18: Conclusion
Peter felt himself drawn to the cottage by the song as though by a charming force. The shepherdess, who was sitting by the door, received him kindly and invited him in to rest and refresh himself. The two old people soon returned and gave their noble guest a hearty welcome.
Meanwhile Magelone went out into the fields and walked thoughtfully up and down, for she had recognized the knight the moment she had laid eyes on him. All her worries now melted away like snow before the spring Sun, and the future course of her life lay fresh and green before her as far as her eye could see. She returned to the cottage, but she did not yet reveal her identity.
After two days, Peter had completely regained his strength. He was sitting with Magelone by the door of the cottage, though he did not recognize her. Bees and butterflies were swarming around them. Peter, feeling he could confide in his nurse, told her about himself and recounted all the misfortune he had suffered. Suddenly Magelone got up and went into her room; there she let down her golden curls and removed the ribbons that had previously secured them; then she clothed herself in her royal garments, which she had hidden away. Having arrayed herself in this manner, she suddenly presented herself to Peter. He was beside himself with astonishment. He embraced his beloved, who had been restored to him against all his expectations. Then they told each other their stories again. They wept and kissed, though it is unclear whether their heartbreaking sobs were prompted by grief or by an excess of joy. And thus they spent the rest of the day.
Then Peter took Magelone home to his parents. They were married, and everyone was overjoyed. The King of Naples was well pleased with the marriage and made peace with his new son.
On the spot where Peter had found his Magelone again, he built a magnificent summer palace. He made the shepherd overseer of the palace, and showered him with great wealth. In front of the palace he and his young wife planted a tree; then they sang the following song, which they afterwards repeated in the same place every spring:
True love endures;
It outlives many an hour.
No doubts frighten it;
Ever unbowed is its courage.
Tempest and death menace it
In dense hordes, inviting
Inconstancy. But loyal blood
Sets love against these dangers.
And, like a mist, is dissolved
That which imprisons the senses,
And to the serene gaze of spring
The wide world is revealed.
Achieved
Mastered
By love is happiness.
Vanished
Are the hours:
But they fly back.
And blessed joy
Stills
Fulfils
The drunken delight-throbbing breast.
May it be set apart
From sorrow
Forever.
And never
Vanish this sweet, blessed, heavenly bliss!
The End