Page:Stories of the Rhine country, (IA storiesofrhineco00alle).pdf/21



In a little island in the midst of the Rhine stands a old, tall castle. Behind it is rise the mountains. At its feet sweeps the river, dark, deep, and full of mysterious voices.

This is the famous Rat Tower. There is a legend about it which tells how it came by its strange name.

Nearly a thousand years ago, this castle belonged to the Bishop of Bingen, whose name was Hatto. Bishop Hatto was rich and prosperous. But he was hard-hearted and cruel.

This is the story of Bishop Hatto as it is told in rhyme by the poet, Robert Southey:

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