Page:History of the Literature of the Scandinavian North.djvu/293

Rh and graceful poems. They were originally intended simply for the narrow circle of his comrades, but on account of their peculiar power and freshness they soon found their way to the people. In several dramatic works ("Attelaner") overflowing with wanton humor, he poured forth a most telling satire on the political and literary conditions of his time. It was not long before he became the bard of the whole people, and for many years his mighty voice was heard on every great national event whether of joy or sorrow. Many of his best poems are associated with certain definite occasions, and the most of them are the poetical expression of the vital ideas of the times, but they all, whether relating to a certain occasion or not, are marked by a peculiarly powerful style, and contain the finest poetical sentiments.

(born 1818), like Ploug, proceeded from the circle of university students for whom he wrote songs brimful of youthful buoyancy. Soon he also wrote comedies, amusing operettas, which at first were played with great success at the Students' Union, but which also reached the public at large, and by his comedy "Gjenboerne" he at once became the favorite of all classes. This piece was soon followed by a series of others, some of them short, merry vaudevilles, "Intrigerne," and "Soldaterlöier," and other operas, "En Spurv i Tranedans," "Mester og Lærling," "Eventyr paa Fodreisen," and all are brimful of bright, harmless fun, while some of them do not lack a serious background. In the text are inserted excellent songs sung to most charming airs, so that his plays are of the most amusing and popular to be found on the Danish stage. They continue to be represented with great applause in all the leading theaters in the country. In addition to these dramatical works, Hostrup has written a number of merry, beautiful songs and graceful lyric poems, among which his patriotic hymns are marked by a rare sublimity of style.