gument, suspected that
a little of the scoffing spirit of the last century had also found its
way into the poet's rhymes, though, doubtless, not into the hearts of
his public; but he kept this idea to himself, and drew from the
schoolmaster a full account of the manner in which these extraordinary
dramas used to be performed at Carnival-time. The old gentleman was
particularly explicit in describing the costume he himself had worn in
the character of Lucifer.

"Modern culture and refinement have taken many things from the people.
What substantial joys have they received in return? Can they be
compensated? and how?"

These words, taken from his note-book, appear to have been written
about that time. A movement was going on within him.

One day Buchmaier urged him to apply for the right of citizenship
in the village, as he might calculate upon receiving the office of
town-clerk. Seizing the broad hand of his friend, he replied, joyfully,
"Now you have it in your power to make peace in the whole village, if
you will only get my broth--I mean the College Chap, this office: he is
amply competent."

Buchmaier smiled, but would not consent. At the teacher's earnest
entreaties, however, he agreed to abstain from all opposition.

[Illustration: The procession passed up the street.]

The teacher hastened to broach the matter to the College Chap. The
latter received the suggestion with some _hauteur_, and said he did not
know whether he could take the office. Nevertheless, he thanked the
teacher for his good-will, and the preliminaries of a peace were
concluded between the parties.

Harvest-home came, and the two couples went to the dance, as they had
arranged.

No longer did the teacher loiter in the fields while the village was
alive with dance and song: he was himself a participator in the revel;
but even yet he was not entirely absorbed in it.

For two days he did not leave the dancing-floor, except once, to take a
short walk with Hedwig and Agnes in the fields and refresh his powers
for new exertions. At times a pang would strike him when an impure song
was heard: he would fain have stopped his ears and Hedwig's against it.
The idea of endeavoring to exert an influence upon this spontaneous
product of the popular mind and heart recurred to him with more force
than ever. He had acquired some popularity among the young fellows by
his participation in their amusements; and upon this foundation he
built a portion of h