| Citation |
BEP(F.757.040
17 Oct 1757:12 (1155)
London, July 12. 'Tis expected that Hamelen, the key of the
Hanoverian territories on the south, and a strong fortress,
is by this time in a more melancholy situation than it was
in the 13th c. The circumstances alluded to as the
inhabitants relate it to every stranger that comes there,
are, that at the time above-mentioned (the particular year
and day of the month at this distance is of no great use) a
certain piper travelling that way, agreed with the
inhabitants for a stipulated sum, to rid them of rats, which
they were very much infested with; having performed his
work, he demanded his bargain, which they thought too easily
earned, and too soon done, and so refused paying him: The
next year he came piping as before, and the children of the
place, to the number of 130, followed him to a hill, where
he shut them in a cave, and they were never heard of----
Could a piper be found who could serve eight or ten thousand
of the French in the same manner, what joys! what triumphs
would be great enough to welcome the conquering Caesar home
!
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