"Thou knowest thy father's strong stone castle on the Moon-rocks?"
replied the old man. "The castellan and the garrison are true and
devoted to thee. It could stand a ten years' siege; and the little
gate which leads to the hills is open, as was that of the citadel of
Sparta for Paris."

And, in fact, the youth saw through a gate, left open he knew not
how, the dim, distant mountains glittering in the moonlight. "And if
he did not accept, he was a fool," said the little Master, with a
grin, echoing Sintram's former words.

At that moment Gabrielle stood close by him. She was within reach of
his grasp, had he made the least movement; and a moonbeam, suddenly
breaking forth, transfigured, as it were, her heavenly beauty. The
youth had already bent forward--


"My Lord and God, I pray,
Turn from his heart away
This world's turmoil;
And call him to Thy light,
Be it through sorrow's night,
Through pain or toil."


These words were sung by old Rolf at that very time, as he lingered
on the still margin of the castle fish-pond, where he prayed alone to
Heaven, full of foreboding care. They reached Sintram's ear; he
stood as if spellbound and made the Sign of the Cross. Immediately
the little master fled away, jumping uncouthly on one leg, through