"Christophorus," a legend, as Rheinberger calls it, was written in 1879, and is composed for barytone, soprano, and alto solos, chorus, and orchestra. Its subject is taken from the familiar story of the giant who bore the infant Christ across the flood. The chorus acts the part of narrator, and in its opening number relates the legend of Christophorus' wanderings and his arrival before the castle whose master he would serve. He offers his services, but when they are accepted as an offering from the gods he haughtily declares that he only serves "for fame and chivalry." A voice thereupon in an impressive solo ("Trust not this loud-voiced Stranger") warns him away as an envoy of Satan, and the chorus repeats the warning. The giant departs with the intention of drawing his sword in Satan's cause,-- "For he alone must be lord of all, Whose name doth so valiant a monarch appall." In a very picturesque number the chorus describes his wanderings among the mountain crags and rocks where Satan weaves his spells about him; and then suddenly changing to a tender, delicate strain ("Over us Stars shine") anticipates the Voice, which in a sensuous aria ("Who is the sovereign Lord of the Heart?") sings the power of love. In graceful chorus the spirits taunt him, whereupon he once more resolves to fly and to abandon the cause of Satan, but is thwarted by them. A weird chorus closes the first part ("Satan a-hunting is gone"), ending with an impressive strain:-- "Stormily falleth the night: Frightened maidens fleeing, Demon hordes all around. 'A cross, see, upraised! Fly, master! too far we have come. Hallowed is the ground.'" The second part opens with a reflective soliloquy by the giant, followed by a plaintive chorus ("All now is lone and silent") describing the suffering of our Saviour on the cross and the sadness of a hermit gazing upon the scene. The giant approaches the latter, and a dialogue ensues between them, in which the identity of the victim on the cross is revealed. Having found the King of the universe, Christophorus determines to devote himself to His cause, and inquires how he may serve Him. He is informed he must go to the swiftly-rolling river and carry the pilgrims across. A chanting chorus ("As flows the River seawards, so onward glide the Years") describes the work of the faithful toiler. Then comes a voice calling him, and he beholds an Infant waiting for him. He takes Him upon his shoulders and bears Him into the flood, but as he advances, bends and struggles beneath his load "as though the whole world he bore." He inquires the meaning, and the Voice replies:-- "Thou bear'st the world and bearest its Creator: This Child is Jesus, God's own Son. Soldier of Christ! Thine arms were charity and mercy, The arms of love. Now mayst rejoice: The prize of thy faith is won." A joyful, exultant chorus, ("Blessed of Rivers, the Child embrace") closes this very graceful little "legend."