第4章

“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，tiedattheneckwitharedribbon(fullsleeves，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。”