The magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)

How it begins

How the young Squire Otto and his pretty Cousin discoursed together, on the banks of the Danube, during a fine evening in May. In the happy land of Suabia, close to the river Danube, there lies a fine level meadow, where once on a time (it was in the month of May, just as the declining sunbeams were taking leave of the flowers) a young squire, by name Otto von Trautwangen, was enjoying his evening recreation. At this beautiful season, it was Otto’s custom frequently to leave his father’s castle in the neighbouring mountains, and repair to the pleasant banks of the river.