By magic and directed by the fiend.

Of some effect these tales were and some force

Had with the Duke, who lent an ear so far

As to ordain Kuno's descendants all

To proof of skill ere their succession to

The father's office. Kurt himself hath shot

The silver ring from out the popinjay's beak—

A good shot he, you see, who would succeed.

The Devil guards his mysteries close as God.

For who can say what elementaries