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and spirit. The airs are beautifully selected, and most skilfully arranged; and we only wish that Mr. Hasse, who by this work so forcibly proves his power, would not stay here,-but, seeking other me. lodies, and inspiring his present companion, would lay other delightful songs at the feet of Polyhymnia.

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WALTER OF AQUITAINE.-AN HISTORIC ROMANCE. The ancient poem, of which we are about to give an account, belongs to that extraordinary Cyclus of poetry (as the German critics have termed it) which relates the overthrow of the heroic house of the Nibelungs, and the extinction of their line. What is before us is the German translation of the Latin original; of which the oldest, most complete, and apparently the most correct copy, is contained in a MS. of the ninth century, written on parchment, and extant when this translation was made, in the Margrave's library at Carlsrhue. The Latin poem was published at Leipzig, with a good commentary by Professor Fischer, of Halle, about the year 1780, from an incomplete MS. of the thirteenth century. The translation in question was made soon after, from the older ŃS. by Fr. Molter, the librarian; his preface bearing the date 1782, though the year on the title-page of our copy is 1818. The poem, which is in four cantos, is remarkable for a character of

a antique simplicity, rudeness, and strength; and though its phraseology is often imitated from the classical poets of Rome, a necessary effect of writing with any feeling in their language and measure, often borrowing their expressions, with here and there the appropriation of a line, or a longer passage, yet is it animated and moulded, as a whole, by an unequivocal native German spirit. The manners bespeak their own originality; and the story is of the pure type of ROMANCE ;-interesting to literary research, as it presents an authentic specimen of that kind of composition, from the native fable of modern Europe, in a much older form than we elsewhere possess. From the internal character, the subject, and, as far as it appears, the date, there is little room to doubt, that it is itself taken (not indeed as a translation, but in the free manner in which tales were rendered from one language to another,) directly from one of those ancient historical poems of the Gerwans, which, as is well known, were in existence in an oral state to the time of Charlemagne, by whose command they were collected and written.-And which in the opinion of the best German critics, in part remain to us, though unquestionably, as remodelled, in a much later form, in the Lied der Nibelungen, and the other old rhythmical romances, which relate to the adventures of the same and contemporary heroes. It is in this light, as an original German, not as a barbarous Latin poem, that this piece is curious and valuable; and it is upon this consideration, that we have thought it worth while, in the difficulty, in this country at least, of meeting with the Latin original, to give an account of it from the present translation. Our story will be sometimes an abstract, sometimes a simple rendering of the version in our hands, which we have reason to regard as very literal; and

which, it may here be observed, is executed, notwithstanding its fidelity, with much force and spirit,-in blank verse, as it should seem intentionally rude. The reader will remark a sprinkling of the author's learning at the outset, which reappears occasionally during his progress, but troubles him least when he is most earnestly engaged in the real interest of his narration.

The third part of the earth, my brothers, is Europe. This is divided into many nations, unlike in name, manners, speech, religion. In Pannonia are the Huns seated, a gallant people, who, flourishing in virtues as in arms, ruled not only over the bordering countries, but stretched their might to the ocean-strand; and, masters of peace and war, have reigned more than a thousand years.

This empire, in former times, King ATTILA held. He summoned his host, and ordered his march for the territory of the Franks. The Frank King Gibicho, held rejoicing for an heir, the Prince GUNTHER, when tidings reached him that a power, exceeding in number the sand and the stars, was marching over the Ister. He called together his council to deliberate on the national emergency; and it was resolved to accede to the alliance of the Huns, to give tribute and hostages as required, rather than expose land and life, wives and children, to the fury of the invaders.

At the court was a noble stripling, of Trojan blood, of high endowments, HAGANO.* As the Prince Gunther was yet too young to be removed from a mother's care, HE was chosen for the pledge of peace; and ambassadors took the youth, and the tribute, and made good the league.

At that time was Burgundy divided under strong sceptres.-Herrich held the mightiest. He had one daughter, HILTEGUND, noble in soul and form, the destined heiress of his kingdom and his long-collected treasures. But when peace was made between the Avars and the Franks, and the host turned back from the frontier, Attila directed his swift march on Burgundy. Already had they passed the deep streams, the Saone and the Rhone, and spread themselves out for plunder. At that time was Herrich at Chalons. Suddenly the watchman looked up, and cried, "A cloud of dust arises.-The foe comes. -Make fast the gates." The King goes to council. He knew what had been done in the land of the Franks. He proposes to render tribute and make friendship with the Huns, offering his daughter as hostage. The council assent.-Messengers are despatched to Attila, who, receiving them with his accustomed friendship, said, " More disposed to alliances than to battles, the people of the Huns ruleth willingly in peace. Unwillingly we take up arms, and those only who oppose us do we smite. Let the King come, and give and take peace." The King accordingly comes, brings uncourted gifts and his daughter.

*

Hagen or Hagene, as his name is found in the German Romances, especially in the poem of the NIBELUNGS, of which he is a principal hero. His designation is of Troneg, Tronege, or Tronie, as it is variously written; either the ancient name of Kircheim in Alsace, not far from Strasburgh, or, possibly, Troneck near Treves. But some forms of the story give Troja instead, incorrectly, as in the present poem. It is remarkable how early the great tale of Troy, which took such strong hold upon the fancy of the new nations of Europe, began to corrupt the traditions of their native history.

The fairest jewel of her parents goes into misery;" and the alliance is concluded.-Attila proceeds westward.

The kingdom of Aquitaine was at that time governed by Alpher, whose son, Prince Walter, was then just rising into the bloom of youth. This king was under compact with Herrich, to wed their two children as soon as their age should permit. Alpher saw the approach of the conquerors, and feared. “ To what end,” said he, “ do we stand on our defence, when we can make no war? Doth not Burgundy, doth not the Frank show us example? Will it dishonour us to be like these?” And he too submits to the tributary alliance, and delivers his son into the hands of Attila as hostage for his good faith. Loaded with treasures, and with joyful hearts, the Huns withdrew, and took Hagano, the beautiful Hiltegund, and Prince Walter, with them.

Attila, who discovers himself to be a monarch of much more amiable dispositions than has been usually understood, treats his prisoners very gently; showing them nothing but love and indulgence, and educating them as if they were his own children. The two youths were never out of his sight; and he deigned to be himself their instructer in noble arts, and in those games of war which the Huns were wont from time to time to hold. They grew in spirit as in years, till they excelled heroes in prowess, and sages in wit. No Hun might be their mate. They held the first places in Attila's wars, and triumphed in every

field; on which account they became very dear to him. The Lady Hiltegund too, through her diligence, her skill in women's employments, and her chosen manners, was in no less favour with the Queen, to whose service she had been attached. She was appointed keeper of the royal treasure, and in the household might almost be said to rule jointly with the Queen, for nothing was done but by her counsel and direction.

In the mean time King Gibicho dies; and his son, Prince Gunther, on his accession, refuses tribute; which Hagano no sooner hears, than he makes his escape, and joins his Prince. Walter was at that time absent on one of his victorious expeditions. Ospirin, the Queen, arguing from Hagano's proceeding what Walter's was likely to be, prudently bespeaks the King, communicating to him her apprehensions, and recommending to him as soon as Walter shall return, for whom she expresses the highest regard, calling him nothing less than the pillar of the state, to address him in a very gracious speech, commending all his great and valuable services, and desiring him in return to choose a wife out of the noblest houses in Pannonia, with assurance of advancing him so high in the country and in the palace, that no one shall blush to have given him his daughter. The hero returns, and Attila punctually executes the Queen's suggestion. But Prince Walter, who all the while the King was speaking, was judiciously considering what answer he should make him, eludes the snare; and representing to Attila that a married man can never be a true warrior, that it is for the state's service he should remain single, and that all he desires in the world is to perform his duty to the King with all faith, zeal, and obedience, the good-hearted Attila is willing to hope that all may yet go well, and gives up his proposal.

At this juncture, one of the vanquished nations revolts; and Walter is sent to reduce them to submission. He overthrows their host with his customary facility, in one great battle, and returns home in

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splendid triumph. The court-followers run out to meet him, and begin questioning him about his campaign. He tells them as much as serves to pacify their curiosity, and then wearily treading the court, he passes on to the chambers of the palace. There he finds Hiltegund. When he had kissed, and tenderly embraced her, “Give me, love,”

,” he said, “to drink, for I am faint and wearied.” She fills a costly goblet with wine, and reaches it to the warrior; and stands by, gazing in silence, upon the countenance of her lord, till Walter had drained it off, and returned it empty to her hand. They knew both that they were destined to one another. Then thus bespeaks he the beloved maiden:-“So long a time do we suffer in misery, and know what our parents have resolved concerning us. How long do we stiile this within the speechless mouth?”—The maiden thinks he mocks her.—She is silent a little space, and answers, “Why speakest thou with feigned tongue that which in thy inward soul thou disdainest, persuading me with thy lips, whilst thy heart gainsays, as thinking it a scorn to take such a bride?”—The youth replies with prudence, assuring her that he speaks sincerely; and adds, “ Did I know that thou wert ready to hearken to me, and to yield belief and compliance to my hidden wishes, I would discover to thee in confidence the secrets of my heart.” Therewith the damsel bows herself to the knee of the young hero, and says, “ Whither thou callest, my lord, will I diligently follow, nor will I ever prefer aught to thy will and behest. L" Know then,” said he, “I am long since weary of this exile. Oftentimes do I bethink me of the ever dear borders of our native land, which we had no choice but to forsake. I will now speed my secret flight. This might I indeed have done many days ago, but it rued me to leave thee, Hiltegund, alone behind me." The good maiden spoke from her inmost bosom: “Let my lord command. Good and ill will I bear willingly through love to him.” Walter then imparts to her his plans, and gives her her instructions. Her own preparations are such as, it must be regretted, are not reconcileable with our usual expectation of the principles of heroes and heroines. Being keeper of the treasure, she is to bring Walter the King's helmet and coat of mail, and the treble-twisted cuirass that bears the artist's mark. She is then to take two moderate-sized chests, and in these so much of the bracelets and jewels of Pannonia, that she can scarce lift one up to the breast; four pair of sandals for him, and as many for herself. So will the chests be tolerably well filled. Nor must she forget the crookedtoothed angling gear, for both fish and birds must be their meat. Necessity will teach him the manner of its use. All this is to be ready in a week. The part he takes upon himself is in the way of more pardonable stratagem, and is conceived in perfect adaptation to the manners and customs of the court of Pannonia. When Phæbus the seventh time returns on his course, he will give a jocund and sumptuous banquet to the King and Queen, the princes, the military commanders, and the officers of the court, all of whom he trusts, by liberal and diligent entertainment, to place out of the danger of offering any interruption to the farther proceedings of their intended flight. she must be careful to drink as little as possible, scarcely allowing herself as much as will allay her thirst. ' At the moment of their rising from eating, she is to betahe herself to her employment, and he to his. When he has succeeded in shutting up the eyes and the understand

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ings of his guests he will join her, and they are then to set out for the tracts of the north. She disposes herself to execute her charge.

The day of the feast is arrived. The court of the palace is covered over with magnificent hangings, and the tables are loaded. The King enters; the noble warrior bows to him with accustomed reverence, and leads him to his throne. The King takes his seat, with a Duke (a military leader) on either hand. The officer of the court marshals the rest to their places, and the company sit down by hundreds. The guests sweat, it is related, with the quantity they have to eat; and, as soon as one course is carried off, another is brought in. The colour and the sweetness of the wine are irresistible, and they drink very much to their satisfaction during dinner, their host sedulously encouraging them. At length the tables are removed, and the hero, Walter, advancing before the monarch, thus addresses him : I entreat thee, my lord and sovereign, let thy favour to me now be seen, and be thou an example to all that are here present, to make themselves joyous with thee.” With this he hands him a drinking-vessel, graven with the deeds of the mighty dead; which the King condescendingly empties at a draught, commanding all the others to drink after him. Walter's design takes effect to the height of his wishes. The King and his whole court are more and more convinced with wine and wassail, till at last they are all laid about on the ground, so effectually composed for the night, that if the walls had been in flames, says our author, not one of them would have known there was any thing the matter. Walter, who, in thus disposing of the senses of his guests, had most heedfully guarded his own, now calls his Princess to bring down what she had prepared; and going to the stable, he leads out the conqueror of all horses, whom for his strength he had named the Lion. He equips him, loads him with the two chests, one on each side, with a moderate supply of provisions for their long journey, and gives the bridle into the maiden's hand. He himself, mailed like a giant, sets a helmet, over which a red crest of feathers nods, upon his head, on his thighs puts golden cuishes, girds his two-edged sword on his left side, and on his right bip the steel sharpened after the manner of Pannonia, on one edge only. With his right hand he grasps the spear, the shield with his left. Thus furnished for their flight, they set out; Hiltegund leading the war-horse, who bare more than a ton of gold. They travelled as far as they were able that night; kept the woods in the day-time; avoided all hamlets and open fields, and held their course as much as possible by unfrequented and devious mountain paths.

About noon the next day, the guests began to awake and to inquire for Walter, that they might greet him with solemn praises and thanks for his hospitality. Attila himself

, holding his head with both hands, came from his sleeping chamber, calling on Walter with groans and sighs, possibly, says our author, intending to complain to him of his headach. The servants bring word that Walter is no where to be found. Attila still hopes that he is only sleeping out his carouse in some more unmolested place of rest. But when Ospirin saw that Hil. tegund too was missing, and did not attend as usual to attire her, she knew that her fears were accomplished. She tells Attila that Walter has fled, and taken the Princess with him. “ Alas for the wine that bas laid Pannonia desolate! The prop of the empire is gone. Strength VOL. I. No.1 Museum.

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