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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 Excerpt:... o also decay; and if it dies, we also die, and sleep, like mortals, a sort of death-sleep, till, by the eternal circumvolution of all things, through chance or some secret disposition of Nature, our being is again coupled with a new germ, which, by means of our vivifying power, in the course of time again becomes a powerful tree, and thus allows us to enjoy anew the pleasures of life. From this tho'u mayest gather, what service thou hast rendered to mo by thy prowess, and what gratitude I owe thee. Ask now the reward of thy noble deed; tell me the secret wish of thy heart, and it shall be immediately granted." Krokus was silent. The presence of the charming Elf had made more impression upon him than her speech, which he but partly understood. She saw his embarrassment; and, in order to relieve it, she took a withered reed from the side of the pond, broke it into three parts, and said, " Choose one of these three hulls, or take one without choosing. In the first thou wilt find honour and glory; in the second, riches and their wise enjoyment; in the third, happiness in love. The young man cast down his eyes, and answered, "Daughter of heaven, if thou wilt grant me the wish of my heart, know, that it is not inclosed in either of these three hulls which thou. offerest me. My heart wishes for a higher reward. What is honour, but the tinder of pride? what are riches, but the root of avarice? what is love, but the lure of the passions, to ensnare the noble freedom of the heart? Grant me my wish, to repose in the shade of thy oak from the fatigues of the campaign, to hear from thy sweet lips the precepts of wisdom, and to be enabled to decipher the secrets of the future." '" Thy request," answered the Elf, "is of great import, but so are the services thou hast ren...