finished in its completeness, during the
present day, it is a master copy of the best style of the Gothic era.

[Illustration]

XXI

ANDERNACH AND SINZIG

_Andernach_

Andernach is one of the oldest cities in the Rhine valley, and grew up
out of one of Drusus's camps, which was built here when the town was
known as _Antonacum_.

This was its early history, as given by Ammien Marcellin; and a later
authority mentions it as the second city of the electorate of Treves
(_Die Andre Darnach_).

In the records of Drusus's time, there is a reference to a chateau here,
which was the fiftieth he had built upon the banks of the Rhine.

The kings of Austrasia had their palace here as well, so the place
became a political and strategic city of very nearly the first rank.

In the middle ages Andernach shone brilliantly among the centres of
commerce in the Rhine valley.

Charles V. was responsible for a battle between the inhabitants of Linz
and those of Rhieneck and Andernach, in which nearly all the latter were
massacred.

To soften any hard feeling that might still exist, a sermon was always
preached, up to the last century, in the market-place, on St.
Bartholomew's Day, urging the people to forgive their enemies. The
records tell, however, that on one occasion an unfortunate inhabitant of
Linz was discovered in Andernach, and that he was forthwith put to death
in most unchristianlike fashion.

The Gate of Coblenz at Andernach is generally regarded as an ancient
Roman work, though not of the monumental order usual in works of its
kind.

The present fortifications date from the fifteenth century, as does the
picturesque watch-tower by the waterside.

With Andernach is identified the tradition of a Count Palatine, who,
returning from the Holy Wars, was persuaded by a false friend that his
lady had proved faithless; and, without listening to excuse, drove her
forth to the woods. In the forest she found shelter with her youthful
son, lodging in caves and living on fruits and herbs for many years. One
day her husband, having lost his companions in the chase, came by
accident upon her place of concealment. The wife of his bosom, carefully
nurtured in her youth, but now living unattended in the wilds, and his
son, now grown into a fine youth, excited his pity. Listening to the
truth, he took home the innocent victims of perfidy, and retaliated upon
the traducer by hanging him from the highest tower of his castl