SKETCHES FROM SZTERSDAL. 225 
quently an instance of a labourer’s son marrying a 
farmer’s daughter, and the calculating prudence of the 
old folk bemg set at nought. And then abductions 
come in, with all their romantic episodes. How old La 
Fontaine would rejoice in his grave if he had any idea 
that, amid the stern reality of this ‘‘ steam-age,” and in 
the very heart of one of Europe's enlightened countries, 
his theories were turned to practical Se by shep- 
herds and shepherdesses ! 
Let me draw a picture. “The moon is shining—a 
lonely field valley—a cottage in the valley’s bosom. . . 
A shepherdess appears—she is stealing out of the 
paternal abode with a bundle under her arm, in which 
are her few treasures, her ornaments, and the necessary 
articles of apparel. .. The herdsman waits by ap- 
pointment. One last tearful look at the home of her 
fathers—and she is lifted up by his strong arm, and is 
carried off at the saddle-bow !” 
Now all this sounds excessively romantic, and yet 
nothing can be truer. Nothing is wanting to complete 
the picture, even to the tragical despair and fury of 
the father, and the final pardon. Unfortunately, as far 
as regards effect, the despair and the fury evinced are 
completely damped by the stoical resignation (a national 
trait among Norwegian peasantry! ) with which he gives 
way when he finds it cannot be helped. It has never 
been heard that an abduction has caused any hostilities 
