I will have nought to say to the rest. But how shall I keep them away
from me? Can I wish that those rascals had put my eyes out, had crippled
my limbs, had thrashed me to a scare-crow, to the end that the maids
should turn their backs on me? Nay, and even no rain-torrent could cool
the hot blood of the Schoppers; no oak staff nor stone pitcher could kill
the wild cravings within. There is nothing for it but to cast my body
among thorns like Saint Francis. But what would even that profit me?
You see yourself how well this skin heals of the worst wounds!"

Hereupon I earnestly admonished him of his devoir to that lady who was so
truly his, and with whom he had exchanged rings. But he cried: "Do you
believe that I did not tell myself, every hour of the day, that she was
a thousand-fold more worth than all the rest put together? Never could
I deem any maid so sweet as she has been ever since we were children
together; nay, and if I lost her I should utterly perish, for it is from
her that I, a half-ruined wretch, get all that yet is best in me!"

And many a time did I hear him utter the like; and when I saw his large
blue eyes flash as he spoke, while he pushed the golden curls back from
his brow, verily he was so goodly a youth to look upon that it was easy
to view that the daughters of Eve might be ready to cast themselves into
his arms.

This evening, as it fell, Aunt Jacoba was not with her guests, but
unwillingly, inasmuch as we were to depart homewards next morning, and
the gentlemen sat late over their farewell cups. It had become Cousin
Maud's care to hinder Uncle Christian from drinking more freely than he
ought; but this evening he had made the task a hard one; nay, when she
steadfastly forbade him a third cup he got it by craft and in spite of
her, nor could she persuade him to forego the dangerous joy. When he had