Page:The Enchanted Knights; or The Chronicle of the Three Sisters.djvu/94

14 young and vigorous; will you then consume life by lamenting the loss of a woman? You have only to wish for, and you shall not be wanting of a consort, who will bring forth children to tend you in your old age. Does not Fortune grant crowns and principalities to whomsoe’er she pleases; if you require such for your happiness she may restore yours.” A good husbandman endeavours to regain the sum he has lost—a bad one laments his hard fate without exercising his resources and thus becomes ruined.”

The Prince, lost in deep sorrow, did not find such philosophy to his taste, but Waidewuth used language so persuasive that Udo finally agreed to follow the Unknown to the neighbouring cottage of a fisherman, where he was provided by his host with humble fisherman’s fare. Udo by this plain reception forsook the romantic idea he had conceived of the inexplicable stranger on the shores of Rugen; seeing now that this adventurer was no king, nor sorcerer, but a common fisherman, distinguishing himself from his companions by the power of prophecy—a power not valued in his own country, (for no one is a prophet at home,) still he was pleased at the ardour he shewed in return for the kindness he had received.

After a simple repast where the cup of welcome,