Near Kloster Ilfeld, close by the _chaussée_, stands on a mountain a
huge boulder, which has a small hole through the centre.
All the servants from Nordhausen and the other surrounding places,
when they drive into the forest the first time for wood, must creep
three times through this hole--which is only done with difficulty;
and as they creep in, and on the opposite side out, their comrades
lash them with their whips.
If the new-comer will not indulge in this pastime, he must pay money.
The new pupils in the high school at Ilfeld must also, as a joke,
creep through the Needle's Eye.
This stone a giant is said to have thrown out of his shoe.
Legend of St. Hubertus.
St. Hubertus, the Patron Saint of the House of Anhalt, was a
passionate lover of the chase. One day, hunting in the old oak wood
on the mountain Hubertushöhe, which lies between Gernrode and
Ballenstedt, when about to shoot a deer, the Saint saw a cross rise
from the head of the animal, when he immediately lost his passion for
hunting, and, according to the legend, "his only game became eternity
and heavenly bliss."
Bathilde von Ballenstedt.
In the Saxon Chronicles we are told that Ludwig, King of the Franks,
took Schloss Ballenstedt, and carried away captive the fair daughter
of the Earl of Askanien.
"Dost thou not hear the snorting of steeds?
Franks are marching through the wood
From the destroyed castle; in their midst
The captive daughter.
Yes, like smothered tones of anger,
It rustles in the foliage of the oaks.
Sadly they shake their tops,
As if they knew of the robbery."
UNWIN BROTHERS,
PRINTERS,
CHILWORTH AND LONDON.