Page:Libussa, Duchess of Bohemia; also, The Man Without a Name.djvu/26

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Libussa.

On awaking, he began joyfully his work. He built a commodious hermitage; he digged his garden, and planted roses and lilies, with other odoriferous flowers and plants, not forgeting cabbages and kitchen herbs, and various fruit-trees.

The Elf never failed to visit him in the evening at twilight, and rejoiced with him on the results of his industry. She walked with him, hand in hand, along the banks of the pond, where the easily moved reed lisped to them through the evening breeze a sweet serenade. She instructed her attentive pupil in the secrets of nature; taught him the origin and essence of things, and made him acquainted with their natural and magic properties and effects; and thus transformed the rude warrior into a thinker and philosopher.

In proportion as the feelings and sentiments of the young man became refined through his intercourse with this beautiful shadowy being, the tender form of the Elf seemed to condense and gain more consistence. Her bosom received warmth and life; her hazel eyes shot fire; and she seemed to have taken, with the form of a young girl, the feelings also of a blooming and lovely maiden. These confidential evening walks had the usual effect. After some months acquaint-