Page:Poetry of the Magyars.djvu/103

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MAGYAR POPULAR POETRY.
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the Abaujvár district, narrate one of Gozzi's best tales; and the well-known and foreign 'Swan Maiden' is current all over Hungary, The national may be immediately distinguished from the exotic."[1]

Of the Lyrics of the nation, the collection I have translated will serve to give a fair idea. To advocate their merits as literary compositions is no part of my task. I have given nearly the whole that have reached me, in order to shew what are the Songs of the Magyar people. Hungarian towns and villages, and rivers and plains, and hills and valleys, have been painted and described by many. Here are some of the thoughts of those who dwell there. The dresses of Hungary and Transylvania decorate many books, and are the subject of many pictures. Here are some of the adornings of the inward man—here is something of the costume of mind.

The Ecclesiastical History of a country is undoubtedly closely connected with its Literature; hut I have been compelled to avoid entering on so wide and interesting a field. Those who wish to study this part of the subject may consult
Bartholomaedes Comentario de Bohemis Kis-Henthensibus.—

Edit. 2. Poson, 1796, 4to.

  1. Magyarische Sagen und Maehrchen. Brunn, 1825.

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