Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/45

Rh As for master Martin, he threw himself back in his arm-chair, according to his old custom, and striking with little measured blows his belly, swelled like a balloon, he exclaimed, "Here are, gentlemen—here are, indeed, my companions, the joyful table and workshop companions of master Tobias Martin, the most celebrated cooper in Nuremberg!"

The company found no objection to make to this declaration; and after having drowned in the bottom of their goblets the little that remained to them of reason and solidity of leg, they staggeringly separated to go to their beds. As for Frederick and Reinhold, master Martin opened a very gay little chamber for them in his house.

After several weeks of trial and labor, master Martin noticed in Reinhold uncommon skilfulness in the art of measuring and calculating with the assistance of dividers and lines; but he was a feeble workman for the labor of the workshop, whilst Frederick was indefatigable. For the rest, they were both commendable for their good conduct. From morning till night, they charmed the hours by joyous songs, of which Reinhold possessed a rich store; and when Frederick, privately catching sight of the pretty Rosa, suddenly took a saddened tone, Reinhold immediately sang these joking words—"The cask is not a lute—the lute is not a cask!" and old master Martin, who did not see the meaning, often remained with his arm raised, without striking, and laughing heartily. But the little Rosa, who understood more, knew well how to make a thousand and one excuses to come into the workshop. One fine day master Martin entered his workshop with a care-worn look. His two favorite workmen were adjusting a cask. He stopped before them with his arms folded.

"My good friends," said he to them, "I am very well satisfied with you and your labors, and yet I am very much