It is with a mixed feeling of apprehension and delight, that the author now betakes himself to his task of writing the following story. There are people in the world who laugh scornfully, if they meet with one of their fellow-mortals who calls on Heaven to aid him in any worldly enterprise; but, notwithstanding this, the writer of these lines is not afraid to confess, that he has just now prayed with his whole heart to the Giver of all good, for assistance in the pleasant labour which awaits him. By this means, he has been supported ere now through similar undertakings; and he confidently trusts, that at this time also his prayers will not be unanswered. For, in truth, the history, which he now proposes to write, hovers yet, like a strange vision, before his “mind’s eye;” it seems to him as if he were about to set sail on a wide weltering sea, with shores varied and romantic, with gleaming rainbow-tints on its waters, and not without whirlpools and rocks; while the sky is overspread with clouds of the wildest shapes and the richest colouring! Full well do I know the arduous course which I have to steer; but as to the separate events that are to be encountered, I know them not; for these are yet uncertain as a dream. However this may be, not the less boldly, courteous reader, do I invite thee to join me in this voyage; for, should’st thou be unwilling to engage in the enterprise, it would seem as if the name of God, on whom I have now called, sounded strange and unwelcome in thine ears; otherwise thou would’st be satisfied with what I shall obtain by my prayers, and which I promise faithfully to communicate to thee. But consider, I beseech thee, that if thou shalt find any thing worthy of commendation, and pleasing in my work, it is not mine, but a gift from the Supreme Power, which is conveyed to me insensibly as I write; for I am then only capable of expressing myself with effect, when my mind is more elevated than is usual in the present state of our depraved and mortal nature. In the following pages, then, I lay before thee the best fruits of those hours when my fancy is most free and exalted; while, in this preface, I have spoken the plain, unadorned truth. On this, as a true knight, I pledge my word of honour. And now I bid thee heartily welcome to the groves and meadows, the battles and festivals, the joyous weddings, or mournful obsequies, which our story may unfold. THE MAGIC RING. VOL. I. CHAPTER I. How the young Squire Otto and his pretty Cousin discoursed together, on the banks of the Danube, during a fine evening in May.