E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Max.
A huntsman, and the best marksman in Germany. He was betrothed to Ag’atha, who was to be his bride if he obtained the prize in the annual trial-shot. Having been unsuccessful in his practice for several days, Caspar induced him to go to the wolf’s glen at midnight and obtain seven charmed balls from Sa’miel the Black Huntsman. On the day of contest, the prince bade him shoot at a dove. Max aimed at the bird, but killed Caspar, who was concealed in a tree. The prince abolished in consequence the annual fête of the trial-shot. (Weber: Der Freischütz, an opera.)
