The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-22
JOH4NN
Professor Boatwright Tells of the German
Poets Life.

In the Richmond College chapel yester-
day evening At s o'clock Professor Root
wright delivered the sixth Of his series
OF University Extension lectures. TAc
subject Of the lecture was Schiller
Schiller was born In Marhurg, IN WUert-
temberc. on the 10Th Of November. 1883.
His father commenced life as "A barber.
but at the time OF Johann's blrthwas head
gardener at the castle OF the ruling duke.
His mother was the daughter OF a Mar
burg inn-keeper. and was a devout wo-
man with somewhat Of a p%oetical turn Of
mind. Schiller's mother was very anxious
for him TO enter the ministry. thinking
that his dreamy. thoughtful nature was
peculiarly suited for this calling. But
the Duke Of Wuerttemberg hearing Of
Scht1ler's precocity and studiOus habits,
decided to educate him for his own SER
vice. The announcement OF this decision
was received by Schiller's parents with
CONSERVATION and alarm. but they knew
Of nothing better than to submit. so
Johann was sent 10 the military academy
Of Stuttgart. Here he studied law for
two years. after which. at the command
OF the Duke. he began the study Of medi-
cine and continued il for five years.
The strict military dicipline and severe
requirements imposed upon young Schiller
were very r%epugnant to his freedom-lov-
ing nature and he longed for release.
While this experience was beneficial in
that II made him methodical and strength
ened his weak constitution. IL filled him
with a hatred Of tyranny I'm all its forms.
II was while here that Schiller wrote his
drama, The Robbers" a wild, extrava-
CANT, rebellious cry OF defiance. When
this play was produced In the theatre at
Mannheim he stole away and went 10 wit
49,. Fs. IFar fhtE offence he
was punished with two weeks imprison-
ment.
The impatient poet finally escaped from
Stuttgart. and fled from he dukes do
mains. After a few years OF hardship
he was invited by Koerner 10 come to
Leipzig. and was greatly aided by linn
From this time he began to rise. He
studied history and philosophy with con-
siderable ardor. Was elected professor
Of history in Jena. From 1874 TO 1915
Schiller vas associated with Goethe, and
the two great poets worked together.
"Walensteiu" is his greatest drama, and
| perhaps the greatest in the German Ian
! gllage. Among his other works the most
famous and most popular is william
Tell When the lecturer reached this
discussion of the drama he illustrated II
| freely with magic lantern views, which,
under the skillfui management OF Mr.
c. w. Duke, added greatly 10 the inter
est Of the lecture. The Professors refer
ence TO Schiller's last days was touching
indeed.
This was one Of the most interesting
lectures Of all that nave been dehVered'
and reflected great credit upon the tai
ented young professor, whose energy and
push first Instituted this work in the
South.
The audience in attendance on this lee
ture was very select, and was the largest
that has been present during the course
This shows the popularity of the uniYer-
sity extension movement.
The next lecture Will be on The Ro-
mantle School in German Literature
and promises to be very instructive as
well as entertaining.