Fragments of Italy and the Rhineland

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ... the colours is rivalled by the delicacy of the miniature towers and trees, the pictorial splendour of the chivalric and domestic costume, and the superb blazonry of the family shields. July 27. I Had an excursion this morning to the Old Castle of Eberstein, or, as it is called here, Ebersteinburg. It was a morning to Milton's wish, Not tricked and frounced as she was wont, With the Attic Boy to hunt; But kerchief d in a comely cloud, While rocking winds are piping loud, Or usher'd with a shower still, When the gust hath blown his fill, Ending on the rustling leaves With minute drops from off the eaves. Ebersteinburg is not for half measures, I see; but, lordlike, takes its state on the very vortex of the mountain. It must have disappointed many an Eagle who, sailing over the heights of Fatherland for a home, would else have made his aiery here. Not content with imposing their own masonry upon the mountain, these haggard Towers make the mountain itself contribute to their building; and, like the taskmasters of a captive train, compel its native strength to furnish its contingent to the proud Pile that reigns over it. The bare and aspiring rock is in many places an integral portion of Ebersteinburg. For the most part it is built with the utmost rudeness; as if, like the Roman Walls, it had been from time to time hastily reconstructed, after one hostile attack to be in readiness for another: but, in the Beacon Tower, the masonry is smoother, and the amber red tints harmonize deliciously with the dark fringy foliage of the surrounding pines. No association is here with Banquet or Minstrel, Ladies fair, or amorous Knights; all the fascinating maintenance of Baronial Hospitality is a blank here. Every thing breathes of rapine, bloodshed, and...