"Ah, basta! I have been a good adjutant to you, Sanvird. Without me the day would not have been won—"
"Oh, indeed! I have yet to learn it."
"Sanvird, you have a daughter—"
"Three."
"Ah! Two are children—your Theresa is ... bella, bella veramente!"
"I have not now to learn that," said Hofer, laughing and shaking him off; "but you had better think of something else, my lad—you and she have nothing in common."
"Oh, I'm aware I am not common," said Giuseppe, "but any little advantage I may have of birth—"
"Hold, there, my boy. We Hofers have been Sandwirths of repute for many generations. Good night, now. I am very tired, and am going to bed; and I advise you to do the same."
Eisenstecken stared, shrugged his shoulders, and walked off to the theatre.
When the news of the victory of Berg Isel spread through the valleys, which it did like wildfire, much rejoicing and festivity ensued. The darling passion of the mountaineers is for music and dancing. Every cottage has its violin or guitar; and the Tyrolese not only sing, but have a gift of improvising verses, rough indeed, and with little pretension to polish or harmony, but not destitute of wit and satire, nor without occasional touches of pathos. These accomplishments were brought into play at a national festival given in honour of the victory of Berg Isel. The chief merit attained or aimed at, is a quickness at repartee; each party in the impromptu dialogue striving to make the other ridiculous. Sometimes when the cut is very unexpected, the person assailed is bereft of presence of mind; and his or her confusion affords abundant amusement to the audience.