118b. Friedrich Schlegel to Wilhelm Schlegel in Amsterdam: Leipzig, 21(–25) November 1792 [*]
Leipzig, 21 Nov[ember] 1792
. . . Merely to be tolerated, to acquire a bit of social acknowledgment, or favor, requires countless untruths. Similarly also in order to fathom others, to gladden them, be useful to them, elicit and receive mutual love and respect. Although the degree of truth may well be the measure of the sublimity of a friendship, it is perhaps not that of its joys. — Nor can truth be fully attained in any earthly friendship. You may recall a passage in [Caroline] B[öhmer]’s letters that said the same thing. . . .
. . . Your passion for F. [1] was, I think, of even less value than mine for [Caroline] R[ehberg], and now I must completely avert this comparison.
But tell me, do you love S.? I do not think so — you are too happy. Nor C[aroline] any longer either. How enviable! For the most wonderful of all traits, amiability, you carry away the most wonderful of rewards, namely, the good fortune of being loved. —
Please do finally share your joys completely with me, and overcome your lethargy and this inclination for secrecy. —
The story [2] is still only half told, and S[ophie]’s picture has not arrived. [3] I still remember the passage from C[aroline]’s letter, in which she says “You counted the husband among your friends?” — I would like to know more about the anxious last statement.
In the worst case, I could perhaps be useful to you, and I hope that when you return to Germany I will perhaps enjoy preference over Mainz in that regard. Please indulge this jealousy — I realize she did infinitely more for you than I ever could. But was it not also good fortune, merely merit? I think I am equal as regards will. And then you would be merely a friend to her — but everything to me. And I do hope to be more for you in the future. —
It was with the greatest interest that I recently heard a great deal about her. — But there were doubtless not a few moments in which she was a rival, is that not the case? And should she make do with the inferior ones when the good ones are lacking? Perhaps one should grant her a privilege with all that. —
When you write short letters, always include something from her. It is almost as if I already know her! No doubt we could not but be in harmony through a love for the truth, an enthusiasm for friendship, and pride! I wonder what she would think of me? Have you ever spoken to her about me? —
Has your correspondence with her been interrupted? I almost fear ours is as well, since I have not yet heard anything for a month now. . . .
Sent on 25 November
Notes
[*] Sources: Walzel, 63, 67; KFSA 23:72, 75–76. Back.
[1] Unclear reference. Both Walzel, 67fn2 and Ernst Behler, KFSA 23:411n27 consider it possible that Wilhelm may, while studying in Göttingen, also have had feelings for Therese Heyne; at the time Friedrich wrote this letter, Therese was, of course, married to Georg Forster (whence the reference as “F”) and was living in Mainz, as was Caroline. It may also be in this sense that Therese allegedly spoke of Caroline as a “rival” (see Caroline’s letter to Friedrich Ludwig Wilhelm Meyer on 9 December 1793 [letter 137]). Back.
[2] Of Wilhelm’s relationship with Caroline. Back.
[3] Presumably one done by her husband, Johann Friedrich August Tischbein. Back.
Translation © 2011 Doug Stott