Ludwig Tieck

“ What strange fate has torn us apart?
It grew dark as night fell, and the Moon cast its broken rays through the forest. Strange and unusual voices could be heard in the distance, and Magelone was afraid that they were the cries of wild animals. With difficulty, she scaled another tree. Lit up strangely by the moon, clouds metamorphosed as they rushed about in disorder through the heavens. Magelone fancied she could see her hero figured forth in these atmospheric phenomena, fighting with monsters and defeating them. ”

“ The forest burned in dark red flames and the mist was transformed into golden pillars among the tree trunks. Magelone had decided in the night not to return to her father because she feared his anger. She would instead search for some quiet dwelling, remote from other people, where her thoughts would always be of her beloved, and where she could die in piety and fidelity. So she climbed down from the tree and returned to where the faithful horses were still tied, their sad heads lowered to the ground. She loosened their reins, so that they could go wherever they wanted, saying:
— Go on now. ”

“ Cattle were grazing on the nearby hills; their bells sounded pleasant in the quiet of the evening. On the other side lay a forest, and Magelone's soul was quiet and serene here for the first time in a long while. She resolved therefore to dwell in this peaceful spot. She went up to the hut and was met by an old shepherd, who had settled here with his wife to raise innocent lambs and till his small field far from the rest of mankind. ”