
The story opens in the fading light of a picturesque valley in the province of Sendomir, where two German emissaries on a night‑time ride seek shelter in a newly built monastery. Their foreign attire and urgent mission set them apart from the local monks, and the quiet, candle‑lit guest room becomes a stage for uneasy hospitality. As they settle in, the monks’ solemn chants echo through vaulted halls, creating a mood that balances reverence with the riders’ restless purpose.
Soon a mysterious figure in tattered monastic garb appears at the door, his weathered face and fierce eyes hinting at a hidden resolve beneath the humble habit. His unexpected entrance disrupts the fragile peace, prompting the guests to wonder whether he is a simple caretaker or something far more compelling. The encounter invites listeners to linger in the monastery’s shadowy corridors, where duty, faith, and intrigue intertwine.
Language
de
Duration
~1 hours (61K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1791–1872
A major voice in Austrian literature, he brought classical form, emotional intensity, and a sharp sense of tragedy to the stage. His plays helped define nineteenth-century Viennese drama and are still remembered for their psychological depth.
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