The Trumpeter of Sakkingen Part 18

Said the Baron: "Shame upon you!

It is time to take your weapons And to help defend the city.

Show the same zeal as when fis.h.i.+ng!"

In the town-hall were a.s.sembled Councillors and burgomaster.

Many of the city-fathers Made wry faces, as though fearing The last judgment-day was coming.

On their hearts their sins were pressing Like a hundredweight; they cried out: "Save us, G.o.d, from this great evil, And we'll promise all our lifetime Ne'er to take unlawful interest, Never to defraud the orphan, Ne'er to mix sand with our spices."

Even one proposed this motion: "Let us send out to these peasants Meat and wine in great abundance, Also of doubloons some dozens, That from hence they may depart; They in Waldshut may look out then, How they drive away these fellows."

Now the Baron came among them: "My good sirs! I do believe you Hang your heads. To work now bravely!

When the Swedes the town beleagured, Then 'twas grave, but this is only Child's play. Surely you have always Liked to hear and make good music; So the booming guns will please you.

Let the orchestra strike up now!

And these fellows, when they hear you, Homeward soon will all go dancing, E'er the emperor's own detachment Plays for them the grand finale."

Thus he spoke. In times of terror Oft a brave word at the right time Can work wonders; many cowards From example drink in courage; And one single iron will leads Oft along the wavering ma.s.ses.

Thus the council looked up strengthened To the Baron's gray moustaches.

"Yes, this is just our opinion, We'll defend our city bravely, And the Baron shall command us; For he knows well how to do it.

Death to all these cursed peasants!"

Through the streets th' alarm is sounded To the town-gate, where a narrow Dam leads on to terra firma, Ran well armed the younger people.

On the bastion stood commanding Fludribus, the fresco-painter, Who had there a.s.sembled round him Some young lads who with great effort An old gun were hauling up there.

Smiling looked at them the Baron, But great Fludribus said gravely: "Devotees of art can boast of Stores of universal knowledge.

Let them have a chance, and they will Rule the state as well as armies.

My keen eye sees well there's danger In this spot; and as Cellini From the Castle of St Angelo Shot the constable of France once.

So--alas at foes inferior-- Cannonades here Fludribus."

"Only do not kill them all off!"

Said the Baron; "and be sure first To get b.a.l.l.s enough and powder; For, the gun you there are dragging Will not be of use without them!"

To the Rhine-bank came the peasants In great crowds, and looked up growling At the high walls of the city And the well-closed city-gate.

"In his den the fox is hiding, He has barred his hole most firmly, But the peasants will unearth him,"

Fridli said, of Bergalingen.

"Forward! I will be your leader!"

Drums were beating the a.s.sault now, Heavy muskets cracking loudly; Through the powder-smoke ran shouting All these hordes against the town-gate.

On the walls to best advantage Had the Baron placed his forces; And was tranquilly then looking At the crowd of wild a.s.saulters.

"'Tis to be regretted," thought he, "That such strength is idly wasted.

Out of these strong country lubbers One might form a splendid regiment."

His command is heard: "Now fire!"

The a.s.saulters then were welcomed With a well-aimed thundering volley, And they fled in all directions; Like a swarm of crows dispersing, When the hail-shot flies among them.

And not few of them had fallen.

'Neath an apple-tree was lying By the sh.o.r.e one who spoke feebly To a comrade pa.s.sing by him: "Greet from me my poor old mother, Also my Verena Frommherz.

Say, she can with a good conscience Marry the tall Uickerhans now.

For, poor Seppli here is staining The white sand with his true heart's blood!"

Whilst this happened by the town-gate, Some were trying if the city Could be entered by a back-way.

On the Rhine below were lying Fis.h.i.+ng-boats beside a cabin, Where in traps they caught the salmon.

There another crowd streamed onward.

An audacious lad from Karsau Led them; for, he knew each byway Near the river, and had often Many fish at night-time stolen From the nets of other people.

In three fis.h.i.+ng-boats, well manned, thence Were they rowing up the river.

Willow-trees and heavy brushwood, And a bend there in the river Saved them from discovery.

Where the garden of the castle On arched walls is far projecting O'er the Rhine, they stopped their barges, And quite easy was the landing.

On the roof of the pavilion Which once Fludribus had painted Sat the black cat Hiddigeigei.

With surprise the worthy cat saw Spear-heads far below him glistening; Saw a man, too, upward climbing On the stone wall, tightly holding With his teeth a s.h.i.+ning sabre; And how others followed after.

Growling said then Hiddigeigei: "Best for a wise cat it would be Ever to remain quite neutral To man's foolish acts of daring; But I hate these boorish peasants, Hate the smell of cows and stables.

If they triumph, woe to Europe; For, it would destroy completely The fine atmosphere of culture.

Now look out below, you fellows!

Since the geese by cries of warning Saved the Capitol of Rome once, Animals are taking interest In the history of the world."

Up he sprang in furious anger, Curved his back, his hair all bristling, And commenced a caterwauling Fit to take away one's hearing.

On the jutting turret standing.

Faithful Anton heard this wauling, And involuntarily looking Toward that way: "Good heaven!" said he, "In the garden is the enemy."

Quick his signal-shot brought other Men-at-arms, along with Werner, Who placed quickly his few fighters: "Stand thou here--thou there--don't hurry With your fire!" His heart beat wildly: "Ha, my sword, maintain thy valour!"

Shallow was the castle's moat then, Well-nigh dry, and 'mid the rushes Glisten many swords and spear-heads.

Daring men are climbing upward O'er the tower's crumbling stone-work.

Muskets cracking, arrows flying.

Axe-strokes 'gainst the gate are ringing, Everywhere attack, and shouting: "Castle thou wilt soon be taken!"

And between, the fall of bodies In the moat is heard--much blood flows.

By the gate cries out young Werner: "Well done, Anton! Now take aim at That dark fellow on thy left hand; I'll attend unto the other.

Steady now! They are retreating!"

Thus the first attack proved fruitless, And with b.l.o.o.d.y heads drew back now The a.s.saulters, seeking shelter, 'Midst the chestnut-trees' dense thicket.

Scornful words now reach the castle: "Coward knights, faint-hearted servants, Keep behind the walls, protected.

Just come out to honest combat If you've courage." "Death and Devil!"

Werner shouted. "Let the bridge down!

Spears at rest! Now onward!--Mock us?

In the Rhine with these d.a.m.ned scoundrels!"

Down the bridge fell rattling loudly; Far ahead went Werner rus.h.i.+ng, Right into the crowd; ran over Just the fellow who did guide them.

"When the sword gets dull, thou rascal, With my fist alone I'll kill thee."

In the crowd he sees a st.u.r.dy Soldier, with a weather-beaten Face, bold and defiant-looking.

He had served with Wallenstein once, And now fought for these mean peasants From mere love of strife and bloodshed.

"Taste my steel now, gray old warrior,"

Cried young Werner, as his sword swung Whizzing through the air to strike him.

But the soldier's halberd parried Werner's stroke: "Not badly done, lad!

Here my answer!" Blood was dripping From young Werner's locks; his forehead Showed a deep wound from the halberd.

But the one who swung it, never Gave a second stroke; his own throat, Where by armour not protected, Being cut by Werner's weapon.