Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/51

Rh my dear companions; you cannot imagine to what excess I carry the passion for singing. I formerly had some serious inclination towards the profession of singing-master, but nothing succeeded with me, and I only obtained as the fruit of my labors, jokes and jeers; for at one time I sang in a false key, or out of time; and when singing correctly, by chance, I always mixed up the melody. Now, then, I am very glad to see that you do better than your master; and I should be very glad to acknowledge that the workmen of Tobias Martin have succeeded, where he had failed. Next Sunday, the singing-master will give a concert in the church of Saint Catherine. You will both of you be able to co-operate at it in a very brilliant manner, for a part of the time will be devoted to strangers, who wish to be heard before a discriminating public. So then, master Conrad," continued master Martin, turning to his third workman, if your heart leads you to desire to gratify them with your wild song, you will be able to do it quite at your ease."

"Why do you laugh at me, dear master?" answered Conrad, without raising his eyes. "There is a time for every thing, and I count on passing the time that you devote to the concert, in rambling through the flowery meadows."

What master Martin had foreseen happened. Reinhold mounted the stage, and sung several pieces to the satisfaction of all. When Frederick followed him, he threw on the assembly around him, for several minutes, a long and melancholy look, that went to Rosa's heart. Then he sang, in a gracefully modulated voice, a song of Heinrich Frauenlob, which was enthusiastically applauded, for all the singers immediately recognized how much the young stranger excelled them all.

When night came, and the concert was ended, master Martin, charmed with the success of his two favorite companions, allowed them to accompany him with his daughter to a flowery lawn, which was on the outskirts of the city. Rosa walked slowly and gracefully between the two young men. Frederick,