“He was a good man,” said he, “and on that very account, a great man.  For when a good man is gifted with talent, he always works morally for the salvation of the world, as poet, philosopher, artist, or in whatever way it may be.

“I am glad,” continued Goethe, “that you had an opportunity yesterday of knowing Coudray better.  He says little in general society, but, here among ourselves, you have seen what an excellent mind and character reside in the man.  He had, at first, much opposition to encounter, but he has now fought through it all and enjoys the entire confidence and favor of the court.  Coudray is one of the most skilful architects of our time.  He has adhered to me and I to him, and this has been of service to us both.  If I had but known him fifty years ago!”

We then talked about Goethe’s own architectural knowledge.  I remarked that he must have acquired much in Italy.

“Italy gave me an idea of earnestness and greatness,” said he, “but no practical skill.  The building of the castle here in Weimar advanced me more than anything.  I was obliged to assist, and even to make drawings of entablatures.  I had a certain advantage over the professional people, because I was superior to them in intention.”

We talked of Zelter.

“I have a letter from him,” said Goethe, “in which he complains that the performance of the oratorio of the Messiah was spoiled for him by one of his female scholars, who sang an aria too weakly and sentimentally.  Weakness is a characteristic of our age.  My hypothesis is, that it is a consequence of the efforts made in Germany to get rid of the French.  Painters, natural philosophers, sculptors, musicians, poets, with but few exceptions, all are weak, and the general mass is no better.”

“Yet I do not give up the hope,” said I, “of seeing suitable music composed for Faust.”

“Quite impossible!” said Goethe.  “The awful and repulsive passages which must occasionally occur, are not in the style of the time.  The music should be like that of Don Juan.  Mozart should have composed for Faust.  Meyerbeer would, perhaps, be capable; but he would not touch anything of the kind;[21] he is too much engaged with the Italian theatres.”

Afterwards—­I do not recollect in connection to what—­Goethe made the following important remark: 

“All that is great and skilful exists with the minority.  There have been ministers who have had both king and people against them, and have carried out their great plans alone.  It is not to be imagined that reason can ever be popular.  Passions and feelings may become popular; but reason always remains the sole property of a few eminent individuals.”