Moreover, it contributes to various other things which are revived by the excited life of that period.  If what you recognized a year ago as the cause of my illness now proves itself the apparent element of my good health, everything will be running smoothly and you will hear pleasant news from time to time.

In order that I may, however, hear from you soon, I wish to inform you that it would give me especial pleasure to receive a concise, forceful description of the Konigstadter theatricals.  From what they are playing and rehearsing and from the notices and criticisms that reach me in the newspapers, I can form some notion for myself, to be sure; but, in any case, you will correct and strengthen my ideas.  At your suggestion the architect sent me a plan which I found very acceptable, because, from it I can see for myself that the theatre is situated in a large residential section.  This probably makes it very nice and cheerful, just as setting back the various rows of boxes is a very convenient arrangement for the audience who wish to be seen while they themselves see.  This much I already know, and you, with a few strokes, will assist me to picture the most vivid actuality.

J. A. Stumpff, of London, Harp Maker to his Majesty, is just leaving me.  A native of Ruhl, he was sent at an early age to England, where he is now working as an able mechanic, a sturdy man of good stature in which you would take delight; at the same time he manifests the most patriotic sentiments for our language and literature.  Through Schiller and myself he has been awakened to all that is good, and he is highly pleased to see our literary products become gradually known and appreciated.  He revealed a remarkable personality.

Our sonorous bells are just announcing the celebration of the anniversary of the Reformation.  It resounds with a ring that must not leave us indifferent.  Keep us, Lord, in Thy word, and guide.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 1:  Morgenblatt 1815.  Nr. 113 12.  Mai.]

[Footnote 2:  (King Henry IV, Part II, Act 4, Scene 4.)]

[Footnote 3:  The works referred to are the nine volumes of A. W. Schlegel’s translation, which appeared 1797-1810, and were subsequently (since 1826) supplemented by the missing dramas, translated under Tieck’s direction.]

[Footnote 4:  Delivered before the Amalia Lodge of Freemasons in Weimar, February 1813.]

[Footnote 5:  Permission The Macmillan Co., New York.]

[Footnote 6:  Permission The Macmillan Co., New York, and G. Bell & Sons, London.]

[Footnote 7:  It is almost needless to observe that the word “demon” is her reference to its Greek origin, and implies nothing evil.—­Trans.]

[Footnote 8:  This is the first day in Eckermann’s first book, and the first time in which he speaks in this book, as distinguished from Soret.—­Trans.]