صفحة 554 من 626

The youth likewise went his way, and once more began to mutter to

himself: 'Ah, if I could but shudder! Ah, if I could but

shudder!' A waggoner who was striding behind him heard this and

asked: 'Who are you?' 'I don't know,' answered the youth. Then

the waggoner asked: 'From whence do you come?' 'I know not.' 'Who

is your father?' 'That I may not tell you.' 'What is it that you

are always muttering between your teeth?' 'Ah,' replied the

youth, 'I do so wish I could shudder, but no one can teach me

how.' 'Enough of your foolish chatter,' said the waggoner. 'Come,

go with me, I will see about a place for you.' The youth went

with the waggoner, and in the evening they arrived at an inn

where they wished to pass the night. Then at the entrance of the

parlour the youth again said quite loudly: 'If I could but

shudder!