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218 THE SUFFOLK MIRACLE.
once or twice most absurdly suggested that Lenore owed its existence to this Suffolk Miracle. The difference, indeed, is not greater than between a " Chronicle History " and Macbeth ; it is however certain that Burger's ballad is all his own, except the hint of the ghostly horseman and one or two phrases, which he took from the description of a Low German ballad. The editors of the Wunderhorn claim to give this ballad, vol. ii. p. 19. An equivalent prose tradition is well known in Germany. Most of the ballads relate ing to the return of departed spirits are brought together in an excellent article, by Wackernagel in the Altdeulsche Blatter, i. 174.
A. "wondeb stranger ne'er was known Than what I now shall treat upon. In Suffolk there did lately dwell A farmer rich and known full well..
He had a daughter fair and bright,. 6
On whom he placed his chief delight.; Her beauty was beyond compare, She was both virtuous and fair;
There was a young man living by,
Who was so charmed with her eye, n>
That he could never be at rest;
He was by love so much possest.
He made address to her, and she
Did grant him love immediately ;
But when her father came to hear, fc
He parted her and her poor dear. |
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