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Heinrich of Ofterdingen
Chapter 5
After a few days they reached a village at the foot of a mountain range. The country was luxuriant and smiling, in spite of its frowning background of rocks and ravines. The inn was clean, the host obliging, and the guestroom was full of country folk, talking and drinking.
Our travellers soon began to converse with an old man, dressed in foreign clothes, seated at a table. He seemed genial and friendly, and answered all the questions addressed to him. He came from a distant country, and had been busy exploring the neighbourhood. He was happy to talk of his profession, and the discoveries of that day. The people said he was a treasure seeker, but he spoke very modestly about his knowledge and power, though his remarks bore the stamp of novelty and singularity.
He had been born in Bohemia, and from his earliest days he had a keen desire to know what was hidden in the mountains, where water rose from, and where gold, silver, and precious stones could be found.
He used to look at the rich ornaments and jewels in the convent church, and wished that they had words to tell where they had come from. He had been told they had come from far distant lands, yet he had always wondered why the mountains near at hand should not also contain similar treasures. It was not without reason that the mountains were so inaccessible and fortified against attack. At times he had found sparkling gems in hidden rifts and cracks. His chief delight had been scrambling up heights and into every cave and grotto that he could find. At last he met a traveller, who told him he ought to become a miner, and thus satisfy his curiosity.
There were mines in Bohemia. If he went down the river he would reach Eula in eight to ten days. He had only to ask and he would at once be engaged in the mines. He didn't need to be told twice, he set of straight away and after a fatiguing tramp he reached Eula.
"I cannot tell you," he said "how delighted I was when I caught sight of heaps of stones half overgrown with bushes, on which were some wooden huts, whose blue smoke rose over the copse. A strange rumbling noise added to my excitement, and soon I found myself by mounds of stones thrown out from the bowels of the earth. I hurried back along the valley, and met some men dressed in black, holding lamps in their hands. I guessed they were miners, and addressing them, told them of my wish. They were kind and friendly and directed me on to the smelting hut and to ask for the head man, he would tell me if he would take me or not. They thought I would have no problem, and taught me their usual greet of 'gluck auf' good luck to you, with which I should greet the head man. I pursued my way with intense joy, repeating the expressive formula. "
"At last I found the reverend old man, who received me kindly, and who promised when I had told my story, to give me the work I longed for. "
"He seemed pleased that I was attracted by his strange and mysterious craft, and took me to his own house to rest. I could hardly wait a moment before being introduced into my new life. "
"That evening he brought me a mining suit, and explained the way to use the tools I would need. In the evening the miners came to him, and I listened eagerly to their talk, though much of it was incomprehensible to me. The little I did glean increased my curiosity, and haunted me in my dreams. "
" I awoke very early, and found all the miners assembled. An adjacent hut was simply arranged as a chapel, a monk appeared and said the mass, then poured out a fervent prayer, invoking God's protection on the miners in the perilous calling, and entreating that they might be safe from the wiles of evil spirits. I had never prayed with deeper devotion, nor understood more clearly the hidden significance of the mass. "
"My future comrades seemed like heroes going in quest of danger, and also as possessors of much envied happiness in learning nature's hidden mysteries, and communing in solitude with the rocks, her mighty sons. "
"After the service, the head man gave me a lamp and a small wooded crucifix, and accompanied me to one of the shafts. He taught me how to go down, and told me what precautions to take, as he slid down the yawning chasm astride on a round beam, holding a burning lamp in one hand and a knotted rope which slipped through a pole along side us in the other. "
"We soon reached a very great depth. I felt it a solemn moment when my guide preceded me with his light shining like a star in the gloom, to introduce me to natures hidden treasure house. "
"We soon reached a labyrinth of passages, and my guide never tired of answering my questions, and instructing me in his trade. The old man was delighted with my enthusiasm, and prophesied that I should be come a first-class miner. "
"How can I delight, when on the 16th of March 45 years ago, I saw the king of metals for the first time lying in thin streaks in the crevice of a rock! I though it shone with joy on its deliverer, who came to set it free from its dark hiding place, to bring it out to the light of day, where it might assume its rightful position in the crowns of kings, the reliquaries of saints, or become the honoured medium of commerce, ruling the world by its power. "
"From that moment remained at Eula, passing through every grade of work, until I reached the post of Gem-cutter. "
Here the old man paused to rest and drink with his companions, who heartily shouted 'Gluck auf'. While he rested, they talked of the strange life of the miners, and related many legends, which made the treasure-hunter laugh.
"You must have had strange experiences, and seen marvellous things, said Heinrich. "Did you ever regret the mode of life you had adopted? Please tell us of your next adventures, and the object you now have in view. It seems to me that you have seen more of the world and know far more than a mere miner. "
"I love to speak of the past" said the old man "it recalls vividly the goodness and mercy that have led me on my way. I have been granted me a merry happy life. I have ever laid down at night in rest and peace. I have prospered in all my undertakings. Our Father in heaven has preserved me from evil, and given me the respect of all in my old age. Next to him, I owe all to my old master at the mine, who has long since been gathered to his fathers, but whom I can never think of without tears. He was a man of the olden days, a man after God's heart. He was gifted with keen penetration, yet he was ever humble and child-like. The great success of the mines was all owing to him, he produced enormous treasures for the Dukes of Bohemia. The neighbourhood became populous and flourishing, and riches and prosperity increased. The miners looked on him as a father. As long as Eula stands his name will be honoured. He was a Lusation called Werner. "
"When I came to him his only daughter was a child. Every day he seemed more pleased with my diligence, my faithfulness, and my devotion to him. He gave me his name, and called me his son. The little girl was a bright, merry child, with a white skin as even as her temper. When I played and joked with her, admiring her eyes, which were blue as the heavens, and shone like crystal, Werner would say, 'be a good miner, and I will not refuse her to you.' And he kept his word. "
"The day I became a gem-cutter he laid our hands together and gave us his blessing. That very morning I discovered a rich vein of gold. The Duke sent me his likeness on a golden coin, hanging to a heavy gold chain, and promised that I should succeed Werner in his Office. How proud I was to wear it on our marriage day, and see all eyes fastened on it. Our old father lived many years and rejoiced over his grand-children. Then he tranquilly abandoned the shafts in which his life had passed, left the dark earth where he had laboured, and went to his rest, to await the great day of reward. "
"Sir" said the old man turning to Heinrich, and wiping away a tear, "mining must be under the blessing of God. There is no craft which makes men nobler and happier, which awakens greater faith in heavenly Wisdom and forethought, or in which men preserve greater innocence of heart-life. The miner is born poor, and dies poor. It is enough for him that he knows the hiding places of the metallic powers, and can bring them forth to light, but their brilliance does not arouse covetousness in his pure heart. Untouched by this dangerous madness, he delights more in their marvellous formations, the strangeness of their origin, and the nooks in which they are hidden, than in their possession. As soon as they become articles of trade, they have lost all attraction in his eyes: he would rather seek for them amidst a thousand dangers in the depths of the earth than win them above ground by art and trickery. Danger keeps his spirit quick, his mind alert. He enjoys his poor dole with a thankful heart, and rises each day with renewed love of life out of the dark pit where he follows his craft. "
"He and he alone, appreciates the charm of light and rest, the beneficent influence of fresh air, and a wide view, to him, meat and drink are refreshing, even as the body of the Lord. And with what loving cordiality does he meet his comrades, and embrace his wife and children, grateful for the beautiful gift of speech.? "
"His business cuts him off from the usual life of man and prevents him from seeking into dull indifference as to the deep supernatural tie which binds man to heaven. He keeps his native simplicity, and sees in all around its inherent beauty and marvel. Nature abhors selfishness. Hence, her treasures, meant for all, turn to virulent poison when grasped for the selfish use of one man. They drive away his rest, and draw him into a circle of ruinous pleasures, bringing sorrow and wild passions in their train. They thus dig the grave of their possessor, who falls down a fearful precipice, leaving them to circulate freely from hand to hand, and thus satisfy their socialistic craving. "
"How patiently does the miner work on in the deep abyss, away from the tumult of the world, desiring only knowledge, and loving union and peace. In his loneliness he thinks lovingly of his family and his friends, and he feels the bonds of humanity, and the interdependence of all mankind. His calling teaches him endless patience, and doesn't permit his mind to wander in idle thought. He has to conquer a hard resisting mass, to overcome its power by obstinate diligence and ceaseless attention. How rich is the harvest that he wins. I these obscure depths there grows the deepest faith in his heavenly father, whose hand guides him and preserves him in countless dangers. How often I have sat down, and by the light of my lamp, contemplated my crucifix with deepest devotion. The true meaning of that sacred symbol became clearer to my mind, and my soul seemed for a time set free from the husk of mortality. "
"He must have been a God-like man who first taught the noble art of mining, and traced in the rocks so striking an image in life. Here the vein is high and wide, but poor. There the vein is squeezed in by rocks of the richest metals, again it yields little but dross, until a friendly lead runs into it, and raises its value one-hundredfold. Often it breaks down altogether, but the patient miner goes on undismayed, and his zeal is rewarded by striking on it again in increased richness and facility of working. He is often deceived, and strays from the right direction, but finding out his mistakes, breaks down the intervening obstacles until he reaches the true golden strata. Thus the miner is exposed to all the caprices of fortune, though he retains the belief that only through diligence and perseverance can he overcome them, and obtain the bravely guarded treasure."
"I suppose," said Heinrich, "you must have many songs peculiar to the miners craft. Music must be a welcome companion to so solitary a life."
"That is true," the old man responded, "song and the zither are part of a miners life. NO class of men are more susceptible to melody. The miner loves music and dancing, they refresh his soul like cheerful prayers, and their remembrance sweetens many an hour of toil and solitude. If you like I will sing one which was in every miner's mouth in my youth. "
It is the Lord of the earth,
Who their depths measures,
And any complaint
In their lap forgets.
Who their @@Felsenglieder
Secret building understands,
And @@unverdrossen down
To their workshop goes.
He is allied with her,
And @@inniglich trusts,
And is inflamed by her,
As @@wär them/it/her his bride.
He sees her all days
With new love of,
And does not avoid industry and nuisance,
She leaves him no @@Ruh.
The mighty histories
It long since @@verflossnen time,
Is to be reported them/it/her him
With kindness ready.
The @@Vorwelt @@heilge air
@@Umwehn his countenance,
And in the night of the gaps
Shines him a @@ewges light.
He meets with all ways
A well-known country,
And gladly comes them/it/her against
The works of his hand.
The stretches of water follow him
@@Hülfreich the mountain up;
And all @@Felsenschlösser,
Open their Schätz' him.
He drives the gold currents
In his king house,
And adorns the @@Diademe
With noble stones from.
Of course he extend faithfully the king
The @@glückbegabten arm,
However he asks about him little
And remains with delights poor.
You/They may choke themselves
At the foot around asset and money,
He remains on the @@Gebürgen
The glad Lord of the world."
The song pleased Heinrich exceedingly, and he asked the old man for another.. The old one was immediately ready and: "I know still a quaint song, what we do not know personally, where it is here.
It came from a traveling miner, who came far, and a special @@Rutengänger was. The song found large applause, because it sounded so @@seltsamlich, almost so darkly and incomprehensibly, as the music itself maintained, but just for that reason also so incomprehensibly attracted, and in the watching condition like a dream.
I know where a firm lock
A still king lives darinnen.
With a quaint @@Tross;
However he climbs never to his battlements.
Hidden is his @@Lustgemach,
And invisible guards listen;
Only well-known sources roar
To him down from the colourful roof.
Which their light eyes saw
In the stars wide halls,
That say them/it/her him truly at
And can not tell themselves enough.
He bathes in their tide,
Washes clean his delicate limbs
And his radiation flash again
From his mother white blood.
His lock is old and wonderful,
It sank from deep seas,
If @@immerdar was certain, and stands still,
The flight to the heaven to forbid.
From inside twists a secretly band
Itself around the rich subjects,
And clouds painful like @@Siegesfahnen
Down from the @@Felsenwand.
An immeasurable sex
Surrounds the @@festverschlossnen gates,
An each plays the faithful servant
And calls the Lord with sweeten words.
You/They feel through him delights,
And do not punish, that they caught,
Intoxicates from @@trüglichem longing
If none knows, where the shoe presses him.
Only few are clever and awake,
And do not thirst for his presents;
You/They aspire continually to,
The old lock to undermine.
The furtiveness @@urmächtgen spell,
Can solve only the hand of the judgement;
Gelingt's, to strip the interior,
So the day of the freedom begins.
No wall is the industry too firm,
The courage no abyss inaccessible;
Who on heart and hand relies,
Feels after the king without hesitation.
From his chambers he gets him,
Expels the spirits through the spirits,
Progresses the wild tides masters,
And is called them/it/her personally out itself accused.
Per more he now to the light comes
And wildly around itself drives on earth:
Per more his force is dammed,
Per more the number of the free become.
At the end becomes from bands loose
The sea the empty castle get through
And carries on yield green wings
Back us in the home lap."
As the old man finished, it seemed to Heinrich that he had heard the song somewhere before, he repeated it and wrote it down.
Soon after the old man left the room, and the merchants and the other guests began to discuss what he had spoken to them.
"The old man is not here for nothing" said one "All morning he has been climbing about the hills, let us ask him what he found. "
"We would do well to ask him to find a spring near the village" said another - we have to travel far to fetch water, and a good spring would be very welcome"
"I would like to ask him, said a third "whether he would like to take one of my sons with him, he has brought home a house full of stones, and would certainly make a good miner, and the old one seems to be a good man."
For their part, their merchants thought that perhaps through the miner they may find a fresh opportunity for trade with Bohemia, and procure metals at a good rate.
When the old man returned, they all sought to make best use of the opportunity.
"How hot and oppressive this room is" he said, "Outside the moon is shining in full glory, and it would give me great pleasure to take a walk. Today I saw some remarkable caves nearby. Will some of you come with me and bring torches so that we might explore it?"
The villagers knew of the cavern, but had never ventured in. Some had heard stories that it was inhabited by dragons and other beasts, others that it was haunted by spirits, and they had seen strange human forms go in and out, and had heard strange songs coming from the cave at night.
The old miner laughingly assured them that they would be quite safe under his protection, the dragons would be afraid of him, and a singing spirit was certainly likely to have a good nature.
Curiosity gave some enough courage to take up his suggestion. Heinrich also wished to join them, and his mother finally yielded to the urging of the old man and his promise that he would pay close attention to Heinrich's safety and needs. The merchants were also keen to go.
Pitch pine was collected for the torches, others carried ropes, bars, and other weapons and they finally began their pilgrimage to the foothills.
The old man went first with Heinrich and the merchants. The peasant fetched his stone-loving son, who carrying a torch was delighted to show the way to the caves.
The evening was cheerful and warm, and the moon stood in mild splendour over the hills, and gave a dream like appearance to the landscape. Like a dream of the sun, it spread over the land, leading nature back through countless boundaries to that fabulous primeval time, where each seed slept still within itself, and secluded and untouched longing in vain, to unfold the dark plenty of it's immeasurable existence.
Heinrich's mind reflected the mystic of the evening. It was as if nature rested open within his mind, a friendly host showing him all their hidden treasures and loveliness. Everything was clear, though incomprehensible because of the sheer intimate overload, overflowing its varied expressions.
The words of the old miner had opened up fresh trains of thought.
His life before this seemed narrow and dark, now his imagination wandered to the far distant past and its mysteries, then ascended to the vault of a clear cheerful future with golden Angels singing anthems of entry. Powerful sounds trembled in their silvery song, and all creatures entered through the wide gates, each expressing their core nature simply and distinctly in their own peculiar dialect. He wondered how it was possible that he had not seen something so foundational before. He could survey in an instant all his relationships with the whole world around him, and here he could comprehend all the strange ideas and inspirations he had often felt and seen.
The merchant's story of the youth who studied natures ways rose to his mind, and mingled with a thousand remembrances of his life.
At last they reached the grotto. The entrance was low. The old man taking the torch and climbing over some stones was the first to enter. He was met by a perceptible airstream, and he assured them they could follow safely. The timid peasants came last, holding their weapons in readiness. Heinrich and the merchants were behind the old man, and the peasant boy acted as his page.
The narrow entrance led into a high vaulted cavern, which was so vast that their torches were unable to illuminate it, but they could see further openings in the rocks. The floor was covered with soft sand, the walls and roof were neither rough or irregular. What attracted their attention was the immense quantity of bones and teeth covering the floor. Many were perfectly preserved, others in the wall seemed to be fossilised. They were all very large and strong. The old miner was delighted with these remnants of the ancient past, but the peasants were alarmed, for they felt sure that this was proof that wild beasts lived in the cavern. It was in vain that the old man told them that they were bones of animals they had never seen, then asked them if they had missed any of their flocks or herds.
The old man wanted to move further into the cavern but the peasants considered it advisable to retreat to the entrance of the cave, and wait his return. Heinrich, the merchants, and the boy, remained with the old man, taking ropes and ladders. They soon arrived at a second cavern, the old man marking the passage they had come from with a collection of bones. This cavern was similar to the previous one, and also rich in animal remains. Heinrich felt as if he were wandering through the courts of a secret palace. Heaven and earth were far away. He had entered a new rich and strange underground realm. What fiery nature had given birth to these enormous beings whose skeletons lay strewn around him. Were these gigantic bones from the cold realms beneath, or heavenly guests taking the power of the stars to become visible. Were these bones remnants of an excursion to the surface, or signs of a flight to the depths.
All at once the old man called the others over, and showed them fresh human footprints on the floor of the cave. There were only a few, which made it improbable that they were on the track of a band of robbers, so they determined to push on. As they were about to do so the were stopped when as if beneath their feet and from a far off depth, a distinct song could be heard. Not a little astonished they listened carefully.
Gladly verweil' I still in the valley
Smiling in the deep night,
For the love full shell
Is offered me daily.
Their holy drops lift
My soul highly up,
And I stand in this life
Drunk at the heaven gate.
@@Eingewiegt in @@selges shows
Frightens my mind no pain.
O! the queen of the women
Gives me her loyal heart.
@@Bangverweinte years have
This bad clay transfigures,
And a picture buried,
That eternity grants.
Those long number from days
Seems me only a moment;
@@Werd I once from here carried,
Show I gratefully still back.
So sweet were the tones, they longed to discover the singer.
After searching for some time, they discovered a passage in a corner of the wall that appeared to lead downwards. Soon they perceived a glimmer which appeared to grow brighter as they got closer. At last they entered a large vaulted grotto, similar to the previous caverns, and at one end they saw a human figure with a lamp and lying before her on a stony slab was a large book that he appeared to be reading.
When he saw them he got up and approached them. He was a man whose age was impossible to guess. He looked neither young or old, his face bore no signs of age, though his hair was silvery. There was in his eyes an inexpressible cheer as if he was looking from a far mountain on the scene of a perpetual spring. He wore sandals on his feet, and nothing else other than a mantle which seemed to exaggerate his nobility and large size.
He did not appear to be in the least surprised by the sight of their unexpected arrival, and he greeted them as would have received expected guests in his apartment house. "It good that you have visited me" he said " you are the first friends I have had visit me since I have been here. It seems as if people are beginning to wake up to find out more of our large wonderful abode."
The old man answered "We did not expect to find so welcoming a host here. We were told we would be met by wild animals and spirits, and now we see we were most gracefully deceived. Forgive us if in our curiosity we have disturbed you in your worship and your profound meditations."
"What is more encouraging than the sight of genial human faces? Do not think that I am a misanthropist because you find me living in this solitude, I have not fled the world, I have merely sought a place of peace where I could pursue my considerations undisturbed.
"Have you ever regretted such a choice, and are there not times of anxiety when your heart craves for a human voice?
Not now. In my early youth in my enthusiasm led me to become a hermit. My youthful imagination brooded over dark presentiments. I hoped to find treasures in my heart in solitude, the source of my internal life seemed to be inexhaustible. But I soon found out that one needed to bring along plenty of experiences, and that a young heart cannot be alone, and that a person only gains a certain independence thorough multiple relations with his fellow humans.
"I personally believe said the old man "that there is a certain natural progression to each custom, and perhaps the experience of old age automatically leads one to withdraw from human company. There is both amusement and instruction to be gained in social intercourse. Hope and collective purpose draw men together, apart from children and old people. The former are excluded by reason of their ignorance and powerlessness, the latter because their objects are attained, their hopes fulfilled. They can no longer join in the circles of everyday life. They draw apart to prepare for a higher community. But you seem to have had special motives in cutting yourself adrift from men, and resigning all the interests and conveniences of life. At times surely surely your spirit must flag, and dreariness overtake you?
That is true but I have learned how to avoid it therough a regular and structured life. Occupation and health are absolutely necessary for health. Every day I walk for miles and enjoy the air and light. At other times I occupy myself in these halls with basket-weaving and carving, which I exchange n the neighbourhood for provisions. I brought many books here, so time passes like a moment. I have a few acquaintances who know where I live, and am informed of what is happening in the world from them. When I die, they will bury me and inherit my books.
He led them nearer to his seat, which was close to the wall of the cavern. They saw several books lying on the earth there, and also a zither, and on the walls a suit of armour which looked rather valuable. The table was composed of five large stone slabs, placed together like a chest. On the uppermost slab lay life size male and female figures, holding between them a wreath of lilies and roses. Round the sides was the inscription 'Friedrich and Maria Von Hohenzollen returned to their fatherland.
The hermit asked his guests about their country, and how they came to these parts. He was open and friendly, and betrayed a good acquaintance with the world.
The old man said "I see you have been a soldier, the armour betrays you."
"The dangers and changes in a soldiers life, and the poetic spirit which accompanies it took me from my youthful solitude and set the stage for the rest of my life. Perhaps the turmoil, and events I passed through increased my longing for solitude. My countless adventures are pleasant company for me, all the more when I look back on them in a totally different spirit to the one that ruled me then, and see the meaning and profoundness of their consequences. One can judge far more clearly under the calm influences of the memory than under the more violent impressions of the present. And it is only when one contemplates a long series of events that one sees that what appeared to unrelated events are seen to be connected.. And in not taking things too literally and confusing ones own imaginings with reality, one notes the hidden linking of the past and future, and learns history from hope and memory together.
Only when all antiquity is present do we come to discover the simple rule of history. We come to incomplete and troublesome theories, and a re glad if we can find sufficient instruction for our own short life. I would say however that each careful consideration of life grants a deep and fathomless joy, and raises us above most of the earthly evils. The youth reads history only out of curiosity, like an interesting fairytale, but as they get to a riper age, they find a heavenly comfort and constructive friend who points them softly through her conversations to a higher and more all-embracing sphere, with the unknown world known in comprehensible pictures. The church is the apartment house of history, and the Church's court her symbolic flower garden.
Only old and God-fearing people whose own history is drawing to a close should write of the past, those who have nothing more to hope, other than for transplantation in the garden. Their description then will not be sinister or cloudy, but rather a ray from the heavenly vault will show everything in the most proper and beautiful light, and the Holy Spirit will hover over these strangely moved surfaces of water.
How true and clear is your speech said the old miner "One should certainly spend more effort in transmitting a true picture of ones time as a devotional legacy to future generations. We trouble ourselves about a thousand things, but neglect the nearest and most important, the fate of ourselves, our relatives, and our fellows. We never see the soft methods of providence, we allow the most trivial things to distract us from the important. Wise descendants would look upon a truthful account of the life of even an insignificant man as a priceless heirloom, as in it would be reflected the knowledge of the age.
It is sad " said the count of Hohenzollen " that the few who have described the deeds and occurrences of their own times have done so without due consideration, and that their remarks are so incomplete and vague. No one can describe a thing well without a perfect understanding of it, otherwise all there will be is a confused mixture of unfinished remarks. Let a child describe a machine, a peasant a ship, and who can form any idea of the reality? And it is the same of most historians, who may be full of gossip and longwinded, but who forget the most essential, that which is alone worthy of the name of history, and which links the parts into a pleasant and constructive whole. When I consider the matter, it seems to me that a historian would need to be a poet, for only a poet knows the art of relating events together for understanding. In their accounts and fables I have noticed with pleasure their delicate feeling for the mysterious spirit of life. There is more truth in their fairy-tale than in learned chronicles. The sense in which persons and their fates are invented is both genuine and natural. Whether the persons in whose fates we trace our own, really lived once or not makes no difference to the instruction and enjoyment we derive from them. We long for great and simple types of life, and this is granted, so we do not care about the form in which they are presented.
I have also loved the poets " said the old one "they have made life clearer and more comprehensible to me. They are connected with the spirits of light who permeate nature, casting daintily coloured veil over all. Their songs have always opened up my own nature, stirring me up to fresh exertions, making my mind alert and happy."
"were you so happy to have had any poets in your own neighbourhood?" asked the hermit.
"Occasionally, but they were all fond of travelling, and never stayed long. But I have met many in my wanderings through Illyria, Saxony, and Sweden, of whom I keep a grateful memory.?
"If you have roamed so far, you must have experienced many memorable things."
"Our art requires us to have a close familiarity with the earth, a miner is driven on by an inner fire. One hill sends him to another. He is never weary of investigating, all his life he is learning. Our craft is very ancient and widespread. It has come from the east, like our race. Everywhere it has to struggle with difficulties, but the human spirit has always been stimulated to invention by these, so every difficulty conquered increases the miners resources, and helps him to enrich his country.
"You are almost an inverted astrologer" said the hermit, "If these consider the heavens and its immeasurable houses, so you turn your gaze to the ground and explore its building. Those study the powers and influences of the stars, and you explore the powers of the rocks and mountains, and the diverse effects of the earth, and its varied strata. The heaven is the book of the future, and the earth shows you memories of the primeval world."
"This connection is not meaningless" said the old one smiling, "Those luminous prophets played a great part in the formation of this world. Perhaps in time we may come to understand the influence of their actions, and from the results, comprehend something of their nature. Perhaps the great mountain chains are traces of their passage. Some boldly rose higher and higher, to become stars, and as a consequence lost the beautiful green clothes of the lower areas. In compensation they have become weather prophets to the lower regions which they sometimes protect with thunderstorms and flood."
"Since I have dwelt in this cavern, " continued the hermit "I have reflected more on the earlier ages. It is strange how attractive the subject is, and I can see how a miner has a love for his craft. If I examine the heaps of strange old bones collected here, I think of the primitive ages when the enormous antediluvian animals swarmed in these caverns, driven her perhaps by some sudden panic, and here found their death. Then I consider the earth covered with water. How quiet and peaceful is nature now to what she was the! The most terrible storm or earthquake is only a weak echo of those violent earlier labour pains. Probably in those days, plants, the animal kingdom, and even humankind was of a stronger and rougher kind. Perhaps the legends of giants may have been no fancied legend.
"It is indeed cheerful, said the miner "to see how calm and peaceful nature is now. There seems to be everywhere there is more heartfelt agreement, a mutual support and upliftedness appears to gradually have formed, and we can always look forward to better times. Some of the old leaven may still give rise to mighty convulsions. Nature seems striving to attain greater harmony, and these will pass and lead on more accurately to the larger goal. If it is that today, nature is no longer as fruitful any more, and no metals, jewels, rocks and mountains are produced, nor are the plants and animals of such astonishing sizes, but if her productive power has exhausted itself, there has been again in the refining, sociable, and formative powers, their mind has become more open and delicate, their imagination more diverse and symbolic, their hand more skilful and ingenious.
"There is no need to increase her treasures, they will last for ages and ages. I have roamed through but a small portion of the world, and yet I have seen the mighty wealth amassed for future generations. What riches are hidden in the mountains of the North, all through my Fatherland, and in the rocks of Tyrol, Bavaria, and Austria. I would have been a rich man had been able to take all that I could pick up. In many places I thought I was in an enchanted garden. I was surrounded by costly metals formed most ingeniously. In the graceful curls and branches of silver, hung with transparent red ruby fruit, rising from a crystal floor of surpassing loveliness. One could hardly trust his senses in such wondrous regions, and one never wearied going through such magic scenes. I have also seen may peculiarities on my current journey, and I'm certain the other countries of the world are as productive and extravagant.
"Yes" said the hermit, "there is no doubt of that. Think of the treasures of the East. India, Africa, and Spain were known to the ancients by their riches. As a soldier, one has little time to think of the hills and their hidden treasures, yet I often cast a curious eye on the shining veins of metal which spoke of unseen beauty. Little did I then think that I conclude my life in the heart of a mountain. When the war had ended I returned home to pass the tranquil autumn of my life. But it turned out that the spirit of the war was the spirit of my own fortune. My Marie had borne me two children in the orient. They were the delight of our life, but the trip home and the harsher western air faded their blossom. I lost them a few days after our arrival. Sadly I led my desolate wife to my home, but sorrow had cut the thread of her life, and on a journey in which she went with me as usual, she died in my arms. Our pilgrimage ended near here. My determination was quickly taken. A divine inspiration came to me, I buried her here with my own hands, and since that day all sorrow has been banished by divine influence. I have had this tomb erected to her. Often an event occurs which seems to be a termination, that is really a new beginning, and this has happened in my life. May God grant you as happy an old age, and as peaceful a conscience as mine."
Heinrich and the merchants had listened attentively to the conversation, and the hermits words fell like good seed in the young man's mind, and woke him out of the narrow circle of his youth. The past years seemed far behind him, and he believed that he had never felt or thought differently to how he felt and thought at that moment.
The hermit then showed him his books. They were old histories and poems. Heinrich thumbed through the large beautifully illuminated pages. The short lines of the poetry, the headings with the occasional pictures to support the imagination of the reader, considerably exited his curiosity. The hermit observed his interest, and explained the various pictures. There were scenes of all kinds, shipwrecks, caves, palaces, kings, heroes, priests, young and old people, people in foreign costumes, strange animals from distant lands. Heinrich did not weary looking at them, and thanked the hermit for his permission, and thumbed through with endless pleasure. Finally a book fell open in his hands which was written in a foreign language that appeared to be similar to Latin or Italian. He would have loved to have known the language, as the book pleased him particularly, even though he didn't understand a syllable of it. It had no title but as he searched through he did find some pictures. They struck him with amazement, he thought he was in a dream when he recognised himself among the figures. He was frightened and thought he was dreaming, but looking again he no longer doubted what he was seeing. He could hardly trust his senses when he saw a picture of the cave, the hermit, and the old man standing beside him. Other pictures showed his parents, the Ladgraf, and Landgravin of Thuringia, his tutor the Court Chaplain and many of his friends. He saw himself in a tender embrace with a slender lovely girl, in a fight with wild men and in friendly conversations with Saracens and moors. A man of serious appearance occurred frequently in his company. He felt deep reverence before this high figure, and was glad to see him arm in arm with him. The last pictures were dark and incomprehensible, however some figures of his dream surprised him with the most heartfelt rapture, the conclusion of the story appeared to be missing.
Heinrich was greatly disturbed, and wished nothing more than to be able to read the book, and to own it. He considered the pictures repeatedly and was dismayed as heard the company return.
A strange timidity attacked him, and closing the book, he casually asked the hermit about the title and language of the book, and learned that it was written in provincial dialect.
"It is a long time since I have read it " said the hermit "I cannot exactly recall its content. As far as I can remember it is a novel about the wonderful fate of a poet, and the poetry is presented and praised in his various relationships. The conclusion is missing. I brought it from Jerusalem in remembrance of a friend to whom it belonged."
They then took leave of each other, and Heinrich was moved to tears. The cave and the Hermit had become so dear to him.
They all embraced each other tenderly, but Heinrich noticed that hermit looked at him with a kind but penetrating look. His words of farewell to him were strangely important. He appeared to be aware of Heinrich's discovery and to allude t it. He accompanied them up to the entrance of the cave, and after he had asked them and in particular the boy to mention nothing about him to the peasants.
They all promised, and asked him to pray for them.
"how long will it be until we see ourselves again, and smile over our recent conversations. The heavenly light will surround us, and we will be happy that we greeted each other kindly in this valley of trial, and exchanged our thoughts as equals. Thoughts are the angels who accompany us here. If your eye is firmly fixed on heaven you will never lose sight of your way home.
They departed with a feeling of awe, and soon found their timid companions, who told them country tales all the way back to the village, where they were joyfully welcomed by Heinrich's mother who had been in great anxiety until their return.