"Do not hesitate," said she, "to tell me the rest of your story I have with gratitude felt that you have not sought to insult me. Speak on boldly, I pray; your words shall never alarm me; You would fain hire me now as maid to your father and mother, To look after the house, which now is in excellent order. And you think that in me you have found a qualified maiden, One that is able to work, and not of a quarrelsome nature. Your proposal was short, and short shall my answer be also Yes! with you I will go, and the voice of my destiny follow. I have fulfill'd my duty, and brought the lying-in woman Back to her friends again, who all rejoice at her rescue. Most of them now are together, the rest will presently join them. All expect that they, in a few short days, will be able Homewards to go; 'tis thus that exiles themselves love to flatter. But I cannot deceive myself with hopes so delusive In these sad days which promise still sadder days in the future For all the bonds of the world are loosen'd, and nought can rejoin them, Save that supreme necessity over our future impending. If in the house of so worthy a man I can earn my own living, Serving under the eye of his excellent wife, I will do so; For a wandering girl bears not the best reputation. Yes! with you I will go, as soon as I've taken the pitcher Back to my friends, and received the blessing of those worthy people. Come! you needs must see them, and from their hands shall receive me." Joyfully heard the youth the willing maiden's decision, Doubting whether he now had not better tell her the whole truth; But it appear'd to him best to let her remain in her error, First to take her home, and then for her love to entreat her. Ah! but now he espied a golden ring on her finger, And so let her speak, while he attentively listen'd:-- "Let us now return," she continued, "the custom is always To admonish the maidens who tarry too long at the fountain, Yet how delightful it is by the fast-flowing water to chatter!" Then they both arose, and once more directed their glances Into the fountain, and then a blissful longing came o'er them.