" I shuddered with
horror, and dashing the ringing purse into the abyss, I spoke to him
the last words--"I adjure thee, horrible one, in the name of God, take
thyself hence, and never again show thyself in my sight!"
He arose gloomily, and instantly vanished behind the masses of rock
which bounded this wild, overgrown spot.
CHAPTER IX
I sat there without shadow and without money, but a heavy weight was
taken from my bosom. I was calm. Had I not also lost my love, or had I
in that loss felt myself free from blame, I believe that I should have
been happy; but I knew not what I should do. I examined my pockets; I
found yet several gold pieces there; I counted them and laughed. I
had my horses below at the inn; I was ashamed of returning thither; I
must, at least, wait till the sun was gone down; it stood yet high in
the heavens. I laid myself down in the shade of the nearest trees, and
calmly fell asleep.
Lovely shapes blended themselves before me in charming dance into a
pleasing dream. Mina with a flower-wreath in her hair floated by me,
and smiled kindly upon me. The noble Bendel also was crowned with
flowers, and went past with a friendly greeting. I saw many besides,
and I believe thee too, Chamisso, in the distant throng. A bright
light appeared, but no one had a shadow, and, what was stranger, it
had by no means a bad effect. Flowers and songs, love and joy, under
groves of palm! I could neither hold fast nor interpret the moving,
lightly floating, lovable forms; but I knew that I dreamed such a
dream with joy, and was careful to avoid waking.
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