filled up, and his solment that Count Bubna appeared on the threshold diers are flushed with victory, and eager to meet of the opposite door. our own forces. Our army is greatly weakened, The emperor hastened to meet him. "Now disorganized, and disheartened; and, moreover, it speak, count!" he exclaimed, eagerly; "did you has no commander-in-chief, inasmuch as your see Bonaparte? Did he admit you?" majesty has accepted the resignation of the gen" Yes, your majesty," said Count Bubna, with eralissimo. To continue the war would be equivgloomy gravity, "the Emperor Napoleon did ad- alent to.endangering the existence of Austria and mit me. I had a long interview with him." the imperial dynasty itself." The emperor nodded his head. "Did he offer "Ah, you mean that Bonaparte would be you terms of peace?" pleased to say of my dynasty what he said of " IIe did, but I cannot conceal from your ma- Naples and Spain:'The Bourbons have ceased jesty that the Emperor Napoleon will impose very to reign?. " harsh and oppressive conditions. He is exceed- "Your majesty, although the'Emperor Napoingly irritated, and the heroic resistance which our leon did not dare to use such unmeasured lanarmy offered to him, our brilliant victory at As- guage, he did not fail to hint at such an event. pern, and the fact that his victory at Wagram was Having admitted me after repeated refusals, and after all little better than a drawn battle, seem to hearing my first words,'My august master, the have exasperated him in the extreme. For this Emperor of Austria,' the Emperor Napoleon inreason he is resolved to impose rigorous terms of terrupted me, and cried vehemently,'There is peace on us, because, if Austria should submit to no longer an Emperor of Austria, but only a them, she would thereby admit that the Emperor Prince of Lorraine!'" of the French gained a great victory at Wa- "Ah, indeed, he permits me at least to retain gram." the title of a Prince of Lorraine! And what "Well, I am glad that he is irritated," said the else did he say? Do not conceal any thing emperor, shrugging his shoulders; "so am I, and from me, Count Bubna, but bear in mind that I I shall not accept any peace which would impose must know all, in order to take my resolutions humiliating terms on Austria. That is what I accordingly." have promised this very day to my people in the "Your majesty, if I did not bear this in mind, proclamation lying on the table yonder; and I I should never venture to repeat what the Emowe it, moreover, to myself. Either an honorable peror Napoleon permitted himself to say to me. peace, or a decision by the fortune of war. If lie seemed to speak quite unreservedly in my need be, I will call upon my whole people to take presence; lying on the floor by the side of his up arms; I will place myself at the head of this maps, or sitting on the table and placing his grand army, and either defeat Bonaparte, or suc- feet on a chair, or standing before me with cumb honorably." folded arms, he spoke to me with a frankness 202 ANDREAS HOFER. which almost frightened me, and which at times I the continued existence of the Austrian through seemed to me quite involuntary." all Europe would rise against him; even Russia "There you were mistaken, at all events," said herself would become his enemy, and draw the Francis, shrugging his shoulders. "Bonaparte sword against him, if he should be daring enough never does any thing unintentionally, and not a to appropriate the Austrian empire and swallow word escapes him but what he wants to utter. it as he swallowed Italy." I know him better than you all, though I have "Your majesty, I also do not believe that he seen him only once in my life; and God knows would menace Austria in case he should be driven that, after my interview with him subsequent to again to hostilities; he threatens only the Emthe battle of Austerlitz, my heart was filled with peror of Austria." intense hatred against him. Now, my heart is "What do you mean, Bubna?" asked the emmore constant in hatred than in love; and if it peror, vehemently. is said that love makes us blind, hatred, on the " Your majesty," said Count Bubna, in a low, other hand, renders us keen-sighted, and that is timid voice, " the Emperor Napoleon thinks you the reason why I am able to see through Bona- are his personal and inexorable enemy, and lie beparte and know him better than you all. Tell lives if a monarch more favorable to him were me, therefore, what he said so frankly to you, seated on the throne of Austria, he would not only and I shall know what to think of his state- soon conclude peace with Austria, but also have a ments which seemed to you unintentional expres- faithful ally in her hereafter. If hostilities should sions of his real sentiments. What does he think be resumed, and if the fortune of war should decide of the armistice? Is he really intent on draw- in favor of the Emperor Napoleon-" ing the sword once more, or is he inclined to "Proceed, proceed," cried the emperor, impaconclude peace?" tiently, when Count Bubna hesitated; "I must " Inclined, your majesty, is not the right word. know all, and am not so cowardly as to be frightHe intends to grant peace to your majesty in re- ened by mere words." turn for heavy sacrifices. Yolr majesty will have "But I, your majesty, am afraid of uttering to sacrifice much territory, many fortresses, and words whose meaniPg fills me with loathing and finally a great deal of money, in order to obtain horror-words which, thank God, will never bepeace." come deeds!" "And what if I should not do so?" cried Fran- "No preamble, count, but speak out," cried the cis, impetuously. "What if I should prefer to emperor, impatiently. "What would Bonaparte resume hostilities and die honorably on the ruins do in case he should defeat us again? " of my empire, rather than purchase a dishonor- "Your majesty, he would place another emperor able peace? What would he say then? " on the Austrian throne." "Then he would resume hostilities with his "Ah, always the same old strain," exclaimed strong and enthusiastic army; he would, as he the emperor, contemptuously. "'One of his brothtold me more than once in his thundering voice, ers or brothers-in-law is to become Emperor of be inexorable, and no considerations of generos- Austria, I suppose?'The Hapsburg dynasty has ity would prevent him from wreaking vengeance ceased to reign'-that is it, is it not?" on his personal enemy; for as such he would "No, another prince of the Hapsburg dynasty regard your majesty in that event." is to be placed on the throne, one of the brothers "But the people of Nuremberg do not hang of the Emperor Francis." any one before they have got him," said the em- " Ah, ah! he thinks of my brothers," murmured peror, calmly. "Bonaparte has not got me yet, the emperor, whose cheeks turned very pale. and I think he will not catch me soon. Despite " Well, which of my brothers did he designate as all his braggadocio, he will be obliged to allow future Emperor of Austria?" THE FIFTEENTH OF AUGUST AT COMORN. 203 " He thought it would be best for France if the may, " it is not the noble Archduke John who conthrone were ceded to the Grand-duke of Wiirtz- ceived such plans, but the Emperor Napoleon." burg, the Archduke Ferdinand. He said he had "He seems at least to keep up a touching unhad confidence in the grand-duke ever since he had derstanding with my brothers. I should like to been in Tuscany, and he believed that the grand- know whether his generosity will not provide duke was likewise friendly to him. He would crowns and states for the other archdukes too. make him Emperor of Austria, and add the grand And then, you have not told me yet what he induchy of Wiirtzburg to the kingdom of Bavaria." tends to do with me after hurling me from the "And the Tyrol? " asked the Emperor Francis. throne. Does he want to keep me confined like "Will Bonaparte, in his liberality, give that also the King of Spain and Pope Pius, or will he perto Bavaria, or will he leave it to my brother Fer- mit me to live as a refugee in foreign lands, like dinand, the future Emperor of Austria?" the King of Naples?" "No, your majesty. The Emperor Napoleon "Your majesty, Napoleon only dreamed of the seems to have entirely new and rather singular future, and dreams never are logical and consistplans in regard to the Tyrol. According to these ent. I myself listened to his dreams in silence, plans, Bavaria is not to keep it, for Napoleon said and they amused me as the merry fairy-stories of angrily that Bavaria had not at all known how to my childhood did-fairy-stories invented only for deal with the simple and honest Tyrolese. He the purpose of making us laugh." added that profound tranquillity should reign in "Yes, let us laugh at them," exclaimed the emthe mountains; hence, he could not restore the peror, bursting intoloud laughter, which, however, Tyrol to Bavaria, against which the Tyrolese were sounded so unnatural that Count Bubna did not animated by intense hatred. As the Tyrolese had join in it. "And now," said the emperor, whose manifested their attachment and fidelity to Aus- face suddenly became very gloomy, "having tria in so admirable a manner, it would be best to spoken enough about Bonaparte's funny dreams, make the Tyrol an independent principality, and let us turn to more serious matters. What are give it also to one of the archdukes, the brothers the terms on which the Emperor of the French of the emperor."* would make peace with me? What does he de" By the Eternal! my brothers seem to be the mand? " special favorites of the Emperor Napoleon," ex- "Your majesty, his demands are so exorbitant claimed the emperor. "Which of the archdukes that I scarcely dare to repeat them." is to receive the new principality of the Tyrol at "Never mind," said the emperor, dryly. " If I Bonaparte's hands?" could listen quietly to the plan regarding my broth"Ycur majesty, he said the Tyrol should be ers, I believe I shall be able to bear the rest. given to that archduke for whom the Tyrolese had Speak, therefore. What are the terms on which always manifested the greatest love and enthusiasm, Napoleon would conclude peace?" the Archduke John." "He demands the cession of all the provinces "John!" cried the emperor, giving a start; actually occupied by the French armies; the sur"John is to become sovereign of the Tyrol? Ah, render of the fortresses still occupied by our my sagacious and learned brother has speculated troops in these provinces, with their magazines, correctly, then! lie first stirred up a rebellion in arsenals, stores, and supplies; the surrender of the Tyrol in the shrewdest manner, and he will the fortresses of Gratz and Briinn; and large connow quiet the beloved Tyrol by becoming its sov. tributions in kind, to be collected by M. Daru, the ereign and ruler." French intendant-general." "Your majesty," exclaimed the count, in dis- "He intends to spoliate Austria as mercilessly as he formerly plundered Hamburg and the whole * Napoleon's own words.-See " Lebensbilder," vol. v., p. 217. of Northern Germany," said the emperor, shrug 204 ANDREAS HOFER. ging his shoulders. " And does not Bonaparte de- "A bad comparison, Bubna, for new life is to mand any money this time? Will lie content him- blossom for Austria from your secret negotiations. self with provinces, fortresses, and contributions Well, go now and repose; we will afterward conin kind? Will he extort no money from us?" fer again in regard to this matter, and I will ex" Your majesty, he demands an enormous sum. plain my views to you. But say, Bubna, do you lie demands the immediate payment of two hun- really think that Bonaparte was in earnest about dired and thirty-seven millions of francs." * his dreams, and that, in case he should defeat us "Well, well, he will take less than that," ex- again, he would seriously think of carrying into claimed the emperor. effect his plans regarding the Archdukes Ferdinand "Then your majesty will graciously negotiate and John?" with him on his terms of peace?" asked Count "I am afraid, your majesty, be was in earnest." Bubna, joyously. "Bearing in mind only the wel- "The Emperor Napoleon, then, hates me infare of your monarchy, you will not reject his tensely?" rigorous demands entirely, and not allow the ar- " He believes that your majesty hates him inmistice to lead to a resumption of hostilities, which, tensely. He told me once frankly that only your under the present circumstances, could not but majesty's personal hatred had brought about this involve Austria in utter ruin?" war, and that he was afraid this hatred would " I shall think of it," said the emperor; " at all frustrate all peace negotiations. I ventured to events, I have already shown my desire for peace contradict him, but he shook his head vehemently by sending my ministers, Counts Stadion and Met- and exclaimed,'The Emperor Francis hates me ternich, to Altenburg, to negotiate there with so intensely, that I believe he would lose his Bonaparte's minister Champagny. I shall not crown and empire sooner than ally himself with recall them, but allow them to continue the ne- me in a cordial manner, even though he should gotiations. They are skilled diplomatists, and derive the greatest advantages therefrom. Do you men of great sagacity. The labors of diplomatists think, for instance, that the Emperor Francis, if I generally make slow headway; hence, it will be wished to become his son-in-law, would give me good for us to lend them a little secret assistance. the hand of his daughter, even though I should While the plenipotentiaries are negotiating pub- relinquish half the war contribution and restore licly at Altenburg in Hungary, I will secretly begin to him all the provinces occupied by my arto negotiate with the emperor himself; and you, mies?'" Count Bubna, shall be my agent for this purpose." " What? Did Napoleon really say that?" " Your majesty," exclaimed Count Bubna, in a asked the emperor, with unusual, almost joyful tone of surprise rather than joy, "your majesty vivacity. "But," he added, gloomily, "this is reposes in me so much confidence-" nothing but one of Napoleon's dreams. He has " Which, I hope, you will appreciate, and strive a wife, and the Empress Josephine is so young to render yourself worthy of," interrupted the em- and. gay yet that she does not think of dying." peror. "I count on your skill, your zeal, and, "But the Emperor Napoleon, I have been told, above all, you: discretion. You will take new pro- thinks a great deal of getting a divorce from posals of peace to-morrow, on my part, to the her." headquarters of the Emperor Napoleon, at Schbn- " The pope, whom he keeps imprisoned, will brunn. But no one must learn of your mission, never grant it to him," exclaimed the emperor. and, least of all, my two ministers who are nego- "I think he will not even apply to him for it, tiating at Altenburg." your majesty.' The Emperor Napoleon never had "Sire, I shall keep as silent as the grave." his union with the Empress Josephine consecrated by the Church, and the dissolution of a civil mar. * See Schlosser's " History of the Nineteenth Century," vol. viii., p.;13. riage does not require the pope's consent. The em A DAY OF THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. 205 peror can dissolve it by virtue of his own authority.". CHAPTER XXXV. "That is a very convenient arrangement for M. A DAY OF THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. Bonaparte," said Francis, smiling. " Well, go now, count, and repose. I am very content with your THE imperial palace at Innspruck was still the services, and I think I shall be so hereafter also. residence of Sandwirth Andreas HIofer, commanderAdieu. I shall send for you again." in-chief of the Tyrol, and lieutenant of the EmHe nodded kindly to the count, and stood still peror Francis. He had lived there since the 15th smilingly at his writing-table in the middle of the of August; but as simply, quietly, and modestly cabinet, until the door of the anteroom closed as he had livwd when he was a horse-dealer and behind Count Bubna. But thereupon his face as- innkeeper, so he lived now when he was ruler of sumed a gloomy, bitter expression, and he lifted the Tyrol, and the emperor's lieutenant. Instead up his clinched fist with a menacing gesture. of occupying the large state apartments of the " My brothers!" he cried, in an angry voice; imperial palace, as his friends had often asked "always my brothers! They are always eager to him to do, Andreas had selected the plainest and push me aside. I am always to be kept in the humblest rooms for his quarters, and his style of shade, that their light may shine more brightly. living was as simple and modest as his dwellingAh, we shall see who is Emperor of Austria, and place. Vainly his suite tried to persuade him to to whom the Tyrol belongs; we shall see who is hold levees and receive guests at his festive table. the master, and who has to obey. As yet I am Andreas rejected all such suggestions with proud emperor, as yet Ihave to decide on war and peace. and withal humble indignation. And I will decide. I. will humiliate them and com- "Do you think I took this arduous task upon pel them to be obedient, these boastful archdukes, myself to play the aristocratic gentleman, and who always preach war and are worsted in every revel in luxury?" he replied to those who asked battle! Oh, they are stirling up rebellion, and him to adopt such a course. "I did not become stretching out their hands for my property! But the emperor's lieutenant to display vain and empty one stroke of my pen will shatter their crowns, splendor, but to serve my dear Tyrol and prestifle their rebellion, and reduce them to submis- serve it to the emperor. I am only a simple siveness. I will make peace with Napoleon, and peasant; and do not want to live like a prince. I the seditious Tyrol shall be quieted without being am accustomed to have bread, butter, and cheese bestowed upon the Archduke John.. I would for breakfast, and I do not know why I should rather have it restored to Bavaria than that it change this now, merely because I am no longer at should be conferred on my brother. That would home with my dear wife, but here in Innspruck be a just retribution for the seditious peasants; at the emperor's palace. I am also accustomed they have set a bad example, and should be pun- to dine very plainly, and am therefore opposed to ished for it. I do not want any conspirators any expensive repasts being got up for me here. among my subjects. Let Bavaria see how she I do not like the meats prepared by the cooks of will get along with the rebellious Tyrolese! I the aristocracy; and while I do not want anyshall withdraw my hand from them. I want thing but bread, butter, cheese, and wine, I shall peace. I will remain Emperor of Austria despite send to Niederkircher's tavern for my dinner. all my brothers!" But it must never cost more than half a florin. I will invite guests, for I like to have merry people about me; but the guests must not come for the sake of the repast, but for that of our pleasant conversation. I shall send to Niederkirchber for the dinner of all my guests, and he must send 206 ANDREAS HOFER. enough, lest any of them should remain hungry.' Dninger sat at the desk, ready to write down But there must never be more than six guests, the names of all applicants for audience, and add for it would be too bad if I, who intend to pre- a brief statement of their wishes and petitions. serve the Tyrol to the emperor, were to cost him But Andreas was still pacing the room, his hands a great deal of money bere. In order to prevent behind his back; and although he had already mistakes, Niederkircher must send in his bill laid his hand twice on the door-knob, he had every morning for me to examine; the financial stepped back as if in terror, and continued stridsecretary shall pay it every week, and send me ing up and down. the receipt." * "Commander-in-chief," said Diininger, after a Andreas Hofer remained in these days of his long pause, during which he had watched Hofer's splendor as active, industrious, and simple as he irresolute bearing smilingly, " there is something always had been.. The welfare of his beloved that disquiets you, is there not?" country engrossed all his thoughts, and he was "Yes, Cajetan," sighed Andreas. "As you desirous of devoting his whole strength to it. He have found it out, 1 will no longer deny that there issued a number of useful and liberal decrees, is something that disquiets me." which, it is true, Ennemoser, DMninger, Kolb, or "And what is it, commander-in-chief? Will other friends of his had drawn up, but which he you not communicate it to your faithful and dishad approved and signed. creet Cajetan?" Andreas Hofer gave public audiences every "Yes, I will, my dear Cajetan" said Hofer. morning like a real prince, and the sentinels " I am afraid I did something very stupid yesterplaced in front of the imperial palace, and at the day, and I am ashamed of it." door of the commander-in-chief, had received. "Ah, you allude to the lawsuit which you destringent orders not to refuse admittance to the cided yesterday," exclaimed Dininger. audience-room to any one, but allow all to come "You see, no sooner did I say that I did somein, how poorly soever they might be dressed. thing very stupid, than you knew at once what I Andreas listened to every one with kind patience meant; what I did must, therefore, have been and cordial sympathy, and always took care to very stupid indeed. Yes, I alluded to the lawhelp console the distressed, make peace, and suit, Cajetan, for I am afraid I did not decide it, conciliate; and every one who needed comfort but made it only more complicated." and assistance hastened to apply to the always "On the whole, there was nothing to be decidhelpful commander-in-chief. ed," said D6ninger, dryly. " The lawsuit was alTo-day again many persons were in the au- ready decided; the supreme court had given judgdience-room, waiting impatiently for the moment ment in favor of the plaintiff and awarded to him when the door should open, and when Andreas the sum of one thousand florins, which was at Hofer should make his appearance on the thresh- issue, and sentenced the defendant to pay that old, greet all with a pleasant nod of his head, sum and the costs. But the defendant-" and then beckon to him who was nearest to the "It was no man, Cajetan," interrupted Andoor to enter his cabinet. dress; " it was a woman, and that was the worst But the hour fixed for the audience had struck of it. I cannot bear to see women weep. They long ago, and the commander-in-chief, who was know so well how to touch my heart by their usually so punctual and conscientious, had not tears and lamentations, that I long to help them. yet opened the door of his audience-room. He Lord Jesus, how that woman, the defendant in had already been half an hour in his cabinet, and the lawsuit, wept! And was it the poor woman's fault, Cajetan, that her deceased husband was * The expenses of Hofer and his whole suite, during debt that he borrowed one their six weeks' sojourn in the city of Innspruck, cost the public exchequer only five hundred florins. thousand florins from a friend, and meanly affixed A DAY OF THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. 207 his wife's name without her knowledge to the Andreas Hofer bowed kindly to all; his eyes note which he gave for it? " fell on an old man with silver-white hair, who was'But that is just the trouble, commander-in- striving to penetrate to him, and cast beseeching chief; not only did she know it, but she herself glanlces on him. put her name under the note. I myself asked the " My old friend," said Andreas, mildly, " it is judges about it yesterday. They say that the true you are not nearest to the door, but you are woman is known to be avaricious, greedy, and the oldest person in the room, and therefore it is mean, and they would not have given judgment right for me to listen to you first. Come in, then, against her if there had not been sworn evidence and tell me what you want of me." to the effect that she herself signed the note.'The old man, leaning on his cane, hastened They add that she is rich enough to pay back the forward and entered the cabinet, the door of thousand florins which her husband certainly which Andreas Hofer himself closed behind him. borrowed from his friend." "Now tell me, my aged friend, who are you, "I cannot believe it," exclaimed Andreas. and what I can do for yvou." "She wept and lamented so very unaffectedly; "Much, very much, commander-in-chief," reduring my whole wedded life I have not seen my plied the old man, in a tremulous voice. " You wife weep so much as the woman wept during can grant me justice. My name is Friedel Hofthat quarter of an hour yesterday; and I think meier, and I am the unfortunate man who gained one that can weep so much must be innocent. his lawsuit yesterday, and who was to get his Hence, I did what I had a perfect right to do: I thousand florins back, but from whom you took wrote to the judges and reversed their decision." them again by virtue of your supreme authority." "Well, commander-in-chief, if you think you "Cajetan, it is as I said," sighed Andreas, were justified in what you did, why does it dis- turning with a doleful air to Dininger, who sat quiet you?" at the desk, pen in hand, and bowed to the com"It does," said Andreas Hofer, "because I mander-in-chief with a shrug. think now that the plaintiff, who lost his suit, may "I come to you, the emperor's lieutenant, to feel very sore over it, and blame me for depriving demand justice," added the old man. " Your dehim of what he thought was due to him; and I cree was unjust and contrary to law. The judges shudder to think he may be in the other room, had decided in my favor, and, by reversing their and intend to reproach me with ruining him and judgment, you treat with harshness and cruelty taking from him what the judges had already an old man who stands on the brink of the grave, awarded to him." and deprive my poor grandchild of its whole in"And, Andy, because you would not like to heritance." see one man, you keep the others waiting out- "May God and the Holy Virgin preserve me side." from committing such a crime," murmured An-' "You are right, Cajetan. I ought not to do dreas Hofer, crossing himself devoutly. " Ah, my that; I am a selfish, cowardly fellow," cried An- friend, why did you not come to me ere this, and dreas, contritely. "I will no longer keep them tell me all about it? I should have gladly aswaiting, but admit them at once." sisted you in recovering what was due to you." And he went with a hasty step to the door of " And yet it is your fault that I cannot recover the audience-room, threw it open, and stepped what is due to me," cried the old man, mournupon the threshold. The large room was crowded fully. "' Why should I have come hither ere this, with persons of every age and rank; all thronged and- robbed you of your precious time? I contoward the door, and every one was desirous of fided in my good and just cause; I knew that the being the first to greet the commander-in-chief, good God would not abandon me, and that He and to be invited by him into his cabinet. would not take from me, after losing innocently 208 ANDREAS HOFER. most of my property by the cruelty of the enemy, " Oh, dear commander-in-clief," exclaimed the who burned down mv house and outbuildings, the delighted old man, " what a noble and kind-hearted last remnant of my little fortune, the thousand man you are, and-" florins which I lent to my friend, and which his " Hush! "interrupted Andrcas, looking up from rich wife engaged in her own handwriting to pay the paper; "if I make a mistake now, the whole back ten years after date. The ten years had ex- document will be invalid, and we must commence pired; the good God did not abandon me, for He anew. Now I tell you, it is hard work to write caused the judges to grant me justice and adjudge one's name with such a pointed pen on the paper, the thousand florins to me." and my name, moreover, has such a long-tailed "And I took them from him again," murmured title. Therefore, keep quiet and let me write. Andreas Hofer, with tears in his eyes; "and it is There, it is done now-' Andreas Hofer, commy fault that he will die with a grief-stricken mander-in-chief of the Tyrol.' Now, my dear old heart. Cajetan, I have ruined the old man; tell friend, your document is valid. Take it to the me, advise me how to make amends for it." city hall, and permit me to congratulate you on " You reversed the decision of the judges," said having recovered your thousand florins. Say nothDSninger, slowly; "you possess the power of re- ing about it now, but hasten to the city hall. versing all decisions." There are outside a great many persons who wish Andreas Hofer was silent for a moment, and to see me." gazed thoughtfully into vacancy, as if to fathom He handed the paper to the old man, and conthe meaning of an obscure oracle; all at once his ducted him to the door, which he himself opened face brightened, and a joyous smile played round for him. He was about to follow him, when' he his lips. suddenly drew back and closed the door after him. "I know it now, Cojetan," he exclaimed. "I "Cajetan," he whispered, anxiously, "I saw have the power to reverse all decisions, and, there- something dreadful!" fore, my own also." "What was it, commander-in-chief? Cajetan D6ninger nodded with silent satisfac- "Cajetan, I saw the woman whom Friedel Hoftion. The old man clasped his hands and gazed mcier sued, and to whomi I gave the decree yesat HIofer with an expression of ardent gratitude. terday. Cajetan, I was not afraid when we were " Will you really do so, Andreas Hofer? " he on Mount Isel and at Brixen, but I am afraid of asked, tremblingly. "Will you reverse your own that woman and her dreadful lamentations. I do decree for the sake of justice?" not know w:at to do, Doninger, if she should have " Yes, I will," exclaimed Hofer, joyfully; "and found out what I have done, and come in here to I will do it immediately. Cajetan, take up your reproach me with it." pen and write what I am going to dictate to you. "We shall not admit her, commander-in-chief," There! Now write as follows:'I, the under- said Dininger, laughing. signed, confess by these presents that I committed "But, Cajetan, I made a vow never to refuse a mistake yesterday, and violated the laws. To admittance to any one, and not, as many princes confess mistakes and, avow faults is no disgrace; do, to allow distressed persons to wait in my antehence, I do so now, and beg pardon of the good room and send them away without listening to God and the judges for doing wrong. I hereby them and comforting them." reverse the decision which I made yesterday. "But you heard, Andreas, that the woman is Friedel Hofmeier is to receive the thousand florins not in distress, for she is rich and very avaricious. which the supreme court adjudged to him, and She told you the most impudent falsehoods; hence, the decision of the judges is to be valid, notwith- she must not be admitted; for, if you allowed her standing my decree issued yesterday.' Now give to come in again, she would lie as she did yesterme the pen and let me sign the document." day." A DAY OF THE EMPEROR'S LIEUTENANT. 209'" You are right, Cajetan, she must not come in; women of Innspruck admire him in his handsome and now, my friend, pray go and admit the next national dress, and ogle him when he passes by." applicant, but not that bad woman." "Well, let them admire and ogle him," exclaimDcninger went to the door, and, opening it, ed Andreas, smiling. "What do you care for it, beckoned to the person standing nearest to it. provided your husband does not ogle them " A young woman, dressed plainly, but very "But he does, commander-in-chief; he runs neatly, came in, and remained at the door, in visi- after the pretty women; he goes to the theatre ble confusion and grief. and the concerts to see them, and speak and flirt "Well, madame," said Andreas to her, " do you with them. Believe me, dearest commander-in-' come to tell me that all is right, and that your chief, he deserts me, he is faithless, and all your husband and you, his pretty young wife, live to- fine and pious exhortations were in vain. He loves gether in happiness and content? Well, it was me no longer, and I love him so dearly, and would heavy work to reconcile you two, and persuade like to be always with him and never desert him. you to remain together and love each other, as it But he says it would be inconvenient to him, and behooves a Christian couple. It cost me a whole make him ridiculous, if he should always appear forenoon, but I do not regret it, for I accomplished together with his wife, like a convict with his my task, and reconciled you, and all was right jailer." again between you. And I made you promise to "What a bad, hard-hearted man!" cried Anreturn in two weeks and tell me how you got along dreas, indignantly. wit* each other. The two weeks are up to-day, "He is hard-hearted, indeed," sobbed the young and here comes the pretty young wife to tell me wife. "He scolds me for my love, and when I that Andreas Hoter did his work well, and that like to be with him all the time, he says my jealher husband is now faithful, tender, and good. Is ousy is disagreeable to him, and there is nothing he not? " more abominable than a jealous wife!" "Alas, lie is not! " sobbed the young wife, burst- "Well, he may be right so far as that is coning into tears. " Tony, my husband, never stays cerned," said Dininger, busily engaged in cutting at home in the evening; he returns only late at his pen. night, scolds me for weeping and upbraiding him " What did you say, Cajetan?" asked Hofer, with his bad conduct, and yesterday-yesterday turning to him. he wanted even to beat me!" "I did not say any thing, but thought aloud," "What a bad man i " cried Andreas, vehement- said Ddninger, trying his pen. ly. " Why did he want to beat you, then? What Hofer was silent for a moment, and gazed into had you done?" vacancy. "Yes, my dear woman," he then said'I had locked the street-door, and would not boldly, " your husband may not be altogether let him have the key when he wanted to leave the wrong in complaining of your jealousy. I really house." believe that you are a little jealous, and beg you "II'em! that was a little too severe," said Ho- to try to overcome your jealousy; for jealousy is fer, hesitatingly. " Why should a young man hbe a grievous fault, and makes many husbands very *prevented from going out a little? He cannot wretched." always stay at home." "But must I not be jealous?" she cried, vehe" But he shall not go out without me, and he mently, weeping bitterly. "Do I not see that the would not take me with him. I had requested women are trying to seduce him and make him him to do so, and he had refused; therefore, I desert me? Do I not see him at the theatre gazlocked the house and would not permit him to ing at the finely-dressed ladies and admiring their leave it. He shall not go out without me, for he bare arms and shoulders?" is such a fine-looking man, that all the pretty "What! " exclaimed Hofer. "Is it true, then, 14 210 ANDREAS HOFER. that the women here appear in public with bare reason to thank the kind and almighty God for arms and shoulders?" helping us so signally to deliver the fatherland "Yes, sir, it is," sobbed the young wife. " You from a powerful and.cruel enemy; and every one can see it everywhere; it is the new fashion which will desire that we should henceforth remain free the French brought here; the women wear low- from this scourge, with which the Lord, as He necked dresses with very short sleeves, so that punished His chosen people often in the Old and their shoulders and arms are entirely bare. All New Testament, visited and chastised our fatherthe aristocratic ladies of Innspruck have already land, that we might turn to Him and mend our adopted this new fashion; and on seeing them in ways. EWe will, therefore, turn to God with their boxes at the theatre, you would believe they heart-felt thanks for His great mercy, and with were in a bath, precisely as the good God created the sincere purpose of improving our morals, and them. And it is owing only to these bare arms pray Him to protect us from further persecution. and shoulders that my dear husband deserts me We must try to gain His paternal love by a deand loves me no longer. The aristocratic ladies, vout, chaste, and virtuous life, and discard hatred, with their naked charms, have seduced him; and envy, covetousness, and all vices, obey our sujust think of it, he wants me to adopt the new periors, lend as much assistance as possible to fashion too, and go as naked as the other women! " our fellow-citizens, and avoid everything that " You must not do it." said Hofer in dismay; might give offence to God and man. Now, many "it is a shameless, unchrist an fashion, and no of my excellent comrades and defenders of the decent woman should adopt it. This is not the country have been scandalized at the neglectof first complaint that I have heard in regard to the many women to cover their arms and breasts, indecent dress of the women here. Some of my whereby they give rise to sinful desires which neighbors were at the theatre yesterday, and were must be highly offensive to God and all good indignant at the indecent appearance of the Christians. It is to be hoped that they will rewomen there; they told me the women sat there pent, lest God should punish them; but if they do dressed in the highest fashion, their busts entirely not, it will be their own fault if they should be bare and not covered with a handkerchief such as covered with mire in an unpleasant manner." * every decent woman in the Passeyr valley wears, " Shall I really write that?" asked Dininger, and their arms adorned with all sorts of golden looking up from his paper. trinkets such as we see only on those of strolling "Yes, you shall; and you shall not omit a players who perform in barns. But I will put an word of it," exclaimed Andreas Hofer. " Give end to it; I will preserve the good and virtuous me the paper, Cajetan; I want to see if you have men from seduction, and will not suffer vice to not scratched out the last words. No, there it dress up, and shamelessness to stalk by the side is:'But if they do not, it will be their own fault of decency. Just wait, my dear woman; I will if they should be covered with mire in an unpleasprotect your husband and all other good men ant manner.' That is right-now give me the from the seductive wiles of frivolous women, and pen, Cajetan, that I may sign the document. issue a decree which will tell all the beautiful Then seal it up and send it to the Official Journal women how to behave. Sit down there and listein and the Gazette; they are to publish it at once, to the decree which I shall dictate to Cajetan that all the women of Innspruck may read it to-morDiininger. Cajetan, take a large sheet of stamped row and know what to do. Now, lmydear woman, paper and write what I shall dictate to you." I hope you will have some rest, and need not be And pacing the room, and slowly stroking his afraid of the seductive wiles of those ladies. Go fine black beard with his right hand, Andreas home, then; and if you will permit me to give you Hofer dictated as follows: * See "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 185; " Every one will perceive that we have good and Hormayr's " Hofer," vol. iL,p. 445. THE LOVERS. 211 good advice, be very gentle and kind toward your fully, casting aside the paper. "Yes, by the husband; and for God's sake do not torment him Eternal, it is she! It is Lizzie, the dearest child with jealousy, for that is a bitter herb which even of my best friend-the most heroic girl in the the best husband cannot digest, and which ren- Tyrol. Come, Lizzie, embrace your second ders him morose and angry. Go, then, with God's father, Andy, and give me a kiss for father and blessing, and come back a week hence, and tell me mother, and one for yourself, my dear girl." whether my decree has been effectual, and whether Eliza encircled Hofer's neck, and imprinted a your husband goes any longer to the theatre and tender kiss on his lips. "God bless you, dear ogles the women there." father, for you are the father of the whole Tyrol," "May God and the Holy Virgin have mercy on she whispered, "and must not scold me for callus! " sighed the woman, going to the door; "for ing you my father too." I shall not bear it if my dear husband ogles other "On the contrary, it gladdens my heart," exwomen, and something dreadful will happen if he claimed Andreas, folding her tenderly to his does not mend his wavs." breast. " It seems to me as though I were hold"God be praised! " said Dininger, with a deep ing one of my own girls in my arms, and as though sigh, when the woman had left the room. I heard her dear voice calling me father. Lizzie, " Why do you say' God be praised?'" asked I can tell you I often long for my pretty daughters Andreas, in surprise. and their mother, Anna Gertrude, and sometimes " God be praised that I am not the husband of I feel very lonely indeed." this jealous woman. She will torment her hus- "And why do you not send for your wife and band to death, and leave him not a moment's re- children, father Andy, and have them brought pose before he dies." here? I am sure there is room enough for them "It is true, she does not seem to be very gen- in this large house." tle," said Andreas, smiling. "But then, Cajetan, "No, they shall stay at home," exclaimed Anshe loves her husband dearly, is doubtless a virtu- dreas, vehemently. " The mother must attend ous woman, and will never sin against the sever- to household affairs, and keep every thing in good est commandment. Well, my friend, do not grum- order, and the girls must help her do it. Otherble so much, but go and admit another person." wise all would go amiss, and when I should have no longer to work for the emperor here, and went back to my home, the inn in the Passeyr valley would be worthless; we should be destitute, and a CHAPTE R X X XxV I. become beggars. Besides, I do not want my girls to become proud, and think they are aristoTHE LOVERS. cratic young ladies now, because their father is DSNINGER went to the door and opened it, and commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, and the emperor's a beautiful young girl slipped immediately into lieutenant. We are peasants, and will remain the room. " Hush, hush," she whispered to Don- peasants. However, let us speak no more of myinger; " do not say anything to him." And she self, but of you, Lizzie. Where do you come hastened on tiptoe to -Andreas Hofer, who was from, what do you want here, and how did you reading once more with close attention the proc- get into the midst of the crowd in the audiencelamation which he had dictated to Dbninger. room? " She bent down and kissed the hand in which " I came to see you, father Andreas. I asked Hofer held the paper. " God bless you, dear, the sentinel in the passage outside where I would great father and liberator of the people! " she find you, as I had to see you on important said, in a silver voice. business. The sentinel told me to enter the au"Lizzie Wallner! " exclaimed Andreas, joy- dience-room. It was already crowded with per 212 ANDREAS HOFER. sons who wished to see you, and who told me that no other wrong than that he possesses a loyal one was admitted to you after another; but, on Tyrolese heart, from grief and despair." hearing that I had come all the way from Win- "I will do so with all my heart," exclaimed disch-3Matrey, and had walked two days and two Andreas; " only tell me, Lizzie, whom you refer nights without intermission, they took pity on me, to." and would not let me wait until my turn came, "I refer to Baron von Hohenberg, who lived but allowed me to advance close to the door, so as at the castle of Windisch-Matrey, and his daughter, to be the first to enter your room." my dear and only friend Elza. The old baron "The people of Innspruck are very kind- was always a very pious and.affable gentleman, a hearted indeed," exclaimed Andreas, joyously. benefactor and father of the poor; and not a poor "Then you have come all the way from Windisch- man, not a woman in distress applied to him, but Matrey, Lizzie? And where is your father?" whom he willingly relieved and assisted. He lived "He and his sharpshooters joined Joachim for twenty years in the Tyrol, at his castle at Haspinger and Joseph Speckbacher, and the Windisch-Matrey, and became in this manner an united forces of the three commanders marched ardent son of the Tyrol, although he is a native against the Bavarians. Father and his seven of Bavaria, and his whole aristocratic family lives hundred sharpshooters expelled the Bavarians in Munich. His daughter Elza is my dearest from the Unken valley, and is now encamped near friend; we grew up together, and I am so fond of Berchtesgaden and Reichenhall. Speckbacher is her that I would readily give lup my heart's blood stationed at Neuhauser and Schwarzbach, and for her. Now, think of it, dear Andy! the BavaHaspinger is still at Werfen. They are going to rians, on returning to the Tyrol two months ago, reunite their forces and advance against the Ba- made the two prisoners, the dear old baron and varians, in order, if-possible, to drive them from my Elza, and carried them as hostages to Munich; the pass of Lueg, which the enemby has occupied they charged them there with high-treason, bewith a large force." cause they stood faithfully by the Tyrol, and be"And you are not with your father, Lizzie, nor cause, at the very outset of the insurrection, the with your friend the Capuchin, who speaks of you Bavarian soldiers and their captain were suronly as a heroine? You no longer carry the rounded at their castle, and compelled to lay wounded out of the thickest of the fight, to dress down their arms." their wounds and nurse them?" "Yes, yes, I know the story," exclaimed An"I have another duty to fulfil now, and my dreas, gayly; "it was an heroic deed by which Anfather has permitted me to come to you in regard thony Wallner inaugurated our glorious war of to it, dear father Andreas Hofer. I am in great liberation. And now the mean Bavarians call the distress, and you alone, dear, all-powerful com- good Baron von Hohenberg a traitor, when he mander-in-chief of the Tyrol, are able to help was quite innocent of the whole affair, and was me." not even at home when it took place. They say "Tell me quick, Lizzie, what can I do for you? " he left his castle at the time in order not to preasked Andreas, eagerly. "I owe you yet a reward vent the Tyrolese from capturing the Bavarians, for your heroic deed on the day of the hay- and that he was aware of the plans of the Tyrowagons, and I should like to discharge this debt lese, and should have warned the Bavarians. But of the fatherland. Tell me, therefore, dear girl, I say that he acted like a good patriot, and they what can I do for you?" ought neither to charge him with treason nor im"You can restore to me the dearest friend I prison him and his daughter." have on earth," said Eliza, beseechingly. "You "Ah, and both long so intensely to return to can deliver a patriotic girl from Bavarian cap- their dear Tyrol and their castle! Elza wrote to tivity, and an excellent nobleman, who has done me a letter which I received a week ago, and tears THE LOVERS. 213 had blotted out half of its contents. Both feel so he was to set out in an hour, and he must, therewretched in the large city of Munich; their aris- fore, be here yet." tocratic relatives upbraid them constantly for their "He is certainly here yet, for there are his pahostility to the Bavarians; the confinement and pers, which I intended to take to him, and withprison-air have already made the old baron quite out which he cannot depart," said D6ninger. sick, and Elza thinks he will surely die of grief if "And here is the list of the prisoners whose rehe is not soon released and allowed to go home. lease he is to procure." Therefore, I implore you, dear, all-powerful com- "Add to it the names of the old baron and his mander-in-chief of the Tyrol, save the old baron's daughter, Cajetan, and state that their release is life, restore my Elza to me, and release them both urgently desired." from their captivity. This is what I came for, "But for whom are they to be exchanged?" father Andy; and if you think that I have ever "Yes, yes, for whom? Well, for Captain U1done any thing for the fatherland that deserved rich himself. If he procures their release, and rethanks and a reward, thank and reward me by re- turns hither, as he solemnly swore he would, with leasing Elza and her father from their captivity the reply of the Bavarian government, and, perand allowing them to return to their home." haps, brings the old baron and his daughter with " I will do all I can," exclaimed Andreas, pro- him, he shall be fiee and at liberty to go wherfoundly moved; "and the good God sent you to ever he pleases. Go, Cajetan, say that to the capme to-day, for to-day I can help you.-Can I not, tain, and give him the papers, and repeat to him Dininger?" once more all that he is to do. And you, Lizzie, "You refer to the Bavarian officer whom you will you not send by him a note to your friend? are going to send to Munich? " asked Dbninger. But it is true, you have not yet written a letter to " Yes, the Bavarian officer is to procure their her. It is better for you to tell him what he is to release," exclaimed Andreas. "Look at the for- say in your name to your friend.-Go, therefore, tunate coincidence, Lizzie! Among the prisoners Cajetan, take the papers to the captain, and conwe took on Mount Isel was a Bavarian captain, a duct him to Lizzie. But do not bring him in sensible, excellent man, who, it seems to me, sym- here, for there are in the anteroom still a great pathizes cordially with the cause of the Tyrolese. many persons whom I must see before I can conWe resolved to release him on parole and send verse further with you. Take him, therefore, into him to Munich, where he was to negotiate an ex- the other room; and when he is there, return to change of prisoners, and maybe bring about an me, Cajetan. Lizzie may then go in there and see amicable understanding between us and the King the captain; and we shall speak with the poor of Bavaria. The Bavarian captain-I believe his people in the audience-room who have had to wait name is Ulrich-" already so long to-day.-But I shall not let you go " Ulrich?" asked Eliza, trembling, and blush- again, my Lizzie," added Hofer, after Dininger ing deeply. had left the room; "no, I shall not let you go " I believe that is his name," said Hofer, quiet- again. You must stay with me at the palace here, ly; "his other name I have forgotten; we call and be my dear little daughter until the captain him only Captain Ulrich, as you call me Andreas. returns from his mission, and until you know if Well, Captain Ulrich has already received his in- he brings your friend and her father along with structions and the list of prisoners whose release him. Will you do so, Lizzie?" he is to advocate. It will only remain for us to ".I will, dear father Andreas; I will stay with add Hohenberg's name to the list, and you your- you until then, and take care of you as a good self, my Lizzie, shall urge Captain Ulrich to re- daughter, until my dear Elza, if it please God, re-. store to you the old baron and your friend Elza.- turns, when I will go back with her to Windisch Pray, dearest Cajetan, go and fetch the captain; Matrey." 214 ANDREAS HOFER. At this moment Doninger reentered the room. knew nothing but-" It is he! It is he! I see "The captain is in the room yonder," he said, him again! He still loves me!" pointing to a side-door; "he awaits you, and will "See, dearest Eliza," whispered Ulrich, drawset out after seeing you. The carriage is already ing her close to his heart, "I had to act thus in at the door. Go, therefore, Eliza Wallner." order to elicit your heavenly secret from you. I "I am going already," said Eliza. She nodded knew it was you who wished to see me; I wanted to Andreas with a sweet smile and opened the to take you by surprise, and I succeeded. Your door of the adjoining room, while Dbninger ad- surprise betrayed what the timid and chaste lips mitted another person from the audience-room of my Eliza would not confess to me. Yes, you into Hofer's cabinet. love me! Oh, deny it no longer, for your heart The room which Eliza entered was one of the betrayed you when you recognized me, and when large state apartments of the palace, which An- joy illuminated your face like a bright ray of sundreas did not occupy, and which he used only on shine. Now you are mine, Eliza, and nothing on rare occasions. It was a wide room with heavy earth must or shall separate us any longer. No, silken hangings on the walls; curtains of the same do not try to disengage yourself from my arms, description covered the windows, so that only a my beautiful, sweet, affianced bride! I shall not dim twilight reigned in the large apartment. Mag- leave you; even though the whole world should nificent gilt furniture lined the walls; between the come to take you from me, I should not leave windows stood large Venetian mirrors in broad you-no, not for the whole world and all its carved golden frames, and gorgeous lustres of treasures!" rock-crystal were suspended from the ceiling. "The whole world will not come," said Eliza, Was it the splendor and magnificence surround- disengaging herself gently from his arms; "the ing her all at once that rendered Eliza so timid world does not concern itself in the affairs of a and anxious? She leaned for a moment in great poor peasant-girl like me. But I myself intend embarrassment against the door, as if she could to leave you, sir; you must let me go, that we not venture to advance on the glittering floor. may converse in a sensible manner, as it behooves Her large, bright eyes glanced uneasily around two decent young persons. Take your arms the great room, and now she saw in the window- away, Captain von Hohenberg; it is not right in niche yonder the tall form of a gentleman; his you to embrace me here while we are all alone. head was averted from her, and he seemed to be You would certainly be ashamed of it'if any one looking eagerly out of the window. should see you folding the peasant-girl to your "I do not know him; surely, I do not know heart." him," said Eliza to herself. "It is foolish in me "No, Eliza, I would not; I should fold you to think so; be strong, therefore, my heart, strong only the more tenderly to my heart, and exclaim and calm, and do not throb so very impetuously!" proudly in the face of the whole world:' Eliza And overcoming her bashfulness with a cou- Wallner, the peasant-girl, is my affianced bride; rageous effort, she advanced toward the officer, I love and adore her as the most faithful, noble, who was still turning his back upon her. and generous heart; she is to become my wife, Now she was close behind him, and said in a and I will love and cherish her all my life!'" low, bashful voice: "Captain, I —" "And if you said so, the world would laugh at He turned quickly, and gazed at her with eyes you; but your parents and my dear Elza would radiant with joy and intense love. weep for you. Now, my Elza shall never weep Eliza uttered a cry; she raised her hands in- on my account, and never shall your aristocratic voluntarily, made a step forward, and lay in his parents be obliged to blush for the daughter-inarms before knowing it; she felt his burning law whom you bring into their house. As a kisses on her lips, in her heart, and thought and daughter-in-law I can never be welcome to them; THE LOVERS. 215 hence, they could never be welcome to me as pa- treason, and where even his own relatives inveigh rents-in law." bitterly against him. This gnaws at his heart, "Oh, Eliza, you; beauty, your angelic purity and, unless released speedily, he will die of grief." and goodness would surmount their resistance, "I did not know that so sad a fate had befor no heart is able to withstand you; and when fallen him," said Ulrich, gently; " Dbninger was my parents are once acquainted with you, when the first to tell me of it, on bringing me the pathey have submitted to stern necessity, they will pers, and conducting me hither. But, I confess, soon love you, and fold you as a daughter to their in my intense joy on meeting you, my dear, sweet hearts." Eliza, my ungrateful heart had forgotten my old "But first they would have to submit to stern uncle, who gave me so many proofs of his love necessity, and I should have to be forced upon them, and kindness, and treated me for months as a son that they might afterwards learn to love me. at his house. I will try to reward his love by Much obliged to you, sir; I am only a peasant- availing myself of my influential connections and girl, but I have my pride too, and will never al- my whole eloquence to bring about his release; I low myself to be forced upon a family, but will will go myself to the king to intercede in his beonly take a husband whose parents would come half." to meet me affectionately, and give me their "But you must bring my Elza with you too, blessing on the threshold of my new home. And sir," exclaimed Eliza. " Oh, I implore you, by all now let us drop the subject, and tell me what has that is sacred and dear to you-" happened to you during our separation." "Then implore me by your name, by your "You see, Eliza, what has happened to me," sweet face," he interrupted her, enthusiastically. said Ulrich, mournfully. "Aftei your divine "I implore you from the bottom of my heart," magnanimity had set me fiee, I succeeded in she continued, without taking any notice of his passing through the insurgent country to the words, "bring my Elza back to me. She is the Bavarian lines and reentered the service. We better half of my soul; we grew up together, we fought anal suffered a great deal, and, at length, shared all joys and afflictions, and have sworn to on the 14th of August, I was made prisoner by shed our heart's blood and die for each other, if the Tvrolese at the battle of Mount Isel and taken need be, and to stand by each other in faithful to Innspruck. However, they do not know my friendship to the last day of our lives. Now, Ireal name here, for I did not want the news of am only half alive when my Elza is not with me. my captivity to reach my parents; I preferred Therefore, dear Ulrich, restore my Elza to me, that they should lament me as killed in battle, and I will thank you, and bless you, and love you rather than as a prisoner in the hands of the as a brother." insurgents. But fate decreed that it should be "As a brother!" he cried, mournfully. "But I otherwise; I am no longer to be allowed to keep do not want you to love me as a brother. I want my mournful incognito; I am to repair to Mu- your heart, your whole heart, Eliza; and it is nich to negotiate there an exchange of the pris- mine in spite of you-mine! But you are vind coners for the hostages whom our troops carried tive, and cannot forget and forgive; and because I off." denied and misunderstood you once in my blind "Your uncle and my Elza are among the host- stubbornness, you wish to wreak vengeance on ages," exclaimed Eliza. " Oh, sir, if you really me, drive me to despair, and make me unhappy think that you are under obligations to me, if you for my whole life!" have not forgotten that I saved your life, pray "I!" she exclaimed, mournfully; "I wish to procure the release of your dear old uncle, and make you unhappy?" bring him back hither; for he has indeed a hard "Yes, you," he said, bitterly; "you see my time of it in Munich, where they charge him with sufferings, and gloat over them; you feel that I 216 ANDREAS HOFER. love you boundlessly, and with cold, sneering j what I have said, but remember me always as one pride you try to resent my former contemptible who never hated you, and never thought of rehaughtiness. You oppose your peasant pride to venging herself upon you." my insensate aristocratic pride; you want to "Eliza," said Ulrich, gravely, taking her hand, make me go mad or die heart-broken, and your and gazing deeply into her eyes, "let us now be coolness never leaves you for a moment, and my honest and frank toward each other. Our hearts grief makes no impression on you; for, when I have spoken with each other, and God has heard am dead, you will be able to exclaim:'I fought them. You love me, and I love you. Do you for my cokntry as a brave daughter of the Tyrol! remember what I said to you when taking leave I killed a'Bavarian, I broke his heart laugh- of you on the mountain?" ingly!'" "I do not, sir," she whispered, dropping her "You lie, I shall never say so!" cried Eliza, in eyes. an outburst of generous indignation; " you lie if "But I do," he continued, gravely and firmly. you think me capable of so miserable a revenge; " I said to you:'I will go now, but I shall return you lie if you believe that I have a cold and cruel and ask you: "Do you remember me 9? Will you heart. I wish I had, for then I should not suffer become my wife?"' Now, Eliza, I have returned, what I am suffering now, and I should at least be and ask you as I asked you on the mountain, able to forget you. You really charge me with Eliza, will you become my wife? " having a cold heart, with hating and despising "And I reply as I replied to you on the mounyou? Do you not see, do you not even sus- tain," she said, solemnly. " We can never belong pect what I am suffering for your sake? Look at to each other as husband and wife, but we can me, then; see how pale my cheeks are; see how remember each other as good friends. And so, dim my eyes are! I do not take any notice of it, sir, I will always remember you, and it will alI do not look at myself in the mirror-why should ways gladden my heart to hear that you are well I, and for whom?-but mother tells me so every and happy." day, and weeps for me. And why am I so pale "Is that your last word?" asked Ulrich, anand thin, and why are my eyes so dim? Because grily. my heart is full of grief; because I have no rest "Yes, sir, it is my last word." day or night; because there is in my heart a "Then you are intent on making us unhappy?" voice which I can never silence, not even when I he cried, mournfully. " Oh, you crystal-heart, so am praying or kneeling in the confessional. Do transparent and clear, so hard, so hard! will you you think I am grieving for the sake of the coun- never, then, allow yourself to be softened by the try or the bloody war? What does the country sunbeams of love? Will theyalways only harden concern me? I think no longer of it, and yet your heart?" every battle makes me tremble; and on hearing "I cannot act otherwise, sir, I assure you I canthe booming of artillery, I kneel down and pray not," she said, beseechingly. with tears of anguish to the Holy Virgin. Oh, "Well, then, I cannot act otherwise either," he may God forgive me! I do not pray for my cried. "I shall not accept this mission, I shall father, nor for our soldiers-; I pray for a Bavarian, not go to Munich. I shall stay here." I pray for you!" "No, no, I implore you to go!" exclaimed "Eliza!" exclaimed Ulrich, radiant with joy, Eliza. "Save my imprisoned countrymen; save, and stretching out his arms toward her, "Eliza-" above all, my Elza and her father! Oh, she is " Hush!" she said, stepping back proudly, " do unhappy, she longs for her home; she is weeping not speak. I have told you the truth, for I do not for me, for you, sir! Make haste, make haste; want you to accuse and curse me, when I am have mercy uponl Elza and myself!" blessing you every day. But now go, sir; forget " Why should I have mercy when you have ELZA'S RETURN. 217 none?" he asked, quickly. "Let the prisoners great rejoicings in the city. A message of love die of grief; I am a prisoner too, and shall know and joy had reached Innspruck from the headalso how to die. I shall not leave Innspruck un- quarters of the Emperor Francis at Totis. Three less you promise me that you will become my of the former leaders of the Tyrolese insurrection, wife on my return, and plight me your faith before who had escaped to Austria at the time of the the altar of God. I swear by all that is sacred to second invasion of the Bavarians-Sieberer, Frischme, I will notleave this city unless I take with me mann, and Eisenstecken-had arrived at Innyour solemn pledge that you will overcome your spruck as couriers of the emperor. They had suepride and become my wife." ceeded in passing through Styria and Carinthia, " Well, then," she said, blushing deeply, "go, although both these provinces were occupied by then. Procure my Elza's release, bring her home, French troops, and had safely arrived at Innspruck and then-" amid the jubilant acclamations of the population. "And then?" he asked, as she hesitated. They brought cheering news from the Emperor "'Then you shall receive at the hands of the Francis. He sent to the commander-in-chief of priest a bride who loves you, loves you with in- the Tyrol, his beloved and faithful Andreas Hofer, finite tenderness," she said, in a low voice. a large gold chain and medal containing the emHe uttered a cry of joy, and folded her to his peror's portrait; and he sent also three thousand heart. But she disengaged herself gently. "Make florins as a gift to the brave sharpshooters. But haste now," she said; "for the sooner you de- better than all this was an autograph letter from part, the sooner you will return." the emperor, who extolled in it the bravery of the " I will set out immediately," he cried, radiant Tyrolese, called upon them to persevere in their with joy. " But swear to me, Eliza, that I shall resistance, and promised that Austria would succor receive immediately on my return, even though it them vigorously with money and troops. The should be early in the morning, at the hands of letter stated that the emperor would soon dispatch the priest, my bride-the bride who loves me with Baron von Reschmann with funds and full instrucinfinite tenderness." tions to the Tyrol, where he would act as com"I swear by the Holy Virgin," said Eliza, sol- missioner and intendant of the army, and that the emnly, "that if you bring my Elza to me here, you Tyrolese might confidently look for the speedy shall receive your bride at the hands of the priest resumption of hostilities. on the day of your return, whether it be early in These joyful tidings were received with unthe morning or late at night." bounded enthusiasm, and Andreas Hofer's face "Captain Ulrich," shouted Cajetan Dbninger, beamed with delight when he was formally inopening the door, " it is high time for you to set vested with the gold medal and chain in the great out. The carriage has been at the door for up- church of Innspruck, at the foot of the tomb of ward of an hour." Maximilian, by the Abbot of Wiltau, amid the " I am ready," said Ulrich, holding out his hand tears and acclamations of a vast concourse of specto Eliza with a happy smile. "Farewell, Eliza; I tators, who afterward, preceded by the municipal shall return with your Elza in two weeks." authorities, accompanied him in solemn procession to the imperial palace. Andreas presented a splendid appearance in the fine gold-embroidered uniform which he wore to-day in honor of the celeCHAPTER XXXVII. bration, in place of his Tyrolese costume; his heavy gold chain and the medal with the emperor's ELZA'S RETURN. portrait, glittered under his fine black beard on A SPLENDID festival was being celebrated at his breast, and he wore a black hat with a plume Innspruck on the 3d of October, and there were and inscription to him as the commander-in-chief 218 ANDREAS HOFER. of the Tyrol, the gift of the holy sisterhood of Inn- pressed his hands to her lips tenderly, and withal spruck. humbly, and thanked God that her good old friend Andreas Hofer's face shone with happiness as and her Elza, the better half of her life, had been he walked along in this manner amid the accla- restored to her. mations of the whole population and the ringing But after this impetuous and joyous meeting, of all the bells; but his heart was nevertheless the old baron felt so very feeble that he urgently full of humility, and lifting his beaming eyes to needed repose and silence, and Elza had to conheaven, he murmured to himself, "0 my Lord duct him to the bedroom which had been prepared and God, Thou hast accomplished every thing; for him. Thou hast protected us1 and vouchsafed us victory! Eliza and Ulrich were alone now. She trembled, Glory to Thee alone! Preserve me, O Lord, from and, wishing to avoid this tete-d-tete, glided softly pride and arrogance, and let me recognize always to the door; but Ulrich hastened after her and that I am nothing but Thy unworthy servant, and seized her hand. that Thou alone vouchsafest us victory and bless- Eliza," he said, solemnly, "I have fulfilled all est our cause!" your wishes. I have brought back with me my The imperial palace was festively decorated to- uncle and your friend Elza; the King of Bavaria day, and a splendid banquet was to take place there accepted the exchange which I offered; he rein honor of the celebration. All the functionaries leased the baron and his daughter, and Andreas of Innspruck had been invited; a brilliant ball Hofer sets me free in his turn. I am, therefore, was to be given at night in the large throne-hall, no longer a prisoner, and as a free man I ask you and the beautiful girls of Innspruck were to dance now, do you remember the oath you swore to me to the inspiring notes of the orchestra in honor of on the day of my departure?" the festive day. For the first time Andreas Ho- "I do," she whispered in a low voice. fer had permitted music and dancing, and all the " Repeat the oath to me," he said, imperatively. beautiful girls of Innspruck were preparing to take "My oath was as follows:' I swear by the Holy part in the brilliant festival and enjoy the rare Virgin that, if you bring my Elza to me here, you amusement. shall receive your bride, who loves you with inAll faces were radiant; even Eliza's sweet coun- finite tenderness, at the hands of the priest.'" tenance was lit up to-day with the sunshine of "You have not forgotten the words, Eliza. But happiness. A great joy had fallen to her share will you fulfil them now?" to-day, fou Ulrich von Hohenberg had arrived early "You insist on it? " she asked, looking up to in the morning, and with him his uncle, old Baron him timidly and mournfully. von Hohenberg, and his daughter Elza. Ulrich "Yes, I do," he said, with a blissful smile. had redeemed his promise; precisely two weeks "Well, then," she whispered, almost inaudibly, had elapsed since his departure, and now, after "I shall keep my oath." these terrible days of suspense, which Eliza had He uttered a joyous cry, pressed her hand to passed in tears, in silence, and at the same time in his lips, and gazed with an expression of infinite mysterious activity, Ulrich had returned, and with tenderness into her blushing, quivering face. him Elza, Eliza's dearest friend. " Oh, do not tremble, love," he said; "do not Ulrich had looked on with an expression of look anxiously into the future. I shall know how quiet happiness when Eliza embraced her Elza to protect my wife from grief and humiliation. again and again with tears of joy; she knelt down To make you happy shall be my sweetest joy; to repeatedly by the side of the couch on which had see you honored and recognized by society will be been laid the old baron, whose strength had been my incessant effort, as it will be my bounden duty. utterly exhausted by the journey, the excitement, You will fulfil your oath, and you must do it this and the sufferings he had endured in prison; she very day. Let me go, then, and get a priest; and ELZA'S RETURN. 219 bu, my sweet girl, place a myrtle-wreath on your trothed will kneel before the altar too, ready to lead, for I shall call for you soon and conduct you become your wife, and love and serve you all her tiumphantlv to the great church ofInnspruck; for life." lur marriage shall take place publicly and in the "And I shall find there my betrothed, to whom Wce of the whole population." I shall plight my faith before the altar, and whom "No, sir," she said, shaking her head gently. I will love and cherish all my life! " exclaimed I will redeem my promise, but I beg, nay, I im- the captain, in profound emotion. lore you, permit me to make all necessary ar- She bent her head gently, as if to accept his'angrements, and let me have for once my own solemn vow. "Then you will come to the chapel Vav." at nine? " she asked. "And what do you wish, then, beloved?" "I will," he said, smilingly, " and you may be "I wish that no one should learn of our plan, sure that I shall be promptly on hand. I shall mad that you should conceal it all day long from be as punctual as the digger after a hidden treas-,very one, and speak of it to no one, neither ure, who must disinter it at the stated hour, if he rith your uncle, nor with Elza, nor with Andreas does not want to lose it entirely. I shall be at lofer." the chapel at nine o'clock." "But how am I to get a priest to marry us?" "Very well, at nine o'clock. And now fare"Leave it all to me, sir. I will get a priest. well until then, sir. I have a great deal to attend [ have confided only to my dear old friend Joa- to yet in getting up the bridal dress and orna-him Haspinger, the Capuchin, who was lately in ments, for I do not want you to be ashamed of me [nnspruck, what would take place in case you to-day, Ulrich. Your bride must not look like a should return with my Elza, and he promised that peasant-girl. She must be dressed up beautifully, he himself would marry us. Accordingly, on like an aristocratic lady-like Elza, for instance." being informed this morning by the courier of "Dress as you please," he said, smilingly, "but your speedy arrival, I sent at once a mounted do not believe that I shall ever be ashamed of the messenger to Father Haspinger, and I am sure peasant-girl, and try to conceal the descent of my that he will come to Ilnspruck to-day." sweet, lovely wife." "You intended, then, to redeem your promise "And will you ride with me to-morrow to my of your own accord! " exclaimed Ulrich, joyfully; father's house? " she asked. "N Will you present " you thought of it without being reminded of it. yourself to my father, Anthony Wallner, comOh, I thank you, my Eliza, for I see now that you mander of the Puster valley, as his son-in-law? really love me." Oh, you know full well, Anthony Wallner is a "Yes, sir, I really love you," said Eliza, sol- hero; not only the Tyrol, but all Germany is emnly. "You will find it out this very day. familiar with the heroic deeds which he performed Will you promise me now to conceal our plan at the battle of Taxenbach against the Bavarians. from every one, and let me make all necessary ar- He has taken the field again, and, after joining rangements?" the forces under Joseph Speckbacher, and Father " I do, my sweet girl. Tell me what I am to Haspinger, he will attack the Bavarians at the do, and I will obey you silently and uncondition- Pass of Lueg, and, if it please God, defeat them. ally." I suppose, Ulrich, you will accompany me to my "Well, then, dear Ulrich," she said, in a trem- father, Anthony Wallner, and ask your father-inulous voice, " come to-night, at nine o'clock, to law to give you his blessing?" the chapel here in the imperial palace. As a wit- "But you told me just now, Eliza, that he is ness, I hope you will find there our dear com- not at home?" mander-in-chief, Andreas Hofer. Father Has- "Well, then," she exclaimed, earnestly, "we pinger will stand before the altar, and your be- will ride to the Pass of Lueg." 220 ANDREAS HOFER. Ulrich was silent, and looked down in evident am submissive and obedient, and I will not tal confusion; he did not see that Eliza fixed her what you do not give me of your own accor eyes on him with a searching, mournful expres- But give me now your bridal present, Eliza; giN sion. me the first kiss of love! " "Eliza," he said, after a pause, lifting his head "No, sir," she said, almost anxiously; " on t1 slowly, "you possess a magnanimous heart and a wedding-day no pious bride must desecrate he delicate soul. Your heart will forgive me, there- lips by kissing or partaking of food before goin fore, for not fulfilling your wish, and your soul to the altar. Only devout thoughts should fi will understand that I cannot fulfil it. Your her heart; and she ought to pray and implor father is the commander of the Tyrolese, who the saints to vouchsafe happiness toher. Let m have risen in rebellion against Bavaria, and he is go, therefore, and fulfil my sacred duties." fighting against the Bavarians, my countrymen "Yes, my sweet, iinnocent dove, I will let yoy and comrades. I have recovered my liberty, but go," said Ulrich, gently. "Pray to God and th I had to swear not to take up arms again during saints for you and me, but be punctual to-night.' the present war against the Tyrolese. The King "I shall, sir. Now, farewell. Go out by thi: of Bavaria permitted me to take this oath, and. door, for Elza is coming to me. I have to tell hei ordered me to return to Munich, where I am to a great many things yet." remain till the end of the war. I must set out for "She will know your secret, then? You wil the Bavarian capital to-morrow, and my sweet, confide to her what I am not to betray to anx beloved wife will accompany me. After the war one? " is over, and when there is peace again in the "No, sir, I shall tell her nothing about it. No beautiful Tyrol, I shall return with my Eliza to one but God must know my secret. For the last her home, and ask my father-in-law, Anthony time, then, farewell, sir!" Wallner, to give me his blessing. I shall be at "Farewell, Eliza! Oh, give me your hand! liberty then to praise his heroism loudly, and love Let me press it once to my heart! Oh, fear and honor him as my wife's father. Do you un- nothing, Eliza, my unholy lips shall not desecrate derstand that I cannot act otherwise, beloved?" even your hand to-day. Now I will go, my child;' I do," she replied; "I do understand that farewell until to-night, my sweet love!" the Bavarian Captain Ulrich von Hohenberg can- He bowed to her with a blissful smile, and left not now go to the Tyrolese commander, Anthony the room quickly. Eliza looked after him, moWallner, ask him, while he is fighting against the tionless, breathless, listening to his footsteps, and Bavarians, to bless him, and call him flither-in-law. heaving a deep sigh when they died away in the Let us leave it to the future to grant us peace distance. Then she laid both her hands conand happiness." vulsively on her heart. "You understand that I cannot act otherwise," " Oh, it is in great pain!" she murmured. "It he said, anxiously. "But you are sad? I see a seemed at one time as though it would break, and cloud on your forehead, Eliza." as though I should die on the spot. But I must " No, not a cloud," she exclaimed, shaking her not die, nor even weep. And I feel that the good head. "Every thing is clear in my mind, and I God helps me, and that He approves of what I see distinctly what I must do. Come, then; to am going to do. It was God Himself who prompted the chapel at nine; every thing will be in readiness me to ask Ulrich if he would accompany me to there." my father. He was obliged to reply that he could "You will be there, my lovely bride," exclaimed not go to the enemy, though this enemy was to Ulrich, blissfully, opening his arms to her. " Oh, become his father-in-law. When he told me that, do not avoid me, Eliza; you are mine now, your my heart bridled up, and was once more glad and Dlace is on my heart, do not avoid me! See, I strong. I knew all at once that I was doing THE WEDDING. 221 ht, and I will carry out my plan t0 the bitter Ij. But hush, hush! here comes Elza! I must CHAPTER XXXVIII. t on a cheerful face now." " Lizzie, my Lizzie, are you here? " asked Elza, THE WEDDING. ening tha door. NIGHT had come, and the people of Innspruck "Yes, here I am, Elza," exclaimed Eliza, who had not yet set bounds to their rejoicings. All stened with a smiling face to her friend. the streets were brilliantly illuminated; a festive "And where is Ulrich? Why is he not here? performance was played at the theatre, and the a, I sat with such a throbbing heart at father's apartments at the imperial palace began to fill dside; I longed so much for him to fall asleep! with the guests who had been invited to the ball. 1, Lizzie, I have to tell you so many things! But while the palace was shining with splendid h, you do not know how happy I was during this lustre for the first and last time duling the reign,lendid, charming journey! To be always by of Andreas Hofer, one of its wings had remained Jrich's side, what a bliss! And how tenderly gloomy and silent. It seemed as though the loud id attentively he took care of my dear old voices of the world shrank from penetrating ther, just like a good, grateful son, who would hither. Even the sentinel pacing the long, deke to guess from his father's eyes every wish he serted corridor, trod more softly and crossed himight entertain. I often wept tears of joy on self every time he reached the end of the passage. weing him support my father, almost carrying For the imperial chapel lay at the end of the corim into the carriage, and arranging his seat for ridor in this wing of the palace, and through the im, and on hearing him comfort the old man in high windows there one could look down upon entle yet manly words. Ulrich did not speak the altar and the holy lamp. f God and the saints, and yet what he said The sentinel had just walked up the corridor as pious, pious as a prayer of holy charity. Oh, once more slowly and dreamily, when le suddenly ow noble, good, brave, and gentle, Ulrich is!"' saw two men coming along. He stood still re" And you love him, Elza, do you not? " spectfully and presented arms. These two men "Yes, I love him with all my heart, and shall were Andreas Hofer, the commander-in-chief, and )r evermore. But where is he? Where is U1- Old Red-beard, Joachim laspinger, who was walkich? Was he not with you?" ing by his side, in his brown cowl and his heavy "He was, Elza; he left me at the moment leather shoes. {hen you came." On approaching the sentinel, Andreas Hofer "He was here so long? And what did you stood still and nodded kindly to him. "It is not peak of? Oh, tell me, Eliza, what did you speak necessary for you, Joe, to stand here all alone and f? " present arms. I know you are one of the best "Of you, Elza," said Eliza, with a wondrous,. dancers in the Passeyr valley, and as there is a adiant expression. ball at the palace, you had better go there and " Ah, of me! " exclaimed Elza, joyfully. "Oh, dance. I believe the good God Himself will watch Fell me, Lizzie, do you think he loves me?" over His chapel here."'," I do not believe it, Elza, I know it for certain. "Much obliged to you, commander-in-chiefle intrusted me with an important commission much obliged to you! " exclaimed the soldier, joyor you, and asks of you a great proof of your love. fully; and he ran down the corridor as fast as his Jome, Elza, let us go to my room. We will be, feet would carry him. iure there not to be overheard by any one. I " How gay and high-spirited these young folks will tell you every thing there." are! " sighed Hofer. "And why are you not merry too, brother Andy?" asked the Capuchin. "A great honor 222 ANDREAS HOPER. was conferred upon you to-day; they paid you urgent request. We are exceedingly busy at t homage and cheered you as though you were the earthworks near the Pass of Lueg, and look fro Messiah. The whole city is illuminated for your day to day for the Bavarians to attack us. Henl sake to-night; at the theatre, the orchestra played I must return there this very night, that I may 1 flourishes three times, and the whole audience with our men to-morrow in case there should be rose the moment the commander-in-chief entered fight." the blouse, But scarcely had the morose hero " God grant that you may be victorious! been there a quarter of an hour when he sneaked sighed Andreas. "But hark! the clock strike off again. I followed him stealthily, and found nine, and the sexton is already lighting the cai him at last in his office; and while the whole city dies on the altar." is rejoicing, he sits at the table covered with "But he has been instructed to light only tw papers, and weeps big tears into his beard!" of them, lest there should be too much light," sai "But I told you, brother, that couriers had ar- the Capuchin. "Let us go down now, brothe rived from the valley of the Adige, and informed Andreas, and do not forget what you have to d( me that the prospects of our cause are very gloomy When the bride enters by the small side-door, yo there. The people are split up into factions, which go to meet her, take her hand, and conduct her t are engaged in bitter wranglings. How can I re- the altar. After they are married, you offer he joice at the extraordinary honors paid to me, your hand again and beg of her permission to a( when there are such dark spots in the country? " * company her to the door of her room." "Do not think of that now, Andy. The Lord "All right, I will do so," said Andreas. " Come has helped us hitherto, and He will help us hence- let us go down to the chapel." forward; for our cause is just, and no enemy is A dim twilight reigned in the small chapel able to stand up against it." Only two of the tall wax-lights burned on the altar "And do you think, brother, that what we are and shed their flickering rays on the vigorous forn going to do now is also good and just? " asked of the Capuchin, who was standing in front of it Hofer, hesitatingly. and praying in a low voice with clasped hands "Yes, I do, Barbone. Lizzie Wallner is a Close to him, near the steps of the altar, stooc noble, brave girl, and the good God and His angels Andreas Hofer, his head bent down, and his hands love her." clasped on the small crucifix which was to be seer " Well, if you say so, brother Capuchin, it must about his neck by the side of the gold medal and be all right; for you are a priest of the Lord, and chain. would certainly not consent to cheat God in so Footsteps were heard now in the aisle of the holy a place." chapel, and a tall man in dark civilian's dress ap. "God cannot be cheated," said the Capuchin, proached the altar. Andreas Hofer drew himself solemnly; "only short-sighted man can. Now, up to his full height and went to meet him. Lizzie Wallner has keen eyes and a pure heart; " God bless you, Captain Ulrich! " he said, kindhence she looks into the future, and sees what ly; "' I hope you will accept me as witness of your the short-sighted Bavarian cannot see, and helps marriage." him and herself to escape from the abyss into " I thank you, commander-in-chief, for consentwhich both of them would otherwise fall. She is ing to be our witness," said Ulrich, cordially; "and a genuine heroine, and I am proud and fond of I thank you also, Father Haspinger, for coming to her. Otherwise I should not have come to Inn- Innspruck from such a distance, to marry us." spruck to-lay. I came only for her sake and at her'" I come whenever Eliza Wallner calls me and needs me," said the Capuchin, solemnly. * Andreas Hofer's own words.-See i' Bilder und Erin- A small side-door now opened, and a female form nerungen aus Tyrols Frelheitskampfe n aron 1809," by Loritza, p. 13 in a long white silk dress came in. Her head was THE WEDDING. 223 covered and concealed with a white veil, which emnly, "and let me exchange your rings in token surrounded her whole form like a cloud, and flowed of your union. I marry you now in the name down to the ground. On her head, over the veil, of God, and henceforth you are man and wife. she wore the diadem of the virgin and bride, a What God bath joined together, let not man put blooming myrtle-wreath. asunder. Kneel down now and receive the bene. While Andreas Hofer went to meet her and took diction." her hand to conduct her to the altar, Ulrich con- The bride and bridegroom knelt down hand-in. templated her with a throbbing heart, and unut- hand before the altar; the concealed woman knelt terable bliss filled his bosom. down in the vestry alone, trembling and quivering "She has kept her word," he thought; "she with anguish. has doffed the costume of the Tyrolese girls and When the benediction had been given and the thereby divested herself of her whole past. Oh, bride and bridegroom rose, she rose likewise fiom how splendid her form looks in this dress; she her knees. " Holy Virgin," she prayed in a low seems taller and prouder, and yet so lovely and voice, " give me strength now! Thou beholdest sweet." my heart, and seest what I am suffering! Oh, be He gazed at her as she approached slowly with with me in Thy mercy, and give me strength and a light springing step, leaning on Andreas Hofer's constancy!" arm; he saw only her! HIe did not hear a door The ceremony was over now, and Andreas Hoopening softly yonder in the vestry, which con- fer approached the bride. tained several latticed windows; he did not see the "As your father was prevented from being dark female form which approached the windows, present," he said, "permit me to take his place and whose pale face looked out for a moment and and conduct you to your room. I suppose you do then disappeared hastily. He saw only her, his not object to it, Captain Ulrich?" beloved, his bride, who stood now by his side, "On the contrary, I am obliged to you for takwhose hot, trembling hand now rested in his own, ing the place of my sweet bride's father. Lead and who returned gently the tender pressure of the way, I will follow you." his hand. "No, sir, wait a moment," exclaimed Father And now Father Haspinger raised his voice and Haspinger, solemnly. " I must speak a few words spoke in devout and impressive words to the bride with you privately." and bridegroom of the solemnity of this sacred "And I have to thank you for your kindness hour, of the importance of the union which they in coming to our wedding," said Ulrich, standing were about to enter upon before God, and of the still in front of the altar, and following only with sacred duties the fulfilment of which they were his eyes his bride, who was just leaving the chapel to vow before the altar. with Andreas Hofer by the side-door. "And now I ask you, Captain Ulrichvon Hohen- " Captain Ulrich," said the Capuchin, after the berg," he said, in a loud voice, "will you take your door had closed behind the two, "I have combetrothed here for your wife, and love and cherish plied with Eliza Wallner's request, and married her all your life long?" you to your betrothed. You are now man and He replied in a loud, joyous voice, " Yes!" wife, and nothing but death can separate you "And you, young maiden," added the Capuchin, from your wife. Do not forget this, sir. But " will you take your betrothed here for your hus- will you also do what I am now about to ask of band, and love and cherish him all your life long? " you?" A low, timid " Yes " fell from her lips. Stifled " I promise to do it, if it be in my power." sobs and groans resounded in the direction of the "In the vestry yonder is one who wishes to see vestry, you. Go to her. But promise me by all that is "Join hands, then," said the Capuchin, sol- sacred to you that you will listen to her calmly; 224 ANDREAS HOFER. that, whatever she may say to you, you will not Ulrich uttered a cry of rage and despair, and inveigh against her; and that you will overcome rushed upon'Eliza with uplifted hand, pale as a your heart and submit like a brave man to that corpse, and with flashing eyes. which cannot be helped." She bent her head and whole form before him. "I do not comprehend what you mean," said "Strike me, I deserve your anger," she said, Ulrich, smilingly, " but I promise to submit like humbly. a brave man to that which cannot be helped." Ulrich dropped his arm with a groan. " Then "Go, then, to the vestry," said Father Has- you have cheated me, wretched girl!" he cried, pinger; " I will leave the chapel, for no one ex- furiously. " You wished to revenge yourself on cept God should hear what she has to say to mjne, you lied to me, you betrayed me, you enyou." meshed me with hypocritical falsehoods, and He bowed to Ulrich, and quicklly walked down played an infamous game with me! Well, why the passage to the large door of the chapel. U1- do you not laugh? Your efforts were successrich hastened to the vestry, and, openingc the door, ful, you have revenged yourself. Oh, I am in murmured to himself:' What a strange mystery! despair; my rage and grief will break my heart. Who can await me here?" Why do you not laugh?" "I await you here, sir," said a low, tremulous "I do not laugh, sir, because I see that you voice. grieve, and because God knows that I would give Ulrich looked up, and stared at her who stood up my heart's blood to spare you an hour of sufbefore him with clasped hands and gazed at him fering." with beseeching eyes. He burst into scornful laughter. "And yet "Eliza!" he exclaimed, starting back with a you have treated me so infamously? You have cry of horror; "Eliza, you are here?" played a miserable comedy with me, and perjured "Yes, I am here," she said; "I am here to yourself?" implore your forgiveness." " Sir, I have not perjured myself," cried Eliza.' My forgiveness?" he asked, trembling, and " I have fulfilled faithfully the oath I swore to pressing both his hands to his temples. "My you when you took leave of me and went to proGod! my head swims-I believe I shall go mad! cure my Elza's release." Eliza is here, she stands before me in her peasant "You have fulfilled it? False girl! repeat costume, and she left me only a few moments ago your oath to me, that I may convict you of perin a white bridal dress, and with a myrtle-wreath jury." on her head. What does this quick transforma- "I said that if you would bring back Elza, you tion mean, and how was it possible?" should receive your bride, who loved you with "It is no transformation, sir," said Eliza, bash- infinite tenderness, at the hands of the priest, fully. " I am Eliza Wallner, the peasant-girl, whether it was early in the morning or late at and she who left you in the chapel is your wedded night t wife, the Voung Baroness von Hohenberg-" "Well, then, have you fulfilled your oath? "You are my wedded wife, you alone i" he Have you not perjured yourself?" cried, impetuously. "I have fulfilled my oath; I have not perjured "No, sir, I am not!" myself. Elza loves you, sir; she loves you with "You are not? " he cried, vehemently. "And infinite tenderness." who is she who went from me there?" "Oh, what miserable, insidious sophistry!" "She is your wife, who loves you with all her cried Ulrich, sinking despairingly on a chair. heart," said Eliza, solemnly; " she is the wife "Your words were as full of duplicity as your whom your parents selected for you from your heart is; and I, poor, short-sighted dupe, believed earliest youth; she is Elza von Hohenberg." your words! And not you alone, but Elza, too, THE WEDDING. 225 has cheated me-she whom I loved as a sister, and excellent man. That was the reason, sir, and whom I should have loved even better, if you why we could not become man and wife, even had not stepped in between us, if I had not seen though it should break our hearts." you. Elza has betrayed me, too; she did not "Our hearts!" he cried, impetuously. "Do shrink from playing so unworthy a part! Oh, it not speak of your heart; it is cold and hard." will break my heart, it will break my heart! "What do you know about my heart?" she I lose in this hour all that I loved! Nothing asked. "I do not bear it on my lips, nor in my remains to me but contempt, scorn, and dreadful eyes either. It rests deep in my bosom, and God loneliness!" alone sees and knows it. But I, sir, know another He buried his face in his hands and wept bit- heart; I gazed deeply into it, and discovered in terlv. it the most fervent love for you, sir. This other "Sir," exclaimed Eliza, with a cry of despair, heart is that of my Elza: Elza loves you! And kneeling down before him, "you weep?" you know that I love Elza, and therefore you " Yes, I weep," he sobbed; "I weep for my must believe me, even though you distrust me in fallen angels, my lost paradise! I am a man; other respects. I shall love my Elza as long as I therefore I am not ashamed of my tears." live, and I swore to her never to abandon her, Eliza lifted her eyes and clasped hands to never to deceive her. She confides in me, sir; heaven. " Holy Virgin," she exclaimed, "give she did not conceal from me a single fold of her strength to my words, that he may hear and un- heart. Should I have told her,' Captain Ulrich, derstand me!" whom you love, and whom your father wants to She rose from her knees, stepped close up to become your husband, loves me; and I, whom Ulrich, and laid her hand on his shoulder. " Sir," you call your best friend, although she is but a she said, "do you remember yet what I said to peasant- girl, while you are the daughter of a you on taking leave of you on the mountain? I nobleman, will take your lover from you and make reminded you of it the other day, but you forgot him my husband?' No, sir, never could I have it again. I said to you:'You are a nobleman, said so; never should I have been capable of and I am a peasant-girl; you are a Bavarian, and breaking Elza's heart; I preferred to break my I, thank God, am again an Austrian. We do not own!" suit each other, and can never become husband " She does not know that I love you? She and wife.' That is what I said to you, and I re- ought to have known it, inasmuch as she conpeated it to you the other day, but you would not sented to play this unworthy part and take your understand it." place before the altar." "Because I loved you, Eliza; because I felt "She did not know any thing about it; I de that my love would be strong enough to surmount ceived her. I told her you sent me as a loveall obstacles! " messenger to her, and that I had taken it upon "Was your love strong enough to prevail on myself to obtain her consent to a clandestine you, sir, to go to my father, Anthony Wallner, marriage with you, because you were obliged to and ask him to bless you, his son-in-law? See, I set out for Munich this very night, and because asked you to do so, because I knew that you you wished to take with you the certainty that would refuse, and because I thought it would con- she would be yours forever, and that you might vince you that we could never become man and have the right of protecting her after God had wife and ought to part. For without the blessing taken her father from her and made her an orof my parents I could never follow a husband into phan. Sir, Elza loves you, and therefore she conthe world; nor would you want a wife who did sented, and became your wife." not bring with her either the blessing of her "And her father? Did, he, too, consent to.the parents or that of your own, for you are a good deception?" 15 226 ANDREAS HOFER. "IIer father, sir, is very sick, and I believe he remember the past and its grief smilingly, do not is on his death-bed. Elza told him nothing of it, forget me, but say,'Lizzie was right after all! for the excitement, the joy might have killed him. She loved me faithfully!'" I told her it was your will that she should be "Faithfully?" he asked, bursting into tears. silent; and because she loves you and would "Your heart will heal likewise, Eliza; you will comply with all your wishes, she was silent, obeyed forget me in the arms of another husband." your call, and came all alone to the altar to be- "No, sir! My heart, I hope, will heal, but God come your wife." alone will heal it, and no other husband. I am "My wife! She is not my wife! The mar- not able to love another man, and I believe, riage is null and void, and I shall never acknowl- moreover, I have something else to do. The edge it." fatherland needs brave hands, and I belong to my " Elza is your wife, sir, your wife before God fatherland and my father. We shall have war and man. A priest pnarried you, and you swore again, sir, war with the Bavarians. Thank God, before the altar to love and cherish her. Oh, sir, you will not be among our enemies! I shall carry 1 beseech you, do not repudiate my Elza, for she our wounded out of the thickest of the fight, and loves you; and by repudiating Elza you will re- nurse them; and if a bullet its me, well, then, I pudiate me, for Elza is the better half of my heart. shall die for the fatherland, and it will gladden In making her happy, think that you make me your heart, also, to hear that Lizzie Wallner died happy; and in loving her, think I feel that you as a brave daughter of the Tyrol. I pray God to love me " let me die in this manner. Amen! But now, " Oh, Eliza," cried Ulrich, gazing at her as she sir, go to your young bride. She will be wonderstood before him with a glowing countenance, ing already at your long absence. Oh, go to her, "Eliza, you angel, why can I not possess you!" sir, and be kind and loving to her; let her never " Because it is not God's will, sir!'The bless- suspect what has taken place between us, and ing of the parents builds houses for the children,' that you did not marry her of your own accord." says the proverb; hence, we could not build a "I cannot dissemble, Eliza; I cannot turn my house, sir, for we had not the blessing of our pa- heart like a glove." rents. Now you have it, Elza brings it to you, "Do I ask you to do so? Have you not always and she brings you love, sir, and happiness. No, loved Elza? Love her now, then; love her for do not shake your head; she brings you hap- my sake, love me in her! Go, sir; Elza is waitpiness. You do not believe it now, for your heart ing for you. I shall go too. Our good Haspinger grieves, and he who has such a wound thinks that is waiting for me, and I shall go with him to my it never will heal. But love is a good surgeon. father. We shall never meet again, and thereElza will dress your heart and heal it." fore I will give you now my wedding-present. "And your heart, Eliza, will it heal too? For You asked me for it this morning, and I refused; your heart has likewise a wound, and, whatever but now I will give it to you voluntarily. Close you may say to the contrary, you loved me." your eyes, sir, for you must not see what I give "I loved you!" she exclaimed. "No, say you; and do not open them until I tell you to." rather I still love you! If I had not loved you, "I will close my eyes, Eliza, but I shall see should I have been strong enough to withstand you nevertheless in my heart." your supplications and resist my own heart in She glided up to him with a noiseless step. order to secure your happiness? Oh, be happy, Faithful to his word, he had closed his eyes firmly. then,-be happy through me and for my sake! She gazed at him long and tenderly, as if to enFold Elza to your heart, love her and let her love grave his features deeply on her heart; then she you; and when in future days, happy in Elza's bent over him and imprinted a kiss on his forearms, and surrounded by her sweet children, you head. THE TREATY OF PEACE. 227 "God bless you, Ulrich," she whispered, and Great commotion reigned at Castle Totis already kissed his forehead once more. "Farewell!" early in the morning of the 12th of October. And before he was able to prevent it, or even Prince Lichtenstein had arrived in the first know it, she glided to the small door leading from place, and Count Bubna had come soon afterthe vestry into the street. ward. The emperor had gone with the two diploUlrich heard the jar of the door, and opened matists to his cabinet; they had left it several his eyes. Eliza stood in the open door, and cast hours afterward, and departed immediately. a last, parting glance on him. Joachim Haspinger' Count Metternich had likewise arrived at Totis, stood behind her. and repaired at once to the emperor's rooms. "Eliza," cried Ulrich, hastening to her, "you The count ordered the footman in the anteroom will leave me?" to announce him to his majesty, but the servant He would have seized her hand, but Haspinger shook his head with a polite smile. stepped between them. "Go to your bride, sir," "It is unnecessary for me to announce your he said, imperatively. "Eliza will accompany me, excellency," he said. "His majesty ordered me and go to her father!" to conduct your excellency at once to his cabinet. Be so gracious, therefore, as to follow me, your excellency." And he hastened, with a noiseless step, through CHAPTER XXXIX. the apartments. Count Metternich followed him quickly, and an imperceptible sneer played over THuE TREATY OF PEACE. his fine youthful face as he was walking through THE Emperor Francis was still at Prince Lich- these sumptuous rooms, whose deserted appeartenstein's castle of Totis, in Hungary, but for ance was the best proof of the precarious situasome days past there had no longer reigned there tion of the emperor. the profound silence and calm monotony which The footman stood now before the door of the had prevailed during the first days of the im- imperial cabinet; after waiting until his excelperial sojourn. Couriers came and went, equipa- lency had come close up to him, he opened this ges rolled up, and conveyed to the castle some door, and said, in a loud voice, "His excellency, of the Austrian diplomatists, with whom the em- Count Metternich! " peror conversed a long while in his cabinet, When the count entered the cabinet, the emwhereupon they departed again. Even Baron peror was sitting at his writing-table, and holding von Thugut, the all-powerful ex-minister, had in his hand a paper which he had read, but which.been drawn from his tranquil retirement, and he laid down now, to rise and greet the count. It called to the headquarters of the Emperor Fran- did not escape Metternich's keen, prying eyes, cis at Totis. Francis had locked himself up with that the emperor's face was more serene to-day him in his cabinet, and conversed with him in so than it had been for a long time past; and, on low a tone that Hudelist, although he had applied bowing deeply to his majesty, he asked himself his ear to the keyhole, had been unable to hear a what might be the cause of this unusual serenity, single word of importance; and the emperor was and who might have brought the glad tidings so reticent as' to the subject of his conversation which had awakened so remarkable a change. with Thugut, that the Empress Ludovica, al- "Welcome, count, welcome!" said the emperor, though, after Thugut's departure, she had sought in his sonorous voice, and with a graceful smile. frequently to fathom the meaning of his presence " I sent for you because I am exceedingly anxious there in her interviews with the emperor, did not to learn the progress of your peace-negotiations at receive the slightest information from her hus- Altenburg. Is there no prospect yet of a speeds band. termination of this abominable war?" 228 ANDREAS HOFER. " Your majesty, I regret to say that the nego- but our existence? Our armies are disorganized, tiations are progressing very slowly," said Count disheartened, and without a competent command Metternich, mournfully. "The Emperor of the er-in-chief; and my distinguished brothers, who French persists with stubborn petulancy in all his are at the head of the different corps, are quarreldemands, and refuses firmly to abate them." ing as though they were old women, and not "Indeed, is Bonaparte so stubborn?" asked princes. Besides, money, the best general in war the emperor, kindly. "How far have you ad- times, is wanting to us." vanced in your conferences with Minister Cham- "Only declare your determination to resume pagny? " hostilities, your majesty, and money will not be "Your majesty, we have not advanced yeting to you. Your people will gladly sacrifice yond the difficult questions concerning the contri- all their property for this purpose, for your people butions in money and the fortresses. France re- hate Napoleon and desire vehemently that hostilifuses obstinately to take less than two hundred ties should be resumed." and thirty-seven millions of francs, and insists on "See here," exclaimed the emperor, almost the cession of the fortresses of Gratz and Briinn, menacingly, "let me advise you not to allude to which her troops have not even occupied up to my people, if you want me to remain on good this time." terms with you. I have no people; I have sub" That is to say, you have not advanced in your jects, and want only subjects.* If I need money, peace-negotiations beyond what both sides were I shall impose additional taxes on my subjects, ailling to concede at the outset?" and they will be compelled to pay them; but they "Pardon me, your majesty. In the beginning need not offer me any presents, for I think it would of the negotiations we were entirely ignorant of be incompatible with my imperial honor to accept the demands of France, while we are familiar with them. An emperor must not accept any thing as them now, and know what course to adopt in re- a present at the hands of his subjects, not even gard to them. After learning the adversary's in- their love, for it is the duty of the subjects to love tentions, one may more easily devise ways and their emperor. Bear this in mind, count, and do means to frustrate them." not repeat again this new-fashioned word' people;' "But you have been devising them a long time I cannot bear it, it smells so much of the republic already without obtaining any results," said the and guillotine. Well, I have told you that, if we emperor, shrugging his shoulders. " Well, what resumed hostilities, we should be destitute of three do you think, my dear count, will be the upshot very essential things, namely, a good army, a great of your peace-negotiations;" captain, and money. There is no doubt whatever " Will your majesty permit me to tell you the that we should lose the first battle again; and if truth? " asked Count Metternich, with his most we were compelled then to sue for peace, Bonawinning smile. parte would impose still more rigorous terms upon The emperor nodded his head. us: we should be obliged to accept them, and " Well, then, your majesty, I believe that war should lose both territories and honor. Now you will be the upshot of all these peace-negotiations. know my views, count, and you shall know also The demands of France are so exorbitant that the principal reason why I sent for you. Look at Austria cannot submit to them. Austria's honor this paper. Do you know what it contains? The will compel us to resume hostilities; for a govern- treaty of peace!" ment may, if need be, acquiesce in the loss of some "The treaty of peace?" cried Metternich, in of its territories, but it must never submit to a dismay. " Your majesty does not mean to say —" violation of its honor." " I mean to say that I have made peace with," But do you know that a resumption of hostilities will endanger not only some of our territories, * Schlosser's " History of the Eighteenth Century." THE TREATY OF PEACE 229 the Emperor of the French. Here is the paper; a long while together, and that, since we are take it. The whole thing is done now." going to have peace in the country, we shall "Your majesty," exclaimed Metternich, looking rule together in tranquillity and harmony. at the paper which the emperor had handed to There, take the paper now to your room, anl him, " it is really true, then? You have already read it attentively, that you may become thorsigned the treaty without being so gracious as to oughly familiar with it; above all things, do not employ your ministers or even inform them of it? " forget the secret articles, for you know they are " Yes, I have, for I thought we needed peace; always the most important of all. Pray return hence, I signed the treaty, and Prince Lichten- to me in an hour from now; we will then work stein and Count Bubna have taken a copy of it together." to the headquarters of the Emperor Napoleon at "Sire, I shall be here punctually," said Count Schinbrunn, and I believe he will sign it also. Metternich, bowing deeply, and walking backward Well, do not look so dumfounded, count, and do to the door. not wonder any longer that I succeeded in mak- " I believe he will be here punctually," said ing peace without your assistance. I allowed the emperor, smiling, after Metternich had left you and Stadion to go on with the negotiations, the room. "He is afraid, if he should not be and did not prevent you from displaying your promptly at my door, it might never open to him whole diplomatic skill at Altenburg against Bo- again. I want them all to feel that I am their naparte's minister, Champagny; but all this master and emperor-I alone! Now I am could not prevent me either from promoting the through with Metternich, and it is my brother's affair a little here at Totis, after my own fashion, turn. I will give him to-day a lesson which he and now all is over. For the rest, my dear will not forget all his life long." count, bear in mind what I now say to you. I The emperor rang the bell. "Has my brother, appointed you my minister, because you are an the Archduke John, not yet arrived?" he asked able and clear-headed man, and an industrious the footman who entered the room. and reliable functionary. I shall let you act, de- " Your majesty, the archduke has just arrived, cide, and govern, and not complain if people say and is waiting for your orders." that you are all-powerful in Austria, and that "I request my brother to come to me immeyour will alone guides the ship of state. Let diately," said the emperor. After the footman people say and think so, but you shall not think had glided noiselessly out of the room, Francis so, count; you shall know once for all what our walked repeatedly up and down, and his face asmutual position is. I allow you to govern so sumed a gloomy expression. "He shall learn long as you govern in accordance with my now that I am his master," he murmured; "I will views; but if I am not satisfied with the course break his haughty spirit, and humiliate him so you are pursuing, I shall pursue my own course, deeply that he will never think any more of plotand it will only remain for you to follow me, or ting against me." retire from public affairs. Now decide, my dear At this moment the door opened, and the Archcount; will you follow me, or-" duke John, whom the footman announced, entered "Sire, there is no'or,' " interrupted Count the room. He looked pale and sad; the last Metternich. " It is your majesty's incontestable months, full of care and grief, had gnawed deeply right to lead the way, and indicate to me the into his soul, and deprived his eyes of their fire, course I am to pursue." and his form of its youthful fitlness. ", That is right; I like to hear that kind of The emperor saw it, and a sardonic smile illulanguage!" exclaimed the emperor, holding out minated for a moment his features, which, howhis hand kindly to the count.'"You may de- ever, quickly resumed their gloomy expression. pend upon it now that we two shall remain yet "Ah, brother," exclaimed the emperor, greeting 230 ANDREAS HOFER. the archduke with a slight nod of his head, "we Tyrolese have lost their lives in this contest; have not seen each other for a long time; hence, thousands lie wounded and in great pain; the soil I sent for you. I wish to communicate impor- of the Tyrol, formerly so tranquil and peaceful, is tant news to you. The war is at an end. I reeking yet with gore; the fields are not cultivathave concluded peace with the Emperor of the ed; where prosperity formerly reigned, there is French." now distress and s4arvation; where peace and "Peace?" aslked John, incredulously. " Your tranquillity prevailed, there rages an insurrection; majesty condescends to jest, and that is a good where merry and happy people used to live, and symptom of your majesty's excellent health." where nothing was heard formerly but the ringing "I never jest with you," said the emperor, dry- notes of the Ranz des Vaches and the merry Jodly. " I tell you in dead earnest, I have concluded lers of the herdsmen, there are to be seen now peace with Napoleon. Austria loses a great deal only pale, mournful invalids, tottering along painby this peace; she cedes one-third of her terri- fully, and nothing is heard but the booming of tory, and pays, moreover, besides the contriba- artillery and the lamentations of the impoverished tions imposed heretofore, the sum of eighty-six and starving mountaineers. And yet, despite all millions of francs." * their disasters and privations, the faithful Tyro" But what of the Tyrol?" asked John. " I am lese stand firm, for their hearts are full of hope sure your majesty will keep the faithful Tyrol?" and love for their emperor. They risked all in " No," said Francis, looking his brother full in order to become Austrians again; and even now, the face, " the Tyrol will be divided; one part of when the deplorable armistice has compelled your it will be restored to Bavaria; the other part will troops to sheathe their swords, the faithful and be given to the Viceroy of Italy, and become a confiding Tyrolese continue their struggle for their provire of French Italy." emperor and the liberty of their beloved country. " That is impossible! " cried John, in dismay; All Europe gazes with astonishment and admira"that cannot be your will-" tion upon this heroic people, which alone is yet "And why not? Why is it impossible?'" courageous enough to resist the'French despot, asked the emperor, sternly. which alone does not yet bow to his decrees, and "Your majesty," said John, facing his brother still draws its sword against him, while all Europe boldly. "you pledged your word to the Tyrolese is crouching before him in the dust. Oh, your solemnly, in the face of God and the whole world, majesty cannot and will not abandon this faithful that you would not conclude a peace which would people, which loves you and believes in you. It separate the Tyrol from your monarchy." would be high treason to think your majesty "All, you dare to remind me of it?" cried capable of such a step, for you pledged your word Francis, in a threatening tone. to the Tyrolese, and never will an Emperor of'Y Yes, I do," said John, vehemently; "and I Austria break his word and incur the disgrace of have a right to do so, for it is I who pledged my perjuring himself." honor that the imperial promise would be re- The emperor uttered a cry of rage, and, entirely deemed. It was I who stirred up the insurrection forgetful of his assumed calmness, rushed upon of the Tyrolese, who repeated the promises of the archduke with flashing eyes and uplifted arm. their beloved emperor to them; it was I who "You dare to insult me!" he cried. "You are called upon them in the emperor's name to or- impudent enough to charge me with perjury! ganize a conspiracy and rebellion, and who in- You-" duced them to draw the sword and fight for their The archduke on seeing his brother so close liberty. Your majesty, thousands of the noblest before him, furious and with clinched fist, started back a few steps. "Your majesty," he said, "I * Napoleon signed the treaty of Schtnbrunn on the 14th of October, 1809. am sure you do not intend to insult your brother. THE TREATY OF PEACE. 231 Pray take your hand away, for if it should touch any peace which will not incorporate their country' my face, my forehead, I should be obliged to forget with Austria! " thalt you are the emperor, that you are my brother, The emperor burst into loud and scornful laugbhand should demand satisfaction of you." ter. " Ah, you are very shrewd, brother," he said; "The emperor would not give satisfaction to a " you think I myself should give you permission rebel," said Francis, dropping his arm slowly; to go to the Tyrol and play there, with redoubled "he would crush the rebel by a word, and deliver splendor, your part as savior and liberator of the the traitor into the hands of his judges." province. You think I am ignorant of your nice "Well, then, do so," exclaimed John; "punish little plan, and do not know why you wish to go me, let me expiate with my blood the boldness to the T)rol, and what intentions you entertain in with which I reminded you of the sacred promise regarld to it. Yes, sir, I know all! I am aware which you gave to the Tyrolese. But do not for- of your plans. I know that you are a revolutionget your word; do not abandon the faithful Tyrol; ist and rebel. You wanted to make yourself sovdo not destroy the only hope of these honest, in- ereign of the Tyrol. That is the reason why you nocent children of nature, who confide so touch- incited the people to rebellion, and intrigued and ingly in their emperor. Oh, your majesty, let us plotted until the poor peaceable peasants became both forget the vehement words which anger and insurgents and rebels against their Bavarian king, grief caused us to utter just now! I implore your and unfurled the banner of blood with frantic majesty's forgiveness-I confess that I sinned fanaticism. You say thousands have fallen in the grievously against my emperor. But now have Tyrol in the struggle for liberty; you say thoumercy in your turn! See, I bow to you, I kneel sands lie wounded on the gory soil of their native down before you, and implore you, by your im- country; that prosperity has disappeared, and perial honor and in the name of the Tyrol, do not poverty and starvation reign in the Tyrol? Well, abandon the Tyrol and its commander-in-chief then, all this is your work; it is your fault. You Andreas Hofer, and do not forget your solemn stirred up the insurrection, and committed the promise that you would never consent to a treaty heavy crime of inciting a people to revolution. of peace that would not forever incorporate the The Tyrol belonged to Bavaria; the Tyrolese were Tyrol with your states. You want to make peace subjects of the King of Bavaria; nothing gave with Napoleon; but the treaty has not been pro- them the right to shake off the rule of their king claimed yet, the world does not know of it yet, and choose another sovereign. And you think I and it is still possible for your majesty to break should be so weak as to approve of the bad exoff the negotiations. Oh, do so, your majesty; ample set by the Tyrolese, and encourage the redeem the word you pledged to the Tyrol, and crimes committed by the revolutionists? You do not conclude a peace which will not indissolu- think I should sanction your work and consecrate bly unite the Tyrol with your monarchy. Permit your traitorous schemes by permitting you to go the Tyrolese at least to conquer their liberty once to the Tyrol in order to preach insurrection once more, and, after they have done so, protect it. more, make yourself sovereign of the Tyrol, come Send me to the Tyrol, permit me to place myself to an understanding with M. Bonaparte, and be at the head of the brave mountaineers, and you recognized and confirmed by him as Duke of shall see that the Tyrolese will rise as one man Tyrol?" and fight with the courage of lions. Oh, your "Brother," cried John, in dismay, "I-" majesty, send me to the Tyrol, that the Tyrolese "Hush," interrupted the emperor, imperiously; and the whole world may learn that the emperor "no one has a right to say a word when I am of Austria keeps his word and does not abandon speaking. I am not speaking to you as your them, and that he sends his own brother to them brother, but as your emperor. And as your emin order to tell them that he will not consent to peror I tell you now, you will not go to the Tyrol, 232 ANDIEAS HOFER. you will not dare to cross again the frontiers of "No," cried John, vehemently; "your majesty the Tyrol without my permission; and I promise may punish me as a rebel, take my life, or senyou that you will have to wait a long while for tence me to everlasting imprisonment, but I canthis permission. And as your emperor I order not obey! I cannot write such a proclamation! " you further to inform the Tyrolese that I have " I shall not punish you as a rebel," said the concluded peace with France, and to call upon them emperor, shrugging his shoulders; " I shall not to lay down their arms and submit to their fate." take your life, I shall not sentence you to ever"Your majesty, never, never will I do that!" lasting imprisonment; but I will withdraw my cried John. hand entirely from the Tyrol. I will not, as I had " Oh, you think the good Tyrolese would then resolved and stipulated expressly, give the fugitive begin to doubt the honesty of their adored arch- Tyrolese, if they should succeed in crossing the duke, and withdraw from him their love, which frontier, an asylum here in Austria, and protect was to erect a throne for him? " them to the best of my power; but I will deliver "No, your majesty," said John, looking him them as escaped criminals to their legitimate sovfull in the face; " I mean that I have pledged my ereigns, that thev may punish them according to word to protect the Tyrolese, and help and suc- their deserts. Nor shall I, as I intended to do, cor them in their struggle for liberty and for their stipulate in the treaty of peace that the ancient emperor, and that I will not incur the disgrace of constitution shall be confirmed and guaranteed to having cheated a whole people and abused their the Tyrolese; nor shall I, finally, as I had reconfidence and love in the most revolting manner." solved to do, appoint a commission which will "Oh, you want to intimate to me once more afford relief to the fugitives who escape with their that I have done so-that I have abused the con- families to Austria. It will be your fault if the fidence and love of the Tyrolese in a revolting man- poor Tyrolese are deprived of these boons, and ner?" asked the emperor, with a freezing smile. you will expose the deserted people to the most "No matter, keep your opinion; but you shall fearful persecutions." surely obey me, and do it at once in my presence. "No, your majesty; no one shall ever be able Seat yourself at my writing-table yonder. You to say that," cried John, profoundly moved. "I are a scholar, and know how to wield the pen will obey your order and draw up the proclamaquickly and skilfully. Write, therefore. Inform tion." the faithful Tyrolese that peace has been con- He hastened to the writing-table, and, throwing eluded; order them to lay down their arms and himself on a chair in front of it, uttered a deep submit obediently to their new master." groan and dropped his head on his breast as "'I cannot, brother," cried John, mournfully. though he were dying.'i Have mercy upon me! I cannot deliver a whole " Well, do not reflect so loag, brother," said people to the executioner's axe. For, if you with- Francis, " but write,! " draw your hand from the Tyrol, if you surrender John took up the pen, and, restraining the it to the tender mercies of the Bavarians and tears which filled his eyes, wrote quickly a few French, they will wreak a fearful revenge on the lines. He then rose as pale as a corpse, and, apTyrolese for all the defeats and humiliations which proaching the emperor slowly, handed the paper the heroic mountaineers have made them undergo." to him. "That will deter the mountaineers from enter- " Your majesty," he said, solemnly, "I have ing into any more conspiracies and revolutions, complied with your order. I inform the Tyrolese and teach them to be patient and submissive; and that peace has been concluded, and exhort them they will thereby become an awful example to my to submit. Will you now fulfil the conditions, on own subjects. Do not disobey me any longer. account of which I have written this to the TySeat yourself and write, archduke!" rolese? Will you grant an asylum here in Aus THE TREATY OF PEACE. 233 tria to those who shall succeed in escaping their and beloved Archduke John is dissatisfied with tormentors and executioners? Will you appoint an the treaty, and has therefore withdrawn in angel imperial commission which will afford relief to the from the court and service of his emperor? I am fugitives and their families? And last, will you see sorry that I cannot afford you this satisfaction. to it that the ancient constitution is guaranteed You will remain in the service; I do not accept to the Tyrolese in the treaty of peace? " your resignation, I do not permit you to retire into "I pledged you my word that I would do so, private life. You should devote your abilities to dear brother," said the emperor, smiling; " and the state; you are not allowed to withhold your you yourself said awhile ago,' Never will an Em- services from it at this juncture." peror of Austria break his word and incur the " Your majesty, I can no longer be useful to the disgrace of perjuring himself.' Well, read to me state. I am exhausted to death. I repeat my renow what you have written. I should like to hear quest in the most urgent manner: dismiss me from it from your own lips." the service, and permit me to retire into private The archduke bowed and read in a tremulous life." voice: "What! " cried Francis, vehemently. "Your " DEAR, BRAVE TYROLESE: The news that peace emperor has informed you of his will, and you has been concluded will soon reach you. The em- dare to oppose it? That is a violation of suborperor has ordered me to confirm this intelligence dination, for which the emperor, as supreme comto you. The emperor would have done every thing mander of his army, would punish his rebellious to fulfil the wishes of the Tyrol, but, however general rigorously, but for the fact that this general great an interest the emperor takes in the fate of unfortunately is his brother. I repeat it, I do not the honest and excellent inhabitants of that prov- accept your resignation. You remain in the serince, he has had to submit to the stern necessity vice; I demand it as your general-in-chief; I reof making peace. I inform you of this by order mind you of the oath of allegiance which you have of his majesty, with the addition that it is his ma- sworn to me, your emperor and master." jesty's wish that the Tyrolese should keep quiet "Your majesty does right in reminding me of and not sacrifice themselves needlessly. the oath I took," said the archduke, with freezing " The Archduke JOHN." coldness. "It is true, I swore that oath; and as " H'in!" said the emperor, taking the paper from I am in the habit of keeping my word, and as it John's hand and contemplating it attentively, " it is disgraceful for any one to break his word and is written quite laconically indeed. But, no mat- perjure himself, I shall fulfil my oath. Hence, I ter, you have complied with my order and done shall obey my emperor and general-in-chief, and your duty." not leave the service. But now I ask leave of " I thank your majesty for this acknowledg- your majesty to withdraw for to-day, if your mament. And now that I have done my duty, I re- jesty has nothing further to say to me." quest your majesty to be so gracious as to dismiss " Yes, I have something else to say to you, my me from your service, and permit me to retire from dear brother," said the emperor, smilingly. "I the court into private life. I feel weak and ex- will give you a proof of the great confidence which hausted, and need repose. Moreover, since we I repose in you, and with which I count upon your have peace now, my services are superfluous and discretion. I will communicate to you a family may be easily dispensed with." secret which is known at present only to the Em"And you wish me to dismiss you very speedily, peror Napoleon, Baron von Thugut, who acted as do you not?" asked the emperor, sarcastically.' my agent on this occasion, and myself." "You would like to retire as quickly as possible "What!" asked John, in surprise; "the Eminto private life, that the whole world, and, above peror Napoleon is aware of a family secret of your all, the dear Tyrolese, may perceive that the noble majesty? " 234 ANDREAS HOFER. "As it concerns himself, he must be aware of seems Hudelist was not mistaken," he said. " My it,"' said the emperor. "'Napoleon intends to dear brother really loved Maria Louisa, and inmarry a second time." tended to become my son-in-law. What a nice "A second time? Has his first wife, the Em- idea! But he must give it up now. He-Holy press Josephine, then, died suddenly?" Virgin! What noise is that in the anteroom? "No, she still lives, and is acting yet at this What fell to the floor there?" moment in Paris as the emperor's legitimate con- The emperor stepped quickly to the door and sort. But Napoleon, immediately after his return opened it. " What is the matter here? " he asked. from Germany, will annul this marriage, which "Your majesty," exclaimed the footman, who was never consecrated by a priest; he will divorce hastened to him, "the archduke fainted and fell himself solemnly from his wife, and-have then the to the floor, striking with his head against the right of marrying a second time. He requested corner of a chair, and wounding his forehead, my secret agent, Baron von Thugut, to ask me if which is bleeding copiously." I would consent to a marriage between him and "Well, I hope it is only a slight scratch," said an Archduchess of Austria. I replied in the af- the emperor, composedly. " Carry the archduke firmative, and this agreement forms one of the to his bedchamber and send for my surgeon. I secret articles of the treaty of peace." will afterward call on him myself." " An Archduchess of Austria is to become the Without taking any further notice of the archconsort of the French despot! " cried John, in dis- duke, the emperor returned into his cabinet and may. "And who, your majesty, is to be sacrificed closed the door after him. to the Minotaur? Which of your sisters or cous-'LIe fainted," said Francis, triumphantly. ills will you let him have?" "Henceforth he shall be entirely powerless. No " None of my cousins or sisters," said Francis, one shall have any power here but myself. Ah, calmly, " but my eldest daughter, Maria Louisa, is I have broken his pride, bent his will, and prosto become the consort of the Emperor Napoleon." trated him at my feet. All my brothers shall bow "Maria Louisa! " cried John, with an expres- to me, acknowledge me as their master, and obey sion of dismay. "Maria Louisa!" me. Ah, I believe I have played a bad trick on And John staggered back several steps, as pale my brothers. The Archduke John will not beas a corpse, and grasped the back of the chair in come Duke of Tyrol; the Grand-duke Ferdinand order not to sink to the floor. of Wiirtzburg will not be Emperor of Austria, for Francis did not seem to perceive this.'" Yes, Napoleon will become my son-in-law, and he will Maria Louisa will be Napoleon's second consort," take good care not to deprive his father-in-law of he said. "Every thing is settled already, and the his throne. I alone am, and shall remain, Emmarriage will take place next March. I think, peror of Austria." brother, you may stand proxy for Napoleon on that occasion." The archduke gave a start, and pressed his CHAPTER XL. hands to his temples as if he were afraid lest this DREADFUL TIDINGS. dreadful "family secret" would burst his head. "Your majesty," he said, in a tremulous and ALL the Tyrolese were in the highest excitement almost inaudible voice, "Ibeg leave to withdraw." and terror. Pale faces were to be seen everyWithout waiting for a reply, the archduke where, and nothing was heard but the anxious turned and left the room with a tottering step, query: "Is it true? Has our emperor really and leaning now and then against the wall in order made peace with Bonaparte? Is it true that he not to sink to the floor. has abandoned us entirely, and that we are to beThe emperor looked after him, smilingly. "It come again subjects cf France and Bavaria?" DREADFUL TIDINGS. 235 And some of the timid and disheartened sighed: eral Baraguay d'Hilliers, who was also approach"It is true! We read so yesterday in the Inns- ing with a strong force. pruck Gazette, and the Viceroy of Italy has sent Joseph Speckbacher marched his intrepid men two messengers through the Puster valley to pro- to the Ziller valley and the Miihlbach Pass, where claim that the Emperors of Austria and France he united with Joachim Haspinger, and advanced concluded a treaty of peace on the 14th of Oc- with him upon the enemy. tober, and that the Tyrolese are to lay down their All were in good spirits, and no one believed in arms and become again subjects of France and the dreadful tidings which at first had frightened Bavaria." them all so much; no one believed that peace had "It is not true! " cried the bold and courageous. been made. "The Emperor Francis has not made peace with Andreas Hofer himself thought the news was Bonaparte; and if he has, he has certainly not false. He had remained courageous and unabandoned the Tyrol, but stipulated that we re- daunted in spite of the disastrous battle on Mount main with Austria; for he pledged us his word Isel, and he sent messengers throughont the counthat we should, and the emperor will redeem his try, calling upon all able-bodied men to take up promise." arms and attack the enemy, who had invaded the "It is' not true; there is no peace, and we are Tyrol once more. He was still encamped with still at war with the Bavarians and French," cried his army near Mount Isel, and had established his Joseph Speckbacher, " and we will continue the headquarters at Steinach. The crown prince of war." Bavaria had sent to him thither two plenipoten" Yes, we will," shouted his brave men. tiaries, who informed him that peace had really And as Speckbacher said, so did Andreas Hofer, been concluded, and that the Tyrolese had no so did Joachim Haspinger, so did Anthony Wall- course left but submission. But Andreas Hofer ner, Jacob Sieberer, and all the intrepid command- replied to these plenipotentiaries, shaking his ers of the sharpshooters. head indignantly, " That is a mean lie! The EmLed by these heroic men, the Tyrolese formed peror Francis, our beloved master, will never abanagain a large army, which took position on Mount don his loyal Tyrolese. He pledged us his word, Isel, and awaited there the Bavarians who were and he will keep it. Your intention is to deceive marching upon Innspruck under the command of us, but you cannot catch us by such stratagems. the crown prince Louis. We believe in the emperor and the good God, and This time, however, the Tyrolese were not vic- neither of them will ever abandon us! " torious; the Bavarians expelled them from Inn- And Andreas Hofer returned to his room with spruck, and, on the 29th of October, the crown a calm smile and went to bed. prince Louis of Bavaria made his triumphal entry In the dead of night, however, he was suddenly into the city, after a bloody battle of four days' aroused from his'sleep. Cajetan Dininger stood duration on Mount Isel and near the Judenstein. at his bedside and informed him that the intendA part of the Tyrolese forces remained on Mount ant of the Puster valley, Baron von Wdrndle, Isel, and another part hastened with unbroken had arrived with an envoy of the Emperor Francis, courage to other regions, to meet the armies of Baron von Lichtenthurn, and both wished urthe enemy and drive them beyond the frontiers gently to see the commander-in-chief. of the country. "I will admit them," said Hofer, rising hastily; Anthony Wallner returned with his sharpshoot- "God grant that they are the bearers of good ers to the Puster valley, and advanced thence news!" against General Rusca, who was coming up from He dressed himself quickly and followed DbninCarinthia with his corps; he intended to defend ger into the room, where he found the two envoys the frontiers of his country against him and Gen- and several members of his suite. 236 ANDREAS HOFER. "Now tell me, gentlemen, what news do you the enemy to entrap me. Arrest him; he must bring to us?" asked Hofer, shaking hands with confess all. I will not allow myself to be caught the two envoys. by cunning and treachery! " * "No good news, commander-in-chief," sighed He laid his heavy hand upon the shoulder of Baron von Wiirndle, " but there is no use in com- the baron, who sank to the floor, uttering a loud plaining; we must submit patiently to what can- cry of distress, and fell into fearful convulsions. not be helped. The Emperor Francis has made "See!" cried Andreas, "that is the punishpeace with France." ment of Heaven! The hand of God has struck "Do you sing in that strain too, Mr. Intend- him. He is a traitor, who intended to sell us to ant?" asked Andreas, with a mournful smile. the French." "I shall never believe it until I see it in black "No, he is an honorable man, and has told you and white, and until the emperor or the dear the truth," said Baron von Wbrndle, gravely. Archduke John informs me of it." "Your violent accusation frightened him, and he "I bring it to you in black and white," ex- fell into an epileptic fit. He is affected with that claimed Baron von Lichtenthurn, drawing a paper disease." t from his bosom and handing it to Andreas. He and some of the bystanders raised the un" Here is a letter from the Archduke John, which fortunate baron from the ground, and carried him I am to deliver to you." into the adjoining room. He then returned to Hofer hastily seized the paper, which contained Andreas, who was walking up and down with a that proclamation which the Archduke John had hasty step, and murmuring to himself, " I cannot written at Totis, andread it again and again slow- believe it! The Archduke John did not write ly and attentively. While he was doing so, his it. His hand would have withered while writing cheeks turned pale, his breath issued heavily and it. He did not do it." painfully from his breast, and the paper rustled in "Yes, Andreas, he did," said Wirndle, gravely; his trembling hands. " he was obliged to submit, as we all shall have "It is impossible! I cannot believe it!" he to do. The Archduke John was obliged to yield exclaimed, mournfully, gazing upon the paper. to the will of his emperor, as we shall have to do. "The Archduke John did not write this. Just The treaty of peace has been concluded. There look at it, his seal is not affixed to the paper. is no doubt of it." Sir, how can you say that this letter is from the "Lord God! the treaty of peace has been conArchduke John? Where is the seal? Where is cluded, and the emperor abandons us?" cried the address?" Andreas. "Well, it is no private letter," said Baron von "The emperor, it seems, was unable to do any Lichtenthurn; "it is an open letter, a proclama. thing for the Tyrol," said W6rndle, in a low tion, which I am instructed to show to everybody voice. " He had to consent that the Tyrol should in the Tyrol. A proclamation cannot contain a be restored to the French and Bavarians." seal and an address. But the Archduke John "But that is impossible! " cried Andreas, desent it; he himself wrote every word of it." spairingly. " He pledged us his word, his sacred "I do not believe it!" cried Andreas, in a tri- word, that he would never consent to a peace that umphant voice; "no, I do not believe it. You would detach the Tyrol from Austria. How can are a liar, and want to betray us. Look at him, you now insult the dear emperor by saying that my friends; see how pale he turns, and how he he has broken his word? " trembles! For I tell you he has a bad conscience. "He has not broken his word, but he was unBring me the Archduke John's seal, and then I will believe that the paper is from him. But, as * dreas Hoer's own words.-ee Hormayr's "Andreas Hofer," vol. ii., p. 490. it is, I look upon it as a cunning device got up by t Ibid. DREADFUL TIDINGS. 237 able to keep it. Look, commander-in-chief, I read, and still Andreas Hofer stood motionless, bring you another letter, to which, as you see, his hands folded on his breast, his head thrown is affixed a large imperial seal, the seal of the back, and his eyes turned toward heaven. All Viceroy of Italy, who wrote the letter to you and gazed in respectful silence upon that tall, imall the Tyrolese." posing form, which seemed frozen by grief, and at " Read it," exclaimed Andreas, mournfully; " I that pale, mournful face, and those pious eyes, cannot, my eyes are filled with tears. Read it to which seemed to implore consolation and salvame, sir." tion from heaven. W6rndle read as follows: At last Dininger ventured to put his hand softly " To the people of the Tyrol: His majesty the on Hofer's arm. "Awake, dear commander-inEmperor of the French, King of Italy, Protector chief," he said in a low voice, "awake from your of the Confederation of the Rhine, my august grief. These gentlemen here are waiting for an father and sovereign, and'his majesty, the Emperor answer. Tell them what you think-" of Austria, have made peace. Peace, therefore, " What I think?" cried Hofer, giving a start reigns everywhere around you. You are the only and dropping his eyes slowly. " What I think? people which does not enjoy its blessings. Se- I think that we are poor, unhappy men, who have duced by foreign instigations, you took up arms vainly risked our property and our blood, our libagainst your government, and overthrew it. The erty and our lives. Tell me, then, my friends, is melancholy consequences of your seditious course it possible that the Emperor Francis, whom we all have overtaken you. Terror reigns now in your loved so dearly, and who pledged us his word so towns, idleness and misery in your fields, and solemnly and often, has abandoned us after all? discord and disorder are to be found in all parts Cajetan, do you believe it? " of the country. His majesty the emperor and "It is in black and white here," said Dhninger, king, profoundly moved by your wretched con- in his habitual laconic style, pointing to the procdition, and the proofs of repentance which some lamation of the Archduke John. "It is the of you have manifested to him, has consented in archduke's handwriting; I am familiar with it. tlje treaty to forgive your errors. I bring you You need no longer question its authenticity. p'-ace and forgiveness, but I warn you of the fact, Peace has been concluded." that you will be forgiven only if you return of " Peace has been concluded, the emperor has your own accord to law and order, lay down your abandoned his Tyrol, the Tyrol is lost!" cried arms, and offer no longer any resistance whatever. Andreas, in a loud outburst of grief; and his longAs commander-in-chief of the armies surrounding restrained tears streamed from his eyes. Andreas you, I shall accept your submission, or compel was not ashamed of them. He threw himself on you to surrender. Commissioners will precede a chair, buried his face in his hands, and wept the armies; they have been instructed to listen aloud. to whatever complaints and grievances you may " The Tyrol is lost," he sobbed; " all my dear wish to prefer. But, do not forget that these countrymen are in profound distress, and, morecommissioners are authorized to listen to you over, in the utmost danger; our beloved, beautionly after you have laid down your arms. Tyro- ful country will have to shed rivers of blood, and lese! I promise that you shall obtain justice if nothing will be heard but wails and lamentations. your complaints and grievances are well-grounded. For the emperor has abandoned us, the enemy will Headquarters at Villach, October 25, 1809. reenter the country, kill and burn, and wreak a " EUGENE NAPOLEON." * terrible revenge upon our people!-Lord God," he Baron von Wirndle had long since ceased to exclaimed all at once, " can I not do any thing, then, for my dear country? Tell me, my friends, * Hormayr's "Andreas Hofer," vol. i., p. 490. can I not do any thing to avert this great calam 238 ANDREAS HOFER. ity and save the lives of my dear country- And Andreas Hofer dictated in a low, tremulous men?" voice, often interrupted by sighs which issued from "Yes, Andreas," said Baron von Wirndle, " you his breast like the groans of a dying man, a letter can do a great deal for the Tyrol and your coun- to General Drouet, in which he promised in touchtrvmen. You can prevent bloodshed, soften the ing words that the Tyrolese would lay down their vindictiveness of the enemy, and induce him to arms, and said they would trust, for pardon and spare the vanquished and wreak no revenge on the oblivion of the past, to the magnanimity of Nadisarmed. Write a proclamation to the Tyrolese, poleon, whose footsteps were guided by a superior admonish them to keep quiet, and order them to power, which it was no longer permitted them to lay down their arms. Return yourself to your resist. home, your inn, and you will have done on this "There," he said, after convincing himself that mournful day more for the Tyrol than you have Dininger had written exactly what he had dicbeen able to' do for it up to this time; for you tated,, "now give me thepen, Cajetan. I will sign will thereby save the Tyrol from untold disasters, it myself." which will surely befall the country if you resume He bent over the table, and wrote quickly what hostilities against enemies who are a hundred times he had so often written under his decrees, " Ansuperior to us. It is impossible for us to with- dreas Hofer, commander-in-chief of the Tyrol." stand them successfully. Their columns, well But then he gave a start, and contemplated his provided with artillery, are moving upon all sides, signature long and musingly. Heaving a profound and the whole Tyrol, as the Viceroy of Italy writes, sigh, and casting a mournful glance toward heaven, is surrounded. We have no course left but sub- he took up the pen a second time, and added the mission. Orderthe Tyrolese, therefore, to submit, word "late," slowly and with a trembling hand, set a good example to them yourself, and the Ty- to his title " commander-in-chief of the Tyrol." * rol is saved, and no more blood will be shed." "Now come, Cajetan," he exclaimed, throwing "No more blood will be shed!" repeated An- down the pen, as if it was a viper which had dreas lofer, joyously. "Well, then, I see that wounded him, "come, Cajetan. I will go to my you are right, and that we have no course left but sharpshooters and exhort them to disband, d submission. It is true, the emperor has abandoned afterward I will return with you to my inn in ne us, but the good God will still stand by us; and on Passeyr valley, in order to set a good example to seeing that we are humble and submissive He will all, and show them how to submit quietly and have mercy upon us. Sit down, Cajetan; I will patiently." dictate a letter to you. To whom must I write on And Andreas Hofer acted accordingly. He orbehalf of my beloved country?" dered his men to disband, and after they had " Write to General Drouet," said Dininger. " It obeyed his order in sullen silence, he himself, acwas he who wrote to you yesterday from Inns- companied only by his faithful Cajetan Dininger, pruck, informing you of the conclusion of peace, went back to his home. and promising that, if you and all the Tyrolese'But neither the joyous welcome with which his would submit, no harm should befall any one. You wife, faithful Anna Gertrude, received him, nor refused to answer his letter because you did not the jubilant shouts of his children, could arouse believe him." Andreas Hofer from his mournful brooding, or " I did not believe him," said Andreas, gently, bring a smile to his lips. He did not rejoice at "for I still believed in my emperor. But I see his return to his dear ones; he paid no attention now that General Drouet was right; I will, there- to his business, he did not go to the stables and fore, write to him, and recommend my country barns as he used to do; but he sat hanging his and the good and brave Tyrolese to his mercy. Take up the pen, Cajetan, and write." * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 173. DREADFUL TIDINGS. 239 head, his hands folded on his knees, staring at the One of the four sharpshooters who had entered floor, and sighing from time to time, " My poor the room now came forward, and placed himself country! How could the emperor abandon us?" with a defiant face in front of Hofer. Only when Cajetan Dbninger was not with him, "We want you," he said. "Three thousand Andreas Hofer became uneasy; he glanced around French soldiers are marching across the Janfen. l anxiously and called for his secretary; when the There is great excitement in the Puster valley, latter hastened to him, he held out his hand and and some fighting has taken place. Anthony said in a low, tremulous voice, "Cajetan, do not Wallner has driven the Bavarians long since leave me. I always think I may have something across the frontier, and Speckbacher and the Cato write yet, and it seems to me as though what I puchin have marched to the Miihlbach Pass in dictated to you at Steinach, declaring my readi- order to attack Rusca. And why are we to keep ness to submit, were not the last of my official quiet, then? Why are we to allow the French papers. Something else must come yet,-yes, to enter the Passeyr valley?" something else. I know it, for this state of affairs "We will not allow them to do it! " shouted cannot last. Therefore, Cajetan, stay with me that the peasants outside. "No, we will not allow the you may be ready and able to write when the hour French to enter the Passeyr valley." has come." "You hear it, commander-in-chief," said the Cajetan stayed with him; both sat together in first speaker. " We are all ready and determined. silence, and absorbed in their gloomy reflections, Now say what we are to do with the French. and the days passed slowly and mournfully. Will you do any thing or not? " It was on the afternoon of the fifth day, and "Yes, will you do any thing or not? " repeated Andr.eas Hofer sat in silence, as usual, in the the peasants, penetrating with furious gestures gloomy room. Every thing was still without. All into the room. at once this profound silence was broken by a hum "If you do not want to do any thing," cried of many voices and loud noise. the peasant, raising his rifle menacingly, "my rifle Hofer looked up and listened. " That sounds is loaded for you as well as for any Frenchman. as if we were still at war, and as if my sharpshoot- You commenced the insurrection, now put it ers were marching up," he said. through." * " Andreas Hofer, commander-in-chief of the Ty- "But you know, countrymen, that I cannot?" rol! " shouted loud voices under the windows. cried Hofer. " The emperor has made peace with Hofer jumped up. "Who calls me?" he Bonaparte and abandoned us. What course have shouted, in a powerful voice. we left but that of submission? We must yield, At this moment the door was thrown open vio- or the Tyrol will be ruined entirely." lently, and four mountaineers, armed with their "But we do not want to submit," shouted the rifles, came in. I Hofer saw through the open door peasants, furiously. "And the whole country is that the yard in front of the house was thronged of our opinion; no one is willing to submit. We with peasants, and all looked with flashing eyes will die rather than submit." through the door at Hofer; and they shouted now, "Issue another proclamation calling out the "Andreas Hofer, commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, able-bodied men! " said the first speaker. come with us, come!" "Yes, issue another proclamation, commanderAndreas Hofer seemed all at once animated by in-chief," shouted the crowd. " We will fight, we new life; his eyes shot fire, his form was drawn must fight! " up to its full height, and his head rose again proud- "And you shall and must be our leader! " ex ly between his powerful shoulders. claimed the peasant, laying his heavy hand on "What do you want of me, my dear country" * Loritza, "Bilder und Erinnerungen aus Tyrol's men? " he asked, going to meet them. Freihettskampfen von 1809," p. 14. 240 ANDREAS HOFER. Hofer's shoulder. "We will compel you to go mountaineers from day to day; whole ranks of with us, or kill you as a traitor. Issue another the Tyrolese being mowed down by the balls of proclamation. We men are still the.same as be- the enemy. They fled panic-struck into the mounfore, and so is our cause; now you must likewise tains. The victorious invaders penetrated farther be the same Andreas Hofer, commander-in-chief and farther into the interior of the country; burnof the Tyrol!" ing towns and villages marked the route which. "Yes," exclaimed Andreas, with a radiant face, they followed, and wails and lamentations rent the drawing a deep breath,'as if relieved from an op- air wherever they made their appearance. pressive burden, "yes, I will be the same as be- Before the middle of December all resistance fore. This state of affairs cannot continue. We had been overpowered. The enemy stalked in a must fight; we had better die than lead such a merciless manner over the gory, reeking, groaning life. Go, DSninger, go; write a proclamation!" Tyrol, and pursued relentlessly all who had dared "Hurrah! Long live our commander-in-chief," to rise against him. He had'promised oblivion shouted the peasants, triumphantly; " long live and forgiveness in return for peaceful submission: our dear, faithful Andreas Hofer! " but as the Tyrolese had not submitted, but con"I thank you, my dear countryman," said tinued the struggle, the enemy now threatened to Andreas; "I am your leader now, and we will revenge himself and punish the vanquished. fight again. But do not hold me responsible for A furious chase now commenced. Every one the events of the future. You must never forget who had been seized with arms in hand was shot; that you compelled me to resume war. I intend- every one who concealed one of the pursued paed to submit humbly and patiently, but you would triots in his house was executed, and his house not allow me to do so, and dragged me forcibly was burned down. from my retirement. The bloody struggle will The leaders of the Tyrolese had fled into the commence again-God grant us protection, and mountains, but the French generals promised further victories! We are not going to fight large rewards for the heads of the most influential from motives of pride and arrogance, but only for patriots; and the soldiers traversed the country, the sake of our country-because we want to re- impelled by thirst for revenge and gain, spying main Germans, and do not want to become French everywhere for the outlawed mountaineers, and subjects, and because we want to keep our God, ascending even to the snow-clad summits of the our liberty, and our constitution. Amen! " mountains in order to obtain the large rewards. As yet, however, they had not succeeded in seizing one of the pursued chiefs. The French gencrals'had vainly promised a reward of ten thousand florins for the apprehension of Andreas CHAPTER XLI. Hofer, and rewards of five thousand florins for the seizure of Joseph Speckbacher, Anthony BETRAYAL AND SEIZURE OF HOFER. Wallner, and Joachim Haspinger. They had disWAR was now resumed at all points; but the appeared, and the patrols and soldiers, who were forces brought.from all sides against the Tyrol hunting for them, had not yet been able to- diswere so immense that no hope remained to the cover the hiding-place of any of the four great inhabitants but by deeds of glory to throw a last chiefs of the insurrection. The mountains, those radiance around their fall. The Tyrolese fought natural fortresses of the Tyrol, protected the outwith desperate valor, but their heroism was un- lawed commanders; and in the Alpine huts, availing.'The superior forces of the enemy were amidst the chamois and vultures, which alone everywhere victorious. The artillery of the Ba- saw and knew their hiding-places, there were no varians and French thinned the ranks of the traitors. BETRAYAL AND SEIZURE OF HOFER. 241 Retiring to his native valley, Andreas Hofer my messenger to find Andreas Hofer, and bring long eluded the search of the victors. His place him assistance and safety." of concealment was a solitary Alpine hut, four On reading this, the peasants distrusted him no leagues distant from his home, in general inacces- longer. They glanced furtively up to the Schneesible from the snow which surrounded it. Love berg, pointed to the two wanderers, loaded with had accompanied Andreas to this inhospitable baskets, who were toiling up the mountain spot. His wife and his son John were with him, through the snow, and whispered almost inauand so was Cajetan Dbninger, his faithful secreta- dibly, " Follow them! " ry. Love had accompanied him to the Alpine The messenger did so. He climbed after the hut of his friend Pfandler; love watched over two servants, and ascended with them the inhoshim in the valley below. Many peasants there pitable, dreary, and deserted heights. At length were well aware of Hofer's place of concealment; he arrived in front of the Alpine hut; he knocked but no one betrayed him, no one was tempted by at the door, and asked admittance in the name of the reward of ten thousand florins which Bara- God and the Archduke John. guay d'Hilliers, the French general, offered for The door opened immediately, and on the Hofer's apprehension. They often saw Pfandler's threshold appeared 1Hofer's tall, bearded form, as servants, loaded with all sorts of provisions, erect and vigorous as it had been in the days of wending their way slowly and painfully up the his splendor, and his mild, honest eye greeted the snow-clad Alp; but they averted their heads, as new-comer. though they did not want to see anything, and "He who comes in the name of God and the prayed God in a low tone to protect the messen- Archduke John will not deceive me," said Angers who conveyed food to Hofer and his dear dreas, kindly. "Come in, therefore; for you ones. The peasants in the valley forbore care- must have good intentions toward me, inasmuch fully to speak among each other of what they ns the severe cold did not deter you from comknew; only they treated Pfandler with reveren- ing up to me." tial tenderness, shook hands with him quietly, "Indeed I have good intentions toward you," and whispered, "God bless you and him!" At said the messenger. "Do you not know me, times, on a clear winter day, when thin smoke then, Andy? I am Anthony Steeger, the Archcurled up suddenly from the Alp, the peasants in duke John's gunsmith." the valley looked up sighingly and whispered "Oh, yes, now I know you! " exclaimed Ancompassionately, "they have built a fire in their dreas, joyfully. "I saw you in Vienna at the hut. The cold is so severe. God bless them!" time we were there to devise plans for the delivBut whenever one whom they did not trust step- erance of the Tyrol. Well, come in, Anthony ped up to them, wondering at the smoke, and Steeger; come in to my wife, my son, and my saying that somebody was concealed up there, secretary." and had built a fire in order not to freeze to He conducted Anthony Steeger into the room, death, the others laughed at him, and said there where the three greeted him, and made room for was no smoke at all, but only snow blown up by him in front of the hearth, on which large billets the storm. of wood were burning. One day, however, a stranger arrived in the val- Anthony Steeger looked around in this wretched Icy, and asked whisperingly for Andreas Hofer, to room, which contained nothing but a few rickety whom, he said, he would bring assistance and wooden chairs, and a rough-hewn pine table, and safety. At first no one replied to him; but he the walls and windows of which were protected showed them a paper, bearing the name and seal from the cold by thick linings of hay and straw. of the Archduke John, and containing the follow- "Yes, you may well look around in my paling words, written by the prince himself: "Help ace," said Andreas, smilingly; "it is not very 16 242 ANDREAS tHOFER. gorgeous here, but the good God is with us, and "Pray do not hesitate, Andy," said Anthony He will help us to get along." Steeger, urgently. " The archduke implores you "And the Archduke John will help you also," not to grieve hlim by rejecting his offer, but to resaid Anthony Steiger. "Listen to me, Andreas. lieve his conscience from the heavy debt which he The archduke sends me to you. He sends you has hitherto been unable to discharge to the Tyhis greetings, and entreats you to come with your rol. You shall escape for his sake and for the family to him and stay with him all your life long, good of the fatherland, and save your life for betor, if you should not like to do that, at least until ter times, which will surely dawn upon the Tyrol. you can live again safely in the Tyrol. The arch- Do it, Andreas. Let us go to work immediately. duke has already fitted up a house for you in a See, I have with me all that you need, and wear village which belongs to him; you shall live there two suits of clothes; one is destined for you, and with your whole family as the beloved and hon- you will put it on. And here is the razor, with ored guests of the archduke. He implores you to which we shall shave off your beard; and when it accept his invitation. I have with me every thing is gone, and you have put on the new clothes, no that is necessary for your flight, Andy. The arch- one will scent the Barbone in the man with a forduke has given me money, a passport for you and eign dress and a smooth chin. Come now, Andy, your family, and safeguards issued by the French and do not hesitate." generals. I am familiar with the roads and by- "I am to make quite another man of myself," paths in this vicinity, and will convey you safely said Andreas, shaking his head, "merely to save through the mountains. The archduke has my miserable life? I am to deny my dear Pasthought of every thing and provided for every seyr? I am to shave off my beard, which I have thing." worn so long in an honorable manner, and by "It is very kind in the dear Archduke John which every one knows me throughout the Tyrol? not to have forgotten me," said Andreas, deeply No, Anthony Steeger, I will never do that!" moved; " it is honest and faithful that he should "If you do not, Andreas, you are lost," said like to take care of me and reward my love. And Anthony Steeger. "I am afraid the French are it is very kind in you, too, Anthony Steeger, to already on your track. A peasant said he had have acted in this spirit of self-denial. You have seen you up here the other day." come from a great distance to save us, and are "Yes, it was Raffel. He came up here to look not afraid of venturing with us upon this most for his cow, and met me here. But I gave him dangerous flight." money not to betray my secret, and he promised "And you accept my offer, Andy, and consent me solemnly that he would not." to accompany me, do you not?" "'He must have violated his pledge already, "And what of them?" asked Andreas, casting Andy; for he told Donay, the priest, about it, "a tender glance on his wife and his son. " The and the latter boasted publicly yesterday that he;route across the glaciers is impassable for a wo- was aware of Andreas Hofer's place of concealnman and a child." ment." "First save yourself, my Andy," exclaimed "It is true, Donay is a bad and mean man," Anna Gertrude; "save yourself for us and the said Andreas Hofer, musingly; "but I do not beeounfry. After you are gone and have:arrived at lieve he will be so mean as to betray me, whom a place of safety, the enemy will hardly trouble us he always called his best commander-in-chief and any,more, and I will follow you then with the dearest friend." childven." "He is mean enough to do it," murmured DiY"~~ou need not be anxious, so far as your wife ninger. " The magnitude of the price set on your and dhildren are concerned," said Dininger. " I head will induce him to betray his benefactor." wilnout leave them, but bring them to you." "Andy," cried Anna Gertrude, bursting into BETRAYAL AND SEIZU1iE OF HOFER. 243 tears, and clinging to her husband, "save your- "Then you have made up your mind, rndy, self! If you love me and the children, save your- not to go with me?" self; cut offyour beard, put on the new suit of "I have, Anthony. But if you will do me a clothes, and escape from your bloodthirsty ene- great favor, take my wife and my boy with you, for ruies. Save yourself, for the sake of your wife the enemy threatens them as well as me. Take and your poor children!" them with you, Anthony, convey them across the "I cannot," said Andreas, mournfully, em- mountains, and conduct them to the Archduke bracing his wife tenderly; "no, so help me God, John." I cannot leave my dear, unhappy country. I "It is impossible," said Anthony Steeger, mournknow full well that I shall not avert any calami- fully, " the roads are so full of snow that they are ties from the Tyrol by staying here, but I will at utterly impassable for women and children." least share its misfortunes. I was unable to save "And you would advise me to leave them my native country; I will, therefore suffer with here?" asked Andreas Hofer, reproachfully. " I it. A good captain does not desert his ship- am to leave here my most precious treasures merely wrecked vessel, but dies with it; and thus I will to save my miserable life? No, my friend, I not desert my country either, but die with it. I shall stay here with my wife and child and Dowill do all I can to save myself, but I will not ninger there. But you must go now and save leave the Tyrol; I will not cut off my beard nor yourself; for, if the enemy should really come, it put on other clothes. I will not mask and dis- would be bad for you to be found here." guise myself, but will remain in adversity what I "I will go, Andy, not to save myself, however, was in the days of prosperity, Andreas Hofer, the but to convey your message speedily to the archBarbone. State that to the dear archduke, An- duke, that he may save you in another way by the thony Steeger, and tell him also that I am very emperor's intercession. In the valley I shall tell grateful to him for wishing to save me in his way, every one that you are no longer in this Alpine and that I hope he will not be angry with me for hut, but have already succeeded in escaping to being unable to accept his kind offer, or for wish- Vienna, so that it will be unnecessary for the ing to live and die with my country. If he wishes enemy to pursue you any longer." to do any thing for me, let him go to the Emperor "Do so, Anthony Steeger; and if they believe Francis, and tell him I am well aware that he you, I shall be glad of it. But go now; I am himself would never have forgotten us, but that anxious on your account, and think something his bad ministers did it all, sand betrayed the poor might happen to you here. Go, my dear friend." Tyrol so perfidiously. Let him beseech the em- He drew Steeger to the door, and, not permitperor to intercede vigorously in behalf of the ting him to take a long leave of the others, conTyrol and of myself, but not to separate me from ducted him out of the hut, and then embraced the Tyrol."* him tenderly. "Now listen to what I wish to "Andreas," cried his wife, despairingly, "you tell you," he whispered, in a low voice. " I must are lost-I feel it here in my heart-you are lost, stay here to save my wife and my boy. The two if you do not flee with Steeger this very night." cannot flee now, as you yourself admitted to mf "And I feel it here in my heart that I must If I should escape now, and leave them here, the stay here, even though I should be lost," said An- enemy would spy out their place of concealment dreas, firmly. "Well, you must weep no more, and revenge himself upon them; he would torture Anna Gertrude; and you, Anthony Steeger, ac- and kill them in his rage at not having captured cept my cordial thanks for your kind and generous me. But if I stay, and the French should find intentions." me, I believe they would release my wife and my son and do no harm to them;for then they would * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 188. have got me, and they are entirely innocent. Go 244 ANDREAS HOFER. then, my dear friend; tell the archduke all I have Night came at last-the last night which they said to you, and greet him a thousand times from were to pass at this hut. At the break of day his faithful Andy. Now farewell, and go with they were to set out for their new place of conGod's blessing!-" cealment. He nodded once more kindly to Anthony They went to bed at an early hour. Andreas Steeger, and returned quickly into the Alpine Hofer had sent the two servants down to Brandach, hut. He found his wife in tears; little John, her where they were to get some articles necessary for son, was kneeling before her, with his head against the trip on the morrow. Hofer and his wife slept his mother's knees, and weeping also. Ddninger in the room below. Cajetan Dbninger and little stood at the hearth and stared into the fire. John Hofer lay in the small hay-loft, to which a Andreas Hofer went to him and laid his hand ladder led up from the room. gently on his shoulder. "Cajetan," he asked, But Ddninger did not sleep. He thought all mildly, " did I do right?" the while of Raffel, who had come up here three "Yes, commander-in-chief, you did," said Dbn- days ago and seen Andreas; he thought of Donay, inger, solemnly. the priest, to whom Raftel had betrayed Hofer's "I want to tell you something more, Cajetan," place of concealment. lie knew that Donay, added Andreas. ", What Steeger said about Raf- who, up to the days of adversity, had always profel and Donay may be true; the French may have fessed to be Hofer's friend and an extreme pardiscovered my place of concealment, and may tisan of the insurrection, had suddenly, since the come up here. Hence, dear Cajetan, you must enemy had reoccupied the Tyrol, changed his leave me and escape, lest they should seize you, colors, become a preacher of peace and submistoo." sion, and an ardent adherent of the French, with "A good servant leaves his master no more whose officers he held a great deal of intercourse. than a captain deserts his shipwrecked vessel," He knew Donay's avaricious and treacherous charsaid Dininger, firmly. "You refuse to leave your acter, and, therefore, he trembled for Andreas native country in its adversity, because you love Hofer's safety. He lay uneasy and full of anxiety it. I refuse, likewise, to leave you in the days of on his couch, listening all the while for suspicious your adversity, because I love you. I shall stay sounds. But nothing was heard but the storm here." howling and whistling about the hut, and the regAndreas Hofer encircled DIninger with his ular respirations of the two sleepers in the room arms and folded him tenderly to his heart. " Stay below. with me, then, my Cajetan," he said, affection- Hour passed after hour; all remained silent, ately. "God knows my heart would have grieved and Dbninger felt somewhat relieved, for day had you consented to leave me. And now, Anna would soon dawn, when the hour of flight would Gertrude, do not weep any longer. Make haste, be at hand. D6ninger dropped his head slowly dear wife, pack up all your things, and let us go on the hay to sleep an hour and invigorate himearly to bed. For early in the morning we will self for to-morrow's trip. However, no sooner leave this hut. I know another Alpine hut at no had he done so than he gave a start, lifted up his great distance from here; I believe we will be able head again, and listened. He had beard a sound to get thither, and we will take with us as many outside. The sound, as it were, of many apthings as we can carry. Make haste, therefore, proaching footsteps which creaked on the frozen dear Anna Gertrude!" snow. Anna Gertrude dried her tears, and, flushed Dininger crept cautiously to the small hole in with new hope, packed up their things in four the roof and looked out. The moon shed her small bundles, so that each might carry one ac- pale light on the white snow-field around the hut, cording to his strength. and Dhninger could see and recognize everything. ; L~~~'r- — ~~-_iL —L ~.~======;====~ —==z71 I~~~-~~~IL- -~~ _-====-==;F~=__~l= C~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-?_~-_~ _ -— ~-_ HE SA A DTACHENT O SOLIERSOOMIN UP.p.~5 BETRAYAL AND SEIZURE OF HOFER. 245 He saw a detachment of soldiers coming up yon- Hofer, late commander-in-chief of the Tyrolese, der. He saw them halt at a short distance from I ask for quarter and good treatment." the hut. He then saw two forms approaching the "I cannot promise' any: thing to a rebel," rehut.' ow they stood still in front of it., The' plied the officer, contemptuously. moon shone brightly-into the face of one ofthem; "But you have come to seize me, and none but Ddninger recognized him at once; it was Raffel, me," continued Andreas, in a gentle voice. "Well, the betrayer. The other was a French officer. then, here I am; do with me as you please. But The latter stood still at a distance of some steps I ask you to have mercy upon my wife and my from the hut, but Raffel went close up to the door, son, and this young man, for they are entirely applied his ear to it, and listened.' innocent." * "They are here," he then said to the officer in The officer made no reply. He sighed to' his a low voice. The officer immediately lifted up soldiers, and ordered them to bind Andreas iHofeer his arm and shouted "Forward!" The soldiers and the others in "such': a manner as to render it advanced and surrounded the hut. All was lost! utterly impossible for them to esc'ape. Diininger awakened the sleeping boy. "John," The soldiers rushed furiohsly upon. the defencehe said in a low voice, ":let us go down to father.: less captives, tied their hands on their backs, and The French have come." w' wound the' ropes round their necks, so that they The boy uttered a' loud cry. "The French could drag them forward like oxen. And after have come!" he exclaimed, despairingly; "they binding Andreas Hofer, so that they were no want to arrest my father!" longer afraid of his strong arms, they surrounded "Come,' said Doninger, imperatively; and he him with scornful laughter, tore handflls of- hair took the boy in his arms, and hastened with him from his beard, and said they'would keep them down the ladder into the room below. "as souvenirs of General Barbone." Blood' stream"Awake," he said, bending- over Andreas ed from his lacerated face, but the'cold froze it Hofer; "the enemy has come."'' and transformed the gory beard' into a:blood-red Andreas started' up and stared incredulously at icicle, which pricked the numerous wounds in his D6ninger; but his wife rose, uttering low lamen- chin every moment, and inflicted intense pain. tations, and dressed herself hurriedly. Andreas did not complain;,he looked only at "Let us flee," she murmured; "quick, quick, his wife, his son, and his friend, who,- bound like let us escape by the back door." himself, scantily dressed and barefooted like him"The hut is surrounded," said Ddninger, assist- self, were dragged down the mountain, which was ing Hofer in dressing. " We can no longer flee." covered with snow and ice;' into the plain below. "Is that true?" asked Andreas, calmly. His hands, into which the rope was cutting all the It is, commander-in-chief." while, were very sore; his bare feet swelled from "Well,' then, as it pleases God," said Hofer, walking on thoesnow and were torn by' the icicles. crossing himself; and, traversing the room quick- Still Andreas did not complain; but oihearing ly,'he opened the front door. the low wails of his son, on seeing that every footThe soldiers stood four files deep, shouldering step of his wife, who was dragged along before their muskets. Andreas advanced fearlessly close him, left a bloody spot in the snow, he burst into up to the enemy. loud'sobs, and two tears rolled slowly down his "Is there one' of you, gentlemen, who speaks cheeks into his beard, where they froze in the German? " he asked, with entire calmnness. blood. "I do," said the officer, stepping rapidly for- The dreadful march was continued to Meran. ward. French generals, staff-officers, and soldiers awaited Andreas greeted him with a proud nod of the Andread.s Hofer's own then," e ords.-See ""I am AndreGallery of roes." head. "Well, then," he said, "I am Andreas roes." 246 ANDREAS HOFER. the tottering prisoners at the gate. The soldiers Andreas, pointing to his boy. "And our three greeted the captured " bandit chief Barbone " with little girls, are they to become entirely helpless, loud cheers and scornful laughter; and Andreas and have neither father nor mother to protect Hofer and the others entered the city, preceded them? Anna Gertrude, you must be father and by a band which played a ringing march. The mother to them; you must not leave them and French were overjoyed, but the citizens stood in our boy. You must preserve their small inherifront of their houses, and, regardless of the pres- tance to themn, bring them up in the fear of the ence of their cruel enemies, greeted Andreas Hofer Lord, and teach them, also, to love their poor fawith tears and loud lamentations. ther and honor his memory." The journey was continued on the following day "Husband, dear husband, I cannot leave you, to Botzen; only the prisoners, whose bleeding I cannot!" sobbed the poor woman. "Do not and lacerated feet refused to carry them any thrust me from your heart, do not leave me belonger, had been laid on a common farm-wagon, hind, all alone and without consolation." and some clothing had been thrown over them. Andreas lifted his arm and pointed up to At Botzen Andreas Hofer received cheering heaven. "There is our Consoler," he said; " He news. A noble German lady, the wife of Baron will help you. Confide in Him, Anna Gertrude. de Giovanelli, had dared to implore the Frencll Go to your children, be father and mother to General Baraguay d'Hilliers to have mercy on Ho- them, and love them in my and your name." fer's unfortunate and innocent family; to save At this moment the door of the prison opened, them, she had knelt down before the genera and and the jailer, followed by soldiers, came in. besought him with heart-rending lamentations. "Andreas Hofer," said the jailer, imperatively, Baraguay d'Hilliers had been unable to withstand "come! The wagon which is to colivey you to her supplications, and consented to release those Mantua is in readiness. As for you others, befor whom she pleaded. gone; you have no longer any business here. " The viceroy's orders," he said, "are only to Come, Andreas Hofer, come!" the effect that the Sandwirth Hofer be conveyed "Let nme first bless my wife and my son, my to Mantua. I yield to your prayers, therefore, friend," said Hofer; and, laying his hands on the madame; his companions shall be released, and heads of his wife and child, he blessed them in a shall not be molested again. His wife may re- loud voice, and commended them to the protecturn with her son to her home, and carry on the tion of the Lord. Dininger knelt behind him, inn as heretofore; but she must be cautious and and Andreas Hofer laid his hand on his head also, not expose herself to new dangers by imprudent blessed him, and thanked him for his love and words. The young man may go wherever he fidelity. pleases." "Come now, come!" cried the soldiers; and This was the cheering intelligence which Au- they seized him with rude violence and dragged dreas Hlfer received on the third day of his cap- him forward. tivity in the jail where he and his dear ones lay Anna Gertrude burst into loud lamentations in on wet straw. her grief and despair, and clung to Hofer in the "See, Cajetan," he exclaimed, joyfully, "it anguish of her love. turns out just as I said. My seizure releases my " Do not lament any longer," said Andreas, wife and my child, and relieves them from all mildly; "bring your grief as an offering to the dangers." crucified Redeemer, and show now that you are "But I will not leave you," cried Anna Ger- Hofer's wife. Farewell, love! Kiss our children! trude, embracing'him tenderly; "I will stay and Forward now!" die with you." And he led the way with a rapid step. Anna;' And is our son yonder to die too? " asked Gertrude, pale as a corpse, trembling and totter. THE WARNING., 247 ing, seized her son's hand and rushed after her husband. Cajetan Ddninger followed them reso- CHAPTER XLII. lutely and with a defiant expression of counTHE WARNING. tenance. At the street-door stood the farm-wagon, cov- THE French hunted throughout the Tyrol for ered with straw, which was to convey Andreas the unfortunate men who had hitherto been the Hofer to Mantua. Ten soldiers with loaded mus- heroes of the fatherland, but who, since their kets stood upon it, and a crowd of soldiers sur- cause had succumbed, were called rebels and trairounded it. tors. The soldiers who were in search of this noble Andreas Hofer walked calmly and with head game, for which large rewards were offered to erect through their ranks to the wagon. His wife them, had already succeeded in arresting one of had knelt down; she wept and sobbed bitterly, the heroes of the Tyrol; Peter Mayer had fallen and embraced convulsively her son, who gazed in into their hands, and, having been tried by a milidismay at his father. tary commission at Botzen, was shot. But they Andreas HIofer had now ascended the wagon. had been unable as yet to discover the hidingThe soldiers stepped back, and the driver whipped places of the other insurgent leaders, despite the up the horses. large prices which the government had set upon Suddenly, Cajetan D6ninger elbowed his way to their heads. Joseph Speckbacher, for whom the the wagon, and signed to the driver to stop. soldiers were hunting most eagerly, had disap"I shall accompany Hofer," he said, grasping peared. The French and Bavarians ransacked the side-railing of the wagon in order to mount it. every house where they suspected he might be "No, no," cried the jailer, hastening to him. concealed; they inflicted the heaviest fines and "You are mistaken, you are free." most cruel tortures on the friends of the fugitive Dininger, still clinging to the railing of the chief, because they would not betray the place wagon, turned to him. "What said the general's where their beloved commander was concealed; order? " he asked. but all was in vain. Joseph Speckbacher had " It said,'The young man is free, and call go disappeared, and so had Father Haspinger and wherever he pleases.'" Anthony Wallner.* "Well, then," said Dininger, mounting the. wagon quickly, "the young man will accompany * Speckbacher had fled to the higher mountains, where, on one of the summits of the Eisgletscher, in a cavern disAndreas Hofer to Mantua. Forward, driver, covered by him in former times when pursuing the chaforward! " mois, he lay for several weeks in the depth of winter, supported by salt provisions, eaten raw, lest the smoke of a The driver whipped up the horses, and the fire should betray his place of concealment to his pursuwagon started for Mantua.* crs. Happening one day, in the beginning of March, to walk to the entrance for a few minutes to enjoy the ascending sun, an avalanche, descending from the summit of * Donay, the priest who betrayed Andreas Hofer, acDo the priest who betrayed Andreas Hofer, a the mountain above, swept him along with it, down to the cording to the general belief of the Tyrolese, was soonr.cording to the general belief of the Tyrolese, was distance of half a mile on the slope beneath, and disloafterwlrds appointed imperial chaplain at the chapel of Lorett), by a special decree of the Emperor Napoleon, and rounded only by ice and snow, tracked on every side by rounded only by ice and Snow, tracked on every side by recei~d, besides, large donations in lands and money. — recei, besides lare donations In lands and money.- ruthless pursuers, his situation was, to all appearance, See I)rmayr's'"Andreas Hofer," vol. ii., p. 507. —'The peasrmy nes Hfe," vol, p. 5 es desperate; but even then the unconquerable energy of his ant Francis Joseph affel who had betraed ofer's mind and the incorruptible fidelity of his friends saved place of concealment to Donay, was afterward called place of concement to Donay, was afterward called him from destruction. Summoning up all his courage, he,Ju.a:3Is~cariot throughout the Tyrcl. Every one turned contrived to drag himself along the snow for several his back upon him with the utmost horror, and the men i bk upon him with the utmost horror, and the men leagues, during the night, to the village of Volderberg, of the Passeyr valley told him they would shoot him if he where, to avoid iscovery, he crept into the stable. His where, to avoid discovery, he crept into the stable. His did not hang himself within a week. Raffel fled in great faithful friend gave him a kind reception, and carried him dismLy to Bavaria, where the government gave him a on his back to Rinn, where his wife and children were, smal office in the revenue department.-See "Gallery of and where Zoppel, his devoted domestic, concealed himr in Horces: Afidreas Hofer," p. 191. ea hole in the cowhouse, beneath where the cattle stood, though beyond the reach of their feet, where he was covy 248 ANDREAS HOFER. General Broussier was especially exasperated I these letters told her of her friend's happiness, of at the last named, the valiant commander of Win- her attachment to her young husband, who treated disch-Matrey, and he had promised a reward of her with the utmost kindness and tenderness. one thousand ducats to him who would arrest Eliza had received this afternoon another-letter i' that dangerous demagogue and bandit-chief, An- from her friend; v, ith a melancholy smile she read thony Aichberger-Wallner," and deliver him to the Elza's description of her domestic happiness, and French authorities. But Wallner and his two sons, her eyes had unconsciously filled with tears which who, although hardly above the age of boyhood, rolled slowly down her pale cheeks. She dried had seemed to the French authorities so danger- them quickly, but her mother, who sat opposite ous that they had set prices upon their heads, were her near the lamp and seemed to be busily sewing, not to be fbund anywhere. Schrhpfel, Wallner's had already seen them. faithful servant, had taken the boys into the moun- "Why do you weep, Lizzie' "she asked. "Have tains, where he stayed with them; after nightfall you got bad news from Elza?" he went down to Matrey to fetch provisions for Eliza shook her head with a mournful smile. the lonely fugitives. "No, dear mother," she said; " thank God, my Anthony Wallner's fine house was silent and Elza is happy and well, and that is my only joy." deserted now. Only his wife and his daughter "And yet you weep, Eliza?" Eliza lived in it, and they passed their days in "Did I weep, then? " she asked. "It was probdreary loneliness and incessant fear and anguish. ably a tear of joy at my Elza's happiness." Eliza Wallner was alone, all alone and joyless. " No, Lizzie, it was no tear of joy," cried her She had not seen her beloved Elza since the day mother, mournfully. " I see you often in tears, when she was married. She herself had started when you think that I do not notice it. You are the same nigeht with Haspinger for her father's grieving, Lizzie, do not deny it; yoa are grieving. headquarters. Elza had remained with her young You sacrificed your love and happiness to Elza, husband in Innspruck, where her father died on and she does not even know it; she does not thank the following day; and after the old baron had you, and you will pine away. I see very well how been buried, Elza had accompanied her husband sad you are; and you become paler and more emato Munich. From thence she wrote from time to ciated from day to day. Yes, yes, you will die of timue letters overflowing with fervent tenderness to grief, for you still love Ulrich von Hohenberg." her beloved friend, and these letters were the only "No," cried Eliza, vehemently, blushing deeply, sunbeams which illuminated Eliza's cheerless life; " I do not love him. I have buried my love in my heart, and it reposes there as in a shrine. It ered up with cow-dung and fodder, and remained for two is true ink of it very often, I pray to it months, till his leg was set and he was able to walk. The town was full of Bavarian troops; but this extraordinary have no unholy thoughts and feel no sinful desires. place of concealment was never discovered, even when the Bavarian dragoons, as was frequently the case, were in I am glad that my Elza is so happy; yes, I am the stable looking aftertheirhorses. Zoppel did not even glad of it and thank God for it. But how can I inform Speckbacher's wife of her husband's return, 1 l st her emotions or visits to the place might betray his place of concealment. At length, in the beginning of May, the dear father has not returned to us? Hie musthide Bavarian scldiers having left the house, Speckbacher was lie a criminal; they are chas lifted om his living grave and restored to his wife and c(li!dren. As soon as he was able towalk, he set out, and, beast; he is always in danger, and we must conjourneying chiefly in the night, through the wildest and stantlv tremble for his safety. And I cannac do most secluded Alps, by Dux and the sources of the Salza, he passed the Styrian Alps, where he crossed the frontier any thing for him, I cannot share his danges, I and reached Vienna in safety. There he was soon after cannot be with him in the dreadful solitude orthe joined by his family and liberally provided for. Haspinger succeeded in escaping into Switzerland, Alp above. I must look on in idleness, and,anwhence he travelled by cross-oaths through Frinli and not be useful to anv one, neither to my father, ncr Ctrinthia to Vienna, where he received protection from the emperor. to my brothers, nor to you, dear mother. I car THE WARNING. 249 not help my father and brothers, and cannot corn- "Hush, mother, hush! " said Eliza, almost imfort you, mother; for I myself am in despair, and peratively; "we must not weep now, we must would-what was that, mother? Did not some think only of saving him. Tell me, friend Sieberone knock at the window-shutter?" meier, is there no way of saving him?" "Hush, hush! " whispered her mother; " let us "There is one," said Siebermeier, "but how listen." shall we get up to him? A friend of mine, who They listened with bated breath. Eliza had not is acquainted with the members of the court, inbeen mistaken; some one knocked a second time formed me quite stealthily that, if Aichberger at the window-:hutter, and the voice of a man could be saved yet, it should be done this very whispered, "Mrs. Wallner, are you in the room? night. Now listen to the plan I have devised. I Open the door to me!" intended to set out to-morrow morning to peddle " It must be a good friend of ours, for the dogs carpets and blankets, for money is very scarce in do not bark," said Eliza; " we will let him come these hard times. I procured, therefore, a passin." port for myself and my boy, who is to carry my She took the lamp and went out courageously bundle. Here is the passport-and look! tihe deto draw the bolt from the street-door and open it. scription corresponds nearly to Wallner's appearYes, she had not been mistaken, it was really a ance. He is of my stature and age, has hair and good friend of theirs; the man who entered the whiskers like mine, and might be passed of for house was one of the few friends who had not de- myself. Iam quite willing to let him have my passnied Anthony Wallner, and who bad not turned port, and conceal myself meanwhile at home and their backs upon his family since it was outlawed feign sickness. The passport would enable him and in distress. to escape safely; of course he would have to "You bring us bad news, Peter Siebermecier? " journey through the Alps, for every one knows asked Eliza, anxiously, gazing into the mountain- him in the plain. However, the passport cannot eer's pale and dismayed face. do him any good, for there is no one to take it up "Unfortunately I do," sighed Siebermeier, step- to him. I would do so, but the wound which I ping hastily into the sitting-room and shaking received in our last skirmish with the Bavarians, hands with Eliza's mother. "Mrs. Wallner," he in my side here, prevents me from ascending the said, in breathless hurry, "your husband is in the mountain-paths; and, even though I could go up greatest danger, and only speedy flight can save to him, it would be useless, for we two; could not him." travel together, the passport being issued to two Mrs. Wallner uttered a piercing cry, sank back persons, Siebermeier, the carpet-dealer, and the into her chair, wrung her hands, and wept aloud. boy carrying his bundle. The boy is not described Eliza did not weep; she was calm and courageous. in the passport; therefore, I thought, if one of "Tell me, Siebermeier, what can we do for father? your sons were in the neighborhood, he might go What danger threatens him?" i.p to his father, warn him of his danger, and ac"A bad man, I believe, the clerk of the court, company him on his trip through the mountains." has informed the French that Anthony Wallner is "But neither of the boys is here," said Mrs. still on one of the heights in this neighborhood. Wallner, despairingly; "Schripfel took them to General Broussier intends to have him arrested. the Alpine hut near Upper Lindeau, and is with A whole battalion of soldiers will march to-morrow them. We two are all alone, and there is, theremorning to the mountain of Ober-Peischlag and fore, no way of saving my dear husband." occupy it." "Yes, mother, there is," cried Eliza, flushed " Great God! my husband is lost, then!" cried with excitement. " I will go up to father. I will Eliza's mother, despairing; "nothing can save warn him of his danger, carry him the passport, him now." and flee with him!" 250 ANDREAS HOFER. "You!" cried her mother, in dismay. "It is out. Oh, Lizzie, my last joy, do not leave me! impossible! You cannot ascend the road, which I have no one left but you; stay with me, my is almost impassable even for men. How should Lizzie, do not leave your poor mother! You will a girl, then, be able to get over it, particularly ir; die in the attempt, Lizzie! Stay here; have the night and in so heavy a snow-storm?" mercy upon me, and stay here! " "You will be unable to reach your father, Liz- "I must go to father," replied Eliza, disengazie," said Siebermeier; " the road is precipitous ging herself gently from her mother's arms. and very long; you will sink into the snow; your " Give me the passport, friend Siebermeier." shoes will stick in it, and the storm will catch "You are a brave girl," said Siebermeier, proyour dress."? foundly moved; "the good God and the Holy "No road is too precipitous for me if I can Virgin will protect you. There, take the passsave my father," exclaimed Eliza, enthusiastically. port; you are worthy to carry it to your father."' I must reach him, and God will enable me to do "And I shall carry it to him or die on the road," so. Wait here a moment, I will be back im- cried Eliza, enthusiastically, waving the paper. mediately. I will prepare myself for the trip, and "Now, dear mother, do not weep, but give me then give me the passport." your blessing!" "She will lose her life in the attempt," said She knelt down before her mother, who laid her Mrs. Walluer, mournfully, after she had hastened hand on her head. out of theroom. "Alas! alas! I shall lose my " Lord, my God," she exclaimed, solemnly, husband, my sons, and my daughter too! And "protect her graciously in her pious effort to save all has been in vain, for the Tvrol is ruined, and her father. Take your mother's blessing, my we have to suffer these dreadful misfortunes with- Lizzie, andl think that her heart and love accomout having accomplished any thing!" pany you." "And the enemy acts with merciless cruelty in She bent over her, and imprinted a long kiss on the country," said Siebermeier, furiously; " he sets her daughter's forehead. whole villages on fire if he thinks that one of the "I must go now, it is high time," said Eliza, fugitives is concealed here; he imposes on the making a violent effort to restrain her tears, people heavy war-taxes, which we are unable to " Farewell, friend SIebermeier; God and the saints pay; and if we say we have no money, he takes will reward you for the service you have rendered our cattle and other property from us. Wails us." and lamentations are to be heard throughout the "My best reward will be to learn that Wallner valley; that is all we have gained by our bloody is safe," said Siebermeier, shaking hands with struggle!" her. At this moment the door opened, and Eliza "Now, a last kiss, dearest mother," said Eliza. came in, not however in her own dress, but in the She encircled her mother's neck with both her costume of a Tyrolese peasant-lad. arms, and kissed her t(nderly. "Pray for me "Heavens! she has put on her brother Wil- and love ne," she whispered; " and if I should liam's Sunday clothes," cried her mother, with a not come back, if I should lose my life, mother, mournful smile; " and they sit as well on her as write it to Elza and to him, and write that I died if they had been made for her." with love and fidelity in my heart. Farewell! " "Now, Siebermeier," said Eliza, holding out She disengaged herself quickly and hastened her hand to him, "give me the passport. The out of the room, regardless of the despairing cries moon is rising now, and I must go." of her mother, and not even looking back to her. "But listen, my daughter, how the wind howls!" It was high time for her to set out. cried hier mother, in deep anguish. "It beats She was in the street now. The snow rushed against the windows as if to warn us not to go furiously into her face; the howling storm dashed i i I iJ1 i I?:~~\11 11lR m( I i:il!I ig li I w_ FATHER, OPEN THE DOOR p. 25i -~ — "<~;'~... ~' FATHE~~~ R: PNTEDO: "p 5 THE FLIGHT. 251 madly against her cheeks until they became very blood for? What did our brethren die for on the sore, but the moon was in the heavens and lighted field of battle? The fatherland was not saved, her path. It was the same path which she had the French defeated us, and our emperor abanascended with Ulrich when saving him. She was doned us. We were brave defenders of our counalone now, but her courage and her trust in God try, and now they call us criminals; we intended were with her; strengthened and refreshed by her to save the fatherland, and now they call us rebels love for her father, she ascended the steep moun- and traitors! The emperor gives us away like a tain path. At times the piercing wind rendered piece of merchandise, regardless of his sacred her breathless and seized her with such violence pledges, and the French are chasing us as though that she had to cling to a projecting rock in order we were thieves and murderers! And Thou sllfnot to fall fiom the narrow path into the abyss ferest it, God in heaven? Thou-IIark! did not yawning at her feet. At times avalanches rolled that sound like a shot? Is it the wind that is close to her with thundering noise into the depth knocking so loudly at my door? " and enveloped her in a cloud of snow; but the Hie sprang to his feet, took up his rifle, cocked moon shed her silver light on her path, and Eliza it, and aimed at the door. looked up courageously. Forgetful of her own There was another knocking at the door; no, it danger, she prayed in.her heart only, " God grant was assuredly not the storm that was rapping and that I may save my father! Let me not die be- hammering at it so regularly. No, no, it was the fore reaching him!" enemy! He had spied him out, he had discovered his track, he had come to seize him! ~" I will sellmy life dearly," murmured Anthony Wallner, grimly. "I will shoot down the first CHAPTER XLIII. man who opens the door; then I will force a passage'through the ranks with the butt-end of my THE FLIGHT. rifle, and-" ANTHONY VWALLNER sat in his lonely Alpine hut "Father," cried a voice outside, "father, open on the height near the village of Ober-Peischlag, the door!" and listened to the storm, which howled so loudly "Great God!" murmured Wallner, "did not to-night that the hut shook and he was unable to that sound like my Lizzie calling me? But that sleep on his couch of straw. He had lighted his is impossible; it cannot be she; she cannot have lamp, and sat musingly at the pine table, leaning ascended the mountain-path; the storm would his head on his hand, and brooding mournfully have killed her, and-" over his dreary future. How long would he have "Father, dear father, pray open the door," to remain here in his open grave? How long shouted the voice again, and somebody shook the would he be chased yet, like a wild beast, from door. mountain to mountain? How long would he be Wallner laid down his rifle and hastened to the obliged yet to lead an idle and unprofitable life in door. " May God protect me if they deceive me, this frozen solitude, exposed to the fury of the but I believe it is Lizzie." elements, and in constant dread of losing this He threw open the door; the little Tyrolese lad miserable life? These were the questions that rushed in, embraced him tenderly, kissed him he asked himself; intense rage seized his heart, with his cold lips, and whispered, "my father! tears of bitter grief filled his eyes-not, however, thank God, I am with you!" at his own misfortunes, but at the miseries of his "It is Lizzie!" cried Wallner, in a ringing fatherland. voice. "She has come to me through night "What am I suffering for? What did I fight and storm! It is my daughter, my dear, dear and risk my life for? What did we all shed our daughter! Oh, joy of my heart, how were you 252 ANDREAS HOFER. able to get up here in this terrible night? No father; do not hesitate any longer, but come with. man would have dared to attempt it." your little boy. You cannot flee without me; " But I dared it, father, for I am your child, and therefore, let us try it courageously together." love you." " Well, I will do so, my brave little boy; I be"You love me, and I thank God! " lhe exclaimed, lieve I must comply with your wish," exclaimed folding her tenderly and anxiously to his heart; Wallner, folding her tenderly to his heart. "You "I thank God for saving you, and-" shall accompany me, you shall save your father's He faltered and burst into tears, which he did life. Oh, it would be glorious if God should grant not try to conceal. He wept aloud and bitterly, me the satisfaction of being indebted for my life and Eliza wept with him, and neither of them knew to my dear daughter Lizzie!" whether they wept for joy or grief. " Come, now, father, come; every minute's deEliza was the first to overcome her emotion. lay increases the danger." "Father," she said, raising her head quickly, " the " I am ready, Lizzie. Let me only see if my enemy is on your track, and early to-morrow morn- rifle is in good order and put on my powdering the French are going to occupy the mountain pouch." in order to arrest you. That is the reason why I "You cannot take your rifle with you, nor your have come up to you, for you must flee this very powder-pouch either. You are no longer the brave lour." commander of the sharpshooters of Windisch"Flee! " he cried, mournfully. "How can I? Matrey, but Siebermeier, the carpet-dealer, a very The first Bavarian or French gendarme on the peaceable man, who does not take his rifle and frontier, who meets me and asks me for my pass- powder-pouch with him on his travels." port, will arrest me. I have no passport." "You are right, Lizzie. But it is hard indeed " Here is a passport," said Eliza, joyfully, hand- to flee without arms, and to be defenceless even in ing him the paper,," Siebermeier sends it to you." case of an attack by the enemy. And I do not "Thefaithfulfriiend! Yes, that is helpinneed. want to let my rifle fall into the hands of the Now I will try with God's aid to escape. You, French when they come up here. I know a hole Lizzie, will return to mother, and bring her a thou- in the rock close by; I will take it there and consand greetings from me; and as soon as I am ceal it till my return. Come, now, Lizzie, and let across the frontier, you shall hear from me." us attempt, with God's.aid, to escape from the "I must go with you, father," said Eliza, smil- enemy." ing. "The passport is valid for Siebermeier, the He wrapped himself in his cloak, took the rifle, carpet-dealer, and his son. Now you see, dear and both left the hut. father, I am your son, and shall flee with you." Day was now dawning; some rosy streaks ap"No," cried her father, in dismay; "no, you peared already in the eastern horizon, and the shall never do so, Lizzie. I must journey through summits of the glaciers were faintly illuminated. the wildest and most secluded Alps, and you would Eliza saw it, but she did not rejoice this time at die in the attempt to follow me, Lizzie." the majestic beauty of the sunrise; it made her " And even though I knew that I should die, oily uneasy and sad, and while her father concealed father, I should go with you," said Lizzie, joyfully. his rifle carefully in the hole in the rock, Eliza "You cannot flee without me, and I do not love glanced around anxiously, murmuring to herself: my life very dearly if it cannot be useful to you, " They intend to start at daybreak. It is now dear father. Therefore, say no more about it, and. after daybreak; the sun has risen, and they have do not reject my offer any longer; for if you do, doubtless set out already to arrest him." it will be in vain, because I shall follow you for "Now come," said her father, returning to her; all that, and no road is too precipitous for me " we have a long journey before us to-day, for we when I see you before me. Therefore, come, dear must pass the Alps by hunters' paths up to the THE FLIGIIT. 253 Isel-Tauerkamm. We shall pass the night at the Now they heard footsteps approaching rapidly inn there; ill the morning we shall continue the and voices shouting out aloud. They came nearer journey, and, if' it please God, we shall reach the and nearer, and were now close to the chapel. It Austrian frontier within three hours." was a Bavarian patrol, and the two, therefore, could And they descended the mountain, hand in hand understand every word they spoke, and-every word and with firm steps, and entered the forest. froze their hearts. The Bavarians had seen them; Nothing was to be heard all around; not a sound they were convinced that they must be close by; broke the peaceful stillness of awaking nature; they exhorted each other to look diligently for the only the wind howled and whistled, and caused the fugitives, and alluded to the reward which awaited branches of the trees to creak. The sun had risen them in case they should arrest Anthony Wallhigher and higher, and shed already its golden rays ner. through the forest. Both lay under the altar with hearts throbbing "I would we had passed through the thicket impetuously, and almost senseless from fear and and reached the heights again," said Anthony anguish; Eliza murmuring a prayer with quiverWallner, in a low voice. " We were obliged to ing lips; Anthony Wallner, clinching his fists, and descend in order to pass round the precipice and firmly resolved to sell his life dearly and defend the steep slope; we shall afterwards ascend the himself and his child to the last drop of blood. mountain again and remain on the heights. But The enemies were now close to them; they enif the soldiers from Windisch-Matrey meet us here, tered the chapel and advanced to the altar. Eliza, we are lost, for they know me and will not pay pale and almost fainting from terror, leaned her any attention to my passport." head, on her father's shoulder. The Bavarians " God will not permit them to meet us," sighed struck now with thle butt-ends of their muskets Lizzie, accelerating her steps. They kept silent against the closed front-side of the altar; it gave a a long while, and not a sound was to be heard dull, hard sound, for the fugitives filled the cavity. around them. All at once both gave a start, for " There is no one in there, for the altar is not they had heard the noise of heavy footsteps and hollow," said one of the soldiers. Tile footsteps the clang of arms. They had just passed through thereupon moved away from the altar, and soon the clearing in the forest, and were now again all was silent in the chapel. Wallner and Lizzie close to the thicket, by the side of which there heard only footsteps and voices outside; they was a small chapel with a large crucifix. They moved away farther and farther, and after a few turned and looked back. seconds not a sound broke the silence. "The enemy! the enemy!" cried Anthony The figitives lay still behind the altar, motionWallner, pointing to the soldiers who were just less, listening, with hearts throbbing impetuously. stepping from the other side of the forest. " Liz- Could they dare to leave their place of concealzie, we are lost! Ah, and I have not even got my ment? Was it not, perhaps, a mere stratagem of rifle! I must allow myself to be seized without the enemy to keep silent? Had the soldiers surresistance!" rounded the chapel, and were they waiting merely "No, we are not yet lost, father; look at the for them to come out? They waited and listened chapel. Maybe they have not yet seen us. Let for hours, but their cowering position benumbed us enter the chapel quickly. There is room enough their blood; it stiffened their limbs and made their for us two under the altar." heads ache. Without giving her father time to reply, Eliza "Father, I can no longer stand it," murmured hastened into the chapel and disappeared behind Eliza; "I will die rather than stay here any the altar. In a second Wallner was with her, and, longer." clinging close to each other, and with stifled "Come, Lizzie," said Wallner, raising himself breath, they awaited the arrival of the enemy. up and jumping over the altar, "come I I, too, 254 ANDREAS HOFER. think it is better for us to die than hide thus like ever, and said calmly, " The carpets are all sold thieves." already; we are on our return to WindischThey joined hands and left the chapel, looking MIatrey." anxiously in all directions. But every thing re- "See, see how lucky you have been," said the mained silent, and not a Bavarian soldier made landlord, laughing; " the passport says you started his appearance. only yesterday morning, and to-day you have al"Tlhey are gone, indeed they are gone," said ready sold all your carpets. Well, in that case, Wallner, triumphantly. "Now we must make you are certainly justified in returning to your haste, my girl; we shall ascend the height; the home. Your passport is in good order, and the footpath leads up here in the rear of the chapel; Bavarians, therefore, will not molest you." within two hours we shall reach the summit, and, " As my passport is in good order, I suppose if our feet do not slip, if we do not fall into the you will give us beds, and, above all things, somedepth, if no avalanche overwhelms us, and if the thing to eat and drink." storm does not freeze us, I think we shall reach "You shall have every thing, that is to say, every the Ise'-Tauerkamm to-night, and sleep at the inn thing that I can give you. I am all alone here, there. May the Holy Virgin protect us! " and have nothing but a piece of ham, bread, and And the Holy Virgin did seem to guard the cheese, and a glass of wine. As for beds, I have intrepid wanderers-to enable them to cross not got any; you must sleep on the bench here." abysses on frail bridges; to prevent them from "Well, we will do so; but give us something sinking into invisible clefts and pits covered with to eat now," said Wallner, " and add a little fuel snow; to make them safely escape the avalanches to the fire, that we may warm ourselves." falling down here and there, and protect them The landlord added some brushwood and a few from freezing to death. billets to the fire, fetched the provisions, and Toward dusk they reached at length the inn on looked on while the wanderers were partaking of the Isel-Tauerkamm, utterly exhausted by fatigue, the food with eager appetite. All at once he hunger, and frost, and entered the bar-room on stepped quickly up to them, seated himself on the ground-floor. Nobody was there but the land- the bench opposite them, and drew a paper from lord, a gloomy, morose-looking man, who eved his pocket. " I will read somethling to you now," the new-comers with evident distrust. he said. " There were Bavarian soldiers here toWhen the two wanderers, scarcely able to utter day; they gave me a new decree, and ordered me a word, seated themselves on the bench at the to obey it under pain of death. Listen to me." narrow table, the landlord stepped up to them. And he read, in a loud, scornful voice: "I am not allowed to harbor any one without "Know all men by these presents, that any in. seeing his passport," he said. "There are all habitant of the German or Italian Tyrol who sorts of fugitive vagabonds prowling around here dares to harbor Anthony Wallner, called Aichto hide from the Bavarians, who are searching berger, late commander of the sharpshooters of the whole district to-day. Give me your passport, Windisch-Matrey, or his two sons, shall lose his therefore." whole property by confiscation, and his house Wallner handed him the paper in silence. The shall be burned down." * landlord read it attentively, and seemed to com- "Did you hear it?" asked the landlord, after pare the two with the description in the passport. reading the proclamation. "HI'm!" he said, "the carpet-dealer and his "I did," said Wallner, with perfect composure, son-that corresponds to what the passport says; " but it does not concern us." but where is the bundle of carpets? " " Yes, it does. I believe you are Anthony Anthony Wallner gave a slight start; he recovered his presence! of mind immediately, how- I Loritza, p. 180. THE FLIGHT. 255 Wallner, and the lad there is one of your And Eliza disappeared out of the window. sons." Wallner waited a few seconds and then followed Anthony Wallner laughed. "Forsooth," he said, her. They reached the ground safely; the.deep "if I were Wallner I should not be so stupid as snow prevented the leap from being dangerous; to show myself. I believe he is hiding some- they sprang quickly to their feet, and hastened where in the mountains near Windisch-Matrey. on as fast as their weary limbs would carry But I think I resemble him a little, for you are them. not the first man who has taken me for Anthony It was a cold, dark night. The moon, which Wallner. And that the lad there is not one of shone so brightly during the previous night, was Anthony Wallner's sons, I will swear on the cru- covered with heavy clouds; the storm swept cifix, if you want me to do so." clouds of snow before it, and whistled and howled "Well, well, it is all right, I believe you," across -the extensive snow-fields. But the wangrowled the landlord. "Now lie down and sleep; derers continued their journey with undaunted there is a pillar for each of you, and now good- hearts. night; I will go to my chamber and sleep too." All at once something stirred behind them; He nodded to them morosely, and left the room. they saw torches gleaming up, and Bavarian sol"Lizzie, do you think we can trust him?" diers accompanying the bearers of the torches. asked Wallner, in a low voice. The soldiers, headed by the landlord who had Eliza made no reply; she only beckoned to her fetched them, rushed forward with wild shouts father,, slipped on tiptoe across the room to the and imprecations. But Wallner and Eliza likedoor, and applied her ear to it. wise rushed forward like roes hunted down. They There was a pause. Then they heard the front panted heavily, the piercing storm almost froze door jar. their faces, their feet bled, but they continued' Father," whispered Eliza, hastening to Wall- their flight at a rapid rate. Nevertheless, the ner, "he has left the house to fetch the soldiers. distance separating them from their pursuers beI heard him walk through the hall to the front came shorter and shorter. The Bavarians, prodoor and open it. He has left, and locked us up." vided with torches, could see the road and the "Locked us up? " cried Wallner, and hastened footsteps of the fugitives in the snow, while the to the door. He shook it with the strength of a latter had to run blindly into the night, unable to giant, but the lock did not yield; the bolts did see whither their feet were carrying them, and not give way. exhausted by the long journey of the preceding "It is in vain, in vain! " cried Wallner, stamp- day. in, the floor furiously; "the door does not yield; The distance between pursuers and pursued we are caught in the trap, for there is no other rapidly diminished; scarcely twenty yards now outlet." I lay between them, and the soldiers extended their "Yes, father, there is; there is the window," hands already to seize them. At this moment of said Eliza. "Come, we must jump out of the extreme peril the storm came up howling with window." redoubled fury and drove whole clouds of snow "But did you not see, Lizzie, that the house before it, extinguished the torches of the Bavastands on a slope, and that a staircase leads out- rians, and shrouded every thing in utter darkness. side to the front door? If we jump out of the The joyful cries of the pursued and the imprecawindow, we shall fall at least twenty feet." tions of their pursuers were heard at the same "But there is a great deal of snow on the time. ground, and we shall fall softly. I will jump out Wallner and Eliza, whose eyes were already accusfirst, father, and you must follow me immedi- tomed to the darkness, advanced at a rapid rate; ately." the soldiers followed them, but blinded by the 256 ANDREAS HOFER. darkness, unable to see the road, and calling each ing Eliza up with him. " I am Anthony Wallner, other in order to remain together. These calls and this is my daughter Lizzie, who has saved me and shouts added to the advantages of the fu- from the Bavarians. The good God_-" gitives, for they indicated to them the direction He said no more, but leaned totteringly on which they had to take in order to avoid the Eliza's shoulder, and sank senseless to the enemy. Finally, the shouts became weaker and ground. weaker, and died away entirely. Eliza threw herself upon him, uttering loud The fugitives continued their flight more leis- cries of anguish. "He is dead," she cried, deurely; but they could not rest and stand still in spairingly; "' he is dead! " the dark, cold night, for the storm would have "No, he is not dead," said the officer; " the exfrozen them, the cold would have killed them. citement and fatigue have produced a swoon. He They did not speak, but advanced breathlessly will soon be restored to consciousness and get and hand in hand. All at once they beheld a over it. Careful nursing shall not be wanting to light twinkling in the distance like a star. There Anthony Wallner in my house." was a house, then, and men also. They walked He had prophesied correctly. Anthony Wallner on briskly, and the light came nearer and nearer. awoke again, and seemed to recover rapidly under Now they saw already the house through whose the kind nursing of his host and his daughter. windows it gleamed. In a few minutes they were They remained two days at the custom-house close to the house, in front of which they beheld on the frontier. The news of Anthony Wallner's a tall post. arrival spread like wildfire through the whole "Great God!" cried Anthony Wallner; "I neighborhood, and the landed proprietors of the believe that is a boundary-post, and we are now district hastened to the custom-house to see the on Austrian soil." heroic Tyrolese chief and his intrepid daughter, He knocked hastily at the door; it opened, and and offered their services to both of them. the two wanderers entered the small, warm, and It was no longer necessary for them to journey cozy room, where they were received by a man in on foot. Wherever they came, the carriages of uniform, who sat at the table eating his supper. the wealthy and aristocratic inhabitants were in Anthony Wallner went close up to him and readiness for them, and they were greeted everypointed to his uniform. where with jubilant acclamations. Their journey' You wear the Austrian uniform?" he asked. to Vienna was an incessant triumphal procession, " I do, sir," said the man, smilingly. a continued chain of demonstrations of enthusiasm " And we are here on Austrian soil? and manifestations of love. "Yes, sir. The boundary-post is in front of Anthony Wallner, however, remained silent, this house. This is an Austrian custom-house." gloomy, and downcast, amid all these triumphs; Anthony Wallner threw his arm around Eliza's and on arousing himself sometimes from his neck and knelt down. He burst into tears, and sombre broodings, and seeing the painful expresexclaimed in a loud, joyous voice, "Lord God in sion with which Eliza's eyes rested on him, he heaven, I thank Thee!" tried to smile, but the smile died away on his Eliza said nothing, but her tears spoke for her, trembling lips. and so did the smile with which she looked up to "I believe I shall be taken very sick," he said, heaven and then at her father. faintly. " My head aches dreadfully, and all my The custom-house officer had risen and stood limbs are trembling. I was too long in the Alpine profoundly moved by the side of the two. hut, and the numerous previous fatigues. The "Who are you, my friend? " he asked; "and excitement, grief, cold, and hunger, and last, the why do you weep and thank God?" long journey on foot, have been too much for me. "Who am I? " asked Wallner, rising and draw- AlAh, Lizzie, Lizzie, I shall be taken sicm. Great ANDREAS HOFER'S DEATH. 257 God! it would be dreadful if I should die now and if you will give me money enough, sir, to return leave you all alone in.this foreign country! No, quickly to my dear Tyrol and my beloved mother, no, I do not want to be taken sick, I have no time I shall accept it and be grateful to you. I must for it. Oh, listen to me, my God! I do not want return to my mother and weep with her; and my to be taken sick, for Lizzie must not be left an dear home, my dear mountains will console me." orphan here. No, no, no!" "You can set out as soon as you please," saili And he lifted his clinched fist to heaven, the chamberlain. "The emperor has interceded screamed, and wept, and uttered senseless and in- in your behalf and obtained this safeguard for you coherent words. in case you wished to return to your native coun"I am afraid he has got the nervous fever," try. No one will molest you, and you and your said Baron Enmgenberg, who was conveying Wall- family can live quietly at your home." ner and Eliza in his carriage from the last station "If the emperor had done as much for my to Vienna. "It will be necessary for us to take father as he does for me, my father would not hbi at once to a hospital." have died," said Eliza,. gravely, accepting the "Can-I stay with him there and nurse him?" paper. ".Now he has no longer need of an emasked Eliza, repressing her tears. peror. He is with God, and I would I were with "Of course you can." him above! *But I must not leave my mother. I "Then let us take him to a hospital," she said, must console her and stay with her as long as it calmly. "He will die, but I shall be there to pleases God."* close his eyes." And it was Eliza that closed her father's eyes. The violent nervous fever which had seized Anthony Walluer was too much for his exhausted CHAPTER XLIV. body. He died five days after his arrival at Vienna, on the 15th of February, 1810, at the ANDREAS HOFER'S DEATH. city hospital. THE court-martial at Mantua had passed senMany persons attended his funeral; many per- tence of death upon Andreas Hofer for fighting ~ons came to see Eliza Wallher, the young heroine sons came to see Eliza Wallner, the youn heroine against the French after the last proclamation of of the Tyrol. But Eliza would not see anybody. Eugene Beauharnais offering a general amnesty. She remained in tihe room which had been as- But the court-martial had not adopted this decissigned to her at the hospital, and she spoke and ion unanimously; several members had voted for prayed only with the priest who had administered long confinement, and two had had the courage the last unction to her father. to vote for his entire deliverance. By a singular On the day after the funeral the Emperor revolution of fortune, the same General Bisson, Francis sent one of his chamberlains to Eliza, to who had been taken prisoner at Innspruck at the induce her to remain in Vienna. He would pro- outbreak of the insurrection, and with whom vide for her bountifully, and reward her for what Major Teimcr had made his triumphal entry into her father had done. The chamberlain was also Innspruck, was now governor of Mantua, and instructed to conduct Eliza to the emperor, that president of the court martial which tried the he might thank and console her personally. Eliza shook her head, gravely. "The emperor * Eliliza Wallner returned to Windisch-Matrey. and lived there in quiet retirement. She never married. After the need not thank me," she said, " for I did no more death of her mother she yielded to Joachim Haspinger's for him than he did for the Tyrol. He is unable entreaties and went to live at his house. The Capuchin was ordained and appointed pastor of Jetelsee, and afterto console me; God alone can do that, and He ward of Traunfeld. Eliza lived with him as his adopted will also provide for me. I cannot see the em- daughter, and was still with him at the time of his death, which took place. in 1856, at Salzburg.-See Schallhamperor, for my heart is too deeply afflicted. But mer's " Joachim Haspinger," p. 134. 17 258 ANDREAS HOFER. commander-in-chief of the Tyrolese. The general, " Well, then," said Andreas, sighing, " send me in consideration of his captivity among the Tyro- my dear secretary, and'afterward the priest." lese, wished to act mildly and impartially, and A few minutes after the officers had withdrawn, sent a telegraphic dispatch to the viceroy at Mi- the door opened, and Cajetan Dbninger came in. lan to inquire what was to be done with Andreas He burst into tears, rushed toward Andreas HoHofer, inasmuch as the sentence of the court-mar- fer, and folding him to his heart, exclaimed tial had not been passed unanimously. An an- mournfully: " Is it true, then, that they intend swer was returned very soon. It contained the to kill you? Is it true that they are going to ascategorical order that Andreas Hofer should be sassinate the noblest and best man like a crimishot within twenty-four hours. nal?" Commissioners of the military authorities, " Hush, hush, Cajetan," said Andreas, gently, therefore, entered Andreas Hofer's cell on the pressing Dininger tenderly to his heart; "do not 21st of February, and informed him that he scold, but submit as I do. I die gladly, for it is would suffer death within two hours. better that I should sacrifice myself for my naHe listened to them standing, and with un- tive country than that others thould die for my shaken firmness. "I shall die, then, at least as sake, or for the fatherland." * a soldier, and not as a criminal," he said, nodding " Oh, would that I could die for you! " sobbed his head gently. "I am not afraid of bullets, DSninger; "my life is worthless without you. Is nor of the good God either; He was always kind it possible that you must suffer now so ignominto me, and it is even now kind in Him to relieve ious a punishment for all your noble deeds and me from my sufferings here. I am ready to ap- aspirations?" pear before the judgment-seat of God." "God alone knows what is good," said An"If you have any special wishes to prefer, dreas, mildly, " and I have doubtless committed communicate them to us now; and if it is possi- many errors, for which I have to suffer now. But, ble, they shall be granted," said one of the offi- Cajetan, will you fulfil my last request?" cers, profoundly moved. "Name it, and I will comply with it." " There are some wishes which I should like to "Then weep no more, my dear friend, for your prefer," replied Hofer, musingly. "In the first tears give me pain. Be, as formerly, manful and place, I wish to see once more my dear Cajetan firm." Dbninger, who was separated from me and con- " I will," said Dininger; and he dried his tears fined in another cell; and then I wish to dictate and forced himself to be calm and composed. a letter and my last will, and would request that "And now, Cajetan, be my secretary for the both be sent to my dear brotLer-in-law." last time," said Andreas, gently. " I will dictate " These wishes shall be complied with; I prom- to you a letter to my brother-in-law Pihler, at ise it to you in the name of General Bisson. Do Neustadt. The jailer has already laid paper, pen, vIou desire to prefer any additional requests? " and ink on the table. Sit down, therefore, and "I wish further that a priest be sent to me, write.",jtat he may receive my confession, and grant me Cajetan went to the table and seated himself. absolution; and finally, I should like to see once "I am ready, commander-in-chief," he said; more my dear countrymen, who are imprisoned in "dictate to -me now." the casemates here, and take leave of them in a Andreas walked up and down several times few words." musingly; he then stood still near the table; a " A confessor will be sent to you, but your last wondrous expression of serene calmness and request cannot be complied with," was the reply. peace beamed from his face, and he dictated in "An exciting and perhaps disorderly scene would Hofer's own words.-See" Gallery of Heroes: Anensue, and such things must be avoided." dreas Hofer," p. 195. ANDREAS HOFER'S DEATH. 259 a clear, quiet voice, which did not once tremble "I will write the signature as I always did," said with emotion. Andreas Hofer; and, taking up the pen quickly, "Dearest brother-in-law: It was God's will that he wrote: I should exchange here at Mantua my earthly life "Your Andreas Hofer, from Sand in Passeyr, for a better one. But-God be praised for His whom you loved in this life. I will set out on divine mercy!-it seems to me as little painful as my last journey in the Lord's name." * if I were to be led out for another purpose. God "I thank you, Cajetan, for rendering me this in His mercy will doubtless be with me to the last service," said Andreas, kindly. "And now, last moment, when I shall ascend to that eternal my dear friend, let us take leave of each other. dwelling-place where my soul will rejoice for ever- The confessor will be here soon, and then I must more with all the chosen spirits, and where I shall no longer speak to any one but God." pray for all, and particularly for those to whom I Cajetan came to him with a tottering step, and owe my intercession; above all, for you, too, and leaned his head silently on Hofer's shoulder. He your dear wife, on account of the book which you did not speak, he wanted to be firm, but he was presented to me, and of other kind acts. Let all unable to restrain the sobs and sighs which ismy dear friends and acquaintances pray for me sued from his breast. too, and help me to rise from the devouring "My dear Cajetan, why do you weep? " asked flames, when I have to expiate my sins in pur- Hofer, pressing DSninger's head gently to his gatory. My beloved wife, Anna Gertrude, is to heart. "Did you weep when I went into battle, have masses read for me at St. Martin's Zum where the enemy's bullets might have hit me at rosenfarbnen Blut. She shall have prayers read any second? You did not weep then. Think, in both of the parish-churches, and treat my therefore, that I am going into battle to-day too, friends at the lower inn to soup and meat, and and that it is better for me to be hit by the bulgive every one half a bottle of wine. The money lets than suffer any longer in this manner." I had about me will be distributed among the At this moment the door opened, and the poor of this city; for the rest, settle with my priest, Giovanni Giacomo Manifesti, dressed in debtors and creditors as honestly as you can, lest I full vestments, came in. The guards who folshould have to atone for it also. Farewell, all of lowed him led away Doninger, who obeyed them you, for this world, until we shall meet in heaven in silence, as if stunned by his terrible grief. t and praise God for evermore. Dearest brother- Andreas Hofer remained alone with his conin-law, repair to the Passeyr valley, and inform fessor. the landlord of the lower inn of my instructions. At eleven o'clock the doors of the prison were He will make all necessary dispositions. Let all thrown open, and Andreas Hofer was led out to the inhabitants of Passeyr, and all my acquaint- execution. His face was serene, and in his hands ances remember me in their prayers. Dearest he held the small crucifix which lie had always brother-in-law, tell my wife, Anna Gertrude, not worn on his breast. His confessor, Manifesti, to grieve for me. I shall pray to God for her and walked by his side, and a battalion of grenadiers for all. Adiel, beautiful world! Dying seems followed him. to me so easy that there are not even tears in my Andreas Hofer walked along the ramparts of eyes. the fortress with a firm step. As he passed by "Written at nine o'clock; at ten I shall ascend the barracks of the Porta Molina, where the to God with the aid of all the saints. "Y our-. * * "Gallerv of Heroes." t Cajetan D5ninger was taken immediately after Hofer's " Mantua, February 20, 1810." execution, from his prison, and sent to the Island of Corsica, as a private in a regiment of light infantry. He succeeded, some time afterward, in escaping from thence, * "Gallery of Heroes: Andreas Hofer," p. 197. and returning to his native country. 260 ANDREAS HOFER. Tyrolese prisoners were confined, they fell on The priest thereupon left the square, while their knees and wept aloud. Andreas turned twelve men and a corporal stood forth with loaded quickly to Mianifesti, the priest. "Your rever- muskets. The corporal offered Hofer a white ence," he said, "you will distribute among my handkerchief to bandage his eyes. poor countrymen the five hundred florins, my last "No," said Hofer. "I have of'.-n already faced property, which I gave to you, will you not? " death; it is a dear friend of mine, and I want to "I will, my son." see it, therefore, when it comes to me." "And take my greetings to all," said Andreas "Kneel down, then," said the corporal. Hofer, in a grave, loud voice, "and tell them not "I shall not," replied iofer, gravely and almost to be disheartened, nor to think that all is lost, imperiously. " I am used to stand upright before and that we have fought and bled in vain. Bet- my Creator, and in that posture I will deliver up ter times will dawn upon my beloved Tyrol, and my spirit to Him. But pray," he added in a milder one day it will be again a free German country. voice, "aim well. Come, corporal, I will give you Tell them to hope and believe in this prediction." yet a souvenir; it is my whole remaining propOn the broad bastion, a little distance from the erty. Look at this Zwanziger; I had it coined Porta Ceresa, the grenadiers formed a square, when I was commander-in-chief of the Tyrol; and open in the rear. Andreas Hofer entered this it reminds me now of my beloved country, and it open space with the priest, bowed kindly to all seems to me as though its snow-clad mountains sides, and prayed aloud with the priest. were looking down on me and greeting me. There, " Now farewell, dear, reverend faither," he then keep it as a remembrancer, and aim well!" said, " and accept this crucifix as a souvenir from The corporal stepped back and commanded in me. I have worn it on my breast for twenty a voice tremulous with emotion, "Fire!" years past, and it will remind you of Andreas "Fire!" shouted Iofer. "Long live the Tyrol!" Hofer. Inform my wife that I suffered death joy- Six shots rang out, but Andreas IIofer was not ously, and that I know we shall meet again above. dead; he had sunk only on one knee and leaned You promised me to do so, and you will redeem on his right hand. your promise, reverend father, will you not?" Six shots crashed again. They struck him to " Certainly I will, my beloved, pious son," said the ground, but did not yet kill him. He raised Manifesti; and with tears in his eyes he embraced his bleeding head once more. and blessed Andreas Hofer for the last time.* The corporal, filled with pity, stepped now close up to him, put his musket to Hofer's forehead, and * Manifesti redeemed his promise. He sent to the Ty-fired rol the following letter regarding Hofer's death: "MANTOVA~, ii 21, Febr~ajo, 1810. This thirteenth shot dispatched him at length! " ITeri poco primo del mezzo giorno e stato fucillato ii The grenadiers raised the corpse and carried it Signore Andrea Hofer, gia'bommandante del Tirolo. Dalla commissione militare, che l'ha sententiato, fu invitato ad on a black bier to St. Michael's church, where it assisterlo, e sebbene fossi convalescente per una maladia lay in state during the requiem, that the people pocchi girno 9vanti sofferta, ho volonteri assento l'impegno, e con somma mia consolazione ed edificatione ho of the death of tIe beammirato un uomo, che e andato alla morte d'un eroe loved and feared commander-in-chief of the Tyrol, Christiano e l'ha scstenuto di martire intrepido. Egli con tutta setgretezza mi ha consegnata una carta di sotnma im- Le Genaral Sanvird, Andreas IIofer, the Barbone, portanza per l'orfana sua famiglia, incaricando mi diri- and of the final subjugation of the Tyrol.* gerla a V. Sig. Rio M.-Sono con perfetta stima, "Di V. S. Rio M. "Divotissimo, complied with the request, and admired, to my consola"GIov. BATT. (ARcIPRETE) MANIFESTI." tion and edification, a man who went to death as a Chris-'MaNTIrA. Feb. 21,1810.-Yesterday, a few minutes be- tian hero, and suffered it as an intrepid martyr. Under fore twelve, Mr. Andreas Hofer, late commander of the the seal of profound silence he intrusted to me a paper of Tyrol, was shot here. The military commission which the highest importance to his family," &c.-See Hortried him requested me toattend him, and although Ihad mayr's "Lebensbilder," vol i., p. 224. recovered but a few days since from sickness, I gladly * Hofer's remains were buried in Manifesti's garden. ANDREAS HOFER'S DEATH. 261 This occurred on the 20th of February, 1810; the very hour of his death, the booming of artillery and on the same day on which Andreas Hofer was was to be heard on the ramparts of Vienna. shot at Mantua, because he had loved his country It proclaimed to the Viennese the joyful news and his Emperor Francis too faithfully, almost at that the Archduchess Maria Louisa, the emperor's daughter, was the affianced bride of the Emperor A simple slab on his grave bore the following inscription: Napoleon! "Qui giace la spoglia del fa Andrea Hofer, detto 11 Generale Barbone, commandante supremo delle milicie del disinterred by three Austrian officers, who had obtained Tirolo, fucillato in questa forterezza nel giorno 20 Febrajo Manifesti's consent, and conveyed to Botzen. The Em1810, sepolto in questo luogo." (" Here rest the remains peror Francis gave orders to transfer them to Innspruck, of the late Andreas Hofer, called General Barbone, com- where they were buried in the chich of the Franciscans mander-in-chief of the Tyrolese militia, shot in this for- by the side of the monument of the Archduke Ferdinand tress on the 20th of February, 1810, and buried in this and his beloved Philippina Welser.-See Hormayr's " Anplace.") Fourteen years afterward Hofer's remains were dreas Hofer," vol. ii., p. 539. TEH R. D. APPLETON & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. THE HISTORY OF HENRY THE FIFTH, KIXG OF ENGLAND, LORD OF IRELAND, AND HEIR OF FRANCE. By GEORGE MAKEPEACE TOWLE, AUTHOR OF "4 GLIMPSES OF HISTORY." One large volume, 8vo. Elegantly printed on thick tinted paper, embellished with a steel portrait of Henry the Fifth, and a fac-simile of his autograph. Cloth. Price, $5.00. "This very attractive volume is a most valuable contribution to our historical and biographical literature, and will be read with great interest. The author fully understands his subject, and the times of which he writes, and has given us a work which, while it has all the fascination and interest of romance, consists of sober, veritable facts. But few works of the kind have been published for a long time that deserve a wider circulation."-Boston Jowrnal. "This History describes a remarkable reign in England. It was at the period when Western Europe was passing out of feudalism and crystallizing about monarchical institutions. The military glory of England was at its zenith. The Reformation of Wickliffe was paving the way for further revolutions in Church forms. Mr. Towle has prepared this History with care and fidelity, and has drawn a character which has had few imitators among the occupants of the British throne."-Neew York Commercial Advertiser. " The author of this work has sought to fill a vacant space in history. There is no reliable history of Henry the Fifth of England extant. This historian has added an interesting and valuable contribution to the number of those works which have been written by Americans to illustrate periods in modern history."-New York Observer. "The portion of history which he has chosen to illustrate is one of the most romantic and interesting in all the long story of English progress. It is replete with adventure, sentiments, heroic character, and deeds, great battles, and momentous convulsions of States. It is singular how little is known of this magnificent reign; how much that is new to us there is in the work before us, which ought to be familiar as household words. Certainly Mr. Towle has had rare success in so presenting every subject and event, that there is a glow on his pages which might lead us to believe we were perusing a contemporary narrative. The succession of events is drawn with a dramatic force which almost ranks the author with the best historians of the time." —Boston Post. D. APPLETON & CO.'S P UBLICATIONS. LOUISA OF PRUSSIA AND HER TIMES. BY LOUISA MUTHILBACH. TRANSLATED BY ]FRANCIS JORDAlN 1 Volume, 8vo. Paper Covers, $1.50; Cloth, $2.00. From the Utica Morning Herald. "No historical novelist has labored so faithfully and successfully to reproduce a complete picture of past times and events as Louisa Miihlbach. Her success in the present work is most satisfactory. By reading the volume one gains an astonishingly clear and vivid idea of the causes which permitted the overthrow by Napoleon I. of the empire of Charlemagne-the corruption and vice, and weakness and want of earnest patriotism which characterized the courts and people of the Germany of that period." From the News and tHerald. "This is also an historical novel, and is very entertaining and piquant, and will command a wide circle of readers." From the Daily Courant. "Among the characters introduced are the first Napoleon, Joseph Haydn, the Empress Josephine, the historian Miiller, the philosopher Hegel, and many other famous characters of two generations ago." From the Republican. "This interesting historical novel takes the reader to Prussia during the period of the invasion of Germany by Napoleon. It gives us the German side of the war, showing how deeply they felt the humiliation which Napoleon's victories compelled them to endure. The character of the beautiful and beloved Louisa of Prussia, whose memory is cherished by the Prussians as that of a saint. is charmingly portrayed."