Page:A Picture-book without Pictures and Other Stories (1848).djvu/30

 at Government charges, to one of the learned schools in the provinces, in which, however, he suffered immensely, till his heart was almost broken by unkindness. From this school he went to college, and became very soon favorably known to the public by true poetical works. Ingemann, Oehlenschlager, and others then obtained for him a royal stipend, to enable him to travel; and he visited Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Italy, and the poetical character of life in that beautiful country, inspired him; and he wrote the “Improvisatore,” one of the most exquisite works, whether for truthful delineation of character, or pure and noble sentiment, that ever was penned. This work most harmoniously combines the warm coloring and intensity of Italian life with the freshest and strong simplicity of the north. His romance of “O. T.” followed; this is a true picture of the secluded, sober life of the north, and is a great favorite there. His third work, “Only a Fiddler,” is remarkable for its strongly drawn personal and national characteristics, founded upon his own experience in early life. Perhaps