midnight
The plaintive song begins to well forth and float away over meadow and river -- the cross-bow is slowly raised to position , a steady aim is taken , the bolt flies straight to the mark -- the figure sinks down , still singing , the knight takes the wool out of his ears , and recognizes the old ballad -- too late ! Ah , if he had only not put the wool in his ears ! The Crusader went away to the wars again , and presently fell in battle , fighting for the Cross . Tradition says that during several centuries the spirit of the unfortunate girl sang nightly from the cave at midnight , but the music carried no curse with it ; and although many listened for the mysterious sounds , few were favored , since only those could hear them who had never failed in a trust . It is believed that the singing still continues , but it is known that nobody has heard it during the present century . An Ancient Legend of the Rhine -LSB- The Lorelei -RSB- The last legend reminds one of the `` Lorelei '' -- a legend of the Rhine . There is a song called `` The Lorelei . ''