I here to the maiden
All should deliver at once, for her discreetly to portion. 
And in an instant my heart had decided, and quietly driving
After the maiden, I soon overtook her, and said to her quickly: 
’Hearken, good maiden;—­my mother packed up not linen-stuffs only
Into the carriage, that I should have clothes to furnish the naked;
Wine and beer she added besides, and supply of provisions: 
Plenty of all these things I have in the box of the carriage. 
But now I feel myself moved to deliver these offerings also
Into thy hand; for so shall I best fulfil my commission. 
Thou wilt divide them with judgment, while I must by chance be directed.’ 
Thereupon answered the maiden:  ’I will with faithfulness portion
These thy gifts, that all shall bring comfort to those who are needy.’ 
Thus she spoke, and quickly the box of the carriage I opened,
Brought forth thence the substantial hams, and brought out the breadstuffs,
Bottles of wine and beer, and one and all gave to the maiden. 
Willingly would I have given her more, but the carriage was empty. 
All she packed at the sick woman’s feet, and went on her journey. 
I, with my horses and carriage, drove rapidly back to the city.”

Instantly now, when Hermann had ceased, the talkative neighbor
Took up the word, and cried:  “Oh happy, in days like the present,
Days of flight and confusion, who lives by himself in his dwelling,
Having no wife nor child to be clinging about him in terror! 
Happy I feel myself now, and would not for much be called father;
Would not have wife and children to-day, for whom to be anxious. 
Oft have I thought of this flight before; and have packed up together
All my best things already, the chains and old pieces of money
That were my sainted mother’s, of which not one has been sold yet. 
Much would be left behind, it is true, not easily gotten. 
Even the roots and the herbs, that were with such industry gathered,
I should be sorry to lose, though the worth of the goods is but trifling. 
If my purveyor remained, I could go from my dwelling contented. 
When my cash I have brought away safe, and have rescued my person,
All is safe:  none find it so easy to fly as the single.”

“Neighbor,” unto his words young Hermann with emphasis answered: 
“I can in no wise agree with thee here, and censure thy language. 
Is he indeed a man to be prized, who, in good and in evil,
Takes no thought but for self, and gladness and sorrow with others
Knows not how to divide, nor feels his heart so impel him? 
Rather than ever to-day would I make up my mind to be married: 
Many a worthy maiden is needing a husband’s protection,
And the man needs an inspiriting wife when ill is impending.”