labour must be directed towards some fixed end. The houses which I build are not projected for the purpose of erection merely, but of utility; so is it with my profession. I do not devote myself to it for the mere sake of study, but with a view of deriving some profit from it, and that reward which I have proposed to myself it rests with you to bestow. Promise me that it shall be mine, as soon as I shall have earned a competence, and I will devote myself to my profession with the utmost avidity." "And what then do I possess," answered Veit, " which can be of such importance to you?”. "Your daughter-we love one another-I have, like an honest man, applied in the first instance to her father, and also refrained from saying much about the girl herself, as is the habit of many. No, I come to you after the good old fashion, and solicit a promise, that if, at the end of three years, I return home from my travels, and with some little property realized, you will not deny me your paternal blessing, and that you will, in the mean time, suffer your daughter to continue for three years my betrothed bride."

"Young man," replied the father, "I have let you speak on-do you permit me to do the same, and I shall plainly and fairly declare to you my resolution. That you love my daughter gives me unfeigned pleasure, for you are an honest youth; and I am still more pleased that you have openly applied to her father, which conduct indeed merits my decided approbation. Your principals term you a clever young man, and inspire you with hopes of advancement: I wish you joy of this; but hope is an uncertain good, and shall I rest the future prospects of my Elsbeth on so frail a foundation? It is possible, that, during these three years, proposals may be offered, which shall be more agreeable to my daughter, or at least to me. Shall I refuse such, because there is a possibility of your return? No, young man-I shall do no such thing. If, however, you return while Elsbeth is still disengaged, and with your fortune already made, I shall not op pose your wishes. For the present, not a word more on the subject." ""But neighbour Veit," faultered Arnold imploringly, and seized the old man's hand, only reflect"-" There is no need of further reflection," inter

rupted Veit," and therefore God bless you, or, if you wish to remain longer, you are welcome; but not a word more of Elsbeth."—" And this is your final resolve?" stammered Arnold. My final one," returned the old man coldly. "Then God help me," cried the youth, and was rushing out of the room; Veit caught him quickly by the hand, and detained him. "Young man, do not commit an indiscretion. If you are a man, and possessed of strength and fortitude, be collected, and suppress your feelings. The world is wide-seek to engage yourself in busy life, and your breast will recover its tranquillity. Now, farewell, and may good fortune accompany you in your wanderings." With these words he let go his hold, and Arnold tottered to his cottage. Weeping bitterly, he packed up his bundle, bid adieu to his little patrimony, and then directed his steps towards the churchyard, in order to pay a parting visit to his father's grave.

Elsbeth, who had through the door partially overheard the conversation, sat drowned in tears. She had indulged in dreams of future bliss, and now, even hope itself seemed to be annihilated. Wishing to get a last sight of Arnold, she had stationed herself at the window of her apartment, and waited until he stepped out of the cottage, and bent towards the churchyard. She flew quickly after him, and found him praying on the grave. "Arnold, Arnold, you will then depart," cried she, embracing him, "ah! I cannot let you go!" Arnold started up, as if awakened out of a dream-" I must, Elsbeth, I must. Forbear to break my heart with your tears, for I must go."

"Will you ever return, and when?"

"Elsbeth, I will labour as much as man can do I will not squander a moment of my time-in three years I return again. Will you continue true to me?"" Until death, dear Arnold," cried she, sobbing. "Even though your father should endeavour to compel you."- "Let them drag me to the church-even at the foot of the altar I will cry-No. Yes, Arnold, we will remain true to one another, here and above yon sky. Somewhere we shall meet again!"" Then let us part," cried Arnold, while a ray of hope beamed through the tears which filled his eyes, let us part. No longer do I shrink before any obstacles-no enterprize shall be too great, or too audaci

ous for me. With this kiss I pledge my troth to you, and now-farewell! in three years we shall be happy."He tore himself from her arms. "Arnold," cried she, "Arnold, do not forsake your Elsbeth!" but he was already gone. His white handkerchief waved from afar a last adieu, and he at length disappeared in the obscurity of the wood.

Elsbeth flung herself down upon the grave, and prayed fervently to God. Being confident that Arnold would be true to her, she became more calm, and appeared more collected in the presence of her father, who fixed his eyes sharply upon her, and inquired into the most minute particulars.

Early every morning she performed a little pilgrimage to the spot where she had last embraced her Arnold; the old Veit was well aware of this circumstance, but made no comment upon it, and was rather glad that Elsbeth could be so tranquil, and even at times cheer ful.

A year passed away in this manner, and, to Elsbeth's great satisfaction, no suitor who had yet announced himself had met with the approval of her father. About the end of the second year, a person returned to the village after a long absence, who had left it early on account of some acts of gross libertinism, and had seen a great deal of the world. HANS HEILING had departed in extreme indigence, but returned in very opulent circumstances. It seemed as if he had come back to the village for the mere purpose of displaying his wealth to those who had formerly been inimical to him. It was at first believed that he would spend only a short time in it, as he was continual ly speaking of important affairs which required his presence; he appeared, however, shortly after, to be making preparations for a longer stay. Marvellous reports were spread throughout the village concerning him. Many an honest man shrugged his shoulders; and there were some who gave broad hints that they knew how he had amassed all his riches.

Be that as it might, Hans Heiling visited the old Veit daily, and amused him by relating his travels; how he had been in Egypt, and sailed into regions still more remote; so that the old man enjoyed a great deal of pleasure from his acquaintance; and that evening seemed to him very tedious,

of which Heiling did not pass some part in his chamber. He heard, to be sure, many whispers among his neighbours, but shook his head incredulously at them; still there was one circumstance which excited some surprise in him, that Hans Heiling shut himself up every Friday, and remained at home alone during the entire day. He put the question, therefore, to him straightway, how he employed himself on such occasions; "I am bound by a vow to spend every Friday in private prayer," was the answer. Veit was satisfied: Hans went in and out as before, and his views with regard to Elsbeth became every day more apparent. But she entertained an unaccountable aversion for this man, insomuch that the blood seemed to curdle in her veins at the mere sight of him. Nevertheless, he made formal propo sals to the old man, and received as an answer, that he should first endeavour to discover the sentiments of the girl herself. He therefore took advantage of an evening, on which he knew that Veit was not at home, to sound her feelings.

Elsbeth was sitting at her spinningwheel, as he stepped in at the door, and shuddered as she stood up to in form him that her father was not within. "O then, let us chat a little together, my charming girl," was his reply; and with these words he sat down by her side. Elsbeth quickly moved away from him. Hans, who considered this to be merely the effect of maiden timidity, and held the principle, that he who wishes to succeed with women must act with boldness. caught her suddenly round the waist, and said, in a flattering tone," Will the fair Elsbeth not sit beside me?" But she tore herself out of his arms with an expression of aversion; and, with the words" It is not becoming that I should remain alone with you, made an effort to quit the room. But he followed, and embraced her more boldly: "Your father has assented to my proposals, fair Elsbeth; will you not then be mine? I shall not release you, until you make me that promise." She vainly struggled to avoid his kisses, which burned upon her cheek, and increased her terror; in vain did she cry out for assistance, his passion was in the highest state of excitement, and he was proceeding to take further liberties, when his eyes rested upon a little

cross, which Elsbeth had from a child worn about her neck, as a token of remembrance received from her mother, who died early. Seized by some strange emotion, he let her go, appeared convulsed, and rushed out of the apartment. Elsbeth returned thanks to God for her deliverance; and when her father came home, related to him the outrageous behaviour of Heiling. Veit shook his head, and seemed much irritated. At his next meeting with Hans, he animadverted strongly upon his conduct; and the latter offered, as an apology, the impetuosity of his love. The occurrence, however, was so far fortunate for Elsbeth, that it released her for a long time from his assiduities. She wore openly upon her breast the cross which had, she knew not how, been her protection on that occasion; and observed that Heiling never addressed a single word to her whenever he found her so provided.

The third year was hastening to a close. Elsbeth, who had always employed some artifice to divert or interrupt the conversation, whenever her father spoke on the subject of a union with Heiling, became more and more cheerful. She daily visited old Arnold's grave, and then, crossing the Eger, ascended a height which lay on the road to Prague, silently indulging the hope of one time descrying her true-love on his way back to the village.

In

About this time, she one morning missed the little cross which was so dear and precious to her. She thought it must have been taken from her neck as she slept, for she never left it off; and her suspicions rested upon one of the maids, whom she had on the preceding evening overheard whispering with Heiling behind the house. tears, she told it to her father, who laughed at her mistrust, asserting, that Heiling could set no such value upon the cross; that he was not a man for such amorous toying, and that she had certainly lost it in some other manner. Notwithstanding this, she remained unshaken in her opinion, and observed very plainly, that Heiling renewed his addresses with great seriousness and circumspection. Her father, too, became every day more urgent, and at last declared openly, that it was his firm and unalterable will, that she should give her hand to Heiling,-that Arnold VOL. VIII.

had certainly forgotten her, and the three years were besides already past. Heiling, on his part, swore eternal love to her, in the presence of her father, adding, that he was not, like perhaps many others, actuated by any mercenary motive,-no, she herself was the object of his affection, for he had money in abundance, and would make her richer and happier than she had ever dreamed of becoming. But Elsbeth despised himself and his wealth; being, however, strongly importuned by both parties, and tortured by reflections on the supposed infidelity or death of her Arnold, she saw no other course before her, but that which lies open to all those in despair; she accordingly begged for a respite of three days, for, alas! she still cherished the idea, that her beloved would return. The three days were granted; and her two persecutors, full of the hope that they would soon behold the accomplishment of their wishes, quitted the cottage, as Veit was going to accompany his intended son-in-law on a walk. Just at this moment, the priest of the village, preceded by the sacristan, was coming down the street, on his way to administer the final consolation to a person who was at the point of death. Every one bowed before the image of the crucified Redeemer, and Veit, in particular, fell prostrate; but his companion sprang into the nearest house with an expression of horror. Veit looked after him astonished, and not without shuddering, and then shaking his head, returned to his home. Presently a messenger from Heiling entered, who informed him, that his master had just been seized with a sudden giddiness, and hoped that he would come to him, without forming any unfavourable surmises. But Veit replied, crossing himself:-" Go, tell him I shall be happy to hear, that nothing worse than a mere giddiness has befallen him."

Elsbeth, meanwhile, sat weeping and praying on a hill at the entrance of the village, which commanded a view to a great extent along the road to Prague. A cloud of dust became visible in the distance; her heart throbbed violently; but as soon as she could distinguish objects, and descried a party of persons on horseback, in rich attire, her fond hopes were again blasted. In front of the train, there rode on the 4 K

left of a venerable old man, a handsome youth, for whose eagerness the rapid pace of the horses seemed much too slow, and it was with difficulty that the old man could prevent him from gallopping forward. Elsbeth was abashed at the number of men, and cast down her eyes, without looking any longer on the procession. On a sudden, the youth sprung from his steed and knelt before her:-"Elsbeth, is it possible? my dear beloved Elsbeth!" The terrified maid started up, but sunk in an ecstasy into the arms of the youth, exclaiming,"Arnold, my Arnold!" They continued for a long time in a paroxysm of delight, lip to lip, and heart to heart. The companions of Arnold stood around the entranced pair, full of joyful emotion: the old man folded his hands in thankfulness to God; and never had the departing sun shone upon a happier groupe.

When the tumult of joy had in some measure subsided, it was a question between the lovers, which should first commence a recital of their adventures. Elsbeth began at last, and explained in a few words, her unhappy situation, and the terms on which she stood with Heiling. Arnold was shocked at the idea of the bare possibility of losing his Elsbeth; while the old man made accurate inquiries concerning Heiling; and finally exclaimed,"Yes, my friends! it is the same wretch, who, in my native town, was guilty of these abominable acts, and escaped the hand of justice, only by the rapidity of his flight. Let us thank God that we are here, to frustrate his villainous intentions." Amid such discourses respecting Heiling and Elsbeth, they at length reached the village, but at rather a late hour.

Arnold triumphantly led Elsbeth to her father, who could hardly believe the evidence of his eyes, when he saw a number of rich-clad persons entering his cottage." Father of my Elsbeth," began Arnold, “I am here to solicit the hand of your daughter. I have become an opulent man-am in favour with individuals of exalted rank, and able to do even more than I promised.". "How!" cried the astomished Veit, 66 can you be the once poor Arnold, son of my deceased cighbour?"-"Yes, it is be," replied the old man, joining in the conversation,

"the same, who three years ago left this place in poverty and despair. He applied to me,-I immediately perceived that he would become a master of his profession, and consequently received him into my employment. In the discharge of his duty he invariably gave the utmost satisfaction; and I was, in a short time, able to entrust the most important matters to his superintendance. He has permanently established a character for himself in many great towns; and is at present engaged in executing a work which promises to be a master-piece. He has become rich,-been admitted to the society of dukes and counts, and shared their munificence. Bestow your daughter upon him, in performance of your promise. The wretch to whom you were about to sacrifice your Elsbeth has a thousand times merited the gallows,-I know the villain well.”—" Is this all true that you relate to me?” enquired Veit. It is! it is!" repeated all present. "Then I should be sorry to oppose your wishes," said Veit, turning to Arnold; "distinguished artist, the girl is your's; and may the blessing of God be upon you." Unable to express their gratitude, the happy pair threw themselves at his feet: he folded them to his bosom,— and constancy at last met its reward.

The

“Friend Veit,” began the old man, after a long silence, interrupted only by the exclamations of joy which proceeded from the lovers, "Friend Veit, I should wish to make one request more of you.-Unite your children tomorrow morning without delay, that I may have the pleasure of seeing my Arnold completely happy, whom I love as a son; for Heaven has bestowed upon me none of my own. day after to-morrow I must return to Prague."" Well, well," answered Veit, quite exhilarated, "if it is so very agreeable to you, we shall so arrange it.-Children," said he, addressing himself to the young couple, “tomorrow is the day. Yonder, at my farm on the Egerberg, I shall make preparations for the wedding. I will immediately apprise the priest ;-do you, Elsbeth, attend to your household concerns, and prepare to entertain your guests suitably to their dignity." Elsbeth obeyed; and that Arnold slipped out a moment after, and both remained in the garden, engaged in con

fidential dalliance, we find very natural.

The first thought which occurred to the good son, when he had recovered from his ecstasy, rested upon the grave of his father; and he and Elsbeth went, therefore, arm in arm to the spot, which they had, at their last visit, quitted in despair.

At the grave they again plighted their troth, both inspired with a feeling of religious awe. "Does not," whispered Arnold, embracing his be trothed with ardour, "does not this moment of blessedness overbalance three whole years of pain? We have attained the summit of our wishes, life has no higher enjoyment to bestow, it is only above that any purer bliss awaits us!"-"Ah, that we could once die thus, arm on arm, heart on heart," sighed Elsbeth." Die!" repeated Arnold;"yes, on your breast! Gracious Providence! lay it not to our charge, that, even in the overflowing of our present joy, we entertain a feeling of something still higher. With grateful hearts we acknowledge the abundance of thy bounty! Yes, Elsbeth, let us pray here on our father's grave, and offer thanksgiving for the beneficence of Heaven!" It was a silent prayer, but fervent and sincere; and the lovers returned home in inde finable emotion.

The morrow was a fine clear day; it was Friday, and the Festival of St Laurence. There was a bustle through the whole village; at the door of every cottage stood youths and maidens in their holiday attire; for Veit was rich, and every suitable preparation had been made for the nuptials. Heiling's door alone was shut, for it was Friday; and it will be recollected, that he never let himself be seen on that day.

The procession to the church was presently set in motion, for the purpose of conducting the joyful pair to the loveliest of all solemnities. Veit and Arnold's principal walked together, and shed tears of unfeigned joy, on witnessing the happiness of their children. Veit had chosen an open place under a large linden in the middle of the village, for the celebration of the marriage-feast. Thither the train proceeded when the rites were at an end. The light, as it were, of heaven, shone from the eyes of the loving pair. The festive meal continued for several hours, and goblets crowned with flowers often

rung to the toast, "Long live Arnold and his lovely bride !”

At last, the new-married couple, with the two fathers, Arnold's friends, and some of Elsbeth's companions, forsook the linden for the farm on the Egerberg. The house was beautifully situated among the foliage which crowns the rocky precipice that rises out of the valley; and, surrounded by a circle smaller in number, but consisting of more confidential friends, the hours flew by like minutes, for the enraptured Arnold and his Elsbeth. The adorned bridal-chamber had also been prepared in the farmhouse, and a cheerful evening meal stood ready, under bowers of fruittrees, with which the garden was enriched. The most costly wines sparkled in the cups of the guests.

Twilight had already darkened the valley, but unnoticed by the joyful circle. At length the last faint glimmer of day disappeared, and a serene starry night saluted Arnold and his bride. The old Veit began even to speak of his youthful years, and entered so warmly into the subject, that midnight now approached, and Arnold and Elsbeth eagerly awaited the end of his speech. At last Veit concluded; and, with the words, "Good night, dear children," was preparing to escort them to the door of their chamber. At this moment the clock of the village below them struck twelve,—a fearful hurricane arose from the depth of the valley, and Hans Heiling stood in the midst of the terrified assembly, with his countenance hideously distorted. Satan," cried he, "I release you from your thraldom-but first annihilate these!"-"On that condition thou art mine!" answered a voice which issued from the howling blast." Thine I am, though all the torments of hell await me! but annihilate these!" A sort of fiery vapour now enveloped the hill, and Arnold, Elsbeth, Veit, and the guests, stood transformed into rocks; the lovers tenderly embracing each other, and the rest with their hands folded, in the attitude of prayer. "Hans Heiling," thundered a fiendish voice through the howling blast," they are blest in death, and their souls are flown to heaven; but the term of thy contract is expired, and thou art mine!" Hans Heiling flew from the top of the rock down into the foaming Eger, which