Page:Storys (sic) of The wild huntsman.pdf/4

4 this extraordinary favour, he was by no means so in reality; for the excessive attachment of the king actually deprived him of his personal freedom. However, as his well knew from what cause this arose, he resolved to regain his liberty by renouncing the possession of the enchanted ring.

One day, therefore, while riding with the king through the forest of Gurre, he threw the ring into a marsh, and from that moment the king's attachment seemed to be transferred to that marsh, and he could not live comfortably any where else. Here be built the castle of Gurre, and hunted in the forest night and day. So much attached was he to the place, that his love of it drew from him certain sinful words which finally, became his condemnation before the tribunal of Heaven. They were to the effect that God might keep his heaven to himself, provided he, Waldemar, might for ever live hunting in the forest of Gurre.

He now rides every night from Burre to Gurre, and is known throughout the whole country as the Wild Huntsman. When he approaches, their is a great rushing noise and cracking of whips in the air, and all who hear it, step aside and hide themselves behind the trees. Then follows the whole hunt. First come some coal-black, dogs running about, as if smelling at covers,