The Sun.
London, England, 1825-11-25 00:00:00

LITERARY NOTICE.

MAGIC RING, a Romance, from the German of the
Baron de-la MOTTE
A translation has at length appeared of an-,
otker work by the Author of 'Undine. Al—
though decidedly hostile to the gem -ral run of
horrific romances of the German school, the Baron
de la illotte Famine: has always been a favourite
with us from his singular union of terrific de-
cription with the most animated portraitures of '
vatrrre.. Ile possesses, in the fullest extent, the
wild imagination which appertains to the ro-
r:rance writers of his country, but, unlike them,
he can at times vacate the throne of terror, and
descend to the 'pathetic, and even to the playful.
We know not exactly in what terms to speak of
the work now before us ; the certainly cannot
.zensure, but we must also frankly avow that it is
the work which has least pleased us of his mas-
terly pen. So long a period has elapsed since
Ire reviewed time translation of the first of his
works which -appeared in this country (Undine),
that we suspect our readers (and we confess
That we ourselves have no very distinct re-
alembrance) have entirely forgotten the nature
of our critique. Peter Sehlemild way be more
fresh in their recollections. In our mention of
this last work, we noticed the extraordinary ima-
gination which was displayed in the story, and
gave equal credit to the descriptive powers of
-the author. In the Magic Ring there are occa-
,ional evidences of both these qualities, but in
the construction of the story it appears to us de-
cidedly inferior. The title also seems to be, in
-tome degree, a misnomer, for although we hear
.constantly of the Magic Ring throughout the
kook, yet it is not until we approach the conch).-
sion of the last volume that we becomeacquaint-
.ed with its singular properties. The story may
.be sketched in a few words. It opens with the
appearance of the Lally Gabrielle (not the fair
D'Estrees, mistress to Henri IV.) with her cham-
pion Count Archimbald von Waldeck, to reclaim
...her ring, which has been won successively from
all the most celebrated warriors by the skilful
arm of Sir Polko de Montfaucon. The sight of
Abe combat, which is lost by the champion of the
lairGabrielle,rouses the dormant spirit of the young
Otto von nautwangen, who immediately procures
the honour of knighthood, and sallies forth, from
.which period the work is little more than a succes-
f;ion of battles in the lists and on the field, single
.combats and wholesale slaughter, which we shall
not attempt to enumerate, as they will be found
more. interesting to our readers in the pages of
the work itself than in our columns. With re-
gard to the translation, we may safely give un-
qualified praise, not so much with reference to its
fidelity, as we have not the German copy to com-
pare it with, but as respects the skill with which
it is composed, in as much, as were it not for the
singularity of the fable, it might be perused as an
original stork. We subjoin an extract which
affords a fair view of the descriptive powers of
the author and the ease of the translation.

" Meanwhile, Sir Archimbald being employed without, in
making preparations for his tragical pastime, Vole° had taken
-Gabrielle's lute, seated himself with it at liar feet, and begun
gracefully to play with the strings. It was a pleasure to look
on him in his dark blue armour, finely inlaid and gleaming
with gold, his dark brown hair, upturned whiskers, smiling
lips, and pearly teeth. As to Gabrielle, she fixed her eyes sted-
castly on the ground, in silent impatience, and suffering all the
agonies of suspence. Whoever had chanced to see these two,
the knight and the lady, both clad in the same colours, and
thus sitting together, would never have thought that there were
any evil intentions betwixt them; but rather that the lady had
made him a present of the fine blue end gold scarf which flowed
. over his broad shoulders, and that he was now thanking her for
lier courtesy, by a love melody on her lute. Such peace and
tranquillity, however, were not of long continuance. Archim-
bald soon made his appearance, in a frightful guise, at the en-
trance of the tent, for he had now put on his helmet, with the
visor closed, which represented the head of an eagle, with a
great silver beak, to which strange head-dress the rest of hie
armour so well corresponded, that he might have been looked
on as a visitant from some fabulous land of hobgoblins and
oiensters. All is ready,' said he; whereupon Folco started
lip, light as a feather, from his position at Gabrielle's feet, laid
away the lute with great care, where he had found it on the
carpet, and with an elegant bow quitted the tent. Then Sir
Archimbald offered the lady his arm, and led her out. Otto
and Bertha followed, lost in astonishment, and scarce daring to
believe in this realization of scenes, such as had been known to
them before only in their ballads and romances.
" When they came out of the tent, a bright beaming light
guided them to the ground that had been .prepared by Sir Ar-
chimbald. A circle, wide enough for the attack and career of
two horses, was enclosed by a double row of torches, whose red
thanes burnt powerfully amid the calm darkness of the night,
mating all distant objects into the blackest shade, while even
the meanest flower or plant was visible in the circle. Archim—
bald led Gabrielle to a turf-seat, covered with a rich carpet, so
. placed that she was directly opposite the middle of the enclosed
ground, on which spot the two knight- would meet, in their
fearful encounter. Near the lady were stationed Otto and Ber-
tha, one on each side, and behind her were a numerous train of
her own and Archimbald's attendants. On the opposite side
-of the ring, were visible, through the red torch light, many
strange figures in rich dresses, who were probably squires of Sir
folco de Montfaucon.
- " Count Archimbald now-formally requested leave of absence
from the lady, and went away. on her right hand, to mount
his charger.—Meanwhile, Sir Folco was already visible on her
left, at the extremity of the ring, seated on a graceful light-
footed grey horse,with a close visored golden helmet on his head.
His opponent not being yet ready, he pranced about in a play-
ful manner along the turf, guiding his horse, .as it seemed,
mare by words than by management of the reins. On coming
near Gabrielle, the animal on a secret signal from his rider,
bent his knees for a moment in respectful homage, then started
up with a fine capriole, continuing to bound and curvet so
lightly and so elegantly, that he seemed almost to move on
wings;. the golden belts of the saddle, and head gear making
pleasant music, till at length the rider regained his former po-
sition in the distance. There the horse stood obedient and
tranquil like a statue, -turning back his elegantly formed
head towards the knight, as if ..in friendly confidence, and
asking whether he had performed his part correctly ? Where-
upon Sir Folco took.off his iron glove, and kindly clapped him
--on the neck.
" During all .the while, it aflbrded a strap ,e contrast to ob-
serve how Count Archirnbald's charger, his dark coat spotted
with foam, plunged, reared, and struggled, so that two squires,.
with their utmost exertions, -were scarcely able to hold
In the midst of his fury, the Count sprung upon his back, and
with violent strokes of the spur, made him plunge inure wildly
than ever, galloped him several times up and down with great
strength of limbs, and skill of bridle, till at-last the horse knew
his master, and stood as if rooted to the ground, waiting his
commands. Still, however, his eyes
.fiamed so wildly, that
they might be compared to the red -glare of the torches ; and
with his right fore hoof, he began to pace and tear-up the turf,`
as if he would prepare a grave for his rude rider's opponent.
Although In our opinion the Magic Ring is
inferior to other .procluctions of the same pen, it
cannot on the whole but be read with considerable
interest by all admirers of the German School of
itorrauce.