into a society.  They are as much isolated in respect to each other as they are in regard to the whole, and the more so as in this seclusion the character becomes more and more uncouth.  My father, in his travels and in the world which he had seen, might have formed some conception of a more elegant and liberal mode of life than was, perhaps, common among his fellow-citizens.  In this respect, however, he was not entirely without predecessors and associates.

The name of Uffenbach is well known.  At that time, there was a Schoeff von Uffenbach, who was generally respected.  He had been in Italy; had applied himself particularly to music; sang an agreeable tenor; and, having brought home a fine collection of pieces, concerts and oratorios were performed at his house.  Now, as he sang in these himself, and held musicians in great favor, it was not thought altogether suitable to his dignity; and his invited guests, as well as the other people of the country, allowed themselves many a jocose remark on the matter.

I remember, too, a Baron von Hakel, a rich nobleman, who, being married, but childless, occupied a charming house in the Antonius Street, fitted up with all the appurtenances of a dignified position in life.  He also possessed good pictures, engravings, antiques, and much else which generally accumulates with collectors and lovers of art.  From time to time he asked the more noted personages to dinner, and was beneficent in a careful way of his own; since he clothed the poor in his own house, but kept back their old rags, and gave them a weekly charity, on condition that they should present themselves every time clean and neat in the clothes bestowed on them.  I can recall him but indistinctly, as a genial, well-made man; but more clearly his auction, which I attended from beginning to end, and, partly by command of my father, partly from my own impulse, purchased many things that are still to be found in my collections.

At an earlier date than this,—­so early that I scarcely set eyes upon him,—­John Michael von Loen gained considerable repute in the literary world as well as at Frankfort.  Not a native of Frankfort, he settled there, and married a sister of my grandmother Textor, whose maiden name was Lindheim.  Familiar with the court and political world, and rejoicing in a renewed title of nobility, he had acquired reputation by daring to take part in the various excitements which arose in Church and State.  He wrote “The Count of Rivera,” a didactic romance, the subject of which is made apparent by the second title, “or, The Honest Man at Court.”  This work was well received, because it insisted on morality, even in courts, where prudence only is generally at home; and thus his labor brought him applause and respect.  A second work, for that very reason, would be accompanied by more danger.  He wrote “The Only True Religion,” a book designed to advance tolerance, especially between Lutherans and Calvinists.  But here he got in a controversy