42

daughter, who did not reciprocate. One thing noticeable in this Strasburg period is the thoroughly German culture it gave him. Became acquainted with Herder, whose friendship led him to read Shakespeare, Goldsmith, and other Eng. lish classics, and awakened in him a profounder respect for the poetry of the Hebrew Scriptures. Renewed his acquaintance with Homer. Fell in love with Fredericka Brion, a pastor's daughter, the first of those ardent attachments that exercised great influence on his lyrical poetry. Devoted himself to her for a long time instead of to his studies. Translated "The Songs of Selma," from Ossian, and wrote "New Melusina," "Ah! Art Thou Gone." "Welcome and Farewell," "Verses Sent with a Painted Ribbon," "To the Chosen," "On a Tree in the Wood Near Sesenheim, "To Fredericka," "A Gloomy Morn," "Fredericka." "To Sesenheim," "At Table," "When I Was in Saarbrucken," "All for Fredericka." Took his LL.D. degree August 6, 1771. Saw that marriage would interfere with his prospects, so he left Fredericka and returned to Frankfort. Delivered oration on Shakespeare. Enthusiasm for Shakespeare incited him to dramatic expression, and besides "Götz," and "Faust," he began "Julius Cæsar," a drama. Wrote essay on Erwin von Steinbach, builder of Strasburg cathedral, also hymns and dithyrambs, of which "The Wanderer's Storm Song" still remains.

1772. Went for short time to Wetzlar, which afforded exceptional facilities for study of law. Admitted to the bar. Here, as in other places, knowledge of the human heart and of human character overgrew studies. Became acquainted with Gotter and with him translated Goldsmith's "Deserted Village." Wrote "The Wanderer," and "Götz von Berlichingen." Wetzlar, too, became the scene of "Sorrows of Werther," for there he fell in love with Charlotte Buff, the "Lotte" of "Werther." His love for Lotte brought out "The Ugly Face," and "The Pilgrim's Morning Song." Wrote scenes of a prose "Faust," fragments of which were retained in the later poetic version.

1773. Published "Götz von Berlichingen." Wrote "Peter Bray," a satire. Became Merck's close friend. Merck is chiefly remembered as having furnished the external model for Mephistopheles. Wrote for the Frankfurter Gelehrte Anzeigen, the organ of a literary school, the "storm and stress" school, a school that clamored for the rights of the heart and suspended those of reason. Its poets pointed to Homer, Shakespeare, and the popular ballad as the purest poetic models; and then were guilty of all sorts of extravagances in trying to follow these teachings. The school, however, infused new life into German literature and gave it a mighty impulse. Goethe applied its doctrines in "Götz," and "Werther" celebrates its most signal triumph.

1774. Began his friendship with Lavater and Fritz Jacobi. Fell in love with Maxmilian Laroche, but soon wearied of her. Returned to Frankfort and busied himself with law. Wrote "The Sorrows of Werther," "Gods, Heroes, and Wieland,' "Clavigo," "Stella," "Mahomet's Song," and "The Wandering Jew." Published "The Sorrows of Werther," in September. His sister married. Became engaged to Anna Sybilla Münch at his parents' request. Admired, but did not love her. Studied Spinoza and struggled to gain clearness respecting Christianity. Wrote "The Fair at Plundersweilern," "Satyros," and "Prometheus.' Fell in love and became engaged to Elizabeth Schönenmann, (the "Lili" of his lyrics), daughter of a Frankfort banker, but she jilted him. This experience is set forth in "Erwin and Elmira." Poems called out by his wounded heart are "New Love, New Life," "To Belinda," "Upon the Lake," "From the Mountain," "To a Golden Heart which He Wore on His Neck," "Sadness," "Lili's Menagerie," "Lili." His literary reputation led to acquaintance with the reigning duke, Karl August of Saxe-Weimar, just seventeen, and with his younger brother, Constantine.

1775. Accepted Karl August's invitation to make Weimar his home. Through his influence the young duke became an enthusiastic patron of poetry and made Weimar the literary center of Germany. Introduced skating in Germany.

1776. The duke appointed Goethe privy councilor of legation, with seat and voice in the ducal council at a salary of 1,200 thalers. Devoted himself to public business; made himself acquainted with every part of the duchy; did his best to de

velop its resources; opened mines and disseminated education; and threw himself with vigor into reconstructing the tiny army. From his many flirtations one grew into predominant importance, swallowing all others and flaming into a fire that burnt for ten years. She was the Baroness von Stein (38 years old), mother of seven children, a charming woman, but of deficient morals. Hitherto he had been captivated by young girls; but now he was fascinated by a woman of rank and elegance of culture and experience, who knew how to keep his flame alive. Learned to swim ("The Fisherman" expresses his fascination of the water). Shortly after his arrival at Weimar private theatricals were started. The Weimar theatre surpassed all other German theatres. It had its poets, its composers, its scene painters, its costumers. Open air performances, however, were preferable.

1777. Sought to improve condition of the people. Occupied spare time with drawing, poetry, botany and with Frau von Stein. In June his sister died. Wrote "Triumph over Sentimentality," antidote to "Sorrows of Werther." Visited Harz mountains and wrote "Die Harzreise im Winter." Many of his writings were inspired by necessities of the court. One group, called forth by masks or ballets performed to celebrate birthday of the grandduchess Louise, was "The Four Seasons," "The Procession of Laplanders," "The Nine Female Virtues," and "The Dance of the Planets." Began "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship."

1778. Visited Potsdam and Berlin with the duke. Escaped death twice during the year. Became keen antagonist of Wertherism and sentimentality. On returning to Weimar occupied himself with various architectural studies, apropos of the building of the palace. Finished "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," Book I. From 1775 to 1780 his love for Frau von Stein brought out "Chapped Hands," "Night Thoughts," "The Wanderer's Night Song," "To the New Year 1779,' " "To the Moon," "A Midnight Fairy Song," "Here Tracing Nature," "To Lida," "Nearness,' " "The Chosen Stone," "Forever," "Philomela."

1779. Entered a period when the wanderings of his excitable nature came within the circle of law; when aims, before vague, became clear; when much that was fluent became crystallized in his mind, resulting in earnestness which gave a definite purpose to his life. Wrote "Iphigenia in Taurus," in prose form, Was made privy councilor, finance and war minister, director of mines and advisor of the duke, with whom he toured Switzerland at close of year. Wrote "Song of the Spirits Above the Waters," and an opera, "Jery and Bätely.' Visited Stuttgart and first met

Schiller.

1780. The return to Weimar began a new era. Published the "Swiss Journey." Began to write history, choosing for his subject Duke Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, the knight-errant of the Reformation. Began "Tasso." Adapted "The Birds of Aristophanes" to modern circumstances. Wrote nothing of importance for Weimar stage until "Iphigenia." His father died May 27. "Tasso."

1781. Completed prose version of Wrote "The Erlking," and "Only He Who Longing Knows." Began "Elpenor."

1782. Was ennobled by the duke and made president of ducal chamber. Took for coat of arms a silver star in an azure field. Wrote "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," Books II, III.

1783. Wrote poem "Ilmenan." Visited Harz mountains. Wrote "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," Book IV.

1784, 1785. Amateur theatre was closed and a regular troupe engaged. Prepared "Planet Dance," a masked procession for the duchess's birthday. His osteological studies led to discovery of the intermaxillary bone. Wrote "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," Books V. and VI. His income was 3,200 thalers.

1786. Wrote opera "Jest, Trick, and Revenge;" poem, "Secrets;" and completed two acts of "Elpenor." Wrote two songs, Kennst du das Land,' and "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt." Severed connection with "storm and stress" school and went to Italy. This journey was most momentous in developing his intellectual life. Completed "Iphigenia" in verse. This work signaled a change in his poetic diction. Sketched plan of "Nausikaa," a drama. Wasted time trying to become a painter. Made important scientific investigations. wrote "Egmont," "Claudine of Villa Bella," "Erwin and Elmira." Wrote scenes of "Faust," and

Re

poems "Amor als Landschaftsmaler," "Cabal and Love," "Kunstler's Erdenwallen," "Kunstler's Apotheose."

1787. drama.

Published "The Brother and Sister," a

1788. Returned to Weimar rich, but not satisfied. Resigned from presidency of the chamber and from direction of war department. Fell in love with Christiane Vulpius (afterward his wife). She was of humble position and not highly gifted, but had quick mother-wit, a lively spirit, a loving heart, and aptitude for domestic duties. She was gay, fond of pleasure, and the mistress of his affections.

1789. A son, August von Goethe, was born. Wrote "Roman Elegies," "Metamorphoses of Plants," and "Tasso' in verse. Began study of Kant. Wrote on "Roman Carnival" and "Imitation of Nature.'

1790. Published "Metamorphoses of Plants," "Faust" and "Tasso." Became superintendent of science and art institutions and of the museums and botanical gardens at Weimar and Jena. Visited Italy again. Wrote "Venetian Epigrams."

1791. Became director of ducal theatre at Weimar and held position until 1817. Wrote "Contributions to Optics." Had a year of quiet study and domestic happiness.

1792. Accompanied the duke into the field against France. Disliked the Seven Years' War and the Revolution, because they both thwarted peaceful development.

1793. Returned to Weimar. Studied much and produced little. Wrote "The Civic General," a comedy. "The Restless" and the metrical version of "Raymond the Fox" were begun.

1794. Joined army at Mainz. Returned to Weimar on his birthday. Began friendship for Schiller. The history of literature presents nothing comparable to this friendship: Goethe, the representative of realism, Schiller, of idealism; Goethe animated with the idea of nature, Schiller with the idea of freedom. The phases of their development had been similar and brought them to a similar standing-point. Schiller excited Goethe to poetical work. He urged him to finish what was be gun. Because of the French Revolution the whole Schiller con. country was at "sixes and sevens." ceived the plan of a periodical, The Hours, to reunite the divided political world under the banner of truth and beauty, and secured the most distinguished German writers as contributors. Goethe contributed "The Conversations of German Emigrants, ," "Roman Elegies," and "Literary Sansculottism."

1795.

Published

Went to Dessau and Dresden. "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship." Translated "The Hymn to Apollo.' Wrote poems "Alexis and Dora," the "Vier Jahres Zeiten," and several smaller poems for The Hours, or the "Musen Almanach" (another of Schiller's enterprises).

1796. Made translations from Madame de Stael and the "Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini,' which appeared in The Hours. Goethe and Schiller published "The Xenian," composed of thoroughly characteristic specimens of German wit-a fight against mannerism and affectation, thus beginning Wrote "The the "reformation of literature. Grand Cophta," and published "Venetian Epigrams." Wrote "The Introduction to the Study of Comparative Anatomy," and more "Faust." Began "Hermann and Dorothea."

1797.

"

scenes of

Goethe was so affected that he again lost interest in literature.

1806. The Battle of Jena_brought humiliation and suffering to Weimar. Upon invitation Goethe dined with Napoleon. Married Christiane Vulpius. Published his collected works in twelve volumes. Began drama "Pandora," a symbol of the time, but left it unfinished.

1807. Wrote plot of "Wilhelm Meister's Travels." 1808. Mother died. Published "Faust," Part I., its present form. Fell in love with Minna Herzlieb. Wrote plot of "Elective Affinities."

1809. Wrote and published "Elective Affinities." 1811, 1812, 1814, 1831. Wrote "Fact and Fiction from My Life."

1814. Sought relief from annoyances of Napol eonic oppression by studying Eastern poetry, resulting in "West-Eastern Divan," a series of poems in Eastern dress, but really German in form and content, in which he sought to bring east and west together.

1815. Wrote "Epimenides."

1816. Completed first volume of "Italian JourBegan to publish Art and Antiquity. Wife

ney." died.

1817. Completed second volume of "Italian Journey." Began treatise (continued to 1812) on German art in Art and Antiquity. During 1817 appeared first series of essays "On Natural History,' continued to 1824. Wrote essays on "Study of Botany,' "Morphology," and "Plastic Art." Son married Ottilie von Pogwisch.

1821. Completed "William Meister's Travels," Part I., and "Tame Xenia,' Part I.

1823. Completed "Tame Xenia," Part II. Fell in love with Fräulein von Lewezow. Wrote "Marienbad Elegy."

1826. "Helena" completed.

1827. Published "Werker."

1828. Published correspondence with Schiller. 1829. Completed "William Meister's Travels.' 1830. Worked on "Faust." Son died at Rome. 1832. Completed "Faust," Part II. Thursday, March 15, 1832, was his last cheerful and happy day. Was visited by the grand duchess and other friends. Awoke next morning with a chill, which developed into fatal lung affection. Did not expect death. Sat fully clothed in arm-chair, made attempts to reach his study, spoke confidently of recovery, and of walks he would take in the fine April days. His daughter-in-law, Ottilie, tended him faithfully. On morning of March 22 his strength gradually left him. He sat slumbering in arm-chair, holding Ottilie's hand, her name constantly on his lips. His mind occasionally wandered, at one time to his beloved Schiller, at another to a fair female head with black curls, some passion of his youth. His last words were an order to his servant to let in more light. After this he traced letters in the air with his forefingers. At 11:30 a. m., drew himself, without any sign of pain, into corner of arm-chair and went to sleep so peacefully that it was long before the watchers knew his spirit was gone. He is buried in the grand ducal vault at Weimar, where are also the bones of Schiller.

1833. "Faust," Part II., published. Goethe monument at Frankfort. Goethe and Schiller monument at Weimar. 1880. Goethe monument at Berlin.

1844.

1857.

SUGGESTED SELECTIONS.

Prologue in Heaven.

"The Song of the Archangels." "Mephistopheles' Conversation with the Lord about Man and Faust.'

1800, 1801. Wrote intermezzo of "Helena" in "Faust.' Kept busy with science and the theatre. Recovered. Wrote on Was dangerously ill. "Theory of Colors." Wrote "The Natural Daugh. ter, Act I. and II.

1803. "The Natural Daughter" completed and performed at Weimar.

1805. Translated "Rameau's Nephew." Schiller Schiller died May 9. and Goethe both very ill.

Part II.

"Effect of Sunrise in an Alpine Valley."
"The Death of Faust."
"The Salvation of Faust."

"GOTZ VON BERLICHINGEN."

"Scene between Götz and Brother Martin."
"Adelaide in the Gipsies' Tent."
"Scene in the Secret Tribunal."

"EGMONT."

"Clara and her Unhappy Lover Brackenburg."
"Brackenburg's Despairing Monologue."
"Scene between Egmont and Orange." The
argumentative exposition of their modes of
looking at affairs.

"Interview between Clara and Egmont."
"Clara Trying to Rouse Brackenburg and
Citizens to Revolt.'

"The Soliloquy of Egmont and the Vision of
the Goddess of Liberty."

"IPHIGENIA IN TAURUS."

"Scene between Orestes and Pylades." Act II. "The Relationship, between Orestes and Iphigenia Disclosed."

"Iphigenia's Communion with Herself." "Iphigenia Discloses to the King the Plot to Escape.'

44

Closing Scene between the King and Iphi

"Hermann and Dorothea." (Condensation of

Complete Story.)

"SORROWS OF WERTHER."

"The Scene of the Ball."

"WILHELM MEISTER."

"Mignon's Love and Longing."

"Wilhelm Meister's Introduction to Shakespeare.'

"Wilhelm Meister's Analysis of 'Hamlet.'" "The Indenture.'

"The Harper's Story."

"The Harper's Songs."
"Mignon's Song."
“Philina’s Song.”

"The Confessions of a Fair Saint."

"ELECTIVE AFFINITIES."

"Charlotte and the Captain on the Lake."
"The Last Chapter.'

SELECTIONS ALREADY PUBLISHED. "The Fairest Flower." In "Werner's Readings and Recitations No. 9.

"

"The Pariah." In "Werner's Readings and Recitations No. 9."

"Seven Sleepers of Ephesus," "The Cavaliers' Choice," "The Page and the Maid of Honor," all three in "Werner's Readings and Recitations No. 8."

"Hermann and Dorothea," in "Werner's Readings and Recitations No. 11." (A condensation of complete story.)

Any number of "Werner's Readings and Recitations," 35 cts. in paper, 60 cts. in cloth, postpaid.

"The Erlking" (both in English and in Ger man). In "Elocutionary Studies and New Reci tations." (35 cts.)

Goethe's Rules for Actors and Reciters," in WERNER'S MAGAZINE, October, 1894. (25 cts.)

1.

MY LORD AND I PLAY AT BOWLS.

Arranged for reading by Mrs. Abner W.

Lowell.

[From "To Have and to Hold," by permission of the Author, Mary Johnston.]

R

OLFE and I were to play; he sat on the grass at the feet of Mistress Jocelyn Percy, making her now and then some courtly speech, and I stood beside her, my hand on the back of her chair.

The king's ward held court as though she were a king's daughter. In the brightness of her beauty she sat there, as gracious for the nonce as the sunshine, and as much of another world. All knew her story, and to the daring that is in men's hearts her own daring appealed, and she was young and very beautiful.

* * *

My hand tightened its grasp upon the chair in which sat the woman I had wed. She was my wife, and I would keep y

own.

My lord had paused to speak to the governor, who had risen to greet him. Now he came toward us, and the crowd pressed and whispered. He bowed low to Mistress Percy, made as if to pass on, then came to a stop before her, his hat in his hand, his handsome head bent, a smile upon his bearded lips.

"When was it that we last sat to see men bowl, lady?" he said. "I remember a gay match against my Lord of Buckingham, and fair ladies sat and smiled upon us. The

fairest laughed, and tied her colors around my arm."

The lady whom he addressed sat quietly, with hands folded in her silken lap, and an untroubled face. "I did not know you then," she answered him, quite softly and sweetly. "Had I done so, be sure I would have cut my hand off ere it gave color of mine to "

"To whom?" he demanded, as she paused. "To a coward, my lord," she said clearly. As if she had been a man, his hand went to his sword hilt. As for her, she leaned back in her chair and looked at him with a smile.

He spoke at last, slowly, and with deliberate emphasis. "I won then," he said. "I shall win again, my lady-my Lady Jocelyn Leigh."

I dropped my hand from her chair and stepped forward. "It is my wife to whom you speak, my Lord Camal," I said sternly. "I wait to hear you name her rightly."

Rolfe rose from the grass and stood beside me, and Jeremy Sparrow, shouldering aside with scant ceremony. Burgess and Councilor came also. The governor leaned forward out of his chair, and the crowd became suddenly very still.

"I am waiting, my lord," I repeated.

In an instant from what he had been he became the frank and guileless nobleman.

"A slip of the tongue, Captain Percy!" he cried, his white teeth showing and his hand raised in a gesture of deprecation. “A natural thing, seeing how often, how very often, I have so addressed this lady in the

My lord and I stood forward, each with a bowl in his hand. We looked toward the governor. "My lord first, as becometh his rank," he said. My lord stooped, and threw, and his bowl went swiftly over the grass, turned, and rested not a hand's-breadth from the jack. I threw. "One is as near as the other!" cried Master Macocke for the judges. A murmur arose from the crowd, and my lord swore beneath his breath.

He and I retreated to our several sides, and Rolfe and West took our places. While they and those that followed bowled. The crowd, attentive though it was, still talked and laughed, and laid wagers upon its favorites; but when my lord and I again stood forth, the noise was hushed, and men and women stared with all their eyes. He delivered, and his bowl touched the jack. He straightened himself, with a smile, and I heard Jeremy Sparrow behind me groan; but my bowl too kissed the jack. The crowd began to laugh with sheer delight, but my lord turned red and his brows drew together. We had but one turn more. * * * He threw, and I followed, while the throng held its breath. Master Macocke rose to his feet. "It's a tie, my masters!" he exclaimed.

The excited crowd surged forward, and a babel of voices arose. "Silence all!" cried the governor. "Let them play it out!"

My lord threw, and his bowl stopped perilously near the shining mark. As I stepped to my place a low and supplicating "O Lord!" came to my ears from the lips and the heart of the preacher, who had that morning thundered against the toys of this world. I drew back my arm and threw with all my force. A cry arose from the throng, and my lord ground his heel into the earth. The bowl, spurning the jack before it, rushed on, until both buried themselves in the red and yellow leaves that filled the trench.

I turned and bowed to my antagonist. "You bowl well, my lord," I said. "Had you had the forest training of eye and arm, our fortunes might have been reversed."

"Which isn't often—and if you don't do it this time I wash my hands of you. Why, how old are you?"

"Hush, Mrs. Hilary."
"You must be nearly'
"It's false-false-false!"

"Come along," said Mrs. Hilary, and she added, over her shoulder, "she has a slight north-country accent."

"It might have been Scotch," said I.
"She plays the piano a good deal."
"It might have been the fiddle," said I.
"She's very fond of Browning.”