HERMANN AND DOROTHEA.
So tow'rd the sun, now fast sinking to rest, the two walk'd together, Whilst he veil'd himself deep in clouds which thunder portended.
Out-of his veil now here, now there, with fiery glances Beaming over the plain with rays foreboding and lurid.
"May this threatening weather," said Hermann, "not bring to us shortly Hail and violent rain, for well does the harvest now promise."And they both rejoiced in the corn so lofty and waving, Well nigh reaching the heads of the two tall figures that walk'd there.
Then the maiden spoke to her friendly leader as follows "Generous youth, to whom I shall owe a kind destiny shortly, Shelter and home, when so many poor exiles must weather the tempest, In the first place tell me all about your good parents, Whom I intend to serve with all my soul from hence-forward;Knowing one's master, 'tis easier far to give satisfaction, By rememb'ring the things which he deems of the highest importance, And on which he has set his heart with the greatest decision.
Tell me, then, how best I can win your father and mother."Then the good and sensible youth made answer as follows "You are indeed quite right, my kind and excellent maiden, To begin by asking about the tastes of my parents!
For I have hitherto striven in vain to satisfy Father, When I look'd after the inn, as well as my regular duty, Working early and late in the field, and tending the vineyard.
Mother indeed was contented; she knew how to value my efforts;And she will certainly hold you to be an excellent maiden, If you take care of the house, as though the dwelling your own were.
But my father's unlike her; he's fond of outward appearance.
Gentle maiden, deem me not cold and void of all feeling, If I disclose my father's nature to you, who're a stranger.
Yes, such words have never before escaped, I assure von Out of my mouth, which is little accustom'd to babble and chatter;But you have managed to worm all my secrets from out of my bosom.
Well, my worthy father the graces of life holds in honour, Wishes for outward signs of love, as well as of rev'rence, And would doubtless be satisfied with an inferior servant Who understood this fancy, and hate a better, who did not."Cheerfully she replied, with gentle movement increasing Through the darkening path the speed at which she was walking:
I in truth shall hope to satisfy both of your parents, For your mother's character my own nature resembles, And to external graces have I from my youth been accustom'd.
Our old neighbours, the French, in their earlier days laid much stress on Courteous demeanour; 'twas common alike to nobles and burghers, And to peasants, and each enjoin'd it on all his acquaintance.
in the same way, on the side of the Germans, the children were train'd up Every morning, with plenty of kissing of hands and of curtsies, To salute their parents, and always to act with politeness.
All that I have learnt, and all I have practised since childhood, All that comes from my heart,--I will practise it all with the old man.
But on what terms shall I--I scarcely dare ask such a question,--Be with yourself, the only son, and hereafter my master?"Thus she spoke, and at that moment they came to the peartree.
