So they turn’d themselves round; but the magistrate found himself summon’d
By his own followers, who had need of his presence and counsel. 
But the pastor forthwith the druggist accompanied, till they
Came to a gap in the hedge, when the latter pointed with slyness,
“See you,” exclaim’d he, “the maiden?  The child’s clothes she has been changing. 
And I recognise well the old calico—­also the cushion—­
Cover of blue, which Hermann took in the bundle and gave her. 
Quickly and well, of a truth, she has used the presents left with her. 
These are evident proofs; and all the rest coincide too;
For a bodice red her well-arch’d bosom upraises,
Prettily tied, while black are the stays fitting close around her. 
Then the seams of the ruff she has carefully plaited and folded,
Which, with modest grace, her chin so round is encircling;
Free and joyously rises her head, with its elegant oval,
Strongly round bodkins of silver her back-hair is many times twisted. 
When she is sitting, we plainly see her noble proportions,
And the blue well-plaited gown which begins from close to her bosom,
And in rich folds descending, her well-turn’d ankles envelops. 
’Tis she, beyond all doubt.  So come, that we may examine
Whether she be both a good and a frugal and virtuous maiden.” 
Then the pastor rejoin’d, the sitting damsel inspecting
“That she enchanted the youth, I confess is no matter of wonder,
For she stands the test of the gaze of a man of experience. 
Happy the person to whom Mother Nature the right face has given! 
She recommends him at all times, he never appears as a stranger,
Each one gladly approaches, and each one beside him would linger,
If with his face is combined a pleasant and courteous demeanour. 
Yes, I assure you the youth has indeed discover’d a maiden
Who the whole of the days of his life will enliven with gladness,
And with her womanly strength assist him at all times and truly. 
Thus a perfect body preserves the soul also in pureness,
And a vigorous youth of a happy old age gives assurance.

After reflecting a little, the druggist made answer as follows:—­
“Yet appearances oft are deceitful.  I trust not the outside. 
Often, indeed, have I found the truth of the proverb which tells us
Ere you share a bushel of salt with a new-found acquaintance,
Do not trust him too readily; time will make you more certain
How you and he will get on, and whether your friendship is lasting. 
Let us then, in the first place, inquire amongst the good people
Unto whom the maiden is known, who can tell us about her.”

“Well, of a truth I commend your prudence,” the pastor continued
“Not for ourselves are we wooing!  To woo for others is serious.” 
So they started to meet the worthy magistrate seeing
How in the course of his business he was ascending the main street. 
And the wise pastor straightway address’d him