



Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive




Transcriber's notes:

1. Source: Web Archive:
http://www.archive.org/details/henryofterdinge00schlgoog

2. Hebrew words: krt   = kaf-resh-taf     = to cut;
                 krty  = kaf-resh-taf-yod = to executioner.

3. Greek word:   Krete = Kappa-rho-eta-tau-eta = Crete.

4. diphthong oe=[oe]




                         HENRY OF OFTERDINGEN:

                               A ROMANCE.



                           FROM THE GERMAN OF

                                NOVALIS,

                      (FRIEDRICH VON HARDENBERG.)




                               CAMBRIDGE:
                        PUBLISHED BY JOHN OWEN.

                              M DCCC XLII.





        Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1842,
                              BY JOHN OWEN,
     in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the District of
                             Massachusetts.




                            CAMBRIDGE PRESS:
                      LYMAN THURSTON AND WILLIAM TORRY.




                             ADVERTISEMENT.


The present translation is made from the edition of Tieck and Schlegel.
The life of the author is chiefly drawn from the one written by the
former. The completion of the second part is also by the same writer.

Richter said, in a prophetic feeling of the fate of his own works, that
translators were like wagoners who carry good wine to fairs--but most
unaccountably water it before the end of the journey. Which allusion
and semi-confession is meant to take the place of the usual apology;
and the reader can proceed without farther preface.

_Cambridge_, _June_, 1842.




                                 ERRATA.

Page xvi, line tenth from bottom, _for_ tion. He _read_ tion, he

Page 22, line ninth from top, _for_ work _read_ woke

Page 66, first word of the poetry, _for_ Though _read_ Through




                          LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.



Probably some of the readers of this volume will feel an interest in
the author's life. Although there are but few works, in which the mind
of the author is more clearly and purely reflected than in this; yet it
is natural that the reader should feel some interest in the outward
circumstances of one, who has become dear to him; and those friends of
Novalis, who have never known him personally, will be glad to hear all
that we can bring to light concerning him.

The Baron of Hardenberg, the father of the author, was director of the
Saxonian salt works. He had been a soldier in his younger days, and
retained even in his old age a predilection for a military life. He was
a robust, ever active man, frank and energetic;--a pure German. The
pious character of his mind led him to join the Moravian community; yet
he remained frank, decided, and upright. His mother, a type of elevated
piety and Christian meekness, belonged to the same religious community.
She bore with lofty resignation the loss, within a few successive
years, of a blooming circle of hopeful and well educated children.

Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) was born on the second of May, in
the year 1772, on a family estate in the county of Mansfield. He was
the oldest of eleven children, with the exception of a sister who was
born a year earlier. The family consisted of seven sons and four
daughters, all distinguished for their wit and the lofty tone of their
minds. Each possessed a peculiar disposition, while all were united by
a beautiful and generous affection to each other and to their parents.
Friedrich von Hardenberg was weak in constitution from his earliest
childhood, without, however, suffering from any settled or dangerous
disease. He was somewhat of a day-dreamer, silent and of an inactive
disposition. He separated himself from the society of his playmates;
but his character was distinguished from that of other children, only
by the ardor of his love for his master. He found his companions in his
own family. His spirit seemed to be wakened from its slumber, by a
severe disease in his ninth year, and by the stimulants applied for his
recovery; and he suddenly appeared brighter, merrier, and more active.
His father, who was obliged by his business to be much of his time away
from home, entrusted his education for the most part to his mother, and
to family tutors. The gentleness, meekness, and the pure piety of his
mother's character, as well as the religious habits of both parents,
which naturally extended to the whole household, made the deepest
impression upon his mind; an impression which exerted the happiest
influence upon him throughout his whole life. He now applied himself
diligently to his studies, so that in his twelfth year he had acquired
a pretty thorough knowledge of the Latin language, and some smattering
of Greek. The reading of Poetry was the favorite occupation of his
leisure hours. He was particularly pleased with the higher kind of
fables, and amused himself by composing them and relating them to his
brothers. He was accustomed for several years to act, in concert with
his brothers Erasmus and Charles, a little poetical play, in which they
took the characters of spirits, one of the air, another of the water,
and the other of the earth. On Sunday evenings, Novalis would explain
to them the most wonderful and various appearances and phenomena of
these different realms. There are still in existence some of his poems
written about this period.

He now applied himself too severely to study, especially to history, in
which he took a deep interest. In the year 1789, he entered a
Gymnasium, and in the autumn went to Jena to pursue his studies there.
Here he remained until 1792, and then with his brother Erasmus entered
the University at Leipzig; he left the following year for Wittenberg,
and there finished his studies.

At this time the French war broke out, which not only interrupted his
studies greatly, but which also inspired him suddenly with so great a
desire to enter upon a military life, that the united prayers of his
parents and relations were scarcely able to restrain his wishes.

About this time he became acquainted with Frederick Schlegel, and soon
became his warmest friend; he also gained the friendship of Fichte; and
these two great spirits exerted a powerful and lasting influence upon
his whole life. After applying himself with unwearied ardor to the
sciences, he left Wittenberg for Arnstadt in Thuringia, in order to
accustom himself to practical business with Just, the chief judiciary
of the district. This excellent man soon became one of his nearest
friends. Shortly after his arrival at Arnstadt, he became acquainted
with Sophia von K., who resided at a neighboring country seat. The
first sight of her beautiful and lovely form decided the fate of his
whole life; or rather the passion, which penetrated and inspired his
soul, became the contents of his whole life. Often even in the face of
childhood, there is an expression so sweet and spiritual, that we call
it supernatural and heavenly; and the fear impresses itself on our
hearts, that faces, so transfigured and transparent, are too tender and
too finely woven for this life; that it is death or immortality that
gazes through the glancing eye; and too often are our forebodings
realized by the rapid withering of such blossoms. Still more beautiful
are such forms, when, childhood left behind, they have advanced to the
full bloom of youth. All who knew the betrothed of our author are
agreed, that no description could do justice to her beauty, grace, and
heavenly simplicity. She was in her fourteenth year when Novalis became
acquainted with her; and the spring and summer of 1795 were indeed the
blooming season of his life. Every hour he could spare from his
business was spent at Grueningen; and late in the fall of 1796, he was
betrothed to Sophia with the consent of her parents. Shortly after she
was taken severely sick with a fever, which, though it lasted but a few
weeks, yet left her with a pain in the side, which by its intensity
rendered unhappy many of her hours. Novalis was much alarmed, but was
quieted by her physician, who pronounced this pain of no consequence.

Shortly after her recovery he departed for Weissenfels, where he was
appointed auditor in the department of which his father was director.
He passed the winter of 1795-96 in business, hearing news from
Grueningen of a quieting character. He journeyed thither in the spring,
and found his betrothed to all appearance recovered. At this time his
brother Erasmus was taken sick, so that he left off his studies, and
devoted himself in a distant place to the chase and a forest life. His
brother Charles joined the army, and in the spring entered upon active
service. Thus Novalis lived quietly at home, his parents and sisters
forming his chief society, the other children being yet quite young. In
the summer, while he was rejoicing in the prospect of being soon united
to Sophia, he received information, that she was at Jena, and there on
account of ulceration of the liver, had undergone a severe operation.
It had been her wish, that he should not be informed of her sickness,
nor of the dangerous operation, till it was over. He hastened to Jena,
and found her in intense suffering. Her physician, one far famed for
his ability, could allow them to hope only for a very slow recovery, if
indeed she should survive. He was obliged to repeat the operation, and
feared that she would want strength to support her through the healing
process. With lofty courage and indescribable fortitude, Sophia bore up
against all her sufferings. Novalis was there to console her; his
parents offered up their sympathetic prayers; his two brothers had
returned and strove to be of service to the sorrowing one, as well as
to the suffering. In December Serbia desired to visit Grueningen again.
Novalis requested Erasmus to accompany her on her journey. He did so,
together with her mother and sisters, who had attended her at Jena.
After having accompanied her to her place of residence, he returned to
his residence in Franconia.

Novalis was now by turns in Weissenfels and Grueningen. With great
grief, however, he was obliged to confess, that he found Sophia worse
and worse at every visit. Towards the end of January, 1797, Erasmus
also returned to Weissenfels very sick, and the expected deaths of two
beings, so much beloved, filled the house with gloom.

The 17th of March was Sophia's fifteenth birthday, and on the 19th,
about noon, she fell asleep in the arms of her sisters, and faithful
instructress Mademoiselle Danscour, who loved her tenderly. No one
dared bring the news to Novalis, until his brother Charles at last
undertook the mournful office. For three days and nights, the mourner
shut himself up from his friends, weeping away the hours, and then
hastened to Arnstadt, that he might be with his truest friends, and
nearer to the beloved place, which contained the remains of her who was
dearest to him. On the 14th of April, he also lost his brother Erasmus.
Novalis writing to his brother Charles, who had been obliged to travel
to Lower Saxony, says, speaking of the death of Erasmus, "Be consoled;
Erasmus has conquered; the flowers of the lovely wreath are dropping
off, one by one, to be united more beautifully in Heaven."

At this time Novalis, living as he did only for suffering, naturally
regarded the visible and the invisible world as one, and regarded life
and death as distinguished only by our longing for the latter. At the
same time life was transfigured before him, and his whole being flowed
together as in a clear conscious dream of a higher existence. His
sensibilities, as well as his imagination, were very much decided from
the solemnity of his suffering, from his heartfelt love, and from the
pious longing for death, which he cherished. It is indeed very
possible, that deep sorrow at this time planted the death-seed in him;
unless perhaps it was his irrevocable destiny, to be so early torn
away.

He remained many weeks in Thuringia, and returned consoled and truly
exalted to his business, which he pursued more eagerly than ever,
though he regarded himself as a stranger upon earth. About this time,
some earlier, some later, but particularly during the fall of this
year, he composed most of those pieces, which have been published under
the title of "Fragments," as also his "Hymns to Night."

In December of this year, he went to Freiberg, where the acquaintance
and instruction of the renowned Werner awoke anew his passion for
physical science, and especially for mining. Here he became acquainted
with Julia von Ch.; and, strange as it may appear to all but his
intimate friends, he was betrothed to her, as early as the year 1798.
Sophia (as we may see from his works) remained the balancing point of
his thoughts; he honored her, absent as she was, even more than when
present with him; but yet he thought that loveliness and beauty could,
to a certain degree, replace her loss. About this time he wrote "Faith
and Love," the "Flower Dust," and some other fragments, as "The Pupils
at Sais." In the spring of 1799, Serbia's instructress died; which
event moved Novalis the more deeply, because he knew that sorrow for
the loss of her beloved pupil had chiefly contributed to hasten her
death. Soon after this event he returned to the paternal estate, and
was appointed under his father Assessor and chief Judiciary of the
Thuringian district.

He now visited Jena often, and there became acquainted with A. W.
Schlegel, and sought out the gifted Ritter, whom he particularly loved,
and whose peculiar talent for experimenting he greatly admired. Ludwig
Tieck saw him this year for the first time, while on a visit to his
friend Wm. Schlegel. Their acquaintance soon ripened into a warm
friendship. These friends, in company with Schlegel, Schelling, and
other strangers, passed many happy days in Jena. On his return, Tieck
visited Novalis at his father's house, became acquainted with his
family, and for the first time listened to the reading of "the Pupils
at Sais," and many of his fragments. He then accompanied him to Halle,
and many hours were peacefully passed in Reichardt's house. His first
conception of Henry of Ofterdingen dates about this time. He had also
already written some of his spiritual songs; they were to make a part
of a hymn book, which he intended to accompany with a volume of
sermons. Besides these labors he was very industrious in the duties of
his office; all his duties were attended to with willingness, and
nothing of however little importance was insignificant to him.

When Tieck, in the autumn of 1799, took up his residence at Jena, and
Frederick Schlegel also dwelt there, Novalis often visited them,
sometimes for a short, and sometimes for a longer time. His eldest
sister was married about this time, and the wedding was celebrated at a
country seat near Jena. After this marriage Novalis lived for a long
time in a lonely place in the golden meadow of Thuringia, at the foot
of the Kyffhauser mountain; and in this solitude he wrote a great part
of Henry of Ofterdingen. His society this year was mostly confined to
that of two men; a brother-in-law of his betrothed, the present General
von Theilman, and the present General von Funk, to whom he had been
introduced by the former. The society of the last-mentioned person was
valuable to him in more than one respect. He made use of his library,
among whose chronicles he, in the spring, first hit upon the traditions
of Ofterdingen; and by means of the excellent biography of the emperor
Frederick the Second, by General von Funk, he became entirely possessed
with lofty ideas concerning that ruler, and determined to represent him
in his romance as a pattern for a king.

In the year 1800, Novalis was again at Weissenfels, whence, on the 23d
of February, he wrote to Tieck,--"My Romance is getting along finely.
About twelve printed sheets are finished. The whole plan is pretty much
laid out in my mind. It will consist of two parts; the first, I hope,
will be finished in three weeks. It contains the basis and introduction
to the second part. The whole may be called an Apotheosis of Poesy.
Henry of Ofterdingen becomes in the first part ripe for a poet, and in
the second part is declared poet. It will in many respects be similar
to Sternbald, except in lightness. However, this want will not probably
be unfavorable to the contents. In every point of view it is a first
attempt, the print of that spirit of poesy, which your acquaintance has
reawakened in me, and which gives to your friendship its chief value.

"There are some songs in it, which suit my taste. I am very much
pleased with the real romance,--my head is really dizzy with the
multitude of ideas I have gathered for romances and comedies. If I can
visit you soon, I will bring you a tale and a fable from my romance,
and will subject them to your criticism." He visited his friends at
Jena the next spring, and soon repeated his visit, bringing the first
part of Henry of Ofterdingen, in the same form as that of which this
volume is a translation.

When Tieck, in the summer of 1800, left Jena, he visited his friend for
some time at his father's house. He was well and calm in his spirits;
though his family were somewhat alarmed about him, thinking that they
noticed, that he was continually growing paler and thinner. He himself
was more attentive than usual to his diet; he drank little or no wine,
ate scarcely any meat, living principally on milk and vegetables. "We
took daily walks," says Tieck, "and rides on horseback. In ascending a
hill swiftly, or in any violent motion, I could observe neither
weakness in his breast nor short breath, and therefore endeavored to
persuade him to forsake his strict mode of life; because I thought his
abstemiousness from wine and strengthening food not only irritating in
itself, but also to proceed from a false anxiety on his part. He was
full of plans for the future; his house was already put in order, for
in August he intended to celebrate his nuptials. He spake with great
pleasure of finishing Ofterdingen and other works. His life gave
promise of the most useful activity and love. When I took leave of him,
I never could have imagined that we were not to meet again."

When in August he was about departing for Freiberg to celebrate his
marriage, he was seized with an emission of blood, which his physician
declared to be mere hemorrhoidal and insignificant. Yet it shook his
frame considerably, and still more when it began to return
periodically. His wedding was postponed, and, in the beginning of
October, he travelled with his brother and parents to Dresden. Here
they left him, in order to visit their daughter in Upper Lausatia, his
brother Charles remaining with him in Dresden. He became apparently
weaker; and when, in the beginning of November, he learned that a
younger brother, fourteen years of age, had been drowned through mere
carelessness, the sudden shock caused a violent bleeding at the lungs,
upon which the physician immediately declared his disease incurable.
Soon after this his betrothed came to Dresden.

As he grew weaker, he longed to change his residence to some warmer
climate. He thought of visiting his friend Herbert; but his physician
advised against such a change, perhaps considering him already too weak
to make such a journey. Thus the year passed away; and, in January
1801, he longed so eagerly to see his parents and be with them once
more, that at the end of the month he returned to Weissenfels. There
the ablest physicians from Leipzig and Jena were consulted, yet his
case grew rapidly worse, although he was perfectly free from pain, as
was the case through his whole illness. He still attended to the duties
of his office, and wrote considerably in his private papers. He also
composed some poems about this time, read the Bible diligently, and
much from the works of Zinzendorf and Lavater. The nearer he approached
his end, the stronger was his hope of recovery; for his cough abated,
and, with the exception of debility, he had none of the feelings of a
sick man. With this hope and longing for life, fresh powers and new
talents seemed to awaken within him; he thought with renewed love of
his projected labors, and undertook to write Henry of Ofterdingen anew.
Once, shortly before his death, he said; "I now begin, for the first
time, to see what true poetry is. Innumerable songs and poems far
different from those I have written awake within me." From the 19th of
March, the day on which Sophia died, he became very perceptibly weaker;
many of his friends visited him, and he was particularly delighted
when, on the 21st of March, his faithful and oldest friend Frederick
Schlegel came to see him from Jena. He conversed much with him,
particularly concerning their mutual labors. During these days his
spirits were good, his nights quiet, and he enjoyed tranquil sleep.
About six o'clock on the morning of the 26th, he asked his brother to
hand him some books, in order to look out certain passages, that he had
in mind; he then ordered his breakfast, and conversed with his usual
vivacity till eight. Towards nine he asked his brother to play for him
on the piano, and soon after fell asleep. Frederick Schlegel soon after
entered the chamber, and found him sleeping quietly. This sleep lasted
till twelve o'clock, at which hour he expired without a struggle; and
unchanged in death his countenance retained the same pleasant
expression, that it exhibited during life.

Thus died our author before he had finished his nine-and-twentieth
year. In him we may alike love and admire his extensive knowledge and
his philosophical genius, as well as his poetical talents. With a
spirit much in advance of his times, his country might have promised
itself great things of him, had not an untimely death cut him off. Yet
his unfinished writings have already had their influence; many of his
great thoughts will yet inspire futurity; and noble minds and deep
thinkers will be enlightened and set on fire by the sparks of his
spirit.

Novalis was slender and of fine proportions. He wore his light brown
hair long, hanging over his shoulders in flowing locks, a style less
singular then than now; his brown eye was clear and brilliant, and his
complexion, particularly his forehead, almost transparent. His hands
and feet were rather too large, and had something awkward about them.
His countenance was always serene and benignant. To those, who judge
men by their forwardness, or by their affectation of fashion or
dignity, Novalis was lost in the crowd; but to the practised eye he
appeared beautiful. The outlines and expression of his face resembled
very much those of St. John, as he is represented in the magnificent
picture of A. Duerer, preserved in Nuremberg and Muenchen.

His speech was clear and vivacious. "I never saw him tired," says
Tieck, "even when we continued together till late at night; he only
stopped voluntarily to rest, and then read before he fell asleep." He
knew not what it was to be tired, even in the wearisome companionship
of vulgar minds; for he always found some one, who could impart some
information to him, useful, though apparently insignificant. His
urbanity and sympathy for all made him universally beloved. So skilful
was he in his intercourse with others, that lower minds never felt
their inferiority. Although he preferred to veil the depths of his mind
in conversation, speaking, however, as if inspired, of the invisible
world, he was yet merry, as a child, full of art and frolic, giving
himself wholly up to the jovial spirit prevailing in the company. Free
from self-conceit or arrogance, a stranger to affectation or
dissimulation, he was a pure, true man; the purest, loveliest spirit,
ever tabernacled in the flesh.

His chief studies for many years were philosophy and physical science.
In the latter he discovered and foretold truths, of which his own age
was in ignorance. In philosophy he principally studied Spinoza and
Fichte; but soon marked out a new path, by aiming to unite philosophy
with religion; and thus what we possess of the writings of the new
Platonists, as well as of the mystics, became very important to him.
His knowledge of mathematics, as well as of the mechanic arts,
especially of mining, was very considerable. But in the fine arts he
took but little interest. Music he loved much, although he knew little
about its rules. He had scarcely turned his attention to painting and
sculpture; still he could advance many original ideas about those arts,
and pronounce skilful judgment upon them.

Tieck mentions an argument with him, concerning landscape painting, in
which Novalis expressed views, which he could not comprehend; but which
in part were realized, by the rich and poetical mind of the excellent
landscape painter, Friedrichs, of Dresden. In the land of Poetry he was
in reality a stranger. He had read but few poets, and had not busied
himself with criticism, or paid much attention to the inherited system,
to which the art of poetry had been reduced. Goethe was for a long
while his study, and Wilhelm Meister his favorite work; although we
should scarcely suppose so, judging from his severe strictures upon it
in his fragments. He demanded from poesy the most everyday knowledge
and inspiration; and it was for this reason, that, as the chief
masterpieces of poetry were unknown to him, he was free from imitation
and foreign rule. He also loved, for this very reason, many writings,
which are not generally highly prized by scholars, because in them he
discovered, though perhaps painted in weak colors, that very informing
and significant knowledge, which he was chiefly striving after.

Those tales, which we in later times call allegories[1] with their
peculiar style, most resemble his stories; he saw their deepest
meaning, and endeavored to express it most clearly in some of his
poems. It became natural for him to regard what was most usual and
nearest to him, as full of marvels, and the strange and supernatural as
the usual and common-place. Thus everyday life surrounded him like a
supernatural story; and that region, which most men can only conceive
as something distant and incomprehensible, seemed to him like a beloved
home. Thus uncorrupted by precedents, he discovered a new way of
drawing and exhibiting his pictures; and in the manifold variety of his
relation to the world, from his love and the faith in it, which at the
same time was his instructress, wisdom, and religion, since through
them a single great moment of life, and one deep grief and loss became
the essence of his poesy and of his contemplation, he resembles among
late writers the sublime Dante alone, and like him sings to us an
unfathomable mystical song, very different from that of many imitators,
who think, that they can assume and lay aside mysticism as they could a
mere ornament. Therefore his romance is both consciously and
unconsciously the representation of his own mind and fate; as he makes
Henry say, in the fragment of the second part, "Fate and mind are but
names of one idea." Thus may his life justly appear wonderful to us. We
shudder too, as though reading a work of fiction, when we learn, that
of all his brothers and sisters only two brothers are now alive; and
that his noble mother, who for several years has also been mourning the
death of her husband, is in solitude, devoting herself to her grief and
to religion with silent resignation.






                         HENRY OF OFTERDINGEN.




                              PART FIRST.

                            THE EXPECTATION.




                              DEDICATION.



      Thou didst to life my noble impulse warm,
        Deep in the spirit of the world to look.
        And with thy hand a trusting faith I took,
      Securely bearing me through every storm,
      With sweet forebodings thou the child didst bless,
        To mystic meadows leading him away,
       Stirring his bosom to its finest play,
      Ideal, thou, of woman's tenderness.
      Earth's vexing trifles shall I not refuse?
        Thine is my heart and life eternally,--
      Thy love my being constantly renews!
        To art I dedicate myself for thee,
      For thou, beloved, wilt become the Muse
        And gentle Genius of my poesy.

      In endless transmutation here below
        The hidden might of song our land is greeting;
        Now blesses us in form of Peace unfleeting,
      And now encircles us with childhood's glow.
      She pours an upper light upon the eye,
        Defines the sentiment for every art,
        And dwells within the glad or weary heart,
      To comfort it with wondrous ecstasy.
      Through her alone I woke to life the truest,
        Drinking the proffered nectar of her breast,
      And dared to lift my face With joy the newest.
        Yet was my highest sense with sleep oppressed.
      Till angel-like thou, loved one, near me flewest.
        And, kindling in thy look, I found the rest.





                            THE EXPECTATION.




                               CHAPTER I.


The patents had already retired to rest; the old clock ticked
monotonously from the wall; the windows rattled with the whistling
wind, and the chamber was dimly lighted by the flickering glimmer of
the moon. The young man lay restless on his bed, thinking of the
stranger and his tales. "It is not the treasures," said he to himself,
"that have awakened in me such unutterable longings. Far from me is all
avarice; but I long to behold the blue flower. It is constantly in my
mind, and I can think and compose of nothing else. I have never been in
such a mood. It seems as if I had hitherto been dreaming, or slumbering
into another world; for in the world, in which hitherto I have lived,
who would trouble himself about a flower?--I never have heard of such a
strange passion for a flower here. I wonder, too, whence the stranger
comes? None of our people have ever seen his like; still I know not why
I should be so fascinated by his conversation. Others have listened to
it, but none are moved by it as I am. Would that I could explain my
feelings in words! I am often full of rapture, and it is only when the
blue flower is out of my mind, that this deep, heart-felt longing
overwhelms me. But no one can comprehend this but myself. I might think
myself mad, were not my perception and reasonings so clear; and this
state of mind appears to have brought with it superior knowledge on all
subjects. I have heard, that in ancient times beasts, and trees, and
rocks conversed with men. As I gaze upon them, they appear every moment
about to speak to me; and I can almost tell by their looks what they
would say. There must yet be many words unknown to me. If I knew more,
I could comprehend better. Formerly I loved to dance, now I think
rather to the music."

The young man gradually lost himself in his sweet fancies, and feel
asleep. Then he dreamed of regions far distant, and unknown to him. He
crossed the sea with wonderful ease; saw many strange monsters; lived
with all sorts of men, now in war, now in wild tumult, and now in
peaceful cottages. Then he fell into captivity and degrading want. His
feelings had never been so excited. His life was an unending tissue, of
the brightest colors. Then came death, a return again to life; he
loved, loved intensely, and was separated from the object of his
passion. At length towards the break of day his soul became calmer, and
the images his fancy formed grew clearer, and more lasting. He dreamed
that he was walking alone in a dark forest, where the light broke only
at intervals through the green net-work of the trees. He soon came to a
passage through some rocks, which led to the top of a neighboring hill,
and, to ascend which he was obliged to scramble over the mossy stones,
which some stream in former times had torn down. The higher he climbed,
the more was the forest lit up, until at last he came to a small meadow
situated on the declivity of the mountain. Behind the meadow rose a
lofty cliff, at whose foot an opening was visible, which seemed to be
the beginning of a path hewn in the rock. The path guided him gently
along, and ended in a wide expanse, from which at a distance a clear
light shone towards him. On entering this expanse, he beheld a mighty
beam of light, which, like the stream from a fountain, rose to the
overhanging clouds, and spread out into innumerable sparks, which
gathered themselves below into a great basin. The beam shone like
burnished gold; not the least noise was audible; a holy silence reigned
around the splendid spectacle. He approached the basin, which trembled
and undulated with ever-varying colors. The sides of the cave were
coated with the golden liquid, which was cool to the touch, and which
cast from the walls a weak, blue light. He dipped his hand in the
basin, and bedewed his lips. He felt as if a spiritual breath had
pierced through him, and he was sensibly strengthened and refreshed. A
resistless desire to bathe himself made him undress and step into the
basin. Then a cloud tinged with the glow of evening appeared to
surround him; feelings as from Heaven flowed into his soul; thoughts
innumerable and full of rapture strove to mingle together within him;
new imaginings, such as never before had struck his fancy, arose before
him, which, flowing into each other, became visible beings about him.
Each wave of the lovely element pressed to him like a soft bosom. The
flood seemed like a solution of the elements of beauty, which
constantly became embodied in the forms of charming maidens around him.
Intoxicated with rapture, yet conscious of every impression, he swam
gently down the glittering stream. A sweeter slumber now overcame him.
He dreamed of many strange events, and a new vision appeared to him. He
dreamed that he was sitting on the soft turf by the margin of a
fountain, whose waters flowed into the air, and seemed to vanish in it.
Dark blue rocks with various colored veins rose in the distance. The
daylight around him was milder and clearer than usual; the sky was of a
sombre blue, and free from clouds. But what most attracted his notice,
was a tall, light-blue flower, which stood nearest the fountain, and
touched it with its broad, glossy leaves. Around it grew numberless
flowers of varied hue, filling the air with the richest perfume. But he
saw the blue flower alone, and gazed long upon it with inexpressible
tenderness. He at length was about to approach it, when it began to
move, and change its form. The leaves increased their beauty, adorning
the growing stem. The flower bended towards him, and revealed among its
leaves a blue, outspread collar, within which hovered a tender face.
His delightful astonishment was increasing with this singular change,
when suddenly his mother's voice awoke him, and he found himself in his
parents' room, already gilded by the morning sun. He was too happy to
be angry at the sudden disturbance of his sleep. He bade his mother a
kind good morning, and returned her hearty embrace.

"You sleeper," said his father, "how long have I been sitting here
filing? I have not dared to do any hammering on your account. Your
mother would let her dear son sleep. I have been obliged to wait for my
breakfast too. You have done wisely in choosing to become one of the
learned, for whom we wake and work. But a real, thorough student, as I
have been told, is obliged to spend his nights in studying the works of
our wise forefathers."

"Dear father," said Henry, "let not my long sleep make you angry with
me, for you are not accustomed to be so. I fell asleep late, and have
been much disturbed by dreams. The last, however, was pleasant, and one
which I shall not soon forget, and which seems to me to have been
something more than a mere dream."

"Dear Henry," said his mother, "you have certainly been lying on your
back, or else your thoughts were wandering at evening prayers. Come,
eat your breakfast, and cheer up."

Henry's mother went out. His father worked on industriously, and said;
"Dreams are froth, let the learned think what they will of them; and
you will do well to turn your attention from such useless and hurtful
speculations. The times when Heavenly visions were seen in dreams have
long past by, nor can we understand the state of mind, which those
chosen men, of whom the Bible speaks, enjoyed. Dreams, as well as other
human affairs, must have been of a different nature then. In the age in
which we live, there is no direct intercourse with Heaven. Old
histories and writings are now the only fountains, from which we can
draw, as far as is needful, a knowledge of the spiritual world; and
instead of express revelations, the Holy Ghost now speaks to us
immediately through the understandings of wise and sensible men, and by
the lives and fate of those most distinguished for their piety. I have
never been much edified by the visions, which are now seen; nor do I
place much confidence in the wonders, which our divines relate about
them. Yet let every one, who can, be edified by them; I would not cause
any one to err in his faith."

"But, dear father, upon what grounds are you so opposed to belief in
dreams, when singular changes, and flighty, unstable nature, are at
least worthy of some reflection? Is not every dream, even the most
confused, a peculiar vision, which, though we do not call it sent from
Heaven, yet makes an important rent in the mysterious curtain, which,
with a thousand folds, hides our inward natures from our view? We can
find accounts of many such dreams, coming from credible men, in the
wisest books; and you need only call to mind, to support what I have
said, the dream which our good pastor lately related to us, and which
appeared to you so remarkable. But, without taking those writings into
account, if now for the first time you should have a dream, how would
it overwhelm you, and how constantly would your thoughts be fixed upon
the miracle, which, from its very frequency, now appears such a simple
occurrence. Dreams appear to me to break up the monotony and even tenor
of life, to serve as a recreation to the chained fancy. They mingle
together all the scenes and fancies of life, and change the continual
earnestness of age, into the merry sports of childhood. Were it not for
dreams, we should certainly grow older; and though they be not given us
immediately from above; yet they should be regarded as Heavenly gifts,
as friendly guides, in our pilgrimage to the holy tomb. I am sure that
the dream, which I have had this night, has been no profitless
occurrence in my life; for I feel that it has, like some vast wheel,
caught hold of my soul, and is hurrying me along with it in its mighty
revolutions."

Henry's father smiled humorously, and said, looking to his wife, who
had just come in, "Henry cannot deny the hour of his birth. His
conversation boils with the fiery Italian wines, which I brought with
me from Rome, and with which we celebrated our wedding eve. I was
another sort of man then. The southern breezes had thawed out my
northern phlegm. I was overflowing with spirit and humor, and you also
were an ardent, charming girl. Everything was arranged at your father's
in grand style; musicians and minstrels were collected from far and
wide, and Augsburg had never seen a merrier marriage."

"You were just now speaking of dreams," said Henry's mother. "Do you
not remember, that you then told me of one, which you had had at Rome,
and which first put it into your head to come to Augsburg as my
suitor?"

"You put me opportunely in mind of it," said the old man, "for I had
entirely forgotten that singular dream, which, at the time of its
occurrence, occupied my thoughts not a little; but even that is only a
proof of what I have been saying about dreams. It would be impossible
to have one more clear and regular. Even now I remember every
circumstance in it, and yet, what did it signify? That I dreamed of
you, and soon after felt an irrepressible desire to possess you, was
not strange; for I already knew you. The agreeable and amiable traits
of your character strongly affected me, when I first saw you; and I was
prevented from making love to you, only by the desire of visiting
foreign lands. At the time of the dream my curiosity was much abated;
and hence my love for you more easily mastered me."

"Please to tell us about that curious dream," said Henry.

"One evening," said his father, "I had been loitering about, enjoying
the beauty of the clear, blue sky, and of the moon, which clothed the
old pillars and walls with its pale, awe-inspiring light. My companions
had gone to see the girls, and love and homesickness drove me into the
open air. During my walk, I felt thirsty, and went into the first
decent looking mansion I met with, to ask for a glass of wine, or milk.
An old man came to the door, who perhaps at first regarded me as a
suspicious visitor; but when I told him what I wished, and he learned
that I was a foreigner, and a German, he kindly asked me into the
house, bade me sit down, brought out a bottle of wine, and asked me
some questions about my business. We began a desultory conversation,
during which he gave me some information about painters, poets,
sculptors, and ancient times. I had scarce ever heard about such
matters; and it teemed as if I had landed in a new world. He showed me
some old seals and other works of art, and then read to me, with all
the fire of youth, some beautiful passages of poetry. Thus the hours
fled as moments. Even now my heart warms with the recollection of the
wonderful thoughts and emotions, which crowded upon me that evening. He
seemed quite at home in the pagan ages, and longed, with incredible
ardor, to dwell in the times of grey antiquity. At last he showed me a
chamber, where I could pass the night, for it was too late for me to
return to the city. I soon fell asleep and dreamed.--I thought that I
was passing out of the gates of my native city. It seemed to me that I
was going to get something done, but where, and what, I did not know. I
took the road to Hartz, and walked quickly along, as merry as if going
to a festival. I did not keep the road, but cut across through wood and
valley, till I came to a lofty mountain. From its top I gazed on the
golden fields around me, beheld Thuringia in the distance, and was so
situated, that no other mountain could obstruct my view. Opposite lay
the Hartz with its dusky hills. Castles, convents, and whole districts
were embraced in the prospect. My ideas were all clear and distinct. I
thought of the old man, in whose house I was sleeping; and my visit
seemed like some occurrence of past years. I soon saw an ascending path
leading into the mountain, and I followed it. After some time I came to
a large cave; there sat a very old man in a long garment, before an
iron table, gazing incessantly upon a wondrously beautiful maiden, that
stood before him hewn in marble. His beard had grown through the iron
table, and covered his feet. His features were serious, yet kind, and
put me in mind of a head by one of the old masters, which my host had
shown me in the evening. The cave was filled with glowing light. While
I was looking at the old man, my host tapped me on the shoulder, took
my hand, and led me through many long paths, till we saw a mild light
shining in the distance, like the dawn of day. I hastened to it, and
soon found myself in a green plain; but there was nothing about it to
remind me of Thuringia. Giant trees, with their large, glossy leaves,
spread their shade far and wide. The air was very hot, yet not
oppressive. Around me flowers and fountains were springing from the
earth. Among the former there was one that particularly pleased me, and
to which all the others seemed to do homage."

"Dear father," eagerly exclaimed Henry, "do tell me its color."

"I cannot recollect it, though it was so fixed in my mind at the time."

"Was it not blue?"

"Perhaps it was," continued the old man, without giving heed to the
peculiar vehemence of his son. "All I recollect is, that my feelings
were so wrought up, that for a time I forgot all about my guide. When
at length I turned towards him, I noticed that he was looking at me
attentively, and that he met me with a pleasant smile. I do not
remember how I came from that place. I was again on the top of the
mountain; my guide stood by my side and said, 'You have seen the wonder
of the world. It lies in your power to become the happiest being in the
world, and, besides that, a celebrated man. Remember well what I tell
you. Come on St. John's day, towards evening, to this place, and when
you have devoutly prayed to God to interpret this vision, the highest
earthly lot will be yours. Also take notice particularly of a little
blue flower, which you will find above here; pluck it, and commit
yourself humbly to heavenly guidance.' I then dreamed that I was among
most splendid scenes and noble men, ravished by the swift changing
objects that met my eyes. How fluent were my words! how free my tongue!
How music swelled its strains! Afterwards everything became dull and
insignificant as usual. I saw your mother standing before me, with a
kind and modest look. A bright-looking child was in her arms. She
reached it to me; it gradually grew brighter; at length it raised
itself on its dazzling white wings, took us both in its arms, and
soared so high with us, that the earth appeared like a plate of gold,
covered with beautifully wrought carving. I only recollect, that, after
this vision, the flower, the old man, and the mountain appeared before
me again. I awoke soon after, much agitated by vehement love. I bade
farewell to my hospitable friend, who urged me to repeat my visit
often. I promised to do so, and should have kept my promise, had I not
shortly after left Rome for Augsburg, my mind being much excited by the
scenes I had witnessed."




                              CHAPTER II.


St. John's day was past. Henry's mother had for a long time delayed
making a journey to Augsburg, her paternal home, to present her son to
his grandfather, who had never yet seen him. Some merchants, trusty
friends of the elder Ofterdingen, were just about travelling to
Augsburg on business. Henry's mother resolved to improve this good
opportunity of fulfilling her wishes; and this more especially, because
she had observed that Henry had lately been more silent, and more taken
up with his own gloomy fancies than usual. She saw that he was out of
spirits, or sick; and thought that a long journey, the sight of strange
people and places, and, as she secretly anticipated, the charms of some
young country girl would drive off the gloomy mood of her son, and make
him as affable and cheerful as was his wont. Her husband agreed with
her in her plans, and Henry was delighted beyond all bounds with the
idea of visiting a country, which, for a long time, he had looked upon
(owing to the many things he had heard concerning it, from his mother
and from travellers) as an earthly Paradise, and in which he had often
wished himself.

Henry was just twenty years old. He had never passed the environs of
his native city; the world was known to him only by report; only a few
books had come within his reach. The course of life at the Landgrave
was simple and quiet, according to the customs of the times; and the
splendor and comfort of princely life, in those days, could but poorly
compare with the conveniences, which, in our times, a private man can
obtain for himself and family, without extravagance. Yet by reason of
their very scarcity, a regard, almost approaching tenderness, was felt,
in those times, for household furniture, and the conveniences of life.
They were considered more valuable and curious. The secrets of nature,
and the origin of its bodies, hardly attracted the notice of thinking
minds, more than these scarce specimens of art and workmanship. This
regard, too, for these silent companions of life was much heightened,
by the distance from which they were brought, and by that charm of
antiquity which gathered around furniture, often the property of
successive generations; an heir-loom from father to son. They were
often raised to the rank of pledges of a peculiar blessing and destiny;
and the weal of whole kingdoms and far-scattered families depended upon
their preservation. A poverty, fair in its features, adorned that age
with a simplicity, full of significance and innocence. The treasures,
so sparingly scattered in that dawn, shone the more brightly, and gave
rise to many significant ideas in the thoughtful mind. If it is true
that a proper division of light, color, and shade reveals the hidden
splendor of the visible world, and opens for itself a new eye of a
higher character; such a division and splendor were to be seen then;
while these newer and more prosperous times represent the monotonous
and insignificant picture of a common day. In all transitions, as in an
interregnum, it appears as if a higher spiritual power were revealing
itself; and as, upon the surface of our earth, the countries, richest
both in subterraneous and super-terraneous treasures, lie between
wild, inhospitable, hoary rocks, and immense plains; so also a
deep-reflecting, romantic period made its appearance between the rough
ages of barbarism, and the cultivated, enlightened, and wealthy age,
which under a coarse garb conceals a still more beautiful form. Who
does not love to wander at twilight, when the light of day and the deep
shades of night mingle together in deep coloring? On this principle, we
are glad to carry ourselves, in imagination, back to the years when
Henry lived, who now went to meet the new circumstances, which might
encompass him, with a swelling heart. He took leave of his companions
and his instructer, the old and wise preacher, who knew the fertility
of Henry's genius, and who bade him farewell, with a feeling heart and
a silent prayer. The countess was his grandmother. He had often visited
her at Wartburg. He now separated from his protectress, who gave him
good counsel, and a golden chain, and who took leave of him with
expressions of friendship. It was with a sad heart that Henry left his
father and his birthplace. He now experienced for the first time what
separation was. His imaginings as to the journey had not been
accompanied with that peculiar feeling, which now filled his breast,
when, for the first time, the scenes of his youth were snatched from
his view, and he was cast, as it were, upon a foreign shore. Great
indeed is our youthful sorrow at this first experience of the
instability of earthly things, an experience necessary and
indispensable to the inexperienced mind, firmly connected with and
certain as our own existence. Our first separation remains, like the
first announcement of death, never to be forgotten, and becomes, after
it has long terrified us like a nightly vision, when at last joy at the
appearance of anew day decreases, and the longing after a fixed, safer
world increases, a friendly guide and a consoling and familiar idea. It
comforted the young man much, that his mother was with him. The world
he was leaving did not yet appear entirely lost, and he embraced her
with redoubled fondness. It was early in the day, when the travellers
rode from the gates of Eisenach, and the fresh daybreak was favorable
to Henry's excited mood. The clearer the day grew, the more remarkable
seemed to him the new and unknown scenes which surrounded him; and when
upon a hill, just as the landscape behind him was illuminated by the
rays of the rising sun, there occurred to him in the gloomy change of
his thoughts some of the old melodies he knew by heart. He found
himself in the swell of the distance, towards which he had often gazed
from the neighboring mountains, where he had often wished himself in
vain, and which he had painted to himself with peculiar colors. He was
on the point of dipping himself in its blue flood. The wonderful flower
stood before him, and he looked towards Thuringia, which he now left
behind him, with the strong idea, that he was returning to his
fatherland, after long wanderings from the country, towards which they
now were travelling, and as if in reality he was journeying homewards.

The company, which at first had been silent from similar causes, began
by degrees to wake up, and to shorten the time by various conversation
and stories. Henry's mother felt it her duty to rouse him from the
dreamings, in which she saw him sunken; and began to tell him of her
father's land, of her father's house, and of the pleasant life in
Swabia. The merchants joined in, and confirmed what his mother said.
They praised the hospitality of the old man Swaning, and could not
sufficiently extol the beauteous fair ones of the country of their
travelling companion.

"You do well," said they, "in taking your son thither. The customs of
your native country are of the most refined and pleasing character.
They know how to attend to what is useful, without despising the
agreeable. Every one endeavors to satisfy his wants in a social and
charming way. The merchant is well treated and respected. The arts and
mechanics are increased and ennobled; work appears easier to the
industrious man, because it helps him to many pleasures, and because,
as a reward for steady industry, he is sure to enjoy the manifold
fruits of various and profitable employments. Money, industry, and
goods reciprocally produce each other, and float along in busy circles.
The country, as well as the cities, flourishes. The more industriously
the day is employed, the more exclusively is the evening devoted to the
charming pleasures drawn from the fine arts, and to social intercourse.
The mind seeks recreation and change; and where could it find it more
proper or more attractive, than in those unchecked diversions, and in
those productions of its noblest power, the power of embodying its
conceptions into realities. Nowhere can you have such sweet singers, or
find such excellent painters, or see in the dancing halls more graceful
movements or lovelier forms. The neighborhood of Switzerland is
distinguished for the ease of its manners and conversation. Your race
adorns society; and without fear of being talked about, can excite by
their charming behavior a lively emulation to chain the attention. The
stern fortitude and the wild jovialty of the men make room for a mild
vivacity and a tender and modest joy, and love in a thousand forms
becomes the leading spirit of their happy companies. Far is it from the
truth, that dissoluteness or unseemly principles are by this course of
conduct developed. It seems as if the evil spirit shunned the approach
of innocent or graceful amusements, and certainly there are in no part
of Germany more irreproachable maidens, or more faithful wives, than in
Swabia.

"Yes, my young friend, in the clear, warm air of southern Germany you
will soon lay aside your bashfulness; the youthful maidens will soon
render you easy and talkative. Your name alone, as a stranger and as a
relative of the old Swaning, who is the delight of every pleasant
company, will attract the pleasant gaze of the maidens towards you; and
if you follow the will of your grandfather, you will certainly bring to
our native city, as did your father, an ornament in the form of a
lovely woman."

Henry's mother thanked them with a modest blush, for their
distinguished praise bestowed on her fatherland, and for their good
opinion of her countrywomen. Henry, full of thought, could not help
listening attentively and with heart-felt pleasure to the description
of the land, which he saw before him.

"Although you do not take up your father's trade," continued the
merchants, "but rather, as we have been told, spend your time in the
pursuit of knowledge, yet you need not become one of the clergy, or
renounce the pleasantest enjoyments of this life. It is bad enough that
all learning is in the hands of an order, so separated from worldly
life, and that the rulers are counselled by such unsociable and really
inexperienced men. In solitude, where they have no share in worldly
affairs, their thoughts must take a useless turn, and cannot be applied
to everyday concerns. In Swabia you can find both wise and experienced
men among the laity, and you need only choose what branch of human
knowledge you prefer; for you cannot want there good teachers and
advisers."

After a while Henry, whose thoughts had been led by this conversation
to the old court-preacher, said; "Although ignorant as I am of the real
condition of the world, I do not exactly rebel against your opinion, as
to the ability of the clergy to guide and judge of worldly affairs;
yet I hope I may be permitted to put you in mind of our excellent
court-preacher, who certainly is a pattern of a wise man, and whose
instructions and counsels I can never forget."

"We revere with our whole hearts," replied the merchants, "that
excellent man; but we can agree with your opinion, only so far as you
speak of that wisdom, which concerns a life well pleasing to God. If
you consider him as wise in worldly affairs, as he is experienced and
learned in spiritual concerns, permit us to disagree with you. Yet we
do not believe that the holy man deserves any less praise, because by
the depth of his knowledge of the spiritual world, he is unable to gain
insight into and an understanding of earthly things."

"But," said Henry, "is it not possible that that higher knowledge would
fit you to guide impartially the reins of human affairs? May it not be
possible that childlike and natural simplicity more safely travels the
road through the labyrinth of human affairs, than that wild, wandering,
and partially restrained wisdom, which considers its own interest, and
which is blinded by the unspeakable variety and perplexity of present
occurrences? I do not know, but it seems to me, that there are two
ways, by which to arrive at a knowledge of the history of man; the one
laborious and boundless, the way of experience; the other apparently
but one leap, the way of internal reflection. The wanderer of the first
must find out one thing from another by wearisome reckoning; the
wanderer of the second perceives the nature of everything and
occurrence directly by their very essence, views all things in their
continually varying connexions, and can easily compare one with
another, like figures on a slate. You will pardon me, that I address
you, as it were, from my childish dreams; nothing could have emboldened
me to speak but my confidence in your kindness, and the remembrance of
my teacher, who for a long time has pointed the second way out to me as
his own."

"We willingly grant you," said the kind merchants, "that we are not
able to follow your train of thought; yet it pleases us that you so
warmly remember your excellent teacher, and treasure up so well his
lessons. It seems to us that you have a talent for poetry, you speak
your fancies out so fluently, and you are so full of choice expressions
and apt comparisons. You are also inclined to the wonderful,--the
poet's element."

"I do not know whence it comes," said Henry; "I have heard poets spoken
of before now; but have never yet seen one. I cannot even form an idea
of their curious art; but yet have a great desire to hear about it. I
feel that I wish to know many things, of which dark hints only are in
my mind. I have often heard people speak of poems, but I have never yet
seen one, and my teacher never had occasion to learn the art. Nor have
I been able to comprehend everything that he has told me concerning it.
Yet he always considered it a noble art, to which I would devote myself
entirely, if I should become acquainted with it. In old times it was
much more common than now, and every one had some knowledge of it,
though in different degrees; moreover it was the sister of other arts
now lost. He thought that divine favor had highly honored the
minstrels, so that inspired by spiritual intercourse, they had been
able to proclaim heavenly wisdom upon earth in entrancing tones."

The merchants then said; "We have in truth not troubled ourselves much
with the secrets of the poets, though we have often listened with
pleasure to their songs. Perhaps it is true that no man is a poet,
unless he is born under a particular star, for there is something
curious in this respect about this art. The other arts are very
different from it, and much easier to comprehend. The secrets of
painters and musicians can much more easily be imagined; and both can
be learned with industry and patience. The sound lies already in the
strings, and ability is all that is wanting, in order to move them, and
stir up each into a delightful harmony. In painting, nature is the best
instructress. She brings forth numberless beautiful and wonderful
forms, gives to them color, light, and shade; and a practised hand, an
exact eye, and a knowledge of the preparation and mixing of colors can
imitate nature to the life. How natural for us then to comprehend the
effect of these arts, and the pleasure derived from their productions.
The song of the nightingale, the whistling of the wind, and the
splendors of light, color, and form please us, because they strike our
senses agreeably; and as our senses are fitted for this by nature,
which also has the same effect, so must the artful imitation of nature
please us also. Nature herself will also draw enjoyment from the power
of art, and thence has she changed into man, and thus she now rejoices
herself over her noble splendors, separates what is agreeable and
lovely, and brings it forth by itself in such a way, that she can
possess and enjoy it in all ways and at all times and places. In the
art of poetry, on the contrary, there is nothing tangible to be met
with. It creates nothing with tools and hands. The eye and the ear
perceive it not; for the mere hearing of the words has no real
influence in this secret art. It is all internal; and as other artists
fill the external senses with agreeable emotions, so in like manner the
poet fills the internal sanctuary of the mind with new, wonderful, and
pleasing thoughts. He knows how to awaken at pleasure the secret powers
within us, and by words gives us force to see into an unknown and
glorious world. Ancient and future times, innumerable men, strange
countries, and the most singular events rise up within us, as from deep
hiding places, and tear us away from the known present. We hear strange
words and know not their import. The language of the poet stirs, up a
magic power; even ordinary words flow forth in charming melody, and
intoxicate the fast-bound listener."

"You change every curiosity into ardent impatience," said Henry. "I
cannot hear enough of these strange men. It seems to me all at once, as
if I had heard them spoken of somewhere in my earliest youth; but I can
remember nothing more about it. But what you have said to me is very
clear and easy to comprehend, and you give me great pleasure by your
beautiful descriptions."

"It is with pleasure," continued the merchants, "that we have looked
back upon the many pleasant hours we have spent in Italy, France, and
Swabia in the society of minstrels, and we are glad that you take so
lively an interest in our discourse about them. In travelling through
so many mountains, there is a double delight in conversation, and the
time passes pleasantly away. Perhaps you would be pleased to hear some
of the pretty tales concerning poets, that we have learned in our
travels. Of the poems themselves, which we have heard, we can say but
little, both because the pleasure and charm of the moment prevent the
memory from retaining much; and because our constant occupations in
business destroy many such recollections.

"In olden times, all nature must have been more animate and spiritual
than now. Operations, which now animals scarcely seem to notice, and
which men alone in reality feel and enjoy, then put animate bodies into
motion; and it was thus possible for men of art to perform wonders and
produce appearances, which now seem wholly incredible and fabulous.
Thus it is said that there were poets in very ancient times, in the
regions of the present Greek empire, (as travellers, who have
discovered these things by traditions among the common people there,
have informed us,) who by the wonderful music of their instruments
stirred up a secret life in the woods, those spirits hidden in their
trunks; who gave life to the dead seeds of plants in waste and desert
regions, and called blooming gardens into existence; who tamed savage
beasts, and accustomed wild men to order and civilization; who brought
forth the tender affections, and the arts of peace, changed raging
floods into mild waters, and even tore away the rocks in dancing
movements. They are said to have been at the same time soothsayers and
priests, legislators and physicians, whilst even the spirits above were
drawn down by their bewitching song, and revealed to them the mysteries
of futurity, the balance and natural arrangement of all things, the
inner virtues and healing powers of numbers, of plants, and of all
creatures. Then first appeared the varied melody, the peculiar harmony
and order, which breathe through all nature; while before all was in
confusion, wild and hostile. And here one thing is to be noticed; that
although these beautiful traces for the recollection of these men
remain, yet has their art, or their delicate sensibility to the
beauties of nature been lost. Among other occurrences, it once happened
that one of this peculiar class of poets or musicians,--although music
and poetry may be considered as pretty much the same thing, like mouth
and ear, of which the first is only a movable and answering ear,--that
once this poet wished to cross the sea to a foreign land. He had with
him many jewels and costly articles, which he had received as tributes
of gratitude. He found a ship ready to sail, and easily agreed upon a
price for his passage. But the splendor and beauty of his treasures so
excited the avarice of the sailors, that they resolved among themselves
to take him, throw him overboard, and afterwards to divide his goods
with each other. Accordingly, when they were far from land, they fell
upon him, and told him that he must die, because they had resolved to
cast him into the sea. He begged them to spare his life in the most
touching terms, offered them his treasures as a ransom, and prophesied
that great misfortunes would overtake them, should they take his life.
But they were not to be moved, being fearful lest he should sometime
reveal their wickedness. When he saw at last that their resolution was
taken, he prayed them that at least they would suffer him to play his
swan song, after which he would willingly plunge into the sea, with his
poor, wooden instrument, before their eyes. They knew very well that,
should they once hear his magic song, their hearts would be softened
and overwhelmed with repentance; therefore they granted his last
request indeed, but stopped their ears, that not hearing his song, they
might abide by their resolution. Thus it happened. The minstrel began a
beautiful song, pathetic beyond conception. The whole ship accorded,
the waters resounded, the sun and the stars appeared at once in the
sky, and the inhabitants of the deep issued from the green flood about
them, in dancing hosts. The people of the ship stood alone by
themselves, with hostile intent waiting impatiently for the end of his
song. It was soon finished. Then the minstrel plunged with serene brow
down the dark abyss, carrying with him his wonder-working instrument.
Scarcely had he touched the glittering wave, when a monster of the deep
rose up beneath him, and quickly bore the astonished minstrel away. It
swam directly to the shore whither he had been journeying, and landed
him gently among the rushes. The poet sang a song of gratitude to his
saviour, and joyfully went his way. Sometime after the occurrence of
these events, he again visited the seashore, and lamented in sweetest
tones his lost treasures, which had been dear to him as remembrances of
happier hours, and as tokens of love and gratitude. While he was thus
singing, his old friend came swimming joyfully through the waves, and
rolled from his back upon the sand the long-lost treasures. The
boatmen, after the minstrel had leaped into the sea, began immediately
to divide the spoil. During the division a murderous quarrel arose
between them, which cost many of them their lives. The few that
remained were not able to navigate the vessel; it struck the shore and
foundered. They with difficulty saved their lives, and reached the
beach with torn garments and empty hands. Thus by the aid of the
grateful sea-monster, who had gathered them up from the bottom of the
sea, the treasures came into the hands of their original possessor."
[See Note I. at the end.]




                              CHAPTER III.


There is another story, continued the merchants after a pause,
certainly less wonderful and taken from later times, which yet may
please you and give you a clearer insight into the operations of that
wonderful art. There was once an old king, whose court was the most
splendid of his age. People streamed thither from far and near, in
order to share in the splendor of his mode of life. There was not
wanting the greatest abundance of costly delicacies at his daily
entertainments. There was music, splendid decorations, a thousand
different dramatic representations, with other amusements to pass away
the time. Nor did intellect fail to be represented there in the persons
of sage, pleasant, and learned men, who added to the entertainment and
inspiration of the conversation. Finally, there were added many chaste
and beautiful youth of both sexes, who constituted the real soul of the
charming festivals. The old king, otherwise a strict and stern man,
entertained two inclinations, which were the true causes of the
splendor of his court, and to which it owed its thanks for its
beautiful arrangement. The first of these inclinations was his love for
his daughter, who was infinitely dear to him, as a pledge of the love
of his wife, who had died in her youth, and to whom, for her marvellous
loveliness, he would have sacrificed all the treasures of nature, and
all the powers of human minds, in order to create for her a heaven upon
earth. The other was a real passion for poesy and her masters. He had
from his youth read the works of the poets with heart-felt delight, and
had spent much labor and great sums of money in the collection of the
poetical works of every tongue, and the society of minstrels was
especially dear to him. He invited them from all quarters to his court,
and loaded them with honors. He never grew wearied with their songs,
and for the sake of some new and splendid production often forgot the
most important business affairs, and even the necessaries of life.
Amidst such strains had his daughter grown up, and her soul became, as
it were, a tender song, the artless expression of longing and of
sadness. The beneficent influence, which the protected and honored
poets exerted, showed itself through the whole land, but particularly
at the court. Life, like some precious potion, was enjoyed in lingering
and gentle draughts, and in its purer pleasures; because all low and
hateful passions were shunned, as jarring discords to the harmony which
ruled all minds. Peace of soul, and beautiful contemplations of a
self-created happy world, had become the possession of this wonderful
time, and dissension appeared only in the old legends of the poets, as
a former enemy of man. It seemed as if the spirits of song could have
given no lovelier token of their gratitude to their protector, than his
daughter, who possessed all that the sweetest imagination could unite
in the tender form of a fair maiden. When you beheld her at the
beautiful festivals, amid a band of charming companions in glittering
white dress, intensely listening to the rival songs of the inspired
minstrels, and with blushes placing the fragrant garland around the
locks of the happy one, who had won the prize, you would have taken her
for the beautiful and embodied spirit of this art, conspiring with its
magic language; and you would cease to wonder at the ecstasies and
melodies of the poets.

Yet a mysterious fate seemed to be at work in the midst of this earthly
paradise; The sole concern of the people of that country was about the
marriage of the blooming princess, upon which the continuation of their
blissful times, and the fate of the whole land, depended. The king was
growing old. This care lay heavy at his heart; and yet no opening for
marriage showed itself, that was agreeable to the wishes of all. A holy
reverence for the royal family forbade any subject to harbor the idea
of proposing for the hand of the princess. She was hardly regarded as a
creature of this earth, and all the princes, who had appeared at court
with proposals, seemed so inferior to her, that no one thought that the
princess or the king could fix their eye on any one of them. A sense of
inferiority had by degrees deterred any suitors from visiting the
court, and the wide-spread report of the excessive pride of the royal
family seemed to take away from all others the desire to see themselves
equally humbled. Nor was this report entirely without foundation. The
king, with all his mildness of disposition, had almost unconsciously
imbibed a feeling of lofty superiority, which rendered every thought of
a connexion of his daughter with a man of lower rank and obscurer
origin unendurable and impossible to be entertained. Her high and
unparalleled worth had heightened this feeling within him. He was
descended from a very old royal family of the East. His consort had
been the last of the descendants of the renowned hero Rustan. His
minstrels continually sang to him of his relationship to those
superhuman beings, who formerly ruled the world. In the magic mirror of
their art the difference between the origin of his family and that of
other men, and the splendor of his descent, appeared yet clearer, so
that it seemed to him that he was connected with the rest of the human
family through the nobler class of the poets alone. He looked around in
vain for a second Rustan, whilst he felt that the heart of his blooming
daughter, the situation of his kingdom, and his increasing age rendered
her marriage, in all points of view, most desirable. Not far from the
capital, there lived, upon a retired country-seat, an old man, who
occupied himself exclusively with the education of his only son, except
that he occasionally assisted the country people by his advice in cases
of dangerous sickness. The young man was of a serious disposition, and
devoted himself exclusively to the study of nature, in which his father
had instructed him from childhood. The old man many years before had
arrived from a distance at this peaceful and blooming region, and was
content while enjoying the beneficent peace, which the king had spread
abroad through this retreat. He took advantage of this peace to search
into the powers of nature, and impart the piecing knowledge to his son,
who gave evidence of much talent for the pursuit, and to whose
penetrating mind nature willingly confided her secrets. Without a lofty
power of understanding, the secret expression of his noble face, and
the peculiar brilliancy of his eyes, you would have called the
appearance of this youth ordinary and insignificant. But the longer you
gazed upon him, the more attractive he became; and you could scarcely
tear yourself from him, when you had once beard his soft impressive
voice, and the utterances which his glorious talents prompted. One day,
the princess, whose pleasure-garden adjoined the forest, which
concealed the country house of the old man in a little valley, had
betaken herself thither alone on horseback, that she might follow out
her fancies undisturbed, and sing to herself her favorite songs. The
fresh air of the lofty trees enticed her gradually deeper into their
shade, until at last she came to the house where the old man lived with
his son. Happening to feel thirsty, she alighted, fastened the horse to
a tree, and stepped into the house, to ask for a glass of milk. The son
was present, and was well nigh confounded by the enchanting appearance
of a majestic female form, which seemed almost immortal, adorned as it
was by all the charms of youth and beauty, and by that indescribable
fascinating transparency, revealing the tender, innocent, and noble
soul. While he hastened to gratify her desire, the old man addressed
her with modest respect, and invited her to be seated at their simple
hearth, which was placed in the middle of the house, and on which there
glimmered noiselessly a light blue flame. Immediately on entering, the
princess was struck with the varied ornaments of the room, the order
and cleanliness of the whole, and the peculiar sanctity of the place;
and her impression was heightened yet more by the venerable appearance
of the old man, poorly clad as he was, and by the modest behavior of
the son. The former recognised her immediately as a lady of the court,
judging this from her costly dress and noble carriage. While the son
was absent, the princess asked him about some curiosities which had
caught her eye, and especially concerning some old and singular
pictures, which stood at her side over the hearth, and which he kindly
undertook to explain to her. The son soon returned with a pitcher of
fresh milk, which he artlessly and respectfully handed her. After some
interesting conversation with the hosts, she gracefully thanked them
for their hospitality, and with blushes asked the old man's permission
to visit his house again, that she might enjoy his instructive
conversation concerning his wonderful curiosities. She then rode back
without having divulged her rank, as she noticed that neither the
father nor the son knew her. Although the capital was situated thus
near, they were both so buried in their studies, that they strove to
shun the busy world; and the young man had never been seized with the
desire of being present at the festivities of the court. He had never
been accustomed to leave his father alone for more than an hour at the
utmost, while roaming through the woods searching for insects and
plants, and sharing the inspiration of the mute spirit of nature
through the influence of its various outward charms. The simple
occurrences of this day were equally important to the old man, the
princess, and the youth. The first easily perceived the novel and deep
impression, which the unknown lady had made upon his son. He knew his
character perfectly, and was fully aware that such a deep impression
would last as long as his life. His youth, and the nature of his heart,
would of necessity render the first feeling of this nature an
unconquerable passion. The old man had for a long time looked forward
to such an occurrence. The exceeding loveliness of the stranger excited
an involuntary sympathy in the soul of his son, and his unsuspicious
mind harbored no troublesome anxiety about the issue of this singular
adventure. The princess had never been conscious of experiencing such
emotions as arose in her mind, while riding slowly homeward. She could
form no exact idea of the curiously mixed, wondrously stirring feelings
of a new existence. A magical veil was spread in wide folds over her
clear consciousness. It seemed to her that, when it should be
withdrawn, she would find herself in a more spiritual world than this.
The recollection of the art of poetry, which hitherto had occupied her
whole soul, seemed now like a far distant song, connecting her
peculiarly delightful dream with the past. When she reached the palace,
she was almost frightened at its varied splendor, and yet more at the
welcome of her father, for whom for the first time in her life she
experienced a distant respect. She thought it impossible for her to
mention her adventure to him. Her other companions were too much
accustomed to her reveries, and her deep abstractions of thought and
fancy, to notice anything extraordinary in her conduct. She seemed now
to lose some of her affable sweetness of disposition. She felt as if
she were among strangers, and a peculiar anxiety harassed her until
evening, when the joyful song of some minstrel, who chanted the praises
of hope, and sang with magic inspiration of the wonders which follow
faith in the fulfilment of our wishes, filled her with consolation, and
lulled her with the sweetest dreams.

As soon as the princess had taken leave, the youth plunged into the
forest. He had followed her among the bushes as far as the garden gate,
and then sought to return by the road. As he was walking along, he saw
some bright object shining before his feet. He stooped and picked up a
dark red stone, one side of which was wonderfully brilliant, and the
other was graved with ciphers. He knew it to be a costly carbuncle, and
thought that he had observed it in the middle of the necklace which the
unknown lady wore. He hastened with winged footsteps home, as if she
were yet there, and brought the stone to his father. They decided that
the son should return next morning to the road, and see whether any one
was sent to look for it; if not, they would keep it till they received
a second visit from the lady, and then return it to her. The young man
passed much of the night gazing at the carbuncle, and felt towards
morning irresistibly inclined to write a few words upon the paper in
which he wrapt it. He hardly knew himself the meaning of the words
which he wrote:

     A mystic token deeply graved is beaming
     Within the glowing crimson of the stone,
     Like to a heart, that, lost in pleasant dreaming,
     Keepeth the image of the fair unknown.
     A thousand sparks around the gem are streaming,
     A softened radiance in the heart is thrown;
     From that, the light's indwelling essence darts.
     But ah, will this too have the heart of hearts?

As soon as the morning dawned, he took his way in haste to the garden
gate.

In the mean while the princess in undressing on the previous evening,
had missed the jewel from her necklace. It was a memento from her
mother, and moreover a talisman, the possession of which insured to her
the liberty of her person, since with it she could never fall into
another's power against her will.

This loss surprised more than it frightened her. She remembered that
she had it the day before when riding, and was quite certain that it
was lost, either in the house of the old man, or on the way back
through the woods. She still remembered the exact road she had taken,
and concluded to go in search of it as soon as the day should break.
This idea caused her so much joy, that it seemed as if she was not at
all sorry for her loss, in the good pretence it gave to take the same
road once more. At daybreak she passed through the garden to the
forest; as she walked with unwonted speed, it was natural that her
bosom should feel oppressed, and her heart beat faster than usual. The
sun was beginning to gild the tops of the old trees, which moved with a
gentle whispering, as if they would waken each other from their drowsy
night-faces, in order to greet the sun together; when the princess,
startled by a rustling at some distance, looked down the road, and saw
the young man hastening towards her. He at the same time observed her.

He remained a while standing as if enchained, and gazed fixedly upon
her, as if to assure himself that her appearance was real and no
illusion. They greeted each other with subdued expressions of joy at
their meeting, as if they had long known and loved each other. Before
the princess could explain to him the reason of her early walk, he
handed her with blushes and a beating heart the stone in the inscribed
billet. It seemed as if the princess anticipated the meaning of the
lines. She took the billet silently and with a trembling hand, and
almost unconsciously hung a golden chain, which she wore about her
neck, upon him, as a reward for his fortunate discovery. He knelt
abashed before her, and could hardly find words to answer her inquiries
about his father. She told him in a half whisper, and with downcast
eyes, that she would with pleasure soon visit them again, and take
advantage of his father's promise to make her acquainted with his
curiosities.

She thanked the young man again with unusual feeling, and returned
slowly on her way without once looking back. The youth was speechless.
He bowed respectfully and gazed after her for a long time, until she
vanished behind the trees. In a few days she visited them again, and
after this her visits became frequent. The youth by degrees became the
companion of her walks. He accompanied her from the garden at an
appointed hour, and escorted her back again. She observed a strict
silence with respect to her rank, confiding as she otherwise was to her
attendant, from whom no thought of her heavenly soul was ever hidden.
The loftiness of her descent seemed to pour a secret fear into her. The
young man gave up to her likewise his whole soul. Both father and son
considered her a maiden of quality from the court. She clung to the old
man with the tenderness of a daughter. Her caresses lavished upon him
were the rapturous prophets of her tenderness towards his son. She was
soon perfectly at home in the wonderful house; and while she sang to
her lute her charming song with an unearthly voice, the old man and the
son sitting at her feet, the latter of whom she instructed in the
divine art; she learned on the other hand from his inspired lips the
solution of those riddles, which everywhere abound in the secrets of
nature. He taught her how by a mysterious sympathy the world had
arisen, and the stars been united in their harmonious order. The
history of the past became clear to her mind from his holy fables; and
how delightful it became, when in the height of his inspiration her
scholar seized the lute, and broke out with incredible skill into the
most admirable songs. One day, when seized by a peculiar romance of
feeling, she was in his company, and her powerful, long-cherished love
overcame at returning her customary, maiden timidity; they both almost
unconsciously sank into each other's arms, and the first glowing kiss
melted them into one forever. As the sun was setting, the roaring of
the trees gave notice of a mighty tempest. Threatening thunder-clouds
with their deep, night-like darkness gathered over them. The young man
hastened to carry his charge in safety from the fearful hurricane and
the crashing branches. But through the darkness and his fear for his
beloved, he missed the road, and plunged deeper and deeper into the
forest. His fear increased when he perceived his mistake. The princess
thought of the terror of the king and of the court. An unutterable
anxiety pierced at times like a consuming ray into her soul; and the
voice of her lover, who continually spoke consolation to her heart,
alone restored courage and confidence, and eased her oppressed bosom.

The storm raged on; all endeavors to find the road were in vain, and
they both thought themselves fortunate, when, by a flash of lightning,
they discovered a cave near at hand on the declivity of a woody hill,
where they hoped to find a safe refuge from the dangers of the tempest,
and a resting place from their fatigue. Fortune realized their wishes.
The cave was dry and overgrown with clean moss. The young man quickly
lighted a fire of brushwood and moss, by which they could dry their
garments; and the two lovers saw themselves thus strangely separated
from the world, saved from a dangerous situation, and alone at each
other's side in a warm and comfortable shelter.

A wild almond branch, loaded with fruit, hung down into the cave; and a
neighboring stream of trickling water quenched their thirst. The youth
had preserved his lute; and now they were entertained by its consoling
and cheering music, as they sat by the crackling fire. A higher power
seemed to have taken upon itself to loosen the knot more quickly, and
to have brought them under peculiar circumstances into this romantic
situation. The innocence of their hearts, the magic harmony of their
minds, the united, irresistible power of their sweet passion, and their
youth, soon made them forget the world and their relations to it, and
lulled them, under the bridal song of the tempest and the nuptial
torches of the lightning, into the sweetest intoxication, by which a
mortal couple ever has been blessed. The break of the light blue
morning was to them the awakening of a new, blissful world.
Nevertheless a stream of hot tears, which soon gushed forth from the
eyes of the princess, revealed to her lover the thousand-fold
anxieties, which were awakening in her heart. In one night he had grown
old in years, and had passed from youth to manhood. With an inspiring
enthusiasm, he consoled his mistress, reminded her of the holiness of
true love, and of the high faith which it inspired, and prayed her to
look forward with confidence from the good spirit of her heart to the
brightest future. The princess felt that his consolation was founded on
truth, revealed to him that she was the daughter of the king, and that
she feared only on account of the pride and anxiety of her father.
After mature consideration, they concluded what course to pursue, and
the young man immediately started to seek his father, and to make him
acquainted with their plan. He promised to be with her again soon, and
left her lost in sweet imaginings of what would be the issue of these
occurrences. The youth soon reached the dwelling of his father, who was
right glad to see his son return to him in safety. He listened to the
story and the plans of the lovers, and seemed willing to assist them.
His house was retired, and contained some subterraneous chambers, which
could not easily be discovered. Here the princess was to dwell. She was
brought thither at twilight, and received by the old man with deep
emotion. She afterwards often wept in her solitude, when her thoughts
reverted to her mourning father; yet she concealed her grief from her
lover, and told it only to the old man, who consoled her kindly, and
painted to her imagination her early return to her father.

In the mean time the court had fallen into the greatest alarm, when, at
evening, the princess was missing. The king was entirely beside
himself, and sent people in every direction to seek her. No man could
explain her absence. No one mistrusted that she was entangled in a love
affair, and therefore an elopement was not thought of. Moreover no
other person of the court was missing, nor was there any cause for the
remotest suspicion. The messengers returned without having accomplished
anything, and the king sank into the deepest dejection. It was only at
evening, when his minstrels came before him, bringing with them their
beautiful songs, that his former pleasure appeared renewed to him; his
daughter seemed near him, and he conceived the hope that he should soon
behold her again. But when he was again alone, his heart seemed like to
break, and he wept aloud. Then he thought within himself; "of what
advantage to me now is all this splendor and my high birth? Without
her, even these songs are mere words and delusions. She was the charm
that gave them life and joy, power and form. Would rather that I were
the lowest of my subjects. Then my daughter would still be with me;
perhaps also I should have a son-in-law, and my grandson would sit upon
my knees; then indeed I should be another king than I am now. It is not
the crown or the kingdom that makes the king; it is the full,
overflowing feeling of happiness, the satiety of earthly possessions,
the consciousness of perfect satisfaction and content. In this way am I
now punished for my pride. The loss of my wife did not sufficiently
humble me; but now my misery is boundless." Thus complained the king in
his hours of ardent longing. Yet at times his old austerity and pride
broke forth. He was angry with his own complaints; he would endure and
be silent as becomes a king. He thought even then that he suffered more
than all others, and that royalty was burdened with heavy care; but
when it became darker, and stepping into the chamber of his daughter he
beheld her clothes hanging there, and her little effects scattered
around, as if she had but a moment before left the chamber; then he
forgot his resolutions, exhibited all the gestures of sorrow, and
called upon his lowest servant for sympathy. All the city and country
wept and condoled with him, with their whole hearts. It is worthy of
remark, that it was noised abroad that the princess yet lived, and
would soon return with a husband. No one knew whence this report arose;
but every one clung to it with joyous belief, and awaited her return
with impatient expectation. Thus several months passed on, until spring
again drew nigh. "What will you wager," said some of sanguine
disposition, "that the princess will not return also?" Even the king
grew more serene and hopeful. The report seemed to him like a promise
from some kind power. The accustomed festivals were again renewed, and
nought seemed wanting but the princess to fill up the bloom of their
former splendor. One evening, exactly a year from the time when she
disappeared, the whole court was assembled in the garden. The air was
warm and serene; and no sound was heard but that of the gentle wind in
the tops of the old trees, announcing, as it were, the approach of some
far off joy. A mighty fountain, arising amid the torches, which with
their innumerable lights relieved the duskiness of the sighing
tree-tops, accompanied the varied songs with melodious murmurs sounding
through the forest. The king sat upon a costly carpet, and the court in
festal dress was gathered around him. The multitude filled the garden,
and encircled the splendid scene. The king at this moment was sitting
plunged in profound thought. The image of his lost daughter appeared
before him with unwonted clearness. He thought of the happy days, which
ended with the last year about that time. A burning desire overpowered
him, and the tears flowed fast down his venerable cheeks; yet he
experienced a hope, as clear as it was unusual. It seemed as if the
past year of sorrow were but a heavy dream, and he raised his eyes as
if seeking her lofty, holy, captivating form amidst the people and the
trees. The minstrel had just ended, and deep silence gave evidence of
deep emotion; for the poets had sung of the joys of meeting, of spring,
and of the future, as hope is accustomed to adorn them.

The silence was suddenly interrupted by the low sound of an unknown but
beautiful voice, which seemed to proceed from an aged oak. All looks
were directed towards it, and a young man in simple, but peculiar
dress, was seen standing with a lute upon his arm. He continued his
song, yet saluted the king, as he turned his eyes towards him, with a
profound, bow. His voice was remarkably fine, and the song of a nature
strange and wonderful. He sang the origin of the world, the stars,
plants, animals, and men, the all-powerful sympathy of nature; the
remote age of gold, and its rulers Love and Poesy; the appearance of
hatred and barbarism, and their battles with these beneficient
goddesses; and finally, the future triumph of the latter, the end of
affliction, the renovation of nature, and the return of an eternal
golden age. Even, the old minstrels, wrapped in ecstasy, drew nearer to
the singular stranger. A charm, they had never before felt, seized all
listeners, and the king was carried away in feeling, as upon a tide
from Heaven. Such music had never before been heard. All thought that a
heavenly being had appeared among them; and especially so, because the
young man appeared, during his song, continually to grow more beautiful
and resplendent, and his voice more powerful. The gentle wind played
with his golden locks. The lute in his hands seemed inspired, and
it was as if his intoxicated gaze pierced into a secret world. The
child-like innocence and simplicity of his face appeared to all
transcendant. Now the glorious strain was finished. The elder poets
pressed the young man to their bosoms with tears of joy. A silent
inward exultation shot through the whole assembly. The king, filled
with emotion, approached him. The young man threw himself reverently at
his feet. The king raised him up, embraced him, and bade him ask for
any gift. Then, with glowing cheeks he prayed the king to listen to
another song, and to decide as to his request. The king stepped a few
paces back, and the young stranger began:--

   Through many a rugged, thorny pass,
   With tattered robe, the minstrel wends;
   He toils through flood and deep morass,
   Yet none a helping hand extends.
   Now lone and pathless, overflows
   With bitter plaint his wearied heart;
   Trembling beneath his lute he goes,
   And vanquished by a deeper smart.

   There is to me a mournful lot,
   Deserted quite I wander here;--
   Delight and peace to all I brought,
   But yet to share them none are near.
   To human life, and everything
   That mortals have, I lent a bliss;
   Yet all, with slender offering
   My heart's becoming claim dismiss.

   They calmly let me take my leave,
   As spring is seen to wander on;
   And none she gladdens, ever grieve
   When quite dejected she hath gone.
   For fruits they covetously long,
   Nor wist she sows them in her seed;
   I make a heaven for them in song,
   Yet not a prayer enshrines the deed.

   With joy I feel that from above
   Weird spirits to these lips are bann'd,
   O, that the magic tie of love
   Were also knitted to my hand!
   But none regard the pilgrim lone,
   Who needy came from distant isles;
   What heart will pity yet his own,
   And quench his grief in winning smiles?

   The lofty grass is waving, where
   He sinks with tearful cheeks to rest;
   But thither winnowing the air,
   Song-spirits seek his aching breast;
   Forgetting now thy former pain,
   Its burden early cast behind,--
   What thou in huts hast sought in vain,
   Within the palace wilt thou find.

   Awaiteth thee a high renown,
   The troubled course is ending now;
   The myrtle-wreath becomes a crown,
   Hands truest place it on thy brow.
   A tuneful heart by nature shares
   The glory that surrounds a throne;
   Up rugged steps the poet fares,
   And straight becomes the monarch's son.

So far he had proceeded in his song, and wonder held the assembly
spell-bound; when, during these stanzas, an old man with a veiled
female of noble stature, carrying in her arms a child of wondrous
beauty, who playfully eyed the assembly, and smilingly outstretched its
little hands after the diadem of the king, made their appearance and
placed themselves behind the minstrel. But the astonishment was
increased, when the king's favorite eagle, which was always about his
person, flew down from the tops of the trees with a golden headband,
which he must have stolen from the king's chamber, and hovered over the
head of the young man, so that the band fastened itself around his
tresses. The stranger was frightened for a moment; the eagle flew to
the side of the king, and left the band behind. The young man now
handed it to the child, who reached after it; and sinking upon one knee
towards the king, continued his song with agitated voice:--

   From fairy dreams the minstrel flies
   Abroad, impatient and elate;
   Beneath the lofty trees he hies
   Toward the stately palace-gate.
   Like polished steel the walls oppose,
   But over swiftly climb his strains;
   And seized by love's delicious throes,
   The monarch's child the singer gains.

   They melt in passionate embrace,
   But clang of armor bids them flee;
   Within a nightly refuge place
   They nurse the new-found ecstasy.
   In covert timidly they stay,
   Affrighted by the monarch's ire;
   And wake with every dawning day
   At once to grief and glad desire.

   Hope is the minstrel's soft refrain,
   To quell the youthful mother's tears;
   When lo, attracted by the strain,
   The king within the cave appears.
   The daughter holds in mute appeal
   The grandson with his golden hair;
   Sorrowed and terrified they kneel,
   And melts his stern resolve to air.

   And yieldeth too upon the throne
   To love and song a Father's breast;
   With sweet constraint he changes soon
   To ceaseless joy the deep unrest.
   With rich requital love returns
   The peace it lately would destroy,
   And mid atoning kisses burns
   And blossoms an Elysian joy.

   Spirit of Song! oh, hither come,
   And league with love again to bring
   The exiled daughter to her home,
   To find a father in the king!
   To willing bosom may he press
   The mother and her pleading one,
   And yielding all to tenderness,
   Embrace the minstrel as his son.

The young man, on uttering these words, which softly swelled through
the dark paths, raised with trembling hand the veil. The princess, her
eyes streaming with tears, fell at the feet of the king, and reached to
him the beauteous child. The minstrel knelt with bowed head at her
side. An anxious silence seemed to hold the breath of every one
suspended. For a few moments the king remained grave and speechless;
then he took the princess to his bosom, pressed her to himself with a
warm embrace, and wept aloud. He also raised the young man, and
embraced him with heart-felt tenderness. Exulting joy flew through the
assembly, which began to crowd eagerly around them. Taking the child,
the king raised it towards Heaven with touching devotion; and then
kindly greeted the old man. Countless tears of joy were shed. The poets
burst forth in song, and the night became a sacred festive eve of
promise to the whole land, where life henceforth was but one delightful
jubilee. No one can tell whither that land has fled. Tradition only
whispers us that mighty floods have snatched Atlantis from our eyes.




                              CHAPTER IV.


Several days' journey was accomplished without the least interruption.
The road was hard and dry, the weather refreshing and serene, and the
countries, through which they passed, fertile, inhabited, and
continually varied. The fertile Thuringian forest lay behind them. The
merchants, who had often travelled by the same road, were acquainted
with the people, and experienced everywhere the most hospitable
reception. They avoided the retired regions, and such as were infested
with robbers, or took a sufficient escort for their protection, when
obliged to travel through them. Many proprietors of the neighboring
castles were on good terms with the merchants. The latter visited them,
seeking orders for Augsburg. Much friendly hospitality was shown them,
and the old ladies with their daughters pressed around them with hearty
curiosity. Henry's mother immediately won their affection by her
good-natured complaisance and sympathy. They were rejoiced to see a
lady from the capital, who was willing to tell them new fashions, and
who taught them the recipes for many pleasant dishes. The young
Ofterdingen was praised by knights and ladies, on account of his
modesty and artless, mild behavior. The ladies lingered, too, with
pleasure upon his captivating form, which resembled the simple word of
some Unknown, which perhaps one scarcely regards, until, long after he
has gone, it gradually opens its bud, and at length presents a
beautiful flower in all the colored splendor of deeply interwoven
leaves, so that one never forgets it, nor is ever wearied of its
remembrance, but finds in it an exhaustless and ever-present treasure.
We now begin to divine the Unknown more exactly; and our presages take
form, till at once it becomes clear, that he was an inhabitant of a
higher world. The merchants received many orders, and parted from their
hosts with mutual hearty wishes, that they might see each other soon
again. In one of these castles, where they arrived towards evening, the
people were enjoying themselves right jovially. The lord of the castle
was an old soldier, who celebrated and interrupted the leisure of
peace, and the solitude of his situation, with frequent banquets; and
who, besides the tumult of war and the chase, knew no other means of
pastime, except the brimming beaker.

He received the new guests with brotherly heartiness, in the midst of
his noisy companions. The mother was conducted to the lady of the
castle. The merchants and Henry were obliged to seat themselves at the
merry table, where the beaker passed bravely around. Henry, after much
intreaty, was, in consideration of his youth, excused from pledging
every time; the merchants, on the contrary, did not find it much
against their tastes, and smacked the old Frank-wine with tolerable
gusto. The conversation turned upon the adventures of past years. Henry
listened attentively to what was said. The knights spoke of the holy
land, of the wonders of the sacred tomb, of the adventures of their
enterprise and voyage, of the Saracens in whose power some of them had
been, and of the joyous and wonderful life of field and camp. They
expressed with great animation their indignation, when they learned
that the heavenly birth-place of Christendom was in the power of the
unbelieving heathen. They exalted those great heroes, who had earned
for themselves an immortal crown, by their persevering endeavors
against this lawless people. The lord of the castle showed the rich
sword, which he had taken from their leader with his own hand, after he
had conquered his castle, slain him, and made his wife and children
prisoners, which deeds, by the permission of the emperor, were
represented on his coat of arms. All examined the splendid sword. Henry
took it and felt suddenly inspired with warlike ardor. He kissed it
with fervent devotion. The knight rejoiced at his sympathy with their
feelings. The old man embraced him, and encouraged him to devote his
hand also forever to the deliverance of the holy sepulchre, and to have
affixed to his shoulder the marvel-working cross. He was enraptured,
and seemed hardly able to release the sword. "Think, my son," cried the
old knight, "a new crusade is on the point of departure. The emperor
himself will lead our forces into the land of the morning. Throughout
all Europe the cry of the cross is sounding anew, and everywhere heroic
devotion is excited. Who knows that we may not, a year hence, be
sitting at each other's side in the great and far renowned city of
Jerusalem, as joyful conquerors, and think of home over the wine of our
fatherland? You will see here, at my house, a maiden from the holy
land. Its maidens appear very charming to us of the West; and if you
guide your sword skilfully, beauteous captives shall not be wanting."
The knights sang with a loud voice the Crusade-song, which at that time
was a favorite throughout Europe.

   The grave in heathen hands remaineth;
   The grave, wherein the Savior lay,
   Their cruel mockery sustaineth,
   And is unhallowed every day.
   Its sorrow comes in stifled plea,--
   Who saves me from this injury?

   Where bides each valorous adorer?
   The zeal of Christendom has gone!
   Where is the ancient Faith's restorer?
   Who lifts the cross and beckons on?
   Who'll free the grave and rend in twain
   The haughty foe's insulting chain?

   A holy storm o'er earth and billow
   Is rushing through the midnight hour;
   To stir the sleeper from his pillow,
   It roars round city, camp, and tower,
   In wailful cry from battlements,--
   Up, tardy Christian, get thee hence.

   Lo, angels everywhere commanding
   With solemn faces, voicelessly,--
   And pilgrims at the gates are standing
   With tearful cheeks, appealingly!
   They sadly mourn, those holy men,
   The fierceness of the Saracen.

   There breaks a red and sullen morrow
   O'er Christendom's extended field;
   The grief, that springs from love and sorrow,
   In every bosom is revealed;
   The hearth is left in sudden zeal,
   And each one grasps the cross and steel.

   The armed bands are chafing madly,
   To rescue the Redeemer's grave;
   Toward the sea they hasten gladly,
   The holy ground to reach and save.
   And children too obey the spell,
   The consecrated mass to swell.

   High waves the cross, its triumph flinging
   On scarred hosts that rally there,
   And Heaven, wide its portal swinging,
   Is all revealed in upper air;
   For Christ each warrior burns to pour
   His blood upon the sacred shore.

   To battle, Christians! God's own legion
   Attends you to the promised land,
   Nor long before the Paynim region
   Will smoke beneath His terror-hand.
   We soon shall drench in joyous mood
   The sacred grave with heathen blood.

   The Holy Virgin hovers, lying
   On angel wings, above the plain.
   Where all, by hostile weapon dying,
   Upon her bosom wake again.
   She bends with cheeks serenely bright
   Amid the thunder of the fight.

   Then over to the holy places!
   That stifled plea is never dumb!
   By prayer and conquest blot the traces,
   That mark the guilt of Christendom!
   If first the Savior's grave we gain,
   No longer lasts the heathen reign.

Henry's whole soul was in commotion. The tomb rose before him like a
youthful form, pale and stately, upon a massive stone in the midst of a
savage multitude, cruelly maltreated, and gazing with sad countenance
upon a cross, which shone in the background with vivid outlines, and
multiplied itself in the tossing waves of the ocean.

Just at this time, his mother sent for him to present him to the
knight's lady. The knights were deep in the enjoyments of the banquet,
and in their imaginations as to the impending crusade, and took no
notice of Henry's departure. He found his mother in close conversation
with the old, kindhearted lady of the castle, who welcomed him
pleasantly. The evening was serene, the sun began to decline, and
Henry, who was longing after solitude and was enticed by the golden
distance, which stole through the narrow, deep-arched windows into the
gloomy apartment, easily obtained permission to stroll beyond the
castle. He hastened, his whole soul in a state of excitement, into the
free air. He looked from the height of the old rock down into the woody
valley, through which a little rivulet brawled along, turning several
mills, the noise of which was scarcely audible from the greatness of
the elevation. Then he gazed toward the immeasurable stretch of woods
and mountain-passes, and his restlessness was calmed, the warlike
tumult died away, and there remained behind only a clear, imaginative
longing; He felt the absence of a lute, little as he knew its nature
and effects. The serene spectacle of the glorious evening soothed him
to soft fancies; the blossom of his heart revealed itself momently like
lightning-flashes. He rambled through the wild shrubbery, and clambered
over fragments of rock; when suddenly there arose from a neighboring
valley a tender and impressive song, in a female voice accompanied by
wonderful music. He was sure that it was a lute, and standing full of
admiration he heard the following song in broken German.

   If the weary heart is living
   Yet, beneath a foreign sky;
   If a pallid Hope is giving
   Fitful glimpses to the eye;
   Can I still of home be dreaming?
   Sorrow's tears adown are streaming,
   Till my heart is like to die.

   Could I myrtle-garlands braid thee,
   And the cedar's sombre hair!
   To the merry dances lead thee,
   That the youths and maidens share!
   Hadst thou seen in robes the fairest,
   Glittering with gems the rarest,
   Thy belov'd, so happy there!

   Ardent looks my walk attended,
   Suitors lowly bent the knee,
   Songs of tenderness ascended
   With the evening star to me.
   In the cherished there confiding,--
   Faith to woman, love abiding,
   Was their burden ceaselessly.

   There, around the crystal fountains
   Heaven fondly sinks to rest,
   Sighing through the wooded mountains
   By its balmy waves caressed;
   Where among the pleasure-bowers,
   Hidden by the fruits and flowers,
   Thousand motley songsters nest.

   Wide those youthful dreams are scattered!
   Fatherland lies far away!
   Long ago those trees were shattered,
   And consumed the castle gray.
   Came a savage band in motion
   Fearful like the waves of ocean,
   And Elysium wasted lay.

   Terribly the flames were gushing
   Through the air with sullen roar,
   And a brutal throng came rushing
   Fiercely mounted to the door.
   Sabres rang, and father, brother,
   Ne'er again beheld each other,--
   Us away they rudely tore.

   Though my eyes with tears are thronging,
   Still, thou distant motherland,
   They are turned, how full of longing,
   Full of love, toward thy strand!
   Thou, O child, alone dost save me
   From the thought that anguish gave me,
   Life to quench with hardy hand.

Henry heard the sobbing of a child and a soothing voice. He descended
deeper through the shrubbery, and discovered a pale, languishing girl
sitting beneath an old oak tree. A beautiful child hung crying on her
neck, and she herself was weeping; a lute lay at her side upon the
turf. She seemed a little alarmed when she saw the young stranger, who
was drawing near with a saddened countenance.

"You have probably heard my song," said she kindly. "Your face seems
familiar to me; let me think. My memory fails me, but the sight of you
awakens in me a strange recollection of joyous days. O! it appears as
if you resembled my brother, who before our disasters was separated
from us and travelled to Persia, to visit a renowned poet there.
Perhaps he yet lives and sadly sings the misfortunes of his sisters.
Would that I yet remembered some of the beautiful songs he left us! He
was noble and kind-hearted, and found his chief happiness in his lute."

The child, who was ten or twelve years old, looked at the strange youth
attentively, and clung fast to the bosom of the unhappy Zulima. Henry's
heart was penetrated with sympathy. He consoled the songstress with
friendly words, and prayed her to relate to him her history
circumstantially. She seemed not unwilling to do so. Henry seated
himself before her, and listened to her tale, interrupted as it was by
frequent tears. She dwelt principally upon the praises of her
countrymen and fatherland. She portrayed their loftiness of soul, and
their pure, strong susceptibility of life's poetry, and the wonderfully
mysterious charms of nature, She described the romantic beauties of the
fertile regions of Arabia, which lay like happy islands in the midst of
impassable, sandy wastes, refuge places for the oppressed and weary,
like colonies of Paradise,--full of fresh wells, whose streams trilled
over dense meadows and glittering stones, through venerable groves,
filled with every variety of singing birds; regions attractive also in
numerous monuments of memorable past time.

"You would look with wonder," she said, "upon the many-colored,
distinct, and curious traces and images upon the old stone slabs. They
seem to have been always well known; nor have they been preserved
without a reason. You muse and muse, you conjecture single meanings,
and become more and more curious to arrive at the deep coherence of
these old writings. Their unknown meaning excites unwonted meditation;
and even though you depart without having solved the enigmas, you have
yet made a thousand remarkable discoveries in yourself, which give to
life a new refulgence, and to the mind an ever profitable occupation.
Life, on a soil inhabited in olden time, and once glorious in its
industry, activity, and attachment to noble pursuits, has a peculiar
charm. Nature seems to have become there more human, more rational; a
dim remembrance throws back through the transparent present the images
of the world in marked outline; and thus you enjoy a twofold world,
purged by this very process from the rude and disagreeable, and made
the magic poetry and fable of the mind. Who knows whether also an
indefinable influence of the former inhabitants, now departed, does not
conspire to this end? And perhaps it is this hidden bias, that drives
men from new countries, at a certain period of their awakening, with
such a restless longing for the old home of their race, and that
emboldens them to risk their property and life, for the sake of
possessing these lands."

After a pause she continued.

"Believe not what you are told of the cruelties of my countrymen.
Nowhere are captives treated more magnanimously; and even your pilgrims
to Jerusalem were received with hospitality; only they seldom deserved
it. Most of them were worthless men, who distinguished their
pilgrimages by their evil deeds, and who, for that reason, often fell
into the hands of just revenge. How peacefully might the Christian have
visited the holy sepulchre, without being under the necessity of
commencing a terrible and useless war, which embitters everything,
spreads abroad continued misery, and which has separated forever the
land of the morning from Europe! What is there in the name of
possessor? Our rulers reverentially honored the grave of your Holy One,
whom we also consider a divine person; and how beautifully might his
sacred tomb become the cradle of a happy union, the source of an
alliance blessing all forever!"

Night overtook them during this conversation, darkness approached, and
the moon rose in quiet light from the dark forest. They descended
slowly towards the castle. Henry was full of thought, and his warlike
inspiration had entirely vanished. He observed a strange confusion in
the world; the moon assumed the appearance of a sympathizing spectator,
and raised him above the ruggedness of the earth's surface, which there
seemed so inconsiderable, however wild and insurmountable it might
appear to the wanderer below. Zulima walked silently by his side, hand
in hand with the child. Henry carried the lute. He endeavored to revive
the sinking hope of his companion, to revisit once again her home,
whilst he felt within him an earnest prompting to be her deliverer,
though in what manner he knew not. A strange power seemed to lie in his
simple words, for Zulima felt an unwonted tranquillity, and thanked him
in the most touching manner for his consolation.

The knights were yet in their cups, and the mother was engaged in
household gossip. Henry had no desire to return to the noisy hall. He
felt weary, and with his mother soon betook himself to the chamber,
that was set apart for them. He told her before he fell asleep, what
had happened, and soon sank into pleasant dreams. The merchants had
also retired betimes, and were early astir. The knights were in deep
sleep, when they started on their journey; but the lady of the house
tenderly took leave of them. Zulima had slept but little; an inward joy
had kept her awake; she made her appearance as they were departing, and
humbly but eagerly assisted the travellers. Before they started, she
brought with many tears her lute to Henry, and touchingly besought him
to take it with him as a remembrance of Zulima.

"It was my brother's lute," she said, "who gave it to me at our last
parting; it is the only property I have saved. It seemed to please you
yesterday, and you leave me an inestimable gift,--_sweet hope_. Take
this small token of my gratitude, and let it be a pledge, that you will
remember the poor Zulima. We shall certainly see each other again, and
then perhaps I shall be much happier."

Henry wept. He was unwilling to take the lute, so indispensable to her
happiness.

"Give me," said he, "the golden hand in your hair ornamented with the
strange characters, unless it be memorial of your parents, sisters, or
brothers, and take in return a veil which my mother will gladly resign
to you."

She finally yielded to his persuasions; and gave him the band, saying;

"It is my name in my mother tongue, which I myself in better times
embroidered on this band. Let it be a pleasure for you to gaze upon it,
and to think that it has bound up my hair during a long and sorrowful
period, and has grown pale with its possessor." Henry's mother loosed
the veil and gave it to her, while she embraced her with tears.




                               CHAPTER V.

After a few days' journey they arrived at a small village, situated at
the foot of some sharp hill-tops, interspersed with deep defiles. The
country in other respects was fruitful and pleasant, though the hilly
ridge presented a dead, repulsive appearance. The inn was neat, the
people attentive; and a number of men, partly travellers, partly mere
drinking guests, sat in the room entertaining themselves with various
cheer.

Our travellers mingled with them, and joined in their conversation. The
attention of the company was particularly directed to an old man
strangely dressed, who sat by a table and answered pleasantly whatever
questions of curiosity were put to him. He had come from foreign lands,
and early that day had been examining the surrounding country. He was
now explaining his business, and the discoveries he had made during the
day. The people here called him a treasure-digger. But he spoke very
modestly of his power and knowledge; yet what he said bore the impress
of quaintness and novelty. He said that he was born in Bohemia. From
his youth he had been very curious to know what might be hidden in the
mountains, whence water poured its visible springs, and where gold,
silver, and precious stones were found, so irresistibly attractive to
man. He had often in the neighboring cloister-chapel beheld their solid
light appended to the pictures and relics, and only wished that they
would speak to him in explanation of their wonderful origin. He had
indeed sometimes heard that they came from far distant regions; but had
always wondered why such treasures and jewels might not also be found
in his own land. The mountains would not be so extensive and lofty, and
so closely guarded, without some purpose; he also imagined that he had
found shining and glimmering stones upon them. He had climbed about
industriously among the clefts and caves, and had peered into their
antiquated halls and arches with unspeakable pleasure.

At length he met a traveller who told him that he must become a miner
in order to satisfy his curiosity. There were miners in Bohemia, and he
needed only descend the river for ten or twelve days, to Eula, where to
gratify his desire he had only to mention it. He waited for no further
confirmation of this, but set off on the next day. After a fatiguing
journey of several days he reached Eula.

"I cannot describe how gloriously I felt, when I saw from the hill the
piles of rock overgrown with thickets, upon which stood the board huts,
and watched the smoke-wreaths rising over the forest from the valley
below. A distant murmur increased my eager anticipations. With
incredible curiosity and full of silent reverence, I soon stood
over a steep descent, which led precipitously down into the mountain,
from among the huts. I hastened towards the valley, and soon met
some men dressed in black, with lamps in their hands, whom I not
improperly took to be miners, and to whom I told my desire with anxious
timidity. They listened to me kindly, and told me that I must go to the
smelting-houses and inquire for the overseer, who supplied the place of
director and master, and who would tell me whether I could be admitted.
They thought my request would be granted, and told me that 'good luck'
was the customary form of greeting the overseer. Full of joyous
expectations I pursued my way, constantly repeating to myself the new
and significant greeting. I found a venerable old man who received me
with kindness, and after telling him my history and my warm desire to
be instructed in his rare and mysterious art, he readily promised to
fulfil my wishes. He seemed pleased with me, and entertained me in his
own house. I could scarcely wait for the moment when I should descend
the pit, and behold myself in the long-coveted apparel. That very
evening he brought me a mining-dress, and explained to me the use of
some tools which were kept in a chamber. At evening the miners came to
him, and not a word of their conversation did I lose, however foreign
and unintelligible the chief part of their language appeared to me. The
little, however, that I seemed to understand heightened the ardor of my
curiosity, and busied me at night with strange dreams. I awoke early,
and found myself at the house of my new host, where the miners were
gradually collecting to receive orders. A little side-room was fitted
up as a chapel. A monk appeared and read mass, and afterwards
pronounced a solemn prayer, in which he invoked Heaven to give the
miners its holy protection, to assist them in their dangerous labors,
to defend them from the temptations and snares of evil spirits, and to
grant them abundant ore. I never prayed more fervently, and never
realized so vividly the deep significance of the mass. My companions
appeared to me like heroes of the lower earth, who were obliged to
encounter a thousand perils, but possessing an enviable fortune in
their precious knowledge, and prepared, by grave and silent intercourse
with the primeval children of nature, in their sombre, mystic chambers,
for the reception of heavenly gifts, and for a blessed elevation above
the world and its troubles. When the service was concluded, the
overseer, giving me a lamp and a small wooden crucifix, accompanied me
to the shaft, as we are accustomed to call the steep entrance into the
subterraneous abodes. He taught me the method of descent, acquainted me
with the necessary precautions, as well as with the names of the
various objects and divisions. He led the way, and slid down a round
beam, grasping with one hand a rope, which was knotted to a transverse
bar, and with the other his lamp. I followed his example, and in this
manner we soon reached a considerable depth. I have seldom felt so
solemnly; and the distant light glimmered like a happy star, pointing
out the path to the secret treasures of nature. We came below to a
labyrinth of paths. My kind master was ever ready to answer my
inquisitive questions, and to teach me concerning his art. The roaring
of the water, the distance from the inhabited surface, the darkness and
intricacy of the paths, and the distant hum of the working miners,
delighted me extremely, and I joyfully felt myself in full possession
of all that for which I had most ardently sighed. This complete
satisfaction of our innate taste, this wonderful delight in things
which perhaps have an intimate relation to our secret being, and in
occupations for which one is destined from the cradle, cannot be
explained or described. Perhaps they might appear to every one else
common, insignificant, and unpleasant; but they seemed to me necessary
as air to the lungs, or food to the stomach. My good master was pleased
at my inward delight, and promised me that, with such zeal and
attention, I should advance rapidly and become an able miner. With what
reverence did I behold for the first time in my life, on the sixteenth
of March, more than five-and-forty years ago, the king of metals in
small, delicate leaves between the fissures of the rocks! It seemed as
if, having been doomed here to close captivity, it glittered kindly
towards, the miner, who with so many dangers and labors breaks a way to
it through its strong prison-walls, that he may remove it to the light
of day, and exalt it to the honor of royal crowns, vessels, and holy
relics, and to dominion over the world in the shape of genuine coin,
adorned with emblems, cherished by all. From that time I remained at
Eula, and advanced gradually from the business of removing the hewn
pieces of ore in baskets, to the degree of hewer, who is the real
miner, and who performs the observations upon the stone."

The old man paused a moment in his narration, and drank, while the
attentive listeners pledged his good luck, as they drained their cups.
Henry was delighted with the old man's discourse, and was desirous to
hear still more from him.

His listeners related descriptions of the dangers and strangeness of
the miner's life, and had many marvels to tell, at which the old man
often smiled, and endeavored to correct their odd representations.

After a while Henry said, "you must have experienced much that is
wonderful since then, I hope you have never repented your selection of
a mode of life. Be kind enough to tell us how you have employed
yourself since, and why you are now travelling. You must have looked
farther into the world, and I am certain that you are now something
more than a common miner."

"I take great pleasure," said the old man, "in the recollection of past
times, in which I find cause to bless the divine mercy and goodness.
Fate has led me through a joyful and serene life, and not a day has
passed, at the close of which I could not retire to rest with a
thankful heart. I have always been fortunate in my undertakings, and
our common Father in Heaven has guarded me from evil, and brought me to
a gray old age with honor. Next to him I must thank my old master for
all these blessings, who long since was gathered to his fathers, and of
whom I never can think without tears. He was a man of the old school,
after God's own heart. He was gifted with deep penetration, yet
childlike and humble in every action. Through his means mining has
become in high repute, and has helped the duke of Bohemia to immense
treasures. The whole region has become by its influence settled and
prosperous, and is now a blooming land. All the miners honored him as a
father, and as long as Eula stands, his name will be mentioned with
emotion and gratitude. His name was Werner, and he was a Lausatian by
birth. His only daughter was a mere child when I came to his house. My
industry, faithfulness, and devoted attachment daily won his affection.
He gave me his name and adopted me as his son. The little girl grew to
be an open-hearted, merry creature, whose countenance was as
beautifully clear and pure as her own mind. The old man, when he saw
that she was attached to me, that I loved to play with her, and that I
could never cease gazing at her eyes, which were as blue and open as
heaven and glittering as crystal, often told me that when I became a
worthy miner, he would not refuse her to me. He kept his word. The day
I became hewer he laid his hands upon us, blessed us as bride and
bridegroom, and a few weeks afterward I called her my wife. Early on
that day, although a mere apprentice, I struck upon a rich vein. The
Duke sent me a golden chain, with his likeness engraven on a large
medallion, and promised me the office of my father-in-law. How happy
was I when on my marriage day I hung the chain around the neck of my
bride, and the eyes of all were turned upon her. Our old father lived
to see some merry grand-children, and his declining years were more
joyous than he had ever anticipated. With joy could he finish his task,
and fare forth from the dark mine of this world, to rest in peace, and
await the final day.

"Sir," said the old man, as he turned his gaze upon Henry, and wiped
some tears from his eyes, "it must be that mining is blessed by God;
for there is no art, which renders those who are occupied in it happier
and nobler, which awakens a deeper faith in divine wisdom and guidance,
or which preserves the innocence and childlike simplicity of the heart
more freshly. Poor is the miner born, and poor he departs again. He is
satisfied with knowing where metallic riches are found, and with
bringing them to light; but their dazzling glare has no power over his
simple heart. Untouched by the perilous delirium, he is more pleased in
examining their wonderful formation, and the peculiarities of their
origin and primitive situation, than in calling himself their
possessor. When changed into property, they have no longer any charm
for him, and he prefers to seek them amid a thousand dangers and
travails, in the fastnesses of the earth, rather than to follow their
vocation in the world, or aspire after them on the earth's surface,
with cunning and deceitful arts. These severe labors keep his heart
fresh and his mind strong; he enjoys his scanty pay with inward
thankfulness, and comes forth every day from the dark tombs of his
calling, with new-born enjoyment of life. He now appreciates the
pleasure of light and of rest, the charms of the free air and prospect;
his food and drink are right refreshing to one, who enjoys them as
devoutly as if at the Lord's Supper; and with what a warm and tender
heart he joins his friends, or embraces his wife and children, and
thankfully shares the delights of heart-felt intercourse."

"His lonely occupation cuts off a great part of his life from day and
the society of man. Still he does not harden himself in dull
indifference as to these deep-meaning matters of the upper world; and
he retains a childlike simplicity, which recognises the interior
essence, and the manifold, primitive energies of all things. Nature
will never be the possession of any single individual. In the form of
property it becomes a terrible poison, which destroys rest, excites the
ruinous desire of drawing everything within the reach of its possessor,
and carries with it a train of wild passions and endless sorrows. Thus
it undermines secretly the ground of the owner, buries him in the abyss
which breaks beneath him, and so passes into the hands of another, thus
gradually satisfying its tendency to belong to all.

"How quietly, on the contrary, the poor miner labors in his deep
solitudes, far from the restless turmoil of day, animated solely by a
thirst for knowledge and a love of harmony. In his solitude he tenderly
thinks of his friends and family, and his sense of their value and
relationship is continually renewed. His calling teaches indefatigable
patience, and forbids his attention to be diverted by useless thoughts.
He deals with a strange, hard, and unwieldly power, which will yield
only to persevering industry and continual care. But what a glorious
flower blooms for him in these awful depths,--a firm confidence in his
heavenly Father, whose hand and care are every day visible to him in
signs not easily mistaken! How often have I sat down, and by the light
of my lamp gazed upon the plain crucifix with the most heart-felt
devotion! Then for the first time I clearly understood the holy meaning
of this mysterious image, and struck upon a heart-vein of the richest
golden ore, and which has yielded me an everlasting reward."

After a pause the old man continued:--

"Truly must he have been divine, who first taught men the noble art of
mining, and who has hidden in the bosom of the rock this sober emblem
of human life. In one place the veins are large, easily broken, but
poor; in another a wretched and insignificant cleft of rock confines
it; and here the best ores are to be found. It often splits before the
miner's face into a thousand atoms, but the patient one is not
terrified; he quietly pursues his course, and soon sees his zeal
rewarded, whilst working it open in a new and more promising direction.

"A specious lump often entices him from the true direction; but he soon
discovers that the way is false, and breaks his way by main strength
across the grain of the rock, until he has found the true path that
leads to the ore. How thoroughly acquainted does the miner here become
with all the humors of chance, and how assured that energy and
constancy are the only sure means of overcoming them and of raising the
hidden treasure."

"Certainly you are not without cheering songs," said Henry. "I should
think that your calling would involuntarily inspire you with music, and
that songs would be your welcome companions."

"There you have spoken the truth," said the old man. "The song and the
guitar belong to the miner's life, and no occupation can retain their
charm with more zest than ours. Music and dancing are the pleasures of
the miner; like a joyful prayer are they, and the remembrance and hope
of them help to lighten weary labor and shorten long solitude.

"If you would like it now, I will give you a song for your
entertainment, which was a favorite in my youth.

           "Who fathoms her recesses,
            Is monarch of the sphere,--
            Forgetting all distresses,
            Within her bosom here.

           "Of all her granite piling
            The secret make he knows,
            And down amid her toiling
            Unweariedly he goes.

           "He is unto her plighted,
            And tenderly allied,--
            Becomes by her delighted,
            As if she were his bride.

           "New love each day is burning
            For her within his breast,
            No toil or trouble shunning,
            She leaveth him no rest.

           "To him her voice is swelling
            In solemn, friendly rhyme,
            The mighty stories telling
            Of long-evanished time.

           "The Fore-world's holy breezes
            Around his temples play,
            And caverned night releases
            To him a quenchless ray.

           "On every side he greeteth
            A long familiar land,
            And willingly she meeteth
            The labors of his hand.

           "For helpful waves are flowing
            Along his mountain course,
            And rocky holds are showing
            Their treasures' secret source.

           "Toward his monarch's palace
            He guides the golden stream,
            And diadem and chalice
            With noble jewels gleam.

           "Though faithfully his treasure
            He renders to the king,
            He liveth poor with pleasure,
            And makes no questioning.

           "And though beneath him daily
            They fight for gold and gain,
            Above here let him gaily
            The lord of earth remain."

The song pleased Henry exceedingly, and he begged the old man to sing
another. He was willing to gratify him, saying, "I know one song that
is very strange, and of whose origin we ourselves are ignorant. A
travelling miner, who came to us from a distance, and who was a curious
diviner with a wand, brought it with him. The song became a favorite
because it was so peculiar,--nearly as dark and obscure as the music
itself; but on that very account singularly attractive, and like a
dream between sleeping and waking.

           "I know where is a castle strong,
            With stately king in silence reigning,
            Attended by a wondrous throng,
            Yet deep within its walls remaining.
            His pleasure-hall is far aloof,
            With viewless warders round it gliding,
            And only streams familiar sliding
            Toward him from the sparry roof.

           "Of what they see with lustrous eyes,
            Where all the stars in light are dwelling,
            They faithfully the king apprize,
            And never are they tired of telling.
            He bathes himself within their flood,
            So daintily his members washing,
            And all his light again is flashing
            Throughout his mother's[2] paly blood.

           "His castle old and marvellous,
            From seas unfathomed o'er him closing,
            Stood firm, and ever standeth thus,
            Escape to upper air opposing;
            An inner spell in secret thrall
            The vassals of the realm is holding,
            And clouds, like triumph-flags unfolding,
            Are gathered round the rocky wall.

           "Lo, an innumerable race
            Before the barred portals lying;
            And each the trusty servant plays,
            The ears of men so blandly plying.
            So men are lured the king to gain,
            Divining not that they are captured;
            But thus by specious longing raptured,
            Forget the hidden cause of pain.

           "But few are cunning and awake,
            Nor ever for his treasures pining;
            And these assiduous efforts make,
            The ancient castle undermining.
            The mighty spell's primeval tie
            True insight's hand alone can sever;
            If so the Inmost opens ever,
            The dawn of freedom's day is nigh.

           "To toil the firmest wall is sand,
            To courage no abyss unsounded;
            Who trusteth in his heart and hand,
            Seeks for the king with zeal unbounded.
            He brings him from his secret hill,
            The spirit foes by spirits quelling,
            Masters the torrents madly swelling,
            And makes them follow at his will.

           "The more the king appears in sight,
            And freely round the earth is flowing,
            The more diminishes his might,
            The more the free in number growing.
            At length dissolves that olden spell,--
            And through the castle void careering,
            Us homeward is the ocean bearing
            Upon its gentle, azure swell."

Just as the old man ended, it struck Henry that he had somewhere heard
that song. He asked him to repeat it and wrote it down. The old man
then departed, and the merchants conversed with the other guests on the
pleasures and hardships of mining. One said "I don't believe the old
man is here without some object. He has been climbing to-day among the
hills, and has doubtless discovered good signs. We will ask him when he
comes in again."

"See here," said another, "we might ask him to hunt up a well for our
village. Good water is far off, and a well would be right welcome to
us."

"It occurs to me," said a third, "that I might ask him to take with him
one of my sons, who has already filled the house with stones. The
youngster would certainly make an able miner, and the old man seems
honest, and one who would bring him up in the way he should go."

The merchants were thinking whether they might not establish, by aid of
the miner, a profitable trade with Bohemia, and procure metals thence
at low prices. The old man entered the room again, and all wished to
make use of his acquaintance, when he began to say:--

"How dull and depressing is this narrow room! The moon is without there
in all her glory, and I have a great desire to take a walk. I saw
to-day some remarkable caves in this neighborhood. Perhaps some of you
would like to go with me; and if we take lights, we shall be able to
view them without any difficulty."

The inhabitants of the village were already acquainted with the
existence of these caves, but no one had as yet dared to enter them. On
the contrary they were deceived by frightful traditions of dragons and
other monsters, which were said to dwell therein. Some went so far as
to say that they had seen them, and insisted that the bones of men who
had been robbed, and of animals which had been devoured, were to be
found at the entrances of these caves. Others thought that a ghost
haunted them, for they had often seen from a distance a strange human
form there, and songs had been heard thence at night.

The old man was rather incredulous upon the point, and laughingly
assured them that they could visit the caves with safety under the
protection of a miner, since such monsters must shun him; and as for a
singing spirit, that must certainly be a beneficent one. Curiosity
rendered many courageous enough to accept his proposition. Henry wished
also to accompany him, and his mother at length yielded to his
entreaties, and the persuasion and promises of the old man, who agreed
to have a special eye to his safety. The merchants promised to do the
same. Long sticks of pitch-pine were collected for torches; part of the
company provided themselves plentifully with ladders, poles, ropes, and
all sorts of defensive weapons, and thus finally they started for the
neighboring hills. The old man led the way with Henry and the
merchants. The boor had brought that inquisitive son of his, who full
of joy held a torch and pointed out the way to the caves. The evening
was clear and warm. The moon shone mildly over the hills, prompting
strange dreams in all creatures. Itself lay like a dream of the sun,
above the introverted world of visions, and restored nature, now living
in its infinite phases, back to that fabulous olden time, when every
bud yet slumbered by itself, lonely and unquickened, longing in vain to
expand the dark fulness of its immeasurable existence. The evening's
tale mirrored itself in Henry's mind. It seemed as if the world lay
disclosed within him, showing him as a friendly visitor all her hidden
treasures and beauties. So clearly was the great yet simple apparition
revealed to him. Nature seemed incomprehensible, only because the near
and the true loomed around man with such a manifold lavishment of
expression. The words of the old man had opened a secret door. He saw a
little dwelling built close to a lofty minster, from whose stone
pavement arose the solemn foreworld, while the clear, joyous future, in
the form of golden cherubs, floated from the spire towards it with
songs. Loud swelled the notes in their silvery chanting, as all
creatures were entering at the wide gate, each audibly expressing in a
simple prayer and proper tongue their interior nature. How strange it
seemed that this clear view, so necessary to his existence, had been so
long unknown to him. He now reviewed at a glance all his relations to
the wide world around him. He felt what he had become, and was to
become, through its influence, and comprehended all the peculiar
conceptions and presages, which he had already often stumbled upon in
contemplation. The story which the merchants had related of the young
man, who studied nature so assiduously, and who became the son-in-law
of the king, recurred to his mind, with a thousand other recollections
of his past life, weaving themselves involuntarily on his part into a
magic thread. While Henry was thus occupied in his inward musings, the
company had approached the cave. The entrance was low, and the old man
took a torch and first clambered over some fragments of rock. A
perceptible current of air blew towards them, and the old man assured
them that they could follow with confidence. The most timorous brought
up the rear, holding their weapons in readiness. Henry and the
merchants were behind the old man, and the boy walked merrily at his
side. The path, at first narrow, emerged into a spacious and lofty
cave, which the gleam of the torches could not fully illumine. Some
openings, however, were seen in the rocky wall opposite. The ground was
soft and quite even; the walls and ceiling were also neither rough nor
irregular. But the innumerable bones and teeth which covered the
ground, chiefly attracted the attention of all. Many were in a full
state of preservation, some bore marks of decay, while some projecting
here and there from the walls seemed petrified. Most of them were of
extraordinary size and strength. The old man was much gratified at
seeing these relics of gray antiquity; they added little courage,
however, to the farmers, who considered them downright evidence, that
beasts of prey were near at hand, although the old man pointed out the
signs upon them of a remote antiquity, and asked them whether they had
ever heard of destruction among their flocks, or the seizure of men in
the neighborhood, and whether they thought these relics the bones of
known beasts or men. The old man wished to penetrate farther into the
cave, but the farmers deemed it advisable to retreat to its mouth, and
there await his return. Henry, the merchants, and the boy remained with
him, having provided themselves with ropes and torches. They soon
reached a second cave, where the old man did not forget to mark the
path by which they entered, by a figure of bones which he erected
before the mouth. This cave resembled the other, and was equally full
of the remains of animals. Henry's mind was affected by wonder and
awe; he felt as if passing through the outer-court of the central
earth-palace. Heaven and earth lay at once far distant from him; these
dark and vast halls seemed parts of some strange subterraneous kingdom.
"May it not be possible," thought he to himself, "that beneath our feet
there moves by itself a world in mighty life, that strange productions
derive their being from the bowels of the earth, which sends forth the
internal heat of its dark bosom into gigantic and preternatural shapes?
Might not these awful strangers have been driven forth once by the
piercing cold, and appeared amongst us, while perhaps at the same time
heavenly guests, living, speaking energies of the stars, were visible
above our heads? Are these bones the remains of their wandering upon
the surface, or of their flight into the deep?"

Suddenly the old man called them to him, and showed them the fresh
track of a human foot upon the ground. They could discover no more, so
that the old man concluded they might follow the track without fear of
meeting robbers. They were about to do this, when suddenly, as from a
great depth beneath their feet, a distinct strain arose. They listened
attentively, with not a little astonishment.

           "In the vale I gladly linger,
            Smiling in the dusky night,
            For to me with rosy finger
            Proffers Love his cup of light.

            "With its dew my spirit sunken
            Wafted is toward the skies,
            And I stand in this life drunken
            At the gate of paradise.

            "Lulled in blessed contemplation,
            Vexes me no petty smart;
            O, the queen of all creation
            Gives to me her faithful heart.

            "Many years of tearful sorrows
            Glorified this common clay,--
            Thence a graven form it borrows,
            Life securing it for aye.

            "Here the lapse of days evanished
            But a moment seems to me;
            Backward would I turn, if banished,
            Gazing hither gratefully."

All were most agreeably surprised and eagerly wished to discover the
singer.

After some search, they found in an angle of the right wall a deep
sunken path, to which the footsteps seemed to lead them. Soon they
thought they perceived a light, which became clearer as they
approached. A new vault of greater extent than those they had yet
passed opened before them, in the further extremity of which they saw a
human form sitting by a lamp, with a great book before him upon a slab,
in which he appeared to be reading.

The figure turned towards them, arose, and came forward. He was a man
whose age it were impossible to guess. He seemed neither old nor young,
and no traces of time were discoverable, except in his smooth silvery
hair, which was parted on his forehead. An indescribable air of
serenity dwelt in his eyes, as if he were looking down from a clear
mountain into an infinite spring.

He had sandals upon his feet, and wore no other dress except a large
mantle cast around him, which added dignity to his noble form. He
expressed no surprise at their unexpected arrival, and greeted them as
old acquaintances and expected guests.

"It is pleasant indeed," said he, "that you have sought me. You are the
first friends I have ever seen, though I have dwelt here a long season.
It seems that men are beginning to examine our spacious and wonderful
mansion a little more closely."

The old man answered, "We did not expect to find here so friendly a
host. We had been told of wild beasts and spectres, but we now find
ourselves most agreeably deceived. If we have disturbed your devotions
or deep meditations, pardon it to our curiosity."

"Can any sight be more delightful," said the unknown, "than the joyous
and speaking countenance of man? Think not that I am a misanthrope,
because you find me in this solitude. I have not shunned the world, but
have only sought a retirement, where I could apply myself to my
meditations undisturbed."

"Have you never grieved for your own desolation, and do not hours
sometimes come, when you are fearful, and long to hear a human voice?"

"Now, no more. There was a time in my youth, when a highly wrought
imagination induced me to become a hermit. Dark forebodings busied my
youthful fancy. I thought to find in solitude full nourishment for my
heart. The fountain of my inner life seemed inexhaustible. But I soon
learned that fulness of experience must be added to it, that a young
heart cannot dwell alone; nay, that man, by manifold intercourse with
his race, reaches a certain self-subsisting independence."

"I myself believe," said the old man, "that there is a certain natural
impulse to every mode of life; and that perhaps the experiences of
increasing age lead of themselves to a withdrawal from human society.
It then seems as if society were devoted to activity as much for gain
as for maintenance. It is powerfully impelled by a great hope, by a
common object, and children and the aged seem not at home. Helplessness
and ignorance exclude the first from it, while the latter, with every
hope fulfilled, every object attained, and new hopes and objects no
longer woven into their circle, turn back into themselves, and find
enough employment in preparing for a higher existence. But more
peculiar causes seem to have separated you entirely from men, and
influenced you to resign all the comforts of society. Methinks that the
tension of your mind must often relax, and give place to the most
disagreeable emotions."

"I have indeed felt that; but have learned to avoid it by a strict
regularity in my mode of living. For this purpose I endeavor by
exercise to preserve my health, and then there is no danger. Every day
I walk for several hours and enjoy the light and air as much as
possible; or I remain in these halls, and busy myself at certain times
with basket-braiding and carving. I exchange my ware at distant places
for provisions; I have brought many books with me, and thus time passes
like a moment. In these places I have acquaintances who know where I
live, and from whom I learn what is going on in the world. These will
bury me when I die, and take away my books."

He led them nearer his seat, which was against the wall of the cave.
They noticed several books and a guitar lying upon the ground, and upon
the wall hung a complete suit of armor apparently quite costly. The
table consisted of five great stone slabs, put together in the form of
a box. Upon the upper one were two sculptured male and female figures
large as life, holding a garland of lilies and roses. Upon the side was
inscribed,

"Frederick and Mary of Hohenzollern here returned to their native
dust."

The hermit inquired of his guests concerning their fatherland, and how
they had journeyed into these regions. He was kind and communicative,
and displayed great knowledge of the world.

The old man said, "I see you have been a warrior; the armor betrays
you."

"The dangers and vicissitudes of war, the deep, poetic spirit connected
with an armed host, tore me from my youthful solitude and determined
the destiny of my life. Perhaps the long tumult, the innumerable events
among which I have dwelt, awakened in me a yet stronger inclination for
solitude, where numberless recollections make pleasant companions; and
this the more, in proportion as our view of them is varied; a view
which now first discovers their true connexion, their significance, and
their occult tendency. The peculiar sense for the study of man's
history develops itself but tardily, and rather through the silent
influence of memory than by the more forcible impressions of the
present. The nearest events seem but loosely connected, yet they
sympathize so much the more curiously with the remote. And it is only
when one is able to comprehend in one view a lengthened series, neither
interpreting too literally, nor confounding the proper method with
capricious fancies, that he detects the secret chain which binds the
past to the future, and learns to rear the fabric of history from hope
and memory. Yet only he can succeed in discovering the simple laws of
history, to whom the whole past is present. We arrive only at
incomplete and cumbrous formulas, and are well content to find for
ourselves an available prescription, that may sufficiently expound the
riddle of our own short lives. But I can truly say that each rigorous
view of the events of life causes us deep and inexhaustible pleasure,
and raises us, of all speculations, the highest above earthly evils.
Youth reads history only from curiosity, as it cons a story; to
maturity it becomes a divinely consoling and edifying companion,
preparing it gently by its wise discourses for a higher and more
embracing sphere of action, and acquainting it through intelligible
images with the unknown world. The church is the dwelling-house of
history, the church-yard its symbolic flower-garden. History should
only be written by old and pious men, whose own is drawing to its
close, and who have nothing more to hope for, but transplantation to
the garden. Their descriptions will be neither obscure nor dull; on the
contrary a ray from the spire will exhibit everything in the most exact
and beautiful light, and the Holy Spirit will hover above these rarely
stirred waters."

"How true and obvious are your remarks," said the old man. "We ought
certainly to spend more labor in faithfully recording the occurrences
of our own times, and should leave our record as a devout bequest for
posterity. There are a thousand remoter matters to which care and labor
are devoted, while we trouble ourselves little with the nearer and
weightier, the occurrences of our lives, and those of our relatives and
generation, whose fleeting destiny we have comprehended in the idea of
a Providence. We heedlessly suffer all traces of these to escape from
our memories. Like consecrated relics, all facts of the past will be
sought for by a wiser future, not indifferent to the biography of the
most insignificant man, since in his life the lives of all his greater
contemporaries will be more or less reflected."

"It is also much to be regretted," said the count of Hohenzollern,
"that even the few, who have undertaken to report the deeds and events
of their times, have not carried out their designs, nor striven to give
order and completeness to their observations; but have proceeded almost
wholly at random in the choice and collection of their facts. Any one
may easily see that he only can describe plainly and perfectly, that
which he knows exactly, whose origin and consequences, object and use,
are present to his mind; for otherwise there will be no description,
but a bewildering mixture of imperfect statements. Let a child describe
an engine, or a farmer a ship, and no one can gain anything useful or
instructive from their words; and so is it with most historians, who
are perhaps able enough even to be wearisome in relating and collecting
facts; but who forget what is most note-worthy, what first makes
history historical, and connects so many varied events in an agreeable
and instructive whole. If I understand all this rightly, it appears to
me necessary that a historian should be also a poet; for poets alone
know the art of skilfully combining events. In their tales and fables I
have often noticed, with silent pleasure, a tender sympathy with the
mysterious spirit of life. There is more truth in their romances than
in learned chronicles. Though the heroes and their fates are
inventions, yet the spirit in which they are composed is true and
natural. In some degree it matters not whether those persons, in whose
fates we trace our own, ever did or did not exist. We seek to
contemplate the great and simple spirit of an age's phenomena; and if
this wish be gratified, we are not cumbered about the certainty of the
existence of their external forms."[See Note II.]

"I have also been much attached to the poets on that account," said the
old man. "Life and the world have become through them more clear and
perceptible to me. It has appeared to me that they must be in alliance
with the acute spirits of light, which penetrate and divide all
natures, and spread over each a peculiar, softly tinted veil. By their
songs I felt my own nature gently developed, and it could move, as it
were, more freely, enjoy its social disposition and desires, poise with
silent pleasure its limbs against each other, and in various forms
excite delight a thousand-fold."

"Were you so happy in your country as to have some poets?" asked the
hermit.

"There have been a few with us at times; but travelling seemed their
chief pleasure, and therefore they scarcely ever remained long with us.
But during my wanderings in Illyria, Saxony, and Sweden, I have met
some, the remembrance of whom is ever pleasant."

"You have, travelled far, and doubtless must have seen much during your
life, that is wonderful."

"Our art almost compels us to look industriously around the world, and
it is as if the miner were driven by a subterraneous fire. One mountain
sends him to another. He never ceases his scrutiny, and during his
whole life is gaining knowledge from that wonderful architecture, which
has so curiously floored and wainscotted the earth under our feet. Our
art is very ancient and extended. It may indeed, like our race, have
migrated with the sun from the East toward the West, from the middle to
the extremities. It has been obliged everywhere to combat with other
difficulties; and as necessity continually urges the human spirit to
wise inventions, so the miner can increase his knowledge and ability,
and enrich his home with youthful experience."

"You are well nigh inverted astrologers," said the hermit; "as they
ceaselessly regard the sky, wandering through its immeasurable spaces,
so do you turn your gaze to the earth, exploring its construction.
Astrologers study the forces and influences of the stars, while you are
discovering the forces of rocks and mountains, and the manifold
properties of earth and stone strata. To them the higher world is a
book of futurity; to you the earth is a memorial of the primeval
world."

"This connexion is not without its meaning," said the old man; "these
shining prophets play perhaps a chief part in that old history of the
wonderful creation. Men perhaps in the course of time will learn to
understand them better, and to explain them by their operations, and
inversely. Perhaps also the great mountain-chains exhibit the traces of
their former ways, and perhaps they desired to support themselves
without foreign aid, to take their own way to Heaven. Many raised
themselves boldly enough that they might become stars, and therefore
must now be deprived of the fair green vesture of the lower regions.
They have therefore gained nothing, except the power of influencing the
weather for their fathers, and of becoming prophets for the lower
world, which now they protect, and now deluge with tempests."

"Since I have dwelt in this cave," the hermit answered, "I have been
accustomed to reflect more on ancient times. I cannot describe how
attractive such meditations are, and I can imagine the love which a
miner must cherish for his trade. When I look upon these strange old
bones, which are collected in such great numbers here; when I picture
to myself the savage period when those strange and monstrous beasts
crowded in dense bands into these caves, driven thither perhaps by fear
and terror, and finding here their death; when again I go back to the
times when these caves were formed, and wide-spread floods covered the
land; then I seem to myself like a dream of futurity; like a child of
eternal peace. How quiet and peaceful, how mild and dear is out present
nature, when compared with violent and gigantic times! The mightiest
tempests, the most terrible earthquakes of our day, are but weak echoes
of the throes of that first birth. Perhaps also the animal and
vegetable kingdoms, and even the men who then existed, if any were
found on the different islands of the ocean, were of firmer and ruder
organization; at least we should not then be obliged to accuse the
traditions of a giant race of being mere poetic fancies."

"It is pleasant," said the old man, "to notice the gradual pacification
of nature. A concord ever becoming deeper, a more friendly intercourse,
reciprocal aid and encouragement, seem gradually to have been formed;
and we can look forward continually to better times. It may perhaps be
possible, that here and there a little of the old leaven is fermenting,
and that still more violent convulsions are to follow; yet these mighty
struggles for a free and harmonious existence are visible; and in this
spirit will every convulsion pass over and draw nearer to the great
goal. It may be that nature is no longer so fertile, that at present no
metals or precious stones, rocks or mountains are springing into
existence, that plants and animals do not increase to such an
astonishing size and strength; but the more that physical powers are
exhausted, the more have plastic, ennobling, and social powers
increased. The mind has become more susceptible and tender, the fancy
more varied and symbolical, the hand more free and artistic. Nature
approaches man; and if she were once an uncouthly teeming rock, then is
she now a quietly thriving plant, a silent human artist And of what
service would be the multiplication of these treasures, of which there
are now enough for the most distant age? How small is the space I have
surveyed; and yet what mighty stores have I at a single glance
discovered, the use of which is left for future generations! What
riches are enclosed in the northern mountains, what favorable signs I
discovered throughout my native land, in Hungary, at the foot of the
Carpathian hills, and in the rocky vales of Tyrol, Austria, and
Bavaria. I might have been a rich man, if I had taken with me what I
might only have picked up and broken off. In many places I saw myself
as in a magic garden. On every side costly and skilfully framed metals
met my sight. From the beautiful tresses and branches of silver hung
glittering, ruby-red, transparent fruits; and the heavy-laden shrubs,
stood upon crystal ground of inimitable workmanship. One can scarcely
trust his senses in these wonderful regions, and can never grow weary
of rambling through these charming solitudes, or of gloating over their
jewels. I have seen much that is wonderful during my present journey,
and certainly in other lands the earth is equally plentiful and
fruitful."

"When," said the unknown, "one remembers the treasures which are hidden
in the East, he cannot doubt what you remark; and have not distant
India, Africa, and Spain been distinguished even from antiquity, by the
richness of their soil? Though a soldier is not apt to take very exact
notice of the veins and the clefts of mountains, yet at times I have
reflected upon these shining tracts of land, which, like rare birds,
indicate an unexpected bloom and fruit. How little did I imagine, when
I passed these dark dwellings joyously by the light of day, that I
should ever finish my life in the bosom of a mountain! My love carried
me proudly above the surface of the earth, and I hoped in later years
to fall asleep in her embrace. The war having ended, I returned home,
full of glad expectations of a refreshing harvest. But the spirit of
the war seemed to have become the spirit of my fortune. My Maria had
borne me two children in the East. They were the joy of our existence.
The voyage and the rough air of the West destroyed their bloom; they
were buried a few days after my arrival in Europe. Sorrowfully I
carried my disconsolate wife to our home. A silent grief weakened the
thread which bound her to life. During a journey which I was obliged to
take, and on which, as was her wont, she accompanied me, she gently but
suddenly expired in my arms. It was near this place, where her earthly
pilgrimage was finished. My resolution was taken in a moment; I found,
what I had never expected; a heavenly illumination came over me; and
from the day when I buried her here with my own hands, a divine hand
freed my heart from all sorrow. Since then I have caused this monument
to be erected. An event often seems to be endings when in fact it is
beginning; and thus has it been with my life. May God grant you an old
age as happy, and a spirit as quiet as mine."

Henry and the merchants had listened attentively to the conversation;
and the first particularly was conscious of new developments in his
prophetic soul. Many words, many thoughts, fell like quickening seeds
into his breast, and soon drew him from the narrow circle of his youth
to the heights of the world. The hours just passed lay behind him like
long-revolving years; and it seemed as if he had always thought and
felt as now.

The hermit showed him his books. They consisted of old histories and
poems. Henry turned over the leaves of these huge and beautifully
illuminated works, and his curiosity was strongly excited by the short
lines of the verses, the titles, some of the passages, and the
beautiful pictures which appeared here and there, like embodied words,
to assist the imagination of the reader. The Hermit observed his inward
gratification and explained these singular pictures. All the varied
scenes of life were represented among them. Battles, funereal trains,
marriage ceremonies, shipwrecks, caves, and palaces, kings, heroes,
priests, men in singular costume, strange beasts, were delineated in
different alternations and connexions. Henry could not sate himself
with gazing at them, and wished nothing more than to remain with the
hermit, who irresistibly attracted him, and to be instructed by him in
these books. In the mean time the old man asked whether there were any
more caves; and the hermit told him, that there were some extensive
ones near, to which he would accompany him. The old man was ready; and
the hermit, who observed Henry's interest in the books, induced him to
remain, and to examine them more closely during their absence. Henry
was glad to stay where the books were, and thanked the hermit heartily
for his permission to do so. He turned over their leaves with
indescribable pleasure. At last a book fell into his hands, written in
a foreign tongue, which appeared to him somewhat like Latin or Italian.
He longed greatly to know the language, for the book pleased him
greatly, though he did not understand a syllable of it. It had no
title; but after a little search he found some engravings. They seemed
strangely familiar to him; and on examination, he discovered his own
form quite discernible among the figures. He was terrified, and thought
that he must be dreaming; but after having examined them again and
again, he could no longer doubt their perfect resemblance. He could
hardly trust his senses, when in one of the pictures he discovered the
cave, the hermit, and the old man by his side. By degrees he found
among the pictures the girl from the holy land, his parents, the count
and countess of Thuringia, his friend the court chaplain; and many
others of his acquaintance; yet their dress was changed, and seemed to
belong to another period. There were many forms he could not call by
name, but which nevertheless seemed known to him. He saw the exact
portraits of himself, in different situations. Towards the end he
appeared larger and nobler. The guitar rested in his arms, and the
countess handed him a wreath. He saw himself at the imperial court, on
shipboard, now in warm embrace with a beautifully formed and lovely
girl, now in battle with fierce-looking men, and again in friendly
conversation with Saracens and Moors. He was frequently accompanied by
a man of grave aspect. He felt a deep reverence for this august form,
and was glad to see himself arm in arm with him. The last pictures were
obscure and incomprehensible; yet some of the shapes of his dream
surprised him with the most intense rapture. The conclusion of the book
was wanting. Henry was very sorrowful, and wished for nothing more
earnestly than to be able to read and thoroughly understand the book.
He looked over the pictures repeatedly, and was almost abashed when the
company returned. A strange sort of shame overcame him. He did not
suffer himself to make known his discovery, and merely asked the Hermit
generally about its title and language. He learned that it was written
in the Provence tongue.

"It is long since I have read it," said the Hermit; "I do not now
remember its contents very distinctly. As far as I recollect, it is a
romance, relating the wonderful fortune of a poet's life, wherein the
art of poesy is represented and extolled in all its various relations.
The conclusion is wanting to the manuscript, which I brought with me
from Jerusalem, where I found it left with a friend, and took it, away,
an a memorial of him."

They now took leave of each other. Henry was moved to tears; the cave
had become so remarkable and the hermit so dear to him.

All embraced the hermit heartily, and he himself seemed to have become
attached to them. Henry thought that he noticed his kind and
penetrating gaze fixed upon him. His farewell words to him were full of
meaning. He seemed to know of his discovery and to have reference to
it. He followed them to the entrance of the cave, after having
requested them, and particularly the boy, not to tell the farmers
concerning him, as it would only expose him to their troublesome
acquaintance.

They all promised this. As they separated from him, and commended
themselves to his prayers, he said,

"But a short time and we shall see each other again, to smile at the
conversation of this day. A heavenly dawn will surround us, and we
shall rejoice that we greeted each other kindly in this vale of
probation, and were inspired with like sentiments and anticipations.
There are angels who guide us here in safety. If your eye is fixed upon
Heaven, you will never lose the way to your home."

They separated with a silent feeling of devotion, soon found their
timorous companions, and amid general conversation shortly reached the
village, where Henry's mother, who had been somewhat anxious about him,
received them with a thousand expressions of joy.




                              CHAPTER VI.


Men, who are born for business, for action, cannot too soon contemplate
for themselves and animate all things. They must themselves grapple
with and pass through many relations, must harden their whole being
against the influence of new situations, and the dissipation which a
multitude and variety of objects engenders; and they must accustom
themselves, even in the urgency of great occasions to hold fast to the
thread of their object. They should not yield to the invitations of
inactive contemplation. Their soul must not be gazing at self; it must
be ceaselessly directed to outward things, a handmaid to the
understanding, active and prompt in discrimination. They are heroes;
and events press about them which must be fulfilled, and their problems
solved. By their influence all occurrences of chance become history,
and their life is an unbroken chain of remarkable and splendid,
intricate and singular events.

Far otherwise is it with those quiet, unknown men, whose world is their
own mind, whose activity the action of the contemplative intellect, and
whose life a gentle development of their inner powers. No desquietude
drives them to outward things. A tranquil possession satisfies them;
and the immense drama without does not entice them to engage in it
themselves; but they regard it as significant and wonderful, a source
of contemplation for their leisure moments. Longings for the spirit
hold them in the distance; and it is this spirit that destines them to
act the mysterious part of the mind in this human worlds while others
represent the outer limbs and senses, the mind's projected powers. They
would be disturbed by great and various events. A simple life is their
lot, and they become acquainted with the rich subject-matter and
countless phenomena of the world from relations and writings alone. But
seldom in the course of their lives does any occurrence draw them along
with it in its sudden vortex, in order to acquaint them by a few
experiences more accurately with the situation and character of active
men. On the contrary, their susceptible minds are already sufficiently
busied with near and insignificant phenomena, which represent the great
world as it were renewed; and they will advance no step, without making
the most surprising discoveries in themselves, concerning the nature
and significance of these phenomena. They are poets, those men of rare
inspiration, who at times wander through our dwelling-place, and
everywhere renew the ancient, venerable, service of humanity, and of
its first gods,--the stars, spring, love, happiness, fertility, health,
and the joyous heart; they, who are already here in possession of
heavenly rest, and, driven about by no foolish desires, breathe only
the fragrance of earthly fruits, without devouring them, then to be
irrevocably chained to the lower world. They are free guests whose
golden feet tread softly, and whose presence involuntarily outspreads
its wings around. A poet may be known, like a good king, by cheerful
and bright faces, and he alone justly bears the name of sage. If you
compare him with heroes, you will find that the songs of the poets
frequently awake heroic courage in youthful hearts; but heroic deeds
have probably never awakened the spirit of poesy in any mind whatever.
Henry was a poet by nature. Many events seemed to conspire to aid his
development, and as yet nothing had disturbed the elasticity of his
soul. All that he saw and heard seemed only to remove new bars within
him, and to open new windows for his spirit. The world, with its great
and changing relations, lay before him. But as yet it was silent; and
its soul, its language was not yet awakened. Soon did a poet approach,
holding a lovely girl by the hand, that by the sound of the mother
tongue, and by the movement of a sweet and tender mouth; the soft lips
might unlock and the simple harmony unfold in unending melodies.

The journey was now ended. It was towards evening when our travellers,
in safety and good spirits, arrived at the far-famed city of Augsburg,
and, full of expectation, rode through the high streets to the spacious
mansion of the old Swaning.

The surrounding country had already appeared delightful to the eyes of
Henry. The animated bustle of the city, and the great houses of stone
affected him strangely, yet agreeably. He experienced a real pleasure
in thinking of his future abode. His mother was very much pleased to
see herself in her native city after her wearisome journey, soon to
embrace again her father and old acquaintances, to introduce Henry to
them, and for once be able quietly to forget all household cares in the
cordial remembrances of her youth. The merchants hoped by the pleasures
there to indemnify themselves for the discomforts of their journey, and
to do a profitable business.

Lights gleamed from the house of the old Swaning, and joyous music
swelled towards them. "What will you bet," said the merchants, "that
your grandfather is not giving a merry party? We came as if invited.
How much his uninvited guests will astonish him. He is not dreaming
that now the true festivity is about to commence." Henry felt
embarrassed, and his mother was only anxious about their dress. They
alighted; the merchants remained with the horses, and Henry and his
mother entered the splendid mansion. Not a soul belonging to the house
was to be seen below. They were obliged to ascend the lofty stairs.
Some servants ran past them; they asked them to inform the old Swaning
of the arrival of some strangers who wished to speak with him. The
servants made some objection at first, for the travellers did not
appear in very good condition as to dress, yet finally they announced
them to the master of the house. The old Swaning came out. He did not
know them at first, and asked them their names and business. Henry's
mother wept and fell upon his neck.

"Do you not know your own daughter?" she exclaimed weeping. "I bring
you my son."

The aged father was extremely moved. He pressed her long to his bosom.
Henry sank upon his knee and tenderly kissed his hand. He raised him to
himself and held both mother and son in his embrace.

"Come right in," said Swaning, "I have only my friends and
acquaintances here, who will rejoice with me." Henry's mother
hesitated, but had no time to consider. The father led them both into
the lighted hall.

"Here I bring my daughter and grandson from Eisenach," cried Swaning,
in the merry crowd of gaily dressed guests.

All eyes were turned towards the door; all ran to it; the music ceased,
and the two travellers stood bewildered and dazzled in their dusty
dresses, in the midst of the motley throng. A thousand joyful
exclamations passed from mouth to mouth. All her acquaintances pressed
around the mother. Innumerable were the questions which were asked.
Each one wished to be recognised and welcomed first. Whilst the elder
part of the company were attending to the mother, the attention of the
younger portion was directed to the strange youth, who was standing
with downcast eyes, not daring to look again upon the unknown faces.
His grandfather introduced him to the company, and inquired after his
father and about the occurrences of his journey.

The mother thought of the merchants, who out of politeness had remained
below by the horses. She told her father, who sent down for them
immediately, and invited them to ascend. The horses were led into the
stable, and the merchants appeared.

Swaning thanked them heartily for the friendly escort they had afforded
his daughter. They were acquainted with many who were present, and
exchanged friendly greetings. The mother asked permission to change her
dress. Swaning led her to her chamber, and Henry followed for the same
purpose.

The appearance of one man was very striking to Henry, who thought that
he had seen him in that book. His noble bearing distinguished him from
all the rest. His face wore an expression of serene gravity, an open,
finely arched forehead, large, black, penetrating, and tranquil eyes, a
humorous expression about his pleasant mouth, and his full manly
proportions, gave to him a meaning and fascinating appearance. He was
strongly built, his movements quiet and expressive, and where he stood
he seemed about to stay forever. Henry asked his grandfather about him.

"I am glad," said the old man, "that you noticed him. It is my
excellent friend Klingsohr, the poet. You should be prouder of his
acquaintance than of the emperor's. But how is your heart? He has a
beautiful daughter, who perhaps will surpass the father in your eyes.
It would be strange if you had not noticed her."

Henry blushed; "my mind has been distracted, dear grandfather. The
company is numerous, and I was looking only at your friend."

"We see that you came from the North," replied Swaning; "we shall soon
thaw you out here. You shall learn soon to look after pretty faces."

They were now ready, and returned to the hall, where in the mean time
preparations for supper had been made. The old Swaning led Henry to
Klingsohr, and told him that Henry had noticed him particularly, and
ardently desired to become acquainted with him.

Henry was confused. Klingsohr spoke kindly to him of his fatherland and
of his journey. There was so much to inspire confidence in his voice,
that Henry soon gained courage and conversed with him freely. After a
little while Swaning came to them again, bringing with him the
beautiful Matilda.

"You must receive my grandson kindly, and pardon him that he has
noticed your father before you. Your bright eyes will awaken his youth
within him. In his native land Spring comes too late."

Henry and Matilda blushed. They gazed admiringly upon each other. She
asked him, with scarcely audible words, whether he was fond of dancing.
While he was answering in the affirmative, the merry music struck up.
He silently offered her his hand; she accepted it, and they mingled
among the rows of waltzers. Swaning and Klingsohr looked on. The mother
and the merchants were delighted with Henry's grace and with his lovely
partner. The mother had enough to converse about with the friends of
her youth, who wished her much happiness from so well educated and
hopeful a son.

Klingsohr said to Swaning,--"Your grandson has an attractive
countenance; it indicates a clear and comprehensive mind, and his voice
comes deep from his heart."

"I hope," replied Swaning, "that he will become your docile pupil. It
seems to me that he is born for a poet. May your spirit fall upon him.
He looks like his father, only he seems more ardent and excitable. The
former was a youth of superior talents. He was wanting, however, in a
certain liberality of mind. He might hare become something more than an
industrious and able mechanic."

Henry wished that the dance would never end. With heartfelt pleasure
his eyes rested on the roses of his partner. Her innocent eye did not
avoid his. She appeared like the spirit of her father in the most
lovely disguise. Eternal youth spoke from her full and quiet eyes. Upon
a light blue ground lay the mild splendor of the brown stars. Her
forehead and nose were beautifully formed. Her face was like a lily
inclined towards the rising sun, and from her slender white neck, the
blue veins clung round her tender cheeks in gentle curves. Her voice
was like a distant echo, and her small head with its brown tresses
seemed but to hover over her airy form.

Refreshments were brought in, and the dances closed. The elder people
seated themselves on one side, the younger on the other.

Henry remained with Matilda. A young relative seated herself at his
left, and Klingsohr sat opposite him. If Matilda said but little, his
other neighbor, Veronika, was so much the more talkative. She
immediately played the familiar with him, and soon made him acquainted
with all present. Henry lost much of her conversation. He was still
with his partner, and wished to turn much oftener to the right.
Klingsohr made an end to their talking. He asked about the band with
the strange devices, which Henry had fastened to his coat. He told him
with much emotion of the girl from the holy land. Matilda wept; and now
Henry could scarcely hide his tears. For this reason he entered into
conversation with her. All were enjoying themselves, and Veronika joked
and laughed with her acquaintances. Matilda described Hungary, where
her father often dwelt, and the mode of life in Augsburg. The enjoyment
was at its height. The music put all restraint to flight, and all the
affections into a joyful play. Baskets of flowers in all their splendor
exhaled their odors upon the table, and the wine danced about between
the dishes and the flowers, shook its golden wings, and formed many
varied pictures between the guests and the world. Henry now understood
for the first time what was meant by a festival. A thousand happy
spirits seemed to gambol around the table, and to live in silent
sympathy with the joys of the happy people, and to intoxicate
themselves with their pleasures. The enjoyment of life stood before
him, like a tinkling tree full of golden fruits. Pain had vanished, and
it seemed impossible that ever human inclination should have turned
from this tree to the dangerous fruit of knowledge, the tree of strife.
He now learned what were wine and food. They tasted very richly to him.
A heavenly oil seasoned them for him, and from the beaker sparkled the
splendor of earthly life. Some of the maidens brought a fresh garland
to the old Swaning. He put it on, and kissing them, said, "You must
bring one also to our friend Klingsohr, and for thanks he will teach
you a couple of new songs. You shall have mine immediately. He beckoned
for the music to commence, and sang with a clear voice:--

           "Surely life is most distressing,
            And a mournful fate we meet!
            Stress and need our only blessing,
            Practised only in deceit;
            And our bosoms never daring
            To unfold their soft despairing.

           "What the elders all are telling,
            To the youthful heart is waste;
            Throes of longing are we feeling
            The forbidden fruit to taste;
            Would the gentle youths but deign us,
            And believe that they could gain us!

           "Thinking so then are we sinning?
            All our thoughts are duty-free.
            What indeed to us remaining,
            Wretched wights, but fantasy?
            Do we strive our dreams to banish,
            Never, never will they vanish.

           "When in prayer at even bending
            Frightens us the loneliness,
            Favor and desire are wending
            Thitherward to our caress;
            How disdain the fair offender,
            Or resist the soft surrender?

           "Mothers stern our charms concealing,
            Every day prescribe anew.
            What availeth all our willing?
            Spring they not again to view?
            Warm desire is ever riving
            Closest fetters with its striving.

           "Every impulse harshly spurning
            Hard and cold to be as stone,
            Never glances bright returning,
            Close to be and all alone,
            Heed to no entreaty giving,--
            Call you that the flower of living?

           "Ah, how great a maid's annoyance,
            Sick and chafed her bosom is,--
            And to make her only joyance,
            Withered lips bestow a kiss!
            Will the leaf be turning never,
            Elders' reign to end forever?"

Both old and young laughed. The girls blushed and smiled aside. Amidst
a thousand railleries a second garland was brought and put upon
Klingsohr. They begged him, however, very earnestly not to give them
such a gay song. "No," said Klingsohr, "I will take good care not to
speak so lightly of your secrets; say yourselves what kind of a song
you would prefer."

"Anything but a love song," cried the girls; "let it be a drinking song
if you like." Klingsohr sang:--

           "On verdant mountain-side is growing
            The god, who heaven to us brings;
            The sun's own foster-child, and glowing
            With all the fire its favor flings.

           "In Spring is he conceived with pleasure,
            The bud unfolds in silent joy,
            And mid the Autumn's harvest-treasure
            Forth springs to life the golden boy.

           "Within his narrow cradle lying,
            In vaulted rooms beneath the ground,
            He dreams of feasts and banners flying
            And airy castles all around.

           "Near to his dwelling none remaineth,
            When chafeth he in restless strife,
            And every hoop and fetter straineth
            In all the pride of youthful life.

           "For viewless watchmen round are closing,
            Until his lordly dreams are o'er,
            With air-enveloped spears opposing
            The loiterer near the sacred door.

           "So when unfold his sleeping pinions,
            With sparkling eyes he greets the day,
            Obeys in peace his priestly minions,
            And forth he cometh when they pray.

           "From cradle's murky bosom faring,
            He winketh through a crystal dress,
            The rose of close alliance bearing,
            Expressive in its ruddiness.

           "And everywhere around are pressing
            His merry men in jubilee,
            Their love find gratitude confessing
            To him with jocund tongue and free.

           "He scatters o'er the fields and valleys
            His innerlife in countless rays,
            And Love is sipping from his chalice,
            And pledged forever with him stays.

           "As spirit of the golden ages,
            The Poet alway he beguiles,
            Who everywhere in reeling pages
            Doth celebrate his pleasant wiles.

           "He gave him, his allegiance sealing,
            To every pretty mouth a right,
            And this the god through him revealing,
            That none the edict dare to slight."

"A fine prophet!" exclaimed the girls. Swaning was heartily pleased.
They made some objections, but all to no purpose. They were obliged to
reach out their sweet lips to him. Henry blushed only on account of his
earnest neighbor; otherwise he would have loudly rejoiced in the
privilege of the poet. Veronika was among the garland bearers. She came
suddenly back and said to Henry, "truly, is it not a fine thing to be a
poet?"

Henry did not trust himself to take advantage of this question. Excess
of joy and the earnestness of first love were contending in his breast.
The charming Veronika was joking with the others, and in the meanwhile
he found time somewhat to quench his joy. Matilda told him that she
played the guitar. "Ah!" said he, "how I should love to learn it from
you. I have for a long time desired it."

"My father instructed me; he plays it matchlessly," said she blushing.

"I believe, however," said Henry, "that I can learn it more easily from
you. How delighted I should be to hear you sing."

"Do not expect too much."

"O!" said Henry, "what may I not expect, since your speech merely is
song, and your form is expressive of heavenly music."

Matilda was silent. Her father commenced a conversation, in which Henry
spoke with the most lively spirit Those who were near wondered at the
fluency of the young man's speech, and the richness of his imagery.
Matilda gazed upon him with silent attention. She seemed to delight in
his words, which were still more clearly explained by his speaking
features. His eyes appeared unusually brilliant. He turned at times
towards Matilda, who was astonished by the expression of his face. In
the warmth of conversation, he involuntarily seized her hand, and she
could not but sanction much of what he said, with a gentle pressure.
Klingsohr knew how to keep up his enthusiasm, and gradually drew his
whole soul from his lips. At last all rose. There was a general
confusion. Henry remained by the side of Matilda. They stood apart
unobserved. He clasped her hand and kissed it tenderly. She suffered
him to hold it without opposition, and looked upon him with unspeakable
kindness. He could not restrain himself, bent towards her, and kissed
her lips. She was taken unawares and involuntarily returned his ardent
kiss. "Sweet Matilda,"--"Dear Henry,"--this was all they could say to
each other. She pressed his hand, and then mingled with her companions.
Henry stood as if in Heaven. His mother came to him. He told her all
concerning his love.

"Is it not a good thing that we have visited Augsburg?" said she. "Does
it not in truth please you?"

"Dear mother," said Henry, "I had not represented it to myself thus. It
is most glorious."

The remainder of the evening passed away in infinite pleasure. The old
people played, talked, and observed the dancing. The music undulated
through the hall like a pleasure-sea, and bore along the enraptured
youth upon its surface.

Henry felt the rapturous presages of the first buoyancy of love.
Matilda also willingly suffered herself to be carried away by the
flattering waves, and only concealed from him her tender trust, her
budding inclination, behind a light flower veil. The old Swaning
noticed the growing intimacy between them, and teazed them both about
it. Klingsohr had taken a liking to Henry, and was pleased with his
tenderness towards his daughter.--The other young men and girls soon
noticed it. They brought the sober Matilda forward with the young
Thuringian, and did not conceal that they were glad no longer to be
obliged to shun Matilda's observation of the secrets of their hearts.

It was late in the evening when the company separated. "The first and
only feast of my life," said Henry, when he was alone, and his mother
had retired wearied to rest. "Do I not feel as I felt in that dream
about the blue flower? What peculiar connexion is there between Matilda
and that flower? That face, which bowed towards me from the petals, was
Matilda's heavenly countenance, and I also now remember that I saw it
in that book. But why did it not there thus move my heart? O! she is
the visible spirit of song, the worthy daughter of her father. She will
dissolve me into music. She will become my inmost soul, the guardian
spirit of my holy fire. What an eternity of faithful love do I feel
within me? I was born only to revere her, to serve her forever, to
think of and to feel her. Does there not belong a peculiar, undivided
existence to her contemplation and worship? Am I the happy one, whose
being may be the echo, the mirror of her's? It is not owing to chance
that I have seen her at the end of my journey, that a happy feast has
encircled the highest moment of my life. It could not have been
otherwise; for does not her presence render every thing a feast?"

He stepped to the window. The choir of the stars stood in the dusky
sky, and in the east a white glimmer announced the coming day.

Full of rapture, Henry exclaimed, "Ye eternal stars, ye silent
wanderers, I call upon you as witnesses of my sacred oath. For Matilda
will I live, and eternal constancy shall bind her to my heart. The
morning of eternal day is also opening for me. The night is past. I
kindle myself to the rising sun, for an inextinguishable offering."

Henry was heated, and only fell asleep late in the morning. The
thoughts of his soul flowed together into a wonderful dream. A deep
blue stream glimmered from the green plains. A boat was floating upon
the smooth surface. Matilda was sitting in it, and steering. She was
adorned with garlands, singing a simple song, and looked over to him
with sweet sadness. His bosom was oppressed, he knew not why. The sky
was clear; the flood quiet. Her heavenly face was reflected in the
waves. Suddenly the boat began to whirl. He cried out to her earnestly.
She smiled and laid down the helm in the boat which continued its
whirling. He was seized with overwhelming fear. He plunged into the
stream, but could not move, and was hurried along. She beckoned to him,
as if she had something to tell him, and though the boat was fast
filling with water, yet she smiled with unspeakable tenderness, and
looked down serenely into the abyss. Suddenly it drew her in. A gentle
breath of air passed over the stream, which, flowed on as quiet and
glittering as ever. His intense anxiety robbed Henry of all
consciousness. His heart no longer throbbed. On recovering, his senses,
he was on the dry land. He must have floated a long distance. It was a
strange country. He knew not what had happened to him. His mind had
vanished. Thoughtlessly he plunged deeper and deeper into the country.
He was excessively weary. A little spring gushed from the side of a
hill, sounding like the music of bells. In his hand he caught
a few drops, and with them wetted his parched lips. The terrible
occurrence lay behind him like a fearful dream. He walked on farther
and farther;--flowers and trees spoke to him.

Now he felt in high spirits and at home. He heard that song again. He
ran to the place whence the sounds proceeded. Suddenly some one held
him by the clothes. "Dear Henry," cried a well known voice. He looked
round, and Matilda clasped him in her arms.

"Why did you run from me, dear heart," cried she panting. "I could
scarcely overtake you."

Henry wept. He clasped her to himself, "Where is the stream?" cried he
with tears.

"Do you not see its blue waves above us?"

He looked up, and the blue stream was flowing gently over his head.

"Where are we, dear Matilda?"

"With our fathers."

"Shall we remain together?"

"Forever," she replied, while she pressed her lips to his, and so
embraced him that she could not tear herself from him. She put a
wondrous, secret word into his mouth, and it rang through his whole
being. He was about to repeat it, when his grandfather called, and he
awoke. He would have given his life to remember that word.




                              CHAPTER VII.


Klingsohr stood before his bed and kindly bade him good morning. He was
in high spirits, and fell upon Klingsohr's neck. "That is not meant for
you," cried Swaning. Henry smiled, and hid his blushes on his mother's
cheeks.

"Would you like to go with me," said Klingsohr, "and breakfast on a
beautiful eminence just before the city? The fine morning would refresh
you. Dress yourself. Matilda is already waiting for us."

Henry with a thousand joyful feelings thanked him for his welcome
invitation. In a moment he was ready, and kissed Klingsohr's hand with
much fervor. They went to Matilda, who looked wonderfully lovely in her
simple morning dress, and who greeted him kindly. She had already
packed her breakfast into a little basket which she hung upon one arm,
and without ceremony gave the other to Henry. Klingsohr followed them,
and thus they passed through the city, already full of animation, to a
little hill by the river, where a wide and full prospect opened between
some lofty trees.

"Though I have often," said Henry, "delighted in the unfolding of
varied nature in the peaceful neighborhood of her manifold possessions;
yet never has such a creative and pure serenity filled me, as today.
Those distant points seem so near to me, and the rich landscape is like
an inward fantasy. How changeable is nature, however unchangeable
appears its surface! How different is it when an angel, a spirit of
power is at our side, than when a person in distress utters his
complaints before us, or a farmer tells us how unfortunate the weather
is for him, or how much he needs some rainy days for his crops. To you,
dearest master, do I owe this bliss; yes, this bliss,--for there is no
other word that can more truly express my heart's condition. Joy,
desire, transport, are merely the members of that bliss which inspires
them with a higher life. He pressed Matilda's hand to his heart, and
his ardent gaze sank deep into her mild and susceptible eyes.

"Nature," replied Klingsohr, "is for our mind, what a body is for
light. It reflects it, separates it into its proper colors, kindles a
light on its surface or within it, when it equals its opacity: when it
is superior, it rays forth in order to enlighten other bodies. But eyen
the darkest bodies can, by water, fire, and air, be made clear and
brilliant."

"I understand you," dear master. "Men are crystals for our minds. They
are the transparent nature. Dear Matilda, I might call you a pure and
costly sapphire. You are clear and transparent as the heavens; you beam
with the mildest light. But tell me, dear master, whether I am right;
it seems to me that at the very point when one is most intimate with
nature, he can and would say the least concerning her."

"That depends upon your view of her," said Klingsohr. "Nature is one
thing for our enjoyment and our disposition, but another for our
intellect, the guiding faculty of our earthward powers. We must take
good care not to lose sight of one more than the other. There are many
who only know the one side, and think but little of the other. But we
can unite them both, and that too with profit. A great pity it is, that
so few think of being able to move freely and fitly in their inner
natures, and to insure for themselves, by a necessary separation, the
most effectual and natural use of their faculties. Usually the one
hinders the other; and thus a helpless sluggishness gradually arises,
so that, if such men should ever arise with united powers, a great
confusion and contention would ensue, and all things would be tossed
here and there in an ungainly manner. I cannot sufficiently impress
upon you, to endeavor with industry and care to be acquainted with your
own intellect and natural bias. Nothing is more indispensable to the
poet, than insight into the nature of every occupation, acquaintance
with the means by which every object may be attained, and the power of
fitly regulating the presence of the spirit according to time and
circumstances. Inspiration without intellect is useless and dangerous;
and the poet will be able to perform few wonders, when he is astonished
by wonders."

"But is not an implicit faith in man's dominion over destiny
indispensable to the poet?"

"Certainly indispensable, because he cannot represent fate to himself
in any other light, when he maturely reflects upon it. But how distant
is this calm certainty from that anxious doubt, which proceeds from the
blind fear of superstition! And thus also the steady, animating warmth
of a poetic mind is exactly the reverse of the wild heat of a sickly
heart; The one is poor, overwhelming, and transient; the other
perfectly distinguishes all forms, favors the culture of the most
manifold relations, and is in itself eternal. The youthful poet cannot
be too cool and considerate. A far-reaching, attentive, and quiet
disposition belongs to the true, melodious ease of address. It becomes
a confused prattling, when a violent storm is raging in the breast; and
the attention is lost in a trembling emptiness of thought. Once more I
repeat it; the true mind is like the light; even as calm and sensitive,
as elastic and penetrating, as powerful and as imperceptibly active, as
that costly element, which with its native regularity scatters itself
upon all objects, and exhibits them in charming variety. The poet is
pure steel, as sensitive as a brittle thread of glass, as hard as the
unyielding flint."

"I have indeed at times felt," said Henry, "that in the moments when my
inner nature was most awake, I was less excited than at other times,
when I could run about freely and attend to all occupations with
pleasure. A spiritual, penetrative essence permeated me, and I could
employ every sense at pleasure, could revolve every thought like an
actual body, and view it from all sides. I stood with silent sympathy
in my father's work-shop, and rejoiced when I could help him to
accomplish anything properly. Propriety has a peculiarly strengthening
charm, and it is true that the consciousness of it gives rise to a more
lasting and distinct enjoyment, than that overflowing feeling of an
incomprehensible, superfluous splendor."

"Believe not," said Klingsohr, "that I disregard the latter; but it
must come of itself and not be bought. The rarity of its appearance is
beneficent; if more frequent, it would weary and weaken. One cannot
quickly enough tear himself from the sweet rapture which it leaves
behind, and return to a regular and laborious occupation. It is as with
pleasant morning dreams, from whose sleepy vortex one must extricate
himself by force, if he would not fall into a lassitude, continually
more oppressive, and so struggle through the whole day in sickly
exhaustion."

"Poetry," continued Klingsohr, "will be cultivated strictly as an art.
As mere enjoyment it ceases to be poetry. The poet must not run about
unoccupied the whole day in chase of figures and feelings. That is the
very reverse of the proper method. A pure, open mind, dexterity in
reflection and contemplation, and ability to put forth all the
faculties in a mutually animating effort, and to keep them so,--these
are the requisites of our art. If you will commit yourself to my care,
no day shall pass in which you shall not add stores to your knowledge,
and obtain some useful views. The city is rich in artists of all
descriptions. There are some experienced statesmen and educated
merchants here. One can get acquainted with all ranks without much
difficulty, with people of all pursuits, and with all social
circumstances and requirements. I will with pleasure instruct you in
the mechanical part of our art, and read its most remarkable
productions with you. You may share Matilda's hours of instruction, and
she will willingly teach you to play the guitar. Each occupation will
usher in the rest; and when you have thus well spent the day, the
conversation and pleasures of a social evening, and the views of the
beautiful landscapes around, will continually renew to you the calmest
enjoyment."

"What a glorious life you here lay open to me, dear master. Under your
guidance I shall for the first time understand what a noble mark is
before me, and how by your counsel alone I can hope to attain it."

Klingsohr embraced him tenderly. Matilda brought them the breakfast,
and Henry asked her with a tender voice, whether she would be kind
enough to receive him as fellow pupil, and her own scholar. "I shall
probably be your scholar forever," said he, as Klingsohr turned away.
She nodded slightly towards him. He threw his arms around the blushing
maiden, and kissed her soft lips. Gently she retreated from him, yet
handed him with childish grace a rose which she wore in her bosom. She
then busied herself about her basket. Henry watched her with silent
rapture, kissed the rose, fixed it on his breast, and walked to
Klingsohr's side, who was gazing down at the city.

"By what road, did you come here," asked Klingsohr.

"Down over that hill," replied Henry, "where the road loses itself in
the distance."

"You must have seen some fair landscapes."

"We travelled through an almost uninterrupted series of beautiful
ones."

"Perhaps your native town is pleasantly situated?"

"The country is varied enough; it is rude, however, and a noble river
is wanting. Streams are the eyes of a landscape."

"Your account of your journey," said Klingsohr, "agreeably entertained
me last evening. I have indeed observed that the spirit of poesy is
your kind companion. Your friends have unobservedly become its voices.
Where a poet is, poetry everywhere breaks out. The land of poetry,
romantic Palestine, has greeted you with its sweet sadness; war has
addressed you in its wild glory, and nature and history have met you in
the forms of a miner and a hermit."

"You forget the best, dear master, the heavenly appearance of love. It
depends upon you, whether this appearance shall forever remain with
me."

"What do you think," cried Klingsohr as he turned to Matilda who was
just approaching; "would you like to become Henry's inseparable
companion? Where you are, I remain also."

Matilda was terrified. She flew into her father's arms. Henry trembled
with infinite joy. "Shall he then be with me forever, dear father?"

"Ask him for yourself," said Klingsohr With emotion.

She looked upon Henry with the most heart-felt tenderness.

"My eternity is indeed thy work," cried Henry, whilst the tears rolled
down his blooming cheeks.

They embraced each other. Klingsohr caught them in his arms. "My
children," he cried, "be faithful to each other unto death! Love and
constancy will make your life eternal poesy."




                              CHAPTER VIII.


In the afternoon Klingsohr led to his room his new son, in whose
happiness his mother and grandfather took the tenderest interest,
honoring Matilda as his protecting spirit, and made him acquainted with
his books. Afterward they spoke of poetry.

"I know not," said Klingsohr, "why the representation of nature as a
poet is commonly considered poetry. She is not so at all times. Dull
desire, stupid apathy and sluggishness, are in her, as in men, exposing
qualities which wage a restless strife With poesy. This mighty battle
would be a fine subject for a poem. Many lands and ages seem, like the
majority of men, to stand entirely under the dominion of this enemy to
poesy; in others, on the contrary, poesy is at home and everywhere
visible. The periods of this battle are very worthy of the historian's
notice, and its representation is a pleasant and profitable employment.
It is usually the season of the poet's birth. Nothing is more
disagreeable to its adversary than that she, herself being opposed to
poesy, becomes a poetic personage, and often in the heat of the
engagement changes weapons with poesy, and is violently struck by her
own venomous darts; while, on the other hand, the wounds of poesy,
which she receives from her own weapons, heal readily, and only serve
to render her yet more charming and powerful."

"On the whole," said Henry, "war seems to me poetical. People fancy
that they must fight for a possession no matter how miserable, and do
not observe that the spirit of romance excites them to annihilate all
useless baseness. They carry arms for the cause of poesy, and both
hosts follow an invisible standard."

"In war," replied Klingsohr, "the primeval fluid is stirred up. New
continents are to arise, new races to spring forth from the great
dissolution. The true war is the war of religion; its direct end is
destruction; and men's madness appears in its full dimensions. Many
wars, particularly those which originate in national hate, belong to
this class, and are real poems. Here true heroes are at home, who,
being the noblest antitypes of poesy, are but earthly powers
involuntarily penetrated by poesy. A poet, who at the same time were a
hero, would be indeed a heavenly messenger; but our poetry is not equal
to the work of representing him."

"How am I to understand that, dear father," said Henry. "Can any object
be too lofty for poesy?"

"Certainly. We cannot on the whole speak for poesy itself, but only for
her earthly means and instruments. If indeed there is for every single
poet a proper district within which he must remain, in order not to
lose all breath and vantage, then there is also for the whole sum of
human powers a determinate boundary line to the capacity for
representation; beyond which representation cannot retain the necessary
strength or form, but loses itself in an empty, delusive nonentity.
Particularly as a pupil, one cannot guard enough against these
extravagances; since a lively fancy loves too well to fly to the
extreme bounds, and arrogantly endeavors to seize upon and express the
supersensual and exuberant. Riper experience first teaches us to shun
this disproportion of objects, and to leave the investigation of what
is simplest and loftiest to worldly wisdom. The older poet rises no
higher than is needful to arrange, his vast stock in a comprehensible
order, and he is careful to omit the manifoldness, which afforded him
the requisite material, and also the necessary points of agreement. I
might almost say that in every line chaos should shine through the
well-clipped foliage of order. A graceful style merely renders the
richness of the thought more comprehensible and agreeable; regular
symmetry, on the contrary, has all the dryness of numbers. The best
poesy lies very near us, and an ordinary matter is not seldom the
object of its most tender love. With the poet, poetry is confined to
limited instruments, and just so far becomes an art. Language
especially has its fixed sphere. The compass of one's native tongue is
yet narrower. By practice and reflection the poet learns to understand
his own language. He knows exactly what he can accomplish by its aid,
and will make no fruitless attempt to strain it beyond its powers.
Seldom will he collect all its powers upon a single point; for
otherwise he becomes wearisome, and even destroys the rich effect of a
well applied exhibition of its strength. No poet, but a quack, aims at
wonderful efforts."[See Note III.]


"Poets on the whole cannot learn too much from musicians and painters.
In these arts it is very striking, how necessary it is to take sparing
advantage of the auxiliary means of the art, and how much depends upon
proper relations. Those artists, on the contrary, can certainty accept
from us the poetic independence, and the inner spirit of each
composition and invention; particularly of every genuine work. The
execution, not the material, is the object of the art. They should be
more poetical, we more musical and graphic; yet both according to the
manner and method of our art. You yourself will soon see in what songs
you can best succeed; they will certainly be those, the subjects of
which are easiest and nearest at hand. Therefore it can be said that
poetry rests entirely upon experience. I know that in my younger days
an object could hardly seem too distant and too unknown, for such I
delighted most to sing. What was the result? An empty, meagre flash of
words, without a spark of true poetry. Thence the tale[3] is the most
difficult of tasks, and a young poet will seldom perform it correctly."

"I should like to hear one of yours," said Henry. "The few I have
heard, though insignificant, have delighted me exceedingly."

"I will satisfy your wish this evening. I remember one which I composed
when quite young, which is sufficiently evident still; yet it will
entertain you the more instructively, for it will recall much that I
have told you."

"Language," said Henry, "is indeed a little world in signs and sounds.
As man rules over it, so would he rule the great world, and in it
express himself freely. And in this very joy of expressing in the world
what is without it, and of doing that which in reality was the primal
object of our existence, lies the origin of poetry."

"It is very unfortunate," said Klingsohr, "that poetry has a particular
name, and that poets constitute a particular class. It is not, however,
strange. It arises from the natural action of the human sprit. Does not
every man strive and compose at every moment?"

Just then Matilda entered the room. Klingsohr continued. "Consider
love, for instance. In nothing is the necessity of poetry for the
continuance of humanity so clear as in that. Love is silent; poesy
alone can speak for it. Or rather love itself is nothing but the
highest poetry of nature. Yet I will not tell you of things, with which
you are better acquainted than I."

"Thou art indeed the father of love;" cried Henry, as he threw his arms
around Matilda, and they both kissed his hand.

Klingsohr embraced them and went out.

"Dear Matilda," said Henry after a long kiss, "it seems to me like a
dream, that thou art mine; yet it seems still more wonderful, that thou
hast not been so always."

"It seems to me," said Matilda, "that I knew thee long, long ago."

"Canst thou then love me?"

"I know not what love is; but this can I tell thee, that it is as if I
now first began to live, and that I am so devoted to thee that I would
this instant die for thee."

"My Matilda, now for the first time do I feel what it is to be
immortal."

"Dear Henry, how infinitely good thou art. What a glorious spirit
speaks from thee. I am a poor, insignificant girl."

"How thou dost make me blush! Indeed I am what I am only through thee.
Without thee I were nothing. What were a spirit without a heaven; and
thou art the heaven that upbears and supports me."

"How divinely happy should I be, wert thou as faithful as my father. My
mother died shortly after my birth; yet my father weeps for her every
day."

"I deserve it not, yet may I be happier than he!"

"I would joyfully live long by thy side, dear Henry. Certainly through
thee I should become much better."

"O! Matilda, even death shall not separate us."

"No, Henry, where I am, wilt thou be."

"Yes, where thou art, Matilda, will I forever be."

"I comprehend not the meaning of eternity; yet I fancy that what I
feel, when I think of thee, must constitute eternity."

"Yes, Matilda, we are eternal, because we love each other."

"Thou canst not believe, dearest, how fervently, when we came home
early this morning, I knelt before the image of the holy mother, what
unspeakable things I prayed to her. I thought that I should melt away
in tears. It seemed as if she smiled upon me. I now for the first time
know what gratitude is."

"O beloved, Heaven has given me thee to adore. I worship thee. Thou art
the holy one that carriest my wishes to God, through whom He reveals
himself to me, through whom He makes known to me the fulness of His
love. What is religion but an infinite harmony, an eternal unison of
loving hearts? Where two are gathered together, He is indeed among
them. Thou wilt be my breath eternally. My bosom will never cease to
draw thee to itself. Thou art divine majesty, eternal life in the
loveliest of forms."

"Alas, Henry, thou knowest the fate of the roses. Wilt thou also press
the pale cheek, the withered lips, with tenderness to thy own? Will not
the traces of age be also the traces of bygone love?"

"O that thou couldst see through my eyes into my spirit! But thou
lovest me, and canst also believe me. I cannot comprehend what is said
of the withering of charms. They are unfading! That which draws me so
inseparably to thee, that has awakened in me such everlasting desire,
is not of this world. Couldst thou but see how thou appearest to me,
what a wonderful form penetrates thy shape, and everywhere is raying
towards me, thou wouldst not fear age. Thy earthly shape is but a
shadow of this form. The earthly faculties strive and swell that they
may incarnate it; but nature is yet unripe; the form is only an eternal
archetype, a fragment of the unknown holy world."

"I understand thee, dear Henry, for I see something similar when I look
upon thee."

"Yes, Matilda, the higher world is nearer to us than we usually
believe. Here already we live in it, and we see it closely interwoven
with our earthly nature."

"Thou wilt yet reveal much that is glorious to me, beloved?"

"O! Matilda, from thee alone cometh the gift of divination. Everything
that I have is indeed thine. Thy love will lead me into the sanctuaries
of life, and the most sacred recesses of the mind; thou wilt fill me
with enthusiasm, wilt excite me to the highest contemplation. Who knows
that our love will not change to wings of flame bearing us upward, and
carrying us to our heavenly home, ere old age and death reach us? Is it
not a miracle already that thou art mine, that I hold thee in my arms,
that thou lovest me, and that thou wilt be mine forever?"

"To me also everything seems possible, and I plainly feel a gentle
flame kindling within me. Who knows that it does not transfigure us,
and gradually dissolve all earthly ties? Only tell me, Henry, whether
thou hast that boundless confidence in me, that I have in thee. Yet I
never have felt towards any one as I do towards thee; not even to my
father, whom I love so dearly."

"Dear Matilda, it really torments me, that I cannot tell thee
everything at once, that I cannot at once give my whole heart to thee.
For the first time in my life am I perfectly frank. No thought, no
feeling can I longer conceal from thee,--thou must know everything. My
whole being shall mingle itself with thine. A most boundless
resignation to thee can alone satisfy my love. In that indeed it
consists. It is truly a most mysterious flowing together of our most
secret and personal existence."

"Henry, two beings can never thus have loved each other."

"I cannot believe it possible, for till now no Matilda has lived."

"And no Henry!"

"Swear to me once more that thou art mine. Love is an endless
repetition."

"Yes, Henry, by the invisible presence of my good mother, I swear to be
thine forever."

"I swear to be thine forever, Matilda, as surely as love, God's
presence, is with us."

A long embrace and countless kisses sealed the eternal alliance of the
blessed pair.




                              CHAPTER IX.


At evening some guests were present; the grandfather drank the health
of the young bridal pair, and promised to give them soon a splendid
marriage feast. "Of what use is long waiting?" said the old man. "Early
marriages make long love. I have always observed that marriages early
contracted were the happiest. In latter years there is no longer such a
devotion in the marriage relation as in youth. Youth, enjoyed in
common, forms an inseparable tie. Memory is the safest ground of love."

After the meal more people came in. Henry asked his new father to
fulfil his promise. Klingsohr said to the company, "I have promised
Henry to-day to relate a tale. If it would please you I am ready to do
so."

"That was a wise idea of Henry's," said Swaning. "We have heard nothing
from you for a long time."

All seated themselves by the fire, which was sparkling on the hearth.
Henry sat by Matilda, and stole his arm around her. Klingsohr began.

"The long night had just set in. The old hero struck his shield, so
that it resounded far through the solitary streets of the city. Thrice
he repeated the signal. Then the lofty, many-colored windows of the
palace began to shed abroad their light, and their figures were put in
motion. They moved the more quickly, as the ruddy stream which began to
illumine the streets became stronger. Also by degrees the immense
pillars and walls began to shine. At length they stood in the purest
milk-blue glimmer, and flickered with the softest colors. The whole
region was now visible, and the reflection of the figures, the clashing
of the spears, swords, shields, and helmets, which bowed from all sides
towards crowns appearing here and there, and finally closed round a
simple green garland in a wide circle, as the crowns vanished before
it; all this was reflected from the frozen sea that surrounded the hill
on which the city stood,--and even the far distant mountain range,
which girdled the sea, was half enwrapped with a mildly reflected
splendor. Nothing could be plainly distinguished; yet a strange sound
was heard, as if from an immense workshop in the distance. The city, on
the contrary, was light and clear. Its smooth transparent walls
reflected the beautiful beams; and the perfect symmetry, the noble
style, and fine arrangement of all the buildings were well defined.
Before every window stood earthern pots with ornaments, full of every
variety of ice and snow flowers, which sparkled most brilliantly.

"But fairest of all appeared the garden upon the great square in front
of the palace, consisting of metal plants and crystal trees, hung with
varied jewel-blossoms and fruits. The manifold and delicate shapes, the
lively lights and colors, formed a lordly spectacle, made still more
magnificent by a lofty fountain, frozen in the midst of the garden. The
old hero walked slowly past the palace doors. A voice from within
called his name. He turned towards the door, which opened with a gentle
sound, and stewed into the hall. His shield was held before his eyes.

"'Hast thou yet discovered nothing,' plaintively cried the beautiful
daughter of Arcturus. She lay on silken cushions, upon a throne
artfully fashioned from a huge pyrite-crystal, and some maidens were
assiduously chafing her tender limbs, which seemed a rare union of milk
and purple. On all sides streamed from beneath the hands of the maidens
that charming light, which so wondrously illuminated the palace. A
perfumed breeze was waving through the hall. The hero was silent.

"'Let me touch thy shield,' said she softly.

"He approached the throne and stepped upon the costly carpet. She
seized his hand, pressed it with tenderness to her heavenly bosom, and
touched his shield. His armor resounded, and a penetrating force
inspired his frame. His eyes flashed, and the heart beat loudly against
his breastplate. The beautiful Freya appeared more serene, and the
light that streamed from her became more brilliant.

"'The king is coming,' cried a splendid bird that was perched behind
the throne. The attendants threw an azure veil over the princess, which
concealed her heaving bosom. The hero lowered his shield, and looked
upward to the dome, whither two broad staircases wound from each side
of the hall. Soft music preceded the king, who soon appeared in the
dome, and descended with a numerous train.

"The beautiful bird unfolded its shining wings, and gently fluttering,
sang to the king as with a thousand voices:

           "The stranger fair delay no longer maketh.
            Warmth draweth near, Eternity begins.
            From long and tedious dreams the Queen awaketh,
            When land in eddying love with ocean spins.
            Her farewell hence the chilly midnight taketh,
            When Fable first the ancient title wins.
            The world will kindle upon Freya's breast,
            And every longing in its longing rest."

The King embraced his daughter with tenderness. The spirits of the
stars surrounded the throne, and the hero took his place in the order.
A numerous crowd of stars filled the hall in splendid groups. The
attendants brought a table and a little casket, containing a heap of
leaves, upon which were inscribed mystic figures of deep significance,
constructed of constellations. The king reverently kissed these leaves,
mixed them carefully together, and handed some to his daughter; the
rest he kept. The princess placed them in a row upon the table; then
the king closely examined his own, and chose with much reflection
before he added one to them. At times he seemed forced to choose this
or that leaf. But often his joy was evident, when he could complete by
a lucky leaf a beautiful harmony of signs and figures. As the play
commenced, tokens of the liveliest sympathy were visible among all the
by-standers, accompanied by peculiar looks and gestures, as if each one
had an invisible instrument in his hands which he plied diligently. At
the same time a gentle but deeply moving music was heard in the air,
seeming to arise from the stars gliding past each other in a wondrous
motion, and from the other movements so peculiar. The stars floated
round, now slowly, now quickly, in continually changing lines, and
curiously imitated, to the swell of the music, the figures on the
leaves. The music changed incessantly with the images upon the table;
and though the transitions were often strange and intricate, yet a
simple theme seemed to unite the whole. With incredible adroitness the
stars flew together according to the images. Now in great confusion,
but now again beautifully arranged in single clusters, and now the long
train was suddenly scattered, like a ray, into innumerable sparks, but
soon came together, through smaller circles and patterns ever
increasing, into one great figure of surprising beauty. The varied
shapes in the windows remained all this time at rest. The bird
unceasingly ruffled its costly plumage in every variety of form.
Hitherto the old hero had also pursued an unseen occupation, when
suddenly the king full of joy exclaimed, "all is well. Iron, throw thy
sword into the world, that it may know where peace rests."

The hero snatched the sword from his thigh, raised it with the point to
heaven, and hurled it from the window over the city and the icy sea. It
flew through the air like a comet, and seemed to penetrate the mountain
chain with a clear report, as it fell downward in brilliant flakes of
fire.

At this time the beautiful child Eros lay in his cradle and slumbered
gently, whilst Ginnistan his nurse rocked him, and held out her breast
to his foster-sister Fable. She had spread her variegated wimple over
the cradle, so that the bright lamp which stood before the scribe might
not trouble the child. Busily he wrote, at times looking morosely at
the children, and gloomily towards the nurse, who smiled upon him
kindly and kept silence.

The father of the children walked in and out continually, at each turn
gazing upon them, and greeting Ginnistan kindly. He always had
something to dictate to the scribe. The latter observed his words
exactly, and when he had written, handed them to an aged and venerable
woman, who was leaning on an altar, where stood a dark bowl of clear
water, into which she looked with serene smiles. When she dipped the
leaves in the water, and found on withdrawing them, that some of the
writing remained still glittering, she gave them to the scribe, who
fastened them in a great book, and seemed much out of humor when his
labor had been in vain, and all the writing had been obliterated. The
woman turned at times towards Ginnistan and the children, and dipping
her finger in the bowl, sprinkled some drops upon them, which, as soon
as they touched the nurse, the child, or the cradle, dissolved into a
blue vapor, exhibiting a thousand strange images, and floating and
changing constantly around them. If one of these by chance touched the
scribe, many figures and geometrical diagrams fell down, which he
strung with much diligence upon a thread, and hung them for an ornament
around his meagre neck. The child's mother, who was sweetness and
loveliness itself, often came in. She seemed to be constantly occupied,
always carrying with her some domestic utensil. If the prying scribe
observed it, he began a long reproof, of which no one took any notice.
All seemed accustomed to his fruitless fault-finding. The mother
sometimes gave the breast to little Fable, but was soon called away,
and Ginnistan took the child back again, for it seemed to love her
best. Suddenly the father brought in a small slender rod of iron, which
he had found in the court. The scribe looked at it, twirled it round
quickly, and soon discovered, that being suspended from the middle by a
thread, it turned of itself to the north. Ginnistan also took it in her
hand, bent it, pressed it, breathed upon it, and soon gave it the form
of a serpent biting, its own tail. The scribe was soon weary of looking
at it. He wrote down everything that had occurred, and was very diffuse
about the utility of such a discovery. But how vexed was he when all he
had written did not stand the proof, and when the paper came blank from
the bowl. The nurse continued to play with it. She chanced to touch
with it the cradle; the child awoke, threw off his covering, and
holding one hand towards the light, reached after the serpent with the
other. As soon as he received it, he leaped so quickly from the cradle
that Ginnistan was frightened, and the scribe fell nearly out of his
chair from wonder; the child stood in the chamber, covered only by his
long golden hair, and gazed with speechless joy upon the prize, which
pointed in his hands, towards the North, and seemed to awake within him
deep emotion. He grew visibly.

"Sophia," said he with a touching voice to the woman, "let me drink
from the bowl."

She gave it him without delay, and he could not cease drinking; yet the
bowl continued full. At last he returned it, while embracing the good
woman heartily. He pressed Ginnistan to his heart, and asked her for
the variegated cloth, which he bound becomingly around his thigh. He
took little Fable in his arms. She appeared greatly to delight in him,
and began to prattle. Ginnistan devoted all her attention to him. She
looked exceedingly charming and gay, and pressed him to herself with
the tenderness of a bride. She led him with whispered words to the
chamber door, but Sophia nodded earnestly and pointed to the serpent.
Just then the mother entered, to whom he immediately flew, and with
warm tears welcomed her. The scribe had departed in anger. The father
entered: and as he saw mother and son in silent embrace, he approached
the charming Ginnistan behind them and caressed her. Sophia ascended
the stairs. Little Fable took the scribe's pen and began to write.
Mother and son were deeply engaged in conversation. The father availed
himself of the opportunity, and lavished many a tender word and look
upon Ginnistan, who returned them willingly; and in their sweet
interchange of love, both the presence or absence of any was forgotten.
After some time Sophia returned, and the scribe entered. He drove
little Fable with many rebukes from his seat, and took a long time to
put his things in order. He handed to Sophia the leaves that Fable had
written over, that they might be returned clean; but his displeasure
was extreme, when Sophia drew the writing brilliant and uneffaced from
the bowl, and laid it before him. Fable clang to her mother, who took
her to her breast, and put the chamber in order, opened the windows for
the fresh air, and made preparations for a costly meal. A beautiful
landscape was visible from the windows, and a serene sky overarched the
earth. The father was busily employed in the court. When he was weary,
he looked up towards the window, where Ginnistan stood and threw to him
all sorts of sweetmeats. Mother and son went out in order to assist in
any manner, and to prepare for the resolution they had taken. The
scribe twitched his pen, and always made a wry face, when he was forced
to ask any information of Ginnistan, who had a good memory and
recollected everything that transpired. Eros soon returned, clad in
beautiful armor, round which the varigated cloth was wound like a
scarf. He asked Sophia's advice as to when and how he should commence
his journey. The scribe was very troublesome, and wanted to furnish him
with a complete traveller's guide, but his instructions were not
regarded.

"You can commence your journey immediately," said Sophia, "Ginnistan
can guide you. She knows the road and is acquainted everywhere. She
will take the form of your mother, that she may not lead you into
temptation. If you find the king, think of me; for then I shall soon
come to assist you."

Ginnistan exchanged forms with the mother, whereat the father seemed
much pleased. The scribe was rejoiced that they were both going away;
particularly when Ginnistan on taking leave presented him with a
pocket-book, in which the chronicles of the house were circumstantially
recorded. Yet the little Fable remained a thorn in his eye, and he
desired nothing more for his peace and content, than that she might
also be among the number of the travellers. Sophia pronounced a
blessing upon the two who knelt down before her, and gave them a vessel
full of water from the bowl. The mother was very sad. Little Fable,
would willingly have gone with them; the father was too much occupied
out of doors, to concern himself much about it. It was night when they
left, and the moon stood high in the sky.

"Dear Eros," said Ginnistan, "we must hasten, that we may come to my
father, who has not seen me for a long time, and has fought for me
anxiously everywhere upon earth. Do you not see his emaciated face?
Your testimony will cause him to recognise me in this strange form."

            Love hies along in dusky ways,
            The moon his only light;
            The shadow-realm itself displays,
            And all uncouthly dight.

            An azure mist with golden rim
            Around him floats in play,
            And quickly Fancy hurries him
            O'er stream and land away.

            His teeming bosom beating is
            In wondrous spirit-flow;
            A presagement of future bliss
            Bespeaks the ardent glow.

            And Longing sat and wept aloud,
            Nor knew that Love was near;
            And deeper in her visage ploughed
            The hopeless sorrow's tear.

            The little snake remaineth true,
            It pointeth to the North,
            And both in trust and courage new
            Their leader follow forth.

            Love hieth through the hot Simoon,
            And through the vapor-land,
            Enters the halo of the moon,
            The daughter in his hand.

            He sat upon his silver throne,
            Alone with his unrest;
            When heareth he his daughter's tone,
            And sinketh on her breast.

Eros stood deeply moved by their tender embrace. At length the
tottering old man collected himself and bade his guest welcome. He
seized his great horn and blew a mighty blast. The ringing echo
vibrated through the ancient castle. The pointed towers with their
shining balls, and the deep black roofs, trembled.

The castle stood firm, for it had settled upon the mountain from beyond
the deep sea.

Servants were gathering from every quarter; their peculiar forms and
dresses delighted Ginnistan infinitely, and did not frighten the brave
Eros. They first greeted her old acquaintances, and all appeared before
them in new strength, and in all the glory of their natures. The
impetuous spirit of the flood followed the gentle ebb. The old
hurricanes rested upon the beating breast of the hot, passionate
earthquake. The gentle showers looked around for the many-colored bow
which stood so pallid, far from the sun that most attracts it. The rude
thunder resounded through the play of the lightning, behind the
innumerable clouds which stood in a thousand charms, and allured the
fiery youth. The two sisters Morning and Evening were especially
delighted by their arrival. Tears of tenderness were mingled in their
embraces. Indescribable was the appearance of this wonderful court. The
old king could not gaze long enough upon his daughter. She was tenfold
happy in her father's castle, and could not grow weary of looking at
the well known wonders and rarities. Her joy was unspeakable, when the
king gave her the key to the treasure-chamber, and permission to
arrange there a spectacle for Eros, which could entertain him until the
signal for breaking up. The treasure-place was a large garden, the
variety and richness of which surpassed all description. Between the
immense cloud-trees lay innumerable air-castles of surprising
architecture, each succeeding one more costly than the others. Large
herds of little sheep with silver-white, golden, and rose-colored wool,
were wandering about, and the most singular animals enlivened the
grove. Remarkable pictures stood here and there, and the festive
processions, the strange carriages which met the eye on every side,
continually occupied the attention. The beds were filled with
many-colored flowers. The buildings were crowded with every species of
weapon, and furnished with the most beautiful carpets, tapestry,
curtains, drinking-cups, and all kinds of furniture and utensils
arranged in an endless order. From the hill they saw a romantic region
overspread with cities and castles, temples and sepulchres; every
delight of inhabited plains united to the fertile charms of the
wilderness and the mountain steep. The fairest colors were most happily
blended. The mountain peaks shone like pyramids of fire in their hoods
of ice and snow. The plain lay smiling in the freshest green. The
distance was arrayed in every shade of blue, and from the sombre bosom
of the sea waved countless pennons of varied hue from numerous fleets.
In the distance a shipwreck was to be seen; here in the foreground a
rustic cheerful meal of country people; there the terribly grand
eruption of a volcano, the desolating earthquake; and in front beneath
shady trees a loving couple in sweet caresses. Further on was a fearful
battle, and beyond it a theatre full of the most ludicrous masks. In
another spot of the foreground was a youthful corpse upon its bier, to
which an inconsolable lover clung, and the weeping parents at its side;
beyond was seen a lovely mother with her child at her breast, and
angels sitting at her feet, and gazing from the branches over head. The
series were continually shifting, and at last all flowed together into
one mysterious picture. Heaven and earth were in complete uproar. All
terrors had broken loose. A mighty voice cried, "to arms!" A terrible
host of skeletons, with black standards, rushed like a tempest from the
dark mountain, and attacked the life which was feasting merrily in
youthful bands among the open plains, anticipating no danger. Terrible
tumults arose, the earth trembled, the tempest howled, fearful meteors
lighted the gloom. With unheard of cruelty, the host of phantoms tore
the tender limbs of the living. A funeral pyre towered on high, and
amid shrieks which made the blood run cold, the children of life were
consumed by the flames. Suddenly a milk-blue stream broke on all sides
from the dark heap of ashes. The phantoms hastened to fly, but the
flood visibly swelled and swallowed up the detestable brood. Soon all
fear was allayed. Heaven and earth flowed together in sweet music. A
flower, wonderful in beauty, floated glittering upon the gentle
billows. A shining bow half circled the flood, and on both sides of it
sat celestial shapes on splendid thrones. Sophia sat highest with the
bowl in her hands, near a majestic man, whose locks were bound by a
garland of oak leaves, and who bore in his right hand a palm of peace
instead of a sceptre. A lily leaf bent over the chalice of the floating
flower. The little Fable sat upon it, and sang to the harp the sweetest
song. In the chalice sat Eros himself, bending over a beautiful,
slumbering maiden who held him fast embraced. A smaller blossom closed
around them both, so that from the thighs they seemed changed to a
flower.

Eros thanked Ginnistan with thousand fold rapture. He embraced her
tenderly, and she returned his caresses. Wearied by the fatigues of the
journey, and by the manifold objects he had seen, he longed for quiet
and rest. Ginnistan, who felt deeply attracted by the beautiful youth,
took good care not to mention the draught which Sophia had given him.
She led him to a retired bath, and removed his armor. Eros dipped
himself in the dangerous waves, and came out again in rapture.
Ginnistan chafed dry his strong limbs knit with youthful vigor. He
thought with ardent longing of his beloved, and embraced the charming
Ginnistan in sweet delusion. He surrendered himself carelessly to his
tenderness, and fell asleep on the fair bosom of his guide.

In the mean time a sad change had taken place at home. The scribe had
involved the domestics in a dangerous conspiracy. His fiendish mind had
long sought occasion to obtain possession of the government of the
house, and to shake off his yoke. Such an occasion he had found. His
party first seized the mother and put her in irons. The father also was
deprived of everything but bread and water. The little Fable heard the
noise in the chamber. She hid herself behind the altar; and observing
that there was a concealed door on its farther side, she opened it
quickly, and discovered a staircase leading from it. She closed the
door behind her, and descended the stairs in the dark. The scribe
rushed furiously into the chamber, in order to revenge himself on the
little Fable, and to take Sophia captive. Neither of them was to be
found. The bowl was also missing, and in his wrath he broke the altar
into a thousand pieces, without, however, discovering the secret
staircase.

Fable continued to descend for a considerable time. At length she
reached an open space adorned with splendid colonnades, and closed by a
great door. All objects there were dark. The air was like one immense
shadow; and a darkly beaming body stood in the sky. One could easily
distinguish objects, because each figure exhibited a peculiar shade of
black, and cast behind a pale glimmer; light and shade seemed to have
changed their respective offices. Fable rejoiced to find herself in a
new world. She regarded everything with childish curiosity. At length
she reached the door, before which upon a massive pedestal reclined a
beautiful Sphinx.

"What dost thou seek?" said the Sphinx.

"My possession," replied Fable.

"Whence comest thou hither?"

"From olden times."

"Thou art yet a child."

"And will be a child forever."

"Who wilt assist thee?"

"I will assist myself. Where are my sisters?" asked Fable.

"Everywhere, and yet nowhere," answered the Sphinx.

"Dost thou know me?"

"Not as yet."

"Where is Love?"

"In the imagination."

"And Sophia?"

The Sphinx murmured inaudibly to itself, and rustled its wings.

"Sophia and Love!" cried Fable triumphantly, and passed the door. She
stepped into an immense cave, and joyfully reached the aged sisters,
who were pursuing their wonderful occupation, by the poor light of a
dimly burning lamp. They seemed not to notice their little guest, who
busily hovered around them with artless caresses. At last one of them
with a crabbed face roughly rebuked her.

"What wouldst thou here, idler? Who has admitted thee? Thy childish
steps disturb the quiet flame. The oil is burning to waste. Canst thou
not be seated, and occupy thyself usefully?"

"Beautiful aunt," said Fable, "I am no idler. But I cannot help
laughing at your door-keeper. She would have taken me to her breast;
but seemed to have eaten too much to rise. Let me sit before the door,
and give me something to spin. I cannot see well here; and when I am
spinning I must be suffered to sing and talk, which might disturb your
serious cogitations."

"Thou shalt not go outside; but through a cleft of the rock a beam from
the upper world pierces into a side-chamber, there thou mayest spin if
thou knowest how. Here lie great heaps of old ends, spin them together.
But have a care; for if thou spin lazily or break the threads, they
will wind round and choke thee."

The old woman laughed maliciously and resumed her labor. Fable gathered
up an armful of the threads, took distaff and spindle, and tripped
singing into the chamber. She looked out through the cleft, and saw the
constellation of Phoenix. Rejoicing at the happy omen, she began to
spin industriously, leaving the chamber door ajar, and sang in subdued
tones:--

            Within your cells awaken,
            Children of olden time;
            Be every bed forsaken,
            The morn begins to climb.

            Your threadlets I am weaving
            Into a single thread:
            In _one_ life be ye cleaving,--
            The times of strife are sped.

            Each one in all is living,
            And all in each beside;
            _One_ heart its pulses giving.
            From _one_ impelling tide.

            Yet spirits only are ye.
            But dream and witchery.
            Into the cavern fare ye,
            And vex the holy Three.

The spindle turned with incredible velocity between her little feet,
while she twisted the thread with both her hands. During the song,
innumerable little lights became visible, which passed through the
chink of the door, and spread through the cave in hideous masks. The
elders continued spinning gloomily, and in expectation of the cries of
distress of little Fable. But how terrified were they when a horrible
nose appeared over their shoulders, and when upon looking around they
beheld the whole cave filled with fearful forms, engaged in a thousand
fantastic tricks. They shrunk together, howled with frightful voices,
and would have turned to stone through fear, had not the scribe entered
the cave bearing with him a mandrake root. The lights concealed
themselves in the rocky cleft, and the cave became entirely
illuminated, while the black lamp was extinguished, having been
overturned in the confusion. The old hags were glad when they heard the
scribe approaching; but were full of wrath against the little Fable.
They called her forth, rebuked her terribly, and forbade her spinning
longer. The scribe smiled grimly; because he supposed that now the
little Fable was in his power, and said,

"It is good that thou art here, and art kept employed. I hope that thou
receivest thy share of punishment. Thy good spirit has guided me
hither. I wish thee a long life and many pleasures."

"I thank thee for thy good will," said Fable; "lo, what a good age is
approaching thee. The hourglass and sickle only are wanting to make
thee like in looks to the brother of my beautiful aunts. If thou
needest quills, only pluck a handful of soft down from their cheeks."

The scribe threatened to attack her. She smiled and said,

"If thy beautiful locks and spiritual eyes are dear to thee, beware!
think of my nails, thou hast not much more to loose."

He turned with stifled rage towards the old women, who were rubbing
their eyes, and searching for their distaffs. They could not find them
because the lamp was extinguished; but they vented their rage against
Fable.

"Do let her go," said he spitefully, "that she may catch tarantulas to
prepare your oil. I will tell you for your consolation that Eros is
restlessly on the wing, and by his industry will keep your scissors
busy. His mother, who has so often compelled you to spin the lengthened
threads, will become a prey to the flames to-morrow."

He laughed with joy, when he saw that Fable wept at this news, and
giving a piece of the root to the old people, departed chuckling. The
sisters, though supplied with oil, angrily ordered Fable to go in
search of tarantulas, and Fable hastened away. She pretended to open
the door, slammed it noisily, and crept stealthily to the back of the
cave, where a ladder was hanging down. She ascended quickly, and soon
came to an aperture, which opened into the apartment of Arcturus.

The king sat surrounded by his counsellors when Fable appeared. The
Northern Crown adorned his head. He held the lily in his left hand, the
balance in his right. The eagle and the lion sat at his feet.

"Monarch," said Fable, bending reverently before him, "Hail to thine
eternal throne! Joyful news for thy wounded heart! An early return of
wisdom! Awakening to eternal peace! Rest to the restless love!
Glorification of the heart! Life to antiquity and form to the future!"

The king touched her open forehead with the lily, "Whatever thou
demandest shall be granted thee."

"Three times shall I petition, and when I come the fourth time. Love
will be before the door. Now give me the lyre."

"Eridanus," cried the king, "bring the lyre hither."

Eridanus streamed forth murmuring from his concealment, and Fable
snatched the lyre from his boiling flood.

Fable played a few prophetic strains. She sipped from the cup which the
king ordered to be handed her, and hastened away with many thanks. She
glided with a sweet, elastic motion over the icy sea, drawing joyful
music from the strings.

The ice resounded melodiously beneath her step. She fancied the voices
of the rocks of sorrow were the voices of her children seeking her, and
she answered in a thousand echoes.

Fable soon reached the shore. She met her mother who appeared wasted
and pale; she had grown thin and sad, and her noble features revealed
the traces of a hopeless sorrow and of touching constancy.

"What has happened to thee, dear mother?" asked Fable; "thou seemest to
me entirely changed; I should not know thee except by internal signs. I
hoped once more to refresh myself at thy breast; I have pined after
thee for a long time."

Ginnistan caressed her tenderly, and became calm and serene.

"I thought from the first," said she, "that the scribe would not take
thee captive. It refreshes me to see thee. Poor and pinched are my
affairs now; but I console myself with hoping that it will soon end.
Perhaps I am about to have a moment of rest. Eros is near; and when he
sees thee and thou speakest with him, he may tarry some time. In the
mean time come to my bosom. I will give thee what I have."

She took Fable upon her lap, proffered her breast, and while smiling
upon the little one who was enjoying her feast, continued, "I am myself
the cause that Eros has become so wild and inconstant. But yet I repent
it not, for those hours have made me immortal. I believe that his fiery
caresses have strangely transformed him. Long, silver-white wings
covered his glittering shoulders, and the charming fulness of his form.
The strength, which swelling forth had so suddenly changed him from a
youth to a man, seemed entirely to have withdrawn into his wings, and
he had become again a boy. The silent glow of his face became like the
dazzling fire of a will-o'-the-wisp, his holy seriousness had changed
to dissembled roguishness, the significant calm to childish
irresolution, the noble carriage to a droll agility. I felt
irresistibly attracted to the wanton boy by an ardent passion, and
suffered with pain his sneering scorn, and his indifference to my most
touching prayers. I perceived that my form was changed. My careless
serenity had fled, and its place filled with sorrowful anxiety and
shrinking timidity. I would have hidden myself with Eros from all eyes.
I had not the heart to meet his offending eye, and was overwhelmed with
shame and humility. I had no thoughts but for him; and would have given
my life to free him from his wantonness. Deeply as he had hurt my
feelings, I was compelled to worship him.

"Since the time when he discovered himself and escaped me, I have
continually been in pursuit of him, though I have conjured him
touchingly and with hot tears to remain with me. He seems really intent
on persecuting me. As often as I reach him, he flies away again. On
every side his bow deals destruction. I have nought to do but to
console the unhappy, and yet I myself need consolation. The voices of
those who call me point out to me his path, and their mournful
complaints, when I am compelled to leave them, deeply cut my heart. The
scribe pursues us in a terrible rage, and revenges himself upon the
poor wounded ones. The fruit of that mysterious night was a multitude
of strange children, who look like their grandfather, and are named
after him. Being winged like their father, they ever accompany him, to
torment the poor ones whom his arrow wounds.  But there comes the
joyous procession. I must away. Farewell, sweet child. His presence
excites my passion. Be happy in thy designs."

Eros passed on without Ginnistan, who hastened near him, beseeching but
one look of tenderness. But he turned kindly towards Fable, and his
little companions danced joyously around her. Fable was glad to see her
foster-brother again, and sang a merry song to her lyre. Eros seemed as
if desiring to recall some recollections of the past, and let fall his
bow upon the ground. Ginnistan could now embrace him, and he suffered
her tender caresses. At last Eros began to nod; he clung to Ginnistan's
bosom and fell asleep, spreading over her his wings. The weary
Ginnistan full of rejoicing turned not her eye from the graceful
sleeper. During the song, tarantulas came forth from all sides, which
drew a shining net over the blades of grass, and with sprightly
movements accompanied the music upon the threads. Fable now consoled
her mother, and promised to her speedy assistance. From the rocks fell
back the soft echo of the music, and lulled the sleeper. From the
carefully preserved vessel Ginnistan sprinkled some drops into the air,
and the most delightful dreams descended upon them. Fable took the
vessel and continued her journey. Her strings never were at rest, and
the tarantulas followed the enchanting sounds upon their fast-woven
threads.

She soon saw from afar the lofty flame of a funeral pile, which rose
high above the green forest. Mournfully she gazed towards heaven; yet
rejoiced when she saw Sophia's blue veil which was waving over the
earth, forever covering the unsightly tomb. The sun stood in heaven,
fiery-red with rage. The powerful flame imbibed its stolen light; and
the more fiercely the sun strove to preserve itself, ever more pale and
spotted it became. The flame grew whiter and more intense, as the sun
faded. It attracted the light more and more strongly; the glory around
the star of day was soon consumed, and it stood there a pale,
glimmering disk, every new agitation of spite and rage aiding the
escape of the flying light-waves. Finally, nought of the sun remained
but a black, exhausted dross, which fell into the sea. The splendor of
the flame was beyond description. It slowly ascended, and bore towards
the North. Fable entered the court, which was desolate; the house had
fallen. Briars were growing in the crevices of the window frames, and
vermin of every kind were creeping about on the broken staircase. She
heard a terrible noise in the chamber; the scribe and his associates
had been devoting her mother to the flames, but had been greatly
terrified by the sudden destruction of the sun.

They had in vain struggled to extinguish the flame, and had not escaped
unhurt. They vented their pain and anxiety in fearful curses and
wailings. But more terrified were they, when Fable entered the chamber,
and rushed upon them with a furious cry, letting her anger loose upon
them. She stepped behind the cradle, and her pursuers rushed madly into
the web of the tarantulas, which revenged themselves by a thousand
wounds. The whole crowd commenced a frantic dance, to which Fable
played a merry tune. With much laughter at their ludicrous
performances, she approached the fragments of the altar, and cleared
them away, in order to find the hidden staircase, which she descended
with her train of tarantulas.

The Sphinx asked, "what comes more suddenly than the lightning?"

"Revenge," said Fable.

"What is most transient?"

"Wrongful possession."

"Who knows the world?"

"He who knows himself."

"What is the eternal mystery?"

"Love."

"With whom does it rest?"

"With Sophia."

The Sphinx bowed herself mournfully, and Fable entered the cave.

"Here I bring you tarantulas," said she to the old sisters, who again
had lighted their lamp and were busily employed. They were overwhelmed
with fear, and one of them rushed upon her with the shears to murder
her. Unwarily she stepped upon a tarantula, which stung her in the
foot. She cried piteously; the others came to her assistance, and were
likewise stung by the irritated reptiles. They could not now attack
Fable, and danced wildly about.

"Spin directly for us," cried they angrily to the little one, "some
light dancing dresses. We cannot move in this stiff raiment, and are
nearly melted with heat. Thou must soak the thread in spider's juice
that it may not break, and interweave flowers, which have grown in
fire; otherwise thou shalt die."

"Right willingly," said Fable, and retired to the side-chamber.

"I will get you three fine large flies," said she to the spiders, which
had fixed their airy web about the ceiling and the walls; "but you must
spin for me immediately three beautiful light dresses. I will bring you
directly the flowers which must be worked upon them."

The spiders were ready and began to weave busily. Fable glided up the
ladder, and proceeded to Arcturus.

"Monarch," said she, "the wicked dance, the good rest. Has the flame
arrived?"

"It has come," said the King. "Night is passed and the ice melts. My
spouse appears in the distance. My enemy is overwhelmed. All things
begin to exist. As yet I do not dare to show myself, for I am not alone
King. Ask what thou wilt."

"I need," said Fable, "some flowers that have grown in fire. I know
thou hast a skilful gardener, who understands rearing them."

"Zinc," cried the King, "give us flowers."

The flower gardener stepped from the ranks, bringing at vessel full of
fire, and sowed shining seeds therein. Soon flowers sprang up. Fable
gathered them in her apron, and returned. The spiders had been
industrious, and nothing more was needed but to attach the flowers,
which they immediately began to do with much taste and skill. Fable
took good care not to pull off the ends which were yet hanging to the
weavers.

She carried the dresses to the wearied dancers, who had sunk down
dripping with perspiration, and were taking a moment's breath after
their unwonted exertions. She dextrously undressed the haggard
beauties, who were not backward in scolding their little servant, and
put on the new dresses, which fitted excellently. While thus employed,
she praised the charms and lovely character of her mistresses, who
seemed really pleased with her flatteries, and the splendor of their
new appearance. Having in the mean time rested themselves, they
recommenced their mazy whirl, whilst they deceitfully promised little
Fable a long life and great rewards. Fable returned to the chamber, and
said to the spiders, "you can now eat in peace the flies which I hare
brought to your web."

The spiders were soon impatient at being pulled back and forth by the
distracted movements of the dancers, for the ends of the threads were
still in them. They therefore ran out and attacked the dancers, who
would have defended themselves with the shears, had not Fable quietly
removed them. They therefore submitted to their hungry companions; who
for a long time had not tasted so rich a feast, and who sucked them to
the marrow. Fable looked out from the cleft in the rock, and saw
Perseus with his great shield of iron. The shears flew to it, and Fable
asked him to trim with them the wings of Eros, and then with his shield
to immortalize the sisters, and finish the great work.

She now left the subterraneous kingdom, and flew rejoicing to
Arcturus's palace.

"The flax is spun. The lifeless are again unsouled. The living will
govern, the dead will shape and use. The Inmost is revealed, and the
Outermost is hidden. The curtain will soon be lifted, and the play
commence. Once more I petition thee; then will I spin days of
eternity."

"Happy child," cried the monarch with emotion, "thou art our
deliverer."

"I am only Sophia's god-daughter," said the little one. "Permit
Turmaline, the flower gardener, and Gold to accompany me. I must gather
up the ashes of my foster-mother; the old Bearer must again arise, that
the earth may not lie in chaos, but renew her motion."

The king called all three, and commanded them to accompany the little
Fable. The city was light, and in the streets was the bustle of
business. The sea broke roaring upon the high cliff, and Fable went
over in the king's chariot with her companions. Turmaline carefully
gathered the dispersing ashes. They traversed the earth till they came
to the old giant, upon whose shoulders they descended. He seemed lamed
by the touch, and could not move a limb. Gold placed a coin in his
mouth, and the flower-gardener pushed a dish under his loins. Fable
touched his eyes and poured out her vessel upon his forehead. Soon as
the water flowed from his eyes into his mouth, and over his body into
the dish, a flash of life made all his muscles quiver. He opened his
eyes and rose vigorously. Fable jumped up to her companion on the
swelling ground, and kindly bade him good morning.

"Art thou again here, dear child?" said the old man, "thou of whom I
have so continually dreamed? I always thought that thou wouldst appear
before the earth and my eyes became too heavy. I have indeed been
sleeping long."

"The earth is again light, as it always was for the good," said Fable.
"Old times are returning. Shortly thou wilt again be among thine old
acquaintances. I will spin out for thee joyous days, nor shalt thou
want an help-meet. Where are our old guests, the Hesperides?"

"With Sophia. Their garden will soon bloom again, its golden fruits
send forth their odor. They are now busy gathering together the fading
plants."

Fable departed, and hastened to the house. It was entirely in ruins.
Ivy was winding round the walls. Tall bushes shaded the ancient court,
and the soft moss enwrapt the old steps. She entered the chamber.
Sophia stood by the altar which had been rebuilt. Eros was lying at her
feet in full armor, more grave and noble than ever. A splendid lustre
hung from the ceiling. The floor was paved with variegated stones,
describing a great circle around the altar, which was graced with noble
and significant figures. Ginnistan bent weeping over a couch, on which
the father appeared lying in deep slumber. Her blooming grace was
infinitely enhanced by an expression of devotion and love. Fable handed
to the holy Sophia, who tenderly embraced her, the urn in which the
ashes were gathered.

"Lovely child," said she, "thy faithfulness and assiduity have earned
for thee a place among the stars. Thou hast elected the immortal within
thee. Ph[oe]nix is thine. Thou wilt be the soul of our life. Now arouse
the bridegroom. The herald calls, and Eros shall seek and awaken
Freya."

Fable rejoiced unspeakably at these words. She called her companions
Gold and Zinc, and approached the couch. Ginnistan awaited full of
expectation the issue of her enterprise. Gold melted coin, and filled
with a glittering flood the space in which the father was lying. Zinc
wound a chain around Ginnistan's bosom. The body floated upon the
trembling waves. "Bow thyself, dear mother," said Fable, "and lay thy
hand upon the heart of thy beloved."

Ginnistan bowed. She saw her image many times reflected. The chain
touched the flood, her hand his heart; he awoke and drew the enraptured
bride to his bosom. The metal became a clear and liquid mirror. The
father arose; his eyes flashed lightning; and though his shape was
speakingly beautiful, yet his whole frame appeared a highly susceptible
fluid, which betrayed every affection in manifold and enchanting
undulations.

The happy pair approached Sophia, who pronounced the words of
consecration upon them, and charged them faithfully to consult the
mirror, which reflected everything, in its real shape, destroyed every
delusion, and ever retained the primeval type of things. She now took
the urn, and shook the ashes into a bowl upon the altar. A soft
bubbling announced the dissolution, and a gentle wind waved the
garments and locks of the bystanders. Sophia handed the bowl to Eros,
who proffered it to the others. All tasted the divine draught, and
received with unspeakable joy the Mother's friendly greeting in their
soul of souls. She appeared to each one of them, and her mysterious
presence seemed to transfigure all.

Their expectations were fulfilled and surpassed. All perceived what
they had wanted, and the chamber became an abode of the blessed.

Sophia said, "the great secret is revealed to all, and remains forever
unfathomable. Out of pain is the new world born, and the ashes are
dissolved into tears for a draught of eternal life. The heavenly mother
dwells in all, that every child may be born immortal. Do you not feel
the sweet birth in the beating of your heart?"

She poured from the bowl the remainder upon the altar. The earth
trembled to its centre. Sophia said, "Eros, hasten with thy sister to
thy beloved. Soon shall ye see me again."

Fable and Eros quickly departed with their train. Then was scattered
over, the earth a mighty spring. Everything arose and stirred with
life. The earth floated farther beneath the veil. The moon and the
clouds were trailing with joyous tumult towards the North. The king's
castle beamed with a lordly splendor over the sea, and upon its
battlements stood the king in full majesty with all his suite. On every
side they saw dust-whirls, in which familiar shapes seemed represented.
Numerous bands of young men and maidens appeared hastening to the
castle, whom they welcomed with exaltation. Upon many a hill sat happy
couples but just awakened, in long-lost embraces; and they thought the
new world was a dream, nor could they cease assuring themselves of its
reality.

Flowers and trees sprang up in verdant vigor. All things seemed
inspired. All spoke and sang. Fable saluted on all sides her old
acquaintances. With friendly greeting animals approached awakened men.
The plants welcomed them with fruits and odor, and arrayed themselves
most tastefully. No weight lay longer on any human bosom, and all
burdens became the solid ground on which men trod. They came to the
sea. A ship of polished steel lay fastened to the shore. They stepped
aboard, and cast off the rope. The prow turned to the north, and the
ship cleaved the amorous waves as if on pinions, The sighing sedge
ceased its murmur, as it glides gently to the shore. They hastened up
the broad stairs. Love admired the royal city and its opulence. In the
court the living fountain was sparkling; the grove swayed to and fro in
sweetest tones, and a wondrous life seemed to gush and thrive in its
swelling foliage, its twinkling fruits and blossoms. The old hero
received them at the door of the palace.

"Venerable man," said Fable, "Eros needs thy sword. Gold has given him
a chain, one end of which reaches down to the sea, the other encircles
his breast. Take it in thy hand, and lead us to the hall where the
princess rests." Eros took the sword from the hand of the old man,
pressed the handle to his breast, and pointed the blade before him. The
folding doors of the hall flew open, and enraptured Eros approached the
slumbering Freya. Suddenly a mighty shock was felt. A bright spark sped
from the princess to the sword, the sword and the chain were illumined;
the hero supported the little Fable who was almost sinking. The crest
of Eros waved on high. "Throw away thy sword," exclaimed Fable, "and
awake thy beloved."

Eros dropped the sword, flew to the princess and kissed her sweet lips
vehemently. She opened her full, dark eyes, and recognised the loved
one. A long kiss sealed their eternal alliance.

The king descended from the dome, hand in hand with Sophia. The stars
and the spirits of nature followed in glittering ranks. A day
unspeakably serene filled the hall, the palace, the city, and the sky.
An innumerable multitude poured into the spacious, royal hall, and with
silent devotion saw the lovers kneel before the king and the queen, who
solemnly blessed them. The king took the diadem from his head, and
bound it round the golden locks of Eros, The old hero relieved him of
his armor, and the king threw his mantle around him. Then he gave him
the lily from his left hand, and Sophia fastened a costly bracelet
around the clasped hands of the lovers, and placed her crown upon the
brown locks of Freya.

"Hail to our ancient rulers!" exclaimed the people. "They have always
dwelt among us, and we have not known them! All hail! They will ever
rule over us. Bless us also!"

Sophia said to the new queen, "Throw the bracelet of your alliance into
the air, that the people and world may remain devoted to you." The
bracelet dissolved in the air, and light halos were soon seen around
every head; and a shining band encircled city, sea, and earth, which
were celebrating an eternal Spring-festival. Perseus entered, bearing a
spindle and a little basket. He carried the latter to the new king.

"Here," said he, "are the remains of thine enemies."

A stone slab chequered with white and black squares lay in the basket,
with a number of figures of alabaster and black marble.

"It is the game of chess," said Sophia; "all war is confined to this
slab and to these figures. It is a memento of the olden, mournful
times."

Perseus turned to Fable and gave her the spindle. "In thy hands shall
this spindle make us eternally rejoice, and out of thyself shalt thou
spin an indissoluble, golden thread."

Phoenix flew with melodious rustling to her feet, and spread his wings
before her; she placed herself upon them, and hovered over the throne,
without again descending. She sang a heavenly song and began to spin,
whilst the thread seemed to wind forth from her breast. The people fell
into new raptures, and all eyes were fastened on the lovely child. New
shouts of exultation came from the door.

The old Moon entered with her wonderful court, and behind her the
people bore in triumph Ginnistan and her bridegroom. Garlands of
flowers were wound around them; The royal family received them with the
most hearty tenderness, and the new royal pair proclaimed them their
viceregents upon earth.

"Grant me," said the Moon, "the Kingdom of the Fates, whose wondrous
mansions have arisen from the earth, even in the court of the palace. I
will delight you therein with spectacles, in which the little Fable
will assist me."

The king granted the prayer; the little Fable nodded pleasantly, and
the people rejoiced at the novel and entertaining pastime. The
Hesperides congratulated them upon the new accession, and prayed that
their garden might be protected. The king gave them welcome; and so
followed joyful events in rapid succession. In the mean while, the
throne had imperceptibly changed to a splendid marriage-bed, over which
Ph[oe]nix and the little Fable were hovering in the air. Three
Caryatides of dark porphyry supported the head, while its foot rested
upon a Sphinx of basalt. The king embraced his blushing bride. The
people followed his example, and kissed each other. Nothing was heard
but tender names and a noise of kisses.

At length Sophia said, "The Mother is among us. Her presence will
render us eternally happy. Follow us into our dwelling. In the temple
will we dwell forever, and treasure up the secret of the world."

Fable spun diligently, and sang with a clear voice:

      Established is Eternity's domain,
      In Love and Gladness melts the strifeful pain;
      The tedious dream of grief returneth never;
      Priestess of hearts Sophia is forever.






                         HENRY OF OFTERDINGEN.


                              PART SECOND.
                            THE FULFILMENT.





                           THE FULFILLMENT.




                      THE CLOISTER, OR FORE-COURT.


                               ASTRALIS.

      Upon a summer morning was I young;
      Then felt I for the first my own life-pulse,
      And while in deeper raptures Love dissolved,
      My sense of life unfolded; and my longing
      For more entire and inward dissolution,
      Was every moment more importunate.
      My being's plastic power is delight;
      I am the central point, the holy source,
      Whence every longing stormfully outflows,
      And where again, though broken and dispersed,
      Each longing calmly mingles into one.
      Ye know me not, ye saw me not becoming.--
      Who witnessed me upon that happy eve,
      When, a night-wanderer yet, I found at length
      For the first time myself? Then flowed there not
      A shudder of sweet rapture over you?
      Entirely hid in honey-cups I lay;
      I breathed a fragrance, calmly waved the flowers
      In golden morning air. An inner gushing
      Was I, a gentle striving, all things flowed
      Through me and over me, and light I rose.
      Then sank the first dust-seed within the shell,--
      That glowing kiss when risen from the feast!
      Backward I ebbed upon my inmost life--
      It was a flash,--my powers already swell,
      And move the tender petals and the bell,
      And swiftly, from beneath my being's spring,
      To earthly senses thoughts were blossoming.
      Yet was I blind, but stars began to sweep
      In light across my being's wondrous deep;
      Myself I found as of a distant clime,
      Echo of olden as of future time.
      From sadness, love and hopefulness created,
      The growth of memory was but a flight,
      And mid the dashing billows of delight,
      Then too the deepest sorrow penetrated.--
      The world in bloom around the hillock clings,--
      The Prophet's words were changed to double wings;
      Matilde and Henry were alone united
      Into one form, into one rapture plighted;
      New-born I rose, to Heaven gladly leaping,
      For then the earthly destinies were blent
      In one bright moment of transfigurement;
      And Time, no more his ancient title keeping,
      Again demanded what it once had lent.

      Forth breaks the new creation here,
      Eclipsing the glow of the brightest sphere.
      Behold through ruins ivy-streaming
      A new and wondrous future gleaming,
      And what was common hitherto,
      Appeareth marvellous and new.
      Love's realm beginneth to reveal,
      And busy Fable plies her wheel.
      To its olden play each nature returns,
      And a mighty spell in each one burns;
      And so the Soul of the world doth hover
      And move through all, and bloom forever.
      For each other all must strive,
      One through the other must ripen and thrive;
      Each is shadowed forth in all,
      While itself with them is blending,
      And eagerly into their deeps doth fall,
      Its own peculiar essence mending,
      And myriad thoughts to life doth call.

      The dream is World, the world is Dream,
      And what already past may seem,
      Itself is yet in distance moulding;
      But Fancy first her court is holding,
      Freely the threads at her pleasure weaving,
      Much veiling here, much there unfolding,
      And then in magical vapor leaving.
      Life and death, rapture and sadness,
      Are here in inmost sympathy,--
      Who yieldeth himself to love's deep madness,
      From its wounds is never free.
      In pain must every bond be riven
      That winds around the inner eye,
      The orphaned heart with woe have striven,
      Ere it the sullen world can fly.
      The body melteth in its weeping,
      Its bitter sighs the bosom burn;
      The world a grave becometh, keeping
      The heart, like ashes in an urn.

In deep thought a pilgrim was walking along a narrow foot-path which
ran up the mountain side. Noon had passed. A strong wind whistled
through the blue air. Its dull and ever-changing sounds lost themselves
as they came. Had it perhaps flown through the regions of childhood, or
through other whispering lands? They were voices whose echo sounded in
his heart; yet the pilgrim did not appear to recognise them. He had now
reached the mountain where he hoped to find a limit to his journey.
Hoped? No longer did he cherish hope. Terrible anxiety, the sterile
coldness of indifferent despair, urged him to seek the wild horrors of
the mountains; the most toilsome path soothed the tumult of his soul.
He was weary and silent. He noticed not the gradual accumulation of
nature around him, as he sat upon a stone and cast his eye backward. It
seemed as if he were or had been dreaming. A splendor whose limit he
could not define opened before him. His cheeks were soon wet with
tears, as his feelings suddenly broke loose; he would have wept himself
away in the distance, that no trace of his existence might remain. Amid
his deep-drawn sighs he seemed to recover; the soft, serene air
penetrated him. The world was again present to his senses, and thoughts
of other times began to speak to him consolation.

In the distance lay Augsburg with its towers; far on the horizon
glimmered the mirror of the fearful, mysterious stream. The mighty
forest bowed with grave sympathy towards the wanderer; the notched
mountain rested meaningly upon the plain, and both seemed to say,
"Hasten on, O stream, thou dost not escape us. I will follow thee with
winged ships. I will break thee, restrain thee, and swallow thee up in
my bosom! O pilgrim, confide in us! Even he is our enemy whom we
ourselves begat; let him make haste with his booty, he escapes us not."

The poor pilgrim thought of olden times and their unspeakable delights;
but how heavily did those dear recollections pass through his mind. The
broad hat concealed a youthful face; it was pale as a night-flower. The
balmy sap of youthful life had changed to tears, his swelling breath to
deep sighs; an ashy paleness had usurped all color.

On one side upon the declivity of the hill, he thought he saw a monk
kneeling under an old oak tree. "Might not that possibly be the old
chaplain?" he conjectured, without much surprise at the idea. The monk
appeared larger and more unshapely the nearer he approached. He now
discovered his mistake. It was an isolated rock, over which a tree was
bending. With silent emotion he clasped the stone in his arms, and with
loud sobbing pressed it to his breast. "O that yet your speech was
preserved, and that the Holy Mother would give me some token! Am I then
entirely miserable and abandoned? Dwells there then in this desert no
holy one who would lend me his prayer? Dear father, at this time pray
thou for me!"

As he so thought to himself, the tree began to wave; the rock emitted a
hollow sounds and as from a great depth beneath the earth, clear, sweet
voices were heard singing:--

      Her heart was full of gladness,
      For gladness knew she best;
      She nothing knew of sadness,
      With darling at her breast.
      She showered him with kisses,
      She kissed his cheek so warm,--
      Encircled was with blisses
      Through darling's fairy form.

The soft voices seemed to sing with infinite pleasure. They repeated
the verse several times. All was quiet again, when the astonished
pilgrim heard some one speaking to him from the tree:--

"If thou wilt play a song in honor of me upon thy lute, a little maiden
will come for it; take her with thee and leave her not. Think of me
when thou comest to the emperor. I have chosen this abode, that I may
remain with my little child; let a strong, warm dwelling be built for
me here. My little one has conquered death; trouble not thyself, I am
with thee. Yet a while thou wilt remain upon earth, but the little girl
will console thee, until thou also diest and enterest into our joy."

"It is Matilda's voice!" exclaimed the pilgrim, and fell upon his knees
in prayer. Then pierced through the branches a lengthened ray unto his
eyes, and through it in the distance he beheld a small but wonderful
splendor, not to be described, only to be depicted with a skilful
pencil. It was composed of extremely delicate figures; and the most
intense pleasure and joy, even a heavenly happiness, everywhere rayed
forth from it, so that even the inanimate vessels, the chiselled
capitals, the drapery, the ornaments, everything visible, seemed not so
much like works of art, as to have grown and sprung up together like
the full-juiced herb. Most beautiful human forms were passing to and
fro, and appeared kind and gracious to each other beyond measure.
Before all was standing the pilgrim's beloved one, and it seemed as if
she would have spoken to him; yet nothing could be heard, and the
pilgrim only regarded with ardent longing her pleasant features, as she
beckoned to him so kindly and smilingly, and laid her hand upon her
heart. The sight was infinitely consoling and refreshing, and the
pilgrim remained along while steeped in holy rapture, until the vision
disappeared. The sacred beam had drawn up all pain and trouble from his
heart, so that his mind was again clear and cheerful, his spirit free
and buoyant as before. Nought remained but a silent, inward longing,
and a sound of sadness in the spirit's depths; but the wild torments of
solitude, the sharp anguish of unspeakable loss, the terrible sense of
a mournful void, had passed away with all earthly faintness, and the
pilgrim again looked forth upon a world teeming with expression. Voice
and language renewed their life within him, all things seemed more
known and prophetic than before, so that death appeared to him a high
revelation of life, and he viewed his own fleeting existence with
child-like and serene emotion. The future and the past had met within
him, and formed an eternal union. He stood far from the present, and
the world was now for the first time dear to him, when he had lost it,
and was there only as a stranger, who would yet wander but a while
through its diversified and spacious halls. It was now evening, and the
earth lay before him like an old beloved dwelling, which he had found
again after long absence. A thousand recollections recurred to him;
every stone, every tree, every hillock, made itself recognised. Each
was the memorial of a former history.

The pilgrim snatched his lute, and sang:--

      Love's tears, love's glowing,
      Together flowing,
      Hallow every place for me,
      Where Elysium quenched my longing,
      And in countless prayers are thronging,
      Like the bees around this tree.

      Gladly is it o'er them bending,
      Thither wending,
      Them protecting from the storm;
      Gratefully its leaves bedewing,
      And its tender life renewing,
      Wonders will the prayers perform.

      E'en the rugged rock is sunken,
      Joy-drunken,
      At the Holy Mother's feet.
      Are the stones devotion keeping,
      Should not man for her be weeping
      Tears and blood in homage meet?

      The afflicted hither stealing
      Should be kneeling;
      Here will all obtain relief.
      Sorrow will no more be preying,
      Joyfully will all be saying:
      Long ago we were in grief.

      On the mountain, walls commanding
      Will be standing;
      In the vales will voices cry,
      When the bitter times are waking:
      Let the heart of none be aching,
      Thither to those places fly!

      Oh, thou Holy Virgin Mother!
      With another
      Heart the sorrowing wanders hence.
      Thou, Matilda, art revealing
      Love eternal to my feeling,
      Thou, the goal of every sense.

      Thou, without my questions daring,
      Art declaring
      When I shall attain to thee.
      Gaily in a thousand measures
      Will I praise creation's treasures,
      Till thou dost encircle me.

      Things unwonted, wonders olden!
      To you beholden,
      Ever in my heart remain.
      Memory her spell is flinging,
      Where light's holy fountain springing
      Washed away the dream of pain.

During this song he had noticed nothing, but as he looked up, there
appeared a young girl standing upon the rock, who kindly greeted him
like an old acquaintance, and invited him to go to her dwelling, where
she had already prepared an evening meal for him. Her whole behavior
and carriage towards him were friendly. She asked him to tarry a few
moments, while she stepped under the tree, and looking up with an
indescribable smile, shook many roses from her apron upon the grass.
She knelt silently by his side, but soon arose and led the pilgrim on.

"Who has told thee about me?" asked the pilgrim.

"Our mother."

"Who is thy mother?"

"The Mother of God."

"How long hast thou been here?"

"Since I came from the tomb."

"Hast thou already been dead?"

"How could I else be living?"

"Livest thou entirely alone here?"

"An old man is at home, yet I know many more who have lived."

"Wouldst thou like to remain with me?"

"Indeed I love thee."

"How long hast thou known me?"

"O! from olden times; my former mother, too, told me about thee."

"Hast thou yet a mother?"

"Yes; but really the same."

"What is her name?"

"Maria."

"Who was thy father?"

"The Count of Hohenzollern."

"Him I also know."

"Thou shouldst know him well, for he is also thy father."

"My father is in Eisenach."

"Thou hast more parents."

"Whither are we going?"

"Ever homewards."

They had now reached a roomy spot in the wood, where some decayed
towers were standing beyond deep ravines. Early shrubbery wound about
the old walls, like a youthful garland around the silvery head of an
old man. While contemplating the gray stones, the tortuous clefts, and
the tall, ghastly, shapes of rock, one looked into immensity of time,
and saw the most distant events, collected in short but brilliant
minutes. So appears to us the infinite space of heaven, clad in dark
blue; and like a milky glimmer, stainless as an infant's cheeks,
appears the most distant array of its ponderous and mighty worlds. They
walked through an old doorway, and the pilgrim was not a little
astonished when he found himself entirely surrounded by strange plants,
and saw all the charms of the most beautiful garden hidden beneath the
ruins. A small stone house built in recent style, with large windows,
lay in the rear. There stood an old man behind the broad-leafed
shrubbery, employed in tying the drooping branches to some little
props. His female guide led the pilgrim to him, and said, "Here is
Henry, after whom you have inquired so often."

As the old man turned around, Henry fancied that he saw the miner
before him.

"This is the physician Sylvester," said the little girl.

Sylvester was glad to see him, and said, "it is a long time since I saw
your father. We were both young then. I was quite solicitous to teach
him the treasures of the Fore-time, the rich legacies bequeathed to us
by a world too early separated from us. I noticed in him the tokens of
a great artist; his eye flashed with the desire to become a correct
eye, a creative instrument; his face indicated inward constancy and
persevering industry. But the present world had already taken hold of
him too deeply; he would not listen to the call of his own nature. The
stern hardihood of his native sky had blighted in him the tender buds
of the noblest plants; he became an able mechanic, and inspiration
seemed to him but foolishness."

"Indeed," said Henry, "I often observed a silent sadness within him. He
always labored from mere habit, and not for any pleasure. He seems to
feel a want, which the peaceful quiet and comfort of his life, the
pleasure of being honored and beloved by his townsmen, and consulted in
all important affairs of the city, cannot satisfy. His friends consider
him very happy; but they know not how weary he is of life, how empty
the world appears to him, how he longs to depart from it; and that he
works so industriously not so much for the sake of gain, as to
dissipate such moods."

"What I am most surprised at," replied Sylvester, "is that he has
committed your education entirely into the hands of your mother, and
has carefully abstained from taking any part in your development, nor
has ever held you to any fixed occupation. You can happily say that you
have been permitted to grow up free from all parental restraints; for
most men are but the relics of a feast which men of different appetites
and tastes have plundered."

"I myself know not," replied Henry, "what education is, except that
derived from the life and disposition of my parents, or the instruction
of my teacher, the chaplain. My father with all his cool and sturdy
habits of thought, which leads him to regard all relations like a piece
of metal or a work of art, yet involuntarily and unconsciously exhibits
a silent reverence and godly fear before all incomprehensible and lofty
phenomena, and therefore looks upon the blooming growth of the child
with humble self-denial. A spirit is busy here, playing fresh from the
infinite fountain; and this feeling of the superiority of a child in
the loftiest matters, the irresistible thought of an intimate guidance
of the innocent being who is just entering on a course so critical, the
impress of a wondrous world, which no earthly currents have yet
obliterated, and then too the sympathizing memory of that golden age
when the world seemed to us clearer, kindlier, and more unwonted, and
the almost visible spirit of prophecy attended us,--all this has
certainly won my father to a system the most devout and discreet."

"Let us seat ourselves upon the grass among the flowers," said the old
man interrupting him. "Cyane will call us when our evening meal is
ready. I pray you continue your account of your early life. We old
people love much to hear of childhood's years, and it seems as if I
were drinking the odor of a flower, which I had not inhaled since my
infancy. Tell me first, however, how my solitude and garden please you,
for these flowers are my friends; my heart is in this garden. You see
nothing that loves me not, that is not tenderly beloved. I am here in
the midst of my children, like an old tree from whose roots, has
sprouted this merry youth."

"Happy father," said Henry, "your garden is the world. The ruins are
the mothers of these blooming children; this manifold animate creation
draws its support from the fragments of past time. But must the mother
die, that the children may thrive? Does the father remain sitting alone
at their tomb, in tears forever?"

Sylvester gave his hand to the sighing youth, and then arose to pluck a
fresh forget-me-not, which he tied to a cypress branch and brought to
him. The evening wind waved strangely in the tops of the pines which
stood beyond the ruins, and sent over their hollow murmur. Henry hid
his face bedewed with tears upon the neck of the good Sylvester, and
when he looked again, the evening star arose in full glory above the
forest.

After some silence, Sylvester began; "You would probably like to be at
Eisenach among your friends. Your parents, the excellent countess, your
father's upright neighbors, and the old chaplain make a fair social
circle. Their conversation must have produced an early influence upon
you, particularly as you were the only child. I also imagine the
country to be very striking and agreeable."

"I learn for the first time," said Henry, "to esteem my native country
properly, since my absence, and the sight of many other lands. Every
plant, every tree, every hill and mountain has its own horizon, its
peculiar landscape, which belongs to it, and explains its whole
structure and nature. Only men and animals can visit all countries; all
countries are theirs. Thus together they form one great region, one
infinite horizon, whose influence upon men and animals is just as
visible, as that of a more narrow circuit upon the plant. Hence men who
have travelled, birds of passage, and beasts of prey, are distinguished
among other faculties, for a remarkable intelligence. Yet they
certainly possess more or less susceptibility to the influence of these
circles, and of their varied contents and arrangement. The attention
and composure necessary to contemplate properly the alternation and
connexion of things, and then to reflect upon and compare them, are in
fact wanting to most men. I myself often feel how my native land has
breathed upon my earliest thoughts imperishable colors, and how its
image has become a peculiar feature of my mind, which I am ever better
explaining to myself, the deeper I perceive that fate and mind are but
names of one idea."

"Upon me," said Sylvester, "living nature, the emotive outer-garment of
a landscape, has always produced a most powerful effect. Especially I
am never tired of examining most carefully the different natures of
plants. All productions of the earth are its primitive language; every
new leaf, every particular flower, is everywhere a mystery, which
presses outward; and since it cannot move itself at love and joy, nor
come to words, becomes a mute, quiet plant. When we find such a flower
in solitude, is it not as if everything about it were glorified, and as
if the little feathered songsters loved most to linger near it? One
could weep for joy, and separated from the world, plant hand and foot
in the earth, to give it root, and never abandon the happy
neighborhood. Over all the sterile world is spread this green,
mysterious carpet of love. Every Spring it is renewed, and its peculiar
writing is legible only to the loved one, like the nosegay of the
East; he will read forever, yet never enough, and will perceive daily
new meanings, new delightful revelations of loving nature. This
infinite enjoyment is the secret charm, which the survey of the earth's
surface has for me, while each region solves other riddles, and has
always led me to divine whence I came and whither I go."

"Yes," said Henry, "we began to speak of childhood's years, and of
education, because we are in your garden; and the revelation of
childhood, the innocent world of flowers, imperceptibly brought to our
thoughts and lips the recollection of old acquaintanceship. My father
is also very fond of gardening, and spends the happiest hours of his
life among the flowers. This has certainly kept his heart open towards
children, since flowers are their counterpart. The teeming opulence of
infinite life, the mighty powers of later times, the splendor of the
end of the world, and the golden future which awaits all things, we
here see closely entwined, but still to be most plainly and clearly in
tender youthfulness. All-powerful love is already working, but does not
yet enflame; it is no devouring fire, but a melting vapor; and however
intimate the union of the tenderest souls may be, yet it is accompanied
by no intense excitement, no consuming madness, as in brutes. Thus is
childhood below here nearest to the earth; as on the other hand clouds
are perhaps the types of the second, higher childhood, of the paradise
regained; and hence they so beneficently shed their dew upon the
first."

"There is indeed something very mysterious in the clouds," said
Sylvester, "and certain overcloudings often have a wonderful influence
upon us. Trailing over our heads, they would take us up and away in
their cold shades; and when their form is lovely and varied, like an
outbreathed wish of our soul, then the clearness and the splendid
light, which reigns upon earth, is like a presage of unknown, ineffable
glory. But there are also dark, solemn, and fearful overcloudings, in
which all the terrors of old night appear to threaten. The sky seems as
if it never would be clear again; the serene blue is hidden; and a wan
copper hue upon the dark gray ground awakens fear and anxiety in every
bosom. Then when the blasting beams shoot downwards, and with fiendish
laughter the crashing thunder-peals fall after them, we are struck to
our souls; and unless there arises the lofty consciousness of our moral
superiority, we fancy that we are delivered over to the terrors of hell
and all the powers of darkness. They are echoes of the old, unhuman
nature, but awakening voices too of the higher nature of divine
conscience within us. The mortal totters to its base; the immortal
grows more serene and recognises itself."

"Then," said Henry, "when will there be no more terror or pain, want or
evil in the universe?"

"When there is but one power, the power of conscience; when nature
becomes chaste and pure. There is but one cause of evil,--common
frailty,--and this frailty is nothing but a weak moral susceptibility,
and a deficiency in the attraction of freedom."

"Explain to me the nature of Conscience."

"I were God, could I do so; for when we comprehend it. Conscience
exists. Can you explain to me the essence of poetry?"

"A personality cannot be distinctly defined."

"How much less then the secret of the highest indivisibility. Can music
be explained to the deaf?"

"If so, would the sense itself be part of the new world opened by it?
Does one understand facts only when one has them?"

"The universe is separated into an infinite system of worlds, ever
encompassed by greater worlds. All senses are in the end but one. One
sense conducts, like one world, gradually to all worlds. But everything
has its time and its mode. Only the Person of the universe can detect
the relations sustained by our world. It is difficult to say, whether
we, within the sensuous limits of corporeity, could really augment our
world with new worlds, our sense with new senses, or whether every
increase of our knowledge, every newly acquired ability, is only to be
considered as the development of our present organization."

"Perhaps both are one," said Henry. "For my own part, I only know that
Fable is the collective instrument of my present world. Even
Conscience, that sense and world-creating power, that germ of all
Personality, appears to me like the spirit of the world-poem, like the
event of the eternal, romantic confluence of the infinitely mutable
common life.

"Dear pilgrim," Sylvester replied, "the Conscience appears in every
serious perfection, in every fashioned truth. Every inclination and
ability transformed by reflection into a universal type becomes a
phenomenon, a phase of Conscience. All formation tends to that which
can only be called Freedom; though by that is not meant an idea, but
the creative ground of all being. This freedom is that of a guild. The
master exercises free power according to design, and in defined and
well digested method. The objects of his art are his, and he can do
with them as he pleases, nor is he fettered or circumscribed by them.
To speak accurately, this all-embracing freedom, this mastership of
dominion, is the essence, the impulse of Conscience. In it is revealed
the sacred peculiarity, the immediate creation of Personality, and
every action of the master, is at once the announcement of the lofty,
simple, evident world--God's word."

"Then is that, which I remember was once called morality, only religion
as Science, the so called theology in its proper sense? Is it but a
code of laws related to worship as nature is to God, a construction of
words, a train of thoughts, which indicates, represents the upper
world, and extends it to a certain point of progress--the religion for
the faculty of insight and judgment--the sentence, the law of the
solution and determination of all the possible relations which a
personal being sustains?"

"Certainly," said Sylvester, "Conscience is the innate mediator of
every man. It takes the place of God upon earth, and is therefore to
many the highest and the final. But how far was the former science,
called virtue or morality, from the pure shape of this lofty,
comprehensive, personal thought! Conscience is the peculiar essence of
man fully glorified, the divine archetypal man (Urmensch.) It is not
this thing and that thing; it does not command in a common tongue, it
does not consist of distinct virtues. There is but one virtue,--the
pure, solemn Will, which, at the moment of decision chooses, resolves
instantaneously. In living and peculiar oneness it dwells and inspires
that tender emblem, the human body, and can excite all the spiritual
members to the truest activity."

"O excellent father!" exclaimed Henry, "with what joy fills me the
light which flows from your words! Thus the true spirit of Fable is the
spirit of virtue in friendly disguise; and the proper spirit of the
subordinate art of poetry is the emotion of the loftiest, most personal
existence. There is a surprising selfness (Selbstheit) between a
genuine song and a noble action. The disfranchised conscience in a
smooth, unresisting world, becomes an enchaining conversation, an
all-narrating fable. In the fields and halls of this old world lives
the poet, and virtue is the spirit of his earthly acts and influences;
and as this is the indwelling divinity among men, the marvellous reflex
of the higher world, so also is Fable. How safely can the poet now
follow the guidance of his inspiration, or if he possesses a lofty,
transcendent sense, follow higher essences, and submit to his calling
with child-like humility. The higher voice of the universe also speaks
within him, and cries with enchanting words to kindlier and more
familiar worlds. As religion is related to virtue, so is inspiration to
mythology; and as the history of revelation is treasured in sacred
writings, so the life of a higher world expresses itself in mythology
in manifold ways, in poems of wonderful origin. Fable and history
sustain to each other the most intimate relations, through paths the
most intricate, and disguises the most extraordinary; and the Bible and
mythology are constellations of one orbit."

"What you say is perfectly true," said Sylvester; "and now you can
probably comprehend that all nature subsists by the spirit of virtue
alone, and must ever become more permanent. It is the all-inflaming,
the all-quickening light in the embrace of earth. From the firmament,
that lofty dome of the starry realm, down to the ruffling carpet of the
varied meadow, all things will be sustained by it, united to us and
made comprehensible; and by it the unknown course of infinite nature's
history will be conducted to its consummation."

"Yes; and you have often as beautifully shown, before now, the
connexion between virtue and religion. Everything, which experience and
earthly activity embrace, forms the province of Conscience, which
unites this world with higher worlds. With a loftier sense religion
appears, and what formerly seemed an incomprehensible necessity of our
inmost nature, a universal law without any definite intent, now becomes
a wonderful, domestic, infinitely varied, and satisfying world, an
inconceivably interior communion of all the spiritual with God, and a
perceptible, hallowing presence of the only One, or of his Will, of his
Love in our deepest self."

"The innocence of your heart," Sylvester replied, "makes you a prophet.
All things will be revealed to you, and for you the world and its
history will be transformed into holy writ, just as the sacred writings
evince how the universe can be revealed in simple words, or narratives,
if not directly, yet mediately by hinting at and exciting higher
senses. My connexion with nature has led me to the point where the joy
and inspiration of language have brought you. Art and history have made
me acquainted with nature. My parents dwelt in Sicily, not far from the
famous Mount AEtna. Their dwelling was a comfortable house in the
ancient style, hidden by old chestnut trees near the rocky shore of the
sea, and affording the attraction of a garden stocked with various
plants. Near were many huts, in which dwelt fishermen, herdsmen, and
vine-dressers. Our chambers and cellar were amply provided with
everything that supports and gives enjoyment to life, and by well
bestowed labor, our arrangements were agreeable to the most refined
senses. Moreover there was no lack of those manifold objects, whose
contemplation and use elevate the mind above ordinary life and its
necessities, preparing it for a more suitable condition, and seem to
promise and procure for it the pure enjoyment of its full and proper
nature. You might have seen there marble statues, storied vases, small
stones with most distinct figures, and other articles of furniture, the
relics perhaps of other and happier times. Also many scrolls of
parchment lay in folds upon each other, in which were treasured, in
their long succession of letters, the knowledge, sentiments, histories,
and poems of that past time, in most agreeable and polished
expressions. The calling of my father, who had by degrees become an
able astrologer, attracted to him many inquiring visiters, even from
distant lands; and as the knowledge of the future seemed to men a rare
and precious gift, they were led to remunerate him richly for his
communication; so that he was enabled, by the gifts he received, to
defray the expenses of a comfortable and even luxurious style of life."

                           *   *   *   *   *

The author advanced no farther in the composition of this second part,
which he called "The Fulfilment," as he had called the first "The
Expectation," because all that was left to anticipation in the latter
was explained and fulfilled in the former. It was the design of the
author to write, after the completion of Ofterdingen, six romances for
the statement of his views of physical science, civil life, commerce,
history, political science, and of love; as his views of poetry had
been given in Ofterdingen. I need not remind the intelligent reader,
that the author in this poem has not adhered very closely to the time
or the person of that well known Minnesinger, though every part brings
him and his time to remembrance. It is an irreparable loss, not only to
the friends of the author, but to the art itself, that he could not
have finished this romance, the originality and great design of which
would have been better developed in the second than in the first part.
For it was by no means his object to represent this or that occurrence,
to embrace one side of poetry, and explain it by figures and narrative;
but it was his intention, as is plain from the last chapter of the
first part, to express the real essence of poetry and explain its
inmost aim.

To this end nature, history, war, and civil life, with their usual
events, are all transformed to poetry, as that is the spirit which
animates all things.

I shall endeavor as far as possible, from my memory of conversations
with my friend, and from what I can discover in the papers he has left,
to give the reader some idea of the plan and subject-matter of the
second part of this work.

To the poet, who has apprehended the essence of his art at its central
point, nothing appears contradictory or strange; to him all riddles are
solved. By the magic of fancy he can unite all ages and all worlds;
wonders vanish, and all things change to wonders. So is this book
written; and the reader will find the boldest combinations,
particularly in the tale which closes the first part. Here are renewed
all those differences by which ages seem separated, and hostile worlds
meet each other. The poet wished particularly to make this tale the
transition-point to the second part, in which the narrative soars from
the common to the marvellous, and both are mutually explained and
restored; the spirit of the prologue in verse should return at each
chapter, and this state of mind, this wonderful view of things should
be permanent. By this means the invisible world remains in eternal
connexion with the visible. This speaking spirit is poetry itself; but
at the same time the sidereal man who is born from the love of Henry
and Matilda. In the following lines, which should have their place in
Ofterdingen, the author has expressed in the simplest manner the
interior spirit of his works:

      When marks and figures cease to be
      For every creature's thoughts the key,
      When they will even kiss or sing
      Beyond the sage's reckoning,
      When life, to Freedom will attain,
      And Freedom in creation reign,
      When Light and Shade, no longer single,
      In genuine splendor intermingle,
      And one in tales and poems sees
      The world's eternal histories,--
      Then will our whole inverted being
      Before a secret word be fleeing.

The gardener, who converses with Henry, is the same old man who had
formerly entertained Ofterdingen's father. The young girl, whose name
is Cyane, is not his child, but the daughter of the Count of
Hohenzollern. She came from the East; and though it was at an early
age, yet she can recollect her home. She has long lived a strange life
in the mountains, among which she was brought up by her deceased
mother. She has lost in early life a brother, and has narrowly escaped
death in a vaulted tomb; but an old physician rescued her in some
peculiar way. She is gentle, and kind, and very familiar with the
supernatural. She tells the poet her history as she had heard it once
from her mother. She sends him to a distant cloister, whose monks seem
to be a kind of spirit-colony; everything is like a mystic, magic
lodge. They are the priests of the holy fire in youthful minds. He
hears the distant chant of the brothers; in the church itself, he has a
vision. With an old monk Henry converses about death and magic, has
presentiment of death--and of the philosopher's stone; visits the
cloister-garden and the churchyard, concerning which latter I find the
following poem:--

      Praise ye now our still carousals,
      Gardens, chambers decked so gaily,
      Household goods as for espousals,
      Our possessions praise.
      Mew guests are coming daily,
      Some late, the others early;
      On the spacious hearth forever
      Glimmereth a new life-blaze.

      Thousand vessels wrought with cunning,
      Once bedewed with thousand tears,
      Golden rings and spurs and sabres,
      Are our treasury;
      Many gems of costly mounting
      Wist we of in dark recesses,
      None can all our wealth be counting,
      Counts he even ceaselessly.

      Children of a time evanished,
      Heroes from the hoary ages,
      Starry spirits high excelling,
      Wondrously combine,
      Graceful women, solemn sages,
      Life in all its motley stages,
      In one circle here are dwelling,
      In the olden world recline.

      None is evermore molested;
      None who joyously hath feasted,
      At our sumptuous table seated,
      Wisheth to be gone.
      Hushed is sorrow's loud complaining,
      Wonders are no longer greeted,
      Bitter tears no longer raining,
      Hour-glass ever floweth on.

      Holy kindness deeply swelling,
      In blest contemplation buried,
      Heaven in the soul is dwelling
      With a cloudless breast;
      In our raiment long and flowing
      Through spring-meadows are we carried,
      Where rude winds are never blowing,
      In this land of perfect rest.

      Pleasing lure of midnight hours
      Quiet sphere of hidden powers,
      Rapture of mysterious pleasure,
      These alone our prize;
      Ours alone that highest measure,
      Where ourselves in streamlets pouring,
      Then in dew-drops upward soaring,
      Drink we as we flow or rise.

      First with us grew life from love;
      Closely like the elements
      Do we mangle Being's waves,
      Foaming heart with heart.
      Hotly separate the waves,
      For the strife of elements
      Is the highest life of love,
      And the very heart of hearts.

      Whispered talk of gentle wishes
      Hear we only, we are gazing
      Ever into eyes transfigured,
      Tasting nought but mouth and kiss;
      All that we are only touching,
      Change to balmy fruits and glowing,
      Change to bosoms soft and tender,
      Offerings to daring bliss.

      The desire is ever springing,
      On the loved one to be clinging,
      Round him all our spirit flinging,
      One with him to be,--
      Ardent impulse ever heeding
      To consume in turn each other,
      Only nourished, only feeding
      On each other's ecstasy.

      So in love and lofty rapture
      Are we evermore abiding,
      Since that lurid life subsiding,
      In the day grew pale;
      Since the pyre its sparkles scattered,
      And the sod above us sinking,
      From around the spirit shrinking
      Melted then the earthly veil.

      Spells around remembrance woven,
      Holy sorrow's trembling gladness,
      Tone-like have our spirits cloven,
      Cooled their glowing blood.
      Wounds there are, forever paining;
      A profound, celestial sadness,
      Within all our hearts remaining,
      Us dissolveth in one flood.

      And in flood we forth are gushing,
      In a secret manner flowing
      To the ocean of all living,
      In the One profound;
      And from out His heart while rushing,
      To our circle backward going,
      Spirit of the loftiest striving
      Dips within our eddying round.

      All your golden chains be shaking
      Bright with emeralds and rubies,
      Flash and clang together making,
      Shake with joyous note.
      From the damp recesses waking,
      From the sepulchres and ruins,
      On your cheeks the flush of heaven,
      To the realm of Fable float.

      O could men, who soon will follow
      To the spirit-land, be dreaming
      That we dwell in all their joyance,
      All the bliss they taste,
      They would burn with glad upbuoyance
      To desert the life so hollow,--
      O, the hours away are streaming,
      Come, beloved, hither haste.

      Aid to fetter the Earth-spirit,
      Learn to know the sense of dying,
      And the word of life discover;
      Hither turn at last.
      Soon will all thy power be over,
      Borrowed light away be flying,
      Soon art fettered, O Earth-spirit,
      And thy time of empire past.

This poem was perhaps a prologue to a second chapter. Now an entirely
new period of the work would have opened; the highest life proceeding
from the stillest death; he has lived among the dead and conversed with
them. Now the book would have become nearly dramatic, the epic tone, as
it were, uniting together and simply explaining the single scenes.
Henry suddenly finds himself in Italy, distracted, rent with wars; he
sees himself the leader of an army. All the elements of war play in
poetic colors. With an irregular band, he attacks a hostile city; here
appears in episode the love of a noble of Pisa for a Florentine maiden.
War-songs--"a great war, like a duel, noble, philosophical, human
throughout. Spirit of the old chivalry; the tournament. Spirit of
bacchanalian sadness.[4] Men must fall by each other,--nobler than to
fall by fate. They seek death.--Honor, fame, is the warrior's joy and
life. The warrior lives in death and like a shade. Desire for death is
the warrior-spirit. Upon the earth is war at home; it must be upon
earth."--In Pisa Henry finds the Son of Frederick the Second, who
becomes his confidential friend. He also travels to Loretto. Several
songs were to follow here.

The poet is cast away on the shores of Greece by a tempest. The old
world with its heroes and treasures of art fills his mind. He converses
with a Grecian about morality. Everything from ancient times is present
to him; he learns to understand the old pictures and histories.
Conversation upon Grecian polity and mythology.

After becoming acquainted with the heroic age and with antiquity, he
visits the Holy Land, for which he had felt so great a longing from his
youth. He seeks Jerusalem, and acquaints himself with Oriental poetry.
Strange events among the infidels detain him in desert regions; he
discovers the family of the eastern girl (see Part I.): the manners and
life of nomadic tribes.--Persian tales, recollections of the remotest
antiquity. The book during all these various events was to retain its
characteristic hue, and recall to mind the blue flower: throughout, the
most distant and distinct traditions were to be knit together, Grecian,
Oriental, Biblical, Christian, with reminiscences of and references to
both the Indian and Northern mythology.--The Crusades.--Life at sea.--
Henry visits Rome. Roman history.

Sated with his experiences, Henry at length returns to Germany. He
finds his grandfather, a profound character; Klingsohr is in his
society. An evening's conversation with them.

Henry joins the court of Frederick, and becomes personally acquainted
with the emperor. The court would have made a worthy appearance,
portraying the best, greatest, and most remarkable men, collected from
the whole world, whose centre is the emperor himself. Here appears the
greatest splendor, and the truly great world. German character and
German history are explained. Henry converses with the emperor
concerning government and the empire; obscure hints of America and the
Indies. The sentiments of a prince,--the mystic emperor,--the book, "De
tribus impostoribus."

Henry having now, in a new and higher method than in the Expectation,
lived through and observed nature, life, and death, war, the East,
history, and poetry, turns back into his mind as to an old home. Front
his knowledge of the world and of himself arises the impulse for
expression; the wondrous world of fable now draws the nearest, because
the heart is fully open to its comprehension.

In the Manesian collection of Minnesingers, we find a rather obscure
rival song of Henry of Ofterdingen and Klingsohr with other poets;
instead of this, jousting, the author would have represented another
peculiar poetic contest, the war of the good and evil principles in
songs of religion and irreligion, the invisible world contrasted with
the visible. "Out of Enthusiasm the poets in bacchanalian intoxication
contend for death." The sciences are poetized; mathematics also enters
the lists. The plants of India are commemorated in song; new
glorification of Indian mythology.

This is Henry's last act upon the earth; the transition to his own
glorification. This is the solution of the whole work, the _Fulfilment_
of the allegory which concludes the First Part. Everything is explained
and completed, supernaturally and yet most naturally. The partition
between Fiction and Truth, between the Past and the Present has fallen
down. Faith, Fancy, and Poetry lay open the internal world.

Henry reaches Sophia's land, in Nature, such as might be allegorically
painted; after having conversed with Klingsohr concerning certain
singular signs and omens. These are mostly awakened by an old song
which he hears by chance, and in which is described a deep water in a
secluded spot. The song excites within him long forgotten
recollections; he visits the water, and finds a small golden key, which
a raven had stolen from him some time before, and which he had never,
expected to find. An old man had given it to him soon after Matilda's
death, with the injunction that he should carry it to the emperor, who
would tell him what to do with it. Henry seeks the emperor, who is
highly rejoiced and gives him an ancient manuscript, in which it is
written that the emperor should give it to that man who ever brought
him a golden key; that this man would discover in a secret place an old
talisman, a carbuncle for his crown, in which a space was yet left for
it. The place itself is also described in the parchment. After reading
the description, Henry takes the road to a mountain, and meets on the
way the stranger who first told him and his parents concerning the blue
flower; he converses with him about Revelation. He enters the mountain
and Cyane trustingly follows him.

He soon reaches that wonderful land in which air and water, flowers and
animals, differ entirely from those of earthly nature. The poem at the
same time changes in many places to a play. "Men, beasts, plants,
stones and stars, the elements, sounds, colors, meet like one family,
act and converse like one race. Flowers and brutes converge concerning
men. The world of fable is again visible; the real world is itself
regarded as a fable." He finds the blue flower; it is Matilda, who
sleeps and has the carbuncle. A little girl, their child, sits by a
coffin, and renews his youth. "This child is the primeval world, the
close of the golden time." "Here the Christian religion is reconciled
with the Heathen. The history of Orpheus, of Psyche, and others are
sung."

Henry plucks the blue flower, and delivers Matilda from her
enchantment, but she is lost to him again; he becomes senseless through
pain, and changes to a stone. "Edda (the blue flower, the Eastern
Maiden, Matilda) sacrifices herself upon the stone; he is transformed
to a melodious tree. Cyane hews down the tree and burns herself with
him. He becomes a golden ram. Edda, Matilda, is obliged to sacrifice
it. He becomes a man again. During these metamorphoses he has the very
strangest conversations."

He is happy with Matilda, who is both the Eastern Maiden and Cyane. A
joyous spirit-festival is celebrated. All that has past was Death, the
last dream and awakening. "Klingsohr comes again as king of Atlantis.
Henry's mother is Fancy, his father, Sense. Swaning is the Moon; the
miner is the antiquary and at the same time Iron. The emperor Frederick
is Arcturus. The Count of Hohenzollern and the merchants also return."
Everything flows into an allegory. Cyane brings the stone to the
emperor; but Henry is now himself the poet of the fabulous tale which
the merchants had formerly related to him.

The blissful land suffers yet again by enchantment, while subjected to
the changes of the Seasons. Henry destroys the realm of the Sun. The
whole work was to close with a long poem, only the beginning of which
was composed.




                      THE NUPTIALS OF THE SEASONS.


  Deep buried in thought stood the new monarch. He was recalling
        Dreams of the midnight, and every wonderful tale,
  Which gathered he first from the heavenly flower, when stricken
    Gently by prophecy, love all-subduing he felt.
  He thought still he heard the accents deeply impressive,
    Just as the guest was deserting the circle of joy;
  Fleeting gleams of the moon illumined the clattering window,
    And in the breast of the youth there raged a passionate glow.
  Edda, whispered the monarch, what is the innermost longing
    In the bosom that loves? What his ineffable grief?
  Say it, for him would we comfort, the power is ours, and noble
    Be the time when thou art the joy of heaven again.--
  "Were the times not so cold and morose, if were united
    Future with Present, and both with the holy Past time;
  Were the Spring linked to Autumn, and the Summer to Winter,
    Were into serious grace childhood with silver age fused;
  Then, O spouse of my heart, would dry up the fountain of sorrow,
    Every deep cherished wish would be secured to the soul."
  Thus spake the queen, and gladsomely clasped her the radiant beloved:
    Thou hast uttered in sooth to me a heavenly word,
  Which long ago over the lips of the deep-feeling hovered,
    But on thine alone first pure and in season did light.
  Quickly drive here the chariot, ourselves we will summon
    First the times of the year, then all the seasons of man.--


They ride to the sun, and first bring the Day, then the Night; then to
the North, for Winter, then to the South, to find Summer; from the East
they bring the Spring, from the West the Autumn. Then they hasten after
Youth, next to Age, to the Past and to the Future.

This is all I have been able to give the reader from my own
recollection, and from scattered words and hints in the papers of my
friend. The accomplishment of this great task would have been a lasting
memorial of a new poesy. In this notice I have preferred to be short
and dry, rather than expose myself to the danger of adding anything
from my own fancy. Perhaps many a reader will be grieved at the
fragmentary character of these verses and words, as well as myself, who
would not regard with any more devout sadness a piece of some ruined
picture of Raphael or Corregio.

                                                    L. TIECK.



                                 NOTES.


                                   I.

This _rifacimento_ of Arion's story is not mere mythological twaddle.
As allegories abound, and as in fact there is a suspicion that the
whole Romance may be only an allegory, an "Apotheosis of Poetry,"--the
reader must keep open his internal eye.

Arion is the Spirit of Poetry as embodied in any age, whether in a
single voice, or many. This the age always attempts to drown,--seldom
with applause. The sailors are the exponents of an age, or its
critics. In the case of Arion, they belonged to a certain tribe of
Philistines,--not yet extinct.[5] There is a deep significance in the
fact, that they resolutely stopped their ears against the Poet's
song. The treasures of the Poet are his ideas of the good and the
beautiful, which he fetches from his far home; for he comes, "not
in entire forgetfulness." The fact, that Arion preferred jumping
overboard to being converted into a heave-offering, is typical of the
self-extinguishment and natural dissolution of the true soul, born into
a humanity which is not its counterpart, which cannot answer to it.
Those providential dolphins are a grateful posterity, which preserve
not only the Poet's treasures, but his memory. The conflict among the
sailors, too, has a deep meaning, hidden also in that old, wonderful
myth of the Kilkenny cats.

But an allegory has many sides, like a genuine symphony. Each reader
will interpret all of them best from his own point of view. Should
Henry himself turn out to be Arion, the feat would only be one of
inverted transmigration, and not more extraordinary than the regular
method.


                                   II.

An opportunity is taken to introduce some further remarks of the author
concerning History. They are found among a multitude of fragments,
arranged under the three heads of Philosophical, Critical, and Moral;
an amorphous heap of sayings, generally of great beauty and power. The
present have little connexion with the text, but will be their own
excuse. The total of his remarks will be seen to hint at a theory of
History, with which most school-histories and respectable annals are in
no wise infected.

'Luck or fate is talent for history. The sense for apprehending
occurrences is the prophetic, and luck the divining instinct. (Hence
the ancients justly considered a man's luck one of his talents.) We
take delight in divination. Romance has arisen from the want of
history.

'History creates itself. It first arises through the connexion of the
past with the future. Men treat their recollections much too negligently.

'The historian organizes the historical Essence. The data of history
are the mass, to which the historian gives form, while giving
animation. Consequently history always presupposes the principles of
animation and organization; and where they are not antecedent there can
be no genuine historical _chef d'[oe]uvre_, but only here and there the
traces of an accidental animation, where a capricious genius has ruled.

'The demand, to consider this present world the best, is exactly
analogous to that which would consider my own wedded wife the best and
only woman, and life to be entirely for her and in her. Many similar
demands and pretensions are there, which he who dutifully acknowledges,
who has a discriminating respect for everything that has transpired, is
historically religious, the absolute Believer and Mystic of history,
the genuine lover of Destiny. Fate is the mysticised history. Every
voluntary love, in the common signification, is a religion, which has
and can have but one apostle, one evangelist and disciple, and can be,
though not necessarily, an extra-religion (Wechsel-religion.)

'There is a series of ideal occurrences running parallel with reality.
They seldom coincide. Men and chances usually modify the ideal
occurrence, so that it appears imperfect, and its results likewise.
Thus it was in the Reformation. Instead of Protestantism appeared
Lutheranism.

'What fashions the man, but his _Life-History_? In like manner nothing
fashions great men, but the _World's-History_.

'Many men live better in the past and future time, than in the present.

'The Present indeed is not at all comprehensible without the Past, and
without a high degree of culture, an impregnation with the highest
products, with the pure spirits of the present and of previous ages;
all which assimilating guides and strengthens the human prophetic
glance, which is more indispensable to the human historian, to the
active, ideal elaborator of historic facts, than to the grammatical and
rhetorical annalist.'


                                  III.

Novalis seems here to rehearse his whole poetic creed; or rather, he
seems to be reviewing his own poems. What he deprecates, are the faults
he most avoids. He is distinguished for extreme simplicity, both in
style and language; and the thoughts, though lofty and sometimes vast,
are yet fresh, chaste, and comprehensible. They have a domestic
sublimity. They indicate simply an infinite expansion of the poet's
heart, whose mild and primeval denizens are undisturbed by the forced,
the foreign, or the shadowy. They have a oneness of design, and are
finished and luminous to the most minute criticism. If we say that
Novalis wrote as he was inspired, never attempting to superinduce what
was only galvanic upon the true life, and never daring to write when he
was not inspired, we both describe his genius and discover the secret
of his beauty.

With one or two exceptions, the present romance is an unfavorable
specimen of his poetic powers. The subjects of most of the songs
require only that luminous simplicity alluded to, and are only fine
examples of a lyrical style, with a few glimpses of his true genius.
"Astralis," the poem that introduces the second part, is unlike the
rest of the volume, being an irregular, mystic embodyment of the hero's
destinies,--a recapitulation of the past and a presentiment of the
future. The romance is unfavorable, excepting one or two prose passages
of great sublimity, much resembling the "Hymns to the Night," one or
two of which are given below. The dream at the close of the sixth
chapter may be particularly designated. "The image of Death, and of the
River being the Sky in that other and eternal Country, seems to us a
fine and touching one: there is in it a trace of that simplicity, that
soft, still pathos, which are characteristics of Novalis, and doubtless
the highest of his specially poetic gifts." But it is in his Spiritual
Songs that we gain a glimpse of his true genius. They are eminently
devotional, and indiscriminately addressed to the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Virgin. A translation of the mass of them would form a most
desirable hymn book for the Christian, though, to be sure, it would be
very graceless to supplant worthy old Dr. Watts. But they are very
sweet and touching, and full of pious fervor. We have been struck with
the similarity of their tone to those of George Herbert, who stands
with the Father and the Son at the very door of his heart, with tearful
and familiar supplication for them to enter.


     "Geusz, Vater, Ihn gewaltig aus,
      Gib Ihn aus deinem Arm heraus:
      _Nur Unschuld, Lieb' und suesze Scham_
      _Hielt Ihn, dasz er nicht laengst schon kam_.

      "Treib' Ihn von dir in unsern Arm,
      _Dasz er von deinem Hauch noch warm_;
      In schweren Wolken sammle ihn,
      Und lasz Ihn so hernieder ziehn."


Among his promiscuous poems is a beautiful lyric, representing the
triumph of Faith over Sorrow, under the symbol of a beautiful child
bringing to him a wand, beneath whose touch the Queen of Serpents
yields to him the "precious jewel."

The following is the first Hymn to the Night:

"What living, sense-endowed being loves not, before all the prodigies
of the far extending space around him, the all-rejoicing light with its
colors, its beams and billows, its mild omnipresence, as waking day?
The restless giant-world of the stars, swimming with dancing motion in
its azure flood. Inhales it as its life's inmost soul; the sparkling,
ever-resting stone, the sensitive, imbibing plant, and the wild,
burning, many-shaped animal, inhale it; but before all, the glorious
stranger, with the speaking eyes, the uncertain gait, and the gently
closed, melodious lips. Like a king of earthly nature, it summons each
power to countless transformations, ratifies and dissolves treaties in
infinite number, and suspends its heavenly image on every earthly
being. Its presence alone reveals the wondrous splendor of creation's
realms.

"I turn aside to the holy, ineffable, mysterious Night. Far away lies
the world, sunk in a depth profound waste and lonely is its place. O'er
the chords of the bosom waveth deep sadness. I will dissolve into dew
drops, and mingle myself with the ashes. Distance of memory, wishes of
youth, dreams of childhood, the short joys and vain hopes of a whole
long life, flit by me in robes of gray, like evening clouds after
sunset. In other spaces Light has pitched its merry tents. Will it
never return to its children, who are waiting for it with the trusting
faith of innocence?

"What swells now so forebodingly beneath the heart, and swallows up the
soft air of sadness? Hast thou also a pleasure in us, sombre Night?
What bringest thou beneath thy mantle, that with viewless power winds
its way to my soul? A costly balsam is dripping from thy hand, from thy
bunch of poppy. The drooping pinions of the mind thou bearest upward.
Dimly and ineffably we feel ourselves moved; a solemn countenance do I
see, in pleasing terror, that gently and full of devotion bendeth
towards me, and showeth dear youth hid in the infinite locks of the
mother. How poor and childish Light now appears to me! How welcome and
blessed the farewell of day! Only for this, because Night alienates
from thee thy servants, didst thou sow in the regions of space the
luminous balls, to proclaim thy omnipotence, thy return, in the times
of thy absence. More heavenly than yonder twinkling stars appear the
infinite eyes that Night opens in us. Their sight extends farther than
the palest of that numberless host; unbeholden to Light, they gaze
through the depths of a loving spirit, which fills a loftier space with
unspeakable rapture. Praised be the Queen of the world, the high
announcer of holy spheres, the nurse of blessed love! She sends me
thee, O dearly beloved, lovely sun of the Night. Now I awake, for I am
Thine and Mine; thou hast announced to me Night as my life, thou hast
made me a man. Consume my body with a spirit-glow, that in ether I may
mingle more closely with thee, and be thou my bridal night forever."

The Beloved was Sophia; concerning whom he writes as follows:--

                                     "Weissenfels, March 22d, 1797.

"It is for me a mournful duty to inform you that Sophia is no more.
After unspeakable sufferings, borne with exemplary resignation, she
died on the 10th of March, at half past nine in the morning. She was
born on the 17th of March, 1783, and on the 15th of March, 1795, I
gained from her the assurance, that she would be mine. She has suffered
since the 7th of November, 1795. Eight days before her death I left her
with the strongest conviction, that I should never see her again. I
could not have endured to look impotently upon the terrible struggle of
blooming youth down-stricken, the fearful anguish of the heavenly
creature. Fate have I never feared. For three previous weeks I saw its
menaces. It has become evening about me, whilst I was yet gazing into
the morning-red. My sorrow is boundless, like my love. For three years
had she been my hourly thought. She alone has bound me to life, to my
country, and to my occupations. With her loss I am separated from
everything, for I scarcely have myself any longer. But it has become
evening, and it seems to me, as if I soon were about to depart, and so
would I gladly be tranquil, and see around me only kind, friendly
faces, and live entirely in her spirit, gentle and kindhearted, as she
was.

"Cherished by me, as my own immortal Sophia, will be the friendship,
the assiduity with which you strove to render her last days serene.
Sophia still treasures your kindnesses with the warmest gratitude, and
I have felt a silent impulse to express to you this gratitude, united
with my own. You will pardon it to my love, when I tell you, that your
attention to Sophia's wishes, and that half year's residence with her,
now first has made you really dear to me.... I must cling to the past,
as I have nothing more to expect from the future. Farewell, and be
happier than

                                    Your friend,
                                          HARDENBERG."

But how soon does his grief become holy, and therefore a joy! The
letter is chiefly valuable as an introduction to the third Hymn to the
Night:--

"Once as I shed bitter tears, when my hope dissolved into pain flowed
away, and I stood alone by the barren hillock, which hid in a dark,
narrow space the form of my life; alone, as none had been before,
driven by unspeakable anguish, powerless, nothing left but a thought of
misery;--as I then looked about after aid, could neither move forward
nor backward, but clung to a fleeting, extinguished life, with infinite
longing,--then came from the blue distance, from the heights of my old
blessedness, a breath as of twilight, and at once the tie of birth, the
chain of Light, was rent asunder. Away flew the glory of earth, and
with it my sorrow; the sadness rushed together into a new, unfathomable
world; thou, Night's-inspiration, slumber of heaven, camest over me.
Gently the scene rose aloft; above it floated my unfettered, new-born
Spirit The hillock became a dust-cloud, and through it I saw the
transfigured features of my Beloved. Eternity lay in her eyes; I
grasped her hands, and the tears became a glittering, indissoluble tie.
Thousands of years flew away in the distance, like tempest-clouds. Upon
her neck I wept enrapturing tears at the thought of this new life.--It
was the first and only dream, and since then do I feel an eternal,
unchangeable faith in the heaven of Night, and its Sun my Beloved."

Such is the melting tenderness, which is a chief element of his poetry,
such the cunning drug that embalms his genius!




FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Maehrchen.]

[Footnote 2: _Mutter_ or _Metallmutter_ is the gang or matrix that
contains the ore.]

[Footnote 3: _Maehrchen._]

[Footnote 4: _Bacchischen Wehmuth_; the sadness that drives to
dissipation, not the Elysium of the morning after.]

[Footnote 5: The word _Critic_ is derived from the Hebrew word [Hebrew:
krty] _executioner_; collectively, _executioners and runners_, from the
root [Hebrew: krt], _to cut_. Thus it gradually came to mean, to cut
and run. It is somewhat remarkable that the secondary meaning of the
noun is _Philistine_. See Gesenius in voc.; who also adds, "the
conjecture is not improbable that the Philistines sprang from Crete,
and that _Caphtor_ signifies [Greek: Krete]. Comp. Michaelis Spicil. J.
1. p. 292-308. Supplemm. p. 1328." The proverbial character of the
Cretans is well known.

The Rabbi Ben Hillel, who was of the tribe of Onagrites, defended the
oral traditions of the Jews against certain persons, who were disposed
to sniff somewhat. In his writings, the venerable Rabbi was accustomed
to designate them as Philistines--_mais nous avons change tout
cela_--and, in a felicitous allusion to the ancient narrative,
insinuated that the extraordinary discomfiture of so many Philistines
by a certain jaw-bone was explained upon the well known principle in
Hom[oe]opathy, whereby any nuisance is abated by the application of
homogeneous substances. This was in the infancy of that science. But
the learned Rabbi in his strictures did not anticipate the retort of
his opponent Judas Haggadosh, who called Ben Hillel "_the would-be
jaw-bone._"]







                                THE END.








End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Henry of Ofterdingen: A Romance., by
Friedrich von Hardenberg

*** 