At length, when it was grown quite dark, the ale barrels become empty, the tankard again filled and once more emptied, the company withdrew in pairs, singing.

Now commenced the first joy, the powerful operation of the ale.
They now wandered through the wood, accompanying each other home, as they termed it; but this was a wandering until the bright morning.
Otto and Wilhelm were gone out into the avenue, and the peasants shouted to them a grateful "Good night!" for the merry afternoon.
"Now works the witchcraft!" said Wilhelm; "the magical power of the ale! Now begins the bacchand! Give your hand to the prettiest girl, and she will immediately give you her heart!" "Pity," answered Otto, "that the Maenades of the north possess only that which is brutal in common with those of the south!" "See, there goes the smith's pretty daughter, to whom I threw the best rose!" cried Wilhelm.

"She has got two lovers, one under either arm!" "Yes, there she goes!" simpered a female voice close to them.

It was Sidsel, who sat upon the steps of a stile almost concealed in the darkness, which the trees and the hedge increased still more.
"Has Sidsel no lover ?" asked Wilhelm.
"Hi, hi, hi," simpered she; "the Herr Baron and the other gentleman seek, doubtless, for a little bride.

Am I beautiful enough?
At night all cats are gray!" "Come!" whispered Otto, and drew Wilhelm away from her.