But there was the further source of alarm, that the enchanted forest lay so near them, and that their place of abode seemed at present inaccessible to any human being.

While they were looking upon one another in doubt, the knocking was again heard, accompanied with a deep groan.

The knight sprang to seize his sword.

But the old man said, in a low whisper: "If it be what I fear it is, no weapon of yours can protect us." Undine in the meanwhile went to the door, and cried with the firm voice of fearless displeasure: "Spirits of the earth! if mischief be your aim, Kuhleborn shall teach you better manners." The terror of the rest was increased by this wild speech; they looked fearfully upon the girl, and Huldbrand was just recovering presence of mind enough to ask what she meant, when a voice reached them from without: "I am no spirit of the earth, though a spirit still in its earthly body.
You that are within the cottage there, if you fear God and would afford me assistance, open your door to me." By the time these words were spoken, Undine had already opened it; and the lamp throwing a strong light upon the stormy night, they perceived an aged priest without, who stepped back in terror, when his eye fell on the unexpected sight of a little damsel of such exquisite beauty.

Well might he think there must be magic in the wind and witchcraft at work, when a form of such surpassing loveliness appeared at the door of so humble a dwelling.