James Burns

“ We may observe, for instance, the hardening effects of vanity and pride in the case of the wicked Richilda; and, again, in the story of the “Nymph of the Fountain,” we see the sad results of an easy credulity on the part of the Count, who listens but too readily to the false accusations against his wife; while invisible powers are watching over her safety, and at last vindicate her innocence at the moment of her extreme peril. ”

“ We need hardly remark, that the sources of these stories are to be found in the popular legends with which Germany abounds, and many of which are known in our own country with more or less variation. The author’s manner of treating them, however, is so original and ingenious, that we almost forget that we have known them before: an old acquaintance may be said to meet us, in the pages of Musaeus, with all the freshness and interest of entire novelty ”