CHAPTER 6



The company were sitting at dinner. Bertalda, adorned with jewels
and flowers without number, the presents of her foster-parents and
friends, and looking like some goddess of spring, sat beside Undine
and Huldbrand at the head of the table. When the sumptuous repast
was ended, and the dessert was placed before them, permission was
given that the doors should be left open: this was in accordance with
the good old custom in Germany, that the common people might see and
rejoice in the festivity of their superiors. Among these spectators
the servants carried round cake and wine.

Huldbrand and Bertalda waited with secret impatience for the promised
explanation, and hardly moved their eyes from Undine. But she still
continued silent, and merely smiled to herself with secret and
heartfelt satisfaction. All who were made acquainted with the
promise she had given could perceive that she was every moment on the
point of revealing a happy secret; and yet, as children sometimes
delay tasting their choicest dainties, she still withheld the
communication. Bertalda and Huldbrand shared the same delightful
feeling, while in anxious hope they were expecting the unknown
disclosure which they were to receive from the lips of their friend.

At this moment several of the company pressed Undine to sing. This
she seemed pleased at; and ordering her lute to be brought, she sang
the following words:--