36
The Fisher Maiden.
Now a great zeal took possession of her; it gave the impulse of mature energy to her work, its intensity entered into her play, and it made her grow pale and thin. Romantic longings filled her mind: to cut her hair short, dress herself as a boy, sally forth into the world and enter into its struggles! But when her teacher one day told her how pretty her hair was if she would but keep it in order, she became fond of her long hair, and for its sake was ready to sacrifice heroic fame.
After this it was more to her than ever before to be a girl, and her work progressed more calmly, while fitful dreams hovered over it.
