you must
know, I have faith in dreams, especially when they occupy our minds in
hours of importance, and are fraught with destiny; I believe they are
sent from above to raise our hopes, and arm us with fortitude."

The Duke remained silent some time longer, apparently pondering over
the last words of his old friend. He then began, "My brother-in-law,
William of Bavaria, has burnt the castle of my ancestors this day, as a
proof of his friendship. The Wuertembergers have been established there
from time immemorial, and the country which we possess takes its name
from the same castle. He seems to have fired it with the torch of
death, and with its flames to have wished to exterminate the arms, the
remembrance, nay, even the very name of Wuertemberg, from the face of
the earth. He has partially succeeded; for my only son, young
Christoph, is in a distant land; my brother, George, has no child; and
I--I have been beaten and driven out; they have repossessed my country,
and where can I look to the hope of returning to it again?"

Ulerich was again silent. His mind appeared occupied with a subject too
great for utterance. A peaceful serenity lay on the features of the
unfortunate Prince, and an unusual expression beamed in his eyes as he
directed them upwards to heaven. His companions looked at him in awful
expectation of hearing some important communication resulting from his
dream.

"Listen further," he continued: "I gazed on the charming valley of the
Neckar. The river flowed on in its accustomed gentle winding blue
stream. The valley and hills appeared lovely, and more luxuriant than
ever. The woods on the heights and the meadows assumed the aspect of
one continued garden, spreading their rich green vineyards from hill to
hill, and in the valley below full-bearing fruit trees without number
completed the blooming scene. I stood enchanted and riveted to the
view; the sun shone with greater splendour than usual, the blue vault
of heaven was lighted up more brilliantly than I had ever witnessed it,
and all nature seemed dressed in brighter colours than mortal eye had
ever beheld. When I raised my intoxicated eye, and gazed upon the
valley of the Neckar, I beheld a castle pleasantly situated on the
summit of a hill which rose from the banks of the river, with the rays
of the morning sun playing upon its walls. The sight of this peaceful
habitation rejoiced my heart, for there were no ditches or high
defences, no towers or