Thus she said, and e’en as she spoke they stood under the pear-tree. 
Down from the heavens the moon at her full was shedding her splendor. 
Night had come on, and wholly obscured was the last gleam of sunlight,
So that contrasting masses lay side by side with each other,
Clear and bright as the day, and black with the shadows of midnight;
Gratefully fell upon Hermann’s ear the kindly asked question
Under the shade of the glorious tree, the spot he so treasured,
Which but this morning had witnessed the tears he had shed for the exile. 
And while they sat themselves down to rest them here for a little,
Thus spoke the amorous youth, as he grasped the hand of the maiden: 
“Suffer thy heart to make answer, and follow it freely in all things.” 
Yet naught further he ventured to say although so propitious
Seemed the hour; he feared he should only haste on a refusal. 
Ah, and he felt besides the ring on her finger, sad token! 
Therefore they sat there, silent and still, beside one another.

First was the maiden to speak:  “How sweet is this glorious moonlight!”
Said she at length:  “It is as the light of the day in its brightness.

[Illustration:  HERMAN AND DOROTHEA UNDER THE PEAR TREE Ludwig Richter]

There in the city I plainly can see the houses and court-yards, And in the gable—­methinks I can number its panes—­is a window.”

“What thou seest,” the modest youth thereupon made her answer,—­ “What thou seest is our dwelling, to which I am leading thee downward, And that window yonder belongs to my room in the attic, Which will be thine perhaps, for various changes are making.  All these fields, too, are ours; they are ripe for the harvest to-morrow.  Here in the shade we will rest, and partake of our noon-tide refreshment.  But it is time we began our descent through the vineyard and garden; For dost thou mark how yon threatening storm-cloud comes nearer and
          
                                                 nearer,
Charged with lightning, and ready our fair full moon to extinguish?”

So they arose from their seats, and over the corn fields descended,
Through the luxuriant grain, enjoying the brightness of evening,
Until they came to the vineyard, and so entered into its shadow. 
Then he guided her down o’er the numerous blocks that were lying,
Rough and unhewn on the pathway, and served as the steps of the alley. 
Slowly the maiden descended, and leaning her hands on his shoulder,
While with uncertain beams, the moon through the leaves overlooked them,
Ere she was veiled by the cloud, and so left the couple in darkness. 
Carefully Hermann’s strength supported the maid that hung o’er him;
But, not knowing the path and the rough-hewn steps that led down it,
Missed she her footing, her ankle turned, and she surely had fallen,
Had not the dexterous youth his arm outstretched in