The German christmas-eve or Detschen damen ------------ a picture of home life in Germany : comprising personal recollections, tales, and sketches; with descriptions and directions for working upward of one hundred very beautiful and entirely original patterns for knitting, illustrated by numerous engravings

Front matter

THE

AND

KNITTING BOOK.

Contents

CHAPTER

Introdtiotion

I. Edward’s Tale. — The Robbers’ Gave

Introduction

— SuJi K^colUcttoufi*

“ Such things were — ■

And were most dear !”

HEKE shall I turn my eyes?— What shall I first salute?— What shall I most adiiiire? — Where fix my enraptured gaze? — these were the feelings of my spirit of five years’ existence, as I sought one Christraas-eve to hide my eyes, dazzled with the glare of a hundred lights, in the bosom of some gentle, loving friend — to pillow my glowdng cheeks and agitated heart on the bosom of a parent. My ecstacy actuary blinded me— but I could hear mutual congratulations pouring all around from lips of kindred— I could feel the warm embrace of brothers, sisters, and cousins and my excitement was at the highest pitch, when a sudden hush, succeeded by the clear and well-known voice of our intimate friend Herr Von Clappart, raising the first notes of a hymn, recalled me to my senses, and to the duty required of me as a member of our happy famil3^

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_ Acceding to an old established custom, our voices soon joined in concert, channting the following simple verses:

Now let us thank our God ;

Uplift our hands and hearts :

Eternal be his praise,

Who all good things imparts !

From childhood’s earliest hour,

He lavish gifts bestowed.

Beyond expression’s power :

Then, let us thank our God !

For truly ’tis oui- God

That tunes each heart to joy,

And makes us in all good Our peaceful hours employ.

May mercy with us dwell,

And faithful may we prove j That thus it may he well With the dear land we love.

To God, that saves and guards Our souls from every harm ;

At all times danger wards From us, with his right arm.

The great Almighty Friend,

Who here below doth save Our lives— and when they end Shall raise us from the grave.

Our Father ! j>raise to Thee In heav’n ; on earth he given !

God-Son ! All glory be To Thee in highest heaven !

God-Holy Ghost ! thy power,

Thy praises we will sing.

Until, from shore to shore,

The anthem loud shall ring !

Now, to the Triune-Lord,

All praise and glory be !

Thrice honor’d and adored,

-To all eternity !

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After the chaunting of this hymn, I ventured, for the first time, to approach the pile of Christmas gifts intended for my sisters, my brothers, and myself.

The Christmas-tree, always the common property of the children of the house, bore gilded fruits of every species; and as we gazed with childish delight on these sparkling treasures, our dear parents wiped away the tears they had plentifully shed, while our young voices were ringing out the sweet hymn, led by our friend, Herr Von Clappart, with such deep and solemn emotion.

Now, as the dear mother led each child to his or her own little table— for the gifts for each were laid out separately, and thus apportioned beforehand — all was joy and merriment.

A large table stood in the midst, surrounded by smaller ones, literally laden with pretty and ingenious toys, the gifts of friends and kindred. Amongst the rest was a miniature kitchen, completely fitted up with every utensil for culinary purposes. A huge fire seemed to burn brightly in the grate, around which the fire-irons were duly arranged, and the bellows hung in the chimney corner. Pots, pans, and bright coppers adorned the shelves, not forgetting a single article convenient for a well-ordered establishment; while mimic hams and flitches of bacon hung from the ceiling on hooks.

A well furnished baby-house next attracted our delighted admiration. Through the large windows, elegantly furnished apartments invited the curious gaze ; when the benevolent donor, removing the roof, the whole suite of rooms was laid bare to the busy fingers, now touching every article with renewed exclamations of rapture and admiration.

The sitting-rooms had their full amount of sofas, chairs, tables, mirrors, and carpets of the finest q^uality ; the bed-rooms were equally well appointed; while chests of drawers and wardrobes, being opened, displayed to our

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THE GERMAN CHRISTMAS-EVE.

delighted gaze every tiny article of wearing apparel, both useful and ornamental; and, to complete the whole, a Avarming apparatus apparently conveyed to the stoves in the various apartments, heat and comfort.

Nor was this little domicile lonely or uninhabited: a number of exquisitely-dressed little figures, male and female, represented the household, consisting of master, mistress, children, and servants.

To my eldest brother had been sent a little theatre, which displayed, on the rise of the curtain, scenery so admirably painted, that the imagination of childhood might well conceive that soon those fleecy clouds would sail through the heavens— that river would begin to flow— those waterfalls

to rush down the rugged rocks— and even those little birds to sing.

But now the puppet actors were to be put in motion by my brother, who was also to be spokesman for the heroes and heroines who “ strutted their little hour” on this tiny stage— to quite as much purpose, alas ! as many other actors in the drama of life.

We were all, however, too happy to endure this quiet pleasure very long, or to fix our attention to any one thing, where all was mirth and novelty; so the performance was postponed to another occasion, and all prepared to assemble around the Christmas-tree. After a delightful dance around the tree, and around our dear parents, our presents were again examined ; for the variety of offerings made on these occasions would much exceed the belief of a stran-er to our customs Every article for children’s clothinj was here to be found, both for ornament and use; nor were books forgotten. It was then I received my first Bible and Erayer-book; and at the moment the precious gift was placed in my hand, I resolved to accompany my parents to church the following morning, at five o’clock.* the GERMAN CHRISTMAS-EVE.

The ceremony of withdrawing, in order to attire ourselves in some of our new dresses, having been performed, we re-entered the apartment; upon which, the great toidino--doors being thrown open, a second Christmas-tree appeared, laden with hundreds of lights. This elfect was produced by the tree being placed opposite some large looking-glasses, which reflected the lights and redoubled their brilliancy.

Here hung the gifts prepared by the hands of the

children for their beloved parents. _

My eldest sister, Charlotte, had knitted for her mother a beautiful evening cap, (Pattern 4), and a long purse

for her father (Pattern 5). . . , • c

Emily presented each one of the family with a pair oi mittens (Patterns 2, 3, and 6); and the little Adolphme made similar offerings of open-worked stockings, her hrs

attempt (Patterns 7, 8, and 15). ,

Our parents were also surprised and delighted to receive some drawings, exceedingly well executed, by my brothers, accompanied by a letter of thanks from those dear boys, for the kind permission to take lessons which had been granted to them during the last half-year. , , , •

The great bell had called us together at five o clock in the afternoon, to receive our Christmas gifts ; and though at eleven our eyes and hearts were still wide awake, yet were we obliged to retire, and leave all these objects of delio-ht behind us! All remembered that, at least, the elder branches of the family must rise betimes the next morning to attend the Christ-Kirche, and to hear a sermon on the birth of the Saviour of Mankind.

The great excitement of the previous evening, and the visions 'of delight that still hovered around my fancy, prevented my sleeping soundly ; so that when the others were attempting to steal away the next morning to go to church, I was fully roused, and implored so earnestly to be taken with the rest of the family, that, at length my

THE GERMAN CHRISTflIAS-EVE.

Amyed at the church, we found it brilliantlv illu

“y and'

It is quite certain that a child of five vear^ . lu

t i "3 n‘T ' ”, “ “ftaa

le, yet i can recollect a peculiarly sweet sacred enri

mysterious feeling taking possession of me L my infant

M dToftfe'r-"“t

and holy associations. A dav nf rloTrc • ^ j ■ as-a da, to be 4»ttL

So far is this feeling carried thnf li- io tune, even at the beginning of the new year, to proiect pLs' and presents, happy surprises, and unbokedliSnls be presented at the far-off time of Christmas festivity! ’

CHAPTEE I.

HE happy child of five years old had seen many changes— yet was “ the child father to the man.” Parents, relatives, friends, had passed away with the passing years. The festival of Christmas remained, however, to gladden her heart, and establish her hopes for all that could not pass away ! It was my first Christmas-eve in England, when I sat surrounded by dear mends, to whom I had long promised to impart some details ot my

eventful life. .

On being requested to produce my diary, the introductory chapter, just presented to my readers, attracted my observation— and as I read it, the happy story of my young life passed before my mental vision. “ God be thanked my friends,” I cried, “ I have happened upon a beautitul openino- Violets and primroses form the vignettes to my chapters of youthful life. Are not these swe^ lia^bingers of spring, fit emblems of youth and hope ? Delightful is it to see them casting their perfume on the first pages ol the book of life ! A youth spent in domestic love and happiness is an inheritance for life. Never do its sweet memories fade— whatever else may change and pass away from us. Those social meetings are still present to my my mind, where young and old assembled ; and, as at this blessed time, nimble fingers were occupied in preparing the Christmas presents— whilst the gentlemen of the party.

THK GERMAN CHRISTMAS-EVE.

brothers, cousins, or lovers rl^rl i x ,

fried*"’ -^d^eSng^™A'

of Saaldorf, apjjroaching the ffroun of * “e estate

Ae we^ t"™

*tat S r;n%- S3

to me to superi„d,.ce a feeltog of Seie 7“”

s-rsss

“ . tSoS SCsTSS^-frf‘‘"

word oor industry, and satisfy out curiositv bv r W'

by your tale.” 7 ‘ i the faster when beguiled

an^ mfytaies ToVSTe^^

firsss:::

All agreed to the truth of Edward’s remark • and , 'fR

gererdty'Tcerd'ed

THE GERMAN CHEISTMAS-EVE.

®I)C Eabijcrs’ Caiie.

Count Werner, when already advanced in years, inherited, by the death of a distant relative, the whole castle

of p , with its rich woods and corn-fields — its rooks

and venerable ruins. Years passed away, however, and the noble proprietor had never visited his estate; possibly, because being situated near the Black Forest, whose reputation for banditti was not very inviting, he put off his promised visits from time to time, hoping that time might bring some improvement to the neighbourhood.

The Count had a favorite servant, whose son (according to the German custom*) was going through his travellingapprenticeship ; the expenses of which were to be defrayed by the Countess : and in his travels he had met with an adventure which still further increased the disinclination of the family to undertake this journey.

This young man, Fritz Walter by name, in his entrance into the Black Forest, had, in a singular manner, been brought acquainted with a cavern, which, until that time, had escaped public detection ; indeed, it is likely that its deep and dark recesses had never before been disturbed by any footsteps save those of banditti ; and even now, it is considered possible that it may serve as an asylum to those hidden children of the earth.

On approaching the forest, the first impulse of Fritz had been to turn his steps in a different direction, and to seek shelter for the approaching night in some neighbour-

* When a young man has finished his apprenticeship to any tra.de in Germany, he is then obliged to travel for four years, taking ms certificate with him, to testify that he is qualified “ to be brought out ” as the phrase is. The guild of their respective towns grant theU testimonials, which obtain work for the journeymen in all paces whither they may travel ; and also assistance in case of need, ihese young men are called Handwerksbursohe, and no household wiU reluse

hospitality to such. , , -..i j. „

This struggle for independence, even^ when attended with extreme want, is not termed begging ; but fighting their way (fechten).

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mg hamlet; but his intention was arrested by the sight of a horseman galloping towards him. The young man concluded this to be some commercial traveller ; but far different ideas from those of trade occupied the mind of the person who now accosted Fritz, and asked him “ if he was acquainted with his road through that wild region.”

On his reply in the negative, Fritz was invited by the Inendly cavalier to place himself under his guidance, and was assured that he might be certain of shelter and repose. The youth had a courageous heart, and boldly followed the stranger, who conversed easily on the topics of the day. The evening shadows now fell thick and fast around-the straggling moonbeams shed their reflections on the trees and rocks — at times producing a semblance of bfe m the surrounding objects, that might have startled -c ritz, but for the perfect composure of his companion.

They now quitted the high road, and entered a narrow foot-path, which soon brought them to a cottage of respectable appearance, where the inmates received them with a hospitable welcome.

During his walk with the stranger, Fritz had, with his usual frankness, told his little story; had praised the kindness of the countess, his patroness, in whose service he declared his parents delighted, and expressed his hopes of meeting them at the baths of Marienbad, towards which place he was bending his way.

The supper was prolonged, having been enlivened with c leerful conversation, when the horseman at length spoke of retiring for the night, and told Fritz that he mio-ht sleep with perfect assurance that he should be roused'’ at daybreak.

After a few hours repose, the young man was awakened by a noise in his room ; and on arising, he perceived his companion of the former evening, accompanied by an dderly female,^ a gentleman, and a youth. On the latter Fritz gazed with astonishment— so like a second-self did

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he appear— indeed every article of clothing was the same as he had himself worn the night before ; but ere he could make any observation on this remarkable appearance, the

cavalier thus addressed him: —

“ My good youth, be not alarmed, nor suppose that any evil towards you is intended. The person before you has assumed your garments, it must be admitted, but under circumstances that your kind heart will, I am sure, lead you to excuse. You have by chance been led to participate in an affair, which I shall detail in as few words as

“ The young person before you is a female, though forced to assume the disguise of a man, and to borrow your clothes for the occasion. You now behold the unfortunate Baroness de Berrin, the eldest daughter of noble parents, who, alas ! in evil hour, made a vow_ to dedicate their first-born child to Heaven, should a family be granted to their prayers. The fair girl before you was thus, from her birtli, destined to a cloister, and educated accordingly. I am her uncle ; and holding vows thus forced upon inexperienced youth in the utmost horror, and seeing that the health of my beloved niece was fast sinking under the anticipation of a fate for which she had no spiritual vocation, I resolved to remonstrate with her friends. Having lately discovered in addition, that her young heart was given to an earthly love, I have resolved, at all risks, to save her. My entreaties proved of no avail with her deluded parents, who considered themselves bound by their vow to consummate this fearful sacrifice. Arrangements having been already made to place her in a convent, and to hand over her inheritance to the establishment, the superior was naturally very anxious to secure the person of her victim, and already was the day of admission named. Nothing could exceed the agony of this poor child but the despair of her lover. For my part, I could not resist making an effort to save her ; and I passed my solemn pro-

THE GERMAN CHRISTM AS-EVE.

mise, the day before the noviciate, (when I alone could see her), to use every endeavour to save her from such a fate. With the help of her younger brother and her nurse, whom you see here, she has thus far eluded the vigilance of her parents, by effecting her escape to this cottage, which I had provided as a temporary place of refuge for her, apprising her lover of its locality. Should the officials of the convent discover her, we are lost; but I will not abandon the good work I have begun. On my casual meeting with you yesterday evening, and finding, from your discourse, that you possessed a kindly heart, it struck me that you might essentially serve us in this our extremity, by exchanging garments with my niece. You are young, smooth, and fresh-looking, and might, at first sight, easily pass for a female. Even should you be taken, the error would soon be discovered, and no harm N could befal you. In the mean while, time would be afforded to the young people to escape to the frontiers, and our eternal gratitude shall be yours. You may either accompany me in the carriage or remain here ; but I shall not abandon you until I shall see you free, and once more clothed in proper attire.”

Fritz listened with breathless interest to this story, and at once consented to the Baron’s proposal, promising to keep the secret, whatever might befal.

Soon all was arranged: the Baroness, assuming the character of the travelling apprentice, the others that of peasants, with knapsacks on their backs, left the cottage, and soon gained the frontiers in safety; where the lovers’ hands were joined in wedlock by an aged priest, and bound by natural vows, which not even the power of the Church could cancel. Their days flowed on calm and bright,^ as the course of a lovely river, while they mutually shed blessings all around them.

But we must now return to the instrument of so much felicity— the happy Walter— who, with all the freshness

THE GERMAN CHRISTMAS-EVE.

of youth, and charmed with his adventure, and with the novelty of playing the part of a lady of rank, in which he flattered himself he should succeed admirably, — was never tired of admiring himself in his new costume, at the little mirror in the cottage.

It was determined that his protector and he should continue the intended journey to the baths ; and once arrived there, Fritz was to throw off his disguise.

They started the next day and took the high-road, hoping to pass the forest before sunset ; but an hour had scarcely elapsed before their carriage was stopped by a band of from twenty to thirty robbers, who, supposing they saw a lady, courteously assured her that, if her people made no resistance, every attention and respect should be observed towards the whole party.

On setting out, they had determined to assume the names of Frau and Herr Von Mtiller ; so, as there was no alternative, they followed the captain of the gang, having given their names accordingly, not without many fears as to the result, in case of their deceit being discovered, as it was evident that the capture of the ladys person was considered a matter of much consequence to this horde of bandits. The carriage was disposed of in some way unknown to the owner ; and the prisoners, walking by the side of their captors, were conducted through the recesses of the forest.

The pretended young lady kept her veil down, as recommended by her companion 5 and the captain appeared not a little prepossessed in favour of her modesty and beauty.

As they advanced, the wood became more intricate, but their leader appeared to be well acquainted with every turning and winding of this retreat, which he tiod with the utmost confidence, until, arriving at the brow of a precipice, he made two signal-cries, which were promptly answered.

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Immediately, a long and solid ladder ^yas raised from

beneath, where a secure place of concealment had been Tormed.

Walter, assisted by the eaptain, descended, and was introduced into a commodious tent, erected under a projection of the rock.

The Count, his companion, was separated from him, but from tirne^ to time was allowed to visit the supposed lady, as the object of the captain did not at all appear to

be that of inflicting unnecessary suflferings on his prisoners.

Every morning he appeared before them, and inquired after their health, begging the lady to make any demands within his power to grant. In short, the whole of this sinpilar man s demeanor betrayed a superiority of mind and education, which could not but elicit surprise and adimiation from ms involuntary guests.

Walter had much cause for the gratitude he had expressed towards his kind patroness, the Countess Werner who had condescended to stand as sponsor for him when a baby, and rightly deemed that, in consequence, his education must be her care. The Countess therefore allowed him to share all educational advantages with her only son

so long as he lived, and to remain at the castle as his companion.

The noble youth, however, fell a victim to prematuie decay, and the humbler companion of his studies left the castle with acquirements rarely attained by his equals

It may therefore be conceived, that, with such a model as the Coimtess daily before his eyes, and a good share of imitation, Entz now succeeded to admiration in playing the part of a high-born lady; nor did the fear of discovery, which cast a shade of timidity over his manners, tend to lessen the delusion.

The captain appeared every day more assiduous, to be-

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guile the captivity of the charming young lady ; and he would at times lead her forth into the forest, and point out the sylvan beauties with which it abounded.

When he could not himself accompany her, he entrusted the precious charge to an old woman, who seemed devoted to his service.

The order and neatness that prevailed throughout the cavern attested the zeal with which this old creature’s duties were performed ; the sleeping apartments (which were all ranged on one side) being models of cleanliness.

Indeed, the establishment might be called a little colony ; for, after some days, our captives discovered that the wives and families of the robbers all found shelter in the surrounding caves, and every evening welcomed the masters of the various retreats home from their daily laboui', (as they styled their guilty mode of life), with songs and festivity.

No signs of cruelty or bloodshed, however, v.^ere to be seen; and the gossiping old housekeeper delighted to recount instances of her master’s generous kindness to those who had fallen into his power, and how severe a penalty he inflicted on his followers for murder, which was, she said, rarely, if ever, committed.

Scouts were placed day and night on the heights around; and in the depths of the woods, picket-parties were formed.

The discipline maintained was excellent ; and the men cultivated fields and gardens in the defiles, which they gained by subterraneous paths, known only to the band, and capable of serving as f>laces of retreat in case of surprise.

Of course such a garrison could not have been maintained, unless the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages had been, many of them, induced to enter into a league with these freebooters ; and thus, having placed many under contribution by threats and rewards, this formidable

THK GERMAN CHRISTMAS-EVE.

body bad been hitherto enabled to evade all the efforts of the surrounding nobility, aided by the law, to bring them to justice.

A few days after the capture of our friends, the chief entered Walter’s tent, and informed him that his secret had been well known to him from the first. He assured the Baroness that he had only detained her in order to make terms with the superior of the convent ; and that, having advantageously concluded his treaty, the time had now come when he must deliver up his fair loard into the hands of the Lady Abbess.

During the first days of their imprisonment, when the captain’s amiable manners had surprised and delighted Count Berg (for that was the real name of Walter’s companion), it had been agreed between the prisoners to confide their secret to him ; but subsequently it was deemed expedient to allow the fugitives more time, and the idea was abandoned.

Behold, then, our friends once more conducted from their subterranean abode to the borders of the forest, where their carriage awaited them ; and they left the robber’s domain, thanking God heartily, not only for their escape, but for their happy exemption from all that might have harassed and distressed them in snch a situation.

As my object has been, principally, to describe, from the testimonyof an eye-witness, the robber’s cave* — and to give some details of their mode of life, I shall not attempt to convey to my hearers any idea of the fury and indignation of the heads of the convent, on discovering the imposition that had been practised upon them ; however, the scandal that attached to the whole affair made them but too happy to get rid of Fritz as soon as possible, protected as he Avas by his new and powerful friend Count Berg.

The incident of this tale is perfectly true, and occurred early in the last century.

If ever deceit can be said to be allowable, it may be considered so in such a case as the foregoing ; nor can we thinli- that the real young baroness and her happy husband could do otherwise than settle on the instrument of the felicity they now enjoyed, a handsome independence — which they did, some time after his ignominious dismissal from the convent of Bernburg.

Chapter II

E must now transport the reader to the Baths at Marienbad, where a scene of death and sorrow was passing.

The Countess Werner had in vain sought these salutary springs. The arm of death is unerring, — it bears the shaft ready plumed for each one of us, to be sped with unerring accuracy at the appointed moment !

The count was left a widower, and the young Emily motherless, in a short time after their arrival at the healing waters. Travelling was recommended, as likely to prove some distraction to the deep grief of the bereaved survivors, whose hearts yearned for some home, that might not remind them too painfully of her they had loved and lost.

The father and child agreed, therefore, to visit the castle — so long shunned ; and to endeavour to pass the first year of mourning in the neighbourhood of the formidable Black Forest. True grief seeks but to hide itself from the eye of all ; but the Baroness Orf, Count Werner’s sister, who had promised soon to join the mourners, declared that she would not indulge her drooping niece in this desire for solitude ; but that, as she had consented to ofiiciate as mistress of the castle, she must invite some friends to enliven their retreat. Emily Werner, now just seventeen years of age.

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declined this offer, preferring to explore this wild region on horseback, which she frequently did, attended by an old and faithful servant; and she felt her grief much soothed by the romantic forest-scenery, with its rushing cascades, and wild woodland beauties.

Within the boundaries of her father’s domain, Emily’s cultivated taste had already suggested many judicious improvements ; vistas were cut to admit mountain- views, and to introduce the happy sunny glade and smiling valley into a landscape, so long neglected, but abounding with natural beauties.

Her affectionate heart planned many a happy surprise for her aunt when she should arrive amongst them ; nor did the wild figures of the Jager, or huntsmen, which often flitted past in their romantic attire, alarm the young enthusiast ; they only served to give a character of life to the sleeping nature around.

One evening, whilst lingering over some of her favourite points of view, Emily could distinguish the sounds of a flute, at intervals, plainly proceeding from the forest ; and now her heart palpitated with an unknown and new feeling, as she remembered that these sounds had often (though far more distant) seemed to mock her footsteps, as she had wandered musing and mournful through the tangled brushwood.

Love had never yet stirred the plumage of her dovelike breast, yet the romance of her nature revelled in shadows of .adventure, as she bent her ear to the melting and beautiful modulations of the unseen performer.

Erom this time forth, this delicate music awaited the lady’s step, on terrace-walk, in bower, and close sequestered glade; until the day seemed incomiilete to Emily that had not been hallowed by this strange minstrelsy.