Thereupon answered and said the excellent clergyman, smiling: 
“Tell me, what other device could have drawn this charming confession
Out of the good maiden’s lips, and thus have revealed her affection? 
Has not thy trouble been straightway transformed into gladness and rapture? 
Therefore speak up for thyself; what need of the tongue of another?”

Thereupon Hermann came forward, and spoke in these words of affection: 
“Do not repent of thy tears, nor repent of these passing distresses;
For they complete my joy, and—­may I not hope it—­thine also? 
Not to engage the stranger, the excellent maid, as a servant,
Unto the fountain I came; but to sue for thy love I came thither. 
Only, alas! my timorous look could thy heart’s inclination
Nowise perceive; I read in thine eyes of nothing but kindness,
As from the fountain’s tranquil mirror thou gavest me greeting. 
Might I but bring thee home, the half of my joy was accomplished. 
But thou completest it unto me now; oh, blest be thou for it!”
Then with a deep emotion the maiden gazed on the stripling;
Neither forbade she embrace and kiss, the summit of rapture,
When to a loving pair they come as the longed for assurance,
Pledge of a lifetime of bliss, that appears to them now never-ending.

Unto the others, meanwhile, the pastor had made explanation. 
But with feeling and grace the maid now advanced to the father,
Bent her before him, and kissing the hand he would fain have withholden,
Said:  “Thou wilt surely be just and forgive one so startled as I was,
First for my tears of distress, and now for the tears of my gladness. 
That emotion forgive me, and oh! forgive me this also. 
For I can scarce comprehend the happiness newly vouchsafed me. 
Yes, let that first vexation of which I, bewildered, was guilty
Be, too, the last.  Whatever the maid of affectionate service
Faithfully promised, shall be to thee now performed by the daughter.”

Straightway then, concealing his tears, the father embraced her,
Cordially, too, the mother came forward and kissed her with fervor,
Pressing her hands in her own:  the weeping women were silent.

Thereupon quickly he seized, the good and intelligent pastor,
First the father’s hand, and the wedding-ring drew from his finger,—­
Not so easily either:  the finger was plump and detained it,—­
Next took the mother’s ring also, and with them betrothed he the children,
Saying:  “These golden circlets once more their office performing
Firmly a tie shall unite, which in all things shall equal the old one,
Deeply is this young man imbued with love of the maiden,
And, as the maiden confesses, her heart is gone out to him also.

[Illustration:  THE BETROTHAL Ludwig Richter]

Here do I therefore betroth you and bless for the years that are coming,
With the consent of the parents, and having this friend as a witness.”