259a. Wilhelm Schlegel to Goethe: Jena, 1 April 1800 [*]
Jena, 1 April 1800
. . . Since my return, [1] my wife has still had to suffer through various extremely difficult days, and has been suffering especially from cramps. [2] Her recovery is proceeding only very slowly, and with constant relapses. You provided considerable refreshment for her with the wines you sent over, not half of which, by the way, she has yet used up. [3] She sends her warmest gratitude to you for your kindness. [4]
The delightful day I spent with you cheered me up immensely. . . .
Stay very well; everyone here sends warm regards along with my own.
AW Schlegel
Notes
[*] Source: Körner-Wieneke 98. Back.
[1] According to Goethe’s diaries, Wilhelm visited him in Weimar on 26 March 1799 (Weimarer Ausgabe 3:2:286) (Post Karte Durch ganz Deutschland, ed. J. Walch [Augsburg 1795]; illustration of Goethe’s house in Weimar from Goethe: Eine Biographie in Bildnissen, special printing of the 2nd edition of Könneckes Bilderatlas zur Geschichte der deutschen Nationallitteratur, 2nd ed [Marburg 1900], 24):
[2] Auguste mentions these severe cramps in her letters to Luise Wiedemann and Luise Gotter on 30, 31 March 1800 (letter 258w, 259). Back.
[3] In his previous letter to Goethe on 23 March 1800 (letter 258v), Wilhelm had mentioned that Hungarian wine was one of the remedies capable of helping Caroline regain her strength (wines were commonly viewed as a fortifier in the case of certain illnesses), and had asked whether Goethe might be forthcoming with a bottle for this purpose. Back.
[4] Goethe responded on 2 April 1799 (Körner-Wieneke 99), remarking, “I do hope springtime has a salutary effect on your spouse. And I hope that after a while I can pay my respects to her with a good glass of Hungarian wine.” Back.
Translation © 2014 Doug Stott