THE LEGEND OF THE LORELY.
Both girls jumped to their feet, for of course they were interested to
see that famous rock where the water-nymph Lore was said to have lived.
She would appear on the top of the rock, clothed in wonderful garments,
and a veil of the color of the sea-green water reaching to her feet, to
lure wicked people to destruction by her singing.
The people who came to the foot of the rock were swallowed in the waves,
while those who tried to climb to the top were either thrown back into
the water or led through the dense woods, only to be days finding their
way out of them.
Lore was very kind to good people, having the fairy power of
distinguishing good from evil.
At last a young count, much to his father's unhappiness, saw and fell
in love with her. He constantly went to gaze upon her, for she was very
beautiful.
He used to carry his zither and play and sing to her, until she finally
caused the waves to rise so high that his boat was upset and broken. The
count sank into the waves, and his attendants returned home to tell the
father the sad news.
The old count swore revenge, and was going to seize Lore and have her
burnt. The next night he took some friends and surrounded the rock.
When Lore appeared the old count said, "Where is my son?"
Lore pointed to the waves, at the same time continuing to sing very
sweetly.
As soon as Lore had finished her song, she threw a stone into the river,
which caused a wave to rise. She mounted it and sank from view with
it, never to be seen again, though her singing was often heard by men
passing by.
The rock was formerly called Lorely, but is now Lurlei, and has a lovely
echo said to be the gift of Lore.
The girls were disappointed to see the water around the rock so very
quiet--no whirlpool at all.
When they saw that a cut had been made through the rock for railroad
trains, all the romance was gone for them.
Alice said, "O papa, how could anybody spoil that pretty story by
running trains through the rock? If that is the way my romances are
going to end I will not read any more."
However, she soon saw a house built in the river, and wanted to know
what it was and why it was there.
"I know," said Nellie. "I was reading about it the other day."
It is called the Pfalz, and was built by Louis of Bavaria in the
thirteenth century, in order to exact tribute from passing vessels.
Opposite is the town of Bacharach, the Ara Bacchi of the Romans, and has
long been famous for its wines. In Longfellow's "Golden Legend" is the
old rhyme,--
"At Bacharach on the Rhine,
At Hochheim on the Main,
And at Würzburg on the Stein,
Grow the three best kinds of wine."
The Bacchus-Altar is to be found in this lovely country. It stands just
below the town, but the water has to be very low to read the inscription
(which is nearly illegible), as it is situated between the bank of the
river and an islet.
The Altar is supposed to have been erected by the Romans to their god of
wine.
Many other castles, some restored, but the most of them in ruins, were
passed, before Assmanshausen, famous for its red wines, was reached.
Mr. Winter said, "Now this ends what is called 'the great gorge of
the Rhine,' and the river will broaden, and the open country, not very
interesting, is before you."
Just before reaching Bingen they saw the ruins of Ehrenfels, and in the
middle of the river the Mausthurm, or "Mouse Tower."
"O papa, I know the story of that tower," said Alice. "Can I tell it?"
"We are only too glad to hear it," said her mamma.
"Hatto was Bishop of Fulda, and wishing to be made Archbishop of
Mayence, used every means in his power to accomplish his purpose. He
succeeded, and became very ambitious, proud, and cruel. He taxed the
poor to build for himself fine dwellings.
[Illustration: MOUSE TOWER.--_Page 61._]
"At last he built the tower in the river where it was very narrow, to
compel all ships to pay him toll.
"A famine set in, and he, having plenty of money, bought up everything
and filled his granaries. He sold his stores at such high prices that
only the rich could buy.
"He paid no heed to the supplications of the famishing people, as he
intended building a superb palace with his money.
"One day when Hatto was entertaining friends at dinner, the starving
people forced their way into the dining-hall and begged for food. He
told them to go to a large barn where corn should be given them. When
they were all inside, Hatto ordered the doors to be closed and fastened
on the outside and the barn to be set on fire.
"When their shrieks reached the dining-hall, Hatto turned to his guests
and said, 'Hear how the corn-mice squeal: I do the same to rebels as I
do to them.'
"The wrath of Heaven was turned against him, for out of the ashes at the
barn thousands of mice took their way to the palace, filling the rooms
and attacking Hatto. Thousands were killed, but they steadily increased,
and he was finally obliged to flee in terror of his life to a boat,
still pursued by legions.
"Hatto was ferried over the Rhine to the tower, but the mice perforated
the walls, and fell on him by the thousands, and ate him up. They then
disappeared, and the tower has been called the 'Mouse Tower' ever since.
"It has never been used in any way, but stands as a warning to despotic
people."
Mr. Winter said, "Alice, you told that very well; but he was not such a
very wicked man as the legend makes him. He was imperious and caused his
people much suffering, but was the Emperor's confidant and was called
the Heart of the King."
Bingen is not a very interesting town, but has many walks and drives
that are full of interest in every way.
Directly opposite, on the heights of Niederwald, is the beautiful
monument built to commemorate the restitution of the German Empire in
1870-1871.
Alice and Nellie did wish they could stop long enough to go up and see
it, it looked so grand and mighty outlined against the sky. Mr. Winter
said, "No, we must get to Mayence to-night."
There was not much of interest after leaving Bingen, as the train left
the river and the Rhine was not seen again until just before entering
Mayence, where the Main flows most peacefully into it, making a very
beautiful picture.