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458 Because I know he hides there in the daytime, and every day he changes his retreat, —

However, the father's hall is not so lovely in reality. And so I sing to him, 'I am going with thee.' What do you suppose he answers me?"

Because I was high born.

Art thou a huntsman?' I ask. 'No.' 'A poacher?' 'You have almost guessed,' said he;

—because you know that all of us, children, mesdames and and messieurs, are very wicked people,—

"He sings, 'I guessed it long ago.' I say, 'Thou art a brigand.' Well, it is true; he is a brigand. Yes, he is a brigand. Well, gentlemen, he says, 'Don't you see I am a poor match for you?

"Absolutely true; dark forests; so he says, 'Don't go with me.'

Because in the dark forests are wild beasts.

"That is not true, children; it will not be pitiful. But then, he and I have thought, and he has thought, and still I answer as before:—