Then, as the seated figure he studied, the pastor made answer: 
“Truly, I find it no wonder that she so enchanted the stripling,
Since, to a man’s experienced eye, she seems lacking in nothing. 
Happy to whom mother Nature a shape harmonious has given! 
Such will always commend him, and he can be nowhere a stranger. 
All approach with delight, and all are delighted to linger,
If to the outward shape correspond but a courteous spirit. 
I can assure thee, in her the youth has found him a maiden,
Who, in the days to come, his life shall gloriously brighten,
Standing with womanly strength in every necessity by him. 
Surely the soul must be pure that inhabits a body so perfect,
And of a happy old age such vigorous youth is the promise.”

Thereupon answered and said the doctor in language of caution: 
“Often appearances cheat; I like not to trust to externals.

[Illustration:  THE PARSON AND THE APOTHECARY WATCH DOROTHEA Ludwig Richter]

For I have oft seen put to the test the truth of the proverb: 
Till thou a bushel of salt with a new acquaintance hast eaten,
Be not too ready to trust him; for time alone renders thee certain
How ye shall fare with each other, and how well your friendship shall
          
                                                 prosper. 
Let us then rather at first make inquiries among the good people
By whom the maiden is known, and who can inform us about her.”

“Much I approve of thy caution,” the preacher replied as he followed.  “Not for ourselves is the suit, and ’tis delicate wooing for others.”

Toward the good magistrate, then, the men directed their footsteps, Who was again ascending the street in discharge of his duties.

Him the judicious pastor at once addressed and with caution. 
“Look! we a maiden have here descried in the neighboring garden,
Under an apple-tree sitting, and making up garments for children
Out of second-hand stuff that somebody doubtless has given;
And we were pleased with her aspect:  she seems like a girl to be trusted. 
Tell us whatever thou knowest:  we ask it with honest intentions.”

Soon as the magistrate nearer had come, and looked into the garden,
“Her thou knowest already,” he said; “for when I was telling
Of the heroic deed performed by the hand of that maiden,
When she snatched the man’s sword, and delivered herself and her charges,
This was the one! she is vigorous born, as thou seest by her stature;
Yet she is good as strong, for her aged kinsman she tended
Until the day of his death, which was finally hastened by sorrow
Over his city’s distress, and his own endangered possessions. 
Also, with quiet submission, she bore the death of her lover,
Who a high-spirited youth, in the earliest flush of excitement,
Kindled by lofty resolve to fight for a glorious freedom,
Hurried to Paris, where early a terrible death he encountered. 
For as at home, so there, his foes were deceit and oppression.”