Sir Heerdegen, perplexed and mortified, began to pour forth reproaches on the mysterious lady of the castle, by whose magic arts he supposed that she had been thus led astray. On the first mention of the Druda’s name, a new source of regret and sorrow was opened for the unfortunate Bertha. She called to mind once more the solemn admonitions, the affectionate embraces, the heart-drawn tears of her aunt at their last interview, and the hopes then expressed of the future happiness that was in store for them. She became quite overpowered by these melancholy reflections, and her brother’s impatience increased every moment. At length they heard near them the sound of a clear and melodious female voice, which sung a few words, of which the import was as follows:-- “Blood-red berries, leaves so green, Brew drink for heroes meet, I ween.” Looking up, Bertha saw a tall female figure walking about on the sea-shore, sometimes stooping down as if to pluck flowers from the turf, sometimes pulling leaves from branches over her head, all which she threw into a great golden cup under her arm. Over the neck and shoulders of this stranger waved luxuriant blond tresses; and when she bent down her head, they fell also like a veil over her features. She wore a richly-embroidered garment, (such as betokened her to be of high rank,) but carelessly girdled, and with the skirts folded up, as if for a journey. From a belt round her waist hung a large glittering sword, and from her neck behind were suspended a bow and quiver. She continued her employment in collecting plants, all the while singing a wild melody, to which the brother and sister listened, forgetting for a space their own sorrows; for the figure of the stranger had irresistibly attracted their attention, and her music too was such as they had never before heard. Her songs alluded throughout to some extraordinary drink, which rendered warriors furious in battle, and altogether invincible, as if they wore enchanted armour. Every stanza, however, closed with soft melancholy notes, whereby she cautioned the stranger against drinking too freely from the cup which possessed such power of inspiration. Just as the mysterious stranger was bending down to the grassy shore, Heerdegen happened involuntary to exclaim,--“Good Heavens, how beautiful must be her features!” Whereupon she suddenly reared herself in her full height, like a tall pine-tree, and the beauty of her countenance, being fully revealed, gleamed with a sun-like splendour through that desolate wilderness. Her large blue eyes flashed with anger, and in a stern threatening tone, she said,--“You have disturbed me! What boots it now this mild auspicious evening? What avails it that so many bright and precious flowers are assembled?” With these words she emptied the golden cup, so that her collected treasures were scattered on the turf. Sir Heerdegen wished to draw nearer and beg her forgiveness; but immediately she