Mark, then, the stomacher's scarlet, that sets off the arch of her bosom, Prettily laced, and the bodice of black fitting close to her figure;Neatly the edge of her kerchief is plaited into a ruffle, Which with a simple grace her chin's rounded outline encircles;Freely and lightly rises above it the head's dainty oval;And her luxuriant hair over silver bodkins is braided;Down from under her bodice, the full, blue petticoat falling, Wraps itself, when she is walking, about her neatly shaped ankles.
Yet one thing will I say, and would make it my earnest petition,--Speak not yourselves with the maiden, nor let your intent be discovered;Rather inquire of others, and hearken to what they may tell you.
When ye have tidings enough to satisfy father and mother, Then return to me here, and we will consider what further.
So did I plan it all out in my mind while driving you hither."Thus he spoke. The friends thereupon went their way to the village, Where, in the houses and gardens and barns, the people were swarming;Wagons on wagons stood crowded together along the broad highway.
Men for the harnessed horses and lowing cattle were caring, While the women were busy in drying their clothes on the hedges, And in the running brook the children were merrily splashing.
Making their way through the pressure of wagons, of people and cattle, Went the commissioned spies, and to right and to left looked about them, If they a figure might see that answered the maiden's description;But not one of them all appeared the beautiful damsel.
Denser soon grew the press. A contest arose round the wagons 'Mongst the threatening men, wherein blended the cries of the women.
Rapidly then to the spot, and with dignified step, came an elder, Joined the clamoring group, and straightway the uproar was silenced, As he commanded peace, and rebuked with a fatherly sternness.
"Has, then, misfortune," he cried, "not yet so bound us together, That we have finally learned to bear and forbear one another, Though each one, it may be, do not measure his share of the labor?
He that is happy, forsooth, is contentious! Will sufferings never Teach you to cease from your brawls of old between brother and brother?
Grudge not one to another a place on the soil of the stranger;Rather divide what ye have, as yourselves, ye would hope to find mercy."Thus spoke the man and all became silent: restored to good humor, Peaceably then the people arranged their cattle and wagons.
But when the clergyman now had heard what was said by the stranger, And had the steadfast mind of the foreign justice discovered, He to the man drew near and with words of meaning addressed him:
"True it is, father, that when in prosperity people are living, Feeding themselves from the earth, which far and wide opens her bosom, And in the years and months renews the coveted blessings,--All goes on of itself, and each himself deems the wisest, Deems the best, and so they continue abiding together, He of greatest intelligence ranking no higher than others;All that occurs, as if of itself, going quietly forward.
But let disaster unsettle the usual course of existence, Tear down the buildings about us, lay waste the crops and the garden, Banish the husband and wife from their old, familiar-grown dwelling, Drive them to wander abroad through nights and days of privation,--Then, ah then! we look round us to see what man is the wisest, And no longer in vain his glorious words will be spoken.
Tell me, art thou not judge among this fugitive people, Father, who thus in an instant canst bid their passions be quiet?
Thou dost appear to-day as one of those earliest leaders, Who through deserts and wanderings guided the emigrant nations.
Yea, I could even believe I were speaking with Joshua or Moses."Then with serious look the magistrate answered him, saying:
"Truly our times might well be compared with all others in strangeness, Which are in history mentioned, profane or sacred tradition;For who has yesterday lived and to-day in times like the present, He has already lived years, events are so crowded together.
If I look back but a little, it seems that my head must be hoary Under the burden of years, and yet my strength is still active.
Well may we of this day compare ourselves unto that people Who, from the burning bush, beheld in the hour of their danger God the Lord: we also in cloud and in fire have beheld him."Seeing the priest was inclined to speak yet more with the stranger, And was desirous of learning his story and that of his people, Privately into his ear his companion hastily whispered:
"Talk with the magistrate further, and lead him to speak of the maiden.
I, however, will wander in search, and as soon as I find her, Come and report to thee here." The minister nodded, assenting;And through the gardens, hedges, and barns, went the spy on his errand.
