Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/52

48 proud of the praises which had been lavished on him in her presence by the singers, made bold to slip into her ear some sweet expressions, whose amorous intentions were easily guessed, but of which, from modesty, the young girl appeared not to understand the true meaning. Instead of listening to Frederick, she apparently attended to Reinhold, who pushed audacity or freedom so far as to take possession, without ceremony, of the prettiest little arm that ever a feminine creature owned.

On arriving at the meadow that served on that day as the object of their promenade, they found groups of young men practising all kinds of games of exercise, in which physical strength decided the victory. Shouts and hurras came continually from the crowd of spectators. Master Martin, curious like the rest, elbowed his way through the crowd, to get a nearer view of the conqueror who received these ovations. It was no other than his workman Conrad, who took all the prizes in the race, at wrestling, and in throwing the bar. At the moment master Martin approached, Conrad, raising his voice, challenged the most skilful of his rivals to a bout of fencing. Several combats took place, in which Conrad always had the advantage; so that he carried off, without exception, all the honors of that day.

The sun was setting; the rosy flames of the dawning twilight extended themselves like a bar of gold in the horizon. Master Martin, Rosa, and the two journeymen coopers, were seated in a circle near a sparkling fountain, which spread freshness and fertility on the green. Reinhold related a thousand remembrances of brilliant Italy; but Frederick, buried up in himself, kept his eyes fastened on those of Rosa. Now here is Conrad, who approaches them slowly, like a man who has a project, but hesitates about putting it into execution.

"Well, Conrad, come here," cried out master Martin to him, as soon, as he saw him. "You have had fine and joyful success in ail the physical games, and I sincerely congratulate you. I like to see my journeymen distinguish themselves in