Page:Rambles and Researches in Thuringian Saxony.djvu/244

208 become a faithless husband to his lone Ottilia. But after a lengthened silence, he answered thus:—‘Alas! fairest and best of maidens, for me there is no hope. Know, then, that a virtuous wife mourns my absence from my native land. How could I give that heart to thee, already sacred to another’s love?’ ‘Look,’ said Melechsala, ‘there are still blooming many other flowers besides her whom thou callest the flower of the world: they all refresh our eyes and sense with their varied hue and sweet perfume. Should not the constant sight of one and the same tire thy aching vision? Nor would I ask thee to nurse this one alone. The fortune I destine for thee thy wife may partake. She also shall live in thy serail, and shall be to me a dear companion, who will love me for thy sake. I will call her children mine.’ With eyes full of tender expression she looked upon the again undecided Count, who, wrapt in thought, scarcely conscious of what passed, was roused from his reverie by the friendly Kurt. Melechsala had vanished, &c., &c.”

[Now follows a description of Kurt’s arguments, who advises the Count to accept the brilliant offer. ‘For should the Countess Ottilia,’ said he, ‘still live, in your castle they believe you dead, and she most probably ere this is married to another. As