differently from what you expect. That malicious power which lies in
ambush for our destruction delights to lull its chosen victim asleep
with sweet songs and golden delusions; while, on the other hand, the
messenger of heaven often strikes sharply at our door, to alarm and
awaken us.

During the first days of their passage down the Danube they were
unusually happy. The further they advanced upon the waters of this
proud river, the views became more and more fair. But amid scenes
otherwise most delicious, and from which they had promised themselves
the purest delight, the stubborn Kuhleborn, dropping all disguise,
began to show his power of annoying them. He had no other means of
doing this, indeed, than by tricks--for Undine often rebuked the
swelling waves or the contrary winds, and then the insolence of the
enemy was instantly humbled and subdued; but his attacks were
renewed, and Undine's reproofs again became necessary, so that the
pleasure of the fellow-travellers was completely destroyed. The
boatmen, too, were continually whispering to one another in dismay,
and eying their three superiors with distrust, while even the
servants began more and more to form dismal surmises, and to watch
their master and mistress with looks of suspicion.

Huldbrand often said in his own mind, "This comes when like marries
not like--when a man forms an unnatural union with a sea-maiden."
Excusing himself, as we all love to do, he would add: "I did not, in
fact, know that she was a maid of the sea. It is my misfortune that
my steps are haunted and disturbed by the wild humours of her
kindred, but it is not my crime."

By reflections like these, he felt himself in some measure