Page:German Stories (Volumes 1–2).djvu/15

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Introduction.
ix

ful adaptor; and the sketch entitled the “Warning,” is from a “Ghost-book” published at Ruddolstadt in 1817, where the narratives are, for the most part, founded on real events.

After these brief notices, the translator feels aware that any remarks he should wish to add might be interpreted, however erroneously, into censure instead of approval—not only of these volumes, but of other versions which have been published, or are likely to appear from the same language. This, of course, would be absurd and inrevelant,—nor is it his intention to offer any such opinions. But, that German authors, if anglicized, not as on the present and on other occasions, by the mere process of translation, but subjected to that of a remaniement or refacimento, will prove infinitely more acceptable than they have ever yet been to the British public, he is thoroughly convinced. On this principle, alone were various scenes in his dramatic specimens

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