Page:The Pocket Magazine (Volume 1, 1827).djvu/9



THE KING OF THE HARTZ. Every body knows that the immense mountains of the Hartz are under the dominion of a powerful Gnome. He resides commonly in the vast regions which form _ the interior of the earth’s surface ; and, when he does _ appear above it, his most favourite sport is to frighten i torment hapless travellers. e chances are

always equal, whether he chooses to be mischievous or _ benevolent to such of the human race as fall in his way. _ or the Turnip Counter ; and the following tale will _ show the means by which he gained this nick-name.
 * The tsa of the Hartz commonly call him Rusrzant,

Several centuries (which to a spirit like Rubezahl were only like so many months) had elapsed since he had visited the exterior surface of the earth; and his astonishment may therefore be imagined when, on emerging one fine morning from his subterraneous abode, he saw before him the proof of what human in- dustry had been able to effect during his absence. ‘orests in which the foot of man had never, as he thought, been set, had disappeared, and a rich harvest . VOL.I. Jan, 1827. B

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