Note 1 — II THE ROMANTIC SCHOOL IN GERMANY (continued 2)

"Her mind was occupied with household cares— The washing, and the china, and the cook: Did I begin to speak of endless love, She took the bristled clothes-brush in her hand, And calmly turned me round and brushed my coat. All this I bore quite placidly, but not That, sitting, standing, everywhere we went, Yes, even at concerts, when sweet strains beguiled, Entwining, clicking, rustling, never still, Her elbows flying, thumping on her side, Her knitting-needles vigorously she plied."

"The sacred hymeneal couch had received us; Luna's chaste beams illumined our chamber. Encircled by white arms I lay, praying for Aphrodite's favour, dreaming of the marvellous child that needs must be the offspring of a night like this, the mighty hero who in fulness of time shall see the light. Soft taps upon my shoulder rouse me from my dream; 'tis my sweet bride caressing me; I thank her silently, with tender, meaning smile. One moment later, and my heart is torn by hellish pangs of disillusionment; it is her knitting that is dancing on my back; worse still—she is at the turning of the heel, that point when the most skilful, despite their counting, often blunder."