Free Buried in the Snow by Franz Hoffman Page B

His expression was so sweet and peaceful, that my tears broke forth afresh.
    “ ‘No,’ sobbed I to myself, ‘the earthly remains of my beloved grandfather shall cause me no further alarm.’
    “Notwithstanding, my fear, in some degree, returned as I prepared for sleep. At last I laid myself down by Blanchette, nestling close to her side. The warmth and her regular breathing gradually composed me, and I fell into a sound sleep. Wakening before morning, I found the light had gone out: again my heart beat with terror. Foolish child that I was! What security was this weak flame? Could it protect me, and guard me from evil? One breath could extinguish it; why did I let my calmness and self-control rest upon it? Praying to God that he would give me that peace he has promised to all that call upon him in spirit and in truth, my agitated nerves were soothed, and I slept—slept peacefully.
    “The following morning, after I had milked the goat, and finished the usual work, I calmly approached the body, and even held the dear, venerable head for several minutes. My fear vanished, but my sorrow increased. This change, however, was more natural and reasonable.
    “My thoughts were directed to the burial, and I tried to recall to my memory what my grandfather had said about it. The rest of the day I passed in sorrowful meditation, and another night I laid down beside Blanchette, and slept soundly.
    “The next morning I tried to write in my diary, but I was obliged to give it up until today, when my spirit is somewhat more peaceful and composed. My agitation and fear were gradually allayed [3] until I felt only sorrow and grief.
    “How many tears I have poured out over your body, my dear old companion! I cannot bear to think of the interment [4] . But the words of holy Scripture reprove and comfort me: ‘Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die.’
    “Taking my tools, I opened the door of the dairy. ‘Diverse callings have you to fulfill,’ said I to myself, as I stepped over the threshold. ‘First nurse, then doctor, and now grave-digger.’
    “The first strokes caused me such pain that I was obliged to cease. Not that my arms refused their service, but my spirit was faint and troubled. Anguish took hold upon me. At every blow a hollow noise reverberated, for the dairy was vaulted like a cellar. I was obliged to accustom myself to this sound, and the whole day was consumed in a work which, at other times, would scarcely have occupied me two hours. Indeed, the ground was so light and sandy that I was able to throw it out with the shovel. I made the grave very deep, for I thought, should I leave the chalet, whether to escape from its imprisonment, or to die, in either case I must, as far as lay in me, secure his dear remains from ravenous beasts. I proceeded with my work until the grave was so deep that it reached over my head.
    “The clock struck ten: the night had come, and with it dark gloomy thoughts. I had not courage to proceed with the interment, although I knew that I dared not delay much longer; so, cowering down near Blanchette, I put off the sorrowful duty until the following morning.
    “Strengthening myself for the painful work which lay before me, I partook of some of the bread and wine instead of my usual breakfast. Everything had been prepared the day before. Laying the body of my poor grandfather upon a plank, and binding it on with care, I cast one tender, sorrowful look upon the dear remains. The poor head inclined to one side, the hands were folded peacefully over the breast. My heart almost burst with grief, and I wept them my bitterest tears.
    “ ‘Grandfather!’ cried I, ‘you have left me all alone! You no longer hear me when I speak. Forever, ah! Eternally are your white lips sealed.’
    “I was obliged to wait some time before I was able to proceed with my work. But it must be done. Why delay it longer?
    “The body was soon beside the grave. Gently and reverently as