hermann and dorothea-第9部分
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rom her bosom Hangs in abundant folds about her neatly shaped ankles; She without question it is; come; therefore; and let us discover Whether she honest and virtuous be; a housewifely maiden。〃
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。 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。〃
Towards 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。〃
Thus the magistrate spoke。 The others saluted and thanked him; And from his purse a gold…piece the pastor drew forth:for the silver He had some hours before already in charity given; When he in mournful groups had seen the poor fugitives passing; And to the magistrate handed it; saying: 〃Apportion the money 'Mongst thy destitute people; and God vouchsafe it an increase。〃 But the stranger declined it; and; answering; said: 〃We have rescued Many a dollar among us; with clothing and other possessions; And shall return; as I hope; ere yet our stock is exhausted。〃
Then the pastor replied; and pressed the money upon him: 〃None should be backward in giving in days like the present; and no one Ought to refuse to accept those gifts which in kindness are offered。 None can tell how long he may hold what in peace he possesses; None how much longer yet he shall roam through the land of the stranger; And of his farm be deprived; and deprived of the garden that feeds him。〃
〃Ay; to be sure!〃 in his bustling way interrupted the doctor: 〃If I had only some money about me; ye surely should have it; Little and big; for certainly many among you must need it。 Yet I'll not go without giving thee something to show what my will is; Even though sadly behind my good…will must lag the performance。〃 Thus; as he spoke; by its straps his embroidered pocket of leather; Where his tobacco was kept; he drew forth;enough was now in it Several pipes to fill;and daintily opened; and portioned。 〃Small is the gift;〃 he added。 The justice; however; made answer: 〃Good tobacco can ne'er to the traveller fail to be welcome。〃 Then did the village doctor begin to praise his canaster。
But the clergyman drew him away; and they quitted the justice。 〃Let us make haste;〃 said the thoughtful man: 〃the youth's waiting in torture; Come I let him hear; as soon as he may; the jubilant tidings。〃
So they hastened their steps; and came to where under the lindens Hermann against the carriage was leaning。 The horses were stamping Wildly the turf; he held them in check; and; buried in musing; Stood; into vacancy gazing before him; nor saw the two envoys; Till; as they came; they called out and made to him signals of triumph。 E'en as far off as they then were; the doctor began to address him; But they were presently nearer come and then the good pastor Grasped his hand and exclaimed; interrupting the word of his comrade: 〃Hail to thee; O young man! thy true eye and heart have well chosen; Joy be to thee and the wife of thy youth; for of thee she is worthy。 Come then and turn us the wagon; and drive straightway to the village; There the good maid to woo; and soon bring her home to thy dwelling。〃
Still; however; the young man stood; without sign of rejoicing Hearing his messenger's words; though heavenly they were and consoling。 Deeply he sighed as he said: 〃With hurrying wheels we came hither; And shall be forced; perchance; to go mortified homeward and slowly。 For disquiet has fallen upon me since here I've been waiting; Doubt and suspicion and all that can torture the heart of a lover。 Think ye we have but to come; and that then the maiden will follow Merely because we are rich; while she is poor and an exile?
Poverty; too; makes proud; when it comes unmerited! Active Seems she to be; and contented; and so of the world is she mistress。 Think ye a maiden like her; with the manners and beauty that she has; Can into woman have grown; and no worthy man's love have attracted? Think ye that love until now can have been shut out from her bosom? Drive not thither too rashly: we might to our mortification Have to turn softly homewards our horses' heads。 For my fear is That to some youth already this heart has been given; already This brave hand has been clasped; has pledged faith to some fortunate lover。 Then with my offer; alas! I should stand in confusion before her。〃
Straightway the pastor had opened his lips to speak consolation; When his companion broke in; and said in his voluble fashion: 〃Years ago; forsooth; unknown had been such a dilemma。 All such affairs were then conducted in regular fashion。 Soon as a bride for their son had been by the parents selected; First some family friend they into their councils would summon; Whom they afterwards sent as a suitor to visit the parents Of the elected bride。 Arrayed in his finest apparel; Soon after dinner on Sunday he sought the respectable burgher; When some friendly words were exchanged upon general subjects; He knowing how to direct the discourse as suited his purpose。 After much circumlocution he finally mentioned the daughter; Praising her highly; and praising the man and the house that had sent him。 Persons of tact perceived his intent; and the politic envoy Readily saw how their minds were disposed; and explained himself further。 Then were the offer declined; e'en the 'no' brought not mortification; But did it meet with success; the suitor was ever thereafter Made the chief guest in the house on every festive occasion。 For; through the rest of their lives; the couple ne'er failed to remember That 'twas by his experienced hand the first knot had been gathered。 All that; however; is changed; and; with many another good custom; Quite fallen out of the fashion; for every man woos for himself now。 Therefore let every man hear to his face pronounced the refusal; If a refusal there be; and stand shamed in the sight of the maiden!〃
〃Let that be as it may!〃 made answer the youth; who had scarcely Unto the words paid heed; but in silence had made his decision。 〃I will go thither myself; will myself hear my destiny spoken Out of the lips of a maiden in whom I a confidence cherish Greater than heart of man has e'er before cherished in woman。 Say what she will; 'twill be good and wise; of that I am certain。 Should I behold her never again; yet this once will I see her; Yet this once the clear gaze of those dark eyes will encounter; If I must press her ne'er to my heart; yet that neck and that bosom Will I behold once more; that my arm so longs to encircle; Once more that mouth will see; whose kiss and whose 'yes' would for ever Render me happy; from which a 'no' will for ever destroy me。 But ye must leave me alone。 Do not wait for me here; but return ye Back to my father and mother again; and give them the knowledge That their son has not been deceived; that the maiden is worthy。 So then leave me alone! I shall follow the footpath that crosses Over the hill by the pear…tree; and thence descends through our vineyard; Taking a shorter way home。 And oh; may I bring to our dwelling; Joyful and quick my beloved! but perhaps I alone may come creeping Over that path to the house; and ne'er again tread it with gladness。〃
Thus he spoke; and gave up the reins to the hand of the pastor; Who understandingly grasped them; the foaming horses controlling; Speedily mounted the carriage; and sat in the seat of the driver。
But thou didst hesitate; provident neighbor; and say in remonstrance: 〃Heart and soul and spirit; my friend; I willingly trust thee; But as for life and limb; they are not in the safest of keeping; When the temporal reins are usurped by the hand of the clergy。〃
But thou didst laugh at his words; intelligent pastor; and answer: 〃Sit thee down; and contentedly trust me both body and spirit; For; in holding the reins; my han