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124 wings of many swans far over land and sea, they ever singing most sweetly the while.

"The music of the swan! the music of the swan!" so the words rang in his brain–"doth it not ever presage death?" But it would seem that it had another meaning. He appeared to be floating over the Mediterranean, and a swan was singing in his ear: "This is the Mediterranean Sea." And whilst he gazed down upon the waters below, lo, they became as clear as crystal so that he might see to the depths. Full pleased was he, for he could see Undine sitting beneath the crystal vault. Tears, it is true, were in her eyes, and much sadder was her look than in the happy days when first they had lived in Castle Ringstetten, and afterwards too, just before the ill-starred voyage on the Danube. And the knight must needs ponder these things in his mind very deeply and intently. Undine, it would appear, did not perceive him. But he saw Kühleborn come up to her with intent to reprove her for her tears. Whereat she drew herself up, and faced him with such dignity that he almost shrank back before her look.

"I know full well," quoth she, "that beneath the waters is my home; but my soul is still mine, and therefore I may well weep, albeit that thou canst not know what such tears mean. They, too, are blessed, as all is blessed to one who hath a true soul."

He shook his head, for he believed her not; then, bethinking himself of somewhat, he spoke: