Page:Stories of the Rhine country, (IA storiesofrhineco00alle).pdf/18

14 strongest warriors to scale the Lorelei rock. He told them to capture the strange maiden, who was the cause of so much sorrow.

The gallant captain stationed men all about the rock. Then, with his brave knights, he climbed to the summit. There sat the lovely Lorelei. She crooned a faint, sweet melody to herself as she combed her yellow hair.

Four armed men surrounded her. There seemed no way of escape unless she plunged headlong into the river. “Surrender!” cried the valiant knights.

Slowly Lorelei lifted her dreamy eyes. She waved her white hands. The grim old warriors stood motionless in their places. They could move neither hand nor foot. They could make no sound. They were spellbound.

Lorelei drew off her wonderful gems. One by one, sparkling, burning, flashing, she dropped them into the river. THen murmuring some strange spell she began to dance.

Her white robes shone, her long hair floated