Posted in Rosa of Linden Castle by Christoph von Schmid

I these final chapters, we find that Kunerick arrived home and was greeted like a hero by his family, as it should be. His wife immediately tells him of the plight their son almost fell into, and he is moved to favor Rosa because of her act of bravery which has saved his son.

What a shock to me that he asked her which of his castles she would want - Linden or his. And, I believe he was equally shocked that she revealed herself as Rosa of Linden Castle. Kunerick began to deny her request and go against his own word, but now the time has come for Lady to tell that she has known for awhile who she is and has been waiting her husband's return.

She imparts to him Rosa's character and sacrifice to be near and possibly save her father, knowing she had taken on a lowly position and was treated quite ill by the others so that she could give comfort and possibly free her father by these sacrifices. She has noticed the Godly character in her and asks her husband to honor it and to "let humanity and mercy prevail".

I can't believe that Kunerick, after hearing all that his wife told him, about going to the castle at midnight hours, hearing the honor Edelbert had for him to the point that he would not accept release unless it came directly from Kunerick, that he would give Rosa Linden Castle and all the rest of the possessions, but he is so full of hatred and bitterness that he said Edelbert must stay in his prison.
What is in his craw that he cannot be thankful for the admonition of Edelbert to Rosa to do them good so that it led to the saving of his son? Even after his wife rightfully speaks that "justice demands" his release, and the two knights present urge him to consider Rosa and Edelbert's character as well as Kunerick's own word, he still refuses to let Edelbert free. I am astonished.
Apparently his son was too. I am surprised that he let him go. It was the right thing to do, but I a, still surprised. After his wife's encouragement for Edelbert's release, I can hardly believe his son's caused him to repent and/or change his mind.

I am surprised to hear his wife speak of praising the Lord's name, and also of Kunerick's repentant heart, though I am glad it was spoken of in the following chapter. I suppose that feelings of revenge and anger are so fickle and uncontrollable that at one moment one can be desperately angry and full of hate, and in the next, be understanding and repentant.

I do love the exclamation of his little boy, upon noticing his countenance after his conversion, that he now looked pleasant, "just like mother and Rosa", and that he made his exclamation of love too, because of his father's countenance. That speaks volumes of what a child sees and responds to as he sees it on his father's face - in his spirit.


How precious is it that Hildegard returned to Rosa the wedding ring and necklace and jewels that she so vividly remembered her mother wearing! That her heart leaped inside with joyful memories of her sainted mother was a beautiful picture, in my mind. Hildegard's preservation of these precious jewels may have come as no surprise to Rosa, but what an unexpected blessing to her heart. I think it was the joy mixed with sadness that caused Rosa's comparison of the jewels to man's soul. And then, for Hildegard to put a more precious price on Rosa's tears and heart made the connection of the value of the spirit of man to the value of the love in a a heart being of more value than all the jewels.


Rosa followed through on her promise to intercede for Kunerick and ask her father's forgiveness of his great injustices to him, to which her father, of course, replied that he had already forgiven him. What a surprise ending that Edelbert and Rosa will gain back their beautiful Linden Castle and also put the hatred and evil of the past behind them.


Rosa then gets to make amends to the steward's wife, letting her know that there are no hard feelings, but also to encourage her. Speaking of the steward's wife's temper, Rosa says,
She did not leave it there, either. She went on to tell her that she cannot change this temper of her own doing, but only by the Lord's assistance. Oh what words of wisdom for anyone!

Rosa stands by her piety, continuing to bless and praise God for His Hand of Providence throughout the entire situation and restoration of her father. She has friendships now that she could have never dreamed of in the collier's family and Kunerick and his wife. God has sustained her throughout a trial that was considered a horrible tragedy, He has taken what was meant for evil, and saved many and blessed them also.

The final thought is of the blessing of God passed from father and mother to child and back again in the commandment of filial love,

blessings,

Walking Therein