CONTENTS。
DEDICATION
CHAPTER
I。HOWTHEKNIGHTCAMETOTHEFISHERMAN
II。INWHATWAYUNDINEHADCOMETOTHEFISHERMAN
III。HOWTHEYFOUNDUNDINEAGAIN
IV。OFTHATWHICHTHEKNIGHTENCOUNTEREDINTHEWOOD
V。HOWTHEKNIGHTLIVEDONTHELITTLEPROMONTORY
VI。OFANUPTIALCEREMONY
VII。WHATFURTHERHAPPENEDONTHEEVENINGOFTHEWEDDING
VIII。THEDAYAFTERTHEWEDDING
IX。HOWTHEKNIGHTTOOKHISYOUNGWIFEWITHHIM
X。HOWTHEYLIVEDINTHECITY
XI。THEANNIVERSARYOFBERTALDA’SNAME—DAY
XII。HOWTHEYDEPARTEDFROMTHEIMPERIALCITY
XIII。HOWTHEYLIVEDATCASTLERINGSTETTEN
XIV。HOWBERTALDARETURNEDHOMEWITHTHEKNIGHT
XV。THEJOURNEYTOVIENNA
XVI。HOWITFAREDFURTHERWITHHULDBRAND
XVII。THEKNIGHT’SDREAM
XVIII。HOWTHEKNIGHTHULDBRANDISMARRIED
XIX。HOWTHEKNIGHTHULDBRANDWASBURIED
DEDICATION。
Undine，thouimagefairandblest，Sincefirstthystrangemysteriousglance，Shoneonmefromsomeoldromance，Howhastthousungmyhearttorest!
Howhastthouclungtomeandsmiled，Andwouldest，whisperinginmyear，Giveventtoallthymiseriesdrear，Alittlehalf—spoiledtimorouschild!
Yethathmyzithercaughtthesound，Andbreathedfromoutitsgatesofgold，Eachgentlewordthylipshavetold，Untiltheirfameisspreadaround。
Andmanyahearthaslovedtheewell，Inspiteofeverywaywarddeed，Andmanyaonewillgladlyread，Thepageswhichthyhistorytell。
Icatchthewhisperedhopeexpressed，Thatthoushould’stonceagainappear；
Socastasideeachdoubtandfear，Andcome，Undine!thouspiritblest!
Greeteverynobleinthehall，Andgreet’foreall，withtrustingair，Thebeauteouswomengatheredthere；
Iknowthatthouartlovedbyall。
Andifoneasktheeafterme，Say：he’satrueandnobleknight，Fairwoman’sslaveinsongandfightAndinalldeedsofchivalry。
UNDINE。
CHAPTERI。
HOWTHEKNIGHTCAMETOTHEFISHERMAN。
Therewasonce，itmaybenowmanyhundredyearsago，agoodoldfisherman，whowassittingonefineeveningbeforehisdoor，mendinghisnets。Thepartofthecountryinwhichhelivedwasextremelypretty。Thegreensward，onwhichhiscottagestood，ranfarintothelake，anditseemedasifitwasfromlovefortheblueclearwatersthatthetongueoflandhadstretcheditselfoutintothem，whilewithanequallyfondembracethelakehadencircledthegreenpasturerichwithwavinggrassandflowers，andtherefreshingshadeoftrees。Theonewelcomedtheother，anditwasjustthisthatmadeeachsobeautiful。Therewereindeedfewhumanbeings，orrathernoneatall，tobemetwithonthispleasantspot，exceptthefishermanandhisfamily。Foratthebackofthislittlepromontorytherelayaverywildforest，which，bothfromitsgloomandpathlesssolitudeaswellasfromthewonderfulcreaturesandillusionswithwhichitwassaidtoabound，wasavoidedbymostpeopleexceptincasesofnecessity。
Thepiousoldfisherman，however，passedthroughitmanyatimeundisturbed，whenhewastakingthechoicefish，whichhehadcaughtathisbeautifulhome，toalargetownsituatednotfarfromtheconfinesoftheforest。Theprincipalreasonwhyitwassoeasyforhimtopassthroughthisforestwasbecausethetoneofhisthoughtswasalmostentirelyofareligiouscharacter，andbesidesthis，wheneverhesetfootupontheevilreputedshades，hewaswonttosingsomeholysong，withaclearvoiceandasincereheart。
Whilesittingoverhisnetsthisevening，unsuspiciousofanyevil，asuddenfearcameuponhim，atthesoundofarustlinginthegloomoftheforest，asofahorseandrider，thenoiseapproachingnearerandnearertothelittlepromontory。Allthathehaddreamed，inmanyastormynight，ofthemysteriesoftheforest，nowflashedatoncethroughhismind；foremostofall，theimageofagiganticsnow—whiteman，whokeptunceasinglynoddinghisheadinaportentousmanner。Indeed，whenheraisedhiseyestowardthewooditseemedtohimasifheactuallysawthenoddingmanapproachingthroughthedensefoliage。Hesoon，however，reassuredhimself，reflectingthatnothingserioushadeverbefallenhimevenintheforestitself，andthatuponthisopentongueoflandtheevilspiritwouldbestilllessdaringintheexerciseofhispower。AtthesametimeherepeatedaloudatextfromtheBiblewithallhisheart，andthissoinspiredhimwithcouragethathealmostsmiledattheillusionhehadallowedtopossesshim。Thewhitenoddingmanwassuddenlytransformedintoabrooklongfamiliartohim，whichranfoamingfromtheforestanddischargeditselfintothelake。Thenoise，however，whichhehadheard，wascausedbyaknightbeautifullyapparelled，who，emergingfromthedeepshadowsofthewood，cameridingtowardthecottage。Ascarletmantlewasthrownoverhispurplegold—embroidereddoublet；aredandvioletplumewavedfromhisgolden—coloredhead—gear；andabeautifullyandrichlyornamentedswordflashedfromhisshoulder—belt。Thewhitesteedthatboretheknightwasmoreslenderlyformedthanwar—horsesgenerallyare，andhesteppedsolightlyovertheturfthatthisgreenandflowerycarpetseemedscarcelytoreceivetheslightestinjuryfromhistread。
Theoldfishermandidnot，however，feelperfectlysecureinhismind，althoughhetriedtoconvincehimselfthatnoevilwastobefearedfromsogracefulanapparition；andthereforehepolitelytookoffhishatastheknightapproached，andremainedquietlywithhisnets。
Presentlythestrangerdrewup，andinquiredwhetherheandhishorsecouldhaveshelterandcareforthenight。\"Asregardsyourhorse，goodsir，\"repliedthefisherman。\"Icanassignhimnobetterstablethanthisshadypasture，andnobetterprovenderthanthegrassgrowingonit。Yourself，however，Iwillgladlywelcometomysmallcottage，andgiveyousupperandlodgingasgoodaswehave。\"
Theknightwaswellsatisfiedwiththis；healightedfromhishorse，and，withtheassistanceofthefisherman，herelieveditfromsaddleandbridle，andturneditlooseupontheflowerygreen。Thenaddressinghishost，hesaid：\"EvenhadIfoundyoulesshospitableandkindlydisposed，myworthyoldfisherman，youwouldneverthelessscarcelyhavegotridofmeto—day，for，asIsee，abroadlakeliesbeforeus，andtoridebackintothatmysteriouswood，withtheshadesofeveningcomingon，heavenkeepmefromit!\"
\"Wewillnottalktoomuchofthat，\"saidthefisherman，andheledhisguestintothecottage。
There，besidethehearth，fromwhichascantyfireshedadimlightthroughthecleanly—keptroom，satthefisherman’sagedwifeinacapaciouschair。Attheentranceofthenobleguestsherosetogivehimakindlywelcome，butresumedherseatofhonorwithoutofferingittothestranger。Uponthisthefishermansaidwithasmile：\"Youmustnottakeitamissofher，youngsir，thatshehasnotgivenuptoyouthemostcomfortableseatinthehouse；itisacustomamongpoorpeople，thatitshouldbelongexclusivelytotheaged。\"
\"Why，husband，\"saidthewife，withaquietsmile，\"whatcanyoubethinkingof？OurguestbelongsnodoubttoChristianmen，andhowcoulditcomeintotheheadofthegoodyoungbloodtodriveoldpeoplefromtheirchairs？Takeaseat，myyoungmaster，\"shecontinued，turningtowardtheknight；\"overthere，thereisarightprettylittlechair，onlyyoumustnotmoveaboutonittooroughly，foroneofitslegsisnolongerofthefirmest。\"Theknightfetchedthechaircarefully，satdownuponitgood—humoredly，anditseemedtohimasifhewererelatedtothislittlehousehold，andhadjustreturnedfromabroad。
Thethreeworthypeoplenowbegantotalktogetherinthemostfriendlyandfamiliarmanner。Withregardtotheforest，aboutwhichtheknightmadesomeinquiries，theoldmanwasnotinclinedtobecommunicative；hefeltitwasnotasubjectsuitedtoapproachingnight，buttheagedcouplespokefreelyoftheirhomeandformerlife，andlistenedalsogladlywhentheknightrecountedtothemhistravels，andtoldthemthathehadacastlenearthesourceoftheDanube，andthathisnamewasSirHuldbrandofRingstetten。Duringtheconversation，thestrangerhadalreadyoccasionallyheardasplashagainstthelittlelowwindow，asifsomeoneweresprinklingwateragainstit。Everytimethenoiseoccurred，theoldmanknithisbrowwithdispleasure；butwhenatlastawholeshowerwasdashedagainstthepanes，andbubbledintotheroomthroughthedecayedcasement，heroseangrily，andcalledthreateninglyfromthewindow：\"Undine!willyouforonceleaveoffthesechildishtricks？
andto—day，besides，thereisastrangerknightwithusinthecottage。\"Allwassilentwithout，onlyasuppressedlaughwasaudible，andthefishermansaidashereturned：\"Youmustpardonitinher，myhonoredguest，andperhapsmanyanaughtytrickbesides；
butshemeansnoharmbyit。Itisourfoster—child，Undine，andshewillnotweanherselffromthischildishness，althoughshehasalreadyenteredhereighteenthyear。But，asIsaid，atheartsheisthoroughlygood。\"
\"Youmaywelltalk，\"repliedtheoldwoman，shakingherhead；\"whenyoucomehomefromfishingorfromajourney，herfrolicsmaythenbeverydelightful，buttohaveheraboutonethewholedaylong，andnevertohearasensibleword，andinsteadoffindingherahelpinthehousekeepingasshegrowsolder，alwaystobeobligedtobetakingcarethatherfolliesdonotcompletelyruinus，thatisquiteanotherthing，andthepatienceofasaintwouldbewornoutatlast。\"
\"Well，well，\"saidherhusbandwithasmile，\"youhaveyourtroubleswithUndine，andIhaveminewiththelake。Itoftenbreaksawaymydams，andtearsmynetstopieces，butforallthat，Ihaveanaffectionforit，andsohaveyoufortheprettychild，inspiteofallyourcrossesandvexations。Isn’titso？\"
\"Onecan’tbeveryangrywithher，certainly，\"saidtheoldwoman，andshesmiledapprovingly。
Justthenthedoorflewopen，andabeautiful，fairgirlglidedlaughingintotheroom，andsaid\"Youhaveonlybeenjesting，father，forwhereisyourguest？\"
Atthesamemoment，however，sheperceivedtheknight，andstoodfixedwithastonishmentbeforethehandsomeyouth，Huldbrandwasstruckwithhercharmingappearance，anddweltthemoreearnestlyonherlovelyfeatures，asheimagineditwasonlyhersurprisethatgavehimthisbriefenjoyment，andthatshewouldpresentlyturnfromhisgazewithincreasedbashfulness。Itwas，however，quiteotherwise；forafterhavinglookedathimforsometime，shedrewnearhimconfidingly，kneltdownbeforehim，andsaid，assheplayedwithagoldmedalwhichheworeonhisbreast，suspendedfromarichchain：\"Why，youhandsome，kindguest，howhaveyoucometoourpoorcottageatlast？Haveyoubeenobligedthentowanderthroughtheworldforyears，beforeyoucouldfindyourwaytous？Doyoucomeoutofthatwildforest，mybeautifulknight？\"Theoldwoman’sreproofallowedhimnotimeforreply。Sheadmonishedthegirltostandupandbehaveherselfandtogotoherwork。Undine，however，withoutmakinganyanswerdrewalittlefootstoolclosetoHuldbrand’schair，satdownuponitwithherspinning，andsaidpleasantly：\"Iwillworkhere。\"Theoldmandidasparentsarewonttodowithspoiledchildren。HeaffectedtoobservenothingofUndine’snaughtinessandwasbeginningtotalkofsomethingelse。
Butthisthegirlwouldnotlethimdo；shesaid：\"Ihaveaskedourcharmingguestwhencehecomes，andhehasnotyetansweredme。\"
\"Icomefromtheforest，youbeautifullittlevision，\"returnedHuldbrand；andshewentontosay：——
\"Thenyoumusttellmehowyoucamethere，foritisusuallysofeared，andwhatmarvellousadventuresyoumetwithinit，foritisimpossibletoescapewithoutsomethingofthesort。\"
Huldbrandfeltaslightshudderatthisremembrance，andlookedinvoluntarilytowardthewindow，foritseemedtohimasifoneofthestrangefigureshehadencounteredintheforestweregrinninginthere；buthesawnothingbutthedeepdarknight，whichhadnowshroudedeverythingwithout。Uponthishecomposedhimselfandwasonthepointofbeginninghislittlehistory，whentheoldmaninterruptedhimbysaying：\"Notso，sirknight!thisisnofithourforsuchthings。\"Undine，however，sprangangrilyfromherlittlestool，andstandingstraightbeforethefishermanwithherfairarmsfixedinhersides，sheexclaimed：\"Heshallnottellhisstory，father？Heshallnot？butitismywill。Heshall!Heshallinspiteofyou!\"andthussayingshestampedherprettylittlefootvehementlyonthefloor，butshediditallwithsuchacomicallygracefulairthatHuldbrandnowfelthisgazealmostmoreriveteduponherinherangerthanbeforeinhergentleness。
Therestrainedwrathoftheoldman，onthecontrary，burstforthviolently。HeseverelyreprovedUndine’sdisobedienceandunbecomingbehaviortothestranger，andhisgoodoldwifejoinedwithhimheartily。Undinequicklyretorted：\"Ifyouwanttochideme，andwon’tdowhatIwish，thensleepaloneinyouroldsmokyhut!\"andswiftasanarrowsheflewfromtheroom，andfledintothedarknight。
CHAPTERII。
INWHATWAYUNDINEHADCOMETOTHEFISHERMAN
Huldbrandandthefishermansprangfromtheirseatsandwereonthepointoffollowingtheangrygirl。Beforetheyreachedthecottagedoor，however，Undinehadlongvanishedintheshadowydarknesswithout，andnoteventhesoundofherlightfootstepbetrayedthedirectionofherflight。Huldbrandlookedinquiringlyathishost；
italmostseemedtohimasifthewholesweetapparition，whichhadsuddenlymergedagainintothenight，werenothingelsethanoneofthatbandofthewonderfulformswhichhad，butashorttimesince，carriedontheirprankswithhimintheforest。Buttheoldmanmurmuredbetweenhisteeth：\"Thisisnotthefirsttimethatshehastreatedusinthisway。Nowwehaveachingheartsandsleeplesseyesthewholenightthrough；forwhoknows，thatshemaynotsomedaycometoharm，ifsheisthusoutaloneinthedarkuntildaylight。\"
\"ThenletusforGod’ssakefollowher，\"criedHuldbrand，anxiously。
\"Whatwouldbethegoodofit？\"repliedtheoldman。\"ItwouldbeasinwereItoallowyou，allalone，tofollowthefoolishgirlinthesolitarynight，andmyoldlimbswouldnotovertakethewildrunaway，evenifweknewinwhatdirectionshehadgone。\"
\"Wehadbetteratanyratecallafterher，andbeghertocomeback，\"saidHuldbrand；andhebegantocallinthemostearnestmanner：\"Undine!Undine!Praycomeback!\"Theoldmanshookhishead，saying，thatallthatshoutingwouldhelpbutlittle，fortheknighthadnoideahowself—willedthelittletruantwas。Butstillhecouldnotforbearoftencallingoutwithhiminthedarknight：
\"Undine!Ah!dearUndine，Ibegyoutocomeback——onlythisonce!\"
Itturnedout，however，asthefishermanhadsaid。NoUndinewastobeheardorseen，andastheoldmanwouldonnoaccountconsentthatHuldbrandshouldgoinsearchofthefugitive，theywereatlastbothobligedtoreturntothecottage。Heretheyfoundthefireonthehearthalmostgoneout，andtheoldwife，whotookUndine’sflightanddangerfarlesstoheartthanherhusband，hadalreadyretiredtorest。Theoldmanblewupthefire，laidsomedrywoodonit，andbythelightoftheflamesoughtoutatankardofwine，whichheplacedbetweenhimselfandhisguest。\"You，sirknight，\"
saidhe，\"arealsoanxiousaboutthatsillygirl，andwewouldbothratherchatteranddrinkawayapartofthenightthankeepturningroundonourrushmatstryinginvaintosleep。Isitnotso？\"
Huldbrandwaswellsatisfiedwiththeplan；thefishermanobligedhimtotaketheseatofhonorvacatedbythegoodoldhousewife，andbothdrankandtalkedtogetherinamannerbecomingtwohonestandtrustingmen。Itistrue，asoftenastheslightestthingmovedbeforethewindows，orevenattimeswhennothingwasmoving，oneofthetwowouldlookupandsay：\"Sheiscoming!\"Thentheywouldbesilentforamomentortwo，andasnothingappeared，theywouldshaketheirheadsandsighandgoonwiththeirtalk。
As，however，neithercouldthinkofanythingbutofUndine，theyknewofnothingbettertodothanthattheoldfishermanshouldtellthestory，andtheknightshouldhear，inwhatmannerUndinehadfirstcometothecottage。Hethereforebeganasfollows：——
\"ItisnowaboutfifteenyearsagothatIwasonedaycrossingthewildforestwithmygoods，onmywaytothecity。Mywifehadstayedathome，asherwontis，andatthisparticulartimeforaverygoodreason，forGodhadgivenus，inourtolerablyadvancedage，awonderfullybeautifulchild。Itwasalittlegirl；andaquestionalreadyarosebetweenus，whetherforthesakeofthenew—comer，wewouldnotleaveourlovelyhomethatwemightbetterbringupthisdeargiftofheaveninsomemorehabitableplace。Poorpeopleindeedcannotdoinsuchcasesasyoumaythinktheyought，sirknight，but，withGod’sblessing，everyonemustdowhathecan。Well，thematterwastolerablyinmyheadasIwentalong。Thisslipoflandwassodeartome，andIshudderedwhen，amidthenoiseandbrawlsofthecity，Ithoughttomyself，’Insuchscenesasthese，orinonenotmuchmorequiet，thouwiltalsosoonmakethyabode!’ButatthesametimeIdidnotmurmuragainstthegoodGod；onthecontrary，Ithankedhiminsecretforthenew—bornbabe；Ishouldbetellingalie，too，wereItosay，thatonmyjourneythroughthewood，goingorreturning，anythingbefellmeoutofthecommonway，andatthattimeIhadneverseenanyofitsfearfulwonders。TheLordwaseverwithmeinthosemysteriousshades。\"
Ashespokehetookhislittlecapfromhisbaldhead，andremainedforatimeoccupiedwithprayerfulthoughts；hethencoveredhimselfagain，andcontinued：——
\"Onthissidetheforest，alas!asorrowawaitedme。Mywifecametomeetmewithtearfuleyesandcladinmourning。’Oh!GoodGod!’I
groaned，’whereisourdearchild？speak!’——’Withhimonwhomyouhavecalled，dearhusband，’shereplied；andwenowenteredthecottagetogetherweepingsilently。Ilookedaroundforthelittlecorpse，anditwasthenonlythatIlearnedhowithadallhappened。\"
\"Mywifehadbeensittingwiththechildontheedgeofthelake，andasshewasplayingwithit，freeofallfearandfullofhappiness，thelittleonesuddenlybentforward，asifattractedbysomethingverybeautifulinthewater。Mywifesawherlaugh，thedearangel，andstretchoutherlittlehands；butinamomentshehadsprungoutofhermother’sarms，andhadsunkbeneaththewaterymirror。Isoughtlongforourlittlelostone；butitwasallinvain；therewasnotraceofhertobefound。\"
\"Thesameeveningwe，childlessparents，weresittingsilentlytogetherinthecottage；neitherofushadanydesiretotalk，evenhadourtearsallowedus。Wesatgazingintothefireonthehearth。
Presently，weheardsomethingrustlingoutsidethedoor：itflewopen，andabeautifullittlegirlthreeorfouryearsold，richlydressed，stoodonthethresholdsmilingatus。Wewerequitedumbwithastonishment，andIknewnotatfirstwhetheritwereavisionorareality。ButIsawthewaterdrippingfromhergoldenhairandrichgarments，andIperceivedthattheprettychildhadbeenlyinginthewater，andneededhelp。’Wife，’saidI，’noonehasbeenabletosaveourdearchild；yetletusatanyratedoforotherswhatwouldhavemadeussoblessed。’Weundressedthelittleone，puthertobed，andgavehersomethingwarm；atallthisshespokenotaword，andonlyfixedhereyes，thatreflectedtheblueofthelakeandofthesky，smilinglyuponus。Nextmorningwequicklyperceivedthatshehadtakennoharmfromherwetting，andInowinquiredaboutherparents，andhowshehadcomehere。Butshegaveaconfusedandstrangeaccount。Shemusthavebeenbornfarfromhere，notonlybecauseforthesefifteenyearsIhavenotbeenabletofindoutanythingofherparentage，butbecauseshethenspoke，andattimesstillspeaks，ofsuchsingularthingsthatsuchaswearecannottellbutthatshemayhavedroppeduponusfromthemoon。Shetalksofgoldencastles，ofcrystaldomes，andheavenknowswhatbesides。Thestorythatshetoldwithmostdistinctnesswas，thatshewasoutinaboatwithhermotheronthegreatlake，andfellintothewater，andthatsheonlyrecoveredhersenseshereunderthetreeswhereshefeltherselfquitehappyonthemerryshore。Wehadstillagreatmisgivingandperplexityweighingonourheart。Wehad，indeed，soondecidedtokeepthechildwehadfoundandtobringherupintheplaceofourlostdarling；butwhocouldtelluswhethershehadbeenbaptizedornot？Sheherselfcouldgiveusnoinformationonthematter。ShegenerallyansweredourquestionsbysayingthatshewellknewshewascreatedforGodspraiseandglory，andthatshewasreadytoletusdowithherwhateverwouldtendtoHishonorandglory。\"
\"MywifeandIthoughtthatifshewerenotbaptized，therewasnotimefordelay，andthatifshewere，agoodthingcouldnotberepeatedtoooften。Andinpursuanceofthisidea，wereflecteduponagoodnameforthechild，forwenowwereoftenatalosstoknowwhattocallher。WeagreedatlastthatDorotheawouldbethemostsuitableforher，forIonceheardthatitmeantagiftofGod，andshehadsurelybeensenttousbyGodasagiftandcomfortinourmisery。She，ontheotherhand，wouldnothearofthis，andtoldusthatshethoughtshehadbeencalledUndinebyherparents，andthatUndineshewishedstilltobecalled。Nowthisappearedtomeaheathenishname，nottobefoundinanycalendar，andItookcounselthereforeofapriestinthecity。HealsowouldnothearofthenameofUndine，butatmyearnestrequesthecamewithmethroughthemysteriousforestinordertoperformtheriteofbaptismhereinmycottage。Thelittleonestoodbeforeussoprettilyarrayedandlookedsocharmingthatthepriest’sheartwasatoncemovedwithinhim，andsheflatteredhimsoprettily，andbravedhimsomerrily，thatatlasthecouldnolongerremembertheobjectionshehadhadreadyagainstthenameofUndine。Shewasthereforebaptized’Undine，’andduringthesacredceremonyshebehavedwithgreatproprietyandsweetness，wildandrestlessassheinvariablywasatothertimes。Formywifewasquiterightwhenshesaidthatithasbeenhardtoputupwithher。IfIweretotellyou\"——
Theknightinterruptedthefishermantodrawhisattentiontoanoise，asofarushingfloodofwaters，whichhadcaughthisearduringtheoldman’stalk，andwhichnowburstagainstthecottage—
windowwithredoubledfury。Bothsprangtothedoor。Theretheysaw，bythelightofthenowrisenmoon，thebrookwhichissuedfromthewood，widelyoverflowingitsbanks，andwhirlingawaystonesandbranchesoftreesinitssweepingcourse。Thestorm，asifawakenedbythetumult，burstforthfromthemightycloudswhichpassedrapidlyacrossthemoon；thelakeroaredunderthefuriouslashingofthewind；thetreesofthelittlepeninsulagroanedfromroottotopmostbough，andbent，asifreeling，overthesurgingwaters。
\"Undine!forHeaven’ssake，Undine。\"criedthetwomeninalarm。Noanswerwasreturned，andregardlessofeveryotherconsideration，theyranoutofthecottage，oneinthisdirection，andtheotherinthat，searchingandcalling。
CHAPTERIII。
HOWTHEYFOUNDUNDINEAGAIN。
ThelongerHuldbrandsoughtUndinebeneaththeshadesofnight，andfailedtofindher，themoreanxiousandconfuseddidhebecome。
TheideathatUndinehadbeenonlyamereapparitionoftheforest，againgainedascendancyoverhim；indeed，amidthehowlingofthewavesandthetempest，thecrackingofthetrees，andthecompletetransformationofascenelatelysocalmlybeautiful，hecouldalmosthaveconsideredthewholepeninsulawithitscottageanditsinhabitantsasamockingillusivevision；butfromafarhestilleverheardthroughthetumultthefisherman’sanxiouscallforUndine，andtheloudprayingandsingingofhisagedwife。Atlengthhecameclosetothebrinkoftheswollenstream。andsawinthemoonlighthowithadtakenitswildcoursedirectlyinfrontofthehauntedforest，soastochangethepeninsulaintoanisland。\"OhGod!\"hethoughttohimself，\"ifUndinehasventuredastepintothatfearfulforest，perhapsinhercharmingwilfulness，justbecauseIwasnotallowedtotellheraboutit；andnowthestreammayberollingbetweenus，andshemaybeweepingontheothersidealone，amongphantomsandspectres!\"
Acryofhorrorescapedhim，andheclambereddownsomerocksandoverthrownpine—stems，inordertoreachtherushingstreamandbywadingorswimmingtoseekthefugitiveontheotherside。Herememberedalltheawfulandwonderfulthingswhichhehadencountered，evenbyday，underthenowrustlingandroaringbranchesoftheforest。Aboveallitseemedtohimasifatallmaninwhite，whomheknewbuttoowell，wasgrinningandnoddingontheoppositeshore；butitwasjustthesemonstrousformswhichforciblyimpelledhimtocrosstheflood，asthethoughtseizedhimthatUndinemightbeamongthemintheagoniesofdeathandalone。
Hehadalreadygraspedthestrongbranchofapine，andwasstandingsupportedbyit，inthewhirlingcurrent，againstwhichhecouldwithdifficultymaintainhimself；thoughwithacourageousspiritheadvanceddeeperintoit。Justthenagentlevoiceexclaimednearhim：\"Venturenot，venturenot，theoldman，thestream，isfulloftricks!\"Heknewthesweettones；hestoodasifentrancedbeneaththeshadowsthatduskilyshroudedthemoon，andhisheadswamwiththeswellingofthewaves，whichhenowsawrapidlyrisingtohiswaist。Stillhewouldnotdesist。
\"Ifthouartnotreallythere，ifthouartonlyfloatingaboutmelikeamist，thenmayItooceasetoliveandbecomeashadowlikethee，dear，dearUndine!\"Thusexclaimingaloud，heagainsteppeddeeperintothestream。\"Lookroundthee，oh!lookroundthee，beautifulbutinfatuatedyouth!\"criedavoiceagainclosebesidehim，andlookingaside，hesawbythemomentarilyunveiledmoon，alittleislandformedbytheflood，onwhichheperceivedundertheinterweavedbranchesoftheoverhangingtrees，Undinesmilingandhappy，nestlingintheflowerygrass。
Oh!howmuchmoregladlythanbeforedidtheyoungmannowusetheaidofhispine—branch!
Withafewstepshehadcrossedthefloodwhichwasrushingbetweenhimandthemaiden，andhewasstandingbesideheronalittlespotofturf，safelyguardedandscreenedbythegoodoldtrees。Undinehadhalf—raisedherself，andnowunderthegreenleafytentshethrewherarmsroundhisneck，anddrewhimdownbesideheronhersoftseat。
\"Youshalltellmeyourstoryhere，beautifulfriend，\"saidshe，inalowwhisper；\"thecrossoldpeoplecannothearushere：andourroofofleavesisjustasgoodashelterastheirpoorcottage。\"
\"Itisheavenitself!\"saidHuldbrand，embracingthebeautifulgirlandkissingherfervently。
Theoldfishermanmeanwhilehadcometotheedgeofthestream，andshoutedacrosstothetwoyoungpeople；\"Why，sirknight，Ihavereceivedyouasonehonest—heartedmaniswonttoreceiveanother，andnowhereyouarecaressingmyfoster—childinsecret，andlettingmerunhitherandthitherthroughthenightinanxioussearchofher。\"
\"Ihaveonlyjustfoundhermyself，oldfather，\"returnedtheknight。
\"Somuchthebetter，\"saidthefisherman；\"butnowbringheracrosstomewithoutdelayuponfirmground。\"
Undine，however，wouldnothearofthis；shedeclaredshewouldrathergowiththebeautifulstranger，intothewildforestitself，thanreturntothecottage，wherenoonedidasshewished，andfromwhichthebeautifulknightwouldhimselfdepartsoonerorlater。
Then，throwingherarmsroundHuldbrand，shesangwithindescribablegrace：——
\"AstreamranoutofthemistyvaleItsfortunestoobtain，theocean’sdepthsitfoundahomeAndne’erreturnedagain。\"
Theoldfishermanweptbitterlyathersong，butthisdidnotseemtoaffectherparticularly。Shekissedandcaressedhernewfriend，whoatlastsaidtoher：\"Undine，iftheoldman’sdistressdoesnottouchyourheart，ittouchesmine——letusgobacktohim。\"
Sheopenedherlargeblueeyesinamazementathim，andspokeatlast，slowlyandhesitatingly：\"Ifyouthinkso——well，whateveryouthinkisrighttome。Buttheoldmanyondermustfirstpromisemethathewillletyou，withoutobjection，relatetomewhatyousawinthewood，and——well，otherthingswillsettlethemselves。\"
\"Come，onlycome，\"criedthefishermantoher，unabletoutteranotherword：andatthesametimehestretchedouthisarmsfarovertherushingstreamtowardher，andnoddedhisheadasiftopromisethefulfilmentofherrequest，andashedidthis，hiswhitehairfellstrangelyoverhisface，andremindedHuldbrandofthenoddingwhitemanintheforest。Withoutallowinghimself，however，togrowconfusedbysuchanideatheyoungknighttookthebeautifulgirlinhisarms，andboreheroverthenarrowpassagewhichthestreamhadforcedbetweenherlittleislandandtheshore。
TheoldmanfelluponUndine’sneckandcouldnotsatisfytheexuberanceofhisjoy；hisgoodwifealsocameupandcaressedthenewly—foundintheheartiestmanner。Notawordofreproachpassedtheirlips；norwasitthoughtof，forUndine，forgettingallherwaywardness，almostoverwhelmedherfoster—parentswithaffectionandfondexpressions。
Whenatlasttheyhadrecoveredfromtheexcessoftheirjoy，dayhadalreadydawned，andhadsheditspurplehueoverthelake；
stillnesshadfollowedthestorm，andthelittlebirdsweresingingmerrilyonthewetbranches。AsUndinenowinsisteduponhearingtheknight’spromisedstory，theagedcouplesmilinglyandreadilyaccededtoherdesire。Breakfastwasbroughtoutunderthetreeswhichscreenedthecottagefromthelake，andtheysatdowntoitwithcontentedhearts——Undineonthegrassattheknight’sfeet，theplacechosenbyherself。
Huldbrandthenproceededwithhisstory。
CHAPTERIV。
OFTHATWHICHTHEKNIGHTENCOUNTEREDINTHEWOOD。
\"ItisnowabouteightdaysagosinceIrodeintothefreeimperialcity，whichliesontheothersideoftheforest。Soonaftermyarrival，therewasasplendidtournamentandrunningatthering，andIsparedneithermyhorsenormylance。OncewhenIwaspausingatthelists，torestaftermymerrytoil，andwashandingbackmyhelmettooneofmysquires，myattentionwasattractedbyafemalefigureofgreatbeauty，whowasstandingrichlyattiredononeofthegalleriesallottedtospectators。\"
\"Iaskedmyneighbor，andlearnedfromhim，thatthenameofthefairladywasBertalda，andthatshewasthefoster—daughterofoneofthepowerfuldukeslivinginthecountry。Iremarkedthatshealsowaslookingatme，and，asitiswonttobewithusyoungknights，Ihadalreadyriddenbravely，andnowpursuedmycoursewithrenovatedconfidenceandcourage。InthedancethateveningI
wasBertalda’spartner，andIremainedsothroughoutthefestival。\"
Asharppaininhislefthand，whichhungdownbyhisside，hereinterruptedHuldbrand’snarrative，anddrewhisattentiontotheachingpart。Undinehadfastenedherpearlyteethupononeofhisfingers，appearingatthesametimeverygloomyandangry。Suddenly，however，shelookedupinhiseyeswithanexpressionoftendermelancholy，andwhisperedinasoftvoice：\"Itisyourownfault。\"
Thenshehidherface，andtheknight，strangelyconfusedandthoughtful，continuedhisnarrative。
\"ThisBertaldawasahaughty，waywardgirl。Evenontheseconddayshepleasedmenolongerasshehaddoneonthefirst，andonthethirddaystillless。StillIcontinuedabouther，becauseshewasmorepleasanttomethantoanyotherknight，andthusitwasthatI
beggedherinjesttogivemeoneofhergloves。’Iwillgiveityouwhenyouhavequitealoneexploredtheill—famedforest，’saidshe，’andcanbringmetidingsofitswonders。’Itwasnotthatherglovewasofsuchimportancetome，butthewordhadbeensaid，andanhonorableknightwouldnotallowhimselftobeurgedasecondtimetosuchaproofofvalor。\"
\"Ithinkshelovedyou，\"saidUndine，interruptinghim。
\"Itseemedso，\"repliedHuldbrand。
\"Well，\"exclaimedthegirl，laughing，\"shemustbestupidindeed。Todriveawayanyonedeartoher。Andmoreover，intoanill—omenedwood。Theforestanditsmysteriesmighthavewaitedlongenoughforme!\"
\"Yesterdaymorning。\"continuedtheknight，smilingkindlyatUndine，\"Isetoutonmyenterprise。Thestemsofthetreescaughttheredtintsofthemorninglightwhichlaybrightlyonthegreenturf，theleavesseemedwhisperingmerrilywitheachother，andinmyheartI
couldhavelaughedatthepeoplewhocouldhaveexpectedanythingtoterrifytheminthispleasantspot。’Ishallsoonhavetrottedthroughtheforestthereandbackagain，’Isaidtomyself，withafeelingofeasygayety，andbeforeIhadeventhoughtofitIwasdeepwithinthegreenshades，andcouldnolongerperceivetheplainwhichlaybehindme。ThenforthefirsttimeitstruckmethatI
mighteasilylosemywayinthemightyforest，andthatthisperhapswastheonlydangerwhichthewandererhadtofear。Ithereforepausedandlookedroundinthedirectionofthesun，whichinthemeanwhilehadrisensomewhathigherabovethehorizon。WhileIwasthuslookingupIsawsomethingblackinthebranchesofaloftyoak。IthoughtitwasabearandIgraspedmysword；butwithahumanvoice，thatsoundedharshandugly，itcalledtomefromabove：’IfIdonotnibbleawaythebranchesuphere，SirMalapert，whatshallwehavetoroastyouwithatmidnight？’Andsosayingitgrinnedandmadethebranchesrustle，sothatmyhorsegrewfuriousandrushedforwardwithmebeforeIhadtimetoseewhatsortofadevilitreallywas。\"
\"Youmustnotcallitso，\"saidtheoldfishermanashecrossedhimself；hiswifedidthesamesilently。Undinelookedattheknightwithsparklingeyesandsaid：\"Thebestofthestoryisthattheycertainlyhavenotroastedhimyet；goonnow，youbeautifulyouth!\"
Theknightcontinuedhisnarration：\"Myhorsewassowildthathealmostrushedwithmeagainstthestemsandbranchesoftrees；hewasdrippingwithsweat，andyetwouldnotsufferhimselftobeheldin。Atlasthewentstraightinthedirectionofarockyprecipice；
thenitsuddenlyseemedtomeasifatallwhitemanthrewhimselfacrossthepathofmywildsteed；thehorsetrembledwithfearandstopped：Irecoveredmyholdofhim，andforthefirsttimeperceivedthatmydelivererwasnowhiteman，butabrookofsilverybrightness，rushingdownfromahillbymysideandcrossingandimpedingmyhorse’scourse。\"
\"Thanks，dearBrook，\"exclaimedUndine，clappingherlittlehands。
Theoldman，however，shookhisheadandlookeddownindeepthought。
\"Ihadscarcelysettledmyselfinthesaddle，\"continuedHuldbrand。
\"andseizedthereinsfirmly，whenawonderfullittlemanstoodatmyside，diminutive，anduglybeyondconception。Hiscomplexionwasofayellowishbrown，andhisnosenotmuchsmallerthantherestofhisentireperson。Atthesametimehekeptgrinningwithstupidcourtesy，exhibitinghishugemouth，andmakingathousandscrapesandbowstome。Asthisfarcewasnowbecominginconvenienttome，I
thankedhimbrieflyandturnedaboutmystilltremblingsteed，thinkingeithertoseekanotheradventure，orincaseImetwithnone，tofindmywayback，forduringmywildchasethesunhadalreadypassedthemeridian；butthelittlefellowsprangroundwiththespeedoflightningandstoodagainbeforemyhorse。’Room!’I
cried，angrily；’theanimaliswildandmayeasilyrunoveryou。’——
’Ay，ay!’snarledtheimp，withagrinstillmorehorriblystupid。
’Givemefirstsomedrink—money，forIhavestoppedyourhorse；
withoutmeyouandyourhorsewouldbenowbothlyinginthestonyravine；ugh!’——’Don’tmakeanymorefaces，’saidI，’andtakeyourmoney，evenifyouaretellinglies；forsee，itwasthegoodbrooktherethatsavedme，andnotyou，youmiserablewight!AndatthesametimeIdroppedapieceofgoldintohisgrotesquecap，whichhehadtakenoffinhisbegging。Ithentrottedon；buthescreamedafterme，andsuddenlywithinconceivablequicknesswasatmyside。
Iurgedmyhorseintoagallop；theimprantoo，makingatthesametimestrangecontortionswithhisbody，half—ridiculous，half—
horrible，andholdingupthegold—piece，hecried，ateveryleap，’Falsemoney!，falsecoin!，falsecoin!，falsemoney!’——andthisheutteredwithsuchahollowsoundthatonewouldhavesupposedthataftereveryscreamhewouldhavefallendeadtotheground。\"
\"Hishorridredtonguemoreoverhungfaroutofhismouth。I
stopped，perplexed，andasked：’Whatdoyoumeanbythisscreaming？
takeanotherpieceofgold，taketwo，butleaveme。’Hethenbeganagainhishideousburlesqueofpoliteness，andsnarledout：’Notgold，notgold，myyounggentleman。Ihavetoomuchofthattrashmyself，asIwillshowyouatonce？’\"
\"SuddenlyitseemedtomeasifIcouldseethroughthesolidsoilasthoughitweregreenglassandthesmoothearthwereasroundasaball；andwithin，amultitudeofgoblinswererankingsportwithsilverandgold；headoverheelstheywererollingabout，peltingeachotherinjestwiththepreciousmetals，andprovokinglyblowingthegold—dustineachother’seyes。Myhideouscompanionstoodpartlywithinandpartlywithout；heorderedtheotherstoreachhimupheapsofgold，andshowingittomewithalaugh，hethenflungitbackagainwitharingingnoiseintotheimmeasurableabyss。\"
\"HethenshowedthepieceofgoldIhadgivenhimtothegoblinsbelow，andtheylaughedthemselveshalf—deadoveritandhissedatme。Atlasttheyallpointedatmewiththeirmetal—stainedfingers，andmoreandmorewildly。andmoreandmoredensely，andmoreandmoremadly，theswarmofspiritscameclamberinguptome。Iwasseizedwithterrorasmyhorsehadbeenbefore：Iputspurstohim，andIknownothowfarIgallopedforthesecondtimewildlyintotheforest。\"
\"Atlength，whenIagainhalted，thecoolnessofeveningwasaroundme。ThroughthebranchesofthetreesIsawawhitefoot—pathgleaming，whichIfanciedmustleadfromtheforesttowardthecity。
Iwasanxioustoworkmywayinthatdirection；butafaceperfectlywhiteandindistinct，withfeatureseverchanging，keptpeeringatmebetweentheleaves；Itriedtoavoidit，butwhereverIwentitappearedalso。Enragedatthis，Ideterminedatlasttorideatit，whenitgushedforthvolumesoffoamuponmeandmyhorse，obligingushalf—blindedtomakearapidretreat。Thusitdroveusstepbystepeverawayfromthefoot—path，leavingthewayopentousonlyinonedirection。Whenweadvancedinthisdirection，itkeptindeedclosebehindus，butdidnotdoustheslightestharm。\"
\"Lookingaroundatitoccasionally，Iperceivedthatthewhitefacethathadbesprinkleduswithfoambelongedtoaformequallywhiteandofgiganticstature。ManyatimeIthoughtthatitwasamovingstream，butIcouldneverconvincemyselfonthesubject。Weariedout，thehorseandhisrideryieldedtotheimpellingpowerofthewhiteman，whokeptnoddinghishead，asifhewouldsay，’Quiteright，quiteright!’Andthusatlastwecameoutheretotheendoftheforest，whereIsawtheturf，andthelake，andyourlittlecottage，andwherethetallwhitemandisappeared。\"
\"It’swellthathe’sgone，\"saidtheoldfisherman；andnowhebegantotalkofthebestwaybywhichhisguestcouldreturntohisfriendsinthecity。UponthisUndinebegantolaughslylytoherself；Huldbrandobservedit，andsaid：\"Ithoughtyouweregladtoseemehere；whythendoyounowrejoicewhenmydepartureistalkedof？\"
\"Becauseyoucannotgoaway，\"repliedUndine。\"Justtryitonce，tocrossthatoverflowedforeststreamwithaboat，withyourhorse，oralone，asyoumayfancy。Orratherdon’ttryit，foryouwouldbedashedtopiecesbythestonesandtrunksoftreeswhicharecarrieddownbyitwiththespeedoflightning。Andastothelake，Iknowitwell；fatherdarenotventureoutfarenoughwithhisboat。\"
Huldbrandrose，smiling，inordertoseewhetherthingswereasUndinehadsaid；theoldmanaccompaniedhim，andthegirldancedmerrilyalongbytheirside。Theyfoundeverything，indeed，asUndinehaddescribed，andtheknightwasobligedtosubmittoremainonthelittletongueofland，thathadbecomeanisland，tillthefloodshouldsubside。Asthethreewerereturningtothecottageaftertheirramble，theknightwhisperedintheearofthelittlemaiden\"Well，howisit，myprettyUndine——areyouangryatmyremaining？\"
\"Ah!\"shereplied，peevishly，\"letmealone。IfIhadnotbittenyou，whoknowshowmuchofBertaldawouldhaveappearedinyourstory？\"
CHAPTERV。
HOWTHEKNIGHTLIVEDONTHELITTLEPROMONTORY。
Afterhavingbeenmuchdriventoandfrointheworld，youhaveperhaps，mydearreader，reachedatlengthsomespotwhereallwaswellwiththee；wheretheloveforhomeanditscalmpeace，innatetoall，hasagainsprungupwithinthee；wherethouhastthoughtthatthishomewasrichwithalltheflowersofchildhoodandofthepurest，deepestlovethatrestsuponthegravesofthosethataregone，andthouhastfeltitmustbegoodtodwellhereandtobuildhabitations。Evenifthouhasterredinthis，andhasthadafterwardbitterlytoatonefortheerror，thatisnothingtothepurposenow，andthouwouldstnot，indeed，voluntarilysaddenthyselfwiththeunpleasantrecollection。Butrecallthatinexpressiblysweetforeboding，thatangelicsenseofpeace，andthouwiltknowsomewhatoftheknightHuldbrand’sfeelingsduringhisabodeonthelittlepromontory。
Heoftenperceivedwithheartysatisfactionthattheforeststreamrolledalongeverydaymorewildly，makingitsbedeverbroaderandbroader，andprolonginghissojournontheislandtoanindefiniteperiod。Partofthedayherambledaboutwithanoldcross—bow，whichhehadfoundinacornerofthecottageandhadrepaired；and，watchingforthewater—fowl，hekilledallthathecouldforthecottagekitchen。Whenhebroughthisbootyhome，Undinerarelyneglectedtoupbraidhimwithhavingsocruellydeprivedthehappybirdsoflife；indeedsheoftenweptbitterlyatthesightheplacedbeforeher。Butifhecamehomeanothertimewithouthavingshotanythingshescoldedhimnolessseriously，sincenow，fromhiscarelessnessandwantofskill，theyhadtobesatisfiedwithlivingonfish。Healwaysdelightedheartilyinhergracefullittlescoldings，allthemoreasshegenerallystrovetocompensateforherill—humorbythesweetestcaresses。
Theoldpeopletookpleasureintheintimacyoftheyoungpair；theyregardedthemasbetrothed，orevenasalreadyunitedinmarriage，andlivingonthisisolatedspot，asasuccorandsupporttothemintheiroldage。ItwasthissamesenseofseclusionthatsuggestedtheideaalsotoHuldbrand’smindthathewasalreadyUndine’sacceptedone。Hefeltasiftherewerenoworldbeyondthesesurroundingwaters，orasifhecouldneverrecrossthemtominglewithothermen；andwhenattimeshisgrazinghorsewouldneighasifinquiringlytoremindhimofknightlydeeds，orwhenthecoatofarmsonhisembroideredsaddleandhorse—gearshonesternlyuponhim，orwhenhisbeautifulswordwouldsuddenlyfallfromthenailonwhichitwashanginginthecottage，glidingfromthescabbardasitfell，hewouldquietthedoubtsofhismindbysaving：\"Undineisnofisherman’sdaughter；shebelongsinallprobabilitytosomeillustriousfamilyabroad。\"Therewasonlyonethingtowhichhehadastrongaversion，andthiswas，whentheolddamereprovedUndineinhispresence。Thewaywardgirl，itistrue，laughedatitforthemostpart，withoutattemptingtoconcealhermirth；butitseemedtohimasifhishonorwereconcerned，andyethecouldnotblametheoldfisherman’swife，forUndinealwaysdeservedatleasttentimesasmanyreproofsasshereceived；so，inhishearthefeltthebalanceinfavoroftheoldwoman，andhiswholelifeflowedonwardincalmenjoyment。
Therecame，however，aninterruptionatlast。Thefishermanandtheknighthadbeenaccustomedattheirmid—daymeal，andalsointheeveningwhenthewindroaredwithout，asitwasalwayswonttodotowardnight，toenjoytogetheraflaskofwine。Butnowthestorewhichthefishermanhadfromtimetotimebroughtwithhimfromthetown，wasexhausted，andthetwomenwerequiteoutofhumorinconsequence。
Undinelaughedatthemexcessivelyallday，buttheywereneitherofthemmerryenoughtojoininherjestsasusual。Towardeveningshewentoutofthecottagetoavoid，asshesaid，twosuchlongandtiresomefaces。Astwilightadvanced，therewereagaintokensofastorm，andthewaterrushedandroared。Fullofalarm，theknightandthefishermansprangtothedoor，tobringhomethegirl，rememberingtheanxietyofthatnightwhenHuldbrandhadfirstcometothecottage。Undine，however，metthem，clappingherlittlehandswithdelight。\"Whatwillyougiveme，\"shesaid，\"toprovideyouwithwine？\"orrather，\"youneednotgivemeanything，\"shecontinued，\"forIamsatisfiedifyouwilllookmerrierandbeinbetterspiritsthanyouhavebeenthroughoutthiswholewearisomeday。Onlycomewithme；theforeststreamhasdrivenashoreacask，andIwillbecondemnedtosleepthroughawholeweekifitisnotawine—cask。\"Themenfollowedher，andinashelteredcreekontheshore，theyactuallyfoundacask，whichinspiredthemwiththehopethatitcontainedthegenerousdrinkforwhichtheywerethirsting。
Theyatoncerolleditasquicklyaspossibletowardthecottage，forthewesternskywasovercastwithheavystorm—clouds，andtheycouldobserveinthetwilightthewavesofthelakeraisingtheirwhite，foamingheads，asiflookingoutfortherainwhichwaspresentlytopourdownuponthem。Undinehelpedthemenasmuchasshewasable，andwhenthestormofrainsuddenlyburstoverthem，shesaid，withamerrythreattotheheavyclouds：\"Come，come，takecarethatyoudon’twetus；wearestillsomewayfromshelter。\"Theoldmanreprovedherforthis，assimplepresumption，butshelaughedsoftlytoherself，andnomischiefbefellanyoneinconsequenceofherlevity。Nay，more：contrarytoallexpectation，theyreachedthecomfortablehearthwiththeirbootyperfectlydry，anditwasnottilltheyhadopenedthecask，andhadprovedthatitcontainedsomewonderfullyexcellentwine，thattherainburstforthfromthedarkcloud，andthestormragedamongthetopsofthetrees，andovertheagitatedbillowsofthelake。
Severalbottlesweresoonfilledfromthegreatcask，whichpromisedasupplyformanydays，andtheyweresittingdrinkingandjestingroundtheglowingfire，feelingcomfortablysecuredfromtheragingstormwithout。Suddenlytheoldfishermanbecameverygraveandsaid：\"Ah，greatGod!herewearerejoicingoverthisrichtreasure，andhetowhomitoncebelonged，andofwhomthefloodshaverobbedit，hasprobablylosthispreciouslifeintheirwaters。\"
\"Thathehasnot，\"declaredUndine，asshesmilinglyfilledtheknight’scuptothebrim。
ButHuldbrandreplied：\"Bymyhonor，oldfather，ifIknewwheretofindandtorescuehim，noknightlyerrandandnodangerwouldI
shirk。Somuch，however，Icanpromiseyou，thatifeveragainI
reachmoreinhabitedlands，Iwillfindouttheownerofthiswineorhisheirs，andrequiteittwofold，nay，threefold。\"
Thisdelightedtheoldman；henoddedapprovinglytotheknight，anddrainedhiscupwithabetterconscienceandgreaterpleasure。
Undine，however，saidtoHuldbrand：\"Doasyouwillwithyourgoldandyourreimbursement；butyouspokefoolishlyabouttheventuringoutinsearch；Ishouldcrymyeyesout，ifyouwerelostintheattempt，andisn’tittrue，thatyouwouldyourselfratherstaywithmeandthegoodwine。\"
\"Yes，indeed，\"answeredHuldbrand，smiling。