But through this exception, I have wandered from my proper business. Yes, if there were not left yet a monastery or two, to which we can bring a loving couple for refuge, I should not know how to carry on a German romance to the third page; and when, in fact, there shall no longer be a cloister left, there is an end of German romance. * * * The majority of the company paid their tribute of approbation to this satire. The observations which they made upon it were interrupted in good time by the appearance of a steaming bowl of punch. When the guests had filled their glasses, Hoffmann seized his guitar, and accompanied the voices of the rest, who sung Schiller's famous song. THE FOUR ELEMENTS. Four Elements all thoroughly blent, Build up the world, our being cement. Press ye the juice of citrons, and pour; Harsh is of life the innermost core. Now let the sugar's tempering juice, Softly the fiery harsh strength reduce; Now let the water bright gushing fall; Peacefully water embraceth all. Let drops of spirit therein be thrown; Life to the life it giveth alone. Quaff it off quickly ere virtue goes, Only revives the well while it glows. Freisleben arose, and said, "Let us drink to the prosperity of our friend. May many happy years find him still young in his spirit, and in the love of his art. May future generations lament that he did not live amongst them. May he be continually surrounded by friends who love him as we do! May he only know sickness that he may learn more vividly to enjoy health. May so much earthly good fall to his lot, that he may live contented. To his prosperity let us give a three times thundering Live-hoch! Vivat!--vivat!--vivat!" Hoffmann.--To the prosperity of my dear friends! May you--if in the autumn of our lives we should meet again--say to me, "All that we once wished thee on thy birthday, has had its fulfilment in ourselves. But may there never come a winter in your lives!" Let us sing something in company. THERE TWINKLE THREE STARS. There twinkle three stars, oh! so friendly! I' the darkness of life do they shine, These stars, oh! they sparkle so kindly, We call them love, music, and wine, We call them love, music, and wine. There lives in the sweet voice of singing, A heart sympathizing and true; Song giveth new youth to rejoicing, And barreth the heart to all rue! But wine unto song is united, A joyous and wondrous thing; With glowing rays clothes itself brightly,-- To earth a perpetual spring!