alluded to the return of the dear friend so long absent,
describing it so thoroughly out of the depths of his heart that all
present were deeply affected. But Heinrich knitted his brows, and,
turning away from Wolfframb, took his lute, and struck upon it the most
wonderful and extraordinary chords. He advanced to the centre of the
circle, and began a song, of which the "manner," wholly unlike anything
that the others had sung, was so unprecedented, that every one was
struck with the profoundest amazement, and at last consternation. It
was as if he was knocking, with tones of might, at the dark portal of
some strange mysterious realm, and conjuring forth the mystic secrets
of the unknown power therein dwelling. Then he invoked the stars, and
his lute's tones whispered soft and low, till one thought one heard the
harmonies of the ringing measures of the spheres. Then the chords grew
stronger, and rushed louder and louder; and glowing vapours seemed to
rise round the assemblage, whilst forms as of voluptuous love-passion
glowed in the opened Eden of the pleasures of sense. When he ended all
were sunk in the deepest silence, till a burst of applause broke
stormily forth; and Lady Mathilda rose quickly from her seat, went up
to him, and placed on his brow the garland which she had been holding
as the prize.

"'Ofterdingen's face grew red as fire. He fell on his knees, and
pressed her hands to his breast with rapture. As he rose, his
sparkling, penetrating glance fell upon the faithful Wolfframb, who was
coming up towards him, but turned away, as if suddenly constrained to
do so by some evil power.

"'There was but one who did not join in the enthusiastic applause, and
that was the Landgrave, who had become very grave and thoughtful during
Ofterdingen's singing, and could scarce find a word of praise for the
marvellous song. At this Ofterdingen seemed visibly annoyed.

"'When the twilight was almost merging into night, Wolfframb, who had
been seeking for Heinrich in vain, met with him in one of the garden
alleys. He hastened to him, and after warmly embracing him said:

"'"Well, dearest brother, and so you have become the greatest master of
song, as I suppose, that the world contains. Tell me how you have
accomplished what all we others, nay, yourself of old, had not the
faintest conception of? What spirit has stood at your command to teach
you the marvellous music of another world?"

"'"It is well," said Heinrich of Of