The Government, however, which had not ’dared to attack the Association by force, resolved to undermine it by opinion.  M. de Stauren published a terrible document, attacking the societies, and founded, it was said, upon information furnished by Kotzebue.  This publication made a great stir, not only at Jena, but throughout all Germany.  Here is the trace of this event that we find in Sand’s journal:—­

24th November “Today, after working with much ease and assiduity, I went out about four with E. As we crossed the market-place we heard Kotzebue’s new and venomous insult read.  By what a fury that man is possessed against the Burschen and against all who love Germany!”

Thus far the first time and in these terms Sand’s journal presents the name of the man who, eighteen months later, he was to slay.

The Government, however, which had not ’dared to attack the Association by force, resolved to undermine it by opinion.  M. de Stauren published a terrible document, attacking the societies, and founded, it was said, upon information furnished by Kotzebue.  This publication made a great stir, not only at Jena, but throughout all Germany.  Here is the trace of this event that we find in Sand’s journal: 

24th November

“To-day, after working with much ease and assiduity, I went out about four with E. As we crossed the market-place we heard Kotzebue’s new and venomous insult read.  By what a fury that man is possessed against the Burschen and against all who love Germany!”

Thus for the first time and in these terms Sand’s journal presents the name of the man who, eighteen months later, he was to slay.

On the 29th, in the evening, Sand writes again: 

“To-morrow I shall set out courageously and joyfully from this place for a pilgrimage to Wonsiedel; there I shall find my large-hearted mother and my tender sister Julia; there I shall cool my head and warm my heart.  Probably I shall be present at my good Fritz’s marriage with Louisa, and at the baptism of my very dear Durchmith’s first-born.  God, O my Father, as Thou hast been with me during my sad course, be with me still on my happy road.”

This journey did in fact greatly cheer Sand.  Since Dittmar’s death his attacks of hypochondria had disappeared.  While Dittmar lived he might die; Dittmar being dead, it was his part to live.

On the 11th of December he left Wonsiedel, to return to Jena, and on the 31st of the same month he wrote this prayer in his journal.

“O merciful Saviour!  I began this year with prayer, and in these last days I have been subject to distraction and ill-disposed.  When I look backward, I find, alas! that I have not become better; but I have entered more profoundly into life, and, should occasion present, I now feel strength to act.

“It is because Thou hast always been with me, Lord, even when I was not with Thee.”