121b. Friedrich Schlegel to Wilhelm Schlegel in Amsterdam: Leipzig, 24 March 1793 [*]
Leipzig, 24 March [1793]
. . . I will be glad to wait until you have time again [to write], but even then I do hope, and indeed request, that you not put me in line after Car[oline]. . . .
. . . that reminds me of my old request; especially since you are not writing yourself, you could probably send a packet of [Caroline] B[öhmer]’s letters to Dresden for me. [1]
Perhaps it is good for the longevity of your relationship [2] that it be associated with danger and limitation. But I cannot tell you how such isolated, anxious utterances, without any full explanation, unnerve me, and let it be your first priority, when you have time again, to explain your situation fully to me. If possible also send me something from her; [3] I confess that the modest passages from her letters you sent last summer, well, I will not say they pleased me more than those of [Caroline] B[öhmer], but they were just as interesting as anything from B. One finds true femininity in them. . . .
Notes
[*] Sources: Walzel, 80; KFSA 23:86. Back.
[1] Friedrich’s and Wilhelm’s sister, Charlotte Ernst, lived in Dresden; Friedrich would not move there until January 1794, though he would be spending the Easter break with her there (whence also his letter to Wilhelm on 3 April 1793 [letter 121c]). Back.
[2] With the Amsterdam “Sophie,” originally thought to be a singer there, but now thought to be Sophie Tischbein. See the supplementary appendix on Sophie Tischbein as the Amsterdam Sophie. Back.
[3] I.e., from Sophie Tischbein. Back.
Translation © 2011 Doug Stott