Page:Foreign Tales and Traditions (Volume 2).djvu/408

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THE PIPER OF NEISSE.

others’ arms, while the tear of affection rolled down their cheeks: for who did the spectres prove to be but the very maidens who had been so lately cut off in the full bloom of youth and beauty, and whom the good piper had now given back in all the brightness and glow of health to their enraptured friends. Never was there such a night of happiness in Neisse! even the stern mayor danced for joy at the turn which affairs had taken; and the wonderful old bagpiper, after having played a gay farewell, disappeared and was never again heard or seen in the town of Neisse.