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B
FROM THE LIBRARY OF
THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON
CLA88 OF I 84 1
a^
THE GIFT OF
•MRS. THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON
AND
MARGARET HIGGINSON BARNEY
f
I
f^mmmm^mmmmmmmmm'm^^^
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CORRESPONDENCE
SCHILLER WITH KÖRNER.
COMPRISING
SKETCHES AND ANECDOTES
OF
GOETHE, THE SCHLEGELS, WIELAND
AND OTHER CONTEMPORARIES.
WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTES,
BY LEONARD SIMPSON, ESQ.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
LONDON:
RICHARD BENTLEY NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
^blisln In OiDinoic to 1|« ßSla\t»tt.
1849.
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^ 3
HARVARD CO!, ir GL l;g;:a:xY
c::i or
MRS. thc"a:^ V'.c .-;. c •-: i':--^ r.:ow
JjARS. MAUGAu£T h.LLii.-uN ÜAiu^tY
LONDOVi
Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street.
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CONTENTS
OF TH9
SECOND VOLUME.
1789,
[continued.]
Komer's treatise in the Mercury — His translation of Gibbon —
Mirabeau's * Secret History of the Court of Berlin— Schiller
projects writing an epic poem on Frederick H — Ottaoe
rime — Schiller and Gibbon — Schiller visits Jena — His des-
cription of the society there — Universal History — Perfection
in Art— Passages in Schiller's poem 'The Artists' explained
— ^The Olympian Jupiter — Schiller leaves Weimar for Jena
as Professor of History— Bürger — ^Virgil's iEneid — Schiller
at Jena— Description of his chambers — ^The 26th of May» 1789
— Schiller's first lecture as Professor of History at the Uni-
versity of Jena — Success of his first lecture— Serenade at
night — Kömer's opinion of Racine — Kömer, Minna and
Dorchen visit Jena — Schiller informs Kömer of his engage-
ment to Lottchen— Herder's sermon— Kotzebue's plays —
University cabals — Schiller's disgust — He resolves to throw
up his Professorship — Marriage plans — Schiller obtains the
consent of the mother— He demands a pension from the
Duke of Weimar. ..... 1
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2 Schiller's correspondence
offsprings which pleases, me more each time I read it^
and is a prominent feature in the present number.
Wieland^s criticisms are not generally of much weight,
but when he treats of Art he is a competent judge.
He is greatly pleased with it ; and as soon as we met
he. declared to me that you were his man. He is
unbounded in his admiration of the philosophical view
taken of the subject, and of the manly and elegant
language in which it is written. I shall hear other
criticisms upon it, not so much to prove the merits of
the treatise as to convince you, that notwithstanding
your peculiar views on certain subjects, you combine
the requisite qualifications for an author.
Your translation of Gibbon has given me a prelimi-
nary idea of that writer. He has the talent of giving
new life to facts. He produces them with judg-
ment, and his narrative is powerful and spirited j but
I agree with you, that his style is not perfect ; that he
betrays a desire to excel, which often renders his
language pbscure. In narration, the French are un-
equalled ; and this may be attributed to the flexibility
of their language, which allows them to speak with
such fluency and animation.
Do you not think that I am apt to fall into the
same error as Gibbon, in my historical writings ?
Verily, I should not like to come in contact with him,
on his blind side.
I shall be able to send you my poem this day week.
It is already in type, and the' 'Mercury' will be ready
in a few days. I await your instructions as to whether
I shall give your translation to Wieland for the April
number of the * Mercury,' or whether you will send
him an original treatise to start with. I should, how-
ever, advise you (as the translation will have to appear
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WITH KORNER. 3
in many numbers) not to keep it back too long, lest
some one else should anticipate you.
I recommend you to read a ^ Secret History of the
Court of Berlin/ which has just been published. It
will give you great amusement and information. It
consists of a collection of letters^ which Mirabeau,
whilst on a mission from Paris to Berlin^ wrote to
the French Courts and which have been clandestinely
published.
Schiller.
Weimar^ P March, 1789«
I have this moment received your last two letters,
and cannot do better than answer them at once. Our
discussion about my poem will soon be settled between
us. I hope to receive a copy of the * Mercury* to-day,
which I shall enclose to you ; but if I do not X shall
send it to you on Friday, at latest. I think you will
agree with me at last. It is a poem, and not a philo-
sophical piece of versification ; and the fact that it is
more than a poem, does not detract from its merits as
such. I wish we could have a regular discussion on
the subject. The poem^ however^ is of too singular a
character not to be publicly commented upon. Let us
wait till then.
I am astonished that you did not find a reply to
your own objections to the philosophical dialogue in
the ^Geisterseher.^ If I had taken interest in this
production from the v^ first — or rather, if I had
not been compelled to finish a portion of it before
I really felt that interest, this dialogue would have
been made subordinate to the whole work. But as
this was not the case, what else could I do, but take
an interest in the details? and imder such circum-
B 2
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4 Schiller's correspondence
stances, what more can the reader demand of me^
than to entertain him with an interesting subject in as
agreeable a manner as po&sible? But I think you
have missed the mark, in seeking for the impulses
of the Prince's actions in his philosophy : they should
rather be sought in his wayering between that philo-
sophy, and his former predilections, and in the insuffi-
ciency of his reasoning, which led to indecision of
character. Your mistakq consists in seeking the main-
spring of his actions in this philosophy, whilst the
motives are to be found in his dissatisfaction with that
philosophy, which, as you say, is imperfect and incon-
sistent, and this makes him miserable ; and he endea-
vours to escape from such a state of unhappiness, by
drawing closer towards his fellow-men. I rejoice,
however, that we agree on many points ; but some
passages would, I thought, have had more effect upon
you. But this n^ay arise from the fact, that the ideas
they contain are not new to you; whilst I, who have
read but little in this line, was obliged to spin them
all out of my own brain. The proof, for example, that
morality depends solely on greater or less activity,
seems to me well established. I have, moreover, in-
creased my store of knowledge by this work, and that
is better than if I were paid ten dollars a sheet for it«
Compare this philosophy (apart from that which I was
obliged to give the Prince as a poetical personage)
with the philosophy of Julius, and you will find it
more matured, and. on a sounder foundation.
. I perfectly coiiuside with your judgment of the 'Iphi-
genia,* and I adopt your reasons for excusing my
occupying my time in translating it, as my own —
namely, that I may acquire greater simplicity in plan
and style. To. which yon ma^ add, that a closer
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WITH KORNER. . 5
acquaintance with tbe Greek writers^ will make me
more familiar with the True and the Beautiful^ and will
enable me^ by rejecting what is bad^ to form an Ideal
which will correct and give a finish to my style; and^
. therefore^ you will not chide me for sacrificing an odd
hour to them. It is trae^ they have cost me both time
and labour^ especially the worst parts of ^Euripides/
The choruses gain by my translation ; that is to say,
what they would not have gained by another translator,
for the diction in the original imparts great beauty to
them. When you have seen the last two acts, (which
will, perhaps, give you a better idea of the original, as
well as of the translation), compare my translation
with the Latin version of Joshua Barnes, — ^for this
Latin version was, properly speaking, my original.
You will then perhaps allow, that no small quantum of
enthusiasm was necessary, and that there is a great
deal of original ipatter in the translation, to produce
it in its present shape. I challenge many of our
poets, who pride themselves upon their Greek and
Latin, to do what I have done from so cold a subject.
Like them, it was not in my power to make use of the
finesses of the Greek text. I was obliged to guess at
my original, or rather to create a new one.
I cannot help laughing, when I think over all
I have written to you about Groethe. You will have
acquired a deep insight into my weak points, and have
inwardly chuckled at me ; but let it be so. I wish
you to know me as I am. This man — ^this Goethe-— is
in my way ; and he reminds me so often how hard
fate has been upon me ! How tenderly was his genius
nursed by fate, whilst I am still compelled to struggle
against it I It is too late for me to make up for all
the time that has been lost, and after thirty it is too
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6 Schiller's correspondence
late for a man to re-mo^el himself; nor could I attempt
to do so for three or four years to come^ as I have^ at
leasts four years still to sacrifice to my destiny. But I
pluck up a good heart, and look forward to a happy
change for the future.
If you could procure me within a year a wife, with
an income of 12,000 dollars, for whom I could feel an
attachment, I would then, in five years, write you a
' Frederickiad,'* a classic tragedy — ^as you so insist
upon it — and half-a-dozen fine odes.
You are desirous to know my mode of living here.
You have guessed it. I see very little company. On
my return from Rudolstadt, people at first wondered
at the retired life I led ; they soon got accustomed to
it, and nobody now thinks about it. I refused invita-
tions to dinners and suppers, and, at last, I received
none. Bertuch, Councillor Voigt, and some others,
visit me at times, and I them : a month often elapses
between my visits to Wieland, and I drop him a line,
if requisite, on matters of business. My acquaintance
with him gets on in this manner, and I can increase
or relax it at pleasure.
My most frequent visits are to Charlotte. She is
in much better health and spirits than she was last
winter. But since my return I have imbibed certain
principles of liberty and independence in my actions,
to which my relation with her and all others must give
place. All romantic castles in the air must fall in,
and the solid structures alone remain. Our friendship
has daily new charms for me, and has had the
most beneficial influence upon me. I could not
now form such another, for you would scarcely believe
* An epic poem on Frederick the Great.
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WITH KORNER. 7
how much of the misanthrope is mixed up in my
manner of thinking. Sorrows, misjudgments of men,
frustrated hopes, have rendered me timid and distrust-
ful. I have lost the light-hearted lively faith I once
placed in Man; and therefore my confidence in the
professions of friendship from a man is easily shaken,
espetnally if I have reason to suppose that his judgment
and his incUnations are not yet settled on a firm
basis.
Why should we live thus separated from each other ?
If I had not so deeply felt the degradation of my mind
before I left you, I should have never done so, or should
have speedily returned to you. But it is sad, that the
happiness which our living together procured me, was
incompatible with the only circumstance which I could
not even sacrifice to friendship — the inner existence of
)ny mind. I shall never repent me of this step, as it
Was good and necessary ; but stiU it is a cruel priva-
tion, a hard sacrifice, for an uncertain blessing.
You will presume that I am to-day in a dissatisfied or
hyp'oehondriacal humour ; but it is not so. It was think-
ing on my present position which engendered these
thoughts. A pleasant existence awaits me at Jena,
from which I hope to derive many advantages. I can-
not live there, as hitherto, an isolated life, as I shall be
what I never was before, a member of a society which
holds more or less together. At Jena I shall become a
citizen who has Certain external obligations to attend
to I and as the latter are not distressing, and I have
no one placed over me, I hope to accustom myself to
them. I shall have many things to write to you as
soon as I get settled there. There are many who look
forward to my arrival with pleasure. The Schützes
will give me a hearty welcome. I do not promise you
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8 Schiller's correspondence
that I shall not engage myself soon, if a favourable
opportiHlity offers. What I stand most in need of is
peace of mind — ^from which all my nobler joys proceed.
Can I be too eager to ensure this f I must be the
whole artist or nothing.
Write to me soon if you have time. You did not say
on what day my last letter reached you. Let me
know^ as there is a change in the postal arrangements.
I did not receive your letter of the 8rd March until
the 9th.
Schiller.
Weimar, 3 March, 1789*
A cold in the head has prevented me from working,
so I have been indulging by giving the reins to noty
imagination. Your idea of an epic poem on Frederick
II. is beginning to take some shape in my mind, and
affords me many a pleasant hour. I think I may,
sooner or later, set to work at it. I do not think
I am deficient in the requisite talents for an epic
poem. You will allow that I am well versed in all the
events of that day, (which will be the main ade on
which the poem must turn), and a profound study of
Homer' will make me equal to the tadc.
An epic poem in the eighteenth century must be
something essentially different from one when the world
was in swaddling clothes, and this is what chiefly attracts
me. As in the ' Iliad,' the different branches of Greek
culture are laid before the reader ; in the same manner
our customs, philosophy, our administration, the art»
and sciences, must be perfectly revealed in harmonious
unison. You will understand what I mean. Nor do
I feel disinclined to invent the necessary machinery for
this work. I should make it a point to fulfil all that is
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WITH KÖRNER. 9
requisite for an epic poem in form and matter. It is
customary (and perhaps joatly so) not to allow any
work to be styled classic unless its species be distinctly
discernible. This machinery, however, which, with a
modem subject, in so prosy an age, seems to ofifer the
greatest difficulties, may increase the interest in a high
degree if adapted to this modem spirit. All sorts of
obscure ideas are rolling about in my head on, thö
subject, but something good may yet come out of them.
You will, however,; scarcely guess what metre I should
decidedly choose for the poem 7 No other than ottave
rime. Any others, iambics excepted, are hateful to* me
as death. And with what elegance serious and noble
thoughts would appear in such pleasant fetters I How
the poem would gain by the easy flow of soft^sounding
rhymes I . It must be written so that it maybe Bung> as
the Greek peasants sang the ' Iliad/ and as the Gton*
doHers of Venice sing the stanzas of ^ Jerusalem De^
livered.^ I feel myself capable of writing good verses^
and a few passages in my poem of the ^Künstler' will
prove to you that I am not wrong in making the asser-
tion. I have also thought what event of his life I
should select. I should prefer one of misfortune, which
would allow a more poetical development of his charac:-
ter. The battle of Collin, for example, or the victory
of Prague, which preceded it j or the melancholy comr
bination before the decease of the Empress Elizabeth^
which found so happy and romantic a solution in her
death.
The main action should be as simple as possible, so
as to allow a broad view of the whole chain of events,
however rich in details the different episodes might be.
I could pourtray his whole life and the age he lived in,
and I could not find a fitter model than the ' Iliad.^
B 3
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10 Schiller's correspondence
Horner^ for example, makes a characteristic enumera-
tion of the allied Greeks, and of the Trojan host. How
interesting it would be to pourtray in vivid colours the
principal nations of Europe, their national character,
their governments, and to give a rapid sketch of their
history in six or eight verses. How interesting for the
present age ! Statistics, commerce, agriculture, religion,
laws, — all this might be pourtrayed in a few lines.
The German Diet, the English Parliament, the Con-
clave at Rome> &c. I should also pay an honourable
tribute to Voltaire* Whatever it might cost me> I
should place the free thinker in a glorious light, and
the whole poem should bear that stamp.
Let us have some conversation on this subject.
I expect this week the official announcement of my
call to Jena. The rescripts are already there, and I
have already sent the notification of my lectures for
the summer term. As I did not wish to have too much
work on my hands this summer, and yet at the same
time it was requisite that I should commence with
Universal History, — as otherwise my colleague Heinrich
might have appropriated it to himself as a res derelicta
—I have announced public lectures on Universal His*
tory, and private lectures on my ' Revolution in the
Netherlands,' which latter, however^ I do not purpose
giving, I have been told that it was quite optional :
I need only say that I had not a sufficient number of
pupils, or some such excuse. In October, however, I
shall change matters entirely, making the latter the
subject of my public lectures, and Universal History of
,my private one, by which means many who might attend
.my public lectures^ because they cost them nothing>
,may be induced to subscribe to them in private» I
have this momettt received a letter from Schütz, who
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WITit KÖRNER. 11
advises me not to announce any private lectures^ lest it
should be a drawback to my first appearance in public.
Schütz has pro<3ured me chambers which^ comprising
furniture and a lecture-room^ will not cost me more
than forty dollars. As soon as I have obtained an
interview with the Duke, and received the official noti-
fication of my appointment, I shall run over to Jena
for a day and make my arrangements.
I forgot to answer some of your questions. I have
nothing further to tell you about the ' Memoirs/ except
that I should like you to send me some extracts from
English history, of the Middle Ages. I have come to
an arrangement about the French memoirs. As my
knowledge of English is so small, I cannot give you
farther instructions. The collection of French memoirs,
of which I spoke to you lately, is published periodi-
cally at Paris, beginning with Joinville under St.
Louis. But I shall commence vrith the ' Memoires de
Comines.' Two volumes will be devoted to French
history, one to English, and the fourth to German,
Spanish, and Italian history alternately, as the case
may be. As regards the working of the ' Memoirs,' I
send you the following as a guide i
1. To reject everything in the shape of pedantic^
effusion, so as to reduce the original one half, if pos-
sible. ^
2. To presei*ve all characteristic traits, however in-
significant, and to touch on well-known facts as shortly
as possible.
3. To enrich the original with notes of a nature to
enhance its historical value.
4. To give a free translation, making literal trans-
lation subservient to style.
I enclose you my contract with Mauke, which will
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12 Schiller's correspondence
put you au amrant of the rest^ as also a jouinal
with a critique on the French publication. The
appearance of a publication in France at the same time
as ours, is a favourable circumstance. I leave you
carte blaTiche as regards the selection of the EngUsh
memoirs, and shall not give mysdf any more trouble
about them. I only recommend you to get them of as
old a date as possiUe* It will be as well to tell^you
what I mean by ' Memoirs.' First, the writer must have
been an eye-witness of the events of which he narrates«
Secondly, he must describe some great event in which
many persons took part, or else the life of one cele-
brated man who witnessed many events; — therefore
neither chronicles nor history« Thirdly, he must
throw new light upon known events. When you
have thought the matter over, let me hear your
opinion.
Dresden, 19 March, 1789.
I have three of your letters to answer, and your
poem of the 'Künstler ' is before me- Where shall I
begin ? But the man has precedence of the poet,
therefore your letters first. You may fancy that your
opinion, and that of Wieland on my treatise, have
considerably flattered my vanity. But I am still more
anxious to hear Wieland's opinion on the work I have
now in hand^ Its title is ' On undue severity against
Enthusiasm.' I hope to send it to you by to-day's
post.
I do not find any similarity between your style and
Gibbon's, except that at times he is too ornamental.
But it is of a di£Ferelit description. In your endeavours
to make a narrative as vivid as possible^ ideas arise
before you more fitting for the poet than for the his-
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WITH KÖRNER. 13
tomn. Öibboii^ on the contrary, endeavonrs to shine
by philsophical observations, and these are often
neither so natural nor of such value as yours.
I have read the first part of the ' Histoire Secrete.'
What interested me most, and which is really well written,
is the description of the Duke of Brunswick. Your
Duke will not be over-well pleased with the observa-
tions made upon him. In other respects we Saxons
came off scot-free. The position of the writer, how-
ever, which he cannot conceal^ has a bad effect. His
observations are not those of an independent citizen of
the world, nor of a man of business, who has an
honourable situation. He is continually begging for
an ambassadorial appointment, and endeavours to
make his news a means to attain that end. His obser-
vations, however, are clever, and> as far as I am capable
of judging, correct.
I wish I could have an hour's conversation with
you upon your personal affairs^ Letters are but poor
speakers on such matters« These are subjects which
can only be treated orally. Only avoid hypochon-
dria and all will go well. For your years you have
done much, and your progress has been great. Com-
pare ^ Carlos ' with the ' Robbers,' the * Künstler '
with any other poem from the 'Anthology,' your style
in the first number of the ' Thalia,' with that in the
last, or with the ' Netherlands.' How much time
did not Lessing need between his ' Young Philosopher '
and his ' Minna ?' It is a great advantage to you that
your mind is enriched by the large extent of your
memory. Every scrap of knowledge receives life in
your brain. The most base metal is turned into gold
by a sort of alchemy of enthusiasm. It is essential,
however, that all your wants should be provided for,
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14 Schiller's cobrespondence
and I think the ' Memoirs' will do this. It is much
better that you should confine yourself to public
lectures during the first half year. Do not undertake
more professional duties than can be expected of you.
If you throw up the 'ThaUa,' you will have more
time for study and other works of a higher order.
You have not time to undertake an epic poem, a Pro-
fessorship, the ^ Memoirs,' &c., all at the same time.
And now for a few remarks on your poem 'Die
Künstler.' I do not think that any of Jrour works
does you so much honour as this one. The com-
meücement is incomparable, and it contains many
passages of surpassing beauty. The elegance of the
ver^e and language, combined with the richness of the
ideas, has never been equalled in Germany. What
I miss in the poem is a want of clearness at times,
which is, however, almost essential in the poem. On
the first reading, I think the intellectual reader ought
to understand the poet, even should he not dive to
the full depth of his meaning. And even a less think-
ing public must connect an idea with the words,
though this idea becomfes more developed, in propor-
tion as the soul of the reader approaches nearer to that
of the poet. The best passages in the poem, where
philosophical substance is clothed in poetical language,
are the most clear. I regret now that I did not com-
mence toy lettet with the poem, as I must conclude in
haste. You have given me a pleasant hour. You
know how my spirit rises to the spell of your best
powers» I am proud that I can understand you.
KÖRNERj
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WITH KÖRNER. 15
Weimar, 26 March, 1789-
I have been to Jena to look out for chambers, and
have succeeded pretty well to my satisfaction. The
urbanity of my good friends there, will greatly facili-
tate tny first entrance. I have also seen a specimen of
their social arrangements. There is a club there,
established half-yearly by the profe86ors> to which a
certain number of students are admitted^ Balls and
concerts are given there. I went there one evening :
there were about one hundred persons present, and,
considering that more than one-half were students,
it passed oflf quietly enough. The subscription is
eight dollars for the half-year, which includes five-atid-
twenty suppers : — wine of course is an extra. I have
subscribed to it without, however, expecting much
pleasure firom it. It is a saving bf time, as much may
be done there which would be tedious in one^s own
room. There are a good many young men appointed
at Jena, who promise well for formmg aü agreeable
society. A young countryman of mine, of the name
of Paulus, has been appointed Professot of the Oi^iental
Languages ; a Dr. Basch, well versed in Natural History,
is also worthy of a nearer acquaintance. These, with
Beinhold, Hufeland, SchütK, and others, will form
agreeable acquaintances. Of a more refined society,
especially of educated women, I fear there is a bad
chance. Griessbach^s houäe is the most run upon^
but there is nothing there. I hope to spend some
pleasant hours at Beinhold^s. On the whole> however^
I perceive that I shall have to rely principally upon
study, the fine country, and our correspondence.
There is no lecture-room attached to my chambers>
but I did not seek one, as it would have added to the
price; and Döderlein's and Beinhold's are at my ser-
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16 Schiller's correspondence
vice. I shall^ therefore^ probably begin my lectures in
a theological lecture-room. I have already issued the
printed announcement ot a series of public lectiires on
Universal History. I leave this for Jena in the first
week of May, and shall open shop * in the middle of
the month.
As you may imagine, I am now reading hard at his-
torical works. To have a certain plan of action, I
have selected ' Millot's Universal History/ Beckys is
too voluminous, and the notes take up more room than
the text; a method which does not please me, and
shows want of taste. It is> however, of service to me,
as it often sets the Frenchman to rights. I have or-
dered Schröck's ' Universal History^ to be sent to me
from Leipzig ; and with these three, aided by Robert-
son, Gibbon; Bossuet, and Schmidt, I hope to be
enabled to produce something good. But, dating from
this summer, I shall make myself well acquainted with
all the best historical authors. In Spittler's ' Sketch
of the History of the Church,^ which I am. now read-
ing, I find a great deal of very interesting matter,
which may lead to future investigation. A real Uni-
versal History ought, in fact, to consist of the history
of philosophy, of the arts, of customs, of commerce,
and of politics. I have such a plan in view, and shall
soon put my hand to the work. What I have read of
Gibbon — ^that is to say, all that has been translated,
consisting of the first two parts — has given me,
a great deal of information, although I must confess
I should not select him as my model. It is a work oi
genius, of deep study, and great reading; but it is not
free from a certain juvenility, and at times from a forced
* A literal traDslfttion.
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WITH KÖRNER. 17
style, wanting in taste. Much, on the other hand, is
collected and produced with a masterly hand. I look
impatiently forward to the continuation of it. If you
have the opportunity, I wish you would send me a few
historical works from your library, which I may not be
able to procure at Jena. But I shall first make in-
quiries.
Yoa have been a long time without writing to me.
I sent you a parcel from Jena about a fortnight since,
containing three numbers of the ' Mercury,' which
you must have received by this. If you do not like
the ' Mercury,' do not keep it on my account. I shall
keep it for my father or my sister, who are always glad
to read anything of mine.
SCHILLBB.
Weimar, 30 March, 1789.
I received your letter just a^ I had put mine in the
post. It gave me great pleasure. Your judgment of
my poem answers all my expectations. I was certain
we would understand each other. I fear that your
too remarks about some passages being obscure, are
correct. I have heard the same remark made here.
Wieland does not understand some passages. I am
the more vexed at this, as these very passages contain
some excellent ideas which I should have liked to have
made as clear as possible. Let us take, for instance,
the passages you alluded to : —
1. ^ Das kind der Schönheit— empfangen.^ What
1 mean is this ; every work of Art, each work of
Beauty, forms a complete whole ; and as long as it
occupies t£e artist, it is the sole engrossing object of
his thoughts : thus, for example, a single statue, a
single column, a poetical description; each is self-
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18 Schiller's correspondence
sufficing. It can exist for itself^ and is perfect in itself.
But then^ I say, that as Art progresses, this perfect
whole is split into parts of a new and greater one ;
its final destination is then no longer in itself, but it
has an ulterior object ; and thence, I say, it has lost
its crown*. The statue which before reigned supreme,
cedes that distinction to the temple which it adorns ;
the character of a Hector is in itself perfect, but is
only a subordinate member of the ' Iliad -y the single
column is an addition to the symmetry of the building.
The more rich arid perfect is Art, the greater number of
perfections does it offer to our enjoyment ; each per-
fect in itself, but contributing to form one great work,
and the greater exuberance of multiplicity is ofiFered
to us in unity. When I further say, that the Zeus of
Phidias bends in the temple at Olympia, I say nothing
else than that : this statue, which in itself would be
an object of univei*sal admiration, loses that high stand-
ard as soon as it is placed in the temple, and only adds
its share to the combined majesty of the edifice. But
the peculiar beauty of this passage Consists in the allu-
sion to the bending position of the Olympian Jupiter
which was in a sitting postute in this temple, and
* ^' Die Säule muss, dem Gleichmass unterthan
An ihre Schwestern nachbarlich sich schliessen
Der Held im Heildenheer zerfliessen."
(Die Künstler.)
" Und eine zweite höh're Kunst entstand
Aus Schöpfungen der Menschenhand.
. Das Kind der Schönheit, sich allein genug.
Vollendet schon aus eurer Hand gegangen
Verliert die J^rone die es trug
Sobald es Wirklichkeit empfangen."
{Die Künstler.)
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WITH KÖRNER. 19
placed in such a manner^ that it urould have borne
away the roof of the temple if it had stood upright.
The reader who is aware of this fact, will be pleased with
this side allusion. This bent posture of the Olympian
Jupiter always greatly pleased me, as it says as much
as this, that the Divine Majesty had condescended to
adapt itself to the circumscribed position of Man, for if
he had stood upright — that is to say, appeared as Ood,
inevitable destruction would have followed.*
2. 'Die seine Gier nicht in sein Wesen reist.'
Every sensual desire has its origin in a certain im-
pulse to incorporate with itself the object of that desire
to draw it forcibly to itself, fr'om the taste of the palate
* The Temple of the Olympian Jupiter was situated in the
plain of Olympia, in the sacred valley in Elis^ on the right
bank of the river Alpheus. This master-piece of Phidias, was
like the statue of Pallas, made of ivory and gold, and was,
without the pedestal, forty feet high, with the pedestal sixty.
Jupiter was represented sitting on a dpSvog, The great rich-
ness with which the throne, pedestal and sceptre of this
simple but majestic representation of the Father of the tiods
were adorned ; the profound wisdom in the preparations of the
colossal work, and the sublime idea which the artist had
formed and here embodied of the majesty of Zeus, made this
statue one of the wonders of the ancient world. The idea of
Zeus is said to have been suggested to Phidias by the cele-
brated verses of Homer (II. i. 528) and the impression which
the God in this work, made upon the beholder was that of a
God ruling in omnipotence, and yet graciously inclined to
listen to the prayers of Man and to grant his Wishes. Vide
description of Pausanias, v. 11 ; Comp. Liv. xiv. 28 ; Quinct.
XII. 10. § 9; QuatremST^e Quincy, Jupiter Olympien, ii. 11.
Flazman, Lectures on ^ulpture, pi. 19 and 20 The statue
existed till A.D. 415, when it was destroyed in the conflagra-
tion at Constantinople, whither it had been transported by the
Emperor Theodosius I.
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20 Schiller's coerespondencb
to sensual love. Several desires destroy their object by
incorporating it with themselves.
3. ' Der Leidenschaften wilden Drang — in den
Weltenkmf/ The moral phenomena of the passions,
the actions, the doctrines of Man, which in the mighty
coarse of nature cannot always be followed^ and may
be overlooked, become materials in the hand of the
poet. He makes them subservient to his artistic views,
by attributing actions to this or that passion, &c.
Man by degrees applies these artistic proportions to
nature; and if he discovers in himself or aroimd him
any of the phenomena alluded to, he attributes to them
certain qualities — that is to say, he fancies himself a
part or member of a system. His mind, artificially
prepared for a love of harmony, can no longer suffer
discord. He seeks symmetry in everything, the
symn\etry which Art has revealed to him. But :
4. He applies this law of symmetry too soon to real
life, as many parts of this great edifice are still hidden
from his sight. To satisfy, therefore, this feeling for
symmetry, he is compelled to have recourse to Art.
Thus, for example, he wanted the necessary light to be
able to take a general view of the life of Man, so as to
recognize therein the beautiful proportions of morality
and bliss ; in his simple mind he found disproportions ;
but as his mind has become familiar with symmetry,
from the poetical powers of his mind he adds a second
tie to life, dissolving in the second the disproportions
he finds in the first. This gave rise to the poetry of
an Immortality. Immortality is the offspring of a
feeling for symmetry, according to which Man endea-
voured to judge the moral world before he had acquired
a perfect knowledge of it.
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WITH KÖRNER. 21
The comparison: * Der Schatten in des Mondes
Angesichte^* &c., has a high value in my opinion. I
compare the lif6 of M an^ in the preceding verses^ to an
arch^ that is to say^ to an imperfect portion of a circle^
which is continued through the night of the tomb to
complete the circle ; (to be governed by a feeling for
the Beautiful^ or for the Arts, is nothing more nor less
than a striving towards perfection). Now the young
moon is such an arch^ and the remainder of the circle
is not visible. I, therefore, place two youths side by
side, the one with a lighted torch, the other with his
torch extinguished. I compare the former to that
portion of the moon which is light, and the latter
with that part which is in darkness, or what comes to
the same. Hie ancients represented Death as a youth,
of as beautiful a shape and countenance as his brother.
Life* j but they placed an inverted torch in his hand,
to signify that he was invisible, in like manner as we
believe in the full circle of the moon, although it ap-
pears to us only as a portion of- H eirek^ or a horn. I
had a comparison of Ossian in my mind at the time,
which I endeavoured to ennoble. ' Ossian, speaking of
a man at death^s door, say»—" Death stood beliind him
like the dark side of the moon behind its silver horn.*'
The whole of this verse must, in fact, be read with the
principal idea present to the mind — ^namely, that Man
once aroused to a feeling of B^uty, Harmony, and
Symmetry, cannot rest until all around him is unison, or
— ^what comes to the same — ^until he has given the
most perfect shape possible to everything near him.
* Da zeigte sich mit umgestürztem Lichte
An Kastor angelehnt, ein blühend Pollux Bild. —
{JHe Künstler.)
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22 Schiller's correspondence
I find it a difficult task to be my 0¥m commentator —
at leasts on paper j in conversation I could soon explain
to you all I mean, but perhaps after all the above
may suffice.
I am very curious to see your new Treatise. I think
I can make a shrewd guess at its contents ; and no
doubt your old ideas on enthusiasm have found a good
place in it. Send it to me as soon as possible.
SCHILLEK..
I have a P.S. to add. A personage here, said to be
a man of taste and feeling, read my poem of the
' Künstler.^ I had occasion to speak with him on the
subject. There were some (he laid stress upon thß
word I have underlined) passages in it, he said, which
pleased him exceedingly ; but some did not, especially
where a distinction between mind and body is presup^
posed. (This somebody is a great materialist.) He
said the verses were good and harmonious. The com-
mencement of the poem was not to his liking. When
I asked him for his reasons, he said it was owing to the
expression. " O Mensch P* which gave rise to hateful
feelings, &c.* I wish you would write me your opinion
concerning this criticism, I will give you my reasons
another time.
N.B. This fellow {dieser Mensch) thought at the
time he was saying something very civil to me. He
told me on a previous occasion that poetry had such
* Mensch /—in thijs instance — O Man ! The word Mensch
is however used in Gendan to stigmatize any person for low or
valgar habits. Der Mensch da, with a tone of contempt, is
equivalent to "that fellow." Ein Weibs-mensch—SL woman
of bad character Mensch, however, is employed to express
mankind in general — Man. — Thtnslaior.
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WITH KÖRNER. 23
an effect upon him, that he could scarcely help
kissing any book that gave him pleasure. Forget not
to send me your true opinion on this person, who
is however a stranger to you; but do so on. a separate
sheet of paper.
I send this off at once, and have no timp to write to you
more fully to day. Before this day fortnight has elapsed
I shall send you one hundred and fifty dollars for Beit ;
you may therefore tell him so. I will pay him the
remainder at the eud of the year, or at Michaelmas. I
am curious to see your Treatise. I enclose you an
article by Reinhold, which is hig]ily spoken of. To-
wards the end of May, Bode will be paying you a visit,
which will cost you a few flasks of Bhenish. He is the
author of the work entitled ' More Notes than Text ;'
but he wishes it to be kept a secret. His ideas on
Freemasonry will no longer interest you, nor will he
probably himself ; but he is a person of some repu-
tation, and it is as well you should know him personally.
He is fond of having attention paid him, and endeavours
to be a favourite with the ladies ; ]VIiüna and Dorchen
must therefore do their best. He is a kiud-hearted
soul, and deserving of some consideration. I have a
bit of political news. It was the King of Sweden him-
seK who gave orders to his ambassador to commit the
act of murderous incendiarism in question. I had it
from the Countess Bemsdorf, who is a good authority.
Dresden, 31 March, 1789-
During your absence from Weimar a letter from me
must have arrived, which I posted on the 20th. I trust
you have received it by this. Your letter about Jena
makes me hope that your life there will be pleasant
enough: you are at least certain of some society.
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24 Schiller's correspondence
There is one idea in your letter — a most excellent idea
no doubt — ^but which makes me tremble for you. It
seems that history will share the same fate with yon
as other things^ whieh it was your intention to make
accessories, and which excited your enthusiasm in a
manner that did not harmonize with your interests.
Your idea of a Universal History is excellent ; but to
carry it out to your satisfaction it would be necessary
for you to throw up every other occupation. It would
require the whole of a man's life. I do not wish in
any way to spoil the perspective of what will be your
chief occupation. AU I wish is, that you should not
aim too high, and that you should be content with
satisfying the expectations of your auditory, not giving
yourself more trouble than is compatible with your cir-
cumstances. Your idea, or something approaching it,
would gradually form itself.
I think Gibbon a first-rate hand in the selec-
tion of his materials, but not in his manner of using
them. He comprises pretty nearly everything that ap-
pertains to the Universal History of tiie time about
which he writes, and especially of the Middle Ages,
where reliable sources are difficult to be had : he may be
of essential service to you. I should ahnost recommend
you to get the French translation, as the German trans-
lation will not be ready for a year or two. Or could
you not read it in EngUsh ? It would be a good op-
portunity of acquiring a knowledge of the language.
You could rub up your grammar in a very short time,
and you could commence reading the first part with
the translation to help you. I'd lay a wager that after
having thus read half of the first volume, you might
read the rest without any further assistance. I will
send you any historical works I possess, that you cannot
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WITH KÖRNER. 25
obtain at Jena. The only two that I cannot well spare
are Bayle, and the HiBtoiical Lexicon.
I perfectly agree with you about the ' Memoirs/ and
shall hunt out the ablest English memoirs I can, so as
to set to work at once.
I am still brooding over your poem, and cannot yet
bring my ideas to bear upon it clearly, both as regards
its philosophical and poetical structure. You may
prepare yourself for a long sermon upon it, when I
shall also give you my opinion of Moritz's pamphlet.
I am glad you have not relinquished the idea of an
epic poetii on Frederick. Your idea: of making it a
monument of the age pleased me exceedingly. I have
also no objections against the ottave rime. But is the
ordinary usual machinery of an epic poem so absolutely
necessary ? On the selection of the principal event of
the poem I have no idea. But I feel greatly interested
in the undertaking.
I have read the eighth volume of Goethe's works.
I admire his talent for hitting off character. This
is often the sole merit of a poem. Ideas and verses
are often of less importance. The last poem is per-
haps the best — ^'The Secrets.^ I have been puzzling
my brains to unriddle his meaning; perhaps you can
help me out. Körneb.
Dresden, 12 April, 1769*
The reason why I answer your two letters together,
is to be attributed to that confounded Treatise, which I
hoped to have finished, but which the devil seems to
hav© taken in hand. I go out riding «very. day with
Count Gessler on one of his horses, which is- very plea-
sant; but some of my best hfours are thus löst, and
' \^L* II. c
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26 SCHILLEI^S CORRESPONDENCE
other circumstances have also interposed. Last
week I spent a whole morning in writing a letter to
— you would scarcely guess whom — the publisher
S at Leipzig. He- was jealous of his wife, whom
he suspected of intriguing with a merchant's clerk, a|id
this led to some violent scenes between them, so much
so, that she wishes to obtain a divorce. On Palm
Sunday they came to us quite unexpectedly, accom-
panied by our amiable sister-in-law. The ^ext day I
rieceived a most silly epistle from the husband, who
wished me to act as mediator. I sat down and
wrote him my mind in pretty strong terms, where-
upon he indited a most tender epistle to his wife,
and a very mild one to me, and he now looks mighty
small.
I do not thinly we shall go to Carlsbad, but perhaps
to Zerbst, taking Leipzig on the way, in which case
you must meet us at Leipzig. We talk of starting in
July or August.
And now to your letters. Crusius must have come
down handsomely to enable you to pi^y Beit. I am
glad you can do so.
Your explanations of your poem were welcome to
me. The allusion to the Olympian Jupiter was lost
upon me, as I was not acquainted with the fact ; but I
think that the idea is more paradoxical than in other
respects beautiful. I think you have a fault in over-
loading the details in your productions. Many a fine
idea is lost by being thus placed in obscurity, whilst it
is deserving of the füllest attention. The same may be
said of the comparison of the moon. Ideas of this
nature are deserving of a higher place. If the main
idea of the poem is worthy of attention, it is quite
impossible to give that attention to those subsidiary
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WITH KÖRNER. 2?
ideas which they deserve. It is a sin to place such ob-
jects in an obscure back-ground when the whole atten-
tion is concentrated on the principal figure.
I perfectly understand that richness may be full to
overflowing. But to avoid this fault is one of the great
requisites of the classic writer--of that higher Art
which does not consist in satisfying a pedantic and
conventional criticism^ but in displaying to the best
advantage the full powers of the artist. Perfection is
not attained unless the artist be forgotten in the admira-
tion of his work^ and the general compass of his ideas
attract attention^ rather than any particular one. But
I purpose writing to you at length on the subject of
this poem. It grows beneath my fingers.
As regards the extraordinary criticisms of a would-
be connoisseur whom you did not name^ they might
have roused my bile in former days; but such re-
marks are now of so common occurrence^ that we
accustom ourselves to laugh at them. I wonder this
learned gentleman did not find fault with the words,
^ mit deinem Palmenzweige/ if the distinction be-
tween mind and body is not to his liking. I perfectly
understand that the word Mensch may have reminded
him of some night acquaintance.
Körner.
Weimar, 16 April, 1789.
I shall throw no hindrance in the way of our meet-
ing at Leipzig in August. I already look forward to
it with pleasure ; it is so long since we have seen each
other. Manage it so that we may be at least four or
five days together. I should propose a small excursion
over to Jena and Weimar, but there are two objections
to it. The visits you would naturally have to make at
c 2
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28 Schiller's correspondence
these two places would occupy out. best hours; aAcl
if I meet you in Leipzig^ we can arrange our time so
that you can visit your acquaintances^ and thus no ti^le
need be lost.
This day three we^^ks I shall be in Jena^ and in a
month I shall have given lectures. I scarcely Igiow
yet what I shall commence lecturing upon. I hay^
announced an introduction to Universal Qistpry, wliich^
however^ may mean anything. Doubtless it will, be
a history of social life^ and the development of certain
ideas which have a direct bearing on History, and
on which it is necessary to come tp im un^erstandi-
ing. I shall not bother myself with any plan for this
summer. The main, object is to mdkp each lecture
interesting and useful*
Before we meet, I hope to be able tp tell you, with
some certainty, if this career suits, me, and if it coin-
cides with my views.
There are above ninp hundred students at the Unir
versity. If I only get one-fifth of this number to
attend my lectures, and get one half of the latter to
pay me, my lectures must bring n^p in. qnei hundred,
louis at least. I have no competitpr to f^r, and the
subject I lecture upon is of interest to all. These are
my hopes.
Have you been lookin^ij out for English memoirs, and
how far baci do they date ? It is high time we should
decide what we shall begin with« I am cl^sirpiis..to get
a French dictionary, containing th^ obsolete French
wor^s. Joinville iß scarcely readable withput one. If
you can name one to me, you will render me a great ser-
vice. I am^r^ally at a loss how to get oj^t of this dif-
ficulty^ without losing too much time.
Schiller.
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WITH KÖRNEK. 29
Dresden, 3 May, 1789.
At last, then^ there is some chance of oür meeting.
It is very ti'atnral that you should be less anxious for
this meeting than I am. I am also perfectly aware that
the time has not yet arrived for u^ to live always
together. But there are moments when your absence
falls heavily upon me.
This letter will pferhäps find you already at Jena. I
am very anxious to hear the result of this revolution in
your history. You must send ine a circumstantial
Account of your first steps in this new career.
I return you your contract with Mauke. The under-
taking se^etas to me in all respects advantageous. It
llrötild assuredly be äs well if we followed some feyn-
chroüical plan in our labours, so as to allow of general
remarks on the whole period. I fear, however, that I
«hiall JSnd nothing iti English history to chime in witk
Joinville's period. I am anxioui^ly awaiting the arrival
of some books, which will give me the information I
desire on the subject, and which the librarian here has
procured, but they are still in the hands of the book-
binder. I have made inquiries about the obsolete
French expressions. Tke work that will be of the
greatest sfervice to you, is a work entitled ' Grand
Vocabulalre par une Society de Gens de Lettres,^ in
many qUartb volumes, and ^Menage, Dictionnaire
Btymologiqiie,^ fol. 11 vols. Both wbrks are here; so,
if it comes to the worst, yoU tan write oUt the words
and send them to inc. I think 'Trevoux's Dictionnaire^
might be of service to you.
As I am ordered to take ä great deal of exercise,
both riding and walking, my Treatise for A^ieland
does Hot progress rapidly. I have half a notion to
change its present form, and select the epistolary style.
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30 Schiller's correspondence
under the title : * Letters to an enemy of Enthusiasm/
What do you say to the idea ?
I have been cogitating over an occupation which I
think would place my reputation as an author on a
sound basis^ if I succeeded according to my desires«
The History of Philosophy is much more capable of
intellectual development than any other. It is not
stray ideas which can interest us with the progress of
the human mind in stoics^ Epicureans^ and others^
but the originahty of their mode of thinking, the
philosophical art, the spirit of antiquity which pervades
their speculations, more especially their moral ideals.
In this point of view the History of Philososophy has
only been developed in fragments by men of any
literary standing. What do you say to a complete
description of stoicism, derived from given facts that
have been handed down to us ? I have been reading
some of Seneca^s letters, and they gave rise to the
idea. My knowledge of the dead languages would be
a great help to me. Köener.
Weimar, 30 May, l7jS9.
This then will be the last letter of our corre^on-
dence from Weimar. Next week I shall be in Jena,
where I hope to find a line from you to welcome me.
I send you enclosed two-and-twenty Carolines (louis
d'or) for Beit, I wish I could have made up the
hundred and fifty dollars, and added ten dollars for
you — the well-earned payment for your article in the
^ Thalia ; ' but the good folks at Jena have played me
a trick. They told me my diploma would not cost me
more than thirty dollars, instead of which it cost me
forty-four, and there will be a few more Carolines to
pay for other fees. As I had calculated my small
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WITH KÖRNER. 31
capital almost to the florin^ this has made a hole in it
which I cannot fill up at once^ but which I trust to do
in a week or so. I enclose you a few copies of my
diploma^ that you may have a laugh at my expense^
oh seeing ine rigged out in that Latin dress. Bürger*
^ Göttfried August Bürger, was bom at Walmerswende, on
the Ist of January, 1748 ; and died at Göttingen, on the 18th of
June, 1794. The chequered life of this eminently gifted poet,
but unhappy man, is so rich in adventure, that it is difficult to
condense even the main features in so limited a space. Of all
the ballad-writers of Germany, Bürger is the one most resem-
bling in style the old ballad-writers of England Burger's
* Leonora' boasts of European celebrity. Bürger believed in
the apparition of spirits, and was attracted by anything of the
marvellous. And not only did he believe in ghosts, but he
feared them. Bürger entertained a high opinion of ' Leonora.'
"God be praised;" said Bürger, writing, on the 12th of
August, to his friend Boie, " my immortal * Leonora' is
finished. I repeat to myself what Cardinal d'Este exclaimed
to Ariosto:
'Per dio, Signor Burgero, donde avete pigliate tante
coglion«ie ?' "
And then, leaving the Cardinal, he in the same letter, quotes
our own immortal bard :
** I have to unfold a tale, whose lightest word
Will harrow up your soul, freeze your young blood.
Make your two eyes, like stars» start from their spheres," &c.
The account of the first reading of thift ballad to a select
circle of the poet's friends, is curious. It took place in a
summer-house, with closed shutters. When the ghost-rider
dashes at the gates of the churchyard, isome one present
strudk th% table smartly with a riding-whip, and Count
Stolbierg juiriped uj) from his seat, with an exclamation of
horror. Voss, who #as also present, says that this theatrical
attempt in no manner increased thö effect of the poem. It has
often been asserted that ' Leonora' is the translation of ah old
English ballad. The * London New Monthly Magazine*
(1796), asserts that 'Leonora' is borrowed from an old En-
glish ballad, entitled, 'The Suffolk Miracle.' lliis, Bürger
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32 Schiller's correspondence
waB here the other day and I made his aequaintance.
His outward appearance is anything but engaging — it
denied ; stating that he wrote the poem from hearing a peasant-
girl sing broken fragments of a tale, which he threw into its
present shape Burger's predilection for reading old English
ballad«, and the many translations that were made of this very
ballad, may have led to the error. It was 'Percy's Belies of
Ancient English Poetry' that incited Burger's admiration,, and
induced him to this branch of poetry. Under the title of
' Bruder Grauroek,' we find ' The Friar of Order's Grey/ .and
various other translations of English ballads; for instance,
'The Child of Elle,' 'The Passionate Shepherd to his Love.'
' Fran Schnis's,' is taken from the * Wanton Widow of Bath,'
and ' Der Kaiser und der Abt/ is a version of ' King John and
the Abbot of Canterbury,' from ' Percy's Relics of Ancient
Poetry.' The English translations of ' Leonora' are innnm«ra-
ble* Sir Walter Scott's ' William and Helen,' is one of them.
A translation is to be found in ' Lewis's Tales of Wonder'
(London, 1801), and many otheris might be quoted. Burger's
translation of the ' Iliad' has been compared to Pope's. A
round-robin, signed by the reigning Duke of Weimar, the
Duchess, and the Dowager-Duchess, bearing also the signa-
tures of Goethe, Wieland, Bertuch, von Einsiedel, and other
celebrated men, whose names are already familiar to the
reader, was sent to him, offering him 65 louis if he would
promise to continue his translation. He was honoured with
the friendship of the many celebrated characters of his day,
and had it not been for some of them, he would have been
completely lost ; but they saved him in time from the life of
dissipation he was leading.
His story is a melancholy one. Many of nis most beautiful
poems are due to his illicit love for his 'Molly.' But to
resume this necessarily short sketch in a few words; he
studied at Göttingen, first Theology, which he gave up in
1768, for the study of the Law. At the University he led a
dissolute life, and his grand father cilt off his allowance. His
poetical talents, however, were appreciated by men of generous
minds, and he never wanted a friend. Voss, the two Stol-
bergs, Boie, Bürger, and others, formed a Poetical Club ; and
Burger's pen was not idle. Bürger married in 1774 : — a most
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WITH KÖRNER. 33
is almost vulgar. TTiis character id his writings is
personified in himself. But he seems to be a straight-
forward, honest fellow, and a good boon companion.
He reini&ded me greatly of Becker, of Ootha. We
have cofmmenced a competition ; namely — ^Bürger is to
translate dome portion of Yirgil in a metre of his own
choice, fttid I am to translate the 6ame in one of
unhappy marriaKC. " As I stood before the altar," says
Bürger himself, *' a violent love for the sister of my bride was
smouldering in nsy heart. I was scarcely aware of it — she was
but a child of fifteen years of age. Had I been allowed to
cast a glance into the future, I should have recoiled fro^ (he
ceremony."
Molly, the sister of his wife, soon became the object of the
most frantic love. ' His wife was cold-hearted, and an illicit
connection watf the consequence, with th^ sanction of his wife !
On his' wife's death, Bürger married her sister, thus legiti-
mizing bis son. In Althoff' ' Memoirs of Bürger,' this melan-
choly affair is given at length. Molly died> after giving birth
to a daughter, on the 9th of January, 1786. "What her
possession and her loss were to me," says Bürger himself,
** my poems certify."
His poems in honour of Molly are, in truth, beautiful in the
extreme. Almost inconsolable for her loss, in writing to bis
friend Boie, he declares his intention of retiring into solitude>
and exclaims with Horace :
•
" Ah 1 te mese si partem animse rapit
Maturior vis, quid moror altera
Nee cams seque, nee superstes
Integer ? lUe dies utramque
Ducet ruinani : non ego perfidum
Dixi sacramentam : ibimus, ibimus»
Ut cumque prsecedes, supremum
Carpere iter comites parati."
Bürger married again in 1790. Elise Hahn, of Stuttgard,
wrote to him offering her hand, knowing him only by his
trritings. She was beautiful, but false as she was beautilnL
In 1792 he sued for and obtained a divorce.
c 3
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34 Schiller's corrbspondence
mine.'i' You will guess that I shall first try my verse»
on Virgil. My ideas of translating the choruses of
'Iphigenia' into rhymes, struck Bürger as a good
one : he says there is a great deal of the Greek spirit
in the translation. He tells me that many a lance
will be broken against my ' Gods of Greece ' yet. He
himself has read something about it in manuscripts
He purposes starting an Etymological Journal next
Michaelmas Fair^ to iropres6 upon our authors the
propriety of writing correct German; and on the
other hand^ to silence grammatical law-givers.
Capellmeister Reichardt> of Berlin^ is staying here ;
he is setting Goethe's 'Claudine of Villa Bella ^ to
music. This Beichardt is a pu^hiilg^ insupportable^
impertinent fellow, who puts his finger into every
man's pie, and cannot be shaken off. When you
have the opportunity, if you can spare them^ I wish
you would send me Hissmann, Meusel, and any other
historical works, which you think might be of service
to me thiä slimmer.
Schiller.
Dresden, 6 Ma}% 1789.
Yesterday 1 received your last letter with eighty-
eight dollars and two professorial diplomas! The
money has been sent to its destination^ and I am glad
you have been able to pay off something. May Heaven
now bless your auditorium with paying students, and
it will then be better in ceconomicis. Your diploma
ought to be a mighty good one, considering its price.
I was almost inclined to have one of the copies framed
• The secoiid and fourth books of the ' iEheid.' Bürf(er
chose hexameters, Schillet a tnetr^ of his own.
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WITH KÖRNER. 35
and glazed, and hung up in your old quarters at tbe
Weinberg. It is astonishing what a number of tn-
siffnia and omamenia may b^ {Purchased for four-and-
forty dollars. My magister did not cost me so much
at Leipzig^ where these things are dear. But I forget
that I should speak of the honours of a membrum
docens academue with more respect. By this you are
probably in Jena, and soon — ^when your lectures com-
mence — you will be, like one of us, a servant of the
State, obliged to do certain work at certain times.
I am rather curious how this will act upon you,
after the, as it were, unbounded liberty you have
hitherto enjoyed. But I trust you will acquire more
real independence for the rest of your life, by a com-
pulsory dependance of a few hours. This is all I can
wish for you in your Hew position.
I am glad you have made the acquaintance of
Bürger. He is a virtuoso in his way, and though the
line he has taken up is a limited one, a competition
with such a man is always an advantage.
Biester is here; I have only Seen him for a few
moments, but shall meet him to-night. He has an
intelligent countenance, but not one to command
confidence. This is, perhaps^ a delusion of mine,
arising from a knowledge of the man ; but I thought
I discovered something cunning in his look.
I hear from different quarters that you might carry
off Mademoisellig S- — . It seems you are a great
favourite of hers, and you have now a situation with
certain prospects. If she is a nice girl, her fortune is
certainly an advantage of double consideration to you.
I doubt if you are made for domestic happiness, and
if such is the case, I should pity any kind-hearted
creature whose own worth attracted you> but could not
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36 Schiller's corrbspoiidence
eotirdy gain your affections« Mad^moiaelle S — is
rich^ good-lookingj and well-educated. Is it not
worth while examining what keeps you back from her^
if she does not on the contrary attract you f But
more of this when you have settled down at Jena«
- KÖBNEB«
Jena, 13 May» 1789.
I arrived here the day before yesterday (Monday) and
received your letter on my arrival. My chambers are
much better than I had thought. They are very
cheerful^ and promise to add to the pleasures of my
sojourn. They consist of three rooms^ running one
into the other> lofty and well papered^ with many
windows ; and everything is clean and new. The fur-
niture is good and abundant : two sofas^ a card-table^
three chests of drawers^ and eighteen chairs covered
with red plush. I have ordered a writimg-table at
my own expense : it will cost me two Carolines —
which no doubt meaps three. I have long wished
for a writing-table — ^the article of furniture most
essential to me, and which I have hitherto always done
without. The lobby is large, light and airy. I have
two old maids for landladies^ who are very offi<^S;
and very loquacious. They provide me. with eatables.
I pay them two- groschen for dinneri for whißh I
shpuld have to pay four at Weimar. Washings hair-
dressing, servants, are ali paid quarterly^ and no
article exceeds two dollars, so that on a rough calcu-
lation I need not spiend more than four-and-fifty dollars,
and I hppe to receive at least as much from Mauke
alone. My other gains will enable me to pay off my
dßbts and make myself comfortable.
I commence my round of visits to-day with one to
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WITH KÖRNBB. 37
the Proteetcirr onCe introduced, I can get over the
rest by lenviog cards. I hope m this way to get
throiigh these ceremonies.. I shall give my lectures
in ReiiAold^s lecture-room, and should my auditory
be too numerous, I shall make use of Griessbach^s or
l)öderlein's, which will hold two hundred.
I shall not commence my lectures for a fortnighti
and therefore you must bottle up your curiosity tiU
then. I am not entirely without apprehension as
regards my speaking in public ; but for the purpose of
mastering it, I shall accustom myself as much as po(^-
sible to the face» of my audience, that I may not find
myself surrounded for the first time by strangers. If,
however, my first lecture be attended with anything
like success^ that alone will give me sufficient nerve to
cast off apprehension altogether. Before leaving
Weimar, I had an explanation with Wieland regarding
the new ^ Mercury.^ First of all, I must inform you
that he counts ugpu you as a regular contributor of
at least twelve sheets annually of original matter*-*
(translations are not admitted into the new ' Merctd*y^),
It would be as well if you were to write to him at once,
and come to some agreement with him. If you will
follow my advice, I. should recommend you to ask three
ducats for the first year. I advise you to keep your
present treatise for the new ^ Mercury,^ as well- a$
anything else you may have in hand, so as to be
provided when it comes to the scratch. I have ajBo
promised him twelve sheets> and shall confine myself
chiefly to historical subjects.
Critical letters on> works of Att would please him
from you, and methinks they are the very thing that
suits you best. I often wonder that, with ydur talents
for criticism, you have not done mure, and that you did
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38 Schiller's correspondence
not take up my idea of joining me in reviewing literary
works. I have made an excellent acquisition for my
collection of ' Memoirs* in the person of the Archivist
Hess^ df Gotha^ the Author of ' St. Louis/ He will be a
collabwateur, and will commence with Joinville. I pay
him five dollars^ which will still leave me forty dollars'
profit on five^and-twenty sheets. I shall commence
with 'Anna Comnena/ and Otto von Freisingen on
^ Frederick I.' shall follow. I shall preface the first
volume with ati interesting historical sketch df the
Crusades.
ScfilLLER.
Dresden, 22 May> 1789.
Your accouät of your entrance to Jena is very satis-^
factory. The cheapness of the necessaries of life is
a great consideration^ and quite essential to your peace
of mind. Curiosity alone must procure you a large
attendance at your first lecture; and this will en-
courage you to do your best> in which case you cannot
fail to enchant your audience.
Write to me as soon as you have delivered your first
lecture^ and give me full details.
I attach more importance to making Bodens ac-
quaintance than you are aware of, owing to the part he
has played in Freemasonry. We have become excellent
friends^ and he has revived my interest for a subject
which I had let drop. But more of this when we
meet. His jovial spirit makes him a pleasant com-
panion^ and he is full of humour. Biester was here at
the same time, as also the Councillor df War, Scheffler,
of Königsbergs the author of ^Gradations in the
Course of Life/ and a work on ' Marriage/ Biester
was aünöying at first, as he could spedk of nothing
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WITH KÖRNBR. 39
but Jesuits; but he became gradually more sociable.
Scheffler is a silent maD^ and was completely put down
by Bode and Biester.
That Wieland should count upon n\e as a collabo-
rateur is very flattering to me. I shall write to him
soon^ and collect materials during the year. Cri-
tical letters on poetical productions are well suited to
my taste^ and I rejoice that he thinks me capable of
writing them. I should not mind writing similar
reviews for the ^Literary Gasette.' But there is pro-
bably no opening. Should there be one I should like
to have it. But I would not undertake to review
scientific works^ as I have not studied any branch
of the sciences deeply enough to regard myself as a
competent judge. There may perhaps be an opening
for reviewing foreign works. Should you hear any-
thing from the committee let me know.
I have received the seventh number of the ' Thalia/
The continuation of the ^Geisterseher' siurprised me.
I understand that he (the Prince) has not been deceivedj
but I cannot form any clear idea as how this will do
in connection with the main action of the tale. The
nan'ative is not unworthy of you^ and some passages
are excellent^ but it is visible at times that some parts
were written hastily. As regards the continuation of
^ Iphigenia^' I can only repeat what I said before;
Such a translation of the 'choruses' as you have
madcj can rarely be equalled. I agree generally in the
annotations. As regards the ideal view of heroes
taken by the ancient poetsj I might say a few words.
Who is Schillings whose two poems you have inserted^
probably out of pity ? I was rejoiced to see you had
announced a continuation of ' Raphael's Letters.' If
you feel inclined to compose a short letter^ I will
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40 Schiller's correspondence
keep my ideas on Enthusiasm and Inspiration for
Baphael^s letter. You need only launch some bitter
invectives against Enthusiasm, and eitol cool-bfooded
Reason.
Huber is hard at work at the 'Secret Tribunals/
and has completed the third act. He has had an
attack of illness, but is no^ restored to health.
We have fixed on the middle of July for our journey.
We shall, under all circumstances, go to Leipzig : I
shall therefore certainly see you in July or August.
KöAlTEE.
Jena, 28 May, 1789.
The day befote ydsterdny« the 26th of May, I passed
through the ordeal of my ^t lecture in public, honour-
ably and creditably^ and yesterday I gave a second.
I only lecture twice- a week, and two days together ;
so' that I have five conetecutive day» at my disposal. I
sdected Reinhold^s lecture-room for mjr tUbut. It iä
a room of moderate dimensions, capable of coivtaiiüing
eighty pet^sons seated> or about one hundred altogether.
Now, though it was very probable that curiosity would
attract a large' attendance of students to my first lec-
Mrc, still my modiesty would not permit me to pre-
sume upon it, tfnd prevented me from selecting a more
capacious^ lecture^room. This modesty met with a
brilliant reward. My lecture was to commence at six :
at hatf-past five the room was Ml. From Reinhbld's
windotir I saw troops after troops of students marching
up the street; I thought they would never end. M-
thougfa I wbs not quite free fr6m apprehension, still
I was gratified ät the increasing numbers, and my
courage rather rose than fell. Altogether Thad steeled*
myself with a certain firmness^ which was increased in
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WITH KÖRNER. 41
no Blight measure by the idea that nay lecture need
not fear a comparison with any other delivered in a
Jena lecture-room, and especially by the cönvictieai
that all who were to hear me redded me as their
superior. But the crowd gradually increased to siu^
an extent, that antechamber, lobby, and staircase, wtre
crammed full, and whole troops were obliged to go
back again. At this moment it occurred to ti person
who was with me, that it would be perhaps as well if I
were to select another lecture-room at once. As Griesi-
bach's broth^-in-law was present amongst the other
students, I tont him a message proposing to hold my
lecture in his auditorium i a proposition which Was
joyfully acipeded to. The moat comical scene followed.
They all rushed headlong out, and posted down the
Johanisstrasse, the Itmgest street in Jena, which was
ocmipletely filled with students. As they all ran as
fast as they could to secure good places in Griessbach's
lecture-room, the whole street was in an uproar, and
heads were thrust from every window. At first it was
supposed that a fire had broken out, and the guard at
the castle beat to arms. '' What is it V '^ What is
the matter V^ was asked in all directions ; and the
answer was : " the new Professor is going to lecture.^^
You see, a mere acddent contributed to give an
eelat to the first step in my new career« After a
short delay, I followed, accompanied by Reinhold. I
felt as if I were running the gauntlet through the
town, along the principal streets of which I had
to pass.
Griessbach^s auditorium is the largest in Jena, and
when full, may contain from three to four hundred per-
sons; and in the present instance it was so full, that the
ante-room, lobby, and staircase, were occupied ; and in
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42 Schiller's correspondence
the hall itself many were standing on the side-benches.
I made my entrance through a living line of spectators
and auditors^ and could scarcely find my way to the
desk*. I ascended the rostrum amidst loud stamping
with the feet and thumping on the desks^ which is the
customary mark of applause here, and found myself
surrounded by an amphitheatre of men. Although
the hall was very close, the windows at my end of the
room had been left open, and I could breathe freely.
Afber the first ten words, and even those I pronounced
with a firm voice, I was thoi'oughly self-possessed, and
I gave hjy lecture with a strength and decision of voice
which even surprised myself. I was distinctly heard
outside the door. My ledture made a sensatioü ; the
whole town was talking of it in the evening, and the
students paid me a complimeüt never previously accorded
to a new Professor; they gaVe me a sereiiade at night,
and three rounds of cheers.
On the following day, the hall was crowded in a
similar maniler, and I felt by this time so much at
ease, that I seated myself during the lecture. On
both occasions, however, I had my lecture written
out, and only spoke a f6w words extempore at the
second. To be frank^ however, I must avow that as
yet I feel no great taste for lecturing. If I could
make sure of being understood, and could rely upon
a certain quantum of capacity amongst the students^
I could then take great interest in my labours. As
it is, however, I could not exclude the idea that an
insurmountable barrier separates the student from the
rostrum. TiVords and thoughts are hazarded without
* At the German Universities the desk or table of the Pro-
fessor is at the head of the lecture-room, opposite the door: it
is elevated two or three feet above the level of the room.
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WITH KÖRNER. 43
knowing whether^ and scarcely hoping tbey are nn-
derstood — almost with the consciousness that they
are falsely interpreted four hundred times by four
hundred ears. There is no possibility^ as in a dis*
course^ of adapting one's-self to the capacities of the
listener ; and I feel this the more, as it is a difficult
task to me to descend to common-place explanations«
Time may remedy this, but my hopes are not great. I
console myself with the thought that in every public
situation no more than the hundredth part of the duty
is ever fulfiUed. My first lecture turned chiefly on the
distinction between the man who writes for his bread,
and the philosophical ¥nriter. In addition to the local
causes I had at my command, to fix the attention of my
hearers on these two points, I had other general ones
which I need not repeat to you. In my second lecture
I entered into an explanation of whiit ought to be
understood under the head of Universal History.
There is so much envious feeling here, that the
success attending my first appearance in public will
scarcely have added to the number of my friends. I
look forward, however, to a pleasant time of it. I
never felt so settled before, because I feel that I am at
home. I am fSted by my friends, and in excellent
spirits; and my whole existence is improved. I have
not made many acquaintances as yet, but have ex-
changed cards at thirty different houses.
As regards the young ladies here, I can as yet tell
you nothing. I have seen a good many, but as yet
nothing particular. I went to a ball where most of
them were present, but sat down to a card-table, and
ennuyeed myself with Griessbach and Succow at Taroc-
hombrci There is a certain Privy Councillor, Eccardt,
here, a jurist^ a man of property, and of some in-
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44 schillkr's correspondence
flnenoe at the UniTeraity. He has an unmarried
daughter^ with whom^ I dare say^ many have an idea of
splicing me; but I admire neither her nor the fa-
mily. ' May HeaTen forgive yon for what you have
written to meaboot Mademoiselle S. The girl herself,
even withoat her money, wonld not cBsplease me : of
all the girls in Weimar she pleased me most, and she
was nniversally admired ; bnt to think of hör would be
madness, as father, mother, and daughter, look out
for money. The daughter, it is true, who is not de-
void of vanity, would not be disinclined to get some-
ihing else with it, if Ae could combine the two. I also
think she would heartily wish me rank and for-
tune to enable me to become a sUitor> but she has not
the necessary elasticity of character to make her own
choice; and then it might be questioned whether, a«
my wife, she would have the same charm for me äs is
now the •Oeise ; added to which she is all but engaged
to a rich Frankforter. If I had chosen, I could have
made a match at Weimar, and also with a Privy
Councillor's daughter, but who has no fortune : I only
heard here that such a plan was mooted ; but in this
instance the objections would have been on my side. I
have therefore, a barren field before me, however much
I should have desired to engage my affections. If you
hear of a good match, send me word; either a large
fortune — or rather none — and a more pleasant com-
panion. There is only one girl here that pleases me.
She is an old acqaintance; the youngest daughter
of Madame Reichardt and Etlinger of Gotha — ^a
Miss Seidler. Without any extraordinary talents, she
is of mild and gentle manners ; and, without deserving
to be called pretty, she is exceedingly good-looking.
She is living here with her mother and her brother,
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WCTH I^RNEU. 45
who is riding-master to, the Uiuversity. She has beeo
well brought ^p, and her oonveraation is much better
than is usually found here.
May Heaven grant that my lectures, take during the
next half-year.! I shall then have no fears of
bettering my, condition^ apd of aspiring to something
higher. If I only retain one-fourth of my present
auditors. I sl^all be satisfied; I was told that at my
second lecture there were four hundred and eighty stu-
dents present^ and more than fifty were obliged to go
away for want of room. Ten days will elapse before my
nf^t lecture^ owing to. the. holidays. 1 have made an
agi^ment for j6n.b»,coüaboratmar of the ' Literary Ga-
zette/ You need only write a few, lines to Schiits or
Sflfßlimd^ to 9ay what department you will« take. But
I Clin spare yo\t this trouble^ and send yoU' the agra&-
ment-at once. Write to Wieland tocn»
I have scarcely ever looked fonwd to anything
with sQ much pleasure as tOi aauro meeting. Let me
know how long. you. think. we ciuKiemfoni together: at
Leipzig. *
• ♦- -SOHfDLBK.
P.S, Crnstavus Schilling i& a lieutenant iii> the. Saxon
anoy^ quartered at Freibitrgi H& pressed me so
^e^tly in his letter thatil-iinsectedrhis^verses,
I received yesterday a pannphletümm Winterthür^ in
wljich 'The Gods of Greeoe' are defendisd by a cler-
gyman^ and a religious enthusiast^ against Stolberg's
attacks. He quotes! largely . from Holy Writ> to prove
tksb all the poet has. found beaurifiol and exempbiry in
%divimty of the Greeks^ is.praetiaed iäthelifeand
dortriue. of Christ,: He declares .thai >the whole poem,
^ to the v«!ord9 ' holy barbarity/ is ^quite unexeepr
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46 Schiller's correspondence
tionable^ and has his staunch advocacy. He finds that
all the qualities I have assigned to the Greek deities^
are the yearning of a noble and sensitive spirit ; but
that I should have found them more largely developed
in the Christian doctrines. I am spoken of with a
veneration that is quite awful; and 'Don Carlos^ is
styled 'Germany^s pride/ The pamphlet calls upon
me to give some explanations^ and eventually I may
do so.
Löschwitz, 6 June, 17S.9.
You could not have commenced your new career with
greater effect. I can the more readily share in your
feelings^ as I have often listened at the window at the
commencement of a term^and each footfall was welcome
music to my ear. I truly rejoice at the result. The
envy of a few pitiful beings is not worth a moment's
consideration, opposed to the advantages you must
derive firom such an encouragement j and there is some-
thing truly inspiring .in a large audience. Your fears
that many ideas will be lost upon the mass may be dis-
pelled by this consideiution, that amongst so many
there must be some who understand you fully, and
many who do in part. What you give extempore will
be much more readily understood than what you have
prepared beforehand in writing. I do not blame you
for reading your lectures at first ; but for the future it
will be an easy thing for you to speak extempore, as
you will soon get into a regular system. At pres^it,
your chief point is to turn the enthusiasm of the stu-
dents to as much advantage as possible. No one can
blame you, if next term you should give private lec-
tures on the subject most in vogue, and public lectures
on something else, especially as you do not receive any
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WITH KÖRNBR. 47
salary; and then the devil must have a hand in the
business if you do not make money.
From what I hear of Jena^ through you and other
sources, it must be a pleasant place to live in. The petty
squabbles of a university town will scarcely affect ypu,
as you have only to continue calmly on your path with-
out mixing yoarself up in them. Teaching is in itself an
agreeable occupation, especially when novelty is given
to it by avoiding a monotony of subject. I have always
had a secret hankering for such an occupation, which I
still look forward to as a resource for the future.
When we meet we will discuss your matrimonial
plans. Until then you must avoid falling in love. I
am determined on going to Leipzig, and our meeting is
therefore certain. I ßhall first go to Zerbst, so that I
shall be at Leipzig in the beginning of August. Perhaps
Huber and Forster may be induced to come to Weimar.
1 feel greatly inclined to visit Weimar and Jena. I
have written to Huber on the subject, and he does not
think it altogether impossible, if his Ambassador does
not leave for Saxony himself. But I must first see you
at Leipzig, as we should be disturbed at Weimar and
Jena. I do not see why I should lose the occasion, as
being at Leipzig will not cost me above one hundred
dollars more, and I have leave of absence. I could then
have a personal interview with Schütz or Hufeland
about the ' Literary Gazette' — if nothing more be done
in the meantime.
I shall remain a week at Leipzig, and shall give my-
self another week for Weimar and Jena. You must
therefore arrange matters so that we can pass a fortnight
together.
Your clerical champion in Switzerland is, no doubt,
a. pupil of Lavater. His language betrays him^ if I
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48 Schiller's corrbspondence
judge Lavater rightly. Another champion in the May
number of the ^ Literary and Historical Gazette/ (yoiing
Förster^ as Huber |x>ld me in secret^) has not answered
ray expectations. I^is style is obscure and unconnected.
Why the censorship was so strict upon it^ I do not
know^ nor can I make out his reasons for keeping his
name a secret.
Who is the author of ^ Theodora' in the ^ Mercury V
How can Wieland accept such, trash? or does he
fancy this style because it is an approximation to the
French school ?
I have made myself more generally acquainted. with
French literature in my spare hours this summer. It
is truly an heroic undertaking to read Racine^ having
read one or two of his plays« I have done all I could
to give him his due. Language and versification are
excellent; and^ keeping in remembrance that this style
was the fashion of the day^ Eacine «may be always con-
sidered a great artist ; and his works bear the stamp
of perfection^ or are conventionally classical. But He
was no genius^ or it would have been, impossible to him
to confine the sphere oi Art to such nanrow limits, and
to content himself with the dreadful monotony which
prevails in bis characters, his situations, and hid ex-
pressions. Gresset and Chaulieu have given me many
a pleasant moment. Gresset's ^ Chartreuse^ especially
gave me great pleasure. The manly passages burst
unexpectedly on the reader through the fine and deli-
cate texture of the work. Chaulieu is an amiable
voluptuary. There is always something original in his
wit, and a certain attic salt which is to be found only
in the most refined minds.
' Huber is very diligent. He has already completed
four scenes of the fourth act, which please me mueh.
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WITH KÖRNER. 49
A heretic undergoes the judgment of the inquisition.
He wished to insert it in the ' Thalia/ but as I told him
that you had plenty of materials for the next number^
he intends giving it to Forster for the new German
' Museum/ There are some good scenes in the third
act^ but he will make many alterations when the whole
is ready. I have received a letter from Frau von Kalb.
She tells me the particulars of your first lecture^ and
says that there were no less than six hundred students
running down the street at once. She expects us at
Weimar after what you have written to her. On what
terms do you stand towards each other ?
Körner.
Keinhold pleases me more and more by his articles
in the ' Mercury.^ I look forward with pleasure to a
discussion with him on ' Kant's Philosophy.'
Jena, U June, 1789.
I have announced your coming to Reinhold and
Hufeland^ and both look forward to it with deUght.
This news will also give great pleasure to Wieland, and
at the same time one of the great wishes of Frau von
Kalb will be fulfilled. In short, this decision of yours
will rejoice many both at Weimar and Jena, and I
shall enjoy a good eight days of your society. I shall
make arrangements accordingly. How delightful if
Huber could join us ; the sacred five would then be to-
gether again, and we would celebrate the event in
glorious style. You must take up your quarters with
me, as the inns are horribly bad. I can give you up
two rooms, which you must divide between you as best
you can. I can procure you beds, and everything else
in the house. Thus every minute we shall be together,
VOL, II. ' D
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50 Schiller's coRRSSPONDENCi:
and I shall have the pleasure of having you in my
l&ouse.
You wish to know how I stand with Charlotte. J
will tell you when we meet. If you answer her letter,
make your intended visit more doubtful than it really
is, and rather promise less than you. can really fulfil.
I wish you would write to Wieland ; he.is at the present
moment much en peine about the ^Meroury/ <and your
support would set him all right, again. A^ regards
'Theodora/ he made me many excuses, for having .in-
serted it, and I believe the fact is that .he did^so from
the want of something better.
The * Literary Gazette ' stands greatly in need of a
good philosophical reviewer. If you feel equal to the
task of reviewing philosophical polemical works, the
establishment will hail your accession with joy.
My lectures get on. The day before yesterday I
held the third, and there were no less than five hundred
students present. I was not well yesterday, and con-
sequently put off my lecture till to-morrow. As the
subjects on which I lecture are still new to me, I must,
still stick to, the manuscript ; and I am aware that the
greatest obstacle I have to contend against isin making
myself understood by all; and perhaps after all I do
not succeed. As yet, my elocution has dazzled by
its novelty and vigo^t ;. but if I wish to retain my
hearers, I must put more ; substance into my lectures.
As it i^, they cost, me^much time and trou|ble; first, be-
Clause I am obliged to prepare mysdlf» and, secondly,
because the subject engrosser my attention much more
than is reqjüdsite for the passing use I make of it ; and
yet 1 cannot allow the ideas that rise to escape me.
We will have a discussion upon this when we meet.
You need not fear my falling in love. I have passed
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WITH KÖRNER. 51
all the girls here in iesview, and my heart runs no
risk. i- . ~ .
Schiller.
Jeoa, 24 June, 1789.
I only send you a line to-day. Hufeland has just
left me;, and has found something for you io review
which wiD render the ' Literary Gazette ' a special ser-
vice^ and do you great honour! It is the last ^eighteen
months of the ^ German Mercury/ from 1787 to the
present day. 'It requires no ordinary talents to review
it/ and this is why it has not been done before/ espe^
dnlfyäs jfteinholiFs letters oh ^ Kant's Philosophy' are
very impoirtant. You: wiU rise in Wieland's eistimation
yet, and I need scarcely tell you that your selection (oi
thii work is a striking proof of the great respect Schütz
and Wieland have for your talents. Send me ati
answer at once, as the matter is pressing.
> Schiller.
[Between this and the preceding letter two months
have elapsed. Kömer has visited Schiller at Jena, and
hag just retumedto Dresden.] '' ^ ^ ^ '
Dresden, 21 August.
We all arrived here safely last night at ten o'clock.
The «first day of^ our return journey was a bad One.
Minna and Ddrchen were both imwell, and s6 was the
ntirse; added to which, the road was abominable. We
arriftred at' Gera at tiiid-day, and it was six' in th<^
ev«ning befere we reached» Alteriburg. We focdc the
road'through Grimma and Hubertsburg, aüd Aept at
Boma. Yesterday they all ch^i^d up, and wc^ quit6^
d2
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52 Schiller's correspondence
well in the evening. Minna and Dorchen greet yoa^
and thank you heartily.
Körner.
Jena, 31 August.
I rejoice to hear that you have all arrived safely,
and once more let me thank you for the joy your
visit afforded me. Your presence has impressed you
all still deeper on my heart, for the lines of memory
fade from time. It is true that in so hurried a visit it
was impossible for us to exchange our thoughts as we
might have wished. We parted almost as in a dream,
and I had a thousand things on my lips to say to you,
which presented themselves too late or too soon to my
mind.
One change has taken place in my quarter of the
world j rfamely. Herder remains at Weimar, as Vice-
Consistorial-President, with a salary of four hundred
dollars. His income now exceeds two thousand dollars.
He need only preach as often as he likes, and he is
relieved from all the lesser duties.
I am anxious to know if you will adhere to your plan
of taking office at Weimar. Voigt has not forgotten
the hint, and has been making many inquiries respect-
ing you.
Yesterday, Professor Müller, an old friend of your
father^s, complained bitterly that you had forgotten him
altogether. He cannot pardon your silence; and I
regret that I did not know of this acquaintance. He
is my colleague in history, and overseer of the hbrary,
and he may be of great service to me. Bertuch was
here yesterday, and told meto put you in mind of three
promises. The first concerns some paper lamps which
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With köRNER. 53
the Düke wished to have> and which he desires you to
send without delay or regard to expense ; the second is
about some illustrations for the ' Mode ; ' but Heaven
knows what the third is — ^it has slipped from my
memory, but it is something of a similar nature. Now,
adieu! I shall not forget to send the philosophical
letter I promised you, but not just yet ; you know that
my philosophy is laborious Work; Greet Minna and
Dorchen, and Heaven send you many fine days for
your sojourn at the Weinberg,
SchilleA.
Dresden, 8 September, 1789.
I was the more glad to hear that our visit had left
you pleasant reminiscenses, as I fancied our meet-
ing had rather estranged us than otherwise. You
will understand me, and may be assured that I also
understand you. The idea vexed me at times, btit I
could not make up my mind to say so. I was con-^
scions of no act of neglect, and therefore did not deem
a justification necessary, and I was only the more
annoyed that you should misjudge me. I still nourish
my plans about Weimar; I shall not hurry matters,
so as to secure good conditions. If I can procure
a good situation) with the title, of Councillor, many
obstacles might be removed. You can refresh Voigt^s
memory about m^ at times. I am glad to hear that
Herder remains at Weimar. I wrote to him the other
day, and sent him the airs he wished for. I spoke to
him of my Weimar plans, and he seemed to take an
interest in them. I alluded to the subject again in my
letters. Has he any influence ?
I have unwittingly offended Professor Müller. I
either never knfew> or had entirely forgotten, that he
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5 4 Schiller's correspondence
was a friend of my fother's. This .of oov^se you ean-
not say to him. Make him many excuses. •
I We forwarded the letter to Müller. • May the
philosophical Mu^e bestow her blessing on another letter;
although not exactly of similar contents^ I a^m agaia
brooding over my former ideas on the Philosophy ö£
Jurisprudence^ and am studying Plato with that intent*
Otherwise I have no news^ except that we have not
heard from Huber for the last five w0ek$ : it is most
probable that his Ambassador stops his letters— for we
know that Huber is in good health.
Körner.
R^idolstajlt» 2ß September, 1 789.
It. is a tremendous time since I wrote to you> and
since I have heard. from you. Distractions of every
deacri{»tion have prevented m^ from writing for the
last month; — ^a course of lectures to finish^ my journey
here, .and a miserftble attack of <(Ooth-aQhe^ Wfaidi
made me unfit for anything during the first week of
my sojourn. Ä very particular affair^ whioh I will
miention in am)ther letter> and which ia fact I ^ do uQt
at present like to ^lention^ has greatly occupied me.
Hqw I wish I. could haye had your advice I. Jt concerns
the position in which I now stand towardfS L. L,* —
you will gues9 what I mean.
I have not been in Weimar since, so I can tell you
nothing new about our joint affail:, but send me some-
thing soon, that I may show it to Voigt, There arö
no great difficulties to overcome, and I can ahnost
answer for the result. The only thing is to wait until
a vacancy occurs and a salary falls in. First of all,
* Lottchen (Charlotte) Lengenfeld;
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WITH KÖRNER. 55
h^^ev^p^ you mu6t eome to a clear understanding
mth Toigt^ that he may lose no time in acting for
j^oitr interests when such a vacancy does occur. A
title which will please your uncle can easily be ob-
tained. I am sorry I did' not introduce you to Privy
Councillor Schmidt. H6 is the Cerberus that guards
tliä dueal treasury^ or^ at leasts he could make the
matter difficult or easy^ as he may feel inclined. I am
on a good footing with him^ and will endeavour to
iitterest« him in your lavoor. I wish^ however^ to see
you in Tegular correspondence with Voigt.
/ 1 must tell you now of the dbjections to your plan^ that
you may consider them before the decisive step be taken;
You will 110 doubt be a gainer by the change^ but
I am* less certain as regards your wife find Dorchen,
During your stay at Weimar^ I had time to make
many observations, and I doubt if there is society
suited to them : they are superior, to the so-call^
middle classes, and it is a difficult matter to remain
long on good terms with the nobility. I could bring
forward good grounds in support of my reasoning, but
you win spare njte them. . I can öüly say, that until
Minna and Dorchen have discovered the' secret how to
manage the nobiUty, so as io derive pleasure from
their society, I fear they would not agree. As regards
you, you will soon I trust rlearn to reduce the value of
Goethes and Herder^s acquaintance to its proper
estimate; but be as cautious as you will, you can-
not escape the universal fate that be&lls all who come
in close contact with them. Your circle will be confined
to Voigt and Bode. i
Herder made an ass of himself the other day, and
cut a most ridiculous figure. Ever since his return
from Italy, he had abstained from preaching until he
\
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56 Schiller's correspondence
was certam whethet he should remain or not. His stay
being decided upon, he announced his intention of
preaching. The church was crammed, many coming
from Jena to hear him. He preached about himself,
and in terms that placed him at the mercy oi his
enemies, and prevented his friends from saying one
word in his defence. A ^ Te Deum ' was chanted, the
text of which alluded to his return, and copies of
which were distributed to the congregation. This
caused universal indignation, and the whole faree was
greatly blamed. I will give you another example of
his savoir vivre. At the Duchesses dinner-^table, he
compared the Court to a beggar^s head> and the
courtiers to the lice that crawled about it^ Many
persons at the table heard it; and the best joke is,
that he and his wife are very eager to be invited to
Court, and are principally supported by it. But a
truce to these follies.
I endeavour to make the most of my holidays^
They are my first ; and the idea that a limited time is
prescribed to me to be my own master^ seems curious
enough to me. Next winter I purpose holding five
lectures a week on Universal History, beginning with
the Franconian Monarchy down. to Frederick II, and
one public lecture on Roman History; so that from
1789 to Easter 1790, I must have concluded my
course of lectures on Universal History. How? is
another question^ I am very curious to see the result
of my private lectures, and whether I shall turn an
honest penny. The necessity I am placed in of
acquiring historical facts, is of great advantage to
Ine, and in a few years the fruits thereof will be
manifest in my works.
Have you read the ' Vo.yage d'Anacharsis 5^ It is
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WITH KÖRNER. 57
liigiily i^ken of^ and I am now reading it^ but have
many objections to it. This form would have been
excellent if carried out by a man of genius^ But here
it does not seem to be the case. The very necessity of
supplying by an introduction what could not be
brought forward in the voyage itself betrays a weak
plan. A man of genius would have known how to
have interwoven the whole ' History of Greece ^ in the
journey itself, and in a manner to place the chain of '
evei^ in Biidi n light as to cause the greatest effect.
It also appears to me that he has not shown judgment
in the selection of interesting matter. It is evident
that he has laboured to give life and truth io his
narrative by topographical descriptions of towns and
islands, &c. ; but what do we care for the geography or
natural history of places that no longer exist, and
which, when they did exist, were of little or no import-
ance. It is a great fault that the reader, for whom
the book is written, is obliged to skip whole pages.
The Frenchman is evident throughout the work — and
often the young Frenchman. There is a great deal of
declamation in the first pages.
I have brought a ' Livy ' with me, never having read
him before, and he gives me great pleasure. Why
did I not study Greek sufficiently to enable me to read
'Xenophon' and ' Thucydides ?* My own style is
neither historical nor simple enough, and I do not
wish to fall into the modem style ; at least not into
the much-extolled style of Gibbon.
Farewell ! I must make up for my long silence;
Do you the same. You are, I trust, in good health,-^
all. I could spend a pleasant time of it here, but
I have much work to get through, and the tooth-ache
prevented me from doing anything for a whole week^
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58 Schiller's corri^spokdence
Greet Minna and Dorchen^ and put the latter in Vfßskdi
of a small promise she made me* I will send Minna
a le^ for her ^ Alburn^ as soon as my Muse smiles upon
me.
Schiller.
RudoUtadt, 13 October, 1789.
I will »end Voigt your, documents from Jena, but
'shall not say a word about your demands. In your
last you seemed to have greatly cooled upon the
Weimar affair. If you will fdlow my advice, let
matters go on quietly without driving too hard at
them, or dropping them altogether. My fate will be
decided in a year' at least, and our plan of living near
each other must not have be^i an illusion. What we
were to each other at Dresden was something too full
of enjoyment, that we should give up the hope of
iseeing it renewed. We shall have greater claims upon
each other, but we shall be more capable of responding
to them. I cannot allow the thought, that one should
be less to the other in our later years than at the time
of our first acquaintance. Whatever our respective cir-
cumstances, we should, always find each other.
Wieland has been at me for contributions to the 'Mer-
cury;^ he want» something from me for the January
number. If I can find time, and am in the humour,
I shall commence the letter to you we spoke about ;
but as it is, I scarcely see how I can manage it. The
first and second volumes of the 'Memoirs' are' a
mill-stone round my neck. The first volume will be
printed in a fortnight, but I have nothing* prepared
for the siöcond, without excepting the translation, which
is not in tny hands. I will send you from Jena my
iäpeeph on entering office at the University last summer.
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WITH KÖBNER. 59
I want to hear' your opinion' upon it. I think
it capable of bdng improTed; as it must enable
people to form an idea of what I am capable as
Professor of History. I did not deliver it as I
read it to you. I thought something more was
due to tiie public than to an assembly of raw
students. . .
What I wrote to you lately about historical style
does not seem to have been rightly understood by you.
You have .taken up everything. The interest which
the Feloponessian War had for the Greeks^ must be
endeavoured to be imparted to any new history written
for the modems. The task of a man of genius is to
select and arrange his subject in such a manner that it
needs tio gilding to be. interesting. We modems have
an interest in our power unknown to Greek or Roman^
and' which the interest attached to love of country does
not equal. The latter is generally of importance only
to unlearned nations-— to the youth of the world. It is
B far different interest to make Man appreciate every
important event of which Man was the object. It is
a pitiful^ a miserable ideal^ to write oidy for one
nation : such limits are insupportable to a philosophical
mind. Mankind being of so variable and wilful a
nature^ the philosopher cannot dwell over a fraction^
(and what is the greatest nation but a fraction ?)
His breast can only glow as long as he thinks this
nation or national event important as a pledge for
the progress of the species. If a history — ^without
regard to any peculiar nation or age — is capable of this
application — ^if it ^an be made a link to this end; it
then possesses eveify requisite to become interesting
under the hand of the philosopher ; and that interest
needs no ornament.
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60 Schiller's correspondence
I have a message from Frau ron Stein to Dorehen.
She vdshes to copy my portrait^ and hopes Dorehen
will send it to hei*. I wül promise that she shall not
keep it too long, and that due care will be taken of it.
She is a good copierj and will make a good likeness,
otherwise I should not ask Dorehen to send it to her.
If Dorehen will entrust it to my care I will look after
it^ otherwise I shall tell Frau von Stein to write herself
about it. I do not wish to meddle in it; In five days
I return to Jena. I shall write from thence.
Schiller*.
bresden, 24 October, 1789.
It seems from your last letter that Jena does not
please you. How fares it with your private lectures ?
I look forward with pleasure to readmg your speech.
A play by Kotzebue was given here the other day
which had some success at Leipzig: 'Hate and Re-
pentance.^ It is a miserable production in Iffland^s
whimpering style, but without one spark of Iffland^s
talent. Opitz acted in it. He has not improved.
His voice was unpleasant, and his manners stiff. But,
however, I will not judge him by this character, though
it may be regarded as a debut, I almost begin to
think that the public here has better taste than that of
Leipzig^ It did not take.
What do you say to the recent events in France ?
Nothing there is impossible now. I should not be
ttstonished to find France subdivided into a number of
Small republics. It is almost the only choice left to
the National Assembly, if it means to be consistent;
and knows of no other King than him who is held a
prisoner by the Paris faction. Wieland^s article in
the ' Mercury^ did not please me. I cannot stand out-
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wm! Kornea. 61
pourings without any other data to go npoü than
newspaper reports, and think it ridiculous to decide
such a question by common-place sentences. Send me
back my review^ as it has not been accepted. You
need not be put out about it, as seems to have been
the case at Jena. I should not have felt abashed evtn
had it not been acceptable j and lio one will persuade
me that it might not have appeared honourably iii the
'Literary Gazette/ You cannot be answerable for
personal local objections of the editor.
Körner.
Huber has finished his play, and it is ready for the
theatre. It will not be published for some time yet.
The la6t act pleased me least. I sent him my frank
opinion of it the other day, and added a few of your
observations.
I doubt very much if you could adapt yourself to
Xenophon^s and Thucydides' style in historical com*
positions. Events which of themselves interest every
citizen, cannot be pourtrayed in too simple a language.
But where this absorbing interest is wanting, then
beauty of style and elegance of language are neces'
saryi
Körneb.
Jena, 10 November, 1789.
To-day is my birthday^ and it reminds me that I
have not written to you for a long time, but you have
perhaps forgiven me in your heart. You must have
patience with me this winter if I do not write often,
for I never had so much work upon my hands before^
I have to prepare and write out a lecture every day^
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62: SCHlLLER^S CORRläSPONDENCE
and jthi^t occupies mudi time^ You will say that I
give mysdf : too much trouUe ; «but I have a traitorous
menaOi^, and I find it necessary« Though I may-
deriye no advantage from it at present^ I shall at some
future time. My private lectures are a fiailure^ but it is
partly my own fault. I. sent the announcement from
Budplstadt^. but owing to :an omission^ it was not put
on the University board until I arrived, and then the
lectures had already commenced. Most of the students
had therefore already made their arrangements; and
the hours I fixed, upon were unlucky ones — in a word,
I made a mess of it. My lectures are not attended by
more than thirty, of whom, perhaps, ten will pay me.
This I should care very little abouty if the bad be-
ginning did not annoy me. I shall make no change
in mj plan, and shall work as if they were a hundred.
Meantimes, I have a great deal of work upon my
hands, and must not neglect my literary engagements.
The first volume jo{ t^ie. 'Memoirs' wül be published
next week, and the second will be sh(»rtly ready;
I send you my speech, which has called down a nest
of hornets about my ears. I very innocently style
myself therein ^Professor of History, for I was not
aware — -as you can well imagine — -that by doing so
I should clash with a gentleman who sports that title
nominally. This is Professor Henrich, who kicked up
a row about it; I was told, through Griessbach, to
arrange the matter. This was easily done by changing
it, in the subsequent numbers, to Professor of Philoso-
phy. But is this not miserable ? One of the University
scouts, who was sent to the publishers, had the insolence
to tear down the announcement. And these are the
men I have to deal with ! With God^s blessing I hope
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%ltH KÖRJfER; 63
to W able to tell you some six months hence that I
have been apjKimted to some other University. I shall
omit no exertions to procure it.
A certain Baron von Bork^ as he styles himself^ sent
me the other day^ from Mets^ a French translation of
the first two parts of the 'Geisterseher/ and of the
' Seeret Tribunals/ both translated by himself. He
wishes to have (he rest of the ' Secret Tribunals/ as
he doubts whether there is any man livings in France
or England^ capable of writing anything equal to it.
He is of opinion^ that if he were to translate the
whole of it^ it would have the.honour of being given
at the Theatre Fran9ai8. Tell Huber of it^ and say
that I should not dissuade him from letting him have
it. His translation of the 'Geisterseher' reads well
enough^ with the exception of a few passages^ which
the good man has not been able to understand.
Have you read Reinhold's new work — ^and what do
you think of it ? I wiU send you a letter from Julius ;
perhaps sooner than you can expect it. I enjoy good
health, and there are other matters that keep up my
spirits. I shall arrange the affair with the mother in
a few weeks. I conclude this letter to resume my
work.
Schiller.
Dresden, 17 December, 1789.
Your stay at Jena seems to me a fatal business
altogether. You must have chosen your hours very
badly — if with the exception of the thirty — the other
students were only prevented from attending your
lectures, by having those hours occupied. Believe
me, your lectures are far too good for them. Their
t)bject is to learn, not to think or to enjoy. Many
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64 Schiller's cörreskjndence
wish to take notes^ and therefore desire names^ dates^
titles of boohs^ &Ci-M)ther8 seek causes and not results.
A certain charlatanerie is necessary for these fellows^
and that seems to me to be the prevailing tone at
Jena. To say the least, the spirit of study prevails
there more than that of taste. At Leipzig, on the
contrary, where it is, perhaps, the vciry reverse, and
a certain elegance is aimed at, FlattHer^s lectures on
Philosophy, which had some analogy with yours, met
with success. And I doubt whether this would baowe
been the case at Jena j and I even much doubt whether
lectures of this description on History, would have
stood a chance against those of Beck or Weuk. Your
lectures are more suited to an audience of enlightened
men of letters. Jena is not the clime for such flowers.*
I still hope to hear of your appointment at Berlin.
Prussian historiographer, and member of the
academy — that is the place I want for Jrou; nor do I think
it impossible. It is a pity that the Prussian Ambassador
here has not much influence with the party in power.
But who knows what may turn up yet ! Do not neglect
the continuation of the 'Netherlands/ That work
will do you more service than all your lectures at Jena
put together. I see but little chance of a Professor-
ship at another University. Göttingen is well provided
with historians. At Erfurt there is Meusel ; Beck at
Leiprig; Schröcth at Wittenberg. There might be an
opening at Helmstadt, as the Duke takes an interest
in the University; but an academical career there
would not be more desirable than at Jena.
The squabble about your title is but a pendant to the
* Quoted from 'Don Carlos/ Jena being substituted foi'
Madrid.
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WITH KÖRNER. 65
affair of the ' Beformer's Prayer Book / in whidli the
words^ ^ reformed community/ were ordered to be stmck
out.
I thank you for your speech. Your ideas on th^
study of ' Universal History* pleased me exceedingly^
As regards your other affairs^ you do not express
yourself clearly enough to allow me to give an opinion.
I am satisfied if you are happy and contented.
The conclusion of the ' Geisterseher* is ardently ex-
pected. It would be a pity if you were to neglect it for
the sake of a dozen or so of students.
* Körner.
Jena, 23 Nov. 1789.
I feel but too forcibly the truth of your remark^
that Jena is not the place for me 1 I am determined not
to remain here ; but I fear I cannot leave before the
expiration of another year, partly owing to my Pro-»
fessorship, partly also owing to my marriage.
I enclose you also a letter from the Coadjutor^
which will show that I have made a step in advance.
Let me hear your opinion^ whether I should follow his
advice, or take the hint about Mayence. He can do
anything he thinks fit if he only chooses to do it ; and
then, with Heaven's blessing, I should be provided for !
What you wrote about Berlin vibrated in my heart.
But there are insurmountable obstacles. Next spring
I shall send in a demand for salary to Weimar, though
I can scarce call it salary, as I do not count upon
more than one hundred or two hundred dollars at the
outside.
The precarious sort of life I lead at the present
moment cannot last for more than two years. I know
that I possess some friends in the worlds who will do
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66 SCHILLiSR^S CORRESPONDENCE
What they can for me. Bat I must help them in their
endeavours by some solid produetions^^may God forgive
me this libel on Art — ^so as to ensure success. Mean-
time the ^Memoirs/ are getting: on well. Göschen^
and .many others^ have told me that they .have a good
run. Mauke .has offered to* publish eight vokimes a
year if I can get them ready; and if I could, find
assistants^ who would be satisfied with one half .the
remuneration^ I could clear six hundred doUara. Nor
does the work interfere with my other occupations.
It is entirely my own fault that my private lectures
are »o thinly attended. I announced them , too late.
Loder does me much harm^ as his lectures are not
attended by medical students exclusively. Science
mluat give place to bread^professions. My public
lectures are well attended. I must avow, however,
that I have lost aU enthusiasm; and, bo many hairs
I have on my liead, bo many times do I regret that I
sacrificed my indfipendence, and did not remain free
i(k form some regular plan for tiie future. I needed
no spur to study. But all may have been for the best:
Farewell! Send me back the Coac^utor's letter in
your next» If you think that I ought to apply to the
Elector of Mayence, send his titles, as I must not
ask any one here for them.
SCHICLBR.
Dresden» 3 December, 1;789./
I am glad you have sought the advice of the
Coadjutor, as he may be of great service to you. I do
not see why you should not write to the Elector; no
harm will come from iti I will write, if you like,, to
Huber to know if any formalities are necessary. I
dhould have liked to have sounded the Mayence Am-
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WITH KÖRNER. 6l
bassador here duougk Count Gessler^ but the latter is
80 occupied with an qffianre de ecsur, that he forgets
himself and everything around him. I send you the
Elector's titles ; the Coadjutor's letter shows that he
takes a great interest in you. Huber told me as
much some time since. Do not accept an appoint-
ment at Erfurt^ unless on first-rate conditions. The
Uniyersity career disgusts me. You speak of your
marriage as a settled a£fair; let me know when it takes
place^ and how you have got over the pecuniary diffi-
culties.
I<8 the eighth number of the 'Thalia' ready for
press ? I have only seen the first sheets of it^ which
Göschen sent me from Leipzig. Huber writes me
word that the manuscript for the ninth number is all
ready. ' He has not been successful with the managers
ta whom he offered his play. The manager of the
Berlin theatre has not sent him an answer ; and be re^
ceived negativa^ though complimentary repUes from
Vienna^ Dresden, and Hamburgh. A certain Schika*
n^dsr, of Vienna, has got up a parody upon the sub-
ject—from what appeared in the ' Thalia' — ^under the
title of ' Hans Dallinger, or the Bloody Inquisition f
and it is an extinguisher upon Ruber's drama. It is
bad certainly for Huber's purse, but it is almost an
honour not to please a public which is enraptured with
Hiate and Repentance*.' It is astonishing to witnesa
the barbarous theatrical taste which now prevails. I
have cut the theatre, and only go now and then to the
Opera, where I hear good music.
Is it true that the Duke has left; the Prussian service,
and returns to Weimar ?
* Kotzebue.
€
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68 Schiller's correspondence
Count Oessler has just told me that he has soilAded
the Ambassador of Mayence^ who told him that in such
matters it would be indispensable to apply first to
Müller. This will not suit you ; but perhaps he alluded
to persons who arö unknown to the Elector.
Körner.
Jena, 10 December, 1789-
I am anxious about a letter from the Coadjutor at
Erfurt^ which I enclosed to you about a fortnight
since^ the receipt of which you have not acknowledged.
You will understand why I am anxious that that letter
should not fall into wrong hands. If you cannot write
to me at lengthy send me at least two lines to say the
letter is safe.
Am I to attribute your long silence to literary
labours ? I hope it is the case. What do you say to
taking the tenth number of the ^Thalia/ and will
Huber take the ninth ? You could make an arrange-
ment with Göschen to that effect. I would send a con-
tribution^ the payment for which would fall due to
you in return for your former one. I cannot under-
take a number for Easter, and Göschen will readily do
it> as it will be profitable to him.
My Budolstadt friends send many kind greetings,
but I always forget forwarding them. The Beulwitz
and Lengenfelds spend the winter at Weimar. The
relation in which I stand towards them has not re-
mained altogether a secret ; but it is perhaps only con-
jecture, owing to my repeated visits at their house.
Even the Coadjutor, who was at Weimar lately^ inquired
if the rumour was true.
I had many other things to say to you, but they
have given my memory the slip. The Coadjutor was
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WITH KÖRNER. 69
here the other day> but I had no time to speak to him
about my affairs^ as we had all to wait upon the Duke
in a body, and the conversation was confined to general
topics^ Adieu ! Let me hear about the letter soon.
Schiller.
Jena, 12 December, 1789.
I have abstained hitherto from writing to you about
my projected marriage, as nothing final has been
arranged. Even now, it is true, the day is not
fixed ; but I should like to hear your opinion on our
plans. It is only half an hour since I returned from
Weimar, where I had a conversation with the ladies
on the subject, and I have just received your letter.
I am glad to hear that a University career disgusts
you. I did not wish to tell you in plain words,
in my last, that such an existence, combined with all
the miseries attending upon the professional career,
is insupportable to me. If there were any pecuniary
advantages to be derived from it, a man might put up
with it ; as every man who holds a situation has cer-
tain duties, more or less, to perform ; but this is not
the case, nor can I expect anything for three or four
years to come. I put no great faith in the generosity
of the Duke ; and a pension of two hundred dollars is,
after all, no great thing. There are, therefore, no
cogent reasons to induce me to remain at Jena, and
there is a powerful one to drive me away — namely, my
marriage.
First of all, I do not wish to have my wife annoyed
by the Jena petty squabbles, and she would fare worse
than I, as they would not forgive her being of noble
descent. We are also too near Weimar, where, owing
to her acquaintances in the houses of the nobility.
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70 Schiller's coie^sponoence
ßhe would find too great a contrast between the
Jena society and that which she has been accustomed
to. These^ however^ are bye considerations; but there
are others of greater weight. The mother would very
unwillingly live separated from her daughter^ as she
has always cherished the hope of seeing her married
at Budolstadt. Her marriage with me destroys her
plan^ the only objection to which was the daughter
herself. The mother gave it up^ as she could not ob-
tain her daughter's consent ; but the separation from
her daughter would displease her greatly^ and woidd
lead to the departure of the other daughter, who does
not agree very well with her husband (Beulwit^). She
will not live alone with him ; and her mother suspects
as much, and feels some anxiety about it. He is an
upright, amiable, and well-educated man, but he is
wanting in delicacy ; and his wife is a much superior
person in mind, and is aware of it. I am on very
good terms with him, and we get on very well alto-
gether. There is plenty of room in the house ; the
two houses join with a commimication between them;
and since the mother hves at Court, there is plenty iil
space for us. Three hundred dollars will suffice for my
household expenses. Lottchen will receive two hun-
dred from her mother, and I shall require about the
same sum for my private expenses, and I trust the
^ Thalia' alone will suffice for this. I also reckon on
three or four hundred dollars from the sale of tibe
^ Memoirs.'
Our plan is therefore as follows : — ^At Easter I shall
demand a fixed salary, which will be refused me as a
matter of course, whereupon I shall resign my Profes-
sorship. If they will allow me to hold private lectures;
for twelve months on the' * History of the Netherlands'
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WITH KÖRNER. 71
I can avoid so decism a* step as resignation; if not, this
will be a sufficient eKCiue lo the public for my retire*
meaokU . My lather is* the- only -person I must take into
consideration^ as he placed* all his hqies 'oipön me at
Jen»; but as I shall nat neglect my histtaioal. studies,
heiwill make noobjections* At the same time, I aiiafl
keep up a eorrespbndence ivath Berlin, Mayence, and
Göttingen, .so as to keep a door open for the futore;
li' still look forward to Üie acadony of Beriin. To
quiet my father's apprehensions, I must make Lott-
chen's fgctune appear more than it really is ; and must
enter^into an arrangement with the Princes of Rudol-
stadt, which will make my presence there almost ap-
pear necessary. The Princes are at the present mo-
ment on a tour in Switzerland with Beulwitz; they
paid my father a visit on the way, and this opportunity
will.be serviceable.
. The eldest Prince must write .him a ktt^ on the
sidbject, and I «hidl do the same. I must get some
scatti of appointment at Conit, which will have xtb
wea^ wiUi my fath<ir,: and pldce my (retiremeiit from
Jena ina better light.- I should then proceed directly
tok >BudoIstadt, and marry at oAce. I should remain
there for four or; five years, deisotmg my time to the
stady of ' History; : andfaaving the ^ Thalia^ in hand;
labpuldnot neglect Poetry and>*PhiJosophy:^ But I
wdl teD you of my literary projeöts in another letter.
We do not wish to make the mother acquainted with
atti'iour plans until they are >matured, as she might
objiNTtiito them, and we ahall arrange them to the best
of iher comfort. '
>Iifaink I have now given you thetprinoipal details.
PIftceiyonrsdf in my position, and give me your unre-«
served^ opinion. It is of the greatest =imp<Mrtance that I
/ I
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72 Schiller's correspondence
should allow myself four or five years of unintemipted
quiet to strengthen my mind, and give it that maturity
which is necessary for a public man. And how could I
attain this as schoolmaster at a University ? You will
agree with me. I am sure that after a course of pri-
vate lectures I shall be much more fitted for a situation
at Mayence or Berlin. Farewell ! The post is leaving.
I shaU anxiously expect your answer. The affair is a
delicate one, and therefore deserving of the gravest con-
sideration,
SCHILLEK.
Dresden» 22 December» 1789.
I have received two letters from you. I shall begin
with the last.
I am glad to find your former franfkness in your
letters ; and I hope my advice will coincide with your
plans. Questions of this importance should not, I
think, be decided by commonplace proverbs and consi-
derations. The peculiar circumstances of the case ought
alone to be considered. That Jena is not a proper
place of residence, either for you or for your Wife, there
can be no doubt ; but it is doubtful whether you can
at once obtain a better appointment at Mayence. Your
idea of retiring from public life to prosecute your his-
torical studies, is a good one, and must tend to your
future advantage. One sheet a week for the ^ Thalia'
would suffice for your expenses, without counting the
' Memoirs.' Whether you are in a position to marry,
depends entirely upon circumstances. Three hundred
dollars for the household expenses of yourself and wife
is a very small sum, and then there are the servants.
Do you know Herr von Beulwitz well enough to be
sure that you will live in harmony together ? And is
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WITH KÖRNER. 73
not something necessary to make a start with ? If you
can answer these questions to your own satisfaction,
the sooner the object of your desires is attained the
better. If you have any doubts on the subject, you
should wait another year, taking up your quarters at
Rudolstadt until your aiFairs are in order
Your ' History of the Netherlands* is a good excuse
for your leaving Jena. Instead of demaning a fixed
salary, I should advise you to demand one year's cong(
to complete it. ^Fhe Duke might award you a pension,
and then you would be caught. As regards an official
appointment, I should advise you to wait till after your
marriage, as meantime something better might turn up.
Your father could make no objection to a leave of ab^
sence.
You could with no great labour make a very readable
book of your lectures, which would bring you in an
honest penny. I shall write to you more at length by
next post, as some one interrupts me. Minna and
Sorchen send their kindest greetings to you, and
many pretty speeches to your intended and her sister,
to which you may add my kind regards.
KÖBNEK.
Jena, 24 December, 1789.
I am full of expectation, dear Kömer. The day
before yesterday I obtained the mother's consent — an
excdlent lady ! I wrote yesterday to the Duke, demand-
ing a pension. I was told that I should not find it a
difficult matter; and was dissuaded from taking the
«tep I mentioned to you in my last. My engagement
to Lottchen has been a good deal talked about at Wei-
mar; and the Duke himself asked Frau von Stein if it
VOL. II. B
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74 Schiller's correspondence
was true. She told him it was ; and as he approved of
it, she threw out a hint about a pension^ which he did
not make any objection to. He takes pleasure in affairs
of this description, and has a great esteem for Lottchen^s
mother. I have great hopes that he will do something
for me. I see^ however^ that I shall have to continue
my academical career for a year or so^ if it be but to
please my mother and father. I have an inheritance in
view, and other prospects.
I can live here very well upon eight hundred dollars.
If the Duke allows me two hundred, and my lectures
bring me in two hundred more, this^ with the two
hundred 1 receive from my mother, will make six
hundred ; then I have the fruits of my literary labours^
and as I shall have plenty of time, I hope to be -ena-
bled to pay off my old debts.
I look calmly forward to the future, I shall work
harder than has hitherto been the case, as my mind
will be more at ease. 1 have already received eight
ducats for my private lectures, and expect more, so
that they will bring me in something at least. I shall
not, however, remain here more than a year or two ;
and if during that time I improve my historical
knowledge, I shall not regard them as entirely thrown
away.
My mind, as you can easily imagine, is in a state of
the greatest excitement. The consent of the mother,
so nobly given, affected me greatly. She had to make -
a sacrifice of ibany plans and long-cherished hopes, and
she did so in confidence on my love. Beulwitz wrote
to me the other day from Geneva, and we are likely to
live on good terms with each other. If I could but
})rocure Lottchen some agreeable acquaintances here ! I
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WITH KÖRNER. 75
shall have to confine myself to Paulus and his wife ;
and the latter happily is an intimate friend of Lottchen.
By avoiding the rest I shall avoid annoyances.
I jshall retain my present chambers^ with che addition
of the other rooms on the same floor. My landlady
will keep house for us, which will save trouble and ex-
pense. Lottchen^s lady^s maid will therefore be the
only addition to my establishment. The most difficult,
therefore — ^the starting — is happily overcome. My own
equipment will perhaps cost me most. Göschen has
offered me four hundred dollars for an article on the
'Thirty Years' War" for the 'Historical Calendar.'
The work is easy, as materials are so abundant. These
four hundred dollars are a regular god-send at this
moment.
Write to me soon, and tell me if my plans please
you. We will speak of owr plans in another letter.
Schiller.
Jena, 27 December, 1789.
I told you in my last that I purposed remaining here
for a year or two, as my mother wishes it. I have not
yet received a letter from the Duke, Our marriage
will probably be solemnized a httle after Easter. Either
in May or June, not later.
I am on excellent terms with Paulus. Madame
Beulwitz and Erau von Stein from Weimar will enliven
our society at times. As regards myself, I need not
tell you how little value I attach to society. Your
letters give me more pleasure than Reinhold^s and
Hufeland^s put together.
Farewell ! I daily expect a letter from you.
Schiller.
E 2
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76 SCHILLBU'S COmUBSPONDENC«
1790.
The Duke of Weimar settles a pension of two hundred dollars
on Schiller — ^The title of Hofrath is conferred upon him by
the Court of Meiningen— Schiller is married on the 22nd of
. February— Schiller describes his happiness — Its influence
upon his labours — Huber is appointed Charg^ d' Affaires —
Kömer writes a poem — Schiller's opinion of it — Schiller
commences a translation of the iEneid — Bürger starts a
periodical under the title of ' Academy of Fine Arts and
Oratory' — ^The Princess of Rudolstadt- Huber and Dorcben
—'The Thirty Years' War'— Goethe's * Faust'— Iffland—
Lessing — The Duchess of Curland— Kömer is appointed
Councillor of the Court of Appeal — Kömer's opinion of
Schiller's * Thirty Years' War'— Goethe and Kömer— The
Mission of ÄJoses — Goethe in private life — ' Lycurgus* — ^The
calling of a Critic — Körner's philosophy — Classic Art — A
German Plutarch.
Jena, 6 January, 1790.
I told you in my last that I had applied to the Duke
for a pension. He immediately granted the application.
iPwo hundred dollars, as I had anticipated. But what
I did not expect, was that the Duke himself felt
this was little. The day after I wrote to him,
I went to Weimar, but quite privately, and only
visited the Lengenfelds. But the Duke heing apprised
of my arrival}, sent for me. He .said that he was very
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WITH KÖRNEk« 7^
glad to do anything for me as a mark of his esteem ;
but he told me^ almost with confusion^ that he was
sorry he could not afford me more than two hundred
dollars. I answered that I did not expect more. He
then questioned me about my marriage^ and hai^
tver since been most gracious towards Lottchen. The
next day we dined at Frau von Stein^s^ and he came in>
and he told Frau von Stein that he gave the best share
to the marriage — namely^ the money. He often allude«
to it> and evidently takes an interest in it. He told
Frau von Stein he was very glad to be able to do any-
thing for me^ but he was well aware that I would not
be grateful for it^ and that I should take the first oppor-
tunity of leaving him. He was not perhaps far froid
the mark there ; but the opportunity must — to say the
least — ^be of such a nature that he himself would ex-
cuse me. The Coadjutor told Frau von Stein the other
day that he counted upon having me some day or
other appointed at Mayence.
Thus matters stand as regards my pension. I shall
not require a quarter's advance. The money from the
' Memoirs ' will sufSce for my present outlays. I am
clear v^th Bertuch, or rather he is still in my debt for
the * Blue-Stocking.'* I must now try if I cannot ob ■»
tain the mother's consent to the marriage taking
place this winter. All external obstades are removed3
and I shall not be better off at Easter than I am
now.
SCHILL£R.
* A short poem * Die Berühmte Frau.' A reply to a frientt
who complained of having a blue -stocking for a wife.
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78 Schiller's correspondence
Jena, 13 January, 1790;
This letter will be as short a» a bridal-note^ — ^but it
is one. In fourteen or eighteen days the holy cere-
mony will be performed in the good city of Jena ; you
may thesrefore engage yourself upon an original Latin
carmen in our honour. My mother-in-law will come to
Jena, and the marriage will be quite enfamilk, as private
as possible. As we do not keep house ourselves^ a
great deal of trouble will be spared. In a word, however
poetical I may appear to you, you would start at my
household arrangements. You will have received by
this my letter concerning the pension.
I laughed, heartily at the prudent tone of your: last.
Believe me that two years' acquaintance with my bride
have not been lost upon me. I need not tell you that
personal intercourse can a]one enable a man to form a
judgment on so weighty a matter. I am well aware
that of ten men who marry, there are nine who choose
their wives to please other people — I chose mine to
please myself. I think you have fallen into your old
mistake in expecting too little good from me. In this
whole affair I am well satisfied both with my head and
my heart, but I think you have made too hasty a
judgment of me.
If, as a lover, as you said, I was too high up in the
clouds to see clearly the object of my desires, you, on
the contrary, were perhaps standing in too deep a decli-
vity on earth. Opportunities will not be wanting to
convince you, and you will then perhaps confess to
yourself, that in your researches you overlooked the
qualities of a noble heart and an elegant mind. But
wherefore all this ? Time will show. But it is par^
donable that I should endeavour not to let you, of all
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WITH KÖRNER. 79
men^ remain in error on a subject upon which all my
happiness depends.
Farewell for to-day! I shall write to you again
before the marriage. Kind greetings to Minna and
Dorchen. In future^ you must address your letters to
Herr Ho&ath Schiller : my name has grown a syllable.
Owing to my great learning and literary fame^ the
Court of Meiningen have honoured me with a diploma.
Schiller.
Dresden, 19 January, 1790»
Only ft fow fines to-day in reply to some observations
in yoor last Tetter. My prudence may not have pleased
you äs a bridegroom, but you have misunderstood m^
aA!e)r all. I only said, that t was not a competent
judge of the good qualities of your bride, as I had
seen too little of her, and that I only rejoiced because
you rejmce, and not from any conviction of my owtr:
I never say what I do not feel, and to have remained
silent altogether would have appeared cold. How
could I form a judgment on what had captivated yon
in the short space of a few hours, during which time
you were whispering soft speeches to your beloved ? Be,
therefore, just towards me, and don't misjudge me. I
shall write to you before your marriage.
Körner.
Dresden, 26 January, 1790.
I wish to send you a joyous greeting from your
absent friends, at this new epoch of your life. Ac-
cording to my reckoning your marriage falls about the
present date — if indeed it has not already taken place.
I am often with you in thought, and see you in divert
situations.
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80 Schiller's correspondence
The present, state of your mind must be a most
iiappy one. You have found what you sought for;
you have overcome many obstacles that stood between
you and your dtisirea ; and you have a joyous future
before you.
I rejoice in your present joy; but I think also
I have reason to hope that much good will arise from
this marriage for your future happiness. You have
consulted your heart in the choice of a wife without
taking miserable considerations into account^ and this
was the only way for you to acquire that treasure of
domestic bliss of which you stood much in needj It
is not in your nature to live an isolated being for
your own selfish enjoyment. A vivid idea which arises
within you at times^ from a consciousness of your
own superiority^ rejects for the moment all personal
attachment^ but the want of loving and being beloved
soon manifests itself again within you. I know the
strong pulses of your friendship . But I understand
them^ and they do not keep me away from you. They
are essential parts of your character^ and are necessarily
connected with other thingsj which I should not like
to see altered. Your love will share the same fate ;
and if I knew your wife well enough^ the best wish
I could offer her on her bridal-day> would be the
talent not to misjudge you in such moments.
Farewell ! and endeavour to impress upon your wife
what I must be to her^ as soon as she bears your
hame. Köbneb.
ienai, 1 February, 1790*
You fancy me already tnarried^ and iny long silence
will have given strength to the supposition; but
matters are not got so far as all that«
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WITH KÖRNER. 81
1 do not expect my mother-in-law from Budolstadt
before the 10th or 12th^ as she cannot come Booner^
Meantime I have been backwards and forwards between
this and Weimar^ and your letters have remained un-
answered.
Your letter gave me much pleasure. I see yourself
in it again> and I can with confidence say to myself that
you are still the same to me. You give me, and to
all who might read it^ an idea of myself^ which from
its truth and justness is very welcome to me. But you
are perhaps at fault if you fancy that any interruption
ever took place in our friendship ; or at least the causes
must not be sought in me> but in external circumstances,
which often obstructed the free course of the current of
my feelings. I must not be unjust towards myself,
and avail myself of the excuse which you have ad-
vanced. My friendship for you never slackened ; it
is even independent of your actions towards me. That
we should live apart from each other, and that this will
probably be the case for many years to come> is bad.
Separation will deprive us of the greatest enjoyment of
our existence ; but let us keep the spark in a glow, that
at some future period> to which I look forward with con-"
fidence, we may feel its warmth. We met in our youth
perhaps> that we might find a substitute for it hereafter,
and the harmony of our earlier years was but the
kernel of the tree, under the ample shade of which we
Were one day to repose. I am giving way here to a
serious metaphor j but it rises before me when I com-
pare our friendship with our destinies. You will never,
any more than myself, form a closer union with man.
Therefore we are for ever friends.
I approve of the prospect you have in view.* It
* The appointment to the situation of Appellationsrathi or
Oovncillor of the Court of Appeal.
B 3
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82 schilleb's cobrespondence
HFiU iiicrease your iueome and procure you additional
enjoyments. As r^ards myself, I look forward with
confidence to the future. In a few years I shall hve in
the full enjoyment of my mental powers ; I even hope
to return to the years of my youth — ^a poetical existence
will bring them back to me. Fate made me. a poet,
and, do what I would, I could never wander far
away from my calling.
The Coadjutor still speaks of providing me with
some situation near him. He wishes me to go and
jpay him a visit at Erfurt : he would like the maniage
io take place there, but I doubt if my mother-in-law
would approve it. If possible^ I shall pay him a visit
soon after my nuptials. If he ever succeeds to the
electorate, I may count upon him as a friend.
- My lectures do not now give me so much trouble.
I do not prepare myself beforehand, but hold forth
Extempore. I have already received sixty dollars for
my lectures, ieind it is not likely the numbeip of
my hearers will fall off. I can count on two hundred
and fifty 4ollars for the year, and the work is every
day more easy to me. My literary labours will bring
me in three or four hundred more without the slightest
exertion.
, That you should have forgotten ^Tasso^ in my frog-
Inent from the ^ Geisterseher,^ is a compliment which,
for the honour of good taste, I cannot accept
without doing myself injustice. And now farewell ! I
trust my next letter will inform yoU that I am a
husband, if no other obstacle step in between. Lott-
chen shall tell you herself what you are to her, and
what yott have been ever since your name was
first mentioned to her. Both sisters greet you
heartily.
SCHILLERi
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WITH KÖANER. 8^
Jena, 1 March, 1790.
My long silence will have made yott presume that
some great change has taken place ; and it is so. I
urn a husband of six days^ date. Last Monday^ the
22nd^ we were married^ and this is the first moment
of leisure I have found to write to you. Not that we
have been topsy-turvy all this time : on the contrary,
eveiTthihg went off as quietly as possible; but my
mother-in-kw was here for the last week, and other
visitors from Weimar, and then our first arrangements
prevented me from writing.
You must not yet seek further details on the change
which has operated itself within me. I forget if I
Wrote you word that I was to go to Erfurt and fetch
my wife, and pay a visit to. the Coadjutor. The
journey took place* twelve days since, and I spent
three pleasant days at Erfurt in the company of my
wife and sister-in-law, which prepared me for never
leaving them. As we were everywhere received as bride
aud bridegroom, and the Coadjutor took a great interest
in our marriage, my stay at Erfurt was a very pleasant
one. On Sunday week we drove to Jena, and the
following Monday we rode to meet my mother-in-law
ft&m Rudolstadt. The mftrriage was celebrated in* a
village church outside Jena, with locked doors, by a
clergyman (a pupil of Kant^s, Schmidt). Nobody got
wind of it, and thus I avoided the intended addresses
of the professors and students. We spent a few
days at my mother-in-law's, and as all our arrange-
ments had been made beforehand, we were at onoe
the picture of domestic order and happiness. I feel
happy, and everything assures me that my wife is
happy likewise. My sister-in-law is staying with us,
but I was obliged to procure her «mother lodging,
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64 Schiller's correspondence
as I cannot have the other rooms till Michaelmas.
Our household arrangements are satisfactory. My
wife has a lady^s maid and I a servant^ at about the
same expense as one servant at Dresden« Our table is
provided for as I told you before.
What a happy life I am leading now I I look
around me with a contented spirit^ my heart swims
in happiness^ and my mind draws fresh strength and
vigour; My existence is one of perfect harmony.
These days have not been passed in feverish excite-
tnent^ but in calm and peaceful bliss. I have at-
tended to my usual occupations^ and with greater
Satisfaction than formerly.
I have now but one change to wish for* I hope
much from the Coadjutor. Of his own accord^ he
mooted the subject I allude to^ and said, he hoped one
day to see me at Mayence in a position suited to me<
He added, that the means placed at the disposal of
Princes were meant to be employed in collecting men
of talent about them.
But without any selfish considerations^ the Coadjutor
is a man whose acquaintance is of great value and
interest. I have found few men with whom I could
live on such good terms as with him. We feel
mutually well incUned towards each other« He is not
methinks devoid of a certain indecision of character,
and he is, therefore, perhaps, not given to deep inves-i
tigation : but he has a keen perception^ and has
much learnings which makes his conversation very
agreeable.
He has a great esteem for my wife and sister-in-law.
They have quite made a conquest of him. He is a good
painter, and allows them to visit him in his studio.
Be has commenced an allegorical picture in honour
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WITH KÖRNERi 85
of our nuptials. It is a Hymen carving our names
upon a tree^ against which the attributes of Tragedy
and History are leaning. The picture is a present to
Lottchen^ and wül be finished in a fortnight. He
has just finished a Madonna which is a masterpiece.
Huber has written to me. He has been appointed
Chargi d? Affaires. I am sorry he has so high an
opinion of the 'Secret Tribunals.' What I have
read of the play does not please me. Its reception
wül deceive his expectations, and I am sorry he has
not a more exalted ideal. My wife and sister-in-
law send many greetings to Minna and Dorchen.
Greet them heartily from me also. If Dorchen would
send me a copy of my portrait, she would do me a
great pleasure. My mother-in-law wishes to have one,
and I should like to give one to her. Farewell I I
shall write soon again. Be so kind as to send the
enclosed to Miilleri
Schiller.
Dresden, l6 March, 1790.
I send you to-day something that will astonish you — '-
iambics from me ! They are the result of a happy
hour, and it will be a long time before the Muse will
visit me again. I felt poetically inspired, and en-
deavoured to throw as much beauty into the verses as
}>ossible. That they do not rhyme is to be attributed
to my incapacity. Tell me what you think of them.
KÖBNER4
Jena, 26 March, 1 790.
Your poem was, forsooth> a surprise to me : the idea
and the execution are both excellent. If ever the
iBpistolary style deserved classification amongst poetry— ^
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86 Schiller's correspondence
and in my opinion it does — this epistle wbtdd take a
prominent place. Even in prose it would still remain
a poem^ and this is the real test : — ^v^ses do not make
a poem. Your verses flow softly, and some passaged
could not be more elegantly expressed. As regards
the subject, I need not tell you that it was wdcome io
me. This proctf of your powers gave me the mcnr^
pleasure, as I thought you wete over head and ears for
a situation.
t have been regularly overwhelmed with work to
bring my lectures to a conclusion next week. My
marriage made me lose a week, and I did not economise
iny time during the first month, so that I found
myself a good deal behindhand. I hope now to con-
clude this course in five or six lectures. In ten days I
purpose going to Rudolstadt, and shall remain there
over the holidays.
You must not say that I place too much reliance on
the Coadjutor. I am in no hurry, and will let matters
take their natural course. It holds Qut a prospect
of an old wish of ours being accomplished. The
Coadjutor has been too lib^al of promises not to do
something. The obstacles are not great, as in two
öe thr^ years, without his influence, I should endeavour
to procure something of the sort.
, At the present moment I feel greatly in want of
Some interesting mental occupation ; the ' Memoirs,'
my leclmres, and contributions to the 'Thalia' occupy
all my time, without affording me pleasure. I thirst
for some employment at which I could work at leisure
and with delight, but I cannot hope for such just yet.
I shall not feel happy until I am making verses again.
The other day I could not resist the impulse, and
commenced a translation of the '^neid' in stanzas of
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WITH KÖBNBtt. 87
eight Terses. I have not finißhed them. It is most
infernally difficult to render this poet : all is lost in
the triuislation.
You tnll have seen that the new German ' Mercury ^
does not answer the expectations that were raised in its.
favour. I shall probably withdraw from it altogether^
and take up the ^ Thalia ' in good earnest.
Goethe has left Weimar — ^as he says, to meet the
Dowager Duchess of W— , who is expected from
Italy towards the end of March. It is strongly sup-
posed that he will not return. Lips is at Weimar,
and remains there. He is a most interesting person :
he has all the Swiss honesty of Graff with more talent
and knowledge. I shall cultivate his acquaintance. My
wife is much indebted to him for her drawing, and he
may greatly improve her yet. His conversation is very
agreeable. I wish you could see some of his drawings*
Gk^ethe gave an idea for a frontispiece to the first
volume of the ' Memoirs,' Lips has drawn it, and is
now busy engraving it. The idea and the drawing are
equally excellent. For the second volume he has
drawn the head of Bohemund — quite a gem. You will
see both at Easter.
Schiller.
Dresden, 2 April, 1790.
Your judgment of my ' iambics ' has greatly encou-
raged me, and you are greatly responsible if I presume
upon being capable of succeeding in this Une. Your
hints shall not be lost upon me. I am sorry you
have so much work on hand as not to be able to
devote any time to poetry. To translate Virgil in
stanzas is a bold undertaking, partly owing to the
peculiarities of tl\at poet) partly because it will be no
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88 Schiller's correspondence
easy task to make the stanzas agree with the partition-
ing of the original^ and I never regard a stanza as
perfect^ unless there is a full stop at the end of it^
The new ' Mercury ' is certainly not what it ought
to have been. What do you say to Bürger^s under-
taking — ' Adademy of the Fine Arts and Oratory V
The publisher seems inclined to have an eye to external
ornament. Would it not be a wise plan for you to
join Bürger^ and give him some of your poems, which
would not appear to enough advantage in the
^ Thalia V The idea pleases me, and I hope it will
succeed.
Huber is working hard to distinguish himself and
complains that so little notice is taken of his labonrs.
All occasions of making use of his services are over-
looked. This might have been foreseen. The nobility
will agree with me in thinking an Ambassador at
Mayence not exactly indispensable« In his political
career, Huber will always be the water-carrier as long
as he remains in Saxony^ The man of law is the only
man that has a chance— ^in all other professions they are
restricted to collecting materials.
KÖBKERi
Rudolstadt, 10 April, 1790;
The bearer of this letter, Councillor von Beulwitz>
my brother-in-law, will be an acquaintance doubly
interesting to you on that account, and when you have
made his acquaintance you will not need any further
recommendation from me. He is, as I told you in a
former letter, on a tour with the Princes of Budolstadt^
whose acquaintance you will have an opportunity of
making. I wish you could devote a few hours to
them, to make them acquamted in your manner with
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WITH KÖRNElli 89
what is Wortli seeing in Dresden. The eldest Prince
draws> and has a taste for the Fine Arts ; it is there-
fore in your power to point out many things to his
attention. If you take them to Oraff^ let him put
my portrait in their way to see if they recognize it^
Schiller^
Rudolstadt, 15 April, 1790.
Your letter was forwarded to us from Jena, and
only reached us the day before yesterday. Each day
I render thanks for my happy lot, and the ties
between us are drawn closer and closer«
The hours ghde joyfully by : I revel in the plea-
sant recollections of past times, when I revisit the
spots through which I wandered when my feeUngs
were kept a secret in my own breast, and my wife
enjoys the society of old friends who are still dear to
her. My mother-in-law rejoices in our joy^ My other
relations here make up for intellectual intercourse by
their kind-hearted hospitaUty, and by excellent tarts
and confectionary.
The two Princesses are excellent creatures, and
would assuredly make the happiness of a man^-cer-^
tainly of a Prince. The youngest, who is only sixteen
years of age, is one of the loveliest girls I have ever
seen. The Crown-Prince of Denmark might perhaps
select her for his bride; as he is said to have declared,
that he should only consult his inclinations in the
choice of a wife. It is a pity she cannot be intro-
duced to him. A less royal suitor would, however, not
be refused — even a rich Count of the Empire> provided
he be a Protestant. I have been thinking of the Prince
of Lippe — Detmold. Can you tell me anything about
him ? Where is lie ? Is he already engaged ? I
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90 SCHlLLBtt^S CORRESPONDENCE
have not yet been to Goart here^ but I cantiot delay
goins^ much longer : my exeuse hitherto has been^ that
I was not provided with Court mourning.
The Coadjutor has sent us the picture^ with a very
pretty letter to my wife. It is a very good paintings
though the idea is not anything particular^ which
could not be expected^ as it arose from the whim of
the moment.
You promised to give my wife your composition
to my ode. to 'Joy/* as well as th6 airs in the
^ Bobbers/ She begs of you to keep your promise.
I can scarcely fancy Huber in his new dignity : I
am glad^ however^ that he complains of not having
enough to do^ and that be likes his occupation. You
and Huber are now both likely to be well informed on
all the political events of the day. Let me know if
any important event takes place. I take an interest
now in politics. I tremble at the idea of war, as
we shall feel its consequences in every comö- of
Germany.
I wish you success of your plans in the Court of
Appeal. Once appointed^ I have no fears for the rest.
You are not a man to remain idle^ and renewed activity
will be visible in all your other labours.
One word more. Since I have had ä wife, I take great
pleasure in making matches. As Kunze is a widower^
his old attachment for Dorchen may revive. Did the
idea never cross your mind ? Heaven created them for
each other. Dorchen would make him the happiest of
* A most beautiful poem, commencing :
" Freude, schöner Götterfunkeu,
Tochter aus Elysium
Wir betreten Feuertrunken,
Himmlische, dein Heiligthüm I"
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WITH KÖRNER. 91
men ; and she knows him so well that he never could
make her unhappy. If you think the idea a good one^
tell me how I can be of service in maturing it. Greet
all.
Schiller.
Dresden, 23 April, 1790.
I am glad you feel comfortable amongst your
new relations. This is an advantage which it was
impossible to presume upon beforehand. We will
endeavour to second your praiseworthy intentions of
getting mates for Princesses as much as is in our power.
The Prince of Lippe is an amiable man^ of no ^at
talents^ with whom a Princess could pass a very plea-
sant life. Parthey has quarrelled with him, so he
would be of no service in this matter. But Frau
von Recke, who is staying at Dessau, is very intimate
with the Prince of Dessau, (formerly guardian of the
Prince of Lippe), and I shall get her to point out the
Princess. Perhaps the Prince of Dessau, himself,
might come forward. Count Gessler will see Frau von
Recke shortly, and I shall set him to work.
I will send the music to your wife. I have made a
new composition for your 'Ode,' as that which has
been printed is not well suited for a single voice at
the piano. I send the printed copy with a few alter-
ations.
Your idea about Kunze and Dorchen surprised me.
It is true, perhaps, that you are not aware that Huber,
before leaving, intimated his purpose of marrying
Dorchen. I know what general objections may be
made to this marriage, but I never was a friend to
general rules. In this particular case I think it best
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92 Schiller's correspondence
for both that they should come together. At least, I
eould do nothing to prevent it.
You wish to hear political news from me. This is a
new feature with you. For the moment I have nothmg
to tell you^ but that I should bet in favour of peace,
after duly considering the facts before me.
Körner.
Jena, May 16, 1790.
!rhe holidays are over> and I am once more in
harness ; but I am rather drawing Göschen^s vehicle
than that of the University; and I enjoy the fine
May weather as much as possible.
How different life seems by the side of a beloved
wife> than isolated and alone-— «even in summer. I
now enjoy the beauties of Nature for the first time in
their full measure^ and myself in them. Nature again
appears to me in a poetical garb^ and strikes power-
fully on the chords within my breast. I shall never
become an academical wheelbarrow. It is true> I shall
never be qualified for an exemplary professor j but
Providence never intended me for one. Therefore do
not look out for many academical productions^ but
ratheir for something else.
For my pleasure^ as well as to do something for my
two hundred dollars^ in addition to my private lectures
on Universal History, I shall give a course of public
lectures on ^sthetics^ with their application to Tragedy.
This will provide me with . materials for the ' Thalia,'
and that, you can easily imagine, will interest the
students.
I went to Weimar yesterday with my wife, where
we paid a visit to the Herders. He has been dan-
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WITH KÖRNER. 93
gerously ill^ but is convalescent. He was in a good
humour^ and we spent a pleasant hour. He has a far
different opinion of my views on Universal History
than you. You do not attach much weight to my
philosophical observations on History. But^ it seems,
they have made quite a sensation, and I adhere to my
opinion. Convert yourself, therefore, without delay.
Schiller.
Dresden, May 28, 1790.
Your last letter rejoiced me exceedingly, as it said
much for your happiness. I am glad you have
not announced too many lectures. Your presence at
Jena alone is worth two hundred dollars to the Uni-^
versity. At Göttingen there are many professors who
are not expected to hold many lectures, but whose
reputation adds greatly to that of the University.
Gratitude does not demand more than one course of
lectures. The remainder of the time is due to your-
self or to the publishers, who assuredly pay you better
than the students. ^Esthetic lectures on Tragedy
is a good idea. Impart some of your ideas to Raphael,
and an answer will not be long forthcoming.
I am not yet a convert to your philosophical views
on History. I have a much higher idetd of philo*
sophy and of your own powers than you have, as yet,
produced.
You will have received a letter from me, favoured
by Herr von Funk. I should like to hear what you
think of him. He will speak to you himself about
the ' Memoirs of Sully .^ It struck me that memoirs of
modem times might very well be added to my plan ;
such as Memoirs of KicheUeu, Choiseul, &c. These
are easily to be found in England and France« You
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94 Schiller's correspondence
are not the man to hunt them out ; but Bertuch^ who^
is in fact your publisher^ (Mauke having merely lent
his name)^ might act as bis own bloodhound^ and
scent out all such memoirs as are published. I am
not aware^ for example^ if ^ Franjdin^s Life/ written by
himself^ has ever been translated.
We have taken up our quarters at the Weinberg,
and shall lose Dorchen for some weeks. She is going
to Carlsbad^ which did her so much good on our
last visit. Frau von Recke, who improves greatly on
a nearer acquaintance, takes her with her. As a
genius and an authoress, Frau von Becke loses, for
she was never intended for one. She is a most
amiable woman, of refined taste and much talent. We
were agreeably surprised to find so much simplicity
and feminine good qualities in her. I am hard at
work at ' Kant.^
Körner.
Jena, June 18, 1790.
I am truly ashamed of myself for having become so
bad a correspondent since my marriage ; at the same
time I can assure you, you are the only man to whom
I write anything like regularly, and that I should do
so daily, if I could find time. The ' Thirty Years' War,'
which I am writing for ^Göschen's Calender/ and
which must be ready by the beginning of August,
occupies all my time^ and I have not a moment to
spare. Otherwise, I am perfectly happy, and enjoy
life. I often wonder how light at heart I am, not-
withstanding the heavy work I have on hand; a fact
which I can only ascribe to my domestic bliss. Four-
teen hours a day am I occupied in reading and writing,
yet I never felt so free from care.
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WITH KÖRNER. "9&
Your Herr von Funk was an agreeable addition to
us. He is a man of most pleasant conversation^ and
he speaks on subjects which are of the greatest interest
to me ; and has a certain qoiet inteUigent manner of
his own^ which is quite enchanting. I really envy you
his companionship. Heaven has not blessed me with
auch a companion ^ere.
I wish you joy of your lectures on ' Kant.^ I hear no
end of their praise here. Have you read the new edi-
tiQp of Beinhold^s ' Letters, cm Kant/ and Schmidt's
^Moral Philosophy?' They are said to be most ex-
ceillent.
iMy ' Theory on Tragedy/ to which I devote one day
in the week^ has great charms for me, but it gets on
slowly, as I make use of no books, but rely upon past
ei^perience and tragical compositions.
Schiller.
Dresden, 19 June, 1790.
The pause in our correspondence would not have
l^ted so long if I had not waited to hear from you
through Herr von Funk. He is returned, and speaks
highly of the reception he met with from you. I am
glad he pleased you. I only regi*<3t that he is not in
better circumstances. He sends his kind regards, and
hopes soon to receive the ' Memoirs' of Sully, so that
he may set to work at once.
I am sorry you are obliged to be so hard at work.
Do not lend yourself to such a ^ Calendar' speculation
again : it is very well for Archenholz and such men.
You are sure to spend more time and labour upon it than
are required. The ' Memoirs' alone would suffice for
you, if you would but take them properly in hand.
There should be more contributors; and, with the
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96 SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE
exception of the editorship and the introduotions^ you
should not bother yourself with the rest. According to
Funk, the second volume must soon be ready. Do not
forget to send it to me. I have not yet received the
vignette for the first.
Funk tells me that ' Faust' does not please you. I
find some irregularities in it ; and certainly the inter-
vals placed between the scenes are too great. But
there is much that pleases me, especially the main idea,
that Faust, from principle, always remains a superior
being to Mephistopheles, although the latter is infinitely
bis master in ideas, experience, and cunning. This,
it is true, might have been more developed ; and the
sort of mountebank tone that Goethe has adopted often
leads him into vulgarities which disfigure the work.
What do you say to Iffland's ' Figaro ?'* I almost
doubt now whether Iffland is capable of producing any-
thing perfect in this line. Apart from the unnatund
structure and complication of the plot, and the exagge-
rated characters, this proves that Iffland with all his
talent for details, has no correct idea of the higher
attributes of Comedy. Why do you not try your hand
at it ? There is something in comedy which few Qer-
mans-^and which even Lessingt has seldom succeeded
* August Wilhelm IfHand, one of the most celebrated actors
and dramatic writers of that day, was bom at Hanover, on the
19th of April, 1759. He commenced his theatrical career at
the age of eighteen, ander the guidance of Eckhof, then the
first actor of the day. Iffland acted the leading characters of
many of Schiller's compositions. In 1811, the King of Prus-
sia appointed him Director- General of all the Theatres of
Prussia. His dramatic works, some sixteen volumes, are
prefaced hy an autobiography. He died at Berlin, on the
22nd of September, 1814.
t Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, whose fables are familiar to
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WITH KÖRNER. 97
in — ^namely^ to represent life with grace and art which
can absorb the attention without marring the enjoyment.
Iffland endeavours to impart vigour to his comedies by
touches of bitter satire and of violent emotion. But
this spoils the joyful and pleasant tenor which ought to
be the characteristic of comedy. You Icqow what I
mean^ and it is in your power to show the public what
a comedy really ought to be.
Dorehen returns to us next Sunday from Carlsbad.
She is very much pleased with Frau von Becke, and
also with the Duchess^ who is a most amiable lady^
not indulging in tragic fits^ as is the case with the
former. Otherwise, we are all well. My little Emma
is becoming a most amusing child, and it is possible
she may have a playfellow. This would be a hin-
drance to the visit we purposed paying you next year.
But could you not come here with your pretty little
wife and her sister ?
KÖRNBR.
Dresden, 9 July, 1790.
I send you two lines to tell you that Councillor Beul-
witz has been here with the two Princes. Unhappily I
could not devote as much time to them as I could have
wished. They arrived on Saturday evening. Early on
Sunday morning we drove to Frieberg to meet Dorcheu,
and did not return till Tuesday. On Wednesday even-
every reader, was bom on the 22nd of January, 1729* As a
critic, he ranks amonfj^st the first in Germany. ' Nathan the
Wise/ and ' Emilia Galotti,' are from his pen ; and a great
number of other dramas, comedies, and miscellaneous works.
He died on the 15th of Febraary, 1781, at Brunswick, while
on a visit with the Duke, with whom he had travelled through
Italy.
VOL. II. f
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99 Schiller's correspondence
U^g they paid us a visit at the Weinberg^ but it was bite
when they came^ as they had been to the Opera at Eyüi-
nitz : they found rather a large assemblage at our hou|se:
The Duchess of Curiand and her suite were spending
the evening with us. The Duchess took a great fai^
to Dorchen^ and was exceedingly gracious to us all;
Yesterday, before dinner, I took the Princes to Gcaff^ß^
and they all thought your portrait an excellent lik@;ie8s.
Beulwitz seems to be a man of high education, wapi I
regret that I could not see more of him. But it was
impossible to put off our I^eiberg journey, as w^ )iad
p^mised to call on the Duchess. I had not enough
conversation with the Princes to be able to express an
opinion concerning them. The eldest seems to have
some taste for tjie Arts.
Kqen£|&.
Loschwitz, 13 August, 1790.
I anxiously look forward to the moment when you
will have left the ^ Thirty Years' War,' and have returned
to the eighteenth century. I should have written to
you sooner, bi|t had nothing important to communicate,
and I thought that a letter of gossip would interrupt
you in your labours. Your wife sends me- word that
you are not well, and cannot work just now, so I shall
forward you an account of our doings.
The Duchess of Gurland, it seems, took a great fancy
to Dorchen at Carlsbad. She expressed a wish to make
oviT acquaintance. • We drove to Freiberg to meet her,
and were mutually pleased with each other ; so much
so, that during the ten days of her stay here, we have
been constantly together. She possesses all those
womanly qualities in which the Duchess Eliza is wanting.
She has nothing studied about her. Her vivacity is
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WITH KPBKEE. 99
Bometipies almost curried to an jBxtrexne ; but all her
actions denote grace and elegance. She posseaaes the
rare talent of paying the most delioate compUmenta to
those she likes^ and with an degance that is quite
charming. She is a person of great, personal attrae*
tions^ an4 dresses extremely well. She only changed
horses at Jena^ and she and Eliza send greetings to
you. I was not aware she would go through Jena,
bu^ at all eyents there would not have been time
for you to see them. On her return from Pyrmont, ahe
purposes remaining a week at Sagan, and has invited
U9 to meet her there, which we probably shall do. =
Goethe was here the other day. Count Qessler called
upon him, and brought him to the Weinberg. He
grs^ually thawed, and became very conversable. But
tb|^ is something cold and repulsive in his manner. 1
had half an bourns interesting conversation with himon
the subject of Art. He will return this way, when he
purposes «remaining sometime.
KÖ&VJElfl.
Jena» 1 September» 1790.
I wish you joy of your appointment as Appellations-
rath (Councillor of the Court of Appeal). You are
now fully, provided for, and have at least a reason
for wearing your fetters. I am curious to know how
you vnll like your new occupation, after the first six
months' trial. Your work will, however, be of a le^
laborious nature than hitherto. The novelty of the
thing, a certain ambition to justify the opinion enter-
tained of you by the public, will spur you on to activity.
A man works readily when he knows that his work is
not thrown away, and that he reaps the fruits thereof.
I. have no fears of any falling off in your love and taste
? 2
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100 Schiller's correspondence
for the Arts^ as your occupation need not absorb all
your time.
I am still bard at work at the ' Thirty Years* War/
but shall have finished it in a few days. Until then
content yourself with this short greeting.
Schiller.
Jena, 12 September, 1790.
At last I have finished the laborious task of the
' Thirty Years* War/ but have not got further than the
Battle of Breitenfeld. I shall continue it next year.
You can imagine how glad I am. This year's Fair will
be rich in productions of my pen, without, however,
having anything very particular. There will be two
numbers of the 'Thalia,* one of which is already
printed, one volume of ^Memoirs,' containing the
' First Crusades,' and then the ' Historical Calendar.'
I send you with this, the second volume of the
' Memoirs,' with the vignette. I had nearly forgotten
it. I also enclose a drawing by myself, the manner
and form of which will perhaps be new to you. If
you compare this opus with the last I painted four
years ago in honour of your birthday, you will be
astonished at my progress. It was Goethe who made
us acquainted with this style of landscape-drawing.
He brought some excellent specimens from Italy. You
must hold it up to the light of a lamp to perceive the
effect. It is not visible by daylight.
Schiller.
Presden, 21 September, 1790.
Thank Grod that you have done with the 'Thirty
Years's War,' at least for a time. I am glad you
have not condensed it too much. You can take it up
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With körneil 101
Ctgäin at some future day^ and make something decent
of it. I do not understand the two numbers of the
'^ Thalia' you speak of.
Many thanks for the ' Memoirs/ and many more for
the landscape. It is a symbol of modest merit, does
not declare itself in the daylight^ and shines in ob-
scurity. The effect is not a bad one, and is some*,
thing novel to us. In my mind's eye I behold
you as grave as a justice of peace> sitting near your
pretty little wife enjoying your mutual productions.
Of the vignettes for the ' Memoirs/ that of Bohe-
mund pleases me best. The frontispiece is too formal,
and the idea does not seem to me original enough.
The figure of History is too short, and has her arm in
a sling. The little gentleman in the left-hand comer
is rather insignificant for a genius. Farewell for to-
day ! Our letters will, I trust, soon become more
rational. I have entered upon my new office, and have
more work on hand just now than will be the case
hereafter. Dorchen has gone to Sagan to spend a
week with the Duchess of Curland« We intended
accompanying her, but my work prevented me.
Körner.
Dresden. 6 October, 1790.
What I have seen of your 'Thirty Years' War'
gives me great pleasure. You have surpassed my
expectations, as I regarded it merely as a pecuniary
speculation on your part. You have succeeded, espe*
cially in the arrangement and placing of events, in
throwing light and connection on the narrative ; and
this was the great difficulty with such complicated mate»
rials; and without this being effected, the interest
would have flagged. Nor is your narrative wanting in
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102 sohillbA's correspondence
beauties of detail j and it is intendixed with obsenratiom
Which^ whilst they afford mattei' for thought to the
reader^ in no way detract from the interest 6f the
narration. In a word^ this production of your pen
will need but yery little alteration to rank amongst
the best of your historical labours. The style is not
so studied as in the ^ History of the Netherlands/ bat
it rises with the tide of events.
, The 'Mission of Moses ^ is a lecture of yours. You
might ins^ many such in the ' Thalia/ which would
constitute an historical gallery. In the Indian Treatise>
t found some fine sentiment^ but did not think it par-
tieularly interesting. Many parts are not intelligible.
Who is the author of the ' Siege of Rhodes V
Gkiethe has been here for eight days: I passed a
great part of that time in his society. I succeeded in
exciting his interest^ and he. turned out much more
eonversable than I had presimied. You will scarcely
guess on what points we agree most — on Kant I In
the criticisms of the latter on theological discemmentj
he found stuff for his own philosophical views; at
least not restricted to nature. His ideas on style and
classical works of Art were very interesting to me, and
I endeavoured to compare them with my theory on
ideab. Here we entirely disagreed. But in his tiew
of the subject there is much which I had overlooked.
I am. also indebted to him for many valuable hints on
the Arts and Sciences. He recited some of his elegies
to me. I cannot describe them otherwise than by
Calling them verbal pictures of situations at Home.
He has given himself grea^ pains to describe the
seenes with great brilliancy and accuracy, sio that the
artist is forgotten in the subject« Language and versi-
fication are excellenti
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Wltb KÖRNER. 103
My new occupation pleases me mucli. I begin to
te lobked upon as somebody by my colleagues ; and
this* without any great exertions on my part.
Körner.
Radolstadt, 1« October, 179Ö.
The (eai^er of this i% young Von Wurmb, a cousih
i>( my wife, who is to enter the Military Academy,
«md you will do me ä favour by allowing him to ciröss
your threshold now and then. The Minister Wurmb
takeif an interest in him, and you may probably be
brought in contal6t with himw You need not be too
«ttefttive to himy and I have no doubt the little fellbW
WiB have sense enough not to bother you. All I wi§h
is;, that ho will seek your advice should he want it ;
tfnd that you will keep an eye on his behaviour.
I hayci come here for a fortnight, to pass f%e re-
'Imainder of the holidays with my Wife^fiT relationis. Ii\ ^
days they are over> and I shall be again in the tifaees.
I determined not to touch a pen during the last fortnij^ht,
and I have faithfully kept my word. This relä!xation
Was necessary to me. I was rejoiced to hear thiett my
* Thirty Years' War^ was not beneath your expectations.
My object was rather not to lose than to add to my
reputation ; and owing to the short time I had for the
work, it was laborious enough. I trust your judgment
may be that of the public ; in which case I shall have
nothing more to wish. I told you that I should some
day give you a ^Voof> that, notwithstanding I were ^uch
« slow coach at my pen, I cotdd write fast if I waif ^ut
to it. Such a proof is the 'Thirty Years' War,' ahd
I am surprised it has turned out so well. The haste
I was in to get it done was perhaps advantageous
to the historicsd style, which I find less faully than in
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104 Schiller's correspondence
the 'History of the Netherlands/ I tnurt Göschen
may have reason to be satisfied^ as he must sell six
thousand copies to eover his expenses. He has mean-
while intimated to me that he is quite satisfied with the
work^ and that all who have seen it praise it.
I wish you success in your new career. It will de-
pend solely upon your own endeavours to become a
valuable member of your college^ and your position
will be a good one. Do not undertake too much work
at first.
I am glad that the 'Mission of Moses' in the
' Thalia ' has met with your approbation. There will
be similar productions in the eleventh number^ as also
my lecture on 'Lycurgus.' In the twelfth number
there will be some scenes from the * Misanthrope.'
The 'Siege of Rhodes' is the production of a poor
student. I took it as payment for some money I had
advanced to him. He has nothing whatever except
what he receives firom me^ and I make use of his con-»
tributions.
Farewell ! My wife is very desirous to receive the
music to my Ode : you can perhaps send it to her by
the soldier who accompanied young Wurmb to
Dresden.
Schiller^
Jena, 1 November, 1790.
I trust you have received before this a letter I sent
you by young Wurmb, who is to enter the Military
Academy at Dresden. My holidays are over, and I
have been lecturing for the last eight days. I passed
twelve days at Budolstadt eating and drinking, play-
ing chess and blindman's-buff. This idleness did me
good, but I could not have stood it much longer.
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wirb KöftNEft. lös
tndolelice is to me something insupportable^ especially
if no intellectual society is to be had. I prefer even
tny lectures. I acquufe new ideas, form new combina-
tions, and lay by a store of knowledge for future use^
This makes service sweet, and you will find this to be
the case with your own occupations.
.Goethe spoke a gi^eat deal about youj and sets
great value on your personal acquaintance. He began
the subject himself, and seemed to dwell with pleasure
on his visit to Dresden. What occurred to you,
struck me also. He was with us yesterday, and the
conversation fell upon Kanti It is interesting to
perceive how he clothes everything in his own ideas>
and cogitates on what he reads; but I should not
like to enter into a discussion with him on any
subject that had a peculiar interest for me. He is
certainly devoid of the grace to allow himself to be
convinced that he is on the wrong side of the question.
All philosophy is subjective to him, and persuasion at
discussion is in vain^ Nor do I admire his philo^
sophy. He draws it more from a sensual source; I
rather from the soul. He regards things altogether
in too sensual a light, and materializes* everything
too much. But his active mind dives into, and
investigates everything, endeavouring to form a great
'syMtem, and this makes me regard him as a great
man.
In other respects he is Hot over^wise» He is getting
old, and all his attacks against woman's love seem
likely to take their revenge upon him. I fear he will
be committing aü act of folly, and that he will share
the usual fate of an old bachelori
* Und betastet mir zu viel»
r S
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106 Schiller's corresponüe^^c^
fie cohabits with a Mamselle Yulpius^ who hjos ä
bhild by him, and who has quite established herself as
mistress of his establishment. It is very probable, that
he wiU marry her in a year or so. He dotes upon
the child, and he will persuade himself that if he
marries the gil*l, it will be out of love to the qhild^
and that this will prevent the affair from being ridi-
culous.
I should be sorry to see him finish by such fm $tt
of genius, for people would not be wanting to call
it so. ,
The Du^ of Weimar sent me a very, complimen-
tary letter on , my ' Calender/ a copy of which I sent
him> and I have also heard it praised in other
quarters. I scarcely know how I earned this honour
so cheaply; I am told that all the other historical
Calendars sink into insignificance beside it, both as
regards the way they are got up and their contents.
IChe vignettes to it pleased Goethe Very mudi. My
poem of the ' Künstler ^ ha& been reviewed in Burger's
hew periodical, the ^ Academy of the Fine Arts/ I
have not yet spen it y — ^perhaps you may ^et a g^mpse
X>{ it. If so, a yrish of mine will have been fulfilled,
that it has not sunk into silent obscurity.
I send you a flask of wine from the Cape, to remind
,you of the many bottles we emptied togethei;. at
Dresden. It comes direct from the Qapfe) brought
over by an old friend of my father's, who oent me
.Ä few bottles of it. The friend in questipjU married A
rich Dutch-woman iat the Cape, has just returned to
Schwaben, and intends settling down at Dessau.
Meantime} farewell! Greet Minna and Dorchen
heartily from us all. We are all well, and think of
^ou with affection; Mf wife draws a good deal, and
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With kör^ä. iO?
is also v^ studious at her singing. In winter therö
are a great many balls here> and the ladies are fond of
dancing. I doA^t know what I shall do with myself
when the young folks are daticing.
You will have heard that Schulz has been ap-
pointed Professor of Histoty at Mitau^ through the
influence of the Duchess of Curland. She is said
to esteem him very much. Don't be angry; but I
do not regard it as a proof of the good taste of your
Duchess.
ScHiLLBR.
Dresden, 11 November, 179Ö.
I have read thö review of your poem in Burger's
journal. It is the work of a clever man — perhaps
of Schlegel. He has understood it pretty nearly
throughout^ and there are some minute remarks on
versification and language which proclaim the man of
talent ; but he does not satisfy me in his observations
t>n the philosophy of the poem> nor in his remarks
on didactic poetry in genersJ^ His criticisms look up
to you too much, and I believe that there exists an
inspired criticism which ought to look down even upon
the highest artists.* The 'Critic' then becomes the
representative of Art, and receives his dignity from it,
and not through hims^elf. In proportion as the talents
of the artists are great> so much greater must be the
powers of his critic^ Such critic8> it is true, are not
always to be found, and the man who may aspire to
«uch, prefers creating productions of his own. But
* The word ^ artisV (Künstler) is applied by Schiller and
kömer to poets and literary men in general, and not ezclu-
^Tely to adepts in the tine Arts.
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108 Schiller's correspondence
all other species of criticism spoil real taste instead of
forming it.
I also find Goethe too sensual in his philosophy ;
but I think it as well that we two should come in
contact with him^ to prevent our going too far in the
contrary direction. His marriage with Mademoiselle
Yulpius would not strike me as odd« It may first
be questioned whethei* th^ reports circulated about
her are true^ and then it might be possible thät^ as
matters now stand, he is not left at peace. Suppose
he should really like the girl, and all the world point
their finger at her, and that her existence in a small town
is a miserable one, as long as she is not his wife. At
Weimar the ideas on concubinage seem to differ widely
from those in Berlin.
The 'Lyciirgüs' will make ä ^cld pendant to
' Moses,^ and will perhaps be the better composition
of the two. ' Moses ^ does Hot end well, at least it
leaves many doubts and questions unsolved. But I
protest loudly against thci iniäertion of any scenes from
the 'Misanthrope.^ Once d portion of it published,
you will lose a taste for it, as was thä case with ' Bon
Carlos/ I entertain great expectations of this ' Misan-
tirfope.^
My occupation answers all my etpet^tations. 1
have commenced a regular courtship with jurispru-
dence, even into its historical branched. I^lt subject
IS much more interesting than is generally Supposed,
and it is the form alone which keeps many away
from lit
KöHNSAi
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WITH KÖRNfeH. 109
Jena, 26 November, 1790.
The eieventh number of the 'Thalia' will have
reached you by this^ as also some sheets of the ' Misan-
thrope/ If I entertained the slightest idea of com-
pleting it^ it shotdd never have appeared in the
' Thalia / but after mature consideration and repeated
fruitless attempts^ I threw up the idea altogether.
This species of misanthropy is too common and philo-
sophical for a tragedy. I should have to wage a dire
battle with the subject^ and not succeed after all.
If I take up tragedy again> I shall avoid the risk of
becoming the sacrifice of an unlucky selection^ and
of wasting my strength in a fruitless and thankless
struggle.
If ever I attempt to measure my strength against
a tragic writer^ either of the old or the modem school^
the circumstances must be the same^ and aU obstacles
to tragic display must be removed.
I purpose giving up the dramatic line altogether for
some time^ until I am a perfect master of the Greek
tragedy ; and until my obscure ideas on Method and Art
have become clear^ I shall not attempt writing a drama.
Besides which^ I must prosecute my historical studies^
if it were but to ameliorate my position. I do not
see why I should not be the first historical writer in
Germany, if I were to set earnestly to work ; and surely
there would be then some prospects opening upon me.
Göschen will be here in eight or ten days^ to
talk with me about an undertaking which I have
cherished for some time. The idea of a German Flu*
tarch has been working within me for the last eighteen
months. Such a work combines nearly everything
which cotdd make a book valuable^ and call all my
]powei^ into play. It is capable of artistical^ philoso«
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IIÖ !5CttlLL£R's CORRESlPONDENCE
phiöal^ and moral treatment. All the capabilities I
possess^ and which have been matm'ed by experience^
would be called into action. The effect upon the a^
-wotdd be a memorable one« You can fill up the rest
from your own imagination; It is a work I should
require time and leisure to aöcomplish^ and I could
«not promise more than two small volumes in the year.
-But I think I could give them the highest foiish.
Göschen has every chance of an unusual demand^ as
it would be a work for the learned man^ as well as for
the general reader ; for the young woman as weH as
for youth. I demand three louis, so that I may
reöeive about seven hundred dollars ; which^ if he sells
two thousand copies, will be a clear profit to him of
«ight, thousand dollars. I shall not tindertake it for
Jess, or I shall get another publisher. This is mhstt I
mean to discuss with bim; and in this manner, my
literary labours will have a certain regularity and object.
I no longer depend upon chance^ and can bring oider
into my researches and rhj whole plan of reading. . My
lectures will then rather be a recreation to me than
otherwise. Let me hear your views on this subject
soon.
Schiller.
Prüden, December 3, \f90.
I am curious to know ^hat you ai'e doing. I expect
a poem> as a sort of recreation after the ^ Thirty Years*
Wat*. I am not idle myself, and am digging away in
my philosophical trench. I will let you know the
Jteaults some day. Schmidt's ' Moral Philosophy' has
some good points in it; but does not satisfy me. . His
principle of natural law is not clearly enough defined.
I seek something more than the form of a law. I want
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WITH KÖRNBR. Ill
the kemel-*H9ömetliing whereby to distmguish the just
from the unjuBt. Beinhold's hew work is Ml of
repetitions and old arguments. His system^ like that
of Kant^ is wanting in eridence^ and puzzles even those
who go to the trouble of dissecting it. I aim at
something higher.
My duties at the Court of Ajppeal are only as a
recreation after my more serious studies ; and I find the
work every day lighter.
I read something, of Huberts the other day^ which
did not please me at all; His style has become crab-
bed and declamatory. I fear Foi^ter has done him
harm. The latter has a great deal of pomposity in
his style^ when the subject in no manner demands
it.
As regards Schulz, I must tell you you are very
wrong in supposing the Duchess is too warm a friend of
his. He owes his situation partly to Bode, partly to
Frau von Recke ; and partly because he is in the good
graces of Fräulein V — , who has a gteat deal of influence
with the Duchess. This is, however, between our-
ötelves.
Give your wife the enclosed music, and many exihises
for having delayed sending it so long. The blame is
to be attributed to a change I had purposed making in
the melody, but which I could not manage to my
isatiflfactioD.
Körneb.
bresden, December 6, 1790.
Your last letter öaused me much joy. A German
Plutarch is an undertaking worthy of you, and which
you are quite capable of carrying out. I fully ap«»
jpreciate all the advantages it combines^ I ofteb
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112 schiller'8 correspondence
wished you to insert short biographical sketches in the
' Thalia/ which would have been eagerly read by the
public. To be sure^ it is better if you now iütetid
publishing a gallery of the lives of eminent men^ and
not mere sketches. The only thing Göschen need
fear is piracy ; otherwise^ I should say you might easDy
come to terms with him-^and let it come to the worsts
you would never have any difficulty in finding a pub-
lisher.
The portraiture of the chai*acter8 in the 'Thirty
Years^ War/ pleases me better than in your ' History of
the Netherlands.' In the latter there is more of the
subjective j the author is more visible in the personi-
fication of abstract ideas> and there is less indivi-
duality in your latter production. I am, more than ever,
an admirer of the objective in every branch of the Arts.
I also am of opinion that the latter work is more
classical— that which immortalises a work of Art. The
subjective is dependant upon the peculiar ideas or
humour of the artist, and its value is consequently
dependant in an equal degree Upon whether he finds a
public to sympathize with those ideas or humour. A
work of Art ought to exist of itself, like any
other organic being, and not through the soul breathed
into it by the artist.* When once he has imparted life
to it, it continues to exists even when the originator of
that life has ceased to be : and this is the distinctioii
between an aggregate of elements, which indiyidually
as the produce of a higher spiritual life^ derive each
their peculiar value from an organised whole, where
* Considering that a work of Art is the production of the
artist, Komer's philosophy this time may be questienedi It ii
■Imost atheisticali ^
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^ITH KÖRNER. 113
the component parts and the whole are mutually
means and end^ as is the case with organized natural
productions. This unity of direction with the multi-
plicity of given powers^ and this multiplicity of life in
detail with a perfect harmony of the whole^ distin-
guishes the classic from chaos and emptiness^ — ^this is
my last aesthetical faith. What do you say to it ? The
idea of life and harmony is my own. Kant gave me
a hint upon organization^ and I am indebted to
Goethe for a few hints on the Subjective and the
Objective, which I have further developed.
And now for the application to biographies. A
biography is a new creation of the departed great
man. He must rise again to life through the
talent of the artist. Whatever will give more life,
more clearness^ more truth to the picture, is of Value.
Whatever disturbs the attention and leads it away to
other objects^ weakens the effect ; even should it, in
itself, be a production of the highest value.
If you have really given up all idea of completing
the ' Misanthrope/ I have nothing to say against the
insertion of the scenes that appear in the 'Thalia/
As fragments they are very valuable j and it may still
be questioned if you could not have overcome all the
difficulties that presented themselves. But I under-
stand the feeling of the artist, who prefers a light
material, to which he imparts a high value by his
exertions to a subject which contains the value in
itself. This explains, perhaps, in some measure^ the
simphcity we so much admire in the Greek School :
less richness in the ideals, but the more wisdom in
their realization, the more refined taste for the delicate
lines of distinction in the execution^ carefully avoiding
the slightest discordance«
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il4 äCdlLLEIt^S COftRESI^ÖNDENCä
. I have not yet received ihe eteventh number of tlk
'Tfaalia/ and have just' written for it. You must not
throw up this journal for th^ Alke of the nfew work.
I should also like to see you finish the works you have
(ßöknmenced^ the ' Geisterseher/ and the ' History of
the Netherlands/ I hear complaints oü this head^ and
I; warn you. At least give some good reasons for not
loontinuing them at present.
KÖRKER.
. Jenaj 17 Beceniber) 1790.
^ I could write you a long letter in reply to your last,
Which gave me great pleasure, especially your ideas on
classic Art^ but I have my hands too fuQ^ and can only
jseÄd you a greetingi I am anxious to have your
t»pinion of my critique on ' Biirger/ which will appear
in the next number of the 'Literary Gazette,' It
consists of a few touches, but which I think are not
out of place.
I have a great wish to present my wife with a
portrait by Graff, at Christmas; she is very desirous
to possess it. If it is not quite finished, Graff can
leave it with me until we meet, which will not be
ia^long time, and then give it a last touch. It would
|>lease me exceedingly. I am quite willing to pay
for it at once ; I hope it will not exceed thirty dollars.
If you could persuade him to let me have it, you
Would reaUy do me a favour. Tell him why I wish
to have it soon, and that he Can have it back again;
and let me know what the price will be.
Schiller.
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With KöRKstt« ll3
Jena, 19 December» 1790.
Üaber and Förster have been trying to persuade
ine to look out for an appointment at Mayeneej
but, unless it offered very great advantages^ I diould
not change. As it is, I can rely upon receiving five
hundred doUars here, and my work is easy, I am
(quite my own master and iinder no constraint. I
shoidd, however, throw up my appointment here, for
one of twelve hundred dollars at Mayence. I hope,
however, that certain persons will not live for ever, and
then all will be smoodi. I purpose shortly going to
Erfurt with my wife and sister-in-law, where we shall
imain a week. My acquaintance with Dalberg is
becoming very intimate, and I hope to derive much
pleasure from his society. I have met few men of so
noble and upright a character. He soars above the
common herd, and his heart beats warmly for all that
is good, beautiful and true, and yet he is free from
enthusiasm — he hi^ become free — for he was not
always thus.
I am glad the idea of a German ' Plutarch' pleases
yon« Truly, this is a work on which all the powers
of my mind shall be brought to bear. I am
cimoos to hear what Dalberg says to it. He is
continually ediorting me not to neglect poetry, espe-^
cially dramatic poetry. But I need not neglect either.
Göschen has not yet arrived. I hope he will agree
to my terms, and he has a whole year before him td
get subscribers.
FareweQ, and a merry Christmas and a happy neW
year to you all ! I shall write to you from Erfurt.
SCHILLISB»
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il6 schillbr's correspondence
Dresden, 24 December, 1790.
I wish I could have aided you in procuriiig a
))leasure to your wife, but Graff will not allow the
picture to leave his atelier till it be completed. I
have not been able to ascertain its price, as his wife was
present, and he might not have wished her to know
what agreement he had made with you. Thirty
dollars is surely a small sum for so large a portrait.
There is a phrase in your letter which I take for a
Christmas-box from you, as it holds out hopes that we
may soon meet. It is a wish I cherish, but we all
thought there were great difficulties on your side,
and that is why I did not mention it. Easter falls
Very late this year, and everything will be green by
^then. Could you not pay us a visit in the Easter
holidays ? It would be a relaxation for you, and
I am sure your wife would enjoy a trip to Dresden. I
am 'glad my last letter was to your satisfaction,
and should like to hear more from you on the sub-
ject.
The eleventh number of the ' ThaUa * has arrived at
last» The sohloquy of Hütten in the ' Misanthrope '
was something new to me« I have not time to say
anything. about it to-day, as the Christmas affairs give
me plenty to do. The lecture on the ' First Epoch of
the History of Man ' pleased Ine exceedingly. ' Solon '
did not take with me much, but that may be owing to
the subject itself. It is not so perfect as ' Lycurgus.^
Forster^s article contains some good ideas, but is
written in that pompous style which I hate. Your
poem in the October number gave me joy> both »
regards the composition itself, and as a proof of your
good spirits»
KÖBNEK.
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Wim KÖRNER. Ill
1791.
Visit to ETfurt— Schiller resumes the 'Thirty Years' War*—
He proposes visiting Dresden— He visits the Court of Weimar
— Schiller is appointed member of the Academy of Arts at
Erfurt — Huberts ' Juliana' — Ramberg the artist ; a pupil of
West— Schiller's health begins to fail — He suffers from
weakness of the chest— -He is seriously ill— Attention paid to.
him by the students— They sit up with him at night— The
Duke sends him wine— Burke on the 'French Revolution'—
Schiller receives a dispensation from the Duke— Dr. Erhard
— Schiller has a relapse — He purposes visiting his parents— ^
Wieland's 'Conversations with the Gods'— * Peregrinus* —
Schiller's portrait, by Graff— Dorchen goes to Carlsbad with
the Duchess of Curland—Kotzebue— Theodor Kömer—
' The Lyre and the Sword'—' Oxenstiem*— Lottchen—
Schiller's translation of the ' Mneid,' in stanzas— Komer's
plan fur an epic poem — Noble conduct of the Prince of
Augustenburg — Disi^terested generosity.
Jena, 11 January, 1791.
I have just returned here after an absence of twelve
days. At Erfurt I caught cold and fever^ and was
obliged to keep my room for two or three days.
The. attack was rather severe ; and the fever having
increased^ with a violent pain in my side^ caused some
anxiety to myself and my medicsd attendant. I am
now perfectly restored to healthy and only regret th^
days I lost at Erfurt. My friends there showed me
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118 Schiller's oorresfondencb
every attention^ and the Coadjutor visited m^ coin
stantly.
I have every reason tq be satisfied with my jour-
ney. It brought me in doser contact with him^ and
he gave me a nearer insight into his views in my
favour. I shall probably pass the next Easter holi-
days at Erfurt^ if I can persuade my mother-^in-kw
to accompany us.
In July, at latest, we wiU pay you a visit, — mys^,
my wife, my mother-in-law, my wife^s sister, and
perhaps even Frau von Stein. We cannot do so earlier,
as the ^ Thirty Year s^ War' keeps me at work. As
I only lecture twice a week in the summer, I can easHy
manage a trip for a week,
We shall therefore meet in 1791. I remained one
day at Weimar, presented myself at Court, and looked
over the beautiful drawings the Duchess Amelia has
brought back with her from Italy. Some views of
Naples, and of Rome and its environs, with copies of
busts and antiques, are very beautiful; but I had
not time to see all. I was glad to meet, at Weimar,
Beck the actor, from Mannheim, who had an eight
days' engagement, and drew large houses. He was
offered the management of the Weimar theatre, but
his engagement at Mannheim is too good a one to
risk it against a precarious provision at Weimar.
I feel doubly well since my trip to Erfurt, as the
plan of a new tragedy has sprung up within me, and
has opened a field to poetical efi'usions. I have been
long prying about for a subject that would inspire me,
and have at last found one, and an historical one into
the bargain.
I have requested the Countess Görz, whom I met at
Erfurt, and who is on her way to Dresden, to besiege
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WITB KÖRNEB. 119
Graff about letting me: ihave the picture. Tou will
prqbab^ly see hier;; «be is ä very handscrme womaD,
On the proposition of jtbe Coadjutor^ the honour has
b(^n conferred upon me* .of member of the Electoisl
Academy of Useful Art« at Erfurt. Useful I You see
that I am getting on.
Schiller.
DresdeQ, 1 February, 1791.
Yesterday I expected a letter about your health.
Tell your little wife to send me a line about it by
next post. I presume you have not had a relapse,
Huber has sent you some new scenes . from his ' JFu-
liajia»^ I have read them^.and am in a controversy with
him on the subject.
I can scarcely understand them after a third readings
i^id he says this fault is indispensable to the character
and situation oi 'Juliana/ I will not be persuaded ;
what I seek from the poet is the representation^ uid
w^t the mere indication of hiß ideal: He must ün->
part to others what he himself ba$ creiM^ed in his mind
and thoughts. The task of the artist Cc^^ists op
s^cting the means for doing sp. It is certainly lesa
tjTQuble^o^ie to allow hisi ideas to be piess^ at ; btit
that isrnot a work of Art. ,;:
We have an artist here of great genius^ whose
acquaintance I should like you to make. His name is
Ramberg. He is a Hanoverian^ and as a boy was sent
to England, where he studied under West, and after-
wards :worked on his own account, mostly large altar-
pi^s and drawings, which were afterwiirds engraved
by Bartolozzi ; also political caricatures. He is a most
Iq^ant improvisatore in his art. Give him a subject.
And in ten minutes, or half an hour at most, he will
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120 Schiller's correspondence
draw a roagh sketch with his pea of six or
figures^ each of an original and marked charaeter.
He draws with wonderful boldness; eaoh line telk^
and the whole subject is arranged in his head as
soon as he puts his pen to paper. He is ini-
mitable in the expression of the human countenance^
and in selecting the critical moment. The figures in
his works of a higher description are full of grace
and dignity. His caricatures are at times exaggerated,
but some of them are excellent. Goethe possesses a
Greek subject which Bamberg drew in our presence ;
get him to show it to you. He is now drawing the
vignette for your ' Calendar.' The idea is his own :
* Mars disarmed by the Loves and Graces.' The idea
pleased me exceedingly, and Göschen accepted it.
Ramberg, however, is a wild and roystering artist,
and will scarcely ever attain any pre-eminence in his
art. His colouring is not good, and in his large pic-
tures it spoils the sketch. He has just painted ^ Alex-
ander crossing the Granicus.' The sketch is better
than the picture. He ought to go to Italy, and he
has no inclination to do so. Exclusively of lus art,
he is not wanting in ideas ; but they are bold and un-
polished, like his sketches. He enjoys life as he findi
it, instead of endeavoiiring to advance by study.*
Schiller.
Dresden» 11 February, iTdl«
I fancied that you had already climbed the hill,
and the last letter from your wife surprised me.
More the pity «for your Professorship, and the whole
* Bamberg was at a later period appointed painter to tlM
urt of Hanover.
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WITH KÖRNER. 121
corpus aeademieum into the bargain. It is not
your fanlt if 70a are not gifted with the lungs of
StentOT to fill your lecture-room. There are many
things in which you excel more than in the use of
your lungs; I should therefore give up the bawling
to others ; your pen speaks loudly enough. There are
many Professors at Göttingen who never give a public
lecture at all. Your presence at Jena is cheap to the
University at two hundred dollars.
Nothing more until I hear you are well again. I
should recommend you^ as an invalid, to read ' Ben-
jowzki's Travels.' He is a pleasant writer, which is
something rare in these times ; and his narrative does
not appear romantic to those who still have faith in the
worth of Man. You will also find some interesting
matter in * ThümmeFs Travels.' I read lately a new
play of Jüngeres, the 'Elopement/ fDie Entfilhrung,)
which pleased me exceedingly. He seems to have im-
proved.
Farewell, and take care of yourself ! Many greetings
from Minna and Dorchen.
KÖBNEB.
Dresden, 25 February, 1791.
I have expected in vain a line from you or from your
wife. Send me two words to say you are recovering.
I only send you a piece of news and inquiries about
you. Dyk is going to engrave your portrait for the
'Library of Fine Arts/ under Schulzens directions.
Schulze called, upon me on the subject, and says
that Dorchen^s drawing will suit his purpose better
than the painting by Oraä^, as the latter is not finished.
You. can Bit to Graff this summer, and Schulze then
purposes making a large engraving of it. You are not
VOL. II. o
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122 Schiller's correspokdence
obliged to know anything about it^ and are not nnder
the slightest obligation to Dyk. At the same time yon
will receive half-a-dozen proofs of an engravings which,
under Schulse's guidance, cannot fail to be a good one.
If you should have any objections to make, let me know
at once.
I have read your critique on ' Bürger/ and it has my
full approbation. I doubt whether Bürger will say as
much. It is true you have spared his vanity as an
artist, but you have affronted his personal vanity,
which men rarely forgive.
Jena, 22 February» 1791-
At last, after a long pause, I am able to converse
with you again. My chest, which is still weak, does
not permit me to write much, or you should have had
a letter sooner. This continual pain on one particular
spot in my chest, which twitches me whenever I fetch a
long breath, cough, or yawn, and which is accompanied
by a nervous feeling, causes me anxiety at times, as it
does not diminish, and makes me doubt whether I have
really passed the crisis. In other respects I am right
enough : appetite, sleep, my mental and bodily power;
are returned, though they did so by degrees. My ill-
ness was the more dangerous from being a relapse. I
had a first attack at Erfurt, which was suppressed,
rather than cured, by a medical man there of some
talent. Eight days after that first attack I felt quite
well again. I was three days in Weimar without feel-
ing ill ; but the day after I returned home, when I
recommenced my lectures, I was attacked by fever,
which gradually increased. The attack was rather a
pain in the side than an inflammation of the lungs, the
right lung only being slightly inflamed. On the third
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WITH körni£r. 123
day I spat bloody and felt an oppression on the chest.
The pain in my side, however, and my cough did not
increase. Copious bleedings and leeching, with blis-
ters on the chest, greatly relieved me. I was much
purged, and vomited continually. My stomach was so
weak that all the medicine I took was thrown up again.
For the first six days I was not able to take any nou-
rishment, which reduced me to such a state of weak-
ness that I fainted when removed from the bed to the
sofa, and I was continually given wine to keep me up.
After the seventh day I was so bad that I feared for the
worst. I was perfectly delirious, but lucid at times,
and then I felt calm. Violent perspirations and purging
brought about the crisis, but I doubt whether it is final.
It was not till the eighth day after the fever had left
me that I was able to leave my bed ; and it was some time
before I was strong enough to crawl about with a stick.
I was nursed with the greatest care ; and the kindness
and attention shown me by the students who attended
my lectures, and all my friends here, tended in no
small degree to keep up my spirits. They vied with
each other as to who should sit up with me at night,
and some of them sat up with me for three nights
during the week. This interest in me here, as well as
at Weimar, touched me very much. My sister-in-law
arrived in ten or twelve days afterwards from Rudol-
fitadt, and is still here ; a great relief to my dear Lotte,
who has suffered more than I have. My mother-in-law
also remained eight days with me ; and, being thus
surrounded by relations and the attention of my other
friends, added greatly to my speedy recovery. The
Duke sent me half-a-dozen of old Madeira to strengthen
me ; which, with some Hungarian wine, has done me
good service.
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124 Schiller's correspondence
I had^ however^ determined, before the receipt of
your last letter, not to sacrifiee my hesith to my acade-
mical duties; and I almost feel from the pains in my
chest that my lungs have suffered from this severe
attacki ftiid, therefore, that the greatest care is necessary.
Of course I shall not hold my lectures this winter, but
I also purpose taking rest during the summer. Even
if my health did not require it, I have so much literary
work to finish, that I should have been compelled to
do so. For formes sake, I shall ask the Duke for a
dispensation, which he wiU no doubt grant at once. I
shdl moreover endeavour, through the influence of the
Court at Weimar, to mske my lectures dependant upon
myself. . .
I may hope everything from the Duke. When I do
lecture I shall confi^e myself to private lectures, one
course in the half year, which I shall give in my own
rooms, making the lecture more an entertaining con-
versation than anything else; and by placing a high
lecture-fee, restricting the number of my Auditors to a
select few. I shall study hard at aesthetics this winter,
and make them the subject of my lectures. My leisure
hours shall be devoted to the ^Thalia/ and, when I
wish for a treat, I shall take up my plan of a tragedy,
which has occupied me some time. Enough for to-day I
Greet Minna and Dorchen heartily from me and my
Lotte, and farewell !
SCHIIiLER.
Dresden« 1 March, 1791.
You have had a fearful attack, and I fed as if you
have been restored to me. My illness was nothing to
it. I wish you joy of your noble wife ! Without her
nursing you could scarcely have been saved. The c^-
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WITH KÖRNER. 125
presdon at the chest is probably nothing more than the
remains of the excitement prodnced by the afflicted
parts^ and will gradually wear off. Tonr chief care
Binst now be to avoid fiätigae; and your intentions
respecting your lectures haye greatly relieyed me. The
Court cannot refuse granting, you « dispensation for the
present^ and will do so for the future, if the Duke rightly
understands its interests* If your digestion is not
good^ rely upon it that it comes from want of exercise.
You should take an bourns walk every day. I feel the
same want; and if I omit it, I am not fit for any
work the next morning. It is your custom to sit in a
very bent position whilst writing ; you should write at
a high desk standing. Do not overwork yourself at
your ill-fated ' Calendar ;' a journey would be of greater
service to you. We count upon seeing you all the
sooner. Could you not manage to go to Leipzig Fair ?
We shall, in all probability, be there.
Körner.
Dresden, 13 March,» 1791.
The news of yovu* philosophical conversion has taken
me so by surprise that I was on the point of sending
you two whole sheets of philosophical matter. When
I fancy that my system is perfect, I become suddenly
aware of gaps and obstacles, and am obUged to set to
work again. I aih most anxious to know what effect
Kant's ideas have had upon you. I wonder people. did
not perceive your style in the review. I recognized it
* A letter from Schiller is missing^, in which he seems to have
announced that he had been studying Kant's works, and in
which he gave Kömer directions about his portrait.
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126 schillbr's correspondence
at once. You seem more satisfied with Huberts critique
than I am. I found that he gave too much honour to
Damocles and Aristodemus^ and that he set down
as a merit what was often but the natural result oi
negligence. Such plays do not please me ; they are
wanting in individuality of character, and are unin-
teresting. A person who can only bring philosophy
in so meagre a shape on the stage, had better keep
away from it altogether.
I did not explain myself clearly about Schulze.
Properly speaking, he engraves these things himself,
and his pupils only lend their name, as he is bound to
work exclusively for the Dresden Gallery. They help
him in the details. If you have not come to an agree-
ment with Lips, wait at least till you have seen some-
thing of Schulze. Lips is undoubtedly a man of talent,
but he has not the bold hand of Schulze.
If you can procure 'Burke^s Observations on the
French Revolution,' do not be prevented from reading
it by the abuse showered upon it by the French. It is
true, there is a great deal of partiality, declamation,
and one-sided reasoning in it j but, on the other hand,
many excellent remarks clothed in a manly and noble
eloquence. His indignation alone against the praise
bestowed on daubers, is worth the reading.
KoRNEH.
Rudolstadt, 10 April, 1791.
I have been a long time without writing to you, but
I have now been some weeks hei-e, and have avoided the
writing-desk as much as possible to court, repose after
some heavy work, which I finished before I left Jena.
I still suffer from oppression on the chest, accompanied
at times by a cough, with that twitching pain in
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WITH KÖRNER. 127
the aide that was inflamed, whenever I draw a long
breath. I say nothing to any one hercT about what I
think of these symptoms, but it strikes me that I shall
not get rid of them. It would be quite out of the
question for me to read an hour aloud. I have, how-
ever^ had no more expectorations of blood. I applied
leeches the other day to my chest, but I think they did
me more harm than good. I also go out riding three
or four times a week, and am ordered to drink milk and
seltzer-water, with decoctions of young herbs.
The Duke, who was in Jena three or four weeks
since, relieved me from giving lectures this summer,
as I may have told you already. Under any circum-
stances I could not have lectured.
I am in good spirits, and if it came to the worst, I
should not be wanting in courage. I am sorry I shall
be obliged to work this summer ; but as it is at my
own option to conclude the ' Thirty Years' War ' with
this second number, or to reserve something for a third,
I may be able to combine work with a due care of my
health. I look forward with more pleasure to the latter
half of the summer, when I hope to see you, and when
my occupations will be more congenial to my tastes.
During the latter part of my stay at Jena, I made some
acquaintances, who have since given me great plea-
sure. Amongst others, a certain Erhard of Nürnberg,
a doctor-medicina, who came over on purpose to make
Reinhold's and my acquaintance, and to study ' Kant's
Philosophy.' He is a man of the most universal
talent I have ever met. He has not only made
himself perfect master of 'Kant's Philosophy' on
Beinhold's system, but he has carried his studies still
further, and has thrown quite a new light on many
subjects. He is a man of deep reading, and of "^'^ ^
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128 Schiller's correspondence
judg;m€iit. He U a first-rate math^natieitaij ä con-
tulting physicifln« has great taste for the arts^ is a good
artist^ and an excellent musician ; and yet he is only
five-and-twenty. His conversation is intellectnal : hie
is a man of high moral character, whidi is chiefly his
own work, as he has to straggle against a strong inclina-
tion for the satirical. He does not show to advantage
on a first rcquaintanee, as his tone is so decided« and
he has so much a plomb about him, which at first
might be mistaken^ for presumption« He is now
writing a defence of Beinhold's philosophy, against
some attacks which appeared in the ' Literary Gazette/
He is not an author, and does not wish to be one. I
have written thus at length about him, as he will call
upon you at Dresden on his return from Königsberg,
to which place he purposes paying a visit shortly. I
shall also give another young man a letter of introduc-
tion to you, who will interest you as an artist. He is
a Livonian of the name of Grass, who came to Jena to
study theology. He, however, did very little in this
latter respect, but made all the greater progress in
landscape-painting, for which he has great taste. Goethe
knows him, and he assured me that he promises to be
eminent in his art. Last summer he made an ex-
cursion to Switzerland, and returned quite inspired.
He will show you some Swiss landscapes, painted
from memory, which, though unfinished, are full of
vigour and life. He is also a poet of no mean powers,
M you will perceive from the next number of the
^Thalia/ He is a most affectionate being towards
those he likes, and his appearance denotes the man of
genius. Another of my new acquaintances is a certain
Baron Herbert, a man of forty years of age, with a
wife and child, and who has a manufactory at Klagen-
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WITH KÖRKER. 129
itirt. He came for a few months to Jena to. study
Kant'd and Beinhold's philosophy. An upright moral-
minded raan^ with a clear head. He returns home quite
satisfied with his studies. Bürger has replied to my re-
view by an anti*critique^ which you will find in the supple-
ment of the 'Universal Literary Gazette/ Ihavebeenbusy
for the last few days translating the second book of
the ' MneiA * into stanzas. I think you will find that
'Virgil' is readable in this shape. It is^ however^
almost original composition^ as not only is it necessary
to change the Latin text so as to make each stanza per-
fect^ but it is also necessary to make good in the
(German whatever is lost by this change.
I have found an excellent subject for a lyric poem^
to which I purpose devoting some of my best hours.
My wife greets you and Minna and Dorchen
heartily. You will probably soon take up your quarters
at the Weinberg, where we shall visit you in August
or September. Farewell ! and do not be so sparing
with your letters, even if I do not answer them directly.
Schiller.
Rudolstadt, 24 May, 1791.
I am now convalescent. My wife will not have
had time to give you a fall account of this last
attack. It was a regular asthma, and my breathing
was so heavy that I thought I should have been choked.
My hands remained cold in the warm water, and it
was only by violent frictions that circulation was kept
up in my limbs. Strong doses of opium, camphor,
and musk, and the application of blisters, relieved
me most. I was also bled in the foot to prevent
suffocation. On Tuesday Starke was sent for from
Jena; I was much better when he arrived, and he
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130 Schiller's correspondence
found me in a calm slumber. Starke^s opinion of this
attack is^ that the lungs are not affected^ and the
violence of the attack is the best proof of this^ as
any fault in the organs of respiration must have
declared itself. I expectorated no bloody and after
paroxysms, which lasted at times for five hours, I could
breathe freely. This relieves me from my fears of
an abscess in the lungs. But I cannot explain the
pain in the right side of my chest, which remains
unaltered. I am, however, less anxious about it than
I was four weeks since. The violence of the attack has,
however, done me much good. I have beheld death
face to face, and my courage has gained strength. On
Tuesday especially, I thought my last hour had struck.
Every moment I expected to be suffocated ; my voice
had left me, and it was only with a trembling hand
that I could write what I still wished to say. Amongst
other things, I wrote a few words to you, which I
now keep as a memorandum of that anxious hour.
My spirit was light, and all the pain I felt arose from
the sight and the thoughts of my good Lotte, who
could not have survived the blow.
I need not tell you what joy your presence would
have given me. I fear that we shall not see each
other this year. If I can afford it, I have promised
to go and see my parents in Schwaben, who may
not live to see me at a later period ; but the expense
of a journey, either. to them or to you, would fall
heavy upon me this summer or autumn, as my illness,
without counting the loss of five months' time, will
cost me thirty louis at least. But I shall see how I
can manage.
SCHILLEE.
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WITH KÖRNER. 131
Dresden» 31 May. 1791.
For more than eight days I was in a state of the
greatest anxiety about you. It was in vain that I
attempted to turn my thoughts to anything else. It
was only on once more seeing your handwriting that
I felt relieved. You have suffered much, but the
<^use of your malady must have the best consequences^
inasmuch as they will guide your medical adviser.
Your illness greatly resembles that of our Chancellor
Burgsdorf^ who^ though of a delicate constitution^ has
overcome^ compared to yours^ most serious attacks. It
was well for you that you had a man like Starke to
Attend you. All now depends upon taking the greatest
possible care of your healthy and avoiding all excitement.
Göschen has set all my fears at rest respecting your
pecuniary affairs. He says that your works have a most
extraordinary sale, and he is quite in earnest when he
adds that you may draw upon him yearly to the amount
of one thousand dollars. You may take advantage of
this on my responsibility, even should you not publish
two small volumes within the year. Your ' Calendar *
has had a great run, and the ^ Thalia ' and ^ Carlos '
are in great requisition. The expense of a journey,
therefore, need not prevent you paying us a visit,
even should you first go and see your parents.
Properly speaking, you should not do anything but
amuse yourself this summer, and I do not see what
should prevent you, with the exception of a few sheets
for Goschen's * Calendar.^ It need not be so bulky as
last year. The only excuse I can accept for your
not paying us a visit, will be if you are ordered to
some watering-place. And in this case the doctor,
and not the finance minister, must decide it. My
pecuniary circumstances are better than they were,
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132 schilleb's corkbspondence
and if you do not wish to make nse of Groschen, yon
can draw upon me.
I did not derive much pleasure from my trip to
Leipadg. Becker^ from Gotha, was there during the
last few days of my stay, but he was too much occupied
to be conversable. I also saw Hufeland and Bertuch.
The Leipzig folks do not please me — ^they are so
utterly devoid of anything like enthusiasm for literature
or the arts. They almost treat the Arts and Sciences
as if they were manufactured wares.
Amongst this year's productions, Wieland's ' Ck>n-
versation with the Gods' and his 'Peregrinus' rank
high. Both works are rich in verse and humour,
though at times his gossiping style is too prevalent, I
think his 'Jupiter' excellent. Forster's views, not-
withstanding the many good points they contain, do
not please me. I hate his dictatorial, bombastic style.
The graces have not smiled upon his work. Dalberg's
'M^sthetics' is a curious production. The first few
pages aroused the greatest expectations within me,
and I hoped to find much that corresponded with my
own views. But the man serves up his ideas in too raw
a form. His work contains some valuable hints, but
abounds also in the most curious, faulty, and often com-
mon-place remarks. The work bears more the stamp
of that of a dilettante than any other work of his I
have read, and the style is too stiff.
We are rather gay here just now. The Duchess of
Curland and her sister are staying here, and Dorchen
accompanies them next week to Carlsbad. The
Duchess is unchanged. She takes a greater share
than she did formerly in politics, and interests herself
especially for Poland, but never outsteps the bounds
of womanly grace and elegance. She might serve
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WITH KÖRNER. 133
as a model in this respect to her sister^ who treats
politics as badly as she does sentiment.
You will do me a great pleasure by letting me hear
from you oftener, if but a few lines at a time. You
have not now so much occupation as formerly.
Körner.
Löschwitz, 13 June, 1791*
We are now at the Weinberg^ and Dorchen left us
on Tuesday, with the Duchess of Curland, for Carlsbad.
I am anxious to hear fircNoi you« Let your wife send
us a line now and then, that we may not be anxious
respecting you. Have you come to any agreement
with a man of the name of Frauenholz, or Frauenhofer,
of Nürnberg about your portrait 7 He has written to
Graff for your picture, saying that Müller, of Stuttgard,
wished to make an engraving of it. Graff will do
nothing without instructions from you, and requested
me to write to you on the subject. Müller is a better
engraver than Bause, and I should like to see it in
his hands. But another sitting is necessary, and I
trust it will take place this summer. Let me hear
at once if you know anything of Frauenhofer's specu-
lation. He seems to lay great stress upon it, as
he has offered to pay Graff's expenses to Jena to
take a last sitting. Have you received any copies
of the engraving made after Dorchen^s drawing ? At
Leipzig I was told that Dyk had sent you some.
Schulze promised to send me some, but he is laid up.
I think the workmanship is good.
Farewell for to-day I I will write again soon.
Miona sends many greetings to ' you and ypur
Lottchen.
KöftNfiR.
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134 Schiller's correspondence
Löschwitz, 1 July, 1791.
I am much indebted to your wife and your sister-
in-law for sending me accounts of your health, but I
am very desirous of receiving a line in your hand-
writing, if it be but to show me that yon have strength
to write. Hartwig, who has been staying with us,
is still of opinion that no good result vdll be obtained
by strengthening and acting upon the nerves, unless
opening medicines are resorted to. He places the
origin of the malady, not in the nerves them-
selves, but in some cause which acts directly upon
them.
Have no care for Oöschen's ' Calendar,' or any other
literary work whatsoever, but look to your health.
You can easily procure some light historical works
for your amusement, or I can send you some.
Have you read Forster's last work ? His views do
not please me. I cannot stand the presumptuous tone
with which he spouts forth common-place sentences.
He is a man of no ordinary capacity, but he is deficient
in a polished education. There is something so uncul-
tivated in his whole being, which something he will
never get rid of, as, owing to his many literary labours,
he has no time to study himself. I sometimes have
similar fears respecting Huber. He is too eager to
thrust upon the public subjects which ought to be left
to ripen in bis brain.
I have given Graff your answer respecting Frauen-
holz. Graff cannot come to you; the head is quite
finished, and he can do the rest without a personal
sitting. The only question now is, whether you really
will give up the picture entirely to Frauenholz. I
protest against it. I have long wished for it ; but as
you had ordered it for yourself, I did not like making
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WITH KÖRNER. 135
the proposal to take it. But sooner than let Frauen-
holz have it^ I shall buy it myself, and only let him
have it for Müller to take the engraving. If you pay
us a visit next year^ Graff can touch it up^ should he
think it necessary. If you do not keep the picture
for yourself, it is far better that I should have it,
and it will not interfere the least with Frauenholz^s
plan.
I enclose you five copies of the small portrait.
Otherwise there is nothing new here. Minna is well,
and expects her confinement in November at latest.
Dora is delighted with her stay at Carlsbad. She
sends you many greetings, and has been very anxious
about you. I have now more work to do, as both
Senates are constituted. I remain in the first Senate
with the present President, ^hich is attended with
some advantages. I am a quick hand at my work,
and have plenty of spare time. I always purposed
writing a novel in letters, and have already written two
or three : my idea was to give an example of the
baneful effects produced by the enemies of enthusiasm.
I have selected the characters ; but I want action, and
this is where I am at a loss. I should not like to see
the events the result of chance, but to develop them-
selves naturally out of the characters themselves. At
the same time, I wish to keep up the interest so as not
to allow the reader to put down the book. If I cannot
do that, the work is not worth a fig, and I shall throw
it on the shelf.
Körner.
(No date).
The bearer of this letter, Herr von Pape, of
Hanover, is one of my best acquaintances, and will
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136 SCHILliER's CORRESPONDENCE
give you a full account of my health« It grieves me
to relinquish the cherished hope of embracing you
all. It is neither time nor money that prevent me
from doing so ; but the position which my sister-in-law
holds at Budolstadt does not permit of her leaving the
Courts as the marriage of the Crown- Prince and the
arrival of his bride make her presence indispensable.
Added to which^ we all wish to see you, and enjoy your
society in good health and spirits. But we are all
unweÜ, and not too open to light-hearted enjoyments.
We will write more at length by next post. All greet
you heartily.
SCHILLBB. .
Herr von Papers acquaintance will doubtless give
you great pleasure. Try tQ brush him up ; he is a most
excellent fdlow, but a great hypochondriac.
LoschwitZy 8 August, 1791.
I am sorry to say, that through Herr von Pape and
a letter from your wife, I have received the disappoint-
ing news that you are not coming to see us. I am
not capable of weighing your reasons for returning so
soon to Budolstadt, but must take them for granted.
That you and yours are not quite recovered is no
sufficient reason ; the dawn of returning strength is a
happy sight. But words here would be in vain. I have
often had to renounce many things ; but to renounce
this hope is hard. But let it be,
Herr von Pape's acquaintance gave me pleasure.
He is a man of education and learning, of refined
taste, and appears to be well read. His outward
appearance alone is prepossessing. According to his
and Count Hoffmannsegg's assertions, the Carlsbad
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WITH KÖRNER. 137
waten haye done yoa good, and we hare a new
proof that your longs are quite sound.
You have not sent me an answer respecting your
portrait by Graff. If I hear nothing more about it,
I shall stidc to the agieement I have made with Grsff,
that he is to finish the picture^ and to send it to
Frauoihok for Müller to make the engraving ; and
that it is then to be sent back, and oitrusted to my
keeping, until I have your instructions respecting it.
I have nearly completed my sketch of Äe 'Life of
Oxenstiem/ The man deserved a volume to himself.
I r^;ret that I could not draw from other sources, and
that Göschen could not give me more space.
Herr von Fape tells me that you feel inclined to
take up the * Geisterseher ' again, and that you do not
purpose going this winter to Jena. It would give me
great pleasure to find ypu devoting some months at
least to poetry.
Can you not send me c(q)ies of some of your stanzas
frx)in Üie '^neidf^' I looked for you in vain in the
' Thalia.' What is your opinion of * Sacontala V I
think Goethe said a little too much «bout it in his
' Epigram,' in the ' Monthly Eeview.' God preserve
us from imitators! I am beginning to feel a great
contempt for the dran^jtic public* Kotzebue^ drives
everyüüng else out of the field. Woe to him who
works for such men I
Farewell 1 and ask your wife to send me news con-
cerning you when you cannot write. Minna and
* Kotzebae was assassinated at Mannheim, by George Sand,
a student at Heidelberg, Sixteen students drew lots as to who
should kill him. Sand was executed at Heidelberg.
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138 Schiller's correspondence
Dorchen greet you. Many kind regards to your wife
and your sister-in-law.
Körner.
Lowischtz, 19 August» 1791.
Herr von Pape left to-day or yesterday, and the address
he has given me for you is : Assessor at the Court of
Hanover. His acquaintance gave me much pleasure.
He has a great taste for the Arts^ and master-pieces
give him more than a transitory pleasure. His obser-
vations bear the stamp of originality^ which is always
refreshing ; as the usual phrases, carried from mouth to
mouth, are quite insuiFerable.
I expect some sign of life from you soon, and news
of the success of your cure. According to Göschen
it has done you a great deal of good. But you must
not work too hard after it. Is it true that you do not
go to Jena next winter ? I should not be sorry for it.
At all events, I should recommend you to give as few
lectures as possible. Studiosa juventua is truly not
worth so much time and lungs.
Pape tells me the * Geisterseher ' will see the light
again. I am glad to hear it ; and have many reasons
for wishing to see it finished. My literary career has
quite shrunk into a corner. I -think at times, if every
one writes, there will be no one to read. Ajid reading
is not so easy a matter as many people imagine. I
begin to be aware, that anything I should write would,
after all, be nothing more than the produce of amateur
cramming. I am not, perhaps, so much wanting in taste,
as in the talent of expressing it, which at my time of
day, and with my present occupations, it would be
difficult to acquire. And if I detest anything, it is
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WITH KÖRNER. 139
daubs. You must not suppose that my taste has been
blunted by drawing up deeds. I still take the greatest
delight in anything perfect in Art. But my admira-
tion for true talent makes me look very silly in my ^
own eyes^ when in a few hours I aspii-e to produce
something equal to that upon which others have ex-
pended the experience of years. Plans I have enough
of, and I could find work for many a clever brain, if
clever brains would allow themselves to be led instead
of following the course of their own ideas«
Funk has been promoted to the rank of Commander
of a squadron of the new hussar regiment. It is a
good thing for him, but he is in need of money for his
outfit. He is scraping together all he can, and I
think the payment of his translation of ' Sully,'
would be welcome to him. Try and get Mauke to pay
him at once, or send Funk a line about it, as he is
aware it is printed.
All are well here. The Emperor and the King of
Prussia are coming for three days to Pillnitz. Minna
and Dorchen send many greetings.
KÖBNEB.
Erfurt, 6 Sept. 1791.
I only send you a few lines, dear Kömer, to tell
you I am still in the land of the living. I am getting
better by slow degrees. As regards my plans for next
winter, I am quite undecided. I cannot rely upon my
literary labours, and shall not be able to lecture. I have
written to the Duke on the subject by the advice of the
Coadjutor. He will do what he can, I am sure ; if not,
I must look out for something at Vienna, Mayence,
Berlin, or Göttingen. I wish I could pay Funk at
once, but it is quite impossible: he must try and
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140 Schiller's correspondence
manage for a few months without it. Mauke has
told me he could not pay me what is still due before
the Easter Fair. I have spent above fourteen hundred
dollars this year^ and done no work. I have drawn
upon Göschen pretty largely^ but have made no addi-
tional debts.
Dresden, 12 September, 1791.
You must not expect to get well all at once after so
severe an attack. I doubt very much if the Duke
of Weimar can do anything for you. His treasury
is not over-well stocked. I tbink the Duke of Bruns-
wick might do something if he were applied to. He
likes to have men of repute about him. The Duchess
of Curland could sound him on the subject. Let me
hear what you think of the idea. Haste however
must be avoided^ or the conditions will be unsatis-
factory.
I am sorry you cann^ot pay Funk, as he is not
the man to press you for money ; but that is the
very reason I should like to see it paid.
Graff has finished your picture^ and will send it
off in a day or two. He tells me that you have
already disposed of the picture to Frauenholz. The
latter will therefore not give it up to me^ unless you
write to that effect. However, if I were certain you
would come hither next year, he might keep it,
as you could sit for another. Huber has become a
regular critic. He has just published a critique on
Klopstock's ' Herrmann/ which is well .written, though
his style is hard at times. I think Forster has spoilt
him; they seem to regard obscurity as the greift
merit .of composition I cannot. agree with them.
Kö&NEE.
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WITH KÖRNER. 141
Jena, 3 October, 1791.
My hearty congratulations on the birth of an heir
to the house of Körner^ on whom I invoke my
blessing.* I rejoice with your joy, and am at this very
* Theodor Körner, the son of Schiller's friend and object of
these congratulations, became afterwards one of the most
eminent poets of Germany, the author of * Leyer und
Schwerdt/ He was killed in battle at ^ early age. He was
beloved by all who knew him, and adored by his men, whom
he encouraged by his songs. He was christened Carl,
the name he is mentioned by in these letters. Theodor
was an adopted name of his own selection.
Karl Theodor Kömer was bom at Dresden on the 23rd
September, 1791. His father doted upon him, and watched
over his youth with all the tender solicitude of a fond and a
wise parent. The boy shewed an early taste for poetry, and
inherited from his father a good ear for music. The space
allotted to a biographical note is too limited to allow more than
a rapid sketch of this noble youth *s career. In 1813, the great
success of his dramatic productions procured for him the
remunerative and honourable situation of Hof theater Dichter,
or poet to the Imperial Theatre of Vienna. A call to arms for
the independence of Germany found a respousive echo in the
heart of Körner ; and on the 15th March, 1813, he left Vienna
and enrolled himself in Major Lutzows' Volunteers, whom he
has immortalized in his songs. Before a battle, he encouraged
the ardour of his men by his martial songs, which are handed
down to posterity under the title of the ' Lyre and the Sword.'
The foDowing anecdote is illustrative of the man. In command
of a small detachment of hussars. Kömer was surrounded by
a superior French force, and before he had time to parry the
blow, he received a severe sabre-out on the head and a slight
wound in the arin. He fell bacl^ upon his saddle, but his
noble charger carried him, with some of his detachment,
beyond reach of the enemy into a wood near at hand. Whilst
bandaging his wounds with the assistance of a comrade, a
detachment of French horse approached, when Körner, with
great presence of mind, exclaimed at the {utch of his voice«
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142 SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE
moment with you in spirit^ sharing it with you. I
wish I could pass two or three weeks with you. But I
want rest and quiet ; and my sweet Lotte also stands
in need of it: all she has suffered this year has
" Fourth squadron, forward I" The enemy drew back, and
Kömer and his friend had time to conceal themselves deeper
in the forest. The pain of his wound was excessive ; he felt
his stren^h leavin^^ him, and he fcare up all hope of surviving.
This event fcare rise to the well-known verses :
" Die Wunde brennt — Die bleiche Lippe beben,"
of which the following is an English translation, affixed to a
German edition of his works :
My lips grow pale — my wound bums frightfully,
My heart's enfeebled beat proclaims too well
That here I must bid life a last farewell.
God, as thou wilt, I give me up to Thee !
Soft floating forms of gold surrounded me.
But fancy's dream has proved my funeral knell.
Courage ! What in my breast so long could dwell
Must still live with me through eternity.
And what I here acknowledged as a shrine.
For which my bosom burned with youthful fire.
Whether I called it Liberty or Love,
Now, seraph-like, displays its form divine.
I feel my failing senses slow expire.
One breath will waft me to the realms above !
Körner was found almost insensible from loss of blood, and
was for a long time unable to do duty.
Theodor Körner's celebrated ' Schwerdt Lied,' or ' Song of
the Sword,' was written only two hours before the battle in
which he fell mortally wounded by a musket ball. The song
is a dialogue between the poet and his sword, in expectation of
the coming strife. The following translation by Lord Frands
Leveson Gower is affixed to the Berlin edition of Körner's
poems. It is somewhat free in two or three verses, but it is
imbued with the spirit of the original :
[Song
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WITH KÖRNER. 143
greatly weakened her health. This was one reason
why we left Erfurt sooner than we had intended.
BONO OF THE SWORD,
Written a few houn before the death of the author in battle.
My sword, my only treasure !
What would thy glance of pleasure ?
It makes thy roaster glow
To see thee gleaming so.
" A patriot warrior rears me.
And this it is that cheers me ;
It makes me glad to he ,
The falchion of the free."^
Yes 1 none this hand shall fetter.
And none can prize thee better.
Affianced to my side,
I love thee like my bride.
** With my blue steel united.
My constant faith is plighted.
Oh I would the knot were tied I —
When will you wed your bride ?"
With death-smoke round him spreading.
The bridegroom seeks the wedding ;
When swells the cannon's roar.
Then ope thy chamber door !
" Oh ! how the thought inspires
The longing bride's desires.
Come, then, my husband, now
The garlands waits thy brow 1"
Why is thy scabbard dancing.
So restless, wild and glancing ?
Why, ere the trumpets blow.
My sword, why dost thou so ?
" I cannot choose but rattle
With longing for the battle,
Tis this that makes me glow.
And dance and glitter so."
[Be still
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144 Schiller's correspondence
^ I spent aome pleasant hours there m the society of
Dalberg, but I longed to be back here^ as it is our
Be Btill awhile my beauty !
In patience do your duty ;
Even now I make thy dower ;
Wait but the wedding hour.
" In vain delay opposes ;
I long to pluck the roses
All redly as they bloom.
The flowrets of the tomb !"
Then out ! in splendour gleaming
Thy glorious task beseeming —
Then out ! in all thy pride,
Come forth, my love, my bride !
" How gay the glad carousal I
That honours such espousal !
How bright the sunbeams play
Upon my steel to-day !"
Then on— to deeds of daring.
Of valours' lofty bearing—
On — every German heart^^
Never from such brides to part !
Once on the left they tarried.
But that was ere they married ;
But now, in Heaven's fair sight.
We boast them on our right !
Then, with a soldier's kisses.
Partake your bridal blisses ;
Woe may the wretch betide
Who e'er deserts his bride !
What joy, when sparks are flashing.
From hostile helmets crashing !
In steely light to shine.
Such joy, my bride, is thine I
Hurrah!
[Theodor
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WITH KÖRNER. 145
home^ and 1 have many friends whose intellectaal
eonversation is a' great resource. During the last
Theodor Kömer was buried by his comrades under an oak
tree, near the village of Wobbelin. This tree is called Köraer^a
oak ; the Duke of Mecklenbur)|r Schwerin made a present of
the tree and ground to Körner's family. A monument is now
erected upon the spot. His sister Emma, after drawing his
portrait, and a sketch of his tomb, pined away and died, and is
buried in the same grave, where old Kömer joined them after-
wards.
We have various translations of Körner's poems and sonnets
in his honour. The following beautiful lines, by Felicia Hemans,
will be read with interest :
FOB THE DBATH-DAY OF THBOOOB KÖBNBB.
A song for the death -day of the brave,
A song of pride I
The youth went down to a hero's grave.
With the sword, his bride !
He went with his noble heart unworn.
And pure, and high ;
An eagle stooping from clouds of morn.
Only to die !
He went with the lyre, whose lofty tone,
. Beneath his hand.
Had thrill'd to the name of his God alone.
And his fatherland.
And with all his glorioas feelings yet
In their day-spring's glow.
Like a southern stream that no frost hath met
To chain its flow !
A song for the death- day of the brave,
A song of pride !
For him that went to a Hero's grave
With the sword, his bride !
VOL. II.
[He has
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146 Schiller's correspondence
weeks of my stay at Erfurt, I was enabled to work,
and as I had been reading hard at the next period
He has left a voice in his trumpet kys
To turn the flight ;
And a spirit to shine thro' the after days
As a watch-fire's light ;
And a grief in his father's soul to rest
Midst all high thought ;
And a memory unto his mother's breast
With healing fraught.
And a name and fame above the blight
Of earthly hreath.
Beautiful — beautiful and bright
In life and death !
A song for the death-day of the brave,
A song of pride !
For him that went to a hero's grave
With the sword, his bride !
Felicia Hbmans.
the grave op köbnbb.
Körner, the great, the good, lies buried here !
Great, for his soul ne'er bowed in slavish fear.
Good, being virtuous in an age of vice.
I call him great and good by Heaven's decree.
For good was he who taught you to be free.
And great is he, who quietly lives and dies !
Abbott.
Thou hast a hero's tomb— a lowlier bed
Is hers, the gentle girl beside thee lying ;
The gentle girl, that bowed her fair young head
As thou wert gone, in sorrow dying.
Brother ! true friend ! the tender and the brave.
She pined to share thy grave.
[Brother
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WITH KÖRNER. 147
of the Thirty Yeara' War, the work was easy enough.
Without much effort <hi my part, I was able to
dictate four or five hours a day, and thus completed
five printed sheets for the 'Calendar' during the
last fortnight« Göschen teUs me that you have not
yet finished your 'Life of Oxenstiem/ and I fear
this new arrival will not advance it. If you have
completed enough to make it a readable article, send
it to (yösehen as it is : if you are still behind-hand,
do not bother yourself about it. Göschen will receive
three sheets more from me than he counted upon,
and must therefore manage as he best can. Do
not let this work step in between you and your do-
mestic bliss for one moment. It would be as well,
however, to send Göschen either the manuscript or
a negative answer by next post.
And now farewell, or I shall miss the post. I will
wjite more at length in my next. Tell Funk that
I shall send him fifty dollars early in November,
but that I beg of him to finish his annotations to
the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th parts as soon as
possible, otherwise I shall not be able to get anything
from Mauke.
Ever yours,
Schiller.
Brother ! sweet sister ! peace around ye dwell !
Lyrb» SwoRDy and Flowkr, farewell !
Felicia Hbmans.
The above quotations will convey some idea to the reader of
the son of Schiller's friend.
The ex-King of Bavaria wrote some stanzas in honour of
Kömer.
H 2
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148 Schiller's correspondence
Dresden, 13 October, 1791.
I perfectly understand your want to be settkd
quietly at your domestic hearth^ however pleasant
your sojourn at Erfurt may have bee»; and if you
and your Lottchen stand in need of quiet^ I cannot
expect you to set out on a journey here. But your
first trip is due to me. Take great care of yourself
this winter; do not work too much^ and be careful
in your diet : when your little wife wiD be no more
anxious about you^ she will soon be herself again,
and next spring we shall all meet in good health.
Here, all goes to the best of our wishes. Minna
never felt so well after a confinement before, and
the boy is thriving wonderfully. This enabled me
to fulfil my engagement towards the 'Calendar.*
Yesterday being pay-day, I sent to Göschen the
remainder of the manuscript. I think it will make
two sheets in octavo, of the siae of the 'Mercury/
I am not quite satisfied with my work: the narrative
is somewhat stiff, but it has improved me. I have
been made aware of certain advantages of style in
historical narrative, especially as regards the clasai*
fication of the subject, and the impression of the whole.
I reluctantly omitted some individual traits of Oxen-
stiem's character, but they interrupted the narrative,
and would attract too much of the attention of the
reader. Many apparent acts of inconsistency might
be explained on a deeper investigation into the cha*
racter of the man, but I was wanting in materials,
and they are most indispensable to a biographer.
Without them it is difficult to fill up blanks ; in other
respects the work is agreeable.
One of the great advantages of your sojourn at Jena
is your intercouse with promising young men. I wish
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WITH KÖRNER. 149
.you could let me have one of them, particularly a
jurist. I often wish for some clever young man to
help me. What with Oxenstiem, the addition to my
family^ and the presence of the Duchess in the sum-
mer, I have a good deal of work left upon my hands,
and cannot well undertake anything else until it be all
done.
What Lottchen writes to me about the Duke is
more than might have been expected from him in the
present state of his finances. He really appears to
take an interest in your welfare; and his caution,
not to over-work yourself by lecturing, is not to
be disregarded. You can now look calmly forward
to the winter, and think of nothing but your health.
Can you tell me if Herr Erhard, whom you once
mentioned to me in your letters, is soon coming here ?
I have received thw» letters for him, under cover to
me. One of them is from a Frau von Reiselbergen,
of Vienna, with the request, that should Herr Eber-
hard and his companion not make their appearance
within a month after the 7th of September, to return the
letter to the address of Baron Herbert, at Klagenfurt.
Shall I send the letters back ?
I have done your commission to Funk. I have lost
him now. He is quartered two hours (five miles)
from this, and is so busy with his troop, that he
scarcely ever comes to town. At my instigation, he
has written a ' History of the Emperor Frederick II.,'
which is very readable. If it appear this Fair, I
recommend you to get it ; but keep his name secret,
as authors are not regarded here very favourably, either
in the civil or military service ; and he looks forward
to promotion.
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150 Schiller's correspondence
Many kind greetings from us all to our godmother,
and many thanks for her friendly letter.
Körner.
Jena, 24 October, 1791.
My health is much better, though I still find diffi-
culty in breathing, and cramps in my bowels ; neverthe-
less, I can devote many hours together to writing, and
then I forget my ulness altogether. I shall give you a
proof of this in a few days. I wrote to you last spring
that I had commenced a translation from VirgU, in
stanzas. I had then written sixteen stanzas, and in
the last nine days I have finished one hundred and
three; and the whole of the second book of the
^ .^Ineid ' will appear in the next number of the
^ ThaUa.^ However difficult the work may appear,
and really be to some, when once I was en train it ran
off easily. There were some days in which I wrote
thirteen and sixteen stanzas, working four hours before
dinner, and four hours after. The work will please
you, as I have succeeded to my wishes. For a first
essay, I regard my verses as very satisfactory. I
am having them copied, and will send them to you
in manuscript.
Do not suppose that I am 'over-working myself; on
the contrary, this occupation has done me much good,
and I owe many a pleasant hour to it. It was also very
satisfactory to me to find that I was able to read the
whole hundred and thirty-five stanzas aloud without
being fatigued. I am now husy translating ' .Sschy-
lus's Agamemnon,' partly to complete the first volume
of my Greek Plays, and partly on account of the
^ ThaUa,' in which I purpose inserting some of the
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WITH KÖRNER. 151
scenes ; but my chief object is, to perfect myself in
the Greek style, whatever- objections you may have
against it.
My life here is pleasant enough. Friends drop in
upon me of an evening, and I purpose having company
regularly twice a week : two evenings are already fixed
for a private club. These bread-and-butter parties are
no expehse. All I want is a carriage to drive out in,
but this hope I must relinquish.
I wish we had a better choice of ladies here for my
Lotte; in this respect we are badly off.
It is lucky she has occupations of her own whilst
I am writiüg. My illness, which prevented me from
doing anything for myself, has so accustomed us to
each other, that I never Hke to leave her alone. Even
when I am occupied, I feel a silent joy in knowing that
she is near me ; and her dear presence, the childish
purity of her isoul, and the intensity of her love, throw
a charm over my being, without which my hypochon-
driacal temperament would be insupportable to me.
If we both of us enjoyed good health, we should need
nothing more to live like the gods. Do you think
Oeser Would let me have some of his landscapes at the
same price he parted with them to you ? I wish to
procure some good originals for my Lotte ; she is veiy
studious with her pencil ; and many artists of repute,
as well as Goethe, have encouraged her, as she has
really a talent for it. I have already procured some
engravings of landscapes, and some etchings by
Augustus Kaufmann.
My * Don Carlos ' will be played shortly at the
Weimar theatre. I think I wrote you word from
Erfurt, that it was at my request given there by
the Weimar company, for which purpose I let them
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152 Schiller's correspondence
have the play. They now wish to have the 'Robbers*
and the ' Fiesco/ as I let out that I was preparing a
new edition.
Oöschen has sold all the last edition, and a new one
will appear at Easter ; as also a new edition of the
' Oeisterseher/ I can devote my leisure hours to them.
But what gives me most pleasure is the 'Thalia/
which Oöschen purposes bringiug out on an improved
scale, only once every two months, next year; but
that is, if I can find a coUaborateur on whom I may rely
regularly once a month. Rehberg, of Hanover, is
to write for it ; I also count upon you, Huber, Förster,
Erhard, and others. Erhard does not go to Dresden,
so you can forward his letters to Herbert at Kla-
genfurt.
I hope Minna and the little one are well. If we
go to Dresden next spring it will be by that time a
big child, and the other one wül be scarcely recog-
nizable.
Now farewell ! Thanks for ' Oxensteim.' I have
not yet read it ; but I am glad to have it. A thou-
sand greetings from us both to dear Minna and
Dorchen. What would I not give, if, before you
come yourself, you could spare us Dorchen for a
month ! My wife would leap out of her skin for
joy.
Farewell,
Schiller.
Dresden« 2 November, 1791.
Your stanzas have given me great pleasure. The
task was a bold one, and I think you may challenge
any living poet to accomplish it better. The versifica-
tion reads well, and you have adhered faithfully to
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WITH KÖRNER. 153
the original. Many stanzas read quite like a new
poem. The only weak parts I have observed are to
be attributed to so closely following the original. We
must not forget that the ^ iEneid ' was deprived of the
finishing hand of its master. Many sUght errors^ which
are overlooked in the Latin^ become manifest in the
translation^ and could perhaps have been rectified. I
should not be sorry to see an attempt to correct these
errors. The great point was, to convey the tone of the
original to the translation, and in this I think you have
succeeded beyond expectation.
I am quite in love with the verses. If Virgil was
alive, and capable of writing a German poem, his
delicate ear would assuredly choose them in preference
to hexameters. It may be said of these stanzas :
' Flowers are wound into a wreath' — the hexameters
are only leaves. The greatest perfection that could be
given to hexameters would consist in making them free
stanzas. A good rythm in which the creations of
fancy arise before us, surely offers more enjoyment
than the solemn tread of the regular drilled hexameter.
And what exuberance in the stanzas I With what
advantage the final verse winds up the contents of
each stanza I All these advantages are at your com-
mand^ and it is therefore your duty to write an original
epic poem. Since I have read ydur stanzas, the
thought has never left me, and I am torturing my brain
to give you a subject. The ' History of Frederick' is
defective in many respects, and I therefore do not
propose it. I wish for a subject of universal — ^not merely
national — ^interest for the more enlightened public, in
which a vivid narrative may be philosophically treated
with all the elegance which language is capable of. The
germ of such a poem may be found in your VKiins-
H 3
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154 Schiller's correspondence
tier/ Fancy to yoimelf, for example, the education of
the human race — ^not in Lessing's meaning, but the
spectacle of the development of every q)ecie8 of human
perfection before a higher being — a sort of philosophy
of history. The idea wants development, but you will
understand what I mean. What I wish is, to see all
that is noble and elevated in man represented in a
series of pictures, which* are to be found scattered in
all ages throughout every portion of the globe. The
plan has gigantic proportions, but may be subdivided
into sections, each of which would form something
perfect in itself. To bring unity into this aggregate
mass is difficult, but not impossible; and I think
that of all men you would have less difficulty than
any other.
I have many other things to tell you about your
translation, but I wish to make the enjoyment last, ot
discussing each stanza with you, by comparison with
the original. Send me the rest soon ; they give me
inexpressible pleasure. It is better that your stomach
should be out of order than your chest. Do not omit
taking exercise.
KOBNBB.
Dresden« 4 November, 1791.
Your last letter says more for your convalescence
than anything else. Send me the stanzas soon: I
look forward to them with a childish pleasure. The
consciousness that you are again capable of working
will give you new strength and enjoyment of life.
I have no objection to make against your Greek
translations, but I think you might attain the beauties
of the Greek school with less labour.
Oeser b at the present Qioment so ill and peevish
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WITH KÖRNER. 155
that it is difficolt to get anything from him ; I shall,
however^ endeavour to procare some good drawings for
Liottchen. When you are restored to health she will
soon be herself again, and then you will doubly enjoy
each other's society. I perfectly understand what
happiness is shed around you by the presence of so
sweet a creature.
I wi^h to know what alterations you purpose
making in your tragedies — ^whether only in the details
or in the plot itself. The ' Thalia' would undoubtedly
be very advantageous to you^ if you could always count
upon manuscript. Rehberg is a valuable acquisition;
Eriiard^ whose- acquaintance I have made^ may be of
service hereafter. As regards my self ^ I have plenty
of good will^ but I am a slow coach, and can never
jcnake up my mind to give anything if I think it is
defective.
Körner^
Jena, ^ December, 1791.
Be so. good as to send the. enclosed to Funk. As it
contains money, and I do not know his address, I did
not like to run the risk of sending it direct. I daily
expect a letter from you. I cannot send the stanzas
yet, as I wish to alter some of them. Lotte and I are
well, and . greet you.
Schiller.
/ Jena«, 13 December, 1791.
. I must write to you at once, my dear Kömer, to
let you share, my joy. What I have so long wished
for, has at length been accomplishsd. I am free for a
. long time—perhajps for ever- — ^from all care. This very
day I have received a letter from Copenhagen from the
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156 Schiller's correspondence
Prince of Augustenburg and Count von Schimmelman,
offering me as a present an annual income of a thou-
sand dollars for the next three years, that I may have
leisure to recover from my illness. But the dehcate
manner in which the offer is worded has given me
more pleasure than the offer itself, and leaves me full
liberty to remain where 1 am. I will send you his
letter in eight or ten days. They wish me if possible
to live at Copenhagen, and the Prince says, that if
I wish for an appointment ; he will manage to procure
me one — ^but this is no easy matter. I am under too
many obligations to the Duke of Weimar, and there
are other reasons besides. But I shall go there, should
it be two years hence. You can fancy what spirits I
am in. I have the prospect before me of settling down
comfortably, of paying all my debts, and of giving full
scope to my Uterary occupations. In three years' time
I may hope for an appointment in Denmark or at
Mayence, and then I am provided for foe life.
But wherefore these details to you ? Tell yourself
how fate smiles upon me. I have nothing else to say
to-day. I shall send you an answer to your letter in
my next. A thousand greetings &om me and my
Lotte to Minna and Dorchen.
Ever yours,
SCHILLEB.
Dresden, December, 1791-
I have just received your letter, and send you a
few Unes by return of post. Nothing could have
occurred to you of greater advantage than the happy
chance, that amongst the men who take an interest in
you, there is one who can do as much for you as Ues in
the power of the Prince of Holstein. Dorchen tells me,
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WITH KÖRNER. 15 7
that when she was in Carlsbad, he spoke of you with great
warmth, and expressed great admiration of your
' History of the Netherlands/ and that your illness
bang spoken of, he made particular inquiries about
your circumstances. Our joy is equal to yours.
Take advantage of the repose that is thus offered to
you, throw up all work that does not give you plea-
sure ; live for yourself and for the future.
But a feeling of sadness steals across the joy I feel
in your happiness — ^that we should live in an age, and
amongst men, when such an act is wondered at — which
ought to be quite natural.
I trust now that we shall soon see each other. You
must not go to Copenhagen just yet. The climate is
a bad one.
Farewell !
Körner.
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158 Schiller's correspondence
1792.
Schiller purposes buyiDf^ a carriage and horses— Locke, Hume
and Leibnitz — His existence at Jena — Kant's philosophy —
The limit of Doubt — Philosophy in general — Coste's trans-
lation of Locke — Komer's house at Dresden — Rumoured
suppression of the ' Mercur/ and other periodicals — iibeity
of the press — Schiller and Lottchen visit Komer at Dresden
— Animal magnetism — Schiller's delicate state of health —
Hume and Shaftesbury — Wallenstein — The dissulvantages of
a critical mind — Ode to Light— Truth gives Freedom —
Moli^re's fencing-master — The lesser faculties of the mind —
Leuchsenring — Romantic attachment — Kömer writes an
article on the liberty of the press— Mirabeau's letters to
Sophie — Huber plays false to Dorchen — Huber's explana*
tions — Schiller rejoices at being free of work — His mother
and sister visit him at Jena— The Zerbst mountain — Philo-
sophy of Kömer — Schiller's sister — Mirabeau on 'Educa-
ti<m' — 'Letters from a Jesuit to a Philosopher' — German
annals — Schiller lectures on ^Esthetics — ' The war in Spain'
— Schiller studies military tactics as necessary to enable him
to write History — ' Kallias ; or, Ideas on the Beautiful' —
There are moments when a man must speak out — ^The
French Revolution.
Jena, 1 January, 1792.
The best new yearns greeting I can send you is^ that
that may expire which ought not to live. (Schiller then
goes into the details of the expense of buying a carriage
and horses^ as a means of regaining strength; thus
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WITH KÖRNER. 159
ac<»)mplishing^ as he says^ the wishes of the Prince of
Augastenbm^.) I wrote the other day to the Duke of
MTeimar, to inform him of this donation ; but I had been
anticipated^ as some over-eealbus Mend inserted the
news in a Frankfort paper. I would sooner have lost
a hundred dollars than this should have occurred^ as
Schimmelman expressed his wish^ in a private note sent
to Baggesen^ which the latter sent to me, that his
name should on no account be mentioned. I will send
you Baggesen's and Schimmelman^s letters ; that of the
Prince is still in the hands of the Duke of Weimar*
Have you perhaps mentioned the fact to Huber, and it
so found its way into the papers ? Let me know^ for
otherwise I shall leave no stone unturned to make it
out.
I am now hard at work at ' Kant's Philosophy/ and
I wish I could have a discussion with you eveiy evening
on the subject. I am fully determined not to lay it
down until I have thoroughly mastered it, even should
it take me three years to do so. I should like, however,
to study Locke, Hume, and Leibnitz at the same time.
Do you know of a good translation of Locke ? That
by a certain Jittel is not worth anything. You should
undertake one ; it would be an interesting and merito-
rious work. I would undertake it myself if I were
sufficiently master of the English language. I shall
soon take up the ' Thirty Years' War' again ; the sooner
I set to work at it the more easily can I finish it.
I have effected a change in my household arrange-
ments which greatly enlivens us. I have made an ar-
rangement that four or five good friends, chiefly young
Professors, should dine with me every day, my landlady
being willing to cook for them. Thus, without being
put to much expense, 1 enjoy pleasant conversation at
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160 Schiller's correspondence
table ; and as they are chiefly admirers of Kant, con-
versation never flags. After dinner we make a rubber,
which, since my ilhiess, has become habitual to me.
When I have a carriage and horses, nothing will be
wanting to make my life a pleasant one ; and I think
that a daily two hours' shaking will do me more good
than two years' doctoring by the apothecary. As soon
as I have a carriage and horses I shall come and fetch
Dorchen,
I have your word, and trust to obtain hers. Greet
both heartily from me and my Lotte I
Schiller.
Dresden, 6 January, 1792.
I am probably the innocent cause of the insertion of
the paragraph in the 'Frankfort Gazette.' In your
letter, which I can show you, you do not say one word
about keeping it a secret; nor did it strike me that
secrecy was necessary about a circumstance that sooner
or later must have transpired. I went about telling the
news to all who I thought took an interest in it ; an-
nounced it circumstantially to Huber and Kunze, and
mentioned it to all my acquaintances here. Write this
to Schimmelman, and if he is a sensible man he will not
be offended.
I congratulate you on your carriage and horses.
Your first journey with them should be to Dresden.
We shaD have much to discuss between us about
' Kant's Philosophy.' The first stumbling-stone that
presents itself in his philosophy is its — ^to all appear-
ance — barrenness. Reinhold has pretty successfully
overcome this, but he has left much unsaid. The
second objection that presented itself to me was, an
absence of proofs. Sentences abound in Kant's works.
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WITH KÖRNER. 161
which have all the appearance of hazarded conjectures*
This induced me to investigate proofs in general, or, to
express myself more correctly, to study " the limits of
Doubt, ^^ Now doubts are of a twofold nature : objective^
that is to say, which force themselves upon a person ;
and subjective^ the result of investigation. Doubt rea*
sonably stops when the continuation of it would be a
greater evil than the possibility of being under a delu-
sion. Doubt is meant to guard us against delusion, but
not to prevent us from acquiring knowledge. There are
questions to which an answer becomes imperative, and
where we must either put up with partial ignorance, or
content ourselves with such explanations, where there is
the least chance of our being under a delusion. On the
whole, I regard philosophy, in a general point of view,
not as a science but as an art* It brings order and
harmony into our thoughts and acts. From an intel-
lectual and moral chaos a new creation arises. Beauty
is its finest attribute. TVuth is a subordinate necessity
where knowledge is regarded as a means, often to
unworthy ends.
The best translation of Locke I know of is a French
one by Coste. A translation of the entire work would
scarcely repay the trouble ; but amongst other philoso-
phical labours, I purpose, at some future day, publish-
ing an analysis of his results.
Körner.
Dresden» 7 February, 1792.
You have had another severe attack, but your sister-
in-law writes with the best hopes for the future. I am
most anxious to hear the confirmation of the news that
the pain in the chest has entirely left you. I have
passed a week of anxiety, as Mereau told me of the
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162 Schiller's correspondence
danger yon were in^ and I was eight days without hear-
ing from you. It is insupportable to live thus far from
each other. As soon as you are able to move you must
come to us for a couple of wedc« ; but we must endea-
vour to live near each other. I often feel the want of
your society^ and wonder at times that I do not grow
stupid from hving in the society of men of little or no
intellect.
Körner.
Jena, ^t Febraary, 1792.
I am pretty well recovered from this last attack;
but though the old pain seemed to have left me, as soon
as I got well again it returned. As soon as the weather
is milder^ and the harbingers of spring appear^ I par-
pose paying you a visit with my wife, if you will keep
me with you for a month. But I must lodge with you,
as I must not stir out when the evenings are cool, and
thus I shotdd be often obhged to sit at home. If you
cannot conveniently do so, I had better put off my
visit till the summer.
I wish you would let me know how much I owe
Beit. I wish to pay hitn. My wife is in good health,
and has gone for two or three days to Weimar. It
was too cold for me to move. • But I can alreüdy attend
to my occupations, and divide my time very agreeably
between work and society.
Schiller.
Dresden, 24 February, 1792.
We all rejoice in your recovery. The winter is nearly
over, and I hope the summer wül restore you to perfect
health.
There are no obstacles on our sidfe to our meeting.
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WITH KÖRNER. 163
T¥hen I mentioned a lodgings it was that you might
not think a lengthened stay with us would derange us.
And I have so managed^ that you and your Lottchen
wil) be reeved of all scruples on the subject. The
gentleman who lives above us will give me up a room^
and I have the adjoining one^ which looks out upon the
Elbe. If these two rooms will suffice for you and your
wife^ as a sleeping and dressing room^ nothing will be
disturbed. During the day you can make use of my
room, whilst your wife will be with Minna and Dora,
The drawing-room, near my study, will be for us all.
The green cabinet, which belongs to Dora, is also at
your service. The children have the yellow room,
which looks into th^ street, and the blue room, adjoin-
ing it, is my wife's sitting-room. Send ine word
whether your wife brings her lady^s-maid with her.
We have plenty of room for her, as also for your ser-
vant. As soon as the fine weather comes, we will go
to the Weinberg, where there is much more room.
You can have yom: room and cabinet, and the hall, and
I should take a room up-stairs. Thus I have provided
for a long visit, and you need only send me word a
couple of days before your expected arrival. And
now may Heaven keep you in good health, and not dis-
appoint me again I Dorchen and Minna expect you
both with open arms.
Beit's bills have been in my possession for some
time. Two years since, you sent me some money
for him, telling me to get time for the remainder. He
asked too high an interest, and as I perceived from
your letters that it was not in your power to pay him
at once, I paid him myself. I will let you know the
exact amount' when I have made it out. Eut there is
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164 Schiller's correspondence
no harry ; you may have other debts to pay. I trost
we understand each other on this point.
Our * Liberty of the Press ' is menaced with a heavy
blow. But after all, the good cause will not lose by it,
and the governments only make fools of themselves.
KÖBNER.
Jena, 27 February, 1792.
We can live with yoa, then, without putting you to
any great trouble. I am very glad of it, as a lodging,
even next door, would have spoilt our evenings, as, owing
to continual cramps, I muist avoid the night-air. I
must bring two servants with me, as my wife cannot
well dispense with her maid. But as you have two spare
servants^ rooms, you can stow them. To please my
wife, you will allow them to dine out. I trust to have
a merry time of it. We have a thousand things to
say to each other, of which we ourselves are not aware.
I am prepared to find that our ideas have undergone a
change on many points, but on the whole I think
we generally agree. In you I still recognize the old
«truggle with yourself ; and with me, lectures, society,
and occupations, have changed the materials, without,
however, altering my method of treating them. I am
— and shall remain — a poet, and shall die a poet«
I enclose three of my letters respecting what I owe
to Beit. Compare them with mine, and I think you
can make it out. There remains seemingly sixty-five
dollars due to Beit, which you have paid. But run
your eye over them, to see that you are not a loser.
Tell me also what amount of interest you have paid.
The money is ready, and I will send it to you as soon
as I know the exact amount.
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WITH KÖRNER. 165
I hope this year to pay off all my dehts, with the
exception of what I still owe you, provided I have
not another attack of ilbess. You will then be my
only creditor^ and I can replenish your coffers without
being put to a pinch. How happily this has been ac«
complished ! and if I had but health I should be the
happiest man on earth.
My dear Lotte sends greetings to you all. She looks
forward to her visit to Dresden with no less joy than I
do ; and I am sure you will be fond of her. Fare-
well I
Schiller.
Dresden, 2 March, 1792.
In every letter I receive from you, I expect the
announcement of your arrival. The last did not con*
tain it, but it confirmed your intention of coming. You
do not say one word about your health ; but the cheer-
ful tone of your letter leads me to hope for the best.
You are right in saying we never disagreed seriously,
nor will that ever be the case. Passing misunderstand-
ings may arise between us ; but a serious quarrel — ^never.
Owing to external circumstances, my manner of think-
ing is perhaps less changed than yours. My position
has scarcely varied. That I have made some progress,
I am aware of, by comparing my present writings with
the past. Our intercourse developed many ideas within
me, but since then no one has had any influence upon
me, except Goethe. I found it an easy task to share
his views on many subjects, and I have become an
admirer of many of his ideas, which bear the marks of
maturity.
There are sad rumours afloat respecting the liberty
of the press. A strict censorship and confiscation of
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166 SCHILLS a's correspondence
books are spoken of; amongst others, the ^Mercury/
notwithstanding Wieland's conversion; the 'German
Monthly/ and other periodicals. The ' Literary Ga-
zette' is also reported to have been prohibited in
Prussia.
I myseK am of opinion that certain limits are neces-
sary to Uterary freedom, but that it should consist not
in legal coercion, but in the refinement of taste. To
destroy, is an unworthy task for any government, so
long as it is still in its power to create. Thence the
respect for every germ of Ufe in the head or heart,
which, according to my notions, appertains to a human
ideal. This is why we should be very ehary of
meddling with opinions, feelings, institutions, &c.,
which contain a germ of anything worthy of Man, and
are capable of development.
KÖBNER.
Jena, 15 March, 1792.
I am impatiently waiting for the fine weatl^er to tell
you something certain about my departure. The severe
cQld which has set in within the last few days has
brought, on my cramps again^ and has prevented me
from taking the promised exercise, although I have
bought a horse. I shall bring it with me, so as to
take a daily ride at Dresden, and shall endeavour to
indiice you to do the same. We should thus gain
Vßfi^Y ftp hour for conversation, and your health would
be aill the .better for it. I shall also bring my ' Thirty
Years' War ' with me. , If I wish to have itfinished in
time, I mu^t work at it every day ; but I hope to be
able to devote not more than five hours a day to it.
I have pome other work in view, of which I wil^ tell
ypu mpre. when we meet.
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WITH KÖRNER. 167
I shaU in all probability be accompanied by a young
Dane^ who has been staying for the last twelvemonth
at Jena to study Kant's Philosophy. He returns this
summer to Copenhagen to be appointed Professor, and
to preach the new doctrine. You will find him a deep
thinker, and a thorough Kantist. Be ready, therefore,
with your philosophy. He purposes remaining a week
at Dresden, and would like to see what is worth seeing
in our company ; and I am sure you will willingly spare
him an hour, or two.
As regards Haasens production, I do not know
what to make of it. As a poem, it is mediocre,
and as a moral production of no value to the ^ Thalia.'
Who would read it ? See if you cannot manage to
get rid of it.
The storm which has been brewing at Berlin against
the 'Literary Gazette' has happily blown over; and
I trust the example will not be lost upon Dresden.
The Elector cannot take so hostile a step against his
good city of Leipzig, which would do as much harm
to the Leipzig book-trade, as it would be sure also to
miss its object. The death of the Emperor will cause
a great commotion amongst you, and, in fact, it is an
event of no small importance to our German empire,
at the same time that it is a well wished-for occur-
rence for us authors, and all the friends of liberty of
thought.
Schiller.
Dresden, 27 March, 1792.
I cannot sit down to write you regular letterp, as
each post I expect the. announcement of your arrital,
and therefore keep back what I have to say, that I may
communicate it personally. I congratulate you on
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168 SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE
your nag. My riding has come to a stand-stilly but
you may renew my inclination for it,
I am anxious to see your Dane^ and I shall be glad
if I can bring him to share some of my views. It is
always a good thing that Kant's Philosophy should be
disseminated as widely as possible^ and examined in
different lights.
As yet^ no particular step has been taken against the
liberty of the press here ; but the intention of putting
an end to its abuses is still before the colleges. I may^
however^ state that public opinion is not altogether
disregarded ; that they are aware of the necessity of
being cautious in placing restrictions upon the Leipzig
book-trade ; and that they would avoid issuing orders
which they would be obliged to revoke.
Körner.
Jena, 30 March, 1792.
With God's blessings we shall leave this on Tuesday
the 3rd, or Wednesday the 4th of April; and after re-
maining two days in Leipzig, we shall reach you about
the 8th. A change in the weather wiU alone prevent
our starting, but I hope it will remain fine. On the
Jurst day after leaving Leipzig, we shall scarcely get
further than Hubertsburg, and we shall therefore pro-
bably arrive at a late hour at night at Dresden, or
perhaps sleep at Meissen. As I have not got a carriage
of my own, I must put up with a hired one, which
always causes delay. If you will meantime tell Gott-
lieb to hire a stable for one horse in the Neustadt, you
will do me a favour.
I shall persuade you to take to riding again. It has
done me a great deal of good.
Farewell ! and a thousand greetings from us both to
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WITH KORKER. 169
your wife and Dorohen. K necessary, I sliaU drop you
a line from Leipsig. I bring what I owe you on
Beit^s account with me.
Schiller.
Jena, 7 April» 1792.
Only two words, dear Kpmer. The bad weather,
and a severe cold, which has brought on an attack of
cramps, has prevented our departure. Stark advised
me not to move. Do not, therefore, expect me on any
fixed day. I shall set out as soqql as the weather
promises to remain fine.
Schiller.
[The next letter is dated Dresden, 14 May. Five
weeks have elapsed, during which time Schiller had
been staying with his friend.]
Dresden, 14 May, 1792.
After your departure a great many things came
into my head, which I meant to have said and asked
you. But I shall wait until you are quietly settled
again at Jena. Our having been together again for
a week or so, seems to me now like a dream. But the
delicate state of your health, and my business, de-
prived us of much time. Next time I tru^t it will
not be so.
I have now finished the article on the ' Liberty of
the Press,' for the R . I shall then begin at the
Prussian code; and I hope, in the meanwhile, to receive
a letter from you on aesthetical matters. A Beferen-
VOL. II. I
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170 Schiller's correspondence
dary hais 1)een appointed to each Senate, and I haye
thus one sixth less labour« Do not forget to make
inquires about Hume and Shaftesbury.
Farewell I and take care of yourself on the road.
Excitement seems to be detrimental to you. Your
cramps may arise from animal magnetism, or whatever
name you may choose to call it by. If opiates give
you relief, it would prove it to be the case.
Oessler, who is not a quiz, told me yesterday, as a
piece of news, that an Italian physician has made the
discovery, that the muscular movement arises from
electricity ; that the two muscles act as positive and
negative electric bodies, and the nerve as a conductor.
KÖENER.
Dresden, 22 May, 1792.
I was very anxious about the latter part of your
journey, as you did not remain long enough at Leipzig
to give yourself sufficient rest. Your last letter, how-
ever, from Jena, has relieved our anxiety. Your attack
at Leipzig was nothing more than the consequence of
a cold after over-heating yourself. For the future you
must take better care of yourself, and select fine weather
for your riding excursions.
My letter, which I addressed to you at Leipzig, wiU
be forwarded to you by P — — .
Notwithstanding your weak state of health, we
enjoyed some quiet hours together. Such .a meeting
has the eflfect of a mental Badecur upon me — it is a
stimulant which gives new vigour to my mind. The
thought that we i^hall meet again at the Leipzig fair
gives me great pleasure., and I, for my part, shall
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WITH KÖRNEE. 171
omit nothing to be able to go there. Say many kind
things from me to your Lottchen. We rejoice that we
have made her acquaintance^ add that ahe enjoyed her
visit to us.
Your negotiations concerning the editor of Sbafts-
bqry or Hume^ has my full approbation. I am per-r
fectly satisfied with the conditions^ provided the public
will be satisfied with me, I am quite capable of taking
the work in hand ; but f .cannot answer for long pauses
shonld I lose a taste iför the work. I have procured
Shaftesbury^s works. All his, writings seem to me
to deserve a new translatioi^v What pleases me
best is a ^ Treatise on Virtue and Merit/ where he has
ennobled^ as much as possible^ Kant^s doctrine of
happiness. Skimming it through^ I found some good
ideas in it, but do not think the work, classical enough.
I shall endeavour to procure Hume^s works. Perhaps
they will please me better.
I am now in the enjoyment of excellent healthy and
shall follow your advice in not working too hard.
Music and light reading will be better for me than
card playing, as they afibrd greater and more lengthened
amusement. I shall endeavour to procure a stock of
French authors for this purpose.
I have finished and despatched the ^ Treatise ' fpx
the President, but am not aware of the result. I shall
now be at the ' Philosophy of Kight.'
Körneb. >
Jena, 25 May, 1792.
I am once more busy with the ^ Thirty Years' War /
and it gives me little trouble. I devote four hours ^
i2
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172 schillbr's correspondence
day to writings and two to reading — ^not consecutivdy.
I thus imperceptibly got through a quarter of a
dheet a day, and shall have finished it by the end of
August.
/ 1 have not yet commenced the ' jEsthetical Letter* I
spoke of; but am studying Kant's ^ Powers of Judg^
ment ' for the purpose^ and should wish you to do the
same^ so as to be master of the subject. We should
thus work better together on the same ground — ^towards
the same end. I shall also first read ' Baumgarten :^
you must see if anything can be done with ' Sulzer.^
I am now quite impatient to commence some poetical
work, and ' Wallenstein ' is uppermost in my thoughts.
I feel it is only in practice that I recognize my powers ;
\'in theory I always bother myself with principles, and
feel that I am only a dilettante. But, for practice' sake,
I like a philosophical discussion on theories, and
criticism must now remedy what it has spoiled — ^for it
has spoiled me. I feel, that ever since I have
acted according to laid-down rules, I have lost that
boldness and living fire I formerly possessed. I now
see what I create and form. I watch the progress
of the fruits of inspiration ; and my imagination is
less free, since it is aware that it is watched. But when
I have succeeded in making the laws laid down by Art,
a second nature, in like manner as education makes the
polished man, imagination will then reassert her former
freedom, and will prescribe her own limits.
There are times in which I blush at the manner
in which some of my productions, even the best of
them, owe their existence. It is a common saying,
that the poet ought to be full of his subject when
he sits down to write. With rae, on the contrary, it is
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WITH KÖRNER. 173
but Bome individual feature wliicli induces me to put \ 7^
pen to paper^ and the ideas develop themselves as the '
work progresses. The idea which induced me to
write the ^Künstler' was eventually left out. The
very same thing occurred with ' Don Carlos.^ * Wal-
lenstein, ' it seems, will share a better fate : in this
instance the main idea will remain unchanged. But
how is it possible that anything good can be pro-
duced with so unpoetical a start f I am of opinion,
that it is not always the vivid realization of the
subject^ but rather the desiiring want of a subject, an
inexpressible impulse to pour out a flow of contending
feelings, which constitutes inspired works. The har^
monious tones of a poem much oftener engross my ] -^
being when I sit down to write, than any clear notion '
of what I purpose writing. These observations arise
from an ' Ode to Light ' which I am now busy with. \
I have as yet no idea of what the poem will be, but a )
presentiment ; and yet I can promise beforehand, that it
will be successful.
I was told the other day that BeinhoM had requested
a magister legem here to make a German translation
of 'Hume^s Essays.' He is> therefore, of opinion
that such a transktion is advisable; you need not
fear competition. As soon as you have announced
yourself it will drop. But do not postpone it too long,
as the notion is so natural and so conformable to the
age we live in, that many others may have the same
idea of making a translation, who are, perhaps, faster
hiands than you.
I look forward to our meeting at Leipzig with great
pleasure. We must not allow such intervals to elapse
between seeing each other, as has hith^o been the
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174 schillbr's correspondencb
t»8e. I am glad you are well^ but shall not feel quite
reassured until you have made some change in your
mode of living. I approve of your plan of !mnch
reading, if it answers your expectations.
Farewell I and greet Minna and Borchen heartily.
Schiller.
Löschwitz, 4 June, 1792.
Your letter gave me great pleasure. It bears the
stamp of bodily and ihental health. I congratulate
you on feeling once more inspired for poetry. A
man who has talents for original productions, sins
against himself when he wastes his time in investiga-
tions. Believe me, it is only an auxiliary resorted to by
men who have only the taste without the talent. With
you it is of secondary consideration — an occupation for
hours when your imagination is not at work. Your
first sesthetical letter will give me great pleasure,
but it would please me much more to hear that, owing
to your poetical labours, you had no time to write
it. iBsthetical speculations are in themselves interest-
ing, but their fruits are, perhaps, of gireater advantage
to the pyschdlogist, than to the practical artist. For
you, however) they may be of essential service, to cool
down your former youthful scorn of rules in general,
and convert it into a manly independence from the
despotic sway of ideas on art, " Truth will give you
freedom.'^ With each step in advance in the philo-
sophy of art, all appearance of conventional forms
will vanish, which are voluntary fetters upon
genius. What shields sesthetical rules from the test
of investigation, may, perhaps, be reduced to a very
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WITH KÖRNER. 175
simple axiom> whicb^ however^ has about the same
advantage for the practical man^ as the theory of
Moli^re's fencing-master^ "Always to hit and never ^
to be touched/'
The development must be guided solely by taste.
The more dehcate distinctions observable by the mwe
refined mind, are not prominent enough to be com-
municated by language with any philosophical ac-
curacy.
What causes you to doubt in your present labours^
is this refinement of sentiment, which is tjie fruit of
your own finished development. You will reject much
of that which imagination engenders in you, and at
which, at a former period, you would have eagerly
grasped. But this gives me no anxiety. You are
prolific enough to select your own materials, and you
will avoid falling into any extreme of sentimentality.
The source of poetry which you speak of is compre-
hensible to me, on the ground that success inspires the
work. Be the subject ever so interesting, it will
be kept in the poet's breast, idealized, and, perhaps,
never brought forward, unless some portion of it, or
some original feature has, as it were, succeeded of
itself. Then hopes arise of the success of the whole,
and this gives confidence. I should like, therefore, to
see you write a scene from your ' Wallenstein,' by way
of experimeht.
My taste for translations has abandoned me. My
official business is heavier of late, and when I have
done my day's work, I feel a sort of complacency in
not having anything to tie me to work. I can then
give myself up to my dreams, or find occupation in
improving myself, &c. ; in a word, to devote myself
fully to the service of the State, I wish for unbounded
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176 Schiller's correspondence
liberty in my spare boors. And this liberty would
not exist if I undertook a translation.
If I bad no other occupation, a translation would
not be out of place ; therefore, do not count upon me^
and do not deter any other person from com-
mencing one«
KoRNESi
Jena, 10 Jane, 1792.
I have had a yiilit fiy>m our two hussars. I met
Funk the other day at Erfurt, at the CoadjüWs,
quite unexpectedly. He came to see me here,
and we passed a couple of pleasant days together. If
Funk had less indecision of character, and were not so
elated in society, he would be a very agreeable com-
panion ; but he is not devoid of pret^ision, and is
always on the qtd vive on himself and others. I
do not think we should ever be very cordial friends.
Thielmann pleases me exceedingly, but I canxiot
form an opinion respecting him yet. His stay here
was too short, and. I happened to be unwell at the
time, and incapable of enjoying society or imparting
enjoyment. He purposes returning here soon, and
wUl bring his wife with him. I have not seen Bein-
hold since Thielmann has been here.
Wagner is also here, and I think must be satisfied
with the reception we gave him. As he has taken up
his quarters at Schützes, he does not fall too heavily upon
us. He, as well as Funk, speak loudly of your poli-
tical influence at Dresden^ and say what a deal of good
you have done, and how much more it is in your power
to effect. Perhaps you are not aware that your services
are known and appreciated, and the knowledge thereof
will doubtless give you joy*
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With körneIL 1>7
If translating does not give you pleasure^ I should
by no means recommend you to undertake it. But it
appears to me^ that even in Art your pleasure is not al-
ways unmixed ; that it often places you at war with
yourself^ and stimulates you to wt)rk with an impulse
which you have not power to quelle and yet do not
carry out. The so-called lesser faculties of the mind
are like so many sleeping lions^ which it is often wiser
not to arouse^ as it becomes difficult to quiet their
roaring j and in your case you are far from being
satisfied to remain a mere spectator. I think the
best means of procuring yourself enjoyment, without
first having to undergo a series of annoyances, is td
place your head under a clear system of reasoning.
Allweirs ' Memoirs ' are highly spoken of here, as
also a pamphlet on ' Education,' by Rehberg. I wish
you would cast your eye over them.
Leuchsenring, of Berlin, whom you perhaps know
by reputation, has been ordered to leave the Prussian
territory ; and nobody knows why. His papers have
been seized. Before leaving, a fVäulein von Bielefield,
a young lady, governess to the Princess Augusta,
threw her arms round his neck, and said that she
would follow him even unto death. I saw this ro^
mantic couple at Erfurt. He took her with him as his
wife, and is on his way to Switzerland, without any
prospects. She is a very ordinary person, of the com^
mon stamp of sensitive women, and her society has
already had an efibct upon him. I am curious to see, if
being thus thrown upon his own resources will make
anything of him. For the last twenty years he has
been reading and collecting materials, and has written
little or nothing. The literary field is the only one
i3
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1^8 ISCHILLEB's bOERäSPONfiENCä
open to him^ and we shall now see what he is ca-
pable of.
My time is now chiefly devoted to the ' Thirty Years'
War* — at least, I have only written four sheets of
Calendar work. I scarcely feel the work. My h^th
is pretty much the same as it was at Leipzig. I am
going to t]^ the Egerbrunnen waters.
Have you heard latdy from Huber f and has he
taken no further steps in the affair in question ?
I wish very much to have a good article for the
' Thalia.' I have no time to write anything myself.
If you could manage to give me one, you would do me
a great service.
My wifie greets you all heartily; Dorchen's letter
gave her vmeh pleasure. Farewell !
Schiller.
Löschwitz^ 18 June« 1792.
All that I have heard as yet about our two hussars
is through your letters. I agree with you respect-
ing Funk, but I think his want of heartiness is
lost in the pleasure of his conversation. He was a
treasure to me, as we agreed on many points. Thiel-
mann is more brilliant in a large circle ; Funk, in a
tite-ä'tite. Thielmann's character has also the pre-
cedence, but he has less head; and it is not always
character wd look for.
What you say about my political importance^ as
you are pleased to style it, would not be unwelcome
news to me> if I were not of opinion that it is over-
rated. Many might think me a most useful per-
sonage, and some would entrust nie with work which
every man could not tmdertake. I might thus as-
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WITH KÖRNER. 179
pire to ä higher salary^ or rather to complimentary
speeches and marks of distinction j but this is not
sufficient to give a man influence : certain talents are
necessary for that^ which I shall never possess.
Leuchsenring is perhaps^ after all^ not so innocent
as he represents himself to be. I know, on good au-
thority^ that he was under suspicion of conspiring
against the Royal Family ; and documents are said to
have been found amongst his papers, which, to say the
least, warranted his banishment. I am not personally
acquainted with him.
I am glad the ' Thirty Years^ War ' is progressing.
It will thus gradually be terminated without fatiguing
you.
As regards an article for the ' Thalia, ' I may per«
haps help you out of your dilemma. I have plenty of
materials, but I have no confidence that I can make any-
thing good out of them. I have relinquished the idea
of a work on ^ Prussian Law.' The theory of legis-
lation is still so deficient, that I must first come to
a clear understanding with myself on many points,
before I can commence such a work with any chance of
success.
I have sent for Kehberg's pamphlet on ' Education,'
and will write you word what I think of it. His
article in the ^ Mercury ' against Campe and his school
was to my heart's content. I purpose some day
attacking these reformers with fire and sword, as also
the Berlin science-monopolists. Controversy, however,
IS a thankless occupation. It is better to put the
bad by, quietly publishing something better.
H — writes less coolly, and K — has a new love-
afiiair, and wishes to marry. Bad prospects; But
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180 Schiller's correspondence
all may yet turn out well. K — will be here
shortly.
Körner.
Dresden, 7 July, 1792.
t had purposed hot writing until my article was
finished^ and it is in fact nearly so ; but still it may
linger^ and therefore I write at once.
I have read AllwelFs 'Letters/ and regard them as
a remarkable production of a first-rate writer. Some
of these letters, especially of those from Lucy to
Allwell, are written by a master-hand; Others are
(tirelessly written or exaggerated. The work altogether
wants finish. The form of the novel is too appa-
rently subservient to the philosophical object of the
writer, at the same time that it draws off the intention
of the reader> so that neither the philosopher nor the
amateur-reader is satisfied. He is not wanting in
artistic talent. His Amalie is a beautiful conception,
and Sylli has many beauties, though her incessant
tears are fatiguing. AUwell adheres too much to the
ideal of an overbearing genius. Clarchen is an expe-
riment : he gives her the mind of a man, without
depriving her of feminine softness. But the cha-
racter of Lucy is noble and graceful in the extreme.
The philosophical tendency of the work will not please
the admirers of Kant. But let them prove that they
are free of all blemish themselves before they point out
those of others. I hate anything like the doctrine of
election in philosophy.
B;ehberg^s pamphlet on education is the work of
a deep thinker, but is not complete. There are many
passages full of manly beauty and eloquence, especially
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WITH KÖRNER. 161
where he ennobleg passion and pourtrays moral indiffe-
rence; but there is a want of solidity in the work
which detracts from its value. The contents do not
respond to the title. His observations on Rousseau
are good. I agree with him in all, but I should
like to see them in a more agreeable dress. If they
had been thrown into the shape of a letter or dia-
logue they would have had a much greater effect than
given, as they are, as a sort of monitory sermon. If he
meant to come forward as a prophet to the men of
his age, like a Jewish pr(^het of old^ he should have
pointed out the remedies for the evil he was aware
ofj and this gives rise to the question whether there
might not be a system of education with that object
in view.
Garve was here the other day: I met him at
Wagner^s. He is still as courteous and highly po-
lished as ever in his expressions, but as regards the
intrinsic merit of his philosphical sentences> that is
another question. I have not read his last essays.
My article on the liberty of the press has made a
sensation : the President made me many compliments
upon it. He asked me to let him have a hand in
it, which I of course acceded to, and it will consequently
come before the Elector. This between ourselves.
Körneb.
Jena, 30 July, 1792.
The ' Thirty Years^ War ^ still weighs heavily upon
me, and as I still suffer from cramps, I am at a
loss. I hope soon to see you, and have a long con-
versation on many subjects as soon as I am rid of
this. To-day I have only time to send you a greet-
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182 schillbr's correspondence
ing. Otherwise I am well; so is my wife. Many
greetings to Minna and Dorchen.
Schiller.
LöBchwitx, 17 Auffost^ 1792.
I hope soon to hear that you have come to the
peace of Westphalia. The German Empire could
scarcely have been more satisfied than you will be.
I shall be glad to hear that you are once more
free. I have not been idle all this time^ though I
Cannot give you any proofs of my assiduity. 1 have
been chiefly occupied in writing a philosophical dia-
logue^ in which I have endeavoured to show up some
of the opposers of Kant.
My official situation occupies a very small portion
of my time^ and beyond a few exceptional cases^ I have
a great deal of leisure at my command.
Have you read Mirabeau's ' Letters to Sophie and
to a friend in Germany V I cannot procure them here.
The recent acts of the revolution are becoming
most childish and miserable. Petty subterfuges on
the one hand — sham pretences on the other — ^a dis-
gusting spectacle. Never was the poverty of our age
an distinguished men made so manifest.
A countryman of yours, a Professor Hetsch^ of
Stuttgard, has been an agreeable acquaintance to me.
1 have read some of his works, which show no mean
talent, and his observations on Art are those of a man
of judgment and thought.
Kon2, of Tübingen, is also here; he brought a
letter of introduction to me from Bode. He has
just been to Jena. Do you know anything about him ?
Körner.
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WITH KORN£R. 183
Dresden» 31 AugtU^ 1793-
I lose no time in sending you a piece of news
which wiU interest you. Uncle A — is dead. How
far this will a£SBct my interests^ I am yet ignorant.
According to W — he has left me 12^000 dollars in his
will. As soon as I know more, I shall let you
know.
Another important event is, that D^* has at last
consented to my writing to H — .f I did so as deli-
cately as possible, merely pointing out the visible
change in his letters of late> and requesting him to
compare his past with his present feelings, and if he
ibund a change, to break off a connexion which must
embitter his and D-^'s life, if he felt no affection toj
her. I told him that no explanations were necessary.
It would be quite sufficient if he did not answer my
letter^ and broke off all correspondence with D — .
He tpne of my letter must have convinced him that
)iis position towards me would not be dependant upcm
liis affections, and I even held out to him the possi-
bility of being on friendly terms with D — after a
certain lapse of time. I shall communicate his answer
to you as soon as I receive it.
If you still take an interest in magnetism, there
is a chance of your hearing something more about
it. Count Brühl and his wife are going to Weimar
early in Sq)tember, where they purpose remaining
a week or two. We heard this through Count Hoff-
mansegg, and it seems that Hoffmansegg has told
Brühl your opinion respecting his views of it.
Hoffmansegg praises highly Bnih?s sincerity, and
he attaches great importance to the cure he performed
* Dorchen. t Huber,
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184 SCHILLEH'S CORRESPONDENtE
upon his wife. I do not trust the Countess^ but I
wouid stake anything^ that not a word of untruth
ever voluntarily passed his lips. You can hear them
both. Körneb.
Jena, 3 Sept. 1792.
A thousand congratulations on the change in your
prospects. You can now carry out some of your
long-cherished plans. I am quite curious to hear
about it, and the influence it will have on your
actions.
The second part of your letter gave me equal
pleasure. I am quite sure that your letter was such
as not to cast the slightest shade on you or D — . I
am very curious to see H's answer.
To-day I received the welcome news that my good
mother and one of my sisters are coming to pay
me a visit this month. Their arrival will just be
at the moment when I shall have got through my
heavy work. I have finished seventeen sheets^ and
have time to finish six or seven more. I shall be
glad to have time to write to you again. Have
you read a critique on ' Revelations/ which appeared
last Fair ? It is not written by Kant, though in his
style.*
If I do not mention the disturbances which have
taken place here; it is because they are miserable
in the extreme. It is, however, to be feared that
they may do harm to the University.
Farewell! in a fortnight I hope to be free from
work, and at liberty to take a holiday. I send you
something for your library, or rather for Minna's.
Greet both heartily. Schiller.
* Fichte is the author of the work here alluded to.
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WITH KÖRNER. 185
The book in Question has not yet been sent home
by the binder. It shall follow next. week.
Dresden, 18 Sept. 1792.
I postponed writing for a day or tWo^ to be able
to tell you something about the legacy. But they
are far too formal at Zerbst to let me know any-
thing for a month. All I know is^ that a friend of
Schindler^s let out that A. had thought of me most
handsomely. But what this good fellow means by
handsomely is still an enigma to me : it may be
mightily little^ as he never had much money in hand.
H. has explained himself, and is at least frank. He
says he feels himself changed $ that he had commenced
a written explanation to me on the subject> but put
it off for a personal interview. He was silent as
long as he could not measure all the consequences
of the trath, but when an explanatioi^ was asked,
he could not conceal it any longer. I sent him a
very cold reply, merely pointing out to him that
it was still more difficult to foresee all the conse-
quences of his silence (even towards me)> and that it
was not honourable of him to sacrifice many years of
Ws life to his weakness.
D. bears herself as she ought. She felt it deeply
at first, but she is already calm upon it; she is
becoming aware of how little she has lost, and she
win soon be able to think of it without one regret.
Her health does not seem to have suffered from
it.
I congratulate you on your mother's visit. It must
rejoice you to see her after so long an interval.
To judge by your letter, your health is good, and
the five Off six sheets for the ^ Calendar' will soon
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186 Schiller's correspondence
be finished^ bo that your time will be your own.
If I had found it necessary to go to Zerbst^ I should
have asked you to meet me at Leipzig at the Michael-
mas Fair. But my aunt writes me word that she
does not need my services^ as she will carry on the
business. We shall see each other at Easter.
I have commenced reading the critique on ' Reve-
lations/ but have not finished it. The work is t
remarkable otte^ and rich in its contents. But I
cannot yet say whether it will satisfy me.
Körner.
Jena, Sept 4» 1792.
Wish me joy I I have just sent off my last sheet of
manuscript. I am now free^ and purpose always remain-
ing so. No more compulsory work — henceforth I diall
only obey the impulses of humour or inclination ! For
eight or ten days I shall not touch a pen^ and shall
try fresh air and quiet exercise ; and society will have
a beneficial influence on my health.
My mother arrived here two days earlier than I had
Expected her. The long journey^ bad weather> and bad
roads^ have not knocked her up. She is changed from
what she was ten years ago ; but after so much sorrow
and illness^ she is looking very well. I rejoice that I have
a house to receive her^ and that I can give her pleasure.
She has brought my youngest sister^ who is fifteen
years of age, with her. I am glad of it, and the girl
promises well. She is quite a child of nature, and it
is best it should be so, as she could not have received
any rational education.
I am glad that the H. affair has terminated as it has.
The unpleasant feeling will wear off, and she will be
finally glad of her liberty.
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Wlttt KÖRNER; 187
By finding occupation for her mind and her tihie^ like
a vise physician^ you must operate the cure. A parsing
or better, a lasting^-attachment) would be very
desirable at present : or, another Duchess of Curland,
to take D- y into the whirl of society. H has
behaved, aH might have been expected, without charac-
ter) without manliness. I am not astonished, and he
has not sunk lower in my estimation. Principle aüd
strength of mind were not to be expected from him.
He remains what he is, an effeminate reasoner and a
good-hearted egotist.
I want you to tell me what I shall now do ? Having
recovered my liberty, I tremble to commence anything.
I am shy at undertaking any great work, and I there-
fore hesitate about commencing ' Wallenstein/ I feel
half inclined to make my peace with the Muses, by
writing a poem, as I have sinned fearfully against them
by writing for the ^ Calendar.' But the subject 7 Here
again I am in doubt.
May heaven bring you good news froin Zerbst I and
may your Gonrector have uüderstood what handsome
means. I am curious to hear the result. The book I
promised to send is my prose works. I expect them
every day from Budolstadt, where they are being
bound.
Give Dorchen many thanks for her present, which I
have not yet received, but which I guess at.* I am
glad to have something of her work near me^ Cmd atH
doubly glad that it should be what she has selected.
Brühl has been here ; but although she Waä with
him, (and probably only on my account, as she did
not call anywhere), I nevertheless did not see her.
* Portrait of Kdnifer.
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188 Schiller's correspondence
He invited me to his kouse, but as I was not well^ I
requested him to come to me. Ue is^ as you said^
a very honest fellow. I like him well enough, but I
did not form a close acquaintance with him.
Schiller.
Dresden, 27 Dec. 1792.
This afternoon the Zerbst mountain gave birth to a
mouse. Weber was informed by our friend of the
eontents of the will ; and tells me that I have been
left three thousand dollars. I have not heard anything
about it direct from Zerbst yet, with the exception of
the Conrector's announcement of a handsome legacy.
Many a castle in the air falls in with this disappointed
Expectation. But I am so accustomed to these houses
of cards falling in, or have been compelled to blow
them down myself, that I care, very little about it. I
now, however, find myself under the necessity of making
some prudent regulations in my household affairs.
After calculating my salary, and my yearly income, I
find I shall want about five hundred dollars addi^
tional. I must not touch the capital from this day. It
is sacred to my wife and children. I must> therefore,
earn five hundred dollars — and there are two roads
open to me — a better appointment, or authorship. I
should prefer the latter, if I could hope to attain a
greater facility in writing. I feel inclined jto make the
atteknpt. I do not aspire to be classical. I shall not
care if my writings are devoid of a perfect fitrish, pro-
vided they are interesting and entertainingi But my
hame must be kept carefully secret; for if it were
known that I am an author, it would be a death-blow
to my preferment.
Throdgh your influence I can turn my writings into
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WITH KÖRNER. 189
money. What^ if I were to write three sheets a month
for the ' Thalia V It is true^ I am not sure whether I
am equal to the task, and must, therefore, have a trans-
lation in reserve. You may, perhaps, put me in the
way of one, if possible ; an historiod or philosophical
work. What do you say to Locke ?
Your letter gave me much pleasure. The very idea
of having finished a laborious work makes the spirit
lighter. I am often indebted to my parchments for
such enjoyment. Give full vent to this feeling of free-
dom until you feel you want to work again. And then
I shall put in a plea for an ' Ode to Light.' In your
present humour it could not fail of being successful, I
also hope to see ' Wallenstein ' progress this winter.
If H allows my answer to pass by unnoticed,
he has fallen much lower than I thought. I wrote to
him in the coldest possible manner upon the subject
in question — ^a few words only ; and then replied to a
former letter of his, in a tone as if nothing had
occurred. This was some weeks since, and I have not
yet received an answer. D r- behaves in a most
exemplary manner, and I hope in a few weeks
she will be quite herself again. You have not lost
much by not seeing the Countess Brühl. She would
not have pleased you. All here goes on as usual ;
the children are well, and I have found a teacher for
Emma; who, with the exception of a few originalities,
would be a good master for the boy, if I could keep
him so long.
Farewell I Many greetings from Minna and Dorchen,
and kind regards to aU your family. You will have
received Dorchen's work by this. She seems to have
been successful in it.
KÖENER.
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190 . Schiller's correspondence
Jena, 4 October, 1793.
I have just returned with my good mother from an
excursion to Kudolstadt^ where we remained ten days.
I received, therefore, your letters somewhat late, but
still too soon for the disappointment it announced.
Your Herr A — has just proved himself what I
always thought he was — a regular old screw. If the
three thousand dollar news turns out to be correct,
I would lay a wager that some sneaking heritage
hunter has been before you, and insinuated that the
money would not be well invested by you. Probably,
it has been left to some rich man, who did not stand
in need of it : it is a maxim of these gentlemen to
add money to money, and to make the rich richer.
I should like to know how your expectations from
your aunt stand; let me hear about this in your
next. If you can rely upon receiving ten or twelve
thousand dollars at her death, you are provided by
your own capital against any emergency, and have
only lost the prospect of riches — ^which is no great
object, after aU. With a thousand or twelve hundred
dollars income, your Minna and her children can
live comfortably, and there are many fair spots in
Germany where it would be opulence. As long as you
live you can always reckon on twelve or eighteen
hundred dollars at the least. I should not advise you
at present to look out for another situation. Your
prospects at Dresden are good, and the work is not
unsuited to you. In a year or two you will be on
good terms with the ministers, and then promotion is
certain. You will by that time have acquired great
practical knowledge and a certain reputation, which;
should you seek other service, would tell greatly in
your favour.
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wrru KÖRNfiR. 191
It ifl not 80 easy a task to earn five hundred
dollars by writing. You must not overlook that you
have official duties to attend to, and that your hours of
recreation must not be sacrificed. Literary occupa-
tions are not recreation, as I can tell you from a
te^ years' experience, and works of the inclination do
not pay. If, however, you can bring yourself to work
faster — and you can easily do it — I should recommend
you to write original works, rather than to make
translations. Nothing can be worse than a bad trans-
lation, and to mak^ a good one, time is requisite. The
original writer has a wider range, which is much
more propitious to the flow of ideas : he works with
gi^ter pleasure, and draws more from his own re-
sources. You need only write as you speak, or
like your letters, and if the selection of your sub-
ject is a good one, you cannot fail to content your
readers. As soon as the 'Thalia' appears monthly^
it can well afford to take twenty or thirty sheets from
you. If you have more than can be inserted in the
' Thalia,' they will be willingly inserted in some other
periodical. If you should prefer translations,, you can
translate for the ' Memoirs ;' but I should not advise
it. A sheet is equal to two sheets of the ' Mercury,'
and Paulus cannot afford you more than five dollars
per sheet, as he only receives six himself, and he must
have some profit. Your name must remain pro-
foundly secret, even should you write on matters
closely connected with your profession, and should
stand up in defence of the aristocracy; each line of
print would be regarded as so much time stolen from
your duties.
You cm try it. Select some good subject, with
the iqtention of writing two sheets in four days. Do
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19*2 Schiller's correspondence
not desitt till they are finished^ and let us see what
you have written. Give free scope to your ideas, and
do not hang over it criticising. If it succeed, you will
have proved that you can write a sheet in two days,
which will be about a Caroline. If you only do this
once a week, it will add fifty Carolines to your yearly
income. In five years you can publish a volume,
and that will bring you in one hundred Carolines
clear. The plan is a modest one, but very practicable :
it only wants decision and perseverance on your part.
I conclude for to-day to make up my packet. I
enclose the promised works, to which I add ' Vertot,'
as the preface may interest you, and the contents
may amuse Minna and Dorchen. In my next I will
tell you about my poetical circumstances. I enjo;f
tolerably good health: we are also merry, and the
good health of my mother will make me less feel
the separation from her, which takes place in a few
days.
Give the enclosed to Dorchen. Your likeness is
excellent, and the masterly manner of the colouring
pleases all who see it.
SCHILLEB.
Jena, 15 October, 1792<
I sent you a letter by private hand this day week.
You have, I trust, received it by this. I am expecting
daily to hear something about the unhappy Zerbst affiwr.
I have, meantime, been concocting different plans to
meet your wishes. No doubt you have heard of Min-
beau's ' Sur TEducation.^ It is well worth a transla-
tion. A great recommendation of the work and iU
author, is the fact that, in the midst of the turmoil of
giving a Constitution to France, he endeavoured to im-
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WITH KÖRNER. 193
part to it a firm basis by establishing a sound system of
education. The idea alone points out the man of genius ;
and the development of his idea^ as far as I have read,
does him great credit. What do you say to translating
this work ? But speed will be necessary ; at least your
translation of it must be announced, or some other
hand will get the start of you. Try Garde, or Vieweg,
or Crosius of Leipzig. One of them is sure to come to
an agreement with you, if you ask. I will write for you
to one of them. I need only mention your name as the
author of the ' Sketches of Oxenstiem,^ and as the writer
of some of the correspondence of Julius and Raphael.
I could also apply to Fellsecker of Nürnberg. Write to
me by return of post. But first of all run your eye
over the catalogues of the last two or three fairs, to see
if a translation has not already been published. I doubt
it very much.
Another idea of mine is the great 'Journal,^ of which
we said so much when we were in Dresden. If we can
manage it, we are both provided for. I shall put the
plan to paper this week, and send it to Göschen. If
he decline it, I shall apply to another publisher. We
must make the attempt ; the enterprise is enticing, and
holds out every prospect of success. If it succeeds we
shall both be in our element. Twelve or fifteen care-
fully written sheets are not much for a yearns work, and
would bring us in at least five hundred dollars.
Göschen has got the notion into his head of having the
^ History of the Reformation,' which is to appear in the
next number of the ' Calendar,' written by Pestalozzi.
As I am not to write it, it is a matter of indifierence to me;
but he wishes the public to be introduced to the author,
and has requested me to write him a preface to that end.
But I fear that Pestalozzi's views and mine are diame-
YOL. II. K
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1:94 Schiller's cqrrbsfondence
trically opposed; and in this case I most decline doing
it. Otherwise I should do i^ willingly; partienlarly as
Göschen would pay me for it* I have meantimeendea-
voured to persuade him, not only to give up Pestalozzi,
hut the ^ Calendar^ itself. The form, ia too antiquated,
and there are too many mouths . biting .at Ae same
cru9t; and the public taste requires a change. If Grös^
chen, instead of pubUAing calendars, nulitary gazettes,
books of devotion, &c., were to cpnfine hknaelf to pub-
lishing Wieland'? works, and our ' Mercury: for Ger-
many/ he might be the first publisher in the. country
five years henccj and a rich man into the bargain.
In the last number of the ^ Musen Almanaoh,' pub-
lished at Göttingen, Bürger has given full swing to his
bile against me and the ' Literary Gazette.' The coarse
remarks of this man, his presumption, and the utter
ignorance of the true bearing of my critique, will asto-
nish you. Our. friend Bouterwerk has cudgelled our
friend H — in a rough manner in dkis Very Almanack,
and makes some impertinent remarks upon him. You
must* get the Almanack. The ridicule thrown 'upon
H^^ in it; however clumsily done,, may not be useless
to D — at this present moment, especially as Madame- —
is seemingly mixed up in it.
I have been poetic xUyincUned; but, as term is so
near ät handj I have been obUged to study esthetics.
I am up to my ears in Kant's 'Powers of Judgment.'
I shall not re$t,till I 'have mastered. it> and made, abme-
thing of it. . It .is, also necessary that I should, be pre-
pared for ia r^ular course of lectures; and to be abk,
without cost of time and strength,, to . write something
palatable for the 'Thalia.' I shall shortly commence
entertaining you with my researches and discoveries,
and begin Üie correspondence we agreed upon.
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WITH KÖRNER. 195
- My best greetings to Minna and Dorchen. I have
written to Dorchen^ and have sent the books, which
will have aitlved by this.
Schiller. ,
Dresden, ^6 October, 1792.
Your ideas on original works and on translations
seem to me correct enough.' I have been employed this
week in reviewing my materials, and making attempts
at a more flaent style. I think I could succeed at once
with a scientific subject; but such themes are not
suited to a periodical. Wieland accepts them, but they
would not be sufficiently remunerating« Under the
title, ' Letters from a Jesuit to a Philosopher,^ I could
put forth many ideas for the ainelioration of the laws
of jurisprudence, &c., as also on the comparitive relation
of Kant's ^Philosophy to Jurisprudence.' Would it
not be Ib^ter to put such a treatise at once into the
bands of » re^)^etable publisher, who would not be
deterred by the subject ? Gosdien, I fear, will hesitate,
and I witt uotirisk applying to him. But if I were to
send you abetter, you could show it to Crusius and ask
his opinion of it.
I have «pleiity of materials for articles for the
'Thalia;' but. I find I still adhere to my old style.
I have sent Gnöschen a plan for a work on Germany,
in the same style as ' Archenholz's British Annals,'
with some alterations. The exclusively political — the
war with France, for example— I should leave out. The
contents would consist of everything of national in-
terest, institutions, traits of character that do honour
to the nation, sketches of German men of eminence of
every class, critical notices of works of art and litera-
ture, &c. I proposed the idea to Göschen in the shape
K 2
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196 Schiller's correspondence
of an almanack^ told him to find some editor of reputa-
tion, and promised to become a contributor. He is
already provided with an Almanack for 1794, but wishes
o publish one periodically after Easter. What do you
say to the idea ?
I have received the proof-sheet of your ' Calendar/
up to the death of Wallenstein. Considering the haste
and exertion with which it* was written, it greatly sur-
passes my expectations. The Battle of IMtzen, and
some sketches of Wallenstein^s position are worthy of
your best hours.
The excuse for abbreviating it is not a bad one, al-
though to many readers it may be an unpleasant sur-
prise. I was startled at first at the fulness of detail of
the first sheets. You have paid a great compliment to
my ' Oxenstiem,' but you call a fact in question which
I think I derived from an authentic source. I mean
the Archbishopric of Mayence. It strikes me I found
it in ^Puffendorf.' But I have destroyed my notes, and
have only Stierman's eulogium to stand by.
Vertot's preface gave me much pleasure, both as to
style and contents. I am desirous now to hear some-
thing about your poetical labours.
H has sent me a very miserable reply to my
last letter. He feels, he says, after what I have said,
that some explanations are necessary, but has no time
for them at present, because — ^the French have entered
Speyer, and he must make off in all haste with the
archives of the Saxon Embassy from Mayence to
Frankfort !
KÖBNER.
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WITH KÖRNER. 197
Jena, 6 November« 1792.
I have commenced my private lectures on ^sthetics^
and have plenty to do. As it is not in my nature to do
things in a slipshod manner^ I am obliged to study to
have materials for four or five hours in the week. The
very first lectures have also proved to me that they will
tend greatly to refine my taste. I am quite satisfied
with the number and quality of my hearers. They are
four-and-twenty^ of whom eighteen pay me a Jjouis-
d'or each. This is a hundred dollars in my pockety at
the same time that I am laying up a store of ideas
which will be serviceable hereafter^ and perhaps fit me
for some great work.
If Göschen has not written to you already^ I can
send you the welcome intelligence that we have hit upon
a plan which will procure you work for 17935 and will
greatly add to your income. Göschen looks upon the
' Calendar ' as a good speculation^ and wishes it to be
continued. As I purpose leaving it altogether, he
wishes you to write an historical treatise of eighteen or
twenty sheets^ and he has hit upon the Protectorate of
Cromwell. You have eight months before you, and
Hume and Sprengel will suffice to you, as all that is-
required is a well written account. At the present
moment, an unbiassed opinion on revolutions in general
is of great interest ; and as the result must be favour-
able to the enemies of revolutions, the truths which
must unavoidably be told to the governments will not
leave a bad impression. I have promised Goschen to
annex my name to it as editor ; and all I require is, that
i should first see the manuscript, and be allowed to add
a few touches, so that the public would recognise my
handiwork. He will not give you less than four
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198 Schiller's correspondence
hundred dollars, and you would have plenty of time to
spare for the ' Thalia/
Let me hear your opinion soon. I am not aware of
anything more advantageous to you at the present
moment, Göschen is also willing to undertake the
large journal, and as soon aa I find leisure I shall take
the necessary steps.
Schiller. •
Dresden, 12 November, 1792.
You will be angry with me,,but I cannot belp it.
However high an opiniou you and GiSschen may enter-
tain of me, I have nevertheless declined the ofier.
To wtite for a Calendar,, without having a year before
me, is no work for me. I cannot rely upon finishing
it in time ; and if I became anxious of not being,
ready at the appointed date, I should be the most
miserable man on earth. My health will not allow me
to work at nighlij added to which, the subject does
not please me. To hold Cromwell up as a warning to
others, is not an intellectual employment ; and \£ en-
thusiasm for his greatness iß to be dißplayed, it is not
suited to the age* , I honour the flame which is now
burning as the work of ^ higher hand, and p$itiently
await tne. result. . I do not vdsh to throw either oil or
water upcm it. What I think of these events I may
not write ; and what I may write, is not what I think.
Let this be as it will, the very title is in ill-favour.
I have proposed the 'Fronde' to Göschen, once an
idea of your, own. H. might send contributions, and
I could easily add two or three biographical sketches.
I have the 'Esprit de la Fronde' in my possession;
and it would be an easy task for three, in conjunction
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WITH KÖRNER. 197
¥rith Retz^ to write a sketch of eight or ten sheets.
The remainder might consist of isolated narratives.
I congratulate you on your lectures, but must re-
quest you to be carefol of your chest. I trust you do
not read puUic lectures as well ?
Körner.
Jena, 17 November, 1792.
You have surely over-rated the difficulty of the work
for the 'Calendajr.^ Göschen does not insist upon
' Cromwell/ if the subject is not to your liking. Make
your own selection ; but you must not forget, that to
earn five hundred dollars yearly by your literary la-
bours, it will be necessary to write about forty sheets
in eight months; and this will not exceed fifteen or
eighteen, and will not demand more labomr than any
other work. If you set to work at once to study your
subject, the task will not ]be heavy.
I am not to be counted upon, for Ood knows what
I may be doing nex(; year« Nor do I feel well dis-
posed for a quodlibet of many authors. It will ruin
Göschen, for not a soul would buy it. It must be one
work and one author, to attract the public, H — is
not at all adapted to historical sketches ; he has too
much pernflage ; his ' Maximilian of Bavaria/ is^ not
worth reading. H— has written to Hufdai^d that he
would shortly visit Dresden, and take Jena on his way.
He thinks himself no sms^ll personage now. He wrote
a review of ' Goethe's Works' recently in the ' Literary
Gazette.'
SCHILLEH*
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200 Schiller's correspondence
Jena, 26 Nov. 1792.
Miller^ of Mayence^ has been here^ on his road to
Vienna^ and will probably pass through Dresden. I did
not see him, though he had purposed calling upon me.
He went to the club, which I have given up, and could
not get away. He left next morning. He had nothing
very consolatory to say about Mayence. He had been
there to fetch his papers, which he succeeded in carry-
ing away with him. Custine wanted him to enter the
French service ; Miller declined, on the ground of his
personal engagements towards the Elector. As they
became pressing, he bolted without taking leave of
them. He thinks it not improbable that Germany will
lose the Rhenish provinces ; at least, the Electorate will
be considerably clipped. War with France has been
determined cm for next year. We shall have bivouacks
on German ground; and who knows but that the
French will not pitch their tents there too ? Since I
have read the ^ Moniteur,' I have better hopes of them.
If you do not read it, I would recommend you to do
so. It gives all the debates in the National Convention,
and furnishes a faithful portrait of the strong and weak
points of the French character.
Great preparations are on foot in Germany, and, as
usual, private individuals are the sufferers. At Göttin-
gen, all letters and parcels containing anything are
broken open ; and many are the complaints in conse-
quence. Everything here is on the old footing, and we
do not fear any acts of aggression from our govern-
ment.
The Mayence prospects are becoming very doubtful
to me ; but, in God^s name, if the French destroy my
hopes, I might have the idea of engendering more pro-
mising ones with them.
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WITH KÖRNER. 201
Göschen's idea does not displease me^ and I shall do
what I can. I shall rejoice at your labours.
Schiller.
Dresden, 14 December» 1793.
It is a long time since you have heard from me, and
to-day I only send you a greeting. Besides heavy
work, my time has been greatly occupied by many
things, ßessler has returned from St. Petersburg,
and his expectations of oriental splendour and such
magnificence as may be measured by figures and
yards, have been more than reaUzed. He says, the
Empress is a most magnanimous Princess.
Gessner, a son of the poet, who has been staying
at Leipzig, has been a fortnight here, and I prize his
acquaintance. He has a clear head, and is free from
prejudice, added to which he has a noble heart.
I should have hked to have made the acquaintance
of Miller, of Mayence. He thinks better than he
writes. He does not say a word about Forster.
Many doubt if he is the Forster who has accepted
place under the new Government of Mayence. I
should call it a most imprudent act. Allowing that
the French remain in possession of Mayence, which
as yet is very doubtful, they will scarcely give him
more than IS^X) dollars to be idle, which was hitherto
the case with the Elector.
I had cherished good hopes of the French from the
success of their campaign. The sentiment of their
strength must give them a new moral impulse, and
the atrocities which were the consequences of weak-
ness and despair, would cease. But unhappily, fresh
atrocities have arisen from arrogance, ingratitude, petty
revenge on the vanquished, and from avarice. The
k3
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202 Schiller's correspondence
few great men will be overpowered by a tboughtlesa
mob^ or by the vile instruments of ambitious mis-
creants.
Körner.
Dresden» 21 December, 1792.
I have a piece of news which may interest you, on
account of Herr von Adlerskem, fqr whom you wish
to procure a situation , as tutor. The Baroness of
Lieven is loojcing out for a tutor for her son, in the
place of Councillor Pathey, whom you have met at
my house. She has commissioned Blankenburg to
find one, and Pathey is of opinion that a letter
from you to the Baroness would not fail to have eflfect.
The situation is remunerative, but it is true, the
Baroness is a woman of many whims and fancies,
and the lad is a wild one. According to. Pathey, he
is not wanting in capacity, but has all the defects
of a spoiled child. In a word, with the exception of
the salary^ the situation offers no other advantages»
A good deal would, however, depend upon his manage-
ment of mother and son. Pathey had neither tact
nor firmness enough to maintain his .position. . The
family is from Curland, and will probably return there
some day or other.
I am beginning to take an interest in my historical
labours, but this will induce v^e to spend niore time
upon them than I can well spare« The war of sue-;
cession in Spain is less remarkable in its results than
in the number of interesting characters that appear in
it. I regard it as a special enjoyment to see these
men competing against each other. Louis ai^d Marl-
borough, Eugene and Villars fill up the fore-ground-
And the contrasts are numerou8---Catinat, Villeroi^
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WITH KÖRNER. 203
Sarah Marlborough, the Princess Ursini^ Madame de
Maintenon. And there are important side figures, as
Bolingbroke, Peterborough, &c. What gives me most
trouble is, to divest the political negotiations and the
events of the war from anything approaching dryness.
What I strive ai, is to connect the chain of events in
such a manner as that the connection between cause and
effect may be visible. The plan of operations of the
Statesman and.of the General must be clear to the reader.
The characteristic traits of each must be found in their
projects and in the execution of them ; all obstacles and
favourable odcurrences must be pointed out; in a word;
all the puppets must be brought into play — ^the whole
scene must be present to the reader. And to do this
I feel that I am wanting in military knowledge, and I
have commenced studying-^you must not laugh at me
— military tactics«
The humiliation of Louis XIV. was however at-
tended with results of universal historical interest. It
warned men from a slavish imitation of the French :
• ■'
developed amongst other nations the consciousness of
their strength^ and especially made England a rival of
the hitherto exclusive model.
The losses of the House. of Austria added also to the
greatness /of Prussia, and to the conservation of German
constitutionality.
Let me know if you are aware of any sources that
would be of service to me, especially as regards Ger-
many. Germaii Memoirs are scanty. Did not a
certain Herchenhahn write a ' History of Joseph I V
I know you are in good health from Lottchen^s
letter to Dora. Do not overwork yourself with your
lectures.
'.■'.■ Körn BE.
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204 8Cuiller's correspondence
Jena, 21 December, 1792.
Our correspondence has not been so regular of late,
owing to both of us being so occupied. As my sleep-
less nights make me lose best part of the forenoon,
-much time is lost and I have scarcely enough left for
«esthetics. They are getting on, and I hope in a few
months to be able to give you a proof of the result of
my investigations.
They have thrown much light upon the nature of
'■' the Beautiful, and I think I shall gain you over to
my theory. I think that I have discovered the ob-
jective idea of the Beautiful, which is quaUfied, eo ipso,
to be the objective principle on which taste is founded,
and which Kant tormented his brain about without
success. I shall cast my ideas on the subject mto the
shape of a dialogue : ^ Kallias, or ideas on the Beau-
tiful/ and shall publish them at Easter. This form is
well adapted to the subject, and my interest in it is
increased by its artistic character. As I shall quote
the opinions of most aesthetical writers^ on the Beau-
tiful, and endeavour to prove my maxims as much as
possible by examples, this dialogue will swell to the size
of a decent volume, like the ' Geisterseher.'
Want of time rather than want of inspiration will
prevent me from writing any poetical work this
winter, although I must avow that the very doubtful
state of my health, if it does not exactly oppress my
spirits, still does not allow them their full scope. If I
get quietly through this winter my spirits will be all
the better for it.
You will have read Döderlein's death in the papers.
He died a fortnight since. It is a pity that the situa-
tion is not remunerative enough to induce Beinhard
to take it. I think he would be a great acquisition.
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WITH KÖRNER. 205
The circle of my acquaintances has been increased
by the arrival of a countryman of mine^ who is supe-
rior to all the others. He was for some years tutor to
the Prince of Wurtemberg, but had a quarrel lately
^ith the Prince's father, and would not on any account
be induced to remain, although he thereby sacrificed
most excellent prospects. He has come here to study
jurisprudence, having thrown up theology altogether.
Porster^s conduct will assuredly be blamed by every
one ; and I can foresee that he will finally have to retire
with disgrace and shame. I feel no sympathy for the
Mayence folks ; all their acts betray a silly desire of
notoriety rather than any firm principle. I should like
to know if Huber is still amongst them, and if he pur-
poses remaining there. I have heard nothing more
about him here.
Do you know of any one capable of putting German
into good French, as I might stand in need of such a
man ? It is all I can do to resist the desire of mix*^
ing myself up in this affair of the King's, and writingl
a pamphlet upon it. I think this affair worthy of
a serious treatment ; and a German author, who would
come forward and give his opinion boldly and eloquently,
could not fail of making an impression on these mis
guided beings. When a man comes forward alone, and
publicly expresses an opinion, people are inclined — ^at
first at least^-to regard him as expressing the opinions/
of his class, if not of his nation ; and I am of opinioni
that in this afiair the French are rather sensitive as tc|
the opinions of others ; added to which, the subject offerij
every advantage for the defence of the good causc^
which is not open to abuse. The writer who takes
pubUcly the cause of the King, will be allowed, by the
very circumstances, to express a few more truths thi
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206 Schiller's correspondence
any other^ and will be more readily believed. You
will perhaps advise me to hold my tongue; but I
am of opinion that with such a stimulus^ a man
ought not to remain a silent spectator. If every free-
minded man had remained silent, no steps would ever
have been taken towards the amelioration of mankind.
There are moments when a man must speak out, as the
inclination drives him on, and the present seems to me
to be such a moment.
ScMlLL£JU
Dresden, 2J December, 1792.
I look forward to your ' KaUias' with pleasure. You
are the very maa to do more in the shape of a philoao-
phical dialogue than has hitherto been done. Your dra-
matic talents will prove of service to you here. The form
is known to you; the persons of the dialogue will
readily take a defined and «characteristio shape in your
imagination; the bony skeleton of philosophicaL opinions
will grow beneath your hands to. a well*proportioned
shape, and will receive life and movement; and kmtruc*
tion will be elothed in a pleasant narrative. . This form
win also enrich, the subject. How often does Jt not
happen that eonversatiop:! devdopeis, corrects, orenlai^es
our ideas 1 And a fictitioufi oonversation will be at«-
tended with similarresiahs. In* a word, tl;ie work will
give you pleasure; and, .such being the case, I look
forward to more than one such work from you.'
I have made the acquaintance of a lyoung man here
who is just returned, from the Uuiversity^ His n^me i«
Von Senf ; and I Aid he has a Jhost philosophical, turn
of mind, and mu(^ knowledge, combined with a manly
character.
Your idea of writing in defence ^ the Kingiof.the
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WITH KÖRNEB. 207
French would interest me more if it were done already,
before his fate is decided. I can find you a good trans*
later here in the person of Lautier, of the PmssiMi
embassy, who is master of the language, and will be
glad of any additional occupation if you should carry
out the idea« Let me have your manuscript as early as
possible.
Whether a man ought to be silent/ or whether he
ought to speak out, is a difficult question. The voice
of reason is not hearkened to in the moment of excite-
ment; everything halts between the two extremes of
passion, fear, or arrogance. Passion alone can have any
effect on passion ; but it must be the noble to the ab-
ject, inspiration to ravings, true patriotism to the spirit
of insurrection. But when the crisis has not yet com-
menced, in my opinion a well-intentioned writer ought
not to accelerate it. However noble may be his inten-
tions, he is never master of the means he employs.
He ought not to trust the work of his mind to chance,
but he may make the work of chance subservient to
noble ends.
Once the crisis has passed, it is then time enough for
a calm and unbiassed examination. Such an examina-
tion would bring a host of new ideas into circulation,
which would have a salutary effect at any future crisis.
I myself have reserved many things that I have been
turning over in my mind for such a moment. I have
no doubt that, at the present moment, an eloquent appeal
from a foreigner of merit could not fail to have a certain
effect on the French people ; but I doubt whether the
effect would be a lasting one. Political sophistry was
perhaps never carried to a greater extreme than at the
present moment by this people ; and the rapidity with
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208 Schiller's correspondence
which their sentiments undergo a change from one
extreme to the other^ makes it an easy task for the
next speaker to e£face from their minds the impressions
made by the orator who preceded him.^
Körner.
* How applicable to 1848 ! Where is I^martine ? What
has become of CaTaignac ? Idols of an hour, they are for-
gotten I Will Louis Napoleon last ? Time will show !
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WITH KÖRNER. 209
1793.
• Kallias'— Chronic attacks—Marc Antonio^ Raphael's cartoons
— Piranesi— Rousseau's ' Dictionary of Music'— Schiller's
theory of the Beautiful- Kant's philosophy of inherent evil
in Man— Huher again— Huber calls on Schiller at Jena—
Huber goes to Switzerland with Madame F.— Schiller has
another attack of illness — Kömer proposes visiting Jena —
Schiller takes a country-house — Huber at Dresden— Schiller
revises his poems— Bumey's * History of Music'— Schiller
corresponds with the Prince of Augustenburg— Delicate
health of Lottchen — ^The pleasures of Home— Heilbronn—
Schiller has a son — Ludwigsburg — Dannecker — Schiller's
state of health at Ludwigsburg.
Jena, 1 1 January, 1793.
Many happy returns of the new year, dear Kömer,
and may we all enjoy good health and spirits. I am
very well, though the critical time of year is at hand,
and an occupation which absorbs my attention raises
me above all feeling of bodily suffering. I often wish
that I may enjoy good health until I have finished my
' Kallias/ It will give you great pleasure, for I feel
that I improve as I advance. I have not yet got any
part of it into order, or I should have sent you a
specimen. If you have, or know of, any important
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210 Schiller's corrbsfondencb
works on Art send me word. I already poMess Burke,
Sulzar, Webb, Mengs Winkelmann, Hume, Batteux,
Wood, Mendelssohn, and some five or mx others. But
I wish to read some works devoted (o particular
branches of Art. I also want to make 9^ good collec-
tion of engravings from Baffaelle, Correggio, and others,
provided they do not cost too mucb» Perhaps you
can tell me of some ? I also wish to read some good
work on architecture.
I despair of doing anything in music ; my ear is too
old ; but I am not afraid of my theory on the art of
harmony being swamped, and perhaps you may make
something out of it as applicable to music.
Schiller.
Dresden» 18 January, 1793.
I begin to suspect that you fancy your aittacks are
dependent upon the change of seasons. There may be
medical grounds for believing in chronic attacks, but I
cannot persuade myself that there are not a thousand
circamstances, the influence of which is known to us,
which should countervail the eflFect of an unknown
cause, of which we have but an obscure idea. Why
should the state of the weather, which did you no harm
in December, be more dangerous to, ypu in January ?
Is it a sufficient proof of cause and effect that you were
twice iU in January ? And will you mar the enjoyment
of your existence by the thought of a mere possibility ?
I am very desirous to see your ^ Kalhas.' You seem
inchned to give great development to it. I can recom-
mend the following works on Art to you, inquisition to
those I have already mentioned« Hogarth ^ On the
Line of. Beauty,' Hagedom's ' Remarks .on Painting/
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WITH KÖRNER. 211
Dados' ' BMeicions sur la Peinture et la Po^ie/ Less-
ing's * Laocoon/ Herder's * Critical Forests/ (^ Kritiscbe
Wälder*), the * New French Encyclopedia/ Reynolds'
* Lectures at the English Royal Academy of Arts/ (which
are to be found at Weisse's scientific library), d'Argen-
vilWs ' LivQs of celebrated Artists/ Vasari's * Vies d^s
Peintres/ &Ci Sandrart's ^Academy ctf Arts/ the
best travels in Italy, — such as La Lande's, Volkman-s
Moritz's, &c..
Engraifdngs after Rafiaelle and other masters would
cost you a great deal of money. The engrivritigs of
Raffaelle's Cartoons by Marc Antonio are in high esteem.
Raffaeile^s Bogen, irom which most arabesques are taken,
would be of great service to you. He has there given
proofs of the finest sentiment for forms of simple
beauty, free from any imaginative idea. He succeeded
in pleasing the eye in despite of reason. Is there bo
opportunity of studying these Bogen (cartoons) at
Weimar ? I am little versed in architecture. Piranesi
has made excellent engravings of all the best Italian
masters. Volpato is more modem, but he does not
please me so well as Piranesi. ^Weinlig's Letters on
Italy' might be of service to you*
There are no doubt collections of old engravings in
the library at Jena, and ' Herculaneum ' ia to be found
at Weimar. I, however, have a much higher opinion
of casts than engravings^ which are rarely correct. It
is a pity we are not here together, as there are so
many things that would be of service to you.
For music, I recommend^ Rousseau's Dictionary' to
you. Select those articles which do not enter into the
details of Art.; and at all events they will give you
materials for. study. I wiiU send you the nstfues of any
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212 Schiller's correspondence
other works that may strike me as likely to be of ser-
vice to you.
I doabt very much if I can go to Leipzig at Easter,
as I expect a visit from my aunt from Zerbst.
She wrote to me the other day^ telling me that my
uncle had left me his most valuable ring, his watch,
and his sword. This proves at least that he was not
dissatisfied with me^ and makes me almost condude
that he has given her secret instructions^ which she
will communicate to me personally. But I do not
count upon it. You have not yet returned Petzold's
manuscript on Magnetism.
Kö&NER.
Weimar, 25 January, 1793.
Though I am not well, hitherto I have not had an
attack, and it is now six days beyond the date of the
one I had last year. My anxiety arose neither from
low spirits nor hypochondriasis. I am much given to
catching cold, especially in winter, and my last illness
originated in an inflammatory catarrh. Similar causes
have similar effects. I must therefore be as careful of
my chest in winter as of my cramps in summer. Every
sign of the Zodiac denotes some special suffering to me.
And yet I can but hope that it may remain as it is,
lest a change should take place for the worse.
My occupations, thank God! keep up my spirits.
My investigations as to the source of the Beautiful, of
which scarcely a particle is separable from aesthetics,
lead me into a wide field, where unexplored regions are
laid open to my view. And yet to produce anything
good, I must make myself master of the whole. The
difficulty of conveying an objective idea of the Beauti-
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WITH KÖRNER. 213
ful^ and l^timizing it folly ä priori by the power of
reason^ so as practically to prove it — ^without, however,
rendering sach proof necessary to substantiate it — ^this
difficulty is almost insurmouBtable. I have attempted
to make a deduction of my idea of the Beautiful, but
I found it impossible without the assistance of the evi-
dence of experience. The objection^^ll always remain,
that my explanation will be accepted only because it
will be found to agree with individual judgments on
taste, (and not as it ought to be, with a profession on
objective principles), that the judgment on the Beautifnl
is found correct because it coincides with my profession
of it. You will say that this is asking too much ; buK
so long as this is not attained, taste will always remai^
empirical, which Kant maintains is unavoidable.-^^nd
this proposition of the unavoidableness of the empirical
— of this impossibility of an objective principle of
taste — is the very point I cannot subscribe to.
It is interesting to remark, that my ' Theory ' is a
fourth possible definition of the Beautiful. It may be
defined either as objective or subjective ; and this, either
as severally-subjective, (according to Burke and
others) ; or, as a rationally-subjective, (Kant) ; or,
rationally-objective, (like Baumgarten, Mendelssohn,
and the whole herd of perfectionists) or, lastly, sensually-
objective, a conclusion of which you cannot form any
correct idea, until you have compared the three other
forms with each other. Each of these theories has
some practical proofs to support it ; and each evidently
contains a portion of truth. The only fault appears to
be, that all regard that particle of the Beautiful^which
coincides with their theory — as the Beautiful itself. The
disciple of Burke has the superiority over the disciple
of Wolfe, by . maintaining the direct action of the
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214 SCHILLEE's CORREt»»ONDENCE
Beautifal, and its independence of ideas ; but he again' is
belo^ Kant^ when he plaees it exclusively in the affec-
tion of the senses. The circnmstancr^ that by far the
greatest beauties of experience that hover in their
mind are not perfect/but rather logical conclusions
subordinate to the idea of an object^ like all wörki» of
Art and beauties of Nature — this cireumstancö seems
to have misled all those who place - the fieautifurih
visible jierfection^ as the logical result ii mistaken Ibr
the Beautiful. ^ « • « , ,
Kant endeavours to solve this difficulty % adoptüig-
a pfdchritudo i>aga £t fixa, a free and intellectual
beauty \ and he advances thei somewhat curious axiom^
that the Beautifol> if comprised in ihe idea of an uite-^
rior object^ is not perfect; that comsequently aii ara-
besque^ or something similar^ is more perfect in this
respect than the ^highest beauty of Mani. I find
that his remark may have the great advantage of
draewing a line' betw'een the logical and the ^sthetioal.
But I think it gives« a most imperfisct idea of the
Beautifal.^/The greatest attribute of Beauty is tlie
power of subduing the kgical nature of its object;:
and ho g: dä n it do this when there is no obstacle to
subdued? JH6w can it impress itself on an entirely
shapdess mass ? I at least am of opinion^ that Beauty
is only the form of a iiftm*, sind tbat^ what is dall^d
its substauce^ 'is nothing more nor less than a formed
substance.' Perfection is^ the form of a Substance.
Beautyi on the other hand, is the form of that
perfectioi^ > whicl\ stands in relative proportion to
Beauty, as the substance does to the form. I have
sent you here a confused mass, but I may return to
the subject more fully when I am in a communicative
humour. Schiller.
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WITH KÖRNER. 21S
Dresden, 4 Feb. 1793.
' Your lallt letter gave me nmcli to think upon. When
I compare your ideas with the result of my own inves-
tigational k light is thrown upon many things which
had heretofore t>een obscure to me. Our alehymical
process ii progressing^ and we may^ perhaps^ yet
succeed in discovering the philosopher's stone, in spite
of Kant.
You feel the necessity of forming a theory of the
Beautiful, mdependent of all authority. - We look not
for a voluntary, but for a necessary classification of
the Beautiful and the non-Beautiful;
We shall never attain our object if we analyze the
Beautiful as it is given us by experience, like a pro-
duction of nattlte, and endeavour to distinguish it by
certain marks and tokens. If we recognize any object
as Beautiful, we it once acknowledge a judgnient given,
though our object is to investigate how far such judg-
ment is warrantablOv
Let us ascertain how we distinguish the arbitrary
from the involuütary iü other classifications. To
classify is the ^ec^ond operation of our readon'; the first
is to distinguish. From the chaotic mass before us,
some object attracts our attention by its peculiar dis-
tinctive marks ; comparisons are drawn, and we clas-
sify it accordingly. * * * *
I shall write to you soon more fully on this subject.
Körner. •
Jena, 8 Feb. 1793.
This letter will prove to you that the angel of death
has not crossed my threshold. Three weeks have
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216 schillb^r's correspondence
passed beyond the time of my attack last year^ and
four weeks over the period of my illness the year
before. I have, therefore, some hopes that my con-
stitution has weathered the winter at least. I attend
regularly to my business, and occupation keeps me
above water. But I shall have nothing ready for
£aster. The work requires time and care.
Your letter, which I received a few hours since, gave
me great pleasure, and has put me in a humour which
will probably enable me to give you a short sketch of
my ideas on the Beautiful.
What do you say to French affairs ? I had com-
menced a pamphlet in defence of the King, but I could
not get on with it, and it remains unfinished. I have
not had the courage to read a French paper for the
last fortnight, so great a disgust do I feel for these
miserable cut-throats.
Jena, 28 Feb. 1793.
I shall surprise you, in a few weeks, with a new
work of Kant^s, which will excite your unbounded
admiration. It will be printed here, and I have already
read the half which is ready. The title is ^ Philoso-
phische Religionslehre,^ (Philosophical religious Doc-
trines) ; and the contents — can you credit it ? — a most
critical exegesis of Christian doctrines on philosophical
grounds. Kant, as you will have had occasion to
observe, is very fond of giving a philosophical colour-
ing to his writings. His object in doing so is not, as
is at once evident, to give greater authority to the
work, but rather to connect the results of philosophical
investigations with reason, and thus, as it were, to
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WITH KÖRNER. 217
popularize it. He appears to me, to follow in this a
favourite axiom of yours, namely : not to reject any-
thing so long as any result uiay be expected from it,
but rather \o ennoble it. I honour the principle, and
you will see that Kant has acted up to it. The work
has quite enchanted me, and I can scarcely await the
remainder of it. One of the very first principles
laid down, however, was revolting to my ideas, and
probably will be so to yours. He maintains an inborn
propensity of the human mind to evil, which he calls
the radical evil, and which is by no means to be con^
founded with sensual passions. He places it above
sensuality in the person of Man, as the seat of liberty.
But you will read it for yourself. It is impossible to
refute his arguments, however much one might desire
to do so.
The Church, however, will give him Uttle thanks for
his pains : he disavows all doctrinal authority, and
adopts as his exponent, the pure religion of reason.
He hints broadly enough that Church faith is only
of subjective importance, and that it were better if
it could be dispensed with altogether. But as he is
convinced that it cannot be dispensed with, and that
there is no likelihood of that ever being the case, he
makes it a conscientious duty to respect it. The
Logos (as a philosophical mythos) Heaven and hell,
the kingdom of Gfod, and all these representations are
most happily explained.
I do not know whether I mentioned to you that I
am at work at a ^ Theodicea.' I hope, if possible, to
have it ready by spring, so as to incorporate it in an
elegant edition of my poems, which Crusius is to
publish for me. I look forward with pleasure tQ this
* Theodicea :' the modem school of philosophy is much
vet. II, L
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218 SCHILLER'S CORKKSPONDENCE
more poetical than Leibnitz's^ and of a much higher
character. Besides this 'Theodicea/ I have another
poem in my mind^ also of a philosophical nature, and
of which I entertain greater expectations. But I
cannot tell you anything more precise concerning it
as yet. If circumstaaces permit^ I shall include it also
in this edition.
If you can procure MyHus's translation of Diderot'g
^ Jacob and his Army^' I recommend you to read it.
Tlie French version has not yet been published.
Minna will read it with much pleasure. It gave me
great delight.
We have taken a country-house for the summer
outside the town. My second sister is coming on a
visits and may, perhaps^ remain permanently with us.
I shall then live more en famille, and have less noise
about me, as I shall give up dinner visitors. As my
wife is sometimes unwell, I shall be glad to have some
one near me who enjoys good health, and is attached
to me. My journey next summer or autumn to my
native place, will depend upon the state of my health,
which, for the last three weeks^ has been suffering
from the effects of spring.
The death of young Ludwig, who went to Curland,
is contradicted here; and I heartily hope nothing has
happened to the poor fellow.
Dorchen's letter has this moment explained the
comical mistake.
There are no great prospects as regard Mayence yet.
The Elector is at present at Erfurt, where the Coad-
jutor has also arrived. The latter now only receives
one-half of his former salary, which never sufficed for
his expenses. Heaven knows how it will all end !
If I find time; I shall enclose the continuation
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WITH KÖRNER. 219
of my theory. But it is your tum to write upon the
«abject.
Schiller.
The news about Huber startled me. He is on the
point of taking a most injudicious step^ in whatever
light I look upon it. It is quite evident that six
months hence they will quarrel. And why did he
send in his resignation ? Where can he go ? Where
can he find employment after his connections in
Mayence and his marriage with Madame F — ?
Does he purpose living by his pen ? He will have to
eat small dinners if that is the case I Madame F —
has nothing, and expects herself and children to be
maintained by him, while he can scarcely maintain him-
self. I can^t make out what he is after. Perhaps he
looks forward to a Professorship at some University ?
As an Extraordinarius he could scarcely better his
position, and I see little prospect of his being regularly
appointed ; he has not studied enough for it.
I shall do all I can to convince him of this ; but I
fear it is too late. Are you certain he was not obliged
to send in his resignation to avoid dismissal? Hia
reputation must be at a very low ebb indeed, if men
reproach you for having anything to do with him.
He cannot count upon his parents. At all events I
shotdd not counsel him^ even for his own sake, to go
to Dresden; he would have to put up with many
annoyances. He could not come near you, of which
I presume he is perfectly aware.
The same post that brought that letter, brought one
for him, under cover to me, in his father's handwriting.
L 2
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220 Schiller's correspondence
Probably he gave orders for it to be addressed to me^
and I consequently expect to see him here.
Schiller.
Jena, 15 March, 1793.
I have been suffering from another attack^ and am
not quite right yet. The spring quite upsets me.
Do not, therefore, expect a long letter from me.
Huber was here for two days, and lodged with Schütz. I
had only a few moments' private conversation with him.
He owns he was hasty «n sending in his resignation,
but he cannot help it now. If I can beheve him, he pur-
poses living in Switzerland, where he is to publish a
political paper on French affairs, about which he is at
the present moment in negotiation with Voss, of
Berlin. His father, he says, is not yet quite reconciled
to his giving up his situation, but that he will gra-
dually become so, and bring over his mother. After
showing himself at Dresden, he purposes spending six
weeks with his father, and then starting on his journey.
As regards his connection with Madame F^ — , his mind
is^made up. F — himself is the only gainer in the
affair. In his present circumstances, when he must
risk all, it is a great relief to him not to have a wife to
provide for. One child is to remain with him, and the
other to go with the mother.* •
* As regard the facilities accorded for divorce, I have been
in company in Germany where a married lady — a very fasci-
nating person— had three living husbands in the room. Two
ex -husbands and one in office. At Heidelberg I was personally
acquainted with a learned professor who had married two
sisters ; both had died, and he was engaged to the third, a
very pretty girl. Both were in deep mourning for the departed
wife and sister.
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WITH KÖRNER. 221
You need not fear a visit from him. He is perfectly
aware he cannot see you. Biit he says he must go to
Dresden. Count Görz called upon him at Frankfort
with a letter^ notifying to him to give up the Archives
to him (the Count), and to report himself at Dresden.
On this notification^ to which were added a few hints
as to his principles, which had caused suspicion, he
gave in: his resignation. Some months before> Luc-
chesini, of Frankfort, had endeavoured to procure his
dismissal, which he mentioned in his despatches. I
am not aware how far he is compromised : he assures
me he gave no grounds for suspicion, but that being
suspected, he felt it impossible to remain at his post^
Count Redem spoke to him at Weimar, and told
him he had been too hasty. He has not explained
himself further, but confesses that he acted too hastily,
adding that it cannot now be remedied.
Nothing passed between us respecting Dorchen. As
I forgot to mention the commission respecting the
letters, and did not see him again, I have written him
a line which will not fail to reach him.
I think you ought now to discard him from your
thoughts altogether; you need not reproach yourself
with having estimated him above his deserts. The
mistake was a pardonable one, and I do not think the
consequences will be so bad, as the state of your feel-
ings at present make you suppose. Dorchen's eyes
have been so thoroughly opened, that she can now feel
no regret fbr his loss. She will soon forget him, and
you must help her to do so.
I hope the visit of the Duchess of Curland will be of
somje service to Dorchen. Have you heard from R —
and do you think he will come forward ? I should be
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222 SCHILLER*!^ CORRESPONDENCE
glad if the Duchess could bring about a marriage
between them.
Schiller.
Jena, 23. March, 1793.
You will have received my last letter at least eight
days since. I was quite well for two or three days,
when an attack came on during one of my lecti»es.
My existence is so cut up by these attacks^ that I <»n-
not sit down steadily to anything. My lectures will
close in a few dajrs^ and I shall then be able to resume
our sesthetieal correspondence^ to which I look forward
with pleasure.
Huber has answered my letter^ and tells me that the
letters in question are at Frankfort with his other
effects^ and that he «annot send them till after his
return. He will forward them under cover to me, and
you will do the same with his letters. If it may be
done, I should like exceedingly to read one of those
letters — the letter he wrote to Dorchen some two or
three years ago. If you can find time, and D— '«
conscience wiU permit it, send me a copy of it, or ask
D — to let me see the original before she seals it up
with the rest. I wish to know to what extent his
treachery reached. From the present moment I think
you ought to forget him altogether. If you want
vengeance, I should say that -^ — ^ will procure it for
you fully.
In other respects he is ä son aise. He has been
informed that he will receive a pension of two hundred
dollars. Voss, of Berlin, has promised him two hun-
dred Carolines a year for his political paper. He is on
good terms with his father, and hopes gradually to be
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WITH KÖRNER. 223
Feconciled to his mother. I shall write to you more
at length when I am better. My powers of writing
are exhausted for to-day. I wish you could make your
visit to Jena a certainty. It would be a joyous pros-
pect for me.
Schiller.
'Dresden, 27 March« 1793.
Herr von Münchhausen, who is probably known tp
you as an author^ by his little work on ^ Masters and
Servants/ will deliver you this letter with many greet-
ings from us all. He was a. constant guest at our
honse^ and will prove a pleasant acquaintance, fl^
played a conspicuous part i^t the late Assembly of t^e
Diet. He is an independent gentleman of landed pror
perty in Thüringen, who seemed on this occasion to
wish to speak his mind freely. It was feared at fi^^t
he would prove a second Mirabeau^ and Court and
Ministers outbid each other in acts of civility to him.
His book, the style of which ip somewhat obscure, was
not understood by all, an^ many suspected him of
democrfitic principles ; but; according to my notiqns,
he is anything but a democ^i^tj he. ifi i:aäier an aristor
crat, who defends the privileges of that class, but
expects the nobility to deserve them. In this latter
respect he may have preached here tp deaf ears^ and
he does not leave pver-satisfi^d with the result. He is
however a man who is npt deficient .in mind and cha-
racter. Farewell ! I shall write again shortly.
Körner.
Dresden, 28 March, 1793.
. I have still two of your letters unanswered before
.me, Herr von Miinchhausen will bring you a few
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224 Schiller's correspondence
lineS; jnst as many as will suffice to introduce liiiü to
you. I shall not send you a line to day on aesthetics.
I have not been idle^ but \ wish to ht more master
of my subject brfore I write to you. Your attacks
are annoying^ but on the whole I think you can-
not complain of this winter; the attacks are not so
frequent^ and are of a less violent nature^ notwith-
standing that you did not spare yourself as much last
summer as I could have wished. As you will have no
heavy work this summer, I hope better days foif yon.
I only wish you had no lectures at present. My hope
of seeing you at Jena acquires daily a greater degree
of certainty. My colleagues all took a run last year>
and I shall demand a mouthful of fresh air this time
for myself, as a relief to the Dresden climate. We
have hit upon a plan of spending fourteen days at
Jena, children and all> without putting each other to
any inconvenience. Tou live in a garden ; give us up
your town residence. We will spend the daytime
with you : the children and servants can board with
your old maids, and we will sleep in your apartments.
Count Gessler and some others also purpose visiting
Jena ; but this will not take place, I presume, till the
end of summer« At Pentecost we espect a visit from
my aunt from Zerbst, who will remain a fortnight with
us. Dorchen will then probably go with the Duchess
(who is at Berlin) to Carlsbad, and as soon as she
returns, we shall start. Mind and be in good health,
that our joy may not be clouded.
Huber is dead to me. R — purposes paying us a
visit after the vacation. I thank you for having pro-
cured the letters from him. I will send you his, and
Dorchen will select one to show you. I almost doubt
as to B-^^8 coming forwardi I hoped he would have
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WITH KÖRNEIL 225
declared himself this winter, but he had various en-
gagements to keep him away. If D — had been free
two years ago, she would now be Br— 's wife^
KÖEfTEB.
Jena, 7 April, 1793.
To-day I have taken up my quarters in the garden,
and rejoiee in no small degree at seeing the fields and
•ky. During the whole winter I did not get into the
fresh air more than five times, and I now feel like a
prisoner who once more sees the day-hght. I have five
days to devote to a disagreeable work, and I shall then
return to our correspondence on Beauty.
Our meeting in summer will do us both good, and the
thought of it gives me pleasure by anticipation. You
will not, however, be able to take up your quarters at
my town residence : we gave it up, as it had no kitchen,
and we now have our own minage. The cookery of
our Mamselles did not agree with my deUcate stomach.
But this circumstance must not interfere with your
plans in the least, for in aU probability I shall take an
apartment in town before Michaehnas'; and should I
not by that time have found one to suit, I know of two
or three lodgings which are to be had by the week.
You need only write to me how many rooms you want
beds in.
I have seen Herr von Miinchhausen, and find him a
most interesting person» He is not one of those whose
good qualities come out in a first interview, and we
were scarcely an hour m each other's society ; but he
warmed gradually, and we should have probably drawn
closer towards each other, if a visitor had not come in.
I forgot to ask him the name of his country seat ; send
it to me, if you have it»
L 8
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226 Schiller's corkeIsfonüence
Yon speak of other Dresdeners who purpose coming
to Jena. Who are they ?
Ramberg is making a drawing for my ^ Kallias/
which is to be engraved, and will remain my property.
I gave him free scope, and am anxious to see what he
has hit npon.
Schiller.
Dresden, 20 April, 1793.
I have been iajly expecting a letter from you, with
something new for the ^ KalUas/ and have kept back
my materials for an answer. To*day I send you no-
thing. My thoughts are rambling too much for me to
collect my ideas.
I wish you joy of your country residence. Let no-
thing disturb your enjoyment this summer. No lec-
tures, no heavy work ; no more mental exertion than
is necessary to a rational existence.
The persons who purpose visiting Dresden are, first
of all. Count Gessler, and a young Government-assessor,
of the name of Senf, who is one of my most esteemed
acquaintances, lie is a man of a thoughtful turn of
mind, and has a soul that warms towards all that is
noble and beautiftiL His natural modesty makes him
appear bashful at times, and is a drawback to his
getting on in the beau monde ; but in a friendly circle
he is not deficient in gaiety. Miinchhausen will also
probably visit Jena about the same time. In short, we
shall be a joyous circle. In the evening, lifter our dis-
cussions during the day, I shall be glad to throw ofi*
all prosy considerations, and to live in a better woifld.
You must manage to be in good health. I have en-
joyed excellent health this winter, and I feel no traces
of my former attacks. - 1 expect something good from
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WITH KÖRNBIL 227
Ramberg to your 'Kallias/ I duoujld have Uked
to have seen him here^ but I hear that he goes to
Berlin»
You will have been puzsling your brain all this time
to know why I send the inclosed volume of Simons.
I do not expect you to read them, though I listentsd to
one of them with real pleasure. I know the author to
be an estimable young man, and a learned divine, who
endeavours zealously to fulfil his duty. He means this
copy for the proprietors of the ' Literary Gazette»^ t^nd
wishes it to be reviewed by a man of rational ideas. He
expects criticism, but he wishes it to be such as not. to
lower him in the opinion of his congregation, as the
benefit of his services to them depends in some measure
on their estimation of him. His modesty has given
rise to these fears, though I think they are unfounded.
I recommend him to your good offices. You will find
an opportunity of putting in a word for him in the
proper quarter.
KÖRNEIU
Huber has been here, and happily we did not meet
him anywhere. The name of Münchhausen^s property
is Steinburg, near Kloster Häfeln.
Jena» 5 May» 1793.
I have been a long time without writing to you, ana
I only send you a few lines to-day. During the ten-
friendly April weather, my attacks prevented me from
thinking or writing. I should like to resume our
sesthetical correspondence, but other more pressing
work must first be expedited. First of all, there is a
revision of my poems, some of which I must have
ready for the press. .1 fear this ^ revision will cost-me
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328 SCHILLEK's C0BRE8P0KDENCE
much time and labour. The ' Goda of Greece/ a poem
which has already undergone a great many corrections^
gives me already much trouble, as there are not more
than fifteen verses in it with which I am quite satisfied.
The * Künstler ' will require mu^h Itiore labour ; and
of the new ones in petto, I do not even harbour a
thought. My collection, comprising three new poems,
will not exceed twenty^ Select them for me. I wish
to know if we agree in our choice»
I shall have them printed here, that I may correct
the proof-sheets myself« The edition will be in no re-
spect inferior to that of Didot's. I cannot bear to see
verses broken, no matter how long they may be ; and
to avoid this I shall select the largest-sized octavo
paper. £ach page will contain not more than sixteen
lines. This of itself will make the edition more ele-«
gant. I haVe carte-blanche in this respect; and as
the volume will not consist of moi^ than nine or tea
sheets, it will always be cheap, notwithstanding the
high price of the paper.
My ideas on Beauty have meantime received con-
siderable developmeüt, and I have discovered a land-
mark of freedom of representation. I have enlarged
the range of my ideas, and have applied them to
music, not going beyond Sulzer and Kimberger. I
expect sonie light firom you upon the subject; but
the little I have done is a glorious confirmation of
my theory. Should you know of any work on music
likely to be of service to me; send me word^
I must conclude. If the Duchess is still with you,
present my respects to her. Some years since, she
was so polite as to send me a greeting.
Schiller.
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WITH KÖBNEtU 229
Dresden» 11 May» 1793.
I fear lest you may be too severe in the revision
of your poems. Tour style is changed. Much will
displease you now which bears the stamp of the
wildness of Jrouth^ but which is perhaps well suited
to workS; eiccellent in their way; You need not
spare errors of language and versification^ but I
beseech you to be tender towards what may appear
to you too rich in metaphors. I am aware they jar
on a more refined taste. But the date of the yeaif
in which each was written will suffice for your excuse.
Errors in the measure^ which may have arisen from
carelessness^ I do not wish to protect. But I do
not wish the idea to be too much sacrificed to the
exactions of truth. When it arises from the cha-»
racter and the situation of the writer — ^when it con-
tains no contradictions in itself^ though it be only
to be understood by an exalted imagination^ it would
be unpardonable to sacrifice it. Many poems have a
radical fault in the groundwork of the plan ; but
make up for this by the perfection of the details.
This seems to me to be the case with the ' Künstler.'
That work was written rather in a philosophical than
in a poetical spirit. It would be almost necessary
to change it into a poetical elixir before giving it a
form. It strikes me> that the impression left by
the complete work was only suited to Art ; but to make
such a change would cost you more labour than
to write a new poem^ which would be more advan-
tageous both to you and the public. I am sorry
I have not your ' Anthology.' I lent Huber my last
copy, and he has not returned it to me. I have
in vain endeavoured to procure another; I may there«"
fore overlook a poem> but as regards the following
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230 Schiller's cohrbspdndence
seventeen, I should not entertain the slightest doubt.
—' The Künstkr/ ' The God« of Greece/ ' The Hymn
to Joy/ ^Resignation/ ^ISfttsions of the Passions/
^Reproach to Laura/ 'Phantasy to Laura/ ^ Clara
at the Piano/ ' Secrets of Memory/ ^ The Hynm to
Love/ 'Brutus and Caesar/ ^The Pare«/ 'My
Flowers/ ' Elegy on the Death of a Young Man/ and
' The Blue-stocking/
I congratulate you on your (vpiy«ca in your theory of
Beauty. I fancy I can see a glimmering of light
in the distance^ but I have not yet been able to
make it out distinctly. Let me hear socm what
you have found. With the exception of Bousseäu^s
^Dictionary/ and Bume/s 'History of Music,* I
scarcely know what to recommend. You will perhaps
find something in them respecting the music of the
ancients.
The Duchess is still here, and takes up many an
hour of my time. She thanks you for your greeting,
and sends many in return.
Dora greets you heartily, and begs you to tell
Lottchen that the lodgings taken for Herr von Gleichen
are in the Frtuiengasse, at the swordsmith's, up three
pair of stairs. No. 399, and that after the month
is up, they will be continued by the week.
Farewell ! and may you enjoy the fine weather
' undisturbed.
Körner.
> Jena, 17 Ma,y, 1793.
You must have patience with me : in this changeable
weather I suffer from my old malady, and lose two
days out of three; so that I must make up for lost
time in the intervals. I must not neglect the ^ Thalia/
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WITH KÖRNEiR. 231
and I am but badly supported by my collaboratewri.
I have consequently been under the necessity of
writing two articles for it.
I coincide with your remarks on the revision of my
poems^ and I think them so just^ that I feel inclined
to publish them by way of preface to the revised
edition. The revision of the ' Artists^ is what I fear
most. My ideas on Art have since received much
development ; many previous views are changed, many
opinions abandoned. But yet I must acknowledge
that I find much true philosophy in the 'Artists/
which astonishes me in no small degree.
In addition to the poems you have enumerated^
I think there are two or three others worthy to
survive. ' Hector and Andromache^ is one of the
best, and 'Amelia in the Garden^ may be forgiven.
Amongst my effusions to Laura, 'DelightMs one of
the best. I feel inclined to sacrifice 'Laura at the
Piano.' I am glad you have had pity on the ' Blue-
stocking.^
As soon as the 'Gods of Greece^ are ready for
launching, I shall send them to you. I flatter myself
you will confess that the Muses have not yet quite for-
saken me, and that criticism has not frightened away
inspiration.
The accompanying pamphlet is a pendant to your
sermon; but I have a stronger interest in recom-.
mending it than was the case with you. It is written
by my father, and the text will inform you why it was
published. I wish you could place the three enclosed
copies in the hands of men most likely to draw atten-
tion to it. You will do me a great favour if you
manage to get it spoken about at Dresden.
Herr von Gleichen will have arrived at Dresden by
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232 Schiller's correspondence:
this time; His acquaintance will^ perhaps^ be an
^uisition to you and Minna. He loves and under-
stands Art ; is no mean landscape painter in oils ; and
b a good theorist. He is a man of much talent and
leamiiig : he lives at Rudolstadt^ on his private fortune,
and is consequently somewhat laky. His wife is a
mild and excellent creature, and a veiy old friend of
my Lottchen. You will soon find that you need not
put yourself out for thcm> and that they will be most
pleasaht acquaintances. Minna will also have a com-
panitoii.
Farewell I and greet yourself and Minna from us
both. It is a pity you ails not here fot the vaccination.
Many children have been sient here from all parts to
be vaccinatS^d, and with the hapjpiest results.
Schiller.
Dresden) 31 May, 1793.
Your long silence and the bad weather made me
anxious about you. The warm weather must come
soon, and I trust you will then be well again. We
have not yet been able to take up our quarters at the
Weinberg.
I am glad you are working for the ' Thalia.' You
should not neglect it, and I wonder you do not
receive more contributions. It strikes me that the
young man who wrote the ' Historical Sketch of Malta'
might become a Valuable Contributor ; and surely, in
Jena, there are many clever pens in the philosophical
line.
The publisher, Oessner, of' Zürich — ä son of the
poet, who has studied at Leipzig, and who has a head
of his own — sends me word that he wishes through
the medium of the 'Thalia/ to bring b^ore the public
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WITH KÖRNEtl. 233
some scenes of a play^ which Hottinger will shortly
publish at Zurich. I told him to send them to me.
This might lead to a correspondence with Hottinger,
who would be a valuable contributor. I look forward
with pleasure to your ' iEsthetical Treatise.' I have
just now been occupied more with the Useful than the
Beautiful i that is to say, I have been studying the will
of my uncle of Zerbst, which my aunt has brought
here with her. The result is not satisfactory. At the
outside, my aunt will not receive more than 30,000
dollars which she can dispose of; the rest of the
property remains as a fund in the concern, of which
the present proprietors receive only the interest. I
shall receive at least one-half of my aunt's property,
which will not exceed 600 dollars per annum. In
short, my brilliant expectations have dwindled into a
mere nothing. I must not touch my capital now, and
I must endeavour to earn enough to provide for all my
wants that are not covered by the interest of my
capital and my salary. My aunt is most Anendly, and
remains two or three weeks with us.
Dorchen is gone with the Duchess to Carlsbad, and
will return in a fortnight.
I am glad we agree respecting the revision of your
poems. Send me the * Gods of Greece.' It struck
me, that in the * Artists,^ the philosophical might be
separated from the historical part. I have nothing to
say against the three poems I omitted^ In my last I
adhered too closely to the number mentioned in your
letter. I have not yet heard anything of Herr von
Gleichen. I e^Lpect much pleasure from his society.
I shall endeavour to bring yo\ir father's pamphlet into
as much notice as possible. I have given one copy to
old Wagner, Morita has been here; I should have
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2^4 Schiller's correspondence
liked exceedingly to have made his acquaintance^ but
no opportunity offered itself. The history of his
marriage is most romantic.
My Carl is, not yet quite fit for vaccination, and is
suffering from his teeth ; but we will speak about it
with Hufeland, at Jena, where we hope to see you in
August. My head is a regular desert just now. None
of the works at this year's Fair have pleased me parti-
cularly. Kant^s work displeased me, on account of
its northern harshness, and its artificial and dogmatical
sentences.
Herder^s 'Letters towards the Furtherance of Hu-
manity,' seem to be an exclusive production, which is
greatly wanting in salt.
Körner.
Jena« 20 June, 1793.
It is a long time since I wrote, but the enclosed
must be my explanation. But you have been equally
silent. Have you a similar excuse ?
I wrote this Treatise in less than six weeks. Judge,
therefore, whether I have been studious, and studious
enough for an invalid. This work has given me much
pleasure, and I think not unreasonably so. Look
upon it as a sort of precursor of my theory of the
' Beautiful.' I know beforehand that on one point I
shall have you on my side, and I am curious to know
if I have come up to your notions.
I shall soon set to work on my dissection of the
'Beautiful/ It will consist of a series of letters to
the Prince of Augustenburg, with whom I already
correspond on the subject. I owe him some pubUc
mark of respect, and I know he is not indifferent to it.
This form also procures me the great advantage, that it
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WITH KÖRNfeft. 235
makes it almost a duty on my part to write in a free
and agreeable style^ and I may thus derive an advan«»
tage from my want of knowledge in dogmatics, as
such letters, to such a man, would not permit of them.
To the theory of the ' Beautiful/ I shall add a
treatise on the principle of the Pine Arts, and I trust
I shall produce something good; nor do t purpose
neglecting my poems, but they are getting on slowly.
Can you not manage to come here sooner? I am
impatient to exchange ideas with you, and I also will,
through you, acquire some knowledge of the principle
of music, as I am determined to master it.
Schiller.
Jena« l July, 1793.
I have now an additional reason for wishing that we
could meet in July. If you cannot, or will not come
here, I will cheerfully go with my wife to Leipzig, and
remain with you as long as you like. I would pro-
pose Bonneburgas a watering-place, where we could live
in each other's society, and have all the benefit of the
waters at the same time. It is said to be a very
agreeable place of residence, and living is cheap. In
short, you must endeavour somehow or other to
manage it, even should the greater distance fall to my
lot. A change of air will do you good, and you must
leave Dresden and its neighbourhood; and, besides,
Dresden is too far for us.
I cannot put off my journey to Wurtemberg, as my
father has placed all his hopes upon it, and I owe him
that much love. , He will be seventy years old in Octo-
ber, and, therefore, further delay is out of the question ;
the health of my wife, also, demands the care of some
skilfiil physician ; I count a good deal on Gmelin, of
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236 Schiller's correspondence
Heübronn^ where I purpose taking up my abode. I
also hope my native air will do me good, and I shall
remain over the winter there.
I enclose you sixteen louis d'or ; I received^ a few
weeks since^ the long-desired remittance firom Denmark.
Having a long journey before me^ .not knowing what
expenses I may incur at a strange. place, and, owing to
my wife^s illness, I cannot send you more at the present
moment, especially as our payments have not been
regular of late, and Groschen has not paid me for some
time i but should you stand in need of more, I trust
you will not spare me at your own expense ; Göschen
must fork out when I want him, and a hint from you
will suffice.
I now beseech you to manage so that we may cer-
tainly meet ; and if it is put off till August, it will
not be so, as the health of your children, or of my
wife, might spoil our plans. My sister, from the ' SoU-
tude,' has not arrived, and cannot come now, as my
mother is ill, and she cannot leave her. My sister-in-
law has gone to a watering-place, in Suabia, and here
we are, entirely abandoned, and no kind hand to help
us should we need assistance. I, for my part, am much
better than I have been for some time past, and if you
were here, I could fully enjoy your society^ How long
this will last. Heaven know«! I take advantage of
these intervals to prepare myself for new trials.
Yours,
Schiller.
Jena, 3 July, 1793.
It is now quite certain that my wife^s confinement
will take place, at the latest, towards the end of Sep-
tember ; I entreat you do not let this pleasure deprive
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WITH KÖRNER. 23 7
me of the other I looked forward to^ and which I
counted upon as certain. Try and come to us about
the middle of this month. I must leave this early in
A.\]^uBt^ that my wife may have at least one month's
quiet before her confinement^ and it will take some
time to settle down quietly in Wurtemberg. A month
will be lost in making arrangements — ^in shorty you
see^ there is no time to be lost^ and I trust you will do
what i» in your power.
I cannot tell you in what good spirits I feel. My
anxiety respecting the severe attack of my wife is
now explained; and hence my joy at looking forward to
the completion of my domestic happiness. I often stand
in need of all the powerful aid of philosophy^ to keep
up my courage^ on witnessing the sufferings of my
beloved Lotte^ and on feeling my own sinking state of
health. I haV^e now got rid of one half of my suffer-
ingS; and; as regards the other^ which concerns myself
alone^ I do not make much account of it. I fancy I
perceive the dying torch of my life renewed with fresh
light in another^ and I am reconciled to fate.
This great change also promises me a favourable
reaction in the health of my wife, and the physician
tells me that he entertains the best hopes frx)m it. The
improvement in her health, and the joyful event that
awaits me, cannot fail to have a happy influence on
mine. If all passes over weU, and Heaven preserves to
me both mother and child, nothing essential will be
wanting to my happiness. Farewell I and rejoice me
soon with such an answer as I hope for.
Yours,
Schiller.
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238 Schiller's correspondence
Dresden, 7 July, 1793.
My heartfelt congratulations on the dispersion of
your anxiety respecting Lottchen's healthy and on the
happy prospect which is opening before you both. The
author should, perhaps — ^like the soldier — ^be neither
husband nor father ; but woe to him who would confine
himself to an author's existence I In our youthful
years, it is possible to live for Art alone, but when our
inspired moments become less frequent, and when our
occupations are more confined to works of study, of
criticism, and of taste, we begin to feel the want of a
home, and to yearn for scmie new source of enjc^ment
in the joy of the beings that surround us.
Your last letter but one, made me sad. I felt the
necessity of accelerating our meeting ; but on my side,
I did not see the remotest chance of being able to do
so. Judge for yourself. About eight weeks since I
waited upon th« President of the Appellattons-gerichty
and requested a month's vacation. The time was then
indifierent to me, and as Dorchen's return from Carls-
bad might be delayed, I did not wish for July. The
President proposed August^ as he had given leave of
absence to Appellations-rath Heydenreich for July — we
agreed for August. The change in the Senate takes
place almost immediately after, and I am placed in the
second Senate with Heydenreich. One of our colleagues
is so ill that he is unable to attend, and, therefore,
there are only three Councillors, besides myself, to do
all the work. We have also more work on our hands,
and it is utterly impossible for me to leave befwe
Heydenreich's return, not on the President's account,
but on that of my colleagues, who count upon my
assistance, and I should do myself an injury. To leave
at such a juncture would be a very impolitic step.
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WITH KÖRNER. 239
I have given you these details, to convince you it is
,no fault of mine that I cannot meet your wishes. I
cannot expect you to put off your journey^ as the time
for Lottchen^s confinement approaches : we must, there-
fore^ bid farewell to this hope. Let us not unman
each other — ^we shall surely meet next year. A sojourn
in your native air will do you good ; your Lottchen will
be restored to p^ect health, under the care of your
family, and you will have less anxiety for the young
being which owes its existence to you, having the expe-
rience of your mother to counsel you.
The money you sent me came quite a-propos, pro-
vided you can spare it. At Michaelmas we change
our apartments, which will put me to some expense.
Our new ones are situated in the open square, near
the Japanese Palace, opposite the white gate. Nearly
the whole of the house is ours, and the interior arrange-
ments are excellent, so that you will be better lodged
when you next comß to see us. On the second story,
where I have my private rooms, there is a fine view
over the walls to Neudorf^ along the banks of the
JBlbe. There is scarcely any difference in the rent.
l>orchen has returned from Carlsbad, and the
Duchess remain» with us till Tuesday. We shall then
take up our quarters at the Weinberg, where Minna,
who js not very well, will undergo a cure. The children
apd myself are in good health. My Carl would please
you exceedingly. They tell me I show a preference
for the boy. It is so far true that I can occupy myself
more with him than with Emma.
Körner.
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240 schillbr's corbjsspondence
Jena, 17 July, 1793.
It is all up then with our meeting. Your reasons
are too strong to be overruled. In your place I should
not act otherwise. You are right: we must not
unman each other, for in a year at latest — ^perhaps
sooner — we shall meet. I entertain greater hopes of
my health than I have done for a long time, and fed
less anxiety about my wife, as I look forward to a
salutary crisis.
The joyous prospects before me shed a light into my
heart. I shall feel at once the joys o^ a son and of
a father, and between these two throes of nature I
shall feel happy to my heart's content.
I shall now probably start earlier than I had in-
tended—perhaps early in August. For as the time for
my wife's confinement approaches, the cramps she
suffers from may become more dangerous.
The love of my country has become vivid within
me, and the Suabian, whom I thought I had laid
aside, is stirring mightily. But it is eleven years since
I left my native land, and Thüringen is not the place
to make a man forget Schwaben. It is not likely I
shall see the Duke of Wurtemberg, as my residence
will be at Heilbronn, and I shall not visit Stuttgard.
I have made arrangements about apartments, and many
civilities have already been held out to me. I am
very curious to make Gmelin's acquaintance, and to
witness his magnetic powers. He writes me word that
he has given up great magnetic cures, but that his
faith in the efficacy of this means is not the less firm.
I shall give you a faithful account of what I see and
hear.
Have you read S. Maimon's ' Wanderings in the
Province of Philosophy V You will find many excellent
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WITH KÖRNER. 241
remarks in it. Farewell! and greet Minna and
Doixfaen heartily from us botb. My wife will write
shortly— *as soon as we are somewhat quieter^ for during
the last few days we have been distracted.
Schiller.
Loscbwit^ 29 July, )793.
Your long silenee had made me anxious respecting
your healthy and the postscript to your letter reassures
me on that point. You could not be unwell while
writing it. I cannot give you so good an aceount of
my health. But { am not wanting in «censes for
having been so idle. My aunt and suite only left
us a day or two since. Her society took up much of
my time^ and often put me out of humour. Carl
has not been wdl ; no more has Minna, and owing to
Docehen's absence at Carlsbad, she was not able to
nurse herself.
I agree with all you say about Kant^s 'Moral
Philosophy/ Your apology for him is clever, but
I almost think you do him too much honour. He is
perhaps deficient in the feeling for moral beauty,
and I am not yet convinced of the evidence o£ his
system.
I cannot leave this before August, and I hope I
may not be prevented then. The smaU^pox prevails
here, and it will be wonderful if my children escape
the contagion. Carl suffers so much from cutting his
eye-teeth, that he is not a fit subject for vaccination.
I expect Dorchen back on the 2nd of August. I hope
we shall not again be deprived of her society. The
Duchess would like to keep her much longer.
KÖRNXR.
VOL. II. M
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242 SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE
Löschwitz, 9 August» 1793.
This letter will, perhaps, find you in your native
land. Until I know your address, I shall direct my
letters to Jena. I am curious to learn what im-
pression Wurtemburg makes upon you, after all that
has been told you since your absence. Schwaben is
dear to me, and not only on your account. I have
made the acquaintance of many young men from
Oberdeutschland, whose energetic flow of youthfiil
spirits was refreshing ; whilst here, men are perhaps
superficially more polished, but are only the more
shallow within. I have two young men here to visit
us now and then, but I do not get on well with either
of them. One is a good-natured, kind-hearted fellow,
but — empty; the other has more talent, but encou-
rages a tastes for the tragic, which often makes him a
bore. The latter's name is Von Senft. His favourite
study is Kant's ' Philosophy ;' but he has some taste
for the Arts. From sheer weakness he allows himself
to be ruled by his relations, who are harnessing him
to the yoke of the law, that he may get a lucrative
appointment, and they may live upon him.
I hope soon to hear of your arrival at Heilbronn.
Do not omit to write to me about Gmelin. I have not
yet read Maimon's ' Essays,' but from the extracts from
his works that I have read, I look upon him as a man
of talent and sound philosophy.
It is a pity you did not see Moritz ; I expect much
good from him respecting his researches at Berlin on
the German language.
Will you find time for poetical labours ? And how
does the revision of your poems get on ?
My authorship is in a bad condition. I have not yet
completed the few sheets I purposed writing on the
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WITH KÖRNER. 243
^ War of Succession in Spain/ Woe to me if literary
nrorks were all I had to rely upon !
Yours,
Körner.
[Schiller is now in his native land^ after many years'
absence^ having first left it in disgust at the tyranny of
the Duke. Heilbronn is a fine old town, situated on
the Neckar, and immortalized by Goethe's ' Götz von
Berlichingen.' Here old iron-fisted Götz died. His
iron-hand, so contrived as to clasp a sword, he having
lost his hand of flesh and blood in battle, may still be
seen in the old castle There are few scenes more
beautiftilly described than the death-scene of Götz von
Berhchingen.* Matthisson, the poet, in his travels men-
tions ä Fräulein von Berlichingen : " In the little town
of Frankenthal,'' he says, " I went to visit a seminary
for young kdies. As Diana among her nymphs, so
did here a Fräulein von Berlichingen take the lead of
her schoolfellows in point of grace and beauty. She
listened with intense delight to all I said to her of her
celebrated forefather of the iron -hand, and told me how
she had seen my friend Bock (the actor) perform the
part of the old hero, and she never tired in dwelling
upon the subject."] (1786.)
Heilbronn, 27 August, 1793.
I have been a long time in writing to you, dear
Körner ; but the fatigue of the journey, ill health, and
all sorts of distractions prevented me. We arrived here
safely on the 8th instant, after a tiresome journey, but
* Sir Walter Scott has translated Goethe's *Götz von
Berlichingen.'
M 2
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244 SCHlLLER^S OQBERSPONDENCE
witbotti my muliAps. My wife bare the fttigwe Teiy
well; and is in good health. I am aa usual. I fovnd
my family i^ e»^llent health ; and^ as you may sup-
pose^ delighted to see me. My father, who is in his
seventieth year, is the picture of a robust and hale old
man ; and a person not awai« of his age> VKmld. sesitely
call him sixty. He n alwiys on his lq|a, and dits is
what ihakes him so youthful «nd healjbhy. My nyftther
has recovered from her late attack, and promses to
attain a good old age« My youngest sister has grown
into a very pretty gui, «nd gives pvoofii of »uxäi tateot.
My second sister is an esoeltent housdceeper, and takes
care of my manage at Heilbronn.
Living here is dearer than at Jena. Food, lodging,
and wood are costly Articles, l^e hi^ charges for the
firrt at the hotel compelled me to have my own mhuige
at once, and this put me to a considerable outlay; bat
the difPerence is so ^reat, that I shall nmke a great
saving in tiie end.
I have been to Ludwig^aorg, -and to ' &e SoHtude,'
but without tailing upon the Duke of Wurtembei^,
who has, at my fath^s xequest, allowed him to oosie
and stay with tiae now 8nd then at Heilbromi. I have
not yet visdiled StuttgaDd, and ihave seen but lew of my
old schoolfellows. In Gmehm I have found a fdsasant
and mirthful companion, and clever physician. He is
still a great believer ui magnetism, but never, or very
rarely, has recourse to it. As far «s I can judge from
the few conversations I have had with him on the sub-
ject, my faith in it will rather diminish than increase.
Gmelin is not the man to be aware of self-delusion ; and
in his praises of magnetism I detect too much inclina-
tion in him for the wonderful. Many good and reason-
able folks at Ileilbronn, who are also Gmelin^s friends,
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WITH KÖRNBR. 245
have thifi doubt about him. But I am neither capable
of formiDgi nor willing to e^qp^ss an opinion upon it.
I have not as yet made many aequaintanoes here^ as
I keep mostly to the boose. The people are more free
than might have been expected in a Beichstadt (royal
city.) But of the Arts and Sciences there is mighty
litde to be seen.
I find a little Uterary pabulum in a small circulating
library and at a weekly vegetating publisher's. The
Neckar wine tastes all the better for itj and that is
something I wish I could give you. Notwithstanding
the deamess of everything else here^ I can drink
double as much^ and better wine^ than I could for the
aepne money in Thijjingen* Farewell all I and think
of us sometimes with love.
SCHILLEK.
Ludwigsburg, 15 September, 1793.
Wish me joy^ dear Kömer — a little son has arrived I
the mother is well> the youngster a fine little fellow
and all has passed over admirably. We had scarcely
been here six days when her ti^e commenced
I have left HeilbronUi where no domestic comforts were
to be foundj and where there is nothing to compensate
for the want of them. I am comfortably lodged here^
and am a step nearer to my family and my friends.
Ludwigsbux^ is only three hours' drive from Stuttgard
and ' the Solitude.' The town wears a gay and lively
aspect i and altiiough it is a royal residence^ it is like
living in the country. The Duke^ it seems^ does not
wish to notice me^ and that is exactly what I desired.
Schiller.
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246 Schiller's corblesf^ndence
Dresden/ 22 September, 179^.
I congratulate you, and your dear litle wife on haying
entered om' order. It is an exquisite joy ta see a little
being hopping about one of so dose a connection.
Hci who has ftot felt this enjoyment, has not tasted
of the brimming cup of pleasure of life. We heartily
rejoice that all has gone off so satisfactorily. Write
us word soon how the invalid is getting on.
If you had free choice, I do not wonder at your pre-
ferring Ludwigsburg to Heilbronn. It must be a
curious sensation to you to find yourself once more in
your native place.
Humboldt pleases me exceedingly, and wcf often see
each other. He is well versed in the Hterature of the
ancients, and has much talent for philosophy. As an
author he is weak on many points. He does not know
how to derive sufficient advantage from what are often
excellent and sound ideas. His writings have Bomething
dry and unsatisfactory about them ; and the fault lies
in the style rather than ih the subject. It strikes me
he is defective in arrangement : he does not excite the
attention : he fatigues the reader by too many details :
waxes heavy : does not distinguish rightly betv^een
light and shade, &c. I remarked this particularly in a
manuscript treatise of hid on the study of antiquity,
which he lent me to read, accompanied by Dalberg's
and your criticisms upon it. Dalberg's did not please
me at all. He has mistaken Humboldt altogether.
On the whole I have not discovered anything very
genial about Humboldt, save a love of perfection, and
a feeling for all that is noble and sublime. His con-
versation is most agreeable: his language is frank,
jovial, and attractive. I wish he remained here longer.
His wife is much taken up with her little one^ and
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With körner. 247
therefore not too commimicative. Göschen has unyoked
me ; and we rejoice ; ho I ho I Maurillon is to finish
the ' War of Succession in Spain^ in four weeks ; and
will do it quite well enough for Göschen^s purpose. I
had arranged a plan for doing this work con amove, but
I had no time. This is an additional proof of the un-*
profitableness of my literary labours.
Körneb.
Ludwigsburg, 4 Oct. ir93.
My small family is thriving^ and my wife has suf^^
fered much less from her attacks since her confinement.
I am stül a martyr to my old malady^ and my native
air has not yet done much for me. Otherwise I am
quite satisfied with my residence here^ with the excep<-
tion of the expensive living, which, in many respects
is even dearer than at Dresden«
I see a great many of my former acquaintances, but
few of them interest me. Here, in Suabia, there iä
not so much substance as you suppose, and what there
is, is wanting in form. Many, whom I left, with
clear heads and aspiring minds, have become mato^
rialists and boors. In many others, I observed
the same ideas which I ha4 formerly endeavoured to
combat ; a proof that they are mere reservoirs. M.
Conz, whom I think you know, is the best of them,
and he has greatly improved. A recent work of his,
'Analekten,' from the Greek poets^ contains, among
many tolerable, some good things^ One of my former
most familiar friends and companions. Dr. Höven, oif
this place, has become a physician ; but as an author,
for which he was well adapted, he is somewhat in the
back-ground. From my thirteenth to my eighteenth year^
he and I wandered together through all the dijBFerent
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248 Schiller's corksspondence
stages of mind. We spouted v^^es and studied medi-
cine and philosophy together. I usually gave tile bent
to his inclinations. Our roads now ntn in südb con-
trary directions, that we ihoi^ scarcely meet if I did
not still retain a few medical reministencea* His
formet exercisej however^ in styk and poetry^ is an
assistance to him in hia medical writings»
Amongst the young artists at Stuttgard^ Danneeker,*
a sculptor, is the best i he is far superior to Hetsch.
In Rome, where he lived for some years, he perfected
his taste : his conceptions are noble, aDd he realizes
them with a masterly hand. Their dependanee upon
the Dukct If ho overwhelms them with work, is a great
drawback to the young artists here. I have not yet
been to Stuttgard : at first owing to my wife's confine*"
* Schiller, when he wrott this letUr, was little aware that
Dannecker would one day dtecute a «tatue to hie memory»
erected by his country to the honour of the poet, and now a noble
ornament in the square at Stüttgard.
Johann Ileinrich Dannecker^ one of the most celebrated of
modem sculptors» was born at Stuttgard» On iht 25th Oetolxr,
1758. He studied at the Karlsehtde, at * the Solitude,' where
SchUler was educated* In Rome he made the aciquaintanee of
Goethe and Herder, and at Paris he met Canova. In 1799« he
returned to Stuttgard with a high reputation, and Was ap-
pointed Professor of the Fine Arts — His 'Ariadne' is perhaps
the moat celebrated of his works. The symmetry and grace
of this uaked female figure, sitting Ob ä jnuather, as the bride
of BacchttSii is fEoniliar to aU, and is to be seen at Frankfort
In the Villa Somtnariva, on the Lake of Como^ there is a
' Cupid and Psyche' by Dannecker, a perfect gem of Art. The
translator had the honour of conversing with Danuecker some
twelve years ago. Hs had then a studio on the ground-floor
of ä house dose to thd palace of thö Duke of Wurtemlierg, at
Stuttgattt. He was a kind benevolent and fine^lookin^ old
man«
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WITH KÖRNER. 249
hient iiid now beisauBe of my haaUh. The Duke has
an object^ m not notioing me ; but he does not throw
any obstades in my way. He has given my father
leaye to go to a watering-phea tor an unlimited period;
and this watexiag-fince is no great distance from here,
80 dnt he must have thought my father wished to be
near me.
I have not been able to work much ; there are even
some days in which I do not touch a pen, and hate
the sight of a <ML I never fett myself richer in ideas
for literary productions^ and never was I less able to
work, from that most miserable of all obstacles, bodily
snfiering. It is out of the qnestion for me to attempt
any great oompoaition, and I am glad, when from time
to time, I succeed in completing any small work.
1 have just commenced a pamphlet, which often
giviBS me mnoh pleasure. It is on ^ästhetischen
Umgang,' (.^thetical Discourse). I am not aware
that the subject haa ever been treated philosophically,
and I hope that my pamphlet will prove to you that
the aubjeet is a most interesting one. I also propose
writing a pamphlet on the ' Niüve,' but only for the
^ Thalia.^ I am not satisfied with anyüiing I have
hitherto read in explanation of this subject, and hope
to llirow some new light npon it.
I should like you to read Kamdohr's new work :
' Charis, or on the Beantiful, in relation to the Fine
Arts. It is a remarkable woik in two respects : first,
as being a most miserably washy philQsq)hical work,
for which it was intended; «nd secondly, as bemg a
most nsefnl, nay most excellent, work as regards the
empirical rules of taste in the Fine Arts. It is evident
that this man is well acquainted with first-rate works
of Art, and that he is by no means deficient in the
M 3
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SdO SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE!
talent df laying down his experience in rules for
guidance ; but, as soon as he attempts to ascend f o
principles, he is lost in the clouds. I wish you
would read his book and send me your opinion of it.
I am curious to know who will be appointed in
Reinhold's place at Jena. He will have left before I
return. Fichte would certainly be a valuable acquisi-
tion, and would more than replace him in point of
mind.
It is sad that my illness should thwart all my pros-
pects I I belieye I could manage to be appointed tutor
to the young Prince at Weimar. He is now ten yeaard
of age, and the plan of his education will require deve-
lopment ; and as I am on excellent terms both with the
Duke and Duchess, and I should be satisfied with a
smaller salary than I receive at present^ I have no doubt
of success. I should then be in a very comfortable
position at Weimar. But my attacks prevent ihe
from thinking eten of accepting any binding engage-
ment. Such a position near our Prince would not
be a bad one for the present, and would hold out
prospects for the future, which, now that I have a
child, are not so indifferent to me.
Farewell I and let me soon hear from you; If I
have been a bad correspondent of latcy you must
forgive me. When I am more settled I shall write
more regularly, and, I can assure you, you are nearly
the only person I write to. My wife greets you
heartily ; if there is time she will add a line. Minna
is, I tnu»t, quite well again by this. A thousand
greetings to you all from us both, and from my little
Carl Friederich Ludwig.
SghilleHv
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Wim KÖRN£R« 251
P.S. — ^The letter has remamed over a pOst^y. My
wife grows stronger every day, and is able to go out
walking.
Dresden» 21 October, 1793.
Bach suecessive post-day I have anxiously expected
a letter from you, and always put off writing that I
might answer you at the same time. You must
manage to leave Schwaben. It was much better when
we were only twenty miles from each other. To-day>
at last, I have received yotir letter of the 4th. The
news of your wife atid little oüe gave us great pleasure.
But it is sad that your malady will not leave you.
But you need not lose heart because your physical
powers are not in proportion to your mental aspira-
tions. The latter are so many proofs of a better
state of health, and that you fancy yourself a greater
invaUd than you ideally are.
You should not let the appointment of tutor to
the Prince of Weimar slip through your fingers.
Your ill^'health would not prevent your giving valuable
instructioil from time to time. This is not a case
where pedantic punctuality is necessary, as at acade-
mical lectures. Some one else will be appointed under
you to superintend his schooling. This duty, owing
to the age of the Prince, will probably be entrusted
to some noble, or to an officer. Your phyctical ailments
are known *, and if you are offered the situation, they
cannot expect more from you than you are capable of
performing.
I have had a fortnight's holidays, and the accom^
panying article is the result. It may be serviceable
for the 'Thalia/ I have followed your advice for
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26S Schiller's cORRfiStoKDgKcfi!
üoce, and h%Y^ not politbed) but give it in its eiHlde
Ibmi.
I am yery curious to see your treatise on the
* Naive/ How is your theory of the 'Beautiful' pro-
grösöingr
I have not yet seen Itamdohr's 'Chaiis/ I shall
get it.
KöltK£B.
Ditsden, 25 November« 1793.
t feel hlilf&inclined to be anxious about youi^ long
silence. If the health of yourself Itnd wifb was
better^ I should feel less concemed at not hearing
from you. I should have written to you long since^
if I had not been taken up with your treatise on the
'Sublime/ I am brooding over aU sorts of ideas
which it has engendered within me> but I prefeir
letting you hear them in their primitive state to
deferring writing any longer.
I agree with you as little in the |mnciple kdd down
as with Klant. In the reiiults we agree^^ aiid th^re ib
much^ espec^ially your definition of the pflithetic^ which I
subscribe tx> entirely. But I think tbftt> like Kaiitj you.
cotifound in the development of the idea of Sublime^
the effect upon Maui who is itapable of moral inspi-
ration^ with the subject itself. Kant concludes his
inviastigations of the Beautiful and of the Sublinie>
with the state of the subject which accompaiiies those
phenomena^ He asserts that beyond these limits th^e
is nothing to be found. But how if Kant^ by his own
investigations) should have pointed out another path
to the olgective of the Beautiful and Sublime ? How>
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WITH KÖRNfo. 253
if the categoriea itioald be the barren rode froin whetice
this living water may be struck f
Categories exhaust all the requisitions of the defi-
nition of a representation, according to form and
matter.
The matter (material — Miqff) of a representation
consists in the attributes of an object. These attri«
butes {merkmale — distinctive marks) are found :
a» When we regard the object alone (quality).
b. When we compare it with other objects (propor-^
tion).
Ulis connexion is i^-^
a. Subjective (comparison, quantity).
ß. Objective (combined action, Ineinanderwirkunsf,
relationship).
The form öt the representation consists in the
manner of framing a idiole from the connecting
]parts.
This connexion takes place : —
a. With the conviction of self*BCtion (diction in the
sense of the word) ; thence the representation of the
Possible : the matter is given, the form imagined ;
b. With the knowledge of a conception of an ex-
ternal impression. Matter and iorm are given (com-
prehension in the widest sense, the Real. Quahtyis
made evident)«
a. By comparing the object with other external
objects.
b. By comparing the objeet with an internal object>
put together by the imagination from given materials
(Ideal). This is the estimation of th^ object acöording
to ideals:
a. Of the subjective— 'good (the Useful, the Agree-
able)»
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254 SCHILLER^S CORRESPONDENCE
b. Of the objective — good (the Perfect, the B^u-
tiful).
So it is with quantity.
But enough for to-day, or my letter will be too late.
So the new Duke of Wurtemburg is well-disposed and
good towards you and your family ?
Körner.
Ludwigsburgy 10 December» 1793.
I haye for some time past left you in the dark respect-
ing my doings, but I had a physical aversion to writing
of any sort. A lasting illness, such as this under which
I am suffering, and which nothing relieves, is enough
to overcolne a stronger fortitude than mine. I
struggle against it with all the powers of my mind
and fancy, but I am always driven out of the field.
Since my last letter, many circumstances have occurred
to shake my firmness-^~the iUness of my httle boy,
who is, however, now quite well again; my own illness,
which scarcely allowed me to do anything ; the uncer-
tainty of my future prospects, as I now see but little
chance of an appointment at Mayence ; doubts of my
own geniusj which is not sustained and encouraged by
contact with others ; the total absence of intellectual
conversation which has become a necessity to me.
Sinking under ill-health, I am compelled to derive aQ
my activity from my own resources, and instead of
receiving succour from without, I am obliged, on the
contrary, to conceal as best I can the disgust I feel at
the society of the persons around me.
My nervous temperament has made my feelings
much more exciteable ; and anything like coarseness,
harshness and want of taste, grates upon them more
readily. I am more exacting from men than formerly,
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lieiTH itÖRNER. 255
and have the misfortune to be brought in Contact with
some who are completely at a non-plus in this respect.
K I were not conscious that my journey here was
chiefly out of regard to my family, I should never
forgive myself for having come. But wherefore should
I depress your spirits with these observations, and
what good will it do me? May Heaven grant that
my patience does not give way, and that I may still
attach some value to a life which is so often inter-
rupted by a living death. You must not therefore be
astonished or offended if I am the less active of the
two in writings I remember the time when it was the
reverse, and it grieves me that I must receive more
than I can bestow. I will not deny that for a time I
was touchy towards you. For some time past, em-
ployment alone has made my existence supportable,
and under these circumstances it may have happened,
that I regarded this subjeetlve value, which my more
recent labours have /or me, in an objective lights and
had a better opinion of them, than they may have
deserved. In a woi'd, I fancied that in my letters of
last winter, as also in some of the treatises I have
since published, I had scattered several ideas which were
deserving of a warmer reception than you gave them.
With all this barrenness around me, it would have
6een so beneficial to me to have received encourage-
ment from you, and with the opinion I entertain of
you, I could only explain your silence or your indif^
ference to my own disadvantage. And in truth, I
stand in need of encouragement^ rather than the
reverse : too great a confidence in my own powers was
never a fault of mine. I feel now that you could not be
aware how much I stood in need of your assistance;
you could not guess at the state of my soul, but in
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S56 SCttlLL£R^S CÖRRfSPONDENCß
luoments when I found my hopes and my expectations
deceived, I did not render you so much justice. This
confession proves to you I have got over that state of
mind, and have decided on my plan. Forget then all,
and let it not have influence on your unconstrained
action towards me.
Be so good as to send me, irtien next you write, the
originals or the copies of those letters of mine, in
which I commenced the development of my theory of
the Beautifid. I may perhaps succeed during my cor-
respondence with the Prince of Augustenburg, in
making sufficient progress to be enabled to publish the
first volume next Fair. Ten sheets are already com-
pleted, in which I regard the Beautifal and Taate in
diär respective influence on Man and on society, and
in which the most valuable ideas of the ' Artists' are
philosophically developed. My health will not permit
me to postpone any planst whidi I have a wish to see
completed. As soon as one half of tny correspondence
is copied, I shall Hend it to you.
The death of the old Herod will in nowise effect me
or my family, exeept that all men who, like my father,
jvrere brought in contact witk him, rejoice at having
now a human being to deal with. And the new Duke
is Üns^ in every good and every bad sense of the word.
Huber purposes) as soon se he is married to Madame
F — ^ to settle down at Tubingen> as he finds Svntzer-
land too dear. He has written to me to say that he
first wishes to have an interview with F — ■.
Since her confinement^ my wife has enjoyed mudi
better health than formerly, and this is now my
greatest consolation. The youngster is thriving, and
my £umly at ^the Solitude' are in excellent health, A
.thiMwa];Mi greetings to Minna and Don^en^ I enclose
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With KöRNÄk. 257
a letter from my Lotte to the latter, which htt been
ready for sending for the last fortnight«
SCHILLBR.
Dresden, SO December, 1793.
I had been making inqniries ahont yon in all qnar-
ters — as I could not explain your silence — when yonr
letter arrived. It dissipates my anxiety in some
measure ; bnt the desponding tone that prevails in it,
makes me sad. That your health is no worse must,
•under your peculiar malady^ be regarded as a good
sign. The winter naturally cannot be favourable to
you ; but if you get through it without any serious
attack, you may look forwaJrd with more confidence to
the summer. Think of your age, and remember that
for two years I had to struggle against a less serious
illness, and that it is only since last year that I have
been really well again. And even now I am obliged
to be careful. I suspect you of not being over careful
in the choice of yotir clothing ; of not taking exercise ;
of sitting up late at nighty. &c.
If your native place does not give you enough intel-
lectual occupation, Jena will please you all the better for
it afterwards, where you may look forward to pleasant
talk with the young men of the University. Is there
no chance for Weimar? Do you think you have
nothing more to expect from the Coadjutor ?
That you *have misunderstood my opinion of your
I'ecent labours, is tobe attributed to your present mood,
fou must accustom yourself to remember this^ that
the more a person or a work interests me, the more
severe I am in passing judgment upon it ; and that
every new production of yotirs> makes me expect still
greater things from you.
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258 Schiller's coRREst'ONDENCE
I do not know whether I mentioned to you that
Schlegel^ whom you know^ is looking out for a situa-
tion as a tutor. I have promised to recommend him
to your good offices, should you hear of anything
likely to suit him. He is well versed in ancient and
modem languages, and he conducts himself much
better of late« He has become modest, and does not
ask so many questions.
Have you read Klopstock^s ' Grammatical Dia-
logues V The form is most disagreeable to me, and it
is a labour to wade through so much harsh and dry
writing. At the same time, the work is not wanting
in substance. Some of the translations it contains
appear to me excellent.
What do you say to Kant's new Treatise in the
September number of the ' BerHn Monthly V His
remarks on civil law pleased me the least.
Körner«
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WITH KÖRNER. 259
1794.
iStottfifard— Want of intellectual society— Schillef's bust By
Dannecker — Schiller returns to Jena — 'Reinecke Fuchs' —
Schiller proposes a new periodical with Goethe, Kant« Garve,
Engel, Jacobi, Götter, Herder, Kömer, Klopstock, Voss,
Maimon, Baggesen, Reinhold^ Blankenburg, von Thummel,
Lichtenberg, Matthisson, Salis, Schlegel, Humboldt, Wolt-
mann, and others, as contributors — ^The ' Horen' is the name
^ven to the new periodical — Schiller devotes himself to the
study of Kant — Luther's house at Wittenberg-rSchiller and
Humboldt meet Komer at Weissenfells— Goethe and Schiller
draw closer towards each other — Wallenstein — Schiller visits
Goethe at Weimar — An English translation of Goethe's
* Iphigenia' — Kömer's opinion of Schiller's callinsr as a
poet — Schiller commences a correspondence with Goethe —
Goethe's objection to Newton's theory of colours— Pindar —
Schlegel — Schlegel's Dante— The first number of *The
Horen'— Schiller in a dilemma — Humboldt's 'Treatise on
Women.*
Lndwigsburg, 3 February, 1 794.
I am still in the land of the livings and the ominous
month of January is past : I may therefol^e hope for a
short respite. I have also felt much better for the last
fortnight^ than during the two ptecedidg months^
when the pertinacity of my attack deprived ine of all
fortitude. It was impossible to me to write to mortal
man, not even to you, however high I would have
paid for the pleasui'e of an hour's intercourse with you.
If my health remains as it is now, weather permitting,
I shall think of leaving this in March. We shall start
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260 Schiller's corrcspondence
as soon as possible« I shall then feel that I am nearer
youy and idl will go on as formerly. You may perhaps
be able to take the journey you were obliged to post-
pone last year/ and thus I shall have a pleasant pros-
pect in view for the summer. My wife is right well,
and the youngster is life itself. He is already a source
of enjoyment to me, and his vivacity makes me hope
that in six or eight months, he wiU be a droU little
fellow. So stands it with ns-^etter therefore than my
long silence will have led yon to presume.
I hope to be able to send you half a portion of my
' iEsthetical Letters.^ As I found it would be impossible
to me to finish more than one volume for the Easter
Fair, I have not sent a line to Göschen^ and shall have
the manuscript four months in my desk yet. These
letters will contain some important observations on
Kanf s ' Criticisms of Judgment/ but nothing very
conclusive. I may perhaps find time to impart to you
the thread of my ideas.
Schiller.
Stuttgard, 17 March, 1794.
I have changed my quartet's, and am much a gainer
in point of society, as there are many clear heads at
Stuttgard. I cannot forgive myself for not having
adopted this resolution sooner^ as even in a financial
point of view I should not have been much the loser.
I hope to spend some pleasant months here, as I do not
purpose leaving before the end of May. I trust to be
of some service to my father here, though, from my
peculiar position, T can expect nothing for myself.
The Military Academy has been abolished. This is
justly regretted, although it was no longer in a flourish-
ing condition. Not to speak of the revenue Stuttgard
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WITH KÖRKEK. 261
derfv«d irom it, tbis inatkntiiiQ wat the aieattt of dk-
tribuing zDuch artistic aod ncicntific iafonnation
amotigst the popolatioii, as not only did it oount muy
of tÜM pvofetaoEs of the academy in its tanks, but
naamy of the scholars held most of the Bnbaltom Bitaa*
tioiis. The Arts äovirifih here in an wmfloal degree tor
the south of Geimany ; and the number of artists,
iDAiiy of whom in no respects are inferior to yours,
has gveatly refined the ttaste of the pubHc for painting,
seulptuie, And music Theoe is a Jiterary society here,
which makes an annual outlay of 300 florins to pro«
cure the new political and literary works. There is
also a tolerable theatre, with a first-rate orchestra, and
an excellent corps de bauet.
Amongst the artists, Da&nedker, the sculptor, ranks
high above the 'rest--^ iseal genius, wbom a four years'
T^aidepce in Eome has made a master in his art. Hk ^
society is of great benefit to me, vmi I learn much
from him« He is taking my bust, which wiH be an
excellent work. Milkr'a copper-plate engraving of me
will be ready by }<iaster.
Hetsch is no stranger to ycm; but, in poobit of
genius, he is not to be compared .to Danmeeker. Another
ex:cellent^oalptor, who was at Bottie at the aame time
as Dannecker, is Schaffhaner. Of the musicians,
Zumsteg is the best ; but be has more genius than
science. Of the ^vti, ^a Catholic chaplain of the late
Duke, of the name of Werkmeister, is first-rate^ and
the interest he takes in ' Kant^s Philosophy^ makes him
doubly Suable 4o me« On the whole, amongst the
learned clique here, there acre more second-rate heads
than «triking geniuses — which, however, does not
always prove a disadvantage.
I shall not be very assiduous during these eight
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262 Schiller's correspoKdence
weeks; but after an eight months' existence ia a de*
sert, it will do me good to find myself again in the
midst of thinking beings. I have not yet sent you
anything^ as my manuscript must be copied^ and it
first requires correction. For the last eight weeks I
have not looked at it^ being occupied with a plan for
enlarging my ^Wallenstein.' This conception is gra-
dually ripening into maturity, and I trust to have it
ready in a few weeks. My health is pretty good, and
the rest are well ; and the youngster is every day a new
source of pleasure to us.
Schiller.
Dresden, 28 March» 1794.
I rejoice to find that Stuttgard pleases you; but do
not allow yourself to be induced to remain there longer
than till the end of May, I shall certainly go to
Zerbst this summer, and should like to meet you at
Jena or Leipzig. I have not yet decided when I shall
start, but it must be before August.
Dannecker is well known to me by name. Have a
cast taken of your bust, and send it to me the first
opportunity. Dannecker will see it packed, that it may
arrive safe. Remember me to Hetsch. Zumsteg is a
man of no ordinary talent, and I should like to see
him at work at some great composition. There is a
great deal of genius and poetical fancy in his composi-
tions to your poems. I had in my hands the other day
' Des Pfarrers Tochter von Taubenheim ' (the ' Vicar's
Daughter/) I hate the poem, and would as soon wit-
ness an execution as sing it ; but the music is fall of
vigour and originality. Zumsteg may aspire to a pro-
minent place in the German school of musicians ; and
in this branch, I am of opinion that our nation has
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WITH KÖRNEtL 263
produced greater men than in the Fine Art», The
Qames of Glück, Haydn^ Mozart, and Bach, will always
be spoken of with respect. The character of Grer-
man music is more dignified than lively. Mozart was
perhaps the only composer who succeeded in comic as
well as in tragic composition.
I heartily wish you joy of yoUr * Wallenstein.' As
soon as you can command good health and spirits you
will make rapid progress. But I beg of you do not
leave me so long in the dark. I am curious to see
whether you will have greater difficulties to contend
with in your present method of working. It strikes
me that the chain of ideas in carrying out the separate
scenes is often brought to bear upon the plan in a
manner to be turned to account. AU here are well,
and 1 purpose having the children vaccinated, as the
epidemic prevails here in a mild form. Carl has cut
his teeth, and is more lively than ever. I am longing
to see your youngster. It will be truly gratifying to
behold our children playing together before us. The
very sight of my boy makes me feel a younger man.
I have been idle of late. I am now reading the
Greek poets. I wish to make myself perfect master of
the language, so as to form a judgment whether they
really deserve the high rank that is awarded to them,
and whether their reputation is founded on tradition or
on trath. I must confess that i£schylus often delights
me. There is a simphcity in his plan which is quite
refreshing, and I have found more power and elevation
in his language than I had expected. At times his
similes are too crowded, and there are long passages in
his works which are strikingly poor in ideas. In a
word, he often wants taste. But his writings speak
undoubtedly of the man of high genius who has
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264 Schiller's corrbspondence
arranged his subject with clearness and dignity. In
his 'Prometheus^ especially^ his talent for the Sublime
is manifest^ and his plot is well laid^ so as to make the
interest gradually increase untU it arrives at a dimax.
Körneb.
fituttifBid» 23» April, 1794.
A little patience^ dear Komer, and as I become
settled in my domestic existence so will our corxe-
spondence again be regulur. If no unforeseen circum-
stanees occur^ I shall leave this in six or eight days^
and hope to be able to write to you from Jena in eight
or ten days at latest I heartily yearn for a life of
quiet and tranquillity ; and this wish stirs so mightily
within me that I shall leave my country with a lighter
heart. My family at ' the Solitude' are well, and I may
hope to see them all agsin.
I have enjoyed much better health this than last
spring, which it is true is partly to be attributed to the
unusually fine season. For the last month the trees
have been in leaf, and from tbe «ummer-house in the
garden which I occupy, I feel the influence of the
early year. My wife and the little one are well ; I
only fear he may suffer from his teeth oa the journey,
as they begin to tease him.
I lode forward to your visit to Jena with almost
childish joy. You must manage to remain at least a
fortnight with *U8. You can Hve with me. I have
changed my apartments, and have plenty of xoom.
My bust, by Dannecker, is fi masterpiece. It is only
a pity that I did not sit earlier, as he cannot finish it
before my departure. But we are to have it eariy in
July, and you can then take away a east of it
ScHJCLIiSR.
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WITH KÖRNER. 265
Jena, 18 May, 1794.
I merely send you a line to tell you that I arrived
here safely three days ago. We got through the nine
days^ journey capitally^ and the little fellow was so well
that he was a source of pleasure to us rather than
otherwise. Here at Jena I received your letter enclosed
to Humboldt, and congratulate you on the happy
result of the vaccination of your children. You have
now got over the worst, and can truly enjoy your family
circle. Humboldt never tires of speaking about you, and
my heart always opens when^^e does so. What joyous
days we shall pass when you come here to complete the
triumvirate ! I find Humboldt* a most agreeable and
* There were two Stolbergs, two Schlegels, and two Hum-
boldts, one of whom, Alexander von Humboldt, the author of
* Kosmos,' is still an honour to the age he lives in, and to the
country that gave him birth.
Carl Wilhelm von Humboldt was bom at Potsdam on the
22nd of June, \7^7. In 1802, he was appointed Prussian Ambas-
sador at Rome ; in 1808, Member of the Privy Council of State,
at Berlin; in 1810, he was appointed Prussian Ambassador at
Vienna, with the rank of a Minister of State. He signed the
Treaty of Paris with Count Hardenberg, and the Treaty of
Peace between Prussia and Saxony, signed at Vienna in 1815,
He subsequently occupied other high diplomatic functions. He
laboured assiduously in the field of literature, and wrote various
works on the construction of the Sanscrit and eastern languages.
He translated JSschylus's 'Agamemnon,' and is the author
of various original works. He died on the 8th of «'April, 1835.
His brother, Frederick Henry Alexander von Humboldt was
born on the 14th of September, 1769. After travelling through
Holland, England, Italy and Switzerland, he was appointed
Inspector of the Prussian mines. In 1799, he visited South
America in company of Aim^ Bonpland. Their mineralogical
and geological researches and discoveries were published in
Paris, in 1807, under the title of ' Voyage de Humboldt et Bon-
pland dans rint^rieur de I'Amerique.' In 1818, he projected a
VOL. II. N
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266 Schiller's correspondence
at the same time a most useful acqaaintaiice. In con-
versation with him all my ideas develop themselves
more readily and happily. There is a totality in his
being; rarely to be founds and whieh I never dispovered
in another man except in you. It is true he has the
advantage of you in a certain fluency^ which it is easier
for a man in his position to obtain than for gne ^f ui$;
but the advantage he hi^s oyer you on the surface, is
greatly counterbalanced by depth on your part.
In his last edition of his * Philosophical Religious
Doctrines/ Kant has an attack on my ^ Treatiafi pn
Grace and Dignity/ and he endeavours to defend him-
self against my assertions. He speaks in l^igh terms
of my treatise, and styles it a masterpiece. I cannot
tell you how glad I am it fell into his hands, and that
he expressed this opinion of it. I will write soon
again.
SCHILLEB.
Dreeden, 25 May, 1794.
I am truly glad you are at Jena again. Our
correspondence suflfered much from the distance be-
tween us. I now trust soon to hear of 'Wallenstein/ and
that the ^sthetical Letters are progressing. I entertain
great hopes of your h^lth. But do not neglect the
body when you are absorbed in work or recreaticm.
journey to East India, but relinquished it. In 1822^ Alexander
von Humboldt accompanied his royal mast^ic and friend, the
Kinpf of Prussia, to the Congress of Verona ; from thence he
proceeded to Paris, where from 1826—1829 he held lectures on
Natural History. He afterwards visited Siberia and the Caspian
Sea on account of the Russian Government. Member of all the
scientific and learned societies of the worlds his, works need no
enumeration here.
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WITH KÖRNER. 267
I congratulate you on having got over the journey
so well, and on the good health of the little one.
All here are well. The children drove out yesterday
for the first tune, and Carl was glorious in his first
essay in trousers. He was told that a beard was a
necessary addition to the trousers, and when the tailor
brought them, he turned round and said, *' Where's the
beard?''
Humboldt will prove an agreeable companion to
you, as he was to me. Tell him I am preparing an
answer to his last letter, which was a valuable one.
It is only within the last few days that I have been
able to methodize my ideas, and I see I am still far-
behindhand. In all which you, Kant, Uiunboldt, and
myself have written about the Beautiful, I find many,
excellent signs ; but I think the idea is anything but
exhausted. There must be a principle of the Beautiful,
to which source all these signs may be traced. Hum«^
bddfs remarks in his letter on the distinction between
the Beautiful and the Characteristic seem to me worthy
of the highest consideration, and have caused me to
think a good deal on the subjects Ask Humboldt to
show you what I wrote to him respecting Kant's cate«
gcmes. I am curious to hear your opinion of it.
I am not astonished at Kant's'i' admiration of you.
* This great philosopher, whose name is so often mentioned
in the correspondence of Schiller and Kömer» is also a Pmssian,
being bom at Königsberg on the 22nd of April, 1724, where he
died on the 12th of February, 1804, never having been at a
greater distance than thirty miles from his native place.
Immanuel Kant, the founder of a distinct system of philo*
sophy, which completely upset the dogmatical and metaphysical
doctrines of Leibnitz and Wolff, is justly regarded as one of the
greatest geniuses of that Nourishing period. In 1770, he was.
appointed Professor of Logic and Metaphysics at Königsberg.
N-2
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268 SCHILLER^S CORRESPONDENCE
There is a certain similarity between you both in the
character of your mind which a close observer will
easily distinguish. How is the 'Thalia' getting on ?
I have not seen a number for an age. I am reading
hard at Greek. I felt a want of fluency in reading the
Greek poets, which was an obstacle to my enjoyment of
them, and an impediment to a full appreciation of them.
I wish to know what effect these recognized models
will have upon me when I am able to read them as a
new production. Authorities do not bias me ; but I
think I am sensible to true worth when I discover it.
I already find that the more 1 read the Greek authors,
the more they please me. I conmienced with iEschylus,
and his ' Prometheus ' and ' Agamemnon ' more than
realized my expectations. There are many excellent
passages in c^ra evi Qt)}3as and the. whole is charac-
terised by a noble simplicity. What Schütz has not
edited is unknown to me. His ' Commentaries ' proved
of the greatest possible service to me. I am now read-
ing the ' Iliad,' and I must confess it charms me more
than ever. That the Gods have so little of the Ideal
about them is striking at first. But moral beauty did
not then enter into the idea of those superhuman beings.
The poet, like the artist, represented them in a human
shape. He merely attributed greater powers and intel-
lect to them. The consciousness of their power often
degenerates into despotic arrogance, and places them
beneath the human heroes. In the latter I find true
nature — a surprising simplicity — a patriarchal open-
He never married. Reinhold's ' History of Philosophy* throws
more light perhaps than any other work on Kant's philosophy.
Reinhold, whose name is by this familiar to the reader, was a
pupil and ardent admirer of Kant, whose works he expounded,
he beinjf at the time Professor of Philosophy at Jena.
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WITH KÖ|INER. 269
lieartedness — something bordering on the old days of
chivalry, &e.
This year's Fair is not rich in literary productions.
Goethe's * Reinecke Fuchs ' ranks perhaps highest^
Wliat do you say to Herder's ' Treatise on the Resur-
rection f ' The style pleases me. It is a difficult task
to idealise dogmatics in this manner. I do not think
much of the fifth volume of his ^ Scraps.'
Körner.
Jena, 12 June, 1794.
t have not written much since my return^ but am
all the richer in plans. The enclosed wül inform you
of the best of them. It is a plan I have been turning
over in my mind for the last three years, and which
has at last found an enterprising publisher wiUing to
undertake it. Humboldt is greatly taken with the
idea, and we count greatly upon you. If we succeed^
as I hope we may> in procuring the best writers
for this Journal, its success with the public is
certain. Here, in hco, we are four : Fichte, Hum«
boldt, Woltmann, and myself. We have already
written, or shall shortly write, on the subject to Goethe^
Kant, Garve, Engel, Jacobi, Götter, Herder, Klop*
stock, Voss, Maimon, Baggesen, Reinhold, Blanken-
burg, von Thiimmel, Lichtenberg, Matthisson, Salis,
and others. We purpose that you shall ,be a critical
member, which demands some labour, but which
insures better payment for your contributions. A
critical member is to receive six louis d'or per sheet,
and by way of encouragement every seventh sheet will
be paid double. I am to receive besides a fixed salary
as editor.
Our Journal id to be an epoch-making production
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270 SCHILLEE'b QdRABSI^ONDENCE
(em epoehen maehende$ Werk)* and all who aspii'e to be
men of ta^ must buy us and read ns. I am well
stocked with materials for two years to come : Fichte
is rerjr prolific, and Woltmann is an excellent historian.
As regards yonr department, Humboldt and I hare
had many an hoars' conversation upon it, and we are
not yet agreed, so we shall probably hare first to await
your arrival.
I have the more reason to hope you will all come
here, as Humboldt will not have yet left. He makes
an excellent third in our circle (as you may know from
eiperience), and his love and esteem for yott are
onbounded. Fichtef is a man well worth knowing,
more from his intrinsic merits than from anything else.
Philosophy may expect great things from him yet.
Yoö have no doubt seen Goethe's ' Reinecke Fuchs.'
It pleases me beyond measure, especially on account of
the Homeric tone, which ii^ copied without afiectation.
With this exception I kndw of na other work in this
yearns Fair worth mentioning. All my letters to the
Prince of Augusteüberg have beeä destroyed in the
* The name selected iDr the new periodical was "Hie
Horea.'
t Johann Gottlieb Fichte« another dtstingtnshed philosopher
of the Kant school, had» in his yotinf^er days» many diificiüties
to contend against to earn even a decent livelihood. He was
born on the 19th of May, 1762, and after completing his studies
in 1784, at Jena, we find him as private tutor, first at Zurich,
dien at Leip^g« and finally at Warsaw. In 1792, he wrote his
'^^ Criticism On all Reveladons/ a book which was universally
attributed to Kant, and which made a great sensation at the
time. This was the foundation- stone of his reputation. In
1794, he was appointed Professor of Philosophy at Jena. He
was subsequently appointed Professor of Philosophy at Berlin.
He died in 1814'.
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WITH KÖRNER. 271
great fins whieh redaced to ashes the palace at Copen-
hagen. It is lucky J kept copies of them.
Since my return I have enjoyed tolerable health ; I
never was so long before without an attack. I go out
much oftener^ as 1 do hot suffer so much from oppres-»
sion on the ehest ; my other powers are unimpaired.
Lottchen is also well^ and my young man, who has cut
four teeth; could not be better. He already makes
tremendous attempts at speaking, and his limbs are so
active, that I am sure he will be able to move about
in a wicker-work* in ä month or two. Considering his
age, this is saying a great deal, as he is only nine
months old.
Miller's copper engraving of me is finished, and I
shall send you a proof by next mail. The likeness is
not very correct, but still it is a good one, and the
engraving is first-rate.
Schiller.
I enclose the eiigraving to-day.
Löscb^tz, 17 June, t794.
1 have thii moment received your letter, and must
give you at once my opinion upon it» doittents. In
the projected Jdumid I find again the old plan we had
so much talk about during youi* stay here. You have
noit taken a great stride in advanöe, and you may rely
lipon my co-opef'ätiori; Above all things, however, I
must beg of you to take a collaborateur in the editor-
sliip, whose duty it would be to write and answer all
letters to contributors, publishers, printers, &c. This
* A basket-work, very like a hentcoop on wheels. The
child is placed in the midst of a large basket on wheels,
which he cannot overturn, and which allows full action to all
his movements.
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272 Schiller's corrbspondencb
is not work for you^ and would soon disgost you witb
the whole affair. Can you find a fitting person for
this office at Jena ? If the plan succeeds, there will be
sufficient work for a secretary.
I have no objection to make to the printed article.
By excluding remarks on the religion and constitution
of the State, much ill-blood will be avoided, as well as
regards the censorship, as the position of the com-
mittee towards the contributors. As a critical member,
I should vote against any attacks on religion and the
State. To some this might appear to be setting bounds
to the freedom of expression, but I do not think this
freedom requisite when Man has advanced further on
the road to perfection.
If the department of philosophical history be not
filled up, I think I might send contributions in that
hue. The philosophy of Art, in the widest sense of the
expression, is my favourite study, and to me it is both
a pleasure and a necessity to study and compare the
results of the investigations of ancient and modem
writers on these subjects. The style must be elegant.
I shall take up Plato as soon as I have come to a
satisfactory organization of my own ideas.
The conditions held out are very tempting, and
I am almost astonished that a publisher agreed to
them so readily. I think it very fair, that, for a term
of three years, no other use is to be made of the con-
tributions* To the list of contributors mentioned,
I think the following might be mentioned : — Claudius,
Heinse, Schulz, Schlosser, Eichhorn, Sprengel, Hey-
denreich, Pezzel (author of ' Faustina^), Ludwig
Schubart, and Flank.
As a critic, I should lay particular stress upon
Urbanity of tone, and elegance of language. Some of
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WITH KÖRNER. 273
oar beet writers are deficient in this respect. German
writers are wanting in a Certain cequetterie. The form
is often disregarded^ from their minds being too much
preoccupied with their subject^ in which they become
powerfully absorbed. Even Fichte^ for example^ in his
notice of the French Bevolution, is often faulty in
style. Altogether^ the book does not come up to my
expectations. There is much excellent matfer in it^
and it has given me a high opinion of his talents ;
but there are many passages which are hard^ and in my
opinion erroneous^ especially what he says about the
treaty. It has often made my fingers itch; and if
there were not many reasons to prevent me from
writing on politics at the present moment^ I should feel
greatly inclined to break a lance with him on various
points.
You have done me a great pleasure by sending me
the copperplate. The engraving seems excellent.
Frauenholz was here the other day^ and I saw a copy
at Graff^s^ which did not please me so much as that
you have sent me. Miller has worked well. Graff is
very well satisfied^ and says the engraving is in many
respects superior to the painting« I shall soon have
the pictm'c.
I have read ^ Beinecke Fuchs.' I do not deny 'its
merits; but when I consider the time and labour
Goethe must have spent upon it^ I think he might have
employed both better^ There is much dry and tedious
matter in it. The last volumes of letters for the
benefit of mankind, please me better than the first.
Say many kind things for me to Humboldt, and thank
him in my name for the interest he has taken in Schle-»
gePs authorship.
KoRNER»
N 3
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274 scHiLLBRfs cottiiBS1K>KDfe:Kca
Jena^ 4 July^ 1794.
You have not said one woi*d in your kst about yotti^
joumej here> and yet Humboldt and myself are m-
patiently waiting to hear the day is fixed. I must
be informed beforehand, that your rooms may be ready.
I beg of you to let us know in youi» next.
I have good prospect» in viefw fer the 'Horen.'
Groethe has joined us^ not only as a contributor^ but a^
a critic and member of the committee. Engei> of Ber-
lin^ and Garve^ hmve notified their readine^ to> send
contributions. I expect answers from the others by*
every post. A society is under formation such as Qer*
many never saw before, and the combined result of our
labours cannot fail to turn out well. I hope this- ex-
ample will have due weight with you. The department
you have selected seems to me well chosen^ as it will
gain from you what Beinhold and those who think with
him, who always draw a line of distinction betwteen the
philosophy of reason and the individuality of thought,
aire not capable of gil^g^ The philosophical resea^rches'
such a labour reqcur^, are' the only points on which I
have to remark; I am not acquainted with your
powers in that respect« As regards^ Plato^ Tenne-
mann's Treatise on ' Plato's System of Philosophy ^
may spare ydu much unnecessary labour.
I think' it i» worth the attempt to try yottr hand at
biographies ol men distinguished by their talents«
Success, I think> would be certain* The Dresden
library wottld provide you with materials; and by
making your selection^ the work would' be one that
Would agree witili aU your ideas^
I have given up work for a time to enable me to
study Kant» Once for all, I must master him, if I do
not intend td iidvance with unsteady steps in my specu«
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WITH KÖRNER. 275
lative stadies. Humboldt^s conversation greatly facili-
tAtes this labour. I shall pi^obably soon have occasion
to conununicate some of Fichte's ideas to you, which
will certainly interest you. Your criticisms on his
works are too true to admit of a defence of them ; but,
with aU its faults, the work in question bears the
stamp of a creative genius, and gives rise to great ex-
pectations of the author> which he has already begun
to realize.
. Bumboldt, who sends many kind greetings to the
ladies, requests me to inform you that he is still in
negotiation respecting the Schlegel affair. Vieweg, of
Berlin, has declined the offer, and he now purposes
trjdng Hemmerde, of Halle. Humboldt has been suf-
fering from an attack of intermittent f^ver, but it is
now leaving him. Myself and small family are in
good health. I shall follow your advice about Carl,
and let Nature have her way.
My reason for not having yet sent you my letters to
the Prince of Denmark is, that I have not yet brought
themi into order to have them copied. Since I despatched
them 1 have made many material alterations in them,
without which I should not like you to see them.
Schiller»
Löschwitz, 11 July, 1794.
You desire to know the day of my departure, and I
will give you the best information I can on the sub-
ject. I purpose going first by Wittenberg to Zerbst,
where I must remun at least a fortnight^ not to offend
my aunt. We shall be at Leipzig towards the middle
of August, when, if possible, we shall run over and
pay you a visit. But I cannot promise to a certainty
to go further with my wife, who is a great sufferer from
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276 Schiller's correspondence
cramps and dizziness — and the wild boy^ who would
greatly increase the difficulties of the journey. It
would grieve me exceedingly to miss seeing you. With
the exception of you and Humboldt^ I would relinquish
everything else at Jena> not to lengthen a journey with
a family, which is always attended with inconveniences.
Consider^ therefore, if you cannot manage to come
with Humboldt to Leipzig. This would be the surest
place for our meeting.
What you write about the ' Horen ' is very satisfac-
tory. The acquisition of Goethe is an important one»
If he keeps back his elegies for the journal, that alone
is something gained. Engel is a lazy dog, and will not
contribute much. Something may be expected from
Garve. I am glad you are of opinion that philosophi-
cal history is suited to me. I am not a bad linguist,
and I have of late been studying the Greek poets and
prose-writers. Biographical works, no doubt^ offer at-
tractions ; but much time is wanted to collect materials,
and there are often gaps which it is very difficult to £01
up. Should I discover such materials for a biography^
I might be tempted to the work. May the genius of
philosophy extend his blessing to your study of Kant !
I should like to be acquainted with Fichte's ^ Treatise
on Kaufs Philosophy.' His little pamphlet on the
' Doctrines of the Sciences' pleased me exceedingly ; but
it is often obscure and unsatisfactory. I wish to know
what system you follow in your study of Kant. Want
of time alone prevents me from going through all his
works again, as I feel the want of doing so. I should
pick out all such parts as appeared to me perfectly
clear^ and then see whether anything could be made out
of them I if there was any connection between them ; if
they were imperfect ; from what point it would be ne-»
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WITH KÖRNER. 277
cessary to start to prove the evidence df the whole ;
and to advance gradually from the unknown to the
Icnown.
Say many kind things to Humboldt for me. I am
sorry he has been laid up^ and feel much obliged to him
for the trouble he has taken about Schlegel. My reply
to Humboldt is nearly finished.
I look eagerly forward to your • ^sthetical Letters/
My next letter to Humboldt will prove to you that
I have not been idle«
Körner.
Jena, 20 July, 1794,
I am very sorry we shall not see you here, especially
as it will be impossible for me to go to Leipzig« The
state of my health, which deprives me of my night's
sleep, and makes a thousand small wants necessary,
which are not to be procured on a journey, prevent
my undertaking it. All I can promise is, to go as far
as Weissenfels, so that I may at least see you for
few hours, if you can come so far to meet me. If
Humboldt is sufficiently recovered from his attack, of
which he has had a relapse^ he will accompany me.
We should manage to be there about noon^ and leave
at mid-day on the following morning« If you can
agree to this> let us know at once, that we may fix the
day.
I find I suffer most on journeys, and that the con-
sequences of a journey frustrate the object I had in
undertaking it. It is only when I am at home, and
at rest, that I can enjoy a few calm hours.
I should have liked to have seen you all, and the
children ; but I have long been accustomed to see my
best enjoyments marred by my illness, and must
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278 SCHILLB^R'S CORRESPCÜNDENCte
learn fesignätion. Since my last letteif^ the intense
heat has brought on severe attacks^ so that I have
been fit for nothing» 'the study of Itant is almost my
sole occupation^ and I perceive I am tnaking progress
m it. No furtheif step hAö been taken with the
' Horen/ and Kaiit has not yet sent an answer^
Should I write to yott during your journey, I shall
send the letter under cover to Professor Emesti at
licipzigk Farewell ! Humboldt sends many greetings-
ScHILLERa
Zerbst, 7 August, l7d4.
It is a pity yoU cannot come to Leipisig ; but I do
liot yet relinquish all hop^ of seeing you there. We
riiall remain another week here, and your health may
meantime improve. At all events I shall meet you at
Weissenfels, and you can fix any day between the
twentieth and the end of the month. Still I think
you would do better to get over the additional twelve
iniles) to find more comfortable quarters at Leipzig«
Write to me at Leipzig under cover to Kunze«
Our journey has been attended with some inconve-
niences. Minna and Dora were as usual ill from the
motion of the carriage. We were delayed^ driven wrongs
and did not arrive at the night's quarters till mid^
night ; Emma caught cold, and the doctors of Witten-
berg consoled lis by saying that she would have the
scarlet fever. You may fancy what a state Minna was
in. All are well now. Carl got through the journey
better than any of us. I preferred passing by Wit*
tenberg, never having been there before, and it is also
a short cut to Zerbst. Nor do I regret having done
so : Luther's sitting-room, his table, chair, his grave,
a letter in his handwritings and indited in that racy
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WITH KÖHNER. 279
style so peculiar to Mm^ tbe ^esk from wliich he thun-
dered forth — all these were objects of interest to me.
I love such relics. It was also interesting to me to
behold the name of Peter the Great, written by himself
in chalk characters on the wall of Luther^s room. In
other respects the University buildings, and especially
the library, have a very tnonkish appearance. The
air in them seems oppressive. The country is finer
than I had expected«
Körner.
Jena» 21 August» l?94i
On Tuesday evening next, I shall be at Weissenfells
with Humboldt. I darfe not go ftirther^ as this will be
the first day I shall have gone out, after being con-^
fined for twenty to my room. Manage to arrive there
between seven aüd* eight in the evening, and, if pos*
sible> to remain a day or two. I am quite anxious to see
you again> and shaJ! make a holiday of it. I put off
all other matters till we meet. A change in the
Weather shall not prevent my arrival : a severe attack
of illness would alone hinder that^ in which case Hum-
boldt would go alone« As We are not acquainted with
the inns at Weissenfels, we shall give orders to drive
Us to the best, which must serve you as a guide, and*
so we are sure not to miss each other«
SoHtLLER«
Jena» 1 September, 1794.
We ajrived hcire happily aüd in good time, and 1
also hope you have not suffered from the inclemency
of the wfeathet. Receive once more my thanks for the
sacrifice you have made, and tell Minna I highly
appreciate her kindness in giving you up to me for a
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280 Schiller's correspondence
few days. It does men's hearts good — who^ like us^
live apart in the body^ and ^re so near each other in
mind — to meet at times and look into each other's face.
I knew it beforeh^nd^ and did not doubt for a moment '
that I should find you unchanged; but it did me
endless good to convince myself of it with my own
eyes^ and as it were^ to feel with my hands the reality
of my expectations.
I count upon your promise i*especting the ^ Treatise
on Music/ It is quite in your line; and the work is
not so complicated as to prevent you from attending to
other matters. Chance may throw other materials in
your way. Your idea of the representation of a philo-
sophical egotist and his counterpart> would afibrd rich
matter for a drama or a novel ; but^ treated only in a
philosophical point of view, it would be dry, as is
the case with Mendelssohn's ' Dialogues.' Your notion
of popularizing metaphysics in the shape of ' Letters to
a Young Woman/ would, I think, meet with insur-
mountable obstacles; and the result would scarcely
repay the labour.
An ideal sketch of the relations of authorship with
culture in general, would, I think, offer a rich field
for speculation ; for the influence of authorship acts so
prominent a part in modem days : and> at the same
time, it would be highly interesting to define it in its
true social character, a definition the want of which is
severely felt. Such a subject would stand in close con-
nexion with its effects upon the human understanding,
and the noblest results of philosophy might be concen-
trated on it.
On my return, I found a most friendly letter from
Goethe, who comes frankly forward* Some six weeks
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WITH KÖRNER. 281
since we had a, long and animated discussion ou Art and >
its theories^ Exchanging our respective conclusions^ '^
which we demed from entirely different reasons.
Curiously enough^ our ideas coincided ; a fact which
was the more interesting, that the points of view we
started from were diametrically opposed. We were
enabled to exchange our ideas to the profit of both.
Since this conversation, these scattered ideas have
struck root in (Joethe, and he now feels the want of
drawing closer to me, and of taking me as a companion
in the path he has hitherto trod alone. I rejoice in
this prospect of an interchange of ideas, from which I
shall derive such benefit ; and I shall faithfully commu-
nicate to you by letter all that passes between us. He
has already sent me a treatise, in which he makes the
axiom, that Beauty is perfection and liberty combined,
applicable to organic natures.
It is a great loss to the ^ Horeu^ that he had already
disposed of his novel to Ungern. He regrets it himself,
as he would have given it to us. He has, however
promised us as many contributions as it is in his power
to furnish.
I enclose the * Anthology^ I promised Minna, and the
'Thalia' for you, which contains your 'Treatise on De-
clamation.^ Articles of this nature will be of great
service to the ' Horen.^ You will yourself allow on re-
reading it, that this simple and loose style is best
adapted to the subject in short fragments.
I found all well on my return. It was my first sepa-
ration from my child, as yours from your family ; and
it was with a feeling of grateful joy that I found myself
once more in my little domestic circle* I am now here
alone for three weeks, for my wife has sought refuge
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282 , Schiller's correspondence
with the little fellow at Rudolstadt^ as vaccination is
general here, and he is cutting his teeth.
SCHILLEB.
Jeiia> Sept. 1794.
I send you to-day the unfortunate opera, which I
forgot to enclose in the last parcel, with Matthisson's
review of it, which contains some important aesthetical
observations, upon which I should like to hear your
opinion. It would have been easier to have kept back
these ideas until the Work is complete, to give them more
substance ; but whdt is written in a journal, or spoken
from the desk, is always a public secret, and when certain
things are not sought for, they are not found. I am
How occupied with my treatise on the ' NjaVe,^ and
shall take up ' Wallenstein ^ again. This work causes
me great fears as to its success, for every day I imagine
I discover that I am more and more deficient in poetical
representation, and that the spirit of poetry only
visits me at times, when I am in a philosophical vein.
What shall 1 do ? I risk seven or eight months of my
life on this enterprise, which I have good reason to
place in doubt, and run the risk of brmging forth an
abortion. What I have hitherto produced in the
dramatic line, is not exactly of a nature to encourage
me to proceed; and a patch- work, like 'Don Carlos,'
would disgust me now, however much I may feel
inclined to pardon it as a production of that period of
my life. I am^ in fact, treading upon ground perfectly
new, and hitherto unexplored by me, for within the last
three or four years I have put on quite the new man in
poetical compositions. I wish you could spare time to
draw the comparison, and send me your opinion. Treat
me as if I were an enemy — as if you were criticising
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WITH KÖRNER. 283
your own writings^ when you take up your pen. I
promise to obey you religiously«
Schiller.
Dresden, 10 September« 1794.
Oar meeting has had a beneficial e£Pect upon me also^
and I feel> more than ever^ how desirable it is that we
should do so oftener. You must at first have observed
tlie pressure of the atmosphere upon me^ but it was
so long since I had been deprived of such enjoyment I
It has been a fearful warning to me. Woe is me^ if
ever I should relax so much as to feel oppressed in your
presence !
I have not forgotten the musicä, and have already
collected materials. Your ideas on the influence of
authors^ come homd to me. I have already occupied
myself with the subject, and may some day put my
hand to the work.
I rejoice from my heart that yoti and Goethe have
drawn closer towards each other. Meyer spoke to me
of a letter of Goethe, which is full of your praise. " It
was a long time since he had enjoyed such intellectual
conversation as with you at Jena." Let me share as
much as possible in your correspondence with him.
Many thanks for th6 ^ Anthology;^ it is a singular
pleasure to re-read it no^. The continuation of your
treatise on the ^ Sublime ^ pleased me much more than
the commencement. Many passages might rank amougst
your best productions. I recognize your former powers,
aaid I regard it as a proof of a chaöge for the better in
your health»
I have this moment received your second letter, with
the review — a startling production. It is a pity that
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284 Schiller's correspondence
many an idea goes no further^ but you will find means
to find them a better place.
I shall not answer you to-day in respect to your want
of confidence in your poetical powers^ I must first
have a clearer insight into the reasons of your dissatis-
faction with your former productions. The subjective
displeases you in your works ; you strive to represent
the pure object, but you can yourself distinguish the
progress you have made from manner to style in your
last works ; for example, in many passages of the ' Gods
of Greece/ and of the ^ Artists.* If your dramatic
works do not please you, it may be asked whether
you have not disturbed your fancy, by striving after phi-
losophical substance ? whether your ideas would not be
clearer, by working with more ease and less exertion ?
How, if you were not to set earnestly to work at ^ Wal-
lenstein,' but to leave it to chance for your imagination
to provide you with poetical matter ? If you can only
acquire enough to feel an interest in the work, the love
of the object would answer for its completion.
Enough for to-day, I shall write again soon.
KÖBNER.
Jena, 12 Sept. 1794.
Your letter gave me great pleasure, as it proved to me
how well we understand, and how necessary we are to
each other. No, it cannot happen to you any more than
to me, that any heterogeneous external influence should
spoil the pure form of your being. Our two souls
have the power to- preserve themselves pure — to cast off
all spurious matter, and to rise victorious over aU
unholy contact.
I wish you could cast your ideas on the ideal of
authorship into form with as little delay as possible.
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WITH KÖRNER. 285
It would be a glorious commencement for the ' Horen/
I also regard such work as well adapted to give you
courage^ to bring your powers into play, and, in some
measure, to decide your fate as an author. If you can
set to work at once, you need not, on that account,
neglect collecting materials for the ^ Musical Treatise/
Jacobi, of Düsseldorf, has signified his readiness to
join the ' Horen/ From Humboldt^s brother (Alex-
ander), who has an appointment as Prussian Oberberg-
meister (Inspector-general of Mines), we may expect
some good articles on the philosophy of natural produc-
tions. He is undoubtedly the first man in Germany
in this department, and has, perhaps, a clearer head
than his brother, which is saying a great deal.
I am working out my correspondence with the Prince
of Augustenberg, which I shall be able to send you
three weeks hence. Under the title, ^ iEsthetical
Education of Man,^ it will form a complete work in
itself, and therefore be quite independant of my
^ Theory of the Beautiful,^ although a good introduc-
tion to it. I take much pleasure in the work, and
endeavour to make it as perfect as possible.
At the same time, I am occupied with a treatise on
'Nature and Naivete,^ a subject which interests me
more and more, and in which I think I shall be success-
ful : I write from the heart, and con amore. It is a
bridge to lead me to poetical productions.
Eamdohr was here the other day, and informed me
that he had made your acquaintance. What do you
think of him ? I must own, his acquaintance was
not uninteresting to me, even though I made it at the
very moment I am -occupied with ideas of art. It
appears to me, however, that the good ideas which he
puts forth are not of his own growth, and the pom-
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286 Schiller's correspondence
pouB tone in which he expresses an opinion^ displeases
me in no small degree. Men of his stamp are^ how-
ever^ ' $0 rare> that we must make some allowance
for them. He has seen many works of Art^ and* his
ideas are founded on experience^ rather than on specu-
lation; he has^ therefore^ some points that interest me;
but I doubt if he is capable of appreciating what I
impart to him.
I am going next week to pass a fortnight with Goethe
Qt Weimar. He sent me so-pressing an invitation that
I could not well refuse it^ as he has proffered every
comfort and freedom to me. Our nearer acquaintance
will be attended with important results for us both^ and
I rejoice in it beforehand. The Court has gone to
Eisenach^ and Goethe has emancipated himself^ so that
we can live unrestrained in our ideas. I shall write to
you assiduously.
His ' Iphigenia^ has been translated into English;
and, as far as I can judge, so happily that it might
pass for an original, without losing anything of Goethe's
style.
I am anxious to hear your further opinions respecting
my poetical calUng and my dramatic works.
You are of opinion that I set to work at ' Wallenstein'
with too much reason and too little enthusiasm. But
this is only applicabi t to the plan, which cannot be cal-
culated with too much severity. Imagination and the
inspiration of the moment must fill up the details. But
this is what I fear the most :-^that imagination, when it
comes to its turn, will play me false.
Farewell ! I have good accounts from my small
family at Kudolstadt, and my health is tolerable^ My
hearty greetings to Minna and Dorchen. Now Hib^
. you have Graff's origi^al painting, if you should think
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WITH KÖRNER. 287
of giving away Dorchen's copy of my portrait^ I put in
a plea for it.
SCHILLSB.
Dresden, 19 September, 1794.
It is no easy task to express an opinion upon your
calling as a poet ; and I do not answer for my being
satisfied some time hence with what I write to you to-
day ; but you must content yourself with what I have
as yet been able to put together.
In your earlier productions^ the diction and measure
were perhaps alone poetical ; the subject^ on the other
hand^ was rather the produce of the reason than of the
imagination. Something similar is to be found in the
first period of the art of poetry in Greece. It is also
natural that a poetical taste should first take an external
instead of an internal development. By internal poeti*'
cal form^ I mean the result of the intellectual creation
from given materials in the brain of the poet. Step
by step witl^ your own development did the interest of
your productions increase in the value of ideas and
beauty of external form This made your reputation;
but I can understand that this does not satisfy you.
You recognize the character of the poetically-conceived
{des poeiisch-yedaMen) 'y and it is this which I think
you miss in most of your productions. You cannot
say in all^ for I could prove the contrary. The question
therefore is — Is what you find fault with in your works
to be attributed to deficiency of genius, or to the cir-
cumstances of the moment ?
For the internal poetical form I think the foUowing
is requisite : the appearance of the subject under a
defined shape. By this shape, Thought becomes an
element of the poetical fancy; an object capable of
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288 Schiller's correspondence
being represented. The imagination must— so to
speak — give a body to the production of reason ; pro-
vide it with a garb by which it becomes recognizable.
Genius then receives the material upon which it is to
operate^ from the hand of imagination ; the mind hovers
over the chaos, and the creation commences. This is
the second requisite of internal poetical form.
You have given proofs enough that you are not defi-
cient in genius. Your historical and philosophical works
speak for you ; but your genius does not seem to allow
sufficient time to imagination to complete its work.
Your conception is not clear enough.
The material with which the imagination is to clothe
the idea must be conceived beforehand ; for this, con-
ception, susceptibility, and repose, or ease, by turns
are requisite. You are not wanting in susceptibility,
but you are more so in repose. And this is, methinks,
as I observed before, the point on which your powers
will be tested. And for this reason I should not ad-
vise you as yet to make any plan for ' Wallenstein.^
Your ideas must first attain a perfect shape, must exist
with all their peculiarities : they must be brought by
your imagination into the foreground; all that is ab-
stract must appear in individual forms ; and then only
is the time to think of projecting a plan for the whole.
I recommend you, therefore, again to give yourself
up to the peaceful enjoyment of the Beautiful in all
its branches. Let your imagination collect, undisturbed,
stores of treasures, and they will gradually accumulate,
and answer in a measure all your expectations.
Enough for to day.
I am glad you are with Goethe. Remember me to
him, and send me long accounts of your common
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WITH KÖBKEIU 289
proceedings. Let me have soon some of yonr latest
productions to read.
I have made a proposition to Humboldt^ respecting a
periodical on the Literature and the Arts of the Greeks.
It will not interfere with the ' Horen/ as it is meant
for a small circle of readers only. Bchlegel's ' Essays/
which he has shown me^ gave rise to the idea. They
are really well written, and want only a little finish,
I, myself, who have become a greater admirer of the
Greeks every day, hope to be able to do something.
You could also at times send us an odd contribution.
You should read the ' Philoctetes' of Sophocles.
Nothing of the Greek writers had such 9jx effect upon
me ; not even ' Antigone.^ This is more deserving of
a translation than any of the others.
The editors of the ' Literary Gazette' have sent me
the contract, and engaged my services for the art of
poetry. This is precisely the department I prefer. J
am only surprised that it was not overstocked already.
You see, therefore, that you have addressed yourself to
a man in office. •
Bamdohr has been here, but I only saw him fpr an
hour, en passant* I was on intimate terms with him
eighteen years ago, at Göttingen. He has ret^ned a
certain coquetterie, which pervaded even ^is slightest
. actions. We had not time to enter into any interest'^
ing conversation. I do not. expect great things from
him. Dorchen's copy of your portrait has already
been promised to Lieutenant Thilemann. But she
will do you another, which, as she has Daade great pro-
{^ess, will, in all probabihty, be a better one.
Körner.
VOL, II. o
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290 Schiller's correspondence
Jena, 29 Sept. 1792.
I had purposed writing to you before, and from
Weimar ; but it was quite out of the question. Every
moment, in which I was fit for anything, was devoted
to Goethe^s society ; and my purpose was to turn to
account the time I passed in his company, by the utmost
development of my knowledge. I must make amends
for lost time in my letter from Jena.
I arrived here the day before yesterday, after spend-
ing a fortnight in his company. I am very well satis-
fied with my visit, and I think it has had a good efiect
upon me. But this, time alone can show. I shall
gradually inform you of all that passed between us in
our conversations ; the impressions he has made upon
me, and the conclusions we have arrived at. To-day
I have neither time nor inclination. On my return, I
found I had ray hands full of work, and I am sufiering
from a change in the weather. Nor can I to-day
answer your last letter.
I have not yet seen my wife and the little one..! expect
them to-morrow. Humboldt^s child haä been vacci-
nated twice, but it did not take ; so the whole operation
was in vain. Your assiduity gives me great pleasure,
and I trust it will continue, that we may count upon
you for contributions for the first three numbers. We
are going to set earnestly to work with the ' Horen.'
Farewell ! my hearty greeting to Minna and Dor-
chen. Tell' the latter that her promise has given me
infinite pleasure.
Schiller.
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-WITH KÖRNER. 291
Jena, 9 Oct. 1794.
My bust has arrived quite safe from Stuttgard^ and
is a masterpiece. All who behold it express their
admiration at the likeness and the masterly execution.
Dannecker purposes sculpturing it in marble, and has
already ordered Carrara marble from Italy with that
view. This makes him somewhat reluctant to give
casts^ but I hope he will let me have one. I have
already wi*itten to him, asking him for one^ and request-
ing him to send it to you direct.
My ' Letters to Denmark' occupy much of my time ;
nor is this my sole occupation. This is why I have
not yet been able to write to you more fully, and you
must have patience with me yet. I send you, mean-
while, a treatise by Goethe, which is, however, nothing
more than a rough sketch for private perusal. I shall
communicate to you anything else he may write or
We have resolved to correspond with each other on
various subjects,- our object being thereby to procure
various articles for the *Horen.' By these means,
Goethe is of opinion that assiduity will be forced into
a more direct channel; and that, without our being
aware that we are working, materials will gradually be
collected. As we agree on so many important points,
at the same time that we individually differ so much,
this correspondence may really become interesting.
He will let me see the novel he is writing as äoon as
each volume is finished. I am then to write him my
views as to what ought to appear in the next ; and how
the story ought to end.
He will then study this anticipatory species of cri-
ticism before he sends his manuscript to the publisher«
o2 ,
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292 SCHILLER'S CORRESPONDENCE
«
Oar conversations on composition gave rie^ to tliis
idea^ which^ if carefully followed out^ is capable of
placing the rules of poetical composition in a very
desirable point of view.
His researches in natural history^ of which I shall
have occasion to speak again more fully^ have interested
me as much as his poetical character; and I am per*
suaded that here also he has entered on a right path.
His objections to Newton's theory of colours seem to
me to be very satisfactory.
Five of Pichte's public lectures appear jn print at
this Fair^ and I recommend you by dl means to read
them.
How are your literary labours and your music getting
on ? Materials for the first number of the ' Horen '
must be ready in a fortnight. I should like to have
something from you in the second number.
Schiller.
Dresden, 17 Oct. 1794.
I rejoice at the success of your bust^ and I hope
Dannecker will let you have another cast. I had heuxl
of him somewhere or other before you mentioned him
to me. We stand in need of a sculptor at Dresden,
and Suttgard may not perhaps suit him as a residence.
I am half inclined to concoct a plan for bringing hnn
here, as he is so well-informed and talented an artist.
If Dannecker has no objection, I think the matter
could be managed through Chamberlain von Rackenitz.
I impatiently await a detailed account of yotur stay
with Goethe. His treatise contains some good ideas,
especially the latter part of it. Shall I send it back to
you, or may I keep it ?
. I expect much good from your correspondence with
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WITH KÖRNER. 293
him. I am glad to see that Ooethe shows so much
interest in finishing off his works. His latter prodac-
tions struck me as rather poor^ — ^Wanting in substance.
I was astounded to hear you were already collecting
manuscript for the ' Horen.' I thought nothing wa^
to be done before Easter« But so much the better !
I shall make haste and send you something. Do you
purpose publishing any more numbers of the ' Thalia V
Schlegel will have a treatise ready in a day or two>
which he would like to hare inserted. Humboldt can
show you a specimen of it.
I am still reading ^hard at the Greek authors. I
have finished Sophocles^ and am now at Pindar^ who at
first did not please me at all. I discovered some good
poetical passages ; but what gives unity to every ode —
the external impulse-*— was repulsive to me. The Muse
appears to me lowered to the condition of a slave to
riches. Paid inspiration is sickening. Gradually^
however^ I am accustoming myself to the cast of
thought of a people whose refined sensitiveness and '
patriotism could be inspired for physical strength and
agihty^ and with the idea of victory before the eyes of
Greece. I could then understand that poetry and
music might sing the praises of those victories. And
in the manner in which Pindar celebrated them^ the
personal worth of the poet transpires^ which may give
pleasure even to us.
Körner.
Jena, 25 Octobet, 1794.
I have not yet received Goethe's reply to my first phi-
• losophical letter, otherwise I should have enclosed you
both. I prefer sending them to you, to writing to you
concerning them, or I should never get out of this
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294 Schiller's correspondence
circle of ideas. In these ' Letters' you will also find
the most important subjects that passed in our recent
conversations^ as I allude to them continually.
Let me have Goethe's manuscript back again. My
first contribution to the ' Horen/ the commencement
of my letters^ is also in (xoethe's hands^ I should
have sent you the manuscript first, but it would have
caused delay. I hope to have it back in a day or two.
I am well pleased with this commencement, and I trust
you will be so also. I hope you will soon have some-
thing ready for the second number, which will follow
close on the heels of the first. Two more numbers
of the 'Thalia* appear; one is already publi^ed>
and the oth^r ready for the press, so that I have no
place for SchlegePs Treatise. But it will do for the
' Mercury/ I read his Treatise at Humboldt's, and,
although I do not reject the idea, his reasoning and
development of it did not quite satisfy me, and I find
too much random conjecture in it.
Pindar never pleased me, and my first impression
was disgust at seeing genius thus thrown away. I
will sound Dannecker, but I doubt if he will leave his
country ; first, because he has a large circle of relations
to attract him ; and secondly, as he would avoid any
appearance of ingratitude towards the ducal house,
to which he is indebted for his entire education. .
Schiller.
Dresden« 28 October, 1794.
I send you a • Treatise^ by Schlegel^* which I alluded
♦ August Wilhelm von Schlegel, the elder of the two bro-
thers, was bom at Hanover in 1767- He spoke and wrote
fluently most of the modern languages, and as a classical
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WITH KÖRNER. 295
to in my last. If you cannot make use of it for the
' Thalia/ give it to Humboldt. At all events, Schlegel
wishes you to show it to Humboldt. I shall write to the
latter soon ; remember me to him.
Körner.
Jena, 29 October, 1794.
I send you the first batch of my ' Letters/ which you
must return to me as soon as possible, with ^ Goethe^s
Elegies/ and one of his epistles. They will constitute
the first number of the 'Horen.' In the second, I
writer of his own tongue, ranks high in Germany. He became
an active and valuable contributor to the * Horen,' of which
our friend SchiUer was editor. HiS translation of ' Shakspeare*
is a masterpiece. In 1790, m conjunction with his brother,
Frederick Schlegel, he started a periodieal—' The Athenaeum,'
which appeared regularly till 1800. In 1802, he started the
' Almanack of the Muses' with Tieck. He was the intimate
friend of Madame de Stael, which talented writer is said to
have derived many of her ideas in her work ' Sur rAUemagne'
from the poet. He travelled with her in 1805. He was ap-
pointed private. secretary to the Crown Prince of Sweden in
1813, and in 1818, Professor at the University of Bonn. About
this time he visited England, to prosecute the study of the
Oriental languages. He then returned to Germany, and was
appointed Inspector of the Museum of National Antiquities at
Bonn. In 1827> he held public lectures at the University of
Berlin. He is also the author of many political works. His
brother> Frederick vdii Schlegel, was born in the year 1772, at
Hanover. He studied philosophy first at Göttingen, and after-
wards at Leipzig. He married the daughter of Moses Men-
delssohn. Like his brother, he was a good linguist, and is tbi^
author of many works, both in prose and verse. For some
time he held public lectures at Paris. In 1801, he published a
work on the ' Learning and Wisdom of the Indians. He died
at Dresden in 1829.
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296 Schiller's correspondence
hope to have you for company. Let me know whether
you are working at the ^Treatise on. Music/ or on
' Authorship/ In haste^
Schiller.
Dresden^ 7 NoTember, 1^94.
It is a long time since anything has had such an
e£fect upon me as your ' ^sthetical Letters/ On a first
readings I found a few things in th^ third and foujKh
letters which I thought pbjectioiiabte. But the elo-<
quence of the fifth carried me away with it, aüd thc^
ninth letter gave ine the most uninterrupted enjoyment.
You are aware of my practice, that when I am deeply
interested in a work, 1 ain prone to criticise severely,
tn this instance, I have endeavoured to fathom all I
found in this work which did not quite satisfy me, and
I shall discuss those points with you^
You will have given * Söhlegel's Treatise' to Hmn-
Iboldt. If he cannot manage to procure it ä place
in the 'Mercury/ I shall ask Bertuch to do it for
me.
KÖBNKAi
Jena, 7 November, 1794.
I counted on receiving by to-day's post, the manu-
script which I sent you on the 29th of October, and
must entreat you to send it to me immediately, if you
have not already despatched it. Cotta insists upon
the pubHcation commencing before the New Year;
there is, therefore, no time to spafe, as it must first
pass through the hands of the Committee here, and it
will be ten days on the road from this to Tubingen,
llumboldt showeel me your letter to him, which gave
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V
WITH KÖRNER. 297
me much pleasure^ as you have told him much that isi
true respecting his style. I almost fear he does not
possess the inborn talent that constitutes the author,
and this want cannot be remedied by art. Why you
do not quite come up to it^ is to be attributed to your
exacting too much from yourself; with him, it is the
quality of the Ideal which is faulty* With you, there-
fore, the remedy is in your own hands ; with him the
task is not so easy.
Gröethe has been on ä visit with Meyer here, which
has caused a slight interruption in our correspondence.
He is much occupied in preparing a series of connected
tales, after the manner of ^ Boccacio's Decameron,' and
which he intends for the ' Horen/ Send me back his
manuscript on the ' Beautiful ' by the first opportunity.
I am curious to hear your opinion on the first series
of nly letters. Goethe was greatly delighted with
them. Herder turns away from them with disgust, as
so many sins of Kant, and '^pshaws '^ his opinion. I
enclose you two of Goethe's letters^ and a note from
Herder, which will tell you more.
I am sorry your work for the ' Horen ' is getting on
so slowly> not on account of the ' Horen' (as we have
materials enough for the first two numbers), but on
your own account. I hope^ however, you will have
something ready by Christmas. The enclosed letter
from Garve will show you that you need not fear his
competition in the * Treatise on Authorship,' should he
ever purpose treating that subject.
Schiller.
Schlegel's article will appear in the last number of
the ^ Thalia.^
o 3
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298 SCHILLER'lä CORREPOSNDENCE
Jena, 10 November^ 1794.
Your opinion of my letters gave me great pleasure,
bnd I presumed on so much. That I have advanced
as propositions many ideas of Kant without proving
them, was unavoidable in so circumscribed a notice of
a subject which comprises the entire man. The
reader must think — for in philosophical works this
labour cannot be done for him; and if the general
explanations do not give him the key to thfe more
difficult passages, it cannot be given to him at all. I
do not think I have supplied uncalled-for difficulties,
for the treatise is, as it were, cut out of one block.
One stands for all, and all for one. The subsequent
letters, moreover, consist in the development and ap-
plication of the axioms herein laid down.
Truly, you have not understood rightly how I pro-
posed the idea on authorship to you, if you are of
opinion that I have exhausted the subject myself. It
strikes me, that the subject is far from being ex-
hausted j and a coincidence of opinion is rather to be
wished for than to be feared. It is much better that
we should work towards the same end — ^that we do not
start from the same point : — ^our individuality is gua-
rantee enough;
In the formation of a literary ideal I should recom-
mend particular attention to the relation between the
Objefetivie and the Subjective, on which everything seem-
ingly depends. In the intercourse with man {In dem
lebendigem Umgange) all that is objective becomes
subjective, as here the whole individual chimes in, and
the effect is an individual one. As regards literary
elocution) the effect is to be produced on a peculiar
branch) and this branch must be studied to produce
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WITH KÖRNER. 299
the desired effect. At the same time^ it is necessary to
cause an effect upon every individual^ as an individual >
and this must be done through the medium of indi-
viduality. The requisition is therefore: generalised
individuality. If I took up this subject^ this is the
main id^a round which I should turn ; but its riches
are infinitely greater^ as you will find by diving into
it.
SCHIL|.EK.
\
Dresden, 20 November, 1794.
I have read Goethe's letters with great pleasure, and
Herder's note almost with indignation. What a
pitiable thing it is not to suffer any other views of a
subject but his own, and out of self-complacency to
shut his eyes to the merits of others. Did he find
nothing else in your letters but Kant's ideas 7 And
though he may not agree with all Kant says, can he
deny the elevated flight of his philosophy — ^if he is at
all capable of expressing an unprejudiced opinion ?
For he can never be accused of dullness.
Garve's letter is the twaddle of a sick man. It
almost gives rise to the notion that he has been at
the pains of picking out all the trivial and iminterest-
ing points in the subject^ he could discover. The
' Horen ' may congratulate themselves on not receiving
contributions from him.
It is a pity you cannot let me see Goethe's ' Epistle'
and 'Elegies' in manuscript. He seems to take a
great interest in the ' Horen.' If only you and he
are industrious, I have no fears for the success of the
journal.
I think there is still much to be said on authorship ;
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300 Schiller's correspondence
but yoor lost letter is so fnll of What would have given
savour to my treatise^ that for ' the present — ^until
your letter shall have been somewhat forgotten — I
shall not dare to bring my wares into the market.
I am collecting materials for the ' Treatise on Music/
Professor Erhardj who had formerly an appointment
at Stuttgard^ brought me your letter^ I have given
him all the information and counsel I could^ and shall
introduce hini to some persons here who may be of
service to him. But I see little chance for him.
What he wishes to teäch^ every man fancies himself
equally competent to teach^ atid as to cäligraphy,
writing masters abound here like sand on the sea-
shore. As a schoolmaster^ he would have to put up
with a very moderate salar]^.
Himiboldt has not answered me^ and I almost fear
I expressed my opinion too frankly. But why did
he ask it of me? I esteem the man too tnüch to
tell him anything but what I think. In addition to
my former observations^ I may remark, that his style
is very effeminate. He will always be more success-
ful in fine and delicate outUdes, than in bold and great
conceptions. With Pichte, on the contrary, hardness
appears to preponderate;
What is your opinion of Goethe's novel ? Is it free
from a certain deadness and coldness, whic^h I have
remarked in many of his more recent productions ?
' Wallenstein ' serins to haVe sunk into oblivichi — and
not one word about a poeto I
Körneb.
t wish the accompanying advertisement to appear in
the ' Intelligenz-blatt :' let me know what there is to
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WITH KÖRNER. 301
pay. Zschiedrich^ of joyous memory — ^who, moreover,
stands high in the opinion of Wieland — ^wishes to be-
come an author incogntto.
Jena, 5 Deer. 1794.
I send you a line simply to give a tökto that I am
alive; as I am overwhelmed with the duties incumbent
on me as an editor. My 'iSEsthcitical Letters' for the
second number of the ' Horen' have cost me much
labour, and as they absorbed all my attention, to the
exclusion of everything else, the announcement of the
' Horen' was postponed, which now brooks no further
delay. You will see it announced next week in the
advertising columns of the 'Literary Gazette.' You
will appear, but under another name, which you must
adopt for your articles in the ' Horeti ;' as it is an
object to command the respect of the public by the
number of our contributors. Your number is six-and-
twenty.
Your letter gave Humboldt great pleasure ; a jour-
ney he was obliged to make to Erfurt prevented him
from answering it.
I must now entreat you liot to Iciave the ' Horen' in
the lurch, and do not deceive the hopes I entertained
that the ' Horen' would offer an opportunity of pro-
curing you an agreeable and a remunerating employ»
ment.
Goethe's epistle has left long since, ahd therefore I
can only send it to you in print. In the first number
you will find the commencement of a series of tales
from his pen. But this commencement, which was
intended as a sort of introduction, in nowise answered
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302 Schiller's correspondence
mj expectations. This is unlucky for a first number ;
but it cannot now be remedied.
Schiller.
Dresden, 12 Dec. 1794.
Let me commence by congratulating you that the vessel
has been launched at last. I am very curious to see how i
will be received by the public. The open and secret
warfare which is now raging^ is an unfavourable
moment for anything that does not bear a poUtical
character. We should not^ however^ be discouraged^
if its success during the first year does not respond
to our expectations.
I am looking eagerly forward to the continuation of
your ^Letters.^ If possible^ send me the manuscript. I
will send it back by return of post.
I^ myself, have not been idle, and as I have now a
fortnight's holiday, and no work in arrear, I hope to
complete something, if no unforeseen impediment steps
in between. But I feel I must select another line if I am
to send many contributions. You once mentioned
biographies. I feel half inclined to take them up.
The collecting of the materials would, I thinks occupy
less of my time than the philosophical weaving, in
the manner of Penelope. Our hbrary would provide
me with abimdant materials from German history.
Name a few, whose hves you think would suit the
' Horen.^ I should prefer Germans and statesmen to
savants, as the incidents in the lives of the latter
are seldom interesting. In the Middle Ages, espe-
cially, many men of merit lie buried in oblivion. I
am also of opinion that there are large tracts of
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WITH KÖRNER. 303
untrodden ground in Italian history. And some are
not -wanting, especially as regards the days of Dante,
Petrarc}^, &c. I should like to hear your opinions
upon this y and am, in the meanwhile, working away at
my music.
I saw something the other day which struck me as
well suited for the ^ Horen.' Schlegel showed me a
fragment of his brother's (the poet) work on Da&te.
There is an announcement, and an extract from it, in
Burger's Journal. There are some excellent metrical
translations in it, accompanied by an historico-philoso-
phieal commentary, remarkably rich in genius and
artistic lore. The spirit of the original is well
preserved in the translation. I have taken upon my-
self to ask Schlegel, who is in Holland, through his
brother, whether he will let you have the manuscript.
Let me hear if you have any objection.
The ' iBsthetical Treatise' in the last number of the
' Thalia,' has many good points. It is, I presume,
taken from your lectures. Your remarks on the limited
powers of the human intellect are happy, and are de-
serving of further development.
KÖRNBR.
Jena^ 19 December, 1794.
I send you to-day a parcel of advertisements. Try
to place them in good hands. Make Gessler one of
your commissioners, as his connections may be of ser-
vice to us. I do not think I shall be able to send you
my letters in manuscript \ I cannot get them ready for
a week, and Cotta must have them three weeks hence.
Your reproach that I am treading in Kant's footsteps,
wül be more applicable to this second part than to the
first; but it could not be avoided; the development of
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304 sciiillbr's corrbspondbnce
the last caiifl€^ demanded it; I, however, trust that I
have observed a greater simplicity throughout than
people have hitherto been accustomed to.
I thank you much for the trouble you have taken
about Schlegel's ' Dante/ It is a valuable contribution
to the ' Horen/ I have made over his brother's
Treatise to Biester, as he offered more than I could ;
nor was there room for it in the ' Thalia/
Let us soon see some of the fruits of your labours.
I should be glad to see you take up biographies. You
could do so with gteat success, but I haVe a presenti-
ment that you will not carry out the project. Expe-
rience has taught ine that the preparatory labours for
an historical work are most discouraging, and an im-
mensity of time is lost. You would soon find that
your time might be better employed ; and the tedious-
ness of the work, before any result is obtained, would
soon disgust you. You might, perhaps, take a greater
interest in characteristic sketches of men of great
genius, especially of poetical genius ; here everything
stands in close connection with something great and
important, which keeps the mind continually on the
stretch j and this is the very point on which your ideas
continually turn. Even something more general would
suit you ; for elample, on poetical genius, on the dis-
tinctions of mindsj on creation and enjoyment, &e. ftc.
You will receive a cast of my bust without fail, and
before the month is out. The cast is abeady made ;
Dannecker writes me that he has only to give, it a laist
touch. Meyer and Goethe both express their aditiira««'
tion of it.
The other day Goethe sent me a few stray sheets of
his novel, which have really surpassed my expectation».
It is a true representation of himself ; calmer and colder.
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WITH KÖRNER. 30&
it is trtiC^ than iü 'Werther/ but tnie to the life, and
of the richest simplicity. Sodden sparks of the youth-
ful and enthusiastic past flash at times in the work.
As far as I have read, a calm, cleat, and cheerful sys-
tem df reasoning pervades the whole, which is Written
with a sincerity that shows how entirely he was wrapt
up in his work. I think I may count upon hiin. I
have left you out, as I did not like to give you a false
name«
Schiller^
Dresden»^ 26 Deeember, 1794.
The style of the announcement pleases me, and it is
perhaps one of the first advertisements that ever had
any artistic merit. I shall send it to Oessler, who will
take an interest in it; but it will scarcely please his
Silesian neighbours, if nothing is said in it about
dung and ploughshares. I hope, moreover, soon to seef
him here.
Amongst the contributors, the name of Dr^ Gros is
alone unknown to me, unless he be the so->called Mar-
quis de Grosse, author of ' Genius/ I was astonished
to read Funkes name. As an author he is certainly
unknown, and he always desired to remain incog. His
vanity, however, flattered at his name appearing in such
good company, may outweigh his political reasons.
I hope soon to be able to send you SchlegePs
Dante. The other Schlegel would have preferred
seeing his article in the ^ Thalia' than in the ' Monthly
Review.' He did not care about remuneration.
You may be right in saying that the hunting up of
historical matter is not adapted to me. Historical
essays should, in fact, only be written at Göttingen.
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306 Schiller's correspondence
Your propositions please me, and I trust soon to do
something of the sort ; but I shall first work out the
philosophical matter I have already collected, for
which I have three treatises in view : —
1. On the limits of doubt.
2. On the involuntary tendency of ideas.
3. On the use of principles in philosophy.
These occupy my time just now, and I hope soon to
be able to send you something. My materials will
soon be in order ; and I shall aim at the greatest
clearness and precision of form, avoiding technicalitie»
as much as possible.
We look forward with pleasure to your bust; I
feared Dannecker might have made objections. It is
vexatious that I cannot see the continuation of your
* Letters' in manuscript. Perhaps you can manage it, if
they are ready sooner.
I look lipon the Coadjutor as a dangerous contri-
butor. He writes a great deal, but not always with
the best success ; at the same time, nothing he sends
can be rejected. .
Is Humboldt ready with his ^ Treatise on Woman,'
or has he been working at something else ?
Körner.
. Jena, 29 December, 1794.
Many returns of the new year, which I trust
will have found you and yours in good health. I
must, however, commence it by being hard upon
you, in my quality of Editor. If you can, within
three weeks, let me have an article for the ^ Horen,'
you will relieve me from a great embarrassment.
Notwithstanding our grand announcement, our worthy
contributors are few enough, and one half of them are
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WITH KÖRNER. 307
not to be counted upon this winter. I am^ therefore,
in a dilemma in the very first number^ as Gk)ethe and
I are almost the only contributors to it ; and unhap-
pily Goethe does not give the most exquisite, nor I
the most reasonable articles. Goethe's tales and my
letters constitute the main portion of the first num-*
ber, and these tales, as you are aware, do not come
up to his other works. We must, therefore, look for
a variety of good things, even should they not be of
the most popular description ; and I look to you for
help. Goethe will not have his elegies inserted in the
first number ; Herder will wait till two or three num-
bers have appeared ; Fichte is overwhelmed with
lectures ; Garve is laid up ; Engel is lazy ; and the
others are silent altogether. I exclaim, therefore:
" Master, help me, or I sink V'
Let me hear then, by return of post, that I may
expect an article from you at the above-mentioned
date. If you will do so I will postpone sending my
letters to Cotta, and let you have them in manuscript.
I also beg of you to let me know when I may expect
to receive Schlegel's ^ Treatise on Bante,' which will be
most welcome. If you can let me have it at once, I
should be able to let it take precedence of my letters.
Humboldt sends you, herein euclosed, a letter from
Biester, respecting the other SchlegePs affairs. There
would have been really no place for his article in the
'Thalia,' as Göschen insisted upon the last number
being smaller. The Dr. Gros mentioned in the
announcement, is the same Marquis Gros of whom I
have often written to you — one of the clearest heads
and deepest minds I have ever met with. He is at
present studying jurisprudence at Göttingen. We
have nothing to fear from the Coadjutor just now ; he
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308 Schiller's correspondence
has his hands so full of other matters that he has no
time for writing. Owing to my peculiar connection
with him, T was called upon to pay him the compliment.
The materials you have selected for your labours
have aroused my interest. The first two subjects espe-
cially so: the limits of doubt and the involuntary
tendency of ideas are of the highest order. If you
could manage one of these at once, it would indeed be
something. Otherwise I should prefer an article on
music. In the first number you will find a treatise by
Professor Meyer, of Weimar, (Ideas on a Future
History of Art), which I was obliged to add, as the
manuscript on hand was not. enough. This treatise,
which in point of language I found it necessary some-
what to alter, is a work of merit, and will afford you
pleasure. It is rare that a man like Meyer has the
advantage of looking about him in Italy, or that a
person visiting Italy should possess so much artistic
knowledge. Such a work is therefore valuable; as
strange things must have co-operated to make it
possible.
Humboldt's Treatises (for there are more than one)
on Women, are no mean addition to the ' Horen.' He
treats this subject really in a masterly manner, and I
am convinced that nothing so connected has ever been
written on the subject« His style has lost in some
measure its former dryness and rigidity. - There is a
great and beautiful idea in his definition of the sex
and of production, which he carries throughout the
whole of nature, — even through the mind of man and
the mental productions of genius. As soon as he has
completed it, he will send it to you.
As regards my own labours, I feel satisfied with
myself. My system is approaching a greater consis-
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WITH KÖRNER. 309
tency and maturity^ which promise solidity and dura-
tion. The whole is well linked together^ and a
simplicity reigns throughout^ which is evident to myself
by the greater facility I find in the working out of it.
The system turns upon the idea of reciprocal action
between the Absolute and Finite— of the definitions of
liberty and of time— of action and of jsuffering. But I
will not anticipate.
Fare right well ! My wife ^ends her best greetings
to you and yours. My little son is fresh and healthy^
and is the joy of my life. Notwithstanding my pramps,
I never felt so well in mind and heart. In other
respects my health is tolerable enough, — ^at least not
so bad as to cause any material interruption of my
labours.
SCHIX^LER.
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310 Schiller's correspondence
1795.
' The Horen'— First contributions— Goethe at Jena — * Wilhelm
Meister' — Circulation of 'The Horen' — Kömer writes a
'Treatise on Music' — Schiller's opinion of it — Köraer's
opinion of ' Wilhelm Meister' — Fichte's fundamental prin-
ciples of Science — Voss volunteers his services as contributor
to * The Horen' — Dorchen as an artist— The Duke of Weimar
doubles Schiller's allowance — Kant writes to Schiller —
Goethe a constant visitor at Schiller's house — * Prometheus
unbound' — *The Water-Tub' — Schiller changes his apart-
ments at Jena — * Individual Destiny* — Matthisson — The
second volume of * Wilhelm Meister* — Körner purposes
writing a critical review of Shakspeare's comedies— The
* Terpsichore'— Romance and the Drama— Goethe's Elegies
— Names of the authors of the articles in the fifth number of
•The Horen*— The seventh number— 'The Ideals'— The
Power of Song — Woman's worth.
Dresden, 2 January, 1795.
Only a few lines, if but to tell you that I am not
deficient in good-will to help you in your dilemma. I
have laid metaphysics aside, as it would be impossible
for me to write either of the three treatises I men-
tioned in so short a time. But on a close investiga-
tion of my materials, I found enough musical matter
prepared to send you an article on the ^ Ideal Cha-
racter of Musical Productions/ I shall set to work at
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WITH KÖRNER. 311
once^ and if it is not finished in three weeks^ my
assiduity must not be brought in question. I shaU
endeayour to avoid all long digressions. But I know
enough of myself from experience, to counsel you not
to place too much reliance upon me. I think I shall
be able to tell you a week hence whether I shall be
ready with it or not.
Schlegel has written to his brother respecting his
' Treatise on Dante/ and expects an answer by every
post. Meanwhile, he is having the manuscript copied,
so that he may be .able to send it to you at once,
should his brother agree to it. I rejoice at the healthy
tone of your letter. Such a proof of your good
spirits was an agreeable new year's gift to me. This
year I hope to make a step in advance in my author-
ship.
KÖBNEB.
Jena« 5 January, 1795.
Ypur letter, which I have just received, rejoiced me
exceedingly, as it is written in a gay and joyous, spirit,
and makes me hope that I may soon receive some-
thing from you. To show you at least how grateful
I should be for something, I send you a portion of
iny letters to satisfy your curiosity — I say a portion ;
for I have three other letters ready ; but, as you will find,
as this series closes well with the seventeenth letter,
I keep the three others back for the next number. From
what I send, you will be able to form an idea of my
views. I do not deny that I am satisfied with the
result: on no previous occasion have I succeeded in
establishing so perfect a unity in the connecting links
pf a system, and I must avow that I regard the reasons
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312 Schiller's correspondence
I bring forward, as condusive. I beg of yon, there-
fore, to make a fierce attack on any weak point you
may perchance discover; each of your attacks will
render me now good service, and heighten the per-
spicuity of my ideas.
You must put up with the abstract style, which as-
suredly has much flesh and blood in it for a theme of this
description ; for I think I have stood on the very outer-
most Umits, and I could not well have deviated firom
the severity of the language without weakening the
strength of the arguments. If, however, you should
discover a word or an expression capable of being ex-
changed for something more familiar, I beg of you to
point it out to me. I will do all that my humanity will
allow me to do. You can keep the manuscript for two
or even three days, but then return it to me, as the
publisher will not be put off any longer.
You WÜ1 also have received Humboldt^s first article.
If you have time — and for that purpose you may keep
my letters a post-day longer — criticise him pretty
sharply. You will render him and the ' Horen ' a great
service. Give my kind remembrances to the women,
and a greeting to Schlegel. I entertain great hopes of
him in time, when his ideas, in which he is rich, shall
have run themselves clear, and form shall have gained
the supremacy over matter.
Schiller.
Goethe will be here in a few days, and will remain
probably three weeks. It wiU be a pleasant time for
us. How I wish you could share it !
I enclose you Humboldt^s article. Let me hear your
full opinion of it. You may keep it over one post-day^
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WITH KÖRNER. 813
but no longer. Let me know as soon as you can how
much space SchlegePs 'Treatise on Dante' will
occupy.
Be so kind as to note down also the date on which
you. receive my letters. I should like to make out
which post*day is most expeditious. I sent you my
packet of letters yesterday^ the 6th instant.
Schiller.
Dresden, 11 January, 1795.
It was a kind act on your part to send me your
'letters.' I never read anything on this subject which
gave me greater satisfaction. The form, it must be
remarked, is not so attractive as in the first letters.
But here the subject is too seriousily considered not to
cause a loss of beauty of style. I do not think it
deserves the reproach in want of clearness and pre-
cision, but of a certain hastiness arising out of earnest-
ness for the work. The continual recurrence to abstract
ideas will tire the general reader. If it was desirable
to create an impression by a first reading, it would be
as well to make a few more breaks in it, and to intro-
duce an example in concerto, to make an idea more
tangible.
The contents are deserving of serious investigation,
in which I cannot enter now, as it would take me away
from my own work, which is approaching its termina*
tion. Ton will find nmch in this treatise to harmonize
with your own ideas, so that of all men I ought to be
the last to have any objection to make to it.
Two sheets are ready. Plan and subject are in order.
As far as a man may rely upon things of this sort, I
VOL. II. p
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314 Schiller's coRibESPONDENCE
think I may promise yoa the article by the end of the
fortnight. I enclose you the commencement of Schle-
gePs 'Dante/ I will send the remainder of the mana-
script by next post. The author makes it over to you
with pleasui'e.
KÖRNEB.
Dresden, 16 January, 1795.
Humboldt's treatise^ which left Jena on the 7th^ did
not reach me till the 13th at noon. Your letters,
which left on the 6th, arrived on the 9th. There seems
to be matter of high value in Humboldt's work. Deli-
cacy and feeling are prominently visible. A few object
tions might be raised against the style. But he had
many unavoidable and combined difficulties to contend
against. The subject will not stand too much precision,
and the greater the view it embraced the less possible
was it to avoid the use of general ideas. The abstract
ideas in the treatise would fatigue the general reader.
The school-taught thinker would perhaps here and there
demand more explicit language, although the very
nature of the subject only allows at times of hints being
thrown out.
Such a subject would appear to great advantage in a
poetical form, or at least in one in which the personality
of the author would be brought into play. Inspiration
must pave the way to investigation. This is the case
in some parts of the work, .but I should like to see it
prevail throughout, especially in the first part.
A calm and simple style is undoubtedly preferable,
when full instruction can be given on any subject.
But here the mysteries of moral and physical nature
are not to be entirely revealed. The intention of the
work is to point out certain coincidences, to hint at a
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WITH KÖRNER. 315
certain connection^ and to enlarge the views of the
natural philosopher. The starting point is neither on
general ideas nor on experience alone. It is only the
finest aroma of experience that is serviceable^ and this
again must be met half-way with a^ sort of contempla-
tion by ideas of the highest abstraction.
If the style were to be simply didactic it woxdd have
perhaps been better to have started from the moral and
aesthetical analogies between the two sexes^ and then to
have risen gradually higher — ^until an expansive view
was obtained of the connection of the laws of Nature.
Expression and punctuation are faultless. More diver-
sity in the length of his sentences might perhaps be an
advantage. Nor is it wanting in euphony.
Enough for to-day. I must to my music, in which
I have made some progress.
KÖBNEB.
Jena« 19 January, 1795.
I have this moment despatched my letter to
Cotta^ without attending to your observations. Your
remarks of a certain hastiness may not be un-
founded^ but I think that this, as also the dryness of
the eleventh and twelfth letter, is greatly obviated by
continual references to contemplation and experience.
That the Treatise in its present form is clear enough,
even to men who are not followers of Kiint, was
proved to me in a very interesting manner last night.
I read it aloud to Goethe and Meyer, who have been
staying here for the last week, and both of them
evinced an interest tl^roughout which is seldom ex-
torted by a mere piece of oratory. You know cold-
blooded Meyer, who \a usually circumscribed within his
own peculiar radius j but in this instance he followed
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316 schilleir's correspondence
the thread of the apeculations with an attention^ con-
atancy^ and interest^ which quite astonished me.
I entirely coincide with all your remarks on Hum-
boldt's work^ but I am of opinion that in all your
criticisms on works of this description^ you think
too much of the common reader, or have, at least,
too good an opinion of the public taste of our day,
than ought really to be the case. There are but two
cases : people must either have a polished taste, and
such a taste pardons readily slight deviations firom
form; and whoever does not possess taste, must
submit to a little mental exertion, as the subject must
here always take precedence of the form. I am very
desirous to see your ' Treatise on Music/ Goethe is
also anxious to have a sight of it. You have, doubt-
leas, seen his * Meister,' * as it is already published.
The reason why you have not received the bust is,
that the cast was a failure ; but jbl new one has been
taken, and you will soon receive it. Dannecker
wishes you to have a perfect one, and works away at it
after the rough cast is made. In ten days, the
* Horen ' will be here, and in thirteen days, with you.
Many thanks for SchlegePs Treatise. It is a great
acquisition for the ^ Horen.' The first half shall ap-
pear in the third number. My Carl was vaccinated
four days ago, and I am in a state of nervous anxiety
about him. The epidemic is very mild, and he enjoys
excellent health.
SCHILDSB.
♦ ' Wilhelm Meister.'
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WITH KÖRNER. 317
Jena, 25 January, 1795.
I send you the first number of the ^Horen.' I
hope the look of it pleases you. I wished it to be
more solid than elegant^ and think it has that ap*
pearance. I tremble for your criticisms on the last
two articles. The ^ Epistle * will please you.
I think I may count upon your Treatise for the
third number. You have, if necessary, fourteen days
before you, from the date of this letter. I need not
write anything in that case for the third number, and
shall give four or five sheets at once, with Goethe^s
^Elegies' in the fourth. Goethe styles this fourth
number the Centaur, as his ^ Elegies^ will afford a
singular contrast to my philosophy. The ' Horen ' is
selling well. Each post brings me word that, even
in the small towns, many copies are ordered. Cotta
says he is well satisfied, and augurs a splendid sale
from the orders he has already received. So my calcu-
lations were not so far wrong after all. My Carl
will have the small-pox sure enough; to-day — the
ninth since he was vaccinated — fever has commenced.
As yet it is by no means of a malignant nature, and
his health hitherto makes me hope that he will escape
with a mild attack.
Schiller.
Dresden, 24 January, 1795.
I send what I promised. I am curious to hear
your judgment. There is much that stands in need
of greater development, especially in the latter part.
I purpose doing so some day. I am not quite satisfied
with the language, but cannot make any more altera-»
tions in it. On the whole I think I have improved
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318 schillee's coeeespondence
in style. Daring the progress of this work^ I liaye
collected materials which I cannot make use of now^ bot
which I may make availahle some day or other | f<Hr
eiample^ something on the art of dancing.
KÖRMEK.
Jena» & fehtasry^ 17ÖÄ».
Only two words to-day to tell you that yottr ' Trea-
tise' has given me great delight. It contains glorious
ideas^ which are as rich as they are original, and give
me twofold pleasure^ as they so onexpectedly harmo-
nise and confirm me in my own ideas on Art.
I am even now occupied in noting down a few ideas
which this Treatise has given birth to within me^ as
also a few objections I have to make to it. They regard
the middle of the Treatise, which neither I nor
Humboldt can quite understand, and which perhaps
might be remedied. Time and leisure are at your com-
mand, as it is too late for insertion in the Second num-
ber ; and if I send it off from this, eighteen days hence
it will be in good time for the third. I will send it to
you by next post, with my observations.
It is very well written, in manly, cidm, and firtn
language ; only, as I observed above, it is deficient in
clearness towards the middle, which may be attributed
probably rather to the omission of some hecessary sen«»
tences than to any fault in the language. I should
like your first Treatise in the ' Horen,' to proclaim you
at once a master in the art ; and this Treatise combines
all the requisites to do so if you will reheVe it from the
obscure passages. Nor would it do any harm if you
were now and then to enter into fuller details, and
bring the subject under closer contemplation^ Hum.
boldt and myself are also of opinion that some of the
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WITH KÖRNER. 319
general ideas might be passed over more lightly, bat
of this more in my next.
My Carl is getting on bravely. The virus took very
well; but he had very little fever» and did not suffer
much, although he cut a tooth at the time. It was
with some hesitation that I agreed to his being vacci-
nated, owiDg to his teething ; but Stark never let me
alone, and now I thank him for it. The little fellow is
all life and gaiety again> just as if nothing had hap-
pened. Humboldt's child is also getting on famously.
Another word about the ^ Horen.' Herder has
promised a contribution for the third number, and
Engel has already sent one, much in the style of the
'Philosopher of the World.' Both of these, with
Schlegel and Ooethe, will keep you company in the
third üumber. I shall not appear in it. You can
show the enclosed letter of Herder's to Schlegel ; but
let me have it back as soon as Sdilegel has read it.
€otta is well pleased with the sale of the ' Horen.' He
writes me word that, since the 25 th of January^ he has
received orders for more than a thousand copies. Yoa
have not yet said one word about the first number >
which you must have received before now.
Schiller.
Dresden, 10 Febraary» 179S.
I wish you joy ou your youngster being out of
danger ! I should not have had the courage to risk
vaccination during teething time. We all rejoice that
your anxiety is relieved. Say many kind things from
us all to your Lottchen. . Bemember us also kindly to
Humboldt. That my Treatise pleases you, will encou-
rage me to send you something else. I will readily
poiake any alterations where you mtiy think them de<*
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320 Schiller's correspondenxe
tirable. L must confess that I trembled for the after-
filing, and that is why I sent it to you as soon as the
last line was written. When I see it again I shall
perhaps £nd many things to alter.
I have received the 'Horen/ and think its first
appearance in public respectable. Goethe's epistle is
füll of original humour. Gotta, however, would hardly
be satisfied if the subscribers did not pay him, for fear
of coming under the lash. The sketches of a ' German
Emigrant ' bear evidences of Goethe's pen, and contain
happy passages ; but they cannot be placed in compari-
son with ^ Meister* (Wilhelm) which I am now reading.
The last article is dry, especially the commencement of
it ; but it contains many good and fruitful ideas. The
style is manly and serious, and makes me ahnost guess
Fichte to be the author«
^ Wilhelm Meister' has quite surpassed my expecta-*
tions. I know of few compositions where the objective
reigns so powerfully; the most vivid description of
'passion, and the calm simple tone of narrative, are
most beautifully contrasted. Many passages are power-
fully written and may compete with Werther ;* and how
rich in character, what depth of thought and expres-
sion> . which are not to be found in Werther. The
second volume will doubtless be published at Easter.
The success of the ' Horen' might have been ex-
pected. They seem now to be fairly launched^ and
interesting contributions cannot fail to pour in from
all quarters. I did not expect anything from Engel
so soon. Herder seems to me to have reconciled a
dose of hell with Kant's sins. Schlegel wrote to me
the other day from Amsterdam. He purposes remain-
• • Wwther'g Leiden/ * The Sorrows <)f Werther/ by Goethe.
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WITH KÖRNER. 321
ing there^ as the family^ where he is tutor^ although
partizans of the house of Orange^ have nothing to fear
from the French.
KöttN£R.
Dresden, 16 February, 1795.
According to your last letter of the 5th, you pur-
pomA sending me back my Treatise^ with your remarks
upon it. To-day, being the 16th, it has not yet come
to hand, and the accounts I hear of bad roads, of
flooded rivers^ and lost letters^ begin to cause me some
fears respecting it. Who knows ? All our fine
phrases may be sticking in some pool of mud some-
where between this and Jena.
I have set an air out of Goethe's * Meister* to music,
arranged for two guitars,* an instrument which is now
the fashion here, and a good accompaniment to the
voice. Be so kind as to let Goethe have it by the
next opportunity, and thank him at the same time
heartily in my name for his work, which gave me
singular pleasure. I enclose two copies arranged for
the piano, one for your wife, the other for Goethe.
I return you, at the same time> Herder^s letter.
Schlegel is of opinion that the favourable reception of
* Dante ' will give his brother the more pleasure^ as the
first sample of it, which appeared in Burger's Journal,
* Zither may mean the common guitar ; but there is an in-
strument called the zitker, the instrument par excellence of the
Bohemian and the peasants of Bavaria. . It is laid upon the
table, has twelve chords, and is most harmonious. Duke Max
of Bavaria is a first-rate performer upon this instrument^ and
often have I listened to it with pleasure in the village inns of
Styria and the Tyrol*
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322 SCHILLER'S CORRBSPONDENCB
attneted little attention. Another number of the
' Horen' must soon be out. I am waiting for it with
as much anxiety as a man waits for his month's salary
when that same has been increased.
&ÖKNBK.
Jena, 23 February, 1795.
Your fears about the mud-pool are unfotlnded.
Your work is riding at anchor with me in a safe port ;
and if I had thought of the risk letters run on the road
just now, I should hare dropped you a line to calm
your apprehensions. I have not yet found a moment
to note down my obsenrations. I have been busy at
a knotty point in my ' letters/ and did not like to turn
to anything else until it was untied. As it would be
impossible to have it ready for the third number^ and
there is time enough for the fourth^ a few days' delay
is of little consequence. It is at present in Herder's
hands^ and as soon as he returns it to me^ I shall
forward it to you, with my remarks.
1 sent your music to Goethe yesterday, with your
knessage. We do not possess such a. thing as a good
piano in the house, nor a good performer j otherwise,
I should have had it played. My wife^ who has a
guitar, is to learn it.
Let us consider if we cannot manage to meet in
plena this summet. I, for my part, am Woi^h nothings
except in my own höuöe. I hope, therefolfe> you will
make up your mind to come and pay us a visit here.
Humboldt and I can lodge you between Us. After
Easter, I remove to Griessbach^S) One of the best houses
in the place> and should I Uot find room for you all,
Humboldt can manage a spare corner. You Would have
the society of Fichte, Goethe> and Meyer» Should the
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WITH KÖRNBR« 323
ladies find our learned discourse tiresome^ they caii
enjoy the fine country. We could pass a few pleasant
days at Weimar with Groethe and Herder. The former
has many interesting things to show you^ and would
be indefatigable in doing all in his power to please
you. In a word^ it is worth consideration.
The next number of the ' Horen^ shall be «sent to you
li^ähout fail on Monday next. Herder has sent me
an article for the third number, which is interesting
enough in its way. It is on Individual Fate. You
niay imagine that the undefined ideas of Man^s happi-
ness, his destiny, &;c.; are touched upon.
Ask Schlegel to send me the missing sheets of
'Dante' you spoke of; I shall write shortly to his
brother, and beg of hitn to send us many contri-
butions.
H.'*^ wrote to me the other day, and made many
inquiries after your party. He seems well pleased with
hi» domestic lot. He asked me not long since whether
he could not come and live at Jena, as he found
Switzerland too expensive. I dissuaded him from
doing so, and he remains at Neufchatel. He wishes
to study Kant, that he may propound his doctrines in
France. He tells me he has already translated an
article of Kant's (in the ' Berlin Monthly') on theory
and practice.
Schiller.
2 March, 1795.
1 have not yet fouud time to send you your ' Trea
tise.' I have been suffering the whole week from
tooth-ache, until it has rendered me unfit for anything»
• Hüber.
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324 Schiller's correspondence
I enclose you Herder's opinion of your ' Treatise :' a
gracious cabinet-letter firom his Herderisch Eminence.
Ooethe thanks you heartily for your sympathy with
his leister/ He will shortly hear your music^ he says,
on the stag6.
Schiller.
10 March.
t send you a few words on your ' Treatise.' I would
have willingly entered further into the subject^. but it
would haye unavoidably led me into a lengthened
investigation — no easy task on a subject so new to me ;
See if you can make anything out of my observations^
but I recommend you> at all events^ to throw more
clearness into your 'Treatise/ from pages thirty to
forty.
Send me the remainder of SchlegePs contribution
by return of post^ otherwise it will come too late to be
of service. Do not forget this. The sooner you can
return me your own 'Treatise' the better; the manu-
script for the fourth number must leave in a few
weeks.
Schiller.
Dresden, 15 March, 1795.
I have three letters of yours before me, of which
the last two came in company with the second number
of the ' Horen,' and my ' Treatise.' You have, pro-
bably forgotten to put up Herder's criticisms. I
I looked for them in vain« I shall attend to Hum-
boldt's and your remarks, as well as I can. It will^
however, cost me some time if I am to satisfy your
demands of evidence.
I believe much interesting matter might be said
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WITH KÖRNER. 325
upon Music^ which is not contained in this Treatise ;
but I expressly omitted a great deal.
It is scarcely possible to expect anything more from
SchlegeFs brother just now. He is still at Amster-
dam^ and his family have not heard from him ; in fact^
all communication with those parts is intercepted. I
have only received one copy of the first and second
number of the ' Horen.'
Fichte's ' Fundamental Principles of Science/ con-
tains many excellent points^ which I found on the first
reading. I hope I may have time to study this work«
Körner«
Jena, 20 March, 1 795.
It is some weeks since I heard from you ; and I
am most anxious concerning you; especially as I
had requested you to send me the remainder of Schle-
geFs article as soon as possible« It is now too late for
it> and it must either be omitted altogether, or appear
in the fifth number, if it is worth while.
Get your Schlegel to write to his brother and tell
him to send us all he writes. I can give him five
louis d^or a sheet, which he wül not get everywhere.
I hope he will send us poems« I trust soon to receive
your Treatise, that I may send it to the publishers.
I have kept a copy of it, which I must send off if I
do not receive back the original.
You will have received by this the second number
of the ' Horen.' Does it satisfy you ? I have some
work in store for you, which I shall communicate to
you in my next. The post is leaving.
Schiller«
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326 Schiller's correspondence
Jena, 5 April, 1795.
It is some time since I have heard from you^ and I
have been equally silent. I have been occupied^ the last
three weeks, with an 'Essay on the History of the
Netherlands;' the first number of which is ready.
Ulis prevented me from any other rational occupa*
tian; but the necessity of giving variety to the
'Horen/ demanded something of this sort. I ex-
pect your Treatise by every podt» I am anxious
to see you launched as an author in the ^ Horen.^
I send you herewith the third number, where you
will find Herder and Engel keeping each other in
countenance. One copy is for Schlegel. Voss has
volunteered his services as a contributor, and has sent
isome melodies, with music by Keichardt» I have re-
ceived at last a miserable piece of workmanship &om
the Coadjutor, which I am at a loss how to get rid of.
My portlfait, by Dorchen, arrived here the day
before yesterday, and gave us all infinite pleasure.
tJive Dorchen many thanks in my name; my wife
purposes writitig herself. Goethe and Meyer, who
are here, were much pleased with it. You do not
say whether you have received my bust. You should
have received it long ago. I trust nothing has hap^
pened to it.
I wish to hear something niore Aatisfactory about
your coming here than was contained in youlr last
letter. I have been offei^ed a chaii* at Tubingen, with
a moderate salary, which would be gradually increased.
I refused it, however, not wishing to be bound to any
fixed duties ; but even without that, I should not ei«
change Jena, and my unrestrained mode of living, for
any other place on earth. I asked the Duke of Wei*
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WITH KÖRNER S27
mar to double my allowance in case I should be
prevented from my literary pursuits by illness^ which
he granted^ so that I am^ to a certain extent^ provided
for. I have not yet received my thousand dollars from
Denmark^ for the last year^ although the Prince wrote
to me very recently.
The good folks here speak of a treaty of peace
between Prussia^ Hanover^ Cassel^ and the French^ as
certain. The news is from a good source ; I trust it
may be true^ as universal peace in Germany might
soon follow.
Schiller.
Jena, )0 April 1795.
I am glad the bust has arrived safe, and that it
pleases you. A few words from you to Professor Dan-
kiecker would please him very much.
t am desirous to receive back your Treatise ; but do
ttot hurry yourself. Luckily I have the first part of
the manuscript in my hands ; if I have the ouier by
the 21st of April, it is time enough.
The number in which it will appear will be a rich
one — ^it will contain eight distinct essays. Kant has
written me a very friendly letter, but begs for a delay
in sending his contributions. He purposes writing to
me about my ' iBsthetical Letters' — which he praises
highly — ^when he has studied them more. Meanwhile,
I am glad we have induced the old bird to join us.
Goethe has been here for the last fortnight, and
t^mes to us r^ularly every evening, when all sorts of
matters are discussed^ He is at present occupied in
Writing a tragedy in the old Greek style, ' Prometheus
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328 Schiller's correspondence
Unbound/ The second volume of his 'Meister'
will appear next Fair. Have you read a poem of
Wieland's in the last number of the 'Mercury/
'Die Wasserkufe' ('The Water-Tub')? It is very
neat.
What do you say to a characteristic sketch of Goethe's
g;enius, founded on all his works ? Would it not be
an interesting work for you ? for you must now be
seriously on the look-out for some subject. In thne
days I change my apartments^ and I look forward to
the change with pleasure^ as I shall lead a much
pleasanter life there.
Schiller.
Dresden, 27 April, 1795.
At last I am able to send you my Treatise in its
new shape. It took me much more time than I had
calculated upon^ and even now I am not satisfied
with it.
I am very curious to see Goethe's 'Prometheus
Unbound.' The news surprised me the more that I
did not think it likely he would undertake such a work
now. Herder's ' Individual Destiny ' does not come up
to my expectations. There is a leven-bitter, pompous^
preaching tone about it ; the whole Treatise is starched^
and not like his other works. It contains some good
stray ideas.
Methinks Engel has wasted too much elaborate lan-^
guage on an unimportant subject : the diction and
style are elegant^ but these were appreciated much
more formerly than at the present day. People now
look for something solid^ and the picture must be
worthy of the frame. The last article in the third
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WITH KÖRNER. 329
number^ probably by Humboldt^ contains many beau-
ties. I remarked especially some delicately fine, and
exquisite remarks characteristic of the Goddesses.
Schlegel will willingly send you more contributions.
If you wish to write to him^ send me your letter, that
his brother may forward it.
I made the acquaintance here, the other day, of
Matthisson.* He is a most pleasant person in society,
natural without affectation. He has a fand of amusing
anecdotes at his command, but I did not remark any-
thing that could stamp him the man of genius. I
have not yet seen his letters. Is it true tha); Fichte
leaves Jena ? The story goes here that he has got into
ill favour with the students. It would be a great loss
for Jena, and he could not better his hterary position
at any other University.
The peace will bring us «aother contributor in
Funk. I only fear he will play truant to history. Your
letters, he says, have greatly incited him to philoso-
phical studies, and he made Thielemann give him all the
* Frederick Matthisson, whose reputation as a poet is fully
established by Wieland's critique in the German ' Mercury' of
January, 1789« and by a review of his poems in different num-
bers of the * Literary Gazette' (1794) by Schiller, was bom on
the 25th of January, 176 1 . His description of scenery and nature
is thus described by Schiller : ** If we look merely for a true
imitation of Nature in his descriptions of country scenery, we
must admire the skill with which he knows how to bring the
scenery he describes so vividly before our imagination~we
fancy we behold Nature itself, and we feel as if we were allow-
ing our thoughts to wander in the reminiscences of places we
ourselves had visited." The indefatigable Döring has written
a life of Matthisson ; and the travels of the latter in France,
Italy and Switzerland, written by himself, are very interesting.
He was a friend of nearly all the celebrated characters of his
dav.
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330 8CHILLER'S corrbspondencb
works he had of Kant^ Fichte, and Reinhold, which
he carries about with him in his portmanteau. Kant
wouhl laugh heartily if he knew he was honoured and
studied by hussars on the banks of the Rhine ; and by
two officers who rank high in military tactics.
KÖRNBE.
Jena, 1 May, 1791.
For the last three post-days I have been ippa-
tiently expecting to hear fi^m you, and I caimot
e]q>lain your silence. Nor can I grant you any liirther
dehy with your Treatise, and must send it off on
Monday the 4th of May at latest« I have not been
well for the last few weeks. I have bieen luffering
from a violent catarrh. I am only now recovering,
and beginning to enjoy the fine season in my new
quarters. My wife has also been unwell ; thf young-
ster alone has enjoyed good health. Groethe is still
here, and we pass many a pleasant hour in each
other's company. How I wish you conid join our
circle! Cotta, who passed through here the other
day, entertains great expectations of the 'Horen.'
His sale already reaches eighteen hundred copies, and
he is« well satisfied.
Try and take an active share in the journal. You
will receive six louis d'or a sheet^ and the small type
will be done away with next year.
The continuation of my Letters will appear in the
sixth number with (roethe^s ' Elegies.' Fichte will not
be here this summer. He meddled in the academical
regulations, which so enraged the students, that they
did all in their power to vex him, and he adopted the
foolish plan of retreating, and leaving the field to that
unruly set.
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WITH KÖRNER. 331
Humboldt pixrpoBes spending three months of this
summer at Berlin. What do yon say to his * Essay on
Manly and Feminine Form f '
Schiller.
Jena, 4 May» I79S.
To my great joy, I received yonr Treatise yesterday,
and it leaves to-day. I have scarcely had time to cast
my eyes over it, as for precaution's sake, I have had
another copy taken. When I have read it in print I
shall give you my opinion.
All you write on subjects of this description, appears
to me substantial and correct. I shall write soon to
Schlegel. Cotta wiU have sent you sixteen Carolines for
himj I pay him five louis d'or a sheet. Funk's
return rejoices me. Nor am I sorry that he has given
up history ; he does not possess sufficient historical
knowledge to write anything remarkable in hktory.
Philosophical investigations do not require so much
learned preparation, add vigour to the mind, and give
greater pleasure.
I should like now to see yon bring out something
else for the ' Horen.' Have you hit upon anything f
Think of a subject and let me know. A critical survey
of the life of some celebrated poet, or something of that
sort is well snited to you. I do not, however, yet know
what I shall propose to you. I cannot find fault with
your reasons for not selecting Goethe.
Matthisson's ' Letters' are a very mediocre produc-
tion. You must have conversed with him iii one of
your bland humours, otherwise I doubt if you could
have taken a fancy to him. I enclose a letter from
Huber, which I received this morning. You will,
perhaps, be glad to know how he is getting on. But
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332 Schiller's correspondence
let me have the letter back^ and do not forget to tell
me whether Schlegel has received his money.
Schiller.
Dresden, 8 May, 1795.
I am glad my Treatise arrived in time. I am
anxious to hear your opinion of it. If Goethe is still
with you^ let me hear what he says about it. The
' Siege of Antwerp ^ is an interesting episode^ which I
think you have treated in a masterly manner. Sieges,
genersJly speakings have a greater interest for civilians
than battles. The struggle of strength against
strength^ and the obstacles to be surmounted are
more discemable. Such historical sketches will be
welcome to every reader of the ' Horen.*
But what does Goethe mean by his 'Entertain-
ments?' The first number was intelligible enough,
and I recognized him in many passages. In the
second number I read the, first tale with some degree
of interest, but I have not one word to say for the
third, and what will become of it if it continues, de
crescendo. From all quarters I hear complaints about
these tales, and if I attempt to defend them, I am
accused of partiality. Funk and Thielemann espe-
cially reproach me with it« I received a letter from the
latter the other day, in which he speaks of your letters
with the greatest enthusiam. Humboldt's article is
interspersed with some delicate touches of observation,
but as a whole there is not much in it.
I have taken up the defence of Harmony against
Rousseau. I should then like to turn my attention to
philosophy, a field, however, where I should have to
sow before I could reap anything for the * Horen.' I
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WITH KÖRNER. 333
should not feel disinclined to draw a characteristic
comparison between ancient and modem philosophers.
As soon as I am clear respecting Kant and Fichte^ I
shall be at Plato.
Körneb.
Dresden^ 22 May, 1795.
With great enjoyment have I read the second X,
volume of 'Wilhelm Meister.' What an af9uence of
character and situations ! what vivid representations I
how faithful are his observations^ which are but
appendages to the work ! what elegance of expression
and depth of colouring ! Why does not Goethe exert
all his powers on comedy ? We are so poor in that
respect.
The second volume of ' Wilhelm Meister' has made
me hit upon a subject which I purpose' working out —
a critical review of Shakespeare's Comedies. Much
has been written concerning the Tragedies, but I do
not think justice has been done to the Comedies?
What do you say to the idea ?
Who is the poet Herder has translated from in the
' Terpsichore V He displays much originality and
many select ideas.
KÖBNEB.
Jena, 2 June, 1795.
I have been suffering for the last fortnight ; I was
hurried with the continuation of my letters for the
' Horen/ and the bad weather gave me no peace. I
am now better. My wife has had the measles, and is
not quite recovered yet, though the attack was a mild
one. It prevented my seeing Humboldt for twelve
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334 Schiller's correspondence
days, as the meadeB were a barrier between us. The
youngster is in good health. You most not eq>eet
much from my letter to-day ; I write merely to let you
know that I am still in the land of the livings and to
explain my silence. Herder sent me a number of the
' Terpsichore/ which was a surprise to me. I enclose
you a letter of his^ in which he takes up an idea I let
drop of his being reviewed by you ; I should like to
see you brought into contact with each other. The
' Terpsichore^ deserves a good reviewer. Let me hear
if you are inclined to do it.
I communicated to (Soethe, who has returned here^
your praises of * Meister/ and he was greatly pleased.
He will, however^ have nothing to do with comely. He
says we have no social life«
In going over his manuscript for the continuation of
' Wilhehn Meister/ he stumbled upon an interestmg
subject^ the distinction between Romance and the
Drama^ the principal idea of which pleased me exceed-
ingly. The Romance, he says, demands sentiments
and events; the Drama, character and action. In
Romance, chance is allowed to play a part, but man
must endeavour to give it a form. In the Drama /dtfe
must predominate, and man struggle against it, &c.
The development of these ideas, which he entered into
with me, imbues them with much truth. Voss's
' Louisa^ is excellent, and gave me great pleasure.
Have you read Wollf's 'Prolegomena to Homer,'
in which the unity of the Homeric compositions is said to
be most powerfully attacked?
Your printed Treatise in the • Horen/ is in my
hands. In a few days I shall receive the numbers that
are for distribution.
Schiller.
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WITH KÖRNER. 335
Jena, 12 June, 1795.
You will have received my last packet. I hope to
receive a favourable answer from you respecting the
^Terpsichore/ and should be truly glad to see you
undertake it. Such a review would be well suited for
the ' Horen/ and I should feel loth to let it go to the
'Literary Grazette.^ It is, moreover, high time you
should commence something for the 'Horen.' You
must write at least ten sheets annually, and pocket
three hundred dollars.
Be so kind as to forward the inclosed letter to
Schlegel, with the greatest possible despatch. It is
to request his co-operation in the ' Musen Almanach/
and there is no time to be lost. Let me know whether
his brother has an article ready;» or nearly so, which
might be serviceable for the ' Horen.' Also let me
know where Funk is to be found, and when he may
be expected. Should you write to him, give him my
kind greeting, and persuade him to write something
fbr the ' Horen.'
ScHILLERw
END OF VOL. II.
LONDON:
Printed by Sdkulze and Co., IS^Poland Street.
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