What wonder then, that its storks and swallows inspired them also with a desire to travel?
One day when they were taking a pleasant walk to one of the sources of the Danube, Huldbrand spoke of the magnificence of the noble river, and how it widened as it flowed through countries fertilized by its waters, how the charming city of Vienna shone forth on its banks, and how with every step of its course it increased in power and loveliness.
"It must be glorious to go down the river as far as Vienna!" exclaimed Bertalda, but immediately relapsing into her present modesty and humility, she paused and blushed deeply.
This touched Undine deeply, and with the liveliest desire to give pleasure to her friend, she said: "What hinders us from starting on the little voyage ?" Bertalda exhibited the greatest delight, and both she and Undine began at once to picture the tour of the Danube in the brightest colors.

Huldbrand also gladly agreed to the prospect; only he once whispered anxiously in Undine's ear,-- "But Kuhleborn becomes possessed of his power again out there!" "Let him come," she replied with a smile, "I shall be there, and he ventures upon none of his mischief before me." The last impediment was thus removed; they prepared for the journey, and soon after set out upon it with fresh spirits and the brightest hopes.
But wonder not, oh man, if events always turn out different to what we have intended.

That malicious power, lurking for our destruction, gladly lulls its chosen victim to sleep with sweet songs and golden delusions; while on the other hand the rescuing messenger from Heaven often knocks sharply and alarmingly at our door.
During the first few days of their voyage down the Danube they were extremely happy.

Everything grew more and more beautiful as they sailed further and further down the proudly flowing stream.

But in a region otherwise so pleasant, and in the enjoyment of which they had promised themselves the purest delight, the ungovernable Kuhleborn began, undisguisedly, to exhibit his power of interference.