WERNER; OR, THE INHERITANCE;

A TKAGEDY.

TO

THE ILLUSTRIOUS GOETHE,

BY ONE OF HIS HUMBLEST ADMIRERS, THIS TRAGEDY IS DEDICATED.

PEE FACE.

The following drama is taken entirely from the “ German's Tale, Kruitzner,” published manyyears ago in (t Lee's Canterbury Tales/' written (I believe) by two sisters, of whom one furnishedonly this story and another, both of which are considered superior to the remainder of ffhe collec-tion. I have adopted the characters, plan, and even the language of many parts of this story. Someof the characters are modified or altered, a few of the names changed, and one character (Ida ofStralenheim) added by myself: but in the rest the original is chiefly followed. When I was young(about fourteen, I think), I first read this tale, which made a deep impression upon me ; and may,indeed, be said to contain the germ of much that I have since written. I am not sure that it everwas very popular ; or, at any rate, its popularity has since beeu eclipsed by that of other greatwriters in the same department. But I have generally found that those who 7iad read it, agreedwith me in their estimate of the singular power of mind and conception which it develops. Ishould also add conception rather than execution; for the story might, perhaps, have beeu deve-loped with greater advantage. Amongst those whose opinions agreed with mine upon this story,I could mention some very high names : but it is not necessary, nor, indeed, of any use • for everyone must judge according to his own feelings. I merely refer the reader to the original story, thathe may see to what extent I have borrowed from it ; and am not unwilling that he should find muchgreater pleasure in perusing it than the drama which is founded upon its contents.

1 had begun a drama upon this tale so far back as 1815 (the first I ever attempted, except one atthirteen years old, called “ Ulric and Ilvina," which I had sense enough to burn), and had nearlycompleted an act, when I was interrupted by circumstances. This is somewhere amongst mypapers in England; hut, as it has not been found, I have re-written the first, and added the subse-quent acts.

The whole is neither intended, nor in any shape adapted, for the stage.

J?isa, February, 1822.