and alleviate his sorrows.  The history of all religions and philosophies teaches us, that this great truth, indispensable to man, has been handed down by different nations, in different times, in various ways, and even in strange fables and images, in accordance with their limited knowledge:  enough, if it only be acknowledged that we find ourselves in a condition which, even if it seems to drag us down and oppress us, yet gives us opportunity, nay, even makes it our duty, to raise ourselves up, and to fulfil the purposes of the Godhead in this manner, that, while we are compelled on the one hand to concentrate ourselves (uns zu verselbsten), we, on the other hand, do not omit to expand ourselves (uns zu entselbstigen) in regular pulsation. [Footnote:  If we could make use of some such verbs as “inself” and “unself,” we should more accurately render this passage.—­TRANS.]

NINTH BOOK.

“The heart is often affected, moreover, to the advantage of different, but especially of social and refined, virtues; and the more tender sentiments are excited and unfolded in it.  Many touches, in particular, will impress themselves, which give the young reader an insight into the more hidden corner of the human heart and its passions,—­a knowledge which is more worth than all Latin and Greek, and of which Ovid was a very excellent master.  But yet it is not on this account that the classic poets, and therefore Ovid, are placed in the hands of youth.  We have received from a kind Creator a variety of mental powers, to which we must not neglect giving their proper culture in our earliest years, and which cannot be cultivated, either by logic or metaphysics, Latin or Greek.  We have an imagination, before which, since it should not seize upon the very first conceptions that chance to present themselves, we ought to place the fittest and most beautiful images, and thus accustom and practise the mind to recognize and love the beautiful everywhere, and in nature itself, under its determined, true, and also in its finer, features.  A multitude of conceptions and general knowledge is necessary to us, as well for the sciences as for daily life, which can be learned out of no compendium.  Our feelings, affections, and passions should be advantageously developed and purified.”

This significant passage, which is found in “The Universal German Library,” was not the only one of its kind.  Similar principles and similar views manifested themselves in many directions.  They made upon us lively youths a very great impression, which had the more decided effect, as it was strengthened besides by Wieland’s example; for the works of his second brilliant period clearly showed that he had formed himself according to such maxims.  And what more could we desire?  Philosophy, with its abstruse questions, was set aside; the classic languages, the acquisition of which is accompanied by so much drudgery, one saw thrust into the background;