“FromhisroyalhighnessPrinceHenry，“saidhe。
　　“Whobroughtit?“
　　“Thegentlemanwhospeakswiththecastellanupontheterrace。I
　　waityourmajesty'scommands。”
　　“Wait，then。”Thenoteranthus:“Yourmajesty，mydearly-belovedbrother:Thebearer，JohannWolfgangGoethe，oneoftheliterati，andapoet，andatthistimesecretaryoflegationtotheduchyofSaxe-Weimar，isagreatfavoriteoftheduke's，ournephew。Imethimreturningfromtheparadeincompanywiththeduke，whoexpressedtomethestrongdesirehissecretaryhadtovisitthecelebratedhouseofthegreatphilosopherofSans-Souci，andseetheroomonceoccupiedbyVoltaire。Icouldnotwellrefuse，andthereforeaddressthesefewlinestoyourmajestybeforereturningtoBerlinwiththeduke，whowilldinewithme，accompaniedbyhissecretary。”Iamyourmajesty'smosthumbleservantandbrother，HENRY。”
　　“TellthecastellanthatIgranthimpermissiontoshowthehouseandparktothestranger；heshalltakecarenottocomeinmyway，sothatIshallbeobligedtomeethim。Tellthisaside，thatyoumaynotbeoverheard。Hasten，fortheyhavealreadybeenwaitingsometime。”
　　Thekingwalkedagaintothewindow，and，hiddenbythecurtain，peepedout。“So，thisisHerrGoethe，isit?Whatassurance！Therehestands，sketchingthehouse。Whatwonderfuleyesthemanhas！
　　Withwhataproud，confidentmannerhelooksaround！Whatabrow！
　　Trulyheisahandsomefellow，andHerzbergmayberightafterall。
　　Thatbrowbetokensthought，andfromthoseeyesthereflashesadivinelight。Buthelooksoverbearingandproud。Now，IamdoublypleasedthatIrefusedHerzbergtohaveanythingtodowithhim。
　　Suchpresumptivegeniusesmustberatherkeptback；thentheyfeeltheirpower，andstrivetobringthemselvesforward。Yes！Ibelievethatmanhasafuture。HelooksliketheyouthfulgodApollo，whomayhavecondescendedtodescendtoearth！Heshallnotentrapmewithhisbeautifulhead。IfheisthemanwhomakesgoodandbadweatherinWeimar，heshalllearnthatrainandsunshineatSans-
　　Soucidonotdependuponhim；thatthesunandcloudsheredonotcarewhetherHerrGoetheisintheworldornot。ForsunshineandstormwedependupontheGreatWeather-Maker，towhomwemustallbow；evilandgooddaysinPrussiashallemanatefromme，solongasIlive。SometimesIsucceedincausingalittlesunshine，“continuedtheking。“IbelievethePrinceofPrussiahasto-dayfeltthehappyinfluenceofthesun'srays；andwhileitisdullandlonelyatSans-Souei，mayitbebrighterandmorecheerfulatCharlottenburg！
　　Ehbien！oldboy，“saidtheking，stopping，“youareplayingthesentimental，andeulogizingyourloneliness。Well，well，donotcomplain——Oh，cometome，spiritsofmyfriends，andholdconversewithme！Voltaire，D'Argens，andmybelovedLord-MarshalKeith！Cometome，departedsouls，withthememoriesofhappierdays，andhoverwiththycheering，sunnyinfluenceoverthewrinkledbrowofoldFritz！“
　　Whilethelonelykingimploredthespiritsofhisfriends，tobrightenwiththeirpresencethequiet，gloomyapartmentatSans-
　　Souci，thesunshoneinfullsplendoratCharlottenburg——thesunshinebeamingfromthemunificenceofFrederick。WilhelmineEnkehadpassedthewholedayinadmiringthebeautifulandtastefularrangementofthevilla。Everypieceoffurniture，everyornament，sheexaminedattentively——allfilledherwithdelight。Theprince，whoaccompaniedherfromroomtoroom，listenedtoheroutburstsofpleasure，rejoicing。
　　“IwishthatIcouldoftenpreparesuchhappinessforyou，dearest，formyheartistwicegladdenedtoseeyourbeamingface。”
　　“Reflectedfromyourown。Youaremygoodgeniusuponearth。Youhavecausedthepoor，neglectedchildtobecometherichandhappywoman。ToyouIowethishome，thisfootofearth，whichIcancallmyown。Hereblossomtheflowersforme——hereIammistress，andthosewhoentermustcomeasmyguests，andhonorme。AllthisIowetoyou。”
　　“Nottome，“saidtheprince，smiling；“Ionlygavetoyouwhatwasgiventome！Tothekingbelongyourthanks。Harshinwords，butgentleindeeds，hehasgivenyouthisrefuge，freeingyoufromtheslaveryofpoverty，fromthesorrowofbeinghomeless。Buttellitnot，Wilhelmine。Thekingwouldbeangryifitwereknownthathenotonlytoleratedbutshowedgreatgenerositytoyou。ItisasecretthatIoughtnoteventodisclosetoyou。Icouldnotreceiveyourthanks，forIhavenotdeservedthem。Fromthekingcomesyourgoodfortune，notfromme。ThedaywillcomewhenIcanrequiteyou，whenthepoorcrownprincebecomestherichking。Onthatdaythegoldenrainshallagainshoweruponyou，nevertocease，and，vyingwiththeshowerofgold，thebrightestsunbeamsplaycontinuallyaroundyou。Asking，Iwillrewardyourfidelityandlove，whichyouhaveprovedtothepoorcrownprince，withsplendor，power，andriches。Untilthenrejoicewiththelittlethathisgracehasaccordedyou，andawaitthemuchthatlovewillonedaybringyou。
　　Farewell，Wilhelmine，theeveningsetsin，andImustforthtoPotsdam。ThekingwouldneverpardonmeifIdidnotpassthelasteveningwithmywifeinthecircleofmyfamily。Farewell！“
　　Heembracedhertenderly，andWilhelmineaccompaniedtheprincetothecarriage，andreturnedtosurveyanewthebeautifulroomswhichwerenowherownpossession。Anunspeakable，unknownfeelingwasrousedinher，andvoices，whichshehadneverheard，spoketoherfromthedepthsofherheart。“Youarenolongeradespised，homelesscreature，“theywhispered。“Youhaveahome，afootofearthtocallyourown。Makeyourselfaname，thatyoumaybeofconsequenceintheworld。Youarecleverandbeautiful，andwithyourprudenceandbeautyyoucanwinagloriousfuture！RemembertheMarquisedePompadour，neglectedandscornedasyou，untilakinglovedher，andshebecamethewifeofaking，andallFranceboweddowntoher。EventheEmpressMariaTheresahonoredherwithhernotice，andcalledhercousin。Iamalsothefavoriteofafutureking，andIwillalsobecomethequeenofmyking！“
　　Wilhelminehadremainedstandinginthemidstofthegreatdrawing-
　　room，whichshewaspassingthrough，listeningtotheseseductivevoices，tothesestrangepicturesofthefuture。Inherimaginationshesawherselfinthisroomsurroundedwithsplendorandmagnificence，andsparklingwithgems。Shesawaroundherelegantly-
　　attiredladiesandgentlemen，inbrilliantuniforms，glitteringwithorders；sawevery-wheresmilingfaces，andrespectfulmanners。Shesawalleyesturnedtoher，andheardonlyflatteringwords，whichresoundedforherfromeverylip——forher，oncesodespisedandscorned！“Itshallbe，yes，itshallbe，“criedshealoud。“Iwillbethequeenofmyking！IwillbecomethePrussianMarquisedePompadour；thatIswearbytheheadsofmychildren，by——“
　　“Ratherswearbythyownbeautifulhead，Wilhelmine，“saidavoicebehindher。Startled，sheturned，andbeheldthetallfigureofaman，wrappedinalongcloak，whostoodintheopendoor。
　　“Whoareyou?“shecried，amazed。“Howdareyouenterhere?“
　　Thefigureclosedthedoor，withoutanswering，and，slowlyapproachingWilhelmine，fixedhisblackeyesuponherwithasearchinggaze。Shetriedtosummonhelp，butthewordsdiedonherlips；hercheeksblanchedwithterror，and，asifrootedtothefloor，shestoodwithoutstretchedarmsimploringtheapproachingform。Thefiguresmiled，buttherewassomethingcommandinginitsmanner，andinthefieryeyes，whichresteduponher。Whenquitenearher，itraiseditsrighthandwithanimpatientmovement。
　　Immediatelyherarmsfellatherside，hercheeksglowed，andabrightsmilelightedupherface。Thenitliftedthethree-cornered，gold-borderedhatwhichshadeditsface，noddingtoher。
　　“Doyourecognizeme，Wilhelmine?“heasked，inasweet，melodiousvoice。
　　“Yes，“sheanswered，hereyesstillfixeduponhim。“YouareCagliostro，thegreatrulerandmagician。”
　　“Wheredidwemeet?“
　　“Iremember；itwasinParis，atthehouseofthegovernoroftheBastile，M。Delaunay。Youcausedmetoreadinaglassthefuture——abright，gloriousfuture。Iwassurroundedwithsplendorandmagnificence。Isawmyselfglitteringwithgems；akingkneltatmyfeet。Iwasencircledbyrichly-attiredcourtiers，whobowedbeforeme，andhonoredme，whispering:'Wesaluteyou，Obeautifulcountess；begracioustous，exaltedprincess！'Itsoundedlikeheavenlymusic，andIshoutedwithdelight。”
　　“Wasthatall?“saidCagliostro，solemnly，“thatthecrystalshowedyou。”
　　Shuddering，shemurmured:“Thesplendor，glory，andpowervanished，andallwaschangedtoafearfulpicture。Isawmyselfinaplain，darkdress，inadeserted，lonelyroom，withiron-barredwindows，andasmallirondoorclosedinthedrearywhitewalls——itwasaprison！AndIheardwhisperedaroundme:'Woetoyou，fallenanddethronedone！Youhavewastedawaythedaysofyoursplendor，submitinpatiencetothedaysofyourshameandhumiliation。'I
　　couldnotenduretobeholdit，andscreamedwithterror，fainting。”
　　“Youdemandedtoseethefuture，andIshowedittoyou，“saidCagliostro，earnestly。“ThoughIletthelightshineintoyoursoul，stillitwasdarkwithin；youpursuedthewayofunbelief，anddesirednottowalkinthewayofknowledge。Isentmessengerstwicetoyoutoleadyouintherightpath，andyousentthemlaughingaway。RecallwhatItoldyouinParis。Iwillit！“
　　“Iremember，master；yousaidthatinthemostimportantdaysofmylifeyouwouldcometome，andextendtomeahelpinghand:ifI
　　seizedit，thefirstpicturewouldbefulfilled；ifIrefusedit，theprisonawaitedme！“
　　“Ihavekeptmyword:to-dayisaneventfuldayinyourlife；youhaverisenfromwantanddegradation——youhavemountedthefirstroundsoftheladderofyourgreatnessandpower。Youarethemistressofthishouse。”“Howdidyouknowit?“askedWilhelmine，astonished。Withapityingsmileheanswered:“IknoweverythingthatIwill，andIseemanythingsthatIwouldwillinglyclosemyeyesupon。Iseeyourfuture，andmysoulpitiesyou，unhappyone；
　　youarelostifyoudonotseizethehandextendedtoyou。Youseenottheabysswhichopensbeforeyou，andyouwillfallbleedingandwithbrokenlimbs。”
　　“Mercy，mercy！“shegroaned——“stretchoutyourhandandprotectme。”
　　Wilhelminesankasifcrushedtotheearth。Cagliostrobentoverher，andstrokedhercold，paleface，breathinguponherthehotbreathofhislips。“Iwillpityyou——Iwillprotectyou。Rise，mydaughter！“Heassistedhertorise，andimprintedapassionatekissuponherhand。“FromthishourIcountyouasoneofmine，“hesaid；
　　“youshallbereceivedintotheholybandofspirits！Youshallbeconsecrated，andentertheInnerTemple。Areyouprepared?““Iam，master，“shehumblyreplied。
　　“To-morrowtheTemplebrotherswillopenthetempleofblisstoyou。
　　Youshallhear，see，andbesilent。”“Iwillsee，hear，andbesilent，“shemurmured。
　　“Wheneveningsetsin，sendawayyourservants，“commandedCagliostro。“Letthedoorsstandopen；theyshallbeguarded，thatnoonemayenterbutthesummoned。Artthouprepared?“
　　“Iam，master！“
　　“Withdrawnowtoyourroom，Wilhelmine，andelevateyourthoughtsindevotionandcontrition，andawaitthefuture。Kneel，mydaughter，kneel！“Shesankuponherknees。“Blessme，master，blessme！““I
　　blessyou！“
　　Shefeltahot，burningsensationuponherforehead，andsuddenlyabrightlightshoneintheobscureroom。Wilhelminescreamed，andcoveredhereyes。Whensheventuredtolookup，onlysoftmoonlightpenetratedfromthehighwindowintotheapartment，andshewasalone。“To-morrow——to-morrow，atmidnight！“shemurmured，shuddering，andcastingatimidlookaround。
　　BOOKII。
　　ROSICRUCIANSANDPOWERFULGENIUSES
　　CHAPTERX。
　　GOETHEINBERLIN。
　　“IwishIonlyknewwhetheritwereaman，orwhetherthegodApollohasreallyappearedtomeinhumanform，“sighedConrectorMoritz，ashepacedhisroom——astrange，gloomyapartment，quiteinkeepingwiththesingularoccupant——graywalls，withGreekapothegmsinscribedupontheminlargeletters——dirtywindows，pastedoverwithstripsofpaper；high，openbook-shelves，containingseveralhundredbooks，someneatlyarranged，othersthrowntogetherinconfusion。InthemidstofachaosofbooksandpapersstoodacolossalbustoftheApollo-Belvedereuponatablenearthewindow，thewhitenessandbeautyofwhichwereinsingularcontrast，tothedustanddisorderwhichsurroundedit。
　　Atthebackoftheroomwasanopenwardrobe，filledwithgay-
　　coloredgarments。Abeautifulcarpetofbrilliantcolorscoveredthemiddleofthedirtyfloor，anduponthispacedtoandfrothestrangeoccupantofthisstrangeroom，PhilipCharlesMoritz，conrectorofthecollegeattachedtotheGrayMonastery。TherewasnotraceofthebearinganddemeanorwhichdistinguishedhimattheparadeatPotsdamyesterday——notraceoftheyoungelegant，dressedinthelatestfashion。To-dayheworeawhitegarment，ofnoparticularstyle，tiedattheneckwitharedribbonfullsleeves，buttonedatthewristwithlace-cuffs；and，fallingfromtheshouldersinscantyfoldstojustbelowtheknees，itdisplayedhisbarelegs，andhisfeetshodwithredsandals。
　　Hishairwasunpowdered，andnottiedinacue，accordingtothefashion，buthunginitsnaturalbrowncolor，flowingquiteloosely，merelyconfinedbyaredribbonwoundinamonghiscurls，andhangingdowninshortbowsateachtemplelikethefrontletoftheoldRomans。Thus，inthissingularcostume，belonginghalftooldAdam，andhalftotheoldRomans，PhilipMoritzwalkedbackandforthuponthecarpet，ruminatinguponthebeamingbeautyofthestrangerwhoseacquaintancehehadsorecentlymade，andwhomhecouldnotbanishfromhisthoughts。“WhatwickeddemoninducedmetogotoPotsdamyesterday?“saidhetohimself。“Iwhohatemankind，andbelievethattheyareallofvulgar，ordinarymaterial，yieldtothelongingforsociety，andamdrivenagainintotheworld。”
　　Aloudknockingatthedoorinterruptedthissoliloquy，andthedooropenedatthecommanding“Comein！“
　　“Itishe，itisApollo，“criedMoritz，joyfully。“Comein，sir，comein——Ihaveawaitedyouwiththemostardentdesire。”
　　Moritzrushedtotheyounggentleman，whohadjustclosedthedoor，andwhosebeautiful，proudfacelightedupwithasmileatthesingularapparitionbeforehim。“Pardonme，Idisturbyou，sir；youwereabouttomakeyourtoilet。Permitmetoreturnafteryouhavedressed。”
　　“Youaremistaken，“criedMoritz，eagerly。“Youfindmeinmyusualhome-dress——Ilikemyeaseandfreedom，andIamofopinionthatmankindwillneverbehappyandcontenteduntiltheyreturntotheirnaturalstate，wearingnomoreclothing，butgloryinginthebeautywhichbountifulNaturehasbestoweduponhermostlovedandchosensubjects。”
　　“Sir，“criedtheother，laughing，“thenbenevolentNatureshouldadaptherclimateaccordingly，andrelieveherdearcreaturesfromtheinclinationtotakecold。”
　　“Youmayberight，“saidMoritz，earnestly，“butwewillnotquarrelaboutit。Willyounotkeepyourpromisetorevealtomeyourname?“
　　“Tellmeyourownoncemore。Tellmeifthisyouth，whomIseebeforemeinthisidealdress，isthesamemodestyoungmanwhomI
　　metattheparadeyesterday，andwhopresentedhimselfasPhilipMoritz?ThenpleasetoinformmewhetheryouarethePhilipMoritzwhowroteaspiritedandcordiallettertoJohannWolfgangGoethesomeyearssinceaboutthetragedyof'Stella，'therepresentationofwhichhadbeenforbiddenatthattime?“
　　“Yes，IamthesamePhilipMoritz，whowrotetothepoetGoethetoprovetohim，withthemostheart-feltsympathy，thatwearenotallsuchstupidfellowsinBerlinasNicolai，whopronouncedthetragedy'Stella'immoral；thatitisonly，asGoethehimselfcalledit，'aplayforlovers。'“
　　“Andwillyounotbekindenoughtotellmewhatresponsethepoetmadetoyouramiableletter?“
　　“Proudandamiableatthesametime，mostgracefullyheansweredme，butnotwithwords。Hesentmehistragedy'Stella'boundinrose-
　　coloredsatin。[Footnote:“GoetheinBerlin，“——Sketchesfromhislifeattheanniversaryofhisonehundredthbirthday。]Seethere！
　　itisbeforethebustofApolloonmywriting-table，whereithaslainforthreeyears！“
　　“Whatdidhewritetoyouatthesametime?“
　　“Nothing——whyshouldhe?Wasnotthebooksufficientanswer?“
　　“Didhewritenothing?PermitmetosaytoyouthatGoethebehavedlikeabruteandanasstoyou！“
　　“Sir，“criedMoritz，angrily，“Iforbidyoutospeakofmyfavoriteinsounbecomingamannerinmyroom！“
　　“Sir，“criedtheother，“youdarenotforbidme。Iinsistuponitthatthatmanissometimesabruteandanass！Icanpenitentlyacknowledgeittoyou，dearMoritz，forIamJohannWolfgangGoethehimself！“
　　“You，youareGoethe！“shoutedMoritz，asheseizedhimwithbothhands，drawinghimtowardthewindow，andgazingathimwiththegreatestenthusiasmanddelight。“Yes，yes，“heshouted，“youareeitherApolloorGoethe！Thegodsarenotsostupidastoreturntothismiserableworld，soyoumustbeGoethe。Noothermanwoulddaretosportsuchagodlikefaceasyoudo，youfavoriteofthegods！“
　　Hethenloosedhisholduponthesmilingpoet，andsprangtothewriting-table。“Listen，Apollo，“hecried，withwildjoy。“Goetheishere，thydearsonishere！Hurrah！longliveGoethe！“
　　Hetooktherose-coloredlittlebook，andshoutingtossedittotheceiling，andsprangaboutlikeamadbacchant，andfinallythrewhimselfuponthecarpet，rollingoverandoverlikeafrolicksome，good-naturedchilduponitsnurse'slap。
　　Goethelaughedaloud。“Whatareyoudoing，dearMoritz?Whatdoesthismean?“heasked。
　　Moritzstoppedamoment，lookinguptoGoethewithafacebeamingwithjoy。“Icannotbetterexpressmyhappiness。Languageistoofeeble——toopoor！“
　　“Ifthatisthecase，thenIwilljoinyou，“saidGoethe，throwinghimselfuponthecarpet，rollingandtumblingabout。[Footnote:ThisscenewhichIrelate，andwhichTeichmanalsomentionsinhis“LeavesofMemoryofGoetheinBerlin，“hasbeenoftenrelatedtomebyLudwigTieckexactlyinthismanner。TeichmanbelievesitwasthepoetBurman。ButIrememberdistinctlythatLudwigTiecktoldmethatitwastheeccentricsavant，PhilipMoritz，withwhomGoethemadetheacquaintanceinthisoriginalmanner——TheAuthoress。]
　　AllatonceMoritzjumpedupwithoutsayingaword，rushedtothewardrobe，dressedhimselfinmodestattireinafewmoments，andpresentedhimselftoGoethe，whorosefromthecarpetquiteastoundedatthesuddenmetamorphosis。Thenheseizedhisthree-
　　corneredhattogoout，whenGoetheheldhimfast。
　　“Youarenotgoingintothestreet，sir！Youforgetthatyourhairisflyingaboutasifunloosedbyadivinemadness。”
　　“Sir，peoplearequiteaccustomedtoseemeinastrangecostume，andthemostofthemthinkmecrazy。”
　　“Youareawarethatinsanepeoplebelievethattheyonlyaresane，andthatreasonablepeopleareinsane。Youwillgrantmethatitismuchmorelikeacrazypersontostrewhishairwithflour，andtieitupinthatridiculouscue，thantowearitasGodmadeit，uncombedandunparted，asIdomybeautifulhair，andforwhichtheycallmecrazy！But，forHeaven'ssake，whereareyougoing?“askedGoethe，strugglingtoretainhim。
　　“IamgoingtotrumpetthrougheverystreetinBerlinthattheauthorof'Werther，'of'Clavigo，'of'GotzvonBerlichingen，'of'Stella，'ofthemostbeautifulpoems，isinmyhumbleapartment。I
　　willcallinallthelittlepoetsandsavantsofBerlin；IwilldragMammler，Nicolai，Engel，Spaulding，Gedicke，Plumicke，Karschin，andBurmanhere。TheyshallallcometoseeWolfgangGoethe，andadorehim。Theinsignificantpoetsshallpayhomagetothee，thetruepoet，thefavoriteofApollo。”
　　“MydearMoritz，ifyouleavemeforthat，Iwillrunaway，andyouwilltroubleyourselfinvain。”
　　“Impossible；youwillbemyprisoneruntilIreturn。Ishalllockyouin，andyoucannotescapebythewindow，asIfortunatelyliveonthethirdstory。”
　　“ButIshallnotwaittobelookedin，“answeredGoethe，slightlyannoyed。“Icametoseeyou，andifyourunawayIshallgoalso，andIadviseyounottotrytopreventme。”Hisvoiceresoundedthroughtheapartment，growinglouderashespoke，hischeeksflushed，andhishigh，commandingbrowcontracted。
　　“JupiterTonans！“criedMoritz，regardinghim，“youaretrulyJupiterTonansinperson，andIbowbeforeyouandobeyyourcommand。Ishallremaintoworshipyou，andgazeatyou。”
　　“Anditmaybepossibletospeakinareasonablemannertome，“saidGoethe，coaxingly。“Awaywithsentimentalityandodorsofincense！
　　Wearenosybarites，tofeedonsweet-meatsandcakes；butwearemenwhohaveanobleaiminview，attainedonlybyathornypath。
　　Oureyesmustremainfixeduponthegoal，andnothingmustdivertthemfromit。”
　　“Whatistheaimthatweshouldstrivefor?“askedMoritz，hiswholebeingsuddenlychanging，andhismannerexpressingthegreatestdepressionandsadness。
　　Goethesmiled。“Howcanyouask，asifyoudidnotknowityourself。
　　Self-knowledgeshouldbeourfirstaim！Theancientphilosopherswerewisetohaveinscribedovertheentrancestotheirtemples，'Knowthyself，'inordertoremindallapproaching，toexaminethemselvesbeforetheyenteredthehallsofthegods。Isnotthehumanheartequallyatemple?onlythedemonsandthegodsstrivetogethertherein，unfortunately。Todrivetheformerout，andgiveplacetothelatter，shouldbeouraim；andwhenoncepurified，androomisgivenforgooddeedsandgreatachievements，weshallnotrestsatisfiedsimplytoconquer，butrisewithgladnesstobuildaltarsuponthoseplaceswhichwehavefreedfromthedemons；forthat，wemuststeadilykeepinviewtruthandreality，andnothidethemwithablackveil，orarraytheminparty-coloredrags。Ourideasmustbeclearabouttheconsequencesofthings，thatwemaynotbelikethosefoolishmenwhodrinkwineeveryeveningandcomplainofheadacheeverymorning，resortingtopreventives。”
　　DidGoetheknowthestrugglesanddissensionswhichrenttheheartoftheyoungmantowhomhespoke?Hadhissearchingeyesreadthesecretswhichwerehiddeninthatdarkenedsoul?HeregardedhimashespokewithsomuchcommiserationthatMoritz'sheartsoftenedunderthegenialinfluenceofsympathyandkindness。Aconvulsivetremblingseizedhim，hischeekswereburningred，andhisfeaturesexpressedthestrugglewithin。Suddenlyheburstintotears。“Iamvery，verywretched，“hesighed，withavoicesuffocatedbyweeping，andsankuponachair，sobbingaloud，andcoveringhisfacewithhishands。
　　Goetheapproachedhim，andlaidhishandgentlyuponhisshoulder。
　　“Whyareyousomiserable?Isthereanyhumanbeingwhocanhelpyou?“hekindlyinquired。
　　“Yes，“sobbedMoritz；“therearethosewhocould，buttheywillnot，andIamlost。Istanduponthebrinkofaprecipice，withInsanitystaringatme，grinningandshowingherteeth。Iknowit，butcannotretreat。Iwearthemaskofmadnesstoconcealmycarewornface。
　　Yourdivineeyescouldnotbedeceived。Youhavenotmistakenthecaricatureforthetrueface。Youhavepenetratedbeneaththegaytatters，andhaveseenthemiserywhichsoughttohideitselfthere。”
　　“Isawit，andIbewailedit，asafriendpitiesafriendwhomhewouldwillinglyaidifheonlyknewhowtodoit。”
　　“Noonecanhelpme，“sighedMoritz，shakinghisheadmournfully。“I
　　amlost，irremediablylost！“
　　“Nooneislostwhowillsavehimself。Hewhoiswreckedbyastormandtossedupontheragingsea，oughttobeuponthewatchforaplankbywhichhecansavehimself。Hemustkeephiseyesopen，andnotlethisarmshangidly；forifheallowshimselftobeswalloweduphebecomesaself-murderer，who，likeErostratus，destroyedtheholytemple，andgainedeternalfamethrougheternalshame。”
　　“Whatareyousaying?“criedMoritz，“you，theauthorof'Werther，'
　　ofthatimmortalworkwhichhasdrunkthetearsofthewholeworld，andhasbecometheHolyTestamentforunhappysouls！“
　　“Rathersayforlovers，“repliedGoethe，“andaddalsothosetroubledspiritswhothinkthemselvespoeticalwhentheywhineandhowl；whocryovermisfortuneifFatedeniesthemthetoywhichtheirvanity，theirambition，ortheiramorousness，hadchosen。DonotburdenmewithwhatIamnotguiltyof；donotsaythatwineisapoison，becauseitisnotgoodforthesick。Itisintendedforwellpeople；itanimatesandinspiresthemtofreshvigor。Nowpleasetoconsideryourselfwell，andnotill。”
　　“Iamill，indeedIamill，“sighedMoritz。“Oh！continuetoregardmewiththoseeyes，whichshinelikestarsintomybenightedsoul。I
　　feellikeonewhohaslongwanderedthroughthedesert，hisfeetburntwiththesand，hishairscorchedwiththesun，and，exhaustedwithhungerandthirst，feelsdeathapproaching。Suddenlyhediscoversagreenoasis，andabeingwithoutstretchedarmscallingtohimwithasoft，angel-likevoice:'Come，savethyselfinmyarms；feelthatthouartnotaloneinthedesert，forIamwiththee，andwillsustainthee！'“
　　“AndIsayittoyoufromthebottomofmyheart，“saidGoethe，affectionately。“Yes，hereisone，whoisonlytoohappytoaidyou，whocansympathizewitheverysorrow，becausehehashimselffeltitinhisownbreast，whomayevensayofhimself，likeOvid:'Nothinghumanisstrangetome。'IfIcanaidyou，sayso，andIwillwillinglydoit。”
　　“No，youcannot，“murmuredMoritz。
　　“Atleastconfideyourgrieftome；thatisanalleviation。”
　　“Oh，howkindandgenerousyouare！“Moritzsaid，pressingthehandofhisnew-madefriendtohisbosom。“Howmuchgooditdoesmetolistentoyou，andlookatyourbeautifulface！Ibelievedmyselfsteeledagainsteverythingthatcouldhappentomortals；thatthefoolwhichIwouldbehadkilledwithinmethehigherman。Iwasalmostproudtohavesucceededindeceivingmen；thattheymistookmygrotesquemaskformyrealface；thattheypointthefingeratme，andlaugh，sayingtoeachother:'Thatisafool，anoriginal，whomNatureherselfhaschosenasakindofcourtfooltosociety。'
　　Noonehasunderstoodthecryofdistressofmysoul。Thosewholaughedatthecomicalfellowbyday，littledreamedoftheanguishandmiseryinwhichhesighedawaythenight。”
　　“Younotonlywrongyourself，butyouwrongmankind，“saidGoethe，kindly。“Intheworld，andinliterature，youbearanhonoredname；
　　everyoneofeducationisfamiliarwithyourexcellentworkon'ProsodyoftheGermanLanguage'——hasreadalsoyourspiritedJourneytoEngland。Youhavenorighttoaskthatoneshouldseparatethekernelfromtheshellinhastilypassingby。Ifyousurroundyourselfwithawallbedaubedwithcaricatures，youcannotexpectthatpeoplewilllookbehindwhatseemsanentrancetoapuppet-show，tofindholytemples，bloominggardens，orachurch-
　　yardfilledwithgraves。”
　　“ThatisjustwhatIresemble，“saidMoritz，withamelancholyair。
　　“Fromthedepthsofmysoulitseemsso。Nothingbutburiedhopes，murderedideals，andwishestroddenunderfoot。FromchildhoodI
　　haveexertedmyselfagainstcircumstances；Ihavestrivenmywholelife——apledgeofmybeingagainstunpropitiousFate。Althoughthesonofapoortradesman，Naturehadgivenmeathirstforknowledge，aloveforscienceandart。OnaccountofitIpassedforastupididlerinthefamily，whowouldnotcontributetohisownsupport。
　　Occupationwithbookswasaccountedidlenessandlazinessbymyfather。Iwasdriventoworkwithblowsandill-treatment；and，thatImightthesoonerequalmyfatherasagoodshoemaker，Iwasboundtothestoolnearhisown。Duringthelong，fearfuldaysIwasforcedtositanddrawthepitched，offensivethreadthroughtheleather，andwhenmyarmswerelame，andsankwearyatmyside，thenIwasinvigoratedtorenewedexertionwithblows。Finally，withthecourageofdespair，Ifledfromthislifeoftorture。Unacquaintedwiththeworld，andinexperienced，Ihopedforthesympathyofmen，butinvain。Noonewouldrelieveorassistme！DaysandweekslongIhavewanderedaroundintheforestadjoiningourlittlevillage，andlivedliketheanimals，uponrootsandherbs。YetIwashappy！I
　　hadtakenwithmeinmyflighttwobookswhichIhadreceivedasprizes，inthehappydaysthatmyfatherpermittedmetogototheLatinschool。ThedecisionoftheteacherthatIwascreatedforascholar，soterrifiedmyfather，thathetookmefromtheschool，toturntheembryosavant，whowouldbegoodfornothing，intoashoemaker，whomightearnhisbread。Mytwodarlingbooksremainedtome。IntheforestsolitudeIreadOvidandVirgiluntilIhadmemorizedthem，andrecitedthemaloud，inpathetictones，formyownamusement。To-dayIrecallthoseweeksintheforeststillnessasthehappiest，purest，andmostbeautifulofmylife。”
　　“Andtheyundoubtedlyare，“saidGoethe，kindly。“ThereturntoNatureisthereturntoone'sself。Whowillbeanable，vigorousmanandremainso，must，aboveallthings，liveinandwithNature。”
　　“Butoh！thishappylifedidnotlongcontinue，“sighedMoritz。“Myfatherdiscoveredmyretreat，andcamewithsheriffsandbailiffstoseizemelikeacriminal——likeawildanimal。Withmyhandsbound，I
　　wasbroughtbackinbroadday，amidthejeersofstreetboys。Permitmetopassinsilencethedegradation，thetorturewhichfollowed。I
　　becameaburdentomyself，andlongedfordeath。Theill-treatmentofmyfatherfinallyrevivedmycouragetorunawaythesecondtime。
　　Iwenttoalargetownnearby，anddecidedtoearnmylivingratherthanreturntomyfather。Tofulfiltheprophecyofmyteacherwasmyambition。TheprivationsthatIendured，thelifeIled，Iwillnotrecounttoyou。Iperformedthemostmenialservice，andworkedmonthslikeabeastofburden。Forwantofashelter，Isleptindesertedyardsandtumble-downhouses。UponapieceofbreadandadrinkofwaterIlived，saving，withmiserlygreediness，themoneywhichIearnedasmessengerorday-laborer。Attheendofayear，I
　　hadearnedsufficienttobuyanoldsuitofclothesatasecond-handclothing-store，andpresentmyselftothedirectoroftheGymnasium，imploringhimtoreceivemeaspupil。Bitterlyweeping，Iopenedmyhearttohim，anddisclosedthetortureofmysadlifeasachild，andbeggedhimtogivemetheopportunitytoeducatemyself。Herepulsedmewithscorn，andthreatenedtogivemeovertothepolice，asarunaway，asavagabond，andbeggar。'Iamnobeggar！'I
　　cried，vehemently，'Iwillbeunderobligationtonoone。Ihavemoneytopayfortwoyearsinadvance，andduringthistimeIshallbeabletoearnsufficienttopayforthesucceedingtwoyears。'
　　Thissoftenedtheangerofthecrabbeddirector；hewasfriendlyandkind，andpromisedmehisassistance。”
　　“Poorboy！“sighedGoethe。“Soyoung，andyetforcedtolearnthatthereisapowertowhichnotonlykingsandprinces，butmindmustbow；towhichscienceandarthavesubmitted，astotheirMaecenas！
　　ThispoweropenedthedoorsoftheGymnasiumtoyou。”
　　“Itwaseventhus。Thedirectortookpityuponme，andpermittedmetoenteruponmystudiesatonce；hedidmore，heassuredmyfuture。
　　Oh，hewasahumaneandkindman！WhenhelearnedthatIpossessednothingbutthelittlesumtowhichthedropsofbloodofayear'stoilstillclung，then——“
　　“Hereturnedittoyou，“interruptedGoethe，kindly。
　　“No，heofferedmeboard，lodging，andclothing，duringmycourseattheGymnasium。”
　　“Thatwaswell，“criedGoethe。“Tellmethenameofthishonorableman，thatImaymeethimandextendtohimmyhand。”
　　AtroubledsmilespreadoverPhilip'sface。“Permitmeforthetimebeingtoconcealthename，“hereplied。“Ireceivedthegenerousproposalgratefully，andasked，deeplymoved，iftherewerenoserviceswhichIcouldreturnforsomuchkindnessandgenerosity。
　　Itprovedthattherewere，andthedirectormadethemknowntome。
　　Hewasunmarried，hencethenecessityofmen'sservice。Ishouldbesocietyforhim——beacompanion，infact；Ishoulddowhateverygratefulsonwoulddoforhisfather——helphimdress，keephisroominorder，andpreparehisbreakfast。”
　　“Thatmeantthatyoushouldbehisservant！“criedGoethe，indignant。
　　“Onlyinthemorning，“repliedMoritz，smiling。“EveningsandnightsIshouldhavethehonortobehisamanuensis；Ishouldlookoverthestudiesofthescholars，andcorrecttheirexercises；andwhenIhadmadesufficientprogress，itshouldbemydutytogivetwohourstodifferentclasses，andIshouldreadaloudorplaycardswiththedirectoronleisureevenings。Besides，Iwasobligedtopromisenevertoleavethehousewithouthispermission；nevertospeakto，orholdintercoursewith，anyoneoutsidethehoursofinstruction。
　　Alltheseconditionswerewrittendown，andsignedbybothparties，asifabusinesscontract。”
　　“Atransactionbywhichahumansoulwasbargainedfor！“thunderedGoethe。“Revealtome，now，thenameofthistraderofsouls，thatI
　　mayexposehimtopublicshame！“
　　“Hediedayearsince，“repliedMoritz，softened。“Godsummonedhimtojudgment。Whenthephysicianannouncedtohimthatthecancerwasincurable，whenhefeltdeathapproaching，hesentforme，andbeggedmyforgiveness，withtearsanddeepcontrition。Iforgavehim，soletmeceasetorecallthelifeIpassedwithhim。BythesweatofmybrowIwascompelledtoservehim；forsevenlongyearsIwashisslave。Isoldmyselfforthesakeofknowledge，Iwasconsoledbyprogress。Iwastheservant，companion，jester，andslaveofmytyrant，butIwasalsothedisciple，thepriestoflearning。Inmyownroommychainsfelloff。Inthelonelynight-
　　watchesIcommunedwiththegreat，theimmortalspiritsofHorace，Virgil，andeventheproudCeasar，andthedivineHomer。Thosesolitarybuthappyhoursofthenightarenevertobeforgotten，nevertobeportrayed；theyrefreshedmeforthetrialsoftheday，andenabledmetoendurethem！AtthecloseofsevenyearsIwaspreparedtoentertheuniversity，andthebargainbetweenmymasterandmyselfwasalsoatanend。Freedfrommytyrant，IbentmystepstowardFrankfortUniversity，tofeelmylibertyenchainedanew。ForsevenyearsIhadbeentheslaveofthedirector；nowIbecametheslaveofpoverty，forcedtolabortolive！Oh，Icannotrecallthosescenes！Sufficeittosay，thatduringoneyearIhadnofixedabode，nevertastedwarmfood。Butitispassed——Ihaveconquered！
　　Afteryearsofstruggle，ofexertion，ofsilentmisery，onlyrelievedbymystolenhoursofblissfulstudy，Igainedmyreward。I
　　wasfree！Myexaminationpassed，IwashonoredwiththedegreesofDoctorofPhilosophyandMasterofArts。Aftermanyinterveningevents，IwasappointedconrectorofthecollegeattachedtotheGrayMonastery，whichpositionnowsupportsme。”
　　“Godbepraised，Ibreathefreely！“answeredGoethe，withoneofthosesunnysmileswhich，inamomentofjoyfulexcitement，lighteduphisface。“Ifeellikeoneshipwrecked，whohas，atlast，reachedasafeharbor。Irejoiceinyourrescueasifitweremyown。Nowyouaresafe。Youhavereachedtheport，andinthequiethappinessofyourownlibraryyouwillwinnewlaurels。Why，then，stilldispiritedandunhappy?Thepast，withitssorrowsandhumiliations，isforgotten，thepresentissatisfactory，andthefutureisfullofhopeforyou。”
　　“Fullofmiseryisthepresent，“criedPhilip，angrily，“andfilledwithdespairIglanceatthefuture。Youdonotseeitwithyourdivineeyes，youdonotperceiveit，poetwiththesympatheticsoul。
　　You，too，thoughtthatPhilipMoritzhadonlyaheadforthesciences，andforgotthathehadahearttolove。Itellyouthathehasawarm，affectionateheart，tornwithgriefandallthetorturesofjealousy；thatdisappointedhappinessmaddenshim。Iwasnotcreatedtobehappy，andmywholebeinglongsforhappiness。Oh！I
　　wouldwillinglygivemylifeforonedaybythesideoftheoneI
　　love。”
　　“Donottrifle，“saidGoethe，angrily。“Hewhohasstrivenandstruggledasyouhave，darenotoffer，foranywoman，howeverbeautifulandseductive，toyieldhislife，whichhasbeendestinedtoahigheraimthanmeresuccessinlove。PerhapsyouthinkthatGodhasinfusedarayofHisintelligenceintothemindofman，createdhimimmortal，andbreatheduponhimwithHisworld-creatingbreathonly，tomakehimhappy，andfindthathappinessinlove！No！
　　myfriend，GodhasgiventomanlikefacultieswithHimself，andinspiredhim，thathemightbeaworthyrepresentativeofHimupontheearth；thatheshouldprove，inhislife，thatheisnotonlytheblossom，butthefruitalso，ofGod'screation。Loveistomantheperfumeofhisexistence。Shemayintoxicatehimforawhile，mayinspirehimtopoeticaleffusions，togreatdeeds，even；butheshouldhesitatetoletherbecomehismistress，toletherbethetyrantofhisexistence。Ifshewouldenchainhim，hemusttearhimselfaway，evenifhetearouthisownheart。Manpossessesthatwhichismoreennoblingthanmerefeeling；hehasintellect——soul。”
　　“Ah！“criedMoritz，“itiseasytoseethatyouhaveneverlovedmadly，despairingly。Youhaveneverseenthewomanwhomyouadore，andwhoperhapsreciprocatesyourpassion，forcedtomarryanother。”
　　AshadowflittedoverGoethe'sbrow，andtheflashingbrilliancyofhiseyeswaschangedtogloomysadness。Gently，butquickly，helaidhishanduponMoritz'sshoulder，saying:“Inthishour，whentwosoulsarerevealedtoeachother，willIacknowledgetoyouthatwhichIhaveneverspokenof。I，too，loveawoman，wholovesme，andyetcanneverbemine，forsheismarriedtoanother。IlovethissweetwomanasIhaveneverlovedamortalbeing。Foryearsmyexistencehasbelongedtoher，shehasbeenthecentreofallmythoughts。Itwouldseemtomeasiftheearthwerewithoutasun，heavenwithoutaGod，ifsheshouldvanishfromlife。Ievenblessthetorturewhichherprudery，heralternatecoldnessandfriendlinesscauseme，asitcomesfromher，fromthehighestblissoffeeling。Thispassionhassweptthroughmysoul，asifunitinginitselfallmyyouthfulloves，till，likeatorrent，everrenewingitself，evermovingonward，ithasbecomethehighwayofmyfuture。
　　Uponthisstreamfloatsthebarkladenwithallmyhappiness，fame，andpoetry。Thepalaceswhichmyfancycreatesriseuponitsshore。
　　Everyzephyr，howeverslight，makesmetremble。Everycloudwhichovershadowsthebrowofmybeloved，sweepslikeatempestovermyown。Iliveuponhersmile。Akindwordfallingfromherlipsmakesmehappyfordays；andwhensheturnsawayfrommewithcoldnessandindifference，IfeellikeonedrivenaboutasOrestesbytheFuries。”
　　“Youreallyareinlove！“criedMoritz。“IwilltakebackwhatI
　　havesaid。You，thechosenofthegods，knowallthehumanheartcansuffer，evenunhappylove。”
　　Almostangry，andwithhesitation，Goetheansweredhim:“Idonotcallthispassionofmineanunhappyone，forintheveryperceptionofitlieshappiness。Weareonlywretchedwhenweloseself-
　　control。TothispointLoveshallneverleadme。Sheyieldsmethehighestdelight，butsheshallneverbringmetoself-destruction。
　　Griefforhermay，likeadestructivewhirlwind，crusheveryblossomofmyheart；butsheshallneverdestroyme。Theman，thepoet，muststandhigherthanthelover；forwherethelatterisabouttoyieldtodespair，theformerwillrise，and，withthedefianceofPrometheus，challengethegodstorecognizethegodlikesimilitude，thatmancanrisesuperiortosorrow，neverdespairing，nevercursingFateifalltherosydreamsofyoutharenotrealities，butwithupturnedgazestrideoverthewasteplacesoflife，consolinghimselfwiththethoughtthatonlymagnanimoussoulscansufferandconquermagnanimously。Vanquishedgriefbringsusnearertotheimmortal，andgraduallybearsusfromthisvaleofsorrowuptothebrighterheights，nearertoGod——theearthwithherpettyconfusionlyinglikeaworthlesstoolatourfeet！“
　　“Itisheavenlytobeabletosaythat，anddivinetoperceiveit，“
　　criedMoritz，burstingintotears。“Themiseriesoflifechainmetothedust，anddonotpermitmetomounttotheheightswhichaherolikeGoethereachesvictorious。Itisindeedsublimetoconquerone'sself，andbewillingtoresignthehappinesswhichfleesus。
　　ButseehowweakIam——Icannotdoit！IcannevergiveuptheoneI
　　love。ItseemsasifIcouldmoveheavenandearthtoconqueratlast，andthatImustdieifIdonotsucceed——dielikeWerther。”
　　Goethe'seyesflashedwithanger，andwithheightenedcolorheexclaimed:“Youallrepeatthesamelitany——donotmakemeanswerableforallyourweaknesses，andblamepoorWertherforthecreationsofyourownimagination。I，whoamtheauthorofWerther，amfreefromthisabominablesentimentality。Whycannotothersbe，whoonlyreadwhatIhaveconceived?Butpardonmyviolence，“hecontinued，withamildervoiceandgentlermanner。“Neverdidanauthorcreateaworkwhichbroughthimatthesametimesogreatfameandbitterreproachasthisworkhasbroughttome。'TheSorrowsofYoungWerther'haveindeedbeentransformedintothesorrowsofyoungGoethe，andIevenfearthatoldGoethewillhavetosufferforit。Ihavespokentoyouasafriendtoafriend:
　　cherishmywords，takethemtoheart，andarisefromthedust；shakeofftheself-strewnashesfromyourhead。Enteragainasabravechampionthecombatoflife——summontoyouraidcunning，power，prudence，andaudacity，toconqueryourlove。Whetheryousucceedornot，thenyouaimatthegreatestofbattles——thatofmindovermatter——thenremembermyfarewellwords。Fromthepowerwhichbindsallmenhefreeshimselfwhoconquershimself——Farewell！Ifeveryouneedtheencouragementofafriend，ifeverasympathizingsoulisnecessarytoyou，cometoWeimar；sympathyandappreciationshallneverfailyouthere。”
　　“Oh！Iwillsurelygo，“answeredMoritz，deeplymoved，andpressingheartilyGoethe'sofferedhand。
　　“OnethingmoreIhavetosaytoyou:LivemuchwithNature；
　　accustomyourselftoregardthesparrow，theflower，orthestone，asworthyofyourattentionasthewonderfulphoenixorthemonumentsoftheancientswiththeirillegibleinscriptions。TowalkwithNatureisbalsamforawearysoul；gentlytouchedbyhersofthands，therecoveryismostrapid。Ihaveexperiencedit，anddoexperienceitdaily。Now，oncemore，farewell；inthetruesenseofthewordfare-thee-well！IwishthatIcouldhelpyouinotherwaysthanbymerekindwords。ItpainsmeindeedthatIcanrenderyounootheraidorhope。Youalonecandowhatnoneothercandoforyou——
　　Farewell！“
　　Heturned，andmotioningtoMoritznottofollowhim，almostflewdownthestairsintothestreet。Drawingalongbreath，hestoodleaningagainstthedoor，gazingatthecrowd——atthebusypassers-
　　by——somemerrilychattingwiththeircompanions，otherswithearnestmienandinbusyhaste。Nooneseemedtocareforhim，noonelookedathim。Ifbychancetheyglancedathim，JohannWolfgangGoethewasofnomoreconsequencetothemthananyotherhonestcitizeninaneighboringdoorway。
　　Withoutperhapsacknowledgingittohimself，Goethewasalittlevexedthatnooneobservedhim；thattheweather-makerfromWeimar，whowasaccustomedtobegreetedthere，andeverywhere，indeed，withsmilesandbows，shouldhereinBerlinbeonlyanordinarymortal——astrangeramongstrangers。“Iwouldnotlivehere，“saidhe，ashewalkedslowlydownthestreet。“Whataremeningreatcitiesbutgrainsofsand，nowblowntogetherandthenasunder?Thereisnoindividuality，oneisonlyaunitinthemass！Butitiswelloccasionallytolookintosuchakaleidoscope，andadmiretheplayofcolors，whichIhavedone，andwithagladheartIwillnowflyhometoallmyfriends——toyou，belovedone——toyou，Charlotte！“
　　CHAPTERXI。
　　THEINNERANDTHEMIDDLETEMPLE。
　　WilhelmineEnkehadpassedthedayingreatanxietyandexcitement，andnoteventhedistractionofhernewpossessionhadbeenabletocalmthebeatingofherheartorallayherfears。PrinceFrederickWilliamhadarrivedearlyinthemorning，tobidherfarewell，ashewastomarchinthecourseofthedaywithhisregimentsfromPotsdam。WiththetenderestassurancesoflovehetookleaveofWilhelmine，andwithtearskissedhistwochildren，pressingthemtohisheart。Ashewasabouttoenterhiscarriagehereturnedtothehousetoembracehisweepingmistress，andreassureherofhisfidelity，andmakeherpromisehimagainandagainthatshewouldremaintruetohim，andneverloveanother。
　　ItwasnotalonethefarewelltoherbelovedprincewhichcausedWilhelminesuchanxietyandmadehersorestless。LikeadarkcloudtheremembranceofCagliostro'smysteriousappearancearoseinhermind，overshadowinghereveryhourmoreandmore，fillinghersoulwithterror。Invaindidsheseekrefugenearherchildren，tryingtocheerandforgetherselfintheirinnocentamusement——onemomentrunningaboutthegardenwiththem，thenreturningtothehousetoreexamineit。HerthoughtswouldreverttoCagliostro，andthesolemnitieswhichweretotakeplaceatherhousethatnight。Thethoughtterrifiedherthatatnightfallshewasobligedtosendawayallherservants，andnotevenbepermittedtolockherselfinthelonely，desertedhouse。Forthegreatmagicianhadcommandedhertoletthedoorsofherhousestandopen；hewouldplacesentinelsateveryentrance，andnonebuttheelectwouldbeallowedtoenter。
　　Wilhelminehadnotthecouragetoresistthiscommand。Aseveningapproached，shesentthecook，withotherservants，toherapartmentatBerlin，orderingthemtopackherfurnitureandothereffects，andsendthembyahiredwagontoCharlottenburgthefollowingmorning。AnhourprevioustothisshehadsentthenurseandtwochildrentoPotsdamwithasimilarcommission，orderingthemtoreturnearlythenextday。AloneshenowawaitedwithfeverishanxietyCagliostro'sappearance。Againandagainshewanderedthroughthesilent，desertedroomsfrightenedatthesoundofherownfootsteps，andpeeringintoeachroomasifanassassinorrobberwerelurkingthere。Shehadmanyenemies——manytherewerewhocursedher，and，alas！nonelovedher——shewasfriendless，savetheprince，whowasfaraway。Thetearswhichtheprincesshadshedonheraccountweighedlikeaheavyburdenuponherheart，burningintoherverysoulinthishouroflonely，sadretrospection。Shetriedinvaintoexcuseherself，inthefactthatshehadlovedtheprincebeforehismarriage；thatshehadsacrificedherselftohimthroughaffection，andthatshewasnotentitledtobecomehiswife，asshewasnotbornunderthecanopyofathrone。
　　Fromthedepthsofherconsciencethereagainrosethetearful，sadfaceoftheprincess，accusingherasanadulteress——asasinnerbeforeGodandman！Terrified，shecried:“Ihavetrulylovedhim，andIdostilllovehim；thisismyexcuseandmyjustification。Sheisnottobepitiedwhocanwalkopenlybythesideofherhusband，enjoyingtherespectandsympathyofalltowhomhomageispaid，andwho，oneday，willbequeen！Iamtheonlyone，Ialone！Istandintheshade，despisedandscorned，avoidedandshunnedbyeveryone。
　　Thosewhorecognizeme，dosowithamockingsmile，andwhenIpassbytheycontemptuouslyshrugtheirshouldersandsaytooneanother，'ThatwasEnke，themistressofthePrinceofPrussia！'Allthisshallbechanged，“shecriedaloud；“Iwillnotalwaysbedespisedanddegraded！Iwillberevengedonmycrushedandscornedyouth！I
　　willhaverankandname，honorandposition，thatIwill——yes，thatIwill，indeed！“
　　Wilhelminewanderedonthroughthesilentrooms，allbrilliantlyilluminated，aprecautionshehadtakenbeforedismissingherservants。Thebrightlightwasaconsolationtoher，and，atleast，shecouldnotbeattackedbysurprise，butseeherenemy，andescape。“Iwasafool，“shemurmured，“tograntCagliostrothisreceptionto-night。Iknowthatheisacharlatan！Therearenoprophetsorwizards！Yet，wellIremember，thoughastrangertome，inParis，howtruthfullyhebroughtbeforememypastlife；withwhatmarvellousexactnessherevealedtomesecretsknownonlytomyMakerandmyself。Cagliostromustbeawizard，then，oraprophet；
　　hehaswonderfulpowerovermealso，andreadsmymostsecretthoughts。Hewillassistmetorisefrommyshameanddegradationtoanhonoredposition。Ishallbecomearichandinfluentialwoman！I
　　willconfideinhim，neverdoubtinghim——forheismymasterandsavior！Awaywithfear！Hehassaidthatthehouseshouldbeguarded，anditwillbe！Onwardthen，Wilhelmine，withoutfear！“
　　Shehastenedtothelargedrawing-room，inordertoseetheeffectofthenumerouswax-lightsinthesuperbchandeliersofrockcrystal。Thegreatfolding-doorsresistedallhereffortstoopenthem。“Whoisthere?“criedaloud，threateningvoice。TremblingandwithbeatingheartWilhelmineleanedagainstthedoor，giddywithfear，whenaseconddemand，“Whoisthere?Thewatchword！Noonecanpasswithoutthecountersign！“rousedher，andshestolebackontiptoetoherroom。“Hehaskepthisword，thedoorsareguarded！“
　　shewhispered。“Iwillgoandawaithiminmysitting-room。”Shesteppedquicklyforward，whensuddenlyshethoughtsheheardfootstepsstealingbehindher；turning，shebeheldtwomenwrappedinblackcloaks，withblackmasks，stealthilycreepingafterher。
　　Wilhelmineshriekedwithterror，toreopenthedoor，rushedacrossthenextroomintoherownboudoir。Assheenteredaglancerevealedtoherthatthetwomasksapproachednearerandnearer。Sheboltedthedoorquickly，sinkingtothefloorwithfrightandexhaustion。
　　“Whataretheygoingtodo?Willtheyforceopenthedoorandmurderme?Howfoolish，howfearfullyfoolishtohavesentawayallmyservants。NowIunderstandit:Cagliostroisnotonlyanimpostor——acharlatan，butheisathiefandanassassin。Ihavebeencaughtinthetrapsetforme，likeacredulousfool！Heandhisassociateswillrobmeandplundermybeautifulvilla，butjustgiventome，and，whentheyhavesecuredall，murdermetoescapebetrayal。”Withdeepcontrition，weepingandtrembling，Wilhelmineaccusedherselfofhercredulityandfolly。Forthefirsttimeinherlifeshewasdismayedandcowardly，foritwasthefirsttimethatshehadhadtotrembleforherpossessions。Itwassomethingsonew，sounaccustomedtohertopossessanything，thatitmadeheranxious，andshefeared，asinthefairytale，thatitwoulddissolveintonothing。Bydegreesherpresenceofmindandequanimitywererestored。Thestillnesswasunbroken——andnooneforcedthedoor，tomurderthemistressofthiscostlypossession。Gatheringcourage，sherosesoftlyandstoletothewindow。Themoonshonebrightlyandclearly。Thehousestoodsidewaystothestreet，andseparatedfromit，firstbythickshrubbery，andthenatrellisedlawn。Whoeverwouldenter，directlyturnedintoapathleadingfromthestreetintotheshrubbery。Justuponthiswalk，Wilhelmineperceivedmaskedmenapproaching，onebyone，asinaprocession——slowly，silentlymovingon，untiltheynearedthegateofthetrellisedsquare，wheretwotall，darkformswerestationedtodemandthecountersign，whichbeinggiven，theypassedoverthelawnintothehouse。
　　“Iwilltakecourage；hehastoldmethetruth，thehouseiswellguarded，“murmuredWilhelmine。“Nonebutthesummonedcanenter；I
　　belongtothenumber，andwhenitistimeCagliostrowillcomeandfetchme。Untilthen，letmeawaitquietlytheresult，“saidshe，asshestretchedherselfcomfortablyuponthesofa，laughingatherformercowardiceandterror。“NoonecanenterthisroomunlessI
　　openthedoor，andfortunatelythereisbutoneexit。Thewizardhimselfcouldnotgainadmittanceunlessthewallsshouldopenortheboltdrivehackforhim。Hark！itstrikeseleven，onetedioushourlongertowait。Imusttrytorestalittle。”Shelaidherheaduponthecushion，closinghereyes。Thecalmandthequietwererefreshingaftertheexcitementoftheday。Graduallyherthoughtsbecameconfused——dimpicturesfloatedpasthermentalvision，herbreathingbecameshorter，andsheslept。Thestillnesswasunbroken，savetheclockstrikingthequartersofeveryhour。Scarcelyhadthelastquartertomidnightsounded，whenthewindowwassoftlyopened，andadarkformdescendedintotheroom。Helistenedamoment，lookingatthesleepingone，whomovednot；thenextinguishedthelight，creepingtowardthedoor。Wilhelmineslepton。Suddenlyitseemedtoherasifsunbeamsblindedher，andshestartedupfromaprofoundsleep。Itwasindeednodream。Awhiteformstoodbeforeherofdazzlingbrilliancy，asifformedofsun-rays。
　　“Riseandfollowme！“criedacommandingvoice。“TheGreatKophtacommandsyou。Maskyourself，and，asyourlifeisdeartoyou，donotraiseitforoneinstant！“Wilhelminetookthemask，uponwhichflickeredalittleblueflame，andhelditclosetoherface。“Prayinspirit，thenfollowme。”Wilhelminefollowedwithoutoppositionthebrightformwhichmovedbeforeherthroughthedarkrooms。Shefeltasifundertheinfluenceofacharm；herheartbeatviolently，herfeettrembled，butstillshefeltnomorewaveringorfear；ajoyousconfidencefilledherwholebeing。Withhereyesbentuponthemovingformoflight，shewentonwardintheobscurity，andenteredthegreatdrawing-room，whereprofounddarknessandsilencereigned。Aslightmurmur，asofthoseinprayer，fellonhercar，anditseemedasifnumberlessblackshadowsweremovingabout。
　　“Kneelandpray，“whisperedavoicenearher。Herconductorhaddisappeared，andthegloomofnightsurroundedher。Wilhelminekneltasshewasbidden，butshecouldnotpray；breathlessexpectationandeagercuriositybanishedalldevotionandcomposure。
　　Occasionallywasheard，amidthesilenceanddarkness，adeepsigh，asuppressedgroan，orashriek，whichdiedawayinthemurmuringofprayer。Suddenlyastrangemusicbrokethestillness——sharp，piercingtones，resonantasbells，andincreasinginpower，sometimesasrichandfullasthepealsofanorgan，thengentleandsoftasthemurmuringwind，orasorrow-ladensigh。Then，humanvoicesjoinedthemusic，swellingittoawonderfulandharmoniouschoir——toaninspiredsongofaspiration，Offerventexpectation，andimploringthecomingofhimwhowouldbringgloryandpeace，fillingtheheartsofbelieverswithgodliness。ThechorusoftheInvisibleshadnotceased，whenastrangebluelightbegantoglimmeratthefartherendoftheroom；thenitshotlikeaflashthroughthedarkspace。Astheirdazzledeyeswereagainraised，theysawinakindofhalo，inthemidstofgoldenclouds，atall，dazzlingfigure，inalong，flowingrobe，sparklingwithsilver。Thelovelybust，thebeautifularmsandshoulders，werecoveredwithatransparentgoldentissue，overwhichfellthelong，curlyhairtothewaist。Aglitteringband，sparklinglikestars，waswoundthroughthehair，whichsurroundedafemininefaceofsurpassingbeauty。Perpetualyouthgloweduponherfull，rosycheeks；brightintelligencebeamedfromtheclear，loftybrow；peace，joy，andhappiness，wererevealedinthesmileoftheredlips；loveandpassionflashedfromthelarge，brillianteyes。ThechoiroftheInvisiblesnowsanginjubilanttones:“TheeternalVirgin，theeverlasting，holy，andpurebeing，greetstheerring，blessesthosethatseek，causingthemtofind，andpartakewithjoy。”
　　Theheavenlywomanraisedherlovelyarms，extendingthemasifforatenderembrace。Acaptivatingsmilelightedupherfeatures；afieryglancefromherbeautifuleyesseemedtogreeteveryone，separately，toannouncetothemjoyandhope。Whiletheyregardedherentrancedwithdelight，thegoldencloudgrewdenser，andcoveredthevirginwithherluminousveil。Itthengraduallydisappeared，withthegoldensplendor。ThechorusoftheInvisiblesceased，andthemusicdiedawayingentlemurmurs。Uponthespotwherethebeamingapparitionwasvisible，therenowstoodatallpriest，inalong，flowingblackrobe；apale-bluelightsurroundedhim，andrenderedthedarkoutlinedistinctlyvisiblebytheclearbackground。Snow-whitehairandablackmaskmadehimunrecognizabletoeveryone。
　　Extendinghisarms，asifblessingthem，themaskedonecried:“Mybeloved，theunknownfathersofourHolyOrderofRosicrucianssendmetoyou，andcommandmetosaluteyouwiththegreetingoflife。I
　　amtoannouncetoyouthatthetimeofrevelationapproaches，andthatthesublimemysteriesofearthandNaturewillsoonberevealedtoyou。Astheroseisunfoldedinherglowingred，whichhassolongsleptinherlapofgreenleaves，yourepresentthegreenleaves，andNatureistherose。Shewilldiscloseherselftoyouwithallhersecrets。Inhercalyxyouwillfindtheelixiroflifeandthesecretofgold，ifyouwalkinthepathofduty；ifyouexerciseunconditionalobediencetotheInvisibleFathers；ifyousubmityourselvesinblindconfidencetotheirwisdom；ifyousweartoabstainfromeveryself-inquiry，andtodistrustyourownunderstanding。”[Footnote:SoruntheverywordsinthelawsoftheRosicrucians——See“NewGeneralGermanLibrary，“vol。lvi。，p。10。]
　　“Weswearit！“criedsolemnvoicesonallsides。
　　“Swear，blindly，silentobediencetoallthattheInvisibleFathersshallannouncetoyouthroughtheirdirectors，orshallorderyouundertheholysignoftheRosicruciansbywordorwriting。”
　　“Weswearit！“againresoundedinsolemnchorus。
　　“Shame，disgrace，perdition，anddestruction，beyourcurse，“
　　thunderedthepriest，“ifyoudeviateinthoughtevenfromyouroath；ifyouseektoponderandreflect；ifyoumeasurebyyourownlimitedreasonthedispositionsandoperationsofthesublimefathers，towhomNaturehasrevealedherself，andtowhomallthesecretsofheavenandeartharedisclosed。Eternaldestruction，andallthetorturesofhellandpurgatory，betheportionofthedoubting！Damnedandproscribedbethetraitortotheholyorder！
　　Listen，yespiritsofthedeep，andyespiritsofdarkness，withdrawfromhereinterror，eretheangeroftheInvisibleFathersfalluponyoulikedestroyinglightning！Open，yedoors，thatthewickedmayflee，andonlythegoodremain！“
　　Withawaveofthehandthegreatfolding-doorsnowopened，andafloodoflightfromtheadjoiningapartmentrevealedthedrawingroomtobefilledwiththedarkformsofmenenvelopedinblackcloaks，hoodsdrawnovertheheads，andblackmaskscoveringthefaces——allkneelingclosetogetherandexactlyresemblingoneanother。Noonemoved，thedoorsclosedagain，darknessreigning。Thepriestwasnolongervisible，thoughcontinuingtospeak:“Onlythegoodandobedientarenowassembledhere，andtothemIannouncethatlifeistous，anddeathawaitsbeyondthedoortoseizethetraitorwhowoulddisclosetheholysecretsoftheorder。Befaithful，mybrothers，andneverforgetthatthereisnoplaceontheearthwherethetraitorissecurefromtheavengingswordoftheInvisibleFathers。Nonebutthegoodandobedientbeinghereassembled，Inowannouncetoyouthatthetimeofrevelationapproaches，andthatitwillcomewhenyouareallzealouslyendeavoringtoextendtheholyorder，andaugmentthenumberofbrothers。Fortheextensionoftheorderisnothinglessthanuniversalhappiness。ItemanatesalonefromtheInvisibleFathers，wholinkheaventoearthandwhowillopenagainthelostwaytoParadise。ThesupremechiefsofourholyorderaretherulersofallNature，reposinginGodtheFather。
　　[Footnote:ThewordingofthelawsoftheOrderoftheRosicrucians——See“NewGeneralGermanLibrary，“vol。M。，p。10。]
　　TheyarethefavoritesofGod，whomtheTrinitythinksworthyofhishighestconfidenceandrevelation。IfyouwilltakepartintherevelationsofGod，andwitnessthedisclosingofthehiddentreasuresofNature，swearthatyouwillbeobedienttotheholyorder，andthatyouwillstrivetogainnewmembers。
　　“Weswearit，“resoundedinaninspiredchorusthroughtheroom。“WeswearunconditionalobediencetotheInvisibleFathers。Wesweartostrivewithallourmeansfortheextensionoftheholyorder。
　　“Unbelief，free-thinking，andself-knowledgeareofthedevil，whostealsabroad，toturnmenfromGod。Theprideofreasonseekstomisguidemen，andleadthemawayfromGodandthesecretsofNature。
　　Thedevilhaschosenhisdisciples，whoteachsinfulknowledgeandarrogantfree-thinking，andwhoareunitedinBerlinintheOrderoftheIlluminati。TheInvisibleFatherscommandyoutofightthisshamefulorderinword，deed，andwriting。Ifanyofyouareacquaintedwithoneofthemembers，youshallregardhimasyourmostdeadlyenemy，andshallhateandpursuehimasyouhatesinandasyoupursuecrime。Youshallfleehisintercourseasyouwouldthatofthedevil，otherwiseyouwillbedamned，andtheInvisibleFathersneverwillforgiveyou，andthesecretsofNaturewillbewithheldfromyou。Swearthereforehate，persecution，andeternalenmity，totheOrderoftheIlluminati。ThisIcommandyouinthenameoftheInvisibleFathers。”
　　“Weswearit！Weswearhate，persecution，andeternalenmity，totheOrderoftheIlluminati！“
　　“Everyonewhobelongstotheorderisdamnedandcursed；andifitwereyourbrotheroryourfather，soshallyoucurseanddamnhim！“
　　“Weswearit！“
　　“ThenIbringyoutheblessingoftheInvisiblerulersandfathers，whoannouncetoyou，throughme，thateverylostonewhichyougainfortheOrderoftheRosicrucians，andconsequentlyleadbacktoGodandNature，isasteptowardenteringtheholysanctuaryofrevelation，wheretheelixiroflifeandthetinctureofgoldawaitsyou。EverycursedmemberoftheIlluminatibecomesoneoftheblessedwhenyouleadhimfromthepathofviceinpenitenceandcontrition，andgainhimtotheOrderoftheRosicrucians；andhewhocanprovethathehasgainedtwelvenewmembersforourholyordermountsaroundhigherintheladderofknowledge，andrisestoanewdegree。AtthesixthgradehepassesfromtheInnertotheMiddleTemple，whereallthesecretsoftheuniverseandofNaturearedisclosed。Bemindfulofthis，andrecruit。Untilwemeetagain，letthewatchwordbe，'Cursesandpersecutionforthedevil'soffspring，theIlluminati！'“
　　“Cursesandpersecutionforthedevil'soffspring，theIlluminati，weswear！“
　　“Nowdepart！Payyourtributeatthedoor，whichyouowe，andreceiveinreturnthenewsignoftheorder，whichwillservetomakethebrothersknowntoeachother。Onlythedirectorsandthemembersofthesixthgradeshallknockagainatthisdoorafterpayingtribute，and，receivingthenewwordoflife，theguardwillletthementer。Depart！IdismissyouinthenameoftheHolyFatherandtheTrinity！“
　　“Takethiscloak，andcoveryourself，thatnoonecanrecognizeyou，“whisperedapersonnearWilhelmine，andthrewasoftcoveringoverher。“Willyounowdepart，orseekfurtherinthewayofknowledge?“
　　“Iwillseekfurther，“answeredWilhelmine，firmly。
　　“Youwishtoenterthesixthgrade，andlearnthesecretsofNature?“
　　“Ido！“
　　“ThenIwillgiveyouthewatchwordoftheorder。Butwoeuntoyouifyourevealit！Swearthatyouwillneverbetrayit！“
　　“Iswearit！“
　　“Then，listen！“
　　Wilhelminefeltahotbreathuponhercheek，andavoicewhisperedinherearthesignificantwords:“Nowdepart；payyourtribute，youcannottarryhere。Go，andreturnwiththechosen！“
　　Ahandseizedherarmandconductedhertothedoor。Almostblindedbythebrightlight，sheenteredtheadjoiningapartment，whereitseemedasifshesawthroughaveilmuffledfiguresgoforwardtothecentre，anddepositmoneyinamarblebasinwhichstooduponakindofaltar；naphthaburnedinsilverbasinsuponeachendofit，andamuffledfigurestoodnear。
　　Wilhelmineadvancedtothealtar，andwithquickdecisiondrewadiamondringfromherfinger，andbeggedpermissiontodeposititinsteadofmoney。
　　Themuffledfigurebowed，andhandedtoherthenewwatchword——apictureofaMadonna，withthesignoftheRosicruciansunderneath。
　　Thenshereturned，andawaitedatthedoor，withalittlegathering，whichmustconsequentlybelongtothesixthgrade。Graduallytheothershadwithdrawn；thenaphtha-flamesuponthealtarwereextinguished，andthewax-lightsofthecentrelustreshadgrowndim，andgraduallyextinguishedthemselves。Soonthedoorswereopened，andabrightlight，asofthesun'srays，filledthehall。
　　Threeblastsoftrumpetssounded，andachoirofimmortalvoicessang，“Enter，yeblessedones！Enter，yeelect！“
　　Theyentered，whisperingthesigntotheguards，whostoodwithdrawnswords，andpassedontothethroneuponwhichstoodacouch，surroundedwithbloomingflowersandcoveredwithacloudofsilverygauze。Theysoondiscoveredasecretsomethingwashiddenunderthecloud，thoughtheyknewnotwhetheritwerechild，woman，orman。
　　Theykneltuponthelowerstepofthethrone，withfoldedhandsandbowedheads，prayinginalowvoice。Asolemnstillnessreigned，theprayersdiedawayonthelips，andtheheartsscarcelybeatforanxietyandexpectation。Suddenlyavoice，whichseemedtocomefromthesilvercloud，sodistantandlofty，androllinglikemajesticthunder，cried，“Hecomes，thechosenone！TheGreatKophtacomes！“
　　Thefolding-doorsflewopen，andtheGreatKophtaentered。
　　Wilhelminerecognizedinthemajesticfigure，envelopedinaflowing，silver-embroideredsatinrobe，withabandofbrilliantsaroundhisbrow，thehandsomefaceofCagliostro，beamingasifinanecstasy。Hesalutedthebrotherswithagentlevoice，andbadethemapproachandtouchhishand。AsWilhelminedidso，athrillranthroughherwholebeing，andshesankoverpoweredathisfeet。Hebowedandbreatheduponher。“Youarechosen，yeheavenlybrothers，“
　　hesaid，inasweet，melodiousvoice；“thesecretsofheavenandeartharedisclosedtoyou。IreceiveyouintheHolyOrderoftheFavoritesofGod，whichIfoundedwithEnochandEliaswhenwedweltinthepromisedland。FromthemIreceivedtheWordofLife，andtheysentmetotheancientsagesofEgypt，whorevealedtomeinthepyramidsthesecretscienceswhichsubjecttheearthandallhertreasurestoourcommand。Hewhodevoteshimselftomewithfidelitywillreceiveeternallifeandthesecretofimmortality。”
　　“Webelieveinthee，blessedoneofGod，“murmuredthekneelingones；“weknowthatwereceivelifeandsalvationfromthee。Bendtous，andgiveusofthebreathofimmortality！“
　　Hebowedandbreatheduponthem，andtheybrokeforthinwordsofthankfulnessanddelight。
　　OnlyWilhelminekeptsilent；sheonlyfailedtofeelthemagicalinfluence，andhebowedagaintoher，fixinghisgreatfieryeyesuponher。“Thouartcalled，thouartchosen，“hesaid。“Mounttothetabernacle，andlifttheveil。”