第10章

AMORiseverarogue，andallwhobelievehimarecheated！

Tomethehypocritecame：Trustme，Ipraythee，thisonce。

Honestisnowmyintent，——withgratefulthanksIacknowledgeThatthouthylifeandthyworkshasttomyworshipordain’d。

See，Ihavefollow’dtheethither，toRome，withkindlyintention，Hopingtogivetheemineaid，e’enintheforeigner’sland。

Everytrav’llercomplainsthatthequartershemeetswitharewretchedHappilylodged，though，ishe，whoisbyAmorreceiv’d。

Thoudostobservetheruinsofancientbuildingswithwonder，Thoughtfullywanderingon，overeachtime-hallow’dspot。

ThoudosthonourstillmoretheworthyrelicscreatedBythefewartists——whomIlovedintheirstudiostoseek。

I’twasfashion’dthoseforms！thypardon，——Iboastnotatpresent。

Presentlythoushaltconfess，thatwhatItelltheeistrue。

Nowthatthouserv’stmemoreidly，wherearethebeauteousfigures，Wherearethecolours，thelight，whichthycreationsoncefill’d？

Hastthouamindagaintoform？TheschooloftheGreciansStillremainsopen，myfriend。yearshavenotbarr’dupitsdoors。

I，theteacher，ameveryoung，andlovealltheyouthful，Lovenotthesubtleandold。Mother，observewhatIsay！

StillwasnewtheAntique，whenyonderblestoneswereliving。

Happilylive，——and，inthee，ageslongvanish’dwilllive！

Foodforsong，wherehop’stthoutofindit？Ionlycangiveit，Andamoreexcellentstyle，love，andloveonlycanteach。

ThusdidtheSophistdiscourse。Whatmortal，alas！couldresisthim？

Andwhenamastercommands，Ihavebeentrain’dtoobey。

Nowhedeceitfullykeepshisword，givesfoodformynumbers，But，whilehedoesso，alas！robsmeoftime，strength，andmind。

Looks，andpressureofhands，andwordsofkindness，andkisses，Syllablesteemingwiththought，byafondpairareexchang’d。

Thenbecomeswhispering，talk，——andstamm’ring，alanguageenchanting。

Freefromallprosody’srules，diessuchahymnontheear。

Thee，Aurora，IusedtoownasthefriendoftheMuses。

Hath，then，Amortheroguecheated，Aurora，e’enthee？

Thoudostappeartomenowashisfriend，andagaindostawakemeUntoadayofdelight，whileathisaltarIkneel。

AllherlocksIfindonmybosom，herheadisreposing，Pressingwithsoftnessthearm，whichroundherneckisentwin’d。

Oh！whatajoyousawak’ning，yehourssopeaceful，succeeded，Monumentsweetoftheblisswhichhadfirstrock’dustosleepInherslumbershemoves，andsinks，whileherfaceisaverted，Faronthebreadthofthecouch，leavingherhandstillinmineHeartfeltloveunitesusforever，andyearningsunsullied，Andourcravingsaloneclaimforthemselvestheexchange。

Onefainttouchofthehand，andhereyessoheavenlyseeI

Oncemoreopen。Ah，no！letmestilllookonthatform！

Closedstillremain！Yemakemeconfusedanddrunken，yerobmeFartoosoonoftheblisspurecontemplationaffords。

Mighty，indeed，arethesefigures！theselimbs，howgracefullyrounded！

Theseus，could’stthoue’erfly，whilstAriadnethusslept？

Onlyonesinglekissontheselips！Oh，Theseus，nowleaveus！

Gazeonhereyes！sheawakes——Firmlysheholdstheeembrac’d——

PARTII。

ALEXISANDDORA。

[ThisbeautifulpoemwasfirstpublishedinSchiller’sHoren。]

FARTHERandfartheraway，alas！ateachmomentthevesselHastens，asonwarditglides，cleavingthefoam-cover’dflood！

Longisthetrackplough’dupbythekeelwheredolphinsaresporting，Followingfastinitsrear，whileitseemsflyingpursuit。

Allforebodesaprosperousvoyage。thesailorwithcalmnessLeans’gainstthesail，whichaloneallthatisneededperforms。

Forwardpressestheheartofeachseamen，likecoloursandstreamers。

Backwardoneonlyisseen，mournfullyfix’dnearthemast，Whileonthebluetingedmountains，whichfastarereceding，hegazeth，Andastheysinkinthesea，joyfromhisbosomdeparts。

Vanish’dfromthee，too，ohDora，isnowthevesselthatrobstheeOfthineAlexis，thyfriend，——ah，thybetrothedaswell！

Thou，too，artaftermegazinginvain。Ourheartsarestillthrobbing，Though，foreachother，yetah！’gainstoneanothernomore。

Oh，thousinglemoment，whereinIfoundlife！thououtweighestEverydaywhichhadelsecoldlyfrommemoryfled。

’Twasinthatmomentalone，thelast，thatuponmedescendedLife，suchasdeitiesgrant，thoughthouperceived’stitnot。

Phoebus，invainwiththyraysdostthouclothetheetheringlory：

Thineall-brighteningdayhatefulaloneistome。

IntomyselfIretreatforshelter，andthere，inthesilence，Strivetorecoverthetimewhensheappear’dwitheachday。

Wasitpossiblebeautylikethistosee，andnotfeelit？

Work’dnotthoseheavenlycharmse’enonaminddullasthine？

Blamenotthyself，unhappyone！OftdoththebardanenigmaThusproposetothethrong，skillfullyhiddeninwords。

Eachoneenjoysthestrangecomminglingofimagesgraceful，Yetstilliswantingthewordwhichwilldiscoverthesense。

Whenatlengthitisfound，theheartofeachhearerisgladden’d，Andinthepoemheseesmeaningoftwofolddelight。

Whereforesolatedidstthouremovethebandage，ohAmor，Whichthouhadstplacedo’ermineeyes，——whereforeremoveitsolate？

Longdidthevessel，whenladen，liewaitingforfavouringbreezes，’Tillinkindnessthewindblewfromthelando’erthesea。

Vacanttimesofyouth！andvacantdreamsofthefuture！

Yeallvanish，andnought，savingthemoment，remains。

Yes！itremains，——myjoystillremains！Iholdthee。myDora，Andthineimagealone，Dora，byhopeisdisclos’d。

OfthaveIseentheego，withmodestyclad，tothetemple，Whilethymothersodearsolemnlywentbythyside。

Eagerandnimblethouwert，inbearingthyfruittothemarket，Boldlythepailfromthewelldidstthousustainonthyhead。

Thenwasreveal’dthyneck，thenseenthyshoulderssobeauteous，Then，beforeallthings，thegracefillingthymotionswasseen。

OfthaveIfear’dthatthepitcherperchancewasindangeroffalling，Yetiteverremain’dfirmonthecircularcloth。

Thus，fairneighbour，yes，thusIoftwaswonttoobservethee，AsonthestarsImightgaze，asImightgazeonthemoon，Gladindeedatthesight，yetfeelingwithinmycalmbosomNottheremotestdesireevertocallthemmineown。

Yearsthusfleetedaway！AlthoughourhouseswereonlyTwentypacesapart，yetIthythresholdne’ercross’d。

Nowbythefearfulfloodareweparted！ThouliesttoHeaven，Billow！thybeautifulblueseemstomedarkasthenight。

Allwerenowinmovement。aboytothehouseofmyfatherRanatfullspeedandexclaim’d：HastentheequicktothestrandHoistedthesailisalready，e’ennowinthewinditisflutt’ring，Whiletheanchortheyweigh，heavingitupfromthesand。

Come，Alexis，ohcome！——Myworthystout-heartedfatherPress’d，withablessing，hishanddownonmycurly-lock’dhead，Whilemymothercarefullyreach’dmeanewly-madebundle，Happymaystthoureturn！criedthey——bothhappyandrich！

ThenIsprangaway，andundermyarmheldthebundle，Runningalongbythewall。StandingIfoundtheehardby，Atthedoorofthygarden。ThousmilinglysaidstthenAlexis！

Say，areyonboisterouscrewgoingthycomradestobe？

Foreigncoastswillthouvisit，andpreciousmerchandisepurchase，Ornamentsmeetfortherichmatronswhodwellinthetown。

Bringme，also，Ipraythee，alightchain。gladlyI’llpaythee，OfthaveIwish’dtopossesssomestichatrinketasthat。

ThereIremain’d，andask’d，asmerchantsarewont，withprecisionAftertheformandtheweightwhichthycommissionshouldhave。

Modest，indeed，wasthepricethoudidstname！ImeanwhilewasgazingOnthyneckwhichdeserv’dornamentswornbutbyqueens。

Loudlynowrosethecryfromtheship。thenkindlythouspakestTake，Ientreatthee，somefruitoutofthegarden，myfriendTaketheripestoranges，figsofthewhitest。theoceanBearethnofruit，and，intruth，’tisnotproducedbyeachland。

SoIenteredin。Thoupluckedstthefruitfromthebranches，Andtheburdenofgoldwasinthineapronupheld。

OftdidIcry，Enough！ButfairerfruitswerestillfallingIntothehandasIspake，everobeyingthytouch。

Presentlydidstthoureachedthearbour。therelaythereabasket，Sweetbloomingmyrtletreeswav’d，aswedrewnigh，o’erourheads。

Thenthoubegan’sttoarrangethefruitwithskillandinsilence：

Firsttheorange，whichlayheavyasthough’twereofgold，Thentheyieldingfig，bytheslightestpressuredisfigur’d，Andwithmyrtlethegiftsoonwasbothcover’dandgrac’d。

ButIraiseditnotup。Istood。Oureyesmettogether，Andmyeyesightgrewdim，seemingobscuredbyafilm，SoonIfeltthybosomonmine！MinearmwassoontwiningRoundthybeautifulform。thousandtimeskiss’dIthyneck。

Onmyshouldersankthyhead。thyfairarms，encircling，Soonrenderedperfecttheringknittingtherapturouspair。

Amor’shandsIfelt：hepress’dustogetherwithardour，And，fromthefirmamentclear，thricediditthunder。thentearsStream’dfrommineeyesintorrents，thouweptest，Iwept，bothwereweeping，And，’midoursorrowandbliss，eventheworldseem’dtodie。

LouderandloudertheycalI’dfromthestrand。myfeetwouldnolongerBearmyweight，andIcried：——Dora！andartthounotmine？

Thineforever！thougentlydidstsay。ThenthetearsweweresheddingSeem’dtobewipedfromoureyes，asbythebreathofagod。

NearerwasheardthecryAlexis！ThestriplingwhosoughtmeSuddenlypeep’dthroughthedoor。Howhethebasketsnatch’dup！

Howheurgedmeaway！howpress’dIthyhand！WouldstthouaskmeHowthevesselIreach’d？DrunkenIseem’d，wellIknow。

Drunkenmyshipmatesbelievedme，andsohadpityuponme。

Andasthebreezedroveuson，distancethetownsoonobscur’d。

Thineforever！thou，Dora，didstmurmur。itfellonmysensesWiththethunderofZeus！whilebythethunderer’sthroneStoodhisdaughter，theGoddessofLove。theGraceswerestandingClosebyherside！sothebondbearethanimpressdivine！

Ohthenhasten，thouship，witheveryfavouringzephyr！

Onward，thoupowerfulkeel，cleavingthewavesastheyfoam！

Bringmeuntotheforeignharbour，sothatthegoldsmithMayinhisworkshoppreparestraightwaytheheavenlypledge！

Ay，ofatruth，thechainshallindeedbeachain，ohmyDora！

Ninetimesencirclingthyneck，looselyarounditentwin’dOtherandmanifoldtrinketsI’llbuythee。gold-mountedbracelets，Richlyandskillfullywrought，alsoshallgracethyfairhand。

Thereshalltherubyandemeraldvie，thesapphiresolovelyBetothejacinthoppos’d，seemingitsfoil。whilethegoldHoldsallthejewelstogether，inbeauteousunioncommingled。

Oh，howthebridegroomexults，whenheadornshisbetroth’d！

PearlsifIsee，oftheetheyremindme。eachringthatisshownmeBringstomymindthyfairhand’sgracefulandtaperingform。

Iwillbarterandbuy。thefairestofallshaltthouchoosethee，JoyouslywouldIdevoteallofthecargotothee。

Yetnottrinketsandjewelsaloneisthylovedoneprocuring。

Withthemhebringstheewhate’ergivestoahousewifedelight。

Fineandwoollencoverlets，wroughtwithanedgingofpurple，Fitforacouchwhereweboth，lovingly，gentlymayrest。

Costlypiecesoflinen。Thousittestandsewest，andclothestMe，andthyself，and，perchance，evenathirdwithittoo。

Visionsofhope，deceiveyemyheart！YekindlyImmortals，Softenthisfierce-ragingflame，wildlypervadingmybreast！

YethowIlongtofeelthemagain，thoserapturoustorments。

When，intheirstead，caredrawsnigh，coldlyandfearfullycalm。

NeithertheFuries’torch，northehoundsofhellwiththeirharkingAwethedelinquentsomuch，downintheplainsofdespair，AsbythemotionlessspectreI’mawed，thatshowsmethefaironeFaraway：ofatruth，openthegarden-doorstands！

Andanotheronecometh！Forhimthefruit，too，isfalling，Andforhim，also，thefigstrengtheninghoneydothyield！

Dothsheenticehimaswelltothearbour？Hefollows？Oh，makemeBlind，yeImmortals！effacevisionslikethisfrommymind！

Yes，sheisbutamaiden！AndshewhotoonedothsoquicklyYield，toanothererelong，doubtless，Willturnherselfround。

Smilenot，Zeus，forthisonce，atanoathsocruellybroken！

Thundermorefearfully！Strike！——Stay——thyfiercelightningswithhold！

Hurlatmethyquiveringbolt！InthedarknessofmidnightStrikewiththylightningthismast，makeitapitifulwreck！

Scattertheplanksallaround，andgivetotheboisterousbillowsAllthesewares，andletmebetothedolphinsapreyNow，yeMuses，enough！InvainwouldyestrivetodepictureHow，inalove-ladenbreast，anguishalternateswithbliss。

Yecannothealthewounds，itistrue，thatlovehathinflicted。

Yetfromyouonlyproceeds，kindlyones，comfortandbalm。

1796——

HERMANNANDDOROTHEA。

INNINECANTOS——

I。KALLIOPE。

FATEANDSYMPATHY。

NE’ERhaveIseenthemarketandstreetssothoroughlyempty！

Stillasthegraveisthetown，clear’dout！IverilyfancyFiftyatmostofallourinhabitantsstillmaybefoundthere。

Peoplearesoinquisitive！AllarerunningandracingMerelytoseethesadtrainofpoorfellowsdriventoexile。

Downtothecausewaynowbuilding，thedistancenearlyaleagueis，Andtheythitherwardrush，intheheatandthedustofthenoonday。

Asforme，IhadrathernotstirfrommyplacejusttostareatWorthyandsorrowfulfugitives，who，withwhatgoodstheycancarry，LeavingtheirownfairlandonthefurthersideoftheRhine-stream，Overtousarecrossing，andwanderthroughthedelightfulNooksofthisfruitfulvale，withallitstwistingsandwindings。

Wife，youdidrightwelltobidoursongoandmeetthem，Takingwithhimoldlinen，andsomethingtoeatandtodrinktoo，Justtogivetothepoor。therichareboundtobefriendthem。

Howheisdrivingalong！Howwellheholdsinthehorses！

Thenthenewlittlecarriagelooksveryhandsome。insideitFourcaneasilysit，besidestheoneonthecoachbox。

Thistimeheisalone。howeasily-turnsitthecorner！

ThustohiswifethehostoftheGoldenLiondiscoursed，Sittingateaseintheporchofhishouseadjoiningthemarket。

ThenrepliedasfollowstheshrewdandsensiblehostessFather，Idon’tlikegivingoldlinenaway，forIfinditUsefulinsomanyways，’tisnottohepurchasedformoneyJustwhenit’swanted。Andyetto-dayIgladlyhavegivenManyexcellentarticles，shirtsandcoversandsuchlike。

ForIhaveheardofoldpeopleandchildrenwalkinghalf-naked。

Willyouforgiveme，too，forhavingransackedyourpresses？

Thatgranddressing-gown，cover’dwithIndianflowersallover，Madeofthefinestcalico，linedwithexcellentflannel，Ihavedespatch’dwiththerest。’tisthin，old，quiteoutoffashion。

Buttheworthylandlordonlysmiled，andthenanswer’dIshalldreadfullymissthatancientcalicogarment，GenuineIndianstuff！They’renottobehadanylonger。

Well！Ishallwearitnomore。AndyourpoorhusbandhenceforwardAlwaysmustwearasurtout，Isuppose，orcommonplacejacket，Alwaysmustputonhisboots。goodbyetocapandtoslippers！

See，continuedhiswife，afewarealreadyreturningWhohaveseentheprocession，whichlongagomusthavepass’dby。

Seehowdustytheirshoesare，andhowtheirfacesareglowingEachonecarriesahandkerchief，wipingthesweatfromhisforehead。

I，forone，wouldn’thurryandworrymyselfinsuchweatherMerelytoseesuchasight！I’mcertaintohearallaboutit。

Andtheworthyfather，speakingwithemphasis，addedSuchfineweatherseldomlaststhroughthewholeoftheharvestAndwe’rebringingthefruithome，justasthehaywebroughtlately，Perfectlydry。theskyisclear，nocloud’sintheheavens，Andthewholedaylongdeliciousbreezesareblowing。

SplendidweatherIcallit！Thecornalreadytooripeis，Andto-morrowbeginwetogathertheplentifulharvest。

Whilsthewasthusdiscoursing，thenumberofmenandofwomenCrossingthemarketandgoingtowardshomekepteverincreasing。

Andtherereturn’damongstothers，bringingwithhimhisdaughters，Ontheothersideofthemarket，theirprosperousneighbour，Goingfullspeedtohisnewbuilthouse，theprincipalmerchant，Ridinginsideanopencarriage(inLandauconstructed)。

Allthestreetswerealive。forthetown，thoughsmall，waswellpeopled，Manyafactorythrovethere，andmanyabusinessalso。

Longsattheexcellentcoupleunderthedoorway，exchangingManyapassingremarkonthepeoplewhohappen’dtopassthem。

Presentlythustoherhusbandexclaim’dthegood-naturedhostessSee！Yoncomestheminister。withhimiswalkingthedruggist：

They’llbeabletogiveanaccountofallthathashappen’d，Whattheywitness’d，andmanyasightIfearwhichwaspainful。

Bothofthemcameinafriendlymanner，andgreetedthecouple，Takingtheirseatsonthewoodenbenchesunderthedoorway，Shakingthedustfromtheirfeet，theirhandkerchiefsusingtofanthem。

Presently，afterexchangingreciprocalgreetings，thedruggistOpen’dhismouth，andalmostpeevishlyventedhisfeelingsWhatstrangecreaturesmenare！Theyallresembleeachother，Alltakepleasureinstaring，whentroublesfallontheirneighbours。

Ev’ryonerunstoseetheflamesdestroyingadwelling，Orapoorcriminalledinterrorandshametothescaffold。

Allthetownhasbeenouttogazeatthesorrowingexiles，Noneofthembearinginmindthatalikemisfortunehereafter，Possiblyalmostdirectly，mayhappentobetheirownportion。

Ican’tpardonsuchlevity。yet’tisthenatureofallmen。

Thereuponrejoin’dthenobleandexcellentpastor，He，thecharmofthetown，inagescarcemorethanastripling：——

(Hewasacquaintedwithlife，andknewthewantsofhishearers，FullyconvincedoftheworthoftheHolyScriptures，whosemissionIstorevealman’sfate，hisinclinationstofathom。

Hewasalsowellreadinthebestofsecularwritings。)

Idon’tliketofindfaultwithanyinnocentimpulseWhichinthemindofmanDameNaturehaseverimplanted。

Forwhatreasonandintellectne’ercouldaccomplish，isoftenDonebysomefortunate，quiteirresistibleinstinctwithinhim。

Ifmankindwereneverbycuriositydriven，Say，couldtheye’erhavefoundoutforthemselvesthewonderfulmannerThingsintheworldrangeinorder？ForfirsttheyNoveltylookfor，ThenwithuntiringindustryseektodiscovertheUseful，LastlytheyyearnfortheGood，whichmakesthemnobleandworthy。

Allthroughtheiryouthfrivolityservesastheirjoyouscompanion，Hidingthepresenceofdanger，and。swiftlyeffacingthetracesCausedbymisfortuneandgrief，assoonastheironslaughtisover。

Trulytheman’stobepraisedwho，asyearsrollonward，developsOutofsuchgladdispositionanintellectsettledandsteady，——

Who，ingoodfortuneaswellasmisfortune，striveszealously，nobly。

ForwhatisGoodhebringsforth，replacingwhateverisinjured。

Theninafriendlyvoiceimpatientlyspokethusthehostess：——

Telluswhathaveyouseen。Iameagerlylongingtohearit。

Thenwithemphasisanswer’dthedruggist：——TheterriblestoriesToldmeto-daywillserveforalongtimetomakemeunhappy。

Wordswouldfailtodescribethemanifoldpicturesofmis’ry。

Farinthedistancesawwethedust，beforewedescendedDowntothemeadows。therisinghillockshidtheprocessionLongfromoureyes，andlittlecouldwedistinguishaboutit。

When，however，wereach’dtheroadthatwindsthro’thevalley，Greatwasthecrowdandthenoiseoftheemigrantsmix’dwiththewaggons。

Weunhappilysawpoorfellowspassinginnumbers，Someofthemshowinghowbitterthesenseoftheirsorrowfulflightwas，Somewithafeelingofjoyatsavingtheirlivesinahurry。

SadwasthesightofthemanifoldgoodsandchattelspertainingUntoawell-managedhouse，whichthecarefulowner’saccustom’dEachinitsproperpositiontoplace，andinregularorder，Alwaysreadyforuse，forallarewantedanduseful——

Sadwasthesightofthemnow，onmanyawaggonandbarrowHeap’dinthoroughconfusion，andhurriedlyhuddledtogether。

Overacupboardwasplacedasieveandacoverletwoollen。

Bedsinthekneedingtroughslay，andlinenovertheglasses。

Ah！andthedangerappear’dtorobthemenoftheirsenses，Justasinourgreatfireoftwentyyearsagohappen’d，Whenwhatwasworthlesstheysaved，andleftallthebestthingsbehindthem。

SoonthepresentoccasionwithheedlesscautiontheycarriedManyvaluelesschattels，o’erladingthecattleandhorses，——

Commonoldboardsandbarrels，abirdcagenexttoagoosepen。

Womenandchildrenweregaspingbeneaththeweightoftheirbundles，Basketsandtubsfullofutterlyuselessarticles，bearing。

(Manisalwaysunwillingtheleastofhisgoodstoabandon。)

Thusonitsdustywayadvancedthecrowdedprocession，Allinhopelessconfusion。Firstone，whosecattlewereweaker，Fainwouldslowlyadvance，whileotherswouldeagerlyhasten。

Thentherearoseascreamofhalf-crush’dwomenandchildren，Andalowingofcattle，withyelpingofdogsintermingled，Andawailingofagedandsick，allsittingandshaking，Rangedintheirbedsonthetopofthewaggontoo-heavilyladen。

Nextsomelumberingwheel，push’doutofthetrackbythepressure，Wenttotheedgeoftheroadway。thevehiclefellintheditchthen，Rollingrightover，andthrowing，infalling，themenwhowereinitFarinthefield，screamingloudly，theirpersonshoweveruninjured。

Thentheboxesroll’doffandtumbledclosetothewaggon。

ThosewhosawthemfailingfullsurelyexpectedtoseethemSmash’dtopiecesbeneaththeweightofthechestsandthepresses。

Sothewaggonlaybroken，andthosethatitcarriedwerehelpless，Fortherestofthetrainwenton，andhurriedlypass’dthem，Thinkingonlyofself，andcarriedawaybythecurrent。

Sowespedtothespot，andfoundthesickandtheagedWho，whenathomeandinbed，couldscarcelyenduretheirsadailments，Lyingthereontheground，allsighingandgroaninginanguish，Stifledbycloudsofdust，andscorch’dbythefiercesunofsummer。

ThenrepliedintonesofcompassionthesensitivelandlordHermannItrustwillfindthemandgivethemrefreshmentandclothing。

Ishouldunwillinglyseethem：Igrieveattheeightofsuchsorrow。

Touch’dbytheearliestnewsofthesadextentofthesuffering，Hastilysentweatriflefromoutofoursuperabundance，Justtocomfortafew，andthenourmindsweremoreeasy。

Nowletusceasetodiscourseonsuchasorrowfulsubject，Formen’sheartsareeasilyovershadow’dbyterror，Andbycare，moreodiousfartomethanmisfortune。

Nowletusgotoacoolerplace，thelittleback-parlour。

Therethesunnevershines，andthewallsaresothickthatthehotairNevercanenter。andmothershallforthwithbringusaglasseachFulloffineEighty-three，wellfittedtodriveawaytrouble。

Thisisabadplacefordrinking。theflieswillhumroundtheglasses。

Sotheyallwentinside，enjoyingthemselvesinthecoolness。

Theninawell-cutflaskthemothercarefullybroughtthemSomeofthatcleargoodwine，uponabrightmetalwaiterWiththosegreenishrummers，thefittingestgobletsforRhinewine。

Sothethreesattogether，aroundtheglisteningpolish’dCircularlargebrowntable-膐nmassivefeetitwasplanted。

Merrilyclink’dtogethertheglassesofhostandofpastor，Buttheotheronethoughtfullyheldhisglasswithoutmoving，Andinfriendlyfashionthehostthusask’dhimtojointhem：——

Drink，goodneighbour，Ipray！AmercifulGodhasprotectedUsinthepastfrommisfortune，andwillprotectusinfuture。

AllmustconfessthatsinceHethoughtfittoseverelychastiseus，Whenthatterriblefireoccurr’d，Hehasconstantlybless’dus。

Andwatch’doverusconstantly，justasmanisaccustom’dHiseye’spreciousappletoguard，thatdearestofmembers。

ShallHenotforthefuturepreserveus，andbeourProtector？

For’tisindangerwelearntoappreciatedulyHisGoodness。

Thissoflourishingtown，whichHebuiltagainfromitsashesBytheindustrioushandsofitsburghers，andbless’ditsorichly，WillHeagaindestroyit，andrendertheirtoilunavailing？

Cheerfullyanswer’dtheexcellentpastor，inaccentsofmildnessSteadfastlyclingtothisfaith，andcherishsuchworthyopinions。

Ingoodfortunethey’llmakeyouprudent，andtheninmisfortuneWell-groundedhopesthey’llsupply，andfurnishyoutrueconsolation。

Thencontinuedthehost，withthoughtsfullofmanhoodandwisdomOfthaveIgreetedwithwondertherollingfloodoftheRhinestream，When，onmybusinesstrav’lling，I’veoncemorecometoitsborders。

Grandhasiteverappear’d，exaltingmyfeelingsandsenses。

ButIcouldneverimaginethatsoonitsbeautifulmarginIntoawallwouldbeturn’d，tokeeptheFrenchfromourcountry，Anditswide-spreadingbedaditchtohinderandcheckthem。

SobyNaturewe’reguarded，we’reguardedbyvalorousGermans，AndbytheLordwe’reguarded。whothenwouldfoolishlytremble？

Wearythecombatantsare，andallthingsindicatepeacesoon。

Andwhenatlengththelong-expectedfestival’sholdenHereinourchurch，andthebellschimeinwiththeorganinchorus，Andthetrumpetsareblowing，thenobleTeDeumupraising，ThenonthatselfsamedayIfainwouldsee，mygoodpastor，OurdearHermannkneelwithhisbrideatthealtarbeforeyou，AndthegladfestivalheldthroughthelengthandbreadthofthecountryWillhenceforwardtomebeagladanniversaryalso！

ButIamgrievedtoobservethattheyouth，whoisalwayssoactiveWhenheishereathome，abroadissoslowandsotimid。

Littleatanytimecareshetomixwiththerestofthepeople。

Yes，heevenavoidsyoungmaidens’societyever，Andthefrolicsomedance，thatgreatdelightofyoungpeople。

Thushespake，andthenlisten’d。ThesoundofthestampingofhorsesDrawingnearerwasheard。andthentherollofthecarriage，Which，withimpetuousspeed，nowthunder’dunderthegateway——

II。TERPSICHORE。

HERMANN。

THENwhenintotheroomthewell-builtsonmadehisentry，Straightwaywithpiercingglancestheministereyedhimintently，Andwithcarefulnesswatch’dhislooksandthewholeofhisbearing，Withaninquiringeyewhicheasilyfacesdecyphers。

Thenhesmiled，andwithcordialwordsaddress’dhimasfollowsHowyouarechangedinappearance，myfriend！IneverhaveseenyouHalfsolivelybefore。yourlooksarethoroughlycheerful。

Youhavereturn’dquitejoyousandmerry。You’vedoubtlessdividedAllofthepresentsamongstthepoor，theirblessingsreceiving。

Thenincalmaccentsrepliedtheson，withgravityspeakingWhetherI’velaudablyacted，Iknownot。Ifollow’dtheimpulseOfmyownheart，asnowI’llproceedtodescribewithexactness。

Mother，yourummagedsolong，inlookingoveroldpieces，Andinmakingyourchoice，that’twaslatewhenthebundlewasready，Andthewineandthebeerwereslowlyandcarefullypack’dup。

WhenIatlengthemergedatthegate，andcameonthehighway，StreamsofcitizensmetIreturning，withwomenandchildren，Forthetrainoftheexileshadlongdisappear’dinthedistance。

SoIquicken’dmypace，andhastilydrovetothevillageWhereIhadheardthatto-nighttorestandtosleeptheyintended。

Well，asIwentonmyway，thenewly-madecausewayascending，SuddenlysawIawaggon，ofexcellenttimberconstructed，Drawnbyacoupleofoxen，thebestandthestrongestofforeign。

Closebesideittherewalk’d，withsturdyfootsteps，amaiden，Guidingthetwostrongbeastswithalongkindofstaff，whichwithskillsheKnewhowtouse，nowdriving，andnowrestrainingtheirprogress。

Whenthemaidenobservedme，shequietlycamenearthehorses，Andaddress’dmeasfollows：——’Ourusualcondition，believeme，Isnotsosadasperchanceyoumightjudgefromourpresentappearance。

Iamnotyetaccustom’dtoaskforalmsfromastranger，Whosooftenbutgives，toridhimselfofabeggar。

ButI’mcompell’dtospeakbynecessity。HereonthestrawnowLiesthelately-confinedpoorwifeofawealthylandowner，WhomwithmuchtroubleImanagedtosavewithoxenandwaggon。

Wewerelateinarriving，andscarcelywithlifesheescaped。

Nowthenewly-bornchildinherarmsislying，allnaked，Andourfriendswillbeabletogivethembutlittleassistance，E’enifinthenextvillage，towhichto-nightwearegoing，Weshouldstillfindthem，althoughIfeartheyhaveleftitalready。

Ifyoubelongtotheneighbourhood，anyavailablelinenThesepoorpeoplewilldeemamostacceptablepresent。

Thusshespake，andwearilyraisedherselfthepalepatientUpfromthestrawandgazeduponme，whilethusImadeanswer’Oftdothaheavenlyspiritwhispertokind-heartedpeople，Sothattheyfeelthedistresso’ertheirpoorerbrethrenimpending。

Formymother，yourtroublesforeboding，gavemeabundleReadypreparedforrelievingthewantsofthosewhowerenaked。’

ThenIloosen’dtheknotsofthecord，andthedressing-gowngaveherWhichbelong’dtomyfather，andgavehersomeshirtsandsomelinen，Andshethank’dmewithjoyandsaid：——’ThefortunateknownotHow’tisthatmiracleshappen。weonlydiscoverinsorrowGod’sprotectingfingerandhand，extendedtobeckonGoodmentogood。MayyourkindnesstousbyHimberequited。’

AndIsawthepoorpatientjoyfullyhandlingthelinen，Valuingmostofallthesoftflannel，thedressing-gownlining。

Thenthemaidthusaddress’dher：——’NowletushastetothevillageWhereourfriendsareresting，to-nightintendingtosleepthereThereIwillstraightwayattendtowhate’erfortheinfantisneeded。’

Thenshesalutedmetoo，herthanksmostheartilygiving，Drovetheoxen，thewaggonwenton。Ilingerdbehindthem，Holdingmyhorsesrein’dback，dividedbetweentwoopinions，Whethertohastenahead，reachthevillage，theviandsdistribute’Mongsttherestofthepeople，orgivethemforthwithtothemaiden，SothatshemightherselfdividethemamongstthemwithprudenceSoonImadeupmymind，andfollow’dafterhersoftly，Overtookherwithoutdelay，andsaidtoherquickly’Maiden，itwasnotlinenalonethatmymotherprovidedAndinthecarriageplaced，asclothingtogivetothenaked，Butsheaddedmeat，andmanyanexcellentdrinktoo。

AndIhavegotquiteastockstow’dawayinthebootofthecarriage。

Well，IhavetakenafancytherestofthegiftstodepositInyourhands，andthusfulfiltothebestmycommission。

Youwilldividethemwithprudence，whilstImyfateamobeying。’

Thenthemaidenreplied：——’WithfaithfulnessIwilldistributeAllyourgifts，andtheneedyshallsurelyrejoiceatyourbounty。’

Thusshespake，andIhastilyopen’dthebootofthecarriage，Tookoutthehams(fullheavytheywere)andtookoutthebread-stuffs，Flasksofwineandbeer，andhandedthewholeofthemover。

GladlywouldIhavegivenhermore，butemptythebootwas。

Straightwayshepack’dthemawayatthefeetofthepatient，andforthwithStartedagain，whilstIhasten’dbacktothetownwithmyhorses。

ThenwhenHermannhadendedhisstory，thegarrulousneighbourOpen’dhismouthandexclaim’d：——IonlydeemthemanhappyWholivesaloneinhishouseinthesedaysofflightandconfusion，WhohasneitherwifenorchildrencringingbesidehimIfeelhappyatpresent。Ihatethetitleoffather。

Careofchildrenandwifeinthesedayswouldbeasaddrawback。

OftenhaveIbethoughtmeofflight，andhavegather’dtogetherAllthatIdeemmostprecious，theantiquegoldandthejewelsWornbymylatedearmother，notoneofwhichhasbeensoldyet。

Muchindeedisleftout，thatisnotsoeasilycarried。

Eventheherbsandtheroots，collectedwithplentyoftrouble，Ishouldhesorrytolose，thoughlittleinvaluetheymaybe。

Ifthedispenserremains，IshallleavemyhouseingoodspiritsIfmyreadymoneyissaved，andmybody，whytrulyAllissaved，forabacheloreasilyflieswhen’tisneeded。

Neighbour，rejoin’dforthwithyoungHermann，withemphasisspeakingAltogetherIdiffer，andgreatlyblameyouropinions。

Canthatmanbedeem’dworthy，whobothingoodandillfortuneThinksaloneofhimself，andknowsnotthesecretofsharingSorrowsandjoyswithothers，andfeelsnolongingtodoso？

IcouldmoreeasilynowthanbeforedeterminetomarryManyanexcellentmaidenneedsahusband’sprotection，Manyamanacheerfulwife，whensorrow’sbeforehim。

Smilinglysaidthenthefather：——I’mpleas’dtohearwhatyou’resaying，Wordsofsuchwisdomhaveseldombeenutter’dbyyouinmypresence。

Thenhisgoodmotherbrokein，inherturn，withvivacityspeakingSon，youarecertainlyright。Weparentssettheexample。

’Twasnotintimeofpleasurethatwemadechoiceofeachother，And’twasthesaddestofhours，thatknitteduscloselytogether。

Mondaymorning，——howwellIremember！theverydayafterThatmostterriblefireoccurr’dwhichburntdowntheborough，Twentyyearsagonow。theday，liketo-day，wasaSunday，Hotanddrywastheweather，andlittleavailablewater。

Alltheinhabitants，clothedintheirfestivalgarments，werewalking，Scatter’daboutintheinnsandthemillsoftheneighbouringhamlets。

Atoneendofthetownthefirebrokeout，andtheflamesranHastilyallthroughthestreets，impell’dbythedraughttheycreated。

Andthebarnswereconsumed，wherealltherichharvestwasgather’dAndallthestreetsasfarasthemarket。thedwellinghousealsoOfmyfatherhardbywasdestroy’d，aslikewisewasthisone。

Littleindeedcouldwesave。IsatthesorrowfulnightthroughOnthegreenofthetown，protectingthebedsandtheboxes。

Finallysleepovertookme，andwhenbythecoolbreezeofmorningWhichdiesawaywhenthesunarisesIwasawaken’d，SawIthesmokeandtheglow，andthehalf-consumedwallsandthechimneys。

Thenmyheartwassorelyafflicted。butsooninhisgloryRosethesunmorebrilliantthanever，myspiritsreviving。

TheninhasteIarose，impell’dthesitetorevisitWhereourdwellinghadstood，toseeifthechickenswerelivingWhichIespeciallyloved。forchildlikeIstillwasbynature。

ButwhenovertheruinsofcourtyardandhouseIwasclimbing，Whichstillsmoked，andsawmydwellingdestroy’danddeserted，Youcameupontheotherside，theruinsexploring。

Youhadahorseshutupinhisstall。thestill-glowingraftersOveritlay，andrubbish，andnoughtcouldbeseenofthecreature。

Overagainsteachotherwestood，indoubtandinsorrow，Forthewallhadfallenwhichusedtoseverourcourtyards。

Andyougrasp’dmyhand，addressingmesoftlyasfollows’Lizzy，whathereareyoudoing？Away！Yoursolesyouareburning，Fortherubbishishot，andisscorchingmybootswhicharethicker。’

Thenyouliftedmeup，andcarriedmeoffthroughyourcourtyard。

Therestillstoodthegatewaybeforethehouse，withitsarch’droof，Justasitnowisstanding，theonlythingleftremaining。

Andyousatmedownandkiss’dme，andItriedtostopyou，Butyoupresentlysaid，withkindlywordsfullofmeaning’See，myhouseisdestroy’d！Stophereandhelpmetobuildit，Iinreturnwillhelptorebuildthehouseofyourfather。’

Iunderstoodyounot，tillyousenttomyfatheryourmother，Anderelongourmarriagefulfilidthetrothwesoonplighted。

StilltothisdayIrememberwithpleasurethehalf-consumedrafters，StilldoIseethesuninallhismajestyrising，ForonthatdayIgain’dmyhusband。thesonofmyyouthtooGainedIduringthatearliesttimeofthewilddesolation。

ThereforecommendIyou，Hermann，forhavingwithconfidenceguilelessTurn’dtowardsmarriageyourthoughtsinsuchaperiodofmourning，Andfordaringtowooinwarandovertheruins——

Thenthefatherstraightwayreplied，witheagernessspeaking：——

Sensibleisyouropinion，andtrueisalsothestoryWhichyouhavetoldus，goodmother，forsodidev’rythinghappen。

Butwhatisbetterisbetter。’TisnotthefortuneofallmenAlltheirlifeandexistencetofinddecidedbeforehand。

Allarenotdoom’dtosuchtroublesasweandothershavesuffer’d。

O，howhappyishewhosecarefulfatherandmotherHaveahousereadytogivehim，whichhecansuccessfullymanage！

Allbeginningsarehard，andmostsothelandlordsprofession。

Numberlessthingsamanmusthave，andev’rythingdailyDearerbecomes，soheneedstoscrapetogethermoremoney。

SoIamhopingthatyou，dearHermann，willshortlybebringingHometousabridepossessinganexcellentdowry，Foraworthyhusbanddeservesagirlwhoiswealthy，And’tisacapitalthingforthewish’d-forwifetobringwithherPlentyofsuitablearticlesstow’dinherbasketsandboxes。

NotinvainforyearsdoesthemotherprepareforherdaughterStocksofallkindsoflinen，bothfinestandstrongestintexture。

Notinvaindogod-parentsgivethempresentsofsilver，Orthefatherlaybyinhisdeskafewpiecesofmoney。

Forshehereafterwillgladden，withallhergoodsandpossessions，Thathappyyouthwhoisdestinedfromoutofallotherstochooseher。

Yes！Iknowhowpleasantitmakesahouseforayoungwife，Whenshefindsherownpropertyplacedintheroomsandthekitchen，Andwhensheherselfhascover’dthebedandthetable。

Onlywell-to-dobridesshouldbeseeninahouse，Iconsider，Forapooroneissureatlasttobescorn’dbyherhusband，Andhe’lldeemherajadewhoasjadefirstappear’dwithherbundle。

Menarealwaysunjust，butmomentsoflovearebuttransient。

Yes，myHermann，yougreatlywouldcheertheoldageofyourfatherIfyousoonwouldbringhomeadaughter-in-lawtoconsoleme，Outoftheneighbourhoodtoo，——yes，outofyondwelling，thegreenone！

Richistheman，intruthhistradeandhismanufacturesMakehimdailyricher，forwhendoesamerchantnotprosper？

Hehasonlythreedaughters。thewholeofhiswealththey’llinherit。

Truetheeldest’salreadyengaged。butthenthere’sthesecond，Andthethird，whostill(notforlong)maybehadfortheasking。

HadIbeeninyourplace，Ishouldnottillthistimehavewaited。

Bringhomeoneofthegirls，asIbroughtyourmotherbeforeyou。

Then，withmodesty，answer’dthesonhisimpetuousfatherTrulymywishwas，likeyours，tomarryoneofthedaughtersOfourneighbour。Weall，infact，werebroughtuptogether，Sportedinyouthfuldaysnearthefountainadjoiningthemarket，AndfromtherudenessofboysIoftenmanagedtosavethem。

Butthosedayshavelongpass’dthemaidensgrewup，andwithreasonStopnowathomeandavoidtherougherpastimesofchildhood。

Wellbroughtupwithavengeancetheyare！Topleaseyou，IsometimesWenttovisitthem，justforthesakeofoldenacquaintanceButIwasnevermuchpleasedatholdingintercoursewiththem，Fortheywerealwaysfindingfault，andIhadtobearitFirstmycoatwastoolong，theclothtoocoarse，andthecolourFartoocommon，myhairwascutandcurl’dverybadly。

Iatlastwasthinkingofdressingmyselfliketheshop-boys，Whoareaccustom’donSundaystoshowofftheirpersonsupyonder，Androundwhosecoatsinsummerhalf-silkentattersarehanging。

ButerelongIdiscover’dtheyonlyintendedtofoolmeThiswasveryannoying，mypridewasoffended，butmorestillFeltIdeeplywoundedthattheysomistookthegoodfeelingsWhichIcherish’dtowardsthem，especiallyMinnie，theyoungest。

Well，IwentlastEaster，politelytopaythemavisit，AndIworethenewcoatnowhangingupinthecloset，Andwasfrizzledandcurld，likealltherestoftheyoungsters。

WhenIenter’d，theytitter’d。butthatdidn’tverymuchmatter。

Minniesatatthepiano，thefatherwaspresentamongstthem，Pleasedwithhisdaughter’ssinging，andquiteinajocularhumour。

LittlecouldIunderstandofthewordsinthesongshewassinging，ButIconstantlyheardofPamina，andthenofTamino，*

(*CharactersInMozart’sZauberflote。)

AndIfainwouldexpressmyopinion。sowhenshehadended，Iask’dquestionsrespectingthetext，andwhowerethepersons。

Allweresilentandsmiled。butpresentlyanswer’dthefather’Didyoue’erhappen，myfriend，tohearofEveorofAdam？’

Thennolongerrestrain’dtheythemselves，thegirlsburstoutlaughing，Alltheboyslaugh’dloudly，theoldman’ssidesappear’dsplitting。

InmyconfusionIletmyhatfalldown，andthetitt’ringLastedallthetimethesingingandplayingcontinued。

ThenIhasten’dhome，ashamedandfullofvexation，Hungupmycoatinthecloset，andputmyhairindisorderWithmyfingers，andsworene’eragaintocrosso’ertheirthreshold。

AndI’msureIwasright。fortheyareallvainandunloving。

AndIhearthey’resorudeastogivemethenicknameTamino。

Thenthemotherrejoin’d：——You’rewrong，dearHermann，toharbourAngryfeelingsagainstthechildren，fortheyarebutchildren。

Minnie’sanexcellentgirl，andhasatendernessforyou。

Latelysheask’dhowyouwere。Indeed，Iwishyouwouldchooseher！

Thenthesonthoughtfullyanswer’d：——Iknownotwhy，butthefactisMyannoyancehasgravenitselfinmymind，andhereafterIcouldnotbearatthepianotoseeher，orlisttohersinging。

Butthefathersprangup，andsaid，inwordsfullofangerLittlecomfortyougiveme，intruth！Ialwayshavesaidit，Whenyoutookpleasureinhorses，andcaredfornothingbutfieldwork。

Thatwhichtheservantsofprosperouspeopleperformastheirduty，Youyourselfdo。meanwhilethefatherhissonmustdispensewith，Whoinhishonourwaswonttocourttherestofthetownsfolk。

Thuswithemptyhopesyourmotherearlydeceivedme，Whenyourreading，andwriting，andlearningatschoolne’ersucceededLiketherestoftheboys，andsoyouwerealwaysthelowest。

Thisallcomesfromayouthnotpossessingaduesenseofhonour，Andnothavingthespirittotryandraisehisposition。

Hadmyfatherbutcaredforme，asIhaveforyou，sir，Sentmetoschoolbetimes，andgivenmeproperinstructors，IshouldnotmerelyhavebeenthehostofthefamedGoldenLion。

Butthesonarose，andapproach’dthedoorwayinsilence，Slowly，andmakingnonoise：butthenthefatherindudgeonAfterhimshouted：——Beoff！Iknowyou’reanobstinatefellow！

Goandlookafterthebusiness。elseIshallscoldyouseverely。

Butdon’tfancyI’lleverallowyoutobringhomeintriumphAsmydaughter-in-lawanyboorishimpudenthussy。

LonghaveIlivedintheworld，andknowhowtomanagemostpeople，Knowhowtoentertainladiesandgentlemen，sothattheyleavemeIngoodhumour，andknowhowtoflatterastrangerdiscreetly。

Butmydaughter-in-lawmusthaveusefulqualitiesalso，Andbeabletosoftenmymanifoldcaresandvexations。

Shemustalsoplayonthepiano，thatallthebestpeopleHereinthetownmaytakepleasureinoftencomingtoseeus，AsinthehouseofourneighbourthemerchanthappenseachSunday。

Softlythesonatthesewordsraisedthelatch，andlefttheapartment——

III。THALIA。

THEBURGHERS。

THUSdidtheprudentsonescapefromthehotconversation，ButthefathercontinuedpreciselyashehadbegunitWhatisnotinamancannevercomeoutofhim，surely！

Never，Ifear，shallIseefulfill’dmydearestofwishes，Thatmysonshouldbeunlikehisfather，butbetter。

Whatwouldbethefateofahouseoratown，ifitsinmatesDidnotalltakeprideinpreserving，renewing，improving，Aswearetaughtbytheage，andbythewisdomofstrangers？

Manisnotborntospringoutoftheground，justlikeameremushroom，Andtorotawaysoonintheveryplacethatproducedhim！

Leavingbehindhimnotraceofwhathehasdoneinhislifetime。

Onecanjudgebythelookofahouseofthetasteofitsmaster，Asonent’ringatown，onecanjudgetheauthorities’fitness。

Forwherethetowersandwallsarefalling，whereintheditchesDirtiscollected，anddirtineverystreetisseenlying，Wherethestonescomeoutoftheirgroove，andarenotreplacedthere，Wherethebeamsarerotting，andvainlythehousesarewaitingNewsupports。thattownissuretobewretchedlymanaged。

Forwhereorderandcleanlinessreignnotsupremeinhighplaces，Thentodirtanddelaythecitizenssoongetaccustom’d，Justasthebeggar’saccustom’dtowearhisclothsfulloftatters。

ThereforeIoftenhavewish’dthatHermannwouldstartonhistravelsErehe’smucholder，andvisitatanyrateStrasburgandFrankfort，Andthatpleasanttown，Mannheim，soevenlybuiltandsocheerful。

HewhohasseensuchlargeandcleanlycitiesrestsneverTillhisownnativetown，howeversmall，heseesbetter’d。

Donotallstrangerswhovisituspraiseourwell-mendedgateways，Andthewell-whitedtower，thechurchsoneatlyrepair’dtoo？

Donotallpraiseourpavements？Ourwell-arrangedcover’d-inconduits，Alwayswellfurnish’dwithwater，utilityblendingwithsafety，Sothatafire，wheneverithappens，isstraightwayextinguish’d，——

Isnotthistheresultofthatconflagrationsodreadful？

SixtimesinCouncilIsuperintendedthetown’sworks，receivingHeartythanksandassistancefromeverywell-disposedburgher。

HowIdesign’d，follow’dup，andensuredthecompletionofmeasuresWorthymenhadprojected，andafterwardsleftallunfinish’d！

Finally，everymanintheCounciltookpleasureinworking。

Allputforththeirexertions，andnowtheyhavefinallysettledThatnewhighwaytomake，whichwilljoinourtownwiththemainroad。

ButIamgreatlyafraidthattheyounggenerationwon’tactthus。

Someontheonehandthinkonlyofpleasureandtrumperydresses，Otherswontstiroutofdoors，andpassalltheirtimebythefireside，AndourHermann，Ifear，willalwaysbeoneofthislastsort。

ForthwithtohimrepliedtheexcellentsensiblemotherFather，you’realwaysunjustwheneveryouspeakofyourson，andThatistheleastlikelywaytoobtainyourwishes’fulfillment，Forwecannotfashionourchildrenafterourfancy。

Wemusthavethemandlovethem，asGodhasgiventhemtous，Bringthemupforthebest，andleteachdoashelisteth。

Onehasonekindofgift，anotherpossessesanother，Eachoneemploysthem，andeachinturninhisseparatefashionGoodandhappybecomes。MyHermannshallnotbeupbraided，ForIknowthathewelldeservesthewealthhe’llinherit。

He’llbeanexcellentlandlord，apatterntoburghersandpeasants，And，asIclearlyforesee，bynomeansthelastintheCouncil。

Butwithyourblameandreproaches，youdailydisheartenhimsadly，Asyouhavedonejustnow，andmakethepoorfellowunhappy。

Thenshelefttheapartment，andafterhersonhasten’dquickly，Hopingsomewheretofindhim，andwithherwordsofaffectionGladdenhisheart，forhe，theexcellentson，welldeservedit。

Smilingly，whenshehadclosedthedoor，continuedthefatherWhatawonderfulraceofpeoplearewomenandchildren。

Allofthemfainwoulddowhateverpleasestheirfancy，Andwe’reonlyalow’dtopraisethemandflatterthemfreely。

Onceforallthere’struthintheancientproverbwhichtellsus：

Hewhomovesnotforward，goesbackward！acapitalsaying！

Speakingwithmuchcircumspection，thedruggistmadeanswerasfollowsWhatyousay，goodneighbour，iscertainlytrue，andmyplanisAlwaystothinkofimprovement，providedtho’new，’tisnotcostly。

Butwhatavailsitintruth，unlessonehasplentyofmoney，Activeandfussytohe，improvingbothinsideandoutside？

Sadlyconfinedarethemeansofaburgher。e’enwhenheknowsit，Littlethat’sgoodheisabletodo，hispurseistoonarrow，Andthesumwantedtoogreat。andsoheisalwaysprevented。

Ihavehadplentyofschemes！butthenIwasterriblyfrighten’dAttheexpense，especiallyduringatimeofsuchdanger。

Longhadmyhousesmileduponme，deckedoutinmodishexterior，Longhadmywindowswithlargepanesofglassresplendentlyglitterd。

Whocancompetewithamerchant，however，who，rollinginriches，Alsoknowsthemannerinwhichwhatisbestcanbepurchased？

Onlylookatthehouseupyonder，thenewone：howhandsomeLooksthestuccoofthosewhitescrollsonthegreen-colour’dpanels！

Largearetheplatesofthewindows——howshiningandbrilliantthepanesare，Quiteeclipsingtherestofthehousesthatstandinthemarket！

Yetatthetimeofthefire，ourtwowerebyfarthemosthandsome，MineatthesignoftheAngel，andyoursattheoldGoldenLion。

Thenmygardenwasfamousthroughoutthewholecountry，andstrangersUsedtostopastheypass’dandpeepthroughmyred-colourdpalingsAtmybeggarsofstone，andatmydwarfs，whichwerepainted，HetowhomIgavecoffeeinsidemybeautifulgrotto，Which，alas！isnowcover’dwithdustandtumblingtopieces，Usedtorejoiceinthecolour’dglimmeringlightofthemussels，Rangedinnaturalorderaroundit，andconnoisseursevenUsedwithdazzledeyestogazeatthesparsandthecoral。

Then，inthedrawing-room，peoplelook’dwithdelightonthepainting，Wheretheprimladiesandgentlemenwalkedinthegardendemurely，Andwithpointedfingerspresentedtheflowers，andheldthem。

Ah，ifonlysuchthingswerenowtobeseen！LittlecareI

Nowtogoout。foreverythingneedstobealter’dandtasteful，Asitiscall’d。andwhitearethebenchesofwoodandthepalings。

Allthingsaresimpleandplain。andneithercarvingnotgildingNowareemploy’d，andforeigntimberisnowallthefashion。

Ishouldbeonlytoopleasedtopossesssomenoveltyalso，Soastomarchwiththetimes，andmyhouseholdfurniturealter。

Butweallareafraidtomaketheleastalteration，Forwhoisabletopaythepresentchargesofworkmen？

Latelyafancypossess’dme，theangelMichael，whosefigureHangsupovermyshop，totreattoanewcoatofgilding，AndtheterribleDragon，whoroundhisfeetisentwining。

ButIhavelefthimallbrown。asheis。forthecostquitealarm’dme——

IV。EUTERPE。

MOTHERANDSON。

THUSthemendiscoursedtogether。andmeanwhilethemotherWentinsearchofherson，——atfirstinfrontofthedwellingOnthebenchofstone，forhewasaccustom’dtositthere。

Whenshefoundhimnotthere，shewenttolookinthestable，Thinkingperchancehewasfeedinghissplendidhorses，thestallionsWhichhehadboughtwhenfoals，andwhichheentrustedtonoone。

Buttheservantinform’dherthathehadgonetothegarden。

Thenshenimblystrodeacrossthelongdoublecourtyard，Leftthestablesbehind，andthebarnsallmadeofgoodtimber，Enter’dthegardenwhichstretch’dfarawaytothewallsoftheborough，Walk’dacrossit，rejoicingtoseehowallthingsweregrowing，Carefullystraighten’dtheprops，onwhichtheapple-tree’sbranches，Heavilyloaded，reposed，andtheweightyboughsofthepear-tree，Tookafewcaterpillarsfromoffthestrong-sproutingcabbage。

Forabustlingwomanisneveridleonemoment。

Inthismannershecametotheendofthelong-reachinggarden，Wherewasthearbourallcover’dwithwoodbine：shefoundnothersonthere，Norwashetobeseeninanypartofthegarden。

ButshefoundonthelatchthedoorwhichoutofthearbourThroughthewallofthetownhadbeenmadebyspecialpermissionDuringtheirancestor’stime，theworthyoldburgomaster。

Sosheeasilystepp’dacrossthedryditchatthespotwhereOnthehighwayabuttedtheirwell-inclosedexcellentvineyard。

Risingsteeplyupwards，itsfacetow’rdthesunturn’ddirectly。

Upthehillsheproceeded，rejoicing，asfarthershemounted，Atthesizeofthegrapes，whichscarcelywerehidbythefoliage。

Shadyandwell-cover’din，themiddlewalkatthetopwas，Whichwasascendedbystepsofroughflatpiecesconstructed。

Andwithinitwerehangingfinechasselasandmuscatelsalso，Andareddish-bluegrape，ofquiteanexceptionalbigness，Allwithcarefulnessplanted，togivetotheirguestsafterdinner。

Butwithseparatestemstherestofthevineyardwasplanted，Smallergrapesproducing，fromwhichthefinestwinemadeis。

Sosheconstantlymounted，enjoyinginprospecttheautumn。

Andthefestalday，whentheneighbourhoodmetwithrejoicing，Pickingandtreadingthegrapes，andputtingthemustinthewine-vats，Everycornerandnookresoundingatnightwiththefireworks，Blazingandcrackingaway，duehonourtopaytotheharvest。

Butsheuneasybecame，whensheinvainhadbeencallingTwiceandthreetimesherson，andwhenthesoleanswerthatreach’dherCamefromthegarrulousechowhichoutofthetowntowersissued。

Strangeitappear’dtohavetoseekhim。heneverwentfaroff，(Ashebeforehadtoldher)inordertowardoffallsorrowFromhisdearmother，andherforebodingsofcomingdisaster。

Butshestillwasexpectinguponthehighwaytofindhim，Forthedoorsatthebottom，likethoseatthetop，ofthevineyardStoodwideopen。andsoatlengthsheenter’dthebroadfieldWhich，withitsspreadingexpanse，o’erthewholeofthehill’sbackextended。

Ontheirownpropertystillsheproceeded，greatlyrejoicingAttheirowncrops，andatthecornwhichnoddedsobravely，Overthewholefieldingoldenmajestywaving。

Thenontheborderbetweenthefieldsshefollow’dthefootpath，Keepinghereyeonthepear-treefix’d，thebigone，whichstandingPerch’dbyitselfonthetopofthehill，theirpropertybounded。

Whohadplantedit，nooneknew。throughoutthewholecountryFarandwidewasitvisible。notedalsoitsfruitwas。

Underitsshadowthereaperatehisdinneratnoonday，Andtheherdsmanwaswonttolie，whentendinghiscattle。

Benchesmadeofroughstonesandofturfwereplacedallaboutit。

Andshewasnotmistaken。theresatherHermannandrestedOnhisarmhewasleaning，andseem’dtobelookingcrosscountryTow’rdsthemountainsbeyond。hisbackwasturn’dtohismother。

Softlycreepingup，shelightlytapp’donhisshoulder。

Andhehastilyturn’d。shesawthathiseyesfulloftearswere。

Mother，hesaidinconfusion：——Yougreatlysurpriseme！andquicklyWipedheawayhistears，thenobleandsensitiveyoungster。

What！Youareweeping，myson？thestartledmothercontinuedThatisindeedunlikeyou！Ineverbeforesawyoucrying！

Say，whathassadden’dyourheart？WhatdrivesyoutositherealllonelyUndertheshadeofthepear-tree？Whatisitthatmakesyouunhappy？

Thentheexcellentyouthcollectedhimself，andmadeanswerTrulythatmancanhavenoheart，butabosomofiron，Whonosympathyfeelsforthewantsofunfortunateexiles。

Hehasnosenseinhisheadwho，intimesofsuchdeeptribulation，Hasnoconcernforhimselforforhiscountry’swell-being。

WhatIto-dayhaveseenandheard，hasstirr’dupmyfeelings。

Well，Ihavecomeuphere，andseenthebeautiful，spreadingLandscape，whichinfruitfulhillstooursightispresented，Seenthegoldenfruitofthesheavesallnoddingtogether，Andaplentifulcropoffruit，fullgarnersforeboding。

But，alas，hownearisthefoe！BytheRhine’sflowingwatersWeareprotectedindeed。butwhatareriversandmountainsTosuchaterriblenation，whichhurriesalonglikeatempest！

Fortheysummontogethertheyoungandtheoldfromallquarters，Rushingwildlyalong，whilethemultitudelittleiscaringEvenfordeath。whenonefalls，hisplaceisstraightfill’dbyanother，Ah！andcanGermansdaretoremainathomeintheirdwellings，Thinkingperchancetoescapefromthewidely-threat’ningdisaster？

Dearestmother，ItellyouthatIto-dayamquitesorryThatIwaslatelyexcused，whentheyselectedthefightersOutofthetownfolk。’TistrueI’manonlyson，andmore-overLargeisourinn，andourbusinessalsoisveryimportant。

WereitnotbetterhoweverformetofightinthevanguardOnthefrontier，thanheretoawaitdisasterandbondage？

Yes，myspirithastoldme，andinmyinnermostbosomFeelIcourageandlongingtoliveanddieformycountry，Andtootherstosetanexampleworthytofollow。

Oh，ofatruth，ifthestrengthoftheGermanyouthswascollectedOnthefrontier，allboundbyavownottoyieldtothestranger，Heonournoblesoilshouldneversetfoot，orbeableUnderoureyestoconsumethefruitsoftheland，ortoissueOrdersuntoourmen，ordespoilourwomenandmaidens！

See，goodmother，withinmyinmostheartI’vedeterminedSoonandstraightwaytodowhatseemstomerightandbecoming。

Forthemanwhothinkslong，notalwayschooseswhatbestis。

See，Iwillnotreturntothehouse，butwillgofromherestraightwayIntothetown，andtherewillplaceatthefighters’disposalThisstoutarmandthisheart，toserve，asIbestcan，mycountry。

ThenletmyfathersaywhetherfeelingsofhonourarestirringInmybosomornot，andwhetherIyearntomountupwards。

Thenwithsignificanceanswer’dhisgoodandsensiblemother，Sheddingtearsinsilence，whicheasilyroseinhereyelids：——

Son，whathaswroughtsostrangeachangeinyourtemperandfeelings，Thatyoufreelyandopenlyspeaktoyourmothernolonger，Asyoutillyesterdaydid，nortellhertrulyyourwishes？

Ifanotherhadheardyouspeaking，hedoubtlesswouldpraiseyouHighly，anddeemyournewresolutionasworthyofhonour，Beingdeceivedbyyourwords，andbyyourmannerofspeaking。

Ihowevercanonlyblameyou。Iknowyoumuchbetter。

Youareconcealingyourheart，andverydiff’rentyourthoughtsare。

ForIamsureyoucarenotatallfordrumandfortrumpet，Nor，topleasethemaidens，careyoutowearregimentals。

For，thoughbraveyoumaybe，andgallant，yourpropervocationIstoremainathome，thepropertyquietlywatching。

Thereforetellmetruly：Whatmeansthissuddendecision？

Earnestlyanswer’dtheson：——Youarewrong，dear-mother，onedayisUnlikeanother。Theyouthsoonripensintohismanhood。

OfttimesheripensbettertoactioninsilencethanlivingThattumultuousnoisylifewhichruinssomany。

AndthoughsilentIhavebeen，andam，ahearthasbeenfashion’dInsidemybosom，whichhateswhateverunfairandunjustis，AndIamablerightwelltodiscriminatesecularmatters。

Workmoreovermyarmsandmyfeethasmightilystrengthen’d。

AllthatItellyouistrue。Iboldlyventuretosayso。

Andyet，mother，youblamemewithreason。you’vecaughtmeemployingWordsthatareonlyhalftrue，andthatservetoconcealmytruefeelings。

ForImustneedconfess，itisnottheadventofdangerCallsmeawayfrommyfather’shouse，noraresolutepurposeUsefultobetomycountry，anddreadedtobebythefoeman。

WordsaloneitwasthatIutter’d，——wordsonlyintendedThosedeepfeelingstohide，whichwithinmybreastarecontending。

Andnowleaveme，mymother！ForasinmybosomIcherishWishesthatarebutvain，mylifewillbetonopurpose。

ForIknowthattheUnitwhomakesaself-sacrifice，onlyInjureshimself，unlessallendeavourtheWholetoaccomplish。

Nowcontinue，repliedforthwithhissensiblemother：——

Tellmeallthathashappen’d，theleastasw’ellasthegreatestMenarealwayshasty，andonlyrememberthelastthing，Andthehastyareeasilyforcedfromtheroadbyobstructions。

Butawomanisskillful，andfullofresources，andscornsnotBye-roadstotraversewhenneeded，well-skill’dtoaccomplishherpurpose。

Tellmethenall，andwhyyouarestirr’dbysuchviolentfeelingsMorethanIeverhaveseen，whilethebloodisboilingwithinyou，Andfromyoureyesthetearsagainstyourwillfainwouldfallnow。

Thentheyouthgavewaytohissorrow，andburstintoweeping，Weepingaloudonthebreastofhismother，andsoftlyreplyingTruly，myfather’swordsto-dayhavewoundedmesadly，NeverhaveIdeservedathishandssuchtreatment，——no，never！

Fortohonourmyparentswasalwaysmywishfrommychildhood，Nooneeverappear’dsoprudentandwiseasmyparents，Whointhedarkerdaysofchildhoodcarefullywatch’dme。

Muchindeedithasbeenmylottoendurefrommyplaymates，Whenwiththeirknavishprankstheyusedtoembittermytemper。

OftenIlittlesuspectedthetrickstheywereplayinguponme：

Butiftheyhappen’dtoridiculeFather，wheneveronSundaysOutofchurchhecamewithhisslowdeliberatefootsteps，Iftheylaugh’datthestringsofhiscap，andhisdressing-gown’sflowers，Whichheinstatelywisewore，andto-dayatlengthhasdiscarded，TheninafuryIclench’dmyfist，and，stormingandraging，Felluponthemandhitandstruckwithterribleonslaught，Heedlesswheremyblowsfell。Withbleedingnosestheyhalloed，Andcouldscarcelyescapefromtheforceofmyblowsandmykicking。

Then，asinyearsIadvanced，Ihadmuchtoendurefrommyfather，Who，indefaultofotherstoblame，wouldoftenabuseme，WhenattheCouncil’slastsittinghisangerperchancewasexcited，AndIthepenaltypaidofthesquabblesandstrifeofhiscolleagues。

Youyourselfhaveoftpitiedme。Iendureditwithpatience，Alwaysrememb’ringthemuch-to-be-honour’dkindnessofparents，Whoseonlythoughtistoswellforoursakestheirgoodsandpossessions，Andwhodeprivethemselvesofmuch，tosavefortheirchildren。

But，alas，notsavingalone，forenjoymenthereafter，Constituteshappiness，no，notheapsofgoldorofsilver，Neitherfielduponfield，howevercompacttheestatebe。

Forthefathergrowsold，andhissonatthesametimegrowsolder，FeelingnojoyinTo-day，andfullofcareforTo-morrow。

Nowlookdownfromthisheight，andseehowbeauteousbeforeusLiesthefairrichexpanse，withvineyardandgardensatbottom。

Therearethestablesandbarns，andtherestofthepropertylikewise。

ThereIalsodescrythebackofourhouse，inthegablesOftheroofmaybeseenthewindowofmysmallapartment。

WhenIrememberthetimewhenIusedtolookoutforthemoonthereHalfthroughthenight，orperchanceatmorningawaitedthesunrise，WhenwithbutfewhoursofhealthysleepIwasfullycontented，Ah，howlonelydoallthingsappear！Mychamber，thecourt，andGarden，thebeautifulfieldwhichspreadsitselfoverthehillside。

Allappearsbutadeserttome：Istillamunmarried！

Thenhisgoodmotheranswer’dhisspeechinasensiblemannerSon，yourwishtobeabletoleadyourbridetoherchamber，Turningthenighttothedearestandhappiesthalfofyourlifetime，Makingyourworkbydaymoretrulyfreeandunfetter’d，Cannotbegreaterthanthatofyourfatherandmother。WealwaysUrgedyou，——commanded，Ievenmightsay，——tochoosesomefairmaiden。

ButIknowfullwell，andmyhearthastoldmealreadyIftherighthourarrivesnot，oriftherightmaidenappearsnotInstantlywhentheyaresoughtfor，man’schoiceisthrowninconfusion，Andheisdrivenbyfeartoseizewhatiscounterfeitonly。

IfImaytellyou，myson，yourchoicealreadyistaken，Foryourheartissmitten，andsensitivemorethanisusual。

Answermeplainly，then，formyspiritalreadyhastoldme：

Shewhomnowyouhavechosenisthatpooremigrantmaiden！

Yes，dearmother，you’reright！thesonwithvivacityanswer’dYes，itisshe！AndunlessthisverydayIconductherHomeasmybride，shewillgoonherwayandescapemeforever，Intheconfusionofwar，andinmovingbackwardsandforwards。

Mother，thenbeforemyeyeswillinvainheunfoldedAllourrichestate，andeachyearhenceforwardbefruitful。

Yes，thefamiliarhouseandthegardenwillbemyaversion。

Ah，andtheloveofmymothernocomfortwillgivetomysorrow，ForIfeelthatbyLoveeachformerbondmustbeloosen’d，Whenherownbondssheknits。’tisnotthemaidenalonewhoLeavesherfatherandmotherbehind，whenshefollowsherhusband。

Soitiswiththeyouth。nomoreheknowsmotherandfather。

Whenhebeholdsthemaiden，theonlybelovedone，approaching。

Thereforeletmegohence，towheredesperationmayleadme，Formyfatheralreadyhasspokeninwordsofdecision，Andhishousenolongerismine，ifheshutsoutthemaidenWhomaloneIwouldfaintakehomeasmybridefromhenceforward。

Thentheexcellentsensiblemotheranswer’dwithquicknessMenarepreciselylikerockswhentheystandopposedtoeachother！

Proudandunyielding，theonewillneverdrawneartotheother。

Neitherwillsufferhistonguetoutterthefirstfriendlyaccent。

ThereforeItellyou，myson，ahopestillexistsinmybosom，Ifsheisworthyandgood，hewillgivehisconsenttoyourmarriage，Poorthoughshebe，andalthoughwithdisdainherefusedyouthepoorthing。

Forinhishot-beadedfashionheuttersmanyexpressionsWhichheneverintends。andsowillaccepttheRefusedOne。

Butherequireskindwords，andhasarighttorequirethem，Foryourfatherheis。hisangerisallafterdinner，Whenhemoreeagerlyspeaks，andquestionsthereasonsofothers，Meaningbutlittlethereby。thewinethenexcitesallthevigourOfhisimpetuouswill，andpreventshimfromgivingdueweighttoOtherpeople’sopinions。hehearsandhefeelshisownonly。

Butwheneveningarrives，thetoneofthemanydiscoursesWhichhisfriendsandhimselfholdtogether，isverymuchalter’d。

Milderbecomeshe，assoonashisliquor’seffectshavepassedoverAndhefeelstheinjusticehiseagernessdiduntoothers。

Come，wewillventureatonce！Successtherewardisofboldness，Andwehaveneedofthefriendswhonowhaveassembledaroundhim——

Mostofallweshallwantthehelpofourexcellentpastor。

Thussheeagerlyspoke，andleavingthestonethatshesaton，Alsoliftedhersonfromhisseat。Hewillinglyfollow’d，Andtheydescendedinsilence，revolvingtheweightyproposal