第11章

V。POLYHYMNIA。

THECOSMOPOLITE。

BUTtheThree，asbefore，werestillsittingandtalkingtogether，Withthelandlord，theworthydivine，andalsothedruggist，Andtheconversationstillconcern’dthesamesubject，Whichineveryformtheyhadlongbeendiscussingtogether。

Fullofnoblethoughts，theexcellentpastorcontinuedIcan’tcontradictyou。Iknow’tisthedutyofmortalsEvertostriveforimprovement。and，aswemaysee，theystrivealsoEverforthatwhichishigher，atleastwhatisnewtheyseekafter，Butdon’thurrytoofast！Forcombinedwiththesefeelings，kindNatureAlsohasgivenuspleasureindwellingonthatwhichisancient，Andinclingingtothattowhichwehavelongbeenaccustom’d。

Eachsituationisgoodthat’saccordanttonatureandreason。

Manythingsmandesires，andyethehasneedofbutlittle。

Forbutshortarethedays，andconfinedisthelotofamortal。

Icanneverblamethemanwho，activeandrestless，Hurriesalong，andexploreseachcornerofearthandtheoceanBoldlyandcarefully，whileherejoicesatseeingtheprofitsWhichroundhimandhisfamilygatherthemselvesinabundance。

ButIalsodulyesteemthepeaceableburgher，Whowithsilentstepshispaternalinheritancepaces，Andwatchesovertheearth，theseasonscarefullynoting。

’Tisnoteveryyearthathefindshispropertyalter’d。

Newly-plantedtreescannotstretchouttheirarmstow’rdstheheavensAllinamoment，adorn’dwithbeautifulbudsinabundance。

No，amanhasneedofpatience，healsohasneedofPureunruffledtranquilthoughtsandanintellecthonest。

Fortothenourishingearthfewseedsatatimeheentrusteth，Fewarethecreatureshekeepsatatime，withaviewtotheirbreeding，ForwhatisUsefulaloneremainsthefirstthoughtofhislifetime。

HappythemantowhomNatureamindthusattunedmayhavegiven！

’Tisbyhimthatweallarefed。AndhappythetownsmanOfthesmalltownwhounitesthevocationsoftownandofcountry。

Heisexemptfromthepressurebywhichthepoorfarmerisworried，Isnotperplex’dbythecitizens’caresandsoaringambition，Who，withlimitedmeans，——especiallywomenandmaidens，——

Thinkofnothingbutapingthewaysofthegreatandthewealthy，Youshouldthereforeblessyourson’sdispositionsopeaceful，Andthelike-mindedwifewhomwesoonmayexpecthimtomarry。

Thushespoke。Atthatmomentthemotherandsonstoodbeforethem。

BythehandsheledhimandplacedhiminfrontofherhusbandFather，shesaid，howoftenhavewe，whentalkingtogether，Thoughtofthatjoyfuldayinthefuture，whenHermann，selectingAfterlongwaitinghisbrideatlengthwouldmakeusbothhappy！

Allkindsofprojectsweform’d。designingfirstone，thenanotherGirlashiswife，aswetalk’dinthemannerthatparentsdelightin。

Nowthedayhasarrived。andnowhashisbridebeenconductedHitherandshownhimbyHeaven。hisheartatlengthhasdecided。

Werewenotalwayssayingthatheshouldchooseforhimself，andWereyounotlatelywishingthathemightfeelforamaidenWarmandheart-feltemotions？Andnowhasarrivedtherightmoment！

Yes，hehasfeltandhaschosen，andlikeamanhasdecided。

Thatfairmaidenitis，theStrangerwhomheencounter’d。

Giveherhim。elsehe’llremain——hehasswornit——unmarriedforever。

Andthesonaddedhimself：——Myfather，Ogiveher！MyhearthasChosenpurelyandtruly：she’llmakeyouanexcellentdaughter。

Butthefatherwassilent。Thensuddenlyrosethegoodpastor，Andaddress’dhimasfollows：——Onesinglemoment’sdecisiveBothofthelifeofaman，andofthewholeofhisFuture。

Afterlengthen’dreflection，eachresolutionmadebyhimIsbuttheworkofamoment。theprudentaloneseizetherightone。

Nothingmoredangerousis，inmakingachoice，thanrevolvingFirstthispointandthenthat，andsoconfusingthefeelings。

PureisHermann’smind。fromhisyouthIhaveknownhim。henever，Eveninboyhood，waswonttoextendhishandhitherandthither。

Whathedesired，wassuitabletohim。heheldtoitfirmly。

Benotastonish’dandscared，becausethereappearsonasuddenWhatyousolonghavedesired。’TistruetheappearanceatpresentBearsnottheshapeofthewish，asyouinyourmindhadconceivedit。

Forourwishesconcealthethingthatwewishfor。ourgiftstooComefromaboveuponus，eachcladinitsownproperfigure。

DonotnowmistakethemaidenwhohassucceededFirstintouchingtheheartofyourgoodwiseson，whomyouloveso。

Happyishewhoisabletoclaspthehandofhisfirstlove，Andwhosedearestwishisnotdoom’dtopineinhisbosom！

Yes，Icanseebyhisface，alreadyhisfateisdecided。

Trueaffectionconvertstheyouthtoamaninamoment。

Helittlechangeableis。Ifearme，ifthisyoudenyhim，Allthefairestyearsofhislifewillbechangedintosorrow。

Theninprudentfashionthedruggist，wholonghadbeenwantingHisopiniontogive，rejoin’dinthefollowingmannerThisisJustacasewhenthemiddlecourseisthewisest！

’Hastenslowly，’youknow，wasthemottoofCaesarAugustus。

Iamalwaysreadytobeofusetomyneighbours，AndtoturntotheirprofitwhatlittlewitsIcanboastof。

Youthespeciallyneedstheguidanceofthosewhoareolder。

Letmethendepart。Ifainwouldproveher，thatmaiden，Andwillexaminethepeople’mongstwhomshelives，andwhoknowher。

Iamnotsoondeceived。Iknowhowtoratetheiropinions。

Thenforthwithrepliedtheson，witheagernessspeaking：——

Doso，neighbour，andgo，makeyourinquiries。However，Ishouldgreatlypreferthatourfriend，thepastor，wentwithyou。

Twosuchexcellentmenarewitnessesnonecanfindfaultwith。

O，myfather！themaidennovagabondis，Iassureyou，Nomereadventurer，wand’ringaboutalloverthecountry，Anddeceivingtheinexperiencedyouthswithhercunning。

No！theharshdestinylink’dwiththiswar，sodestructiveofallthings，Whichisdestroyingtheworld，andalreadyhaswhollyuprootedManyatime-honour’dfabric，hasdriventhepoorthingtoexile。

Arenotbravemenofnoblebirthnowwand’ringinmis’ry？

Princesarefleeingdisguised，andmonarchsinbanishmentliving。

Ah，andshealsoherself，thebestofhersisters，isdrivenOutofhernativeland。butherownmisfortunesforgetting，Otherssheseekstoconsole，and，thoughhelpless，isalsomosthelpful。

Greatarethewoesanddistresswhichovertheearth’sfacearebrooding，Butmayhappinessnotbeevokedfromoutofthissorrow？

MaynotI，inthearmsofmybride，thewifeIhavechosen，Evenrejoiceatthewar，asyouatthegreatconflagration？

Thenrepliedthefather，andopen’dhismouthwithimportance：——

Strangelyindeed，myson，hasyourtonguebeensuddenlyloosen’d，Whichforyearshasstuckinyourmouth，andmovedtherebutrarelyIto-daymustexperiencethatwhichthreatenseachfather：

Howtheardentwillofasonatoo-gentlemotherWillinglyfavours，whilsteachneighbourisreadytobackhim，Onlyprovideditbeatthecostofafatherorhusband！

Butwhatusewoulditbetoresistsomanytogether？

ForIseethatdefianceandtearswillotherwisegreetme。

Goandproveher，andinGod’snamethenhastentobringherHomeasmydaughter。ifnot，hemustthinknomoreofthemaiden。

Thusspakethefather。Thesonexclaim’dwithjubilantgestureEretheev’ningarrives，youshallhavethedearestofdaughters，Suchasthemandesireswhosebosomisgovern’dbyprudenceAndIventuretothinkthegoodcreatureisfortunatealso。

Yes，shewilleverbegratefulthatIherfatherandmotherHaverestoredherinyou，assensiblechildrenwouldwishit。

ButIwillloiternolonger。I’llstraightwayharnessthehorses，AndconductourfriendsonthetracesofherwhomIloveso，Leavethementothemselvesandtheirownintuitivewisdom，Andbeguidedalonebytheirdecision——Iswearit，——

Andnotseethemaidenagain，untilshemyownis。

Thenheleftthehouse。meanwhiletheotherswereeagerlySettlingmanyapoint，andtheweightymatterdebating。

Hermannspedtothestableforthwith，wherethespiritedstallionsTranquillystoodandwitheagernessswallow’dthepureoatsbeforethem，Andthewell-driedhay，whichwascutfromthebestoftheirmeadows。

Thenineagerhasteintheirmouthstheshiningbitsplacedhe，Quicklydrewtheharnessthroughthewell-platedbuckles，Andthenfastendthelongbroadreinsinproperposition，Ledthehorsesoutintheyard，wherealreadythecarriage，Easilymovedalongbyitspole，hadbeenpush’dbytheservant。

Thentheyrestrain’dtheimpetuousstrengthofthefast-movinghorses，Fasteningbothwithneat-lookingropestothebarofthecarriage。

Hermannseizedhiswhip，tookhisseat，anddrovetothegateway。

Whenintheroomycarriagehisfriendshadtakentheirplaces，Swiftlyhedroveaway，andleftthepavementbehindthem，Leftbehindthewallsofthetownandtheclean-lookingtowers，ThusspedHermannalong，tillhereach’dthefamiliarhighway，Notdelayingamoment，andgallopinguphillanddownhill。

Whenhoweveratlengththevillagesteepledescriedhe，Andnotfarawaylaythehousessurroundedbygardens，Hebegantothinkitwastimetoholdinthehorses。

Bythetime-honour’dgloomofnoblelime-treeso’ershadow’d，Whichformanyacenturypastonthespothadbeenrooted，Stoodthereagreenandspreadinggrass-plotinfrontofthevillage，Cover’dwithturf，forthepeasantsandneighbouringtownsmenaplayground。

Scoopedoutunderthetrees，tonogreatdepth，stoodafountain。

Ondescendingthesteps，somebenchesofstonemightbeseenthere，Rangedallaroundthespring，whichceaselesslywell’dforthitswaters，Cleanly，enclosedbyalowwallallround，andconvenienttodrawfrom。

HermannthendeterminedbeneaththeshadowhishorsesWiththecarriagetostop。Hedidso，andspokethenasfollowsNow，myfriends，getdown，andgobyyourselvestodiscoverWhetherthemaidenisworthytohavethehandwhichIoffer。

Iamconvincedthatsheis。andyou’llbringmenoneworstrangestory：

HadItomanagealone，Iwouldstraightwaygoofftothevillage，Andinfewwordsshouldmyfatebythecharmingcreaturebesettled。

Heryouwilleasilyrecognize’mongstalltherestofthepeople，Forherappearanceisaltogetherunlikethatofothers。

ButIwillnowdescribethemodestdresssheiswearing：——

Firstabodiceredherwell-arch’dbosomupraises，Prettilytied，whileblackarethestaysfittingcloselyaroundher。

Thentheseamsoftheruffshehascarefullyplaitedandfolded，Whichwithmodestgrace，herchinsoroundisencircling。

Freeandjoyouslyrisesherheadwithitselegantoval，Stronglyroundbodkinsofsilverherback-hairismanytimestwistedHerbluewell-plaitedgownbeginsfromunderherbodice。

Andasshewalksenvelopesherwell-turn’danklescompletely。

ButIhaveonethingtosay，andthismustexpresslyentreatyou：

Donotspeaktothemaiden，andletnotyourschemebediscover’d。

Butinquireofothers，andhearkentoallthattheytellyou，Whenyouhavelearntenoughtosatisfyfatherandmother，Thenreturntomestraight，andwe’llsettlefutureproceedings。

ThisistheplanwhichIhavematured，whiledrivingyouhither。

Thushespoke，andthefriendsforthwithwentontothevillage，Where，ingardensandbarnsandhouses，themultitudecrowded。

Allalongthebroadroadthenumberlesscartswerecollected，Menwerefeedingthelowingcattleandfeedingthehorses。

Womenoneveryhedgethelinenwerecarefullydrying，Whilstthechildreningleeweresplashingaboutinthestreamlet。

Forcingtheirwaythroughthewaggons，andpastthemenandthecattle，Walk’dtheambassadorspies，lookingwelltotherighthandandlefthand，Hopingsomewheretoseetheformofthewell-describedmaiden。

Butwherevertheylook’d，notraceofthegirltheydiscover’d。

Presentlydenserbecamethecrowd。Roundsomeofthewaggons。

Meninapassionwerequarrelling，womenalsowerescreaming。

Thenofasuddenapproach’danagedmanwithfirmfootstepMarchingstraightuptothefighters。andforthwithwashush’dthecontention，Whenhebadethembestill，andwithfatherlyearnestnessthreaten’d。

Arewenotyet，heexclaim’d，bymisfortunesoknittedtogether，AstohavelearntatlengththeartofreciprocalpatienceAndtoleration，thougheachcannotmeasuretheactionsofothers？

Prosperousmenindeedmayquarrel！WillsorrownotteachyouHownolongerasformerlyyoushouldquarrelwithbrethren？

Eachshouldgivewaytoeachother，whentreadingthesoilofthestranger，And，asyouhopeformercyyourselves，youshouldshareyourpossessions。

Thusthemanaddress’dthem，andallweresilent。InpeacefulHumourthereconciledmenlook’daftertheircattleandwaggons。

Whenthepastorheardthemandiscourseinthisfashion，Andtheforeignmagistrate’speacefulnaturediscovered，Heapproach’dhiminturn，andusedthissignificantlanguageTruly，Father，whennationsarelivingindaysofgoodfortune，Drawingtheirfoodfromtheearth，whichgladlyopensitstreasures，Anditswish’d-forgiftseachyearandeachmonthisrenewing，Thenallmattersgosmoothly。eachthinkshimselffarthewisest，Andthebest，andsotheyexistbythesideofeachother，Andthemostsensiblemannobetterthanothersisreckon’dFortheworldmoveson，asifbyitselfandinsilence。

Butwhendistressunsettlesourusualmannerofliving，Pullsdowneachtime-honour’dfabric，androotsuptheseedinourgardens，Drivesthemanandhiswifefarawayfromthehometheydelightin，Hurriesthemoffinconfusionthroughdaysandnightsfullofanguish，Ah！thenlookwearoundinsearchofthemanwhoiswisest，Andnolongerinvainheuttershiswordsfullofwisdom。

Tellmewhetheryoubethesefugitives’magistrate，Father，Overwhosemindsyouappeartopossesssuchaninfluencesoothing？

Aye，to-dayIcoulddeemyouoneoftheleadersofoldtime，Whothroughwastesandthroughdesertsconductedthewanderingpeople。

Icouldimagine’twasJoshuaIamaddressing，orMoses。

Thenwithsolemnlooksthemagistrateanswer’dasfollowsTrulythepresenttimesresemblethestrangestofoldtimes，Whicharepreservedinthepagesofhistory，sacredorcommon。

Heinthesedayswhohaslivedto-dayandyesterdayonly，Manyayearhaslived，eventssocrowdoneachother。

WhenIreflectbackalittle，agreyoldageIcouldfancyOnmyheadtobelying，andyetmystrengthisstillactive。

Yes，wepeopleintruthmaylikenourselvestothoseothersUntowhominafierybushappear’d，inasolemnMoment，theLordourGod。infireandcloudswebeholdhim。

Whenthepastorwouldfaincontinuetospeakonthissubject，Andwasanxioustolearnthefateofthemanandhisparty，Quicklyintohisearhiscompanionsecretlywhisper’dSpeakforatimewiththemagistrate，turningyourtalkonthemaiden，WhilstIwanderabout，endeav’ringtofindher。DirectlyIamsuccessful，I’lljoinyouagain。Thennoddedthepastor，Andthespywenttoseekher，inbarnsandthroughhedgesandgardens——

VI。KLIO。

THEAGE。

WHENthepastorask’dtheforeignmagistratequestions，Whatthepeoplehadsuffer’d，howlongfromtheirhomestheyhadwander’d，Thenthemanreplied：——Bynomeansshortareoursorrows，Forwehavedrunkthebittersofmanyalongyeartogether，Allthemoredreadful，becauseourfairesthopeshavebeenblighted。

WhocandenythathisheartbeatwildlyandhighinhisbosomAndthatwithpurerpulseshisbreastmorefreelywasthrobbing，Whenthenewbornsunfirstroseinthewholeofitsglory，Whenweheardoftherightofman，tohaveallthingsincommon，HeardofnobleEquality，andofinspiritingFreedom！

Eachmanthenhopedtoattainnewlifeforhimself，andthefettersWhichhadencircledmanyalandappear’dtobebroken，Fettersheldbythehandsofslothandselfishindulgence。

Didnotallnationsturntheirgaze，inthosedaysofemotion，Tow’rdstheworld’scapital，whichsomanyalongyearhadbeenso，Andthenmorethaneverdeservedanamesodistinguish’d？

Werenotthemen，whofirstproclaim’dsonobleamessage，Namesthatareworthytorankwiththehighestthesunevershoneon，Didnoteachgivetomankindhiscourageandgeniusandlanguage？

Andwealso，asneighbours，atfirstwerewarmlyexcited。

Presentlyafterbeganthewar，andthetrainofarm’dFrenchmenNearerapproach’d。atfirsttheyappear’dtobringwiththemfriendship，Andtheybroughtitinfact。foralltheirsoulswereexalted。

Andthegaytreesoflibertyev’rywheregladlytheyplanted，Promisinguntoeachhisown，andthegovernmentlong’dfor。

Greatlyatthiswasyouth，andgreatlyoldagewasdelighted，Andthejoyousdancebeganroundthenewly-raisedstandards。

InthismannertheoverpoweringFrenchmensoonconquer’dFirstthemindsofthemen，withtheirfierylivelyproceedings，Thentheheartsofthewomen，withirresistiblegraces。

Eventhestrainofthewar，withitsmanydemands，seem’dbuttrifling，Forbeforeoureyesthedistancebyhopewasillumined，Luringourgazefaraheadintopathsnowfirstopen’dbeforeus。

Ohowjoyfulthetime，whenwithhisbridethegladbridegroomWhirlsinthedance，awaitingthedaythatwilljointhemforeverButmoregloriousfarwasthetimewhentheHighestofallthingsWhichman’smindcanconceive，closebyandattainableseemed。

Thenwerethetonguesofallloosen’d，andwordsofwisdomandfeelingNotbygreybeardsalone，butbymenandbystriplingswereutter’d。

Buttheheavenssooncloudedbecame。Forthesakeofthemast’ryStroveacontemptiblecrew，unfittoaccomplishgoodactions。

Thentheymurder’deachother，andtooktooppressingtheirnew-foundNeighboursandbrothers，andsentonmissionswholeherdsofself膕eekersAndthesuperiorstooktocarousingandrobbingbywholesale，Andtheinferiorsdowntothelowestcarousedandrobb’dalso。

Nobodythoughtofaughtelsethanhavingenoughfortomorrow。

Terriblewasthedistress，anddailyincreasedtheoppression。

Nonethecryunderstood，thattheyofthedaywerethemasters。

Theneventemperatemindswereattack’dbysorrowandfury。

Eachonereflected，andsworetoavengealltheinjuriessuffer’d，Andtoatoneforthehitterlossofhopestwicedefrauded。

PresentlyFortunedeclaredherselfonthesideoftheGermans，AndtheFrenchwerecompell’dtoretreatbyforcedmarchesbeforethem。

Ah！thesadfateofthewarwethenforthefirsttimeexperienced。

Forthevictoriskindandhumane，atleastheappearsso，Andhesparesthemanhehasvanquish’d，asifhehisownwere，Whenheemployshimdaily，andwithhispropertyhelpshim。

Butthefugitiveknowsnolaw。hewardsoffdeathonly，Andbothquicklyandrecklesslyallthathemeetswith，consumeshe。

Thenhismindbecomesheatedapace。andsoondesperationFillshisheart，andimpelshimtoallkindsofcriminalactions。

Nothingthenholdsherespected，hestealsIt。WithfuriouslongingOnthewomanherushes。hislustbecomesawfultothinkof。

Deathallaroundhimhesees，hislastminutesincrueltyspendshe，Wildlyexultinginblood，andexultinginhowlsandinanguish。

TheninthemindsofourmenaroseaterribleyearningThatwhichwaslosttoavenge，andthatwhichremain’dtodefendstill。

Allofthemseizeduponarms，luredonbythefugitives’hurry，Bytheirpalefaces，andbytheirshy，uncertaindemeanour。

Therewasheardthesoundofalarm-bellsunceasinglyringing，Andtheapproachofdangerrestrain’dnottheirviolentfury。

Soonintoweaponswereturn’dtheimplementspeacefuloftillage，Andwithdrippingbloodthescytheandthepitchforkwerecover’d。

Everyfoemanwithoutdistinctionwasruthlesslyslaughter’d，Furywasev’rywhereraging，andartful，cowardlyweakness。

MayIneveragainseemeninsuchwretchedconfusion！

Eventheragingwildbeastisabetterobjecttogazeon。

Ne’erletthemspeakoffreedom，asifthemselvestheycouldgovern！

AlltheevilwhichLawhasdrivenfarbackinthecornerSeemstoescape，assoonasthefetterswhichbounditareloosen’d。

Excellentman，repliedthepastor，withemphasisspeakingIfyou’remistakeninman，’tisnotformetoreproveyou。

Evilenoughhaveyousuffer’dindeedfromhiscruelproceedings！

Wouldyoubutlookback，however，ondayssoladenwithsorrow，Youwouldyourselfconfesshowmuchthatisgoodyouhavewitness’d，Muchthatisexcellent，whichremainsconcealdinthebossomTillbydanger’tisstirr’d，andtillnecessitymakesmanShowhimselfasanangel，atutelarGoduntoothers。

Thenwithasmilerepliedtheworthyoldmagistrate，sayingYourreminderiswise，likethatwhichtheygivetothesuff’rerWhohashadhisdwellingburntdown，thatundertheruins，Goldandsilverarelying，thoughmeltedandcover’dwithashes。

Little，indeed，itmaybe，andyetthatlittleisprecious，Andthepoormandigsitup，andrejoicesatfindingthetreasure。

Gladly，therefore，IturnmythoughtstothosefewworthyactionsWhichmymemorystillisabletodwellonwithpleasure。

Yes，Iwillnotdenyit，IsawlatefoemenunitingSoastosavethetownfromharm。IsawwithdevotionParents，childrenandfriendsimpossibleactionsattempting，Sawhowtheyouthofasuddenbecameaman，howthegreybeardOncemorewasyoung，howthechildasastriplingappear’dinamoment。

Aye，andtheweakersex，aspeoplecommonlycallit，Show’ditselfbraveanddaring，withpresenceofmindall-unwonted。

Letmenow，inthefirstplace，describeadeedofraremeritByahigh-spiritedgirlaccomplish’d，anexcellentmaiden，Whointhegreatfarmhouseremain’dbehindwiththeservants，Whenthewholeofthemenhaddeparted，tofightwiththestrangers。

Well，therefellonthecourtatroopofvagabondscoundrels，Plund’ringandforcingtheirwayinsidetheroomsofthewomen。

Soontheycasttheireyesontheformsofthegrown-upfairmaidenAndoftheotherdeargirls，inagelittlemorethanmerechildren。

Hurriedawaybyragingdesire，unfeelinglyrush’dtheyOnthetremblingband，andonthehigh-spiritedmaiden。

Butsheinstantlyseizedtheswordfromthesideofaruffian，Hew’dhimdowntotheground。atherfeetstraightfellhe，allbleeding，Thenwithdoughtystrokesthemaidensshebravelydeliver’d。

Woundedfourmoreoftherobbers。withlife，however，escapedthey。

Thenshelock’dupthecourt，and，arm’dstill，waitedforsuccour。

Whenthepastorheardthepraiseofthemaidenthusutter’dFeelingsofhopeforhisfriendforthwitharoseinhisbosom，Andhepreparedtoaskwhathadbeenthefateofthedamsel，Whethershe，inthesorrowfulflight，form’doneofthepeople？

Atthismoment，however，thedruggistnimblyapproach’dthem，Pull’dthesleeveofthepastor，andwhisper’dtohimasfollowsIhaveatlastpick’doutthemaidenfrommanyahundredByherdescription！Praycomeandjudgeforyourselfwithyourowneyes。

Bringthemagistratewithyou，thatwemaylearnthewholestory。

Sotheyturn’dthemselvesround。butthemagistratefoundhimselfsummon’dByhisownfollowers，whohadneedofhispresenceandcounsel。

Butthepastorforthwiththedruggistaccompanied，tilltheyCametoagapinthehedge，whenthelatterpointedwithslyness，Seeyou，exclaim’dhe，themaiden？Thechild’sclothesshehasbeenchanging。

AndIrecognisewelltheoldcalico——alsothecushion——

Coverofblue，whichHermanntookinthebundleandgaveher。

Quicklyandwell，ofatruth，shehasusedthepresentsleftwithher。

Theseareevidentproofs。andalltherestcoincidetoo。

Forabodiceredherwell-arch’dbosomupraises，Prettilytied，whileblackarethestaysfittingclosearoundher。

Thentheseamsoftheruffshehascarefullyplaitedandfolded，Which，withmodestgrace，herchinsoroundisencircling。

Freeandjoyouslyrisesherhead，withitselegantoval，Stronglyroundbodkinsofsilverherback-hairismanytimestwisted。

Whensheissitting，weplainlyseehernobleproportions，Andthebluewell-plaitedgownwhichbeginsfromclosetoherbosom，Andinrichfoldsdescending，herwell-turn’danklesenvelops。

’Tisshe，beyondalldoubt。Socome，thatwemayexamineWhethershebebothagoodandafrugalandvirtuousmaiden。

Thenthepastorrejoin’d，thesittingdamselinspectingThatsheenchantedtheyouth，Iconfessisnomatterofwonder，Forshestandsthetestofthegazeofamanofexperience。

HappythepersontowhomMotherNaturetherightfacehasgiven！

Sherecommendshimatalltimes，heneverappearsasastranger，Eachonegladlyapproaches，andeachonebesidehimwouldlinger，Ifwithhisfaceiscombinedapleasantandcourteousdemeanour。

Yes，Iassureyoutheyouthhasindeeddiscover’damaidenWhothewholeofthedaysofhislifewillenlivenwithgladness，Andwithherwomanlystrengthassisthimatalltimesandtruly。

Thusaperfectbodypreservesthesoulalsoinpureness，Andavigorousyouthofahappyoldagegivesassurance。

Afterreflectingalittle，thedruggistmadeanswerasfollows：——

Yetappearancesoftaredeceitful。Itrustnottheoutside。

Often，indeed，haveIfoundthetruthoftheproverbwhichtellsusEreyoushareabushelofsaltwithanew-foundacquaintance，Donottrusthimtooreadily。timewillmakeyoumorecertainHowyouandhewillgeton，andwhetheryourfriendshipislasting。

Letusthen，inthefirstplace，inquireamongstthegoodpeopleUntowhomthemaidenisknown，whocantellusabouther。

Well，ofatruthIcommendyourprudence，thepastorcontinuedNotforourselvesarewewooing！Towooforothersisserious。

SotheystartedtomeettheworthymagistrateseeingHowinthecourseofhisbusinesshewasascendingthemainstreet。

Andthewisepastorstraightwayaddress’dhimwithforesightasfollowsWe，by-the-bye，havejustseenagirlintheneighbouringgardenUnderanapple-treesitting，andclothesforthechildrenpreparing，Madeofworncalico，whichforthepurposewasdoubtlesspresented。

Wewerepleasedbyherface。sheappearstobeoneoftherightsort。

Tellus，whatknowyouabouther？Weaskfromalaudablemotive。

Whenthemagistratecametothegardenandpeep’din，exclaimedheWelldoIknowher，intruth。forwhenItoldyouthestoryOfthatnobledeedwhichwasdonebythemaidenIspokeof，Howsheseizedonthesword，anddefendedherself，andtheservants，Shetheheroinewas！Youcanseehowactivehernature。

Butshe’sasgoodasshe’sstrong。forheragedkinsmanshetendedUntilthetimeofhisdeath，forhediedoverwhelm’dbyafflictionAtthedistressofhistown，andthedangerhisgoodswereexposedto。

AlsowithmuteresignationsheborethegrievousafflictionOfherbetroth’d’ssaddeath，anobleyoungmanwho，incitedBythefirstfireofnoblethoughtstostruggleforfreedom，WenthimselftoParis，andsoonfoundaterribledeaththere。

For，asathome，sothere，hefought’gainstintrigueandoppression。

Thusthemagistratespoke。Theothersdepartedandthankedhim，Andthepastorproducedagoldpiece(thesilverhispurseheldHesomehoursbeforehadwithgenuinekindnessexpendedWhenhesawthefugitivespassinginsorrowfulmasses)。

Andtothemagistratehandedit，saying：——Divideit，Iprayyou，’Mongstthosewhoneeditthemost。MayGodgiveitprosperousincrease。

Butthemanrefusedtoacceptit，andsaid：——Iassureyou，Manyadollarwe’vesaved，andplentyofclothingandsuchthings，AndItrustwemayreachourhomesbeforetheyarefinish’d。

Thencontinuedthepastor，thegoldinhishandoncemoreplacingNoneshoulddelaytogiveindayslikethepresent，andnooneOughttorefusetoreceivewhatisoffer’dwithliberalkindness。

Noonecantellhowlonghewillkeepwhatinpeacehepossesses，Noone，howlongheisdoom’dinforeigncountriestowander，Whilehe’sdeprivedofthefieldandthegardenbywhichheisnurtured。

Bravo！addedinturnthedruggist，witheagernessspeakingHadIbutmoneytospareinmypocket，yousurelyshouldhaveit，Silverandgoldalike。foryourfollowerscertainlyneedit。

YetI’llnotleaveyouwithoutapresent，ifonlytoshowyouMygoodwill，andIhopeyouwilltakethewillfortheaction。

Thushespoke，andpull’doutbythestringstheleatherembroider’dPouch，inwhichhewaswonthisstockoftobaccotocarry，Daintilyopen’dandshareditscontents——sometwoorthreepipes’full。

Smallintruthisthegift，headded。Themagistrateanswered：

Goodtobaccoisalwaysawelcomepresenttotrav’llers。

Thenthedruggistbeganhiscanistertopraiseveryhighly。

Butthepastordrewhimaway，andthemagistrateleftthem。

Come，letushasten！exclaimedthesensibleman，forouryoungfriendAnxiouslywaits。withoutfurtherdelaylethimhearthegoodtidings。

Sotheyhasten’dandcame，andfoundthattheyoungsterwasleaning’Gainsthiscarriageunderthelime-trees。ThehorseswerepawingWildlytheturf。heheldthemincheckandstoodthereallpensive，Silentlygazinginfront，andsawnothisfriendscomingnearhim，Till，astheycame，theycalledhimandgavehimsignalsoftriumph。

Somewayoffthedruggistalreadybegantoaddresshim，Buttheyapproach’dtheyouthstillnearer，andthenthegoodpastorSeizedhishandandspokeandtookthewordfromhiscomradeFriend，Iwishyoujoy！YoureyesotrueandyourtrueheartRightlyhavechosen！Mayyouandthewifeofyouryoungdaysbehappy！

Sheisfullworthyofyou。socomeandturnaroundthecarriage，Thatwemayreachwithoutdelaytheendofthevillage，Soastowooher，andshortlyescortthedearcreaturehomewithus。

Buttheyouthstoodstill，andwithoutanytokenofpleasureHeardthewordsoftheenvoy，thoughsoundingconsolingandheav’nly，Deeplysigh’dandsaid：——WecamefullspeedinthecarriageAndshallprobablygobackhomeashamedandbutslowly。

For，sinceIhavebeenwaitingcarehasfallenuponme，Doubtandsuspicionandallthataheartfullofloveisexposedto。

Doyousupposewehaveonlytocome，forthemaidentofollow，Justbecausewearerich，andshepoorandwanderinginexile？

Poverty，whenundeserved，itselfmakesproud。ThefairmaidenSeemstobeactiveandfrugal。theworldshemayclaimasherportion。

DoyousupposethatawomanofsuchgreatbeautyandmannersCanhavegrownupwithoutexcitingloveinman’sbosom？

Doyousupposethatherheartuntilnowhastolovebeenfastclosed？

Donotdrivethitherinhaste，forperchancetoourshameandconfusionWeshallhaveslowlytoturntowardshometheheadsofourhorses。

Yes，someyouth，Ifearme，possessesherheart，andalreadyShehasdoubtlesspromisedherhandandhersolemntrothplighted，AndIshallstandallashamedbeforeher，Whenmakingmyoffer。

Thenthepastorproceededtocheerhimwithwordsofgoodcomfort，Buthiscompanionbrokein，inhisusualtalkativemannerAsthingsusedtobe，thisembarrassmentwouldnothavehappened，Wheneachmatterwasbroughttoacloseinanorthodoxfashion。

Thenfortheirsonthemselvesthebridetheparentsselected，Andafriendofthehousewassecretlycall’dinthefirstplace。

HewasthenquietlysentasasuitortovisittheparentsOftheselectedbride。and，dress’dinhisgayestapparel，WentafterdinnersomeSundaytovisittheexcellentburgher，Andbeganbyexchangingpoliteremarksonallsubjects，Cleverlyturningandbendingthetalkintheproperdirection。

Afterlongbeatingaboutthebush，heflatter’dthedaughter，Andspokewellofthemanandthehousethatgavehiscommission。

Sensiblepeoplesoonsawhisdrift，andthesensibleenvoyWatch’dhowthenotionwastaken，andthencouldexplainhimselffarther。

Iftheydeclinedtheproposal，whythentherefusalcostnothing，Butifallprosper’d，whythenthesuitorforeverthereafterPlay’dthefirstfiddleateveryfamilyfeastandrejoicing。

Forthemarriedcoupleremember’dthewholeoftheirlifetimeWhosewastheskilfulhandbywhichthemarriageknottiedwas。

Allthisnowischang’d，andwithmanyanexcellentcustomHasgonequiteoutoffashion。Eachpersonwoosforhimselfnow。

Everyonenowmustbeartheweightofamaiden’srefusalOnhisownshoulders，andstandallashamedbeforeher，ifneedsbe。

Letthatbeasitmay，thenansweredtheyoungmanwhoscarcelyHeardwhatwassaid，andhismindhadmadeupalreadyinsilenceIwillgomyself，andoutofthemouthofthemaidenLearnmyownfate，fortowardsherIcherishthemosttrustfulfeelingsThatanymanevercherish’dtowardsanywomanwhatever。

Thatwhichshesayswillbegoodandsensible，——thisIamsureof。

IfIamnevertoseeheragain，Imustoncemorebeholdher，Andtheingenuousgazeofherblackeyesmustmeetforthelasttime。

IftomyheartImayclasphernever，herbosomandshouldersIwouldoncemoresee，whichmyarmsolongstoencircle：

OncemorethemouthIwouldsee，fromwhichonekissandaYeswillMakemehappyforever，aNoforeverundome。

Butnowleavemealone！Waitherenolonger。ReturnyouStraighttomyfatherandmother，inordertotelltheminpersonThattheirsonwasright，andthatthemaidenisworthy。

Andsoleavemealone！ImyselfshallreturnbythefootpathOverthehillbythepear-treeandthendescendthroughthevineyard，Whichistheshortestwayback。OhmayIsoonwithrejoicingTakethebelovedonehome！ButperchanceallaloneImustslinkbackBythatpathtoourhouseandtreaditnomorewithalightheart。

Thushespoke，andthenplacedthereinsinthehandsofthepastor，Who，inaknowingwayboththefoaminghorsesrestraining，Nimblymountedthecarriage，andtooktheseatofthedriver。

Butyoustilldelay’d，goodcautiousneighbour，andspokethusFriend，Iwillgladlyentrusttoyousoul，andspirit，andmindtoo，ButmybodyandbonesarenotpreservedinthebestwayWhenthehandofaparsonsuchworldlymattersasreinsgrasps！

Butyousmiledinreturn，yousensiblepastor，replyingPrayjumpin，norfearwithbothbodyandspirittotrustme，Forthishandtoholdthereinshaslongbeenaccustom’d，Andtheseeyesaretrain’dtoturnthecornerwithprudence。

Forwewerewonttodrivethecarriage，whenlivingatStrasburg，AtthetimewhenwiththeyoungbaronIwentthere，fordaily，Drivenbyme，throughtheechoinggatewaythunder’dthecarriageBythedustyroadstodistantmeadowsandlindens，Throughthecrowdsofthepeoplewhospendtheirlifetimeinwalking。

Partiallycomforted，thenhisneighbourmountedthecarriage，Sittinglikeonepreparedtomakeawisejump，ifneedsbe，Andthestallions，eagertoreachtheirstables，coursedhomewards，Whilebeneaththeirpowerfulhoofsthedustroseinthickclouds。

Longtherestoodtheyouth，andsawthedustrisebeforehim，Sawthedustdisperse。butstillhestoodthere，unthinking——

VII。ERATO。

DOROTHEA。

Asthemanonajourney，who，justatthemomentofsunset，Fixeshisgazeoncemoreontherapidlyvanishingplanet，ThenonthesideoftherocksandinthedarkthicketstillseesheHov’ringitsimage。whereverheturnshislooks，oninfrontstillRunsit，andglittersandwaversbeforehimincoloursallsplendid，SobeforeHermannseyesdidthebeautifulformofthemaidenSoftlymove，andappear’dtofollowthepaththroughthecornfields。

Butherousedhimselfupfromhisstartlingdream，andthenslowlyTurn’dtow’rdthevillagehissteps，andoncemorestarted，——foroncemoreSawhethenoblemaiden’sstatelyfigureapproaching。

Fixedlygazedhe。itwasnophantomintruth。sheherself’twasInherhandsbythehandleshecarriedtwopitchers，——onelarger，Oneofasmallersize，andnimblywalk’dtothefountain。

Andhejoyfullywenttomeether。thesightofhergavehimCourageandstrength，andsoheaddress’dthesurprisedoneasfollows：——

DoIfindyouagain，bravemaiden，engagedinassistingOtherssosoon，andingivingrefreshmenttothosewhomayneedit？

Tellmewhyyouhavecomeallalonetothespringsofardistant，Whilsttherestarecontentwiththewaterthat’sfoundinthevillage？

Thisone，indeed，specialvirtuepossesses，andpleasanttodrinkis。

Is’tforthesakeofthatsickoneyoucome，whomyousavedwithsuchcourage？

Thenthegoodmaidentheyouthinfriendlyfashionsaluted，Saying：——Alreadymywalktothefountainisfullyrewarded，SinceIhavefoundthekindpersonwhogaveussomanygoodpresents。

Forthesightofagiver，likethatofagift，isrefreshing。

Comeandseeforyourselfthepersonswhotastedyourkindness，Andreceivethetranquilthanksofallyouhaveaided。

ButthatyoumayknowthereasonwhyIhavecomehere，Watertodrawataspotwherethespringisbothpureandunceasing，Imustinformyouthatthoughtlessmenhavedisturb’dallthewaterFoundinthevillage，bycarelesslylettingthehorsesandoxenWadeaboutinthespringwhichgivetheinhabitantswater。

Inthesamemanner，withalltheirwashingandcleaningthey’vedirtiedAllthetroughsofthevillage，andallthefountainshavesullied。

ForeachoneofthemonlythinkshowquicklyandsoonheMaysupplyhisownwants，andcaresnotforthosewhocomeafter。

Thusshespoke，andsoonshearrivedatthefootofthebroadstepsWithhercompanion，andbothofthemsatthemselvesdownonthelowwallRoundthespring。Shebentherselfover，todrawoutthewater，Hetheotherpitchertookup，andbenthimselfover，Andintheblueoftheheavenstheysawtheirfiguresreflected，Waving，andnodding，andinthemirrortheirgreetingsexchanging。

Nowletmedrink，exclaim’dtheyouthinaccentsofgladness。

Andshegavehimthepitcher。Theythen，likeoldfriends，sattogether，Leaningagainstthevessels，whensheaddress’dhimasfollowsSay，whyfindIyouherewithoutyourcarriageandhorses，FarfromtheplacewherefirstIsawyou。Prayhowcameyouhither？

Hermannthoughtfullygazedontheground，butpresentlyliftedCalmlytowardsherhisglances，andgazedonherfaceinkindfashion，Feelingquitecalmandcomposed。AndyetwithlovetoaddressherFoundhequiteoutofthequestion。forlovefromhereyeswasnotbeaming，Butanintellectclear，whichbadehimusesensiblelanguage。

Soonhecollectedhisthoughts，andquietlysaidtothemaiden：——

Letmespeak，mychild，andletmeansweryourquestions。

’TisforyoursakealoneIhavecome，——whyseektoconcealit？

ForIhappilylivewithtwoaffectionateparents，WhomIfaithfullyhelptolookafterourhouseandpossessions，Beinganonlyson，whilenumerousareouremployments。

Ilookafterthefieldwork。thehouseiscarefullymanagedBymyfather。mymotherthehostelrycheersandenlivens。

Butyoualsohavedoubtlessfoundouthowgreatlytheservants，Sometimesbyfraud，andsometimesbylevity，worrytheirmistress，Constantlymakingherchangethem，andbarteronefaultforanother。

Longhasmymother，therefore，beenwantingagirlinthehousehold，Who，notonlywithhand，butalsowithheartmightassisther，Intheplaceofthedaughtershelost，alas，prematurely。

NowwhenIsawyouto-daynearthecarriage，soactiveandsprightly，Sawthestrengthofyourarmandtheperfecthealthofyourmembers，WhenIheardyoursensiblewords，Iwasstruckwithamazement，AndIhasten’dbackhome，deservedlypraisingthestrangerBothtomyparentsandfriends。AndnowIcometoinformyouWhattheydesire，asIdo。Forgivemystammeringlanguage！

Donothesitate，saidshe，totellmetherestofyourstoryIhavewithgratitudefeltthatyouhavenotsoughttoinsultme。

Speakonboldly，Ipray。yourwordsshallneveralarmme。

Youwouldfainhiremenowasmaidtoyourfatherandmother，Tolookafterthehouse，whichnowisinexcellentorder。

Andyouthinkthatinmeyouhavefoundaqualifiedmaiden，Onethatisabletowork，andnotofaquarrelsomenature。

Yourproposalwasshort，andshortshallmyanswerbealsoYes！withyouIwillgo，andthevoiceofmydestinyfollow。

Ihavefulfill’dmyduty，andbroughtthelying-inwomanBacktoherfriendsagain，whoallrejoiceatherrescue。

Mostofthemnowaretogether，therestwillpresentlyjointhem。

Allexpectthatthey，inafewshortdays，willbeableHomewardstogo。’tisthusthatexilesthemselveslovetoflatter。

ButIcannotdeceivemyselfwithhopessodelusiveInthesesaddayswhichpromisestillsadderdaysinthefutureForallthebondsoftheworldareloosen’d，andnoughtcanrejointhem，Savethatsupremenecessityoverourfutureimpending。

IfinthehouseofsoworthyamanIcanearnmyownliving，Servingundertheeyeofhisexcellentwife，Iwilldoso。

Forawanderinggirlbearsnotthebestreputation。

Yes！withyouIwillgo，assoonasI’vetakenthepitcherBacktomyfriends，andreceivedtheblessingofthoseworthypeople。

Come！youneedsmustseethem，andfromtheirhandsshallreceiveme。

Joyfullyheardtheyouththewillingmaiden’sdecision，Doubtingwhetherhenowhadnotbettertellherthewholetruth。

Butitappear’dtohimbesttoletherremaininhererror，Firsttotakeherhome，andthenforherlovetoentreather。

Ah！butnowheespiedagoldenringonherfinger，Andsoletherspeak，whileheattentivelylisten’d：——

Letusnowreturn，shecontinued，thecustomisalwaysToadmonishthemaidenswhotarrytoolongatthefountain，Yethowdelightfulitisbythefast-flowingwatertochatter！

Thentheybotharose，andoncemoredirectedtheirglancesIntothefountain，andthenablissfullongingcameo’erthem。

Sofromthegroundbythehandlesshesilentlyliftedthepitchers，Mountedthestepsofthewell，andHermannfollow’dthelovedone。

Oneofthepitchersheask’dhertogivehim，thussharingtheburden。

Leaveit，shesaid，theweightfeelslesswhenthustheyarebalanced。

AndthemasterI’vesoontoobey，shouldnotbemyservant。

Gazenotsoearnestlyatme，asifmyfatewerestilldoubtfull！

Womenshouldlearnbetimestoserve，accordingtostation，Forbyservingalonesheattainsatlasttothemast’ry，Tothedueinfluencewhichsheoughttopossessinthehousehold。

Earlythesistermustlearntoserveherbrothersandparents，Andherlifeiseveraceaselessgoingandcoming，Oraliftingandcarrying，workinganddoingforothers。

Wellforher，ifshefindsnomanneroflifetoooffensive，Andiftoherthehoursofnightandofdayallthesameare，Sothatherworkneverseemstoomean，herneedletoopointed，Sothatherselfsheforgets，andlivethonlyforothers！

Forasamotherintruthsheneedsthewholeofthevirtues，Whenthesucklingawakensthesickone，andnourishmentcallsforFromtheexhaustedparent，heapingcaresuponsuff’ring。

Twentymentogethercouldnotenduresuchaburden，Andtheyoughtnot，——andyettheygratefullyoughttobeholdit。

Thusshespoke，andwithhersilentcompanionadvancedsheThroughthegarden，untilthefloorofthegranaryreach’dthey，Wherethesickwomanlay，whomsheleftbyherdaughtersattended，Thosedearrescuedmaidens，thetypesofinnocentbeauty。

Bothofthementer’dtheroom，andfromtheotherdirection，Holdingachildineachhand，herfriend，themagistrate，enter’d。

Thesehadlatelybeenlostforsometimebythesorrowingmother，Buttheoldmanhadnowfoundthemoutinthecrowdofthepeople。

Andtheyspranginwithjoy，togreettheirdearly-lovedmother，Torejoiceinabrother，theplaymatenowseenforthefirsttime！

ThenonDorotheatheysprang，andgreetedherwarmly，Askingforbreadandfruit，butaskingfordrinkbeforeallthings。

Andtheyhandedthewaterallround。Thechildrenfirstdranksome，Thenthesickwomandrank，withherdaughters，themagistratealso。

Allwererefresh’d，andsoundedthepraiseoftheexcellentwater。

Mineralwasit，andveryreviving，andwholesomefordrinking。

Thenwithaseriouslookcontinuedthemaiden，andspokethusFriends，toyourmouthsforthelasttimeintruthIhaveliftedthepitcher，Andforthelasttime，alas，havemoisten’dyourlipswithpurewater。

Butwheneverinscorchingheatyourdrinkmayrefreshyou，Andintheshadeyouenjoyreposeandafountainunsullied，Thenrememberme，andallmyfriendlyassistance，WhichIfromlove，andnotfromrelationshipmerelyhaverender’d。

Allyourkindnesstome，aslongaslifelasts，I’llremember，Iunwillinglyleaveyou。buteachoneisnowtoeachotherRatheraburdenthancomfort。Weallmustshortlybescatter’dOveraforeignland，unlesstoreturnweareable。

See，herestandstheyouthtowhomforthosegiftswe’reindebted，Allthoseclothesforthechild，andallthoseacceptableviands。

Well，hehascome，andisanxiousthatItohishouseshouldgowithhim，Thereasaservanttoacttohisrichandexcellentparents，AndIhavenotrefusedhim，forservingappearsmyvocation，Andtobeservedbyothersathomewouldseemlikeaburden。

SoI’llgowillinglywithhim。theyouthappearstobeprudent，Thuswillhisparentsbeproperlycaredfor，asrichpeopleshouldbe。

Therefore，now，farewell，mymuch-lovedfriend，andbejoyfulInyourlivinginfant，wholookssohealthilyatyou。

Whenyoupresshimagainstyourbosom，wrapp’dupinthosecolourdSwaddling-clothes，thenremembertheyouthwhosokindlybestow’dthem，Andwhoinfuturewillfeedandclothemealso，yourlovedfriend。

Youtoo，excellentman，tothemagistrateturning，sheaddedWarmlyIthankforsooftenactingthepartofafather。

Thenshekneltherselfdownbeforethelying-inpatient，Kiss’dtheweepingwoman，herwhisper’dblessingreceiving。

MeanwhiletheworthymagistratespoketoHermannasfollowsYoudeserve，myfriendtobecountedamongstthegoodlandlordsWhoareanxioustomanagetheirhousethroughqualifiedpeople。

ForIhaveoftenobservedhowcautiouslymenareaccustom’dSheepandcattleandhorsestowatch，whenbuyingorbart’ringButaman，who’ssouseful，providedhe’sgoodandefficient，Andwhodoessomuchharmandmischiefbytreacherousdealings，Himwillpeopleadmittotheirhousesbychanceandhaphazard，Andtoolatefindreasontorueano’erhastydecision。

Thisyouappeartounderstand，foragirlyouhavechosenAsyourservant，andthatofyourparents，whothoroughlygoodis。

Treatherwell，andaslongasshefindsthebusinesssuither，Youwillnotmissyoursister，yourparentswillmissnottheirdaughter。

Otherpersonsnowenter’d，thepatient’snearestrelations，Manyarticlesbringing，andbetterlodgingsannouncing。

Allwereinform’dofthemaiden’sdecision，andwarmlybless’dHermann，Bothwithsignificantlooks，andalsowithgratefulexpressions，AndonesecretlywhisperedintotheearofanotherIfthemastershouldturntoabridegroom，herhomeisprovided。

Hermannthenpresentlytookherhand，andaddress’dherasfollowsLetusbegoing。thedayisdeclining，andfaroffthevillage。

Thenthewomen，withlivelyexpressions，embracedDorothea。

Hermanndrewheraway。theystillcontinuedtogreether。

Nextthechildren，withscreamsandterriblecryingattack’dher，Pullingherclothes，theirsecondmotherrefusingtopartfrom。

Butfirstoneofthewomen，andthenanotherrebukedthemChildren，hush！tothetownsheisgoing，intendingtobringyouPlentyofgingerbreadback，whichyourbrotheralreadyhadorder’d，Fromtheconfectioner，whenthestorkwaspassingtherelately，Andshe’llsoonreturn，withpapersprettilygilded。

Soatlengththechildrenreleasedher。butscarcelycouldHermannTearherfromtheirembracesanddistant-signallingkerchiefs——

VIII。MELPOMENE。

HERMANNANDDOROTHEA。

Sotow’rdthesun，nowfastsinkingtorest，thetwowalk’dtogether，Whilstheveil’dhimselfdeepincloudswhichthunderportended。

Out-ofhisveilnowhere，nowthere，withfieryglancesBeamingovertheplainwithraysforebodingandlurid。

Maythisthreateningweather，saidHermann，notbringtousshortlyHailandviolentrain，forwelldoestheharvestnowpromise。

Andtheybothrejoicedinthecornsoloftyandwaving，Wellnighreachingtheheadsofthetwotallfiguresthatwalk’dthere。

ThenthemaidenspoketoherfriendlyleaderasfollowsGenerousyouth，towhomIshalloweakinddestinyshortly，Shelterandhome，whensomanypoorexilesmustweatherthetempest，Inthefirstplacetellmeallaboutyourgoodparents，WhomIintendtoservewithallmysoulfromhence-forward。

Knowingone’smaster，’tiseasierfartogivesatisfaction，Byrememb’ringthethingswhichhedeemsofthehighestimportance，Andonwhichhehassethisheartwiththegreatestdecision。

Tellme，then，howbestIcanwinyourfatherandmother。

ThenthegoodandsensibleyouthmadeanswerasfollowsYouareindeedquiteright，mykindandexcellentmaiden，Tobeginbyaskingaboutthetastesofmyparents！

ForIhavehithertostriveninvaintosatisfyFather，WhenIlook’daftertheinn，aswellasmyregularduty，Workingearlyandlateinthefield，andtendingthevineyard。

Motherindeedwascontented。sheknewhowtovaluemyefforts。

Andshewillcertainlyholdyoutobeanexcellentmaiden，Ifyoutakecareofthehouse，asthoughthedwellingyourownwere。

Butmyfather’sunlikeher。he’sfondofoutwardappearance。

Gentlemaiden，deemmenotcoldandvoidofallfeeling，IfIdisclosemyfather’snaturetoyou，who’reastranger。

Yes，suchwordshaveneverbeforeescaped，IassurevonOutofmymouth，whichislittleaccustom’dtobabbleandchatter。

Butyouhavemanagedtowormallmysecretsfromoutofmybosom。

Well，myworthyfatherthegracesoflifeholdsinhonour，Wishesforoutwardsignsoflove，aswellasofrev’rence，AndwoulddoubtlessbesatisfiedwithaninferiorservantWhounderstoodthisfancy，andhateabetter，whodidnot。

Cheerfullyshereplied，withgentlemovementincreasingThroughthedarkeningpaththespeedatwhichshewaswalking：

Iintruthshallhopetosatisfybothofyourparents，Foryourmother’scharactermyownnatureresembles，AndtoexternalgraceshaveIfrommyyouthbeenaccustom’d。

Ouroldneighbours，theFrench，intheirearlierdayslaidmuchstressonCourteousdemeanour。’twascommonaliketonoblesandburghers，Andtopeasants，andeachenjoin’ditonallhisacquaintance。

inthesameway，onthesideoftheGermans，thechildrenweretrain’dupEverymorning，withplentyofkissingofhandsandofcurtsies，Tosalutetheirparents，andalwaystoactwithpoliteness。

AllthatIhavelearnt，andallIhavepractisedsincechildhood，Allthatcomesfrommyheart，——Iwillpractiseitallwiththeoldman。

ButonwhattermsshallI——Iscarcelydareasksuchaquestion，——

Bewithyourself，theonlyson，andhereaftermymaster？

Thusshespoke，andatthatmomenttheycametothepeartree。

Downfromtheskiesthemoonatherfullwasshininginglory。

Nighthadarrived，andthelastpalegleamofthesunsethadvanish’d。

Sobeforethemwerelying，inmassesallheap’duptogether，Lightsasclearastheday，andshadowsofnightandofdarkness。

AndthefriendlyquestionwasheardbyHermannwithpleasure，UndertheshadeofthenobletreeatthespotwhichhelovedsoWhichthatdayhadwitness’dhistearsatthefateoftheexile。

Andwhilsttheysatthemselvesdown，totakealittlereposethere，Thusthelovingyouthspoke，whilstheseizedthehandofthemaidenLetyourheartgivetheanswer，andalwaysobeywhatittellsyou！

Butheventuredtosaynomore，howeverpropitiousWasthemoment。hefeardthataNowouldbehersoleanswer，Ah！andhefelttheringonherfinger，thatsorrowfultoken。

Sobythesideofeachothertheyquietlysatandinsilence，Butthemaidenbegantospeak，andsaid，HowdelightfulIsthelightofthemoon！Theclearnessofdayitresembles。

YonderIseeinthetownthehousesandcourtyardsquiteplainly，Inthegableawindow。methinksallthepanesIcanreckon。

Thatwhichyousee，repliedtheyouth，whospokewithaneffort，ThatisourhousedowntowhichInowamabouttoconductyou，Andthatwindowyonderbelongstomyroomintheattic，Whichwillprobablysoonbeyours，aswe’remakinggreatchanges。

Allthesefieldsareours，andripefortheharvestto-morrow。

Hereintheshadewearewonttorest，enjoyingourmeal-time。

Butletusnowdescendacrossthevineyardandgarden，Forobservehowthethreateningstormishitherwardrolling，Lighteningfirst，andtheneclipsingthebeautifulfullmoon。

Sothepairarose，andwauder’ddownbythecorn-field，Throughthepowerfulcorn，inthenightlyclearnessrejoicing。

Andtheyreach’dthevineyard，andthroughitsdarkshadowsproceeded。

SoheguidedherdownthenumeroustiersoftheflatstonesWhich，inanunhewnstate，servedasstepstothewalkthroughthefoliage。

Slowlyshedescended，andplacedherhandsonhisshoulders。

And，withaquiveringlight，themoonthroughthefoliageo’erlook’dthem，Tillbystorm-cloudsenvelop’d，sheleftthecoupleindarkness。

Thenthestrongyouthsupportedthemaiden，whoonhimwasleaning。

She，however，notknowingthepath，orobservingtheroughsteps，Slipp’dasshewalk’d，herfootgaveway，andshewellnighwasfalling。

Hastilyheldouthisarmtheyouthwithnimblenessthoughtful，Andhelduphisbelovedone。shegentlysankonhisshoulders，Breastwaspress’dagainstbreast，andcheekagainstcheek，andsostoodheFix’dlikeamarblestatue，restrainedbyafirmresolution。

Heembracedhernocloser，thoughallherweighthesupported。

Sohefelthisnobleburden，thewarmthofherbosom，Andherbalmybreath，againsthiswarmlipsexhaling，Bearingwithmanlyfeelingsthewoman’sheroicalgreatness。

Butsheconceal’dthepainwhichshefelt，andjestinglyspokethusItbetokensmisfortune，——soscrupulouspeopleinformus，——

Forthefoottogivewayonenteringahouse，nearthethreshold。

Ishouldhavewish’d，intruth，forasignofsomehappieromen！

Letustarryalittle，forfearyourparentsshouldblameyouFortheirlimpingservant，andyoushouldbethoughtabadlandlord——

IX。URANIA。

CONCLUSION。

OYEMuses，whogladlyfavouralovethatisheartfelt，Whoonhiswaytheexcellentyouthhavehithertoguided，Whohavepress’dthemaidtohisbosombeforetheirbetrothal，Helpstillfurthertoperfectthebondsofacouplesoloving，Driveawaythecloudswhichovertheirhappinesshover！

Butbeginbysayingwhatnowinthehousehasbeenpassing。

Forthethirdtimethemotherimpatientlyenter’dthechamberWherethemenweresitting，whichshehadanxiouslyquitted，Speakingoftheapproachingstorm，andthelossofthemoon’slight，Thenofherson’slongabsence，andalltheperilsthatnightbrings。

Stronglyshecensuredtheirfriendsforhavingsosoonlefttheyoungster，Fornotevenaddressingthemaiden，orseekingtowooher。

Makenottheworstofthemischief，thefatherpeevishlyanswer’d。

Foryouseewearewaitingourselves，expectingtheissue。

Buttheneighboursatstill，andcalmlyaddress’dthemasfollows：——

Inuneasymomentslikethese，IalwaysfeelgratefulTomylatefather，whowhenIwasyoungallseedsofimpatienceInmyminduprooted，andleftnofragmentremaining，AndIlearnthowtowait，aswellasthebestofthewisemen。

Telluswhatlegerdemainheemploy’d，thepastormadeanswer。

Iwillgladlyinformyou，andeachonemaygainbythelesson，

Answer’dtheneighbour。WhenIwasaboy，IwasstandingoneSundayInastateofimpatience，eagerlywaitingthecarriageWhichwastocarryusouttothefountainunderthelime-trees。

Butitcamenot。Iranlikeaweaselnowhither，nowthither，Upanddownthestairs，andfromthedoortothewindow。

Bothmyhandswereprickling，Iscratch’dawayatthetables，Stampingandtrottingabout，andscarcelyrefrain’dIfromcrying。

Allthisthecalmmancomposedlysaw。butfinallywhenI

Carriedmyfollytoofar，bythearmhequietlytookme，Ledmeuptothewindow，andusedthissignificantlanguage’Seeyouupyonderthejoiner’sworkshop，nowclosedfortheSunday？

’Twillbere-open’dto-morrow，andplaneandsawwillbeworking。

Thuswillthebusyhoursbepass’dfrommorningtillevening。

Butrememberthis：therimmingwillsoonbearriving，Whenthemaster，togetherwithallhismen，willbebusyInpreparingandfinishingquicklyanddeftlyyourcoffin，Andtheywillcarefullybringoverherethathousemadeofboards，whichWillatlengthreceivethepatientaswellasimpatient，Andwhichisdestinedtocarryaroofthat’sunpleasantlyheavy。

Allthathemention’dIforthwithsawtakingplaceinmymind’seye，Sawtheboardsjoin’dtogether，andsawtheblackcovermadeready，PatientlythenIsat，andmeeklyawaitedthecarriage。

AndIalwaysthinkofthecoffinwheneverIseemenRunningaboutinastateofdoubtfulandwildexpectation。

Smilinglyansweredthepastor：——Death’sstirringimageisneitherUntothewiseacauseofalarm，——oranendtothepious。

Backintolifeiturgestheformer，andteacheshimaction，And，forthewealofthelatter，itstrengthenshishopeinaffliction。

Deathisagiveroflifeuntoboth。YourfatherdidwronglyWhentothesensitiveboyhepointedoutdeathinitsownform。

Untotheyouthshouldbeshowntheworthofanobleandripen’dAge，anduntotheoldman，youth，thatbothmayrejoiceinTheeternalcircle，andlifemayinlifebemadeperfect！

Herethedoorwasopen’d。Thehandsomecoupleappear’dthere，Andthefriendswereamazed，thelovingparentsastonish’dAttheformofthebride，theformofthebridegroomresembling。

Yes！thedoorappear’dtoosmalltoadmitthetallfiguresWhichnowcross’dthethreshold，incompanywalkingtogether。

TohisparentsHermannpresentedher，hastilysaying：——

Hereisamaidenjustofthesortyouarewishingtohavehere，Welcomeherkindly，dearfather！shefullydeservesit，andyoutoo，Motherdear，askherquestionsastoherhousekeepingknowledge，Thatyoumayseehowwellshedeservestoformoneofourparty。

Thenhehastilytookononesidetheexcellentpastor，Saying：——Kindsir，IentreatyoutohelpmeoutofthistroubleQuickly，andloosentheknot，whoseunravellingIamsodreading。

ForIhavenotventuredtowooasmybridethefairmaiden，Butshebelievesshe’stobeamaidinthehouse，andIfearmeShewillinangerdepart，assoonaswetalkaboutmarriage。

Butitmustbedecidedatonce！nolongerinerrorShallsheremain，andInolongerthisdoubtcanputupwith。

Hastenandoncemoreexhibitthatwisdomweallholdinhonour。

Sothepastorforthwithturn’droundtotherestoftheparty，Butthemaiden’ssoulwas，unhappily，troubledalreadyBythetalkofthefather，whojusthadaddress’dherasfollows，Speakinggoodhumour’dly，andinaccentspleasantandlivelyYes，I’mwellsatisfied，child！IjoyfullyseethatmysonhasJustasgoodtasteashisfather，whoinhisyoungerdaysshow’dit，Alwaysleadingthefairestoneoutinthedance，andthenlastlyTakingthefairestonehomeashiswife——’twasyourdearlittlemother！

Forbythebridewhomamanselects，wemayeasilygatherWhatkindofspirithisis，andwhetherheknowshisownvalue。

Butyouwillsurelyneedbutashorttimetoformyourdecision，ForIverilythinkhewillfinditfulleasytofollow。

Hermannbutpartiallyheardthewords。thewholeofhismembersInwardlyquivered，andallthecircleweresuddenlysilent。

Buttheexcellentmaiden，bywordsofsuchironywounded，(Assheesteem’dthemtobe)anddeeplydistress’dinherspirit，Stood，whileapassingflushfromhercheeksasfarasherneckwasSpreading，butsherestrain’dherself，andcollectedherthoughtssoon。

Thentotheoldmanshesaid，notfullyconcealinghersorrowTrulyIwasnotpreparedbyyoursonforsuchareception，Whenhedescribedhisfather’snature，——thatexcellentburgher，AndIknowIamstandingbeforeyou，apersonofculture，Whobehaveshimselfwiselytoall，inasuitablemanner。

ButitwouldseemthatyoufeelnotpityenoughforthepoorthingWhohasjustcross’dyourthreshold，preparedtoenteryourserviceElseyouwouldnotseektopointout，withridiculebitter，Howfarremovedmylotfromyourson’sandthatofyourselfis。

True，withalittlebundle，andpoor，Ihaveenter’dyourdwelling，Whichitistheowner’sdelighttofurnishwithallthings。

ButIknowmyselfwell，andfeelthewholesituation。

Isitgenerousthustogreetmewithlanguagesojeering，Whichwaswellnighexpelledmethehouse，whenjustonthethreshold？

Hermannuneasilymovedabout，andsignedtothepastorTointerposewithoutdelay，andclearuptheerror。

Quicklythewisemanadvancedtothespot，andwitness’dthemaiden’sSilentvexationandtearfuleyesandscarce-restrain’dsorrow。

Thenhisspiritadvisedhimtosolvenotatoncetheconfusion，But，onthecontrary，provetheexcitedmindofthemaiden。

So，inwordsframedtotryher，thepastoraddress’dherasfollows：——

Surely，myforeignmaiden，youdidnotfullyconsider，Whenyoumadeupyourmindtoserveastrangersoquickly，Whatitreallyistoenterthehouseofamaster。

Forashakeofthehanddecidesyourfateforatwelvemonth，AndasinglewordYestomuchendurancewillbindyou。

Buttheworstpartoftheserviceisnotthewearisomehabits，Northebittertoilofthework，whichseemsnever-ending。

Fortheactivefreemanworkshardaswellastheservant。

Buttosufferthewhimsofthemaster，whoblamesyouunjustly，Orwhocallsforthisandforthat，notknowinghisownmind，Andthemistress’sviolence，alwayssoeasilykindled，Withthechildren’sroughandsuperciliousbadmanners，——

Thisisindeedhardtobear，whilststillfulfillingyourdutiesPromptlyandactively，neverbecomingmoroseorill-natured。

Yetforsuchworkyouappearlittlefit，foralreadythefather’sJokeshaveoffendedyoudeeply。yetnothingmorecommonlyhappensThantoteaseamaidenaboutherlikingayoungster。

Thushespoke，andthemaidenfelttheweightofhislanguage，Andnomorerestrain’dherself。mightilyallheremotionsShow’dthemselves，herbosomheaved，andadeepsighescapedher，Andwhilstsheddingburningtears，sheanswer’dasfollows：——

Ne’erdoesthecleverman，whoseekstoadviseusinsorrow，ThinkhowlittlehischillingwordsourheartscandeliverFromthepangswhichanunseendestinyfastensuponus。

Youarehappyandmerry。Howthenshouldajesteverwoundyou？

Buttheslightesttouchgivestorturetothosewhoaresuff’ring。

Evendissimulationwouldnothingavailmeatpresent。

Letmeatoncedisclosewhatlaterwoulddeepenmysorrow，Andconsignmeperchancetoagonymuteandconsuming。

Letmedepartforthwith！NomoreinthishousedareIlinger。

Imusthenceandaway，andlookoncemoreformypoorfriendsWhomIleftindistress，whenseekingtobettermyfortunes。

Thisismyfirmresolve。andnowImayproperlytellyouThatwhichhadelsebeenburiedformanyayearinmybosom。

Yes，thefather’sjesthaswoundedmedeeply，Iownit，NotthatI’mproudandtouchy，asillbecomethaservant，ButbecauseintruthinmyheartafeelinghasrisenFortheyouth，whoto-dayhasfill’dthepartofmySaviour。

Forwhenfirstintheroadheleftme，hisimageremain’dstillFirmlyfix’dinmymind。andIthoughtofthefortunatemaidenWhom，ashisbetroth’done，hecherish’dperchanceinhisbosom。

AndwhenIfoundhimagainatthewell，thesightofhimcharm’dmeJustasifIhad-seenanangeldescendingfromheaven。

AndIfollow’dhimwillingly，whenasaservanthesoughtme，ButbymyheartintruthIwasflatter’d(Ineedmustconfessit)，AsIhitherwardcame，thatImightpossiblywinhim，IfIbecameinthehouseanindispensablepillar。

But，alas，InowseethedangersIwellnighfellinto，WhenIbethoughtmeoflivingsonearasilently-lovedone。

NowforthefirsttimeIfeelhowfarremovedapoormaidenIsfromaricheryouth，howeverclevershemaybe。

Ihavetoldyouallthis，thatyoumyheartmaymistakenot，WhichaneventthatinthoughtIforeshadowhaswoundedalready。

ForImusthaveexpected，mysecretwishesconcealing，That，eremuchtimehadelapsed，Ishouldseehimbringinghisbridehome。

AndhowthencouldIhaveenduredmyhiddenaffliction！

HappilyIamwarn’dintime，andoutofmybosomHasmysecretescaped，whilstcurablestillistheevil。

Butnomoreofthesubject！InowmusttarrynolongerInthishouse，whereInowamstandinginpainandconfusion，Allmyfoolishhopesandmyfeelingsfreelyconfessing。

Notthenightwhich，withsinkingclouds，isspreadingaroundus，Nottherollingthunder(Ihearitalready)shallstopme，Notthefallingrain，whichoutsideisdescendingintorrents，Nottheblusteringstorm。AllthisIhadtoencounterInthatsorrowfulflight，whiletheenemyfollow’dbehindUs。

AndoncemoreIgoonmyway，asIlonghavebeenwontto，Seizedbythewhirlpooloftime，andpartedfromallthatIcarefor。

Sofarewell！I’lltarrynolonger。Myfateisaccomplish’d！

Thusshespoke，andtowardsthedoorshehastilyturn’dher，Holdingunderherarmthebundleshebroughtwhenarriving。

Butthemotherseizedbybothofherarmsthefairmaiden，Claspingherroundthebody，andcriedwithsurpriseandamazementSay，whatsignifiesthis？Thesefruitlesstears，whatdenotethey？

No，I’llnotleaveyoualone！You’resurelymydearson’sbetroth’done！

Butthefatherstoodstill，andshow’dagreatdealofreluctance，Staredattheweepinggirl，andpeevishlyspokethenasfollowsThis，then，isalltheindulgencemyfriendsarewillingtogiveme，Thatatthecloseofthedaythemostunpleasantthinghappens！

ForthereisnothingIhatesomuchasthetearsofawoman，Andtheirpassionatecries，setupwithsuchheatandexcitement，Whichalittleplainsensewouldshowtobeutterlyneedless。

Truly，Ifindthesightofthesewhimsicaldoingsanuisance。

Mattersmustshiftforthemselves。asforme，Ithinkitisbed-time。

Sohequicklyturn’dround，andhasten’dtogotothechamberWherethemarriage-bedstood，inwhichhesleptforthemostpart。

Buthissonheldhimback，andspokeinwordsofentreatyFather，don’tgoinahurry，andbenotamniotewiththemaiden！

Ialonehavetobeartheblameofallthisconfusion，Whichourfriendhasincreasedbyhisunexpecteddissembling。

Speakthen，honour’dSir！fortoyoutheaffairIconfided。

Heapnotuppainandannoyance，butrathercompletethewholematter。

ForIsurelyinfutureshouldnotrespectyousohighly，Ifyouplaypracticaljokes，insteadofdisplayingtruewisdom。

Thereupontheworthypastorsmilinglyanswer’dWhatkindofwisdomcouldhaveextractedthecharmingconfessionOfthisgoodmaiden，andsohavereveal’dallhercharactertous？

Isnotyourcareconvertedatoncetopleasureandrapture？

Speakout，then，foryourself！WhyneedexplanationsfromothersHermannthensteppedforward，andgentlyaddress’dherasfollowsDonotrepentofyourtears，noryetofyourpassingaffliction。

Fortheyperfectmyhappiness。yourstoo，Ifainwouldconsider。

Icamenottothefountain，tohiresonobleamaidenAsaservant，Icametoseektowinyouaffections。

But，alas！mytimidgazehadnotstrengthtodiscoverYourheart’sleanings。itsawinyoureyebutafriendlyexpression，Whenyougreeteditoutofthetranquilfountain’sbrightmirror。