"A laugh is worth a zwanziger now and then. Or else, it makes my heart sore to pass along this valley, only a few weeks ago in the highest possible state of cultivation, and diversified with villages in the neatest order; now presenting on every side a spectacle of ruin and desolation."
"Eheu," sighed Father Peter, in response, "'Incenderunt igni sanctuarium tuum; in terra polluerunt nominis tui.'"
"Nevertheless, brother," rejoined Father Joachim, "'Lætabitur justus in Domino, et sperabit in eo, ut laudabuntur omnes recti corde;' which, if we interpret for the benefit of the unlearned, is as much as to say, the righteous shall, notwithstanding, rejoice in the Lord and put their trust in Him; and all they that are true of heart shall be glad."
"The Bavarians may trust in their chariots and horses," said Hofer, "but we will trust in the Lord our God."
"Ah, I wish we had some more horses, though," broke in Eisenstecken, "for we are miserably deficient in cavalry."
"What on earth should we do with cavalry?" cried Father Joachim. "Why, our very want of it makes us respected the more, because our successes can only be attributed to our natural intrepidity and resolution."
"Pardon me, father; our successes can only last among the hills, we cannot compete with the enemy in the plains."
"Never mind that," interposed Father Peter, setting aside an objection that could not be answered. "Let them keep their plains to themselves, as long as we have our hills."
While talking in this desultory fashion, they came up with one of those rustic processions so common in the mountains, when the cows, having exhausted the pastures in the valleys, are driven up the hills for the summer. The tinkling of bells, and rustic sounds of music which accompanied it, could be heard far off. First came the senner, or milker, at the head of the cows, with ribbons of many colours bedecking his hat and shoes, and a long staff in his hand, with which he gesticulated in a theatrical manner. Immediately after him marched the principal cow of a herd amounting to some hundreds, belonging to different farmers; her head and neck were decorated with immense garlands of the gayest flowers, interspersed with knots and streamers, pink, blue, and yellow, and bearing a deep-toned bell suspended by an embroidered strap. The other cows succeeded, each adorned with smaller bells, streamers, and garlands, and quite aware of their subordinate dignity. Then came the galleter, driving the heifers and calves, and having in his charge the fetters and halters of the whole herd. Then followed the goat-keeper, with a long train of goats; then the schäfer, or shepherd, with his numerous flocks of sheep; and lastly, the sandirne, or pig-driver, with his unruly herd.
When the senner in advance of this procession came near enough to be recognised, he proved to be Franz, who was a good herdsman enough, and being never very fond of either smuggling or fighting when they threatened much danger, was very glad to get a safe, and, in the eyes of mountaineers, honourable, employment for the rest of the summer. He enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of the procession amazingly, and hardly less so the prospect of occasional long, lonely hours of luxurious idleness which were sure to follow, when lying at full length on thymy banks watching his charge.