n there begins a wild,
extraordinary singing, and the strangest goings on of all kinds--all
the windows streaming with dazzling light. Very likely this Nasias
may be the very evil one in person, and will carry you off to
perdition--you ought to set off, dearest master. Do not wait for this
terrible visitor--get away, I implore you."

"'"What?" answered Wolfframb. "My good landlord Gottschalk, why would
you have me go away as if I was afraid to sing against this same
Nasias? That would not be conduct for a master singer by any means. Be
Master Nasias an evil spirit or not, I await him patiently and
tranquilly. He may sing me down with his acherontic 'manners,' but he
will strive in vain to beguile my pious heart, or to do hurt to my
immortal soul!"

"'"I am well aware," said Gottschalk, "that you are a valiant
gentleman, and have not the slightest fear of the very devil himself.
But if you are determined to stay here, at least allow my servant Jonas
to be in the room with you. He is a pious, stalwart, broad-shouldered
fellow, and doesn't mind the singing one hair's breadth. And if you
chance to get a little spent, and feel a trifle faint with all the
devilish howling--so that Nasias should be like to get the better of
you and come at you--Jonas will give a shout, and we will come in with
holy water and consecrated candles. And they say the devil cannot
endure the stink of musk which a Capuchin friar has worn on his breast
in a bag. I'll have some of that handy, and will make such a fumigation
that Master Nasias won't have enough breath left to sing a bar."

"'Wolfframb of Eschinbach laughed at his landlord's kindly anxiety, and
said he was now quite ready, and only wished the trial between him and
Nasias were over. Jonas, however--the pious man with the broad
shoulders, proof against all singing, of whatsoever kind--might stay
and be welcome.

"The fateful night arrived. At first all was quiet; till the works of
the church clock whirred and rattled, and it struck twelve. Then a gust
of wind came breezing through the house, ugly voices howled in
confusion and a wild croaking scream as of pain and terror--like that
of some frightened night-bird--was heard. Wolfframb had been immersed
in beautiful, pure, pious poets' fancies, and had almost forgotten the
evil visit in store for him. But now icy shudders ran through his
veins; yet he pulled himself together and went to the centre of the
room. The door burst open with a