But you smiled in return, you sensible pastor, replying
“Pray jump in, nor fear with both body and spirit to trust me,
For this hand to hold the reins has long been accustom’d,
And these eyes are train’d to turn the corner with prudence. 
For we were wont to drive the carriage, when living at Strasburg,
At the time when with the young baron I went there, for daily,
Driven by me, through the echoing gateway thunder’d the carriage
By the dusty roads to distant meadows and lindens,
Through the crowds of the people who spend their lifetime in walking.”

Partially comforted, then his neighbour mounted the carriage, Sitting like one prepared to make a wise jump, if needs be, And the stallions, eager to reach their stables, coursed homewards, While beneath their powerful hoofs the dust rose in thick clouds.  Long there stood the youth, and saw the dust rise before him, Saw the dust disperse; but still he stood there, unthinking. ----- VII.  Erato.

Dorothea.

As the man on a journey, who, just at the moment of sunset,
Fixes his gaze once more on the rapidly vanishing planet,
Then on the side of the rocks and in the dark thicket still sees he
Hov’ring its image; wherever he turns his looks, on in front still
Runs it, and glitters and wavers before him in colours all splendid,
So before Hermanns eyes did the beautiful form of the maiden
Softly move, and appear’d to follow the path through the cornfields.

But he roused himself up from his startling dream, and then slowly
Turn’d tow’rd the village his steps, and once more started,—­for once more
Saw he the noble maiden’s stately figure approaching. 
Fixedly gazed he; it was no phantom in truth; she herself ’twas
In her hands by the handle she carried two pitchers,—­one larger,
One of a smaller size, and nimbly walk’d to the fountain. 
And he joyfully went to meet her; the sight of her gave him
Courage and strength, and so he address’d the surprised one as follows:—­
“Do I find you again, brave maiden, engaged in assisting
Others so soon, and in giving refreshment to those who may need it? 
Tell me why you have come all alone to the spring so far distant,
Whilst the rest are content with the water that’s found in the village? 
This one, indeed, special virtue possesses, and pleasant to drink is. 
Is’t for the sake of that sick one you come, whom you saved with such courage?”

Then the good maiden the youth in friendly fashion saluted,
Saying:—­“Already my walk to the fountain is fully rewarded,
Since I have found the kind person who gave us so many good presents;
For the sight of a giver, like that of a gift, is refreshing. 
Come and see for yourself the persons who tasted your kindness,
And receive the tranquil thanks of all you have aided. 
But that you may know the reason why I have come here,
Water to draw at a spot where the spring is both pure