Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/49

Rh Whilst this affair was being arranged, Reinhold and Frederick were finishing their hogshead, and began to hoop it; at the same time, to lighten their labor, they sang one of Adam Puschmann's songs. But immediately Conrad, (thus the new workman called himself,) sprang from the bench, crying out—"What is this charivari? One would say that a million mice were besieging the workshop! If you will meddle with singing, try at least to do it in such manner as to give us heart to labor. I could give you an example of what is necessary for that."

And, in his stunning voice, Conrad began to howl a hunting song, crowded with choruses, which ended with hallo and huzza. Now he imitated the barkings of a pack in full cry, then the cries of the huntsmen, with such force that the house trembled. Master Martin stopped his ears, and the children of dame Martha, the widow of Valentine, who were playing in the workshop, ran and hid themselves behind a pile of chips. At the same time Rosa came, much frightened, and not knowing what misfortune could have occasioned these unheard-of bellowings.

As soon as Conrad perceived the beautiful young daughter of master Martin, he stopped short in the middle of his song, and going towards her, he said to her, in the noblest manner and the softest tone—"Oh, my charmer, what heavenly light has illumined this poor workman's cabin since you entered! Oh, if I had known that you were so near, I should have taken good care not to wound your delicate ears by my wild song. Hallo, you others!" continued he, addressing himself to master Martin and the two journeymen; "can you not silence your mallets for a moment, whilst this dear young girl is among us? We ought to hear nothing but her sweet voice, and we ought no longer to think of any other occupation than that of hearing her will, and obeying it humbly!"

Reinhold and Frederick exchanged a look which sufficiently signified the discontent that this address occasioned them. As for master Martin, he burst into a laugh, according to his