She wildly shrieks, and plains to all
Of her calamity:
The old man foams, and cursing, swears
His niece in shame shall die.
He summon'd all his people up,
And ere the day began,
They left the castle ready armed,
Led by that wicked man.
Meanwhile, cheered by the friendly moon,
Through common, field, and mead,
Far over hill, and vale, and wood,
That knightly pair proceed.
What torrent now with dashing foam
Roars loud before them so
"Fear not, my love," the Stolberg said,
"This stream full well I know."
The gallant roan makes head, his feet
Approve the flood with care,
Then dashes, neighing, through, as if
A tiny brook it were.
Now come they to the castle wet,
Yet wrapt in heavenly bliss;
Let them describe who such have felt,
The intensity of this.
Now, sate they at the early meal;
The cup careered about ...
But entering soon--"Up noble Count!
The Mansfield!" cried a scout.
The bride and sister fearfully
Their hair in sorrow tore;
The Count already had to horse,
And his full armour wore.
Forth went he out to meet the strife.
And called to Mansfield loud,
"In vain your anger is, for she
My wife is, wed and vow'd.
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