Tyrol (Austria) -- History -- Uprising of 1809 -- Fiction
"Nevertheless, brother," rejoined Father Joachim, "_'Lætabitur justus
in Domino, et sperabit in eo, ut laudabuntur omnes recti corde;_'
which, if we interpret for the benefit of the unlearned, is as much as
to say, the righteous shall, notwithstanding, rejoice in the Lord and
put their trust in Him; and all they that are true of heart shall be
glad."
"The Bavarians may trust in their chariots and horses," said Hofer,
"but we will trust in the Lord our God."
"Ah, I wish we had some more horses, though," broke in Eisenstecken,
"for we are miserably deficient in cavalry."
"What on earth should we do with cavalry?" cried Father Joachim. "Why,
our very want of it makes us respected the more, because our successes
can only be attributed to our natural intrepidity and resolution."
"Pardon me, father; our successes can only last among the hills, we
cannot compete with the enemy in the plains."
"Never mind that," interposed Father Peter, setting aside an objection
that could not be answered. "Let them keep their plains to themselves,
as long as we have our hills."
While talking in this desultory fashion, they came up with one of those
rustic processions so common in the mountains, when the cows, having
exhausted the pastures in the valleys, are driven up the hills for
the summer. The tinkling of bells, and rustic sounds of music which
accompanied it, could be heard far off. First came the _senner_,
or milker, at the head of the cows, with ribbons of many colours
bedecking his hat and shoes, and a long staff in his hand, with which
he gesticulated in a theatrical manner. Immediately after him marched
the principal cow of a herd amounting to some hundreds, belonging
to different farmers; her head and neck were decorated with immense
garlands of the gayest flowers, interspersed with knots and streamers,
pink, blue, and yellow, and bearing a deep-toned bell suspended by an
embroidered strap. The other cows succeeded, each adorned with smaller
bells, streamers, and garlands, and quite aware of their subordinate
dignity. Then came the _galleter_, driving the heifers and calves,
and having in his charge the fetters and halters of the whole herd.
Then followed the goat-keeper, with a long train of goats; then the
_schäfer_, or shepherd, with his numerous flocks of sheep; and lastly,
the _sandirne_, or pig-driver, with his unruly herd.
When the _senner_ in advance of this procession came near enough to
be recognised, he proved to be Franz, who was a good herdsman enough,
and being never very fond of either smuggling or fighting when they
threatened much danger, was very glad to get a safe, and, in the eyes
of mountaineers, honourable, employment for the rest of the summer.
He enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of the procession amazingly,
and hardly less so the prospect of occasional long, lonely hours of
luxurious idleness which were sure to follow, when lying at full length
on thymy banks watching his charge.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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