a choral song, which resounded merrily through the forest. “Seems it not,” said Sir Otto, “as if all the best enjoyments and noblest duties of this life were destined always to come under our notice, only to mock and torment us, because they are now wholly out of our own reach? Or, as your looks now seem to indicate your dissent from what I have said, it will be better that I speak for myself alone. Is not this adventure of to-day like the contrivance of some wicked magician, who specially wishes that I should feel, as it were within my grasp, all that appears to me most estimable and desirable, only to be reminded more painfully of the chains by which I am bound, and which I dare not strive to break asunder?” “In truth,” said Theobaldo, “I might have more reason than you to complain of this matter; for, if you have bound yourself by rash vows, I know not of any such which I have ever sworn. Yet I remain here, though Heaven knows how gladly I would have followed this noble minstrel on his way to Palestine!” “Leave me then for ever, Theobaldo,” said Sir Otto. “I have already undergone so many painful separations, that I may well feel accustomed thereto.” Theobaldo gazed on him kindly, and said in a faltering voice,--“No, God forbid that I should forsake you. But desist from such lamentations, and once more lift up your eyes. Mark, I pray you, how the light fleecy clouds, the verdant branches of the forest, and the soaring larks, play betwixt us and the bright expanse of heaven. Methinks from a sky so beauteous and smiling must descend balm and refreshment for all the sorrows of this world.” Otto looked up and said,--“Thou art in the right; and, in truth, nothing can better serve to counteract useless grief and repining, than to look on that glorious vault, with its moving clouds and boundless depths of azure, which is now so bright above us!”