The Spirit of the Giant Mountains (Rubezahl) by M.C.R. from the Germ

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864. Excerpt: ... SCENE I. A Storm. (rubezahl rises from the earth and peers curiously about him.) Eubezahl. OF the Giant Mountains king, And right well known throughout the land, At wicked deeds my arrows fling, And punish with a heavy hand. After long years I come at last, And in this world again appear, To know how time has with it passed, And all the novelties to hear. Many a tale and legend odd, Folks, I hear, have told of me; And if these stories have done good Is what I've now come up to see. Yet men, I fancy, have of late But sought for empty, outward show, Making life sad through their deceit, And spread, themselves, the seeds of woe! Many, 'tis true, are very wise, And know the sciences and arts; But do they all possess the prize. Of conscience clear and merry hearts 1 Or they, themselves from troubles free, To others strive to make life sweet, And with the world at peace to be? Just ask them all if they know that I The children in the age we live Want me to come and set them right. Before they reach the age of five They hold grand parties late at night; And then if they in French excel, They think 'tis all they need to know; Their native stream they scarce can tell, And yet will trace the Niger's flow; A child will tell you to a hair Of Mutius Scaevola the Great; If asked of Luther, they'll declare They " have not heard of him as yet." At that piano sits a maid, And not one false note will she play--Knows each new piece, but I'm afraid Her tables perfectly can't say. And so it is now with all youth--Gone seems its sweet simplicity; But I myself will learn the truth, And here folks still my power shall see. So now as erst I used to roam, I'll plague, and then reward the good, But wicked people I'll pack home, And punish them, as right I should. See! here is just ...