THE SOLACHERS. 77 



She returned however soon after; and never did I so 

 earnestly endeavour to inspire confidence as now, when 

 doing rny best to win trust in my good faith from this 

 sweet-mannered village maiden. It was difficult at first 

 to entice her into conversation; but later, when she saw 

 that the rough-looking creature before her was gentle in 

 his demeanour, and treated her with comely deference, 

 she would gradually lift her eyes as she smiled a reply ; 

 and eventually, though timidly at first, would let them 

 rest full and fearlessly on the stranger's countenance. 

 Yet later, when our supper came, and I begged them all 

 to sit at table and sup with us, I could not prevail on 

 this coy girl to eat with me, or drink out of my cup. 

 It was not fitting that she should do so, she answered; 

 yet when my companion made her the same offer, she 

 at once accepted it, and laughed and chatted with him 

 right merrily. If I could only have made her believe 

 that I too was an assistant forester; or, by my faith, 

 have really become one for that modest lassie's sake ! 

 Here is her picture : — 



&fje Uertietet's ©augfjter of Batcrfsrfj EelL 



We since dawn had been out stalking, 

 And returning now were talking 

 Of the chamois ; all in walking 



Very slowly : — we did dally 



On our way down to the valley, 

 The Vale of Baierisch Zell. 



For 't is pleasant, homew r ard walking, 

 To beguile the way with talking 

 Over what you 've seen in stalking ; 



And though we did sorely dally, 



Still at last we reached the valley 

 Of peaceful Baierisch Zell. 



