question, whether we ought not, for the advantage of the new-comer,
to quit our solitude, and, the better to bring up this precious gift
of Heaven, to remove to some more inhabited place. Poor people, to
be sure, cannot in these cases do all you may think they ought, sir
knight; but we must all do what we can.

"Well, I went on my way, and this affair would keep running in my
head. This slip of land was most dear to me, and I trembled when,
amidst the bustle and broils of the city, I thought to myself, 'In a
scene of tumult like this, or at least in one not much more quiet, I
must soon take up my abode.' But I did not for this murmur against
our good God; on the contrary, I praised Him in silence for the new-
born babe. I should also speak an untruth, were I to say that
anything befell me, either on my passage through the forest to the
city, or on my returning homeward, that gave me more alarm than
usual, as at that time I had never seen any appearance there which
could terrify or annoy me. The Lord was ever with me in those awful
shades."

Thus speaking he took his cap reverently from his bald head, and
continued to sit for a considerable time in devout thought. He then
covered himself again, and went on with his relation.

"On this side the forest, alas! it was on this side, that woe burst
upon me. My wife came wildly to meet me, clad in mourning apparel,
and her eyes streaming with tears. 'Gracious God!' I cried, 'where's
our child? Speak!'

"'With Him on whom you have called, dear husband,' she answered, and
we now entered the cottage together, weeping in silence. I looked for