The little town of Stadt-Ilm is situated in a somewhat wide valley, and on the banks of a small limpid stream.[14] My uncle’s house had gardens attached, into which I could go if I liked; but I was also at liberty to roam all over the neighbourhood, if only I obeyed the strict rule of the house to return punctually at the time appointed.  Here I drank in fresh life-energy in long draughts; for now the whole place was my playground, whereas formerly, at home, I had been limited to our own walls.  I gained freedom of soul and strength of body.

The clergyman who taught us never interfered with our games, played at certain appointed playgrounds, and always with great fun and spirit.  Deeply humiliating to me were the frequent slights I received in our play, arising from my being behind boys of my age in bodily strength, and more especially in agility; and all my dash and daring could not replace the robust, steady strength, and the confident sureness of aim which my companions possessed.  Happy fellows! they had grown up in continual exercise of their youthful boyish strength.  I felt myself exceedingly fortunate when I had at length got so far that my schoolfellows could tolerate me as a companion in their games.  But whatever I accomplished in this respect by practice, by continual effort of will, and by the natural course of life, I always felt myself physically deficient in contrast with their uncramped boyish powers.  Setting aside that which I had been robbed of by my previous education, my new life was vigorous and unfettered by external restraint; and they tell me I made good use of my opportunity.  The world lay open before me, as far as I could grasp it.  It may indeed be because my present life was as free and unconstrained as my former life had been cramped and constrained, anyhow the companions of my youth have reminded me of several incidents of that time which make me think that my good spirits led me to the borders of wildness and extravagance; although as a boy I considered my demeanour quieter by far than that of my companions of my own age.  My communion with Nature, silent hitherto, now became freer and more animated.  And as, at the same time, my uncle’s house was full of peace and quiet contemplation, I was able as I grew up to develop that side of my character also; thus on every side my life became harmoniously balanced.

In two places, alike centres of education, I found myself as before quite at home, even though I was more frequently than ever the victim of absence of mind—­I mean the church and the school.  In the latter I especially enjoyed the hours devoted to religious instruction.  As with my uncle himself, and with his life, so was it also with his sermons; they were gentle, mild, and full of lovingkindness.  I could follow them quite readily, and in the Monday repetition at school I was able to give a good account of them.  But the religious instruction of our own school-teacher responded best to my needs; all