 | The works of Washington Irving |  |
NOTE.
The foregoing tale, one would suspect, had been
suggested to Mr. Kuickerbacker by a little German
superstition about the Emperor Frederick der Rothbart,
and the Kyppbaiiser mountain: the subjoined
note, however, which he had appended to the tale,
shows that it is an absolute fact, narrated with his
usual fidelity:
"The story of Rip Van Winkle may seem incredible
to many, but nevertheless I give it my full
belief, for I know the vicinity of our old Dutch
settlements to have been very subject to marvellous
events and appearances. Indeed, I have heard
many stranger stories than this, in the villages
along the Hudson; all of which were too well
authenticated to admit of a doubt. I have even
talked with Rip Van Winkle myself, who, when
last I saw him, was a very venerable old man, and
so perfectly rational and consistent on every other
point, that I think no conscientious person could
refuse to take this into the bargain; nay, I have
seen a certificate on the subject taken before a
country justice, and signed with a cross, in the justice's
own hand-writing. The story, therefore, is
beyond the possibility of doubt.
| The works of Washington Irving | |