From Enkirch a very pleasant path leads us to Entersburg, famous for the legend of
THE VALLEY OF HUSBANDS.
On the heights over the little hamlet of Burg are still to be seen some remnants of an old castle. Here a Robber-Knight once had his residence. This Knight made it his profession to capture all travellers, and carry them off to his dungeon, from which they were only released on procuring a very large ransom.
For a long time this trade was most prosperously carried on, but at length (success perhaps begetting envy, as usual,) a certain nobleman vowed vengeance on the depredator, and swore to destroy him and his castle. For this purpose he set out with a large force, and surrounded the Robber-Knight’s tower.
The robbers fought furiously, yet were forced to retreat into their fort by the superior force of the nobleman.
The chief then being short of provisions, consulted his wife (as all prudent men should), and she concocted a plan. The lady then mounted the tower, and addressing the nobleman, said that the stronghold should be given up if he would allow her to carry out a bundle of whatever she wished. To this modest request the besieger readily gave his assent, and the lady came forth with a heavy bundle placed in a basket, which she carried with difficulty.
The besiegers allowed her to pass, and rushed into the fort, slaying the robbers who there were collected.
The lady and bundle were all that escaped; and so this courageous and sharp-witted woman saved the life of her husband.
The valley is still called the Manne-thal, or Valley of Husbands.