Teone

Introduction

Where pine trees grow in northern clime. And snows are deep in winter time, Tlie hardy men assemble there, Pine logs, for milling to prepare. From early morn till deep'ning night. They swing the axe, while there is light ; And when has j^assed the wintry day, Then to their cabins Avend their w^ay. I>ut oftentimes, on moonlight eve, They saw tlie trees, before they leave, U])on the landings where they lay — Which liave been hanled throughont the day Into such lengths as when they strive. In spring, can move them in the "drive". The teamsters of the teams take care, And hay and meal give them to sliare,

4 INTRODUCTION.

That they the labor may perform,

Of haulmo; loo\s, in wind or storm.

When this is done, all hands then feel

Like joining in the evening meal.

The beef and bread they relish well,

And pork and beans, and mackerel.

Their evenings, then, they sometimes spend,

The needle using, clothes to mend.

Sometimes, in dancing on rough floor.

Made from hewn poles, near their camp door ;

Sometimes in games, with playing cards,

Sometimes with songs, like ancient bards ;

And oft, beneath the flannel shirt

Of faded red, begrimmed with du't.

Is found a voice, which, on the stage.

If rightly trained, would be the rage.

Sometimes in story-telling, when

Is genius shown, which, wielding pen

Instead of axe, would find his work,

Producing finer food than pork.

TNTRODtJCTiONi

One of this latter class I had,

One whiter, in the red shirt clad.

Who was in all his ways uncouth,

And no great stickler for the truth.

He, in the winter evenings long,

Could not amuse us with a song,

But always had a tale to tell,

And never failed to tell it well ;

And he could coin them in his brain.

As tough as any logging chain.

Among the many that he told,

Was one — though now, I have grown old,

And many years since passed away —

Seems like a tale of yesterday.

It may have been in print before,

But, I've not seen it, I am sure ;

Therefore, the story I'll relate,

As tokl me, in the "Pine Tree State." -

RUSCO.

"^^ See Note 1, Appendix.

T E O ISr E :

My friends, attend to what I say. Whilst I rehearse an ancient lay ; And you the history of a Prince Will hear, Avho lived a long time since ; Whose father reigned in pomp and pride O'er lands extended far and wide — A Prince, who used quite oft to take A journey to a neighboring lake, In quest of sport with trout or eel. Whene'er he in the mood did feel, ^ Had oftentimes the luck to iind The tish to bite his hook inclined. One morn, he felt in mood to try The lishes, with a new-made fly ; And sallying forth with this intent. He toward the lake his footsteps bent.

8 TEOKE.

Arriving at the glassy flood, —

Upon the bank he silent stood,

And threw his hook, wit^ skillful care,

To lure the fish, that might swim there ;

But on the bank he long did wait —

No flsh would touch the tempting bait ;

And he, at last, when tired had grown,

Sat down to rest upon a stone,

Not minding that, in civil mood,

A man of craft beside hhn stood.

Regarding him with watchful eye.

As though he could his want supply.

'' Good morning, sir, what luck hast thou ?"

As, bending Avith a graceful bow.

He said, "Thy eftbrts little bring,

To please the scion of a king."

"Good morning, sir," the Prince replied,

With eyes still bent upon the tide.

Then turning to his new-found guest.

With folded arms upon his breast.

THE GREEN KNIGUT.

(For in the times of which I treat, This was politeness n]ost complete,) And in a bright and cheerful way, Said, "Sir, I welcome thee, to-day ; " Sit down upon this grassy bank ; " I know not what may be thy rank, " But as thou seem'st of gentle stock, " There can't be harm for us to talk ; '' But first, howe'er, I would like well, " That thou to me thy name shouldst tell, " And the fair land where thou dost dwell, " That I may be with knowledge crowned, " For thou hast now the 'vantage ground." Then quoth the man, with air polite, " I'll place thee on an equal hight ; " My name's composed, as thou shalt know, " Of words enough for friend or foe. " The first is green, a natural color, " The second, knight, a name of honor, " The last a word much better known.

" Or ploughboy with his garments torn,

" Than upstart fop with lip unshorn,

'' Where, let him wriggle as he can,

" *It is the tailor makes the man'.

" This word the world is always after,

" Whether clothed in frowns or laughter ;

" It is a word allied to fame,

" And KNOWLEDGE evcr called by name.

" Now, Prince, to thee my name is known ;

" But the fair land I call my own,

" Thou wilt, perhaps, in foreign clime

" Discover, at some future time ;

" And since our introduction's o'er,

" Pray let me ask what luck, once more ?"

" Luck," quoth the Prince, " is out of sight,

" For Pve not had one single bite."

" Then what sayest thou," the knight replied,

*' To a game of chess, that I'll provide.

" And that some interest we may take,

A GAME OF CHESS. 11

" The winner's choice to name the stake

" Shall be the rule to guide our play,

" As we contend on this fine day.

" Shouldst thou beat me, the stake shall be

" What thou shalt chance to hear or see,

" Or whatso'er may wish or think,

" Let it be gold, or meat, or drink.

" Should I beat thee, the stake's the same,

" That thou shalt pay what I shall name.

" And now, if thou the terms approve,

" We win at once commence the move.

" Then," quoth the Prince, " I do accept

" Thy challenge, though I'm no adept

" In any of the games now played,

" Nor yet for battle been arrayed. "

The wager closed, the game begun.

And by the Prince was early won ;

On which the Knight, with manner gay.

Said, " Prince, now name what I shall pay. "

The Prince, then rising by the lake.

12 TEONi:.

Proceeded thus to name the stake : —

" A regiment of soldiers brave,

" A thousand strong on land or wave ;

" A thousand stand of shining arms;

*' A thousand steeds from richest farms ;

" A thousand swords of finest mould ;

" A thousand shields of solid gold ;

'' A thousand lances, pointed bright,

" With which to arm each belted knight ;

'' A thousand instruments of tone,

" A thousand men to play thereon,

*' Of colors red, neat trimmed with blue :

'' Let them appear at morrow's morn,

^' In line drawn up upon the lawn

'- That stretches out a league or more

*' Before my father^s palace door.

" This army, furnished by thy wealth,

" With all that's wanted for their health,

" Must have their orders to obey

THE KING SURPRISED. 13

"• My father, for a year and day ;

" And now, sir, since my wish is known,

'' I think I will be jogging home ;

" Perhaps some other time we'll meet,

" When luck may place me at thy feet;

" And shouldst thou win the right to name

" The stake, I'll pay it for the game."

Then taking up his line and hook,

The road for home he straightway took.

At early light, on morrow's morn,

The King was roused by sound of horn ;

And from his couch he quick arose,

And hurriedly put on his clothes.

When looking out upon the plain.

Astonished, saw two thousand men ;

One half arrayed in armor bright,

That glistened in the morning light,

The other half, in tuneful strain,

Made mellow music on the plain.

The Monarch, taken by surprise,

With consternation, rubb'cl his eyes ;

And callino: out in sad affrig-ht —

" My son, my son, see what a sight !

" Call out my guards — my fighting men ;

" A foe appears upon the plain.

" Who they are, or whence they come,

" With prancing steeds beflecked with foam,

'' Is what I fain would understand,

" And then I'll meet them, sword in hand.

" Oh ! father, fear not," quoth the son,

" For of a Knight these men I won,

" As by the lake we sat at play,

" At meridian, yesterday.

" He challenged me to play a game,

" The stake, the winner was to name.

" It was my fortune him to beat,

" And this results from his defeat.

" Then," quoth the King, " I fear that man !

" I fear he has some wicked plan,

" To make you feel his subtile power,

HE MEETS THE KNIGHT AGAIN. 15

" When you'll bewail the cruel hour

" When first you saw his crafty face,

" Or met with such an artful race."

" Fear not, my sire," the Prince replied,

" ril meet this Knight, whate'er betide.

" I think he's nothing more than man ;

" Again I'll meet him, if I can."

Thus confident, he went away.

Again to meet the Knight in play.

Arriving at the silvery lake,

He tried again some fish to take :

But fishing then, as ever since,

Was poor amusement for a Prince :

But as he fished, in hopeful mood.

The Knisfht ag-ain beside him stood.

" What luck to-day, my worthy friend ? "

The Knight inquired, with accents bland.

" Oh, luck, the same as yesterday,

'' Ere you and I sat down to play."

" Perhaps," the Knight replied in haste,

" Another game would suit your taste ;

" And if it would, I'll not refrain

" To try my skill with you again."

The Prince accepted, with delight,

The challenge given by the Knight,

The wager to be just the same

As that named in the former game —

The loser bound to pay in hand.

Just what the winner should demand.

And they sat dcfwn upon a stone,

With none to see who lost or won.

The game progressed with more display

Than that upon the previous day,

When soon the Prince found he'd no rigjht

To think himself above the Knight ;

For, as the game approached it's close.

The spirits of the Knight arose.

Who shortly had the right to name

Himself the winner of the game.

The Prince then said, without delay,

THE SEEEESS. 17

" Sir Knight, demand what I shall pay."

The Knight, with calmness, then replied,

" My castle lies beyond this tide ;

" A visit there, I'll have you make,

" And then I'll tell you what's the stake.

" A year and day to you I'll give

"To find the castle, where I live ;

" And so I'll bid you now good day,

" Not doubting that you'll come that way."

A dame resided near the shore, WeU skilled, t'was said, in magic lore. To whom, at once, the Prince applied To tell him where, beyond the tide. He'd find the castle of the Knight — That cunning, crafty, vicious wight. The dame, at first, like Endor's maid. Appeared to be somewhat afraid. And would not own, by word or deed. That she could help him in his need ;

But gold, that all-subduing wand,

That neither locks or bolts withstand,

Cleared up her doubts— removed her fear,

And made her see her way quite clear :

" My son," she said, " your task is hard ;

" The Knight doth play a winning card ;

" And should he get you in his net,

" But little favor you will get.

" I will assist you what I can,

'' But my advice you close must scan ;

" Your task is hard, you must not doubt —

" Good management may bring you out.

" This ball of twine, take in your hand,

" And one end fasten in the sand

" Upon the margin of the lake,

" By driving down this silver stake,

" Upon the spot where you assayed

" The game, by which you were betrayed ;

" Then follow round against the sun,

" The ball unwinding as you run.

INSTEUCTIONS. 19

" And when the twine is all run out,

" You'll find a thicket on your route.

" Secrete yourself within its shades,

" Until appear three beauteous maids,

'' Who like sea nymphs will there appear,

" To bathe within the water clear ;

" And when their clothes, they've laid aside,

'^ And gone to bathe within its tide,

*' Secure the clothes that near shall lie,

" And with them to the thicket hie ;

" But not beyond a rod or two,

" That you may keep the maids in view ;

" For that the turning point will be,

" To settle there your destiny.

" And when their bathing hour is o'er,

'' To dress, again, they'll seek the shore —

" When two have robed, and homeward gone,

" And the fair third is left alone,

" Who will be seeking in distress,

'' The means with which herself to dress,

'' At once before the maid appear,

'' And teli lier not to harbor fear ;

'' That honor is your aim and end —

^' You only wish to gain a friend.

*' Then make her swear, through weal and woe,

''To be your friend — then let her go.

" But just before her leaving you,

" Just tell her what you have in view.

" I think I need not tell you more.

" The maid, you'll meet upon the shore,

" If you succeed in making true,

" Will help you more than I can do.

" So now proceed upon your track —

" May fortune smile, and bring you back."

He drove the stake deep in the sand.

Secured the twine with his own hand,

And jogged along upon his way,

The ball reducing every day.

Until the twine, at last, run out.

When he the thicket on his route

THE THKEE MAIDS. 21

Discovered by the water's side, When to its shades he quickly hied, And waited, with a hopeful heart. To see if aught of life would start To help him find the castle strong, That he 'd been searching for so long. When soon appeared three pretty maids, Who left their clothes within the shades, And plunged beneath the rippling wave, Their alabaster forms to lave Within the water, bright and clear, Like naiads, gambolled without fear, Not knowing that the Prince did take With him, a distance from the lake, The clothing of one of the three, Which he had taken, secretly. When they returned, themselves to dress. One of the three, in deep distress, Searched far and near, her clothes to find — The others leaving: her behind :

And whilst, perplexed, she searched alone

The Prince to her made himself known.

And bade her cease to feel alarm,

For he intended her no harm ;

He only wished to gain a friend.

One that to him her aid would lend.

'* Then," quoth the maid, "why not apply

" Where you in safety can rely

" Upon some one that can you aid,

'' And not perplex an humble maid ?

*' Give me my clothes, and let me go ;

" I think you can not be my foe,

" For I have given you no cause

" For violating moral laws."

The Prince replied, ''You say quite true,

*' That I Ve no cause for troubling you,

" So far as any act or thought

"Of yours to me has trouble brought ;

" But still, you have the power to aid,

*' Althouo'h you seem an humble maid.

THE DESERTED MAID. 23

'' Do not, therefore, I pray, decline

"To be, this day, a friend of mine;

" But, ere you go, consent to swear,

" By all the powers in earth and air,

" That to my fortunes you'll prove true,

** And aid me in what I've to do.

" I have been searching, for a year,

" To find a place that must be near,

" Whereon a castle can be seen —

" The dwelling of the Knight of Green,

" With whom, a year ago, I played

" A game of chess, that me betrayed

" To pledge my word that I would pay

" For that chess-game what he should say ;

" But first must find his castle strong,

" That I may not be in the wrong ;

" But if I fail, before the sun

" Has half his course on this day run,

" To find and meet him, face to face,

" I fear I shall be in disgrace.

24r TEONE.

" A year and day to me he gave

" To find him, and my honor save ;

" This day completes the time he set,

" And I've not found his castle, yet ;

" So now, the help I need, you know ;

" Just take the oath, before you go,

" That I may have a chance to pay

" The debt I owe the Knight, for play."

Then quoth the maid, " The oath I'll take,

" Because your honor is at stake ;

" The Knight you name, I know quite well,

" For I do in his castle dwell.

" But if you'd have my aid and care

" To help, we must be strangers there.

" Now let me say, before I leave,

*' Let no one cheat you, or deceive ;

'' But take the road that leads straight on,

" Directly toward the rising sun,

"And soon the castle you will find,

" That has so sore perplexed your mind."

She left him then, with artless grace That time, he thought, could ne'er eftace.

The Knight, that noon, sat deep in thought. Reflecting on what he'd been taught By searching in a book profound. That did with magic lore abound. He had, that day, with special care. Examined what was written there, And felt that then the time was rife To close a work, to crown his life With poAver so great, in magic art. That cloyed would be his craving heart. Twelve lances, burnished in the sun. As many swords, in battle won. Were trophies of his valiant arm. That then haa ceased to cause alarm. For smce on mao-ic he intent His mind, with force, had strongly bent, Both sword and lance Avere laid aside.

And only used with pomp and pride, To show how he with force could wield These weapons, on the battle field. Once, when absorbed in thinking o'er How much he lacked in magic lore, And wishing for some demon's aid, To be with him in league arrayed. An Ogre, hideous and grim. Appeared, and thus accosted him: " Sir Knight, you seem to be perplexed, " And act as though you are much vexed ; " There is no need that you should fail, " If you will not your work curtail ; " For you have means, within control, " That you can use to reach the goal " For which you now so much do thirst, " And of magicians make you first. " These lances, that you have in hand, " And swords, a dozen at command, " If you will use them, as you may,

TMe ogre mSTRlfCTiNG THE KNIGHT. 2Y

" Your efforts they will well repay.

" The lances place upon each side

'* Your castle gate, that opens wide ;

" In crescent form they must be made,

" So as to cast a curving shade ;

" And on each point you'll place, with care,

" A human head, with flowing hair.

" But if you would your object gain,

"And keep your honor free from stain,

'' These heads must be from royal line,

'- And be the subject of a iine —

•■'A penalty, Kings' sons must pay,

*' Foi being beat by you, at play.

" These sons must be by you beguiled

" To visit, here, your castle wild,

" To pay a debt, then over due,

" And one that must be named by you.

" These debts, you'll know enough to name,

" That mortal man can't pay the same ;

" And when they fail the debts to pay.

TEONE.

" Their heads you'll take, without delay ;

" But must not place, in any year,

" But single head on single spear.

" The swords you'll keep in proper state,

" With which their heads to amputate.

" You will prepare an acid pot,

'' And have it filled, and keep it hot,

" In which to place each headless trunk,

" Beneath the acid to be sunk —

" And when the bodies are dissolved,

'^ And in the work you are involved,

" You will the juice evaporate,

" And from the liquid separate

'' All the solid composition,

" When you'll make such disposition

'' Of it, as you will discover

" In this book, and in no other."

With which a book he handed him.

And left the Knight in thoughtful trim.

The Ogre's word he had obeyed.

THE PBIKCE FINDS THE CASTLE. 29

And what was in the book portrayed ; His complement of heads, lie'd won — Eleven were basking in the sun ; The twelfth, he was expecting, soon — The time expired, that very noon, That would complete the year and day, Since with the Prince he sat at play. Just as the sun had passed the line. Which, with the Knight, was time to dine, He cast his eyes out on the plain. And saw the Prince, without a train Of followers, but quite alone. Approaching, by the bridge of stone, That crossed the moat before his gate. Which from the plain did seperate His castle, which the Prince had found. Located on enchanted ground. The Knight, with ease, the Prince received. And said he felt himself much grieved That preparation he'd not pressM, so teoM:.

To honor such a royal guest.

He hop'd he'd make himself at home,

And, for a time , he'd cease to roam ;

With conversation sought to please,

And put the prince quite at his ease.

He said, '' Partake my frugal fare ;

"Your stay shall be my special care

" To make as pleasant to you here,

" As time youVe passed within a year."

The Prince replied," I mean to stay

" Just long enough my debt to pay.

" So now, Sir Knight, I'd have you name

" What I must pay you for that game."

" Then," quoth the Knight, with meaning deep

" You'll first refresh yourself with sleep ;

" And at to-morrow's rising sun,

" You then shall know what I'll have done."

The Prince then to a room was shown,

And left to cogitate alone,

Or take the rest that he required,

THE FIRST DAY^S WORK. 31

Though much, to know his task desir'd.

He early rose, on morrow's morn,

And wash'd himself, his clothes put on,

Went out to take the morning air,

And hear the birds, sweet singing there.

The Knight how'e'er, was on the stir,

And bade the Prince '' Good morning sir !"

And then, to him, he thus did say.

What he demanded for his pay —

" Three times the sun must not arise

" Again before you've won the prize,

" Of paying me, that debt of play,

" For which you came here yesterday.

" Three days of labor I demand,

" To be perform'd by your own hand.

•* And now, to you, I'll tell the first,

" Which may, or may not be the worst.

" At the foot of yonder hill,

'' Near where stands that ancient mill,

" A well there once existed.

" Near where that tree is twisted

" In the days long gone and past —

" In that well there was a ring,

" A very precious, costly thing,

" Which once was worn by my grandmother—

" Which you must bring me, and no other.

" This well you must complete restore,

" Just as good as tVas before.

" That you may know just what that was,

" I will discribe it, now, because

" I would not have you think or say

^^ You have no chance your debt to pay,

" By reason, that I do not tell

" You all about this ancient well.

" It was in depth so many feet,

'' ISTo living soul could fathom it.

" It is now filled with earth and stones,

"And mixed therewith are human bones.

" It once was walled with diamonds rare.

THE SERPENTS. 33

" That liad been set with skillful care ; *' Sapphire composed its ample curb, '' Studded with rubies most superb ; ••' Its bucket was of silver bright, '* Which to the lips of loyal knight -'- Was often plac'd , that he might drink " The sparkling waters from its brink. "And when you have this w^ell replacM, "And signs of work entire effac'd, " You will, I'm sure, n(^t fail to bring '' To me, at morrow's morn, the ring. " When you have thus restor'd this well, " The next day's task, to you I'll tell." The Knight then to his castle went. And left the Prince in thought intent, How he the task that had been set, With labor, could by him be met. At tirst he viewed the ground about, On which the Knight had pointed out The blasted tree upon the ground ;

With twisted limbs which there he found ;

But signs of well he could not see,

And wonderini? thous^ht Avhere it could be.

He thought perhaps if he could pound

Upon the earth, there might be sound,

And by tliat sound, perchance could tell

The spot where he should tind the well.

With this intent, he stooped to take

A stick, with which a sound to make,

A branch that lay upon tlie land ;

But, when he took it in his liand,

He saw it move, and, with alarm

He felt it coil around his arm ;

And with a fling, it off did shake,

And when it fell, it was a snake,

Which, hissing lied toward the tree

Whose twisted limbs, astonished, he

Beheld were serpents, squirming there ;

And, waving in the open air.

Its trunk was made of serpents, coiled.

TEONE Ai*i*EARS. 35

Which look'd as though they had been oil'd.

Enchantment seemed him to surround,

As he stood gazing on the ground.

Not to be foil'd by this array

Of what he thought was phantom play —

A subtile movement of the Knight

That from his work him would affright ;

He with this notion in liis head,

Commenc'd at once the earth to tread.

He ran and jump'd upon the ground,

In hopes to hear some hollow sound;

When soon the earth began to quake,

And all around him move and shake.

A moment then his senses lost,

And o'er the ground his form was toss'd ;

When to himself he came again,

His eyes beheld a desert plain ;

No living thing in sight could see.

Except that frightful serpent-tree,

Which soon in scattered fraorments lav,

That squirmed around the sandy Avay.

Around his legs they did entwine,

The sand beneath his feet, did mine ;

Beneath his garments they did squirm,