Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/30

26 me, I pray you, what connection can exist between the song of your old relation and the future of Rosa, that you so obstinately hold to making her the wife of a cooper,"

"How is it that you do not understand," exclaimed master Martin, "that the modest virtues recommended to Rosa, cannot be met with more certainly than in a family of good and honest work-people? The old woman also spoke in her song of a neat house, of perfumed waves, and little angels with wings of fire. The neat house could not have more elegance than a cask made as a masterpiece by a master workman; the perfumed waves are the generous wines with which is filled the masterpiece of the cooper; and when the wine sparkles and ferments, the bubbles that rise from the bottom, do they not seem to you like little angels with enameled wings? That is really, I assure you, the sense of the mysterious words muttered by the old woman; and as this explanation suits me, I have decided that Rosa should marry no one but a cooper."

"But," continued the counsellor, "do you believe that it is sufficient to interpret thus vain words, instead of allowing yourself to be guided by the inspirations of Providence, that always knows much better than we ourselves what is suitable to our happiness? And I add, that it appears just and wise to me, to leave to the heart of your daughter the care of seeking a husband worthy of her."

"That is all nonsense," exclaimed master Martin, striking the table with his fist. "I tell you, and I repeat, that Rosa must be the wife of the best cooper that I can discover."

The counsellor Jacob Paumgartner would willingly have got angry with the singular obstinacy of master Martin, but he had the good sense to restrain himself, and rising to take his leave—"The hours gallop," said he to his host; "let us leave our empty glasses and our discussions, which are little less so."

As they were going out of the house, the one to retire, and the other conducting him, they perceived a young woman