ried the
young knight, with transport, as he embraced the fair Emma. 'Strange
have been the wonders in the Spessart which have brought us together.
On the highway yonder I had parted from my dear friend Peter, after the
strangest and most intricate discussion. When I had proceeded a few
hundred paces I suddenly felt very uneasy about him, so I alighted, and
wished again and again to exhort him to leave his dark ways, and go
with me to Mayence. As soon as I turned, I saw him slip into the wood.
I cried his name, but he heard me not. My spurs hindered me from
walking fast; I could only follow him in the distance, but nevertheless
I did not desist from calling after him, although it was all in vain.
At last I lost sight of his black cloak among the trees. The beautiful
green meadow was sparkling before me, and I wished to look at the
bright radiance of the flowers, so I came hither, after looking for my
friend in every direction. In the wood around me, there was a constant
stirring and waving from the breezes, the worms were all in motion, the
birds chirped and fluttered in a manner quite peculiar. However there
was no influence over me, probably because I was thinking of the plain
good path to which I would willingly bring Peter. When I found thee
sleeping, the most acute pity, together with the power of the sweetest
love, affected my heart, and I felt joyous. I nevertheless shed the
most scalding tears that ever flowed from my lively eyes. I think I
was allowed to peep into the corner, where that horror thou speakest
of, dwelt. Sobbing and laughing at the same time, I cried

'I vow there's not a flow'r that blows,
Can rival woman's rosy lips,
Where ev'ry sweet is dwelling.
The rose at May's soft kisses glows,
And sure a kiss should grace those lips
So fondly, sweetly swelling.'

"'And then my lips, in God's name, gave thine their greeting.'

"'And the fetters fell from me, I awoke, and my first glance met thy
faithful, weeping eye,' cried the fair Emma. 'I thanked God, on whose
name I again thought, for my deliverance; and then I thanked Him that
it was thou, and not that dark man, that had delivered me.'

"The young knight became thoughtful. 'I fear,' said he, 'that all the
mysterious wonders of this wood stand in connexion with Peter. I fear
that on this day, when I have gained my love, I have lost my friend.
What can have become of him?'

"The youthful pair started from each other, f