“Mr H——, well known to me as a collector of
| LETTER FROM GOETHE. | 27 |
“Mean-time the best consolation for us, the survivors, is to look around us, and consider, that as the departed is not alone, but has joined the noble spiritual company of high-hearted men, capable of love, friendship, and confidence that had left this sphere before him, so we have still kindred spirits on earth, with whom, though not visible any more than the blessed shades of past ages, we have a right to feel a brotherlike connexion which is indeed our richest inheritance.
“And so, as Mr H—— informs me he expects to be soon in Edinburgh, I thus acquit myself, mine honoured sir, of a duty which I had long ago felt to be incumbent on me—to acknowledge the lively interest I have during many years taken in your wonderful pictures of human life. I have not wanted external stimulants enough to keep my attention awake on this subject, since not only have translations abounded in the German, but the works are largely read here in the original, and valued according as different men are capable of comprehending their spirit and genius.
“Can I remember that such a man in his youth made
himself acquainted with my writings, and even (unless I have been misinformed)
introduced them in part to the knowledge of his own nation, and yet defer any
longer, at my now very advanced years, to express my sense of such an honour?
It becomes me, on the contrary, not to lose the opportunity now offered of
praying for a continuance of your kindly regard, and telling you how
| 28 | LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT. |
“With high and grateful respect, I salute you,
