to render them metrically into his own language, has been content to present the first lines in a corresponding measure, and the re- mainder briefly and well in an unconfined prose version. Truly and with perfect reason is it here said " briefly and well," for the sense is most ably apprehended ; and thus, in every case, a far more accurate picture is brought to the mind of reader and hearer than if an abortive, because constrained, imitation had entered the lists, or even a so-called free translation. The prose is every where penetrated with the spirit of the original writing. It is reported that there are also versions of the " Magic Ring," at least of parts, in the Sclavonic languages. Respecting these, how- ever, the poet, alas! through his entire ignorance of those tongues, is unable to give any further information ; as little also concerning an Arabic translation of the episode of the " Emir Nureddin," resolved upon many years ago at Berlin by a then youthful Orien- talist, now of high celebrity, in order to gratify an Ottoman grandee at Tunis. May this imagery please anew those readers to whom already it has long been dear, both lovely women and noble men ; — and first of sJl in our beloved German fatherland!
SINTRAM AND HIS COMPANIONS.
If the foregoing remarks on the " Magic Ring" contained a justly serious censure against those who presume that one may at pleasure, and at whatever request, add to tlie three parts of a work of fiction already complete in itself, yet a fourth, — (and why not, with equal reason, a fifth, sixth, and so forth ? for if the present generation become extinct to us, possibly their children and child- ren's children may still live on), such disapproval could neverthe- less in no way affect the after- vibrations which assuredly will per- vade and reverberate in every truly poetic soul on accomplishing an extensive poetic work. As the plastic or picturesque artist ever feels impelled to add still a grace, an ornament, an inscription, or the like, to his already finished performance, in order not quite to part from his beloved work, so happens it likewise with the poet. Work and worker are so identified, have so, as it were, become one self, that they cannot easily part from one another again. Nevertheless, it is with full reason that we shun the use of the over-valued file, which has undoubtedly rubbed off and smoothed away much of the beauty and vigour of many a noble image.
