"The castellan and the garrison are true and devoted to thee.

It could stand a ten years' siege; and the little gate which leads to the hills is open, as was that of the citadel of Sparta for Paris." And, in fact, the youth saw through a gate, left open he knew not how, the dim, distant mountains glittering in the moonlight.

"And if he did not accept, he was a fool," said the little Master, with a grin, echoing Sintram's former words.
At that moment Gabrielle stood close by him.

She was within reach of his grasp, had he made the least movement; and a moonbeam, suddenly breaking forth, transfigured, as it were, her heavenly beauty.

The youth had already bent forward-- "My Lord and God, I pray, Turn from his heart away This world's turmoil; And call him to Thy light, Be it through sorrow's night, Through pain or toil." These words were sung by old Rolf at that very time, as he lingered on the still margin of the castle fish-pond, where he prayed alone to Heaven, full of foreboding care.