Legend of Serpents Well

Reading the account in last week’s “Times” of the highly satisfactory manner in which the Mexboro’ Water Company have catered for the inhabitants of Mexbro’, raises the question, can no one be found with sufficient engineering skill to confer a similar boon upon the inhabitants of Conisbro’?

The question as to where the supply is to be brought from scarcely need be asked, as the “Town Well” is not only a plentiful supply, but would very little skill to enable it to spread itself over the whole town. Were a tower carried some thirty feet high, and the water pumped to that height, it would then by its own gravity force itself to the highest houses in the town.

The question seems but to be one of who shall undertake the scheme, for there is little doubt the capital would soon be forthcoming were a few of the influential gentlemen of Conisbro’ to favour the scheme. Time alone will prove whether there is anyone of sufficient energy to take the initiative in such a scheme; or whether the inhabitants must wait until a second “Father Francis” arises to spread around that which legendary lore says was given so miraculously through him.

Perhaps it may interest some of your numerous readers to recount what the writer remembers of that portion of the legend of “Serpent’s Well” which relates to this matter.

Many have told of the Monks of old, what a jovial race they were; but in the legend referred to, we are introduced to Father Francis, who lived in a miserable cottage of two low rooms only, on the rising ground on which now stands the pleasant residence, now called Castle Terrace. He lived in a most frugal and abstemious manner, and was oftener found near the bed of sickness, and in scenes of wretchedness, than amidst the mirth and hilarity of the more opulent. His raiment was of the coarsest materials, and in his leathern belt was stuck a brass crucifix. On his head he wore a toumre resembling a crown of thorns, and sandals on his sockless feet.

He was held in high estimation by the whole inhabitants; and there being a great drought, insomuch that all the wells with the exception of “Serpent’s Well” were dried up, they applied to him to remedy the evil, for they had full confidence that the prayers of so holy a man would be heard. He dismissed them with his blessing, and told them to come again on the morrow. He spent the whole night in meditation and prayer, and at break of day left his cot, and proceeded to the dry bed of the brook below. There was no sign of any change in the weather, still the same scorching atmosphere, and no indication of coming rain. He split off a long wand from an aged willow-tree that grew near, and returned to his devotions.

Early in the morning his cot was besieged by a numerous assemblage of women. Father Francis received them very affectionately, and after giving them his blessing, placed himself at their head, bearing in his right hand the willow wand, in his left the crucifix. The procession moved slowly and in silence, and having arrived at the northern side of the parish church, turned down what is now called Wellgate. Here the procession stopped, and was arranged in a semi-circle before Father Francis.

A solemn silence reigned around, every eye with deepest anxiety rested upon the holy man. He crossed his arms upon his bosom, and with holy confidence gazed up towards heaven.

He then raised his hand, and struck the willow wand deep into the earth, vociferating in an unearthly voice, “Spring up, O Well!” and turning to the people, “Answer ye to it.”

Instantly, the water gushed forth; instantly also, the whole assemblage fell down upon their knees, and offered up the devoutest thanksgiving and praise. The people thronged around the holy man, kissed the hem of his garment, and would have worshipped him, had he allowed it. He assured them that he was only the instrument, and told them that praise was alone due to that Higher Power which had given him the power. Since that day the well has never failed, and continues to pour forth its wholesome stream to this day. The willow wand immediately began to grow, but years ago was destroyed, and gave place to the rude building which now stands over the original spring.