Translation* from the Lyric Poets of Germany, by JOHN MACRAY,
is a labour of love and scanty leisure, that requires the forbearance its author modestly bespeaks. The simplicity and homeliness of the originals are felt in the spirit as well as the manner of the English version. The translator has been guided in his selection by the brevity of the poems; some of which are probably more remarkable for felicity of expression than origi- nality of idea: but as in a translation the images and sentiment of the original only can be conveyed, their worth alone should determine the choice. Had this rule been observed, many of these lyrics would have been omitted; for the style of the translator is not so polished as to give value to commonplace thoughts. We extract a trifle of GOETHE ; for it is pretty, as well as brief and pertinent.
ON NEARING OF MY SONGS BEING TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISII.
A meadow garland once lsought, And home with nie lejoicing brought; Within my hand, too closely ;nest,
Droop'd every flower its budding crest ;
But in a liquid goblet reared, What scene of wonder soon appeared !
The buds their pristine bloom disclose, Each stem in lovely verdure glows, And all as fair and sweetly smile.
As when they graced their native soil. Such grace and charm came over me, My songs in fuleign tongues to see.
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