Correspondence between Goethe and Carlyle. Edited by Charles Eliot Norton

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Presented to the
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The Estate of the late

PROFESSOR A. S. P. WOODHOUSE

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University College

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CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN

GOETHE AND CARLYLE

CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN

GOETHE and CARLYLE

EDITED BY

CHARLES ELIOT NORTON

Hontion

MACMILLAN AND CO.

AND NEW YORK
1887

The right of translation is reserved

COPYRIGHT

1887

By CHARLES ELIOT NORTON

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JAN -3 1! i

PT
202-1

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1036189

PREFACE

In the following Correspondence the letters of
Goethe have been printed from the originals
now in the possession of Mrs. Alexander
Carlyle. These letters had been done up in
a parcel, and packed away by Carlyle, some
thirty years before his death, in a box which
was afterwards used exclusively for papers
connected with Cromwell. Under these papers
they were buried ; Carlyle forgot where he had
put them, and they were not found until the
contents of the box were sorted shortly after
his death.

The letters of Carlyle are printed from a
careful copy of the originals now preserved
in the Goethe Archives at Weimar. These

vi PREFACE

copies were furnished by the gracious per-
mission of H.R.H. the Grand Duchess of
Weimar, to whom for this favour the gratitude
of every reader of this volume is due.

CHARLES ELIOT NORTON.

Cambridge, Massachusetts,
January 1887.

INTRODUCTION

Carlyle was in his twenty-ninth year when, in
June 1824, he first wrote to Goethe, sending
him his Translation, then just published, of
Wilhelm Meisters Apprenticeship. He had
not yet attained to any definite position in the
world of letters ; his writing hitherto had been
tentative, much of it mere hackwork, and had
attracted little attention. His name was not
known outside a narrow circle ; he had not yet
acquired full possession of his own powers, nor
was he at peace with himself. For ten years
he had been engaged in constant and severe
spiritual wrestlings ; his soul, begirt by doubts,
was painfully struggling to be free. The pre-
dominant tendencies of contemporary English
thought were hateful to him ; Philosophy in its
true sense was all but extinct in England ; the

INTRODUCTION

standard of ideal aims was hardly held high by
any one of the popular writers. Carlyle had
laid aside the creed of his fathers, and, depend-
ent for guidance only upon the strength of his
own moral principles, was adrift without other
chart or compass.

It was in this condition, perplexed and
baffled as to his true path, that Carlyle fell in
with Madame de StaeTs famous book on Ger-
many. His interest was aroused by it. From
her animated, if somewhat shallow and imper-
fect accounts of the speculations of the living
German Poets and Philosophers, he learned to
look towards Germany for a spiritual light that
he had not found in the modern French and
English writers.1 He became eager to study
German, that he might investigate for himself.
But German Books and German Masters were
alike scarce in Edinburgh. Edward Irving

1 " I still remember," says Carlyle in his Letter to Goethe
of 3d November 1829, "that it was the desire to read
Werner's Mineralogical Doctrines in the original, that first
set me on studying German ; where truly I found a mine,
far different from any of the Freyberg ones ! " But it was
Madame de StaeTs book that kindled his enthusiasm.

INTRODUCTION

had given him a dictionary, but a grammar had
to be procured from London.

It happened fortunately that about this time
Carlyle met with a young man named Jar-
dine, who had been his schoolfellow at Annan,
and who was then, in 1819, settled in Edin-
burgh, having returned from Gottingen, where
he had resided for a short time as tutor to a
young Irishman. Jardine gave Carlyle some
German lessons in return for lessons in French.1
Carlyle, writing in 1866, describes Jardine as
"a feeble enough, but pleasant and friendly
creature, with something of skin-deep geniality
even, which marked him for ' harmless master-
ship in the superficial.'' Carlyle made rapid
progress, and was soon able to read German
books. These were procured for him from Ger-
many, by his kind friend Mr. Swan, a merchant
of Kirkcaldy, who had dealings with Hamburg.
"I well remember," writes Carlyle in 1866,
u the arrival of the Schiller Werke sheets at
Mainhill (and my impatience till the Annan

1 See Early Letters of Thomas Carlyle (Macmillan and
Co., 1886), i. 209, 227.

INTRODUCTION

Bookbinder had done with them) : they had
come from Llibeck I perceived. . . . This
Schiller and Archenholtzs Seven-Years War
were my first really German Books."

Schiller's high, earnest, and yet simple
nature, the ideal purity and elevation of his
works, the free and generous feeling that per-
vades them, no less than the circumstances of
his life, attracted Carlyle. But Schiller's range
was limited, and the longed-for light on the
mystery of life was not to be obtained from
him.

Wilhelm Meister he procured soon afterwards
from the University Library at Edinburgh. In
Goethe he quickly recognised one who could
" reveal many highest things to him," and under
whose teaching his doubts were to melt away,
leaving clear convictions in their stead. In
Goethe's works there was as it were a mirror
which revealed to him the lineaments of his own
genius. Of all the influences that helped Carlyle
to an understanding and mastery of himself,
those exerted by Goethe were the most potent ;
and he remained for the rest of Carlyle's life

INTRODUCTION

a teacher whom he reverenced. Writing long
afterwards of this period, especially of the year
1826, Carlyle says, "This year I found that I
had conquered all my scepticisms, agonising
doubtings, fearful wrestlings with the foul and
vile and soul -murdering Mud -gods of my
Epoch ; had escaped, as from a worse than
Tartarus, with all its Phlegethons and Stygian
quagmires ; and was emerging, free in spirit,
into the eternal blue of ether, — where, blessed
be Heaven, I have, for the spiritual part, ever
since lived. . . . What my pious joy and grati-
tude then was, let the pious soul figure. In a
fine and veritable sense, I, poor, obscure, with-
out outlook, almost without worldly hope, had
become independent of the world ; — what was
death itself, from the world, to what I had come
through ? I understood well what the old
Christian people meant by their 'Conversion,' by
God's Infinite Mercy to them : — I had, in effect,
gained an immense victory ; and, for a number
of years, had, in spite of nerves and chagrins,
a constant inward happiness that was quite
royal and supreme ; in which all temporal evil

INTRODUCTION

was transient and insignificant ; and which
essentially remains with me still, though far
oftener eclipsed, and lying deeper down, than
then. Once more, thank Heaven for its highest
gift. I then felt, and still feel, endlessly indebted
to Goethe in the business ; he, in his fashion, I
perceived, had travelled the steep rocky road
before me, — the first of the moderns."1

Carlyle, writing to Miss Welsh, 6th April
1823, says: Goethe's "feelings are various as
the hues of Earth and Sky, but his intellect is
the Sun which illuminates and overrules them
all. He does not yield himself to his emotions,
but uses them rather as things for his judgment
to scrutinise and apply to purpose. I think
Goethe the only living model of a great writer.
. . . It is one of my finest day-dreams to see
him ere I die." And again, 15th April 1824:
"The English have begun to speak about him
of late years ; but no light has yet been thrown
upon him, 'no light but only darkness visible.'
The syllables Goethe excite an idea as vague and

1 Carlyle's Reminiscences (Macmillan and Co., 1887), «•
179, 180.

INTRODUCTION

monstrous as the word Gorgon or Chimcera"
The needed light was soon to be thrown upon
the Poet and his works.

The first literary use to which Carlyle
turned his knowledge of German was in the
writing of his Life of Schiller} This, begun
in 1822, appeared in the London Magazine in
1823-24; and was printed, as a separate volume,
without Carlyle's name, in the spring of 1825.
In his Preface to the Second Edition (1845),
he speaks of it disparagingly, as a book he
would prefer to suppress ; but it is an excellent
piece of work, written with sympathy, simplicity
and clear insight ; the best Life of Schiller then
extant, and, in English at any rate, there has
been no better since. It was still only half
finished when he began the translation of
Meister s Apprenticeship, — a book by no means
wholly after his own heart, but which from its
large and genial view of life, from the variety
of observation of human nature recorded in it,

1 Carlyle had indeed written an article on Faust before
this date {New Edinburgh Review, April 1822), but it is a
comparatively crude production, and Carlyle did not consider it
worthy of a place in his Collected Works.

xiv INTRODUCTION

and from the picture it afforded of the author's
mind, held him with strong attraction. In
his essay on " Goethe's Works" published just
after Goethe's death [Foreign Quarterly Review,
1832), he says : " Many years ago on finishing
our first perusal of Wilhelm Meister, with a
very mixed sentiment in other respects, we
could not but feel that here lay more insight
into the elements of human nature, and a more
poetically perfect combining of these, than in all
the other fictitious literature of our generation."
Thirty-four years later, in his Reminiscences of
Edward Irving, he relates how, li Schiller done,
I began [to translate] Wilhelm Meister, a task
I liked perhaps rather better, too scanty as my
knowledge of the element, and even of the
language still was. Two years before, I had
at length, after some repulsions, got into the
heart of Wilhelm Meister, and eagerly read it
through ; — my sally out, after finishing, along
the vacant streets of Edinburgh (a windless
Scotch-misty Sunday night) is still vivid to me :
'Grand, surely, harmoniously built together,
far-seeing, wise and true : when, for many

INTRODUCTION

years, or almost in my life before, have I read
such a book ? ' Which I was now, really in
part as a kind of duty, conscientiously translat-
ing for my countrymen, if they would read it, —
as a select few of them have ever since kept
doing. I finished it the next Spring, ..."

In 1824, when this correspondence began,
Goethe was seventy-five years old ; a hale and
vigorous man. His intellectual interests were
as wide as ever, his curiosity unabated, his
sympathies unchilled by age. His position
had long been unique, and he was now at
the height of his renown. Carlyle's letter
and his translation of Meisters Apprenticeship
gave Goethe pleasure, as the expression of
a genuine admiration coming from a region
from which he had hitherto received little
appreciation or even recognition. The letter
and book were the more welcome as they
seemed to fall in with a project which Goethe
had much at heart at this time, namely, the
bringing about of a better understanding
amongst nations by means of a universal

INTRODUCTION

World-Literature, — the establishing of an ex-
change between different countries of their
highest mental products; so that all might
at once share in whatever great intellectual
work any one nation might produce. Thus
would mutual understanding be substituted
for the traditional misconceptions of ignor-
ance ; a sense of common obligation arise,
and universal tolerance lead to happier rela-
tions among the various families of men. In
this work, to which his first publications con-
tributed, Carlyle was soon to show himself the
chief agent between Germany and England,
and Goethe soon recognised in him the ablest
of his fellow-workers.1

1 The influence of Carlyle's writings from 1823 to 1832 in
arousing in England an interest in German literature is hardly
to be over-estimated, whether in its immediate- or remote
effects. The following is a list of his writings on German
subjects during these years : — Life of Schiller ; 1823-24 ; Wil-
helm Meister's Apprenticeship, 1824; German Romance, Jean
Paul Friedrich Richter, Slate of German Literature, 1827 ;
Werner, Goethe1 s Helena, Goethe, Heyne, 1828; German
Playwrights, Novalis, 1829 ; Jean Pauls Review of Madame
de StaeTs Allemagne, Jean Paul Fried? ich Richter Again,
1830; Luther's Psalm, Schiller, The Nibelungen Lied,
German Literature oj the XIV. and XV. Centuries, Taylor's

INTRODUCTION

Nearly forty years after Goethe's death,
Carlyle, recalling the events of his early life,
wrote as follows of this Correspondence : — " In
answer to German Romance there had latterly
come an actual long Letter from Weimar, from
the Great Goethe's self, who was evidently
taking interest in me. By and by there arrived,
at Leith, by Hamburg, a little Fir Box (which
still exists here in beautifully transfigured
shape) containing the daintiest collection of
pretty little gifts and memorials to both of us, —
the very arrangement and packing of which we
found to be poetic and a study. Something
of real romance and glory lay for us in this
fine Goethe item. That Leith Box (which I
instantly went down for in person, and tore,
as it were, almost by main force, through the
Custom-house and its formalities, in few hours,
instead of days, and came home with in triumph)
was the first of several such that followed at
due intervals, and of a Correspondence (not

Historic Survey of German Poetry, 1 831 ; Goethe's Portrait,
Schiller, Goethe, arid Madame de Stael, Death of Goethe, Goethe's
Works, The Tale {Das Mdhrchen), Novelle, 1832.

viii INTRODUCTION

in itself momentous at all, but to us then an
aethereal and quasi-celestial thing), which lasted
steadily till Goethe's death. His Letters, ten
or twelve, perhaps more, are all extant, care-
fully reposited among my pretiosa, but, for
many years past, I know not now where.1
Pretty gifts of his, — that little steel brooch,
' never to be worn,' so She had vowed, ' except
when a man of genius was present,' etc. etc."2

The stimulus and encouragement of Goethe's
sympathy and regard, expressed as they were
in simple, cordial and delightful modes, were
invaluable to Carlyle. They came to him
when he had as yet received no real recogni-
tion from his own people, whose acknowledg-
ment of his worth was slowly and grudgingly
given. For this neglect Goethe's appreciation
and friendship made amends. They confirmed
the young writer's faith in himself. Goethe's

1 The parcel which contained these letters, all carefully
arranged, was labelled, in Carlyle's hand : " Goethe. Tied
up so, perhaps about 1834 ; shifted now, without opening (12th
January 1852), into another receptacle, with an additional
wrappage.''

2 From an unpublished manuscript, written in 1869.

INTRODUCTION xix

discriminating eye had discerned what no
other had discovered — that here was a man
who rested on an original foundation, and had
the capacity to develop in himself the essentials
of what was good and beautiful.

CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN

GOETHE AND CARLYLE

I. — Carlyle to Goethe.

4 Myddelton Terrace,1 Pentonville,
London, 2.4th June 1824.

Permit me, Sir, in soliciting your acceptance
of this Translation 2 to return you my sincere
thanks for the profit which, in common with
many millions, I have derived from the Original.
That you will honour this imperfect copy of
your work with a perusal I do not hope : but
the thought that some portion of my existence

1 Edward Irving's house, to which Carlyle had been wel-
comed on his first arrival in London early in June.

2 Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship (3 vols. Edinburgh,
1824).

2 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1824

has been connected with that of the Man whose
intellect and mind I most admire, is pleasing to
my imagination ; nor will I neglect the present
opportunity of communing with you even in
this slight and transitory manner. Four years
ago, when I read your Faust among the moun-
tains of my native Scotland, I could not but
fancy I might one day see you, and pour out
before you, as before a Father, the woes and
wanderings of a heart whose mysteries you
seemed so thoroughly to comprehend, and could
so beautifully represent. The hope of meeting
you is still among my dreams. Many saints
have been expunged from my literary Calendar
since I first knew you ; but your name still
stands there, in characters more bright than
ever. That your life may be long, long spared,
for the solace and instruction of this and future
generations, is the earnest prayer of, Sir, your
most devoted servant, ™ ~

1 HOMAS CARLYLE.

P.S. — As the conveyance is uncertain, a line
signifying that you have received this packet
would be peculiarly acceptable.

i824 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 3

II. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[30//* October 1824.]

Wenn ich, mein werthester Herr, die gliick-
liche Ankunft Ihrer willkommenen Sendung
nicht ungesaumt anzeigte, so war die Ursache,
dass ich nicht einen leeren Empfangschein
ausstellen, sondern tiber Ihre mir so ehren voile
Arbeit auch irgend ein geprtiftes Wort beyzu-
fiigen die Absicht hatte.

Meine hohen Jahre jedoch, mit so vielen
unabwendbaren Obliegenheiten immerfort be-
laden, hinderten mich an einer ruhigen
Vergleichung Ihrer Bearbeitung mit dem
Originaltext, welches vielleicht fur mich eine
schwerere Aufgabe seyn mochte, als fur irgend
einen dritten der deutschen und englischen
Lite[ratur] griindlich Befreundeten. Gegen-
wartig aber da ich eine Gelegenheit sehe
durch die Herren Grafen Bentinck gegen-
wartiges Schreiben sicher nach London zu
bringen, und zugleich beiden Theilen eine ange-
nehme Bekanntschaft zu verschaffen, so ver-
saume nicht meinen Dank flir Ihre so innige
Theilnahme an meinen literarischen Arbeiten
sowohl, als an den Schicksalen meines Lebens

4 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1824

hierdurch treulich auszusprechen, und Sie urn
Fortsetzung derselben auch flir die Zukunft
angelegentlich zu ersuchen. Vielleicht erfahre
ich in der Folge noch manches von Ihnen, und
iibersende zugleich mit diesem eine Reihe von
Gedichten, welche schwerlich zu Ihnen gekom-
men sind, von denen ich aber hoffen darf, dass
sie Ihnen einiges Interesse abgewinnen werden.
Mit den aufrichtigsten Wiinschen
ergebenst,

J. W. v. Goethe.1

Weimar, 30 Octbr. 1824.

[Translation.]

If I did not, my dear Sir, promptly inform
you of the safe arrival of your welcome present,
the reason was, that I had not the intention
of writing a mere acknowledgment, but of add-
ing thereto some deliberate words concerning
your work which does me such honour. My
advanced years, continually burdened with
many indispensable duties, have, however,
prevented me from leisurely comparing your

1 The Italics here, and at the endings of the Goethe
Letters which follow, mark the words which are in the original
in Goethe's own handwriting.

1 824 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 5

translation with the original ; which might per-
haps prove a harder task for me than for
some third person thoroughly at home in
German and English Literature. But now,
since I have an opportunity of sending the
present letter safely to London, by favour of
the Lords Bentinck, and at the same time of
bringing about an acquaintance agreeable to
both parties, I do not delay to express my
sincere thanks for your hearty sympathy in my
literary work, as well as in the incidents of
my life, and to beg earnestly for a continuance
of it in the future. Perhaps I shall hereafter
come to know much of you. Meanwhile I send
together with this a set of poems, which you
can hardly have seen, but which I venture to
hope may prove of some interest to you.1

With the sincerest good wishes,
Most truly yours,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, 30//* October 1824.

1 " The ■ Reihe von Gedichteft which I can hardly have seen,'
are a Court Mask by himself, and a printed copy of verses to
him on his last birthday and cure from sickness, by one Meyer."
— Note by Carlyle to a copy of this Letter.

6 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

Carlyle writes to Miss Welsh, 20th December
1824 :

" The other twilight, the lackey of one Lord Bentinck
came with a lackey's knock to the door, and delivered me
a little blue parcel, requiring for it a receipt under my
hand. I opened it somewhat eagerly, and found two small
pamphlets with ornamental covers, and — a letter from —
Goethe ! Conceive my satisfaction : it was almost like a
message from Fairy Land ; I could scarcely think that
this was the real hand and signature of that mysterious
personage, whose name had floated through my fancy, like
a sort of spell, since boyhood ; whose thoughts had come
to me in maturer years with almost the impressiveness of
revelations. But what says the letter? Kind nothings,
in a simple patriarchal style, extremely to my taste. I will
copy it, for it is in a character that you cannot read ; and send
it to you with the original, which you are to keep as the most
precious of your literary relics. Only the last line and the
signature are in Goethe's hand : I understand he constantly
employs an amanuensis. Do you transcribe my copy, and
your own translation of it, into the blank leaf of that German
paper, before you lay it by ; that the same sheet may con-
tain some traces of him whom I most venerate and her
whom I most love in this strangest of all possible worlds."

III. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Edinburgh, 21 Comley Bank,
15M April 1827.

Respected Sir — It is now above two years
since Lord Bentinck's Servant delivered me at

1827 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 7

London the packet from Weimar, containing
your kind Letter and Present ; of both which,
to say that they were heartily gratifying to me,
would be saying little ; for I received them and
keep them with a regard which can belong to
nothing else. To me they are memorials of
one whom I never saw, yet whose voice came
to me from afar, with counsel and help, in my
utmost need. For if I have been delivered
from darkness into any measure of light, if I
know aught of myself and my duties and desti-
nation, it is to the study of your writings more
than to any other circumstance that I owe this ;
it is you more than any other man that I should
always thank and reverence with the feeling of
a Disciple to his Master, nay of a Son to his
spiritual Father. This is no idle compliment,
but a heartfelt truth ; and humble as it is I
feel that the knowledge of such truths must be
more pleasing to you than all other glory.

The Books,1 which I here take the liberty to

1 The Life of Schiller (London, 1825) ; and German
Romance (4 vols. Edinburgh, 1827). Vol. iv. of this edition
contains Wilhelm Meistefs Travels.

8 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

offer you, are the poor product of endeavours,
obstructed by sickness and many other causes ;
and in themselves little worthy of your accept-
ance : but perhaps they may find some favour
for my sake, and interest you likewise as evi-
dences of the progress of German Literature in
England. Hitherto it has not been injustice
but ignorance that has blinded us in this
matter : at all events a different state of things
seems approaching ; with respect to your-
self, it is at hand, or rather has already come.
This Wanderjahre, which I reckon somewhat
better translated than its forerunner, I in many
quarters hear deeply, if not loudly, praised ; and
even the character with which I have prefaced
it, appears to excite not objection but partial
compliance, or at worst, hesitation and inquiry.
Of the Lehrjahre also I am happy to give
a much more flattering account than I could
have anticipated at first. Above a thousand
copies of the Book are already in the hands of
the public ; loved also, with more or less insight,
by all persons of any culture ; and, what it has
many times interested me to observe, with a

1827 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 9

degree of estimation determined not less by
the intellectual force than by the moral earnest-
ness of the reader. One of its warmest ad-
mirers known to me is a lady of rank, and
intensely religious.1

I may mention further that, some weeks
ago, a stranger London bookseller applied to
me to translate your Dichtung und Wahrheit ;
a proposal which I have perhaps only post-
poned, not rejected.

All this warrants me to believe that your
name and doctrines will ere long be English as
well as German ; and certainly there are few
things which I have more satisfaction in con-
templating than the fact that to this result my
own efforts have contributed ; that I have
assisted in conquering for you a new province
of mental empire ; and for my countrymen a
new treasure of wisdom which I myself have
found so precious. One day, it may be, if there
is any gift in me, I shall send you some Work
of my own ; and along with it, you will deserve

1 Mrs. Strachey. See Carlyle's Reminiscences (Macmillan
and Co., 1887), ii. 102, 123.

io CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

far deeper thanks than those of Hilaria to her
friendly Artist.1

About six months ago I was married : my
young wife, who sympathises with me in most
things, agrees also in my admiration of you ;
and would have me, in her name, beg of you to
accept this purse, the work, as I can testify, of
dainty fingers and true love ; that so something,
which she had handled and which had been hers,
might be in your hands and be yours. In this
little point I have engaged that you would gratify
her. She knows you in your own language ; and
her first criticism was the following, expressed
with some surprise: "This Goethe is a greater
genius than Schiller, though he does not make
me cry!" A better judgment than many which
have been pronounced with more formality.

May I hope to hear, by Post, that this packet
has arrived safely, and that health and blessings
are still continued to you ? Frey ist das Herzy
dock ist der Fuss gebunden.2 My wishes are

1 See Wilhelm Meister (Library Edition, 1871), ii. 261,
262.

2 Compare "Nicht ist der Geist, dock ist der Fuss gebunden?
— Goethe's Werke (Cotta, 1827), iv. 103.

1 82 7 GOETHE TO CARLYLE u

joined with those of the world that you may be
long spared to see good, and do good. — I am
ever, Respected Sir, your humble servant and
thankful Scholar, Thqmas Carlyle_

If you stand in any relation with Mr. Tieck,
it would give me pleasure to assure him of my
esteem. Except him and Richter, who has
left us, there is no other of these Novelists,
whom I ought not to beg your pardon for
placing you beside, even as their King.

IV. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[17th May 1827.]

Dass die angenehme Sendung, begleitet von
einem freundlichen Schreiben, abgesendet von
Edinburg den 1511 April iiber Hamburg, den
1511 May bey mir angekommen und mich in
guter Gesundheit, fUr meine Freunde beschaf-
tigt, angetroffen hat, solches vermelde eiligst.
Meinem aufrichtigsten Dank den beiden
werthen Gatten ftige nur noch hinzu die
Versicherung, dass nachstens ein Paquet von

12 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

hier, gleichfalls liber Hamburg, abgehen werde,

meine Theilnahme zu bezeugen und mein

Andenken zu erneuern.

Mit den besten und treusten Wiinschen

mich empfehlend,

J. W. v. Goethe.

IV., d. 17 May 1827.

[Translation.]

Let me hastily announce that your welcome
packet, accompanied by a kind letter, sent from
Edinburgh on the 15th of April, by way of
Hamburg, reached me on the 15th of May,
and found me in good health, busily employed
for my friends. To my most sincere thanks
to the dear husband and wife, I add only the
information that a packet will speedily be de-
spatched hence, also by way of Hamburg, in
testimony of my sympathetic interest in you,
and to recall me to your remembrance.

Commending myself to you, with best and

truest wishes, j wr r

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, 17th May 1827.

i827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 13

Carlyle, writing to his brother John on the 4th
June, sends him a copy of this Letter, and says :

" To-day I had such a packet of letters all in a rush !
A letter from Mrs. Montagu j and enclosed in the same
frank a sublime note from Edward Irving, full of praise
and thanks expressed in the most wondrous dialect ; and
last or rather first, for that was the paper we pounced on
most eagerly, a dainty little letter from — Weimar ! The
good man has Knighted me too ! x Did you ever see so
polite, true-hearted, altogether graceful a note? At the
same time there is a naive brevity in it which, in admiring,
almost makes me laugh. Read and wonder.

And now we are all impatient to know what that
paquet that is coming ' over Hamburg ' will bring us.
You shall know so soon as the new-made Knight or
Baronet receives it."

V. — Goethe to Carlyle.2

[20M July 1827.]

In einem Schreiben vom 15 May,3 welches
ich mit der Post absendete und Sie hoffentlich
zu rechter Zeit werden erhalten haben, vermel-
dete ich, wie viel Vergntigen mir Ihre Sendung

1 Goethe's letter was addressed to " Sir " Thomas Carlyle.

2 Portions of this Letter, with slight alterations, are printed
in Goethe's Works ; see Life ofFriedrich Schiller, Nachgelassene
Werke (Cotta, 1833), vi. 237; and German Romance, ibid.
261.

3 See Letter IV., dated " 1 7th " May.

i4 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

gebracht. Sie fand mich auf dem Lande, wo
ich sie mit mehrerer Ruhe betrachten und
geniessen konnte. Gegenwartig sehe ich mich
in dem Stande, auch ein Packet an Sie
abzuschicken mit dem Wunsche freundlicher
Aufnahme.

Lassen Sie mich vorerst, mein Theuerster,
von Ihrer Biographie Schillers das Beste sagen :
sie ist merkwlirdig, indem sie ein genaues
Studium der Vorfalle seines Lebens beweist, so
wie denn auch das Studium seiner Werke und
eine innige Theilnahme an denselben daraus
hervorgeht. Bewundernswlirdig ist es wie Sie
sich auf diese Weise eine geniigende Einsicht
in den Character und das hohe Verdienstliche
dieses Mannes verschafft, so klar und so
gehorig als es kaum aus der Feme zu erwarten
gewesen.

Hier bewahrheitet sich jedoch ein altes
Wort : " der gute Wille hilft zu vollkommner
Kenntniss." Denn gerade dass der Schott-
lander den deutschen Mann mit Wohlwollen
anerkennt, ihn verehrt und liebt, dadurch wird
er dessen treffliche Eigenschaften am sichersten

1827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 15

gewahr, dadurch erhebt er sich zu einer Klarheit
zu der sogar Landsleute des Trefflichen in
friiheren Tagen nicht gelangen konnten ; denn
die Mitlebenden werden an vorzliglichen Men-
schen gar leicht irre ; das Besondere der
Person stort sie, das laufende bewegliche
Leben verrlickt ihre Standpunkte und hindert
das Kennen und Anerkennen eines solchen
Mannes.

Dieser aber war von so ausserordentlicher
Art, dass der Biograph die Idee eines vorztig-
lichen Mannes vor Augen halten und sie durch
individuelle Schicksale und Leistungen durch-
ftihren konnte, und sein Tagewerk dergestalt
vollbracht sah.

Die vor den German Romance mitgetheilten
Notizen tiber das Leben Musaus', Hoffmanns,
Richters, etc. kann man in ihrer Art gleichfalls
mit Beyfall aufnehmen ; sie sind mit Sorgfalt
gesammelt, kiirzlich dargestellt und geben von
eines jeden Autors individuellem Character
und der Einwirkung desselben auf seine
Schriften genugsame Vorkenntniss.

Durchaus beweist Herr Carlyle eine ruhige

GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

klare Theilnahme an dem deutschen poetisch-
literarischen Beginnen ; er giebt sich hin an
das eigenthumliche Bestreben der Nation, er
lasst den Einzelnen gelten, jeden an seiner
Stelle.

Sey mir nun erlaubt, allgemeine Betrach-
tungen hinzuzufugen, welche ich langst bey
mir im Stillen hege und die mir bey den
vorliegenden Arbeiten abermals frisch aufgeregt
worden :

Offenbar ist das Bestreben der besten
Dichter und asthetischen Schriftsteller aller
Nationen schon seit geraumer Zeit auf das
allgemein Menschliche gerichtet. In jedem
Besondern, es sey nun historisch, mytholo-
gisch, fabelhaft, mehr oder weniger willkuhrlich
ersonnen, wird man durch Nationalist und
Personlichkeit hindurch jenes Allgemeine immer
mehr durchleuchten und durchschimmern sehn.

Da nun auch im practischen Lebensgange
ein gleiches obwaltet und durch alles Irdisch-
Rohe, Wilde, Grausame, Falsche, Eigen-
nlitzige, Liigenhafte sich durchschlingt, und
uberall einige Milde zu verbreiten trachtet, so

i827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 17

ist zwar nicht zu hoffen, dass ein allgemeiner
Friede dadurch sich einleite, aber doch dass
der unvermeidliche Streit nach und nach
lasslicher werde, der Krieg weniger grausam,
der Sieg weniger ubermuthig.

Was nun in den Dichtungen aller Nationen
hierauf hindeutet und hinwirkt, dies ist es was
die Uebrigen sich anzueignen haben. Die
Besonderheiten einer jeden muss man kennen
lernen, um sie ihr zu lassen, um gerade dadurch
mit ihr zu verkehren ; denn die Eigenheiten
einer Nation sind wie ihre Sprache und ihre
Mtinzsorten, sie erleichtern den Verkehr, ja sie
machen ihn erst vollkommen moglich.

Verzeihen Sie mir, mein Werthester, diese
vielleicht nicht ganz zusammenhangenden, noch
alsbald zu uberschauenden Aeusserungen ; sie
sind geschopft aus dem Ocean der Betrachtun-
gen, der um einen jeden Denkenden mit den
Jahren immer mehr anschwillt. Lassen Sie
mich noch Einiges hinzufugen, welches ich bey
einer andern Gelegenheit niederschrieb, das
sich jedoch hauptsachlich auf Ihr Geschafft
unmittelbar beziehen lasst :

18 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

Eine wahrhaft allgemeine Duldung wird am
sichersten erreicht, wenn man das Besondere
der einzelnen Menschen und Volkerschaften
auf sich beruhen lasst, bey der Ueberzeugung
jedoch festhalt, dass das wahrhaft Verdienstliche
sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass es der ganzen
Menschheit angehort. Zu einer solchen Ver-
mittlung und wechselseitigen Anerkennung
tragen die Deutschen seit langer Zeit schon bey.

Wer die deutsche Sprache versteht und
studirt befindet sich auf dem Markte wo alle
Nationen ihre Waaren anbieten, er spielt den
Dolmetscher indem er sich selbst bereichert.

Und so ist jeder Uebersetzer anzusehen,
dass er sich als Vermittler dieses allgemein
geistigen Handels bemliht, und den Wechsel-
tausch zu befordern sich zum Geschafft macht.
Denn, was man auch von der Unzulanglichkeit
des Uebersetzens sagen mag, so ist und bleibt
es doch eins der wichtigsten und wurdigsten
GeschafTte in dem allgemeinen Weltwesen.

Der Koran sagt : " Gott hat jedem Volke
einen Propheten gegeben in seiner eignen
Sprache." So ist jeder Uebersetzer ein Pro-

1827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 19

phet seinem Volke. Luthers Bibeliibersetzung
hat die grossten Wirkungen hervorgebracht,
wenn schon die Critik daran bis auf den heutigen
Tag immerfort bedingt und makelt. Und was
ist denn das ganze ungeheure Geschafft der
Bibelgesellschaft, als das Evangelium einem
jeden Volke in seiner eignen Sprache zu ver-
klindigen.

Hier lassen Sie mich schliessen, wo man ins
Unendliche fortfahren konnte, und erfreuen Sie
mich bald mit einiger Erwiederung, wodurch
ich Nachricht erhalte, dass gegenwartige Sen-
dung zu Ihnen gekommen ist.

Zum Schlusse lassen Sie mich denn auch
Ihre Hebe Gattin begriissen, fur die ich einige
Kleinigkeiten, als Erwiederung ihrer anmuthi-
gen Gabe, beyzulegen mir die Freude mache.
Moge Ihnen ein gllickliches Zusammenleben
viele Jahre bescheert seyn.

Nach allem diesen finde ich mich doch noch
angeregt, Einiges hinzuzufugen : Moge Herr
Carlyle alles Obige freundlich aufnehmen und
durch anhaltende Betrachtung in ein Gesprach
verwandeln, damit es ihm zu Muthe werde,

20

GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

als wenn wir personlich einander gegenliber
standen.

Hab' ich ihm ja sogar noch flir die Bemli-
hung zu danken, die er an meine Arbeiten
gewendet hat, flir den guten und wohlwollenden
Sinn mit dem er von meiner Personlichkeit und
meinen Lebensereignissen zu sprechen geneigt
war. In dieser Ueberzeugung darf ich mich
denn auch zum Voraus freuen, dass kunftighin,
wenn noch mehrere von meinen Arbeiten ihm
bekannt werden, besonders auch, wenn meine
Correspondenz mit Schillern erscheinen wird,
er weder von diesem Freunde noch von mir
seine Meinung andern, sondern sie vielmehr
durch manches Besondere noch mehr bestatigt
finden wird.

Das Beste herzlich wiinschend,

treu thetlnehmendy

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, d. 20 Jul. 1827.

This letter was accompanied by the following
verses, as well as by a translation of the Scottish
Ballad " The Barring of the Door " {Gutman und
Gutweiby Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 84).

1827

GOETHE TO CARLYLE

21

Matt und beschwerlich,
Wandernd ermiidigt,
Klimmt er gefahrlich
Nimmer befriedigt ;
Felsen ersteigt er
Wie es die Kraft erlaubt,
Endlich erreicht er
Gipfel und Bergeshaupt.

Hat er muhselig
Also den Tag vollbracht,
Nun war' es thorig
Hatt' er darauf noch Acht.
Froh ist's unsaglich
Sitzendem hier,
Athmend behaglich
An Geishirtens Thiir.

Speis' ich und trinke nun
Wie es vorhanden,
Sonne sie sinket nun
Allen den Landen ;
Schmeckt es heut Abend
Niemand wie mir,
Sitzend mich labend
An Geishirtens Thiir.1

[Fainting and heavily,
Weary with wandering,
In peril he climbs on
Never knowing content ;
Scaling the rocky heights
So as his strength permits,
At last he attains to
The peak and the mountain-top.

Thus having painfully
The day's task completed,
Now were it foolishness
Still to pay heed to it.
'Tis joyous beyond words
In quiet to sit here,
Reposing in gladness
By the door of the goatherd.

Now do I eat and drink

As it is offered me,

And the sun sinketh down

Slowly o'er all the lands ;

Delights in this evening

No one as I do,

As I sit here refreshed

By the door of the goatherd.]

[Translation.]

In a letter of 15th May, which I despatched
by Post, and which I hope will have reached you

1 Printed in the Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 82.

22 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

in due time, I informed you how much pleasure
your present had brought me. It found me in
the country where I could examine and enjoy
it in greater quiet. I am now, in my turn,
about to send you a packet, of which I request
your friendly acceptance.

Let me, first of all, my dear Sir, commend
most highly your Biography of Schiller. It is
remarkable for the close study it shows of the
incidents of his life, whilst it also manifests a
sympathetic study of his works. The accurate in-
sight into the character and distinguished merit
of this man, which you have thus acquired is
really admirable, and so clear and just as was
hardly to have been expected from a foreigner.

In this an old saying is verified : " Love
helps to perfect knowledge." For precisely
because the Scotchman regards the German
with kindliness, and honours and loves him,
does he recognise most surely his admirable
qualities, and thus he rises to a clearness of
view, to which even the great man's com-
patriots could not in earlier days attain. For
their contemporaries very easily fall into error

1827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 23

concerning eminent men ; — personal peculiarities
disturb them, the changeful current of life dis-
places their points of view, and hinders their
knowledge and recognition of such men.

Schiller, however, was of so exceptional a
nature, that his Biographer had but to keep be-
fore his eyes the ideal of a pre-eminent man, and
by maintaining it to the end, through individual
fortunes and actions, see his task fulfilled.

The notices of the lives of Musaus, Hoffman,
and Richter, prefixed to German Romance, are
also in their kind to be commended. They are
compiled with care, set forth concisely, and
give sufficient information concerning the in-
dividual character of each author, and of its
effect upon his writings.

Mr. Carlyle shows throughout a clear, calm
sympathy with the endeavours of poetic litera-
ture in Germany, and while he dwells on
what is specially characteristic of national
tendencies he gives due credit to each in-
dividual in his own place.

Let me add some general considerations,
which I have long cherished in silence, and

24 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

which have been stirred up afresh in me by the
present works.

It is obvious that the efforts of the best
poets and aesthetic writers of all nations have
now for some time been directed towards what
is universal in humanity. In each special field,
whether in history, mythology, or fiction, more
or less arbitrarily conceived, one sees the traits
which are universal always more clearly re-
vealed and illumining what is merely national
and personal.

Though something of the same sort prevails
now also in practical life, pervading all that
is earthy, crude, wild, cruel, false, selfish, and
treacherous, and striving to diffuse everywhere
some gentleness, we cannot indeed hope that
universal peace is being ushered in thereby,
but only that inevitable strife will be gradually
more restrained, war will become less cruel, and
victory less insolent.

Whatever in the poetry of any nation tends
to this and contributes to it, the others should
endeavour to appropriate. The peculiarities
of each nation must be learned, and allowance

1827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 25

made for them, in order by these very means
to hold intercourse with it ; for the special
characteristics of a nation are like its language
and its currency : they facilitate intercourse,
nay they first make it completely possible.

Pardon me, my dear Sir, for these remarks,
which are perhaps not altogether coherent, nor
to be comprehended at once; they are drawn
from that ocean of meditations which, as years
advance, swells and evermore deepens around
every thinking person. Allow me to add yet
something more, which I wrote on another
occasion, but which may be immediately applied
to your present pursuits :

A genuine, universal tolerance is most surely
attained, if we do not quarrel with the pecu-
liar characteristics of individual men and races,
but only hold fast the conviction, that what is
truly excellent is distinguished by its belonging
to all mankind. To such intercourse and mutual
recognition, the German people have long con-
tributed.

Whoever understands and studies German
finds himself in the market, where all nations

26 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

offer their wares ; he plays the interpreter, while
he enriches himself.

And thus every translator is to be regarded
as a middle-man in this universal spiritual com-
merce, and as making it his business to promote
this exchange : for say what we may of the in-
sufficiency of translation, yet the work is and
will always be one of the weightiest and worthiest
affairs in the general concerns of the world.

The Koran says : " God has given to each
people a prophet in its own tongue ! " Thus each
translator is a prophet to his people. Luther's
translation of the Bible has produced the greatest
results, though criticism gives it qualified praise,
and picks faults in it, even to the present day.
What indeed is the whole enormous business
of the Bible Society, but to make known the
Gospel to all people in their own tongue ?

Here, though one might run on endlessly on
this topic, let me close. Gratify me soon with
some reply, that I may know the present packet
has reached you. In conclusion, permit me also
to greet your dear wife, for whom I give myself
the pleasure of adding some trifles in return for

1827 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 27

her charming gift. May a happy life together
be your portion for many years.

After all this I still find myself prompted to
add a word. May Mr. Carlyle take in friendly
part what I have written above, and by con-
tinued musing convert it into a dialogue, so
that it may seem to him as if we stood face to
face in person.

I have indeed still to thank him for the pains
he has expended on my Works ; for the good
and kindly feeling with which he has been
pleased to speak of me personally and of the
incidents of my life. Assured of this feeling, I
venture to congratulate myself on the anticipa-
tion that hereafter, if other Works of mine
should become known to him, especially if my
Correspondence with Schiller should appear, he
will not change his opinion either of my friend
or of me, but rather by many particulars will
find it still further confirmed.

With every cordial good wish,
in faithful sympathy,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, 20th July 1827.

28 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1827

On the 1 1 th August Carlyle wrote to his mother
that one day not long before,

" News came directly after breakfast that the packet from
Goethe had arrived in Leith ! Without delay I proceeded
thither ; found a little box carefully overlapped in waxcloth,
and directed to me. After infinite wranglings and per-
plexed misdirected higglings I succeeded in rescuing the
precious packet from the fangs of the Custom-house sharks,
and in the afternoon it was safely deposited in our own
little parlour. The daintiest boxie you ever saw ! so care-
fully packed, so neatly and tastefully contrived in every-
thing. There was a copy of Goethe's poems in five beauti-
ful little volumes 'for the valued J7iarriage-pair Carlyle ;'
two other little books for myself; then two medals, one of
Goethe himself, and another of his father and mother ; and
lastly the prettiest wrought-iron necklace with a little figure
of the poet's face set in gold ' for my dear Spouse,' and a
most dashing pocket-book for me. In the box containing
the necklace, and in each pocket of the pocket-book were
cards, each with a verse of poetry on it in the old master's
own hand ; all these I will translate to you by and by, as
well as the long letter which lay at the bottom of all, one
of the kindest and gravest epistles I ever read. He praises
me for the Life of Schiller and the others ; asks me to send
him some account of ' my own previous history,' etc. etc. j
in short it was all extremely graceful, affectionate and
patriarchal : you may conceive how much it pleased us. I
believe a Ribbon with the order of the Garter would scarcely
have flattered either of us more."

On one of the cards in the pocket-book for
Carlyle was written : — -

1 82 7 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 29

Herr Carlyle wlirde mir ein besonderes

Vergniigen machen wenn er mir von seinem

bisherigen Lebensgange einige Nachrichten

geben wollte.

G.

W., d. 20 Jul. 1827.

Mr. Carlyle would do me a special favour
if he would give me some particulars of his
previous history.1

On another card : —

Augenblicklich aufzuwarten

Schicken Freunde solche Karten ;

Diesmal aber heisst's nicht gern :

Euer Freund ist weit und fern.2

Goethe.
Weimar, d. 20 Jul. 1827.

A friend sends up a card like this
When instant visit he will pay ;
But this time things are much amiss :
Your friend, alas, is far away.

1 Goethe writes to Zelter, 17th July 1827: "Pray ask
of the English literary friends in your neighbourhood, whether
anything is known to them respecting Thomas Carlyle of
Edinburgh, who, in a notable way, is doing much for German
Literature." Zelter replies that he has not been able to learn
anything on the subject.

2 This and the verse which follows on the next page are
printed in the Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 206, 207 ; and are
both there inscribed " An Madame C. . . . "

3o CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

And on the third card, enclosed in a box contain-
ing the necklace for Mrs. Carlyle 1 : —

Wirst du in den Spiegel blicken
Und vor deinen heitern Blicken
Dich die ernste Zierde schmiicken,
Denke dass nichts besser schmiickt,
Als wenn man den Freund begluckt.2

G.

W., d. 20 Jul. 1827.

VI. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Edinburgh, 2 1 Comley Bank,
20/^ Attgust 1827.

Dear and Honoured Sir — I have now the
pleasure of signifying that your kind purpose
has been accomplished. Your note of the 1 7th
May reached us in two weeks, by the Post ;
and the much-longed-for Packet, which it had
warned us to expect, has at length, duly for-
warded and announced by Messrs. Parish and

1 It is a black necklace of delicate wrought iron (such as
German ladies, having given up their jewels, were in the habit of
wearing after the battle of Jena) ; a pendant is attached to it, with
a head of Goethe cut in coloured glass, and with a gold setting.

2 Carlyle has roughly translated the verse thus : —

Wilt thou, at thy mirror, smiling place

On a neck so light, so grave a toy,

Think that nought so well the Wife can grace,

As when wedded Wife brings Husband joy.

1827 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 31

Co. of Hamburg, arrived here in safety, on the
ninth of this month.

If the best return for such gifts is the delight
they are enjoyed with, I may say that you are
not unrepaid ; for no Royal present could have
gratified us more. These books with their
Inscriptions,1 the Autographs and tasteful orna-
ments, will be precious in other generations than
ours. Of the Necklace in particular I am bound
to mention that it is reposited among the most
valued jewels, and set apart " for great occa-
sions " as an ernste Zierde, fit only to be worn
before Poets and intellectual men. Accept our
heartiest thanks for such friendly memorials of
a relation, which, faint as it is, we must always
regard as the most estimable of our life.

This little drawing-room may now be said
to be full of you. My translations from your
Works already stood, in fair binding, in the
Book-case, and portraits of you lay in port-

1 The first volume of Goet/ie's Werke bears the inscription in
his own hand : " Dem werthen Ehpaare Carlisle [sic] fur freund-
liche Theilnahme schonstens danckbar, Goethe. Weimar, May,
1827 ;" and Kunst unci ' Alterthum (vol. vi., \st Heft): "Herren
Carlisle zu freundlichem Andenken, Goethe " (same date).

32 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

folios ; during our late absence in the country,
some good genius, to prepare a happy surprise
for us, had hung up, in the best framing and
light, a larger picture of you, which we under-
stand to be the best resemblance : and now
your Medals lie on the mantelpiece ; your
books, in their silk paper covers, have displaced
even Tasso's Gerusalemme ; and from more
secret recesses your handwriting can be ex-
hibited to favoured friends. It is thus that
good men may raise for themselves a little
sanctuary in houses and hearts that lie far
away. The tolerance, the kindness with which
you treat my labours in German literature, must
not mislead me into vanity ; but encourage me
to new effort in appropriating what is Beautiful
and True, wheresoever and howsoever it is to
be found. If "love " does indeed "help to
perfect knowledge," I may hope in time coming
to gain better insight both into Schiller and his
Friend ; for the love of such men lies deep in the
heart, and wedded to all that is worthy there.

For your ideas on the tendency of modern
poetry to promote a freer spiritual intercourse

1827 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 33

among nations, I must also thank you : so far as I
have yet seized their full import, they command
my entire assent ; nay, perhaps express for me
much which I might otherwise have wanted
words for. When I try to convert these written
observations " into a Dialogue," it is as if one of
the Three i were speaking ; and speaking not to
the world but/or it, to me in particular. Helena,
also, in that beautiful new edition of your poems,
I have not failed to read; a bright mystic vision,
with its Classic earnestness and Gothic splen-
dour ; but I must read it again and again before
its whole manifold significance become clear to
me. Could mere human prayers avail against
an aesthetic necessity, Faust were surely made
triumphant both over the Fiend and himself, and
this by the readiest means ; the one would go
to Heaven, and the other back to his native
Pit : for there is no tragic hero whom one pities
more deeply than Faust.

You are kind enough to inquire about my
bygone life. With what readiness could I
speak to you of it, how often have I longed to

1 The " Three Reverences," in Meister's Travels.
D

34 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1827

pour out the whole history before you ! As it
is, your Works have been a mirror to me ; un-
asked and unhoped-for, your wisdom has coun-
selled me ; and so peace and health of Soul
have visited me from afar. For I was once an
Unbeliever, not in Religion only, but in all the
Mercy and Beauty of which it is the Symbol ;
storm-tossed in my own imaginations ; a man
divided from men ; exasperated, wretched,
driven almost to despair ; so that Faust's wild
curse seemed the only fit greeting for human life ;
and his passionate Fluch v or alien der Geduld!1
was spoken from my very inmost heart. But
now, thank Heaven, all this is altered : without
change of external circumstances, solely by the
new light which rose upon me, I attained to new
thoughts, and a composure which I should once
have considered as impossible. And now, under
happier omens, though the bodily health which I
lost in these struggles has never been and may
never be restored to me, I look forward with cheer-
fulness to a life spent in Literature, with such for-
tune and such strength as may be granted me ;

1 Faust, Part I. Scene 4.

1827 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 35

hoping little and fearing little from the world ;
having learned that what I once called Happi-
ness is not only not to be attained on Earth, but
not even to be desired. No wonder I should love
the wise and worthy men by whose instructions
so blessed a result has been brought about. For
these men, too, there can be no reward like that
consciousness that in distant countries and times
the hearts of their fellow-men will yearn towards
them with gratitude and veneration, and those
that are wandering in darkness turn towards
them as to loadstars guiding into a secure home.

I shall still hope to hear from you, and again
to write to you, and always acknowledge you
as my Teacher and Benefactor. May all good
be long continued to you, for your own sake and
that of Mankind !

With the truest reverence I subscribe myself,
worthy Sir, your grateful Friend and Servant,

Thomas Carlyle.

[In Mrs. Carlyle's hand.]
My heartfelt thanks to the Poet for his
graceful gift, which I prize more than a neck-
lace of diamonds and kiss with truest regard.

J. W. Carlyle.

36 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

VII. — Goethe to Carlyle.

\\st January 1828.]

In diesen Tagen, mein Theuerster, geht
abermals eine Sendung liber Hamburg ; sie
enthalt die zweite Lieferung meiner Werke,
worin Sie nichts Neues finden werden, der ich
aber die alte Gunst auf's Frische wieder zuzu-
wenden bitte. Dabey liegen flinf Bande
Kunst und Alterthum, welche schwerlich
vollstandig in Ihren Handen sind ; auch das
ie- Heft des sechsten Bandes. In dieser
Zeitschrift, welche seit 1818 langsam vor-
schreitet, finden Sie manches was fur Sie und
wohl auch fur Ihre Nation interessant ist. Das
Foreign Quarterly Review, wo von zwei Bande
in meinen Handen sind, wird solche Notizen
wohl aufnehmen.

In das Kastchen lege noch einige literarisch-
sittliche Bemerkungen, und fiige nur die An-
frage wegen eines einzigen Punktes, der mich
besonders interessirt, hier bey ; sie betrifft
Herrn Des Voeux ; dessen Uebersetzung des

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 37

Tasso1 nun auch wohl in Ihren Handen ist.
Er verwendete seinen hiesigen Aufenthalt
leidenschaftlich auf das Studium einer ihm
vorerst nicht gelaufigen Sprache und auf ein
sorgfaltiges Uebertragen gedachten Dramas.
Er machte mir durch eine gedruckte Copie seines
Manuscriptes die Bequemlichkeit, seine vorruck-
ende Arbeit nach und nach durchzusehen, wobey
ich freylich nichts wirken konnte, als zu beur-
theilen ob die Uebersetzung, in so fern ich eng-
lisch lese, mit dem Sinn, den ich in meine Zeilen
zu legen gedachte, ubereinstimmend zu finden
ware. Und da will ich gern gestehen, dass,
nach einiger Uebereinkunft zu gewissen Aband-
erungen, ich nichts mehr zu erinnern wusste was
mir fur das Verstandniss meines Werkes in einer
fremden Sprache ware hinderlich gewesen. Nun
aber mocht' ich von Ihnen wissen, in wiefern
dieser Tasso als Englisch gel ten kann. Sie wer-
den mich hbchlich verbinden, wenn Sie mich
hieruber aufklaren und erleuchten ; denn eben
diese Bezlige vom Originale zur Uebersetzung
sind es ja, welche die Verhaltnisse von Nation

1 See infra, p. 87, n.

38 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

zu Nation am allerdeutlichsten aussprechen, und
die man zu Forderung der vor- und obwaltenden
allgemeinen Weltliteratur vorzliglich zu kennen
und zu beurtheilen hat.

An Ihre theure Gattin werden Sie mit
meinen schonsten Griissen das Addressirte
gefallig abgeben.

Ferner habe ich sechs Medaillen beigelegt,
drei Weimarische, drei Genfer, wovon ich zwey
Herrn Walter Scott mit meinen verbindlich-
sten Griissen einzuhandigen, die andern aber
an Wohlwollende zu vertheilen bitte.

Da ich die hier iibrigen Seiten nicht leer
abschicken mochte, so ftige noch einige vor-
laufige Betrachtungen liber das Foreign Quar-
terly Review hier bey :

In diesem gleich vom Anfang solid und
wtirdig erscheinendem Werke finde ich mehrere
Aufsatze liber deutsche Literatur : Ernst
Sckulze, Hoffmann und unser Theater; ich
glaube darin den Edinburger Freund zu
erkennen, denn es ware doch wunderbar, wenn
das alte Britannien ein paar Menachmen her-
vorgebracht haben sollte, welche gleich ruhig,

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 39

heiter, sinnig, sittig, grundlich und umsichtig,
klar und ausfuhrlich, und was dergleichen gute
Eigenschaften sich noch mehr anschliessen, eine
fremde, geographisch-moralisch, und asthetisch
abstehende, Mittellands-Cultur liebevoll darstel-
len konnten und mochten. Auch die ubrigen
Recensionen, in so fern ich sie gelesen habe,
finde ich auf einem soliden Vaterlandsgrunde
mit Einsicht, Umsicht und Massigung geschrie-
ben. Und wenn ich z. B. Dupin's weltbiirger-
liche Arbeiten sehr hoch schatze, so waren mir
doch die Bemerkungen des Referenten,1 S. 496,
Vol. I. sehr willkommen. Das Gleiche gilt von
Manchem was bey Gelegenheit der Religions-
handel in Schlesien geaussert wird. In dem
nachsten Stucke von Kunst und Alterthum
denke ich mich iiber diese Beriihrungen aus
der Feme freundlich zu erklaren, und eine
solche wechselseitige Behandlung meinen aus-
landischen und innlandischen Freunden bestens
zu empfehlen, indem ich das Testament Johan-
nis als das meinige schliesslich ausspreche und
als den Inhalt aller Weisheit einscharfe : Kind-
1 See infra, p. 44, n.

4o GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

lein liebt euch / wobey ich wohl hoffen darf,
dass dieses Wort meinen Zeitgenossen nicht so
seltsam vorkommen werde als den Schlilern
des Evangelisten, die ganz andere hohere
Offenbarungen erwarteten.

Das Weitere mit der in diesen Tagen
abgehenden Sendung.

Treu verbtmden,

J, W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, den 1 Januar 1828.

Konnen Sie mir vertrauen wer den Aufsatz :
State of German Literature im Edinburgh
Review, No. XCIL, October 1827, geschrieben
hat ? Hier glaubt man, es sey Herr Lockhart,
Herrn W. Scott's Schwiegersohn. Ernst und
Wohlwollen sind gleich verehrungswerth.

[Translation.]

About this time, my very dear Sir, another
package goes to you, via Hamburg. It con-
tains the second Section of my Works,1 in which

1 An edition of all Goethe's writings designated as the " com-
plete and final" one was commenced in 1827 and published

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 41

you will find nothing new, but on which I beg
you to bestow afresh the old favour. There
are also five volumes of Kunst und Alterthum,
your copy of which is probably incomplete, as
well as the first part of vol. vi. In this Journal,
which has proceeded slowly since 181 8, you
will find many a thing of interest for yourself,
and also, it may be, for your country. The
Foreign Quarterly Review, two volumes of
which are in my hands, will perhaps accept
notices concerning these matters.

I am also sending in the little box some
further remarks of an ethical-literary character ;
and I only add on this occasion an inquiry on a
special point which particularly interests me. It
concerns Mr. Des Voeux, whose Translation of
Tasso you probably now have.1 He employed
his stay here in the zealous study of a language
previously unfamiliar to him, and in carefully
translating the Drama referred to. By means
of a printed copy of his manuscript he provided

in Lieferungs, Sections or Deliveries, of five volumes from half
year to half year, till its completion in 1831. See Carlyle's
"Helena," Miscellanies (Library edition, 1869), vol. i. 172.
1 See infra, p. 87, ;/.

42 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

me with an easy way of revising his work, by
degrees, as it advanced. I could indeed con-
tribute nothing to it except an opinion, so far as
my understanding of English allowed, whether
the translation expressed the meaning that I
intended to convey in my lines. And I have
pleasure in stating that after certain changes
were agreed upon, I observed nothing further
which, in my opinion, was likely to interfere
with the understanding of my work in a foreign
tongue. But now I wish to know from you
what may be the merit of this Tasso as an
English Translation ? It will greatly oblige
me if you will inform and enlighten me as to
this, because it is precisely the bearing of an
original to a translation, which most clearly
indicates the relations of nation to nation, and
which one must especially know and estimate
for the furtherance of the prevailing, pre-
dominant and universal World-literature.

Will you be so good as to give your dear
wife, with my kindest regards, the parcel ad-
dressed to her ?

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 43

I send also six medals, three struck at
Weimar and three at Geneva, two of which
please present to Sir Walter Scott, with my
best regards, and as to the others, distribute
them to my well-wishers.

That I may not send the rest of this sheet
empty, I add some cursory remarks on the
Foreign Quarterly Review. In this work,
which from its very beginning seemed solid
and valuable, I find several essays on German
Literature ; on Ernst Schulze> Hoffmann, and
on our Stage. I think I discern in them my
Edinburgh friend, for it would be truly wonder-
ful if old Britain should have produced a pair
of Mencechmi, alike able and ready to de-
scribe in a friendly and sympathetic spirit a
foreign Continental culture, remote geographi-
cally, morally, and aesthetically from their own,
in a tone at once calm and clear, with judgment,
just moral sentiment, thoroughness, fulness,
and such other like good qualities as might be
added to these. The other articles, so far as I
have read them, I find written on a solid basis
of national sentiment, with insight, breadth of

44 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

view and moderation. And though I value
very highly, for example, Dupin's cosmopolitan
works, yet the remarks of the Reviewer,1 on p.
496, vol. i„ were very welcome to me. The same
is true of much of what is said in regard to re-
ligious affairs in Silesia. In the next number
of Kunst und A Iter t hum I propose to make
friendly mention of this contact from afar, and
strongly to recommend to my friends, abroad and
at home, such a reciprocal procedure ; accept-
ing finally as my own, and enjoining as the
essence of all wisdom, the Testament of St.
John : Little children, love one another ! and I
may surely hope that this saying will not appear
so strange to my contemporaries as it did to the
disciples of the Evangelist, who were expect-
ing far other and loftier revelations.

More with the parcel to be despatched in a
day or two.

Your truly attached,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, 1st January 1828. -

1 Dr. Ant. Todd Thomson, in a paper on Les Forces Pro-
ductives et Commerciales de la France, par Dupin.

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 45

Can you tell me in confidence who wrote
the article in the Edinburgh Review, No.
XCIL, October 1827, on the State of Ger-
man Literature ? Here, people believe it
was Mr. Lockhart, Sir W. Scott's son-in-law.
Its earnestness and good feeling are alike
admirable.

The article was by Carlyle, — his second con-
tribution to the Edinburgh Review. It is reprinted
in his Miscellanies (iii. 191). The indirect and
unintended compliment contained in this inquiry
would naturally give Carlyle pleasure. He wrote
to his brother, Dr. Carlyle, on the 7th March : —

"For the Foreign Review next November, I have also
engaged to send in a long paper on Goethe's Character
generally ; this of Helena being only a sort of introduction.
Before I quit this subject of Reviews, I must quote you the
following sentence written, mit eigner hand, by Goethe in a
letter I had from him three weeks or four ago. He says :
Kb'nnen Sie mir vertrauen wer den Aufsatz : State of German
Literature im Edinburgh Review, No. XCII. geschrieben hat ?
Hier glaubt man, es sey Herr Lockhart, Herrn W. Scotfs
Schwiegersohn. Ernst und Wohlwollen sind gleich verehrung-
swerth. Good ! — Goethe wrote on this occasion to say
that another box was coming for us * over Hamburg,' but
the Leith men have never yet had a ship, and do not
expect one for a week yet. It contains books; and,
stranger still, two medals which I am to give to Sir Walter

46 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

Scott in Goethe's name with verbindlichsten Griissen ! This
will prove a curious introduction j I will tell you about it
when it happens. No answer to the letter written about
St. Andrews, which must have met his at sea."

[Zur Brustnadel.]

Wenn der Freund, auf leichtem Grunde,
Heute dich als Mohr begriisst,
Neid' ich ihm die sel'ge Stunde
Wo er deinen Blick geniesst.1

Goethe.

Weimar, i Jan. 1828.

On a Breastpin.

When thy friend, in guise of Moor,
Greets thee now from background bright,
I envy him the happy hour
That brings him gladness in thy sight.

1 Printed in the Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 194. In the
centre of the card on which these lines are written, is pinned
a small brooch (a blackened-bronze medallion of Goethe's head,
on a polished steel background, with a gold setting). For
another verse, sent with a bracelet, which ought to have been
inserted in this page, see infra, p. 151.

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 47

Den lieben treuen Edinburger Gatten
Zum Neuenjahre, 1828.

Wenn Phoebus Rosse sich zu schnell
In Dunst und Nebel stiirzen,
Geselligkeit wird, blendend hell,
Die langste Nacht verkiirzen.
Und wenn sich wieder auf zum Licht
Die Horen eilig drangen,
So wird ein liebend Frohgesicht
Den langsten Tag verlangen.1

Goethe.

To the loyal and loving Pair, at Edinburgh,
For the New Year, 1828.

When Phoebus' steeds too quickly take
To dark and cloud their flight,
The lamp of love will surely make
Full short the longest night.
And when again towards the light
The Hours shall swiftly throng,
So will a face, full kind and bright,
The longest day prolong.

1 This stanza is given in facsimile, by Diintzer, who says
it was inscribed in an album, which Goethe presented to
Madame von Mandelsloh. It is there dated "the shortest
day, 1827." See also Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 217.

48 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

VIII. — Goethe to Carlyle.

Fortsetzung des mit der Post abgegangenen Briefes.

[1 $th January 1828.]

Sehen Sie Herrn Walter Scott, so sagen Sie

ihm auf das Verbindlichste in meinem Namen

Dank fur den lieben heitern Brief, gerade in

dem schonen Sinne geschrieben, dass der

Mensch dem Menschen werth seyn mtisse.

So auch habe ich dessen Leben Napoleons

erhalten, und solches in diesen Winterabenden

und Nachten von Anfang bis zu Ende mit Auf-

merksamkeit durchgelesen. Mir war hochst

bedeutend zu sehen, wie sich der erste Erzahler

des Jahrhunderts einem so ungemeinen Ge-

schaft unterzieht und uns die iiberwichtigen Be-

gebenheiten, deren Zeuge zu seyn wir gezwun-

gen wurden, in ruhigem Zuge voruberflihrt.

Die Abtheilung durch Capitel in grosse zusam-

mengehorige Massen giebt den verschlungenen

Ereignissen die reinste Fasslichkeit, und so

wird denn auch der Vortrag des Einzelnen auf

das Unschatzbarste deutlich und anschaulich.

1 828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 49

Ich las es im Original und da wirkte es ganz
eigentlich seiner Natur nach. Es ist ein patrio-
tischer Britte der spricht, der die Handlungen
des Feindes nicht wohl mit glinstigen Augen
ansehen kann, der als ein rechtlicher Staats-
btirger zugleich mit den Unternehmungen der
Politik auch die Forderungen der Sittlichkeit
befriedigt wtinscht, der den Gegner im frechen
Laufe des Gliicks mit unseligen Folgen be-
droht, und auch im bittersten Verfall ihn kaum
bedauern kann.

Und so war mir noch ausserdem das Werk
von der grossten Bedeutung, indem es mich
an das Miterlebte theils erinnerte, theils mir
manches Uebersehene neu vorfiihrte, mich auf
einen unerwarteten Standpunkt versetzte, mir
zu erwagen gab was ich ftir abgeschlossen
hielt, und besonders auch mich befahigte die
Gegner dieses wichtigen Werkes, an denen es
nicht fehlen kann, zu beurtheilen und die Ein-
wendungen die sie von ihrer Seite vortragen,
zu wlirdigen. Sie sehen hieraus, dass zu Ende
des Jahrs keine hohere Gabe hatte zu mir
gelangen konnen. Es ist dieses Werk mir zu

E

5o GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

einem goldnen Netz geworden, womit ich die
Schattenbilder meines vergangenen Lebens
[aus den1] letheischen Fluthen mit reichem
Zuge heraufzufischen mich beschaftige.

Ungefahr dasselbe denke ich in dem nach-
sten Stucke von Kunst und Alterthum zu
sagen, wo Sie audi einiges Heitere iiber
Schillers [Leben] und German Romance finden
werden. Melden Sie mir die Ankunft des
Kastchens und sagen Sie mir dabey was Ihnen
sonst zu Ihren Zwecken allenfalls wunschens-
werth ware ; denn so schnell bewegen sich
jetzt die Mittheilungen, dass mir wirklich die
Anzeige von 30 deutschen Taschenbuchern
fur das Jahr 1828, im zweyten Bande des
Foreign Review ein Lacheln abgewinnen
musste.

Wenn nun Bticher und Zeitschriften gegen-
wartig Nationen gleichsam auf der Eilpost
verbinden, so tragen hiezu verstandige Reisende
nicht wenig bey. Herr Heavy side hat Sie
besucht und uns von Ihren Um-und Zustanden
das Angenehmste berichtet, so wie er denn auch

1 MS., " meines."

1 828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 51

von unserm Weimarischen Wesen es an Schil-
derung gewiss nicht fehlen Hess. Als Flihrer
der jungen Hopes hatte er in unserm, zwar
beschrankten, aber doch innerlich reich ausge-
statteten und bewegten Kreis, gliickliche Jahre
nlitzlich verlebt ; auch ist, wie ich hore, die
Hopesche Familie mit der Bildung zufrieden,
wozu die jungen Manner hier zu gelangen Gele-
genheit fanden. Es kommt freylich vieles hier
zusammen, Jtinglingen, besonders Ihrer Nation
vortheilhaft zu seyn ; der Doppelhof der regier-
enden und Erbgrossherzogl. Personen wo sie
allgemein gut und mit Freysinnigkeit aufgenom-
men werden, nothigt sie durch Auszeichnung
zu einem feinen Anstand bey mannigfaltigen
Vergniigungen. Die librige gute Gesellschaft
halt sie gleichmassig in heiterer Beschrankung,
so dass alles Rohe, Unschickliche nach und
nach beseitigt wird ; und wenn sie in dem
Umgange mit unsern schonen und gebildeten
Frauenzimmern Beschaftigung und Nahrung
fur Herz, Geist und Einbildungskraft finden,
so werden sie abgehalten von alien den Aus-
schweifungen denen sich die Jugend mehr aus

52 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

langer Weile als aus Bedurfniss hingiebt.
Diese freye Dienstbarkeit ist vielleicht an
keinem andern Orte denkbar ; auch haben wir
das Vergnligen, dass dergleichen Manner die
es in Berlin und Dresden versuchten, gar bald
wieder hieher zurlickgekehrt sind. Wie sich
denn auch eine lebhafte Correspondenz nach
Britannien unterhalt, wodurch unsere Damen
wohl beweisen, dass die Gegenwart nicht aus-
drlicklich nothig ist, um einer wohlgegriindeten
Neigung fortwahrende Nahrung zu geben.
Endlich darf ich auch nicht unbemerkt lassen
dass vieljahrige Freunde, wie z. B. gegenwartig
Hr. Lawrence, von Zeit zu Zeit wiederkehren
und sich glucklich finden, den schonen Faden
fruherer Verhaltnisse ungesaumt wieder aufzu-
fassen. Herr Parry hat einen vieljahrigen
Aufenthalt mit einer anstandigen Heyrath
geschlossen.

Fortwirkender Theilnahme sich selbst.freund-
licher Aufnahme die Sendung lebhaft empfelend,

Goethe.

Weimar, d. 15 Jan. 1828,

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 53

Inhalt
der gegenwartigen Sendung.

1. Zweyte Lieferung von Goethes Schriften, 6-10 Band

incl.

2. Kunst und Alterth. 5 Bande, des 6 Bdes 1 Heft.

3. Vorwort zu Alexand. Manzonis poetischen Schriften.

4. Der 2 8e- August 1827 [Z>em Konige die Muse].

5. Hermann und Dorothea, fur Madame Carlyle.

6. Ingl. Almanach des Dames.

7. Auch ein Kastchen fur dieselbe.

8. Ein Packchen fur Hn. Thomas Wolley, ein junger

Mann der vergniigte und niitzliche Tage bey uns
verlebte und in gutem Andenken steht, sich gegen-
wartig in Edinburg befinden soil.

9. Sechs bronze Medaillen.

10. Fortsetzung des Schreibens vom 15"- nebst einigen
poetischen und sonstigen Beylagen im Couvert.

G.

Weimar, den 15 Januar 1828.

[Translation.]

Continuation of the Letter despatched by Post.

If you see Sir Walter Scott, pray offer
him my warmest thanks for his valued and
pleasant Letter, written frankly in the beautiful
conviction that man must be precious to man.
I have also received his Life of Napoleon ; and

54 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

during these winter evenings and nights, I
have read it through attentively from beginning
to end.1 It was extremely significant to me to

1 Eckermann, under date 25th July 1827, says, "Goethe,
the other day, received a Letter from Walter Scott, which gave
him great pleasure. He showed it to me to-day, and as this
English handwriting seemed to him somewhat difficult to de-
cipher, he requested me to translate the Letter for him. It
appears that Goethe had, in the first instance, written to the
renowned English Poet, and that this Letter is in answer to
his." (These two Letters are printed in Lockharfs Life of
Scott, edition 1839, ix. 92-7.) Eckermann, after quoting a
part of Scott's Letter, and after a few further remarks upon it,
proceeds : Goethe " took notice of the friendly and hearty
manner in which Walter Scott describes his domestic circle,
which, as an evidence of his brotherly trust in him, pleased
Goethe highly. — ' I am now really eager,' he continued, ' to
see his Life of Napoleon, which he is sending me. I hear
so much said against it, and with such passion, that I feel
sure, at the outset, it will be striking at any rate.' — I asked
him about Lockhart, and if he still recollected him. ' Oh yes,
very well !' replied Goethe. ' His personality made such a dis-
tinct impression that one would not forget it so soon. He must
be, as I gather from English travellers, and from my Daughter-
in-law, a young man of whom good things in literature are to
be expected. — For the rest, I am almost surprised that Walter
Scott says nothing about Carlyle, who has such a special know-
ledge of German that he surely must be known to him. — In
Carlyle it is admirable how he, in his criticisms on our German
Writers, keeps before him the spiritual and moral essence as
the chief factor. Carlyle is a moral force of great significance.
He has a great future before him, and indeed one can see no
end to all that he will do and effect by his influence.' " —
Gesprciche mit Goethe.

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 55

see the first narrator of the century taking
upon himself so unusual a task, and bringing
before us in quiet succession the momentous
events which we ourselves had been com-
pelled to witness. The division into chapters
of large homogeneous masses makes the in-
tricate course of affairs perfectly intelligible, and
the exposition of single incidents, of inestim-
able clearness and distinctness. I read it in
the original, and thus it produced its natural
effect. It is a patriotic Briton who speaks, who
cannot well view the acts of the enemy with
favourable eyes ; who, as an upright citizen,
desires that even in political enterprises the
demands of morality should be satisfied, who
threatens his adversary in his audacious career
of good-luck with fatal consequences, and who
even in his most bitter downfall can scarcely
pity him.

The Work was further full of significance
to me, since, partly by recalling my own past
experiences, partly by bringing anew before
me many things I had overlooked, it placed
me on an unexpected standpoint, led me to

56 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

reconsider what I had taken as settled, and
especially, also, enabled me to be just to the
opponents, who cannot be wanting to so weighty
a work, and to estimate aright the objections
which from their side they may bring against it.
Thus you see, at the end of the year no more
precious gift could have reached me. To me
this Book has become a golden net, with which
I am busily hauling up, in an abundant draught,
out of the swelling Waters of Lethe, shadowy
images of my past life.

I think of saying something like this in the
next Part of Kunst una1 Alterthum, where also
you will find some pleasant things about Schiller
and German Romance. Let me know of the
arrival of the box ; and tell me at the same time
of anything that may be desirable to you in
your work, for communication is now so rapid,
that I could not but smile to see in the Second
Number of the Foreign [Quarterly] Review the
notice of thirty German " Pocket- Annuals "* for
the year 1828.

1 " Pocket-books? Literary Almanacs, bearing analogy to
the " Annuals " then so popular in England.

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 57

While books and periodicals are at present,
as it were, uniting nations by the mail -post,
intelligent travellers contribute not a little to
the same end. Mr. Heavyside has visited
you, and has given us the pleasantest account
of yourself and your surroundings ; he will no
doubt have given you a description of our mode
of life here in Weimar. As tutor of the young
Hopes he spent some profitable and pleasant
years in our, contracted indeed, but intrinsically
richly endowed and animated, circle. The Hope
family, as I hear, are satisfied with the education
which the young men have found an oppor-
tunity of acquiring in this place. There are
indeed many advantages for young men here,
especially for those of your country. The
Double-Court of the reigning Grand Duke and
the Hereditary Family, at which they are
always kindly and generously received, con-
strains them, by this mark of distinction, to a
refined demeanour at social entertainments of
various kinds. The rest of our good society
holds them, in like manner, under moderate and
pleasant restraint, so that anything rude or un-

58 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

seemly in their bearing is gradually eliminated.
In association with our beautiful and cultivated
women they find interest and employment for
heart, mind and imagination, and are thus with-
held from all those dissipations in which youth in-
dulges rather from ennui than from inclination.
This free bondage perhaps hardly exists any-
where else ; and we have satisfaction in finding
that men such as I speak of, who have tried life
in Berlin and Dresden, soon return to us.

Moreover an active correspondence is main-
tained with England, by which our ladies clearly
prove that actual presence is not absolutely
necessary to keep a well-founded esteem per-
manently alive. Finally, I must not omit to men-
tion, that old friends, as, for instance, just now,
Mr. Lawrence, return from time to time, and are
happy in taking up at once the delightful threads
of earlier intercourse. Mr. Parry has concluded
a residence of many years with a good marriage.

Desiring for myself, a further communion
in thought and work, and for what I send, a
friendly reception, Goethe.

Weimar, \$lh January 1828,

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 59

Contents of the present Parcel.

1. Second Section of Goethe's Writings, 6th-ioth volumes.

2. Kunst und Alterthum, five volumes, and first part of

the sixth.

3. Preface to the Poetical Works of Alessandro Manzoni.

4. The 28th August 1827.1

5. For Mrs. Carlyle, Hermann and Dorothea,

6. Almanac des Dames,

7. And also a little box for her.

8. A little parcel for Mr. Thomas Wolley, a young man

who pleased us and spent profitable days with us,
and who is held in kind remembrance ; he is
probably at present in Edinburgh.

9. Six bronze medals.

10. Sequel to the letter of the 15th, with some poetical
and other enclosures in the envelope.

G.
Weimar, \$th January 1828.

A well-known letter of Thackeray's describing
from the point of view of a young Englishman the
society of Weimar at this very period, affords enter-
taining and curiously close confirmation of Goethe's
account of it. Thackeray, writing in 1855, says :

" Five and twenty years ago, at least a score of young
English lads used to live at Weimar for study, or sport, or
society ; all of which were to be had in the friendly little

1 A little pamphlet entitled, " The Muses to their King "
(see Kunst und Alterthum, 1827, vi., \st Heft, 217).

6o

GOETHE TO CARLYLE

828

Saxon capital. The Grand Duke and Duchess received us
with the kindliest hospitality. The Court was splendid, but
yet most pleasant and homely. We were invited in our
turns to dinners, balls, and assemblies there. Such young
men as had a right, appeared in uniforms, diplomatic and
military. Some, I remember, invented gorgeous clothing :
the kind old Hof-Marschall of those days, M. de Spiegel
(who had two of the most lovely daughters eyes ever looked
on), being in nowise difficult as to the admission of these
young Englanders. Of the winter nights we used to charter
sedan chairs, in which we were carried through the snow to
those pleasant Court entertainments. I for my part had the
good luck to purchase Schiller's sword, which formed a part
of my court costume, and still hangs in my study, and puts
me in mind of days of youth, the most kindly and de-
lightful.

11 We knew the whole society of the little city, and but
that the young ladies, one and all, spoke admirable English,
we surely might have learned the very best German. The
society met constantly. The ladies of the Court had their
evenings. The theatre was open twice or thrice in the
week, where we assembled, a large family party. . . .

" In 1 83 1, though he had retired from the world, Goethe
would nevertheless kindly receive strangers. His daughter-
in-law's tea-table was always spread for us. We passed
hours after hours there, and night after night with the
pleasantest talk and music. We read over endless novels
and poems in French, English, and German. My delight in
those days was to make caricatures for children. I was
touched to find that they were remembered, and some
even kept until the present time ; and very proud to be
told, as a lad, that the great Goethe had looked at some
of them.

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 61

" He remained in his private apartments, where only a
very few privileged persons were admitted ; but he liked to
know all that was happening, and interested himself about
all strangers. ... Of course I remember very well the
perturbation of spirit with which, as a lad of nineteen,
I received the long-expected intimation that the Herr
Geheimrath would see me on such a morning. This
notable audience took place in a little antechamber of his
private apartments, covered all round with antique casts
and bas-reliefs. He was habited in a long grey or drab
redingot, with a white neckcloth and a red ribbon in his
buttonhole. He kept his hands behind his back, just as in
Rauch's statuette. His complexion was very bright, clear,
and rosy. His eyes extraordinarily dark, piercing, and
brilliant. I felt quite afraid before them, and recollect
comparing them to the eyes of the hero of a certain
romance called Melmoth the Wanderer^ which used to alarm
us boys thirty years ago ; eyes of an individual who had
made a bargain with a certain Person, and at an extreme
old age retained these eyes in all their awful splendour. I
fancied Goethe must have been still more handsome as an
old man than even in the days of his youth. His voice
was very rich and sweet. He asked me questions about
myself, which I answered as best I could. I recollect I
was at first astonished, and then somewhat relieved, when
I found he spoke French with not a good accent.

" Vidi tantum. I saw him but three times. Once walk-
ing in the garden of his house in the Frauenplari ; once
going to step into his chariot on a sunshiny day, wearing a
cap and a cloak with a red collar. He was caressing at the
time a beautiful little golden -haired granddaughter, over
whose sweet fair face the earth has long since closed too.

" Any of us who had books or magazines from England

62 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

sent them to him, and he examined them eagerly. Fraser's
Magazine had lately come out, and I remember he was
interested in those admirable outline portraits which ap-
peared in its pages. But there was one, a very ghastly
caricature of Mr. R[ogers], which, as Madame de Goethe
told me, he shut up and put away from him angrily. ' They
would make me look like that,' he said ; though in truth I
can fancy nothing more serene, majestic, and healthy look-
ing than the grand old Goethe.

"Though his sun was setting, the sky round about was
calm and bright, and that little Weimar illumined by it.
In every one of those kind salons the talk was still of Art
and Letters. The theatre, though possessing no very extra-
ordinary actors, was still conducted with a noble intelligence
and order. The actors read books, and were men of letters
and gentlemen, holding a not unkindly relationship with the
Adel. At Court the conversation was exceedingly friendly,
simple, and polished. The Grand Duchess (the present
Grand Duchess Dowager), a lady of very remarkable en-
dowments, would kindly borrow our books from us, lend
us her own, and graciously talk to us young men about our
literary tastes and pursuits. In the respect paid by this
Court to the Patriarch of letters, there was something en-
nobling, I think, alike to the subject and sovereign. With
a five and twenty years' experience since those happy days
of which I write, and an acquaintance with an immense
variety of human kind, I think I have never seen a society
more simple, charitable, courteous, gentlemanlike than that
of the dear little Saxon city, where the good Schiller and
the great Goethe lived and lie buried." x

1 Life and Works of Goethe, by G. H. Lewes (London,
1855), ii. pp. 442-446.

[828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 63

IX. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Edinburgh, 21 Comley Bank,
17 th January 1828.

Respected Sir — In addition to the valued
marks of your regard already conferred on me, I
have now to solicit a favour of a more practical,
and as I may justly fear, of a more questionable
nature. If the liberty I take is too great, let me
hope that I shall find in your goodness an excuse.

I am at present a candidate for the Profes-
sorship of Moral Philosophy in our ancient
Scottish University of St. Andrews ; a situation
of considerable emolument and respectability,
in which certain of my friends flatter me that I
might be useful to myself and others. The
Electors to the Office are the Principal and
actual Professors of the College ; who promise
in this instance, contrary indeed to their too
frequent practice, to be guided solely by
grounds of a public sort ; preferring that appli-
cant who shall, by reference perhaps to his
previous literary performances, or by Testi-
monials from men of established note, approve

64 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

himself the ablest. The qualifications required,
or at least expected, are not so much any pro-
found scientific acquaintance with Philosophy
properly so called, as a general character for
intelligence, integrity, and literary attainment ;
all proofs of talent and spiritual worth of any
kind being more or less available. To the
Electors personally I am altogether a stranger.
Of my fitness for this, or any other office, it
is indeed little that I can expect you to know.
Nevertheless, if you have traced in me any sense
for what is True and Good, and any symptom,
however faint, that I may realise in my own
literary life some fraction of what I love and
reverence in that of my Instructors, you will
not hesitate to say so ; and a word from you
may go further than many words from another.
There is also a second reason why I ask this
favour of you : the wish to feel myself connected
by still more and still kinder ties with a man
to whom I must reckon it among the pleasures
of my existence that I stand in any relation
whatever. . For the rest, let me assure you that
good or ill success in this canvass is little likely

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 65

to affect my equanimity unduly ; I have studied
and lived to little purpose, if I have not, at the
age of two-and-thirty, learned in some degree
" to seek for that consistency and sequence
within myself, which external events will for
ever refuse me." I need only add, on this sub-
ject, that the form of such a document as I
solicit is altogether unimportant ; that of a
general Certificate or Testimonial, not specially
addressed at all, being as common as any other.
The main purpose of my letter is thus
accomplished ; but I cannot conclude without
expressing my satisfaction at the good news
we continue to hear from Weimar, and the
interest which all of us feel in your present so
important avocations. By returning travellers
and Friends resident in Germany we often get
some tidings of you. A younger Brother of
mine, at present studying Medicine and Philo-
sophy in Munchen, has the honour of an
acquaintance with your correspondent, Dr.
Sulpiz Boisseree ; x through whose means I

1 Dr. John A. Carlyle sent to his Brother extracts which Bois-
serde had allowed him to make from Goethe's Letters. These

F

66 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

have just learned that you proceed with un-
abated diligence in the correction of your Works :
and what especially contents me, that we are
soon to expect some further improvement, per-
haps enlargement of the Wander jahre ; and at
all events a Second Part of Faust. In the
TVanderjakre, so choice a piece of composition
does it seem to me, I confess I see not well
what improvements are to be made : so beauti-
ful, so soft, and gracefully expressive an
embodiment of all that is finest in the Philo-
sophy of Art and Life, has almost assumed the
aspect of perfection in my thoughts ; every
word has meaning to me ; there are sentences
which I could write in letters of gold. Enlarge-
ment, indeed, I could desire without limit : and
yet the work, as it stands, has the singular
character of a completed fragment, so lightly yet
so cunningly is it joined together, and then the
concluding chapter, with its Bleibe nicht am
Boden haften,1 as it were, scatters us all into

contain high praise of Carlyle, especially of his Life of ^chiller
and German Romance; as well as an account of Goethe's
labours on the Second Part of Faust.

1 Carlyle translates it : "Keep not standing fix'd and rooted."

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 67

infinite space ; and leaves the work lying like
some fair landscape of an unknown wondrous
region, bounded on this side with bright clouds,
or melting on that into the vacant azure ! May
I ask if there is any hope that these clouds
will roll away, and show us the undiscovered
country that lies beneath them ? Of Faust I
am taught to expect with confidence, not only a
continuation but a completion, and share in the
general curiosity of Europe to see what it is.

Will you pardon me for speaking so freely
of what I know so slightly ? I may well feel
an interest in your labours such as few do. My
wife unites with me, as in all honest things, so
in this, in warmest regards to you and yours.
Nay, your Ottilie 1 is not unknown to her ; with
the sharp sight of female criticism she had
already detected a lady's hand in the tasteful
arrangement of that Packet, not yet under-
standing to whom it might be due. Will Ottilie
von Goethe accept the friendly and respectful
compliments of Jane Welsh Carlyle, who hopes

1 Madame von Goethe, wife of Goethe's only surviving son,
August, who died in 1830. See infra, p. 247, n.

68 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

one day to know her better ? For it is among our
settled wishes, I might almost say projects, some
time to see Germany, and its Art and Artists,
and the man who more than any other has made
it dear and honourable to us. We even paint
out to ourselves the too hollow day-dream of
spending next winter, or if this Election prosper,
the summer which will follow it, in Weimar !
Alas, that Space cannot be contracted nor Time
lengthened out, and so many must not meet,
whose meeting could have been desired ! Mean-
while we will continue hoping ; and pray that,
seen or unseen, all good may ever abide with you.
Trusting soon to have the honour of a letter,
I remain, Respected Sir, yours with affection-
ate reverence, ™ ~

Ihomas Carlyle.

X. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[14//* March 1828.]

Wenn Beykommendes schon vor acht
Wochen Gewtinschtes noch zu rechter Zeit
ankommt so soil es mich freuen. Das lange
Aussenbleiben zu entschuldigen miisste ich viel

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 69

von verketteten Arbeiten und Anforderungen,
berichten und beschreiben und konnte Ihnen
doch keinen Begriff von alien den Obliegen-
heiten geben die sich durch so lange Jahre an
mir herangehauft und sich noch taglich eher
vermehren als vermindern.

Ein Kastchen mannigfaltigen Inhalts, abge-
gangen von hier den 20 Januar d. J. von
Hamburg durch Vermittlung der Hn. Parish
den 1 Febr. wird langst in Ihren Handen und
ich hoffe gut aufgenommen seyn.

Geben Sie mi einige Nachricht deshalb, wie
auch ob Gegen wartiges einigermassen gefruchtet.

Grtissen Sie mir Ihre liebe Gattinn von
mir und den Meinigen und erhalten mir Ihre
treuen Gesinnungen wie ich sie auch lebens-
langlich zu hegen gewiss nicht unterlasse.
Theilnehmend u. rnitwirkend,

/. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, d. 14 Marz 1828.

[Translation.]

I shall be glad if the enclosed [Testimonial],
which you asked for more than eight weeks

70 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

ago, should yet arrive in good time. To excuse
my prolonged delay I should be obliged to make
a long story of an unbroken chain of labours and
engagements, and, even then, I should give you
no idea of the multitude of duties that have
been heaped upon me these many years, and
which still day by day rather increase than
diminish.

A little box containing a variety of ob-
jects, which left here on the 20th of January,
and Hamburg on the 1st of February, for-
warded thence by Messrs. Parish, must have
reached you long since, and I hope proved
welcome.

Let me have some news of it, and inform
me also whether my present enclosure prove
of any use. Greet your dear wife from me and
mine, and maintain kind feelings towards me,
such as on my part I shall certainly not cease
to cherish for you so long as I live.

In fellowship, heart and hand,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, 14th March 1828.

828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 71

XI. — Goethe's Testimonial to Carlyle.

\\\th March 1828.]

Wahre Ueberzeugung geht vom Herzen
aus, das Gemtith, der eigentliche Sitz des
Gewissens, richtet tiber das Zulassige und
Unzulassige weit sicherer als der Verstand,
der gar manches einsehen und bestimmen wird
ohne den rechten Punct zu treffen.

Ein wohlwollender auf sich selbst merkender
Character, der sich selbst zu ehren, mit sich
selbst in Frieden zu leben wlinscht und doch
so manche Unvollkommenheit die sein Inneres
verwirrt empfinden muss, manchen Fehler zu
bedauern hat, der die Person nach aussen com-
promittirt, wodurch er sich denn nach beyden
Seiten hin beunruhigt und bestritten findet,
wird sich von diesen Beschwernissen auf alle
Weise zu befreyen suchen.

Sind nun aber diese Misshelligkeiten in
treuer Beharrlichkeit durchgefochten, hat der
Mensch erkannt, dass man sich von Leiden und
Dulden nur durch ein Streben und Thun zu

72 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

erholen vermag, dass fiir den Mangel ein
Verdienst, fiir den Fehler ein Ersatz zu suchen
und zu finden sey, so fiihlt er sich behaglioh
als einen neuen Menschen.

Dann aber drangt ihn sogleich eine ange-
borene Glite auch anderen gleiche Mlihe,
gleiche Beschwerden zu erleichtern, zu ersparen,
seine Mitlebenden liber die innere Natur, liber
die aussere Welt aufzuklaren, zu zeigen woher
die Widerspriiche kommen, wie sie zu ver-
meiden und auszugleichen sind. Dabey aber
gesteht er dass dem alien ungeachtet im Laufe
des Lebens sowohl Aeusseres als Inneres un-
ablassig im Conflict befangen bleibe und wie
man sich deshalb rlisten mtisse taglich solchen
Kampf wiederholt zu bestehen.

Wie sich nun ohne Anmassung behaupten
lasst dass die deutsche Literatur in diesem
humanen Bezug viel geleistet hat, dass durch
sie eine sittlich psychologische Richtung
durchgeht, nicht in ascetischer Aengstlichkeit,
sondern eine freye naturgemasse Bildung und
heitere Gesetzlichkeit einleitend, so habe ich
Herrn Carlyle's bewundernswiirdig tiefes

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 73

Studium der deutschen Literatur mit Ver-
gnligen zu beobachten gehabt und mit Antheil
bemerkt, wie er nicht allein das Schone und
Menschliche, Gute und Grosse bey uns zu finden
gewusst, sondern auch von dem Seinigen,
reichlich heriibergetragen und uns mit den
Schatzen seines Gemtithes begabt hat. Man
muss ihm ein klares Urtheil liber unsere
asthetisch sittlichen Schriftsteller zugestehen,
und zugleich eigene Ansichten, wodurch er an den
Tag giebt dass er auf einem originalen Grund
beruhe und aus sich selbst die Erfordernisse des
Guten und Schonen zu entwickeln das Ver-
mogen habe.

In diesem Sinne darf ich ihn wohl flir einen
Mann halten, der eine Lehrstelle der Moral
mit Einfalt und Reinheit, mit Wirkung und
Einfluss bekleiden werde, indem er nach eigen
gebildeter Denkweise, nach angebornen Fahig-
keiten und erworbenen Kenntnissen, die ihm
anvertraute Jugend liber ihre wahrhaften
Pflichten erklaren, Einleitung und Antrieb der
Gemlither zu sittlicher Thatigkeit sich zum
Augenmerk nehmen, und sie dadurch einer

74 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

religiosen Vollendung unablassig zufiihren
werde.

Dem Vorstehenden darf man wohl nunmehr
einige Erfahrungsbetrachtungen hinzufugen.

Ueber das Princip woraus die Sittlichkeit
abzuleiten sey, hat man sich nie vollkommen
vereinigen konnen. Einige haben den Eigen-
nutz als Triebfeder aller sittlichen Handlungen
angenommen ; andere wollten den Trieb nach
Wohlbehagen, nach Gliickseligkeit als einzig
wirksam finden ; wieder andere setzten das
apodiktische Pflichtgebot oben an, und keine
dieser Voraussetzungen konnte allgemein aner-
kannt werden, man musste es zuletzt am
gerathensten finden aus dem ganzen Complex
der gesunden menschlichen Natur das Sittliche
so wie das Schone zu entwickeln.

In Deutschland hatten wir schon vor
sechzig Jahren das Beyspiel eines gliicklichen
Gelingens der Art. Unser Gellert, welcher
keine Ansprliche machte ein Philosoph von
Fach zu seyn, aber als ein grundguter, sittlicher
und verstandiger Mann durchaus anerkannt

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 75

werden musste, las in Leipzig unter dem

grossten Zulauf eine hochst reine, ruhige,

verstandige und verstandliche Sittenlehre mit

grossem Beyfall und mit dem besten Erfolg ;

sie war den Bedtirfnissen seiner Zeit gemass

und wurde erst spat durch den Druck bekannt.

Die Meynungen eines Philosophen greifen

sehr oft nicht in die Zeit ein, aber ein ver-

standiger wohlwollender Mann, frey von

vorgefassten Begriffen, umsichtig auf das was

eben seiner Zeit Noth thut, wird von seinen

Gefuhlen, Erfahrungen und Kenntnissen gerade

dasjenige mittheilen was in der Epoche wo er

auftritt die Jugend sicher und folgerecht in das

geschaftige und thatfordernde Leben hinein-

fiihrt.1

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, den 14th Marz, 1828.

[Translation.]

True conviction proceeds from the heart ;
the Soul, the real seat of the Conscience, judges

1 MS., " hineingefuhrt."

76 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

concerning what may be permitted and what
may not be permitted far more surely than the
Understanding, which will see into and determine
many things without hitting the right mark.

A well-disposed and self- observant man,
wishing to respect himself and to live at peace
with himself, and yet conscious of many an
imperfection perplexing his inner life, and
grieved by many a fault compromising him in
the eyes of others, whereby he finds himself
disturbed and opposed from within and from
without, will seek by all methods to free him-
self from such impediments.

When once, however, he has fought his way
faithfully and perseveringly through these dis-
cordant elements, and has recognised that only
by striving and by doing can he vanquish his
sorrow and suffering, that for each defect a
merit, for each fault an amends must be sought
and found, then does he feel himself at peace,
as a new man.

But then, too, does an innate good impulse
at once impel him to lighten the burden for
others and to save them from like sufferings,

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 77

to enlighten his fellow -creatures as to their
inner nature, and the outer world, to show
them whence contradictions come in and how
they are to be avoided and reconciled. At the
same time, however, notwithstanding all this,
he must confess that in the course of life, the
outer and the inner remain in incessant conflict,
and that one must therefore daily arm himself
to maintain the ever-renewed struggle.

It may now without arrogance be asserted
that German Literature has effected much for
humanity in this respect, that a moral-psycho-
logical tendency pervades it, introducing not
ascetic timidity, but a free culture in accordance
with nature, and in cheerful obedience to law,
and therefore I have observed with pleasure
Mr. Carlyle's admirably profound study of this
literature, and I have noticed with sympathy
how he has not only been able to discover
the beautiful and human, the good and great
in us, but has also contributed what was his
own, and has endowed us with the treasures
of his genius. It must be granted that he has
a clear judgment as to our ^Esthetic and Ethic

78 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

Writers, and, at the same time, his own way
of looking at them, which proves that he
rests on an original foundation and has the
power to develop in himself the essentials of
what is good and beautiful.

In this sense, I may well regard him as a
man who would fill a Chair of Moral Philo-
sophy, with single-heartedness, with purity,
effect and influence ; enlightening the youth en-
trusted to him as to their real duties, in accord-
ance with his disciplined thought, his natural
gifts and his acquired knowledge, aiming at
leading and urging their minds to moral activity,
and thereby steadily guiding them towards a
religious completeness.

One may now be permitted to add to the
above, some considerations based on ex-
perience.

In regard to the original principle of
morality, men have never been able com-
pletely to agree. Some have considered sejf-
interest as the mainspring of all moral action ;
others have been disposed to consider the

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 79

desire for ease and comfort, for happiness, as
alone effective ; others again have made the
apodictic law of duty supreme : but none of
these hypotheses having been able to gain
general acceptance, it was at last found most
advisable to deduce the development of Morals
as well as of ^Esthetics out of the whole Com-
plex of healthy human nature.

We already had in Germany, more than
sixty years ago, an example of a happy suc-
cess of this kind. Our Gellert, who made no
claim to be a Philosopher, but was univer-
sally regarded as a thoroughly good, moral
and sensible man, delivered at Leipzig before
the greatest audiences, a most pure, sensible
and intelligible Course of Lectures on Moral
Philosophy, with great acceptance, and with
the best success ; it was adapted to the needs
of his time, and did not become known through
the Press till later on.1

1 "En 1758, il [Gellert] donna un cours de morale dont le
succes fut prodigieux : ce n'etait point un traite philosophique de
morale, mais une suite de reflexions, bien enchainees et bien
pre'sente'es, sur la nature et la destination de l'homme, sur
l'importance et la beaute de la vertu ; toute pedanterie scolas-

80 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

It often happens that the opinions of a
philosopher do not influence his own time ; but
a sensible, genial man, free from preconceived
ideas, looking about him for what his time
specially needs, will communicate from his feel-
ings, experiences and knowledge, exactly what
is required, in his own epoch, to guide youth
surely and logically into practical and active

life.

J. W. v. Goethe.

Carlyle writes to his Brother John, from Craigen-
puttock, 1 6th April 1828 :

" Goethe's certificate arrived while I was in the country :
mustard after dinner ; which these rough feeders shall not
so much as smell ! It also is a magnanimous Testimonial,
beautifully written, and may elsewhere avail me. The old
Sage fills a whole sheet with his Aeusserungen ; of which not
quite one leaf belongs directly to me, the rest being as it
were Erklarungsbetrachtungen. Many things are mentioned
wodurch er an den Tag giebt, dass er auf einem originalen
Grand beruhe^ und die Erfordernisse des Guten und Schonen
aus sich selbst zu entwickeln das Vermogen habe ; a. praise
which JTe, could he appropriate it rightly, ought to value
more than any Professorship in these parts. To-morrow I am

tique en etait bannie : cette maniere simple et sans pretention
de science e"tait alors un phenomene ; aussi fut-elle universelle-
ment goutee." — Biog. Universelle. This course of Lectures
was published in 1770, the year after Gellert's death.

1 828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 81

to write to the Wei7?iarische?i ; for his Box also has now come
to hand; with its medals for Sir Walter, its Books and Letters
and verses for me ; and beautiful trinkets, — a bracelet, and
the prettiest breastpin, — for Jane. Four other medals are
here for distribution ; which I think of conferring severally
on Jeffrey, Wilson, Lockhart, Wordsworth; but have yet
had time only for writing to Scott, who is at present in
London. To a certainty you must come round by Weimar
as you return, and see this World's-wonder, and tell us on
your sincerity what manner of man he is, for daily he grows
more inexplicable to me. One letter is written like an
oracle, the next shall be too redolent of twaddle. How is
it that the Author of Faust and Meister can tryste himself

with such characters, as 'Herr ' (the simplest and

stupidest man of his day, a Westmoreland Gerundgrinder

and Cleishbothani) and 'Captain ,' a little, wizened

cleanly man, most musical, most melancholy? Is he
greater than man ; or in his old days growing less than
many men ? The former to me is unexampled, the latter
incredible. Go see, and tell us truly. He will receive you
well. — For myself, unshaken in my former belief, though
Jane rather wavers, I have written forty long pages on his
Helena, which are already printed, and will be here in a few
days ; and now must commence a still longer Essay on the
Man himself."

XII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Edinburgh, 21 Comley Bank,
\%th April 1828.

Respected Sir — Your letter of the 1st
January reached me in due course of Post ;

82 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

awakening the gladdest anticipations, which,
however, there was little hope of soon seeing
fulfilled ; for, owing to the state of the Elbe,
our Hamburg Shippers seldom sail in winter ;
and, in this case, no vessel was to be expected
till the beginning of the present month. A
second letter, enclosing the Certificate I had
requested from you, found me, some ten days
ago, in the country : and last week, after my
return hither, the so long wished-for Box did
at length actually arrive, with all its contents
in perfect entireness and safety. It is now my
duty and privilege to acknowledge so many
favours, yet with regret that I have done and
can do so little to deserve them. Our best
thanks are heartily yours : and with this may
all be understood that could not in many words
be expressed ; for feelings of such a sort are at
no time capable of being rightly translated into
speech. To give glad hours to those that love
us, though " over the sea " must be truest happi-
ness ; and here surely it is yours.

To Sir Walter Scott, who is at present in
London, I have already written ; announcing so

1828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 83

delightful a message ; and even transcribing for
him what you say of his Life of Napoleon ; a
friendly criticism which, from such a quarter,
must gratify him highly, contrasted as it is with
the frequent censure he has had to suffer on
this head, both from foreign and domestic
readers. Already we have even a second Life
of Napoleon? also by a man of talent, where an
altogether opposite spirit prevails ; and which,
if I may judge from appearances, must have
been considerably applauded. Ere long, I
expect to see Sir Walter, and present him your
Medals in person. I know not whether you are
aware that he too is a reader of German, nay,
that at the entrance of his literary life, he trans-
lated your Gotz von Berlichingen, to which
circumstance many of his critics attribute no
small influence on his subsequent poetical pro-
cedure. The other four Medals I shall also
endeavour, not rashly but worthily, to dispose
of. One, I already think of bestowing on Mr.
Lockhart, Sir Walter Scott's son-in-law, whose
love of German literature, and debts to you in

1 Hazlitt's Life of Napoleon. 4 vols., London, 1827.

84 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

particular, he has omitted no opportunity of
acknowledging.

And here I must not forbear to mention
that Mr. Lockhart certainly did not write
that Essay on the " State of German Litera-
ture" in the Edinburgh Review ; as indeed he
has never written aught in that Journal, and
could not well write aught, being Editor of the
Quarterly Reviezu, a work directly opposed to
it, and Organ of the Tory party, as that other
is of the Whig or Liberal. If you have not
already forgotten our dim notions on the." State
of German Literature," it must gratify me much
to say that they are in this instance due to
myself. The Editor of the Edinburgh Review?
who himself wrote the critique on Wilhelm
Meister, and many years ago admitted a worth-
less enough Paper on your Dichtung tind
Wahrheity is thought hereby to have virtually
recanted his confession of faith with regard to
German Literature ; and great is the amaze-
ment and even consternation of many an "old
Stager" over most of whom this man has long

1 Jeffrey.

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 85

reigned with a soft, yet almost despotic sway.
Let it not surprise you if I give one of your
medals even to him ; for he also is a " well-
wisher," as one good man must always be to
another, however distance and want of right
knowledge may, for a time, have warped his
perceptions, and caused him to assume a cold
or even unfriendly aspect.

On the whole, our study and love of German
Literature seem to be rapidly progressive :
in my time, that is, within the last six years, I
should almost say that the readers of your
language have increased tenfold ; and with the
readers the admirers ; for with all minds of any
endowment, these two titles, in the present
state of matters, are synonymous. In proof of
this, moreover, we can now refer not to one,
but to two Foreign Journals, published in
London, and eagerly, if not always wisely,
looking towards Germany : the Foreign
Quarterly Review, and the Foreign Review,
with the last of which I, too, have formed
some connection. No. I. contained a sketch
of your unhappy Zacharias Werner from my

86 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

hand ; and here since I began writing has No.
II. arrived, with a long paper in it, from the
same unworthy quarter, on the Interlude Helena,
with the promise of a still longer one, by the
next opportunity, on your Works and character
in general ! Nor am I without hope that these
criticisms, set forth with the best light and con-
victions I had, may meet with a certain toler-
ance from you. It is not altogether, yet it is
in some degree, with mind as with matter in
this respect : where the humblest pool, so it be
but at rest within itself, may reflect faithfully
the image even of the sun. For the rest, there
must be more Mencechmi among us than was
supposed ; seeing no one of those three Papers,
mentioned in your letter, was by me, and no
two of them by the same person. That Article
on Hoffmann was written by Sir Walter Scott,
the two others by young men of this City, one of
them Editor of the Work j1 the other (Schulze's
critic), a translator of Wallenstein, and my ac-
quaintance.2 A worthless bookseller -dispute,

1 Mr. William Fraser, Editor of the Foreign Review.
2 Mr. George Moir ; see infra, p. 1 o 1 , n.

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 87

now terminated, gave rise to this division into
two Reviews, which therefore to a certain ex-
tent, at least in the eyes of their publishers,
appear as rivals ; though among the Editors
and writers there seems to be no quarrel ; and
our English readers, deriving only benefit from
this competition, view it with indifference or
even satisfaction.

But I must not neglect to speak of Mr. Des
Voeux's " Translation " of your Tasso,1 concern-
ing which you honour me by asking my
opinion. Sorry am I to be forced unequivo-
cally to call it trivial, nay altogether unworthy.
No English reader can here obtain any image
of that beautiful Drama, or, at best, such an
image as the rugged, bald and meagre school
versions of Homer, may give him of the
Iliad.

More than once I had to turn to the original

1 " Torquato Tasso, from the German of Goethe : with other
German Poetry translated by Charles Des Voeux, Esq.," dedi-
cated to Goethe (1 vol., Longman and Co., 1827). A second
edition, revised and corrected, according to Des Voeux's wish,
by Ottilie, appeared at Weimar in 1833. He died before the
printing of this Weimar edition was completed.

88 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

even for the meaning ; nay, in some instances
the Author himself seems not to have known
it ; for, ich soil (p. 69) is rendered by / zvill,
thus expressing a purpose instead of an obliga-
tion ; and (p. 78) erreicht is mistaken for
darreicht and translated, not attains but pre-
sents; to say nothing oiwacker, everywhere trans-
lated by valiant, which means only kilhn ; and
klug by shrewd (properly : scharf, scharfsinnig) ;
Faun (p. 60) by fawn (Rehkalb, probably a
misprint), and (p. yj) meine Hand ! Schlag ein !
by my hand to shake, literally and properly :
hier ist 7neine Hand — zu schiitteln ! 1 nstead of
general observations I once thought of drawing
your attention to some single passage ; for ex-
ample, to Antonio's truly graceful character of
Ariosto, in Act I., to show in detail how the
fine spirit has evaporated in the transfusion, and
nothing remains to us but such a caput mortuum
as " source of love or child of glory," " talent's
power," " spirit forms and yet in person;"
and worst of all " in juggle formed by sportive
Cupid," which indeed is a ne plus ultra both in
sense and expression. But I have already

1828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 89

occupied you too long with such a matter, con-
cerning which nothing but your request could
have authorised me to say one word. In short,
this translation is like our common translations
from the German works ; which no reader of that
language ever willingly looks into ; passable, or
at least only mildly condemnable, when they deal
with Kotzebues and Hoffmanns ; but alto-
gether sacrilegious when they fix on Faust s
and Tassos.

The Kunst unci Alterthumy already known
to me in part, I purpose to read and study from
beginning to end : much surely there will be,
profitable to myself ; and perhaps, as you anti-
cipate, through me " to my nation." Neither
shall I ever cease to value this your Testimonial,
which I keep as a prouder document than any
patent from the Heralds' College. On some
future occasion it may avail me ; though for the
present it was too late, and yet indeed early
enough, because not even this, or any other
earthly proof of mere merit, could have made it
terminate differently.

But enough for once ! I shall again and still

90 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

again hope to hear from so honoured a Friend ;
being now and ever most heartily and grate-
fully yours,

T. Carlyle.

P.S. — A Captain Skinner called here lately
with your card, and delighted us by singing
Kennst du das Land in a style which might
almost have done honour to the Meister's Artist
on the Lago Maggiore. My wife often plays it for
me on the Pianoforte. No. II. of the Foreign
Review, which arrived here to-day, will reach
you in Weimar, as I hope, in a few days after
this letter. Your next letter will find me, if
directed thus : Thomas Carlyle, Esq., of Craig-
enputtock, Dumfries, Scotland ; for after Whit-
suntide1 (the 26th of May) we go to reside
permanently on that little property of ours,
among the Mountains, seventy miles to the
South of Edinburgh. The 74th Regiment
is not here at present : yet Mr. Wolley may
be found, if in it, elsewhere, and is already
written to.

1 In Scotland, not a church festival but a term-day.

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 91

XIII. — Mrs. Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
10th June 1828.

Respected Sir — The Bearer of this is Mr.
May, a Merchant of Glasgow, and my esteemed
acquaintance ; who, in passing through Weimar,
wishes, as he says himself, to see with his own
eyes " the first man of the age." I embrace the
opportunity of sending you by him, in my own
and my Husband's name, the continued assur-
ance of our affection and grateful regard ; and
am ever, with the truest sentiments, your

Scholar and Admirer, T wt r

' Jane W. Carlyle.

XIV. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[iSthJune 1828.]

Ihr gehaltreicher Brief vom 18 April ist
zur rechten Zeit bey mir angekommen und hat
mich im Drange gar mannigfaltiger Umstande
getroffen. Ich erhole mich gegenwartig einiger-
massen um die dritte Lieferung meiner Werke
anzuktindigen, der ich wie der vorigen eine

92 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

gute Aufnahme hoffen darf. Das Neue, bisher
noch nicht gedruckte, sey Ihnen besonders
empfohlen.

Herr Skinner ist wieder bey uns und
berichtet viel Gutes und Freundliches von
Ihnen und Ihren Zustanden ; freylich miissen
wir Sie nun, an einem andern Orte, so lange
in unbestimmteren Lokalitaten denken, bis ein
reisender Freund uns wieder durch genauere
Schilderung naher bringt.

Vier Hefte Ihrer zwey Zeitschriften die sich
mit fremdem Interesse beschaftigen liegen vor
mir, und ich muss wiederholen, dass vielleicht
noch nie der Fall eintrat, dass eine Nation um
die andere sich so genau umgethan, dass eine
Nation an der Andern [so] viel Theil genommen,
als jetzt die Schottische an der Deutschen.
Eine so genaue als liebevolle Aufmerksamkeit
setzt sich durchaus fort und fort, ja ich darf
sagen, dass ich gewisse Eigenheiten, voriiber-
gegangenen bedeutenden Menschen abgewon-
nen sehe, in dem Grade um mir gewisser-
massen Angst zu machen, solche Personlich-
keiten, die mir im Leben gar manchen Verdruss

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 93

gebracht, mochten wieder auferstehen und ihr
leidiges Spiel von vorne beginnen. Der-
gleichen war der unselige Werner, dessen
frazzenhaftes Betragen, bey einem entschie-
denen Talente mir viel Noth gemacht, indessen
ich ihn aufs treuste und freundlichste zu fordern
suchte. Ich musste Ihren Aufsatz zuerst
weglegen, bis in der Folge die Bewunderung
Ihrer Einsicht in dieses seltsame Individuum
den Widerwillen besiegte den ich gegen die
Erinnerung selbst empfand.

Desto erfreulicher war mir Ihre Behandlung
der Helena. Sie haben auch hier sich nach
eigner schoner Weise benommen und da zu
gleicher Zeit aus Paris und Moskau liber dieses
so lang gehegte und gepflegte Werk mir zwey
Aufsatze zukamen, so sprach ich mich dariiber
lakonisch folgendergestalt aus : Der Schotte
sucht das Werk zu durchdringen, der Fran-
zose es zu verstehen, und der Russe sich es
anzueignen. Unverabredet haben also diese
drey die sammtlichen Kategorien der Theil-
nahme an einem asthetischen Werke darge-
stellt ; wobey sich versteht dass diese drey

94 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

Arten nicht entschieden getrennt seyn konnen,
sondern immer eine jede die andern zu ihren
Zwecken zu Hiilfe rufen wird. Da ich mich
aber in solche Betrachtungen nicht einlassen
darf, obgleich bey solchem Zusammenstellen gar
manches Erfreuliche und Nlitzliche zu sagen
ware, so habe ich einen jungen Freund ersucht
sich daruber auszusprechen mit Rticksicht auf
die unter uns geflihrten Gesprache.

Es ist Dr. Eckermann, der sich bey uns
auf halt und den ich als Hausgenossen anzu-
sehen habe. Er macht die hier studirenden
jungen Englander mit der deutschen Literatur
auf eine sehr einsichtige Weise bekannt und
ich muss wlinschen, dass er auch mit Ihnen in
ein Verhaltniss trete. Er ist von meinen
Gesinnungen, von meiner Denkweise, voll-
kommen unterrichtet, redigirt und ordnet die
kleineren Aufsatze wie sie in meinen Werken
abgedruckt werden sollen und mochte wohl,
wenn diese noch weitaussichtige Arbeit zu
vollenden mir nicht erlaubt seyn sollte, alsdann
kraftig eintreten, weil er von meinen Inten-
tionen durchaus unterrichtet ist.

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 95

Die Uebersetzung des Wallensteins 1 hat auf
mich einen ganz eignen Eindruck gemacht, da
ich die ganze Zeit als Schiller daran arbeitete,
ihm nicht von der Seite kam, zuletzt, mit dem
Stlick vollig bekannt, solches vereint mit ihm
auf das Theater brachte, alien Proben bey-
wohnte und dadurch mehr Quaal und Pein
erlebte als billig, die nachfolgenden Vorstel-
lungen nicht versaumen durfte um die schwie-
rige Darstellung immer hoher zu steigern ; so
lasst sichs denken, dass dieses herrliche Stlick
mir zuletzt trivial, ja widerlich werden musste ;
auch nab' ich es in zwanzig Jahren nicht gesehen
und nicht gelesen. Nun aber da ich es uner-
wartet in Shakspear's Sprache wieder gewahr
werde, so tritt es auf einmal wie ein frischge-
firnisstes Bild in alien seinen Theilen wieder
vor mich, und ich ergotze mich daran wie vor
Alters und noch dazu auf eine ganz eigene
Weise. Sagen Sie das dem Uebersetzer
griissend, nicht weniger auch, dass die Vorrede,
die eben auch in dem reintheilnehmenden
Sinn geschrieben ist, mir wohlgethan habe,

1 See infra, p. 101, n.

96 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

nennen Sie mir ihn auch, damit aus dem Chor
der Philo-Germanen er als eine einzelne Person
hervortrete.

Hier aber tritt eine neue, vielleicht kaum
empfundene, vielleicht nie ausgesprochene
Bemerkung hervor : dass der Uebersetzer
nicht nur fur seine Nation allein arbeitet,
sondern auch fur die aus deren Sprache er
das Werk herubergenommen. Denn der Fall
kommt ofter vor als man denkt, dass eine
Nation Saft und Kraft aus einem Werke
aussaugt und in ihr eigenes inneres Leben
dergestalt aufnimmt, dass sie daran keine
weitere Freude haben, sich daraus keine
Nahrung weiter zueignen kann. Vorzuglich
begegnet dies den Deutschen, die gar zu
schnell alles was ihnen geboten wird, verarbeiten
und, indem sie es durch mancherley Wieder-
holungen umgestalten, es gewissermassen ver-
nichten. Deshalb denn sehr heilsam ist, wenn
ihnen das Eigne durch eine wohlgerathene
Uebersetzung spaterhin wieder als frisch belebt
erscheint.

Beyliegenden Brief erhalte von dem guten

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 97

Eckermann, mit welchem ich Sie, wie schon
gesagt, in Verbindung wiinsche. Er wird jede
Anfrage die Sie an ihn ergehen lassen gern
beantworten und kann Sie mit dem neusten
unserer Literatur, in sofern es Ihnen niitzt und
frommt, nach Verlangen bekannt machen.

Treu theilnehmend,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, den 15 Juni 1828.

Leider uberrascht uns beym Schluss dieses
Schreibens die traurige Nachricht vom Ableben
unsres vortrefflichen Ftirsten des Grossherzogs
von Sachsen -Weimar-Eisenach welcher am
14. Juni auf einer Rtickreise von Berlin nahe
bey Torgau das Zeitliche verliess. Ich eile
Gegenwartiges abzusenden. Mit den Blichern
kommt noch manches zu Bemerkende.

Mit den schonsten Grlissen von mir und

Ottilien an ihre liebe Gattin, mit dem Wunsche

zu horen, dass Sie in Ihrer neuen Wohnung

glticklich eingerichtet seyen, fernere Mitthei-

lung mir vorbehaltend,

[Goethe.]

H

98 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

[Translation.]

Your richly filled letter of the 1 8th of April
reached me in due time, and found me in the
midst of many pressing affairs. I am now to
some extent resting in order to announce the
third Section of my Works, which I venture to
hope will be no less welcome to you than the
preceding. Let me specially commend to you
the new, hitherto unprinted matter.

Mr. Skinner is again with us, and gives us
good and pleasant news of you and of your
surroundings. To be sure, we must now think
of you in another scene, in localities which must
be more dim to us, till some friendly traveller
brings us nearer to one another again by a
more minute description.

Four numbers of your two Journals, which
are devoted to foreign interests, are lying be-
fore me, and I must repeat that never b.efore
perhaps did one nation take such pains to under-
stand another, and show so much sympathy with
another, as Scotland now does in respect to

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 99

Germany. Careful study, no less exact than
kindly, continues to be manifested everywhere ;
and indeed I may say that I see certain charac-
teristics of men whose significance belongs to
the past, portrayed with such distinctness as
almost to alarm me lest the very persons them-
selves, who in their lifetime occasioned me
much annoyance, should come to life again, and
begin anew their sorry sport. For instance,
the unlucky Werner, whose absurd conduct,
combined with decided talent, gave me great
trouble, whilst I was endeavouring to help
him in a truly friendly spirit. I had at first to
put aside your essay about him, till afterwards
my admiration of your insight into his strange
character overcame the repugnance I felt at
being reminded of him.

All the more pleasing to me was your treat-
ment of Helena. Here, too, you have quitted
yourself in your own beautiful way, and since
I received at the same time from Paris and
Moscow two reviews of this long-fostered and
cherished work, I expressed myself laconically
in regard to them, as follows : The Scot seeks

ioo GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

to penetrate the work, the Frenchman to under-
stand it, and the Russian to appropriate it.
These three have thus, without preconcerted
intention, represented all the categories of in-
terest that may be taken in a work of art. Of
course I do not mean that these three kinds can
be entirely separated, for each must always call
in the aid of the others. However, not per-
mitting myself to enter into considerations of
this sort, though as to such comparisons, many
a pleasant and profitable thing might be said,
I have asked a young friend to write to you on
the subject, bearing in mind the conversations
which he and I have had regarding it.

This is Dr. Eckermann, who is living near
us, and whom I have come to regard as one of
the family. In a very intelligent way he makes
young Englishmen, studying here, acquainted
with German literature, and I cannot but wish
that he may enter into relations with you also.
He is thoroughly acquainted with my senti-
ments and ways of thinking, edits and arranges
my smaller Pieces as they are being printed in
my Works, and may indeed, if it should not be

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 101

permitted me to finish this far-reaching task,
step in effectively, he being completely informed
as to my intentions.

The translation of Wallenstein1 has made
a quite peculiar impression upon me. During
all the time that Schiller was at work upon it
I never left his side, until at length, being
perfectly familiar with the play, I together
with him put it upon the stage, attended all
rehearsals, and in doing so endured more
vexation and chagrin than was reasonable, and
then had to be present at the successive per-
formances, in order to bring the difficult repre-
sentation nearer and nearer to perfection. Thus
it is easy to conceive that this masterly work
could not but at length become to me trivial,
nay, repulsive. And so I have not seen or read
it for twenty years. But now that it unex-
pectedly comes before me again, in Shakes-
peare's tongue, it reappears to me all at once,

1 The translation of Wallenstein (Edinburgh, 1827), see
infra, p. 122, was by George Moir, afterwards Professor of
Rhetoric in Edinburgh University (died 1870). — Compare
with this Letter, Article Wallenstein, Nachgelassene Werke,
vi. 265.

102 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

in all its parts, like a freshly varnished picture,
and I delight in it not only as of old, but also
in a way quite peculiar. Say this, with my
compliments, to the translator, also that the
preface, which was written with the same com-
pletely sympathetic feeling, has given me much
pleasure. And pray tell me his name, in order
that he may stand out, from among the chorus
of Philo-Germans, as a distinct individual.

And here occurs to me a new observation, per-
haps scarcely thought of, perhaps never before
expressed, that the translator works not alone
for his own nation, but likewise for the one from
whose language he has taken the work. For it
happens oftener than one is apt to suppose, that
a nation sucks out the sap and strength of a
work, and absorbs it into its own inner life, so as
to have no further pleasure in it, and to draw no
more nourishment from it. This is especially
the case with the German people, who consume
far too quickly whatever is offered them, and
while transforming it by various reworkings,
they in a sense annihilate it. Therefore it is
very salutary if what was their own, should, after

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 103

a time, by means of a successful translation, re-
appear to them, endowed with fresh life.

The enclosed letter comes from the good
Eckermann, with whom, as I have already said,
I would have you in communication. He will
gladly answer any inquiry you may address to
him, and can, so far as it may be of use or
benefit to you, keep you informed, whenever
you desire it, as to our most recent literature.
With faithful sympathy,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, \yhjune 1828.

Alas ! as I close this letter, there comes
upon us the sad news of the decease of our
excellent Prince, the Grand Duke of Sachs-
Weimar-Eisenach, who left this world of Time
on the 14th of June, near Torgau, as he was
returning from Berlin.1 I hasten to despatch
this. With the books will come various things
I had to say further.

With kindest regards from me and Ottilie

1 Eckermann, under date 15th June 1828, gives an account
of Goethe's emotion when he heard of the death of this much-
loved friend.

104 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1828

to your dear wife, and with the wish to hear

that you are happily settled in your new home,

reserving further intelligence, rr+ -.

& & [Goethe.]

XV. ECKERMANN to CARLYLE.

Weimar, d. \^n. Juni 1828.

Ihre fortgesetzten Bestrebungen und Ver-
dienste um die deutsche Literatur, mein theurer
und hochgeschatzter Herr Carlyle, haben schon
langst in mir den Wunsch entstehen lassen, eine
Gelegenheit zu finden meine Gesinnungen der
Zuneigung und Hochachtung gegen Sie auszu-
sprechen, und es macht mich besonders gltick-
lich, dass Se. Excellenz von Goethe mich jetzt
dazu auffordern.

Ganz frisch leben Sie in unserem Andenken
durch ihre Beurtheilung der Helena, wie uns
solche No. II. des Foreign Review uberbracht
hat ; und ich kann nicht umhin zu sagen, dass
ich nicht leicht tuber einen literarischen Gegen-
stand grossere Freude empfunden habe als
eben bey Lesung dieser Beurtheilung und der
besonders trefflichen Uebersetzung.

i828 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 105

Ein geistreicher Artikel im franzosischen
Globe war das Erste was von Bedeutung liber
die Helena erschien ; sodann folgte das Urtheil
eines jungen russischen Dichters zu Moskau,
welches man gleichfalls sehr zu schatzen hatte.
Sie Selbst nun gehen weiter, sowohl durch
hoheren Ernst als tiefere Grlindlichkeit, woraus
denn ein klares und weiteres Detail entstanden,
wahrend jene nur im Allgemeinen geblieben
sind.

Man konnte verlockt werden Ihrer Dar-
stellung im Einzelnen zu folgen und sich mit
Ihnen schrittweise darliber zu besprechen,
wenn dieses nicht liber die Granzen eines
Briefes hinausginge. Ich behalte mir daher
vor meine Ansichten liber die Helena und
ihre Franzosischen, Russischen und Englischen
Beurtheiler, mit Einflechtung dessen was liber
diesen wichtigen Gegenstand in Gesprachen
mit Goethe vorgekommen, in einer besonderen
Schrift niederzulegen und Ihnen zukommen zu
lassen, wahrend ich jetzt nur fllichtig sage was
mir zunachst am Herzen liegt.

Ihre Uebersetzung, die mit dem Original in

io6 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1828

Rhythmus und Treue des Ausdruckes vollig
gleichen Schritt geht, hat mir zuerst die Ueber-
zeugung gegeben, dass es moglich sey den
Faust in einer fremden Sprache vollkommen
wiederzugeben. Es erfordert dieses freylich das
tiefste Verstandniss des Originals, verbunden
mit nicht geringen eigenen poetischen Kraften
und technischen Gewandheiten ; aber Ihre
mitgetheilten Proben der Helena beweisen,
dass Sie alle diese Erfordernisse in hohem
Grade besitzen, indem Sie sowohl in der alt-
griechischen wie in der romantischen Gesin-
nungs- und verschiedenen poetischen Form-
Weise, sich gleich bewundernswtirdig zu finden
und zu schicken gewusst. Ich hoffe Sie haben
die Helena ganz ubersetzt, und werden auch so
mit der Fortsetzung des neuen Faust thun,
sowie auch der alte Theil, den Sie so gut
verstanden, sicher keinen besseren Uebersetzer
finden wird als eben Sie. Durch den Versuch
des Lord Leveson Gower hat England., von
dem gedachten deutschen Werk einen hochst
unvollkommenen Begriff und es ware zu
wunschen, dass diesem Mangel durch emegute

1828 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 107

Uebersetzung, wie sie von Ihnen zu erwarten
ware, abgeholfen wlirde.

V teles, was ich Ihnen noch in Bezug auf
Goethe zu sagen hatte, unterdrlicke ich fur
heute. Sie werden in Ihren Studien fortgehen
und England wird es Ihnen zu danken haben.
Wer einmal von Seinem Geiste ergriffen worden,
kommt nicht wieder los und so brauche ich
Ihnen nichts weiter zu sagen.

Herr Fraser in London, der die Gute gehabt
mir das Foreign Review und allerliebste Bijou
durch Hrn. Black zu libersenden, schreibt mir
von einer kleinen Reise die er zu Ihnen zu
machen im Begriff sey. Ich bitte um einen
Gruss wenn Sie ihn sehen oder ihm schreiben
sollten.

Ich hoffe bald von Ihnen direct zu horen wie
Sie Sich auf Ihrem neuen Landsitz eingerichtet
haben. Ihrer liebenswiirdigen Gemalin, von
der ich oft gehort, sende ich meine besten
Grlisse und Wunsche.

Ganz der Ihrige,

ECKERMANN.

:o8 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1828

[Translation.]

Weimar, i$thjune 1828.

Your continued efforts and services in behalf
of German Literature, my dear and much hon-
oured Mr. Carlyle, led me long since to desire
an opportunity of expressing to you my feelings
of goodwill and respect, and it gives me special
pleasure that his Excellency von Goethe now
calls on me to do so.

You live much in our thoughts at this
moment, through your criticism of Helena,
which the second number of the Foreign Re-
view has brought to us, and I cannot refrain
from saying, that I have seldom experienced
greater pleasure in any literary matter than in
reading this critique and your singularly excel-
lent translations.

A clever article in the French Globe was
the first one of importance that appeared -con-
cerning Helena. Then followed the judgment
of a young Russian poet at Moscow, in which
also there was much of value. But you go

i828 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE w9

further, with deeper earnestness, as well as
greater thoroughness of treatment, which re-
sults in clear and ample detail, while the others
have dealt only in generalities. One might
be tempted to follow your exposition in its
particulars, and to discuss them with you step
by step, would not this far exceed the limits
of a letter. I intend therefore to write out
in a special essay my opinions in regard to
Helena and its French, Russian, and English
critics, interweaving with them what has passed
on this important subject in my conversations
with Goethe, and to send it to you, meanwhile
only saying hastily what I have most at heart.

Your translation, which keeps perfect step
with the original in rhythm and fidelity of
expression, has for the first time convinced me
that it may be possible to render Faust per-
fectly in a foreign language. This certainly
demands the deepest understanding of the
original, with no small poetic power, and
technical dexterity of one's own, but the por-
tions of Helena which you give prove that you
possess all these requisites in a high degree, for

no ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1828

you have succeeded marvellously in accommo-
dating and adapting yourself alike to the ancient
Greek and to the Romantic model of thought,
and to their characteristic poetic forms. I
hope you have translated the whole of Helena
and will proceed to do the like with the re-
mainder of the new Faust ; the old part, too,
which you so well understand, can, I am sure,
find no better translator than yourself. Lord
Leveson-Gower's attempt has given England
a most imperfect conception of the German
work, and it is greatly to be desired that this
want should be supplied by a good translation,
such as might be expected from you.

Much that I had to say to you in respect to
Goethe, I suppress for to-day. You will go on
prospering in your studies, and England will
owe you gratitude for them. Whoever is once
taken possession of by Ms spirit, never escapes
from it, and therefore I need here say nothing
further.

Mr. Fraser, of London, who had the good-
ness to send me, by Mr. Black, the Foreign
Review and the charming Bijou, writes me of a

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE in

little journey he is intending to make to you.
Please give him my compliments when you see
or write to him.

I hope soon to hear direct from you how
you have settled yourself in your new home
in the country. To your amiable lady, of
whom I have often heard, I send my best
regards and wishes.

Truly yours,

ECKERMANN.

XVI. — Goethe to Carlyle.

(Fortsetzung des vorigen Briefs.)

Ottilie griisst Madame Carlyle zum aller-
schonsten ; sie und ihre Schwester haben eine
Stickerey angefangen, welche mitdiesem Trans-
port fortgehen sollte. Diese freundliche Arbeit
durch nothwendige Badereisen und nun durch
das traurigste Ereigniss unterbrochen, soil, hofP
ich, obgleich spater, in anmuthiger Vollendung
dort eintreffen.

Der dritten Lieferung meiner Werke lege
auch das neuste Stuck von Kunst und Alter-

ii2 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

thum bey ; Sie werden daraus ersehen, dass
wir Deutsche gleichfalls im Fall sind uns mit
fremden Literaturen zu beschaftigen. Wie
durch Schnellposten und Dampfschiffe rticken
auch durch Tages, Wochen und Monats-Schrif-
ten die Nationen mehr an einander und ich
werde, so lang es mir vergonnt ist, meine
Aufmerksamkeit besonders auch auf diesen
wechselseitigen Austausch zu wenden haben.
Doch hieruber mochte in der Folge noch
manches zu besprechen seyn ; Ihre Bemii-
hungen kommen zeitig genug zu uns, den
unsrigen sind auch schnellere Wege gebahnt ;
lassen Sie uns der eroffneten Communikation
immer freyer gebrauchen, besonders geben Sie
mir zunachst einen hinlanglichen Begriff von
Ihrem gegenwartigen Aufenthalt, ich finde
Dumfries ein wenig liber den 55n. Grad
am Fluss Nith unfern dessen Ausmiindung in
das Meer ; wohnen Sie in dieser Stadt oder in
der Nahe? und auf welchem Wege erhalten
Sie meine Pakete da Sie am westlichen Meere
gelegen sind, wahrscheinlich noch tiber Leith
und dann zu Lande ? Doch wie es auch sey,

i828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 113

lassen Sie bald von Sich horen in Erwiede-
rung des Gegenwartigen. Grlissen Sie Ihre
liebe Frau. Ich lege diesmal wenigstens einige
Noten fur sie bey.

Gleichzeitig mit dem, den 18 Juni von
hier mit der Post abgegangenen Schreiben.
Abgesendet von Schloss Dornburg an der
Saale ; mit Bitte alles an mich abgehende nach
Weimar zu addressiren.

G.

[Translation.]
(Continuation of the preceding letter.)

Ottilie sends most cordial greetings to Mrs.
Carlyle ; she and her sister have begun a
piece of embroidery which should have gone
with this despatch. This friendly work, in-
terrupted by necessary journeys to some Baths,
and now by the saddest event, will I hope come
to her, though later, in graceful completeness.

I add to the third Section of my Works the
last number of Kunstund Alterthwn. You will
see from it that we Germans are likewise occupy-

1

U4 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

ing ourselves with foreign Literature. By mail-
coaches and steam-packets, as well as by daily,
weekly -and monthly periodicals, the nations
are drawing nearer to one another, and I shall,
so long as it is permitted me, have to turn my
attention to this mutual exchange also. On this
point, however, we may yet have many things
to say. Your labours come in good time to
us ; for ours, too, quicker means of conveyance
are prepared. Let us make use of this open
intercourse more and more freely ; especially do
you soon give me a clear idea of your present
abode. I find Dumfries a little above the 55th
degree of latitude, on the river Nith, near its
mouth. Do you live in this town or in its
neighbourhood ; and how do you get my
packages ? Since you are situated near the
western coast, probably still through Leith,
and then by land? But however it may be,
let me soon hear from you in reply to this
letter. Greet your dear wife from me. This
time I am at least sending some pieces of
Music for her.

This, of the same date as the letter posted

1828 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 115

on the 1 8th of June, is despatched from Castle

Dornburg on the Saale ; but please address

everything for me to Weimar.

G.

XVII. — Goethe to Carlyle.

\%th August 1828.]

Den traurigsten Fall der uns betraf, dass
wir unsern unschatzbaren Fiirsten verloren,
habe schon friiher gemeldet und ist Ihnen auf
jeden Fall durch die Zeitungen bekannt gewor-
den. Ich lege eine kurze wohlgerathene
Schrift zu seinem Gedachtniss bey, woraus Sie
den allgemeinen Verlust beurtheilen, zugleich
aber auch naher an meinem Zustande Theil
nehmen werden, wie ich mich, nach einem mehr
als funfzigjahrigen Zusammenleben, bey einer
solchen Entbehrung finden muss. Manches
was ich hinzufligen wollte unterbleibt fur dies-
mal ; indessen ist es Bediirfniss alle meine
librigen Lebens-Verhaltnisse emsig fortzuset-
zen, weil ich nur darin eine Existenz finden
kann wenn ich, in Betrachtung dessen was er
gethan und geleistet, auf dem Wege fortgehe

n6 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1828

den er eingeleitet und angedeutet hat. Leben
Sie recht wohl und lassen bald von sich horen.

And so for ever

Goethe.

Schloss Dornburg, den 8n. August 1828.

[Translation.]

The most sad calamity that has befallen us,
the loss of our inestimable Prince, I have
already announced, and, in any case, it has
become known to you through the newspapers.
I enclose a short well-written Piece in memory
of him, which will enable you to judge of the
general loss, and at the same time to sym-
pathise more deeply with me, in the condition
in which, after more than fifty years of life
together, I am left by the loss. Much that I
wished to add must be left unsaid for this time.
Meanwhile it is a necessity diligently to main-
tain all my remaining connections with life, for
I can find an existence only in contemplating
what he did and brought about, and in going
forward on the path which he has opened up
and indicated.

1828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 117

Fare you well, and let me hear from you

soon.

" And so for ever,"

Goethe.

Castle Dornburg, Stk August 1828.

XVIII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
2$tk September 1828.

Dear and honoured Sir — A pleasing duty,
which has long lain before me, need not now be
put off any longer. Both your Packets are at
length in my hands ; the Post-letter, enclosing
Dr. Eckermann's, has been here since the end
of June ; the Book-Parcel, by way of Hamburg
and Leith, since last night ; when our servant,
due notice from Messrs. Parish's Agent being
given, brought it up with him from Dumfries.
All was in perfect safety, Books, Music, Manu-
script ; and certainly a singular and most
welcome appearance in this our remote home,
where, it would still seem, we are not toto divisi
orbe, but in kind relation with what we reckon
highest and best there. HerrZelter's melodies

n8 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

are to be proved to-night on the Pianoforte ;
and The Poet, as Vogel has drawn him, will
look down on us, while we listen, with a friendly
monition that if Yesterday and To-day have been
spent in wise activity, we "may also hope for a
Morrow which shall not be less happy." l In a
few hours, too, I purpose to enjoy this Second
Part of Faust ; and explore what further novelty
these estimable volumes contain.

One dainty little article I already notice in
the Kunst unci A Iter t hum : your translation of
our ancient Scottish " Schwank " as Hans
Sachs would call it, Get up and bar the door !

1 The engraving after Vogel, which was sent to Carlyle by
his brother John from Munich, has beneath it this Verse in
lithographed facsimile of Goethe's handwriting (see Zahme
Xenien, Werke, iv. 337):

Liegt dir Gestern klar und offen,
Wiriest du Heute kraftig frey ;
Kannst auch auf ein Morgen hoffen
Das nicht minder glucklich sey.

Goethe.

Weimar, 7 November 1825.

Carlyle translates it thus (see Miscellanies, ii. p. 313):

Know'st thou Yesterday, its aim and reason ;
Work'st thou well To-day, for worthy things ?
Calmly wait the Morrow's hidden season,
Need'st not fear what hap soe'er it brings.

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 119

The manuscript version I have often read j1 and
not without a smile that I should hear, in a
strange tongue, the old rough rhymes of my
childhood so faithfully rendered back by the
Author of Mignon and Iphigenie. As you are
curious in Popular Poetry, I might mention
that Scotland is very rich in such things ; old,
quaint, rugged songs and verses written with a
sly humour, a sly meaning, which still, as we
think, characterises the national mind. Some
of these pieces have even Royal Authors : there
is The Wife of Auchtermuchty, a far homelier
piece than yours, and of a similar character,
which one of our Jameses is said to have written ;
as another of them did undoubtedly compose
our Christ's Kirk on the Green, a fragment full
of a still more genial humour. But of all this
at some other time.

For the present, I should thank you again,
had I words, for this new testimony of your
friendliness. Doubtless it does seem wonder-
ful to us that you and yours, occupied with so
many great concerns in which the whole world

1 Sent by Goethe in a previous letter. See supra, p. 20.

120 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

is interested, should find any time to take
thought of us who live so far out of your
sphere and can have so little influence, recipro-
cally, on aught that pertains to you. But such
is the nature of this strangely complected
universe, that all men are linked together, and
the greatest will come into connection with the
least. Neither, though it is a fine tie, do I
reckon it a weak one, that unites me to you.
When I look back on my past life, it seems as
if you, a man of foreign speech, whom I have
never seen, and, alas, shall perhaps never see,
had been my chief Benefactor ; nay, I may
say the only real Benefactor I ever met with ;
inasmuch as wisdom is the only real good,
the only blessing which cannot be perverted,
which blesses both him that gives and him
that takes. In trying bereavements, when old
friends are snatched away from you, it must
be a consolation to think that neither in this
age, nor in any other can you ever be left 'alone ;
but that wherever men seek Truth, spiritual
Clearness and Beauty, there you have brothers
and children. I pray Heaven that you may

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 121

long, long be spared to see good and do good
in this world : without you, existing Literature,
even that of Germany, so far as I can discern
it, were but a poor matter ; and without one
man, whom other men might judge clearly and
yet view with any true reverence. Never-
theless the good seed that is sown cannot be
trodden down, or altogether choked with tares ;
and surely it is the highest of all privileges to
sow this seed, to have sown it : nay, it is
privilege enough if we have hands to reap it,
and eyes to see it growing !

But I must refrain myself here ; one small
sheet will not hold everything ; and I have
business matters to speak of. Sir Walter Scott
has received your Medals several months ago,
not through me directly, for he had not returned
to Edinburgh when I left it ; but through Mr.
Jeffrey, our grand " British Critic," to whom,
as I learn, Sir Walter expressed himself
properly sensible of such an honour "from
one of his Masters in Art." The other medals
have all been distributed, except one, which
I still hesitate whether to send to Mr. Lockhart,

122 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

or to Mr. Taylor of Norwich, who is at present
publishing Specimens of German Poetry, is a
man of learning, and long ago gave a version
of your Iphigenie which, on report, I under-
stand to be of a superior sort. Further, at
your request, I must mention that the Trans-
lator of Wallenstein is George Moir, a young
Edinburgh advocate, who cultivates Literature
in conjunction with Jurisprudence, and promises
to do well in both, being a person of clear faculty,
and though young, without any marked defi-
ciency or redundancy either in talent or temper.
He is a man of very small bodily stature ; from
which cause, perhaps in part, I used to regard
him rather with a sort of fondness than of
pure equal friendship : he seemed to me a
little polished crystal, nearly colourless for the
present, but in which, at some hour, the Sun
might come to be refracted and reflected in
a fine play of tints. — As to the Foreign Review,
you may by this time have seen a long Paper
entitled, " Goethe," which appears in No. III.,
and for which I can only ask your pardon,
knowing too well that it is a poor enough

1828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 123

affair. A far poorer one on Heyne is to come
out shortly in No. IV., after which I know not
what, or whether anything from me, is to
follow ; though Jean Paul, Novalis, Tieck, nay,
Lessing and Klopstock are all still lying before
me. The only thing of any moment I have
written since I came hither is an Essay on
Burns, for the next number of the Edinburgh
Review, which, I suppose, will be published
in a few weeks. Perhaps you have never
heard of this Burns, and yet he was a man of
the most decisive genius ; but born in the rank
of a Peasant, and miserably wasted away by
the complexities of his strange situation ; so
that all he effected was comparatively a trifle,
and he died before middle age. We English,
especially we Scotch, love Burns more than
any other Poet we have had for centuries.
It has often struck me to remark that he was
born a few months only before Schiller, in the
year 1759 5 and that neither of these two men,
of whom I reckon Burns perhaps naturally even
the greater, ever heard the other's name ; but
that they shone as stars in opposite hemispheres,

124 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

the little Atmosphere of the Earth intercepting
their mutual light.

You inquire with such affection touching
our present abode and employments, that I
must say some words on that subject, while
I have still space. Dumfries is a pretty town,
of some 15,000 inhabitants; the Commercial
and Judicial Metropolis of a considerable
district on the Scottish border. Our dwelling-
place is not in it, but fifteen miles (two hours'
riding) to the north-west of it, among the
Granite Mountains and black moors which
stretch westward through Galloway almost to
the Irish Sea. This is, as it were, a green oasis
in that desert of heath and rock ; a piece of
ploughed and partially sheltered and orna-
mented ground, where corn ripens and trees
yield umbrage, though encircled on all hands
by moorfowl and only the hardiest breeds of
sheep. Here, by dint of great endeavour we
have pargetted and garnished for ourselves
a clean substantial dwelling ; and settled down
in defect of any Professional or other Official
appointment, to cultivate Literature, on our

i828 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 125

own resources, by way of occupation, and roses
and garden shrubs, and if possible health and
a peaceable temper of mind to forward it.
The roses are indeed still mostly to plant ; but
they already blossom in Hope ; and we have
two swift horses, which, with the mountain air,
are better than all physicians for sick nerves.
That exercise, which I am very fond of, is
almost my sole amusement ; for this is one of
the most solitary spots in Britain, being six
miles from any individual of the formally
visiting class. It might have suited Rousseau
almost as well as his Island of St. Pierre ;
indeed I find that most of my city friends
impute to me a motive similar to his in coming
hither, and predict no good from it. But I
came hither purely for this one reason : that
I might not have to write for bread, might
not be tempted to tell lies for money. This
space of Earth is our own, and we can live in
it and write and think as seems best to us,
though Zoilus himself should become king of
letters. And as to its solitude, a mail-coach
will any day transport us to Edinburgh, which

126 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1828

is our British Weimar. Nay, even at this
time, I have a whole horse-load of French,
German, American, English Reviews and
Journals, were they of any worth, encumbering
the tables of my little library. Moreover,
from any of our heights I can discern a Hill, a
day's journey to the eastward, where Agricola
with his Romans has left a camp ; at the foot
of which I was born, where my Father and
Mother are still living to love me.1 Time,
therefore, must be left to try : but if I sink into
folly, myself and not my situation will be to
blame. Nevertheless I have many doubts
about my future literary activity ; on all which,
how gladly would I take your counsel ! Surely,
you will write to me again, and ere long ; that
I may still feel myself united to you. Our
best prayers for all good to you and yours are
ever with you! Farewell! T. Carlyle.

Jane unites with me in affectionate respects
to your Ottilie, whom, in many a day-dream,
she and I still hope to see and know in her

1 Burnswark.

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 127

Father's circle. A Brother of mine will perhaps
see you in winter or spring on his way from
Mlinchen.1

Dr. Eckermann's friendly and very flattering
Letter deserved a speedier reply, and shall not
long want a reply, though now a late one. He
is known to me by his writings and by report,
as an able and amiable man ; for whose acquaint-
ance I should heartily thank you. Meanwhile
be pleased to assure him of my regard, and
purpose to express it directly. Many avoca-
tions must till now be my excuse. —

Leith is still a safe place of transit for
German Packages. We are but eighty miles
from it ; and the Messrs. Parish seem to be the
most courteous of Expeditors.

XIX. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[2$t/i June 1829.]

Kame so oft ein Anklang zu Ihnen hinuber
als wir an Sie denken und von Ihnen sprechen :
so wurden Sie gar oft einen freundlichen Besuch

1 Dr. Carlyle, to his regret, could not go to Weimar.

128 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

bey sich empfinden, dem Sie am traulichen Feuer
wohl gerne Gehor gaben, wenn Sie der Schnee
zwischen Felsen und Matten einklemmt. Auch
wir, obgleich zwischen kreuzenden Landstrassen
gelegen, haben uns diesen Winter durch tiefen
Schnee manchmal bedrangt gefunden.

Indem ich nun aber eine schriftliche Unter-
haltung von meiner Fireside zu der Ihrigen
wende, will ich damit anfangen dass ich der
lieben Dame Versicherung gebe : Ihr freund-
liches Schreiben sey uns, wie der Ueber-
bringer, sehr willkommen gewesen ; er ist, wie
er wohl schon gemeldet haben wird, freund-
lichst aufgenommen und alsobald in gute, sogar
landsmannische Gesellschaft eingefuhrt worden.
Uns war es dabey besonders ein angenehmes
Gefiihl, dass in der Folge jemand personlich
den weit entfernten Freunden zunachst von
unsern Zustanden unmittelbare Nachrichtgeben
wlirde. Desto schmerzlicher war uns das Ab-
leben des guten Skinner, welcher, nach seiner
Rtickkehr, uns von den Schottischen Freunden
angenehme Nachricht gegeben hatte, und bald
darauf hier sein Grab finden musste.

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 129

Von vielen und mannigfaltigen Obliegen-
heiten belastet, diktire Gegenwartiges an einem
stillen Abend, veranlasst durch die vierte Liefe-
rung meiner Werke, die ich, nach einiger Ueber-
legung, zurtickzuhalten und erst mit der folgen-
den zu senden Willens bin ; denn es ist nichts
Neues darin. Erhalten Sie solche spater, so
werden Sie vielleicht veranlasst, das Aeltere
wieder anzusehen und sich in Einem und dem
Andern, nach dem inzwischen verlaufenem Zeit-
raum wieder zu bespiegeln. Ich ftir meinen
Theil finde darin eine besondere Prtifung
meiner selbst, wenn ich ein vor geraumer Zeit
gelesenes Werk wieder vor mich stelle, oder viel-
mehr davor hintrete ; da ich denn zu bemerken
habe, dass es wohl an seinem Platze geblieben
ist, dass ich aber dagegen eine andere Stellung
angenommen habe, sie sey naher, ferner oder
irgend von einer andern Seite.

Nun aber werden Sie freundlichst einem
Wunsche nachsehen, den ich meinen entfernten
Freunden vorzulegen pflege. Ich magnamlich,
wenn ich dieselben in Gedanken besuche, meine
Einbildungskraft nicht gern ins Leere schwar-

K

13© GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

men lassen ; ich erbitte mir daher eine Zeichnung,
eine Skizze ihrer Wohnung und deren Um-
gebung. Dieses Ansinnen lass ich nunmehr
auch an Sie gelangen.

So lange Sie in Edinburgh wohnten tram:'
ich mir nicht Sie aufzusuchen ; denn wie hatte
ich hoffen konnen, in dieser tibereinander
gethiirmten, zwar oft abgebildeten, mir aber
doch immer rathselhaften Stadt, einen stillen
Freund aufzusuchen ; aber seit Ihrer Veran-
derung hab' ich mir das Thai, worin [der Nith] 1
fliesst, und das an dessen linken Ufer liegende
Dumfries, moglichst vergegenwartigt. Nach
Ihrer Beschreibung vermuthe ich Ihre Wohnung
auf dem rechten Ufer, da Sie denn freylich
von den herandringenden Granitklippen Ihres
Ostens ziemlich mogen eingeschrankt seyn.
[Durch] die Beschauung der Specialcharten, wie
ich sie erhalten konnte, durft' ich mir wohl, als
alterfahrner Geolog, einen allgemeinen Begriff
von diesem Zustande machen ; allein das
Eigenthiimliche lasst sich auf solche Weise
nicht erreichen. Deshalb ersuch' ich Sie um

1 Space left blank in MS. evidently for "der Nith."

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 131

eine Zeichnung von Ihrer Wohnung, mit ihrer
Umgebung nach dem Gebirge zu ; eine andere
mit der Ansicht aus Ihren Fenstern, nach
dem Thai und Flusse so wie nach Dumfries
hin. Vielleicht zeichnen Sie selbst, oder Ihre
hochgebildete Gattin, ein Paar solche Blattchen ;
vielleicht besucht Sie ein Bekannter, der die
Gefalligkeit hat dergleichen zu entwerfen ; denn
es ist nur von einer Skizze die Rede, wozu das
Talent, wie man sieht [vorzugs ?] ] -weis in Bri-
tannien allgemein verbreitet ist.

Ihren Landsmann Burns, der, wenn er
noch lebte, nunmehr Ihr Nachbar seyn wiirde,
kenn' ich so weit um ihn zu schatzen ; die
Erwahnung desselben in Ihrem Briefe veran-
lasst mich seine Gedichte wieder vorzunehmen,
vor allem die Geschichte seines Lebens wieder
durchzulesen, welche freylich wie die Geschichte
manches schonen Talents, hochst unerfreulich
ist.

Die poetische Gabe ist mit der Gabe das
Leben einzuleiten, und irgend einen Zustand
zu bestatigen, gar selten verbunden.

1 Part of word torn by the seal.

132 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

An seinen Gedichten hab' ich einen freyen
Geist erkannt, der den Augenblick kraftig
anzufassen und ihm zugleich eine heitere Seite
abzugewinnen weiss. Leider konnt' ich dies
nur von wenigen Stiicken abnehmen, denn der
Schottische Dialect macht uns andere sogleich
irre, und zu einer Aufklarung liber das Einzelne
fehlt uns Zeit u. Gelegenheit.

Vorstehendes liegt mit mehrern andern
Blattern, werthesten Freunden zugedacht, unter
meinen Expediendis, kommt aber spat zur
Absendung ; diesmal meldets ein Kastchen an,
welches mit der vierten und funften Lieferung
meiner Werke zunachst an Sie abgeht. Moge
Gegenwartiges, so wie das Nachkommende,
Sie und Ihre theure Gattin in gutem Zu-
stande antreffen und Sie uns bald hievon
Nachricht geben. Alles grlisst, meine Frau-
enzimmer legen jener Sendung etwas heiteres
bey.

Treu gedenckend,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, d. 25 Juni 1829.

[829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 133

[Translation.]

Were an echo to reach you as often as we
think and speak of you, you would very often
be aware of a friendly presence to whom you
would gladly give audience at your kindly
fireside, when the snow is driving over rocks
and fields. Even we, although situated between
cross roads, have found ourselves this winter
frequently impeded by deep snow. But now,
since I am addressing a written conversation
from my " fireside " to yours, let me begin it
by assuring your dear lady that her friendly
letter was very welcome to us, as well as its
bearer. He has been, as indeed he will already
have told you, received in the most friendly
way, and introduced at once into good society,
and even into that of compatriots. It was
also specially pleasant to us to feel that, in
days to come, some one would give to our
far -distant friends direct and personal news
of us and of our surroundings. And this
makes still sadder to us the decease of good

134 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

Skinner, who on his return had given us
pleasant news of our Scotch friends, and soon
after, was to find his grave here.

Wearied with my manifold onerous duties, I
am dictating this on a quiet evening, prompted
to do so by the Fourth Section of my Works,
which, however, after some deliberation, I am of
a mind to keep back, and to send only with the
following Section, for there is nothing new in
it. When you receive it by and by, you will
perhaps be induced to look again at the older
pieces, and reflect yourself anew in one and
another, after the intervening period of time.
For my part I find it a special test of myself,
when I again set before me a book read long
ago, or rather put myself before it, for I can-
not but observe that it, indeed, has remained
in its place, while I, on the other hand, have
taken up a different position towards it, perhaps
nearer, or farther from it, or even on another
side.

And now I pray you indulge me in a wish I
am wont to express to distant friends. When
I visit them in my thoughts, I do not like to

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 135

let my imagination wander in space. I there-
fore beg for myself a drawing, a sketch of their
dwelling, and its surroundings. And so I am
now addressing a like request to you.

As long as you were living in Edinburgh
I did not venture to seek you out, for how
could I hope, in that becastled town (which,
spite of many descriptions, always perplexes
me), to find out a quiet friend. But since
your change of abode I have figured to myself
as far as possible the Valley through which [the
Nith] flows, with Dumfries lying on its left bank.
From your description I suppose your dwelling
to be on the right bank, for you certainly would
be much hemmed in by the close -approach-
ing granite cliffs on the east. The inspection
of such local maps as I could obtain gives
me, an old hand at geology, some general
notion of the environment, but the precise
locality cannot be got at in this way. There-
fore I ask of you a drawing of your house,
with its immediate surroundings towards the
mountains, and another of the view from your
windows towards the valley and the river, in

136 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

the direction of Dumfries. Perhaps you or
your accomplished wife will make these two
drawings, or perhaps an acquaintance may visit
you, who will have the kindness to make them ;
for it is only a question of sketching, ability in
which, as one sees, [especially] in Great Britain,
is very general.

With your countryman Burns, who if he
were still living would be your neighbour, I
am sufficiently acquainted to prize him. The
mention of him in your letter leads me to take
up his poems again, and especially to read once
more the story of his life, which truly, like
the history of many a fair genius, is extremely
sad.

The poetic gift is indeed seldom united with
the gift of managing life, and making good any
adequate position.

In his poems I have recognised a free
spirit, capable of grasping the moment with
vigour, and winning gladness from it. To -my
regret I could gather this from a few pieces
only, for the Scotch dialect makes most of his
poems perplexing to us, and both time and

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 137

opportunity are wanting for the explanation of
them in detail.1

What precedes has been lying, with several
other sheets intended for dear friends, among

1 Eckermann, under date 25th April 1827, reports Goethe
as saying : " Take Burns for example. Wherein lies the cause
of his greatness, except that the old songs of his forefathers
were still living in the mouths of his people, that they were, so
to speak, sung to him in his cradle, that as a boy he grew up
amongst them, and the high excellence of these models so
dwelt in him, that he had in them a living basis on which he
could proceed. And further, wherein is he great, except that
his own songs at once found receptive ears amongst his people ;
they were re-echoed by the reapers and binders in the fields,
and he was greeted with them by his boon companions in the
alehouse. No wonder that something should come of it !

" How poor in comparison do things seem with us in Ger-
many ! For how many of our old, not less significant songs
were alive in the hearts of the people, even when I was a youth ?
Herder and those who followed after him had to begin, first of
all, to collect them ; to drag them from oblivion ; then they were
at least to be had in libraries. And later, what songs have not
Burger and Voss composed ! Who can say that they are less
valuable or less national than those of the excellent Burns !
And yet which of them has become living so that the people
can re-echo them ? They have been written and published,
and they stand in Libraries and take the common fate of
German poets. Then of my own songs, which of them is
living ? One and another is perhaps now and then sung by a
pretty girl at the piano, but among the common people all is
silence. With what feelings must I look back upon the time
when Italian fishermen sang to me fragments of Tasso." —
Gesprdche mit Goethe.

138 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

my Expediendis, and has been, indeed, too long
delayed. I now announce to you the speedy
despatch of a small box containing the Fourth
and Fifth Sections of my Works. May this
letter, as well as what follows it, find all well
with you and your dear wife, and may you
soon give us news of it. All greet you ; the
ladies of my household are about to add some-
thing pleasant to what I send.

With faithful remembrance,

J. W. v. Goethe.
Weimar, 2$thjune 1829.

" I well remember," wrote Carlyle forty years later, " one
beautiful summer evening [in 1829] as I lounged out of
doors smoking my evening pipe, silent in the great silence,
the woods and hilltops all gilt with the flaming splendour
of a summer sun just about to set, — there came a rustle and
a sound of hoofs into the little bending avenue on my left
(sun was behind the House and me), and the minute after
Brother John and Margaret, direct from Scotsbrig, fresh
and handsome on their little horses, ambled up, one of the
gladdest sights and surprises to me. John had found a
Letter from Goethe for me at the Post-Office, Dumfries ;
this, having sent them indoors, I read in my old posture
and place ; pure white the fine big sheet itself, still purer
the nobler meaning, all in it as if mutely pointing to
Eternity, — Letter fit to be read in such a place and
time."

1829 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 139

XX. ECKERMANN to CARLYLE.

Weimar, d. in. fidi 1829.

Mein theurer Herr und Freund — Ihr
werther Brief vom o,ten * Decbr. v. J. hat mir
viele Freude gemacht und wenn ich ihn erst
jetzt beantworte so geschieht es weil ich auf
eine allgemeine Sendung von Goethe gewartet
habe, die nun abgeht begleitet von den besten
Wunschen unseres Herzens.

Sie leben sehr in unserem Andenken, mit
Ihren Studien und hauslichem Leben, und ich
denke Sie mir oft bald reitend auf die Berge, bald
im Garten beschaftigt, und bald mit Ihrer theuren
Gattin, Servantes \sic\ lesend, und Goethe.

Der Artikel im Foreign Review III. liber
Goethe, hat in Deutschland grosses Interesse
gehabt. Die Stucke No. IV. und V. sind nicht
zu unseren Augen gekommen und wir haben
bis jetzt nicht gelesen was Sie uber die neuesten
deutschen Theater-Dichter mitgetheilt.2

Ich hore von Goethe, dass er Ihnen jetzt

1 May be " 7ten," has been altered, and is not clear.
2 See infra, p. 142 n.

140 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1829

die Briefe von ihm und Schiller sendet, und die
neue Ausgabe der Wanderjahre. Beydes muss
fur Sie von ausserordentlichem Interesse seyn.
Die Briefe von Schiller werden Ihnen iiber die
fortschreitende Bildung dieses bedeutenden
Mannes, sowie liber sein innigstes Verhaltniss
zu Goethe die merkwiirdigsten Aufschliisse
geben ; und da Sie bereits durch Ihr " Leben
von Schiller " so bewundernswiirdig einge-
drungen sind, so mochtewohl niemand von diesen
Briefen einen grosseren Gewinn haben, als eben
Sie. Mir ist Schiller nie so liebenswiirdig er-
schienen als in diesen Briefen, die immer der reine
Erguss des Moments sind, und ohne alle Absicht
das treuste Bild von dem erhabenen Character
des Verfassers geben. Goethe erscheint durch
und durch klar entschieden und vollendet, wie wir
ihn immer gekannt haben. Ich bin gewiss dass
Ihnen diese Correspondenz zu einer zweiten
Auflage Ihres Lebens von Schiller die trefflich-
sten Materialien liefert.

Dass Ihr Leben von Schiller jetzt ins Deutsche
ubersetzt wird, ist Ihnen wohl keine neue Nach-
richt.

i829 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 141

Ich konnte Ihnen Vieles liber die Wander-
jahre sagen ; doch die herrlichen Bandchen
liegen nun vor Ihnen, reizend genug um mit
wiederholter Liebe gelesen zu werden und klar
genug um sich selber auszusprechen. Die
hinzugekommenen neuen Schatze womit das
Ganze bereichert worden, sollen Ihnen hoffent-
lich zu einer baldigen Uebersetzung neue Lust
geben. Das Alte ist fast alles geblieben, nur
ist es hier in einer anderen Ordnung. Haben
Sie den Muth Ihren Band in Stiicke zu schlagen,
und baldigst das ganze Werk neu aufzubauen,
so wird Ihre Nation es Ihnen hofifentlich Dank
wissen. Mir ist wenigstens in keiner Literatur
ein Roman bekannt, der an Geist so reich und
an den trefflichsten Tendenzen und Maximen so
umfassend ware. Wenn Sie an Herrn Fraser1
schreiben, so bitte ich ihm die besten Grlisse
von mir zu sagen.

Goethe geniesst des herrlichsten Wohlseyns

und wenn man sein frisches Gesicht, sein strah-

lendes Auge und seinen leichten Gang sieht, und

wenn man an seinem Geist und den lebendigen

1 See stipra, p. 86 n.

142 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1829

Worten seines Mundes noch nicht die Spur von

irgend einer Alterschwache zu bemerken hat,

so giebt uns diess die freudige Hoffnung, dass

er noch viele Jahre unter uns bleiben und wirken

werde.

Ich werde mich freuen bald wieder einige

Zeilen Ihres Andenkens zu sehen. Ich bitte

um die herzlichsten Empfehlungen an Ihre

theure Gemalin und beharre in den treuesten

Gesinnungen,

der Ihrige,

eckermann.
[Translation.]

Weimar, 2d July 1829.

My dear Sir and Friend — Your valued
letter of the 9th December last gave me much
pleasure, and if I am only now answering it, it
is because I was waiting until Goethe should
be sending a variety of things, which now go
to you, accompanied by the best wishes of our
hearts.

You are much in our thoughts, with your
studies and your domestic life ; and I often

1 829 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 143

think of you as now riding on the hills, now
occupied in your garden, or reading Cervantes
and Goethe with your dear lady.

The article on Goethe in the Foreign Review
(No. III.) has excited great interest in Ger-
many. Nos. IV. and V. have not reached us ;
nor have we yet read your article on the most
recent German Playwrights.1

I hear from Goethe that he is now sending
you his Correspondence with Schiller and the
new edition of the Wander jahre. They will
both be of extraordinary interest to you.
Schiller's Letters will bring vividly before you
the progressive stages of this remarkable man's
development, as well as his most intimate rela-
tions with Goethe. And as you have, through
your Life of Schiller, worked your way into
this subject so admirably, there is probably no
one who could derive greater profit from these
Letters than you. To me Schiller never ap-
peared so lovable as he does in these Letters,

1 For the article on Goethe (1828), see Carlyle's Miscellanies,
vol. i. p. 233. For German Playwrights (No. VI. of the Foreign
Review), see ibid. vol. ii. p. 117.

144 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1829

which are always the genuine effusion of the
moment, and give, without at all intending it, the
truest picture of the author's character. Goethe
appears throughout, as we have known him,
serenely decisive and complete. I am sure that
this Correspondence will furnish you with the
most admirable material for a second Edition of
your Life of Schiller.

That this Life is being translated into
German will, I suppose, be no news to you.

I could say a great deal about the Wander-
jahre ; but the noble little volumes are now
before you, charming enough to be read with
renewed love, and clear enough to be allowed
to speak for themselves. The newly added
treasures with which the whole work is en-
riched will, I hope, give you a new desire to
translate them soon. Almost everything that
was already there, remains ; but is arranged in a
different order. If you had the courage to pull
your volume to pieces and, on this new basis, to
reconstruct the whole work without loss of time,
one might hope that your country would be
grateful to you. I, for my part, am acquainted

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 145

with no novel in any literature so full of genius
or so rich in the noblest precepts and maxims.

If you are writing to Mr. Fraser,1 please
give him my kind regards.

Goethe enjoys most excellent health ; and
when one looks at his ruddy complexion, his
radiant eye, and observes his light step, when
moreover one can detect in his mind and in the
living words from his lips, no trace of any of
the weaknesses of old age, we have the joyful
hope that he may still live and work amongst
us for many years to come.

I shall be glad to see some lines from you
soon again, in token of your remembrance. I
beg you to present my cordial greetings to your
dear lady ; and I remain,

Most faithfully yours,

ECKERMANN.

XXI. — Goethe to Carlyle.

\6thjuly 1829.]

Mein Schreiben vom 25 Juni wird nunmehr
schon langst in Ihren Handen seyn. Die

1 See supra, p. 86 n,
L

146 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

angeklindigte Sendung geht erst jetzt ab ;
diese Verspatung aber giebt mir gliicklicher-
weise Gelegenheit von meinem Briefwechsel
mit Schiller die ersten Theile beyzulegen ; Sie
werden darin zwey Freunde gewahr werden,
welche, von den verschiedensten Seiten
ausgehend, sich wechselseitig zu finden und
sich aneinander zu bilden suchen. Es wird
Ihnen diese Sammlung von mehr als einer
Seite bedeutend seyn, besonders da Sie auch
Ihre eigenen Lebensjahre, auf welcher Stufe
des Wachsthums und der Bildung Sie ge-
standen, an den Datums recapituliren konnen.

Auch einen Theil der Aushangebogen einer
Uebersetzung Ihres Lebens von Schiller liegt
bey. 1st es mir moglich, so sag' ich einige
Worte zur Einleitung ; doch es sind meine
Tage so unverhaltnissmassig tiberdrangt, als
dass ich alle meine Wiinsche und Vorsatze
durchfuhren konnte.

Kommt Gegenwartiges noch an vor dem
28. August, so bitte an demselben meinen
achtzigsten Geburtstag im Stillen zu feyern,
und mir zu den Tagen, die mir noch gegonnt

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 147

seyn sollten, eine verhaltnissmassige Gabe von
Kraften eifrig zu erwlinschen, auch von Zeit
zu Zeit erbitte mir von Ihren Zustanden und
Arbeiten einige Nachricht zu geben.

Auf dem Boden des Kastchens liegt eine
Gabe, von meinen Frauenzimmern freundlichst
gesendet ; diese Wandzierde soil Sie alle Tage
der Woche (sie wird franzosisch Semainiere
genannt) und zwar zu mancher Stunde aufs
heiterste erinnern. Geniessen Sie mit Zufrie-
denheit der Ihnen gegonnten Ruhe und
Sammlung, dagegen mein Leben, ausserlich
zwar wenig bewegt, wenn es Ihnen als Vision
vor der Seele vorlibergehen sollte, Ihnen als ein
wahrer Hexentumultkreis erscheinen mlisste.

Ich erinnere mich nicht, ob ich Ihnen meine
Farbenlehre gesendet habe ; es ist ausser dem
Naturwissenschaftlichen doch so manches Allge-
meine und Menschliche darin das Ihnen zusagen
mlisste. Besitzen Sie dieses Werk nicht, so sende
es allernachst ; bitte um Nachricht dariiber.

Und so fort an !

Goethe.

Weimar, den 6 Juli 1829.

148 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

Ein Gleichniss.
Jiingst pfliickt' ich einen Wiesenstraus
Trug ihn gedankenvoll nach Haus ;
Da hatten von der warmen Hand
Die Kronen sich alle zur Erde gewandt.
Ich setzte sie in frisches Glas ;
Und welch ein Wunder war mir das !
Die Kdpfchen hoben sich empor,
Die Blatterstengel im griinen Flor ;
Und allzusammen so gesund
Als stiinden sie noch auf Muttergrund.

So war mir's als ich wundersam

Mein Lied in fremder Sprache vernahm.1

[Translation.]

My communication of the 25th of June
will long ere this have come to hand. The
parcel announced in it is only now being des-
patched ; this delay, however, is fortunate, since
it gives me the opportunity of sending also
the first parts of my Correspondence, with
Schiller. In it you will discern two friends,
who, setting out from altogether different
sides, seek to come to a reciprocal understand-

1 Printed in the Nachgelassene Werke^ vi. 1 50.

1 829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 149

ing, and to elevate and instruct each other.
This collection will be interesting to you on
more sides than one ; but particularly because it
will enable you to review the course of your own
life, and to compare by the dates what your own
stage of growth and culture was at a like age.

A part of the final proof-sheets of a trans-
lation of your Life of Schiller is also enclosed.
If possible, I shall say some words by way of
introduction ; but my days are so very much
interrupted and obstructed that I cannot carry
out all my wishes and intentions.

If this present letter should reach you be-
fore the 28th of August I beg you on that
date quietly to keep my eightieth birthday,
and earnestly to wish for me that in the days
which may still be granted to me, a measure of
strength may be given in proportion. I pray
you also to give me news from time to time
as to how you are situated and as to your
work.

At the bottom of the little box there is lying
a gift sent by the ladies of my family, with the
friendliest feelings. This wall-ornament (called

150 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1829

in French a semainiere) is to remind you pleas-
antly of us every day of the week, and indeed
at many an hour of the day. Contentedly enjoy
the composure and consistency which have been
granted to you ; my life, though indeed there is
little outward agitation in it, must appear, if a
vision of it should ever cross your mind, a veri-
table witches' circle of tumult in comparison.

I do not remember whether I have sent you
my Farbenlehre. Besides what relates to Natural
Philosophy, there is so much of general and
human interest in it that it cannot fail to please
you. If you do not possess this work, I will
send it next time. Pray inform me as to this.

And so for ever !

Goethe.

Weimar, 6th July 1829.

A Comparison.

Lately I gathered a nosegay in the fields, and musing
bore it home ; but held in my warm hand, the blossoms
had all drooped earthward. I put them into fresh water,
and what a wonder did I then behold ! The little heads
lifted themselves up, so, too, the leafy stalks in their verdant
beauty j and they were all as fresh as if still in their mother
earth.

i829 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 151

The same feeling was mine when I wondering listened
to my song in a foreign tongue.

[Zum Armband.]

Dies fessle deine rechte Hand
Die du dem Freund vertrauet;
Auch dencke dess der fern im Land
Nach Euch mit Liebe schauet.1

G.

With the Bracelet.

Clasp this around thy fair right hand
Which now the favour'd friend rewards ;
Bethink thee, too, in foreign land
Of him who you with love regards.

Edle deutsche Hauslichkeit
Ueber's Meer gesendet,
Wo sich still in Thatigkeit
Hauslich Gliick vollendet.2

Noble German housewif'ry
Across the sea is brought,
Where in peaceful industry
Household joy is wrought.

1 Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 194. The bracelet is of various-
coloured polished pebbles, bound together with gold. These
lines ought to have been given on p. 46.

2 Nachgelassene Werke, vii. 208.

52 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

XXII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
^d November 1829.

Dear and honoured Sir — I must no longer
postpone acknowledging these welcome mess-
ages from Weimar : your Letter, which reached
us early in September ; and the Packet therein
announced, which duly followed it, about four
weeks ago. Both, with all their much-valued
contents, arrived in perfect safety and entire-
ness ; giving curious proof of the complete
arrangements for transport in these times,
whereby the most delicate article can penetrate
through unknown nations, tumultuous cities,
and over wild seas, from the heart of the Con-
tinent, even into these deserts ; and what is
stranger still, how a voice of affection from
the mind we honour most in this age can con-
vey itself into minds that lie, in every sense, so
far divided from it. Six years ago, I should
have reckoned the possibility of a Letter, of a
Present from Goethe to me, little less wondrous

1 829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 153

and dreamlike than from Shakespeare or
Homer. Yet so it is : the man to whom I
owe more than to any other — namely, some
measure of spiritual Light and Freedom — is no
longer a mere " airy tongue " to me, but a
Living Man, with feelings which, in many
kindest ways, reply and correspond to my own!
Let me pray only that it may long continue ;
and if the Scholar cannot meet with his
Teacher, face to face, in this world, may some
higher perennial meeting, amid inconceivable
environments, be appointed them in another !

But, descending from these lofty possibilities,
accept my best gratitude for your friendly feel-
ings, so often and gracefully manifested towards
me, which, in this prose Earth, were precious,
coming even from the commonest man. To
you, our best return is to profit more and more
by the good you have done us, to appropriate
and practise more and more that high wisdom
which we, with the whole world, have to learn
from you.

My wife bids me say that she intends to read
your entire Works this winter ; so that, any

154 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

evening, when the candles are lit, you can fancy
a fair Friend assiduously studying you "far over
the sea ;" one little light and living point, amid
the boundless Solitude and Night. She finished
the Wahlverwandtschaften very lately, with
high admiration, and a sorrow for poor Ottilie,
which, she admits, expressed itself in "streams
of tears." Shallow censurers of the morality
of the work, who are not altogether wanting
here, she withstands with true female zeal.

To your own living Ottilie, she requests me,
however, to present her best thanks for that
beautiful gift : it hangs in our drawing-room,
admired by all for its workmanship, and to us
far more precious for the hand and the house-
hold of which it is an hourly memorial. The
fair Artist, as I understand, is ere long to be
thanked more specially, and in due form, by
the receiver herself.

With my own share of the packet I feel not
less contented. Especially glad was I to find my
old favourite the Wanderjahre so considerably
enlarged : the new portions of the Book it was
my very first business to read, and I can already

1 829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 155

discover no little matter for reflection in that
wonderful Makarie, and the many other exten-
sions, and new tendencies which that most
beautiful of all fragments has hereby acquired.
The Briefwechsel^ I have also read ; and must
soon read again ; purposing to make it the
handle for an essay on Schiller in the Foreign
Review. I particularly admired the honour-
able relation that displays itself between Schiller
and his Friend ; the frankness in mutual giving
and receiving ; the noble effort on both sides :
a reverence for foreign excellence is finely
united with a modest self-dependence in
Schiller, whose simple, high, earnest nature
again comes into clear light in this Correspond-
ence. The Proof-sheets of the Translation from
my poor Life of Schiller affected me with
various feelings ; among which, regret at the
essential triviality of the Original was nowise
wanting. I wrote the little book honestly
enough, yet under too much constraint : it has
not the free flow of a book, but the cold,
buckram character of a College-exercise. The

1 Correspondence between Goethe and Schiller.

156 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

Translation, with two or three very unimportant
mistakes of meaning, seems excellently done ;
far better than such a work deserved.

The FarbenleJire, which you are so good as
offer me, I have never seen and shall thankfully
accept and study, having long had a curiosity
after it. Natural Philosophy, Optics among
the other branches, was for many years my
favourite, or rather my exclusive pursuit; a cir-
cumstance which I must reckon of no little
import, for good and evil, in my intellectual life.
The mechanical style in which all these things
are treated here, and in France, where my only
teachers were, had already begun to sicken me ;
when other far more pressing investigations of
a humane interest altogether detached me from
Mathematics, whether pure or applied.1 I still

1 Carlyle, in 1866, wrote: — "Perhaps it was mainly the
accident that poor Leslie " (John Leslie, Professor of Mathe-
matics in Edinburgh University), " alone of my Professors, had
some genius in his business, and awoke a certain enthusiasm
in me. For several years, from 1 8 1 3 onwards (perhaps seven
in a//), ' Geometry ' shone before me as undoubtedly the noblest
of all sciences ; and I prosecuted it (or mathematics generally)
in all my best hours and moods, — though far more pregnant
inquiries were rising in me, and gradually engrossing me, heart
as well as head. So that, about 1820 or '21, I had entirely

1829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 157

remember that it was the desire to read
Werners Mineral ogical Doctrines in the origi-
nal, that first set me on studying German ;
where truly I found a mine, far different from
any of the Freyberg ones ! Nevertheless my
love of Natural Science still subsists, or might
easily be resuscitated ; and various hints, which
I have now and then had, of your method in
such inquiries give me hope of great satisfac-
tion in studying it. The Farbenlchre, which I
think is very imperfectly known, or rather alto-
gether misknown, in England, will be a highly
acceptable present.

This Letter is full of mere business details,
and yet the most essential of these is still to
come. A little packet, chiefly for your Ottilie,
is getting ready,1 and will be sent off one of

thrown mathematics aside ; and, except in one or two brief
spurts, lasting perhaps a couple of days, and more or less of a
morbid nature, have never in the least regarded it farther."

1 It contained, among other things, a Scotch ■ bonnet ' made
by Mrs. Carlyle, and accompanied by the following friendly
but unmusical quatrain :

Scotland prides her in the " Bonnet Blue "
That it brooks no stain in Love or War :
Be it, on Ottilie's head, a token true
Of my Scottish love to kind Weimar !
Craigenputtock, 14th December 1829.

158 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

these days : it is also to contain the Sketches
of our house and neighbourhood, such as you
required ; and will come most probably by the
Messrs. Parish of Hamburg, whose courtesy
and punctuality in such matters I have often
admired. I might mention also that Herr
Herbig, Bookseller in Leipzig, is Agent for the
Publishers of the Foreign Review (Messrs.
Black, Young and Young, 2 Tavistock Street,
Covent Garden, London), through whom books
would reach me, by quick steam conveyance,
at all seasons of the year ; yet, in truth, I know
not whether with equal security, or how your
communication with Leipzig may stand.

In regard to my employments and manner
of existence, literary and economic, I must not
speak here. I am still but an Essayist, and long-
ing more than ever to be a Writer in a far better
sense. Meanwhile I do what I may ; and can-
not complain of wanting audience, stolid as
many of my little critics are and must be. I
have written on Voltaire, on Novalis, and was
this day correcting proof-sheets of a paper on
Jean Paul, for the Foreign Review. I have some

i829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 159

thoughts of writing a separate book on Luther,
but whether this winter or not, is undecided.

I delayed, three weeks, writing this Letter,
till a proposal (from some London booksellers)
of my composing what they call a History of
German Literature, were either finally agreed
upon, or finally abandoned : but as yet neither
of the two has happened. In the event of my
engaging with such a work, I mean to consult
with Dr. Eckermann for help ; to whom, for his
friendly Letter, I beg that my thanks and best
regards may be offered.

All else I reserve till the Packet go. We
shall think of you daily, and ever with Love.
May all good be with you !

I remain, your grateful Friend,

Thomas Carlyle.

XXIII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
lid December 1829.

Respected Sir — The Packet, which I some
time ago announced, at length sets out ; with

160 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

true wishes on our part that it may find you
happy and busy, and bring kind remembrances
of Friends that love you. The Sketches of our
House and its environment are moderately
correct, and may serve the flattering purpose
you meant them for ; as it is not the beauty of
the Amulet, but its mere character as Amulet,
that gives it worth. You will like the little
pictures no worse, when I inform you that they
are from the pencil of Mr. Moir, the Translator
of Wallenstein, who paid us a visit in Autumn,
and promises to see us again in Spring. In
return for his workmanship, I presented him
with the last of those four medals ; to which
indeed, on other accounts, as a true admirer of
your works he had a good right. He passed
through Weimar, last Summer ; but unluckily
at a time when you were absent : however,
he purposes to return ere long, and make
new sketches from the Rhine scenery ; and
hopes, next time, to have better fortune in
Weimar.

The portfolio is of my wife's manufacture,
who sends you among other love-tokens a lock

i829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 161

of her hair ; concerning which I am to say that,
except to her Husband she never did the like to
any man. She begs, however, and hopes, that
you will send her, in return, a lock of your hair ;
which she will keep among her most precious
possessions, and only leave, as a rich legacy, to
the worthiest that comes after her. For a
heart that honestly loves you, I too hope that
you will do so much.

The Cowpers Poems you are to accept from
me as a New-year's gift, the value of which
must lie chiefly in the intention of the giver.
Cowper was the last of our Poets of the Old
School ; a man of pure genius, but limited and
ineffectual ; as indeed his bodily health was too
feeble had there been no other deficiency. He
is still a great favourite, especially with the
religious classes ; and bids fair to survive many
a louder competitor for immortality. As his
merit, such as it is, appears to be genuine, it
will to your eye readily disclose itself.

I have read the Briefwechsel a second time
with no little satisfaction, and even to-day am
sending off an Essay on Schiller, grounded on

M

162 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

that Work, for the Foreign Review} It will
gratify you to learn that a knowledge and
appreciation of Foreign, especially of German,
Literature, is spreading with increased rapidity
over all the domain of the English tongue ; so
that almost at the Antipodes, in New Holland
itself, the wise of your country are by this time
preaching their wisdom. I have heard lately
that even in Oxford and Cambridge, our two
English Universities, which have all along been
regarded as the strongholds of Insular pride
and prejudice, there is a strange stir in this
matter. Your Niebuhr has found an able trans-
lator in Cambridge;2 and in Oxford two or
three Germans already find employment as
teachers ot their language ; the new light con-
tained in which may well dazzle certain eyes.
Of the benefits that must in the end result from

1 This Essay appeared in Eraser's Magazine, No. XIV.
(See Carlyle's Miscellanies, iii. 87.)

2 Two able translators, Hare and Thirlwall, of Trinity
College, both personally known to Carlyle in after years. It
will be remembered that Archdeacon Hare was, without in-
tending it, the cause of Carlyle's writing the Life of Sterling.
The translation of Niebuhr's History of Rome, by Hare and
Thirlwall, was published in 1828.

i829 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 163

all this no man can be doubtful : let nations,
like individuals, but know one another and
mutual hatred will give place to mutual help-
fulness ; and instead of natural enemies, as
neighbouring countries are sometimes called,
we shall all be natural friends.

That Historical View of German Literature,
which I mentioned in my last letter, is now
almost decided on ; and I hope in the course
of next year to offer you a copy of some
treatise on that subject. My knowledge, I feel
too well, is limited enough ; but from a British
writer, and by British readers, less will be ex-
pected. Besides, it is the more recent, and
comparatively a brief period that will chiefly
interest us.

Were this "Historical View" once off my
hands, I still purpose to try something infinitely
greater ! Alas, alas ! the huge formless Chaos
is here, but no creative voice to say, " Let
there be Light," and make it into a world.

Some time ago we spent three weeks in
Edinburgh ; warmly welcomed by old friends ;
and looking not without interest on the current

164 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1829

of many-coloured life, which here we may be
said rather to listen to than to see. I found the
Literary men of that city still active in their
vocation ; and to me undeservedly kind and
courteous : nevertheless, the general tone of
their speculation was such as to make me
revisit my solitude, when the time came, with
little regret. The whole bent of British
endeavour, both intellectual and practical, at
this time, is towards Utility ; a creed which with
you has happily had its day, but with us is now
first rising into its full maturity. Great contro-
versies and misunderstandings on this matter,
are to be expected among us at no distant
period.

For the present, you are to figure your two
Scottish Friends as embosom'd amid snow and
"thick-ribbed ice;" yet secured against grim
winter by the glow of bright fires ; and often
near you in imagination ; nay, often thinking
the very thoughts which were once yours, — for
a little red volume is seldom absent from our
parlour. By and by, we still trust to hear that
all is well with you : the arrival of a Weimar

1830 CARL VLB TO ECKERMANN 165

letter ever makes a day of jubilee here. May
all good be with you and yours !

I remain, always your affectionate Friend
and Servant, Thqmas Carlyle

Were it convenient, we would beg some
similar Sketch of your Mansion at Weimar j1
concerning which I regularly question every
Traveller, yet with too little effect.

To Dr. Eckermann I still owe a letter ;
which I mean ere long to pay, with increased
advantage to myself. Please to assure him of
my continued regard.

XXIV. — Carlyle to Eckermann.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
10th March 1830.

My dear Sir — I have long owed myself the
pleasure of writing to you, and might be a little
puzzled to say why it had been so long. Per-
haps my chief reason was that a certain nego-
tiation was in progress, touching some literary

1 Goethe sent an engraving of his house to Carlyle. See
infra, Appendix II., p. 326.

1 66 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 1830

work to be undertaken by me, on which I
wished to communicate with you ; and so have
waited, impatiently enough, till in the slow
course of bibliopolic arrangements, I saw what
turn matters were to take. The business, I
believe, is now finally adjusted ; indeed, in a
state of actual advance ; so that on this, as on
all other topics, I can now address you without
embarrassment.

It is pity that Weimar lay so distant from
Scotland ; with seas, and wide regions, to us
all waste and unpeopled, intervening. No spot
on this Globe is for me so significant at present ;
as indeed it is but for their association with
human Worth and Effort that one City is nobler
than another, that all cities are not mere
stones and mortar. I can understand the long
journeys which Lovers of Wisdom were wont
to undertake in old days to see with their own
eyes some Teacher of Wisdom : all sights in
the Earth are poor and meaningless compared
with this. We still speculate here on a journey
to Weimar, and a winter's residence there ; but
the way is long, the issue after all but a luxury ;

1830 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 167

then foolish little matters still detain us here :
thus, though the spirit is willing, the flesh is
weak. One still looks for a luckier time ; and
many a pretty waking dream, though at last it
prove but a phantasm, will for years be worth
entertaining.

We long much to hear news of you : how
your venerable Poet wears his green old age ;
how his and your labours are prospering.
Scarcely any German traveller finds his way
hither ; so that, except public notices, we are
left mostly to hope and guess. Often I look
into Stieler's picture, and think the mild deep
eyes ought to answer me. But they are only
ink on paper, and do not.

About the 1st of last December we de-
spatched a little box for Weimar, containing
pencil-sketches of our House and environment,
Books, and other trifles, among which, I believe,
was something from my wife for Madame : but
unluckily the frost set in directly after, the
Elbe became unnavigable ; and the Edinburgh
shippers gave little hope of the Packet leaving
them till Spring. It was directed, as usual, to

168 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 1830

the care of Messrs. Parish in Hamburg. Pray
notify this to Seiner Excellenz unless happily it
be already in his hands. Of our deep unabated
regard and love, I trust he needs no assurance.

I requested the Editor of the Foreign Review
to forward you some of my lucubrations, which
you said you had not seen ; nevertheless I am
afraid he has neglected it ; neither, I can warn
you, is the loss very great. I was shocked to
learn that poor Milliner was dead : the very
post that brought me his version of my Play-
wrights in his Mitternacht-Blatt, conveyed also
those other tidings that the poor Jester was
now " quite chapfallen." Alas, poor Yorick !
And why did / add another grain to his last
load of suffering, already too heavy for him \ ! —
Since then I have not cast one other glance
at your Tartarus; but looked only at the
Elysium, which is far more profitable.

Of our English Literature at this moment,
the two chief features seem to be our increased

1 In his article on German Playwrights {Foreign Review,
No. VI., 1829, see Miscellanies, vol. ii.), Carlyle had spoken with
some severity of Milliner's Plays and of his Midnight Paper.

1830 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 169

and increasing attention to the Literature of
neighbouring nations ; and the universal effort
to render all sorts of knowledge popular, to
accommodate our speculations, both in price
and structure, to the largest possible number of
readers. In regard to that first peculiarity, you
already know of our two Foreign Reviews, both
of which affect to be prospering ; and now
further we have a Foreign Literary Gazette}
published weekly in London, and which, though
it is a mere steam-engine concern, managed by
an utter Dummkopf solely for lucre, appears to
meet with sale, so great is the curiosity, so
boundless is the ignorance of men : dem
Narrenkonig gehort die Welt, at least all the
temporalities thereof. Our zeal for popularising,
again, is to be seen on every side of us. To
say nothing of our Societies for the Diffusion of
useful Knowledge, with their sixpenny treatises,
really very meritorious, we have, I know not
how many Miscellanies, Family Libraries,
Cabinet Cyclopedias, and so forth ; and these
not managed by any literary Gibeonites, but

1 Edited by Mr. William Jerdan.

170 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 1830

sometimes by the best men we have : Sir
Walter Scott, for instance, is publishing a
History of Scotland by one of these vehicles ;
Thomas Moore is to write a History of Ireland
for the same work. The other day, I may add,
there came a letter to me from a quite new
Brotherhood of that sort ; earnestly requesting
a " Life of Goethe." Knowing my corre-
spondent1 as a man of some weight and respect-
ability in Literature, I have just answered him
that the making of Goethe known to England
was a task which any Englishman might be
proud of; but that, as for his Biography, the
only rational plan, as matters stood, was to
take what he had himself seen fit to impart on
the subject ; and by proper commentary and
adaptation, above all, by a suitable version,
and not perversion, of what was to be trans-
lated, enable an Englishman to read it with
the eye of a German. If anything come of this
proposal, and what, you shall by and by hear.

But it is more than time that I should say
a word about my History oj German Litera-

1 Mr. G. R. Gleig, on behalf of Dr. Lardner.

1830 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 171

ture (if such can be the name of it), the task
above alluded to, and which also is to form
part of a joint-stock enterprise, the first of a
whole series of Literary Histor-ies, French,
Italian, Spanish, English Literature being all
to be depicted in that " Cabinet Library " of
theirs. I am to have four volumes, and have
thought a good deal about the plan I am to
follow. The first volume is to be antiquarian,
I think ; to treat of the Nibelungenlied> the
Minnesingers, Mastersingers, and so forth, and
may perhaps end with Hans Sachs. The
second will probably contain Luther and the
Reformation Satirists, with Opitz and his
school ; down as far as Thomasius, Gottsched,
and the Swiss. The last two volumes must
be devoted to your modern, indeed recent
Literature, which is of all others the most
important to us. I need not say how much
any counsel of yours would oblige me in
regard to this matter, many parts of which
are still very dark to me. In particular, can
you mention any reasonable Book in which
the " New School " is exhibited ; what was

172 CARLYLE TO ECKERMANN 1830

its history, fairly stated, what its doctrines ;
what in short was the meaning lying at the
bottom of that boundless hubbub, which so
often perplexes the stranger even yet with its
echoes in your Literature ? Is G ruber's talk
(in his Wieland) about the Xenienkrieg to be
depended' on, or is it mostly babble ; and is
there any other work that will throw light on
that singular period ? The Briefwechsel, two
volumes of which I have, is doubtless the
most authentic of all documents : but still my
understanding of it is far from sufficient. A
few words from you might perhaps save me
much groping ; neither will you grudge that
trouble for me. Might I ask you to mention
what you think in general the most remarkable
epochs, and circumstances (Momente) of Ger-
man Literature ? Indeed nothing that you can
write on that subject will be otherwise than
welcome to me. But, alas ! the sheet is done ;
and I must so soon say Lebewohl / Pray do
not linger in writing ; your news, too, will seem
highly important to us. Lastly, if it be not
troublesome : use the Roman handwriting ;

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 173

the other is like a thick veil, requiring to be
torn off first.

With best wishes, ever faithfully yours,

Th. Carlyle.

Your German Philister, your Adelungs,
Nicolais, etc. (of which sort we have plenty in
England even now), and what figure their
activity specially assumed, are also an object of
great curiosity with me. We call them " Utili-
tarians " here, and they are mostly political,
and " Radical," or republican.

My wife directs me to send her kind regards,
and continued hope of one day seeing you.
Pray employ me, if there is anything here in
which I can serve you.

XXV. — Goethe to Carlyle.

\\Zth April 1830.]

Das werthe Schatzkastlein, nachdem es
durch den strengsten Winter vom Continent
lange abgehalten worden, ist endlich um die
Halfte Marz glucklich angelangt.

174 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

Um von seinem Gehalt zu sprechen, erwahne
zuerst der unschatzbaren Locke, die man wohl
mit dem theuren Haupte verbunden mochte
gesehen haben, die aber hier einzeln erblickt,
mich fast erschreckt hatte. Der Gegensatz
war zu auffallend ; denn ich brauchte meinen
Schadel nicht zu beriihren, um zu wissen dass
daselbst nur Stoppeln sich hervorthun ; es war
nicht nbthig vor den Spiegel zu treten, um zu
erfahren dass eine lange Zeitreihe ihnen ein
missfarbiges Ansehen gegeben. Die Un-
moglichkeit der verlangten Erwiederung fiel
mir aufs Herz, und nothigte mich zu Gedanken
deren man sich zu entschlagen pflegt. Am
Ende aber blieb mir doch nichts tibrig als mich
an der Vorstellung zu begnligen : eine solche
Gabe sey dankbarlichst ohne Hoffnung irgend
einer genligenden Gegengift anzunehmen. Sie
soil auch heilig in der ihrer wtirdigen Brieftasche
aufbewahrt bleiben, und nur das Liebenswiir-
digste ihr zugesellt werden.

Der Schottische elegante Turban hat, wie
ich versichern darf, zu manchem Vergnug-
lichen Gelegenheit gegeben. Seit vielen Jahren

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 175

werden wir von den Einwohnern der drey
Konigreiche besucht, welche gern einige Zeit
lang bey uns verweilen und guter Gesellschaft
geniessen mogen. Hierunter befinden sich
zwar weniger Schotten, doch kann es nicht
fehlen dass nicht noch das Andenken an einen
solchen Landsmann sich in einem schonen
Herzen so lebendig finde, um die National-
Prachtmlitze, die Distel mit eingeschlossen, als
einen wunschenswerthesten Schmuck anzusehen,
und die glitige Senderin hatte sich gewiss gefreut
das lieblichste Gesicht von der Welt darunter
hervorgucken zu sehen. Ottilie aber dankt zum
allerverbindlichsten, und wird, sobald unsre
Trauertage voriiber sind, damit glorreich auf-
zutreten nicht ermangeln.

Lassen Sie mich nun eine nachste Gegen-
sendung ankundigen, welche zum Juni als der
giinstigsten Jahreszeit sich wohl wird zusammen
gefunden haben. Sie erhalten :

1. Das Exemplar Ihres tibersetzten Schil-
lers, geschmuckt mit den Bildern Ihrer land-
lichen Wohnung, begleitet von einigen Bogen in
meiner Art, wodurch ich zugleich dem Biichlein

176 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

offnen Eingang zu verschaffen, besonders aber
die Communikation beyder Lander und Litera-
turen lebhafter zu erregen trachte. Ich wtinsche
dass diese nach Kenntniss des Publicums ange-
wendeten Mittel Ihnen nicht missfallen, auch
der Gebrauch, den ich von Stellen unsrer
Correspondenz gemacht, nicht als Indiskretion
moge gedeutet werden. Wenn ich mich in
jtingeren Jahren vor dergleichen Mittheilungen
durchaus gehutet, so ziemt es dem hoheren
Alter auch solche Wege nicht zu verschmahen.
Die giinstige Aufnahme des Schillerischen
Briefwechsels gab mir eigentlich hiezu Anlass
und Muth. Ferner finden Sie beygelegt :

2. Die vier noch fehlenden Bande ge-
dachter Briefe. Mogen Sie Ihnen als Zauber-
wagen zu Diensten stehen, um sich in die
damalige Zeit in unsere Mitte zu versetzen, wo
es eine unbedingte Strebsamkeit gait, wo
niemand zu fordern dachte und nur zu verdienen
bemuht war. Ich habe mir die vielen Jahre
her den Sinn, das Geftihl jener Tage zu er-
halten gesucht und hoffe es soil mir fernerhin
gelingen.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 177

3. Eine funfte Sendung meiner Werke liegt
sodann bey, worin sich wohl manches unter-
haltende, unterrichtende, belehrende, brauchbar
anzuwendende finden wird. Man gestehe zu
dass es auch ideelle Utilitarier gebe, und es sollte
mir sehr zur Freude gereichen wenn ich mich
darunter zahlen diirfte. Noch eine Lieferung,
dann ist vorerst das beabsichtigte Ganze voll-
bracht, dessen Abschluss zu erleben ich mir kaum
zu hoffen erlaubte. Nachtrage giebt es noch hin-
reichend ; meine Papiere sind in guter Ordnung.

4. Ein Exemplar meiner Farbenlehre und
der dazu gehorigen Tafeln soil auch beygefugt
werden ; ich wiinsche, dass Sie den zweyten,
als den historischen Theil, zuerst lesen. Sie
sehen da die Sache herankommen, stocken,
sich aufklaren, und wieder verdlistern. So-
dann aber ein Bestreben nach neuem Lichte
ohne allgemeinen Erfolg. Alsdann wiirde die
erste Halfte des ersten Theils, als die didactische
Abtheilung eine allgemeine Vorstellung geben
wie ich die Sache angegriffen wiinsche. Frey
lich ist ohne Anschauung der Experimente
hier nicht durchzukommen ; wie Sie es mit

N

178 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

der polemischen Abtheilung halten wollen und
konnen, wird sich alsdann ergeben. 1st es mir
moglich, so lege, besonders fur Sie, ein ein-
leitendes Wort bey.

5. Sagen Sie mir etwa zunachst wie Sie die
deutsche Literatur bey den Ihrigen einleiten
wollen ; ich eroffne Ihnen gern meine Gedanken
tuber die Folge der Epochen. Man braucht nicht
iiberall ausfiihrlich zu seyn : gut aber ist's auf
manches vorlibergehende Interessante wenig-
stens hinzudeuten, um zu zeigen dass man es
kennt. Dr. Eckermann macht mit meinem
Sohn eine Reise gegen Sliden und bedauert,
nicht wie er gewiinscht hatte, diesmal bey-
hulflich seyn zu konnen. Ich werde gern
wie obgesagt seine Rolle vertreten. Diesen
Sommer bleib' ich zu Hause und sehe bis
Michael Geschafte genug vor mir.

Gedenken Sie mit Ihrer lieben Gattin
unsrer zum besten und empfangen wiederholten
herzlichen Dank flir die schone Sendung.

Treu angehorig,

y. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, den 13 Apr. 1830.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 179

[Translation.]

[13M April 1830.]
The precious casket, after a long delay in
reaching the Continent owing to the extreme
severity of the winter, at last arrived safely
about the middle of March.

As to its contents, I will mention first the
incomparable lock of hair, which one would
indeed have liked to see along with the dear
head, but which, when it came to light by
itself here, almost alarmed me. The contrast
was too striking ; for I did not need to touch
my skull to become aware that only stubble
was left there, nor was it necessary for me
to go to the looking-glass to learn that a long
flight of time had given it a discoloured look.
The impossibility of making the desired return
smote my heart, and forced thoughts upon me
which one usually prefers to banish. In the
end, however, nothing remained for me but to
content myself with the reflection that such
a gift was to be most thankfully received with-

180 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

out hope of any adequate requital. For the
rest it shall be kept sacred in the portfolio
which is worthy of it, and only the most
cherished objects shall bear it company.

The elegant Scotch Bonnet, I can assure you,
has given much pleasure. For many years we
have been visited by inhabitants of the Three
Kingdoms, who like to remain with us for a
time, and enjoy good society. Among these,
indeed, there are comparatively few Scotchmen ;
yet there cannot fail to be preserved in some
fair heart here so lively an image of one of your
countrymen that she must regard the splendid
national head-dress, including the thistle, as a
most pleasing ornament ; and the kind donor
would certainly be delighted to see the most
charming face in the world peering out from
beneath it. Ottilie sends her most grateful
thanks, and will not fail, as soon as our days of
mourning are over,1 to make a glorious appear-
ance in it.

Let me now announce the despatch of
another parcel in return, which will probably

1 For the Dowager Grand Duchess (died February 1830).

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 181

be put together by June, as the most favourable
time of the year. You will receive : —

1 . A copy of the Translation of your Schiller,
embellished with the pictures of your country
dwelling and accompanied by a few pages of
my own, in which I endeavour to procure a
good reception for the little book, and especi-
ally to awaken a more lively intercourse between
the two Countries and their Literatures. I
trust that you may not disapprove of the means
I have employed, in accordance with my know-
ledge of the public, and that you will not regard
the use I have made of some portions of our
correspondence as an indiscretion. Although in
my earlier years I was at all times careful to
avoid publishing matters of the kind, it is fitting
that in my old age I should not despise even
such means. What especially inclined and en-
couraged me towards this course was your
favourable reception of the Schiller Corre-
spondence. Further, you will find enclosed :

2. The four volumes, still wanting, of these
said Letters. May they serve as a magic chariot
to transport you into our circle at that period

1 82 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

of frank and ingenuous striving, when no one
thought of making claims, but only endeavoured
to be deserving. I have all these years sought
to preserve in me the spirit and feeling of those
days, and I trust that in the future, too, I may
succeed in doing so.

3. A fifth instalment of my Works is also
enclosed, in which may be found many a thing
that is entertaining, improving, instructive and
capable of practical application. If you will
admit that there may be idealist Utilitarians
also, I should be very glad to be allowed to
reckon myself as one of them. One more Section
and the intended whole will be complete, a con-
summation which I scarcely allowed myself to
hope I should live to see. There will be no
lack of addenda. My papers are in good order.

4. A copy of my Farbenlehre, with the
plates belonging to it, will accompany the other
books. I wish you would first read the second,
that is, the historical part. You see there the
subject approaching, halting, becoming clear,
and again growing dim ; then an attempt to
obtain new light, without any general success.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 183

After this the first half of the first part, that
is, the didactic, would give you a general idea
of the way in which I wish the matter to be
apprehended. Unless, however, the experi-
ments can be seen, this part cannot be fully
understood. You will then see how you like the
polemic portion, and what you can make of it.
If possible, I will add, for your especial behoof,
some introductory words.

5. Tell me before long how you propose
to introduce German literature amongst your
people, and I will gladly give you my thoughts
on the sequence of its epochs. One does not
need to enter into detail about every matter,
but it is well at least to touch upon many a
thing of transitory interest, to show that one
is aware of it. Dr. Eckermann is making a
journey southwards with my son, and regrets
that he cannot be of use at present, as he had
wished. I will gladly, as I have said, be his
proxy. I am going to remain at home this
summer, and I see before me plenty of work
until Michaelmas.

I beg you and your dear wife to hold us in

1 84 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

kindliest remembrance, and to accept our re-
peated and cordial thanks for your beautiful
gifts.

With sincere attachment,

J. W. v. Goethe.
Weimar, 13M April 1830.

XXVI. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
23d May 1830.

The Weimar letter, now as ever the most
welcome that could arrive here, reached us, in
due course, some two weeks ago. We rejoice
to learn that you are still well and busy, still
gratified with our love for you, and still sending
over the Ocean a kind thought to us in our
remote home. This fair relation and inter-
course with what we have most cause to
venerate on Earth seems one of the strangest
things in our Life ; which, however, is all built
on wonder : Ce que f admire le plus cest de me
voir 1 ci.

I know not whether I should mention the

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 185

sort of hope which has again arisen of our even
seeing you in person one day : that long-
cherished project of a visit to Germany now
assumes some faint shape of possibility ; in
which pilgrimage Weimar, the grand Sanctuary,
without which indeed Deutschland were but as
other Lands to us, would nowise be forgotten.
But it is better to check such Day-dreams than
encourage them ; the impediments and counter-
chances are so many, as Time, which brings
Roses,1 brings also far other products. Happy
it is, meanwhile, that whether we ever meet in
the body or not, we have already met you in
spirit, which union can never be parted, or
made of no effect. Here in our Mountain
Solitude, you are often an inmate with us ; and
can whisper wise lessons and pleasant tales in
the ear of the Lady herself. She spends many
an evening with you, and has done all winter,
greatly to her satisfaction. One of her last
performances was the Deutschen Ausgewan-
derten, and that glorious Makrcken, a true
Universe of Imagination; in regard to the

1 Die Zeit bringt Rosen, is an old German proverb.

186 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

manifold, inexhaustible significance of which
(for the female eye guessed a significance under
it), I was oftener applied to for exposition than
I could give it ; and at last, to quiet impor-
tunities, was obliged to promise that I would
some day write a commentary on it, as on one
of the deepest, most poetical things even
Goethe had ever written.1 Nay, looking abroad,
I can further reflect with pleasure that thou-
sands of my countrymen, who had need enough
of such an acquaintance, are now also beginning
to know you : of late years, the voice of
Dulness, which was once loud enough on this
matter, has been growing feebler and feebler ;
so that now, so far as I hear, it is altogether
silent, and quite a new tone has succeeded it.
On the whole, Britain and Germany will not
always remain strangers ; but rather, like two
Sisters that have been long divided by distance
and evil tongues, will meet lovingly together,
and find that they are near of Kin.

1 " The Tale " was translated, and, with a commentary,
published in Eraser's Magazine •, No. XXXIII., 1832. See
Carlyle's Miscellanies, vol. iv., Appendix.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 187

Since you are friendly enough to offer me
help and countenance in my endeavours that
way, let me lose no time in profiting thereby.
In regard to that History of German Liter attire,
I need not say, for it is plain by itself, that no
word of yours can be other than valuable.
Doubtless it were a high favour, could you
impart to me any summary of that great subject,
in the structure and historical sequence and
coherence it has with you : your views, whether
from my point of vision or not, whether con-
tradictory of mine, or confirmatory, could not
fail to be instructive. For your guidance in
this charitable service, perhaps my best method
will be to explain, as clearly as I can here,
what plan my Book specially follows, so far as
it is yet written, or decidedly shaped in my
thoughts.

Volume First, which was finished and sent
to press a few days ago,1 opens with some
considerations on the great and growing
importance of Literature ; the value of Literary
commerce with other nations ; therefore of

1 It was not printed. See infra, pp. 207, 208.

188 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

Literary Histories, which forward this : then
some sketch of the method to be followed in a
Literary History of Germany, where so much
is yet altogether unknown to us, and only some
approximation to a History is possible for the
present. Next comes a chapter on the old
Germans of Tacitus, the Northern Immigra-
tions (Volkerwanderung), and the primitive
national character of this People; the chief
features of which are Valour (Tapferkeit) and
meditative Depth ; not forgetting, at the same
time, our own Saxon origin, and claims, by
general brotherhood and in virtue of so many
Hengists and Alfreds, to a share in that praise.
Then something of the German Traditions ; of
their Language as the most indestructible of
Traditions, whereby Ulfilas and his Bible come
to be mentioned : further, of their ancient
Superstitions, and still existing Volksniahrchen,
with a little specimen of them. Then of long-
written Traditions ; of the Heldenbuch and
Nibelungen Lied, with their old environment
of Fiction, looked at only from afar : especially
a long chapter on the Nibelungen, already an

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 189

object of curiosity here. The last chapter is
entitled the Minnesingers, and looks back
briefly to the time of Charlemagne and forward
to that of Rodolf von Hapsburg ; endeavour-
ing to delineate the chivalrous spirit of the
Swabian Era ; and to show that here really
was a Poetic Period, though a feeble, simple
and young one ; man being now for the first
time inspired with an Infinite Idea, having now
for the first time seen that he was a Man. —
This is all I have yet brought to paper, and I
fear it is worth little.

Next follows what I might denominate a
Didactic Period, wherein figure Hugo von
Trimberg, the author of Reinecke Fucks, and
Sebastian Brandt; it reaches its culmination
and rises to a poetical degree under Luther
and Hutten ; then again sinks, so far as
Literature is concerned, into Theological
Disputation, or mere Grammatical and Super-
ficial Refinement, through many a Tkomasius
and Gottsched, down to utter unbelief and
sensualism, when Poetry, except in accidental
tones, foreign in that age, has died away, and

190 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

become impossible. Of such accidental appear-
ances I might reckon Opitz and his School the
principal ; in whose poetry, however, I can find
little inspiration ; at best some parallel to that
of our own Pope ; as Hoffmannswaldau and
Lohenstein, perhaps with far less talent,
resemble our Dryden. How this is to be
grouped into masses, and presented in full
light, I do not yet see clearly : however, I must
force it all into the second volume, and leaving
Bodmer and Breitinger to fight out their
quarrel with Altvater Gottsched as they may,
be prepared to begin my third volume with
Lessing and Wieland.

Lessing I could fancy as standing between
two Periods, an earnest Sceptic, struggling to
work himself into the Region of Spiritual Truth,
and often from some Pisgah- height obtain-
ing brave glimpses of that Promised Land.
Wieland, with many a Hagedorn, Rabener,
Gellert, co-operate, each in their degree ; and
so the march proceeds ; till under you and
Schiller, I should say, a Third grand Period had
evolved itself, as yet fairly developed in no

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 191

other Literature, but full of the richest pros-
pects for all : namely, a period of new
Spirituality and Belief; in the midst of old
Doubt and Denial ; as it were, a new revela-
tion of Nature, and the Freedom and Infinitude
of Man, wherein Reverence is again rendered
compatible with Knowledge, and Art and
Religion are one. This is the Era which
chiefly concerns us of England, as of other
nations ; the rest being chiefly remembrance,
but this still present with us. How I am to
bring it out will require all consideration.
Though the most familiar to me of any other
department, I can yet see only that it will fill
my last two Volumes, and to good purpose, if I
can handle it well ; but the divisions, and
subordination and co-ordination of such a
multiplicity of objects : the Sorrows of Wert her
with the Kraftm'dnnery the Critical Philosophy,
the Xenien and what not, will occasion no little
difficulty ; or rather, in the long run, I shall be
obliged to stop where means fail, and so to
leave much unrepresented, and the rest com-
bined in what order it can get into.

192 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

By this long description you will see how
matters stand with me, and where a helpful
word would most profit. Innumerable ques-
tions I could ask ; for example, about the
Xenienkrieg, and your Nicolais and other
Utilitarians with their fortune among you ;
which sect, though under a British shape, is
at this day boisterous enough here ; whose
downfall, sure to come by and by, it were
pleasant to prophesy. But perhaps some out-
line of your own General Scheme of German
Literary History, and the succession of its
epochs, would in the limits we are here con-
fined to, prove most available. It is almost
shameful to occupy your time with poor work
of mine : otherwise, as I said, no word that you
could speak on this matter could be useless.
We expect, not without impatience, that pro-
mised Packet, in which so many interesting
matters and kind memorials are to lie for us.
My wife unites with me in friendliest wishes to
you and yours. May the Summer which is
now, after the wild snow-months, opening its
blossoms, even in these mountains, find you

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 193

happy, and leave you happy ! Friends you will
have in many countries and in many centuries :
few men have been permitted to finish such a
task as yours. — Believe me ever, affectionately
your Scholar and Servant,

Thomas Carlyle.

XXVI 1. — Goethe to Carlyle.

Weimar, den 6 Juni 1830.

Ihr werther Brief, mein Theuerster, vom
23 May, hat gerade nur 14 Tage gelaufen um
zu mir zu kommen, wodurch ich aufgeregt
werde alsobald zu antworten, weil ich hoffen
kann der meinige werde Sie an einem schonen
Junitage begriissen. Es ist wirklich hochst
erfreulich dass die Einrichtungen unsrer gesit-
teten Welt, nach und nach, die Entfernung
zwischen Gleichgesinnten, Wohldenkenden ge-
schaftig vermindern, wogegen wir derselben
manches nachsehen konnen.

Zuvorderst also will ich aussprechen, dass an
dem Plane, wie Sie die Geschichte der deutschen
Literatur zu behandeln gedenken, nichts zu

o

194 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

erinnern ist, und dass ich nur hie und da
einige Lticken finde, auf die ich Ihre Auf-
merksamkeit zu richten gedenke. Durchaus
aber werden Sie Sich liberzeugen dass die
erste Edition eines solchen Werkes nur als
Concept zu betrachten ist, welches in den Fol-
genden immer mehr gereinigt und bereichert
hervortreten soil ; Sie haben Ihr ganzes Leben
daran zu thun, und erfreuen Sich gewiss
eines entschiedenen Vortheils flir Sich und
andere.

Zu Forderung dieses Ihres Zweckes, werde
ich die Absendung eines intentionirten Kast-
chens sogleich besorgen, welches die gute
Jahreszeit bald genug Ihnen zubringen wird.
Es enthalt :

1. Vorlesungen liber die Geschichte der
deutschen National- Literatur von Dr. Ludwig
Wackier, 2 Theile, 181 8.

Dieses Werk schenkt' ich, als hochst brauch-
bar, im Jahre 1824 dem guten Dr. Eckermann ;
dieser, der so eben mit meinem Sohne nach
Sliden gereist ist, lasst mir solches als eine
Gabe flir Sie zuriick, mit den besten Grlissen

i83o GOETHE TO CARLYLE 195

und Segnungen. Ich sende es, mit um so mehr
Zufriedenheit, weil- ich iiberzeugt bin dass Sie,
diesem Faden folgend, nicht irren konnen. Von
dem meisten Einzelnen haben Sie Sich ja schon
eigene Ueberzeugungen ausgebildet, mogen Sie
liber dieses und jenes nachfragen, so werde
suchen treulich Antwort zu geben.

2. Ein hochst wichtiges Heftchen, unter
dem Titel : Ueber Werden und Wirken der
Literatur, zunachst auf Deutschlands Literatur
unserer Zeit, von Dr. Ludwig Wackier, Breslau
1829. Es giebt zu mancherley Betrachtungen
Anlass wie derselbe Mann, nach 10 Jahren,
sich wieder liber Gegenstande klirzlich aus-
druckt, deren Betrachtung er sein ganzes Leben
gewidmet. Durch obengemeldete zwey Bande
werden Sie volkommen in den Stand gesetzt,
das was er hier gewollt und ausgesprochen,
aufzunehmen und zu benutzen.

3. Vier Bande meiner Correspondenz mit
Schiller, und also das Ganze abgeschlossen.
Dabey sey Ihnen vollig tiberlassen es, nach
Ihrer reinen und wohl empfindenden Weise
sich zuzueignen und den Freunden, die sich

196 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

hier unterhalten, noch immer naher zu treten.
In der Folge sende ich manches von der freund-
lichen und hochstsinnigen Aufnahme, welcher
diese Bande in Deutschland sich erfreuen ; auch
wird Ihnen daraus zu Ihren Zwecken gar
manches deutlich werden.

4. Zwey Bande meiner Farbenlehre, mit
einem Hefte Tafeln. Auch diese werden
Ihnen nicht ohne Frucht seyn. Das Werk ist
gar zu sehr Fleisch von meinem Fleisch und
Bein von meinem Bein, als dass es Ihnen
nicht anmuthen sollte. Sagen Sie mir einiges
daruber. Das Allgemeine passt gewiss in
Ihre Denkweise, wtinschten Sie wegen des
Besondern einige Aufklarung, so will ich
suchen sie zu geben.

5. Sie finden ferner in dem Kastchen den
Abschluss der Uebersetzung Ihres Leben
Schillers ; die Herausgabe hat sich verzogert,
und ich wollte, dem Verleger so wie der Sache
zu Nutz, das Werklein eigens aufputzen ; dem
Publicum hab ich es gewiss recht gemacht,
wenn Sie es nur verzeihen.

Das Titelkupfer stellt Ihre Wohnung dar in

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 197

der Nahe, die Titel vignette dasselbe [sic] in der
Feme. Nach den gesandten Zeichnungen,
wie ich hoffe, so gestochen dass es auch in
England nicht missfallen kann. Aussen auf
dem Hefte sieht man vorn Schiller's Wohnung
in Weimar, auf der Rlickseite ein Garten-
hauschen, das er sich selbst erbaute, urn sich
von seiner Familie, von aller Welt zu trennen.
Wenn er sich daselbst befand, durfte Niemand
herantreten. Es war auch kaum fur einen
Schreibtisch Platz. Sehr leicht gebaut, drohte
es in der Folge zu verfallen und ward
abgetragen ; versteht sich nachdem er den
Garten weggegeben und nach Weimar gezo-
gen war.1

Nun aber ware noch manches zu sagen von
einem Vorwort das ich dazu geschrieben, doch
wird es besser seyn Sie selbst, wenn Sie es
gelesen, empfinden und urtheilen zu lassen, ob
ich des Guten zu viel gethan, oder ob mir das
Zweckmassige gelungen sey. In jedem Falle
war nothig zu interessiren und aufzuregen.
Was weiter erfolgen kann, erwarten wir, was

1 See infra, p. 204 n.

198 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

weiter zu thun ist, seh ich ziemlich schon
voraus.

Ihrer lieben Gattin das Allerfreundlichste !
Durch die ubersendete Silhuette [sic] ist sie uns
schon viel naher getreten ; so viel vermag der
genaue Schatten des edlen Wirklichen ! Mbge
Sie nun auch uns das Bildniss Ihres Gemahls
auf gleiche Weisse [sic] senden. Es freut mich
dass jenes famose Mahrchen auch dort seine
Wirkung nicht verfehlt. Es ist ein Kunststuck
das zum zweytenmale schwerlich gelingen wurde.
Eine geregelte Einbildungskraft fordert un-
widerstehlich den Verstand auf, ihr etwas
Gesetzliches und Folgerechtes abzugewinnen,
womit er nie zu Stande kommt. Indessen
habe ich doch zwey Auslegungen, die ich
aufsuchen und, wo moglich, dem Kastchen
beylegen will.

Da ich nun, um the single sheet nicht zu
liberschreiten, auch auf die aussere Seite des
Blatts gelangt bin, so will ich diesen Raum
noch benutzen um folgendes zu melden. Gleich
nach Abgang des ersten Kastchens, welcher
bald erfolgen soil, bereite sogleich ein neues

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 199

vor, in welchem Sie denn die Uebersetzung
Ihres Schillerischen Lebens und die siebente
Lieferung meiner Werke erhalten sollen, worin
enthalten sind 1. Tag-und Jahreshefte, Erganz-
ung meiner sonstigen Bekenntnisse 2 Bande.

2. Recensionen und einiges Aeltere 1 Band.

3. Cellini 2 Bde. Was indessen noch zu

erinnern ware, soil in dem Kastchen selbst

bemerkt werden.1 Mit dem Wunsch dass

Gegenwartiges Sie in heitern Tagen und guter

Gesundheit treffen moge, schliesse ich mit

Versicherung treuster, unwandelbarer Theil-

nahme.

J. W. v. Goethe.

Abgesandt, den 7 Juni 1830.

Eine unvergleichliche schwarze Haarlocke,
veranlasst mich noch ein Blattchen beyzulegen
und mit wahrhaftem Bedauern zu bemerken :
dass die verlangte Erwiederung leider unmog-
lich ist. Kurz und missfarbig, alles Schmuckes
entbehrend, muss das Alter sich begnugen wenn
sich dem Innern noch irgend eine Bliite aufthut,
indem die aussere verschwunden ist. Ich sinne

1 See Appendix II. p. 324.

200 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

schon auf irgend ein Surrogat, ein solches zu
finden hat mir aber noch nicht gllicken wollen.
Meine schonsten Grlisse der wlirdigen Gattin.

Moge das K'dstchen gliicklich angekommen seyn !

G.

[Translation.]

Weimar, 6th Jtine 1830.

Your valued letter, my dearest Sir, of the
23d of May, took only fourteen days in coming,
and this incites me to answer immediately,
since I can hope that mine may still greet you
on a lovely June day. It is certainly highly
gratifying that the distance between well dis-
posed persons of a like turn of mind is being
steadily diminished, owing to the arrangements
of our civilised world, in return for which we
may excuse much that is amiss, in it.

First of all I will declare that with re-
spect to your proposed plan of treating the
History of German Literature there is no
alteration to be suggested, and that I only
find a few gaps here and there, to which
I mean to call your attention. You should,

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 201

however, be thoroughly convinced that the
first edition of such a book is to be con-
sidered only as a first sketch, which will be
enriched and made more correct in every suc-
cessive edition. You have your whole life to
work at it, and may certainly rejoice in a positive
advantage from this to yourself and to others.

In furtherance of this object of yours, I will
immediately set about the despatching of a
parcel intended for you, which the favourable
time of the year will bring you soon enough.
It contains :

1. Lectures on the History of German
National Literature, by Dr. Ludwig Wachler,
2 parts, 1 8 18.

This work I presented in 1824 as a most
useful one, to good Dr. Eckermann ; 1 he,
having now gone on a journey to the south
with my son, left it behind with me, as a

1 On the inside of the cover of it is pasted a note, in
Eckermann's hand : " Ein mir sehr theures Geschenk von
Goethe. Sonntag Mittag d. 4 Januar 1824, aus seinen lieben
Handen empfangen." [A very precious gift from Goethe to
me. Received from his dear hands, Sunday, at midday, 4
January 1824.]

202 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

gift for you, with his kindest regards and good
wishes. I send it with the greater satisfaction,
because I am sure that in following this clew
you cannot go wrong. You have indeed
already formed your own convictions in regard
to most particulars, but should you wish to
inquire about any special matter, I will try to
answer you faithfully.

2. A most important little tract, bearing
the title Ueber Werden und Wirken der
Liter atur (Concerning the Growth and In-
fluence of Literature), especially of the German
Literature of our day, by Dr. Ludwig Wachler,
Breslau, 1829. There is occasion for a variety
of reflections on the way in which the same
man, after an interval of ten years, again briefly
expresses himself upon matters to the con-
sideration of which he has devoted his whole
life. By means of the above-mentioned two
volumes you will be fully enabled to appreciate
and to profit by the drift and substance of his
later work.

3. Four Volumes of my Correspondence with
Schiller, which complete the book. These I

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 203

simply hand over to you, that you may make
them your own, according to your usual clear
and sympathetic way, and may draw still nearer
to the friends who are here conversing together.
By and by I will send you many of the friendly
and exceedingly thoughtful notices which these
volumes have had the good fortune to call forth
in Germany ; you will moreover get out of them
a great many hints, useful for your purpose.

4. Two volumes of my Farbenlehre with a
set of plates. These again will not be un-
profitable to you. The Work is indeed too
much flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone
not to create in you a friendly interest. Say
something to me about it. The general view
will certainly fall in with your way of think-
ing ; should you wish an explanation on any
particular point, I will try and give it to
you.

5. Further you will find in the little box
the last sheets of the translation of your Life of
Schiller. The publication has been delayed,
and I wished to make the little work especially
pretty, for the sake of the publisher as well as

204 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

for its own. I have certainly pleased the public ;
I only hope you will excuse it.

The frontispiece represents your house from
a near point of view, the vignette on the title-
page, the same from a distance, — I hope, so
engraved from the drawings which you sent, that
they cannot fail to please in England also.
Outside, on the front cover, is a view of Schiller's
house in Weimar ; and on the cover at the
back, a little Garden-house [at Jena] which he
himself built in order that he might with-
draw from his family and all the world. When
he was there, no one was allowed to enter.
Besides there was scarcely room for a writing-
table in it. It was so very slightly built that it
threatened afterwards to fall to ruin, and was
pulled down ; but this was after he had given
up the garden and moved to Weimar.1

There might still be much to say about a
preface I have written for it, but it will be better

1 For a translation of Goethe's Introduction and Dedication
to the Leben ScM/ers, see infra, p. 299 (Appendix I.). For
the views of Craigenputtock, of Schiller's house at Weimar
and of his Garden-house at Jena, see Carlyle's Life of Schillei
(Library edition, 1869), Appendix II.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 205

to leave it to your own feelings, and when you
have read it, you will judge whether I have
overdone the matter, or have succeeded in doing
only what is suitable for the purpose. In any
case it was necessary to excite interest and to
arouse attention. We shall await what further
may ensue ; what is to be done further, I fore-
see tolerably well.

To your dear wife my most friendly greet-
ings. By means of the silhouette, she has come
much nearer to us ; such the power of the noble
original's veritable shadow ! May she now send
us such another portrait of her husband ! I am
glad that famous M'dhrchen, there also, does not
fail in its effect. It is a piece of legerdemain
which would hardly succeed a second time.
A normal imagination irresistibly demands that
reason should extract from it something logical
and consistent, which reason never succeeds in
doing. However, I possess two interpreta-
tions, which I will seek out, and if possible
send in the little box.

Since I have now, in order not to exceed " the
single sheet," reached the outside page, I shall

206 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

still make use of this space to communicate to you
the following further information. Immediately
upon the departure of the first little box, which
will be very soon, I shall at once get ready
another, in which you will receive the translation
of your Life of Schiller and the seventh Section of
my Works, which contains, 1. Tag-und Jahres-
hefte (the completion of my former Confessions)
in two volumes ; 2. Reviews and some older
Pieces, one volume ; 3. Cellini, two volumes.
What more may still be thought of shall be
noted, and sent in the little box itself.1 In the
hope that this letter may greet you in peaceful
days and in good health, I conclude, with the
assurance of my most faithful and unalterable

' ■ P y» J. W. v. Goethe.

(Sent ytkjtme 1830.)

A peerless lock of black hair impels me to
add still a little sheet, and with true regret to
remark that the desired return is, alas, impos-
sible. Short and discoloured and devoid of all
charm, old age must be content if any flowers
1 See Appendix II. p. 324.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 207

at all will still blossom in the inner man when
the outward bloom has vanished. I am already
seeking for some substitute, but have not yet
been lucky enough to find one. My warmest
greetings to your esteemed wife.

I hope the little box has arrived safe !

G.

XXVIII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
3u/ August 1830.

Dear and honoured Sir — A letter, which,
as you expected, was welcomed by us on a
bright June day ; and some six weeks after-
wards, a Packet containing Books and other
Valuables, the whole of which arrived in perfect
order, — are two new kindnesses on your part
which still remain to be acknowledged. This
grateful duty I have delayed till now, as I
wished, before writing, to have something
definite to say about the bibliopolic fate of that
History of German Literature, in which you are
pleased to take an interest, and over the Publi-
cation of which an evil star had for some time,

208 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

though as yet with uncertain aspects, appeared-
to rule. That projected Series of Literary
Histories has fallen to the ground, no proper
hands, for most departments of it, having
showed themselves : in consequence the book-
sellers have grown languid ; the Editor,1 a well-
meaning, but ineffectual person (late Editor of
the Foreign Review, which has now again
merged itself in the Foreign Quarterly), has
not only mourned by those streams of Babel,
but actually hung his harp on the willows, that
is to say, abandoned Literature altogether, and
is now struggling to be elected Member of
Parliament for some " rotten borough " in
Kent; whereby the whole Literary- History
concern lies in a state of fatal stagnation.
After some correspondence and exertion, I
have succeeded in extricating my own poor
Manuscript from such ungainly neighbourhood,
with intent to reposit it quietly in my drawer,
where, according to all appearance, it may now
lie for an indefinite period.

Neither, now that the trouble of it is over,

1 See supra, p. 86 n.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 209

do I much regret this arrangement : the work
itself may profit by a keeping till the ninth
year ; and for my own part, as my Name was
to have stood on the title-page, I cannot but
rejoice, so far as that goes, that my first pro-
fessed appearance in Literature may now take
place under some less questionable character
than that of a Compiler ; being ambitious, one
day, of far higher honours. It is true, as you
say somewhere, and it ought ever to be borne
in mind, that " an Artist in doing anything does
All : " nevertheless how few are Artists in this
sense ; and till one knows that he cannot be a
Mason, why should he publicly hire himself as
Hodman !

For the rest, I am about finishing the
Book ; at least, putting it into such a shape
that it can be published at any future period.
Within the space of a volume and half, I had
got down, in a continuous narrative, to the
Reformation : a hasty section would carry me
to Lessing's day ; after which I had determined,
on maturer calculation of my means and aim,
to treat the rest in a fragmentary and rhapsodic

p

2io CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

method ; singling out from the Mass, which is
too vast and confused for me to shape into
History, the main summits and figures, and
dwelling largely on these as individual objects ;
whereby, to an attentive reader, some imperfect
yet not untrue image of the so chaotic whole
might at length present itself. Separate
Essays on various personages of that period,
from the very highest down to a far lower
grade, I have already written ; to which from
time to time I purpose to add others : so that
the work is left in a growing state ; and when
concluded, and knit up by some general con-
siderations, retrospective and prospective, will
one day set before my countrymen a full view
of all that I have thought or guessed on this to
me so important subject. The present under-
taking once fairly put to a side, as it now nearly
is, I must forthwith betake me to something
more congenial and original : except writing
from the heart and if possible to the heart,
Life has no other business for me, no other
pleasure. When I look at the wonderful
Chaos within me, full of natural Super-

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 211

naturalism, and all manner of Antediluvian
fragments ; and how the Universe is daily
growing more mysterious as well as more
august, and the influences from without more
heterogeneous and perplexing ; I see not well
what is to come of it all, and only conjecture
from the violence of the fermentation that
something strange may come. As you feel a
fatherly concern in my spiritual progress, which
you know well, for all true disciples of yours,
to be the one thing needful, I lay these details
before you with the less reluctance.

But now turning to more immediately prac-
tical matters, let me thank you heartily for that
new Cargo of friendly memorials and useful
implements which the Weimar Carriers and the
Hamburg Shippers have transported hither.
With your spacious, lordly Town-mansion we
have made ourselves familiar ; and look wist-
fully through the windows, as if we could see
our Friend and Teacher sitting there. How-
ever, the little Garden-house with its domestic
contraction and flowery privacy, is the scene
we like best to figure you in, as you yourself

212 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

like best to occupy it. As for the Books, I
have found Wackier, so kindly granted me by
Dr. Eckermann, a sound substantial help, in
whose spirit I warmly agree, in whose vigorous
summaries much knowledge is to be gathered.
The Farbenlehre I have already looked into
with satisfaction and curiosity ; and mean, this
winter, to master it, so far as possible, according
to the plan you recommend. Should I attain
to any right understanding of the doctrine, it will
be a pleasing office to publish such insight here,
where vague contradictory reports are all that
circulate at present. But chiefly I must thank
you for that noble Brief wechsel which does
"like a magic chariot" convey me into beloved
scenes, and seasons of the glorious Past, where
Friends ever dear to me, though distant, though
dead, speak audibly. So pure and generous a
relation as yours with Schiller, founded on such
honest principles, tending towards such lofty
objects, and in its progress so pleasant, smooth
and helpful, is altogether unexampled in what
we Moderns call Literature ; it is a Friendship
worthy of Classical days, when men's hearts

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 213

had not yet become incapable of that feeling,
and Art was, what it ever should be, an inspired
function, and the Artist a Priest and Prophet.
The world is deeply your debtor, first for
having acted such a part with your Friend, and
now for having given us this imperishable
memorial of it, which will grow in value, as years
and generations are added to it. You will for-
give me also if I fancy that herein I have got a
new light upon your character ; and seen there,
in warm, beneficent activity, much that I only
surmised before. To Schiller, whose high and
true, yet solitary, pain-stricken, self-consuming
spirit is almost tragically apparent in these
letters, such a union must have been invaluable ;
to you also it must have been a rare blessing,
for " infinite is the strength man lends to man."
I am to finish the last volume to-night, and shall
take leave of it with a mournful feeling, as of a
fine Poem, not written but acted, which had
been cut short by death. My wife, who par-
ticipates in these sentiments, bids me ask of
you, for her, a little scrap of Schiller's hand-
writing, if you can spare such, to be treasured

214 • CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

here along with your own, among the most
precious things.

We look forward with impatience for that
translated Life of Schiller, with its wondrous
accompaniments ; especially that Introduction,
in which you condescend to fear that some
things you have said may be considered indis-
creet ! To me it can never be other than hon-
ourable to be in any such way associated with
you, in sight of any man, or of all men. The
last section of your Works we also long to see :
and I am here requested to remind you, if pos-
sible without importunity, of that promised Inter-
pretation of the Mdhrchen, which is still earnestly
wanted by the female intellect. Neither am I
to forget that new-made Chaos} in which your
Ottilie gracefully occupies herself: we smiled to
see ourselves in print there; and by a new oppor-
tunity, new contributions will not be wanting.

Some weeks ago I had a strange letter with
certain strange Books from a Society in Paris,
which calls itself La SociHe' Saint Sinionienne,
and professes, among other wonderful things,

1 See i?tfra, p. 235 ;/.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 215

now that Saint Simon is dead, to be instituting
a new Religion in the world. Their address to
me grounded itself on an Essay, entitled Signs
of the Times which I had written for the Edin-
burgh Review, about a year ago, and which
seemed to point me out as their man. If you
have chanced to notice that Saint Simonian
affair, which long turned on Political Economy,
and but lately became Artistic and Religious, I
could like much to hear your thoughts on it. —
For the present I can enter on nothing further,
though much remains to be said. I hope it
will be my turn to write again, ere long ; and
that often through winter we shall hear good
tidings of you, and send friendly greetings : best
wishes wre shall daily send. With loving regards,
such as can belong to no other, I remain always
your grateful Friend, Thqmas Carlyle.

XXIX. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[5 /A October 1830.]
Und so geht denn auch, mein Theuerster,
abermals ein Kastchen an Sie ab, indessen

216 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

mein Brief vom 7. Juni und das Kastchen,
abgegangen den 13., wohl schon bey Ihnen
angekommen sind, und ich nun bald die Mel-
dung des Empfangs brieflich von Ihnen hoffen
darf.

Das Gegenwartige, gleichfalls der Sorgfalt
Hn. Parish's liberlassene, enthalt denn endlich
das so lange vorbereitete und immer verspa-
tete Leben Schiller ?, in deutscher Uebersetzung.
Mogen Sie zufrieden seyn mit der Art wie ich
wtinschte Sie und meine Berliner Freunde in
lebhaftem und fruchtbarem Verhaltniss zu
sehen. In meinen Jahren muss es mir ange-
legen seyn, die vielen Bezlige, die sich bey
mir zusammenknupften, sich anderwarts wieder
ankntipfen zu sehen, und zu beschleunigen was
der Gute wlinscht und wtinschen muss: eine
gewisse sittlich freysinnige Uebereinstimmung
durch die Welt, und war es auch nur im Stillen,
ja oft gehindert, zu verbreiten ; dergestalt damit
sich manches friedlich zurecht lege, um * nicht
erst zerstreut umhergetrieben und kaum ins
Gleiche, nach grossem Verlust, gesetzt zu wer-

1 MS., "und."

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 217

den. Moge Ihnen gelingen, Ihrer Nation die
Vortheile der Deutschen bekannt zu machen, wie
wir uns immerfort thatig erweisen den unsrigen
die Vorzlige der Fremden zu verdeutlichen.

Da Sie Ihre Geschichte der deutschen Lite-
ratur nicht zu beeilen brauchen, so wird Ihnen,
zu weiterer Einsicht in dieselbe, das Werk von
Wackier hochst wichtig seyn. Was in diesem
Fach vorhanden ist, sehen Sie deutlich verzeich-
net ; Ihr Geist, Ihr Gemiith wird Ihnen andeu-
ten um was zunachst von diesem alien Sie sich
umzuthun haben. Alsdann werden Sie finden
was I lire Nation interessiren konnte, ausfuhrlicher
oder kurzgefasster, wobey es denn immer doch
zu jeder Zeit und an jedem Orte darauf an-
kommt, dass etwas menschlich Wohlgesinntes
durchgefuhrt, iiberliefert, und wo moglich be-
statigt werde. Die wilde Unterbrechung der
deutschen Bildung, besonders vom Anfang des
17. Jahrhunderts bis ins 18. hinein, wird Sie
betrliben. Wie sich ein Volk nach und nach
wieder hilft, ist aber desto merkwiirdiger. Hie-
mit nun alien guten Geistern und Einfltissen
empfohlen.

218 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

Die Berliner Freunde haben meine Wid-
mung Ihres Schillerischen Lebens gar geneigt
aufgenommen und sind zu alien wechselseitigen
Mittheilungen erbotig. Sie haben mir ein Diplom
zugeschickt, worin sie Herrn Thomas Carlyle
zu Craigenputtock zum auswartigen Ehrenmit-
glied ernennen. Dieses werthe Blatt, sende mit
dem nachsten Kastchen das wohl vor Winters
noch zu Ihnen kommt ; es wird die letzte Lie-
ferung meiner Werke enthalten, der ich noch
einiges Interessante hinzuzufugen hoffe.

Da die Briefpost nicht so wie der andere
Transport im Winter unterbrochen wird, so
lassen Sie mich von Zeit zu Zeit etwas von
Sich wissen, ehe wir wieder vollig einschneien,
wozu flir diesen Winter, ob ich gleich nicht
gerne Witterung voraussage, abermals bedenk-
liche Aussichten sind.

Nach Abschluss dieses Blattes, das ich gleich
senden will, damit es dem Kastchen, welches
am 29. August an die Herren Parish abge-
gangen ist, nach oder voreile, griisse ich beide
liebe Gatten zum schonsten.

Herr Carlyle wird, meinem Wunsch gemass,

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 219

den werthen Berlinern ein freundlich Wortchen
sagen. Dem Gegenwartigen lasse bald ein
anderes folgen. Ein talentvoller junger Mann
und gliicklicher Uebersetzer beschaftigt sich mit
Burns ; ich bin darauf sehr verlangend. Leben
Sie recht wohl, schreiben Sie bald, denn ftir mich
werden Tage und Wochen immer kostbarer.—

Und so denn, fort an !

Goethe.

■ Weimar, d. 5 October 1830.

Abschrift, Hitzig to Goethe}

In der heutigen Sitzung der Gesellschaft fiir auslandische2
Literatur wiirde Herr Thomas Carlyle von Craigenputtock
in Schottland durch einmiithigen Beschluss samtlicher
anwesenden Mitglieder zum auswartigen Mitgliede dieser
Gesellschaft ernannt. Dieselbe hofft mit Zuversicht, dass
dieser ausgezeichnete Gelehrte, der von Goethe an ihn
ergehenden Einladung entsprechend, zur Befbrderung ihrer
Zwecke, so weit sie auf die Kenntniss und Verbreitung der
Englischen Literatur in Deutschland, und der Deutschen in
Grossbrittanien gerichtet sind, gern die Hand bieten, und
so zur Erreichung des gemeinsamen Zieles allgemeiner
Bildung thatig mitwirken werde.

1 For Goethe's Letter introducing Carlyle to the members
of this Society, see Appendix I. p. 299.

2 MS., "vaterlandische."

220 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

Hr. Carlyle wird hiervon durch Abschrift dieser Ver-
handlung in Kenntniss gesetzt.

So geschehen Berlin in der Versammlung vom 24n.
Septbr. 1830.

Die Gesellschaft fur auslandische Literatur.

Hitzig.

[Translation.]

Once more, my dearest Sir, a little box is
going to you, and meantime, my letter of the
7th of June, and the box that was sent on the
13th have probably reached you some time
since, and I may now soon hope to have a
letter from you informing me of their arrival.

The present one (likewise committed to the
care of Messrs. Parish) contains at last the Life
of Schiller in the German translation, so long
in getting ready, and always delayed. I hope
you will be satisfied with the mode in which
I wished to see you and my Berlin friends in
active and fruitful communication. At my age
I cannot but be anxious to see the many rela-
tions, which have woven themselves around
me, knit up anew elsewhere, and to promote,
were it only by private efforts, often impeded,

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 221

what every good man desires, and must desire,
the diffusion of a certain morally liberal harmony
of sentiment throughout the world ; so that by
this means many things may quietly adjust
themselves, instead of being scattered hither
and thither at first so as to make it almost im-
possible, after great loss, to set them right
again. May you succeed in making your nation
acquainted with the good points of the Germans,
as we on our part are always active in bring-
ing before our own people what is excellent in
foreign nations.

As you do not need to hurry in your History
of German Literature, Wachler's book will be
of the greatest importance in giving you further
insight into it. You will see clearly recorded
what exists in this field, and your intelligence
and genius will indicate to you, what you
should first take up, in all these matters.
Then you will find what will interest your
countrymen, either in full or in brief, so that
constantly at all epochs and in every place the
result may be to exhibit, transmit, and if pos-
sible, establish something beneficial to mankind.

222 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

The barbarous interruption of German culture,
especially from the beginning of the seven-
teenth century onwards into the eighteenth, will
sadden you. The gradual recovery of a nation,
however, is all the more striking. In this be all
good spirits and influences now called to aid.

Our Berlin friends have accepted my dedica-
tion of your Life of Schiller very favourably,
and are ready for all reciprocal communications.
They have sent me a Diploma, in which they
appoint Mr. Thomas Carlyle of Craigenputtock
a foreign honorary member. This valuable
document I will put into the next little box,
which will probably reach you before the winter.
It will contain the last Section of my Works, to
which I hope to add something more that is
interesting.

Since the letter post is not interrupted in
winter like other means of transport, let me
know something 01 you from time to time,
before we are again completely snowed -in, in
respect to which for this winter, though I do
not like to predict the weather, there are once
more unfavourable signs.

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 223

In ending this letter, which I will send off
at once, that it may precede or directly follow
the little box that went to Messrs. Parish on
the 29th of August, I send my warmest regards
to the dear Pair.

Mr. Carlyle will, in accordance with my wish,
say a friendly word to the worthy Berliners.
Another letter will soon follow this. A young
man of much talent, and successful as a trans-
lator, is busy with Burns.1 I take an eager
interest in his work. Fare you right well ;
write soon, for days and weeks are becoming
more and more precious to me.

And so then, onward !

Goethe.

Weimar, $th October 1830.

Copy, Hitzig to Goethe.

In to-day's meeting of the Society for Foreign Litera-
ture, Mr. Thomas Carlyle, of Craigenputtock, Scotland, was
elected, by the unanimous vote of the members present, a
Foreign Member of this Society. The Society confidently
hopes that this distinguished scholar, in response to the
invitation transmitted to him by Goethe, will readily give
his assistance to the furtherance of its objects, so far as

1 Philipp Kaufmann is the name of this young gentleman.

224 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

they are directed to the knowledge and diffusion of English
literature in Germany, and of German in Great Britain, and
thus actively unite in the effort to attain the common end
of universal culture.

Mr. Carlyle is informed hereof by an extract from the
minutes.

Done at Berlin, at the Meeting on the 24th of Sep-
tember 1830.

For the Society for Foreign Literature,

Hitzig.

XXX. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[17th October 1830.]

Mein letztes Schreiben vom 5. Octbr. wird
indessen zu Ihnen, mein Theuerster, gelangt
seyn, worin ich zugleich das Decret abschrift-
lich eingeschaltet habe, welche Sie zum aus-
wartigen Mitgliede der Gesellschaft fur aus-
landische Literatur zu Berlin ernennt. Ge-
genwartig theil' ich das Schreiben gleichfalls
in Copia mit, wodurch jenes eingesendet ward.
Ich freue mich dass Sie durch diese Vermittlung
ein Verhaltniss in Deutschland gewinnen das
Ihnen in der Folge in manchen Fallen nutzlich
werden kann.

Wenn uns die Zeit mit dem Verluste alterer

1830 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 225

Freunde bedroht, so mussen wir suchen uns
jiingeren anzuschliessen. Von der Societe
St. Simonienne bitte Sich fern zu halten. Auch
hierliber gelegentlich das Nahere.

Treulichst,

J, W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, d. 17 Octbr. 1830.

Abschrift, Hitzig to Goethe.

Herrn Th. Carlyle, der das unschatzbare Gliick geniesst,
seine literarische Thatigkeit durch Ihren Rath geleitet,
durch Ihre Mitwirkung gefordert, durch Ihre Freundschaft
erhoht und belebt zu sehen, und der dieser Gunst des
Geschicks so wiirdig ist, glaubten wir unsre hohe Achtung
und den Wunsch einer nahern Verbindung mit ihm am
deutlichsten dadurch zu beweisen, dass wir ihn einmiithig
zum auswartigen Mitgliede unsrer Gesellschaft ernannten.
Nachdem Ew. Excellenz diese Verbindung eingeleitet, ja
durch die Aneignung seines unserm unverganglichen Schiller
geweihten Werkes ihn gleichsam schon zu dem unsrigen
gemacht haben, dlirfen wir hoffen, dass er unsrer Einladung
zur gemeinsamen Forderung des hohen Zweckes folgen
werde, und bitten Sie dieses unser lebhaftes Verlangen durch
Ihre giitige Vermittelung an ihn gelangen zu lassen.

Wir schliessen mit dem Wunsche, der fur jeden edelge-
sinnten Deutschen zum Gebet wird, dass der Himmel dem
Vaterland Ihr Leben noch lange Jahre erhalten moge,

Q

226 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1830

dieses Leben, wovon jeder Moment ein befruchtender
Keim ist zur Veredlung und Erhebung fur Zeit und
Nachwelt.

Beschlossen Berlin in der Versammlung vom 24 .
Septbr. 1830.

Die Gesellschaft fur auslandische Literatur.

Hitzig.

[Translation.]

My last letter of the 5th of October, in
which I inserted a copy of the vote, nominat-
ing you, my dearest Sir, a member of the
Society of Foreign Literature at Berlin, will, I
trust, have reached you. I now send you a
copy of the letter in which that vote was trans-
mitted to me. I am glad that by this means
you have secured relations with Germany, which
may hereafter in many cases be useful to you.

When time threatens us with the loss of
older friends, we must seek to attach ourselves
to younger ones. From the St. Simonian
Society pray hold yourself aloof. More about
this on another occasion.

Most faithfully,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, ijth October 1830.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 227

Copy, Hitzig to Goethe.

\24th September 1830.]
******

As to Mr. Thomas Carlyle, who enjoys the inestimable
good fortune of having his literary labours guided by your
advice, furthered by your co-operation, and quickened and
elevated by your friendship, and who so well deserves
this favour of fate, we have unanimously chosen him a
Foreign Member of our Society, believing that thereby we
could best prove our high esteem for him and our desire
for a closer relation with him. Since your Excellency has
brought about this connection, nay more, has, through the
adoption of his Work consecrated to our immortal Schiller,
as it were, already made him one of us, we trust he will
comply with our invitation to join us in the promotion of
our high aim, and we beg of you to permit this, our sincere
desire, to reach him through your kind mediation.

We conclude with the wish, which in every noble-minded
German becomes a prayer, that Heaven will spare your
life to our country for many years to come, — a life whose
every moment is a fruitful seed of ennoblement and eleva-
tion for the present time and future ages.

Done at Berlin at the Meeting on the 24th of September
1830.

For the Society for Foreign Literature, w

XXXI. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
23a? October 1830.

My honoured Friend — From the first
sentence of your otherwise most welcome Letter,

228 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

I draw the unpleasant apprehension that mine
of August last has failed to reach you. The
like, it is true, never happened in our past cor-
respondence : nevertheless to such accidents
we are ever liable ; at all events, this suspicion
of neglect, under which I may have fallen, is of
such a sort that I lose not a moment in remov-
ing it. Did no letter for you, then, arrive in the
beginning of September announcing that your
Packet of the 13th June, and Letter of the 7th
had both happily come to hand ; and been
received with the old feelings of thankfulness
and gladness, which such expressions of your
regard must ever merit from us ? l I will still
hope [it did] : for the Letter, of which unluckily
I have kept no memorandum, and cannot more
accurately specify the date, was without any
doubt despatched hence, and safely committed
to the Post-Office ; after which, so punctual are
the rules and arrangements of that Establish-
ment, there seems no probability of miscarriage
on this side the German shore ; except, indeed,
one of our Mail Ships had been wrecked ; of

1 This is Letter XXVI 1 1. See supra, p. 207.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 229

which in the Newspapers I observed no notice.
If such hope, which I still cherish, prove well-
founded, let the present Letter be considered
as a conscientious supererogation : in all things
touching my duties of gratitude towards you, I
would willingly make assurance doubly sure.
When the Packet, which we are now permitted
shortly to expect, reaches us, I will write again.
Meanwhile be pleased to entertain the convic-
tion that our regard, our love for you is not
susceptible of change or interruption ; that few
days, none perhaps wherein I am well employed,
pass over me in these solitudes, without affec-
tionate remembrances and thoughts full of
kindly veneration for the Friend who fern im
Lande sometimes also thinks of us.

In this Letter are two prophetic allusions
breathing a noble pathetic dignity, which
nevertheless affect me with alarm and pain.
Far distant be that day so mournful for us, and
for millions ! It is true, I might ask myself
what are you to me but a Voice ; and is not
that Voice one of those that cannot die ? Will
not also, when we are still more inaccessibly

23o CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

parted, the memory of past kindness abide,
perennially sweet, with the survivor ? Neither
in any case do we sorrow as those that have no
Hope. He who has seen into the high meaning
of " Entsagen " cherishes even here a still
Faith in quite another Future than the vulgar
devotee believes, or the vulgar sceptic denies.
" God is Great," say the Orientals ; to which we
add only, " God is good," as the beginning and
end of all our Philosophy. But let us look
away from these solemnities, which, however,
the wise man at no moment forgets : the blessed-
ness of Life is not in living, but in working
well ; and he to whom a Task, rarely exampled
in the history of men, was given, and who has
done it, and is still doing it, " looks both before
and after " with calm eyes, though the dew of
" natural tears " may gather there. We will
hope and pray that a life so precious may be
lengthened, in peaceful activity, to the utmost
term ; that long years of kind earthly brother-
hood are still appointed us.

If my last Letter were not lost, it would con-
vey to you in warm terms the admiration I felt

1830 CARL VLB TO GOETHE 231

for the Schillersche Briefwechsel, which I was
then on the point of finishing. A singularly
kind chance brought two such men into neigh-
bourhood : their relation, so full of generous
Helpfulness, and the highest Endeavour, is one
which, especially in these times, it does us good
to look upon ; to you especially, as the more
independent of the two, and by whom the sick,
retiring, almost monastic Schiller was still held
in some communion with the world, the lovers of
Genius will feel deeply indebted ; first for your
friendly ministerings to this noble man ; and
now for perpetuating this record of so rare a
union. In Schiller himself there is almost a
spirit-like abstraction and elevation ; yet a pain-
ful isolation, except from you, is also manifest :
we could figure him as some Prometheus : steal-
ing fire, indeed, from Heaven ; but to whom also
the Gods as punishment had sent chains and
a gnawing vulture. How different was his fate
from that of our own poor Burns, blest with an
equal talent, as high a spirit ; but smitten with
a far heavier curse, and to whom no guiding
Friend, warmly as his heart could love, and

232 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

still long for wisdom, was ever given ! One such
as you might have saved him, and nothing else
could ; but only the vain, the idle, the dissipated
gathered round him ; he was alone among his
kind, and courage and patience at last failed
him, and he lost all that made him Man. He
was of Schiller's age ; in the second year of that
fair Weimar union, Burns perished miserably,
deserted and disgraced, in that same Dumfries,
where they have erected Mausoleums over him,
now that it is all unavailing, and would buy a
scrap of his handwriting, as if it were Bank-
paper ; such is the sad history which, in genera-
tion after generation, is too often repeated to us.
Having here come upon Burns, I will add
my heartiest wishes, not unmixed with consider-
able fears of a negative result, that your young
Translator may be successful with him. The
changeful, too fugitive expressiveness of his
diction is one great charm with Burns ; at all
times hard to seize by a Translator, and no
doubt doubly so, when hidden in the rough
guise of our Scottish provincial dialect. Be-
sides his chief, indeed almost his only, true

1830 CARL VLB TO GOETHE 233

Poetical writings are Songs, which are of all
the most unmanageable. Otherwise Burns is
only a Volksdichter, more notable for shrewd
sense, passionate attachment, and a certain
rustic humour than any higher qualities. I
shall be full of curiosity to see your country-
man's version, the first, I believe, into any
foreign tongue : if he fail, beyond the due limits
of Poetical and Translatorial license, the highest
kindness we can do him here will be to forget
him; the whole British nation is passionately
attached to Burns; the very Inn-windows where
he chanced to scribble in idle hours, with his
versifying and often satirical Diamond, have all
been unglassed, and the scribbled panes sold into
distant quarters, there to be hung up in frames !
There is an infinite Dilettantism in the world ;
but also a certain universal Love for Spiritual
Light, and " Reverence for what is above us."

Quitting Burns, I must not omit to thank
you, were it even a second time, for Wackier,
whom I find, in my Historical Studies, a solid,
trustworthy and useful help. I mentioned last
time, that my German Literary History was,

234 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

so far as concerned Publication, standing in a
state of abeyance, the original Bibliopolic
Scheme, of which it formed part, having fallen
to the ground. There is now another possi-
bility of its being sent forth ; as a separate
work ; which I shall like better. The negotia-
tion is not in my hands : but perhaps before
the next letter, I may have it in my power to
communicate the issue. Meanwhile I have
been engaged a little in other more ambitious
enterprises : but whether the result may be a
Book, or only a pair of Magazine Essays, I
cannot yet predict ; but will mention in due
time, if it prove worthy of mention.

The news from Berlin, full particulars of which,
with so many other interesting things, I expect
by your Packet, could not be other than gratify-
ing. To Friends recommended by you my best
services must be always due. One of these men,
if the name Hitzig belongs to the Biographer of
Hoffmann and Werner, is already favourably
known to me.1 A letter, according to your wish,

1 Carlyle had spoken approvingly of Hitzig, in the Life
and Writings of Werner (Miscei/anies, i. p. 105).

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 235

with offer of heartiest co-operation in a work which
I also reckon so important, shall not be wanting.
There is much more to be said, were not the
unstretchable paper too near an end. For the
Farbenlehre I shall afterwards thank you more
at large. To your Ottilie express our kindest
wishes every way ; hope also for prosperity in
her Editorship of that fair Chaos1 (like the grace-

1 Eckermann says, under date 5th April 1830: — "We
came at length to speak of the ' ChaosJ which is a Weimar
Periodical conducted by Madame von Goethe, in which not
only the German ladies and gentlemen of this place take part,
but also, more especially, the young English, French, and other
Foreigners who are staying here ; so that nearly every num-
ber of it is a medley of almost every known European language.
' It is very pretty of my daughter,' said Goethe, ■ and she ought
to be commended and thanked for having established a journal
which is in the highest degree original, and for having so
stimulated the individual members of our community, that it
should now have survived almost a twelvemonth. It is, indeed,
but a dilettante pastime, and I know right well that nothing
great or lasting will come of it ; still it is pretty, and it is
to a certain extent a mirror of the intellectual standing of
our present Weimar society. And then, too, which is the
main thing, it gives our young ladies and gentlemen, who
often don't know what to do with themselves, some occupa-
tion. And also it is an intellectual centre, which offers them
opportunities for conversation and entertainment, and thus
keeps them from mere inanity and hollow gossip. I read
every page as it comes fresh from the press, and can say that

236 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

ful one of a Lady's portfolio), for which, among
these mountains, new materials, I believe, are
preparing. Forget not your kind resolution of
soon writing again. Through the winter you
shall duly hear of me : it is a deep snow, through
which Mail-guards will not either drive or ride ;
and now steam carries men and ships across the
water in all seasons. My friendly regards to Dr.
Eckermann, if he is with you. My wife joins
me in sincerest prayers that all good may be
with you. God have you in His keeping! — I
am ever, your affectionate Friend and Servant,

Thomas Carlyle.
XXXII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, 15M November 1830.

My honoured Friend — With the truest
pleasure we received your Letter of the 17th
October, some ten days ago, and, strangely
enough, that same evening, by another con-
veyance, arrived the long-looked-for Hamburg

in the whole I have seen nothing that was inept, and indeed
some things in it that were even very pretty.' " — Gesprdche
mit Goethe.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 237

Box, with all its precious contents in perfect
order. Already, on the 23d of last Month, I
had written to you, chiefly in regard to a former
letter, which I then feared might have been
lost : now, however, by a certain phrase, I dis-
cover that such fear was groundless ; that
hitherto our messages pass safely, over rough
seas and tumultuous lands, and do not once
miss their road. Among the many wonders of
modern society, such a benefit is not the least
wonderful ; and ought, indeed, as you once re-
marked, to make amends for much that we
could wish otherwise. Not knowing the par-
ticular Address of our Berlin Friends, and
thinking better, at all events, that you, who had
planted the seed of that relation, should also
witness its germinating, I have enclosed a few
lines under this cover, and shall employ your
kindness to forward them as you see fittest.
I hope also that the footing you have procured
me on the German soil will prove a lasting one,
and pleasant to my neighbours : for me the re-
membrance of him to whom I owe it will render
the connection doubly valuable.

238 CARL VLB TO GOETHE, 1830

Concerning the Box and its Books, I must
first mention that wonderful Life of Schiller, with
its proud Introduction,1 fitter to have stood at the
head of some Epic Poem of my writing than
there. That I should see myself, before all the
world, set forth as the Friend of Goethe, is an
honour of which, some few years ago, I could
not, in my wildest flights, have dreamed ; of
which I should still desire no better happiness
than to feel myself worthy. For the rest the
book is nearly the most beautiful I have ever
seen ; the Preface graceful and pertinent, as
well as highly flattering : these House-pictures
themselves seem more appropriate than I could
have fancied. On the whole, as one of our
rhymers says : " Tis distance lends enchant-
ment to the view"; had this Craigenputtock
mansion stood among the Harz Mountains or
the Vosges, this authentic image of it would
have interested me as well as another. But that
our remote Scottish Home should stand here,
faithfully represented by a German burin under
your auspices, this is a fact which we shall

1 See supra, p. 204 n.

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 239

never get to understand. The King's palace
of Holy rood was not dealt with so royally ; and
that our rough-cast Dwelling, with its humble
Sycamores and unfrequented hills, should have
such preferment ! We repeat often : a House,
like a Prophet, save in its own country, is not
without Honour.

For that matchless copy of your Poems,
the more precious for the memorable Day it
was inscribed on,1 my wife, whose gratifica-
tion is of the highest, requests a little space
here to thank you in her own words. The
last Lieferung I have already gone over ;
especially the Tag-und Jahresheft, in the like
of which I could read without limit. — Here,
however, let me mention an accident and
omission, which, as important to me, you
will gladly rectify : namely, that the fore -last
Lieferung was not sent ; that from volume 2 5

1 Goethe's Gedichte (Cotta 1829), two volumes, in blue silk
cover, and with autograph inscription, " Der entfernten theuren
Freundin Jane W. Carlyle, mit freundlichstem Gruss, am 28
Aug. 1830, W. Goethe, Weimar." ["To my dear, far-distant
friend Jane W. Carlyle, with kindest greeting, on the 28th of
August, 'Goethe's Birthday,' 1830."]

24o CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1830

to volume 31, of that beautiful Edition, there is a
blank. Let me trust, also, that your task is not
yet finished ; that from among your valuable
Papers, copious Selections, and Completions
of many sorts are yet in store for us. My room
here is exhausted, otherwise there were in-
numerable things to say. In No. CI 1 1, of the
Edinburgh Review is a Criticism of Lord L.
Gowers Translations, which, as wiping away a
reproach from British Literature, I could not
but welcome. The Critic, who, I learn, is a
man of forty, " a scholar, politician, and philo-
sopher," appears to understand nothing what-
ever of Faust, except that the Author is the
first of contemporaneous minds, and that Lord
Gower understands less than nothing of it.
Even this, however, is something, and not
long ago would have seemed surprising. I
myself am sometimes meditating a Translation
of Faust, for which the English world is getting
more and more prepared. But of all this more
at large by the next occasion. Might I beg for
another word from you by your earliest con-
venience. The winter will not shut up our

1830 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 241

thoughts, our wishes. May all Good be ever

with you ; may your days long be preserved

in peace for the millions to whom they are

precious ! ^ ~

r T. Carlyle.

[Postscript by Mrs. Carlyle.]

I have requested a vacant corner of my
Husband's sheet ; that I might, in my own
person add a word of acknowledgment. But
what my heart feels towards you finds no fit
utterance in words ; and seeks some mode of
expression that were infinite : in action, rather
in high endeavour, would my love, my faith,
my deep sense of your goodness express itself;
and then only, should these feelings become
worthy of their exalted object. Goethe s
'friend,' 'dear friend!' words more delight-
ful than great Queen so named. " I bear
a charmed heart"; the fairy -like gift on which
those words are written 1 shall be my talisman
to destroy unworthy influences. Judge then
how I must value it ! In the most secret place

1 See supra, p. 239 n.
R

242 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1830

of my house I scarcely think it sufficiently safe ;
where I look at it from time to time with a
mingled feeling of pride and reverence. Ac-
cept my heartfelt thanks for this and so many
other tokens of your kindness ; and still think
of me as your affectionate friend and faithful

^ ' Jane W. Carlyle.

XXXIII. ECKERMANN to CARLYLE.

\6th December 1830.]

Meintheurer Herr und Freund ! — Verzeihen
Sie dass ich mit einer Antwort auf Ihr letztes
werthes Schreiben bis jezt in Riickstand geblie-
ben bin. Ich erhielt es im April einen Tag vor
meiner Abreise nach Italien mit Herrn v. Goethe,
dem Sohn. Ich bin in voriger Woche von dieser
Reise nach Weimar zuriickgekehrt, jedoch
allein, indem jener Freund, wie Sie vielleicht
auch aus den Zeitungen werden gesehen haben,
in Rom seine irdische Bahn beschlossen hat.
Seine Familie hat diesen Verlust eines
geliebten Mitgliedes schmerzlich empfunden,

1830 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 243

sichjedoch nach und nach in das Unabander-
liche, Geschehene, ergeben, und sich nunmehr
ganz wieder dem Lebendigen und Thatigen
zugewendet. Besonders ist Goethe's hohes
Wirken keinen Tag unterbrochen worden, wie
man denn an Ihm iiberhaupt die Maxime zu
verehren hat, jedes unniitze Leiden durch niitz-
liche Thatigkeit zu tiberwaltigen.

Kaum war ich nun einige Tage wieder hier,
als Goethe in der Nacht von 25. auf den 26.
November mit einem heftigen Blutsturz
erwachte, so dass Sein Leben in Gefahr
schwebte und nur ein schneller Aderlass und
eine so kraftige Natur wie die Seinige Ihn
retten konnte. Sie mogen denken dass ganz
Weimar dadurch in grosse Aufregung und in
nicht geringe Sorge versetzt wurde. Am
zweyten Tage jedoch liess uns die beruhigende
Aussage seines trefflichen Arztes, des Hofrath
Vogel, schon wieder die beste Hoffnung
schopfen und so ist denn Goethe von Tag
zu Tag seiner vollkommenen Genesung
entgegengeschritten, so dass Er jetzt schon
wieder auf, und in gewohnter Weise beschaftigt,

244 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1830

ist, wie wohl Er sich noch stille bey Sich halt
und wie billig noch alle aussere Anregung
vermeidet. Die Krankheit war also nicht
zum Tode sondern zur Ehre Gottes, und wir
schopfen aus diesem glanzenden Sieg Seiner
unvergleichlichen Natur die sicherste Hoffnung,
Ihn nunmehr noch manches schone Jahr in
vollkommenen Kraften thatig voran zu sehen.

Vor alien freue ich mich nun auf die Vollen-
dung des Faust woran jetzt so viel gethan, dass
sie nicht ferner zu den Unmoglichkeiten zu
rechnen ist. Ich freue mich dazu als zu einem
Werk das an Umfang und inneren Reichthum
nicht seines Gleichen haben wird, indem es nicht
allein nach alien Verhaltnissen der geistigen
und sinnlichen Welt hinruhrt, sondern auch
die menschliche Brust mit alien ihren Leiden-
schaften und Thatigkeiten, mit ihren Richtungen
auf das Wirkliche, so wie auf die imaginaren
Regionen des Glaubens und Aberglaubens
vollkommen ausspricht, und zwar in alien
denkbaren Formen und Versen der Poesie.
Deutschland wird sich daran uben um es zu
verstehen und vollkommen zu geniessen, und

1830 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 245

die Nachbarnationen werden es ihren vorzlig-
lichsten Talenten danken, wenn sie dieses
Deutsche Product durch immer gelungenere
Versionen bey sich national machen.

Es steht mir zwar nicht zu Ihnen zu rathen,
ware ich jedoch an Ihrer Stelle, so wurde ich
sicher fur meine Nation etwas dankbares unter-
nehmen, wenn ich die schonsten Mussestunden
einiger Jahre auf eine treue Uebersetzung des
Faust verwendete. Die Proben Ihrer Helena
haben zur Genlige gezeigt, dass Sie nicht allein
das deutsche Original vollkommen verstehen,
sondern auch Ihre eigene Sprache genugsam in
Ihrer Gewalt haben, um das Empfundene und
Verstandene anmuthig und geistreich wieder
auszudrucken. Die Uebersetzung des Lord L.
Gower mag denen gentigen die das Original nicht
kennen, und man mag sie als Vorlaufer eines Bes-
sern schatzen, allein genau besehen mag es ihm
gefehlt haben, beydes an Einsicht wie an Muth.

Man soil aber nie fragen ob eine Nation fur
ein Werk reif 1 sey, bevor man wagen will es ihr

1 Two words here, likely to be torn by the seal, are re-
peated in the margin in Goethe's hand.

246 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1830

zu bringen. In solcher Erwartung hatte Goethe
noch lange Zeit haben mogen. Die Nationen
aber reifen an kiihnen Werken heran und man
soil ihnen daher das Beste nicht vorenthalten.

Ich hatte vor, Ihnen noch manches von
meiner Reise zu schreiben, ich wollte Ihnen
von manchem grossen Eindrucke erzahlen den
ich gehabt, wie mich der Mont Blanc und
Monte Rosa so wie der Garda und Genfer See
in Bezug auf die Farbenlehre beschaftiget ; auch
dass ich auf meiner Riickreise mich der Ueber-
setzung Ihres Lebens von Schiller erfreut ;
allein es fehlt mir heute an Raum wie an Zeit ;
und ich schliesse fur diessmal, mit den herz-
lichsten GriAssen an Sie und Ihre Frau Gemalin,
und mit dem Wunsch recht bald wieder von
Ihnen zu horen.

Ihr treuer Freund,

ECKERMANN.
Weimar, d. 6. Dcbr. 1830.

[Postscript by Goethe in his own handwriting.]

Glucklicherweise kann ich eigenhandig hinzu-
fugen dass ich lebe, und hoffen darf noch eine

1830 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 247

Zeitlang in der Nahe meiner Geliebten zu ver-

weilen. Gruss und Segen den theuern Gatten !

Ihre beyden Briefe sind angelangt, der nach

Berlin bestellt.

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, d. 7. Dcbr. 1830.

[Translation.]

My dear Sir and Friend! — Pardon me,
that my answer to your last valued letter
has been delayed until now. I received it
in April, the day before setting out for Italy
with Herr von Goethe, the son. I returned to
Weimar from this journey last week, but alone,
for that friend, as you perhaps have seen in the
newspapers, closed his earthly course in Rome.1

1 Eckermann and August von Goethe set out on this journey
on the 2 2d of April 1830; but August, whose conduct had
made his absence from Weimar desirable even to his Father,
who was much attached to him, was soon galled by Ecker-
mann's restraint, and, with Goethe's permission, the two travel-
lers parted company at Genoa on the 1 2th of September ;
August, after visits to Pompeii and to Naples, proceeded to
Rome, where a stroke of paralysis brought his life to a close on
the 27th of October 1830. He was buried near the Pyramid
of Cestius ; Thorwaldsen (out of respect for August's Father)

248 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1830

His family have keenly felt this loss of a be-
loved member, but they have gradually sub-
mitted to what has unalterably befallen, and
have now once more wholly turned back to the
living and their concerns. Above all, Goethe's
high task was not interrupted for a single day ;
for on all occasions we have to revere in him
the principle of mastering useless sorrow by
useful activity.

I had returned, however, but a few days, when
on the night of the 25th- 26th of November
Goethe awoke with so violent a hemorrhage of
the lungs, that his life was in danger, and was
only saved by a speedy blood-letting and by the
vigour of his constitution. You may imagine
that all Weimar was thrown by this into a state
of great emotion and no little anxiety. How-
ever, on the second day, the encouraging report
of his eminent physician, Hofrath Vogel, gave

designed and erected a monument to his memory. Eckermann
did not return to Weimar until the 23d of November. He
was most kindly received by Goethe, " who talked of many
things, only not a word of his son." — See Diintzer's Life oj
Goethe^ translated by Thomas W. Lyster (2 vols., London,
1883), ii. pp. 416-421.

1830 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 249

us the best hopes ; and, from day to day, Goethe
has steadily advanced toward complete re-
covery, so that he is now again up and busy in
his usual ways, although he still remains quietly
at home, and avoids, as is desirable, all external
excitement. Thus the illness was not fatal,
but for the glory of God ; and from this strik-
ing victory of his incomparable constitution,
we derive the most confident hope that we
shall yet see him at work, and in complete
possession of his powers, for many fair years
to come.

Above all, I now look forward to the com-
pletion of Faust, of which so much is finished,
that it is no longer to be counted among the
impossibilities. And I rejoice in the work as
one, which in compass and in richness of con-
tents will not have its like, touching as it does
not only on all the relations of the spiritual and
intellectual world, but also giving complete ex-
pression to the human heart, with all its passions
and energies, with its dispositions for action,
as well as for the imaginary regions of belief and
superstition ; and this too, in every conceivable

250 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 1830

form and measure of poetry. Germany will try
its strength on the work, in order to understand
and fully enjoy it, and neighbouring nations
will be grateful to their men of most distin-
guished talent, if by versions, ever more and
more successful, they make this German pro-
duct one of their own national possessions.

It is indeed not for me to offer advice, but if
I were in your place, I should certainly under-
take something for which my country would
be grateful, by employing, for some years, my
best leisure hours on a faithful translation of
Faust. The specimens of your Helena have
sufficiently shown, that you not only completely
understand the German original, but have also
your own language sufficiently at command to
express in it the sentiment and meaning with
grace and spirit. Lord L. Gower's translation
may be sufficient for those who do not know
the original, and may be valued as the fore-
runner of a better version, but, critically ex-
amined, it seems to be lacking alike in insight
and in vigour.

But one should never ask if a Nation is

1830 ECKERMANN TO CARLYLE 251

ready for a work, before one ventures to offer it.
Were that the case Goethe might still have had to
wait a long time. Nations are indeed matured
by means of daring works, and therefore the
best ought not to be withheld from them.

I had intended to write to you many things
of my journey. I wanted to tell you of the
many deep impressions I received ; how Mont
Blanc and Monte Rosa, as well as the Lakes of
Garda and Geneva, had occupied me in refer-
ence to the Farbenlehre, and also that on my
homeward journey I was cheered by the trans-
lation of your Life of Schiller ; but both time
and space fail me to-day, and I now conclude
with most cordial greetings to you and your
lady, and with the hope that I may soon hear
from you again.

Your faithful friend,

ECKERMANN.
Weimar, 6th December 1830.

Happily I can add with my own hand that I
am alive, and may hope yet for a time to abide
with my loved ones. Greetings and blessings

252 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

to the dear Pair. Your two letters have arrived,
and the one for Berlin has been forwarded.

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, yt/i December 1830.

Carlyle, writing to his Mother on the nth Feb-
ruary 1 83 1, told her of the receipt of the preceding
letter, and of his reply to it : —

" We had a letter from Goethe, or rather from Goethe's
secretary, with a short kind postscript from Goethe to tell
that he was ' still in the land of the living and beside his
loved ones.' He has lost his only son (far from him,
travelling in Italy) ; and has had a violent fit of sickness
(a flux of blood), so that for two days his own life was
despaired of. He bore his son's death like a hero ; ' did
not cease from his labours for a single day.' I have written
to him all that was kind : engaged among other things to
translate his Poem of Faust, which I reckoned would be a
gratification to him. If my own Book1 were out, I would
begin it with alacrity."

XXXIV. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
lid Jamcary 1831.

My dear and honoured Friend — I learn
with the truest sorrow, by Dr. Eckermann's

1 Sartor Resartus.

1 83 1 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 253

Letter, and the Public Journals, what has be-
fallen at Weimar ; that you have lost him who
was the most precious to you in this world ;
that your own life, threatened by violent disease,
has been in extreme danger. My only con-
solation is that you yourself are still preserved
to us ; that you bore your heavy stroke with
the heroic wisdom we should have anticipated
of you. It is a truth, which we are daily
taught in stern lessons, that here nothing has a
" continuing city ; " that man's life is as a
" vapour which quickly fleeth away." Within
the bygone Twelvemonth I too have lost no
fewer than five of my near relatives : the last,
a Sister, peculiarly endeared to me by worth and
kind remembrances, whom I now seem to have
loved almost more than any other of my kindred.
"We shall go to them, they shall not return to
us." Meantime, while Days are given us, let
us employ them : " Our Field is Time," what
we plant therein has to grow through Eternity ;
our Hope and Comfort is "to work while it is
called To-day." And so : Forward ! Forward !
What Dr. Eckermann mentions of your being

254 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

busied with a Continuation of Faust could not be
other than great news for me. Pray tell him also
that his counsel and admonition about an English
version of Faust came in the right season ; that
I had already long been meditating such an en-
terprise, and had well nigh determined, before
much time elapsed, on attempting it. The British
World is daily getting readier for a true copy of
Faust : already we everywhere understand that
Faust is no theatrical spectacle, but a Poem ;
that they who know and can know nothing of
it, must also say nothing of it ; which, within
the last four years, is an immense advancement.
Lord L. Gower's Translation is now universally
admitted to be one of the worst, perhaps the
very worst, of such a work, ever accomplished
in Britain ; our Island, I think, owes you some
amends ; would that I were the man to pay it !
As I said, however, I have as good as deter-
mined to make the endeavour ere long.

In an early number of the Edinburgh Review,
perhaps in the next, there is to appear, as I
learn, a criticism of the Briefwecksel, involving
most probably a delineation and comparison of

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 255

the two great Correspondents. I must warn
all German Friends to expect but little : the
Critic, I apprehend, will be the same who
criticised Faust and Lord Gower in the last
Number of that Periodical i1 an admiring Dilet-
tantism, but no true insight or earnest criticism,
is to be looked for. — I too am again to speak
a word on that favourite subject, a word of
warning and direction, where the harvest is
great, and the reapers many and more zealous
than experienced. A certain William Taylor
of Norwich, the Translator of your Ipkigeuie,
has written what he calls a Historic Survey of
German Poetry ; the tendency of which you
may judge of sufficiently by this one fact, that
the longest Article but one is on August von
Kotzebue. Taylor is a man of real talent, but
a Polemical Sceptic only ; with no eye for
Poetry, who sees in the highest minds only
their relation to the Church Creed ; whose book,
therefore, as likely to mislead many, I have felt
called upon to contradict, and, by such artillery

1 Mr. William Empson, Jeffrey's son-in-law, afterwards
editor of the Edinburgh Review. See infra, p. 282.

256 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

as I had, batter down into its original rubbish.
I fear you will not like the satirical style : the
more agreeable will some concluding specula-
tions be on what I have named World- Litera-
ture, after you ; and how Europe, in the
communion of these its chief writers, is again
to have a " Sacred College and Council of
Amphictyons," and become more and more one
universal Commonwealth. This, it seems to
me, is one of the most cheering signs of the
future that are yet discernible. Literature is
now nearly all in all to us ; not our speech
only, but our Worship and Lawgiving ; our
best Priest must henceforth be our Poet ; the
Vates will in future be practically all that he
ever was in theory, — or else Nothing, which
last consummation we cannot consent to admit.
The Review of Taylor is not to appear for some
months :l in the meanwhile, I am working at
another curious enterprise of my own, which is
yet too amorphous to be prophesied of.2

1 It appeared in the Edinburgh Review, No. CV., 1831.
See Miscellanies, vol. iii., p. 283.

2 Sartor Resartus.

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 257

Leaving now these Paper Speculations, let
me descend a little to the solid Earth. We
have a mild winter here, are busy and
peaceable : often look into that Weimar House,
and figure our Friend and Master there, and
pray for all blessings on him. A little collec-
tion of Memorials, intended to cross the sea,
is also gathering itself together : we anticipate
that before the next 28th of August, at all events,
it will have saluted you. I have already got nearly
all my writings for the Foreign Review ; and will
send them in the shape of Aush'dngebogen, since
they are yet in no other. Learning from your
Tag-und Jahresheft that you had no copy of the
English Ipkigenie, I sent to London to procure
one ; hitherto without effect ; however, as the
work stands entire in this Taylors Historic
Survey, I will study to send it in one or the
other form. Some weeks ago we heard of a
wandering Portrait-painter being at Dumfries,
who took what were called admirable likenesses,
in pencil, at two hours' sitting : whereupon we
drove down, and set the Artist to work ; who
unhappily produced, by way of Portrait for me,

s

258 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

a piece of beautiful pencilling, which had no
feature of mine about it ; so that it cannot be
sent to Weimar, being worth nothing : however,
my wife has undertaken to copy and rectify it ;
at all events, to clip you some profile of me.
Would that there were aught else we could do
for you in our Island ; had I but a true work of
my own writing to send !

The Saint Simonians in Paris have again
transmitted me a large mass of their perform-
ances : Expositions of their Doctrine ; Pro-
clamations sent forth during the famous Three
Days ; many numbers of their weekly Journal.
They seem to me to be earnest, zealous, and
nowise ignorant men, but wandering in strange
paths. I should say they have discovered and
laid to heart this momentous and now almost
forgotten truth, Man is still Man; and are
already beginning to make false applications of
it.1 I have every disposition to follow your
advice, and stand apart from them ; looking

1 Carlyle, in Sartor Resartus (Book III., chapter xii.),
speaking of the Saint-Simonian Society, expresses the same
idea in almost the same words.

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 259

on their Society and its progress neverthe-
less as a true and remarkable Sign of the
Times.

In our own country, too, the political atmos-
phere grows turbid, and great things are
fermenting and will long ferment. To which
also I reckon that my proper relation is that
chiefly of Spectator : the world is heavily
struggling out into the new era ; the struggle
has lasted centuries, and may yet last centuries :
let him who has seed-corn, or can borrow seed-
corn, cast it into these troubled Nile- waters,
where, in due season, it will be found after
many days. Some of our friends are high in
the new Ministry, especially the Edinburgh
Reviewer of Meister, a good man and bad
critic '} but the Sun and Seasons are the only
changes that visit the wilderness. Mein Acker
ist die Zeit.

Perhaps ere long a letter will come from
Weimar, to tell us that you are still well, and
nobly occupied. Meanwhile, know always that
we love you and reverence you. To your dear

1 Jeffrey.

26o HITZIG TO CARLYLE 1831

Ottilie speak peace, and from us, all that is
kind and sympathising. " God is great, God
is good." — I remain ever, your affectionate,
grateful Friend, Thqmas Carlyle

Please to return Dr. Eckermann my friend-
liest thanks, and encourage him to repeat his
kind favour : I will surely reply to it.

XXXV. — Hitzig to Carlyle.

[28M January 1831.]

Ew. Wohlgeborn waren uns schon vor dem
Erscheinen Ihrer Lebensbeschreibung unsers
grossen Landmannes zu ehrenwerth bekannt, als
dass letztere nicht in uns den Wunsch erregen
sollen, mit Ihnen in nahere Beziehung zu treten.
Dies zu bewirken schien uns die geeigneteste
Weise, Sie zur Mitgliedschaft unserer an-
spruchlosen literarischen VerbriAderung einzu-
laden, und wir statten Ihnen unsern verbind-
lichsten Dank ab, dass Sie unsere freundliche
Einladung eben so freundlich angenommen.
Dagegen fiirchten wir, dass Ew. Wohlgeborn

1 83 1 HITZIG TO CARLYLE 261

in einem Irrthum sich befinden, wenn Sie der
Ansicht waren, dass unsere Gesellschaft eine
besondere Wirksamkeit nach aussen wiinsche.
Ihr Hauptzweck besteht in dem Genuss
auslandischer Geisteswerke und in der
gewlinschten Verbindung mit auslandischen
Dichtern und Aesthetikern, um sich solche
naher der Quelle zu verschaffen und eine
bewahrtere Bekanntschaft mit dem reellen
Neuen, als durch die getrtibtere der Journale
zu erlangen. Die Gesellschaft, noch zu jung,
besitzt bis jetzt keine Diplome und wtinschte
auch, wenn diese einst ausgefertigt werden,
dass ihre Mitglieder davon keinen offentlichen
Gebrauch machten. Der Deutsche lebt einmal
— auch nach 1831 [sic] — mehr flir die Familie,
als flir die Oeffentlichkeit, er tragt das Familien-
leben gern in die Literatur liber, wo es sich
thun lasst. Ew. Wohlgeborn werden aus
diesen Griinden die Bitte entschuldigen, von
dem Titel eines Ehrenmitgliedes unserer Gesell-
schaft keinen offentlichen Gebrauch zu machen,
indem er einen Schein des Anspruchs auf die
Gesellschaft werfen wtirde, den diese gern

262 HITZIG TO CARLYLE 1831

vermiede. Beifolgend theilen wir Ihnen vor-
laufig, nebst einer Anzeige Ihres Werks vom
Herrn Dr. Seidel, unsere Statuten, und ein
alteres Namensverzeichniss unserer Mitglieder,
deren Zahl sich seit der Zeit auf eine erfreuliche
Weise vermehrt hat, nach Ihrem Wunsche mit.
Der unsere ist, dass uns recht bald Gelegenheit
wlirde, wozu Sie uns Hoffnung gemacht, Sie
personlich in unserer Mitte zu sehen.

H ochachtungsvoll,

Ew. Wohlgeborn,

ergebenste,

Die Gesellschaft fur auslandische Literatur,

Hitzig.
Berlin, beschlossen in der
Sitzung vom 28ten Januar 1831.

[Translation.]

Sir — You were already, before the appear-
ance of your Biography of our great countryman,
too honourably known to us for this work to fail
in exciting in us the wish to enter into closer
relation with you. The fittest means of accom-

1831 HITZIG TO CARLYLE 263

plishing this was, it seemed to us, to invite you
to become a Member of our unpretending
Literary Brotherhood, and we offer you our
most grateful thanks for having accepted, in so
friendly a manner, our friendly invitation.

At the same time we fear that you, Sir, may
have misapprehended us, if you have thought
our view was to gain for our society any par-
ticular outside agency. Its chief aim consists
in the enjoyment of foreign intellectual works,
and in desiring a connection with foreign poets
and aesthetic writers, for the sake of providing
ourselves with this enjoyment nearer the source,
and of securing more authentic information con-
cerning what is really new than the dim medium
of the Periodicals affords. The Society is still
too young to issue Diplomas, and, if in future
it should do so, it would desire its members to
make no public use of them. It is the way of
the German — even in 1831 — to live more for
the family than for the public, and he likes, where
it is possible, to carry the habits of family life
into Literature. You will therefore pardon the
request, that you will make no public use of

264 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

the title of Honorary Member of our Society,
since it would tend to give to it an appearance
of pretension which it would gladly avoid.
Meanwhile, in accordance with your wish, we
enclose to you, together with a notice of your
Work by Dr. Seidel, our Rules, and an old
list of our Members, whose number has, since
that was made, increased in a very satisfactory
manner. Our wish is, that we may very soon
have the opportunity, of which you give us the
hope, of seeing you in person among us.

With high respect,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
For the Society for Foreign Literature,

Hitzig.

Berlin, done at the Meeting of
the 28th of January 1831.

XXXVI. — Goethe to Carlyle.

[2d June 1 83 1.]
Bey eintretendem Fruhling, welcher Sie
gewiss auch schon besucht haben wird, finde

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 265

ich gemlithlich Sie wieder zu begrlissen und zu
versichern dass wir diesen Winter an Sie, als
eingeschneite Freunde ofter gedacht haben.
Wenn ich sage wir, so ist es dass Ottilie mit
ihren Kindern, nachdem der Gatte, als Mittel-
person beliebt hat, in der ehemaligen Haupt-
stadt der Welt, zurtickzubleiben, sich natiirlich
und sittlicher Weise naher an mich anschliesst ;
da wir denn genugsam wechselseitiges Interesse
und daraus entspringende Unterhaltung finden,
und zwar mitunter so abgesondert von der
librigen Welt, dass wir eine Art von Craigen-
puttock mitten in Weimar zu bilden im Falle
waren.

Gegenwartiges, welches schnell genug bey
Ihnen ankommen wird, lasse vorausgehen, in-
dem ich eine Ihnen bestimmte Sendung noch
zuriickhalte.

Der Inhalt meiner letzten 5 Bande ist Ihnen
meist bekannt und was er fur Sie Neuesenthalt,
wird Ihnen, spater wie fruher, einige Unter-
haltung geben. Es ist aber manches auf mich
und Schiller Beziigliches zeither hervorgetreten,
welches ich erst sammeln und ordnen mochte,

266 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

damit Sie auf einmal etwas Bedeutendes
erhielten.

Sogar mocht' ich eine Antwort auf gegen-
wartigen Brief erwarten urn von Ihnen zu
vernehmen ob Sie vielleicht auf einiges in
Deutschland erschienene von hieraus zu sen-
dende aufmerksam geworden, was Sie allenfalls
zu sehen wiinschten. Das alles konnte zu
gleicher Zeit anlangen, denn wenn ich die gute
Jahrszeit vor mir sehe, so scheint mir, man
konne nichts verspaten.

Der gute Eckermann ist gliicklich zuriick-
gekehrt, heiter und in seiner Art Wohlgemuth.
Sein zartes und zugleich lebhaftes, man mochte
sagen, leidenschaftliches Geftihl ist mir von
grossem Werth, indem ich ihm manches Unge-
druckte, bisher ungenutzt Ruhende vertraulich
mittheile, da er denn die schone Gabe besitzt,
das Vorhandene, als geniigsamer Leser, freund-
lich zu schatzen und doch auch wieder, nach
Geftihl und Geschmack zu Forderndes deutlich
auszusprechen weiss.

Vorstehendes war langst zur Absendung

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 267

bestimmt, blieb aber liegen bis ich das beysam-
men hatte, was doch auch werth ware libers
Meer sich zu Ihnen zu begeben. Sie erhalten
also : —

1. Vier Hefte Neureutherischer Randzeich-
nungen, zu meinen Parabeln und sonstigen
Gedichten. Schon vor Jahren wurde, in Mlin-
chen, ein altes Gebetbuch entdeckt, wo der Text
den geringsten Raum der Seite einnahm, die
Rander aber von Albrecht Dtirer, auf die
wundersamste Weise, mit Figuren und Zier-
rathen geschmuckt waren. Hievon wird ge-
nannter junger Mann entziindet, dass er, mit
wundersamstem Geschick, Randzeichnungen zu
vielen meiner Gedichte unternahm, und sie, mit
anmuthig congruirenden Bildern commentirte.
Wie diess geschehen muss man vor Augen
blicken, weil es etwas Neues, Ungesehenes und
deshalb nicht zu beschreiben ist. Moge dieses
reizende Heft unsern Eremiten der Grafschaft
Dumfries oft wiederholt heitere Lebensaussich-
ten gewahren.

2. Die letzte Sendung meiner Werke ; lassen
Sie sich zu dem schon Bekannten freundlich

268 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

hinflihren. Ich habe mit einer poetischen
Masse geschlossen, weil denn doch die Poesie
das gllickliche Asyl der Menschheit bleiben
wird, indem sie sich zwischen den ersten dustern
Irrthum und den letzten verkuhlenden Zweifel
mitten hineinsetzt, jenen in Klarheit zu fuhren
trachtet, diesen aber deutlich und theilnehmend
zu werden nothigt, so werden nicht viele wirk-
samere Mittel gefunden werden um den Men-
schen in seinem Kreise loblich zu beschaftigen.

3. Die zwey Bandchen Schiller redivivus
werden Ihnen Freude machen; sie regen manch
schemes Gefuhl und manchen wichtigen Gedan-
ken auf.

4. Nun kommt auch der Abschluss des
Chaos anbey, woran manches Sie interessiren
wird. Mit dem 52 Stuck ward der erste Band
geschlossen, und es fragt sich : ob die an-
muthige Societat, wie sie jetzt ist, bey schnell-
wechselnden Theilnehmenden, bey fliichtigen
Gesinnungen, Neigungen und Grillen, unter-
nehmen wird in diesem Flusse zum zweytenmal
zu schwimmen ; einige Herzenserleichterungen
von unsrer Schottischen Freundin mitgetheilt,

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 269

wlirden dieEntschliisse wahrscheinlichu. hoffent-
lich befordern.

5. Meine Metamorphose der Pflanzen mit
einigen Zusatzen, alles libersetzt von Herrn
Soret, liegt denn endlich auch bey. Da dieses
Heft Ursache der retardirten Sendung ist, so
wunsch' ich denn doch dass der Inhalt auch
Ihnen moge von Bedeutung seyn. Gewinnen
Sie dem Ganzen etwas ab, so wird es Sie nach
manchen Seiten hin fordern, auch das Einzelne
wird Ihre Gedanken auf erfreuliche Wege hin-
weisen. Es waren die schonsten Zeiten meines
Lebens da ich mich um die Naturgegenstande
eifrig bemuhte und auch in diesen letzten Tagen
war es mir hochst angenehm die Untersuchun-
gen wieder aufzugreifen. Es bleibt immer ein
herzerhebendes Gefiihl wenn man dem Uner-
forschlichen wieder einige lichte Stellen abge-
winnt.

Auch liegt ein Blatt bey, von Herrn Hitzig
unterschrieben, die Anerkennung Ihrer Berliner
Fellowship. Von jenen werthen Freunden
habe ich unmittelbar lange nichts vernommen.
Die fortwahrende Bemlihung mein Haus zu

270 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

bestellen und meinen nachsten Mitfiihlenden
und Mitwirkenden das in die Hande zu legen
was ich selbst nicht vollbringen kann, nimmt
mir alle brauchbare Stunden weg deren uns
doch noch manche gute wie schone gegonnt sind.
Hiemit sey geschlossen; ins Kastchen selbst
wird noch ein Blatt gelegt. Von mir und
Ottilien die schonsten Grlisse und treusten
Wiinsche dem lieben Eremitenpaare. Die An-
kunft des Kastchens bitte baldigst zu melden.

Also sey es !

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, den 2 Juni 1831.

[Translation.]

\2djune 1 83 1.]
With the coming of Spring, which by this
time will have visited you also, I find it pleasant
once more to greet you and to assure you that
we have often thought of you during the last
winter as snow-bound friends. If I say we, it
is because of Ottilie, with her children, who,
since her Husband, the bond of union between

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 271

us, has chosen to remain behind in the Ancient
Capital of the World, naturally and properly
clings more closely to me. As this brings suf-
ficient interest and entertainment to both of us,
we are sometimes on account of it so secluded
from the rest of the world, that we have been
like to form a kind of Craigenputtock in the
midst of Weimar.

I am sending off this present letter, which will
reach you soon enough, while I still withhold a
package, which I intend for you.

The contents of my last five volumes are for
the most part known to you, and what they
may contain that is new, will, as in former cases,
prove of some interest to you. Since they were
published, several things relating to me and
Schiller have appeared, which I should now like
to collect and put in order, so that you may at
the same time receive something of importance.

I am even inclined to await your answer
to this Letter to learn from you whether you
have not perhaps noticed anything that has
appeared in Germany which you might by
chance wish to see, and which could be sent

272 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

from here. These things might all go to you
at once, and now, when we have the time of the
year in our favour, it seems to me, one should
have no delays.

The good Eckermann has happily returned,
cheerful and after his fashion gay. His deli-
cate, and at the same time lively, one might
say passionate, feeling is of great value to me ;
since I communicate to him in confidence much
unprinted matter, hitherto lying by unused ;
while he has in return, as a sympathetic reader,
the happy gift of cordially appreciating what
is before him ; and he knows how to express
clearly with tact and discrimination, what may
be suggested by feeling and taste.

The preceding was intended to be sent long
ago, but remained waiting, till I had collected
what other things might be worth going to you
across the sea. Thus you now receive —

1. Four Parts of Marginal drawings by
Neureuther, to my Parables and some of my
other poems. Some years ago an old Prayer-
book was found in Munich, in which the text

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 273

took up the smallest part of the page, but the
margins were adorned, in the most wonderful
way, with figures and ornaments by Albert
Diirer. The above-named young man was so
fired by this example, that, with the most sur-
prising skill, he set about making marginal
drawings for many of my poems, and furnish-
ing a comment upon them with pleasingly
appropriate pictures. How this has succeeded,
one must see with one's own eyes, because it
is something new, never seen before, and there-
fore not to be described. May this charming
work afford our hermits of the county of Dum-
fries oft-repeated, cheerful vistas of life ! 1

1 Eckermann in his Conversations, under date of 5th April
1 83 1, reports Goethe as saying : " In Art one does not easily
meet with a more pleasing talent than Neureuther's. It is
rare that an artist confines himself to what he is able to do
well ; most of them are anxious to do more than they can,
and are eager to overstep the limits which nature has set to
their talents. But of Neureuther one may say that he stands
above his talent. Objects from all the kingdoms of nature
are easily at his command. He draws, equally well, valleys,
rocks, trees, animals, and men. He has taste, and is in a
high degree, inventive and artistic ; while lavishing such wealth
on slight marginal drawings, he seems to play with his talent,
and the pleasure which usually accompanies the careless, free
spending of ample riches is transferred to the spectator. . . . No

T

274 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

2. The last Section of my Works ; pray
turn, with friendly feeling, to what you already
know in it. I have closed with a mass of
poetry, for, after all, poetry, intervening as
it does, between the first dim error and the
last chilling doubt, endeavouring to change
the one to clearness, and compelling the other
to become intelligible and sympathetic, will
remain the happy refuge for mankind ; and
few more effectual means will be found
for occupying a man worthily in his own
sphere.

3. The two small volumes of Schiller Redi-
vivus will please you ; they awaken many a
noble sentiment and weighty reflection.

4. There is also the conclusion of the Chaos,
in which various things will interest you. The
first volume ended with the 52nd number, and
the question arises, whether this pleasant

one has surpassed him in marginal drawing, even the great
talent of Albert Diirer served in this less as a model to him
than an incitement. — I will send a copy of these drawings to
Mr. Carlyle in Scotland, and I hope to make with them no
unwelcome present to that friend." — Albert Diirer's marginal
drawings on the Prayer-Book of Kaiser Maximilian I., here
referred to, have since been published (Munich, 1850).

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 275

Society as it now exists, with its quickly-
changing sympathies, with its fickle dispositions,
inclinations and whims, will undertake to swim
a second time in this stream. Some contribu-
tion from our Scotch lady-friend to encourage
their fainting hearts, would, it is to be hoped,
be likely to advance its resolutions.

5. Finally, my Metamorphosis oj Plants,
with some additions, all translated by M. Soret,
is added to the package at last. Since this
book has been the reason of the delay, I trust
the contents of it may be of importance to you
also. If you gain anything from it as a whole,
it will be of service to you on various sides,
while the details will direct your thoughts in
pleasant channels. The happiest time of my
life was when I was eagerly at work on the
works of Nature, and now in these last days it
has been extremely delightful to me to resume
those researches. There is after all a feeling of
exaltation in once again throwing light on any
part of the Impenetrable.

There is with the rest, a sheet, signed by
Herr Hitzig, the certificate of your Berlin

276 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

" Fellowship." I have heard nothing directly
from those worthy friends for a long time.
The continual effort to set my house in order
and to put in the hands of my fellow-workers,
and those nearest me in sympathy, what I my-
self cannot complete, occupies all my available
hours, of which after all many good and beauti-
ful ones are still granted to us.

With this I must end : still another sheet
will be put in the box. The fairest greetings
from me and Ottilie, and most faithful wishes
for the dear pair of hermits. Pray inform
me of the arrival of the box as soon as

possible.

So let it be!

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, id June 1831.

XXXVII. — Goethe to Carlyle.

\\$thjune 1 83 1.]

Eben als ich schliessen will findet sich noch
Raum in den Kastchen und ich komme auf
einen Gedanken den ich langst hatte haben

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 277

sollen. Ich lasse Ihnen die funf verflossenen
Monate dieses Jahres von einer unsrer belieb-
testen Zeitschriften : dem Morgenblatt, einpa-
cken, nebst seinen Beyblattern tiber Kunst
und Literatur. Sie werden dadurch mitten ins
Continent versetzt, erfahren wie man sich
unterhalt, wie man liber mancherley denkt
und Sie konnen Sich dabey vorstellen wie es
klange, wenn Sie eine unsrer guten Gesell-
schaften besuchten. Auch liegt ein Exemplar
von dem ubersetzten Leben Schillers bey, der
Freundin gewidmet, damit sie erfahre wie sich
auch die Buchbinder des Continents aller
Genauigkeit und Anmuth befleissen.

Und so sey es denn hiermit geschlossen
unter den besten Wunschen, und in HofTnung
baldiger Erwiederungen.

G.

Weimar, den \$Juni 1831.

[Translation.]

Just as I am about to close it, I find there is
still room in the little box ; and a notion which I

278 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

ought to have had long ago, has struck me. I am
having packed up for you the numbers belonging
to the five past months of this year, of one of
our most popular journals, the Morgenblatt?
together with its supplements on Art and
Literature. You will by its means be trans-
ported into the heart of the Continent, will
learn what people are interested in there and
what they are thinking on a variety of subjects, ;
and can thus imagine what you would hear if
you took part in one of our intellectual assem-
blies. There is also in the box a copy of the
translation of the Life of Schiller, an offering
to my lady-friend, that she may learn how even
the bookbinders of the Continent study neatness
and elegance.

And so now with this let us close it, amid
our best wishes, and in the hope of speedy

replies.

G.

Weimar, 15M June 1831.

1 Carlyle, in 1833, wrote on this volume of the Morgenblatt :
" Part of the last Present I had from Goethe. — These News-
paper-leaves had been read or looked over by Goethe the year
before he left this world."

i83i CARLYLE TO GOETHE 279

XXXVIII. — Carlyle to Goethe.

Craigenputtock, Dumfries,
10th June 1831.

My dear and honoured Friend — If kind
thoughts spontaneously transformed themselves
into kind messages, you had many times heard
from me since I last wrote. Here in our still
solitudes, where the actual world is so little
seen, and Memory and Fancy must be the
busier, Weimar is not distant but near and
friendly, a familiar city of the Mind. Daily
must I send affectionate wishes thither ; daily
must I think, and oftenest speak also, of the
Man to whom, more than to any other living,
I stand indebted and united. For it can never
be forgotten that to him I owe the all- precious
knowledge and experience that Reverence is
still possible, nay, Reverence for our fellow-
man, as a true emblem of the Highest, even in
these perturbed, chaotic times. That you have
carried and will yet carry such life-giving Light
into many a soul, wandering bewildered in the

28o CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

eclipse of Doubt ; till at length whole genera-
tions have cause to bless you, that instead of
Conjecturing and Denying they can again
Believe and Know : herein truly is a Sove-
reignty of quite indisputable Legitimacy, and
which it is our only Freedom to obey.

In anxious hours, when one is apt to figure
misfortune for the absent and dear, I often
look timorously into the Foreign Column of
our Newspapers, lest it bring evil tidings of
you, to me also so evil ; again, I delight to
figure you as still active and serene ; busy at
your high Task, in the high spirit of old
Times. — Wie das Gestirn, Ohne Hast, Aber
ohne Rast/1 — May I beg for my own behoof,
some few of those moments which belong to
the world ? It is chiefly in the hope of drawing
a Letter from Weimar that I now write in the
Scottish wilderness, where there can be so
little to communicate. Our promised Packet
has been detained longer than we looked for,
and diminished in contents ; by a circumstance,
however, which, we hope, will render it the

1 Goethe's Werke (Cotta, 1827), vol. iii. p. 259.

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 281

welcomer when it comes. We send it, this
time, by London, where also it will have to
linger, and be finally made up under the eye of
a Proxy. For in that city, let me announce,
there is a little poetic Tugendbund of Philo-
Germans forming itself, whereof you are the
Centre ; the first public act of which should
come to light at Weimar, on your approaching
Birthday. That the Craigenputtock Packet
might carry any little documents of this along
with it, was the cause of our delay, and of the
new route fixed on. In London, with which
I can only communicate by writing, matters
move slower than I could wish : nevertheless,
it is confidently reckoned, the whole will be
ready in time, and either through the hands of
Messrs. Parish at Hamburg, or of the British
Ambassador at Berlin, appear at Weimar before
the 28th of August, where doubtless it will
meet with the old friendly reception.

Of this little Philo-German Combination,
and what it now specially proposes, and
whether there is likelihood that it may grow
into a more lasting union, for more complex

282 CARL VLB TO GOETHE 1831

purposes, — I hope to speak hereafter. The
mere fact that such an attempt was possible
among us, would have seemed strange some years
ago ; and gives one of many proofs that what
you have named World-Literature is perhaps
already not so distant. To the Berlin Friends
from whom lately came a friendly Note, I
purpose communicating some intelligence of
this affair : it may be, we too in London shall
have a little Society for Foreign Literature ;
which, in these days, I should regard as of
good promise.

The chief item in our Packet for Weimar
will be the Proof-sheets of my poor contribu-
tions as a Foreign Reviewer ; the most of
which I have had stitched up into a volume for
your acceptance, till I can offer the whole in
another form. If the last number of ^ the
Edinburgh Review has fallen into your hands,
you have already seen the newest of these,
the Criticism of Taylor ; likewise in the same
number, an Essay on the Correspondence with
Schiller. This latter is by a Mr. Empson,1 a

1 See supra.) p. 2 5 5 n.

1 83 1 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 283

man of some rank and very considerable talent
and learning ; in whose spiritual progress, as
manifested in his study of German, I see a
curious triumph of Truth and Belief over
Falsehood and Dilettantism. He was the
Reviewer of Faust in a former number ; and
on this occasion, still leaving somewhat to
desire, he has greatly surpassed my expecta-
tions. Of young men that have an open sense
for such Literature as the German, or of
mature men that from youth upwards have been
acquiring an open sense, there are now not a
few in Britain : but the Critic here in question
started at middle age, as I understand, and only
a few years ago, from quite another point ; is an
English Whig Politician, which means gener-
ally a man of altogether mechanical intellect,
looking to Elegance, Excitement, and a certain
refined Utility, as the Highest ; a man halting
between two Opinions, and calling it Toler-
ance ; to whom, on the whole, that Precept,
Im Ganzen, Guten, Wahren resolut zu leben}

1 Goethe writes Schonen, not Wahren. Carlyle's words at
the end of his Essay on the Death of Goethe are : " Could each

284 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

were altogether a dead letter. How in this
case the dry bones, blown upon by Heavenly
Inspiration, have been made to live; and a
naturally gifted spirit is freeing itself from that
death-sleep, — is to me an interesting Pheno-
menon. It is on such grounds that the study of
the best German writings is so incalculably im-
portant for us English at this Epoch. I am
happy to report anew, that we make rapid pro-
gress in the matter; that the ultimate recognition
and appropriation of what is worthy in German
literature by all cultivated English minds, may
be considered as not only indubitable, but even
likely to be speedy.

For myself, though my labours in that pro-

here vow to do his little task, even as the Departed did his
great one ; in the manner of a true man, not for a Day, but
for Eternity ! To live as he counselled and commanded, not
commodiously in the Reputable, the Plausible, the Half, but
resolutely in the Whole, the Good, the True : ' Im Ganzen,
Guten, Wahi'en resolut zu leben /' ? — This is the verse, from
Generalbeichte, in which these words of Goethe occur :

Willst du Absolution

Deinen Treuen geben,

Wollen wir nach deinem Wink

Unablasslich streben

Uns vom Halben zu entwohnen,

Und im Ganzen, Guten, Schonen,

Resolut zu leben. — {Werke, i. 140.)

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 285

vince have of late been partially suspended,
I hope they are yet nowise concluded. The
History, when it sees the light, may be no
worse for having waited ; already, simply by
the influence of Time, various matters have
cleared up, and the form of the whole is much
more decisively before me. As occasion serves,
I can, either at once, or gradually as hitherto,
speak out what further I have to say on it.
But for these last months I have been busy
with a Piece more immediately my own : of
this, should it ever become a printed volume,
and seem in the smallest worthy of such honour,
a copy for Weimar will not be wanting. Alas !
It is, after all, not a Picture that I am painting ;
it is but a half-reckless casting of the brush,
with its many frustrated colours, against the
canvas : whether it will make good Foam is
still a venture.1

In some six weeks I expect to be in London :
I wish to look a little with my own eyes at
the world ; where much is getting enigmatic to
me, so rapid have been its vicissitudes lately.

1 The Piece was Sartor Resartus.

286 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

The mountain-solitude, with its silent verdure
and foliage, will be sweeter for the change ; and
my efforts there more precisely directed.

Here, however, are the limits of my paper,
when there was scarcely a beginning of my
utterance. How poor is all that a Letter,
how poor were all that words, could say,
when the heart is so full ! Do you interpret
for me, and of broken stammerings make
speech.

Think now and then of your Scottish
Friends ; and know always that a Prophet is
not without honour, that we love and reverence
our Prophet. My wife unites with me in every
friendliest wish. May all Good be with you
and yours ! — Ever your affectionate

T. Carlyle.

All mute and dim as Shadows gray,

His Scottish Friends the Friend descries ;

Let Love evoke them into day,

To questions kind, shape kind replies.

Craigenputtock, idtkjune 1831.

i83i CARLYLE TO GOETHE 287

XXXIX. — Carlyle to Goethe.

6 Woburn Buildings, Tavistock Square,
London, \^th August 1831.

My much honoured Friend — I send you a
word of remembrance from this chaotic whirl-
pool of a city, where I arrived three days ago ;
where the confusion in which I and all things
are carried round must be my excuse for brevity
and almost unintelligibility. Often do I recal
to myself that saying of poor Panthalis in
Helena, "the soul-confusing spell of the
Thessalian Hag," and feel as if I too were a
Shade ; for in truth this London life looks more
like a Mephistopheles' Walpurgis Night, than a
real Heaven-encircled Day, where God's kind
sun were shining peaceably on industrious men.

Our last two Letters must have crossed each
other about Rotterdam ; for yours was in
Craigenputtock about a week before mine could
be in Weimar. A thousand thanks for your
remembrance of us ! Never was letter more
gladly welcomed : it reached us in the calm

288 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

summer twilight, and was itself so calm and
pure, even like the Summer Evening, with mild
sun-rays and the sheen of an everlasting Morn-
ing already peering through ! Endless gratitude
I owe you ; for it is by you that I have learned
what worth there is in man for his brother-
man ; and how the "open secret," though the
most are blind to it, is still open for whoso has
an eye.

Since then two things have occurred which I
must now notify. The first is the departure of a
little packet from Craigenputtock which had to
go round by London, and lie waiting there ;
but was finally put to sea by my Brother, on
the 5th of this month, with impressive charges
to the Messrs. Parish of Hamburg that they
would have it in Weimar before your Birthday.
As it went by the Steam-ship, and our Ham-
burg Merchants are the most courteous and
punctual of men, I can still hope that in spite of
so many delays, all will be well. The Craigen-
puttock articles were insignificant' enough, and
might arrive fitly at any time : solely some
Books and printed Lucubrations of mine, which

1831 CARLYLE TO GOETHE 289

I hoped might not be quite uninteresting to
you. But along with these went another
article, from others as well as from myself, the
significance of which required that you should
see it on the 28th of August. It is a birthday
gift from a certain select body of English Dis-
ciples, who in this way seek to testify their
veneration for you. Perhaps to make the feel-
ing still purer, I find, they have withheld their
names and merely signed themselves, " Fifteen
English Friends."1 I may mention now that
among our number are some of our most noted
men, our three highest Poets, certain Diplo-
matic characters, and men of rank, as well as
humbler but not less faithful and honourable
labourers in the vineyard. Let me hope that
it will arrive in due season ; and the sight of
it give you some gratifying moments.

My second thing to be announced is the
arrival of your Weimar Packet at Craigen-
puttock. I could not but take it as a good
omen of my journey hither that this friendliest
of messengers reached me some two hours

1 See infra, p. 292 11.
U

2Qo CARLYLE TO GOETHE 1831

prior to my departure. A hasty glance through
the contents was all that could be permitted
me : I must leave my wife to assort and
admire those printed Poems, and beautiful
Randzeichnungen, in her mountain loneliness,
as I find yesterday by a Letter from her, she is
actually doing. For my own part I snatched
up the Metamorphosis of Plants and Schiller
Redivivus, with intent to read them as the
Steamboat shot along with me to Liverpool,
whither the first stage of my journey lay. In
a calmer hour, a more deliberate word may be
spoken of them.

I have come hither chiefly to dispose of
the Piece which I lately described myself as
writing.1 Whether, or how well, I shall succeed
seems questionable : for the whole world here
is dancing a Tarantula Dance of Political
Reform, and has no ear left for* Literature.
Nevertheless, I shall do my utmost to get the
work, which was meant to be a "word spoken
in season," actually emitted : at lowest I shall
ascertain that it cannot be emitted, and study

1 Sartor Resartus. See supra^ p. 8 5.

i83i CARLYLE TO GOETHE 291

to do what duty that situation also will call for.

Probably I shall be here for a month.1 On

returning to the Scottish wilderness, you shall

hear from me again. Meanwhile, figure me

and mine as thinking of you, loving you ; as

present especially on that 28th with wishes as

warm as loving hearts can feel. Salute Ottilie

from my wife and me. Think sometimes of

those that are yours in this Island, especially

among the Nithsdale Mountains. — All Good be

yours always ! ^ ~

* ■ * 1 . Carlyle.

The following letter was printed, not long after its
date, in Fraser's Magazme, xxii. 447, and afterwards
in a note to Carlyle's Essay, originally published in
the Foreign Quarterly Review on Goethe's Works.
The words prefixed to it in Fraser may still serve
as a sufficient introduction : —

" ' A fact,' says one of our fellow-labourers in this
German vineyard, ' has but now come to our knowledge,
which we take pleasure and pride in stating. Fifteen
Englishmen, entertaining that high consideration for the

1 Carlyle afterwards decided to spend the winter in London ;
Mrs. Carlyle joined him there, and they did not return to
Craigenputtock until the following April.

292 FIFTEEN ENGLISH FRIENDS TO GOETHE 1831

Good Goethe, which the labours and high deserts of a long
life usefully employed so richly merit from all mankind,
have presented him with a highly wrought Seal, as a token
of their veneration.' We must pass over the description
of the gift, for it would be too elaborate ; suffice it to say,
that amid tasteful carving and emblematic embossing
enough, stood these words engraven on a golden belt, and
on four sides respectively : To the German Master : From
Friends in England: 28 th August: 1831 j finally, that the
impression was a star encircled with a serpent -of- eternity,
and this motto : Ohne Hast Aber Ohne Rast."

The suggestion was due to Carlyle, as well as the
design of the Seal, and the choice of the motto for
it (from one of Goethe's Xenien. See supra, p. 280).

XL. — Fifteen English Friends1 to Goethe,
on the 2 8th AUGUST 1831.

Sir — Among the friends whom this so inter-
esting Anniversary calls round you, may we

1 The names of the " Fifteen English Friends " are given
in Zelter in the following order, some of them very oddly spelt :
Thomas Carlyle, Dr. Carlyle, W. Fraser (editor of the Foreign
Review), Dr. Maginn, Heraud (editor of Fraser), G. Moir
(translator of Wallenstein), Churchill (author of a Translation
of Wallenstein^ s Lager), Jerdan (editor of the Literary Gazette),
Professor Wilson (editor of Blackwood), Sir Walter Scott,
Lockhart (editor of the Quarterly), Lord Francis Levison-
Gower (translator of Faust) : the Poets, Southey, Wordsworth
and Procter (Barry Cornwall). — Briefwechsel zwischen Goethe
und Zelter (Berlin, 1834), Sechster Theil, 256-7.

1 83 1 FIFTEEN ENGLISH FRIENDS TO GOETHE 293

' English Friends,' in thought and symbolically,
since personally it is impossible, present our-
selves, to offer you our affectionate congratula-
tions. We hope you will do us the honour to
accept this little Birthday Gift ; which as a
true testimony of our feelings, may not be
without value.

We said to ourselves : As it is always the
highest duty and pleasure to show reverence to
whom reverence is due, and our chief, perhaps
our only benefactor is he who by act and word,
instructs us in wisdom, — so we undersigned, feel-
ing towards the Poet Goethe as the spiritually-
taught towards their spiritual teacher, are
desirous to express that sentiment openly and
in common. For which end we have deter-
mined to solicit his acceptance of a small
English gift, proceeding from us all equally,
on his approaching Birthday ; that so, while the
venerable man still dwells among us, some
memorial of the gratitude we owe him, and
think the whole world owes him, may not be
wanting.

And thus our little tribute, perhaps among

294 FIFTEEN ENGLISH FRIENDS TO GOETHE 1831

the purest that men could offer to man, now
stands in visible shape, and begs to be received.
May it be welcome, and speak permanently of
a most close relation, though wide seas flow
between the parties !

We pray that many years may be added to
a life so glorious — that all happiness may be
yours, and strength given to complete your
high task, even as it has hitherto proceeded,
"like a star, without haste, yet without rest."1

We remain, Sir, your friends and servants,

Fifteen English Friends.

1 Zelter, writing to Goethe on the 17th of August 1831,
remarks that Goethe has told him nothing about the Seal from
the " Nineteen " Englishmen and Scotchmen. Goethe replies,
on the 20th of August : " Since I have received your valuable
gift for my approaching birthday, I may now give you tidings
of the notable present which I have received from across the
Channel. Fifteen English Friends, so they subscribe them-
selves, have had a seal prepared by their most famous gold-
smiths ; of a size to be easily contained in the hollow of the
hand, and in shape like a longish vase. The highest skill of
the goldsmith, aided by the enameller, is here displayed. It
reminds one of the descriptions in which Cellini is wont to
extol his own achievements, and it is obvious that they have
worked after the model of the sixteenth century. The English
seem to think the saying, ' Ohne Rast, doch ohne Hast ' [sic] of
considerable significance, and essentially it very well expresses

1831 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 295

XLI. — Goethe to Carlyle.

Den Funfzehen Englischen Freunden.

Worte die der Dichter spricht,
Treu in heimischen Bezircken,
Wircken gleich, doch weiss er nicht
Ob sie in die Feme wircken.

Britten ! habt sie aufgefasst !

" Thatigen Sinn ! das Thun geziigelt ;

Stetig Streben, ohne Hast."

Und so wollt Ihr es besiegelt.1

Vorstehendes habe, gleich nach Empfang des
anmuthigsten Geschenkes, durch Herrn Fraser
an die verbundeten Freunde nach London
gelangen lassen. Ihnen, mein Theuerster, send'
ich das Duplum, das vielleicht fruher als jene
Mittheilung von dorther zu Ihnen gelangt.

Ich ftige nur hinzu dass die begleitenden
Bticher und Hefte schon von mir angegangen

their own mode of procedure. These words are engraved
round a star, the well-known serpent encircling all, unfortun-
ately in Old German Capitals, which do not bring out the
sense quite clearly." [The words, in a circle, are without full
stop or distinctive initial letter, and are indeed very difficult to
read.] " It is a gift in every sense worthy of thanks, and I
have written some friendly rhymes to them in return."

1 These "friendly rhymes" are in Goethe's own hand-
writing, and the Letter bears an impression of the new seal.

296 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

worden sind, und dass ich darin manches Er-
freuliche gefunden habe. Worliber nachstens
mehr. Auch eine Betrachtung der Schattenrisse
und deren unglaubliche Vergegenwartigung des
Abwesenden.

Die zu Ende Juni von Hamburg, durch Hn.
Parish abgesendete Kiste, ist nun schon, oder
bald in Ihren Handen ; lassen Sie mich deshalb
ein Wort vernehmen.

Wie ich denn hier, nur mit den wenigsten
Worten, wiederhole : dass mir die Gabe der
verblindeten Freunde ein so ausserordentliches,
als unerwartetes Vergnligen gemacht hat und
nicht mir allein, sondern gleichmassig Freunden
und Bekannten, die eine so kunstreiche Arbeit
zu schatzen wissen.

Den theuren Gatten gliickliche Stunden !

Goethe.
Weimar, 19. Aug. iSji.

[Translation.]

to the fifteen english friends.

The words the Poet speaks swiftly and
surely work within the compass of his land

1 83 1 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 297

and home ; yet knows he not if they do work
afar. Britons, ye have understood ! " The
active mind, the deed restrained : steadfast
striving, without haste." And thus ye will that
it be sealed.

The above I sent through Mr. Fraser of
London, for the associated friends immediately
after receiving their most charming gift. To
you, my dearest Sir, I send this duplicate, which
will perhaps reach you before that missive
comes thence to you.

I now merely add that I have already read
here and there in the books and pamphlets
which accompanied the gift, and that I find in
them much that is delightful. Of this more
next time, as well as of the silhouettes and the
inconceivable way in which they bring the
absent before one.

The box, sent from Hamburg, through
Messrs. Parish, at the end of June, is ere
now, or will soon be, in your hands ; let me
have a word from you concerning it.

I now repeat here, but in the fewest words :

298 GOETHE TO CARLYLE 1831

the gift of the associated friends has afforded
me a pleasure as unusual as unexpected ; and
not me alone, but likewise friends and acquaint-
ances, who know how to appreciate so artistic a
piece of work.

To the dear Pair, happy hours !

Goethe.

Weimar, 19th August 1831.

Goethe died on the 2 2d of March 1832.
Carlyle has written in his Journal, under a
newspaper cutting announcing Goethe's death :

"This came to me at Dumfries, on my first
return thither. I had written to Weimar, ask-
ing for a Letter to welcome me home j1 and
this was it. My Letter would never reach its
address: the great and good Friend .was no
longer there ; had departed some seven days
before."

Craigenputtock, 19th April 1832.

1 After his long stay in London. No such letter has been
found in the Goethe archives ; it is probably in the archives of
Chancellor von Muller, the Executor of Goethe's Will.

APPENDIX I

DEDICATION AND INTRODUCTION BY GOETHE

TO THE TRANSLATION OF

CARLYLE'S LIFE OF SCHILLER.

To the Honourable Society for

Foreign Belles Lettres in Berlin.

When towards the end of last year, I received
the welcome intelligence that a Society with
which I was already in friendly relation, and
which had till then devoted itself to German
Literature, proposed in future to turn its atten-
tion also to that of foreign countries, I could
not, as I was then situated, record at sufficient
length and with due clearness my appreciation
of this enterprise, on occasion of which, more-
over, much goodwill has been shown to myself.
Even now in this public expression of my

3oo APPENDIX I

gratitude and interest, I can only present in a
fragmentary manner what I should have liked
to set forth with greater coherence. However,
I will not neglect the present opportunity, since
I hope to attain by it my principal object, that
of bringing my friends into relation with a man
whom I count among those who have in late
years become actively attached to me, and who
by their close sympathy have encouraged me to
exertion and action, while by their noble, pure,
and well-directed efforts, they have made me
feel young again, and I, who attracted them,
have been carried forward with them. This
gentleman is the Author of the Work which is
translated here, Mr. Thomas Carlyle, a Scotch-
man, whose labours and superior attainments, as
well as his personal environment, the following
pages will make known.

If I am right in my estimate of him and my
Berlin friends, a pleasant and useful intercourse
will be brought about, and both parties alike
will, as I venture to hope, for many years rejoice
in this legacy of mine and its fruitful results ;
and in order that I may, in pleasing anticipa-

APPENDIX I 301

tion, enjoy a lasting memorial, I would in con-
clusion request you to grant it me.

In faithful attachment and sympathy,

J. W. v. Goethe.

Weimar, April 1830.

There has for some time been question of a
Universal World - Literature, and indeed not
without reason : for all nations, after having
been clashed together by the most dreadful
wars, and then severally settled down again,
could not but notice that they had imbibed
many a foreign thing, and here and there
become conscious of spiritual needs hitherto
unknown. Hence arose a sense of their rela-
tionship as neighbours, and instead "of shutting
themselves up as heretofore, the desire gradually
awoke within them to become associated in a
more or less free intellectual commerce.

This movement has, it is true, existed but a
short time, but still long enough to admit of
our making some observations upon it, and of
our deriving from it, as quickly as possible,

3o2 APPENDIX I

as must be done to carry on commerce in
material things, some profit and enjoyment.

The translation of the present Work, written
in memory of Schiller, can bring us scarcely
anything new. The Author obtained his know-
ledge from documents long since familiar to
us ; and in general the matters here treated
of have frequently been subjects of discussion
and dispute among us. What must be highly
gratifying, however, as may be confidently
asserted, to those who honour Schiller, and
therefore to every German, is to learn at first
hand, how, across the sea, an earnest, aspiring,
discriminating man of sensitive feeling has, in his
best years, been affected, influenced, and stirred
by Schiller's productions, and thus impelled to
the further study of German Literature.

To me, at least, it was touching to see how,
even in the earliest, often harsh, almost crude
productions of our departed friend, this clear
and tranquil -hearted foreigner never failed to
recognise the noble, right-minded, right-inten-

APPENDIX I 303

tioned man ; and was thus able to form for
himself the ideal of a mortal of the highest
excellence.

I therefore consider this Work, written by a
young man, one to be commended to the youth
of Germany ; for if lightsome youth may legiti-
mately form a wish, it were surely this : to
discern in every performance what is praise-
worthy, good, fair, aspiring, in a word, the Ideal,
and even in what is not typical, to discern the
universal type and exemplar of man.

This Work may further be of importance to
us, if we seriously consider how Schiller's
Works, to which we owe such varied culture,
are valued and honoured by a foreigner too,
as a source of his own, and how he, without
definite intention of doing so, calmly and clearly
shows this.

Again, it may not be out of place to remark
here, that writings which with us have nearly
completed their work, are now, at the very
moment when the omens are propitious to

3o4 APPENDIX I

German Literature abroad, beginning to exert
their powerful influence anew ; thereby showing
how, at a certain stage of Literature, they will
always be useful and effective.

Thus, Herder's Ideas, for example, have so
permeated the minds of the mass of readers
with us, that only a few who now read the
Ideas, are instructed by it for the first time, for
by a hundred channels and in other connections
they have become thoroughly familiar with what
was, at the time of its publication, of great im-
portance. This Work was recently translated
into French, from the conviction that a multi-
tude of educated men in France still required
to be enlightened by these ideas.

With respect to the Frontispiece of the
present Volume, let this be noted : our. friend,
when first we began our correspondence with
him, was living in Edinburgh, where, in quietude,
he was seeking, in the best sense, to educate
himself; and we may say without vainglory,
that he found in German Literature his chief

APPENDIX I 305

furtherance. Later on he betook himself to a
property of his, some ten German miles south-
wards, in the County of Dumfries, in order that
he might, while turning it to account, choose his
own mode of life, and thus in independence
pursue his honest literary studies. Here, in a
mountainous district, through which the River
Nith flows to the neighbouring sea, not far
from the Town of Dumfries, at a place called
Craigenputtock, he, with a beautiful and highly-
accomplished Consort, established his simple
country home, faithful drawings of which have
been the immediate occasion of these words.

Accomplished geniuses, sympathetic souls
who yearn after the good that is far away, and
feel disposed to do good from afar, can
scarcely refrain from the wish to have brought
before their eyes the portrait of honoured, be-
loved, and far-distant persons, and also a picture
of their dwelling-place and of their immediate
environment.

How often are pictures of Petrarch's abode
x

3o6 APPENDIX I

in Vaucluse, or Tasso's dwelling at Sorrento
reproduced even to this day ! And is not
the island in the Lake of Bienne, which
afforded shelter to Rousseau, a locality which
can never be too often represented for his
admirers ?

With this same feeling, I sought to obtain
a picture of the surroundings of my distant
friends, and I was the more desirous to have
one of the dwelling of Mr. Thomas Carlyle,
because he had chosen his abode, under the
55th degree of Latitude, in an almost wild,
mountainous region.

I trust that by means of the accompanying
faithful reproduction of the original drawings
recently sent to me, an ornament may be added
to this Volume, and that a congenial feeling of
pleasure may be given to the present, perhaps
still more to the future reader ; and. thus, as
well as by extracts inserted from the letters
of the honoured writer, the interest in a noble,
general intercourse between all nations of the
world may be increased.

[Here follows a translated extract from

APPENDIX I 307

Carlyle's Letter to Goethe of 25th September
1828. It begins, " You inquire with such
affection touching our present abode and em-
ployments, " and ends with the last sentence but
one in the letter, — " Surely you will write to me
again, and ere long, that I may still feel myself
united to you." (See supra, pp. 124-126.)]

We Germans, well-disposed to those on every
side of us, and aiming at the most comprehen-
sive culture, have for a long time past valued
the services of eminent Scotchmen. We are not
ignorant of what they formerly accomplished
in Natural Science, through which the French
afterwards acquired such great superiority.

In more recent times, we have not failed to
recognise the praiseworthy influence which their
Philosophy has had in diverting the course of
Thought among the French, by leading them,
from a stubborn sensualism to a more tractable
state of mind, in the direction of Common Sense.
We have been indebted to them for much pro-
found insight concerning the most important

308 APPENDIX I

On the other hand, we have, until recently,
been compelled to see our own ethical and
aesthetic endeavours treated in their Journals
in such a way that it remained doubtful
whether want of insight, or simple ill-will
predominated ; whether it was a question of
a superficial and shallow view or of unfriendly
prejudice. Nevertheless we regarded this
circumstance with patience, having indeed
always had enough of the like to endure in
our own country. In late years, however, we
have been rejoiced by the most friendly
recognition from those regions, which we feel
in duty bound to return, and concerning
which we propose in these pages to give in-
formation, so far as may be needful, to our
well-disposed countrymen.

Mr. Thomas Carlyle had already translated
Wilhelm Meister, when, in 1825, he published
the present Life of Schiller. In 1827 there
appeared in four Volumes German Romance,
in which from the Novels and Tales of

APPENDIX I 309

such German Authors as Musaus, La Motte
Fouque, Tieck, Hoffmann, Jean Paul and
Goethe, he gave such selections as were likely
to be best suited to his Nation.

The accounts of the life, writings, and ten-
dency of these Poets and Prose-writers, prefixed
to their respective sections, bear witness to the
diligent and sympathetic manner in which this
friend sought to inform himself, as far as pos-
sible, concerning the personality and position
of each writer, and to the fact that he thus
found the right way of further perfecting his
own knowledge.

In the Edinburgh Periodicals, particularly
in those specifically devoted to Foreign Litera-
ture, are to be found, in addition to the German
Authors already named, Ernst Schulz, Klinge-
mann, Franz Horn, Zacharias Werner, Count
Platen, and many others, all of whom have
been introduced, and had judgment passed
upon them, by various critics, but chiefly by
our friend.

And here it is most important to remark
that these writers take each particular work

3io APPENDIX I

as a text and occasion for expressing their
opinions, and giving their verdict, in a masterly
manner, on the whole field of investigation, as
well as on the individual work.

These Edinburgh Reviews, whether devoted
to domestic or general topics, or to Foreign
Literature especially, deserve the attentive con-
sideration of the friends of knowledge, for it is
extremely noteworthy that in these Articles, a
profound earnestness goes hand in hand with
the freest survey, and a stern patriotism with a
clear unmixed spirit of liberal thought.

As now from that region we enjoy, in what
so closely concerns us here, a sincere and pure
sympathy in these ethic and aesthetic efforts
of ours, which may be regarded as a special
trait in the German character, we must now
on our part look about for whatever of the
same sort lies near their own hearts. I refer
at once to the name of Burns, concerning
whom a letter of Mr. Carlyle's contained the
following passage.

APPENDIX I 311

" The only thing of any moment I have
written since I came hither is an Essay on
Burns. Perhaps you have never heard of this
Burns, and yet he was a man of the most
decisive genius ; but born in the rank of a
Peasant, and miserably wasted away by the
complexities of his strange situation ; so that
all he effected was comparatively a trifle, and
he died before middle age.

"We English, especially we Scotch, love
Burns more than any other Poet we have had
for centuries. It has often struck me to remark
that he was born a few months only before
Schiller, in the year 1759; and that neither of
these two men ever heard the others name ;
but that they shone as stars in opposite hemi-
spheres, the little Atmosphere of the Earth
intercepting their mutual light." 1

Yet Robert Burns was better known to
us than our friend conjectured. The charm-
ing Poem John Bar ley-Corn had come to us

1 From Carlyle's Letter of 25th September 1828. See
supra, p. 123.

312 APPENDIX I

anonymously, and being deservedly prized, led
to many attempts to appropriate it in our own
language. John Barley- Corn [Hans Gersten-
korn), a valiant man, has many enemies, who
incessantly persecute and harm him, at length
even threaten to kill him outright. From all
these injuries, however, he finally emerges
triumphant, for the special blessing and cheer
of eager beer-drinkers. In this lively, happy
anthropomorphism Burns is at once seen to be
a genuine Poet.

On further investigation, we found this
Poem in the Edition of his Works of 1822, to
which a Sketch of his Life is prefixed, instruct-
ing us, in some measure at least, as to his
outward circumstances. Those of his Poems
that we have made our own, convinced us of
his extraordinary talent, and we regretted that
the Scottish dialect proved a hindrance precisely
where he must have attained his finest and most
natural expression. On the whole, however, we
have carried our studies so far that we can sub-
scribe to the laudatory statement quoted below,
as agreeing with our own conviction.

APPENDIX I 313

For the rest, how far this Burns of ours may
be known in Germany beyond what the Con-
versations-Lexicon reports of him, I should be
unable to say, being ignorant of the new literary
movements in Germany ; still I would at any
rate set the friends of Foreign Literature upon
the right road, by mentioning the Life of
Robert Burns, by J. G. Lockhart, Edinburgh,
1828, — criticised by our friend in the Edin-
burgh Review, December 1828.

The following passages translated from this
Article will, it may be hoped, arouse an eager
desire to become thoroughly acquainted with
this Work, and with the man himself.

" Burns was born in an age the most prosaic
Britain had yet seen, and in a condition the
most disadvantageous, where his mind, if it
accomplished aught, must accomplish it under
the pressure of continual bodily toil, nay of
penury and desponding apprehension of the
worst evils, and with no furtherance but such
knowledge as dwells in a poor man's hut, and

314 APPENDIX I

the rhymes of a Ferguson or Ramsay for his
standard of beauty, he sinks not under all these
impediments : through the fogs and darkness of
that obscure region, his lynx eye discerns the
true relations of the world and human life ; he
grows into intellectual strength, and trains him-
self into intellectual expertness. Impelled by
the expansive movement of his own irrepressible
soul, he struggles forward into the general view ;
and with haughty modesty lays down before us,
as the fruit of his labour, a gift, which Time
has now pronounced imperishable.

" A true Poet, a man in whose heart resides
some effluence of Wisdom, some tone of the
' Eternal Melodies,' is the most precious gift
that can be bestowed on a generation : we see
in him a freer, purer development of whatever
is noblest in ourselves ; his life is a rich lesson
to us ; and we mourn his death as that of a
benefactor who loved and taught us.

" Such a gift had Nature, in her bounty,
bestowed on us in Robert Burns ; but with
queenlike indifference she cast it from her hand,
like a thing of no moment ; and it was defaced

APPENDIX I 315

and torn asunder, as an idle bauble, before we
recognised it. To the ill-starred Burns was
given the power of making man's life more
venerable, but that of wisely guiding his own
life was not given. Destiny, — for so in our
ignorance we must speak, — his faults, the faults
of others, proved too hard for him ; and that
spirit, which might have soared could it but
have walked, soon sank to the dust, its glorious
faculties trodden underfoot in the blossom ;
and died, we may almost say, without ever
having lived. And so kind and warm a soul ;
so full of inborn riches, of love to all living and
lifeless things ! The ' Daisy ' falls not unheeded
under his ploughshare ; [nor the ruined nest of
that ' wee, cowering, timorous beastie,' cast forth,
after all its provident pains, to ' thole the sleety
dribble and cranreuch cauld'1]. The hoar visage
of Winter delights him ; he dwells with a sad
and oft -returning fondness in these scenes of
solemn desolation ; but the voice of the tempest

1 Goethe translates the words in brackets : * So wenig als
das wohlbesorgte Nest der furchtsameii Feldmaits, das er her-
V&rwiiklV

316 APPENDIX I

becomes an anthem to his ears ; he loves to
walk in the sounding woods, for ' it raises his
thoughts to Him that walketh on the wings of
the wind' A true Poet-soul, for it needs but to
be struck, and the sound it yields will be music !
" What warm, all - comprehending fellow-
feeling ; what trustful, boundless love ; what
generous exaggeration of the object loved !
His rustic friend, his nut-brown maiden, are no
longer mean and homely, but a hero and a
queen, whom he prizes as the paragons of
Earth. The rough scenes of Scottish life, not
seen by him in any Arcadian illusion, but in
the rude contradiction, in the smoke and soil
of a too harsh reality, are still lovely to him :
Poverty is indeed his companion, but Love
also, and Courage ; the simple feelings, the
worth, the nobleness, that dwell under the
straw roof, are dear and venerable to his heart :
and thus over the lowest provinces of man's
existence he pours the glory of his own soul ;
and they rise, in shadow and sunshine, softened
and brightened into a beauty which other eyes
discern not in the highest.

APPENDIX 1 317

" He has a just self-consciousness, which too
often degenerates into pride ; yet it is a noble
pride, for defence, not for offence ; no cold sus-
picious feeling, but a frank and social one. The
Peasant Poet bears himself, we might say, like
a King in exile : he is cast among the low, and
feels himself equal to the highest ; yet he claims
no rank, that none may be disputed to him.
The forward he can repel, the supercilious he
can subdue ; pretensions of wealth or ancestry
are of no avail with him ; there is a fire in that
dark eye, under which the ' insolence of con-
descension' cannot thrive. In his abasement,
in his extreme need, he forgets not for a
moment the majesty of Poetry and Manhood.
And yet, far as he feels himself above common
men, he wanders not apart from them, but mixes
warmly in their interests ; nay, throws himself
into their arms, and, as it were, entreats them
to love him. It is moving to see how, in his
darkest despondency, this proud being still
seeks relief from friendship ; unbosoms himself,
often to the unworthy ; and, amid tears, strains
to his glowing heart a heart that knows only

3i8 APPENDIX I

the name of friendship. And yet he was ' quick
to learn'; a man of keen vision, before whom
common disguises afforded no concealment.
His understanding saw through the hollo wness
even of accomplished deceivers ; but there was
a generous credulity in his heart. And so did
our Peasant show himself among us ; 'a soul
like an ^Eolian harp, in whose strings the
vulgar wind, as it passed through them,
changed itself into articulate melody.' And
this was he for whom the world found no fitter
business than quarrelling with smugglers and
vintners, computing excise -dues upon tallow,
and gauging ale -barrels ! In such toils was
that mighty Spirit sorrowfully wasted : and a
hundred years may pass on, before another
such is given us to waste." *

And as we wish the Germans joy on their
Schiller, so, with the same feeling, will we

1 It will be observed that in this extract several passages
have been omitted by Goethe. Compare Carlyle's Essay on
Burns, — Miscellanies (Library edition, 1869), vol. ii. pp. 8-12.

APPENDIX I 319

congratulate the Scotch. They have indeed
bestowed on our friend Schiller so much atten-
tion and sympathy, that it would be but just if
we, in like manner, should introduce their Burns
to our people. Some young member of the
honourable Society to which as a whole the
present pages are dedicated, would find his
time and labour abundantly rewarded, should
he determine to perform this friendly service in
return, to a Nation so worthy of honour, and
faithfully carry out his undertaking. We
esteem this highly - praised Robert Burns
amongst the first poetical spirits which the
past century has produced.

In the year 1829, a very neat and attrac-
tively printed little octavo Volume came to our
hands : Catalogtie of German Publications,
selected and systematically arranged for W* H.
Roller and Jul. Cahlmann, London.

This little book, compiled with special
knowledge of German Literature, in a manner
to facilitate the survey of it, does honour to

32o APPENDIX I

the compiler as well as to the publishers, who
seriously undertake the important office of in-
troducing foreign literature to their own
country ; and who do this, indeed, not only in
such wise that one can see what it has produced
in every department, but also so as to attract and
satisfy the scholar and the thoughtful reader,
as well as those who merely seek for sentiment
and entertainment. Every German writer and
man of letters who has distinguished himself
in any department, will be eager to open this
catalogue to see if there is mention of him,
and if his Works have been courteously ad-
mitted with others of a similar sort. It will
be to the interest of all German Publishers to
learn how their wares are regarded across the
Channel, what value is set on each, and they
will neglect no means of establishing and ac-
tively maintaining relations with men of such
serious purpose.

As now I introduce and bring into light the
Life of Schiller, written so many years ago,

APPENDIX I 321

by our Scottish friend, and upon which he
looks back with a becoming modesty, may he
permit me to add some of his most recent
utterances, which shall best show our common
progress up to this time.

Thomas Carlyle to Goethe.

22d December 1829.

" I have read the Brief wechsel a second time
with no little satisfaction, and even to-day am
sending off an Essay on Schiller, grounded on
that Work, for the Foreign Review. It will
gratify you to learn that a knowledge and
appreciation of Foreign, especially of German,
Literature, is spreading with increased rapidity
over all the domain of the English tongue ; so
that almost at the Antipodes, in New Holland
itself, the wise of your country are by this time
preaching their wisdom. I have heard lately
that even in Oxford and Cambridge, our two
English universities, which have all along been
regarded as the strongholds of Insular pride

322 APPENDIX I

and prejudice, there is a strange stir in this
matter. Your Niebuhr has found an able trans-
lator in Cambridge ; and in Oxford two or
three Germans already find employment as
teachers of their language ; the new light con-
tained in which may well dazzle certain eyes.
Of the benefits that must in the end result from
all this no man can be doubtful : let nations,
like individuals, but know one another and
mutual hatred will give place to mutual help-
fulness ; and instead of natural enemies, as
neighbouring countries are sometimes called,
we shall all be natural friends." 1

If, now, in view of all that precedes, the
hope flatters us, that a harmony of Nations, a
universal goodwill, will by degrees come into
existence, by means of a closer acquaintance
with different languages and ways of thinking,
I venture to speak of an important influence of
German Literature, which, in a special case,
may perhaps prove of great effect.

1 See supra, pp. 1 61-163.

APPENDIX I 323

Namely this, It is well enough known that
the inhabitants of the Three British Kingdoms
do not live in quite the best mutual understand-
ing ; but that, on the contrary, one neighbour
finds in the other ground of censure sufficient
to justify himself in a secret aversion.

I am convinced that, as the German ethic
and aesthetic Literature spreads through the
Three Kingdoms, there will, at the same time,
arise a quiet community of Philo-Germans, the
members of which, in their affection for a
Fourth, nearly-related Nation, will feel them-
selves united, nay blended together.

APPENDIX II

The following little note by Goethe, which he had intended
to accompany the Kastchen, announced in his Letter to
Carlyle of the 6th of June 1830 (Letter XXVIL, see p.
194), had evidently never reached its destination; the
original being now in private hands in Weimar. It was
printed in the Grenzboten (Goethiana: Zu Goethes Verhalt-
nis zu Carlyle, von Ewald Flugel), iii. 1885 ; but it did not
reach us in time to permit of its being inserted in its proper
place.

Sendung an Herrn Carlyle.

[14th June 1830.]
i. Goethe's Farbenlehre, zwey Bde. in 8., u. ein Heft
Tafeln, in 40; in letzterem finden sich :

2. Zwey Kupferstiche beygelegt : (a) von Goethe's Garten-
haus im Ilmthale und (b) dessen Haus in der Stadt. Beym
ersteren wird man sich der Bemerkung nicht enthalten
dass solches gleichfalls drey Fenster, wie das zu Craigen-
puttock hat, und mir mehrere Jahre zur Sommer-und
Winterwohnung diente. Nur ungern verliess ich es, um
mancher Sorge und Miihe des Stadtischen Aufenthaltes
entgegen zu gehen.

3. Hrn. Dr. Wachler's Vorlesungen iiber die Geschichte
der deutschen National Literatur. Zwey Bande. 8. 1 8 1 8-1 9.

APPENDIX II 325

4. Ueber Werden und Wirken der Literatur zunachst
in Beziehung auf Deutschlands Literatur unserer Zeit v.
Dr. Wachler. Breslau 18 19.

5. Schillerisch-Goethescher Briefwechsel 3-6. Bd. incl.
und das ganze also abgeschlossen.

6. Das Chaos, Wochenblatt, Manuscript fur Freunde.
Gesellige Scherze einer geistreichen Weimarischen Gesell-
schaft, wie aus dem Inhalt des mehreren zu ersehen ist.
Es darf eigentlich Niemanden mitgetheilt werden als wer
dazu Beytrage liefert, da nun aber wie zu ersehen ist, auch
Mitarbeiter von Edinburg datiren, so ist es billig dass auch
ein Exemplar nach Schottland wandere. Man bittet die
Freunde in der Grafschaft Dumfries ihre bisherige Gunst
fortzusetzen. Leider kann man kein vollstandiges Ex-
emplar schicken, die Gesellschaft war im Anfang sehr
klein und werden nur wenig Exemplare gedruckt um das
Abschreiben zu vermeiden ; nach und nach wuchs der
Antheil, die Auflage ward starker aber die ersten Blatter
stufenweise nicht mehr zu haben. Mogen diese sibyllin-
ischen [Blatter x] Productionen, entstanden auf den spatesten
Kalkflozen des Continents, den iibermeerischen Freunden
auf ihrem Urgranit einige anmuthige Stunden verleihen.
Von Ottilien habe ich die herzlichsten Griisse beyzufiigen,
sie ist ganz eigentlich der Redacteur dieses Blattes und
dirigirt mit einigen treuen verstandigen Freunden die
ganze mitunter bedenkliche Angelegenheit.

7. Der Abschluss der Uebersetzung Ihrer Schillerischen
Biographic Mit der nachsten Sendung hoffe das ausges-
tattete Werklein zu iiberschicken. Schon einiges deshalb
habe in meinem letzten Briefe vom 7. Juni vermeldet.

8. Auch liegt eine gar lobliche Trauerrede auf unsre

1 Written and crossed out in MS.

326 APPENDIX II

jiingst verstorbene, hochst geschatzte und geliebte Frau
Grossherzogin bey.

Soviet treulichst u. eiligst

damit kein Aufenthalt sey}
urn baldige Nachricht der Ankunft bittend

Goethe-
Weimar, den 14. funi 1830.

[Translation.]
Contents of Packet for Mr. Carlyle.

1. Goethe's Farbenlehre, two vols. 8vo, and a set of
plates, in 4to ; along with the latter are :

2. Two Copper -plate Engravings : (a) of Goethe's
Garden-house in Ilmthal and (b) his House in town. As
to the first, it may be remarked that it has three windows,
like the house at Craigenputtock ; and that it served me
for several years as dwelling-place both in summer and in
winter. I was loath to leave it and to encounter the many
cares and troubles of a residence in town.

3. Dr. Wachler's Lectures on the History of German
National Literature. Two vols., 8 vo, 18 18-19. *

4. Concerning the Growth and Influence of Literature^
especially of the German Literature of our time, by Dr.
Wachler. Breslau 18 19.

5. Schiller - Goethe Correspondence. Vols. 3-6 (the
whole being thus completed).

6. The Chaos ; a weekly paper, for private circulation,
in manuscript. Social pleasantries of an intellectual
Weimar Society, as is obvious from the contents of most of

APPENDIX II 327

the numbers. Strictly speaking, its circulation is confined
to contributors ; but as it appears that certain of the fellow-
labourers date from Edinburgh, it is surely fair that at least
one copy should find its way to Scotland. A request is
made that the favours from our friends in the county of
Dumfries may be continued. Unfortunately a complete
copy cannot be sent. It was at first a very small society
and only a few copies were printed, merely to save tran-
scribing. Gradually the interest in it increased, and the
issue became larger, but by degrees the early numbers were
exhausted. May these Sibylline products, sprung from the
most recent Chalk Deposits of the Continent, afford some
pleasant hours to our friends, who are across the sea on
their Primary Granite. I am to add kindest greetings
from Ottilie. She is in reality the sole Editor of this
Periodical, and, with the aid of a few faithful intelligent
friends, takes the whole direction of the, at times, ticklish
concern.

7. The conclusion of the translation of your Life of
Schiller. By the next despatch I hope to send the little
work complete ; I have already given you some news of it
in my Letter of the 7th of June.

8. There is also enclosed a much to be commended
Funeral-oration on our recently deceased, most esteemed
and beloved Grand Duchess.

No more lest I delay the Packet. Hoping for speedy
news of its arrival,

Most faithfully, and in greatest haste,

Goethe.

Weimar, i^th fine 1830.

328 APPENDIX II

ECKERMANN tO CARLYLE.

Weimar, d. 20 Octbr. 1832.

Mein theurer Freund — Ihr lieber Brief hat mir die
Versicherung gegeben dass unsere schon seit Jahren beste-
hende Verbindung fortbestehen und vielleicht noch inniger
gekniipft werden wird.

Ihren ersten Artikel iiber Goethe in dem Magazine habe
ich auf Verlangen vieler Freunde iibersetzt ; und [er] wird
in diesen Tagen im Morgenblatt erscheinen. Ueber den
zweyten bedeutenderen Artikel redet man viel in Deutsch-
land und ich wiirde ihn auch sogleich iibersetzt haben,
wenn nicht meine ganze Zeit mit der Redaction der nach-
gelassenen 15 Bande hingenommen ware. Doch hore ich
dass Herr v. Cotta ihn wird iibersetzen lassen.

Heute sende ich Ihnen zwey bedeutende Dinge : 1. Eine
vorziigliche Schrift iiber Goethe von Herrn Canzler v. Miiller,
der Ihnen ein Exemplar dedicirt hat. Herr v. Miiller ist
ein vieljahriger Freund von Goethe weshalb er auch von
ihm zum Executor des Testaments ernannt worden. Er
hat bey seiner trefflich geschriebenen Schrift Quellen
benutzen konnen die jedem anderen nicht frey standen.
Das Biichlein wird fur Sie von hohem Interesse seyn
und Sie werden es sicherlich zu einem ferneren Artikel
iiber Goethe benutzen. 2. Sende ich Ihnen das letzte
Heft von Kunst und Alterthum das am 6n. Bande noch
fehlte und das von uns Freunden herausgegeben worden.
Auch dieses Heft wird fiir Sie brauchbar und von manchem
Interesse seyn.

Ich bin sehr beschaftigt mit der Herausgabe der nach-
gelassenen Werke Goethes wovon die ersten 5 Bande in
wenig Monaten erscheinen. Diese erste Lieferung wird
enthalten ;

APPENDIX II 329

1. Den zvveyten Theil des Faust. •

2. Erstes Manuscript v. Gotz v. Berlichingen.

3. Schweizer Reise von 1797.

4. Ueber Kunst.

5. Theater und Deutsche Literatur.

In die zweyte Lieferung welche Ostern erscheint wird
kommen :

6. Auslandische Literatur.

7. Gedichte.

8. Aus meinem Leben (die Zeit von 1775).

9. Verschiedene einzelne Sachen.
10. Allgemeines iiber Natur.

Dann die 3te. Lieferung welche Michaeli 1833 erscheint
wird alle naturwissenschaftlichen Werke enthalten, wodurch
denn audi die Farbenlehre sich nach England verbreiten
wird.

Ich bin nun mit der Redaction dieser bedeutenden
Schriften Tag und Nacht beschaftigt, und habe keinen
anderen Gedanken als dieses so gut zu machen als in
meinen Kriiften steht.

1st dieses geschehen so werde ich meine Conversationen
mit Goethe herausgeben wovon ich hoffentlich einen guten
Namen und etwas Geld haben werde.

Stunden an junge Englander habe ich schon seit zwey
Jahren nicht mehr gegeben. Ich hatte bloss den Zweck
das unentbehrliche Englisch dabey zu lernen.

Ich zweifle dass ich kiinftig in Weimar bleiben werde.
Wohin ich aber mich wenden soil weiss ich noch nicht.

Mr. Reeve ist zwey Tage hier gewesen. Er ist ein
wohlunterrichteter sehr liebenswiirdiger junger Mann. Er
ist fast die ganze Zeit bey Frau v. Goethe gewesen, denn
ich war zu beschaftigt um viel mit ihm zu seyn. Er ist
nach Miinchen zuriickgegangen.

33o APPENDIX II

Ein hiesiger beriihmter Kupferstecher, Herr Schwerd-
geburth, hat vorigen Winter kurzvor Goethes Tode ein Portrait
von ihm gemacht das zu den vorziiglichsten gehort die je
erschienen. Er sendet Ihnen ein Blatt, das der Abhand-
lung des Herrn v. Miiller beyliegt. Der Kiinstler hat die
Absicht einige hundert Abdriicke von diesem Bilde an den
Kunsthandler Ackermann nach London zu senden urn sie
an die englischen Freunde Goethes in den drey Konig-
reichen zu verkaufen. Vielleicht haben Sie Gelegenheit
durch ein giinstiges Wort in offentlichen Blattern auf dieses
Bild aufmerksam zu machen.

Ich hoffe Sie werden von Frau v. Goethe bald einen
Brief selber sehen. Ich bitte um meine herzlichen Griisse
an Madame Carlyle ; und verbleibe, Ihr treu verbundener
Freund,

ECKERMANN.

[Translation.]

Weimar, 20th October 1832.

My dear Friend — Your valued letter has given me
the assurance that the connection between us, which has
already existed for years, will continue, and perhaps be-
come still more closely knit.

At the desire of many friends I have translated your
first Article on Goethe,1 and it will appear very shortly in
the Morgenblatt. There is much talk in Germany about
the more important second Article, and this also I should

1 "Death of Goethe," in the New Mo7ithly Magazine,
No. CXXXVIII. (see Miscellanies, vol. iii. 385). The more
important article " Goethe's Works " appeared in the Foreign
Quarterly Review, No. XIX. (see Miscellanies, vol. iv. 109).

APPENDIX II 33!

have translated immediately, had not my whole time been
taken up with editing the fifteen posthumous Volumes. I
hear, however, that Herr von Cotta is about to have it
translated.

I send you to-day two things of importance :
i. An excellent Essay on Goethe by the Chancellor von
Miiller, who has inscribed a copy to you. Herr von Miiller
was for many years a friend of Goethe, and was appointed
by him the Executor of his Will. In his admirably written
Essay, he has been able to make use of sources of informa-
tion which were not available to others. The little work
will be of great interest to you, and you will surely make
use of it for another Article on Goethe. 2. I send you
the last part of Kunst und Alterthum, which was still want-
ing to the sixth volume, and which has been published by
us, his friends. This part will also be useful, as well as
exceedingly interesting, to you.

I am very busy with the publication of Goethe's Posthu-
mous Works, of which the first five volumes will appear in
a few months. This first Section will contain :

1. The second part of Faust.

2. The first manuscript of Gotz von Berlichingen.

3. Swiss Journey of 1797.

4. Concerning Art.

5. The Theatre ; German Literature.

The second Section, which will appear at Easter, will
include :

6. Foreign Literature.

7. Poems.

8. "From my Life" [Dichtung und Wahrheit\ (the
period of 1775).

9. Miscellaneous detached Pieces.
10. General Views of Nature.

332 APPENDIX II

Then the third Section, which is to appear at Michaelmas
1833, will contain all the works on Natural Philosophy,
by means of which the Farbenlehre also will now become
known in England. I am busy day and night with the
editing of these important papers, and have no other thought
than to do this as well as lies in my power.

This done, I shall publish my Conversations with Goethe,
from which I hope to obtain both good repute and a little
money.

For these last two years past I have not given any
lessons to young Englishmen. My only object in giving
them was to learn the, to me indispensable, English language.
I doubt if I shall remain in Weimar for the future. But
in what direction I shall turn my steps, I do not yet know.

Mr. [Henry] Reeve has been here for two days. He is
a well-informed and very charming young man. He has
spent almost the whole time with Madame von Goethe, for
I was too busy to be much with him. He has gone back
to Munich.

Herr Schwerdgeburth, an engraver of repute here, did
a portrait of Goethe last winter shortly before his death,
one of the best that has ever appeared. He sends you a
copy, which accompanies Herr von M tiller's Essay. The
artist intends to send some hundred impressions of this
portrait to the Picture-dealer Ackermann in London, that
they may be sold to Goethe's English friends in the Three
Kingdoms. Perhaps you may have an opportunity to draw
attention to this portrait, by a favourable word in the public
papers.

I hope you will soon receive a letter from Madame
von Goethe herself. Pray give my cordial greetings to
Mrs. Carlyle. I remain, your faithful, obliged friend,

ECKERMANN.

APPENDIX II 333

On the 2d of December 1832 Carlyle writes to
his brother Dr. Carlyle, then at Rome :

" I get more earnest, graver not unhappier, every day :
the whole Creation seems more and more Divine to me,
the Natural more and more Supernatural. Out of Goethe,
who is my near neighbour, so to speak, there is no writing
that speaks to me (mir anspricht) like the Hebrew Scriptures,
though they lie far remote. Earnestness of Soul was never
shown as there. Ernst 1st das Leben ; and ever to the last,
soul resembles soul. — Here, however, speaking of Goethe,
I must tell you that last week, as our Mother and I were
passing Sundaywell, a little parcel was handed in which
proved to be from Eckermann at Weimar. It made me
glad and sad. There was a medal in it, struck by Bovy
since the Poet's death : Ottilie had sent it me. Then a gilt
cream-coloured Essay on Goethe's Practische Wirksamkeit
by one F. von Miiller, a Weimar Kunstfreund and intimate
of deceased's, with an inscription on it by him. Finally the
third Heft of the sixth volume of Kunst und Alterthum,
which had partly been in preparation and now posthum-
ously produced itself; to me a touching kind of sight.
Eckermann wrote a very kind letter, explaining how busy
he was with redacting the fifteen volumes of Nachgelassenen
Schriften, the titles of all which he gave me. There is a
volume of Dichtung und Wahrheit, and the completion of
Faust. These are the most remarkable. I have read
Miiller's Essay ; which is sensible enough ; several good
things also are in the Heft ; towards the last page of which
I came upon these words (by Miiller speaking of Goethe) :
1 Unter denjilngern Britten Ziehen Bulwer (?) und Carlyle ihn
gam vorziiglich an, und das schone reine Naturell des letztern,
seine ruhige, zartsinnige Auffassungsgabe steigem Goethe's

334 APPENDIX II

Anerkennung bis zur liebevollsten Zuneigung.11 This of
liebevollste Zuneigung was extremely precious to me. Alas,
und das Alles ist hin ! Ottilie promises to write, but I
think not:'

ECKERMANN to CARLYLE.

Weimar, d. ion. Novbr. 1833.
Dieses, mein werther Freund, ist nun der dritte Brief
den ich Ihnen schreibe, ohne erfahren zu haben, dass irgend
etwas in Ihre Hande gekommen ist. Im vorigen Winter
ging ein Paket an Sie durch die Herren Parish et Comp.
in Hamburg. Wir sendeten Ihnen das letzte Heft von
Kunst und Alterthum, nach Goethe's Tode von uns hinter-
bliebenen Freunden herausgegeben. Auch hatte ich eine
sehr bedeutende kleine Schrift beygelegt : Goethe in seiner
practischen Wtrksamkeit, von Herrn Geheimenrath v. Miiller.
Da der Verfasser ein langjahriger Freund Goethe's und ihm
iiberdiess als Testaments -Vollstrecker Quellen zu Gebote
standen woraus kein Anderer schopfen konnte, so ist jene
kleine Schrift voll der bedeutendsten Details ; und ich hatte
die HofTnung dass Sie daraus fiir die literarische Welt in
England angenehme Schatze ziehen wiirden. Auch hatte
ich das letzte Portrait von Goethe beygelegt. Wir haben
nun keine Nachricht dass diess alles bey Ihnen angekommen
ist ; auch scheint es dass Sie meinen Brief vom Anfang des
letzten Sommers nicht erhalten haben. Unterdess sind

1 Translation : " Among the younger Englishmen, Bulwer
and Carlyle quite especially attract him. The beautiful, pure
nature of the latter, with his calm delicate faculty of perception,
raises Goethe's recognition of him to the warmest affection."
(See Kunst und Alterthum^ Cotta, 1832, Band vi., 3W Heft>
640.)

APPENDIX II 335

nun Goethe's Nachgelassene Werke bis zum ion. Bande
erschienen und wir erwarten die letzten 5 in einigen
Wochen. Wir mochten Ihnen diese 15 Bande schicken,
aber vorher mochten wir erfahren, ob sie nicht vielleicht
schon durch den englischen Buchhandel in Ihren Handen
sind, und ob die Transportkosten nicht vielleicht mehr
betragen als der Preis dieser Werke im englischen Buch-
handel.

Heute sende ich Ihnen die Ankiindigung und den
Vorbericht des Briefwechsels zwischen Goethe und
Zelter. Es sind bereits in diesen Tagen die beyden ersten
Bande davon erschienen, und ich mache Sie aufmerksam
auf dieses hochst bedeutende Werk, das fur Sie, wie fur alle
iibrigen Freunde Goethe's in England, von nicht geringem
Interesse seyn wird.

Nun mochte ich bald etwas von Ihnen horen, besonders
auch was Sie jetzt arbeiten, und ob in dem Laufe des
letzten Jahres nicht irgend eine Abhandlung in Bezug auf
Goethe und die deutsche Literatur, in einem der englischen
Reviews von Ihnen erschienen ist. Da die vorziiglichsten
englischen Journale nach Weimar kommen, so wiirden Sie
hier eifrige Leser finden.

Ich sage die herzlichsten Griisse an Madame Carlyle,
und schliesse mit dem Wunsch eines baldigen Briefes von
Ihnen.

Ihr treuer Freund,

eckermann.

[Translation.]

Weimar, \oth November 1833.

This, my esteemed friend, is now the third letter I
write to you, without having learnt if any one of them has

336 APPENDIX II

reached you. Last winter a parcel went to you by Messrs.
Parish and Co. of Hamburg. We sent you the last part of
Kunst und Alterthum, published after Goethe's death by us,
his surviving friends. I also added a very important little
paper : " Goethe, in his Official Capacity," by Herr von
Muller, Privy-Counsellor. As the author was a friend of
Goethe's of many years' standing, as well as Executor of
his Will, sources of information were at his command,
which were not available to any one else ; his little paper
is full of the most important details, and I had the hope
that you would draw from it welcome treasures for the
English literary world. I also sent the last portrait of
Goethe. We have up to this time no information that
all this has reached you, and it also seems that you have
not received my letter of the beginning of last summer.
Meanwhile Goethe's Posthumous Works as far as the tenth
volume have appeared, and we expect the last five in a few
weeks. We should like to send you these fifteen volumes,
but we want first to learn whether, by chance, they have
not already reached you through the English booksellers,
and whether the cost of carriage will not perhaps amount
to more than the price of the books in England.

I send you to-day the announcement of the Correspond-
ence between Goethe and Zelter, and the Preface to it.
The first two volumes of this have already appeared within
these last days, and I call your attention to this most im-
portant work, which will be of no small interest to you as
well as to Goethe's other friends in England.

I trust that I may soon hear something from you,
especially of what you are at present at work upon, and
whether in the course of the last year, some essay by you
on Goethe and German Literature has not appeared in one
of the English Reviews ? As the leading English Journals

APPENDIX II 337

come to Weimar, you would find eager readers here. I
send my most cordial greetings to Mrs. Carlyle, and close
with the hope of receiving a letter from you very soon.

Your faithful friend,

ECKERMANN.

The original of the following Letter is said to be
lost ; in any case it is not discoverable. Eckermann
printed a translation of it ; and from his translation l
it is here rendered back into English.

Carlyle to Eckermann.

Craigenputtock, 6th May 1834.

My dear Eckermann — Your kind Letter of the 10th of
November 1833 reached me at last, after our long stormy
winter, a few days ago, — a belated but highly welcome
arrival. It is painful to think how our Correspondence has
gone astray of late : your Letter of last summer never ar-
rived here and two of mine seem to have been lost. My
last from you was the Weimar Packet of the previous winter,
which, as I very well remember, reached me (by the hands
of a rustic on his way to us) one stormy day, among the
mountains, in the valley of Glenessland. I hurriedly opened
it, and in spite of the wind, took a hasty glance. I found
there the things you mention : a Letter from you, the last
part of Kunst und Alterthum, Herr von Miiller's interesting
Brochure, both of these with an extremely friendly inscrip-
tion in his own hand, and lastly Herr Schwerdgeburth's

1 Republished in the Groizboten, iii. 562-564, 1885.
Z

338 APPENDIX II

Engraving and the Medal from Frau von Goethe. A
grateful, copious answer failed not to leave by the next post ;
which, it seems, was an answer spoken to the winds. In
truth, you Weimar friends have had need of faith, and I
am most happy to see it has certainly not been wanting.
And now, dear Eckermann, will you, after such an interval,
accept yourself and present to the others, all the thanks
you can imagine me to have expressed. Say to Frau von
Goethe that her Medal, still wrapped in your handwriting and
reposited in a little Roman porphyry box . . . lies on our
mantelpiece, and daily reminds us of her, moreover that we
have not forgotten her promise of a Letter, and we hope it
is likewise remembered by herself. Say to the Geheimrath
[von Miiller] that I have read, and am again reading in more
than one language, his valuable piece of writing, with real
pleasure, and that I feel myself richer by his regard. And
now let us hope that no such interruption and delay in our
Correspondence will occur again as long as there is nothing
to divide us but mere physical distance : nay, I am about
to come nearer to you, if not a great deal nearer in actual
miles, much nearer in social facilities.

For this, my friend, is in all probability the last letter
you will receive from Craigenputtock. With Whitsuntide
we are to be in London ; in two days I set out to make
our arrangements on the spot : and there in future we are
to have our habitation. That this will make a great differ-
ence in our external affairs you can imagine, but you can
hardly realise how very great this change will be : from the
deepest, stillest solitude in this world to the most huge,
tumultuous, never-resting Babel that ever the sun looked
down upon. The thought fills me with a nameless, vague
foreboding, but the step is unavoidable, indeed is plainly
necessary. I comfort myself, however, with the saying of

APPENDIX II 339

our Goethe, grounded on clear insight and ever again recur-
ring to one's mind with a new application : " We look upon
our scholars as so many swimmers who in the element
which threatened to swallow them, feel with astonishment
that they are lighter, that it bears and carries them for-
ward."1 True, how true ! Let us swim then, so long as
life lasts, in this or other water, with more room or less,
and, provided our course be right, bless our fate. I used
to call the London stream Phlegethon Fleetditch ; but I find,
however delirious the condition of Literature is becoming
and has become, that it cannot be carried on by an Eng-
lishman in any other place than London. So through Phlege-
thon Fleetditch lies our way, and, with God's help, we will
follow it as blamelessly as possible. Thus henceforth the
old stone mansion of Craigenputtock is to be left deserted,
or inhabited only by men, with double-barrelled guns,
intent on shooting the moorfowl, and who know nothing
of Weimar. So now you will have to figure us in quite
another kind of environment.

Add to all these external confusions, that I have for a
long time been in a kind of spiritual crisis, — of which con-
dition you will no doubt have had experience and will know
how horrible it is to speak of it until its issue has become
clear, — and you will not think it singular that I should this
year have written less than in any of the last ten, and that
of what I have written I should have been able to publish
nothing. But when Heaven favours me, I shall still have
one and another thing to say. With German Literature in
particular I have had as good as no concern ; the few books
that have reached me are nothing of more consequence
than Heyne and Borne and the like, of no worth or of less

. l Wilhelm Meister s Travels (Library Edition, 1871), p. 267.

34o APPENDIX II

than none. My Goethe on the other hand, with all that
pertains to him, grows greater and ever truer the more I
attain to clearness in myself. And yet he stands there, a
completed subject, as one might say, to which there will be
nothing further added, — like a granite promontory, high
and serene, stretching far out into the waste chaos, but not
through it. Through it the world seems to be seeking out
for itself another path, or else to have given up all zeal after
such. To me highly significant ! With him and his work,
it appears that my labours in the field of German Literature
may with advantage be brought to an end, or at any rate,
to a pause. And moreover, as to my own England, my
mission, in so far as it can be called my mission, may be
regarded as fulfilled ; as witness merely this, that we have
had within the last twelve months no fewer than three new
translations of Faust, of which two appeared in Edinburgh
on one and the same day. In truth the fire is kindled, and
we have enough of smoke, and more than enough — there
is here and there, even a little flame, as in Mrs. Austin's
Characteristics of Goethe which you will no doubt have seen.
All this is in the common course of things ; it will at some
time be all flame and clear light, on which account we will
for the present cheerfully welcome the smoke. "And do
thou take thy bellows and go elsewhere ! " This is one of
the aspects of the spiritual crisis I spoke of. How it will
end, or if it is already ending, I will give you some signal
when I have succeeded in putting together, in London,
some patchwork of recent Essays; which latter are likely
for a long time to be our only vehicle of publication, at
least the only one for me, much as I hate it.

In such an attitude towards my old favourites, you may
judge whether the Correspondence of Goethe and Zelter,
which you announce in your last communication, is likely

APPENDIX II 341

to be welcome to me. Zelter himself, the solid man and
mason, is a figure on whom I look with almost filial love.
That Goethe so loved him is to me another beautiful proof
of his universal geniality. The book will, I think, have
already come to England ; but this I shall not learn for
certain till I get to London. Of the Nachgelassene Werke I
possess no copy and have only seen the first Section, — in
which I read the continuation of Faust, with deeper reflec-
tions than I have yet been able to express. Many thanks
for your kind offer to send it tome; I shall receive the
packet with pleasure, no matter what the cost of carriage
may be. The whole of the Werke which I have here, are
a present from him ; and I should like to have all the
volumes uniform. But in any case I should think the cost of
carriage will not be much. What our address in London
will be we do not yet know ; meanwhile, that of Messrs.
Black, Young and Young, Foreign Booksellers, Tavistock
Street, Covent Garden, London, will always find me ; and
for everything, except post -letters, is probably the best.
They have an agent in Leipzig (a certain Herbig, I think,
probably known to your Weimar Bookseller) ; once in his
hands any parcel will reach me in a few weeks.

When we have cast anchor in London you shall hear
from me again. Let us hope that the present letter may
not go astray also !

If you think of writing to me soon, as I hope you will
do, the above address may be employed, or better still, the
following : " Care of Mrs. Austin, 5 Orme Square, Bays water,
London." Tell me, I beg of you, fully and minutely, what
you are about and what your outlooks are. Are we not to
see you face to face in the modern Babel ? A bedroom and
a hearty welcome will await you there. From your letters
1 gather that I shall see you. — You told me also of Con-

342

APPENDIX II

versations with Goethe, which you were about to write
down. Falk, I should think, was a failure, almost a
scandal : but yours will certainly be one of the most
interesting books ever written. Do you know our English
BoswelVs Life of Johnson ? If not, read it. There
are not ten books of the eighteenth century so valuable.
Farewell, my friend. The lady returns your kind greeting.
Think of me as yours most faithfully,

T. Carlyle.

P.S. — London, 14th May. — Have arrived safe; expect
amongst other things to see Mrs. Jameson here, and to
hear from her a great deal about Weimar. No house found
as yet. Ora pro nobis.

SUMMARY AND INDEX

SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF CONTENTS OF
EACH LETTER

Carlyle to Goethe, 24th June 1824. — Permit me, in soliciting
your acceptance of this Translation (Wilhelm Meister's Ap-
prenticeship), to return you my sincere thanks for the profit
which, in common with many millions, I have derived from
the Original. I have long hoped that I might one day see
you, and pour out, as before a Father, the woes and wander-
ings of my heart. (Pages 1, 2.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 30th October. — Accept my sincere
thanks for your hearty sympathy in my literary work. Per-
haps I may hereafter come to know much of you. I send
copy of a set of poems which you can hardly have seen. (2-5.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 15th April 1827. — Above two years ago
I received your kind letter and present, which I value with a
regard which can belong to nothing else. If I have been
delivered from darkness into any measure of light, it is to you
more than any other man that I am indebted. I now take
the liberty to offer you some further poor products of my
endeavours {Schiller and German Romance). Ere long your
name and doctrines will be English as well as German. If
there be any gift in me, I may yet send you some work of my
own. My young wife, who sympathises with me in most
things, agrees also in my admiration of you ; and begs you to
accept the accompanying purse, the work of her own hands.
May I hope to hear from you again ? (6-1 1.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 17th May. — Let me hastily announce the

346 SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

arrival of your welcome packet and kind letter. Most sincere
thanks to the dear husband and wife. A packet will speedily
be despatched in testimony of my sympathetic interest. (11,12.)

The same, 20th July. — Let me, first of all, commend most
highly your Biography of Schiller. It is evident that the
efforts of the best writers in all nations are now being directed
to what is universal in humanity. Every translator is a kind
of middle-man in this universal spiritual commerce. Gratify
me soon with some reply ; and permit me to greet your dear
wife, for whom I give myself the pleasure of adding some
trifles, in return for her charming gift. Accept my thanks
for the pains expended on my Works. (13-27.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 20th August. — No royal present could
have gratified us more than yours. This little drawing-room
may now be said to be full of you. For your ideas on the
tendency of modern poetry to promote freer intercourse among
nations, I must also thank you. You are kind enough to
inquire about my bygone life ; and often I have longed to pour
out the whole history before you. I was once an unbeliever,
not in religion only ; but now, thank Heaven, all this is altered.
I can now look forward with cheerfulness to a life spent in
Literature, hoping little and fearing little from the world.
Postscript, by Mrs. Carlyle, of heartfelt thanks. (30-35.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 1st January 1828. — Another packet of
books, etc., goes to you, via Hamburg. What may be the
merit of Des Voeux's English translation of Tassof It is
precisely the bearing of an orignal to a translation, which most
clearly indicates the relations of nation to nation. Be so good
as give your dear wife the parcel addressed to her. I send
also six Medals, two for Sir Walter Scott ; the others please
distribute to my well-wishers. Am greatly interested in the
English appreciation of, and contact with, German Literature.
" Little children, love one another !" (36-45.)

The same, 1 5th January. — Message to Sir Walter Scott,
and admiration of his Life of Napoleon. Cultured society in

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 347

Weimar : such free bondage perhaps hardly exists anywhere
else. Contents of parcel sent. (48-59.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 17th January. — I have now to solicit a
favour of a more practical, and as I may justly fear, of a more
questionable nature ; that of a testimonial of fitness for the
Professorship of Moral Philosophy at St. Andrews. Have just
heard of your intended enlargement of the Wanderjahre, but
confess I see not well what improvements could be made.
Will Ottilie von Goethe accept the friendly compliments of
Jane Welsh Carlyle ? We even paint day-dreams of spending
next winter, or the following summer, in Weimar. (63-68.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 14th March. — I shall be glad if the
enclosed (the Testimonial), unfortunately delayed, should arrive
in time. A little box was sent from here on the 20th of
January, and I hope proved welcome. Let me have news
of it, and greet your dear wife from me and mine. (68-70.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 1 8th April. — The box was long delayed
by the severe winter, but is now here in perfect safety: our
best thanks are heartily yours. I have already written to Sir
Walter Scott, announcing your delightful message. Within
the last six years, the readers of your language here must have
increased tenfold. Sorry am I to tell you that Des Voeux's
translation of Tasso is unequivocally trivial: instances of its
insufficiency. I shall never cease to value your Testimonial,
although for the present occasion it was too rate. A Captain
Skinner called here with your card, and delighted us by sing-
ing Kcnnst die das Land. (81-90.)

Mrs. Carlyle to Goethe, 10th June. — I embrace the oppor-
tunity of sending you by Mr. May the continued assurance of
our affection and grateful regard. (91.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 15th June. — Your richly filled letter
reached me in due time. Mr. Skinner is again with us, and
gives us good and pleasant news of you and your surroundings.
Perhaps never before did one nation take such pains to under-
stand another as Scotland now does in respect to Germany.

348 SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

The unlucky Werner. Am greatly pleased with your treatment
of Helena. Dr. Eckermann almost one of my family. The
translation of Wallenstein has made a quite peculiar impression
upon me : pray tell me the name of the translator. A trans-
lator works not only for his own nation, but also for the one
from whose language he translates. A letter enclosed from
the good Eckermann. Alas, as I close this letter, there comes
upon us the sad news of our excellent Prince's death. (91-
104.)

Eckermann to Carlyle, 1 5th June. — You live much in our
thoughts at this moment, through your criticism of Helena.
French and Russian criticisms of the same. Your translation
convinced me, for the first time, that it may be possible to
render Faust perfectly in a foreign language. It could, I am
sure, find no better translator than yourself. You will go on
prospering in your studies, and England will owe you gratitude
for them. I hope soon to hear direct from you how you and
your amiable lady have settled yourselves in your new home
in the country. (104-1 11.)

Goethe to Carlyle (continuation of preceding letter). —
Ottilie sends her most cordial greetings to Mrs. Carlyle. A
piece of embroidery should have gone with this despatch. We
Germans, like you, are occupying ourselves with foreign litera-
ture. Greet your dear wife from me, and give me soon some
clear idea of your present abode (Craigenputtock). (1 1 1-1 1 5.)

The same, 8th August. — The most sad calamity has
befallen us in the death of our estimable Prince, as I have
already announced. You will sympathise with me in the con-
dition in which, after more than fifty years of life together, I
am left by the loss. Meanwhile it is a necessity diligently to
maintain all my remaining connections with life. Fare you
well, and let me hear from you soon. (1 1 5-1 1 7.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 25th September 1828. — The book-parcel
arrived last night : all in perfect safety, Books, Music, and
Manuscript. One dainty little article I already notice, your

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 349

translation of our ancient Scottish " Schwank," Get up and bar
the door. Scotland is very rich in popular songs. In trying
bereavements, when old friends are snatched away from you,
it must be a consolation to think that, neither in this age nor
in any other, can you ever be alone. Sir Walter Scott received
the Medals several months ago. George Moir is the name of
the translator of Wallenstein. Articles on German Literature.
Burns. Description of Craigenputtock. Jane unites with me
in affectionate respects to your Ottilie, whom in many a day-
dream we still hope to see and know in her Father's circle.
Pray assure Dr. Eckermann of my regard, and purpose to
express it directly. (1 17-127.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 25th June 1829. — Were an echo to
reach you as often as we think and speak of you, you would
often be aware of a friendly presence. I am now addressing
a written conversation from my " fireside " to yours. When
I visit distant friends in thought, I do not like to let my
imagination wander in space. I therefore beg for myself a
sketch of your dwelling and its surroundings. With your
countryman, Burns, I am sufficiently acquainted to prize him,
but the Scotch dialect is very perplexing to us. I now
announce the speedy despatch of a box, containing the Fourth
and Fifth Sections of my Works, with something pleasant from
the ladies of my household. (127-138.)

Eckermann to Carlyle, 2d July. — Your valued letter of
December last gave me much pleasure. Your article on
Goethe in the Foreign Review has excited great interest in
Germany. I could say a great deal about the new and
extended edition of the Wanderjahre. If you had courage to
pull your volume to pieces, and, on this new basis, reconstruct
the whole, one might hope your country would be grateful to
you. Goethe enjoys most excellent health, and we have the
joyful hope that he may live and work amongst us for many
years to come. (139-145.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 6th July. — The parcel already announced

35o SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

is only now being despatched. It contains the final proof-
sheets of a translation of your Life of Schiller. On the 28th
of August I beg you quietly to keep my eightieth birthday.
At the bottom of the little box there is lying a gift sent by
the ladies of my family, with the friendliest feelings. (145-
151.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 3d November. — Your much prized- letter
and packet have both arrived in perfect safety and entireness.
Six years ago, the possibility of a Letter, of a Present from
Goethe to me, would have seemed little less wondrous and
dreamlike than from Shakespeare or Homer. My wife bids
me say that she intends to read your entire Works this winter :
she sends her best thanks to your Ottilie for the beautiful
gift. Thanks also for the volume sent, in which I can already
discover no little matter for reflection. The Farbe?ilehre I
have never seen, and shall thankfully accept and study. I
still remember that it was the desire to read Werner's Miner-
alogical Doctrines in the original, that first set me on studying
German. A little packet, chiefly for your Ottilie, is getting
ready. In regard to my employments, I am still but an
Essayist, and longing more than ever to be a Writer in a far
better sense. (152-159.)

The same, 2 2d December. — The promised packet at length
sets out, with true wishes on our part that it may find you
happy and busy, and bring kind remembrances of friends that
love you. The Craigenputtock Sketches are from the pencil
of Mr. Moir, the translator of Wallenstein, to whom I have
presented the last of the four Medals. The portfolio is of
my wife's manufacture, who sends among other love-tokens a
lock of her hair. She begs and hopes that you will send her
a lock of yours in return. The Cowpefs Poems you are to
accept as a New-year's gift from me. A knowledge of German
literature is fast spreading over all the domains of the English
tongue. Have almost decided to write a History of German
Literature ; but still purpose to try something infinitely greater.

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 351

Alas, the huge formless Chaos is here, but no creative voice to
say, " Let there be light." (159-165.)

Carlyle to Eckermann, 20th March 1830. — No spot on
the globe is at present so significant to me as Weimar. We
are still speculating on a winter's residence there. A little
box recently despatched. Was shocked to hear of Milliner's
death. Increasing attention amongst us to the Literature of
neighbouring nations. My projected History of German
Literature. A few words from you might save me much
groping. My wife sends her kind regards, and continued hope
of one day seeing you. (165-173.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 1 3th April. — The precious casket, after
long delay owing to the extreme severity of the winter, at last
arrived safely. I will mention first the incomparable lock of
hair. I did not need to touch my skull to become aware that
only stubble was left there. The impossibility of making the
desired return smote my heart. The elegant Scotch Bonnet,
I can assure you, has given much pleasure. Ottilie sends her
most grateful thanks. Let me announce the despatch of another
parcel in return, which will contain, with other books, the final
proof-sheets of the translation of your Schiller. I trust you
will not regard the use I have made of some portions of our
correspondence as an indiscretion. Tell me how you propose
to introduce German literature amongst your people, and I will
gladly give you my thoughts on the sequence of its epochs. Dr.
Eckermann is making a journey south with my son. (173-184.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 23d May. — Our long-cherished hope of
seeing you in person now assumes some faint shape of possi-
bility. We have been pondering together over that glorious
Mahrchen of yours, and I have promised my wife some day to
write a commentary on it. In regard to my History of Ger-
man Literature, I need not say that no words of yours can be
other than valuable. For your guidance in this charitable
service, I will try to explain as clearly as I can the scope of
my project. My wife unites with me in friendliest wishes.

352 SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

Few men have been permitted to finish such a task as yours.

(184-193-)

Goethe to Carlyle, 6th June. — Your valued letter took only four-
teen days in coming, and this incites me to write immediately.
No alterations to be suggested in your proposed book : only a
few gaps here and there. I will immediately despatch books in
aid, and some further works of my own. Illustrations and
Preface to the German translation of Schiller. To your dear
wife my most friendly greetings : by means of the silhouette
she has come much nearer to us. May she now send us such
another portrait of her husband. I am glad that famous
Mdhrchen does not fail in its effect. A normal imagination
irresistibly demands from it something logical and consistent,
which reason never succeeds in accomplishing. However I
possess two interpretations, which I will seek out, and if
possible send in the little box. A peerless lock of black
hair impels me to add with true regret that the desired return
is, alas, impossible. (193-207.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 31st August. — The packet, containing
books and other valuables, arrived in perfect order. The
bibliopolic fate of that History of German Literature, in
which you are pleased to take an interest, has become more
dubious than ever. Nor do I much regret it : my first pro-
fessed appearance in Literature may now take place under
some less questionable character than that of a Compiler. A
wonderful Chaos within me, full of natural Supernaturalism
and all manner of Antediluvian fragments. I see not what is
to come of it all, and only conjecture, from the violence of the
fermentation, that something strange may come. Goethe-
Schiller Correspondence. The promised interpretation of the
Mdhrchen still earnestly wanted by the female intellect. I
had a strange letter with certain strange books, from the
Saint-Simonians in Paris ; if you have chanced to notice that
affair, I could like much to hear your thoughts. (207-215.)
Goethe to Carlyle, 5th October. — Once more a little box is

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 353

going to you ; and at last the Life of Schiller in German trans-
lation. May you succeed in making your nation acquainted
with the good points of the Germans. Constantly, at all
epochs and in every place, the result should be to exhibit,
transmit, and if possible establish, something beneficial to
mankind. Our Berlin friends (the Society for Foreign Litera-
ture) have sent me a Diploma, in which they appoint Mr.
Thomas Carlyle of Craigenputtock a foreign honorary mem-
ber. (215-224.)

The same, 17th October. — I now enclose you the letter
from the Berlin Society, in which their resolution concerning
you was transmitted to me. From the St. Simonian Society
pray hold yourself aloof : more about this on another occasion.
(224-227.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 23d October. — From the first sentence
of your otherwise most welcome letter, I fear that mine of
August may have failed to reach you, but will still hope that
it was not so. Schiller and Burns. The peculiar expressive-
ness of the latter's diction, at all times hard to be seized by a
translator : the whole British nation passionately attached to
him. Our kindest wishes every way to Ottilie. (227-236.)

The same, 15 th November. — The box, with all its precious
contents, arrived in perfect order. I now enclose a few lines
of thanks to our Berlin friends. Your Introduction to Schiller
fitter to have stood at the head of some Epic Poem of my
writing than here. Am sometimes meditating a translation
of Faust, for which the English world is getting more and
more prepared. Postscript of grateful thanks from Mrs.
Carlyle. (236-242.)

Eckermann to Carlyle, 6th December. — I returned to
Weimar last week alone. Herr von Goethe, the son, as you
perhaps have heard, died at Rome. Goethe also has had so
violent a hemorrhage of the lungs that his life was in danger ;
but he is now up again and busy in his usual ways. I now
look forward to the completion of Faust, of which so much is

2 A

354 SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

finished. It is not for me to offer advice, but were I in your
place I would employ my best leisure hours on a faithful trans-
lation. One should never ask if a nation is ready for a work :
nations are matured by daring works. Postscript, by Goethe,
giving assurance of his improved health ; with greetings and
blessings to the dear Pair. (242-252.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 2 2d January 1831. — Words of sympathy
and comfort. Your being busy with a Continuation of Faust
could not be other than great news to me. Have almost de-
termined upon attempting a translation. Taylor's Historic
Survey of Germa?i Poetry, which I am reviewing, you may
judge of by the fact that the longest article but one is on
August von Kotzebue. I fear you will not like the satirical
style, but all the more agreeable will be some concluding
speculations, on what after you I have called World-Literature,
with its "Sacred College and Council of Amphictyons."
Meanwhile, I am working at another curious enterprise of my
own {Sartor Resartus), which is yet too amorphous to be
prophesied of. A little collection of Memorials is getting
together for the next 28th of August. The Saint-Simonians
have again communicated with me. Although wandering in
strange paths, I cannot but look upon their Society and its
progress as a true and remarkable Sign of the Times. The
world is heavily struggling out into a new era ; but the Sun
and Seasons are the only changes that visit this wilderness.
(252-260.)

Hitzig to Carlyle, 28th January. — Explaining the objects
of the Berlin Society for Foreign Literature. (260-264.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 2d June. — We have been so secluded of
late, that we have been like to form a kind of Craigenputtock
in the midst of Weimar. Another package of books getting
ready. The good Eckermann of great value to me. Neu-
reuther's Marginal Drawings. Poetry will always remain the
happy refuge of Mankind. Mrs. Carlyle requested to contri-
bute to Ottilie's Periodical, called Chaos. The Metamorphosis

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 355

of Plants. Many good and beautiful hours are still granted
us. The fairest greetings from me and Ottilie for the dear
pair of hermits. (264-276.)

The same, 1 5th June. — Just as I am about to close the box,
I find there is still room ; I am therefore having packed up
for you some numbers of one of our most popular journals,
the Morgenblatt. There is also a copy of the translation of
Schiller for my lady friend, to show her how even the book-
binders of the Continent study neatness and elegance.
(276-278.)

Carlyle to Goethe, 10th June. — Daily do I send affectionate
wishes to the Man, to whom more than any other living, I
stand indebted and united. A little poetic Ttigendbtmd of
Philo-Germans is forming itself in London, whereof you are
the Centre ; the first public act of which should come to light
at Weimar on your approaching Birthday. Of this little
Philo-German Combination ; what it now specially proposes,
and whether it is likely to grow into a more lasting union for
more complex purposes, — I hope to speak hereafter. Interest-
ing phenomena of hopeful significance. In these last months
I have been busy with a Piece more immediately my own ;
but, alas, it is not a Picture that I am painting, but a half-
reckless casting of the brush, with its many frustrated colours,
against the canvas : whether it will make good Foam is still
a venture. In some six weeks I expect to be in London,
wishing to look a little with my own eyes at the world, getting
so enigmatic. (279-286.)

The same, 13th August. — I now send you a word of remem-
brance from this chaotic whirlpool of a city, where I arrived
three days ago. Endless gratitude I owe you, for it is by you
that I have learned what worth there is in man for his
brother-man; and how the "open secret" is still open for
whoso has an eye. A birthday gift from " Fifteen English
Friends " should reach you on your Birthday. Let me hope it
may arrive in due season, and the sight of it give you some

356 SUMMARY OF THE CHIEF

gratifying moments. I have come hither chiefly to dispose of
the Piece which I lately described myself as writing : meant
to be a " word spoken in season." But the whole world here
is dancing a Tarantula Dance of Political Reform, and has no
ear left for Literature. Figure me and mine as thinking of
you, loving you; as present especially on that 28th, with
wishes as warm as loving hearts can feel. (287-291.)

Fifteen English .Friends to Goethe. — Begging his accept-
ance of a Birthday Gift, as a true testimony of their feelings of
reverence and gratitude towards him. (292-294.)

Goethe to Carlyle, 19th August. — Poetical thanks to "the
Fifteen." — Britons ye have understood : The mind active, the
deed restrained, the purpose unhastingly steadfast. In the
books you sent I find much that is delightful. The silhouettes,
in an inconceivable way, bring the absent before one. The
gift of the associated friends has afforded us a pleasure as
unusual as unexpected. To the dear Pair, happy hours !
(295-298.)

Appendix II

Goethe to Carlyle, 14th June 1830. — Contents of packet
sent. (See Letter XXVII. p. 193.) Chaos, a weekly paper, con-
taining social pleasantries, for private circulation. Ottilie, the
sole editor ; further favours from our friends in the county of
Dumfries are requested. Hope to send you the translation of
S chiller, in its complete form by the next despatch. (324-327.)

Eckermann to Carlyle, 20th October 1832. — At the desire
of many friends I have translated your first article on Goethe.
(The article, Death of Goethe) I send you to-day two books
which will interest you. Am very busy with Goethe's Post-
humous Works. Doubt if I shall remain in Weimar for the
future. Herr Schwerdgeburth sends you his new portrait of
Goethe, one of the best that has appeared. Pray give my
cordial greetings to Mrs. Carlyle. I hope you will soon
receive a letter from Madame von Goethe herself. (32%-332-)

CONTENTS OF EACH LETTER 357

The same, 10th November 1833. — This is the third letter I
write to you, without knowing whether one of them has
reached you. I now send you the announcement of the
Correspo?idence between Goethe ajid Zelter, and the Preface to
it. I trust I may soon hear something from you. (334-337-)

Carlyle to Eckemnann, 6th May 1834. — Your kind letter
of the 10th of November reached me only a few days ago.
Your letter of last summer never arrived, and two of mine
seem to have been lost. My last from you was the Weimar
packet of the previous winter, which arrived in perfect safety,
and to which I at once gratefully and copiously replied. And
now, dear Eckermann, after such an interval, pray accept
yourself, and present to our friends, all the thanks you can
imagine me to have expressed. With Whitsuntide we are
to be in London. I have for a long time been in a kind of
spiritual crisis ; and you will know how horrible it is to speak
of it, until its issue has become clear. Have had as good as
no concern with German Literature ; although my Goethe,
with all that pertains to him, grows greater and ever truer the
more I attain to clearness in myself. My mission, if it may be
so called, of introducing German Literature here, may now be
regarded as fulfilled. Two new translations of Faust in one
day. The fire is kindled, and we have smoke enough : it will
some day be all flame and clear light. " Do thou take thy
bellows, and go elsewhere ! " This is one of the aspects of
my spiritual crisis. When we have cast anchor in London
you shall hear from me again. Are we not to see you face
to face in the modern Babel ? The lady returns your kind
greetings. Or a pro nobis. (337-342.)

INDEX

Austin's, Mrs., Characteristics of
Goethe, 340; mentioned, 341.

Bentinck, the Lords, take charge
of a packet from Goethe to
Carlyle, 5, 6.

Berlin Society for Foreign Litera-
ture, 223 ; letter to Goethe, in-
forming him that Carlyle had
been elected an honorary mem-
ber, 227 ; to Carlyle, explaining
the objects of the Society, 262 ;
Goethe's dedication to, of Car-
lyle's Life of Schiller, 299-301.

Boisseree, Dr. Sulpiz, 65.

Boswell's Life of Johnson, 342.

Carlyle; sends translation of Wil-
hel/n Afeister's Apprenticeship to
Goethe, 1 ; delight on receiving
his friendly reply, 6, 13 ; sends
Life of Schiller, and German
Romance, 7 ; their favourable
reception in England, 8 ; packets
from Goethe, xvii, 28, 42, 70,
81, 117, 148, 154, 289, 326;
Articles on German Literature,
45, 122, 158, 168 ; candidate
for the Professorship of Moral
Philosophy at St. Andrews, 63 ;
Goethe's Testimonial, 71-80,
89 ; perplexity about Goethe,
81 ; Essay on Burns, 123 ; letter
from Goethe received at Craig-

enputtock, 138'; Life of Schiller
translated into German, 144,
149, 155, 181, 203, 214, 220,
238, 299 ; no longer any care
for mathematics, 156 ; still but
an Essayist, 158; projected
History of German Literature,
159, 163, 170, 187, 200, 207-n;
packets sent to Goethe, 159-61,
167, 257, 288 ; letters and books
from the Saint-Simonians, 214,
226, 258 ; honorary member of
the Berlin Society for Foreign
Literature, 222, 234, 237 ; medi-
tates translating Faust, 240 ;
urged by Dr. Eckermann, 250 ;
letter to his mother about
Goethe's illness, 252 ; a little
Tugendbitnd of Philo-Germans
forming in London, 281, 323 ;
Sartor Resartus, 285, 290 ; in
London, 287 ; birthday gift to
Goethe, 289 ; hears at Dumfries
of Goethe's death, 298 ; kind
gifts from Weimar, 333 ; in a
kind of spiritual crisis, 339 ; his
mission of introducing German
Literature to England now ful-
filled, 340; settled in London,
342.

Carlyle, John A., 13, 138, 292,
333 ; at Miinchen, 65, 127 ;
letter to, about Goethe, 80.

Carlyle, Margaret, 138, 253.

360

INDEX

Carlyle, Mrs. ; admiration of
Goethe ; sends him a purse of
her own making, 10 ; receives
in return a wrought-iron neck-
lace, 28 ; writes her thanks, 35 ;
other presents, 42, 59, 70, 81,
149 ; friendly greeting to Ottilie
von Goethe, 67, 154 ; hopes to
visit Germany and Weimar, 68,
126, 166, 173, 185 ; writes to
Goethe introducing Mr. May
of Glasgow, 91 ; intends to read
Goethe's entire Works, 153; a
present to Ottilie, 157, 180;
sends a lock of her hair to
Goethe, and begs one of his in
return, 161, 179, 206; lively
interest in the Mahrchen, 186,
214; begs a little scrap of
Schiller's handwriting, 213 ;
receives a copy of Goethe's
Poems, dated on his birthday,
239 ; her heartfelt thanks for
so many tokens of kindness,
241 ; last present from Goethe,
278.

Chaos, a Weimar weekly paper, for
private circulation, edited by
Ottilie von Goethe, 235 note,
274, 326-7.

Churchill, translator of Wallen-
stein's Lager, 292.

Cowper's Poems, 161.

Craigenputtock, description of,
124-6 ; sketches of, sent to
Goethe, 160, 204, 238, 306.

Dupin's cosmopolitan works, 44.

Diirer, Albert, 273.

Eckermann's account of Goethe
and Scott, . 54 note ; Goethe's
esteem for him, 100 ; writes to

Carlyle, 108, 127, 142, 247, 330,
335 > Carlyle requests his help,
J59> 165, 170 j going on a
journey south, 183 ; presents
Carlyle with Wachler's Lectures
on German Literature, 201 ; re-
turns to Weimar, 247, 272 ;
editing Goethe's Posthumous
Works, 331, 336.
Empson, William, editor of the
Edinburgh Review, 255, 282-4.

Falk, 342.

Farbenlehre, the, 150, 156, 182,
203, 212.

Faust, Lord F. L. Gower's Trans-
lation of, 240, 250; Carlyle's
intention of translating, 240, 250,
252, 254 ; expected completion
of, 69, 249, 331 ; two transla-
tions of, published the same day,
340.

Fifteen English Friends present a
Birthday-Gift to Goethe, 289-98.

Fliigel, Dr. Ewald, 324.

Fraser, William, editor of the
Foreign Review, 86, no, 208,
292, 297.

Gellert, 79.

German Literature, progress of in
England, xii, xvi, 8, 9, 43, 85,
98, 162, 168, 186, 254, 281, 289,
321-3, 340.

German Romance sent to Goethe,
7, 23.

Gleig, G. R., 1 jo note.

Goethe, August von, 247.

Goethe, Ottilie von, 67, 126, 270,
332> 333, 338 ; sends presents to
Mrs. Carlyle, 113, 154; a return
present, 157 ; edits a private

INDEX

361

Weimar Periodical, called Chaos,
235 note, 274, 326-7.

Goethe ; commendation of Car-
lyle's Schiller, and of the in-
troductory notices in German
Romance, 22, 23 ; his high notion
of a World - Literature, 24, 42,
256, 282, 301 ; sends presents to
Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle, 28, 59,
70, 117, 326; two medals for
Sir Walter Scott, 43 ; Goethe's
appreciation of his Life of Na-
poleon, 53-6 ; grief at the death
of the Prince, 103, 115; Vogel's
portrait of, 1 18; his excellent
health, 145 ; sends engraving of
his house to Carlyle, 165 ; offers
to advise him as to his projected
History of German Literature,
183 ; death of his son, 247 ; his
own serious illness and recovery,
248, 251 ; a Birthday-Gift from
" Fifteen English Friends," 289,
291-4; his death, 298 ; Introduc-
tion to the translation of Carlyle' s
Life of Schiller, 299-323. See
Schiller.

Gower, Lord F. L., 240, 250, 292.

Hare, Archdeacon, 162 note.

Hazlitt's Life of Napoleon, 83.

Heavyside, Mr., in Weimar, 57.

Helena, a bright mystic vision, 33,
99, 108, 250.

Heraud, editor of Eraser's Maga-
zine, 292.

Herder, 306.

Hitzig, 223, 227, 234, 262, 275.

Hoffmann, 23, 43, 86.

Irving, Edward, mentioned, 1
note, 13.

Jardine, Robert, gives Carlyle

lessons in German, ix.
Jeffrey, Lord, 81, 84, 121, 259.
Jerdan, William, 169, 292.

Kaufmann, Philipp, attempts a
German translation of Burns,
223, 232.

Leslie, Professor, 156 note.
Lessing, 190.

Lockhart, 45, 54 note, 81, 83,
292 ; his Life of Burns, 313.

Maginn, Dr., 292.

Mahrchen, Das, 185, 205, 214.

May, Mr., of Glasgow, 91.

Metamorphosis of Plants, The, 275.

Moir, George, translator of Wal-
lenstein, 10 1, 122, 292 ; makes
sketches of Craigenputtock, to
be sent to Goethe, 160.

Montagu, Mrs., mentioned, 13.

Moore, Thomas, to write a His-
tory of Ireland, 170.

Morgenblatt, the, 278.

Midler's, Chancellor von, Essay
on Goethe, 331, 336, 338.

Milliner's Plays, 168.

Musaus, 23.

Neureuther's Marginal Draw-
ings to Goethe's Parables, 272.

Niebuhr ; translation of his History
of Rome, 162.

Ottilie. See Goethe, Ottilie von.
Oxford and Cambridge Universi-
ties, 161.

Procter, B. W., 292.

Reeve, Henry, 332.
Richter, Jean Paul, n, 23 ; article
on, 158.

362

INDEX

Sachs-Weimar-Eisenach, Duke
of; his death greatly lamented
by Goethe, 103, 116.

Sartor Resartus, first struggling
conception of, 210, 252 ; yet too
amorphous to be prophesied of,
256, 285 ; meant to be a " word
spoken in season," 290.

Schiller, Life of, xiii ; sent to
Goethe, 7 ; his high commenda-
tion of it, 22, 302 ; Correspond-
ence of, with Goethe, 143, 155,
161, 172, 202, 212; Carlyle's
Essay on, 161 ; Garden-house
at Jena, 204; contrasted with
Burns, 231.

Schulze, Ernst, 43.

Schwerdgeburth's portrait of
Goethe, 334.

Scottish Songs, 20, 118.

Scott, Sir Walter ; Goethe sends
two medals for, 43, 45, 81, 121 ;
his Life of Napoleon, 53-6, 83 ;
article on Hoffmann, 86 ; His-
tory of Scotland, 1 70 ; one
of Goethe's "Fifteen English
Friends," 292.

Seal sent to Goethe on his eighty-
second Birthday, 289-97.

Seidel, Dr., 264.

Simonians, Saint, 214, 226, 258.

Skinner, Captain, 90, 98, 134.

Soret, M., 275.

Southey, 292.

Stael's, Madame de, Germany,
viii.

Strachey, Mrs. ; her admiration for
the Lehrjahre, 9.

Swan, Mr. , of Kirkcaldy, ix.

Taylor, William, of Norwich,

122 ; his Historic Survey of

German Poetry, 255.
Thackeray's account of life at

Weimar, 59-62.
Tieck, Carlyle's esteem for, 11.
Thirl wall, 162 note.
Thomson, Dr. A. T. , 44 note.
Thorwaldsen, 247 note.
Translation, peculiar uses of a

good, 26, 101.

Utilitarianism in England, 164,
173, 192.

Verses sent by Goethe to Carlyle,
21, 29, 30, 46, 148, 151, 295.

Voeux's, Des, translation of
Goethe's Tasso, 41, 87-9.

Wachler, Dr. Ludwig, 201, 212,
221, 326.

Wallenstein, Professor Moir's trans-
lation of, 101, 122.

Weimar, society in, 57, 59-62.

Werner, Zacharias, 85, 99.

Werner's Mineralogy first set
Carlyle studying German, 157.

Wilhelm Meisters Apprenticeship,
x, xiii ; sent to Goethe, 1 ; its
reception in England, 8, 9 ; the
Travels, 7, 8, 66, 144, 154.

Wilson, Professor, editor of Black-
wood's Magazine, 81, 292.

Wolley, Thomas, 59, 90.

Wordsworth, 81, 292.

Zelter, 29, 2g4nole; Correspond-
ence between Goethe and, 336,
340-

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