And he should be disturbed by none, not e'en a royal guest.

The porter nodded in his chair: I dare not say he slept:

But sprang upright, as through the door a fairy vision crept.

A tiny girl with shining eyes, and wavy golden hair,

Tip-toed along the corridor, and close up to his chair,

And a bird-like voice sweet questioned, "Wilhelmj, where is he?

I've brought a little tribute for the great mæstro,—see!"

Her looped-up dress she opened, displaying to his view

A mass of brilliant woodland flowers, wet with morning dew;

Placing his finger on his lip, he pointed out the door;