Page:Select Popular Tales from the German of Musaeus.djvu/80

68 groaning under the unaccustomed weight; but even these services did not always obtain the best of recompense, for most sparingly did she mete out to him his provender, and not unfrequently did this female vixen let him feel, too, the additional weight of her fist, whenever he ventured to complain of the weight of the sacks.

Such conduct afflicted greatly the affectionate nature of his excellent daughter, and drew from her in secret many a bitter tear. She was an only child, and dear as the apple of his eye to her father, who had trained her, from her very childhood, in his own ways; she therefore repaid all his affection with the most submissive filial love, and consoled him under all his domestic afflictions. The amiable Gertrude supported herself by needlework, especially embroidery, in which she had attained a great proficiency. She worked the robes used by priests at mass, altar draperies, and those variegated and fancifully-figured cloths, with which it was then the fashion to cover tables. Although obliged to give her mother a strict account of all her earnings, she nevertheless sometimes contrived to lay by a trifling sum, which she secretly presented to her father, in order that he might occasionally visit the Golden Lamb, and at least be able to feast now and then. Previously to this rustic festival, she had doubled her usual savings, and joyfully slipped them into her father’s hand as he returned one evening from his labours at the mill. This kindness on the part of his child touched his very soul, and so affected him, that the tears came into his eyes.

During old Martin’s tale of wonder, Peter dismissed every other thought, in order to catch it with a ready ear. The farther the narrator proceeded, the more eagerly did he listen. At first, it was merely curiosity that induced him to listen; but when he heard how the spring-root, the charm which was to give access to the treasure, was to be obtained, his imagination was completely inflamed. He instantly pictured himself standing before the brazen chest, and shovelling the bright gold pieces into his sack, and he quickly determined to rest all his hopes of fortune on the success of his journey to the Brocken.

Covetousness and avarice were by no means Peter’s failings; as long as his prosperity lasted his money passed lightly through his fingers; the more difficult, therefore, was it for him afterwards to bear his indigence with tolerable patience. Whenever, therefore, he indulged in dreams of wealth, it was principally in order that he might resign his post of proxy to a beast of burden, and that he might no longer be obliged to carry sacks to the mill, but have it in his power to bestow a handsome dowry upon his dear Gertrude. Even before he had quitted the host’s leathern chair, he had arranged every detail of his projected plan, except what regarded the funds necessary to accomplish it; and had even fixed upon the day for carrying it into execution.