They kept the crew busy guiding the unwieldy boat out of
danger. The reporters did not rest much. The only one on board who
slumbered with pleasure was Simnick, the Count's servant, who seemed to
take to sleep as naturally as a duck to water. Paul kept well ahead of
the boat and warned them of dangers.
Next day came out clear and warm. As the approached Worms, they were met
by gaily decorated steamers and large parties of ladies and gentlemen
in small crafts. The burgomaster in an official boat was rowed off to
Paul's side. His boat contained a liberal supply of the famous Lieb
frauenmilch. He presented Paul with a magnificently chased goblet
saying:
"Captain, you must accept the hospitality of Worms even if you do not
stop," and filling the glass to the brim, also his own and the
officials' who accompanied him and gave a "Lebenhoch."
The fairest and most interesting part of the Rhine was now reached, that
which teems with historic and legendary associations; the part too,
that possesses a population second to none in the Fatherland for
generosity and hospitality. The whole voyage was now a continuous
fete. At almost every place they passed the Burgomaster with his
friends came out and invited them to drink a cup of wine for which every
part of the Rhine is famous.
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