Aufsatz 
The German influence on the poetry of England and America in the course of the 19th Century : an essay / by Henkel
Entstehung
Einzelbild herunterladen

10

In the works of the other leaders of the Lake-School the traces of German influence are like- wise observeable, although in a much smaller degree than it is the case with Coleridge. Wordsworth, who may be reckoned together with the former and Southey among the representatives of the Englishstorm and stress period, and was during his early life an ardent admirer of the heroes of the French revolution, went likewise to Germany and could not fail to bring home some lasting impressions. Still one might have expected somewhat more practical results from this residence abroad, and from the circumstance that he, Southey and Coleridge were united by manifold ties and relations, literary and social.

We mention here, by the way, Campbell, who had a long residence in Germany and who wrote there the famousBattle of Hohenlinden, in which he had taken an active share, and the spirited linesYe mariners of England.

The translation of German masterworks, that appeared more and more frequently since the last three or four decenniums had the effect that the knowledge of all branches of our literature spread every day more rapidly all over Britain. lt is, however, to be regretted that these versions were made not only by such as sufficient knowledge and love for their subject capacitated for their task but also by scribblers who sadly disfigured many a master-piece. A very praiseworthy and deserving man in the work of intermediating and interpreting was M. Taylor of Norwich, whose historical survey of German Literature illustrated by his own versions*) we remember to have studied with pleasure

*) The two Muses.

(Klopstock.)

*) I saw, tell me, was I beholding what now happens, or was I beholding futurity; I saw with the Muse of Britain the Muse of Germany engaged in competitory race flying warm to the goal of coronation,

Two goals, where the prospect terminates, bordered the career: Oaks of the forest the one; near to the other waved Palms in the evening shadow.

Accustomed to contest stepped she from Albion proudly in the arena; as she stepped, when, with the Grecia. Muse and with her from the Capitol, she entered the lists.

She beheld the young trembling rival, who trembled yet with dignity; glowing roses worthy of dignity; glowing roses worthy of dignity streamed flaming over her cheek, and her golden hair flew abroad.

Already she retained with pain in her tumultuous bosom the contracted breath; already she hung bending forward towards the goal; already the herald was lifting the trumpet and her eye swam with intoxica- ting joy.

Proud of her courageous rival, prouder of herself the lofty Britoness measured, but with noble glance, thee Tuiskone, NYes, by the bards, I grew up with thee in the grove of oaks;

But a tale had reached me that thou wast no more. Pardon, o Muse, if thou beest immortal that I but now learn it. Yonder at the goal alone will I learn it.

There it stands. But doest thou see the still further one, and its crowns also? This represt courage, this proud silence, this look, which sinks fiery upon the ground, I know.

Yet, weigh once again, ere the herald sounds a note dangerous to thee. Am I not she who have measured myself with her from Thermopylae and with the stately one of the seven hills?

She spake; the earnest decisive moment drew nearer with the herald.(I love thee, answered quick with looks of flame, Teutonia), Britoness, I love thee to enthusiasm;

But not warmer than immortality and those Palms: Touch, if so wills thy genius, touch them before me; yet will I, when thou seizest it, seize also the crown.

And oh! how I tremble! O ye immortals, perhaps I may first reach the high goal: then, o then may thy breath attain my lose-straining hair!

The herald shrilled. They flew with eagle-speed. The wide career smoked up clouds of dust. I looked beyond the Oak billowed yet thicker the dust and I lost them.