rational schemes, as well as every other which the good-natured musician could think of, for the silly youth could not endure the thought of creating a moment’s uneasiness to one so nearly related to his Emma, and vainly thought to win her father’s consent by dint of importunity and good conduct. “You are a fool,” said Wilibald, “if you think to make any impression on such a Nabal by honourable and open dealing on your part! When you have secured your bride, you may find him beginning to soften; but till then his heart will be as unmoved as old Pharaoh’s, and only the plagues of Egypt will drive him to yield. I have the wish to do you good; but really I take blame to myself for having foolishly pledged myself to do nothing in this matter but with your consent. However, death clears all scores, and, once in my grave, I will help you nolens volens in my own way.”
Poor Wido was not the only hapless wight whose path had been strewn with thorns and briars by the mayor of Neisse. The whole Burgherschaft entertained very little affection towards their chief, and took every opportunity to thwart or annoy him; for his demeanour was so tyrannical that he had irritated them to the very last pitch of endurance, and above all did they bear him hearty grudge on account of the exorbitant fines which he was in the habit of levying upon any one who chanced to indulge in a little gaiety or extraordinary expense. No sooner was the yearly wine fair over—which was always held in the month of January—than the poor citizens were called upon to pay their heavy mulcts for last year’s transgressions into the mayor’s treasury. At last the town rose in a body, and, breaking the last tie of obedience, assailed the house of the mayor, and threatened to set fire to it and consume its proprietor with all his ill-gotten wealth at once. At this critical juncture, Wido hastened to Master Wilibald and entreated him to use his soul-subduing music for the purpose of softening the irritated feelings of the mob, and thus saving the life of Emma’s father. “Doubtless,” added the youth, “he will in his gratitude offer
