Wounded four more of the robbers; with life, however, escaped they.
Then she lock'd up the court, and, arm'd still, waited for succour.
When the pastor heard the praise of the maiden thus utter'd Feelings of hope for his friend forthwith arose in his bosom, And he prepared to ask what had been the fate of the damsel, Whether she, in the sorrowful flight, form'd one of the people?
At this moment, however, the druggist nimbly approach'd them, Pull'd the sleeve of the pastor, and whisper'd to him as follows "I have at last pick'd out the maiden from many a hundred By her description! Pray come and judge for yourself with your own eyes;Bring the magistrate with you, that we may learn the whole story."So they turn'd themselves round; but the magistrate found himself summon'd By his own followers, who had need of his presence and counsel.
But the pastor forthwith the druggist accompanied, till they Came to a gap in the hedge, when the latter pointed with slyness, "See you," exclaim'd he, "the maiden? The child's clothes she has been changing.
And I recognise well the old calico--also the cushion--Cover of blue, which Hermann took in the bundle and gave her.
Quickly and well, of a truth, she has used the presents left with her.
These are evident proofs; and all the rest coincide too;For a bodice red her well-arch'd bosom upraises, Prettily tied, while black are the stays fitting close around her.
Then the seams of the ruff she has carefully plaited and folded, Which, with modest grace, her chin so round is encircling;Free and joyously rises her head, with its elegant oval, Strongly round bodkins of silver her back-hair is many times twisted.
When she is sitting, we plainly see her noble proportions, And the blue well-plaited gown which begins from close to her bosom, And in rich folds descending, her well-turn'd ankles envelops.
'Tis she, beyond all doubt.So come, that we may examine Whether she be both a good and a frugal and virtuous maiden."Then the pastor rejoin'd, the sitting damsel inspecting "That she enchanted the youth, I confess is no matter of wonder, For she stands the test of the gaze of a man of experience.
Happy the person to whom Mother Nature the right face has given!
She recommends him at all times, he never appears as a stranger, Each one gladly approaches, and each one beside him would linger, If with his face is combined a pleasant and courteous demeanour.
Yes, I assure you the youth has indeed discover'd a maiden Who the whole of the days of his life will enliven with gladness, And with her womanly strength assist him at all times and truly.
Thus a perfect body preserves the soul also in pureness, And a vigorous youth of a happy old age gives assurance.
After reflecting a little, the druggist made answer as follows:--"Yet appearances oft are deceitful.I trust not the outside.
Often, indeed, have I found the truth of the proverb which tells us Ere you share a bushel of salt with a new-found acquaintance, Do not trust him too readily; time will make you more certain How you and he will get on, and whether your friendship is lasting.
Let us then, in the first place, inquire amongst the good people Unto whom the maiden is known, who can tell us about her.""Well, of a truth I commend your prudence," the pastor continued "Not for ourselves are we wooing! To woo for others is serious."So they started to meet the worthy magistrate seeing How in the course of his business he was ascending the main street.
And the wise pastor straightway address'd him with foresight as follows "We, by-the-bye, have just seen a girl in the neighbouring garden Under an apple-tree sitting, and clothes for the children preparing, Made of worn calico, which for the purpose was doubtless presented.
We were pleased by her face; she appears to be one of the right sort.
Tell us, what know you about her? We ask from a laudable motive."When the magistrate came to the garden and peep'd in, exclaimed he "Well do I know her, in truth; for when I told you the story Of that noble deed which was done by the maiden I spoke of, How she seized on the sword, and defended herself, and the servants, She the heroine was! You can see how active her nature.
But she's as good as she's strong; for her aged kinsman she tended Until the time of his death, for he died overwhelm'd by affliction At the distress of his town, and the danger his goods were exposed to.
Also with mute resignation she bore the grievous affliction Of her betroth'd's sad death, a noble young man who, incited By the first fire of noble thoughts to struggle for freedom, Went himself to Paris, and soon found a terrible death there.
For, as at home, so there, he fought 'gainst intrigue and oppression."Thus the magistrate spoke.The others departed and thanked him, And the pastor produced a gold piece (the silver his purse held He some hours before had with genuine kindness expended When he saw the fugitives passing in sorrowful masses).
And to the magistrate handed it, saying:--" Divide it, I pray you, 'Mongst those who need it the most.May God give it prosperous increase."But the man refused to accept it, and said:--"I assure you, Many a dollar we've saved, and plenty of clothing and such things, And I trust we may reach our homes before they are finish'd."Then continued the pastor, the gold in his hand once more placing "None should delay to give in days like the present, and no one Ought to refuse to receive what is offer'd with liberal kindness.
No one can tell how long he will keep what in peace he possesses, No one, how long he is doom'd in foreign countries to wander, While he's deprived of the field and the garden by which he is nurtured.""Bravo!" added in turn the druggist, with eagerness speaking "Had I but money to spare in my pocket, you surely should have it, Silver and gold alike; for your followers certainly need it.
