Page:Stories of the Rhine country, (IA storiesofrhineco00alle).pdf/15

Rh The water-nymphs, who lived in the Rhine, might come and enjoy, with safety, this wonderful music. But woe to the human being, be he prince or fisherman, who paused in his boat to listen to the siren's song. Lost in its magic sweetness, he forgot time, place, home, friends — everything. His boat, being no longer guided, was wrecked in the dangerous channel, and he perished in the dark, swift waters.

One after another of the brave mariners and fishermen met this untimely death. And still not one among them had a near view of the charming Lorelei.

At last, one bold, handsome fisherman resolved to see her or die in the attempt. So one night, in the full of the moon, he climbed the cruel cliff.

There, all in her white robes, like a lily from the river, sat the beautiful water-nymph. She smiled at him. She held out her slender hand in welcome. She was lovelier, even, than his dreams had told him — so lovely, that night