第7章

“Ifyourmajestycommandsit，thenIwillacknowledgeit。Yes，IdidwishthatyourmajestyhadnotempoweredBaronvonThuguttoreturnforfurthernegotiations。ItwouldhavebeenwellifyourmajestyhadmarchedvictorioustoVienna，tolettheproudHapsburgersseeforoncethatFrederickofPrussiadoesnotstandbehindthem，butattheirside；thathehascreatedaneworderofthings；thattheold，mouldy，rottenstatutesoftheimperialsovereigntyhavefalleninthedustbeforeFredericktheGreat；thatGermanymustbenewlymappedout，inordertogiveroomneartheoldmanAustriaforyoungPrussia。Yes，yourmajesty，Icouldhavewishedthatyouhadevenbeenlessgenerous，lessnobletowardthesupercilious，insolentenemy，andhaveacceptednoconditionsbutthoseof\'equalityforPrussiawithAustriaintheGermanempire！\'“

“Mydearsir，Iamtrulyastonishedatthevigorwithwhichyouexpressyourself；Iamverygladtofindyousoenthusiastic，“saidFrederick，noddingtohisminister；“butlisten——IwillconfidetoyouthatwhichIdonotwishyoutorepeat:Iamnolonger，tomyregret，whatyousoflatteringlycallme，\'FredericktheGreat，\'butonly\'OldFritz。\'Doyouunderstandme?thelatterisadeplorable，worn-outsoldier，whonolongerfeelspowerorvigor。ThelinesofBoileauoftenrecurtomeonmountingmyhorse:

\'Unfortunateone，leavethysteedgrowingoldinpeace，Forfear，that，pantingandsuddenlyoutofbreath，Infalling，hemaynotleavehismasteruponthearena！\'

Itisthemiseryoflifethatmanwillgrowold，andthatthebody，whenwornandweary，willevensubduethespirit，andforcehertofoldherwingsandsuffer。Ididnotrealizethatithadgonesofarwithme，andIimaginedthatthewingedsoulcouldraisetheold，decayedbody。ThereforeIrisked，inspiteofmylazyoldage，toundertakethiswar，forIrecognizeditasaholydutytoenterintoit，forthehonorandjusticeofourcountry，andprovetotheEmperorofGermanythathecouldnotmanageandruleathiswillintheGermanempire。I1ongnotforthehonorofnewlaurels，butI

shouldbesatisfied，asfatherofmysubjects，togainacivilcrown。

Thereyouhavemycreed。Ihaveassincerelyconfessedtoyouasmyrespectablecousin，theempress-queen，toherconfessor；onlyIdidnotfalluponmykneestoyou，andyoudonotasthesaidconfessor，betraymetotheHolyFatheratRome。”

“Yourmajestywellknowsthateverywordwhichyouhavethegracetoconfidetome，isengraveduponmyinmostsoul，andthatnopoweruponearthcouldforcemetorevealit。”

“Iknowthatyouareatrueandzealousservantofyourkingandcountry，“saidFrederick。“OncemoreIsaytoyou，otherthananhonorablepeaceIwillnotmake；andifempress-queendoesnotaccepttheabandonmentofBavariaasthebasisofpeace，thenImustconquermyaversiontowar，andtheswordmustarrangewhatthepenhasfailedtodo。Andnow，passonsladessus！UntilThugutarrives，letusspeakofotherthings。Ihavebeentolerablyindustrious，andhaveimprovedtheleisureofcamp-lifeasmuchaspossible。IhavewrittenapanegyricuponVoltaire，andwhenitisrevisedandcorrectedyoushallarrangeananniversaryinmemoriam，attheBerlinAcademy，andreadmyeulogy。”

“AllGermanyandallEuropewillbesurprisedatthemagnanimityoftheroyalmindwhichcouldoccupyitselfinthecampwiththemuse，anderectanimperishablemonumenttothemanwhowitnessedsuchingratitudeandbasenesstohisbenefactorandprotector。”

“Vousalleztropvite，moncher；vraiment，tropvite，“criedFrederick，ardently。“ItistrueVoltairewasamiserablefellow，buthewasagreatpoet。HereturnedmeannessandingratitudetomeforthemanykindnessesIshowedtohim，forItreatedhimmorelikeafriendthanaking。Voltairewasmybenefactor，insofarthatI

owedtohimthemostagreeableandelevatinghoursofmyyouth，InmemoryofthesehoursIhavewrittenthiseulogy。Itisnotworthyofparticularmention，andtheAcademieFrancaisewilldoubtlessseverelycriticisemyknowledgeoftheirlanguage。Butitisimpossibletowritewell，onemomentincampandanotheronthemarch。Ifitisunworthyofhimwhomitwasintendedtocelebrate，I

haveatleastavailedmyselfofthefreedomofthepen，andwillcausetobepubliclyreadinBerlinwhatonedaresnotwhisperinParis。”[Footnote:Theking\'sownwords——“PosthumousWorks，“vol。

xv。，p。109。ThiseulogyuponVoltaire，whichthekingwroteincamp，Herzbergread，intheNovemberfollowing，beforetheAcademy。]

“Ishallbemosthappytobetheinstrumenttomakeknownthisgenerousexpressionofyourmajesty\'sgood-will，“remarkedHerzberg，bowing。

Fredericksmiled，adding:“ButwiththeotherworkwhichIhavecommenced，youarenotquitesatisfied。YouaresuchanenthusiasticGerman，thatyoupresumetoassertthattheintolerableGermanjargonisabeautifulandexpressivelanguage！“

“AndIabidebythisdecision，yourmajesty，“zealouslycriedHerzberg。“TheGermanlanguageiseuphonious，andprolificinideas，anditiswellcapableofrivallinginbrevityandclearnessthoseoftheancients。”

“Thatyouhavealreadyasserted，andIhavecontestedit，andagainIcontestitto-day。DonottroublemewithyourGermanlanguage。Itwillonlydeservenoticewhengreatpoets，distinguishedorators，andadmirablehistorians，havegivenittheirattentionandcorrectedit，freeingitfromsuchdisgustingandeffeminatephrasesasnowdisfigureit，andcauseonetouseamassofwordstoexpressafewideas。Atpresentitisonlyanaccumulationofdifferentdialects，whicheverydivisionoftheGermanempirethinkstospeakthebest，andofwhichtwentythousandcanscarcelyunderstandwhattheothertwentythousandaresaying！“[Footnote:Theking\'sownwords——See“PosthumousWorks，“vol。xv。]

“Sire，“criedHerzberg，withvehemence，“shouldaGermankingthusspeakofhisnativetongue，atthesametimethathetakesthefieldtovindicatethehonorofGermany，andsubmitstoallthemiseriesandhardshipsofwar?Yourmajestycannotbeinearnest，todespiseourbeautifullanguage。”

“Idonotdespiseit；Ionlysaythatitmustbereformed，andshornofitsexcrescences。UntilthenwemustusetheFrench，whichisto-

daythelanguageoftheworld，andinwhichonecanrenderallthemaster-worksoftheGreeksandtheLatins，withthesameversatility，delicacy，andsubtlety，astheoriginal。YoupretendthatonecanwellreadTacitusinaGermantranslation，butIdonotthinkthelanguagecapableofrenderingtheLatinauthorswiththesamebrevityastheFrench。”

“Sire，tomyjoy，Icangiveyouprooftothecontrary。aBerlinsavant，ConrectorMoritz，atmyrequest，hastranslatedafewchaptersofthefourteenthbookofthe\'AnnalsofTacitus，\'wordforword，mostfaithfullyintoGerman。Hehaswrittenitintwocolumns，thetranslationatthesideoftheoriginal。Ihavetakenthelibertytobringthisworkwithmeandyouwillseehowexactly，andwithwhatbrevity，LatinauthorscanberenderedintoGerman，andthatthereareyounglearnedmenwhohaveseizedthespiritofourlanguageandknowhowtouseitwithgraceandskill。”

“Indeed，giveittome，“criedtheking，zealously。“IamtrulycurioustoadmiretheGermanlinguist\'sworkwhohassoboldlyundertakentotranslateTacitus。”

“Sire，“saidHerzberg，raisinghiseyesknowingly，withamild，imploringexpressiontotheking\'sface——“sire，Ijoinarequestwiththistranslation。”

“Whatisit?Iamverycuriousaboutapetitionfromyou，itissoseldomthatyouprofferone。”

“Yourmajesty，myrequestconcernsthetranslatorofthisverychapterofTacitus。HeisConrectorMoritz，attachedtotheGrayCloisterinBerlin——anunusuallygiftedyoungman，whohasundoubtedlyabrilliantfuturebeforehim。Hehasalreadywrittenmanyeminentworks。TheDirectorGedickerecommendedhimtomeasamostdistinguished，scholarlyperson，andIhavelearnedtoknowandappreciatetheyoungmanbythismeans。”

“Iseeit，“noddedtheking。“Youspeakofhimwithgreatenthusiasm，andaswhatyousowarmlyrecommendisgenerallyableandwellqualified，IbegintobeinterestedinthisHerrMoritz。

WhenIreturntoBerlin——andHeavengrantthatitmaybesoon！——I

willatonceempoweryoutopresentthisluminary。Areyousatisfied?“

“Sire，dareIaskstillmore?Iwouldbegyourmajestytograntthisyoungmananaudienceatonce。”

“How，atonce！Isthisphoenixhere，whosointerestsmyMinisterHerzberg?Whereishefrom，andwhatdoeshewish?“

“HeisfromBerlin；Imethimmakingthejourneyonfoot。Hesatuponastone，bythewayside，eatingapieceofbread，withaglowingface，andsoabsorbedtalkingtohimselfinLatinthatheheardnotthecreakingofmycarriagethroughthesand。Irecognizedhimimmediately，andcalledhimbyname。Heturned，perfectlyunembarrassedandnotatallashamedtohavebeendiscoveredinsuchanhumbleandpoorposition。”

“Thatistosay，heisagoodcomedian，“saidtheking。“Heknewthatyouwoulddrivepastthere，andplacedhimselfexpresslytocallyourattentiontohim。”

“Ibegpardon，sire；ConrectorMoritzcouldnothaveknownthatI

wouldtakethisjourney。Youwillrecollectthatthecourierarrivedatmidnightwithyourmajesty\'scommands，andtwohourslaterIwasontheroad，andhavesincetravelleddayandnight。AsImettheyoungmanonlyfivemilesfromthisplace，hemusthavesetoutmanydaysbeforeIthoughtofleavingBerlin。”

“Itistrue，“saidtheking，“itwasafalsesuspicion。Youinvitedhimintoyourcarriage，didyounot?“

“Ididverynaturally，sire，ashetoldmehewasgoingtobeganaudienceofyourmajesty。Atfirstherefuseddecidedly，ashewishedtotravelonfoot，likethepilgrimstothepopeatRome。”

“Anoriginal，atrulyoriginalgenius，“criedtheking。

“Heissoindeed，andissocalledbyallhisfriends。”

“Hasheanyfriends?“askedtheking，withanincreduloussmile。

“Yes，sire，manywarmandsympathizingfriends，whoaremuchattachedtohim，and，onaccountofhisdistinguishedandbrilliantqualities，arewillingtoindulgehispeculiarities。”

“Herzberg，youarecharmed，andspeakofthismanasayounggirlinlove！“

“Sire，ifIwereayounggirl，IshouldcertainlyfallinlovewiththisMoritz，forheishandsome。”

“Diable！Ibegintofearthissubject。Yousayheishandsome，learned，wise，andgood，althoughhebelongstotheairy，puffed-upBerliners。DidyouletHerrMoritzwanderoninhispilgrimage?“

“No，sire，Ipersuadedhimatlasttoacceptaseatinmycarriage，byexplainingtohimthatyourmajestymightsoonleaveWelsdorf，andhewouldruntheriskofnotarrivinginseason。Uponnoconditionwouldhegetinside，butclimbedupbehind，for，saidhe，withafirm，decidedmanner，\'Igotothekingasabeggar，notasadistinguishedgentleman。\'“

“Indeeditisanoriginal，“thekingmurmuredtohimself。“Doyouknowwhatthemanwants?“heaskedaloud。

“No，yourmajesty；hesaidthathisbusinessconcernedthehappinessoftwohumanbeings，andthathecouldonlyopenhishearttohisGodandhisking。”

“Whereisyourprotege?“

“Hestandsoutside，anditismyhumblerequestthatyourmajestywillgranthimanaudience，andpermitmetocallhim。”

“Itisgranted，and——“

Justatthatmomentthedooropened，andthefootmanannouncedthattheprivatesecretaryofhishighnessPrincevonGalitzinhadarrived，andmostrespectfullybeggedanaudience。

“Itishe——itisthebaron，“saidtheking。“Tellyourprotegehemustwait，andcomeagain。BidthePrincevonGalitzinenter。”

AstheMinistervonHerzbergwithdrew，theBaronvonThugutappeared，theextraordinaryandsecretambassadoroftheEmpressMariaTheresa。

“Well，HerrBaron，youarealreadyreturned，“saidtheking，ashescarcelynoddedtotheprofoundlyrespectfulbowsoftheambassador。

“Iinfer，therefore，thatyourinstructionsarenotfromtheempress，butfromtheco-regent，theEmperorJoseph，whohasbetakenhimselftotheAustriancamp。”

“Sire，“answeredThugut，laconically，“Ihavedrivendayandnight，andhavereceivedmyinstructionsdirectlyfromtheempress。”

Thekingslowlyshookhishead，andanimperceptiblesmileplayedaroundhislips。

“Doestheyoungemperorapproveoftheseinstructions?“

“Sire，hismajesty，theemperor，isonlytheco-regent，“answeredThugut，hastily。“Itisnotthereforenecessary，thatmysovereignshouldmakeherdecisionsdependentuponherson\'sconcordance。”

“Theempresswillnegotiateforpeace，“saidthekingtohimself，“buttheemperordesirestowinlaurelsinthewar，andwilltrytocutoffthenegotiationsofhismotherbyacoupdemain。Onemustbeonhisguard！“

JustthenthedooropenedandHerzbergreturned。

“YouperceiveIexpectedyou，BaronvonThugut，“saidtheking，“andIorderedheremyministerofstate，HerrvonHerzberg。ThisistheBaronvonThugut，mydearminister，theambassadoroftheempress-

queen，whocarriesinhispocketpeaceorwar，asitmaybe。”

“Sire，Imustprotestagainstbeingsoimportantapersonage，aspeaceandwaralonedependuponyourmajesty。ItalonedependsupontheloftyKingofPrussiawhetherhewillgivepeaceandtranquillitytoGermany，orsuffertheguiltofpermittingthebloodyscourgeofcivilwaragaintotearinpiecestheunhappyGermannation。”

“Thatsoundsverysentimental，“criedtheking，smiling。“TheBaronvonThugutwillappealtomyheart，whenwehaveonlytodowiththehead。AustriawishestobetheheadofGermany，andassuchwoulddevouroneGermanstateafteranother，asaverypalatablemorsel。

Butifyouwillbethehead，MonsieurleBaron，youcannotrepresentthestomachalso，for，asIhavebeentold，itonlyexistsinthosesoftanimalsoftheseawhoseheadisintheirstomach，andwhichthinkanddigestatthesametime。Austriadoesnotbelongtothisclass，buthasratheraveryhardandimpenetrableshell。Wecannotletherdevourasstomachwhatastheheadshehaschosenasbooty。

ThattheelectorateofBavariaisnottobedevoured，isthenecessaryandfundamentalpreliminaryuponwhichthetempleofpeacemaybeerected。Ifyou，orrathertheempress-queen，agreetoit，thenegotiationscanbeconcludedbyyoutwogentlemen。Butifyouthinktoerectatempleofpeaceuponanyotherbasis，yourpropositionswillbeinvain。Ihavenottakenthefieldtomakeconquests，buttoprotecttherightsofaGermanprince，andnotsufferotherstoappropriateaGermanstate。Iknow，asyouhavesaid，thatwarisabloodyscourgeforthenation；but，sir，wewillnotlookatitinasentimentallight，andtalkofcivilwar，whenAustriaherselfcompelsustotakethefield。Or，perhaps，youimaginetoprovetomygoodPomeranians，Markers，andmyotherGermanstates，thattheCroatians，Pandurians，Hungarians，Wallachians，Italians，andPolanders，areourGermanbrothers，whichimperialAustriaopposestous。Ithinkthisbrotherhoodmaybetracedtoourcommonancestor，Adam，andinthissenseallwarsareindeedcivilwars。Inanycasewarisascourgeforman，andIamconvincedthattheempress-queenwouldjustaswillinglyspareherCroatians，Pandurians，Wallachians，andGalicians，asIallmyGermansubjectscollectively。”

“Alsoyourmajesty\'sPolishsubjects，asmaybeexpected，“addedBaronyonThugut。

“MyPolishsubjectsaretheminimumportion，andareaboutinproportiontotheGermanpopulationasinimperialAustriatheGermanistotheforeign。Butenoughofthis；ifIdonotrecognizethisasacivilwar，itisindeedagreatmisfortune。Iwoulddoeverythingtoavoidit——everythingcompatiblewiththehonorandgloryofmyhouse，aswellasthatofGermanyingeneral。ThereforeletusknowtheViewsoftheempress-queen！“

“Sire，“answeredVonThugut，asheslowlyuntiedandunfoldedthedocuments，“Ibegpermissiontoreadaloudtoyourmajestytheactsrelativetothesepoints。”

“No，baron，“answeredthekingquickly，“themoreminutedetailsgivetomyminister；Iwishonlythecontentsinbrief。”

“Atyourmajesty\'scommand。Theempress-queendeclaresherselfreadytorenouncetheconcludedtreatyofinheritancetothesuccessionofBavariaatthedeathofElectorCharlesTheodore；alsotogiveupthedistrictseized，ifPrussiawillpromisetoresignthesuccessionoftheMargravesofAnspachandBaireuth，andletthemremainindependentprincipalities，governedbyself-dependentsovereigns。”

“Thatmeans，thatAustria，whowillunjustlyaggrandizeherselfbyBavaria，willdeprivePrussiaofalawfulinheritance！“criedtheking，hiseyesflashinganger。“Iwillnotheedtheafter-cause，butIwishtosatisfactorilyunderstandthefirstpartoftheproposition，thatAustriawillcedeherpretensionstoBavaria。”

“Sire，uponconditionsonlywhicharesufficientforthehonor，thewishes，andnecessitiesofmyloftymistress。”

“Youhear，mydearHerzberg，“saidtheking，smiling，andturningtohisminister，“c\'esttoutcommecheznous。Itwillnowbeyourtasktofindouttheseconditions，whichtoocloselyaffectthehonorofoneortheother。ForthispurposeyouwillfindtheadjacentCloisterBraunaumoreconvenientthanmypoorcabin。Attheconferencesofdiplomatsmuchtimeisconsumed，whilewemilitarypeoplehavelittletimetospare。Ishallmoveonwithmyarmy。”

“How，then！willyourmajestybreakuphere?“criedThugut，withevidentsurprise。

Thekingsmiled。“Yes，Ishalladvance，asmyremainingmightbeconstruedequaltoaretreat。Theartsofdiplomacymaydragonuntiltheimperialistshaveassembledalltheirforeignsubjectstotheso-calledcivilwar。Thenhastenthenegotiations，BaronyonThugut，foreverydayofdiplomaticpeaceisonedaymoreofforagingwar，andIknownotthatyoucounttheBohemiansintheGermanbrotherhood，towhomthecalamityofwarisruinous。YouhavenowtodealwiththeBaronyonThugut，mydearHerzberg，andIhopethebaronwillacceptsomediplomaticcampaignswithyouinCloisterBraunau。”

“Sire，Iaccept，andifyourmajestywilldismissme，Iwillgoatoncetothecloister，“answeredBaronyonThugut，whosemannerhadbecomegraverandmoreserioussincetheking\'sannouncementoftheintendedadvance。

“Youareatlibertytowithdraw。Thegoodandhospitablemonkshavealreadybeenapprisedofyourarrivalbyanexpresscourier，andhavedoubtlessagoodsupperandasoftbedawaitingyou。”

“Hadyourmajestythegracetobeconvincedofmyreturn?“askedThugut。

“Iwasconvincedofthetenderheartoftheempress-queen，andthatshewouldgraciouslytryoncemore，inherChristianmercy，toconvertsuchanoldbarbarianandhereticasIam。Gonowtothecloister，andwhenIpassbyinthemorning，withmyarmy，Iwillnotfailtohavethemplayapiousairfortheedificationofthediplomats——suchas，\'Mysoul，liketheyoungdeer，criesuntoThee，\'

or，\'Oh，master，Iamthyolddog，\'orsomesuchheavenlysongtoexcitethediplomatstopiousthoughts，andtherewithIcommendyoutoGod\'scare，BaronyonThugut。”

ThekingchargedHerryonHerzbergtoplaytheroleofgrand-

chamberlain，andaccompanytheambassadortohiscarriage，smiling，andslightlynoddingafarewell。

Thebaronwasonthepointofleaving，whenthekingcalledtohim。

“Hadyourmajestythegracetocallme?“askedThugut，hastilyturning。

“Yes！“answeredFrederick，smiling，andpointingtothestringwhichhadservedtobindthebaron\'spapers。“Youhaveforgottensomething，mylord，andIdonotliketoenrichmyselfwithothers\'

property。”[Footnote:Historical。Theking\'swords——SeeHormayr。]

BaronvonThuguttookthislastwell-aimedstabofhisroyalopponentsomewhatembarrassed，andhastenedtopickupthestring，andwithdraw。

CHAPTERXX。

THEKINGANDTHELOVER。

Thekingsmiled，glancingattheretreatingfigureofthebaron，andapproachedthewindowtopeepthroughthelittlegreenglasspanestoseehimashepassedby。

“Aslyfox，“saidhe，smiling，“butIwillprovetohimthatweunderstandfox-hunting，andarenotdeceivedbycunningfeints。”

“Willyourmajestyreallybreakupto-day?“askedVonHerzberg，uponreturning。

“Yes，mydearminister。Thatistosay，Idonotwishto，butI

must，inordertogivethenegotiationsforpeaceawar-likecharacter。Theenemyasksfordelaytofinishtheirpreparationsforwar——notpeace。Thenegotiationsforthelatteremanatefromtheempress，buttheconditionsconcerningAnspachcomefromtheemperor。ItistheEris-apple，whichhecastsuponthetable，bywhichhisimperialmotherandIwouldgladlysmokethepipeofpeace。Itisincumbentuponyou，Herzberg，tonegotiateforpeace，whileIpickuptheappleandbalanceitalittleuponthepointofmysword。Ishallleaveearlyto-morrow，butIwouldspeakwithyoubeforeIsetout。Youmustbewearywiththejourney，sorestawhilenow，thendinewithme，andafterwardgototheconference。”

“Sire，willyounotreceivemyprotege，ConrectorMoritz?“

“Didyounotsaythathebeggedforasecretaudience?“

“Yes，sire，hehasforthispurposetravelledthelongdistancefromBerlin，andIassureyourmajesty，uponmywordofhonor，thatI

havenottheleastsuspicionwhathispetitionmaybe。”

“Ehbien，saytoyourprotegethatIgranthimthesought-forinterviewonyouraccount，Herzberg。Youaresuchacuriousfellow——

youarealwayspetitioningforothersinsteadofyourself，andthebenefitswhichyououghttoreceivegotothem。LetMoritzenter，andthentrytosleepalittle，thatyoumaybewideawaketoconferwithBaronvonThugut。”

MinistervonHerzbergwithdrew，andimmediatelythepale，earnestfaceofConrectorPhilipMoritzappearedintheroyalpresence。

Thekingregardedhimwithaprolongedandsearchingglance，thenoble，resolutefaceofwhomwaspallidwithdeepgrief，butfromwhoseeyestherebeamedcourageousenergy。“AreyouthetranslatorofthechaptersfromTacitus，whichmyMinisterHerzberghandedme?“

askedtheking，afterapause。

“Yes，sire，“gentlyansweredMoritz。

“Iamtoldthatitisablydone，“continuedhismajesty，stillattentivelyobservinghim。“YouwillacknowledgethatitisexceedinglydifficulttorendertheconcisestyleofTacitusintotheprolix，long-windedGerman?“

“Pardonme，sire，“repliedMoritz，whoseyouthfulimpetuositycouldwithdifficultybedivertedfromtherealobjectofhispilgrimage。

“Ourlanguageisbynomeanslong-winded，andthereisnodifficultyintranslatingLatinauthorsintoGerman，whichequalsanylivingtongueinbeautyandsonorousness，andsurpassesthemallindepthofthought，power，andpoesy。”

“Diable！“criedtheking，smiling；“youspeaklikeanincarnateGermanphilologist，whoconfoundsthesoundofwordswithprofoundthought。Youwillacknowledgethatuntilnowourlanguagehasnotbeenmuchknown。”

“Sire，“answeredMoritz，“MartinLuther，inhistranslationoftheBiblethreehundredyearssince，employedhundredsofbeautiful，expressiveformations。”

“Heisnotonlyalearnedman，“saidthekingtohimself，“butheseemsanhonorableone；andnow，asIhaveprovedhisscholarlyattainments，Imustindulgehisimpatience。”Theking\'spenetratingglancesoftened，andhisfeatureschangedtheirsevereexpression。

“TheMinistervonHerzberginformedmethathefoundyoubytheroadside，andthatyouwouldjourneyhitheronfoot。”

“Itistrue，sire。”

“Whydidyoutravelinthatmanner?“

“Sire，Idesired，asthepoor，heavily-ladenpilgrimsofthemiddleages，tomakethepilgrimagetotheHolyFatheratRome，whowasthekingofkings。Everystepinadvanceseemedtothemtolightentheirburdenandenhancetheirhappiness。Yourmajestyisinourdaywhatthepopewasheldtobeinthemiddleages，thereforeIhavewanderedasapilgrimtomyking，whohasthepowertobindandtoloose，andfromwhomImustnotonlyimplorepersonalhappiness，butthatalsoofagoodandamiableyounggirl。”

“Ah！itconcernsalove-affair。AsInowlookatyou，Icanunderstandthat。Youareyoungandpassionate，andthemaidenshaveeyes。HowcanIhelpyouinsuchanadventure?“

“Sire，bynotgrantingatitletoacertainperson，orifitmustbegranted，annultheconditionsattendantuponit。”

“Idonotunderstandyou，“answeredtheking，harshly。“Speaknotinriddles。Whatdoyoumean?“

“GeneralWerrigvonLeuthenhasaddressedhimselftoyou，sire，prayingfortheconsentofyourmajestytothemarriageofhisdaughterwiththebankerEbenstreit。Yourmajestyhasconsented，andaddedthatHerrEbenstreitshalltakethenameofhisfuturefather-

in-law，andthemarriageshalltakeplaceassoonasthetitleofnobilityhasbeenmadeout。”

Thekingnodded。“Forwhichthenew-madenoblemanhastopayahundredlouisd\'orstotheInvalidsatBerlin。Butwhatisthattoyou?AndwhatconnectionhasHerrEbenstreit\'stitletodowithConrectorMoritz?“

Moritz\'sfacebrightened，and，deeplymoved，heanswered:“Sire，I

lovethedaughterofGeneralvonLeuthen，andshereturnsmylove。

BynotennoblingEbenstreit，itliesinyourpower，mostgraciousmajesty，tomaketwopersonsthemostblessedofGod\'screatures，whodesirenothingmorethantowanderhandinhandthroughlife，lovingandtrustingeachother。”

“Isthatall?“askedtheking，withasearchingglance。

Moritzquailedbeneathit，andcastdownhiseyes。“No！“hereplied。

“AsInowstandinthepresenceofyourmajesty，Iamsensibleoftheboldnessofmyundertaking，andwordsfailmetoexpresswhatisburninginmysoul。Oh！sire，Ionlyknowthatweloveeachother，andthatthisloveisthefirstsunbeamwhichhasfallenuponmygloomyandthornypathoflife，andawakenedinmylonelyheartallthebloomoffeeling。Yousmile，andyourgreatspiritmaywellmockthepoorhumanbeingwhothinksofpersonalhappiness，whenforanideamerelythousandsarekilleduponthefieldofbattle。Mylife，sire，hasbeenagreatcombat，inwhichIhavestrivenwithallthedemonsescapedfromPandora\'sbox。Ihavegrownupamidprivationsandneed。Ihavelivedandsuffered，untilGodrecompensedmyjoyless，toiling，hungeredexistencebythisreciprocatedlove，whichisabeautifulornamenttomylife，andislifeitself，andtorenounceitwouldbetorenouncelife。Iamyoung，sire，andIlongfortheunknownparadiseofearthlyhappiness，whichIhaveneverentereduntilnow，andwhichIcanonlyattainledbythehandofmybeloved。Iyearnjustonce，asotherprivilegedmen，tobaskinthesunshineofhappinessalong，beautifulsummerday，andthenatthegoldensunsettosinkuponmykneesandcry，\'IthankThee，OGod，thatinThygoodnessIhaverecognizedThysublimity，andthatThouhastrevealedthyglorytome。\'Allthisappearsoflittleimportancetoyourmajesty，fortheheartofakingisnotlikethatofothermen，andthepersonalhappinessofindividualsappearsamatteroflittleaccounttohimwhothinksandworksforthegoodofanentirenation。Butthefly，sire，whichissunningitselfupontheplumesofthehelmetofavictoriousking，hasitsrighttohappiness，forGodcreateditwiththesamecareandlovethatHecreatedthenoblestofHiscreatures——man！anditwouldbecrueltokillitwithoutnecessity。Sire，Idonotextolmyself。IknowthatinyoureyesIamnomorethantheflyuponyourhelmet，butIonlyimploreyoutograntmemylife，forGodhasgivenittome。”

“YoumeanbythisthatIshallforbidGeneralvonLeuthentomarryhisdaughtertotherichmanwhoseeksher，andtowhichmarriage，understandmewell，Ihavealreadygivenmyconsent。”

“Sire，Ionlyknowthatthisuniondrivesnotonlymetodespair，butoneofthenoblestandbestofGod\'screatures。FrauleinvonLeuthendoesnotlovethebridegroomforceduponher；shedetestshim，andshehasgoodreasonto，forthebankerEbenstreitisacold-hearted，purse-proudman，enfeebledbyavoluptuous，viciouslife，andseeksnothingnoblerandmoreelevatedintheyounggirltowhomhehasofferedhishand，thanthetitleandnoblenamewhichshecanprocureforhim。Yourmajesty，Iimplorenotformyself，butforthedaughterofamanwhooncehadthegoodfortunetosaveyourlifeinbattle！Havepityuponher，anddonotsacrificehertoaninconsolablyhopelesslifebythesideofanunlovedanddetestedhusband！“

Thekingslowlyshookhishead。“YouforgetthatthegeneraltowhomIamindebtedforthisfavorhasbeggedmyconsenttothismarriage，andthatIhavegrantedit。”

“Sire，Iconjureyontorecallit！UponmykneesIimploreyounottograntit！Donotmaketwopeopleunhappy，whoonlybegofyourmajestythepermissiontoloveandlivewitheachother！“Moritzthrewhimselfattheking\'sfeet，prayingwithclaspedhands，hisfaceflushedwithdeepemotion，andhiseyesdimmedwithtears。

“Rise！“commandedFrederick，“rise，donotkneeltomeastoaGod。

Iamafeeblemortal，subjecttothesameillswhichthreatenyouandthewholehumanrace。Rise，andanswermeonequestion——areyourich?“

“No，“answeredMoritz，proudlyraisinghishead；“no，Iampoor。”

“DoyouknowthatFrauleinvonLeuthenispoor?HerfatherisworseoffthanJob，forheisindebt。”

“IfGeneralvonLeuthen\'sdaughterwererich，orevenmoderatelywelloff，Ineverwouldhavepresumedtoaddressyourmajestyonthesubject，forfearthatyoumightmisconstruemyintentions，andsupposethatmylovewasinspiredbyself-interest。Fortunately，Mariepossessesnothingbuthernoble，beautifulself。Sheleadsajoylessexistenceundertheseveredisciplineofhercold-heartedparents；andthereforeIcantruthfullysay，thatwithmeshewilllosenothing，butgainwhatshehasneverknown——atranquil，happylife，protectedbymylove。”

“Howmuchsalarydoyoureceiveasteacher?“

“Majesty，asconrectorofthecollegeattachedtotheGrayMonastery，threehundredandfiftydollars。”

“Doyouexpecttoliveuponthatyourself，andsupportafamilybesides?“

“Sire，Ishallearnmoneyinotherways，asIhavealreadydone。I

shallwritebooks。ThepublisherstellmethatIamafavoriteauthor，andtheypaymewell。”

“Ifonthemorrowyoushouldfallill，yourincomewouldvanish，andyourfamilyandyouwouldstarvetogether。No！no！youareanidealist，youdreamhowlifeshouldbe，andnotasitisintruth！I

havelistenedtoyou，thinkingthatyouwouldpresentsomeforcibleargumentuponwhichtofoundyourpretensions，butIhearonlytheravingsofalover，whobelievestheworldturnsupontheaxisofhishappiness。Letmetellyouthatloveisanephemera，whichmerrilysportsinthesunlightafewshorthours，anddiesatsunset。Shouldakingforfeithiswordforsuchashort-livedbliss?

Shouldherewardamantowhomheisindebtedbydeprivinghimofarichson-in-law，whoisagreeabletohim，andsubstitutingapoorone，fromwhomhecanneverhopetoreceiveacomfortablemaintenance?Youyoungpeopleareallalike。Youthinkonlyofyourselves，anditisamatteroflittleconsequencetoyouiftheagedpineawayanddie，providedyoubuilduphappinessontheirgraves！Iaskyou，whohavetalkedsomuchaboutyourownwishes，andthoseofyourbeloved，whereisitwrittenthatmanmustbehappy，thatthereisanecessitytomakehimso?DoyousupposethatIhaveeverbeenhappy——whohavealong，activelifeinretrospection?MankindhavetakengoodcarethatIshouldnotsipthisnectarofthegods，andhavetaughtmeearlytorenounceit。

Lifeisnotconsumedinpleasure，butintoil，andIbelieveitsonlyhappinessconsistsinthefactthatatlast，whenwearyandworn，wewillsinkintothegrave——toaneternalrest！Everyhumanbeingmustworkaccordingtohisabilities，andinthepositionwhichFatehasassignedtohim。Tomaintainthisposition，hishonorisatstake——thebestandmostsacredgiftconfidedtoman。Youwillnotdesertit——notdespairinlifebecauseyourdreamofblissisnotrealized。”

“Sire，“answeredMoritz，withacryofanguish，“itisnodream，butareality！“

“Happinessisonlyideal，“saidtheking，slowlyshakinghishead。

“Whatwesighforto-day，wecurseonthemorrowasamisfortune。

Letthisserveasalessontoyou。Toilon——youareascholar；wooScienceforyourbride。Hercharmswillneverfade。Inyouthasinoldageshewillattractyoubyherbeautyandconstancy——thatwhichyoucannothopeforfromwomen。”

“Sire，“askedMoritz，indeepdejection，“willyounotgrantthepetitionofmyheart?Willyoucondemnthispoor，innocentyounggirlwhopraysyourmajestythroughme，toalong，joylessexistence，toadaily-renewingsorrow?“

Thekingshruggedhisshoulders。“Ihavealreadysaidthathappinessisimaginary；Imighthaveaddedunhappinessalso。GeneralvonLeuthen\'sdaughterwillaccustomherselftothemisfortuneofbeingarichman\'swife，andfinallywilldrivewithasmilingfaceinherfour-in-handgildedcarriage！“

“Sire，Isweartoyouthatyoumistakethisdear，noble-heartedyounggirl，you——“

“Enough！“interruptedtheking。“IhavegivenmyconsenttoGeneralvonLeuthen，andIcannotrecallit。Moreover，themarriageofthedaughterofmygeneralwithyouwouldbeamisalliance——ridiculous。

Intherepublicofintellectandscience，youmayhaveaveryhighposition，butinmyearthlykingdomyouholdtoomodestaonetopresumetoraiseyoureyestoanobleyounglady。IregretthatI

canofferyounootherconsolationthantolistentoreason，andberesigned。Aswecannotbringdownthemoontoearth，wemustcontentourselveswithalamptolightupoursmallearthlyabode。Ifthisevershouldfailyou，thencometomeandIwillassistyou。I

cannot，tobesure，giveyouthemoon，forthatbelongsaslittletomeasthebrideoftherichHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthen。Onecannotgiveawaythatwhichonedoesnotpossess。Farewell！returntoBerlin，andresignyourselfbravelytoyourfate。AccustomyourselftothethoughtthatinfourteendaysFrauleinvonLeuthenwillbecomethewifeofyourwealthyrival。Theweddingceremonyawaitsonlythepapersofnobility，forwhichmyorderhasalreadybeenforwardedtoBerlin。Imoreoverproposetoyounottoreturntothecollegeatonce，buttravelfortwoweeks。Iwillberesponsibleforyourabsence，andprovideyouwiththenecessarymeans。Nowtellmewhetheryouacceptmyproposal?“

“Thankstoyourmajesty，Icannot，“answeredMoritz，withcalmdignity。“Thereisbutonebalmwhichmykingcouldgrantme。Moneyisnotaplastertosootheandhealawoundedheart。Sire，Ibegyoutodismissme，forIwillreturnatoncetoBerlin。”

“Ihopethatyouhavenotthefoolishideatoreturnonfoot，“saidtheking。“Mycourierwillleaveinanhour，andtherearetwoplacesinthecoupe，acceptoneofthem。”

“Sire，“saidMoritz，gloomily，“I——“suddenlythewordsdiedonhislips，andhiseyesbeamedwithanunnaturalfire，whichpaledundertheobservingglanceoftheking。“Ithankyou，“saidMoritz，gasping，“Iwillacceptit。”

Thekingnodded。“Aurevoir，inBerlin！WhenIreturnafterthecampaignIwillsendforyou。Youwillthenhavelearnedtoforgetyourso-calledmisfortune，andsmileatyourpilgrimage！“

“Icannotthinkso，sire。”

“Iamconvincedofit。Farewell。”

Moritzansweredtheroyalsalutationwithamutebow，andwithdrewwithdroopingheadandsorrowfulheart。Thekingcontinuedtoregardhimwithanexpressionofdeepsadness。“Ah！“hesighed，“howenviablearethosewhocanstillbelieveinlove\'sillusion，andwhohavenotawakenedfromtheirdreamofblissbysadexperienceorage！HowlongsinceIhavebanishedthesedreams——howlongI——“

Thekingceased，hisheadsankbackuponhischair，hislarge，fieryeyes，peeringintothedistance，asifhewouldre-peopleitwiththememoriesofyouth，withthedelusionsfromwhichhehadsolongawakened。Thoselovely，charmingformsflittedbeforehimonebyonewhichhadthencaptivatedhim:thebeautifulFrauvonWrechem，hisfirstlove，andtowhomhehadvowedeternalconstancy；anothersweet，innocentfacethatsufferedshameanddegradationforhim——

“oh！Doris，Doris，dreamofmyyouth，flypast！“——andnowthefacewiththelargeeyesandenergeticfeatures，whichturnedsotenderlytohim，thatofhissisterFrederika，whofromaffectiontothecrownprincehadsacrificedherselftoanunlovedhusbandinordertoreconcilethesonwiththefather，andpreserveforhimtheinheritancetothethrone；stillanothercalmandgentleface，withtheexpressionofsorrowfulresignationinthedeep-blueeyes，thatofhiswife，whohadsopassionatelylovedhim，andhadfadedawayathissideunloved！Allpast——past。Anewfacearose，theprettyLeontinevonMorien，thetourbillonoftheprincelycourtatRheinsberg，whopinedawayinsighs。Nowpassedthesweetestandloveliestofall。Theking\'seyes，whichstaredintoemptyspace，nowbeamedwithgladrecognition。Theheartwhichhadgrownoldandsoberedbeatwithfeverishrapidity，andthecompressedlipswhispered，sighing，“Barbarina！“Shestoodbeforehiminherbewitchingbeauty，withthecharmingsmileuponherrubylips，andpassionatelovebeamingfromherflashingeyes。“Oh，Barbarina！“Thekingrose，acoldchillcreptoverhim。Helookedaroundsostrangelyinthedesolate，darkenedroom，asifhecouldstillseethisformwhichgreetedhimwiththesadsmileandtearfulglance。

Noonewasthere。Hewasquitealone。Onlythefeebleechooffar-

distantdaysrepeatedthedeviceofhisyouth——ofhislife:“Soffrietaci！Resignationalonehasremainedtruetome。Butno——thereisstillanotherfriend，myflute。Come，youfaithfulcompanionofmylife！Youhavewitnessedmysorrows，andfromyouIhavenothingtoconceal！“Hetenderlyregardedit，foritwaslongsincehehadtakenitfromitscase。Thesorrowsandcaresoflife，thesufferingfromthegoutwhichragedinhisteeth，andsad，soberingoldage，hadcausedhimtolayitaside，butwiththehabitofaffectionhecarriediteverywhere。Frederickfelthimselfgrowyoungagainwiththesouvenirsofformerdays，andessayedtorecalltheechooftendererfeelingsuponhisflute。Themusicofhisheartwashushed，themelodioustonesofformerdayswouldnotreturn。Thekinglaiditasidewithanimpatientmovement。“Nothingislastinginlife，“

hemurmured。Aflourishoftrumpets，apealofdrumsannouncedthattheregimentwaspassingwhichwouldparadebeforetheking。Whataretheyplaying，whichrousesthelonelykingwithbrightmemoriesandshoutsofvictory?ItisthemarchwhichhismajestycomposedafterthebrilliantvictoryofHohenfriedberg。Thekingraisedhiseyesgratefullytoheaven，repeatingaloud:“Thereissomethinglastinginlife。Loveceasesandmusicdiesaway，butthegoodwehaveaccomplishedremains。Themostgloriousofearthlyrewardsisgrantedtothosewhohaveachievedgreatdeeds——themortalbecomesimmortal——thegodscedingtohimthatwhichismoreelevatingthanloveorhappiness——fame。YetrumpetsofHohenfriedberg，yewillstillquiverwhenIamgone，andrelatetosucceedinggenerationsabout\'OldFritz。\'Suchtalesarewellworthytoliveandsufferfor！Iamcoming，yetrumpetsoffame。”Withyouthfulactivityandbeamingfacethekingwentouttoreceivehisgenerals，whosalutedhimwithsilentreverence，andhissoldiers，whogreetedtheirbelovedcommanderandkingwithanexultantshout。

CHAPTERXXI。

INWEIMAR。

“ThereliesdearWeimar，encircledinitswreathofgreen。Doyounotseeit，Wolf?Iwillrefreshmyheartwithitsview；sohalt，postilion，halt，“criedtheduke。“Itismorebeautifultomethanstately，proudBerlin。Thoughapoor，graynest，Icouldpressittomyheart，withallitsuntidylittlehouses，andtediousoldpedants。Letuswalkdownthehill，Wolf。”

“Mostwillingly，“criedGoethe，stretchingforthhisarmstothelittletown，nestledinthepeacefulvalley，“bewelcome，youlovelyparadise，withyourangelsandserpents；wepressontowardyouwithallourheartandsoul，astotheseven-sealedbook，filledwithmysteries，andwewoulddrawgloriousrevelationsfromyourhiddencontents。”

“Andgrant，yegods，thattheinspiredonemayatlastbreakthesealwhichacruelfriendhasplaceduponherlips，thathemaynotdrinkthekissofloveglowingbeneath，“saidtheduke，smiling。“Doyounotseethegrayroofyonder，withitsbackgroundoftalltrees，that——“

“Thehousewheredwellsmybeloved，mydearestfriend，mysister，andthemistressofmyheart，“interruptedGoethe。“Sheisallthis，forsheismyallinall。ThefountainsofblissandlovewhichhereandthereIhavedrawnfrom，refreshingmyheartandoccupyingmymind，flowtowardher，unitedinonebroad，silverystream，withheavenandearthmirroredtherein，andrevealingwonderfulsecretsinitsrushingwaves。”

“Ah，Wolf！“criedtheduke，“youareahappy，enviablecreature，freeandunfettered，sendingyourlovewhereitpleasesyou。MydearWolf，Iadviseyounevertomarry，for——“

Goethehastilyclosedtheduke\'smouthwithhishand。“Hush！notawordagainstthenobleDuchessLouisa，mymasterandfriend。Sheisanexampleofrefined，womanlydignity；andyou，Charles，aretobeenviedtheloveofsoestimableawifeandsweetmotherforyourchildren。”

“IndeedIam，“criedtheduke，enthusiastically。“Icouldnothavefoundamorehigh-minded，lovelywife，oramoreexcellent，virtuousmotherformydescendants。Butyouknow，Wolf，thatyourCharleshasstillanotherheart，verysusceptibleandtender，whichseeksforanaffinitytocallitsown，andventitselfinthepleasuresofyouth，ingloriousflirtations，melancholysigns，andblissfullongings。

Youcannotexpectmeattwenty-twotoplaythegrandfather，andhavenoeyesorheartforothercaptivatingwomen，thoughIlovemyyoungwifemostaffectionately，andblessFatethatIamboundwithsilkencordstoHymen\'scart——thoughIamforeverbound，andyou，Wolf，arehappilyfree！“

“BecausegrimFaterefusestounitemetomybeloved。Oh，Charlotte，ifyouwerefree，howblessedwouldIbe，enchainedbyyou！Notto\'Hymen\'scart，\'asthefortunatemockersays，buttothechariotofVenus，drawnbydoves，enthroneduponwhichyouwouldbearmetoheaven！“

“Donotblaspheme，Wolf，“criedtheduke；“ratherkneelandthankthegodsthatyouarenotfetteredandyourwingsclipped。Theywishtopreservetoyoulove\'sdelusion，becauseyouareafavorite，anddenyyoutheobjectadored。BewareoftheinstitutionwhichtheFrenchactress，SophieArnould，hassowittilycalledthe\'consecrationofadultery。\'YouwillagreewithmethatwehavemanysuchlittlesacramentsinourdearWeimar，andImustlaughwhenI

reflectforwhatpurposethoseamiablebeautieshavemarried，asnotoneofthemlovetheirhusbands，buttheyallpossessafriendbesides。”

“Thehumanheartisastrangething，“saidGoethe，astheydescendedthehill，arminarm，“andaboveallawoman\'sheart！Itisasacredriddle，whichGodhasgivenHimselftosolve，andthatonlyaGodcouldunravel！“

Atthisinstantaflashoflightning，followedbyheavy-rollingthunder，washeard。

“Hear，Wolf——onlyhear！“laughedCharles——“Godinheavenresponds，andconfirmsyourstatement。”

“Orpunishesmeformyboldspeech，“criedGoethe，asthehailstonesrattledaroundhimhittinghisfacewiththeirsharppoints。“Heaveniswhippingmewithrods。”

“Andourcarriagehasdescendedwithaquicktrotintothevalley，“

saidtheduke。“Iwillcallit。”Hesprangintothemiddleoftheroad，makingaspeaking-trumpetofhishands，andshoutedinafull，powerfulvoice，“Oho，postilion！here，postilion！“

Thecontinuedrollingofthethunder，thewhistlingwind，andrattlinghail，madeallattemptsinaudible。Thetwogentlemensoughtshelterunderthethickcrownsoftheoak-treesbythewayside，whichformedanimpenetrablerooftothefloodofrain。

“Iknownothingmoresublimethanathunder-storm，“saidGoethe，lookingupasifinspired；“whenthethunderrollsinsuchawfulmajestyandwrath，itseemsasifIheardPrometheusinangrydisputewiththegods。InthedarkcloudsIseetheTitan，envelopedinmist，overspreadingtheheavens，andraisinghisgiant-armtohurlhismightywrath。”Atthisinstantaflashoflightning，followedbyadeafeningpealreverberatedinoneprolongedechothroughthehills。

“Doyounothearhim，Charles?“criedGoethe，delighted——“hearallthevoicesofearthunitedinthegrumblingthunderofhiswrath?

See，therehestands，yonderinheaven——hisformdarkasmidnight。I

hearit——hecalls——Overshadowtheheavens，OJupiter，Withthyvaporousclouds！Cutofftheoakandmountain-topsAsaboyplucksthethistle。LeavemeearthandmycabinWhichthouhastnotbuilt，Andmyhearth-side，Theglowofwhichthouenviestme！IknownaughtsomiserableAsyougods——you——“

AgainthemightypealsilencedGoethe，wholookedtoheavenwithdefianceflashingfromhiseyesandhisclinchedhandupraised，asifhewerePrometheushimselfmenacingthegods。

“Proceed，Wolf，“criedtheduke，astheechodiedaway。“Howcanyou，yourselfagod，besoexcitedwiththeangeroflikebeings?

Proceed！“

Theupliftedarmofthepoetsankathisside，andthefieryglancewassoftened。“NohumanwordiscapableofexpressingwhatPrometheusjustspokeinthunder，“saidGoethe，musingly，“andI

humblyfeelhowweakandinsignificantweare，andhowgreatwethinkourselves，whileourvoiceislikethehummingbeetleincomparisontothisvoicefromtheclouds。”

“Benotdesponding，Wolf，yourownwillringthroughoutEurope；

everyearwilllistenandeveryheartwillcomprehend，andcenturieslateritwilldelightwithitsfreshnessandbeauty。Thestormpassesanddiesaway，butthepoetlivesinhisheavenlymelodiesthroughalltime。Youmustfinish\'Prometheus\'forme，Wolf。I

cannotpermityoutoleaveitasafragment。Iwillhaveitinblackandwhite，torefreshmyselfinitsbeautybright。Asparkofyourdivinetalentisinfusedintomysoul，andIbegintorhyme。Ah，Wolf，allthatiselevatedwithinmeIowetoyou，andIblessFateforaccordingyoutome。”

“AndIalso，dearCharles，“saidGoethe，feelingly。“For，fosteredandprotectedbyyournoblemindandnature，myinmostthoughtsdevelopandblossom。Wegiveandreceivedailyfromeachother，andsomingletherootsofourbeingthat，Godwilling，wewillbecometwobeautifultrees，liketheoakwhichnowarchesoverus。Butsee，therainisfastceasing，andthesunlooksoutbytheclinchedhandofPrometheus。Wecannowtravelontothelovedspot。”

“Oh，Wolf，areyouinlove?Nonebutalovercouldsaytherainhasceased，whenitpoursdownsothatweshouldbedrenchedbeforewecouldarriveatWeimar。Buthark！Ihearacarriageinthedistance；

wemaybefavoredwithashelter。”

Thedukesteppedoutfromunderthetrees，andlookedalongthehighwaywithhissharphunter\'seye。“Avehicleapproaches，butnochanceforus，asitappearstobeafarm-wagon，crowdedwithmenandwomen。”

“Indeeditdoes，“saidGoethe，joininghim；“averymerrycompanytheyaretoo，singinggayly。Now，granttherainrainhasceased——“

“CharlottevonSteinisatWeimar，“interruptedtheduke。“Givemeyourarm，andwewillwalkon。”

Theyadvancedbrisklyarminarm。Astrangermeetingthemwouldhavesupposedthattheywerebrothers，somuchalikeweretheyinform，manners，anddress，forthedukeaswellasGoetheworetheWerthercostume。

Astheydescended，thecarriagecamenearerandnearer。Theduke\'skeeneyehadnotbeendeceived。Itwasafarm-wagon，filledwithafrolicsomeparty，sittingonbagsofstrawforcushions。Theywerechattingandlaughingabsorbedinfun，anddidnotobservethetwofoot-passengers，whoturnedasidefromthem。Asuddencryofsurprisehushedtheconversation；aformrose，halfmanandhalfwoman，envelopedinaman\'scoatofgreenbaize，crownedwithaneatlittlehatofawoman。“Oh，itisCharles！“criedtheform，andatthesameinstantthedukesprangtothewagon。“Isitpossible，mydearmother?“

“TheDuchessAmelia！“criedGoethe，astonished。

“Yes，“laughedtheduchess，greetingthemwithanaffectionatelook。

“Theproverbprovesitself——\'Likemother，likeson。\'Onthehighwaymotherandsonhavemet。Youshouldhavedonethehonorsinastatelyequipage。”

“MayIbepermittedtoaskwhereyoucomefrom?“askedtheduke。

“Andthedress，ofwhatorderdoyouwear?“

“WewalkedtoZiefurt，andintendedtowalkback。Thusneldaissodelicateandweak，thatshecomplainedofherfairyfeetpainingher，“answeredtheduchess，laughing。

“Ah，duchess，mustIalwaysbethebutt?“criedtheladybehindtheduchess，crouchingbetweenthestraw-sacks。“MustIpermityoutofollowinmyfootsteps，whileI——“

“Hush，Goechhausen——hush，sweetPhilomel，“interruptedtheduke，“ortheDelphicriddleofthiscostumewillbeapparent。”

“Itiseasilyexplained，“saidtheduchess。“Nootherconveyancewastobehad，andmygoodWielandgavemehisgreenovercoattoprotectmefromthepouringrain。”[Footnote:Trueanecdote——SeeLewes\'

“Goethe\'sLifeandWritings，“vol。1。，p。406。]

“Andfromto-dayforthitwillbeapreciouspalladium，“criedthelittlemanwithamild，happyfaceonthestrawbytheduchess。

“AndthereisKnebeltoo，“shoutedtheduketothegentlemanwhojustthenpulledthewethoodofhiscloakoverhispowderedhair。

“OurtreasurerBertuch，CountWerther，andBaronvonEinsiedelalso。”

“Doesnotyourhighnessaskafterourbewitchingcountess?“askedGoechhausen，inherfine，sharpvoice。“Thecountessisquiteill——

isshenot，CountWerther?“

“Ibelieveso，theysayso，“answeredthecount，ratherabsent-

minded。“Ihavenotseenherforsomedays。”

“Whatisthematter?“askedtheduke，asGoethewasengagedinalivelyconversationwiththeduchess。“Isthedearcountessdangerouslyill?“

“Oh，no，“answeredGoechhausen，“notveryill，onlyinlovewithgenius，amaladywhichhasattackedusallmoreorlesssincethatmadfellowWolfgangGoethehasragedinWeimar，andmadeitaplaceoftormenttohonorablepeople。Oh，Goethe——oh，Wolf！withwhatlamb-likeinnocencewewanderedincomfortablesheep\'sclothinguntilyoucameandfleecedus，andinfecteduswithyour\'SturmundDranger\'malady，andmadeusfallinlovewithyourworks！“

“Goechhausen，holdyourmalicioustongue，anddonothideyourownjoybeneathjestandmockery，“criedtheduchess。“Acknowledgethatyouarerejoicedtoseeyourfavorite，andthatyouwillhastentowritetoMadamAja，\'Ourdeardukehasreturned，andmyangel，myidol，Wolfgang，also。\'Iassureyou，Goethe，Thusneldalovesyou，andwasexceedinglymelancholyduringyourabsence。Ifaskedthecauseofhersadness，sheweptlike——“

“Likeacrocodile，“saidtheduke。“Oh，IknowthosetearsofFrauleinGoechhausen；Icouldrelatestoriesofhercrocodilenature。Mother，howcanyouhavesuchamonsterinyoursociety?Whynotmakethecornes，thatthelittledevilsmayflyaway?“

“Verygood，“criedthelittle，crookedlady。“Iseeyourhighnesshasnotchangedbythisjourney。Wherehaveyoubeen，dearduke?Oh，Iremember；youflewovertheRhine，andhaveflownhomeagainquiteunchanged。”

Alllaughed，thedukelouderthananyone。“Goechhausen，youareagloriouscreature，andtheArminiusistobeenviedwhoappropriatesthisThusnelda。Oh，Iseethecharmingyouthbeforeme，whohasthecouragetomakethisGermanwifehisown！“

“Iwillscratchhiseyesout?“criedGoechhausen，“andthentheCountessWerthercanplayAntigone，andleadhimaroundasOedipus。

Whyshutyoureyes，Einsiedel?Idonotscratchquiteyet。”

“Iwasnotthinkingofthat，“saidthebaron，astonished。

“Youneverthinkthateveryoneknows；butdidyounotdoitsosoonasyouunderstoodtheCountessWerthershouldleadblindOedipusasAntigone?“

Beforethecountcouldanswer，thecourtladyturnedagaintotheduke。“Whatdidyourhighnessbringme?Ihopeyouhavenotforgottenthatyoupromisedmeahandsomepresent。”

“No，Ihavenotforgottenit；IhavebroughtmyThusneldaasouvenir——suchagift！“

“Whatisit，yourhighness?“

“Asurprisewhich，ifThusneldaisclever，shemustthinkaboutallnight——But，Goethe，isitnottimetoleavetheladies?“

“Wait，Icommandyouboth，“saidtheDuchessAmelia，extendingherhandtoherson，whopressedittohislipsmostaffectionately。“I

havegivenoutinvitationsforasoiree，forthisevening。Mydaughter-in-law，theDuchessLouisa，hasaccepted，duke，andFrauvonSteinalso，Goethe。IhopetoseeyouatBelvedere，gentlemen。

ThepoetGleimisintown，andwillreadhislate\'MuseAlmanach。\'

MayInotexpectbothofyou?“

Theyjoyfullyconsented，gazingafterthemerrysocietyasitdroveaway。“Thisisagoodbiteforthepoisonoustonguesofthehonorable，“criedtheduke。“Mymotherinafarm-wagon，withWieland\'sgreenovercoaton，andthereigningduke，withhisGoethe，enteringhiscapitalonfootlikeajourneymanmechanic，afteralongjourney！“

“Iwishwewerethere，mydearestfriend，“sighedGoethe。

“Oh，lovemakesyouimpatient！Comeon，then。Butlisten，wemustplayGochhausenatrick；Ihavepromisedherasurprise。Willyouhelpme，Wolf?“

“Withpleasure，duke。”

“Ihavethoughtofsomethingverydroll，andyourservantPhilipmusthelpus；heisacleverfellow，andcankeephisowncounsel。”

“Heissilentasthegrave，duke。”

“Thatisnecessaryforsuchagentlemanasthewomenallrunafter。

Letusskipdownthemountain，andthenforwardwhereourheartsinclineus。ThisafternoonIwillgoforyouandbringyoutoBelvedere，andthenwecantalkoverthesurprise。”Theyrandownthedeclivityintothesuburb，totheterrorofthegoodpeople，wholookedafterthem，sayingthattheyoungdukehadreturnedwithhismadprotege。The“madfavorite“seemedmorecrazythaneverto-day，forafterabrieffarewelltotheduke，heboundedthroughthestreetsacrosstheEnglishpark，tothelovedhouse，theroofofwhichhehadsolonginglygreetedfromthehillside。Thedoorstoodopen，asiscustomaryinsmalltowns，andtheservantinthevestibulecametomeethim，andrespectfullyannouncedthathermasterhadgonetohisestateatHochberg，butthatFrauvonSteinwasmostprobablyinthepavilion，inthegarden，asshehadgonethitherwithherguitar。“Isshealone?“askedGoethe。Theservantansweredintheaffirmative，andthroughthecourthastenedthelover——notthroughtheprincipalentrance，ashewouldsurpriseher，andreadinhersweetfacewhethershethoughtofhim。Softlyheopenedthelittlegardengate，andapproachedthepavilionbyaside-alley。Dohisfeettouchtheground，orfloatoverit?Heknewnot；heheardmusic，accompaniedbyasweet，melodiousvoice。ItwasCharlotte\'s。Goethe\'sfacebeamedwithdelightandhappiness。Hegazedatherunseen，notalonewithhiseyes，butheartandsoulwentforthtoher。Shesatsidewaystothedoor；uponatablelayhernotes，andtheguitarresteduponherarm。Shesang，inarich，sweetvoice，Reinhardt\'sbeautifulmelody:

“I\'dratherfightmywaythroughsorrowsThanbearsomanyjoysinlife；

Allthisaffinityofhearttoheart，Howstrangelyitcausesustosuffer！“

Sheceased，asifoverpoweredwithherownthoughts，theguitarsankuponherlap，andherfingersglidedoverthechords，sothatthetonesdiedawayimperceptibly。Herdeep-blueeyesgazedpensivelyinthedistance，andthesweetlipsrepeatedsoftly，“Howstrangelyitcausesustosuffer！“Nearthegardenentrance，throughwhichtheodorofsweetflowersandthesongofbirdswaswaftedwitheverygentlezephyr，stoodGoethe，lookingatthewomanwhomhehadsopassionatelylovedforthreeyears，soabsorbingly，thattoherwereconsecratedallhisthoughts。

Hecouldcontainhimselfnolonger；herushedforwardandthrewhimselfatherfeet。“Oh，Charlotte，Iloveyou，onlyyou，andoncemoreIambyyourside！“

Ashriek！wasitacryofsurpriseordelight?Wholettheguitarfalltothefloor，heorshe?Whoembracedtheotherinaffectionatehaste，heorshe?Whopressedthelipssolovinglytotheotherlips，heorshe?Andwhosaid，“Iloveyou?Whatblisstoagainreposeinyouraffection，Iwouldfaindienow。Inthismomentawholelifehasbeenconsecrated，forlovehasrevealedtousourotherself。”

Shesatuponthetabouret，andGoethestillkneltbeforeher，claspingherfeetandpressingthemtohisbosom。Hiseyesbeamedwithinexpressibledelightasheregardedtheface，usuallysocalmandindifferent——todayglowingassunrise。

“Oh，tellme，Charlotte，haveyouthoughtofme?Butratherspeaktomewithyoureyes，andmaytheybemorethanthecruellipswhichrefusetoconfess。Oh，shadenotthoselovedorbs，whicharemystarsshininguponme，whithersoeverIwander。Theyaremylight，myspring-time，andmylove。Theywillneverceasetobeamuponme，aslightandlovenevergrowold。Letmereadeternalyouthinthoseeyes，andthesecretswhichrestaspearlsinthedepthsofyourheart。Onlytellme，isthepearloflovetobefoundthere，andisitmine?“

“Itwouldbeamisfortuneifitwerethere，“shewhispered，withasweetsmile。“Pearlsaretheresultofamalady，andmyheartwouldbeillifthepearloflovewerefoundthere。No，no，rise，Wolf，dearWolf，wehavegivenawayatthefirstmomentofmeeting；letusnowbereasonable，andspeakinadignifiedmannerwitheachother，asitbecomesamarriedwomanandherfriend。”

“Friend?“repeatedGoethe，impetuously；“forevermustIlistentothishated，hypocriticalword，which，likeapriest\'srobe，shallcoverthesacredglowinmyheart?Ihavetoldyou，Charlotte，thatIamnotyourfriend，andInevershallbe。Thereisnottheleastsparkofthisstill，calmfireoftheearthlymoderationinme，bywhichonecouldcookhispotatoes，orhisdailyvegetables，butbywhichonecouldneverpreparefoodforthegods，orthatwhichcouldrefreshapoet\'sheartorquickenhissoul。No，inmeburnsthefirewhichPrometheusstolefromthegods，originatinginheavenandglowinguponearth。Thisheavenlyandearthlyloveunitesinoneflame。Again，Isay，Charlotte，banishthishypocriticalword\'friendship！\'ItisonlylovewhichIfeelforyou，letthissentimententerateveryavenueofyourheart，anddonotfeignignoranceofit，sweethypocrite。Surprisehastornawaythemask！

Thepassionatekiss，whichstillburnsuponmylips，wasnotgivenbyafriendorsister；butovercomebyjoy，thetruthhasbeenacknowledged！“

“Doyouwishthatthekissofmeetingshouldbethatofpartingalso?“saidCharlotte，sadly，assheraisedherblueeyeswithalanguishinglooktothehandsome，ardentfaceofthemanwhostoodbeforeher。“Doyouwishtoseparateforever?Imustrecalltoyouourlastconversation:\'Onlywhenyouareresolvedtomoderatethisimpetuousmanner，andcurbthisoverflowoffeeling，whichreasonandcustomimposesuponus，shallIbeabletoreceiveyouandenjoyyoursociety。\'“

“Yes，withtheseunmeaningphrasesyoubanishedme。Cruelandhard-

heartedwereyoutothelast。Oh，Charlotte！youknowwhatI

sufferedatourlastwalk，withyourreasoningremonstrancesandcold-heartedreproaches；theypiercedmyheartlikepoisonedarrows。

Ifthedukeandduchesshadnotbeenwalkingbeforeus，Ishouldhaveweptmyselfweary。Mywholebeingcriedwithinme:\'Oh！cruelandinexorablewoman，tobegofme，whosounutterablylovesher，tocallherfriendandsister！\'Irepeatedthewordsdailyduringmyabsence，andsoughttoclotheyourbelovedimagewithmeaning。Theydisfiguredyou，andtheangelwhomIadorewasnolongerrecognizable。Icannotcallyoufriendorsister。”

“ThenIcanbenothingtoyou，dearWolfgang，“sighedCharlotte。“Inthishourofmeetingwewillpart，andtoavoidachanceencountereven，IwillgotomyhusbandatKochberg，andremaintherethewholesummer。”

Goetheseizedher，holdingherfastinhisstrongarms，staringherinthefacewithafierce，angrylook。“Areyouinearnest?Wouldyoureallydoit?“

“Goethe，Ibegyoutoloosenyourhold；youhurtmyarms。”

“Doyounotalsohurtme?Withyourcoldindifferencedoyounotpiercemyheartwithred-hotdaggers，andthensmileandrejoiceatmytorture，whichisaprooftoyouofmyunboundedlove?Whileyouonlyplaywithme，andattachmetoyourtriumphalcar，todisplaytotheworldthatyouhavesucceededintamingthelion，andhavechangedhimintoagood-natureddomesticanimal。Go！youdonotdeservethatIshouldloveyou，cold-hearted，cruelwoman！“

Hethrewherarmsfromhim，withtearsinhiseyes。CharlottevonSteinregardedhimwithangerandindifference。

“Farewell，secretaryoflegation。Itseemstopleaseyoutoinsultandoffendapoorwoman，whohasnootherprotectionthanherhonorandvirtue。Farewell！Iwillnotexposemyselftosuchoffences；

thereforeIwillretire。”

Sheturnedslowlytowardthedoor，butGoetheboundedforwardlikeatiger，interruptedherpath，fallinguponhisknees，imploringpityandbeggingforpardon。“Oh，Charlotte，Iwillbegentleasachild，Iwillbereserved，IknowthatIamasinner！Itiswarringagainstone\'sownhearttoseekcomfortinoffendingwhatisdearesttoitinamomentofill-humor。ButIhaveagainbecomeachild，withallmythoughts，scarcelyrecognizableforthemoment，quitelosttomyself，asIconsenttotheconditionsofotherswiththisfireragingwithinme。Oh，belovedCharlotte，forgiveme！Isubmittoallthatyouwish。”[Footnote:Goethe\'swords——See“LetterstoCharlotteyonStein，“roll。，p。358。]

“Willyoubesatisfiedtolovemeasyourfriendandsister?“

“Iwillbe，“hesighed。“Onlyinthefutureyoumustendeavortopersuadeyourselfintosuchasisterlywaythatyouwillbeindulgenttomyrudeness，otherwiseIshallhavetoavoidyouwhenI

needyoumost。Oh，Charlotte，itseemsterribletomethatIshouldmarthroughanguishthebesthoursofmylife，theblissfulmomentsofmeetingwithyou，forwhomIwouldpluckeveryhairfrommyheadifitwouldmakeyouhappy。Andyettobesoblind，sohardened！

Havepityuponme。AgainIpromiseyouthatIwillbereasonable。Donotbanishmefromyourpresence。Extendtomeyourhand，andpromisemethatyouwillbemyfriendandsister！“[Footnote:

Goethe\'swords——See“LetterstoCharlottevonStein，“roll。，p。

358。]

“Thenhereismyhand，“saidshe，withacharmingsmile。

“Iwillbeyourfriendandsister，and——“

“Whatnow，myCharlotte?dofinish——whatisit?“

Shelaidherhandgentlyuponhisshoulder，andherwordsfellonhisearlikesoftmusic。“Whenmydearfriendandmuch-belovedbrotherhasconductedhimselfveryprudentlyfortwoorthreehappyweeks，Iwillsendhimaringletofmyhair，whichhehassolongbeggedfor，andakisswithit。”

Goethespokenot，butpressedherblushingfacetohisbosom，andlaidhishandgentlyuponherhead。Asmileofdelight——ofperfecthappiness——playedaroundhislips。