Notes and Reflections During a Ramble in Germany

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1826 Excerpt: ... prince was personated by a fine handsome young man, with fair shining hair; and when he stood unhelmed beside the lady of his love, wooing her, it was a fine picture. In one part they introduced twenty knights on horseback, and gave a scene a little too Astley-like, but exceedingly well done. In the latter piece, which is a tragedy, but 1 should judge a heavy one, there is much of the like show, and really (armour, beard, and build, all considered, ) the fierce Ottocar seemed to live again in the person of his representative. But, speaking of the theatre in Vienna, I must forget things like these. I went repeatedly to the court theatre, where, alone, the true drama is given, and I was alike surprised and delighted. I was fortunate enough to be present at the representation of the "Death of Wallenstein." Although I sent early to secure a seat, and went early that I might reach it without inconvenience, I could only get a seat in the last row but one of the parterre, and the theatre was crowded. I have before said that I am ignorant of the German language; but, by translation and analysis, I was well acquainted with the tragedy of Wallenstein; I could follow and feel all through. I made no effort to construe, as it were, but let the words fall on my ear; and, if it caught the sense, well; if not, the picture and the movement, the look and the tone, were enough for me. The effect of German acting--at least of such acting as this--is wonderful: it has a character of nature in it that is never lost sight of j the walk, the turn, the entrance, the exit; the rising, sitting, using the hand, ungirding of a sword, adjusting of apparel, all deliberate, without being affectedly slow; and the tones ever varying, as they do, according to what is said and felt among perso...