Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/43

Rh Rosa. "But when I think of the pretty work that you formerly executed under master Holzschuer, I cannot imagine or understand how you have quitted the career of artist to become a journeyman cooper in my father's workshop."

"But that is on your account," interrupted Frederick enthusiastically. "It is for you alone that I have made this sacrifice."

He had hardly uttered these words, when he blushed and trembled as if something had escaped him which he ought not to have said. There was, certainly, a little imprudence in this confession so unseasonably uttered.

Rosa, who had very well understood him, lowered her glance, blushed, and remained silent, until, by a lucky chance which relieved her from her embarrassing position, master Jacob Paumgartner, knocking on the table with his knife, to command silence, announced that master Vollrad, the most celebrated singing master in the city, was about to sing a song.

Master Vollrad immediately arose, coughed, spit, blew his nose, struck a position, then sang, in a full and sonorous voice, a national song, composed by Hans Vogelgesang. All the guests felt as if electrified, and Frederick himself regained his youthful assurance.

After the singing master had sung several pieces, in various styles, he invited some of his friends to follow him. Reinhold took his mandolin, and after having sweetly preluded, he sang the following words:

The cooper's trade is noble,
 * And may his companions be,

Love—pure, chaste and stable;
 * Wine—generous, rich and free.

Where is the little spring,
 * Whence comes the generous wine?

It from the glorious cask they bring,
 * And call its taste divine.

Who makes the precious cask,
 * For the cherished little spring?

That always was the cooper's task,
 * And glory may it always bring.