The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-01-23
Letter from Thackeray about
Goethe.

ly republishcd by Tickonor q Fields,
of Boston. the following lettor by
Thockeray is extracted, describing his
ronembranccs of the great German poet:
LONDON April %, 1855.
DEAR LEWrs Il wish | had more to
tell you regarding Weimar and Goethe.
Five-and-twentv years ago, at least
score Of young English lads used to live
at Weimar. for study, or sport, or socio-
ty--all of which were to DO had in the
friendly little Saxon capital. The Grand
Duke and Duchess received US with the
kiudiest hospitality. The court was
splendid but yet most pleasant aud home
". We were invited in our turns to du-
ncrs, balls and assemblies there. Such
young men as had right appeared in
uniforms diplomatic and military. Some,
I remember. invented gorgeous clothing;
the kind old hof- marschall Of these days,
NJ. Dc Spogol. (who had two of the most
lovely daughters eyes ever looked on,)
being in nowise difficult as to the admis-
sion Of these young Englanders. OF the
winter nights we used to charter sedan
chairs, in which we were carried through
the snow to these pleasant court entel-
tainments |, for my part. had the good
luck to purchase Schillcr's sword, which
formed part of my court costume, aud
still hangs in NY study, and puts me in
mind of days of youth, the most kindly
and delightful.
We knew the whole society of the 1T
tie city. and bat that the young Indies,
one aud all. spoke admirable English ,wo
sure y might have learned the very best
German: Inc society met constantly.
The ladies OF the court had ihelr eve
niags lho theatre was open twlce or
thuce IN the week, where we Assem- o'ed,
a large family PARTY. Goethe had re-
tired from the direction, tut the great
traditions remained stiIL 1he theatre
was admiralty cordtc'cdi ana beside
the excellent Ne'mar company, famous
actors and Singers from various parts OF
Germany performer HetSf|"|l'" tNrough
the winter In mat winter / remember
We had Ludwig Devrieut IN Shylock,
hamlet faIstati and the Ho55cf$ aud
the beautiful Schroeder In ftae|'2'
After three'and'twcnty years absence,
| passed couple OF summer Gays III tue
wcll.remembered Maco. and was iortun.
ate enough to hnd a'Cc 9i the trends OF
my youth Madame de 0oethe was
there,and received me ana my dnngh'efs
with the kindness OF Ola days. we drank
tea IN the open AR at the famous cottage
IN nc park when sun belongs 10 the
family, and had been SO often ''''~
In 1881 though he had retired from
the world. Goethe would, nevertheless,
very kindly receive strangers. His
dauchter.in laws tcatab!c was always
spread for US We passed hours after
hours there, and night after night with
the plcasantcst talk aad music We read
over endless pooms in French English
and German. Ny delight in those days
was to make caricatures for children. |
was touched to fad that they were re-
memberel. and some even kept until the
present time and very proud to be toll
as u lad. that the great Goethe had look
cd at some of them.
I[eremained in his private apartments
where only few privileged persons were
admitted but he liked to know all that
was happening. and interested himself a
bout all Strangers. Whenever coun
tcnauce struck his fancy, there was an
artist in Wennar who made portrait o.
: it. Goethe lad quite a gallery Of head,
in black and white taken by this painter
lis house was all over pictures. draw
in4s, casts, statues aud medals.
OF conrsc remember very well t.,
, perturbation of spirit With which.as IA lat
Of nineteen, | received the long.expectec
intirnation that the Herr Gehoimratl
, would see me ON such morning Thi,
: notable audience took place in little
ante'chamber OF his private apartments
covered all round with antique casts ant
bas'reIlets. lie was hablted In 'one
sraw or drao redpgot, with whit
neekcleth ana red ribbon IN his tuti OF
hole. lie kept his hands behind hi
back, just as ID Kauch'a statnette. Iii
complexion was very Jrlglt' clear an'
rosy HIS eyes extraordlnarlly dark
piercing aud brilliant. l felt quite a
traid before them, and recollcct compar
ing them to the eyes of the hero of cer
fu aNnsf an Hoe u I H.