Page:Undine.djvu/94

46 long this turmoil of the elements may last? And I am old in years. Full easily may the stream of my life run itself out ere the overflow of the forest stream may subside. And indeed it were not impossible that more and more of the flood may force itself between you and yonder forest, until you are cut off from the rest of the world in such sort that your fishing-boat may not suffice to carry you across. Then the dwellers on the continent beyond, giving themselves up to their own pleasures and cares, may entirely forget you in your old age."

The old wife started at this, and crossing herself, said, "God forbid!"

But the fisherman looked at her with a smile. "What strange creatures we are," quoth he. "Even were it so, things would not be very different–at least not for thee, dear wife–than they are now. For many years past hast thou ever been further than the edge of the forest? And hast thou seen any human beings other than Undine and myself? The knight and this holy man are but recent visitors; and they will stay with us even if this become a forgotten island. Methinks thou wouldest be a gainer by it, after all!"

"I know not," said the dame, "it is a gloomy thought to be altogether cut off from other people, even though we neither see them nor know them."

"Then thou wilt stay with us; thou wilt stay with us!" whispered Undine, in a low, chanting voice, as