ms of joy of the vultures over the
dead bodies of his minions, while the wolves howled in chorus the long
night through? If you would regain the inheritance of our fathers, your
labor must be long, your best blood flow. Especially now, when from
wandering exiles you have grown into threatening heroes, will the king
strive to deceive you by glittering baits: but beware of the tempters;
their promises are mountains of gold, their performances handfuls of
mud. Look up! There is room enough in these blue skies for brave souls!
Regret not the earth, even should you fall in battle. Even on the other
side of the grave may the face of God be forever dark to him who
consents to lay down his arms while his country is in bondage!

[Footnote A: Russia]

'Go not down into the plains to secure the golden grain; your guardian
angel dwells in the mountains--the time is coming when you shall reap a
full harvest of spoils. Hearken always to the voices of the Seven who
appointed me your leader. Their arms are weary with age and heavy work,
but wisdom reigns supreme over the ruins of their wornout bodies. Obey
them. When they call upon you, defend them to the last; whom they shall
appoint chief, follow in dauntless courage; conquer with him, as you
have always conquered with me! Soldiers, another fate demands me now. No
morrow dawns for me upon this earth. Brothers, I bid you farewell
forever!'

The summer moon shines brightly down upon the little band of heroes.
They start to their feet, and, gliding silently from every direction,
they assemble round their chief, twining about him in a gloomy circle.

'Where art thou going, our brave chieftain?'

Stretching out his arm, he points toward the flame which still throws a
pale light over the plain.

'Stay! It is the flame of the wedding festival glaring from the halls of
thy ancestors. We will not suffer thee to go to those who would take thy
life; to the maiden who has betrayed thee!'

He starts suddenly from the rock; his shrill cry pierces the hearts of
the warriors:

'Malign her not with falsehood! She has not betrayed me. This very night
she will be mine. We will rest together in the long sleep of eternity.
Comrades, I have consecrated to you the house and riches of my fathers;
life and bliss with the woman I love I have sacrificed on the altar of
my country; but death with her I cannot relinquish--the moment is
near--no time is to be lost--I go. Farewell!'

He passes hurriedly