From peasant to prince, the life of A. Menschikoff, freely tr. by M.A. Pietzker - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. RELEASE. HE idea of building a church having once entered the mind of the exiled prince, he did not allow it to fade away into chimerical visions. The timber was purchased, and the spot fixed upon for the erection of the sacred edifice, and both father and son were soon in full employ, surrounded by those who were willing to share their labours. The whole town was, ere long, busy and animated with the zeal of the exiles, and wrought steadily and cheerfully at the fane about to be raised to the honour and glory of the King of kings. But they were overtaken by winter before they had completed their task; and winter, alas! brought another trial to the afflicted family. Mary, the elder daughter of Menschikoff, the affianced wife of the Emperor, sickened, and, after a short illness, was called to join her mother. The stroke fell upon the father very heavily, it was so totally unexpected by him; for the amiable and considerate child had ever worn a cheerful smile for all around her, particularly for him whose heart had been so sorely lacerated for all their sufferings; and when at last death came, he was thunderstruck. His grief found no vent in words, but he silently and secretly wept over his lovely flower thus nipped in the bud; and again he had to bow the head and avow the justice of God. This time, however, he could trace the love and mercy that tempered the justice. He knew she was taken from a world of trouble to a paradise of bliss. He knew he should not be parted from her long; that he should soon follow her and the loved one who had gone before her; and this time, therefore, he sorrowed not as one without hope. Winter had again taken his leave of his northern empire for a short space, and nature once more resumed her triumphant reign. Her s...