THE RAT TOWER
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:
Tradition of Bishop Hatto
The summer and winter had been so wet
That in winter the corn was growing yet.
'Twas a piteous sight to see all around
The grain lie rotting on the ground.
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