DOROTHEA

Like as the traveller, who, when the sun is approaching its setting,
Fixes his eyes on it once again ere quickly it vanish,
Then on the sides of the rocks, and on all the darkening bushes,
Sees its hovering image; whatever direction he look in
That hastes before, and flickers and gleams in radiant colors,—­
So before Hermann’s eyes moved the beautiful shape of the maiden
Softly, and seeming to follow the path that led into the corn-field. 
But he aroused from his wildering dream and turned himself slowly
Toward where the village lay and was wildered again; for again came
Moving to meet him the lofty form of the glorious maiden. 
Fixedly gazed he upon her; herself it was and no phantom. 
Bearing in either hand a larger jar and a smaller,
Each by the handle, with busy step she came on to the fountain. 
Joyfully then he hastened to meet her; the sight of her gave him
Courage and strength; and thus the astonished girl he accosted: 
“Do I then find thee, brave-hearted maiden, so soon again busy,
Rendering aid unto others, and happy in bringing them comfort? 
Say why thou comest alone to this well which lies at such a distance,
When all the rest are content with the water they find in the village? 
This has peculiar virtues, ’tis true; and the taste is delicious. 
Thou to that mother wouldst bring it, I trow, whom thy faithfulness
          
                                              rescued.”

Straightway with cordial greeting the kindly maiden made answer: 
“Here has my walk to the spring already been amply rewarded,
Since I have found the good friend who bestowed so abundantly on us;
For a pleasure not less than the gifts is the sight of the giver. 
Come, I pray thee, and see for thyself who has tasted thy bounty;
Come, and the quiet thanks receive of all it has solaced. 
But that thou straightway the reason may’st know for which I am hither
Come to draw, where pure and unfailing the water is flowing,
This I must tell thee,—­that all the water we have in the village
Has by improvident people been troubled with horses and oxen
Wading direct through the source which brings the inhabitants water. 
And furthermore they have also made foul with their washings and rinsings
All the troughs of the village, and all the fountains have sullied;
For but one thought is in all, and that how to satisfy quickest
Self and the need of the moment, regardless of what may come after.”

[Illustration:  HERMANN AND DOROTHEA MEET AT THE FOUNTAIN Ludwig Richter]

Thus she spoke, and the broad stone steps meanwhile had descended
With her companion beside her, and on the low wall of the fountain
Both sat them down.  She bent herself over to draw, and he also
Took in his hand the jar that remained, and bent himself over;
And in the blue of the heavens, they, seeing their image reflected,
Friendly greetings and nods exchanged in the quivering mirror.