Other persons now enter'd, the patient's nearest relations, Many articles bringing, and better lodgings announcing. All were inform'd of the maiden's decision, and warmly bless'd Hermann, Both with significant looks, and also with grateful expressions, And one secretly whispered into the ear of another "If the master should turn to a bridegroom, her home is provided." Hermann then presently took her hand, and address'd her as follows "Let us be going; the day is declining, and far off the village." Then the women, with lively expressions, embraced Dorothea; Hermann drew her away; they still continued to greet her. Next the children, with screams and terrible crying attack'd her, Pulling her clothes, their second mother refusing to part from. But first one of the women, and then another rebuked them "Children, hush! to the town she is going, intending to bring you Plenty of gingerbread back, which your brother already had order'd, From the confectioner, when the stork was passing there lately, And she'll soon return, with papers prettily gilded." So at length the children released her; but scarcely could Hermann Tear her from their embraces and distant-signalling kerchiefs. ----- VIII. MELPOMENE. HERMANN AND DOROTHEA. So tow'rd the sun, now fast sinking to rest, the two walk'd together, Whilst he veil'd himself deep in clouds which thunder portended. Out-of his veil now here, now there, with fiery glances Beaming over the plain with rays foreboding and lurid. "May this threatening weather," said Hermann, "not bring to us shortly Hail and violent rain, for well does the harvest now promise." And they both rejoiced in the corn so lofty and waving, Well nigh reaching the heads of the two tall figures that walk'd there. Then the maiden spoke to her friendly leader as follows "Generous youth, to whom I shall owe a kind destiny shortly, Shelter and home, when so many poor exiles must weather the tempest, In the first place tell me all about your good parents, Whom I intend to serve with all my soul from hence-forward; Knowing one's master, 'tis easier far to give satisfaction, By rememb'ring the things which he deems of the highest importance, And on which he has set his heart with the greatest decision. Tell me, then, how best I can win your father and mother."