Page:Story of the bitter wedding (1).pdf/14

 14 Berthold. When all is over, I shall, so it please Heaven, become wise again; or if not, my poor brain will be turned altogether, and that will be a blessing too.' ' My good child,' said the dwarf, you will get over all this. I perceive very well that it is a hard journey, and a bitter wedding too for you :' but it is your good luck, my child, that you have me for a companion--- I will fiddle till your heart leaps again,- your sorrow grieves me as much as if it were my own.' Whilst talking thus, a few drops of rain fell, which proved the prelude to a heavy shower; and although the travellers had al- ready gone a considerable way, they were still far from the end of their journey, and gush after gush, the rain poured upon their leads till the water run down from their hats as from a spout. Berthold trudged silently on, sighing frequently and heavily under his burden,--the could have sworn that it increased a pound's weight every step, nevertheless it was im- possible for his good nature to think of giv- ing it back to the poor cripple in such a ten- pest. The rain soon began to trickle through his waistcoat, and run in a cold stream down his back, he wished himself, the dwarf, and the wedding all far enough, but stalked sullenly on through the mud as if he had