Page:Stories of the Rhine country, (IA storiesofrhineco00alle).pdf/13

Rh About half way between Bingen and Coblenz, the bed of the Rhine grows suddenly narrow. The river is very deep and quiet. Great cliffs on either side shut out the glad sunlight. The spot is dim and full of mystery.

On the right bank rises a huge cliff, like a tall tower. This is the famous Lorelei rock. Listen! As you say the word “Lorelei,” the lonely Echo, who always lives here, repeats it after you — “Lorelei! Lorelei!” — once, twice, seven times. Fainter and further, it dies away at last into the deep silence of the forest.

Long ago, it is said, below the great Lorelei rock in the river-bed, there stood a wonderful palace. It was built, from glittering base to flashing spire, of pure crystal.

In this beautiful palace lived a lovely water nymph. She was called Lorelei, and was the daughter of old Father Rhine.

During the day she was never seen; but at night when the great red moon rose over the mountains, all in her white, white garments