“Idesireyounottointerruptme，“commandedFrauvonWerrig；“I
havelistenedtoyou，andnowyoushalllistentome。Ipromiseyoutospeakwithmorebrevitythanyouhave。Iwillnottroubleyouwithuselessphrasesandtediouslamentations。Iwillspeaktothepoint。MarieisthedaughterofGeneralWerrigvonLeuthen，whosenamewouldbecomeextinctifthegraceandfavorofthekinghadnotpreventedit，bypermittingthehusbandwhomwehavechosenforourdaughtertotakeourname，andtherewithbecomeourson。Youmaythink，inyourarroganceofcommoner，andtheprideyoutakeinhavingwontheloveofthedaughterofGeneralvonLeuthen，thatyoucouldbethishusbandandson-in-law。Buttwothingsfailyou:
first，thenecessaryfortune；and，secondly，theking'sconsent，andthatofherfather。Ifyouwererich，itmightbepossiblethatweshouldbetouchedbythetenderamorousnessofourdaughter，andconquerouraversiontoyouforhersake。Youareoflowbirth，andtakeasubordinatepositioninsociety。ItwouldbeextremelylaughablefortheschoolmasterMoritztochangesuddenlyintoaHerrvonWerrigLeuthen。Ourson-in-lawmustbearichman，inordertobeabletogivehisnewtitleconsideration；and，fortunately，thewooerofmydaughter'shandpossessesthisqualification，andthereforewehavegivenourconsent。Thekinghasapprovedourchoice，andpermitstherichbankerLudwigEbenstreittobecomeourson-in-law，andtakeourname。Thekinghasinthiscommunication，whichliesuponthetable，andwhichMariehasheardread，givenhisassurancetoennobleEbenstreitupontwoconditions:first，thatthebankershouldgiveuphisbusiness，andliveuponhisincome；and，secondly，thatthemarriageshouldnottakeplaceuntilthepapersofnobilityaremadeoutandpublished，sothatthedaughterofGeneralvonWerrigshouldnotmakeamisalliance。Youknowallnow，andyouwillatlastunderstandthatthereisbutonethingforyoutodo——conqueryourfoolishpresumption，andbegtobeexcusedforyourunheard-ofboldnessinforcingyourselfintoourhouse，andthenwithdrawquickly。Ifmyeardoesnotdeceiveme，youraccomplicehasopenedthedoors。IthinkIheardrightly，ifmyhearthasnoears，myheadpossessesbetter。Wehavefinished。I
wouldagainenjoinuponyouthedutyofbeggingforpardon，andthenIclosethisunrefreshingscenewiththesamewordswithwhichitopened——thereisthedoor——goout！“
“Yes，thereisthedoor——gooutofit！Iwanttobequiet——go！MydaughteristhebetrothedoftherichbankerHerrEbenstreit；shewillbehiswifeassoonasthepapersaremadeoutandpublished——
Go！“criedthegeneral。
Theyoungcouplestillstoodthere，handinhand，lookingatthegeneral，untilnowtheireyesmet，beamingwithtenderestaffectionforeachother。“Isittrue，Marie?Speak，mybeloved，isittrue，willyoubethewifeofthisrichmanwhomyourparentshavechosenforyou?“
“No，Philip，“shecalmlyandfirmlyreplied。“No，Iwillnot，forI
donotlovehim，Iloveonlyyou；andhere，inthepresenceofGodandmyparents，IsweartoyouthatIwillbeconstanttodeath！
Theycanpreventmybecomingyourwife，buttheycannotforcemetowedanother。Iswear，then，thatifIcannotbeyours，Iwillnevermarry！“
“Ireceiveyouroath，andGodhashearditalso！“saidMoritz，solemnly。
“Ihavealsoheardit，andItellyou，“saidFrauvonWerrig，“thatthisromanticheroinewillbecomeaperjurer，forIwillfindmeanstomakeherbreakhersillyoath。”
“Wewill，perhaps，findmeanstodelaythemarriage，“saidMoritzproudly，“or，muchmore，preventthemarriageceremony。”
“Iamverycurioustoknowthemeans，“saidFrauvonWerrig。“FromthishourMarieisthebetrothedofHerrEbenstreit，andtheweddingwilltakeplacesosoon——“
“Sosoonasthetitleofnobilityispublished。Thatisit，istheclausetobefilled；andthereforeItellyou，beloved，waitandhope！Thiswomaniswithoutpityandwithoutmercy；butGodisinheaven，andFredericktheGreatontheearth。Waitandhope。Befirminhope，andconstantinlove。Donotlosecourage，andletthemforceyoutocompliancebythreatsandanger。Ihaveonlyyoutoconfideinandtoloveintheworld，andyouaremyhope，mygoal，andthehappinessofmylife。Ifyouforsakeme，Ilosemygoodangel，andamalost，miserableman，whomitwouldbebettertohurlintothedeepestabyssthanlethimsufferthetormentsofhatedexistence。Theknowledgeofyourlovegivesmestrengthandcourage；
itwillinspiremetofightlikeahero，towinthedear，belovedwife，towhomIwouldyieldmylifeinordertoreceiveitanewfromherpurifiedandsanctified。TheknowledgethatIhadlostyou，wouldruinme。”
Layingbothhandsuponhisshoulder，Marielookedathimwitheyesbeamingwithaffection，renewinghervowthatshewouldneverloveormarryanother。“Wewillbecourageousinhope，andbraveinconstancy。Listentome，mybeloved；listen，mymother——Ibetrothedmyselftothisdearman！Youcanpreventmybecominghiswifenow，butinfouryearsIamofage，andthenIshallbemyownmistress。
Then，mydearPhilip，Iwillbeyourwife。Letuswaitandhope！“
“Yes，Marie，wewillwaitandhope——Farewell！DonotforgetthatthereisagreatGodinheaven，andagreatkinguponearth——
Farewell！“
Hepressedthehandclaspedinhisownpassionatelytohistips，andfeltfromthepressureofherdelicatefingersarenewedvowofconstancy。Buoyedwiththishopeinthesadhourofparting，theywerehappyandjoyful。Marieaccompaniedhimtothedoor——stillhandinhand。
“Presumenottogoastepfarther，“commandedhermother，andMarie，obedienttoherwishes，remainednearthedoor，bowedtoMoritz，andneverceasedtoregardhim，withlovebeaminginhereyes，untilthedoorclosed。OutsidestoodoldTrude，totellhimthatshewouldbeatthebaker'satseveno'clockeverymorning，andwaitforhiscommissions，“andmaybeIshallhavesomethingtobringyou，“shesaid。“Sodocome！“
“Iwill，mygoodTrude；youaretheonlypersonwhoisfriendlytous。Watchovermyangel，consoleherwithyouraffection，andwhentheyaretooharduponher，cometome。”
“Isurelywill，butlisten——theyarealreadyquarrellingwithmygoodangel。Iwillgoin，toserveasalightning-rodfordearMarie。Ioftendoit，anditpleasesmewhenthelightningstrikes，anddashesmyhardoldheadtotheground，butdoesnothurtmeatalL——Farewell，HerrMoritz，thelightning-rodmustgoin。”
Trudeenteredsuddenlyandnoiselesslythesitting-room，andinterruptedtheangryreproacheswhichFrauvonWerrighurledagainstMarieinafuriousstreamofwords。Thecountess'srageturnedagainstTrude，whostaredasiftochallengeher。“Whatdoyouwant?Howdareyouenteruncalled?“
“IthoughtyouwerecallingdeafoldTrude，orwhydidyouscreamso?“repliedTrude，tartly。
“Perhapsitwasthegeneral。Ah！thereliesthepoor，dearoldman，groaningandcrying，andnobodyhasanypityforhim。”
“Ah！Trude，itisgoodluckthatyouarehere，“whinedthegeneral。
“Noonetroubleshimselfaboutme。Quick，bringwarmcoveringformyleg，thepainisfearful！“
“Poor，dearfather，Iwilltakecareofyou，Iwillnurseyou，“saidMarie，hasteningtohim。Hermotherpushedherbackviolently。“Notastepfarther；youhavenorighttogonearhim，youarehismurderess。Onyourheadwillfalltheguilt，ifthesedreadfulscenesshouldcausehisdeath。”
“No，no，thegeneralwillnotdiequiteyet，“saidTrudebusyingherselfabouthisarm-chair。“But，Fraulein，youhavegotsomethingelsetodothanstayhere。Theyhavealreadysentfortheflowerstwice，andtheFrenchladyiswaitingup-stairstoparlez-vous。”
Marielookedherfriendlythanks，andquietlyandquicklylefttheroom。
“Now，boldwoman，Ihavealastwordtosaytoyou。Wholockedthedoorwhenthatcreaturecame?““I，madame，“answeredTrude，whowasjustbringingagreatcushionfromtheback-roomtocoverthegeneral'sfeet。
“Youacknowledgethatyoulockedthedoorintentionally?“
“Now，mydear，goodFrauvonWerrig，onedoesnotlockadoorbymistake。IdidnotwantHerrMoritztorunawaywithfright，beforeyouhadgivenhimyourmind，andsethisheadstraight。Hewouldcertainlyhaveescaped，andonlyheardthehalfofyourbeautifultalk，forhehadnoideawhatamiserablefellowheis。SoIlockedbothdoors，andhewasobligedtolistentoyou，andhasgoneawaycontriteandrepentant。There，there，mypoor，deargeneral，isyourfoothighenough?ShallInotbringthefoot-warmer?“
“Youshallnotbringanything，nordoanythingmore。Youareahypocrite，whoconniveswithMoritz。Leavemyhousethisveryhour！
Youaredismissedmyservice。Gopackupyourthingsandbeoff！“
criedFrauvonWerrig。
“Oh，donotgo，Trude，formercy'ssake，forthenIhavenoonetohelpme，“criedthegeneral。
“Icannotdootherwise，shehasgivenmemydismissal。”TrudeapproachedFrauvonWerrigrespectfully，saying，“SoImustpackupandgoawayatonce?“
“Immediately，youdeceitfulcreature！“
“Immediately！butFrauvonWerrigwillbesogoodastogivememywages。”
“Yes，“sheansweredinaslowerandmoresubduedvoice。“Thatshallbedonepresently。”
“Itwillnotbesoverydifficulttoreckonthem，Ihavebeenheretwentyyears；justasmanyyearsasMarieisold，forIcameaschild'snurse，andhavehelpedherlearntotalkandwalk，andplayedmothertothedearchildabit。ThenIobtainedmywages，fortheyweregoodtimes；butthepension-timecame，andwehadnocookorservantbutme。'Theratsrunawayiftheshipspringsaleak，'
buttheoldmoleTrudestayed。Mankindisintheworldtowork，I
said，andwhyshouldnotIbethecookandwaiting-maidtoo，thatmylittleMarieshouldnotwantanything?SoIbecamemaid-of-all-workandhavestayedhereeversince。Then，youtoldmeyouwoulddoublemywages，andgivemetwentythalersayear，andfourthalersatChristmas。Isitnotso，FrauvonWerrig?“
“Ibelievethatwastheagreement。”
“Iamquitecertainaboutit，“criedthegeneral，whobegantounderstandthedriftofTrude。“Yes，Trudewastohavetwentythalersayear，andweareowinghermanyyears'wages。Youknow，wife，Ihavealwayskeptanaccount-bookforthedebts，andonlyafewdaysago——Oh！oh！thepain！Trude，helpmecoverupthefootwarmer！——wereckoneditupafewdaysago，andweoweTrudeonehundredandthirtythalers。”
“Onehundredandthirtythalers，“repeatedTrude，clappingherhands，astonished。“Isittrue?oh，thatissplendid。Ishallberich，andgetahusbandyet。Iprayyougiveittome，FrauvonWerrig，rightaway。”
“Notsoquickly，“saidshe，proudly。“Wewillreckontogetherhowmuchyouhavesaved——because——“
“Oh！“interruptedTrude，“howgoodyouaretomakemekeepsomuch；
youaremysavingsbank，whereIcandepositmymoney。”
“Because，“shecontinued，withemphasis，withoutnoticingtheinterruption，“ourfutureson-in-lawwillpayyourwages，therichbanker，HerrEbenstreit。Yes，thewealthyloverofourdaughter。AtthemomentIhavenotsomuchcashinthehouse。”
“YourgracewillallowmetostayuntilHerrEbenstreitismarried，and，inyourname，paysmemywages?“
“Yes，Trude，Iwillallowyoutostay，“shereplied，verygraciously。“Youwillbecunning，Trude，ifyoutrytopersuadeMarietoaccepttherichsuitor，forwhenshedoesIwillgiveyoutwohundredthalers。”
“IwilldoallIcantogetit。CanIremainhereuntilMarieismarried?“
“Yes，youhavemypermissionforthat。”
“Ithankyou，FrauvonWerrig。Now，general，Iwillbringyousomewarmcoveringsrightaway。”
CHAPTERXVI。
CHARLESAUGUSTUSANDGOETHE。
“Nowtellme，Wolf，“askedDukeCharlesAugustus，stretchinghimselfcomfortablyonthesofa，puffingcloudsofsmokefromhispipe——“
areyounotwearyofdawdlingaboutinthisinfamouslysuperbpileofstones，calledBerlin?Shallweanylongerelegantlyscrapetotherightandtotheleft，withabominablesweetspeechesandmereflatteringphraseology，inthismonsterofdustandstone，ofsandandsun，paradesandgaiters?Haveyounotenoughofblusteringgenerals，ofaffectedwomen?andofrunningaboutthestreetslikeonepossessedtoseehereamiserablechurch，orthereamagnificentpalace?Areyounotwearyofcrawlingaboutasoneofthemany，whileathomeyoustrideaboutastheonlyoneofthemany?AndwearyalsoofseeingyourfriendandpupilCarlAugustputoffwithfairpromisesandhollowspeecheslikeaninsignificant，miserablemortal，withoutbeingabletoanswerwiththunderinginvectives。Ah！
breathfailsme。IfeelasifIcouldloadapistolwithmyself，andwithaloudreportshootovertodearWeimar。Wolf，dotalk，Ibegyou，Iamtiredout；answerme。”
“Ireply，Ishoot，mydearCarl，“criedGoethe，laughing。“Iwasoutofbreathmyselffromthatlongspeech。Wasitoriginalwithmydearprince，ordidhememorizeitfromKlinger'sgreat'Sturm-und-Drang'
tragedy?Itremindedmeofit。”
“Doyoumeantoaccusemeofplagiarism，wickedfellow?Igrantthatyouareright，mycunningWolf，itwasalapsus。IdidthinkofKlinger，andIsympathizedwithhisyouthfulheroWild，whodeclaredthat，amongthesweetestpleasures，hewouldliketobestretchedoveradrum，orexistinapistol-barrel，thehandreadytoblowhimintotheair。”
Goetheshovedasidethebreakfast-table，straightenedhisdelicateform，withhisnobleheadproudlyerect，andonefootinadvance，extendedhisrightarm，givingoneloudhurrah！“Now，foronce，atumultandnoise，thatthoughtmayturnaboutlikeaweathercock。
Thissavagenoisehasalreadywroughtitsownbenefit。Ibegintofeelalittlebetter。Rageandexpand，madheart，quickenyourselfinhurly-burly-burly-burly！“[Footnote:FromKlinger'stragedy“SturmundDrang。”]
“Bravo！bravo！“laughedtheduke。“IsthatKlinger，orwhoisitthatrefresheshimselfinhurly-burly?“
“ItisIwhoameverything，“repliedGoethe，stridingandswaggeringupanddown。“Iwasanassistant，inordertobesomething——livedupontheAlps，tendedthegoats，layunderthevaultofheavendayandnight，refreshedbythecoolpastures，andburnedwiththeinwardfire。Nopeace，norestanywhere。See，I
swellwithpowerandhealth！Icannotwastemyselfaway。Iwouldtakepartinthecampaignhere；thencanmysoulexpand，andiftheydometheservicetoshootmedown，wellandgood！“[Footnote:FromKlinger'stragedy“SturmundDrang。”]
“Bravo！Wild，bravo！“criedtheduke。“Hei！thatthunderedandrolled，andstruckfire！Itdoesmegoodtohearsuchvigorouswordsfromanableraregeniusinthemidstofthismiserable，starchedelegance。ThepowerfulGermansarehealthyfellows。SomethingofthePrometheanfireblazesforthinthem。Theywereforcedtocome，thosejolly，uproariousboys，aftertheaffectedcueperiod；theywerethefull，luxuriousplants，andmyWolfgang，thefavoriteofmyheart，mypoetandteacher，isthedivineblossomofthisplant。Letthemprevail，these'SturmerundDranger，'fortheyarethefathersandbrothersofmyWolfgang。Domethesolepleasurenottorefineyourselftoomuch，butletthisdivinefireburstforthinvolcanicflames，andleavethethunderingcrateruncovered。SometimeswhenI
seeyousosimpering，somodestandceremonious，Iaskmyself，withanxiety，ifitisthesameWolfgangGoethe，whousedtodrink'Smollis'withmeatmerrybacchanalsoutofdeath-skulls?——thesamewithwhomIusedtopractisewhip-crackinguponthemarket-placehourslong，totheterrorofthegoodcitizens?——thesamewhousedtodancesonimblythetwo-steps，andwasinexhaustibleinmadpranks。Nowtellme，HerrWolfgang，areyouyourself，orareyouanother?“
“Iammyself，andnotmyself，“answeredGoethe，smiling。“Therestillremainsagoodportionoffollyinme，anditmustsometimesthunderandflash，butIhopetheatmosphereofmysoulwillbecomeclearer，andoverthecrateramorelovelygardenwillspreadout，inwhichbeautiful，fragrantflowerswillbloom，usefulandprofitableformyfriendsandmyself。SometimesIlongforthisasforthepromisedland；thenagainitfoamsandthundersinmelikefermentingmust，which，defyingallcoversandhoops，wouldfrothuptoheaveninanimmensesourceofmadexcitement！“
“Letitfrothandfoam，andspringthecovers，andbursttheoldcasks，“criedtheduke；“Idelightinit，andeveryinfernalnoiseyoumake，theprouderIamtorecognizethatfromthisfoamingmustwillclearitselfamarvellouswine，adeliciousbeverageforgodsandmen，withwhichtheworldwillyetrefreshitself，whenwearelonggonetothekingdomofshades——tothesomethingornothing。Youknow，Wolf，Iloveyou，andIamproudthatIhaveyou！ItistruethatIpossessonlyalittleduchy，butitislargeenoughtoleadanagreeableandcomfortableexistence——largeenoughforalittleearthlyduke，andthegreatkingofintellects，JohannWolfgangGoethe。Letusreturntoourdearhome，forIacknowledgetoyouI
sighforWeimar。Ilongforthedearlittleplace，whereeveryoneknowsmeandgreetsme，andevenformydogsandhorses。”
“AndI，“saidGoethe，“IreallymournformyTusculum，whichIowetothegenerous，kindduke；forthebalconyofmylittlecottage，where，canopiedbytheblue，starryvaultofheaven，IdreamawaythelonelyMaynights。”
“Istherenothingelseyousighforbutthesummer-houseatWeimar?“
“No！“criedGoethe，andanindescribableexpressionofraptureanddelightwasmanifestinhiswholemanner。
“No，whyshouldIdenyit，howcouldI?ItwouldbetreasontotheHighestandmostGlorious。No，Ilongformymuse，mymistress，my——“
“Beloved！“interruptedtheduke。“Iprayyounottobesoprudish，soreserved。Havethecouragetosnapyourfingersatthisinfamouslydeceitfulmoralcode，andproudanddistinguishedasyouare，elevateyourselfabovewhatthesemiserableearthwormscallmorality。Fortheeaglethereisadifferentlawthanforthepigeon。Iftheeaglesoarsaloftthroughtheethertohiseyry，bearingalambinhispowerfulclaws，hashenotarighttoit——therightofsuperiorityandpowerbyGod'sgrace?Hashenotasmuchrighttothelambasthepigeontothepeawhichshefindsinthedust?Ifthepigeonbychanceseestheeaglewithhislamb，shecries，'Zeter！mordio！'withthepeainherownbill，asifshewereinapositiontojudgetheeagle。”
“Abeautifulpicture，“criedGoethe，joyfully——“apicturethatwouldinspiremetoinditeapoem。”
“Writeone，andcallitforasouvenir'TheEagleandtheDove。'
Makeitareality，myeagleyouth，bearoffthewhitelambtoyoureyry，andlettheworld，withitsaffectedmorality，saywhatitlikes。Howcanyoubeartoseetheoneyouloveatthesideofanotherman?Tellme，confesstome，isnotthebeautifulCharlottevonSteinyourbeloved?“
“Notinthesenseyoumean，duke，notinthevulgarsenseoftheword。Iloveher，Iadoreher，withapureandholysentiment。I
wouldnotthatCharlotteshouldhavecausetoblushbeforeherchildrenonmyaccount。ShewouldbedesecratedtomeifI，inmyinmostsoul，couldimaginetheblushofshameuponhercheek，orthathereyecouldbrightenatotherthangreat，beautiful，andnobleacts。Iadoreher，andtomesheistheidealofthepurestandsweetestwomanhood。Irejoicethatsheisassheis，likeclearmountaincrystal——transparentandsobrightlypure，thatonecouldmirrorhimselftherein。Shestandsaboveallotherwomen，andtoherbelongallmythoughts，andwould，evenifIwereweddedtoanother。
Tomesheisthemostbeautifulofthebeautiful，thepurestofthepure，themostgracefulofthegraceful，andallmythoughtsareinperfectharmonywithhers。Now，duke，ifitisagreeabletoyou，knowingmyfeelings，tocallCharlottevonSteinmybeloved，sheissointhemostelevatedsenseoftheword。”
“Ah！youpoets，youpoets，“sighedtheduke，smiling。
“Astreakofmadnessinyouall，thoughIwillgrantthatitisdivine。”
“SayratherthatWhit-Sundaycomestouseveryday，andthedivineSpiritdescendsdailyuponuspoets，andcausesustospeakinunknowntongues。”
“IwillsaythatyouarethegodApollodescendedfromheaven，andwithgodsonemaynotdaretodispute。Theyactdifferentlyintheirspherethanwemortalsuponearth。Iwillbecontentedifourwayscrossfromtimetotime，andwecanonceinawhilewalkontogetheragoodpiecethewayoflifeinfriendshipandharmony。IfitwouldpleasemyWolf，IproposetoturntowardbelovedWeimar，thedearplace，halfvillage，halfcity。FormypartIamfinishedhere，mybusinesswithGeneralyonMollendorfisaccomplished。AsItoldyoupreviously，Ihavehadmadeknowntothekingmyrefusaltoallowrecruitinginmyduchy。Icouldnotconsentforthepresent。Inshort，IhavespokenasmysecretaryWolfgangGoethehasrecorded。[Footnote:Thismemorialuponrecruitingisfound。
“CorrespondenceoftheGrandDukeCarlAugustandGoethe，“part，i。，p。4。]GeneralMollendorfhaswaivedhisdemandforthepresent——andto-daywehavehadtheconcludingconference，andifitisagreeabletomysecretary，wemightsetoffthisafternoonandpassadayatDessau，andthenontoWeimar。”
“Oh，gladlywillIdoit；itseemsasifastarfromheavenhadtwinkledtometofollowit，foratWeimariscentredallmyhappiness！Ipreferalowlycabintheretoallthesplendorandpalacesofacity。”
“Thenyouagreewithme，thatthismagnificentlyvileBerlindoesnotenchainyouinhermagicnet?“
“No，sheholdsmenot，thoughithasbeenpleasanttotakeapeepintoitlikeachildintoacuriosity-box。Ihaveseen'OldFritz。'Hischaracter，hisgold，andhissilver，hismarbles，hisapesandparrots，andevenhistowncurtainspleaseme。Itispleasanttobeattheseatofwarattheverymomentthatitthreatenstobreakforth。Ithasgratifiedmetowitnessthesplendoroftheroyalcity，thelife，order，andabundance，thatwouldbenothingifthousandsofmenwerenotreadytobesacrificed；themedleyofmen，carriages，horses，artillery，andallthearrangements。Allaremerepinsinthegreatclock-work，onlypuppetswhosemotionisreceivedfromthegreatcylinder，FredericusRex，whoindicatestoeachonethemelodytheymustplay，accordingtooneofthethousandpinsintherotarybeam。”[Footnote:Goethe'sownwords——SeeGoethe's“CorrespondencewithFrauvonStein，“parti。，p。168。Riemer，“CommunicationsaboutGoethe，“partii。，p。60。]
“Youarerighttocomparethegreatmantothechiefcylinderinthemachineofstate，“noddedtheduke“Herulesandsetsallinmotion，andcaresnotwhethertherabblearesuitedornot。Ithasenragedmesometimestohearthefellowscursehim，andyetIactedasifI
heardthemnot。LetusreturntoWeimar——mankindseemsbetterthere，Wolf。”
“Atanyrate，moreregardfulofusthantheyarehere，duke。Thegreatertheworldtheuglierthefarce；noobscenitiesandfooleriesofthebuffoonaremoredisgustingthanthecharactersofthegreat，mediocreandinsignificant，allmingledtogether。Iprayedthismorningforcouragetoholdouttotheend，andtohastentheconsummation。Iamgratefulforthebenefitofthejourney——butI
praythegodsnottoconductthemselvestowardusastheirimage-
man，forIshouldsweartothemeternalhatred。”[Footnote:Goethe'sownwords——SeeGoethe's“CorrespondencewithFrauvonStein，“parti。，p。169。]
“Thenyouarereadytodepart，Wolf?“
“Almost，dearCarl，or，ifyouwillit，quiteready。AfewvisitsI
wouldmake，thatthepeopleshallnotbetoosevereuponmeandcryoutagainstmyprideandarrogance。”
“Becausetheythemselvesareproudandsupercilious，theyareboldenoughtosupposeWolfgangGoetheislikethem。IhopeyouwillnotvisittheverylearnedHerrNicolai，theinsipidprosaist，thepuffed-uprationalist，whobelievesthathisknowledgepermitshimtopenetrateeverything，andwhoisaveritableass。”
“No，IamnotgoingtoNicolai，Rammler，orEngel，or，astheyshouldbenamed，thewiseauthorsofBerlin。IshallvisittheartistChodowiecki，goodKarschin，occasionalpoetess，andthephilosopherMendelssohn。Then，ifitpleasesyou，wewillsetoutthisafternoon，shakingthesandofBerlinfromourfeet。”
“Ishallpreparewhilstyoumakeyourvisits。Willyoutakemycarriage?Youknowthereisonefromtheroyalstablesalwaysatmyservice，whichstandsatthedoor。”
“Beware！theywouldshriekifIshoulddrivetotheirdoorsinaroyalcarriage。Theywouldaccusemeofthrowingasidethepoet，andbeingonlysecretaryoflegation。Iwillgoonfoot；itamusesmetopushmywaythroughthecrowd，andlistentotheBerlinjargon。”
CHAPTERXVII。
GOETHE'SVISITS。
Takingleaveofhisducalfriend，Goethebetookhimselfthestreet，tocommencehisvisits。GoingfirsttoChodowiecki，therenowneddelineatorandengraver，whosefamehadalreadyspreadthroughoutGermany。WhenGoetheentered，theartistwasbusyinhisatelier，workinguponthefiguresofthecharactersinthe“Mimic，“thelatestworkofProfessorEngel。“Master，“saidhe，smilingly，extendinghimhishand，“Ihavecometothankyouformanybeautiful，happyhourswhichIowetoyou。Youpaintwiththechiselandpoetizewiththebrush。AnartistbyGod'sgrace。”
“IfthepoetGoethesaysthat，theremustbesomethinginit，“repliedChodowiecki，witharadiantface。“Ihavetothankyouforthemostbeautifulandbesthoursofmylife，andIamproudanddelightedtohavebeenableintheleasttoreturnthepleasure。TheonlyblissfultearsamongmanybitteronesthatIhavewept，wereshedoverthe'SorrowsofWerther。''GotzvonBerlichingen'soinspiredmethatheappearedtomeinmydreams，andleftmenopeaceuntilIroseinthenighttodrawGotz，ashesattalkingwithbrotherMartinonthebenchintheforest。Wait，Iwillshowyouthedrawing；youmustseeit。”
Goetheexamineditattentively，andexpressedhispleasureatthecorrectnessanddramaticalconceptionofthedesign，anddidnotremark，orperhapswouldnot，thattheartistwasbusilyoccupiedwithcrayonandpaper。“Howwonderfullyyouhavereproducedmy'GermanKnight，'“criedGoethe，afteralongobservationofit。“Themiddleagesentire，proudandfullofstrength，aremirroredinthisfigure，andifIhadnotwritten'GotzvonBerlichingen，'Iwouldhavebeeninspiredtoit，perhaps，fromthisdrawing。Oh！youartistsaretobeenvied。Weneedmanythousandwordstoexpresswhatafewlinesrepresent，andastrokesufficestochangeasmilingfaceintoaweepingone。Howfeebleislanguage，andhowmightythepencil！IwishIhadthetalenttobeapainter！“
“AndI，“criedChodowiecki，“wouldthrowallmypencils，brushes，andchiselstothedevil，orsellhimmysoul，ifIcouldcopewiththegeniusandintellectofthepoet，WolfgangGoethe。Whataman！
Whataprofilethegodshavegivenhim！There！look——haveyoueverseenamanwithsuchaface?“HehandedGoethethedrawing，whichprovedtobeaspeakingprofile-portraitofhimself，dashedoffwithafewstrokesfullofgenius。
Goethelookedatitwiththeairofacritic。“Itistrue，“saidhe，perfectlyserious，“therearenotmanysuchprofiles，butIamnotofyouropinionthatthegodsfashionedit。Thosesharpfeatureslookasifthejoinerhadcutthemoutofoak，andtheyleadmetoinferaverydisagreeablecharacter。Inaturallydonotknowwhothepicturerepresents，butImusttellyou，master，thatthismancouldneverpleaseme，althoughIcouldswearitisaspeakinglikeness。
Thissharp，bowednosehassomethingimpudent，self-sufficientinit。Thebrowisindeedhigh，whichbetokensthought，buttheretreatinglinesprovethatthethoughtsonlycommence，andthenlosethemselvesinamaze。Themouth，withitspoutinglips，hasaninsupportableexpressionofstupidgood-natureandsentimentality；
andthewell-defined，protrudingchinmightbelongtotherobber-
captainCartouche。Thegreatwide-openeyes，withtheiraffectedpassionateglances，provewhatapuffed-updandythemanmustbe，whoperhapsimaginesallthewomeninlovewithhisface。No，no，I
amstilloftheopinionthattheoriginalcouldneverpleaseme，andifthephysiognomistLavatershouldseeit，hewouldsay:'Thatistheportraitofapuffed-up，quaint，powerfulgenius，whoimagineshimselfsomethingimportant，andwhoisnothing！Thelikenessofabombasticfellow，withanemptyheadbehindthepretentiousbrow，andmeaninglessphrasesonthethicklips。'“
“IfLavatersaysso，heisafoolandanass，“criedChodowiecki，furiously，“andhecanhidehimselfintheremotestcorneroftheearth。LichtenbergofGottingenisquiterightwhenhesaysthatthisempty-headedLavaterhasmadehimselfridiculousthroughoutGermanywithhiswonderfulphysiognomyofdogs'tailsandhisprofilesofunknownpigtails。IfLavaterisreallysonarrow-mindedasnottobeabletodistinguishacrowfromaneagle，itishisownaffair；butheshallneverpresumetolookatthisportrait，andyou，too，arenotworthy，youscorner，thatIshouldgetangrywithyou。ThelikenessissobeautifulthatJupiterhimselfwouldbesatisfiedtohaveitimputedtohim。Itissolike，thatyouneednotpretendyoudonotknowthatitrepresentsWolfgangGoethe。Asyouinsultit，andregarditwithscornandcontempt，Iwilldestroyit。”
“Formercy'ssakedonottearit，“criedGoethe，springingtowardChodowiecki，andholdinghimfastwithafirmgrasp。“Mydeargoodman，donottearit；itwouldbelikesplittingmyownhead。”
“Ah，ah！“shoutedChodowiecki。“youacknowledgethelikeness?“
“Idoacknowledgeit，withjoy。”
“Andwillyouadmitthatitistheheadofanoble，talentedpoet，afavoriteoftheMuses?Sayyes，orIwilltearit，andyouwillhaveterriblepainsinyourheadyourlifelong！“
“Yes，yes！allthatyouwish。Iamcapableofsayingthemostflatteringthingsofmyselftosavethisbeautifuldesign。Giveittome，youcuriousfellow！“
“No，“saidChodowiecki，earnestly，“Iwillnotgiveittoyou。Suchaportraitisnotmadetobeputinadustyportfolio，orframedfortheboudoirofyourlady-love。AllGermany，alltheworldshouldenjoyit，andcenturieslatertheGermanwomenwillstillseeWolfgangGoetheashelookedinhistwenty-ninthyear，andhanganengravingonthewallintheirparlor，andsighingandpalpitatingacknowledge——'Thereneverwasbutonesuchgodlikeyouth，andthereneverwillbeanother。IwishthatIhadknownhim；Iwishhehadlovedme！'Sowilltheyspeakcenturieslater，forIwillperpetuatethisdrawinginasteelengravingofmymostbeautifulartisticwork。”[Footnote:ThisengravingfromtheartistChodowieckistillexists，andtheauthorofthisworkpossessesabeautifulcopy，whichOttillevonGoethesenther。Itisabustinprofile，themostbeautifulofhisyouth。]
“Youareasplendidfellow，andImustembraceyou，andrejoicetobeimmortalizedbyyou，forthisportraitpleasesmeexceedingly。I
mightwellbeproudthatthisheadwiththerareprofileisacounterpartofmyown。Nowwearegoodfriends。BeforeIsayfarewell，letmeseetheworkatwhichIjustdisturbedyouuponentering。”
Goethewasabouttoraisethecloth，whenChodowieckiwavedhimback。“Donotlookatit，“saidhe，quickly；“Idisliketoappearasamechanicbeforeyou，asIwishthatyoushouldhonoronlytheartist。Wepoortoilersarebadlyoff，astheoldproverbiseverprovingtruewithus，'Artgoesforbread。'Wemustbemechanicsthechiefpartofourlives，inordertohaveafewhoursfree，inwhichweareallowedtobeartists。Ihavetoillustratethemostmiserableworkswithmyengravings，tobuythetimetopursueworksofart。”
“Thatistheinterest，friend，whichyoupaytheworldforthegreatcapitalwhichthegodsconfidedtoyou。Believeme，theartistChodowieckiwouldhavebutamorseltoeatifthemechanicChodowieckididnotservehimatemptingmeal，payingthebill。Donotbevexedaboutit；manmusthaveatradetosupporthim，asartisneverremunerated。[Footnote:Goethe'swords——SeeG。H。Lewes's“Goethe'sLifeandWritings，“vol。1。，p。459。]Ihopethemechanicwillbewellpaid，thattheartistmaycreatebeautifulandrareworksforus。Thisismyfarewellvisitto-day，friend。Ifyouwillhearawelcomefrommeverysoon，cometoWeimar，andseehowonehonorstheartiststhere，andhowwellappreciatedChodowieckiis。”
Goetheembracedandkissedtheartist，whoregardedhim，hisfaceradiantwithjoy，andwouldnotbepreventedfromaccompanyinghimtothehousedoor，asifhewereaprinceoraking。“NowtoMadameKarschin，“saidGoethetohimself，ashehastenedthroughthestreetsinthatdirection。“ThegoodwomanhaswelcomedmewithsomanyprettyversesthatImustmakemyacknowledgments，inspiteofmydecisiontokeeptheBerlinauthorsatadistance。”
FromWilhelmStreet，whereChodowieckilived，tothetilt-yard，wasnotfar，andGoethesoonreachedtheold，antiquatedhousewherethepoetesslived。Aftermanyquestioningsandinquiriesatthelowerstoriesandmoresplendidapartmentsofthehouse，hefoundtheabodeofthepoetess，andclimbedupthesteepstairstotheslantingattic-room。ThedimlightofasmallwindowpermittedGoethetoreaduponagraypieceofpaper，pasteduponthedoor，'AnnaLouisaKarsch，Germanpoetess。'Heknockedmodestlyatthedooratfirst，thenlouder，andasthevoiceswithinneverceasedforamomenttheiranimatedconversation，heopenedit，andenteredtheobscureroom。
“Iwilldoit，sir，“saidthelittlewomansittinginthewindow-
nichenearatabletoayoungmanstandingnearher。“Iwilldoit，thoughImusttellyoualbumwritingisverycommon。Butyoumustpromisemetoreturnhere，andletmeseewhatHerrRammlerwrites，andtellmewhathesaysaboutme。Thesearemyconditions。”
“FrauKarschin，Ipromiseyou，uponthewordofhonorofaGermanyouth，whocanneverlowerhimselftobreakhisword。”
“Verywell！thenIwillwrite。”
Therewasperfectsilence。Theyouthwatchedthelittle，dryhandwhichguidedthepen，withadevotionalmien，andGoethewitheagercuriosity，who，unobserved，stoodlikeasuppliantatthedooroftheobscurelittleroom，theshabbyfurnitureofwhichbetrayedthenarrowcircumstancesoftheGermanpoetess。Itharmonizedwiththeoccupant，alittle，bony，meagrefigure，wearingatight-fittingblue-floweredchintzdress。Uponthegrayhair，which，partedinthemiddle，encircledthelowforehead，wasacap，whichhadlostitswhitenessandwas，therefore，moreinharmonywiththeruffaboutheryellow，thinneck。Hersharp，angularfeatureswereredeemedbylarge，darkeyes，flashingwithmarvellousbrilliancyfromunderthethick，grayeyebrows，andwithquick，penetratingglancesshesometimesturnedthemtotheceilingthoughtfullyasshewrote。
“There，sir，ismypoem，“saidshe，layingdownthepen。“Listen:
'Governyourwill；Ifithindersduty，Itfettersvirtue；ThenenvybeguilesIntofault-finding。'“
“Oh，howbeautiful，criedtheyoungman，enraptured。“Ithankyouathousandtimesforthosegloriouswords，andtheyshallhenceforthbetheguidingstarofmyexistence。”
“GotoProfessorRammler，and:thenreturnandshowmewhathewrites，forIamconvinced。Oh，Heavens！thereisastranger，“shecried，asshediscoveredGoethe，whohadremainedstandingbythedoor。
“Yes，astranger，“saidGoethe，smiling，andapproaching，asthehappypossessorofthealbumwithdrew——“astrangerwouldnotleaveBerlinwithoutvisitingtheGermanpoetess。”
“Andwithoutversesinyouralbum；isitnotso?Ihavebecomethefashion，andifIcouldonlylivebyimmortalizingmyselfinyouralbums，Ishouldbefreefromcare。NowIhavedivinedit——youwishanautograph?“
“No！onlyagoodword，andafriendlyshakeofthehand，forI
possessapoemandaletterwhichthegoodFrauKarschinsentmeatWeimarsomesixmonthssince，writtenbyherself。”
“IsitGoethe?“shecried，claspingherhandsinastonishment。“ThepoetJohannWolfgangGoethe，therenownedauthoroftheworkwhich——“
“Costyoumanytears，“brokeinGoethe，laughing。“Ibegyousparemethesephrases，whichfollowmeuponmyjourneyastheFuriesOrestes。Iknowthat'Werther'hasbecomethefavoriteofthereadingpublic；hehasopenedallthetear-ductsandmadeallloversofmoonlightassoftasaswaddling-cloth。Icouldpunishmyselfforhavingwritten'Werther。'“
FrauKarschinlaughedaloud。“Thatisglorious！Youpleaseme！Youareafamouspoetandagenius，foronlygeniusescanreviseandridiculethemselves。Welcome，Germany'sgreatestpoet，welcometotheatticofthepoetess！Thereisthegoodwordwhichyouwouldhave，andhereisthehand。DidyouthinkitworthwhiletovisitpoorKarschin?Iamrejoicedatit，forIseethattheyaccusedyouunjustlyofarroganceandpride！“
“Dotheyaccusemeofit?“askedGoethe，smiling。“CantheBerlinpoetsandauthorsneverforgivemethatIliveatacourt，andamhonoredwiththefavorofaprince?“
“Theywouldwillinglyforgiveyouiftheyhadthepowertopushyouoneside，andtakeyourplace。Theyareangrywithyou，becausetheyenvyyouandarenotaccustomedtobeesteemed。Ourprinceandruler，asgreataheroandkingasheotherwiseis，careslittleforGermanpoetry，andforallhewouldcare，theBerlinauthorsmightstarve，oneandall；hewouldtroublehimselfnomoreaboutthemthanthefliesdancinginthesunlight。”
“Thegreatkingisstillthesame，then?HewillneverknowanythingofGermanliterature?“
“No！hedeclaresthatitisthelanguageofbarbariansandbear-
catchers；scoldsaboutus，anddespisesus，andyetknowsaslittleofusasthemaninthemoon。HeadoreshisVoltaire。OldFritzknowstheFrenchpoetbyheart，butLessingheknowsnothingof。Heabuses'GoetzvonBerlichingen，'and'Werther'sSorrows。'“
“Oh！Iknowitall——Iknowtheking'sadjutant-general，vonSiedlitz。Ioftendinewithhim，andreadaloudmypoemstohim，whenherelatestomewhatthekingsaystoenrageme。YoumustknowwhenIamangryIspeakinverse。IaccustomedmyselftoitduringmyunhappymarriagewiththetailorKarsch。Whenhescolded，I
answeredinverse，andtriedtoturnmythoughtstootherthings，andtomakethemostdifficultrhymes。Ashewasalwaysscoldingandquarrelling，Ialwaysspokeinrhyme。”
“Andinthiswayyouledaverypoeticalmarriage?“smiledGoethe。
“Yes，indeed，poetical，“shesaid，andherlargebrillianteyesweredimmed。“Ifitistruethattearsarethebaptismofpoets，thenI
wasbaptizeddailyfortwelveyears，andoughttobeanextraordinarypoetess。”
“Thatyouare，indeed，“saidGoethe，“whowoulddisputeit?Youhavegivenevidenceofgreatpoeticaltalent，andIreadyourheroicpoemupontheGreatFrederickwithrealdelight。”
“Doyouknowwhathedid?“sheasked，bitterly。“Iturnedtohim，beggingforassistance；forwhoshouldapoetturnto，buthisGodandhisking?Moreover，hehadpromisedittomepersonally。”
“Youhavespokenwithhim，then，yourself?“askedGoethe。
“Yes，eightyearsago；GeneralvonSiedlitzprocuredmeanaudience。
Thekingwasverygracious，andamongotherthings，askedmeaboutmylife；andasIexplainedtohimmypovertyandwant，hemostkindlypromisedtohelpme。”[Footnote:ThisinterviewwhichFrauKarschinhadwiththekingisfoundin“AnecdotesandTraitsofCharacterofFredericktheGreat。”vol。ii。，p。72。]
“Anddidhenotfulfilhispromise?“
“No，haditbeengiventotheleastoftheFrenchwritershewouldhavekeptit，buttoaGermanpoetitwasnotworthwhile。WhatisanativepoettothegreatGermanking?Aphantomthatheknowsnot，andbelievesnot。Asgreatasheis，thekingshowedhimselfverysmalltome。Isanghimasapoetessandhebestowedapittanceuponmeasonewouldtoabeggarintattersbythewayside。”
“Isitreallytrue，uponyoursupplication——“
“Sentmetwothalers！Yes，thatisindeedtrue，andIseebyyoursmilethatyouknowit，andknowalsothatIreturnedittohim。I
hadratherdiewithhungerthantakeabeggar'spenny。Butletmerelatetoyouwhathappenedtwoweekssince。Ihadbornepatientlytheaffairofthetwothalers，andforgottenit。Iammorecomfortablenow；thebooksellerspaymeformysongsandpoemsverywell，andanumberofpatronsandfriends，atwhoseheadisthePrinceofPrussia，givemeasmallpension，fromwhichIcanatleastlive——thoughpoorly。OneofmypatronssentmeastripoflandontheSpreenotfarfromtheHerculesBridge，whereIwouldgladlybuildmealittlehouse，atlasttohaveasureabiding-placewhereIcouldretire——thatwouldbearefugeagainstallthetroublesandsorrowsoflife。AsIthoughtitover，theoldconfidenceandimperishableloveforthegreatkingroseagainwithinme，andasI
esteemedhimIalwayshopedforthefulfilmentofhispromise。I
appliedtohimagain，andbeggedhimtodoformewhathehadgrantedtosomanycobblersandtailors，asthekinggivesbuilding-
moneytohelpthosewhowillbuild。AllthehousesoftheGensdarmen-marktarebuiltbyroyalaid，andsometimesthekingdesignsthefacades，ashedidforthebutcherKuhn'sgreathouse；
andsenthimadesigntoornamentthefriezeofninety-nine，sheeps'
heads，onlyninety-nine，forhesaidthebutcherhimselfwastheonehundredth。Thebutcherremonstrated，buthewasobligedtokeepthem，ifhewouldhavethebuilding-money。”
“Really，“criedGoethe，laughing，“thekingisaningeniousandextraordinarymanineverything，andnooneislikehim。”
“Nooneislikehim，andnoonewouldhavetreatedmeashedid。I
addressedtohimapoem，begginghimwithtrueinspirationandemotiontoletaGermanpoetessfindfavorinhissight——andthathewouldbeformeaMaecenas，ifIwerenotaHorace。Myheartbledwithsorrow，thatImustsobegandpray，andmytearswetthepaperuponwhichIinditedmybegging，rhymingpetition。Howmuchmoneydoyouthinkthegreatkingsentmeformyhouse?Thinkofthesmallestsum。”
“Ifitwassmall，yetforbuilding-moneyhewouldsendyouatleasttwohundredthalers。”
Thepoetessburstintoascornfullaugh。“Hesentmethreethalers！
ThegreatFredericksentmethreethalerstobuildahouse！“
“Whatdidyoudo?Didyoutakethem?“
“Yes，“sheanswered，proudly，“andIwillleavethemasalegacytomydaughter，asanhistoricalsouvenirforsucceedinggenerations，whowillrelatethebenevolenceoftheGermankingfortheGermanpoetess。Isentthekingareceipt——Iwillreadittoyou。
'Hismajestycommanded，Insteadofbuilding-money，Tosendmethreethalers。Theorderwasexactly，Promptlyfulfilled。Iamindebtedforthanks，ButforthreethalerscanNojoinerinBerlinMycoffinmake。Otherwiseto-morrowIwouldorderSuchahousewithouthorrorWherewormsfeast，And，feasting，quarrelOverthelean，care-wornOldwoman'sremainsThatthekingletsighaway。'[Footnote:See“LifeandPoemsofLouisaKarschin，“editedbyherdaughter。]
“Whydoyounotlaugh?“saidFrauKarschin，raisingherflashingeyestoGoethe，whosatlookingdownearnestlyandquietlybeforeher。
“Icannot，“hegentlyanswered。“Yourpoemmakesmesad；itrecallsthekeensorrowofapoet'sexistence，theoft-repeatedstrugglebetweenIdealityandReality。Theblessedofthegodsmusthumblethemselves；thoughtheymayraisetheirheadstoheaven，theirfeetmuststillrestuponearth；andtofindtheirwayuponit，andwalkhumblytherein，theymustagainlowertheirinspiredheads。”
“Oh，thatmakesmefeelbetter，“criedKarschin，withtearsinhereyes；“thatisbalsamformywounds。Youareagreatpoet，Goethe，I
feelittobeso。Youareagreatman，foryourheartisgoodandfilledwithpity。Howunjustlytheycallyoucoldandproud！Onlybealittlemoreyielding，andcallupontheBerlinpoetsandwriters。
Youcanimaginethatthenewsofyourarrivalranlikewild-firethroughthetown。Nicolai，Rammler，Engel，Mendelssohn，andalltheotherdistinguishedgentlemenhavestayedathomelikebadgersintheirkennels，watchingforyou，soasnottomissyourvisit。Atlasttheybecamedesperate，andscoldedfuriouslyoveryourarroganceandprideinthinkingyourselfbetterthanthey。Whyhaveyounotcalleduponthem?“
Therewasaloudknockingatthedoor，andtheyoungmanwithhisalbumentered，almostbreathless。“HereIam，“saidhe，“IcamedirectlyfromProfessorRammlerhere，asIpromisedyou。”
“Yousawhim，then?Hashewrittensomethingforyou?“
“Yes，Isawhim，andhegrantedmyrequest。”
“Andabusedme，didhenot，withhisnoseturnedup?Youmustknow，Goethe，thatProfessorRammlerdespisesmypoems，becauseIamnotsolearnedinGreekandRomanmythologyasheis。Nowtellme，myyoungfriend，whatdidhesayaboutme?“
“Ipromisedyou，uponmywordofhonor，totellyoueverything，butIhopeyouwillreleasemefromthepromise。”sighedtheyoungman。
“No，thatIwillnot。Muchmore，uponthestrengthofyourwordofhonor，Idesireit。Youpromised，wordforword，torelateittome。”
“Ifitmustbe，then，letitbe。IwentatoncetoProfessorRammler's。HeaskedmeimmediatelyifIhadnotbeenhere。”
“JustasIaskedyou，“laughedKarschin。
“Iaffirmedit，sayingthatyoushowedmehishouse。Uponwhichheasked，'Didshesayanythingagainstme?Sheisaccustomedtodoitbeforestrangers，likealloldwomen。'Hethenturnedovermyalbum，andashesawthelinesyouwrotehereddened，andstrikingthebook——'Iseeit，sheknewshehadsaidsomethingaboutme。ShetellseverystrangerthatIthinksheiscensorious。Whatshehaswrittenisaimedatme。'Uponthathewrotesomelinesoppositeyours，shutthebook，andhandedittome。Ihavenotevenhadthetimetoreadthem。”
“Readthemnow，quickly。”
“'Hewhoslandersandlistenstoslander，lethimbepunished。Shemaybehungbythetongue，andhebytheears。'“[Footnote:Thisscenetookplaceliterally，andmaybefoundin“CelebratedGermanAuthors，“vol。II。，p。340。]
“Thatisshameful——thatismean！“saidFrauKarschin，whileGoethere-readthecuttingepigram。“ThatisjustlikeRammler；histongueislikeatwo-edgedswordforeveryonebuthimself，andhefanshisownglories，anddoesnotknowthatheisafool。FredericktheGreathimselfcalledhimso。Oneofhisgeneralscalledhisattentiontohim，uponwhichFrederickturnedhishorse，ridingdirectlyuptohim，asking，'IsthisthedistinguishedRammler?'
'Yes，yourmajesty，Iamhe，'thelittleprofessorproudlybowed。
'Youareafool！'calledoutFrederick，veryloud，androdeaway，asallaroundthe'GreatRammler'laughedandsneered。Therearemanysuchstories。ShallItellyouhowLessingteasedhim?“
“No，dearwoman，tellmenothingmore。IperceiveyourBerlinwritersandpoetsareamalicious，contentioussetofpeople。Imaywellfearyou，andshallbegladtoescapeunharmed。Thinkkindlyofme，andhavepityuponme；iftheothersaretoosevere，raiseyourdearhandandholdbackthescourgethatitmaynotfalluponpoorWolfgangGoethe。Adieu，dearFrauKarschin。”
Goethebowed，andhasteneddownintothestreet。“WiththeauthorsandpoetsofBerlinIwishnothingmoretodo，butwiththephilosophersImaybemorefortunate，andwiththemfindthewisdomandforbearancewhichfailthepoets。”
GoethebenthisstepstoSpandauerStreet，inwhichthemerchantandphilosopherMosesMendelssohnlived；hastenedupthestairs，andknocked，whichwasansweredbyanoldservant，towhomGoetheannouncedhimself。Theservantdisappeared，andthepoetstoodinthelittle，narrowcorridor，smilinglylookingtothestudy-door，andwaitingforthe“gatesofwisdom“toopenandlettheworldlingenterthetempleofphilosophy。
Thecrookedlittleman，thegreatphilosopher，Moses，sonofMendelssohn，stoodbehindthedoor，turningoverinhismindwhetherhewouldreceiveGoetheornot。“WhyshouldI?TheproudsecretaryoflegationhasalreadybeeninBerlineightdays，andwishestoprovetomethathecareslittleforBerlinphilosophers。Mynoblefriend，thegreatLessing，cannotabide'GotzvonBerlichingen；'andNicolai，Rammler，andEngelarethebitteropponents，theveryantipodesoftheraregeniusandsecretaryoflegationfromWeimar。
Ifhewishestoseeme，whydidhecomesolate，so——“
“HerrGoetheiswaiting——shallheenter?“askedtheservant。
Thephilosopherraisedhishead。“No，“criedhe，loudly。“No！tellhimyouweremistaken。Iamnotathome。”
Theoldservantlookedquitefrightenedathismaster——thefirsttimehehadheardanuntruthfromhim。“WhatshallIsay，sir?“
“Sayno，“criedMoses，veryexcitedandill-humored。“SaythatIamnotathome——thatIamout。”
Withadetermined，defiantmannerthephilosopherseatedhimselftoworkuponhisnewbook，“Jerusalem，“sayingtohimself，“Iamrighttosendhimaway；hewaitedtoolong，istoolate。”[Footnote:FromLudwigTieckIlearnedthisanecdote，andheassuredmethatMosesMendelssohntoldittohim——See“GoetheinBerlin，LeavesofMemory，“p。6——TheAuthoress。]
CHAPTERXVIII。
FAREWELLTOBERLIN。
“Whatisthematter，mydearWolf?“criedtheduke，asGoethereturnedfromhisvisits。“Whatmeanthoseshadowsuponyourbrow?
Havethecursedbeaux-espritsinBerlinannoyedandtorturedyou?“
“No，duke，I——“andsuddenlystopping，heburstintoaloudringinglaugh，andsprangabouttheroom，boundingupanddown，shouting，“Hurrah！hurrah！Longlivethephilosophers，vivatthephilosophers！“
“Theyshalllive——live——live，''shoutedtheduke！
“Vivatthephilosophers！hurrah！TotheMay-sportsupontheBlockbergtheyrideuponalittleasswithgoldenhorns——withPharisaicalmien，prayingwiththeireyes，'IthankThee，OLord，thatIamaphilosopher，thatIamnotastheworld'schildren，vain，proud，andarrogant。'Hey，goodCarlAugustus，todayagreatrevelationhasbeenmadeknowntomebyaphilosopher。Wisdomflowedfromhismouth。Allthespidersintheirgray，self-wovennets，whisperedandsanginhiscorridor，'Weweaveatthefountainoflife，wespintheweboftime。'Thelittlemicecreptoutfromthecorners，whispering，Hallelujah！HerelivesthegreatphilosopherMoses，whohasdevouredwisdom，andisunknowingofearthlyvanities。Oh！themiceandthespiderswaltztogetheruponthethresholdofthegreatphilosopher。Hey，ha！awaltzwewilldance！“
Goethecaughtthedukewithbotharmsaroundthewaist，andtorearoundinagiddywhirl，bothlaughing，bothshrieking。Wolfshund，theduke'sdog，asleepinthecorner，spranguphowlingandbarkingattheirwildboundsandgoat-likesprings，andjoinedthedancers。
AsGoethefelttheribbonwhichconfinedhiscuegiveway，heshookwildlyhiscurly，powderedhairanditfellinmadconfusion。Bothheandthedukenowsankexhaustedtothefloor，pantingandlaughing。
“Heavenbepraised，Wolf，“saidtheduke，“themusthasoncemorefermented，andsprungafewofthehoopsofdignity?“
“Yes，“answeredGoethe，whosuddenlyassumedagrave，seriousmien，“themusthasfermented，andItrustafinewinewillclearitselffromit。”
“Canyounotsetoff，Wolf?“askedtheduke，springingup。“HaveyouhadsufficientoftheBerliners?“
“Ihavedonewiththem，“repliedGoethe，“notonlywiththeBerliners，butitmaybewithalltherestofhumanity。Ifeel，myduke，thatthebloomofconfidence，candor，andself-sacrificinglovefadesdaily；onlyforyou，andthefriendwhomIlove，istherestillattractionandflagrancy。Oh！youdearones，becharitable，anddonotconsentthattheyfadeforyou。LetthegoodnesswhichI
readinyoureyes，mydearCarl，andthesunnyraysoffriendshipstrengthenthepoorlittleblossom，thatitdoesnotentirelyfadeandwitheraway！“Withpassionateearnestnesshethrewhisarmsaroundtheduke，pressinghimtohisbosom。
“Oh！Wolf，mydearWolf，youhaveachild'sheartandapoet'ssoul。
Areyoufaint-heartedanddispirited?Doyounotknowthatyouarethesunwhichbringsforththeflowersforus，andshinesforusall?Letnocloudsovershadowyou，Wolf！Letyourfresh，youthfulvigor，anddivinebrilliancy，penetratethem。Inthethick，sandyatmosphereofBerlinIconfessthesunitselflosesitsforceandbrightness！Come！letusbeoff。Oursteedsstampwithimpatience。”
Thedukedrewhisfriendfromtheroomandjoyfullytheysprangdownthestairstothecarriage，thegreatdogfollowing，howlingandbarkingafterthem。“Forward，then，forward！Blow，postilion，blow！
Agaylittleair！Letitpealthroughthestreets，afarewellsong！
Blow，postilion，blow！andIwillmoistenyourthroatatthegateswiththethin，whitestuff，whichyouhavetheboldnesstocallbeer。”Thepostilionlaughedforjoy，andtheGermansongresoundedinquiveringtones——“Threeridersrodeoutofthegate。”Heblewsolongandloudly，thatthedogsetupamournfulhowl，andamidthepealsofthepostilion，andthedistressedcryofWolfshund，theydrovethroughthelong，hotstreetsofBerlin，throughtheLeipsicGate，andthesuburbswiththeirsmall，lowhouses。Thewagon-wheelssanktothespokesintheloose，yellowsandofthehilltheysoonmounted，and，arrivingatthetopofwhich，thepostilionstoppedtolethishorsestakebreath，andturnedtoremindhisaristocraticpassengersthatthiswastheirlastviewofthecity。
“Andwillbeseennomore，“repeatedtheduke。“Come，letustakeafarewelllookatBerlin，Wolf！“andawaytheysprangwithoutwaitingforthefootmantodescend，andwadedthroughthesandtoarisinginthefallowfields。Theretheystood，arminarm，andviewedthetownwithitstowersandchimneys，houses，barracks，andpalacesstretchedattheirfeet。Athick，gray，cloudofvaporandsmokehoveredoverit，andveiledthehorizonindustandfog。“Farewell，Berlin，youcityofarroganceandconceit！“criedtheduke，joyfully。“Ishakeyourdustfrommyfeet，andstrewthesandofyourfieldsovereverysouvenirofyouinmemory，“andsuitingtheactiontohiswords，hetossedahandfulofitintheair。
“Farewell，MusesandGracesofsandanddust！“criedGoethe，ashisfieryeyeflashedfaroutoverthefog-envelopedroofs。“Farewell，Berlin，voidofnatureandwithoutverdure！theabodeofpoeticart，butnotofpoesy。YouBabylonofwisdomandphilosophy，Ihaveseenyouwithyourpaintedcheeksandcoquettishsmile，yourvoluptuousformandseductivecharms。Youshallneverensnaremewithyourdeceitfulbeauty，andsuckthemarrowfrommybones，ortheconsciousnessofpurehumanityfrommysoul。Beautifulmayyoubetoenslavedintellects，buttothefree，theyturntheirbackstoyouandthricestrewashesonyourhead。Farewell，Berlin，mayIneverseeyouagain！“[Goethe，infact，nevervisitedBerlinagain，thoughhewasofteninvitedthere，particularlywhenthenewtheatrewasopened，withapoeticprologuewrittenbyhimself。TheyinauguratedthefestivitywithGoethe's“Iphigenia，“thefirstrepresentation，andPrinceRadzwillurgentlyinvitedthepoet，throughCountBruhl，tovisitBerlinatthistime，andresideinhispalace。ButGoetherefused；hewasseventy-twoyearsold1826，andexcusedhimselfonaccountofhisage。]Goethestoopedandthrewahandfulofsandintheair。
Thepostilion，tiredofstandingintheburningsun，blewloudlytheairofthesoldier'ssong:“Now，adieu，Louisa，wipeyourface，everyballdoesnothit。”Mournfullythemelodysoundedinthestillness，likeaccusingspiritswhowepttheinsultoftheprinceandthepoet。
“Now，ontoourdearWeimar，Wolf！“Thecarriagerolleddownthesandyhill，andBerlindisappearedtothetravellers，lostindreamythought。Slowlytheyadvanced，inspiteofrelaysandfreshhorsesateverystation。Nightspreadoutherstarrymantleovertheworld，andthesleeperswhorestedfromtheburdensandcaresoftheday。
Goethealonewaswakefulandvigilant。Withhisbeautifuleyes，asbrilliantasfallenstars，upliftedtoheaven，toGod，hismanlybosomheavingwithnoblethoughtsandgloriousaspirations，hereviewedthepast，andrecalledwithjoythathehadaccomplishedmuchandwell。Hepeeredintothefuture，andpromisedhimselftodomoreandbetter。“Yes，Iwill，“whisperedhesoftly，pointingtothestars；“sohighaspossibleshallthepyramidofmybeingrise。TothatIwillconstantlybendmythoughts，neverforgettingit，forI
darenottarry；withtheyearsalreadyonmyhead，fatemayarrestmysteps，andthetowerofBabylonremainunfinished。Atleasttheymustacknowledgetheedificewasboldlydesigned，andifIlive，Godwilling，itshallrise。”
BOOKIII。
STORMANDPRESSURE
CHAPTERXIX
THEKINGANDTHEAUSTRIANDIPLOMAT。
FrederickcommencedthecampaignagainstthehouseofHapsburgwithalltheenergyandboldcourageofformerdays。Thediplomatshadoncemorebeenpermittedtoseektheartsofnegotiation，and，thesehavingfailed，thekingadvancedrapidly，andenteredBohemiawithhisadvance-guard。Theimperialarmy，informedoftheapproachoftheenemy，retiredhurriedlytotheirintrenchmentsatKoeniggratz，beyondtheElbe，withoutadecisivebattle。IntheskirmishesattheoutpoststhePrussianshadbeenvictorious。OntheoppositeshoreoftheElbe，atWelsdorf，thekingtookuphisheadquarters。Whydidhenotpursuehisboldrunofvictory?Whydidhenotsurprisetheimperialarmy，whichheknewwasscattered，andnotinapositiontoresistthestrengthofthePrussianforces?Moreover，thesecondcolumnofthePrussianarmy，underthecommandofPrinceHenry，hadalsoenteredBohemia，andfortifiedacampnearRimburg，havingunitedwiththeSaxonallies，whichcausedtheimperialistsunderField-MarshalLoudontoseekprotectionbeyondtheIser，nearMuenchengratzandYung-bunzlau。Whydidthekingthenstopinthemidstofhisvictoriouscareer?Hehadadvancedtothefieldwithhisfresh，youthfulfire，ashiningexampletoall。Hewasalwaysmounted，shunningnodanger，buttakingpartinthehardshipsandfatigueincidenttothechanginglifeofwar；evenshowinghimselfpersonallyactiveatthediscoveryofforaging-parties。Whydidhesuddenlyhesitateandlieinactiveincamp?Whydidhenotsummonhisgeneralsandstaff-officerstohisquarters，insteadofhisMinistervonHerzberg?Everyoneaskedhimselfthequestion，andeveryoneanswereditdifferently——Somesaid，“BecausetheEmpressofRussiahadraisedobjectionstothiswarofGermanbrothers；“
others，that“theKingoftheFrenchhadofferedtosettlethequarrelasintermediator。”Athirdsaid，the“empress-queen，MariaTheresa，wasterrifiedattherapidadvanceofthePrussians，andhadimmediatelycommencednegotiationsforpeace。”
WhilethewisepoliticiansofGermanyandallEuropereandpondered，Fredericktarriedquietlyinhispeasant-house，inwhichhehadtakenuphisquarters，andwhichhadbeenarrangedverycomfortablywithcarpets，camp-stools，andcurtains。Hesatinhiscabinetuponthehigh，leather-coveredarm-chair，whichhadbeenbroughtforhimfromtheneighboringparsonage。Alkmenelayuponhisknee，andDianaathisfeet。Hiscountenancewaspale，andbetrayedfatigue，buthiseyebeamedwithundimmedbrilliancy，andaroundhismouthplayedanironicalsmile。“Well，somattersstand；therefore，IhavesummonedyoutoWelsdorf，“saidFredericktohisminister，VonHerzberg。“Theempress-queenis，aboveallthings，amosttendermother。Sheisfearfullyanxious，nowthatthedearyoungEmperorJosephhasleftforthearmy，andwillbeexposedtothedangersofwar。MygoodfriendsinViennainformmethatmyentranceintoBohemiacreatedasensationatthebrilliantcapital，andhadsomuchalarmedtheempress-queen，thatshewasseriouslythinkingofnegotiatingforpeace。AsIlearnedthisfromareliablesource，Ihaltedandencamped，thattheempressshouldknowwheretofindme，andsenttosummonyouimmediately。Ihadnotbeenherethreedays，whentheempress'sambassador，BaronvonThugut，appearedtomakeoffers，andconsultaboutanarmisticeoftwoweeks。Imadeknownmyconditions，andpromisedtheempress，throughhernegotiator，thatIwouldsocalculatemymovementsthathermajestywouldhavenothingtofearforherbloodandhercherishedemperor。[Footnote:Theking'swords——See“Prussia，FredericktheGreat，“vol。iv。，p。102。]
Voila，moncherministre，youknowallnow。IftheAustriandiplomatcomesasecondtime，youcannegotiatewithhim。”
“Isyourmajestyalsoinclinedtopeace?“askedHerzberg。
Thekingshruggedhisshoulders。“Whenitcanbearrangedwithhonor，yes，“saidhe。“Iwillacknowledge，Herzberg，toyou，thecampaignishardforme。Theoldfellowofsixty-eightfeelstheburdenoflife，andwouldgladlyrestquietly，andenjoythelastfewyearsasphilosopherandwriterinsteadofsoldier。”
“Yourmajestyhasyetmanyyearstolive，Godwilling，“criedHerzberg。“ItwouldbeagreatmisfortunetoPrussiaifshecouldnotyetowetohergreatkingalongandhappyreign。”
“Hem！“repliedtheking，“thereareinPrussiaverymanywhothinkotherwise，andwishmetothedevil。ButIhavenointentionofseekingmonsieursosoon，fortherearesufficientdevilishdeedstoendureinthisearthlyvaleofsorrowtoprepareforoneaverydecentpurgatory，andgivehimhereafterwell-foundedhopesofheaven。ThereforeIcountuponremainingherebelowawhile，andtokneadwithyouthisleavenoflifethatmayyieldtomysubjectsaneatablebread。Youmusthelpme，Herzberg，whenIamthebaker，toprovidetheflourformypeople；youmustbetheassociatetokneadthebread。Inorderthattheflourshouldnotfail，andthebreadgiveout，itmaybenecessary，ifpossible，tomakepeace。”
“WillyourmajestybesograciousastoinformmewhatstepsImaytake，anduponwhatconditions?“
“Takethispaper，“saidtheking，extendingawrittendocumenttoHerzberg。“Ihavethereinexpressedmywishes，andyoucanactaccordingly。Iampreparedforpeaceuponanytermswhichcanbemadewithhonor，andwhichdonotfrustratetheaimIhaveinview。
YouwellknowthatthisisthesecurityofGermanyagainstAustria'sambitiousloveofterritorialaggrandizement！IcannotandIwillnotsufferthatthehouseofHabsburgshouldstriveforunjustpossessioninGermany，andappropriateBavariatoherselfwhilealawfulheirexists。IwellknowthatIplaytheroleofDonQuixote，andamabouttofightfortherightsofGermanyastheChevalierdelaManchafoughtforhisDulcineadelToboso。Mais，quevoulez-vous，itisnecessaryformyfameandreposethatIenterthearenaoncemoreagainstAustriatoprovetoherthatIexist。ItakethissteponaccountoftheprestigeIhavegainedintheGermanempire，andwhichIshouldloseifIhadnotfacedAustriainthisBavariancontest。Andbesides，itisagreeabletometoaccustommysuccessortothethunderofcannon，andwitnesshisbearingonthefieldofbattle。”
“HewillcertainlydohonortotheheroicraceofHohenzollern，“
answeredHerzberg，bowing。
Asuddenflashfromtheking'sfieryeyesmetthecalmpalefaceofHerzberg。“Merewordsandflattery，whichprovethatyouarenotsatisfied，Herzberg！Nay，nay，donotdenyit；youdonotlikethatIshouldtarryandtreat，andsetthepeninmotioninsteadofthesword。Youareamanofdeeds，andifyouhadhadyourway，Ishouldhavealreadywonadecisivebattle，andbeontheroadtoViennatobesiegetheempressinhercitadel，anddictateanhumiliatingpeacetoher。”
“Yourmajesty，Icanassureyou——“
“Well，well，donotquarrel！“interruptedtheking；“doyousupposeIcannotreadyourhonestandobstinateface?DoyousupposeIdidnotmeanwhatIsaid?AcknowledgethatIamright！confessit，I
commandyou！“