In great trepidation I took the sheet. It was headed simply "Volkslied." I saw at once that there would be no difficulty in reading it, for the music was both graceful and simple.

"Shall we try?" asked Mendelssohn, with his quiet, reassuring smile.

"If you are willing to let me," I answered.

Parting.
"It is decreed by heaven's behest
That man from all he loves the best
Must sever.
That soon or late with breaking heart
With all his dear ones he must part
For ever.
How oft we cull a budding flower,
To see it bloom a transient hour;
'Tis gathered.
The bud becomes a lovely rose,
Its morning blush at evening goes;
'Tis withered.
And has it pleased our God to lend
His cheering smile in child or friend?
To-morrow—
To-morrow if reclaimed again
The parting hour will prove how vain
Is sorrow.
Oft hope beguiles the friends who part;
With happy smiles, and heart to heart,
'To meet,' they cry, 'we sever.'
It proves good-bye for ever
For ever!"
Painting by N. M. Price. PARTING.
Click to [ENLARGE]
"It is decreed by heaven's behest
That man from all he loves the best
Must sever."

"Bravo!" cried Bennett.