sagreeable laughs. He rose from
his seat and stood before Heinrich, of such giant stature, and with a
face so altered, that Heinrich felt the same shudder as when the
stranger had first appeared at his side. The latter said, in a voice of
such power that it re-echoed amongst the rocks:

"'"You think I am a mighty master of song, do you? Perhaps I am at
times, but the giving of lessons is a matter with which I can by no
means be troubled. I have good advice at the service of all who are
eager for knowledge, as you seem to be. Have you ever heard of the
great master Klingsohr, who is renowned for his mastery of the singer's
craft as well as in all other branches of knowledge? People say he is a
magician, and has dealings with one who is not everywhere in the best
of odour. But do not you be deceived. Things which people do not
understand, and cannot themselves manipulate, they think to be
supernatural, and pertaining either to Heaven or to Hell. Master
Klingsohr will lead you to your goal. His home is in Siebenbuergen; go
you to him there, and you will see how science and art have procured
for him, in lavish measure, all that his heart could desire--honours
and riches, and fair ladies' favour. Ay, my young sir, if Klingsohr
were here you would see how little the Lady Mathilda would trouble
herself about the gentle Wolfframb of Eschinbach, our sighing Swiss
herdsman."

"'"Do not dare to mention her name!" cried Heinrich. "Begone, and leave
me in peace; I shudder at your presence."

"'"Hoho!" laughed the stranger; "do not get out of temper, my little
friend; the cause of your shuddering is the chilliness of the night
breeze and the thinness of your doublet. You felt well and happy whilst
I was sitting near you, diffusing warmth through your frame. Shuddering
and terror! Nonsense! I have blood and fire at your command. As for the
Lady Mathilda, what I tell you is that her favour may be gained by
means of the singer's gift, such as Master Klingsohr possesses. I began
by making light of your singing, to show you your own lack of skill.
But the fact that you begin to see your own shortcomings when I give
you some inklings of the true craft is sufficient to prove that you are
possessed of good dispositions. Who knows? You may be destined to tread
in Master Klingsohr's footsteps, and then you may sue for the Lady
Mathilda's favour with some reasonable hope of success. So make
yourself ready; be off to Siebenbuergen. But stay;