THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 69 
German literature is especially rich in ballads. Goethe, 
Schiller, and Heine were masters of the art; and to Uhland’s fancy 
we are indebted for ballads of exquisite beauty. The Erlkcenig of 
Goethe was translated by Scott; and the translations, by Lord 
Lytton, of Schiller’s ballads, are well known. Baskerville has 
translated many of Uhland’s ballads. ‘The ‘‘ Minstrel” from the 
first part of Wilhelm Meister written by Goethe, in his youth, is a 
charming ballad : 
““« What is it at the gate I hear ? 
What on the bridge is sounding ? 
Let’s have the singing to our ear, 
Along the hall rebounding.’ 
So spake the King; the page he ran; 
Back came the boy ; the King again 
Cried : ‘ Bring us in the Minstrel.’ 
‘ My greeting to ye noble lords! 
Ye gentle ladies greeting ! 
Like stars on stars rich heaven affords ; 
Names fail at such a meeting. 
In hali, of pomp and splendour full, 
I close my eyes, mine not the role, 
Now, wonderingly to revel.’ 
With eyelids closed, the minstrel’s call, 
Brings perfect tones o’erflowing ; 
The brave knights glancing round the hall 
And fair cheeks coyer glowing. 
The King enchanted with such art, 
Cried : ‘ Give him for this wond’rous part, 
A golden chain to pay him.’ 
‘Give not the golden chain to me, 
But to the knights, who ever 
In fight, before their helmets see 
Stern foemen’s lances shiver. 
Give it the Chancellor you keep, 
And Jet him add it to the heap 
Of burdens he must carry. 
‘I sing but as the warbler sings 
That nestles in the bushes. 
The song that without effort springs 
Rewards itself, and pushes 
All else aside. Still this I pine, 
Let them a glass of generous wine, 
Bring me in golden goblet.’ 
Before ‘twas quaff'd he held it high, 
“Oh nectar sweet, refreshing ; 
And threefold happy family, 
Where thou are trivial blessing, 
Heaven’s joy be with ye; think on me ; 
And thank ye God as fervently, 
As I for this do thank ye.” 
