Hermann thoughtfully gazed on the ground, but presently lifted Calmly towards her his glances, and gazed on her face in kind fashion, Feeling quite calm and composed. And yet with love to address her Found he quite out of the question; for love from her eyes was not beaming, But an intellect clear, which bade him use sensible language. Soon he collected his thoughts, and quietly said to the maiden:-- "Let me speak, my child, and let me answer your questions. "'Tis for your sake alone I have come,--why seek to conceal it? For I happily live with two affectionate parents, Whom I faithfully help to look after our house and possessions, Being an only son, while numerous are our employments. I look after the field work; the house is carefully managed By my father; my mother the hostelry cheers and enlivens. But you also have doubtless found out how greatly the servants, Sometimes by fraud, and sometimes by levity, worry their mistress, Constantly making her change them, and barter one fault for another. Long has my mother, therefore, been wanting a girl in the household, Who, not only with hand, but also with heart might assist her, In the place of the daughter she lost, alas, prematurely. Now when I saw you to-day near the carriage, so active and sprightly, Saw the strength of your arm and the perfect health of your members, When I heard your sensible words, I was struck with amazement, And I hasten'd back home, deservedly praising the stranger Both to my parents and friends. And now I come to inform you What they desire, as I do. Forgive my stammering language!"