Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 095.djvu/275

268 One more specimen of his verses we shall give, for the sentiment conveyed in them is inexpressibly charming:

When it is considered how humble was Andersen's training in childhood, how scanty his early education, a considerable degree of genius cannot be denied to him. By the force of his talents alone, he has raised himself from being the inmate of a plebeian roof to becoming the guest, and the honoured guest, of princes. The vanity which poor Andersen, in his simplicity, has not the art to conceal, may well be pardoned to one who has thus made his way in the world of letters and in the world of society.

F. Schaldemose, Carl Bagger, Emil Aarestrup, H. P. Holst, and P. F. Paludan Müller, are all poets of the present day the two last named being among the leading authors of Denmark. Paludan Muller was born in 1809. His most esteemed works are "Adam Homo," a poem, published in 1842; "Dandserinden," "The (female) Dancer;" "Venus," a dramatic poem; "Zuleima's Flight," a tale; "Love at Court," a play; poems published in 1836, viz.: "Adventures in a Forest," and "Alfand Rose," and "Dryaden's Bryllup," "The Dryad's Bridal," a dramatic poem, published in 1844.

Hans Peter Holst, another popular favourite among living authors, has brought out, besides other works, "Ude og Hiemme," "Out and Home," reminiscences of travel;, in the same year, 1843, "New Portfolio;" also novels. New Year's gifts, poems, &c. A somewhat recent work of his, the second edition of which came out in 1830, has made a great sensation in Denmark. It is entitled, "Den lille Hornblæser," "The little Hornblower," and is a poem in various parts, or numbers, written during the excitement of the Schleswig-Holstein war—very spirited and patriotic indeed. It gives, among other scenes, the departure for the seat of war, the bivouac, the assault, after the battle, &c., and ends with the return home. The volume is inscribed, in two loyal verses, to the King of Denmark, Frederick VII., who made himself so popular during the war. There are some splendid verses in this poem; it is impossible to read it without entering into the glowing and excited feelings of the poet, who