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diff --git a/7007-h/7007-h.htm b/7007-h/7007-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..463079e --- /dev/null +++ b/7007-h/7007-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7114 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The True Story of My Life:, by Hans Christian Andersen. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The True Story of My Life, by Hans Christian Andersen + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The True Story of My Life + +Author: Hans Christian Andersen + +Translator: Mary Howitt + + +Release Date: December, 2004 [EBook #7007] +This file was first posted on February 21, 2003 +Last Updated: June 12, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRUE STORY OF MY LIFE *** + + + + +Text file produced by Eric Eldred; Juliet Sutherland,the Project +Manager--a DP text + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE TRUE STORY OF MY LIFE: + </h1> + <h3> + A SKETCH + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Hans Christian Andersen. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + Translated By Mary Howitt + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + To MESSRS. MUNROE AND CO. + </p> + <p> + Gentlemen,—I take this opportunity of forwarding to you, the <i>proof + sheets</i> of the unpublished Life of Hans Christian Andersen—translated + from a copy transmitted to me for that purpose, by the Author. It is as + well to state that this is the Author's Edition, he being participant in + the proceeds of this work. + </p> + <p> + I remain, gentlemen, + </p> + <p> + Yours truly, + </p> + <p> + MARY HOWITT. + </p> + <p> + LONDON, June 29, 1847. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO + </h3> + <h3> + JENNY LIND + </h3> + <h3> + THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION + </h3> + <h3> + OF + </h3> + <h3> + THE TRUE STORY OF HER FRIEND'S LIFE + </h3> + <h3> + IS INSCRIBED + </h3> + <h3> + IN ADMIRATION OF HER BEAUTIFUL TALENTS + </h3> + <h3> + AND STILL MORE BEAUTIFUL LIFE, + </h3> + <h3> + BY + </h3> + <h3> + MARY HOWITT. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + <b>Project Gutenberg Editor's Note</b>: There are many words in this + file with missing letters. These spaces were letters with diacritic + marks which at the time of the production of the digital file were not + available for the character set of the file. It is hoped someone will be + interested enough in this work to supply the missing letters. DW + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE TRUE STORY OF MY LIFE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + No literary labor is more delightful to me than translating the beautiful + thoughts and fancies of Hans Christian Andersen. My heart is in the work, + and I feel as if my spirit were kindred to his; just as our Saxon English + seems to me eminently fitted to give the simple, pure, and noble + sentiments of the Danish mind. + </p> + <p> + This True Story of his Life will not be found the least interesting of his + writings; indeed, to me it seems one of the most so. It furnishes the key, + as it were, to all the rest; and the treasures which it unlocks will be + found to be possessed of additional value when viewed through the medium + of this introduction. It is gratifying for me to be able to state that the + original Author has a personal interest in this English version of his + "Life," as I have arranged with my publishers to pay Mr. Andersen a + certain sum on the publication of this translation, and the same on all + future editions. + </p> + <h3> + M. H. + </h3> + <p> + The Elms, Clapton, June 26. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TRUE STORY OF MY LIFE + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + My life is a lovely story, happy and full of incident. If, when I was a + boy, and went forth into the world poor and friendless, a good fairy had + met me and said, "Choose now thy own course through life, and the object + for which thou wilt strive, and then, according to the development of thy + mind, and as reason requires, I will guide and defend thee to its + attainment," my fate could not, even then, have been directed more + happily, more prudently, or better. The history of my life will say to the + world what it says to me—There is a loving God, who directs all + things for the best. + </p> + <p> + My native land, Denmark, is a poetical land, full of popular traditions, + old songs, and an eventful history, which has become bound up with that of + Sweden and Norway. The Danish islands are possessed of beautiful beech + woods, and corn and clover fields: they resemble gardens on a great scale. + Upon one of these green islands, Funen, stands Odense, the place of my + birth. Odense is called after the pagan god Odin, who, as tradition + states, lived here: this place is the capital of the province, and lies + twenty-two Danish miles from Copenhagen. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1805 there lived here, in a small mean room, a young married + couple, who were extremely attached to each other; he was a shoemaker, + scarcely twenty-two years old, a man of a richly gifted and truly poetical + mind. His wife, a few years older than himself, was ignorant of life and + of the world, but possessed a heart full of love. The young man had + himself made his shoemaking bench, and the bedstead with which he began + housekeeping; this bedstead he had made out of the wooden frame which had + borne only a short time before the coffin of the deceased Count Trampe, as + he lay in state, and the remnants of the black cloth on the wood work kept + the fact still in remembrance. + </p> + <p> + Instead of a noble corpse, surrounded by crape and wax-lights, here lay, + on the second of April, 1805, a living and weeping child,—that was + myself, Hans Christian Andersen. During the first day of my existence my + father is said to have sate by the bed and read aloud in Holberg, but I + cried all the time. "Wilt thou go to sleep, or listen quietly?" it is + reported that my father asked in joke; but I still cried on; and even in + the church, when I was taken to be baptized, I cried so loudly that the + preacher, who was a passionate man, said, "The young one screams like a + cat!" which words my mother never forgot. A poor emigrant, Gomar, who + stood as godfather, consoled her in the mean time by saying that the + louder I cried as a child, all the more beautifully should I sing when I + grew older. + </p> + <p> + Our little room, which was almost filled with the shoemaker's bench, the + bed, and my crib, was the abode of my childhood; the walls, however, were + covered with pictures, and over the work-bench was a cupboard containing + books and songs; the little kitchen was full of shining plates and metal + pans, and by means of a ladder it was possible to go out on the roof, + where, in the gutters between and the neighbor's house, there stood a + great chest filled with soil, my mother's sole garden, and where she grew + her vegetables. In my story of the Snow Queen that garden still blooms. + </p> + <p> + I was the only child, and was extremely spoiled, but I continually heard + from my mother how very much happier I was than she had been, and that I + was brought up like a nobleman's child. She, as a child, had been driven + out by her parents to beg, and once when she was not able to do it, she + had sate for a whole day under a bridge and wept. I have drawn her + character in two different aspects, in old Dominica, in the Improvisatore, + and in the mother of Christian, in Only a Fiddler. + </p> + <p> + My father gratified me in all my wishes. I possessed his whole heart; he + lived for me. On Sundays, he made me perspective glasses, theatres, and + pictures which could be changed; he read to me from Holberg's plays and + the Arabian Tales; it was only in such moments as these that I can + remember to have seen him really cheerful, for he never felt himself happy + in his life and as a handicrafts-man. His parents had been country people + in good circumstances, but upon whom many misfortunes had fallen; the + cattle had died; the farm house had been burned down; and lastly, the + husband had lost his reason. On this the wife had removed with him to + Odense, and there put her son, whose mind was full of intelligence, + apprentice to a shoemaker; it could not be otherwise, although it was his + ardent wish to be able to attend the Grammar School, where he might have + learned Latin. A few well-to-do citizens had at one time spoken of this, + of clubbing together a sufficient sum to pay for his board and education, + and thus giving him a start in life; but it never went beyond words. My + poor father saw his dearest wish unfulfilled; and he never lost the + remembrance of it. I recollect that once, as a child, I saw tears in his + eyes, and it was when a youth from the Grammar School came to our house to + be measured for a new pair of boots, and showed us his books and told us + what he learned. + </p> + <p> + "That was the path upon which I ought to have gone!" said my father, + kissed me passionately, and was silent the whole evening. + </p> + <p> + He very seldom associated with his equals. He went out into the woods on + Sundays, when he took me with him; he did not talk much when he was out, + but would sit silently, sunk in deep thought, whilst I ran about and + strung strawberries on a straw, or bound garlands. Only twice in the year, + and that in the month of May, when the woods were arrayed in their + earliest green, did my mother go with us, and then she wore a cotton gown, + which she put on only on these occasions, and when she partook of the + Lord's Supper, and which, as long as I can remember, was her holiday gown. + She always took home with her from the wood a great many fresh beech + boughs, which were then planted behind the polished stone. Later in the + year sprigs of St. John's wort were stuck into the chinks of the beams, + and we considered their growth as omens whether our lives would be long or + short. Green branches and pictures ornamented our little room, which my + mother always kept neat and clean; she took great pride in always having + the bed-linen and the curtains very white. + </p> + <p> + The mother of my father came daily to our house, were it only for a + moment, in order to see her little grandson. I was her joy and her + delight. She was a quiet and most amiable old woman, with mild blue eyes + and a fine figure, which life had severely tried. From having been the + wife of a countryman in easy circumstances she had now fallen into great + poverty, and dwelt with her feeble-minded husband in a little house, which + was the last, poor remains of their property. I never saw her shed a tear. + But it made all the deeper impression upon me when she quietly sighed, and + told me about her own mother's mother, how she had been a rich, noble lady + in the city of Cassel, and that she had married a "comedy-player," that + was as she expressed it, and run away from parents and home, for all of + which her posterity had now to do penance. I never can recollect that I + heard her mention the family name of her grandmother; but her own maiden + name was Nommesen. She was employed to take care of the garden belonging + to a lunatic asylum, and every Sunday evening she brought us some flowers, + which they gave her permission to take home with her. These flowers + adorned my mother's cupboard; but still they were mine, and to me it was + allowed to put them in the glass of water. How great was this pleasure! + She brought them all to me; she loved me with her whole soul. I knew it, + and I understood it. + </p> + <p> + She burned, twice in the year, the green rubbish of the garden; on such + occasions she took me with her to the asylum, and I lay upon the great + heaps of green leaves and pea-straw. I had many flowers to play with, and—which + was a circumstance upon which I set great importanceù I had here better + food to eat than I could expect at home. + </p> + <p> + All such patients as were harmless were permitted to go freely about the + court; they often came to us in the garden, and with curiosity and terror + I listened to them and followed them about; nay, I even ventured so far as + to go with the attendants to those who were raving mad. A long passage led + to their cells. On one occasion, when the attendants were out of the way, + I lay down upon the floor, and peeped through the crack of the door into + one of these cells. I saw within a lady almost naked, lying on her straw + bed; her hair hung down over her shoulders, and she sang with a very + beautiful voice. All at once she sprang up, and threw herself against the + door where I lay; the little valve through which she received her food + burst open; she stared down upon me, and stretched out her long arm + towards me. I screamed for terror—I felt the tips of her fingers + touching my clothes—I was half dead when the attendant came; and + even in later years that sight and that feeling remained within my soul. + </p> + <p> + Close beside the place where the leaves were burned, the poor old women + had their spinning-room. I often went in there, and was very soon a + favorite. When with these people, I found myself possessed of an eloquence + which filled them with astonishment. I had accidentally heard about the + internal mechanism of the human frame, of course without understanding + anything about it; but all these mysteries were very captivating to me; + and with chalk, therefore, I drew a quantity of flourishes on the door, + which were to represent the intestines; and my description of the heart + and the lungs made the deepest impression. I passed for a remarkably wise + child, that would not live long; and they rewarded my eloquence by telling + me tales in return; and thus a world as rich as that of the thousand and + one nights was revealed to me. The stories told by these old ladies, and + the insane figures which I saw around me in the asylum, operated in the + meantime so powerfully upon me, that when it grew dark I scarcely dared to + go out of the house. I was therefore permitted, generally at sunset, to + lay me down in my parents' bed with its long flowered curtains, because + the press-bed in which I slept could not conveniently be put down so early + in the evening on account of the room it occupied in our small dwelling; + and here, in the paternal bed, lay I in a waking dream, as if the actual + world did not concern me. I was very much afraid of my weak-minded + grandfather. Only once had he ever spoken to me, and then he had made use + of the formal pronoun "you." He employed himself in cutting out of wood + strange figures, men with beasts' heads, and beasts with wings; these he + packed in a basket and carried them out into the country, where he was + everywhere well received by the peasant women, because he gave to them and + their children these strange toys. One day, when he was returning to + Odense, I heard the boys in the street shouting after him; I hid myself + behind a flight of steps in terror, for I knew that I was of his flesh and + blood. + </p> + <p> + Every circumstance around me tended to excite my imagination. Odense + itself, in those days in which there was not a single steamboat in + existence, and when intercourse with other places was much more rare than + now, was a totally different city to what it is in our day; a person might + have fancied himself living hundreds of years ago, because so many customs + prevailed then which belonged to an earlier age. The guilds walked in + procession through the town with their harlequin before them with mace and + bells; on Shrove Tuesday the butchers led the fattest ox through the + streets adorned with garlands, whilst a boy in a white shirt and with + great wings on his shoulders rode upon it; the sailors paraded through the + city with music and all their flags flying, and then two of the boldest + among them stood and wrestled upon a plank placed between two boats, and + the one who was not thrown into the water was the victor. + </p> + <p> + That, however, which more particularly stamped itself upon my memory, and + became refreshed by after often-repeated relations, was, the abode of the + Spaniards in Funen in 1808. It is true that at that time I was but three + years old; still I nevertheless perfectly remember the brown foreign men + who made disturbances in the streets, and the cannon which were fired. I + saw the people lying on straw in a half-tumbledown church, which was near + the asylum. One day, a Spanish soldier took me in his arms and pressed a + silver image, which he wore upon his breast, to my lips. I remember that + my mother was angry at it, because, she said, there was something + papistical about it; but the image, and the strange man, who danced me + about, kissed me and wept, pleased me: certainly he had children at home + in Spain. I saw one of his comrades led to execution; he had killed a + Frenchman. Many years afterwards this little circumstance occasioned me to + write my little poem, "The Soldier," which Chamisso translated into + German, and which afterwards was included in the illustrated people's + books of soldier-songs. [Footnote: This same little song, sent to me by + the author, was translated by me and published in the 19th No. of Howitt's + Journal.—M. H.] I very seldom played with other boys; even at school + I took little interest in their games, but remained sitting within doors. + At home I had playthings enough, which my father made for me. My greatest + delight was in making clothes for my dolls, or in stretching out one of my + mother's aprons between the wall and two sticks before a currant-bush + which I had planted in the yard, and thus to gaze in between the + sun-illumined leaves. I was a singularly dreamy child, and so constantly + went about with my eyes shut, as at last to give the impression of having + weak sight, although the sense of sight was especially cultivated by me. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes, during the harvest, my mother went into the field to glean. I + accompanied her, and we went, like Ruth in the Bible, to glean in the rich + fields of Boaz. One day we went to a place, the bailiff of which was well + known for being a man of a rude and savage disposition. We saw him coming + with a huge whip in his hand, and my mother and all the others ran away. I + had wooden shoes on my bare feet, and in my haste I lost these, and then + the thorns pricked me so that I could not run, and thus I was left behind + and alone. The man came up and lifted his whip to strike me, when I looked + him in the face and involuntarily exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "How dare you strike me, when God can see it?" + </p> + <p> + The strong, stern man looked at me, and at once became mild; he patted me + on my cheeks, asked me my name, and gave me money. + </p> + <p> + When I brought this to my mother and showed it her, she said to the + others, "He is a strange child, my Hans Christian; everybody is kind to + him: this bad fellow even has given him money." + </p> + <p> + I grew up pious and superstitious. I had no idea of want or need; to be + sure my parents had only sufficient to live from day to day, but I at + least had plenty of every thing; an old woman altered my father's clothes + for me. Now and then I went with my parents to the theatre, where the + first representations which I saw were in German. "Das Donauweibchen" was + the favorite piece of the whole city; there, however, I saw, for the first + time, Holberg's Village Politicians treated as an opera. + </p> + <p> + The first impression which a theatre and the crowd assembled there made + upon me was, at all events, no sign of any thing poetical slumbering in + me; for my first exclamation on seeing so many people, was, "Now, if we + only had as many casks of butter as there are people here, then I would + eat lots of butter!" The theatre, however, soon became my favorite place, + but, as I could only very seldom go there, I acquired the friendship of + the man who carried out the playbills, and he gave me one every day. With + this I seated myself in a corner and imagined an entire play, according to + the name of the piece and the characters in it. That was my first, + unconscious poetising. + </p> + <p> + My father's favorite reading was plays and stories, although he also read + works of history and the Scriptures. He pondered in silent thought + afterwards upon that which he had read, but my mother did not understand + him when he talked with her about them, and therefore he grew more and + more silent. One day, he closed the Bible with the words, "Christ was a + man like us, but an extraordinary man!" These words horrified my mother, + and she burst into tears. In my distress I prayed to God that he would + forgive this fearful blasphemy in my father. "There is no other devil than + that which we have in our own hearts," I heard my father say one day and I + made myself miserable about him and his soul; I was therefore entirely of + the opinion of my mother and the neighbours, when my father, one morning, + found three scratches on his arm, probably occasioned by a nail, that the + devil had been to visit him in the night, in order to prove to him that he + really existed. My father's rambles in the wood became more frequent; he + had no rest. The events of the war in Germany, which he read in the + newspapers with eager curiosity, occupied him completely. Napoleon was his + hero: his rise from obscurity was the most beautiful example to him. At + that time Denmark was in league with France; nothing was talked of but + war; my father entered the service as a soldier, in hope of returning home + a lieutenant. My mother wept. The neighbours shrugged their shoulders, and + said that it was folly to go out to be shot when there was no occasion for + it. + </p> + <p> + The morning on which the corps were to march I heard my father singing and + talking merrily, but his heart was deeply agitated; I observed that by the + passionate manner in which he kissed me when he took his leave. I lay sick + of the measles and alone in the room, when the drums beat and my mother + accompanied my father, weeping, to the city gate. As soon as they were + gone my old grandmother came in; she looked at me with her mild eyes and + said, it would be a good thing if I died; but that God's will was always + the best. + </p> + <p> + That was the first day of real sorrow which I remember. + </p> + <p> + The regiment advanced no farther than Holstein, peace was concluded, and + the voluntary soldier returned to his work-stool. Everything fell into its + old course. I played again with my dolls, acted comedies, and always in + German, because I had only seen them in this language; but my German was a + sort of gibberish which I made up, and in which there occurred only one + real German word, and that was "<i>Besen</i>," a word which I had picked + up out of the various dialects which my father brought home from Holstein. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast indeed some benefit from my travels," said he in joke. "God + knows whether thou wilt get as far; but that must be thy care. Think about + it, Hans Christian!" But it was my mother's intention that as long as she + had any voice in the matter, I should remain at home, and not lose my + health as he had done. + </p> + <p> + That was the case with him; his health had suffered. One morning he woke + in a state of the wildest excitement, and talked only of campaigns and + Napoleon. He fancied that he had received orders from him to take the + command. My mother immediately sent me, not to the physician, but to a + so-called wise woman some miles from Odense. I went to her. She questioned + me, measured my arm with a woolen thread, made extraordinary signs, and at + last laid a green twig upon my breast. It was, she said, a piece of the + same kind of tree upon which the Saviour was crucified. + </p> + <p> + "Go now," said she, "by the river side towards home. If your father will + die this time, then you will meet his ghost." + </p> + <p> + My anxiety and distress may be imagined,—I, who was so full of + superstition, and whose imagination was so easily excited. + </p> + <p> + "And thou hast not met anything, hast thou?" inquired my mother when I got + home. I assured her, with beating heart, that I had not. + </p> + <p> + My father died the third day after that. His corpse lay on the bed: I + therefore slept with my mother. A cricket chirped the whole night through. + </p> + <p> + "He is dead," said my mother, addressing it; "thou needest not call him. + The ice maiden has fetched him." + </p> + <p> + I understood what she meant. I recollected that, in the winter before, + when our window panes were frozen, my father pointed to them and showed us + a figure as that of a maiden with outstretched arms. "She is come to fetch + me," said he, in jest. And now, when he lay dead on the bed, my mother + remembered this, and it occupied my thoughts also. + </p> + <p> + He was buried in St. Knud's churchyard, by the door on the left hand side + coming from the altar. My grandmother planted roses upon his grave. There + are now in the selfsame place two strangers' graves, and the grass grows + green upon them also. + </p> + <p> + After my father's death I was entirely left to myself. My mother went out + washing. I sate alone at home with my little theatre, made dolls' clothes + and read plays. It has been told me that I was always clean and nicely + dressed. I had grown tall; my hair was long, bright, and almost yellow, + and I always went bare-headed. There dwelt in our neighborhood the widow + of a clergyman, Madame Bunkeflod, with the sister of her deceased husband. + This lady opened to me her door, and hers was the first house belonging to + the educated class into which I was kindly received. The deceased + clergyman had written poems, and had gained a reputation in Danish + literature. His spinning songs were at that time in the mouths of the + people. In my vignettes to the Danish poets I thus sang of him whom my + contemporaries had forgotten:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Spindles rattle, wheels turn round, + Spinning-songs depart; + Songs which youth sings soon become + Music of the heart. +</pre> + <p> + Here it was that I heard for the first time the word <i>poet</i> spoken, + and that with so much reverence, as proved it to be something sacred. It + is true that my father had read Holberg's play to me; but here it was not + of these that they spoke, but of verses and poetry. "My brother the poet," + said Bunkeflod's sister, and her eyes sparkled as she said it. From her I + learned that it was a something glorious, a something fortunate, to be a + poet. Here, too, for the first time, I read Shakspeare, in a bad + translation, to be sure; but the bold descriptions, the heroic incidents, + witches, and ghosts were exactly to my taste. I immediately acted + Shakspeare's plays on my little puppet theatre. I saw Hamlet's ghost, and + lived upon the heath with Lear. The more persons died in a play, the more + interesting I thought it. At this time I wrote my first piece: it was + nothing less than a tragedy, wherein, as a matter of course, everybody + died. The subject of it I borrowed from an old song about Pyramus and + Thisbe; but I had increased the incidents through a hermit and his son, + who both loved Thisbe, and who both killed themselves when she died. Many + speeches of the hermit were passages from the Bible, taken out of the + little catechism, especially from our duty to our neighbors. To the piece + I gave the title "Abor and Elvira." + </p> + <p> + "It ought to be called 'Perch (Aborre) and Stockfish,'" said one of our + neighbors wittily to me, as I came with it to her after having read it + with great satisfaction and joy to all the people in our street. This + entirely depressed me, because I felt that she was turning both me and my + poem to ridicule. With a troubled heart I told it to my mother. + </p> + <p> + "She only said so," replied my mother, "because her son had not done it." + I was comforted, and began a new piece, in which a king and queen were + among the dramatis personae. I thought it was not quite right that these + dignified personages, as in Shakspeare, should speak like other men and + women. I asked my mother and different people how a king ought properly to + speak, but no one knew exactly. They said that it was so many years since + a king had been in Odense, but that he certainly spoke in a foreign + language. I procured myself, therefore, a sort of lexicon, in which were + German, French, and English words with Danish meanings, and this helped + me. I took a word out of each language, and inserted them into the + speeches of my king and queen. It was a regular Babel-like language, which + I considered only suitable for such elevated personages. + </p> + <p> + I desired now that everybody should hear my piece. It was a real felicity + to me to read it aloud, and it never occurred to me that others should not + have the same pleasure in listening to it. + </p> + <p> + The son of one of our neighbors worked in a cloth manufactory, and every + week brought home a sum of money. I was at a loose end, people said, and + got nothing. I was also now to go to the manufactory, "not for the sake of + the money," my mother said, "but that she might know where I was, and what + I was doing." + </p> + <p> + My old grandmother took me to the place, therefore, and was very much + affected, because, said she, she had not expected to live to see the time + when I should consort with the poor ragged lads that worked there. + </p> + <p> + Many of the journeymen who were employed in the manufactory were Germans; + they sang and were merry fellows, and many a coarse joke of theirs filled + the place with loud laughter. I heard them, and I there learned that, to + the innocent ears of a child, the impure remains very unintelligible. It + took no hold upon my heart. I was possessed at that time of a remarkably + beautiful and high soprano voice, and I knew it; because when I sang in my + parents' little garden, the people in the street stood and listened, and + the fine folks in the garden of the states-councillor, which adjoined + ours, listened at the fence. When, therefore, the people at the + manufactory asked me whether I could sing, I immediately began, and all + the looms stood still: all the journeymen listened to me. I had to sing + again and again, whilst the other boys had my work given them to do. I now + told them that I also could act plays, and that I knew whole scenes of + Holberg and Shakspeare. Everybody liked me; and in this way, the first + days in the manufactory passed on very merrily. One day, however, when I + was in my best singing vein, and everybody spoke of the extraordinary + brilliancy of my voice, one of the journeymen said that I was a girl, and + not a boy. He seized hold of me. I cried and screamed. The other + journeymen thought it very amusing, and held me fast by my arms and legs. + I screamed aloud, and was as much ashamed as a girl; and then, darting + from them, rushed home to my mother, who immediately promised me that I + should never go there again. + </p> + <p> + I again visited Madame Bunkeflod, for whose birthday I invented and made a + white silk pincushion. I also made an acquaintance with another old + clergyman's widow in the neighborhood. She permitted me to read aloud to + her the works which she had from the circulating library. One of them + began with these words: "It was a tempestuous night; the rain beat against + the window-panes." + </p> + <p> + "That is an extraordinary book," said the old lady; and I quite innocently + asked her how she knew that it was. "I can tell from the beginning," said + she, "that it will turn out extraordinary." + </p> + <p> + I regarded her penetration with a sort of reverence. + </p> + <p> + Once in the harvest time my mother took me with her many miles from Odense + to a nobleman's seat in the neighborhood of Bogense, her native place. The + lady who lived there, and with whose parents my mother had lived, had said + that some time she might come and see her. That was a great journey for + me: we went most of the way on foot, and required, I believe, two days for + the journey. The country here made such a strong impression upon me, that + my most earnest wish was to remain in it, and become a countryman. It was + just in the hop-picking season; my mother and I sat in the barn with a + great many country people round a great binn, and helped to pick the hops. + They told tales as they sat at their work, and every one related what + wonderful things he had seen or experienced. One afternoon I heard an old + man among them say that God knew every thing, both what had happened and + what would happen. That idea occupied my whole mind, and towards evening, + as I went alone from the court, where there was a deep pond, and stood + upon some stones which were just within the water, the thought passed + through my head, whether God actually knew everything which was to happen + there. Yes, he has now determined that I should live and be so many years + old, thought I; but, if I now were to jump into the water here and drown + myself, then it would not be as he wished; and all at once I was firmly + and resolutely determined to drown myself. I ran to where the water was + deepest, and then a new thought passed through my soul. "It is the devil + who wishes to have power over me!" I uttered a loud cry, and, running away + from the place as if I were pursued, fell weeping into my mother's arms. + But neither she nor any one else could wring from me what was amiss with + me. + </p> + <p> + "He has certainly seen a ghost," said one of the women; and I almost + believed so myself. + </p> + <p> + My mother married a second time, a young handicraftsman; but his family, + who also belonged to the handicraft class, thought that he had married + below himself, and neither my mother nor myself were permitted to visit + them. My step-father was a young, grave man, who would have nothing to do + with my education. I spent my time, therefore, over my peep show and my + puppet theatre, and my greatest happiness consisted in collecting bright + colored pieces of cloth and silk, which I cut out myself and sewed. My + mother regarded it as good exercise preparatory to my becoming a tailor, + and took up the idea that I certainly was born for it. I, on the contrary, + said that I would go to the theatre and be an actor, a wish which my + mother most sedulously opposed, because she knew of no other theatre than + those of the strolling players and the rope-dancers. No, a tailor I must + and should be. The only thing which in some measure reconciled me to this + prospect was, that I should then get so many fragments to make up for my + theatre. + </p> + <p> + My passion for reading, the many dramatic scenes which I knew by heart, + and my remarkably fine voice, had turned upon me in some sort the + attention of several of the more influential families of Odense. I was + sent for to their houses, and the peculiar characteristics of my mind + excited their interest. Among others who noticed me was the Colonel + Hoegh-Guldberg, who with his family showed me the kindest sympathy; so + much so, indeed, that he introduced me to the present king, then Prince + Christian. + </p> + <p> + I grew rapidly, and was a tall lad, of whom my mother said that she could + not let him any longer go about without any object in life. I was sent, + therefore, to the charity school, but learned only religion, writing, and + arithmetic, and the last badly enough; I could also scarcely spell a word + correctly. On the master's birthday I always wove him a garland and wrote + him a poem; he received them half with smiles and half as a joke; the last + time, however, he scolded me. The street lads had also heard from their + parents of my peculiar turn of mind, and that I was in the habit of going + to the houses of the gentry. I was therefore one day pursued by a wild + crowd of them, who shouted after me derisively, "There runs the + play-writer!" I hid myself at home in a corner, wept, and prayed to God. + </p> + <p> + My mother said that I must be confirmed, in order that I might be + apprenticed to the tailor trade, and thus do something rational. She loved + me with her whole heart, but she did not understand my impulses and my + endeavors, nor indeed at that time did I myself. The people about her + always spoke against my odd ways, and turned me to ridicule. + </p> + <p> + We belonged to the parish of St. Knud, and the candidates for confirmation + could either enter their names with the prevost or the chaplain. The + children of the so-called superior families and the scholars of the + grammar school went to the first, and the children of the poor to the + second. I, however, announced myself as a candidate to the prevost, who + was obliged to receive me, although he discovered vanity in my placing + myself among his catechists, where, although taking the lowest place, I + was still above those who were under the care of the chaplain. I would, + however, hope that it was not alone vanity which impelled me. I had a sort + of fear of the poor boys, who had laughed at me, and I always felt as it + were an inward drawing towards the scholars of the grammar school, whom I + regarded as far better than other boys. When I saw them playing in the + church-yard, I would stand outside the railings, and wish that I were but + among the fortunate ones,—not for the sake of play, but for the sake + of the many books they had, and for what they might be able to become in + the world. With the prevost, therefore, I should be able to come together + with them, and be as they were; but I do not remember a single one of them + now, so little intercourse would they hold with me. I had daily the + feeling of having thrust myself in where people thought that I did not + belong. One young girl, however, there was, and one who was considered too + of the highest rank, whom I shall afterwards have to mention; she always + looked gently and kindly at me, and even once gave me a rose. I returned + home full of happiness, because there was one being who did not overlook + and repel me. + </p> + <p> + An old female tailor altered my deceased father's great coat into a + confirmation suit for me; never before had I worn so good a coat. I had + also for the first time in my life a pair of boots. My delight was + extremely great; my only fear was that everybody would not see them, and + therefore I drew them up over my trousers, and thus marched through the + church. The boots creaked, and that inwardly pleased me, for thus the + congregation would hear that they were new. My whole devotion was + disturbed; I was aware of it, and it caused me a horrible pang of + conscience that my thoughts should be as much with my new boots as with + God. I prayed him earnestly from my heart to forgive me, and then again I + thought about my new boots. + </p> + <p> + During the last year I had saved together a little sum of money. When I + counted it over I found it to be thirteen rix dollars banco (about thirty + shillings) I was quite overjoyed at the possession of so much wealth, and + as my mother now most resolutely required that I should be apprenticed to + a tailor, I prayed and besought her that I might make a journey to + Copenhagen, that I might see the greatest city in the world. "What wilt + thou do there?" asked my mother. + </p> + <p> + "I will become famous," returned I, and I then told her all that I had + read about extraordinary men. "People have," said I, "at first an immense + deal of adversity to go through, and then they will be famous." + </p> + <p> + It was a wholly unintelligible impulse that guided me. I wept, I prayed, + and at last my mother consented, after having first sent for a so-called + wise woman out of the hospital, that she might read my future fortune by + the coffee-grounds and cards. + </p> + <p> + "Your son will become a great man," said the old woman, "and in honor of + him, Odense will one day be illuminated." + </p> + <p> + My mother wept when she heard that, and I obtained permission to travel. + All the neighbors told my mother that it was a dreadful thing to let me, + at only fourteen years of age, go to Copenhagen, which was such a long way + off, and such a great and intricate city, and where I knew nobody. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied my mother, "but he lets me have no peace; I have therefore + given my consent, but I am sure that he will go no further than Nyborg; + when he gets sight of the rough sea, he will be frightened and turn back + again." + </p> + <p> + During the summer before my confirmation, a part of the singers and + performers of the Theatre Royal had been in Odense, and had given a series + of operas and tragedies there. The whole city was taken with them. I, who + was on good terms with the man who delivered the play-bills, saw the + performances behind the scenes, and had even acted a part as page, + shepherd, etc., and had spoken a few words. My zeal was so great on such + occasions, that I stood there fully apparelled when the actors arrived to + dress. By these means their attention was turned to me; my childlike + manners and my enthusiasm amused them; they talked kindly with me, and I + looked up to them as to earthly divinities. Everything which I had + formerly heard about my musical voice, and my recitation of poetry, became + intelligible to me. It was the theatre for which I was born: it was there + that I should become a famous man, and for that reason Copenhagen was the + goal of my endeavors. I heard a deal said about the large theatre in + Copenhagen, and that there was to be soon what was called the ballet, a + something which surpassed both the opera and the play; more especially did + I hear the solo-dancer, Madame Schall, spoken of as the first of all. She + therefore appeared to me as the queen of everything, and in my imagination + I regarded her as the one who would be able to do everything for me, if I + could only obtain her support. Filled with these thoughts, I went to the + old printer Iversen, one of the most respectable citizens of Odense, and + who, as I heard, had had considerable intercourse with the actors when + they were in the town. He, I thought, must of necessity be acquainted with + the famous dancer; him I would request to give me a letter of introduction + to her, and then I would commit the rest to God. + </p> + <p> + The old man saw me for the first time, and heard my petition with much + kindness; but he dissuaded me most earnestly from it, and said that I + might learn a trade. + </p> + <p> + "That would actually be a great sin," returned I. + </p> + <p> + He was startled at the manner in which I said that, and it prepossessed + him in my favor; he confessed that he was not personally acquainted with + the dancer, but still that he would give me a letter to her. I received + one from him, and now believed the goal to be nearly won. + </p> + <p> + My mother packed up my clothes in a small bundle, and made a bargain with + the driver of a post carriage to take me back with him to Copenhagen for + three rix dollars banco. The afternoon on which we were to set out came, + and my mother accompanied me to the city gate. Here stood my old + grandmother; in the last few years her beautiful hair had become grey; she + fell upon my neck and wept, without being able to speak a word. I was + myself deeply affected. And thus we parted. I saw her no more; she died in + the following year. + </p> + <p> + I do not even know her grave; she sleeps in the poor-house burial-ground. + </p> + <p> + The postilion blew his horn; it was a glorious sunny afternoon, and the + sunshine soon entered into my gay child-like mind. I delighted in every + novel object which met my eye, and I was journeying towards the goal of my + soul's desires. When, however, I arrived at Nyborg on the great Belt, and + was borne in the ship away from my native island, I then truly felt how + alone and forlorn I was, and that I had no one else except God in heaven + to depend upon. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I set foot on Zealand, I stepped behind a shed, which stood on + the shore, and falling upon my knees, besought of God to help and guide me + aright; I felt myself comforted by so doing, and I firmly trusted in God + and my own good fortune. The whole day and the following night I travelled + through cities and villages; I stood solitarily by the carriage, and ate + my bread while it was repacked.—I thought I was far away in the wide + world. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + On Monday morning, September 5th, 1819, I saw from the heights of + Frederiksburg, Copenhagen, for the first time. At this place I alighted + from the carriage, and with my little bundle in my hand, entered the city + through the castle garden, the long alley and the suburb. + </p> + <p> + The evening before my arrival had been made memorable by the breaking out + of the so-called Jews quarrel, which spread through many European + countries. The whole city was in commotion [Footnote: This remarkable + disturbance makes a fine incident in Anderson's romance of "Only a + Fiddler."—M. H.]; every body was in the streets; the noise and + tumult of Copenhagen far exceeded, therefore, any idea which my + imagination had formed of this, at that time, to me great city. + </p> + <p> + With scarcely ten dollars in my pocket, I turned into a small + public-house. My first ramble was to the theatre. I went round it many + times; I looked up to its walls, and regarded them almost as a home. One + of the bill-sellers, who wandered about here each day, observed me, and + asked me if I would have a bill. I was so wholly ignorant of the world, + that I thought the man wished to give me one; I therefore accepted his + offer with thankfulness. He fancied I was making fun of him and was angry; + so that I was frightened, and hastened from the place which was to me the + dearest in the city. Little did I then imagine that ten years afterwards + my first dramatic piece would be represented there, and that in this + manner I should make my appearance before the Danish public. On the + following day I dressed myself in my confirmation suit, nor were the boots + forgotten, although, this time, they were worn, naturally, under my + trousers; and thus, in my best attire, with a hat on, which fell half over + my eyes, I hastened to present my letter of introduction to the dancer, + Madame Schall. Before I rung at the bell, I fell on my knees before the + door and prayed God that I here might find help and support. A + maid-servant came down the steps with her basket in her hand; she smiled + kindly at me, gave me a skilling (Danish), and tripped on. Astonished, I + looked at her and the money. I had on my confirmation suit, and thought I + must look very smart. How then could she think that I wanted to beg? I + called after her. + </p> + <p> + "Keep it, keep it!" said she to me, in return, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + At length I was admitted to the dancer; she looked at me in great + amazement, and then heard what I had to say. She had not the slightest + knowledge of him from whom the letter came, and my whole appearance and + behavior seemed very strange to her. I confessed to her my heartfelt + inclination for the theatre; and upon her asking me what characters I + thought I could represent, I replied, Cinderella. This piece had been + performed in Odense by the royal company, and the principal characters had + so greatly taken my fancy, that I could play the part perfectly from + memory. In the mean time I asked her permission to take off my boots, + otherwise I was not light enough for this character; and then taking up my + broad hat for a tambourine, I began to dance and sing,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Here below, nor rank nor riches, Are exempt from pain and woe." +</pre> + <p> + My strange gestures and my great activity caused the lady to think me out + of my mind, and she lost no time in getting rid of me. + </p> + <p> + From her I went to the manager of the theatre, to ask for an engagement. + He looked at me, and said that I was "too thin for the theatre." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," replied I, "if you will only engage me with one hundred rix dollars + banco salary, then I shall soon get fat!" The manager bade me gravely go + my way, adding, that they only engaged people of education. + </p> + <p> + I stood there deeply wounded. I knew no one in all Copenhagen who could + give me either counsel or consolation. I thought of death as being the + only thing, and the best thing for me; but even then my thoughts rose + upwards to God, and with all the undoubting confidence of a child in his + father, they riveted themselves upon Him. I wept bitterly, and then I said + to myself, "When everything happens really miserably, then he sends help. + I have always read so. People must first of all suffer a great deal before + they can bring anything to accomplishment." + </p> + <p> + I now went and bought myself a gallery-ticket for the opera of Paul and + Virginia. The separation of the lovers affected me to such a degree, that + I burst into violent weeping. A few women, who sat near me, consoled me by + saying that it was only a play, and nothing to trouble oneself about; and + then they gave me a sausage sandwich. I had the greatest confidence in + everybody, and therefore I told them, with the utmost openness, that I did + not really weep about Paul and Virginia, but because I regarded the + theatre as my Virginia, and that if I must be separated from it, I should + be just as wretched as Paul. They looked at me, and seemed not to + understand my meaning. I then told them why I had come to Copenhagen, and + how forlorn I was there. One of the women, therefore, gave me more, bread + andebutter, with fruit and cakes. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning I paid my bill, and to my infinite trouble I saw + that my whole wealth consisted in one rix dollar banco. It was necessary, + therefore, either that I should find some vessel to take me home, or put + myself to work with some handicraftsman. I considered that the last was + the wiser of the two, because, if I returned to Odense, I must there also + put myself to work of a similar kind; besides which, I knew very well that + the people there would laugh at me if I came back again. It was to me a + matter of indifference what handicraft trade I learned,—I only + should make use of it to keep life within me in Copenhagen. I bought a + newspaper, therefore. I found among the advertisements that a cabinet + maker was in want of an apprentice. The man received me kindly, but said + that before I was bound to him he must have an attestation, and my + baptismal register from Odense; and that till these came I could remove to + his house, and try how the business pleased me. At six o'clock the next + morning I went to the workshop: several journeymen were there, and two or + three apprentices; but the master was not come. They fell into merry and + idle discourse. I was as bashful as a girl, and as they soon perceived + this, I was unmercifully rallied upon it. Later in the day the rude jests + of the young fellows went so far, that, in remembrance of the scene at the + manufactory, I took the resolute determination not to remain a single day + longer in the workshop. I went down to the master, therefore, and told him + that I could not stand it; he tried to console me, but in vain: I was too + much affected, and hastened away. + </p> + <p> + I now went through the streets; nobody knew me; I was quite forlorn. I + then bethought myself of having read in a newspaper in Odense the name of + an Italian, Siboni, who was the director of the Academy of Music in + Copenhagen. Everybody had praised my voice; perhaps he would assist me for + its sake; if not, then that very evening I must seek out the master of + some vessel who would take me home again. At the thoughts of the journey + home I became still more violently excited, and in this state of suffering + I hastened to Siboni's house. + </p> + <p> + It happened that very day that he had a large party to dinner; our + celebrated composer Weyse was there, the poet Baggesen, and other guests. + The housekeeper opened the door to me, and to her I not only related my + wish to be engaged as a singer, but also the whole history of my life. She + listened to me with the greatest sympathy, and then she left me. I waited + a long time, and she must have been repeating to the company the greater + part of what I had said, for, in a while, the door opened, and all the + guests came out and looked at me. They would have me to sing, and Siboni + heard me attentively. I gave some scenes out of Holberg, and repeated a + few poems; and then, all at once, the sense of my unhappy condition so + overcame me that I burst into tears; the whole company applauded. + </p> + <p> + "I prophesy," said Baggesen, "that one day something will come out of him; + but do not be vain when, some day, the whole public shall applaud thee!" + and then he added something about pure, true nature, and that this is too + often destroyed by years and by intercourse with mankind. I did not + understand it all. + </p> + <p> + Siboni promised to cultivate my voice, and that I therefore should succeed + as singer at the Theatre Royal. It made me very happy; I laughed and wept; + and as the housekeeper led me out and saw the excitement under which I + labored, she stroked my cheeks, and said that on the following day I + should go to Professor Weyse, who meant to do something for me, and upon + whom I could depend. + </p> + <p> + I went to Weyse, who himself had risen from poverty; he had deeply felt + and fully comprehended my unhappy situation, and had raised by a + subscription seventy rix dollars banco for me. I then wrote my first letter + to my mother, a letter full of rejoicing, for the good fortune of the + whole world seemed poured upon me. My mother in her joy showed my letter + to all her friends; many heard of it with astonishment; others laughed at + it, for what was to be the end of it? In order to understand Siboni it was + necessary for me to learn something of German. A woman of Copenhagen, with + whom I travelled from Odense to this city, and who gladly, according to + her means, would have supported me, obtained, through one of her + acquaintance, a language-master, who gratuitously gave me some German + lessons, and thus I learned a few phrases in that language. Siboni + received me into his house, and gave me food and instruction; but half a + year afterwards my voice broke, or was injured, in consequence of my being + compelled to wear bad shoes through the winter, and having besides no warm + under-clothing. There was no longer any prospect that I should become a + fine singer. Siboni told me that candidly, and counselled me to go to + Odense, and there learn a trade. + </p> + <p> + I, who in the rich colors of fancy had described to my mother the + happiness which I actually felt, must now return home and become an object + of derision! Agonized with this thought, I stood as if crushed to the + earth. Yet, precisely amid this apparently great un-happiness lay the + stepping-stones of a better fortune. + </p> + <p> + As I found myself again abandoned, and was pondering by myself upon what + was best for me next to do, it occurred to me that the Poet Guldberg, a + brother of the Colonel of that name in Odense, who had shown me so much + kindness, lived in Copenhagen. He lived at that time near the new + church-yard outside the city, of which he has so beautifully sung in his + poems. I wrote to him, and related to him everything; afterwards I went to + him myself, and found him surrounded with books and tobacco pipes. The + strong, warm-hearted man received me kindly; and as he saw by my letter + how incorrectly I wrote, he promised to give me instruction in the Danish + tongue; he examined me a little in German, and thought that it would be + well if he could improve me in this respect also. More than this, he made + me a present of the profits of a little work which he had just then + published; it became known, and I believe they exceeded one hundred rix + dollars banco; the excellent Weyse and others also supported me. + </p> + <p> + It was too expensive for me to lodge at a public house; I was therefore + obliged to seek for private lodgings. My ignorance of the world led me to + a widow who lived in one of the most disreputable streets of Copenhagen; + she was inclined to receive me into her house, and I never suspected what + kind of world it was which moved around me. She was a stern, but active + dame; she described to me the other people of the city in such horrible + colors as made me suppose that I was in the only safe haven there. I was + to pay twenty rix dollars monthly for one room, which was nothing but an + empty store-room, without window and light, but I had permission to sit in + her parlor. I was to make trial of it at first for two days, meantime on + the following day she told me that I could decide to stay or immediately + go. I, who so easily attach myself to people, already liked her, and felt + myself at home with her; but more than sixteen dollars per month Weyse had + told me I must not pay, and this was the sum which I had received from him + and Guldberg, so that no surplus remained to me for my other expenses. + This troubled me very much; when she was gone out of the room, I seated + myself on the sofa, and contemplated the portrait of her deceased husband. + </p> + <p> + I was so wholly a child, that as the tears rolled down my own cheeks, I + wetted the eyes of the portrait with my tears, in order that the dead man + might feel how troubled I was, and influence the heart of his wife. She + must have seen that nothing more was to be drained out of me, for when she + returned to the room she said that she would receive me into her house for + the sixteen rix dollars. I thanked God and the dead man. I found myself in + the midst of the mysteries of Copenhagen, but I did not understand how to + interpret them. There was in the house in which I lived a friendly young + lady, who lived alone, and often wept; every evening her old father came + and paid her a visit. I opened the door to him frequently; he wore a plain + sort of coat, had his throat very much tied up, and his hat pulled over + his eyes. He always drank his tea with her, and nobody dared to be + present, because he was not fond of company: she never seemed very glad at + his coming. [Footnote: This character will be recognised in Steffen + Margaret, in Only a Fiddler.—M. H.] Many years afterwards, when I + had reached another step on the ladder of life, when the refined world of + fashionable life was opened before me, I saw one evening, in the midst of + a brilliantly lighted hall, a polite old gentleman covered with orders—that + was the old father in the shabby coat, he whom I had let in. He had little + idea that I had opened the door to him when he played his part as guest, + but I, on my side, then had also no thought but for my own comedy-playing; + that is to say, I was at that time so much of a child that I played with + my puppet-theatre and made my dolls' clothes; and in order that I might + obtain gaily-colored fragments for this purpose, I used to go to the shops + and ask for patterns of various kinds of stuffs and ribbons. I myself did + not possess a single farthing; my landlady received all the money each + month in advance; only now and then, when I did any errands for her, she + gave me something, and that went in the purchase of paper or for old + play-books. I was now very happy, and was doubly so because Professor + Guldberg had induced Lindgron, the first comic actor at the theatre, to + give me instruction. He gave me several parts in Holberg to learn, such as + Hendrik, and the Silly Boy, for which I had shown some talent. My desire, + however, was to play the Correggio. I obtained permission to learn this + piece in my own way, although Lindgron asked, with comic gravity, whether + I expected to resemble the great painter? I, however, repeated to him the + soliloquy in the picture gallery with so much feeling, that the old man + clapped me on the shoulder and said, "Feeling you have; but you must not + be an actor, though God knows what else. Speak to Guldberg about your + learning Latin: that always opens the way for a student." + </p> + <p> + I a student! That was a thought which had never come before into my head. + The theatre lay nearer to me, and was dearer too; but Latin I had also + always wished to learn. But before I spoke on the subject to Guldberg, I + mentioned it to the lady who gave me gratuitous instruction in German; but + she told me that Latin was the most expensive language in the world, and + that it was not possible to gain free instruction in it. Guldberg, + however, managed it so that one of his friends, out of kindness, gave me + two lessons a week. + </p> + <p> + The dancer, Dahlen, whose wife at that time was one of the first artistes + on the Danish boards, opened his house to me. I passed many an evening + there, and the gentle, warm-hearted lady was kind to me. The husband took + me with him to the dancing-school, and that was to me one step nearer to + the theatre. There stood I for whole mornings, with a long staff, and + stretched my legs; but notwithstanding all my good-will, it was Dahlen's + opinion that I should never get beyond a figurante. One advantage, + however, I had gained; I might in an evening make my appearance behind the + scenes of the theatre; nay, even sit upon the farthest bench in the box of + the figurantes. It seemed to me as if I had got my foot just within the + theatre, although I had never yet been upon the stage itself. + </p> + <p> + One night the little opera of the Two Little Savoyards was given; in the + market scene every one, even the mechanists, might go up to help in + filling the stage; I heard them say so, and rouging myself a little, I + went happily up with the others. I was in my ordinary dress; the + confirmation coat, which still held together, although, with regard to + brushing and repairs, it lookedebut miserably, and the great hat which + fell down over my face. I was very conscious of the ill condition of my + attire, and would have been glad to have concealed it; but, through the + endeavor to do so, my movements became still more angular. I did not dare + to hold myself upright, because, by so doing, I exhibited all the more + plainly the shortness of my waistcoat, which I had outgrown. I had the + feeling very plainly that people would make themselves merry about me; + yet, at this moment, I felt nothing but the happiness of stepping for the + first time before the foot-lamps. My heart beat; I stepped forward; there + came up one of the singers, who at that time was much thought of, but now + is forgotten; he took me by the hand, and jeeringly wished me happiness on + my debut. "Allow me to introduce you to the Danish public," said he, and + drew me forward to the lamps. The people would laugh at me—I felt + it; the tears rolled down my cheeks; I tore myself loose, and left the + stage full of anguish. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, Dahlen arranged a ballet of Armida, in which I + received a little part: I was a spirit. In this ballet I became acquainted + with the lady of Professor Heiberg, the wife of the poet, and now a highly + esteemed actress on the Danish stage; she, then a little girl, had also a + part in it, and our names stood printed in the bill. That was a moment in + my life, when my name was printed! I fancied I could see it a nimbus of + immortality. I was continually looking at the printed paper. I carried the + programme of the ballet with me at night to bed, lay and read my name by + candle light—in short, I was happy. + </p> + <p> + I had now been two years in Copenhagen. The sum of money which had been + collected for me was expended, but I was ashamed of making known my wants + and my necessities. I had removed to the house of a woman whose husband, + when living, was master of a trading-vessel, and there I had only lodging + and breakfast. Those were heavy, dark days for me. + </p> + <p> + The lady believed that I went out to dine with various families, whilst I + only ate a little bread on one of the benches in the royal garden. Very + rarely did I venture into some of the lowest eating-houses, and choose + there the least expensive dish. I was, in truth, very forlorn; but I did + not feel the whole weight of my condition. Every person who spoke to me + kindly I took for a faithful friend. God was with me in my little room; + and many a night, when I have said my evening prayer, I asked of Him, like + a child, "Will things soon be better with me?" I had the notion, that as + it went with me on New Year's Day, so would it go with me through the + whole year; and my highest wishes were to obtain a part in a play. + </p> + <p> + It was now New Year's Day. The theatre was closed, and only a half-blind + porter sat at the entrance to the stage, on which there was not a soul. I + stole past him with beating heart, got between the movable scenes and the + curtain, and advanced to the open part of the stage. Here I fell down upon + my knees, but not a single verse for declamation could I recall to my + memory. I then said aloud the Lord's Prayer, and went out with the + persuasion, that because I had spoken from the stage on New Year's Day, I + should in the course of the year succeed in speaking still more, as well + as in having a part assigned to me. + </p> + <p> + During the two years of my residence in Copenhagen I had never been out + into the open country. Once only had I been in the park, and there I had + been deeply engrossed by studying the diversions of the people and their + gay tumult. In the spring of the third year, I went out for the first time + amid the verdure of a spring morning. It was into the garden of the + Fredericksberg, the summer residence of Frederick VI. I stood still + suddenly under the first large budding beech tree. The sun made the leaves + transparent—there was a fragrance, a freshness—the birds sang. + I was overcome by it—I shouted aloud for joy, threw my arms around + the tree and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + "Is he mad?" said a man close behind me. It was one of the servants of the + castle. I ran away, shocked at what I had heard, and then went + thoughtfully and calmly back to the city. + </p> + <p> + My voice had, in the mean time, in part regained its richness. The singing + master of the choir-school heard it, offered me a place in the school, + thinking that, by singing with the choir, I should acquire greater freedom + in the exercise of my powers on the stage. I thought that I could see by + this means a new way opened for me. I went from the dancing-school into + the singing-school, and entered the choir, now as a shepherd, and now as a + warrior. The theatre was my world. I had permission to go in the pit, and + thus it fared ill with my Latin. I heard many people say that there was no + Latin required for singing in the choir, and that without the knowledge of + this language it was possible to become a great actor. I thought there was + good sense in that, and very often, either with or without reason, excused + myself from my Latin evening lesson. Guldberg became aware of this, and + for the first time I received a reprimand which almost crushed me to the + earth. I fancy that no criminal could suffer more by hearing the sentence + of death pronounced upon him. My distress of mind must have expressed + itself in my countenance, for he said "Do not act any more comedy." But it + was no comedy to me. + </p> + <p> + I was now to learn Latin no longer. I felt my dependence upon the kindness + of others in such a degree as I had never done before. Occasionally I had + had gloomy and earnest thoughts in looking forward to my future, because I + was in want of the very necessaries of life; at other times I had the + perfect thoughtlessness of a child. + </p> + <p> + The widow of the celebrated Danish statesman, Christian Colbj÷rnsen, and + her daughter, were the first ladies of high rank who cordially befriended + the poor lad; who listened to me with sympathy, and saw me frequently. + Mrs. von Colbj÷rnsen resided, during the summer, at Bakkehus, where also + lived the poet Rahbek and his interesting wife. Rahbek never spoke to me; + but his lively and kind-hearted wife often amused herself with me. I had + at that time again begun to write a tragedy, which I read aloud to her. + Immediately on hearing the first scenes, she exclaimed, "But you have + actually taken whole passages out of Oehlenschl ger and Ingemann." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but they are so beautiful!" replied I in my simplicity, and read on. + </p> + <p> + One day, when I was going from her to Mrs. von Colbj÷rnsen, she gave me a + handful of roses, and said, "Will you take them up to her? It will + certainly give her pleasure to receive them from the hand of a poet." + These words were said half in jest; but it was the first time that anybody + had connected my name with that of poet. It went through me, body and + soul, and tears filled my eyes. I know that, from this very moment, my + mind was awoke to writing and poetry. Formerly it had been merely an + amusement by way of variety from my puppet-theatre. + </p> + <p> + At Bakkehus lived also Professor Thiele, a young student at that time, but + even then the editor of the Danish popular legends, and known to the + public as the solver of Baggesen's riddle, and as the writer of beautiful + poetry. He was possessed of sentiment, true inspiration, and heart. He had + calmly and attentively watched the unfolding of my mind, until we now + became friends. He was one of the few who, at that time, spoke the truth + of me, when other people were making themselves merry at my expense, and + having only eyes for that which was ludicrous in me. People had called me, + in jest, the little orator, and, as such, I was an object of curiosity. + They found amusement in me, and I mistook every smile for a smile of + applause. One of my later friends has told me that it probably was about + this period that he saw me for the first time. It was in the drawing-room + of a rich tradesman, where people were making themselves very merry with + me. They desired me to repeat one of my poems, and, as I did this with + great feeling, the merriment was changed into sympathy with me. + </p> + <p> + I heard it said every day, what a good thing it would be for me if I could + study. People advised me to devote myself to science, but no one moved one + step to enable me to do so; it was labor enough for me to keep body and + soul together. It therefore occurred to me to write a tragedy, which I + would offer to the Theatre Royal, and would then begin to study with the + money which I should thus obtain. Whilst Guldberg instructed me in Danish, + I had written a tragedy from a German story, called The Chapel in the + Wood; yet as this was done merely as an exercise in the language, and, as + he forbade me in the most decided manner to bring it out, I would not do + so. I originated my own material, therefore; and within fourteen days I + wrote my national tragedy called the Robbers in Wissenberg (the name of a + little village in Funen.) There was scarcely a word in it correctly + written, as I had no person to help me, because I meant it to be + anonymous; there was, nevertheless, one person admitted into the secret, + namely, the young lady whom I had met with in Odense, during my + preparation for confirmation, the only one who at that time showed me + kindness and good-will. It was through her that I was introduced to the + Colbj÷rnsen family, and thus known and received in all those circles of + which the one leads into the other. She paid some one to prepare a legible + copy of my piece, and undertook to present it for perusal. After an + interval of six weeks, I received it back, accompanied by a letter which + said the people did not frequently wish to retain works which betrayed, in + so great a degree, a want of elementary knowledge. + </p> + <p> + It was just at the close of the theatrical season, in May, 1823, that I + received a letter from the directors, by which I was dismissed from the + singing and dancing school, the letter adding also, that my participation + in the school-teaching could lead to no advantage for me, but that they + wished some of my many friends would enable me to receive an education, + without which, talent availed nothing. I felt myself again, as it were, + cast out into the wide world without help and without support. It was + absolutely necessary that I should write a piece for the theatre, and that + <i>must</i> be accepted; there was no other salvation for me. I wrote, + therefore, a tragedy founded on a passage in history, and I called it + Alfsol. I was delighted with the first act, and with this I immediately + went to the Danish translator of Shakspeare, Admiral Wulff, now deceased, + who good-naturedly heard me read it. In after years I met with the most + cordial reception in his family. At that time I also introduced myself to + our celebrated physician Oersted, and his house has remained to me to this + day an affectionate home, to which my heart has firmly attached itself, + and where I find my oldest and most unchangeable friends. + </p> + <p> + A favorite preacher, the rural dean Gutfeldt, was living at that time, and + he it was who exerted himself most earnestly for my tragedy, which was now + finished; and having written a letter of recommendation, he sent it to the + managers of the theatre. I was suspended between hope and fear. In the + course of the summer I endured bitter want, but I told it to no one, else + many a one, whose sympathy I had experienced, would have helped me to the + utmost of their means. A false shame prevented me from confessing what I + endured. Still happiness filled my heart. I read then for the first time + the works of Walter Scott. A new world was opened to me: I forgot the + reality, and gave to the circulating library that which should have + provided me with a dinner. + </p> + <p> + The present conference councillor, Collin, one of the most distinguished + men of Denmark, who unites with the greatest ability the noblest and best + heart, to whom I looked up with confidence in all things, who has been a + second father to me, and in whose children I have found brothers and + sisters;—this excellent man I saw now for the first time. He was at + that time director of the Theatre Royal, and people universally told me + that it would be the best thing for me if he would interest himself on my + behalf: it was either Oersted or Gutfeldt who first mentioned me to him; + and now for the first time I went to that house which was to become so + dear to me. Before the ramparts of Copenhagen were extended, this house + lay outside the gate, and served as a summer residence to the Spanish + Ambassador; now, however, it stands, a crooked, angular frame-work + building, in a respectable street; an old-fashioned wooden balcony leads + to the entrance, and a great tree spreads its green branches over the + court and its pointed gables. It was to become a paternal house to me. Who + does not willingly linger over the description of home? + </p> + <p> + I discovered only the man of business in Collin; his conversation was + grave and in few words. I went away, without expecting any sympathy from + this man; and yet it was precisely Collin who in all sincerity thought for + my advantage, and who worked for it silently, as he had done for others, + through the whole course of his active life. But at that time I did not + understand the apparent calmness with which he listened, whilst his heart + bled for the afflicted, and he always labored for them with zeal and + success, and knew how to help them. He touched so lightly upon my tragedy, + which had been sent to him, and on account of which many people had + overwhelmed me with flattering speeches, that I regarded him rather as an + enemy than a protector. + </p> + <p> + In a few day I was sent for by the directors of the theatre, when Rahbek + gave me back my play as useless for the stage; adding, however, that there + were so many grains of corn scattered in it, that it was hoped, that + perhaps, by earnest study, after going to school and the previous + knowledge of all that is requisite, I might, some time, be able to write a + work which should be worthy of being acted on the Danish stage. + </p> + <p> + In order therefore to obtain the means for my support and the necessary + instruction, Collin recommended me to King Frederick the Sixth, who + granted to me a certain sum annually for some years; and, by means of + Collin also, the directors of the high schools allowed me to receive free + instruction in the grammar school at Slagelse, where just then a new, and, + as was said, an active rector was appointed. I was almost dumb with + astonishment: never had I thought that my life would take this direction, + although I had no correct idea of the path which I had now to tread. I was + to go with the earliest mail to Slagelse, which lay twelve Danish miles + from Copenhagen, to the place where also the poets Baggesen and Ingemann + had gone to school. I was to receive money quarterly from Collin; I was to + apply to him in all cases, and he it was who was to ascertain my industry + and my progress. + </p> + <p> + I went to him the second time to express to him my thanks. Mildly and + kindly he said to me, "Write to me without restraint about everything + which you require, and tell me how it goes with you." From this hour I + struck root in his heart; no father could have been more to me than he + was, and is; none could have more heartily rejoiced in my happiness, and + my after reception with the public; none have shared my sorrow more + kindly; and I am proud to say that one of the most excellent men which + Denmark possesses feels towards me as towards his own child. His + beneficence was conferred without his making me feel it painful either by + word or look. That was not the case with every one to whom, in this change + of my fortunes, I had to offer my thanks; I was told to think of my + inconceivable happiness and my poverty; in Collin's words was expressed + the warm-heartedness of a father, and to him it was that properly I was + indebted for everything. + </p> + <p> + The journey was hastily determined upon, and I had yet for myself some + business to arrange. I had spoken to an acquaintance from Odense who had + the management of a small printing concern, for a widow, to get "Alfsal" + printed, that I might, by the sale of the work, make a little money. + Before, however, the piece was printed, it was necessary that I should + obtain a certain number of subscribers; but these were not obtained, and + the manuscript lay in the printing-office, which, at the time I went to + fetch it away, was shut up. Some years afterwards, however, it suddenly + made its appearance in print without my knowledge or my desire, in its + unaltered shape, but without my name. + </p> + <p> + On a beautiful autumn day I set off with the mail from Copenhagen to begin + my school-life in Slagelse. A young student, who a month before had passed + his first examination, and now was travelling home to Jutland to exhibit + himself there as a student, and to see once more his parents and his + friends, sate at my side and exulted for joy over the new life which now + lay before him; he assured me that he should be the most unhappy of human + beings if he were in my place, and were again beginning to go to the + grammar school. But I travelled with a good heart towards the little city + of Zealand. My mother received a joyful letter from me. I only wished that + my father and the old grandmother yet lived, and could hear that I now + went to the grammar school. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + When, late in the evening, I arrived at the inn in Slagelse, I asked the + hostess if there were anything remarkable in the city. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said she, "a new English fire-engine and Pastor Bastholm's + library," and those probably were all the lions in the city. A few + officers of the Lancers composed the fine-gentleman world. Everybody knew + what was done in everybody's house, whether a scholar was elevated or + degraded in his class, and the like. A private theatre, to which, at + general rehearsal, the scholars of the grammar school and the + maid-servants of the town had free entrance, furnished rich material for + conversation. The place was remote from woods, and still farther from the + coast; but the great post-road went through the city, and the post-horn + resounded from the rolling carriage. + </p> + <p> + I boarded with a respectable widow of the educated class, and had a little + chamber looking out into the garden and field. My place in the school was + in the lowest class, among little boys:—I knew indeed nothing at + all. + </p> + <p> + I was actually like a wild bird which is confined in a cage; I had the + greatest desire to learn, but for the moment I floundered about, as if I + had been thrown into the sea; the one wave followed another; grammar, + geography, mathematics—I felt myself overpowered by them, and feared + that I should never be able to acquire all these. The rector, who took a + peculiar delight in turning everything to ridicule, did not, of course, + make an exception in my case. To me he stood then as a divinity; I + believed unconditionally every word which he spoke. One day, when I had + replied incorrectly to his question, and he said that I was stupid, I + mentioned it to Collin, and told him my anxiety, lest I did not deserve + all that people had done for me; but he consoled me. Occasionally, + however, on some subjects of instruction, I began to receive a good + certificate, and the teachers were heartily kind to me; yet, + notwithstanding that I advanced, I still lost confidence in myself more + and more. On one of the first examinations, however, I obtained the praise + of the rector. He wrote the same in my character-book; and, happy in this, + I went a few days afterwards to Copenhagen. Guldberg, who saw the progress + I had made, received me kindly, and commended my zeal; and his brother in + Odense furnished me the next summer with the means of visiting the place + of my birth, where I had not been since I left it to seek adventures. I + crossed the Belt, and went on foot to Odense. When I came near enough to + see the lofty old church tower, my heart was more and more affected; I + felt deeply the care of God for me, and I burst into tears. My mother + rejoiced over me. The families of Iversen and Guldberg received me + cordially; and in the little streets I saw the people open their windows + to look after me, for everybody knew how remarkably well things had fared + with me; nay, I fancied I actually stood upon the pinnacle of fortune, + when one of the principal citizens, who had built a high tower to his + house, led me up there, and I looked out thence over the city, and the + surrounding country, and some old women in the hospital below, who had + known me from childhood, pointed up to me. + </p> + <p> + As soon, however, as I returned to Slagelse, this halo of glory vanished, + as well as every thought of it. I may freely confess that I was + industrious, and I rose, as soon as it was possible, into a higher class; + but in proportion as I rose did I feel the pressure upon me more strongly, + and that my endeavors were not sufficiently productive. Many an evening, + when sleep overcame me, did I wash my head with cold water, or run about + the lonely little garden, till I was again wakeful, and could comprehend + the book anew. The rector filled up a portion of his hours of teaching + with jests, nicknames, and not the happiest of witticisms. I was as if + paralyzed with anxiety when he entered the room, and from that cause my + replies often expressed the opposite of that which I wished to say, and + thereby my anxiety was all the more increased. What was to become of me? + </p> + <p> + In a moment of ill-humor I wrote a letter to the head master, who was one + of those who was most cordially opposed to me. I said in this letter that + I regarded myself as a person so little gifted by nature, that it was + impossible for me to study, and that the people in Copenhagen threw away + the money which they spent upon me: I besought him therefore to counsel me + what I should do. The excellent man strengthened me with mild words, and + wrote to me a most friendly and consolatory letter; he said that the + rector meant kindly by me—that it was his custom and way of acting—that + I was making all the progress that people could expect from me, and that I + need not doubt of my abilities. He told me that he himself was a peasant + youth of three and twenty, older than I myself was, when he began his + studies; the misfortune for me was, that I ought to have been treated + differently to the other scholars, but that this could hardly be done in a + school; but that things were progressing, and that I stood well both with + the teachers and my fellow students. + </p> + <p> + Every Sunday we had to attend the church and hear an old preacher; the + other scholars learned their lessons in history and mathematics while he + preached; I learned my task in religion, and thought that, by so doing, it + was less sinful. The general rehearsals at the private theatre were points + of light in my school life; they took place in a back building, where the + lowing of the cows might be heard; the street-decoration was a picture of + the marketplace of the city, by which means the representation had + something familiar about it; it amused the inhabitants to see their own + houses. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday afternoons it was my delight to go to the castle of Antvorskov, + at that time only half ruinous, and once a monastery, where I pursued the + excavating of the ruined cellars, as if it had been a Pompeii. I also + often rambled to the crucifix of St. Anders, which stands upon one of the + heights of Slagelse, and which is one of the wooden crosses erected in the + time of Catholicism in Denmark. St. Anders was a priest in Slagelse, and + travelled to the Holy Land; on the last day he remained so long praying on + the holy grave, that the ship sailed away without him. Vexed at this + circumstance, he walked along the shore, where a man met him riding on an + ass, and took him up with him. Immediately he fell asleep, and when he + awoke he heard the bells of Slagelse ringing. He lay upon the (Hvileh÷i) + hill of rest, where the cross now stands. He was at home a year and a day + before the ship returned, which had sailed away without him, and an angel + had borne him home. The legend, and the place where he woke, were both + favorites of mine. From this spot I could see the ocean and Funen. Here I + could indulge my fancies; when at home, my sense of duty chained my + thoughts only to my books. + </p> + <p> + The happiest time, however, was when, once on a Sunday, whilst the wood + was green, I went to the city of Sor÷, two (Danish) miles from Slagelse, + and which lies in the midst of woods, surrounded by lakes. Here is an + academy for the nobility, founded by the poet Holberg. Everything lay in a + conventual stillness. I visited here the poet Ingemann, who had just + married, and who held a situation as teacher; he had already received me + kindly in Copenhagen; but here his reception of me was still more kind. + His life in this place seemed to me like a beautiful story; flowers and + vines twined around his window; the rooms were adorned with the portraits + of distinguished poets, and other pictures. We sailed upon the lake with + an Aeolian harp made fast to the mast. Ingemann talked so cheerfully, and + his excellent, amiable wife treated me as if she were an elder sister:—I + loved these people. Our friendship has grown with years. I have been from + that time almost every summer a welcome guest there, and I have + experienced that there are people in whose society one is made better, as + it were; that which is bitter passes away, and the whole world appears in + sunlight. + </p> + <p> + Among the pupils in the academy of nobles, there were two who made verses; + they knew that I did the same, and they attached themselves to me. The one + was Petit, who afterwards, certainly with the best intention, but not + faithfully, translated several of my books; the other, the poet Karl + Bagger, one of the most gifted of men who has come forward in Danish + literature, but who has been unjustly judged. His poems are full of + freshness and originality; his story, "The Life of my Brother," is a + genial book, by the critique on which the Danish Monthly Review of + Literature has proved that it does not understand how to give judgment. + These two academicians were very different from me: life rushed + rejoicingly through their veins; I was sensitive and childlike. In my + character-book I always received, as regarded my conduct, "remarkably + good." On one occasion, however, I only obtained the testimony of "very + good;" and so anxious and childlike was I, that I wrote a letter to Collin + on that account, and assured him in grave earnestness, that I was + perfectly innocent, although I had only obtained a character of "very + good." + </p> + <p> + The rector grew weary of his residence in Slagelse; he applied for the + vacant post of rector in the grammar-school of Helsing÷r, and obtained it. + He told me of it, and added kindly, that I might write to Collin and ask + leave to accompany him thither; that I might live in his house, and could + even now remove to his family; I should then in half a year become a + student, which could not be the case if I remained behind, and that then + he would himself give me some private lessons in Latin and Greek. On this + same occasion he wrote also to Collin; and this letter, which I afterwards + saw, contained the greatest praise of my industry, of the progress I had + made, and of my good abilities, which last I imagined that he thoroughly + mistook, and for the want of which, I myself had so often wept. I had no + conception that he judged of me so favorably; it would have strengthened + and relieved me had I known it; whereas, on the contrary, his perpetual + blame depressed me. I, of course, immediately received Collin's + permission, and removed to the house of the rector. But that, alas! was an + unfortunate house. + </p> + <p> + I accompanied him to Helsing÷r, one of the loveliest places in Denmark, + close to the Sound, which is at this place not above a mile (Danish) + broad, and which seems like a blue, swelling river between Denmark and + Sweden. The ships of all nations sail past daily by hundreds; in winter + the ice forms a firm bridge between the two countries, and when in spring + this breaks up, it resembles a floating glacier. The scenery here made a + lively impression upon me, but I dared only to cast stolen glances at it. + When the school hours were over, the house door was commonly locked; I was + obliged to remain in the heated school-room and learn my Latin, or else + play with the children, or sit in my little room; I never went out to + visit anybody. My life in this family furnishes the most evil dreams to my + remembrance. I was almost overcome by it, and my prayer to God every + evening was, that he would remove this cup from me and let me die. I + possessed not an atom of confidence in myself. I never mentioned in my + letters how hard it went with me, because the rector found his pleasure in + making a jest of me, and turning my feelings to ridicule. I never + complained of any one, with the exception of myself. I knew that they + would say in Copenhagen, "He has not the desire to do any thing; a + fanciful being can do no good with realities." + </p> + <p> + My letters to Collin, written at this time, showed such a gloomy + despairing state of mind, that they touched him deeply; but people + imagined that was not to be helped; they fancied that it was my + disposition, and not, as was the case, that it was the consequence of + outward influences. My temper of mind was thoroughly buoyant, and + susceptible of every ray of sunshine; but only on one single holiday in + the year, when I could go to Copenhagen, was I able to enjoy it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +What a change it was to get for a few days out of the rector's rooms +into a house in Copenhagen, where all was elegance, cleanliness, and +full of the comforts of refined life! This was at Admiral Wulff's, whose +wife felt for me the kindness of a mother, and whose children met me +with cordiality; they dwelt in a portion of the Castle of Amalienburg, +and my chamber looked out into the square. I remember the first evening +there; Aladdin's words passed through my mind, when he looked down from +his splendid castle into the square, and said, "Here came I as a poor +lad." My soul was full of gratitude. + + During my whole residence in Slagelse I had scarcely written more than +four or five poems; two of which, "The Soul," and "To my Mother," +will be found printed in my collected works. During my school-time at +Helsing÷r I wrote only one single poem, "The Dying Child;" a poem which, +of all my after works, became most popular and most widely circulated. I +read it to some acquaintance in Copenhagen; some were struck by it, but +most of them only remarked my Funen dialect, which drops the d in every +word. I was commended by many; but from the greater number I received +a lecture on modesty, and that I should not get too great ideas of +myself—I who really at that time thought nothing of myself. [Footnote: +How beautifully is all this part of the author's experience reflected +in that of Antonio, the Improvisatore, whose highly sensitive nature was +too often wounded by the well-meant lectures of patrons and common-place +minds.—M. H.] +</pre> + <p> + At the house of Admiral Wulff I saw many men of the most distinguished + talent, and among them all my mind paid the greatest homage to one—that + was the poet Adam Oehlenschl ger. I heard his praise resound from every + mouth around me; I looked up to him with the most pious faith: I was happy + when one evening, in a large brilliantly-lighted drawing room—where + I deeply felt that my apparel was the shabbiest there, and for that reason + I concealed myself behind the long curtains—Oehlenschl ger came to + me and offered me his hand. I could have fallen before him on my knees. I + again saw Weyse, and heard him improvise upon the piano. Wulff himself + read aloud his translations of Byron; and Oehlenschl ger's young daughter + Charlotte surprised me by her joyous, merry humor. + </p> + <p> + From such a house as this, I, after a few days, returned to the rector, + and felt the difference deeply. He also came direct from Copenhagen, where + he had heard it said that I had read in company one of my own poems. He + looked at me with a penetrating glance, and commanded me to bring him the + poem, when, if he found in it one spark of poetry, he would forgive me. I + tremblingly brought to him "The Dying Child;" he read it, and pronounced + it to be sentimentality and idle trash. He gave way freely to his anger. + If he had believed that I wasted my time in writing verses, or that I was + of a nature which required a severe treatment, then his intention would + have been good; but he could not pretend this. But from this day forward + my situation was more unfortunate than ever; I suffered so severely in my + mind that I was very near sinking under it. That was the darkest, the most + unhappy time in my life. + </p> + <p> + Just then one of the masters went to Copenhagen, and related to Collin + exactly what I had to bear, and immediately he removed me from the school + and from the rector's house. When, in taking leave of him, I thanked him + for the kindness which I had received from him, the passionate man cursed + me, and ended by saying that I should never become a student, that my + verses would grow mouldy on the floor of the bookseller's shop, and that I + myself should end my days in a mad-house. I trembled to my innermost + being, and left him. + </p> + <p> + Several years afterwards, when my writings were read, when the + Improvisatore first came out, I met him in Copenhagen; he offered me his + hand in a conciliatory manner, and said that he had erred respecting me, + and had treated me wrong; but it now was all the same to me. The heavy, + dark days had also produced their blessing in my life. A young man, who + afterwards became celebrated in Denmark for his zeal in the Northern + languages and in history, became my teacher. I hired a little garret; it + is described in the Fiddler; and in The Picture Book without Pictures, + people may see that I often received there visits from the moon. I had a + certain sum allowed for my support; but as instruction was to be paid for, + I had to make savings in other ways. A few families through the week-days + gave me a place at their tables. I was a sort of boarder, as many another + poor student in Copenhagen is still: there was a variety in it; it gave an + insight into the several kinds of family life, which was not without its + influence on me. I studied industriously; in some particular branches I + had considerably distinguished myself in Helsing÷r, especially in + mathematics; these were, therefore, now much more left to myself: + everything tended to assist me in my Greek and Latin studies; in one + direction, however, and that the one in which it would least have been + expected, did my excellent teacher find much to do; namely, in religion. + He closely adhered to the literal meaning of the Bible; with this I was + acquainted, because from my first entrance in the school I had clearly + understood what was said and taught by it. I received gladly, both with + feeling and understanding, the doctrine, that God is love: everything + which opposed this—a burning hell, therefore, whose fire endured + forever—I could not recognize. Released from the distressing + existence of the school-bench, I now expressed myself like a free man; and + my teacher, who was one of the noblest and most amiable of human beings, + but who adhered firmly to the letter, was often quite distressed about me. + We disputed, whilst pure flames kindled within our hearts. It was + nevertheless good for me that I came to this unspoiled, highly-gifted + young man, who was possessed of a nature as peculiar as my own. + </p> + <p> + That which, on the contrary, was an error in me, and which became very + perceptible, was a pleasure which I had, not in jesting with, but in + playing with my best feelings, and in regarding the understanding as the + most important thing in the world. The rector had completely mistaken my + undisguisedly candid and sensitive character; my excitable feelings were + made ridiculous, and thrown back upon themselves; and now, when I could + freely advance upon the way to my object, this change showed itself in me. + From severe suffering I did not rush into libertinism, but into an + erroneous endeavor to appear other than I was. I ridiculed feeling, and + fancied that I had quite thrown it aside; and yet I could be made wretched + for a whole day, if I met with a sour countenance where I expected a + friendly one. Every poem which I had formerly written with tears, I now + parodied, or gave to it a ludicrous refrain; one of which I called "The + Lament of the Kitten," another, "The Sick Poet." The few poems which I + wrote at that time were all of a humorous character: a complete change had + passed over me; the stunted plant was reset, and now began to put forth + new shoots. + </p> + <p> + Wulff's eldest daughter, a very clever and lively girl, understood and + encouraged the humor, which made itself evident in my few poems; she + possessed my entire confidence; she protected me like a good sister, and + had great influence over me, whilst she awoke in me a feeling for the + comic. + </p> + <p> + At this time, also, a fresh current of life was sent through the Danish + literature; for this the people had an interest, and politics played no + part in it. + </p> + <p> + Heiberg, who had gained the acknowledged reputation of a poet by his + excellent works, "Psyche" and "Walter the Potter," had introduced the + vaudeville upon the Danish stage; it was a Danish vaudeville, blood of our + blood, and was therefore received with acclamation, and supplanted almost + everything else. Thalia kept carnival on the Danish stage, and Heiberg was + her secretary. I made his acquaintance first at Oersted's. Refined, + eloquent, and the hero of the day, he pleased me in a high degree; he was + most kind to me, and I visited him; he considered one of my humorous poems + worthy of a place in his most excellent weekly paper, "The Flying Post." + Shortly before I had, after a deal of trouble, got my poem of "The Dying + Child" printed in a paper; none of the many publishers of journals, who + otherwise accept of the most lamentable trash, had the courage to print a + poem by a schoolboy. My best known poem they printed at that time, + accompanied by an excuse for it. Heiberg saw it, and gave it in his paper + an honorable place. Two humorous poems, signed H., were truly my debut + with him. + </p> + <p> + I remember the first evening when the "Flying Post" appeared with my + verses in it. I was with a family who wished me well, but who regarded my + poetical talent as quite insignificant, and who found something to censure + in every line. The master of the house entered with the "Flying Post" in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + "This evening," said he, "there are two excellent poems: they are by + Heiberg; nobody else could write anything like them." And now my poems + were received with rapture. The daughter, who was in my secret, exclaimed, + in her delight, that I was the author. They were all struck into silence, + and were vexed. That wounded me deeply. + </p> + <p> + One of our least esteemed writers, but a man of rank, who was very + hospitable, gave me one day a seat at his table. He told me that a new + year's gift would come out, and that he was applied to for a contribution. + I said that a little poem of mine, at the wish of the publisher, would + appear in the same new year's gift. + </p> + <p> + "What, then, everybody and anybody are to contribute to this book!" said + the man in vexation: "then he will need nothing from me; I certainly can + hardly give him anything." + </p> + <p> + My teacher dwelt at a considerable distance from me. I went to him twice + each day, and on the way there my thoughts were occupied with my lessons. + On my return, however, I breathed more freely, and then bright poetical + ideas passed through my brain, but they were never committed to paper; + only five or six humorous poems were written in the course of the year, + and these disturbed me less when they were laid to rest on paper than if + they had remained in my mind. + </p> + <p> + In September, 1828, I was a student; and when the examination was over, + the thousand ideas and thoughts, by which I was pursued on the way to my + teacher, flew like a swarm of bees out into the world, and, indeed, into + my first work, "A Journey on Foot to Amack;" a peculiar, humorous book, + but one which fully exhibited my own individual character at that time, my + disposition to sport with everything, and to jest in tears over my own + feelings—a fantastic, gaily-colored tapestry-work. No publisher had + the courage to bring out that little book; I therefore ventured to do it + myself, and, in a few days after its appearance, the impression was sold. + Publisher Keitzel bought from me the second edition; after a while he had + a third; and besides this, the work was reprinted in Sweden. + </p> + <p> + Everybody read my book; I heard nothing but praise; I was "a student,"—I + had attained the highest goal of my wishes. I was in a whirl of joy; and + in this state I wrote my first dramatic work, "Love on the Nicholas Tower, + or, What says the Pit?" It was unsuccessful, because it satirized that + which no longer existed amongst us, namely, the shows of the middle ages; + besides which, it rather ridiculed the enthusiasm for the vaudeville. The + subject of it was, in short, as follows:—The watchman of the + Nicholas Tower, who always spoke as a knight of the castle, wished to give + his daughter to the watchman of the neighboring church-tower; but she + loved a young tailor, who had made a journey to the grave of Eulenspiegel, + and was just now returned, as the punch-bowl steamed, and was to be + emptied in honor of the young lady's consent being given. The lovers + escape together to the tailor's herberg, where dancing and merriment are + going forward. The watchman, however, fetches back his daughter; but she + had lost her senses, and she assured them that she never would recover + them, unless she had her tailor. The old watchman determines that Fate + should decide the affair; but, then, who was Fate? The idea then comes + into his head that the public shall be his Pythia, and that the public + shall decide whether she should have the tailor or the watchman. They + determine, therefore, to send to one of the youngest of the poets, and beg + him to write the history in the style of the vaudeville, a kind of writing + which was the most successful at that time, and when the piece was brought + upon the stage, and the public either whistled or hissed, it should be in + no wise considered that the work of the young author had been + unsuccessful, but that it should be the voice of Fate, which said, "She + shall marry the watchman." If, on the contrary, the piece was successful, + it indicated that she should have the tailor; and this last, remarked the + father, must be said in prose, in order that the public may understand it. + Now every one of the characters thought himself on the stage, where in the + epilogue the lovers besought the public for their applause, whilst the + watchman begged them either to whistle, or at least to hiss. + </p> + <p> + My fellow students received the piece with acclamation; they were proud of + me. I was the second of their body who in this year had brought out a + piece on the Danish stage; the other was Arnesen, student at the same time + with me, and author of a vaudeville called "The Intrigue in the People's + Theatre," a piece which had a great run. We were the two young authors of + the October examination, two of the sixteen poets which this year + produced, and whom people in jest divided into the four great and the + twelve small poets. + </p> + <p> + I was now a happy human being; I possessed the soul of a poet, and the + heart of youth; all houses began to be open to me; I flew from circle to + circle. Still, however, I devoted myself industriously to study, so that + in September, 1829, I passed my <i>Examen philologicum et philosophicum</i>, + and brought out the first collected edition of my poems, which met with + great praise. Life lay bright with sunshine before me. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Until now I had only seen a small part of my native land, that is to say, + a few points in Funen and Zealand, as well as Moen's Klint, which last is + truly one of our most beautiful places; the beechwoods there hang like a + garland over the white chalk cliffs, from which a view is obtained far + over the Baltic. I wished, therefore, in the summer of 1830, to devote my + first literary proceeds to seeing Jutland, and making myself more + thoroughly acquainted with my own Funen. I had no idea how much solidity + of mind I should derive from this summer excursion, or what a change was + about to take place in my inner life. + </p> + <p> + Jutland, which stretches between the German Ocean and the Baltic, until it + ends at Skagen in a reef of quicksands, possesses a peculiar character. + Towards the Baltic extend immense woods and hills; towards the North Sea, + mountains and quicksands, scenery of a grand and solitary character; and + between the two, infinite expanses of brown heath, with their wandering + gipsies, their wailing birds, and their deep solitude, which the Danish + poet, Steen Blicher, has described in his novels. + </p> + <p> + This was the first foreign scenery which I had ever seen, and the + impression, therefore, which it made upon me was very strong. [Footnote: + This impressive and wild scenery, with its characteristic figures, of + gipsies etc., is most exquisitely introduced into the author's novel of + "O. T."; indeed it gives a coloring and tone to the whole work, which the + reader never can forget. In my opinion Andersen never wrote anything finer + in the way of description than many parts of this work, though as a story + it is not equal to his others.—M. H.] In the cities, where my + "Journey on Foot" and my comic poems were known, I met with a good + reception. Funen revealed her rural life to me; and, not far from my + birth-place of Odense, I passed several weeks at the country seat of the + elder Iversen as a welcome guest. Poems sprung forth upon paper, but of + the comic fewer and fewer. Sentiment, which I had so often derided, would + now be avenged. I arrived, in the course of my journey, at the house of a + rich family in a small city; and here suddenly a new world opened before + me, an immense world, which yet could be contained in four lines, which I + wrote at that time:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A pair of dark eyes fixed my sight, + They were my world, my home, my delight, + The soul beamed in them, and childlike peace, + And never on earth will their memory cease. +</pre> + <p> + New plans of life occupied me. I would give up writing poetry,—to + what could it lead? I would study theology, and become a preacher; I had + only one thought, and that was <i>she</i>. But it was self-delusion: she + loved another; she married him. It was not till several years later that I + felt and acknowledged that it was best, both for her and for myself, that + things had fallen out as they were. She had no idea, perhaps, how deep my + feeling for her had been, or what an influence it produced in me. She had + become the excellent wife of a good man, and a happy mother. God's + blessing rest upon her! + </p> + <p> + In my "Journey on Foot," and in most of my writings, satire had been the + prevailing characteristic. This displeased many people, who thought that + this bent of mind could lead to no good purpose. The critics now blamed me + precisely for that which a far deeper feeling had expelled from my breast. + A new collection of Poetry, "Fancies and Sketches," which was published + for the new year, showed satisfactorily what my heart suffered. A + paraphrase of the history of my own heart appeared in a serious + vaudeville, "Parting and Meeting," with this difference only, that here + the love was mutual: the piece was not presented on the stage till five + years later. + </p> + <p> + Among my young friends in Copenhagen at that time was Orla Lehmann, who + afterwards rose higher in popular favor, on account of his political + efforts than any man in Denmark. Full of animation, eloquent and + undaunted, his character of mind was one which interested me also. The + German language was much studied at his father's; they had received there + Heine's poems, and they were very attractive for young Orla. He lived in + the country, in the neighborhood of the castle of Fredericksberg. I went + there to see him, and he sang as I came one of Heine's verses, "Thalatta, + Thalatta, du eviges Meer." We read Heine together; the afternoon and the + evening passed, and I was obliged to remain there all night; but I had on + this evening made the acquaintance of a poet, who, as it seemed to me, + sang from the soul; he supplanted Hoffman, who, as might be seen by my + "Journey on Foot," had formerly had the greatest influence on me. In my + youth there were only three authors who as it were infused themselves into + my blood,—Walter Scott, Hoffman, and Heine. + </p> + <p> + I betrayed more and more in my writings an unhealthy turn of mind. I felt + an inclination to seek for the melancholy in life, and to linger on the + dark side of things. I became sensitive and thought rather of the blame + than the praise which was lavished on me. My late school education, which + was forced, and my impulse to become an author whilst I was yet a student, + make it evident that my first work, the "Journey on Foot," was not without + grammatical errors. Had I only paid some one to correct the press, which + was a work I was unaccustomed to, then no charge of this kind could have + been brought against me. Now, on the contrary, people laughed at these + errors, and dwelt upon them, passing over carelessly that in the book + which had merit. I know people who only read my poems to find out errors; + they noted down, for instance, how often I used the word <i>beautiful,</i> + or some similar word. A gentleman, now a clergyman, at that time a writer + of vaudevilles and a critic, was not ashamed, in a company where I was, to + go through several of my poems in this style; so that a little girl of six + years old, who heard with amazement that he discovered everything to be + wrong, took the book, and pointing out the conjunction <i>and,</i> said, + "There is yet a little word about which you have not scolded." He felt + what a reproof lay in the remark of the child; he looked ashamed and + kissed the little one. All this wounded me; but I had, since my + school-days, become somewhat timid, and that caused me to take it all + quietly: I was morbidly sensitive, and I was good-natured to a fault. + Everybody knew it, and some were on that account almost cruel to me. + Everybody wished to teach me; almost everybody said that I was spoiled by + praise, and therefore they would speak the truth to me. Thus I heard + continually of my faults, the real and the ideal weaknesses. In the mean + time, however, my feelings burst forth; and then I said that I would + become a poet whom they should see honored. But this was regarded only as + the crowning mark of the most unbearable vanity; and from house to house + it was repeated. I was a good man, they said, but one of the vainest in + existence; and in that very time I was often ready wholly to despair of my + abilities, and had, as in the darkest days of my school-life, a feeling, + as if my whole talents were a self-deception. I almost believed so; but it + was more than I could bear, to hear the same thing said, sternly and + jeeringly, by others; and if I then uttered a proud, an inconsiderate + word, it was addressed to the scourge with which I was smitten; and when + those who smite are those we love, then do the scourges become scorpions. + </p> + <p> + For this reason Collin thought that I should make a little journey,—for + instance, to North Germany,—in order to divert my mind and furnish + me with new ideas. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1831, I left Denmark for the first time. I saw L bek and + Hamburg. Everything astonished me and occupied my mind. I saw mountains + for the first time,—the Harzgebirge. The world expanded so + astonishingly before me. My good humor returned to me, as to the bird of + passage. Sorrow is the flock of sparrows which remains behind, and builds + in the nests of the birds of passage. But I did not feel myself wholly + restored. + </p> + <p> + In Dresden I made acquaintance with Tieck. Ingemann had given me a letter + to him. I heard him one evening read aloud one of Shakspeare's plays. On + taking leave of him, he wished me a poet's success, embraced and kissed + me; which made the deepest impression upon me. The expression of his eyes + I shall never forget. I left him with tears, and prayed most fervently to + God for strength to enable me to pursue the way after which my whole soul + strove—strength, which should enable me to express that which I felt + in my soul; and that when I next saw Tieck, I might be known and valued by + him. It was not until several years afterwards, when my later works were + translated into German, and well received in his country, that we saw each + other again; I felt the true hand-pressure of him who had given to me, in + my second father-land, the kiss of consecration. + </p> + <p> + In Berlin, a letter of Oersted's procured me the acquaintance of Chamisso. + That grave man, with his long locks and honest eyes, opened the door to me + himself, read the letter, and I know not how it was, but we understood + each other immediately. I felt perfect confidence in him, and told him so, + though it was in bad German. Chamisso understood Danish; I gave him my + poems, and he was the first who translated any of them, and thus + introduced me into Germany. It was thus he spoke of me at that time in the + <i>Morgenblatt</i>: "Gifted with wit, fancy, humor, and a national naivet + , Andersen has still in his power tones which awaken deeper echoes. He + understands, in particular, how with perfect ease, by a few slight but + graphic touches, to call into existence little pictures and landscapes, + but which are often so peculiarly local as not to interest those who are + unfamiliar with the home of the poet. Perhaps that which may be translated + from him, or which is so already, may be the least calculated to give a + proper idea of him." + </p> + <p> + Chamisso became a friend for my whole life. The pleasure which he had in + my later writings may be seen by the printed letters addressed to me in + the collected edition of his works. + </p> + <p> + The little journey in Germany had great influence upon me, as my + Copenhagen friends acknowledged. The impressions of the journey were + immediately written down, and I gave them forth under the title of "Shadow + Pictures." Whether I were actually improved or not, there still prevailed + at home the same petty pleasure in dragging out my faults, the same + perpetual schooling of me; and I was weak enough to endure it from those + who were officious meddlers. I seldom made a joke of it; but if I did so, + it was called arrogance and vanity, and it was asserted that I never would + listen to rational people. Such an instructor once asked me whether I + wrote <i>Dog</i> with a little <i>d</i>;—he had found such an error + of the press in my last work. I replied, jestingly, "Yes, because I here + spoke of a little dog." + </p> + <p> + But these are small troubles, people will say. Yes, but they are drops + which wear hollows in the rock. I speak of it here; I feel a necessity to + do so; here to protest against the accusation of vanity, which, since no + other error can be discovered in my private life, is seized upon, and even + now is thrown at me like an old medal. + </p> + <p> + From the end of the year 1828, to the beginning of 1839, I maintained + myself alone by my writings. Denmark is a small country; but few books at + that time went to Sweden and Norway; and on that account the profit could + not be great. It was difficult for me to pull through,—doubly + difficult, because my dress must in some measure accord with the circles + into which I went. To produce, and always to be producing, was + destructive, nay, impossible. I translated a few pieces for the theatre,—<i>La + Quarantaine</i>, and <i>La Reine de seize ans</i>; and as, at that time, a + young composer of the name of Hartmann, a grandson of him who composed the + Danish folks-song of "King Christian stood by the tall, tall mast," wished + for text to an opera, I was of course ready to write it. Through the + writings of Hoffman, my attention had been turned to the masked comedies + of Gozzi: I read <i>Il Corvo</i>, and finding that it was an excellent + subject, I wrote, in a few weeks, my opera-text of the Raven. It will + sound strange to the ears of countrymen when I say that I, at that time, + recommended Hartmann; that I gave my word for it, in my letter to the + theatrical directors, for his being a man of talent, who would produce + something good. He now takes the first rank among the living Danish + composers. + </p> + <p> + I worked up also Walter Scott's "Bride of Lammermoor" for another young + composer, Bredal. Both operas appeared on the stage; but I was subjected + to the most merciless criticism, as one who had stultified the labors of + foreign poets. What people had discovered to be good in me before seemed + now to be forgotten, and all talent was denied to me. The composer Weyse, + my earliest benefactor, whom I have already mentioned, was, on the + contrary, satisfied in the highest degree with my treatment of these + subjects. He told me that he had wished for a long time to compose an + opera from Walter Scott's "Kenilworth." He now requested me to commence + the joint work, and write the text. I had no idea of the summary justice + which would be dealt to me. I needed money to live, and, what still more + determined me to it, I felt flattered to have to work with Weyse our most + celebrated composer. It delighted me that he, who had first spoken in my + favor at Siboni's house, now, as artist, sought a noble connection with + me. I had scarcely half finished the text, when I was already blamed for + having made use of a well-known romance. I wished to give it up; but Weyse + consoled me, and encouraged me to proceed. Afterwards, before he had + finished the music, when I was about to travel abroad, I committed my + fate, as regarded the text, entirely to his hands. He wrote whole verses + of it, and the altered conclusion is wholly his own. It was a peculiarity + of that singular man that he liked no book which ended sorrowfully. For + that reason, Amy must marry Leicester, and Elizabeth say, "Proud England, + I am thine." I opposed this at the beginning; but afterwards I yielded, + and the piece was really half-created by Weyse. It was brought on the + stage, but was not printed, with the exception of the songs. To this + followed anonymous attacks: the city post brought me letters in which the + unknown writers scoffed at and derided me. That same year I published a + new collection of poetry, "The Twelve Months of the Year;" and this book, + though it was afterwards pronounced to contain the greater part of my best + lyrical poems, was then condemned as bad. + </p> + <p> + At that time "The Monthly Review of Literature," though it is now gone to + its grave, was in its full bloom. At its first appearance, it numbered + among its co-workers some of the most distinguished names. Its want, + however, was men who were qualified to speak ably on aesthetic works. + Unfortunately, everybody fancies himself able to give an opinion upon + these; but people may write excellently on surgery or pedagogical science, + and may have a name in those things, and yet be dolts in poetry: of this + proofs may be seen. By degrees it became more and more difficult for the + critical bench to find a judge for poetical works. The one, however, who, + through his extraordinary zeal for writing and speaking, was ready at + hand, was the historian and states-councillor Molbeck, who played, in our + time, so great a part in the history of Danish criticism, that I must + speak of him rather more fully. He is an industrious collector, writes + extremely correct Danish, and his Danish dictionary, let him be reproached + with whatever want he may, is a most highly useful work; but, as a judge + of aesthetic works, he is one-sided, and even fanatically devoted to party + spirit. He belongs, unfortunately, to the men of science, who are only one + sixty-fourth of a poet, and who are the most incompetent judges of + aesthetics. He has, for example, by his critiques on Ingemann's romances, + shown how far he is below the poetry which he censures. He has himself + published a volume of poems, which belong to the common run of books, "A + Ramble through Denmark," written in the <i>fade</i>, flowery style of + those times, and "A Journey through Germany, France, and Italy," which + seems to be made up out of books, not out of life. He sate in his study, + or in the Royal Library, where he has a post, when suddenly he became + director of the theatre and censor of the pieces sent in. He was sickly, + one-sided in judgment, and irritable: people may imagine the result. He + spoke of my first poems very favorably; but my star soon sank for another, + who was in the ascendant, a young lyrical poet, Paludan Muller; and, as he + no longer loved, he hated me. That is the short history; indeed, in the + selfsame Monthly Review the very poems which had formerly been praised + were now condemned by the same judge, when they appeared in a new + increased edition. There is a Danish proverb, "When the carriage drags, + everybody pushes behind;" and I proved the truth of it now. + </p> + <p> + It happened that a new star in Danish literature ascended at this time. + Heinrich Hertz published his "Letters from the Dead" anonymously: it was a + mode of driving all the unclean things out of the temple. The deceased + Baggesen sent polemical letters from Paradise, which resembled in the + highest degree the style of that author. They contained a sort of + apotheosis of Heiberg, and in part attacks upon Oehlenschl ger and Hauch. + The old story about my orthographical errors was again revived; my name + and my school-days in Slagelse were brought into connection with St. + Anders. + </p> + <p> + I was ridiculed, or if people will, I was chastised. Hertz's book went + through all Denmark; people spoke of nothing but him. It made it still + more piquant that the author of the work could not be discovered. People + were enraptured, and justly. Heiberg, in his "Flying Post," defended a few + aesthetical insignificants, but not me. I felt the wound of the sharp + knife deeply. My enemies now regarded me as entirely shut out from the + world of spirits. I however in a short time published a little book, + "Vignettes to the Danish Poets," in which I characterized the dead and the + living authors in a few lines each, but only spoke of that which was good + in them. The book excited attention; it was regarded as one of the best of + my works; it was imitated, but the critics did not meddle with it. It was + evident, on this occasion, as had already been the case, that the critics + never laid hands on those of my works which were the most successful. + </p> + <p> + My affairs were now in their worst condition; and precisely in that same + year in which a stipend for travelling had been conferred upon Hertz, I + also had presented a petition for the same purpose. The universal opinion + was that I had reached the point of culmination, and if I was to succeed + in travelling it must be at this present time. I felt, what since then has + become an acknowledged fact, that travelling would be the best school for + me. In the mean time I was told that to bring it under consideration I + must endeavor to obtain from the most distinguished poets and men of + science a kind of recommendation; because this very year there were so + many distinguished young men who were soliciting a stipend, that it would + be difficult among these to put in an available claim. I therefore + obtained recommendations for myself; and I am, so far as I know, the only + Danish poet who was obliged to produce recommendations to prove that he + was a poet. + </p> + <p> + And here also it is remarkable, that the men who recommended me have each + one made prominent some very different qualification which gave me a + claim: for instance, Oehlenschl ger, my lyrical power, and the earnestness + that was in me; Ingemann, my skill in depicting popular life; Heiberg + declared that, since the days of Wessel, no Danish poet had possessed so + much humor as myself; Oersted remarked, every one, they who were against + me as well as those who were for me, agreed on one subject, and this was + that I was a <i>true</i> poet. Thiele expressed himself warmly and + enthusiastically about the power which he had seen in me, combating + against the oppression and the misery of life. I received a stipend for + travelling; Hertz a larger and I a smaller one: and that also was quite in + the order of things. + </p> + <p> + "Now be happy," said my friends, "make yourself aware of your unbounded + good fortune! Enjoy the present moment, as it will probably be the only + time in which you will get abroad. You shall hear what people say about + you while you are travelling, and how we shall defend you; sometimes, + however, we shall not be able to do that." + </p> + <p> + It was painful to me to hear such things said; I felt a compulsion of soul + to be away, that I might, if possible, breathe freely; but sorrow is + firmly seated on the horse of the rider. More than one sorrow oppressed my + heart, and although I opened the chambers of my heart to the world, one or + two of them I keep locked, nevertheless. On setting out on my journey, my + prayer to God was that I might die far away from Denmark, or return + strengthened for activity, and in a condition to produce works which + should win for me and my beloved ones joy and honor. + </p> + <p> + Precisely at the moment of setting out on my journey, the form of my + beloved arose in my heart. Among the few whom I have already named, there + are two who exercised a great influence upon my life and my poetry, and + these I must more particularly mention. A beloved mother, an unusually + liberal-minded and well educated lady, Madame L ss c, had introduced me + into her agreeable circle of friends; she often felt the deepest sympathy + with me in my troubles; she always turned my attention to the beautiful in + nature and the poetical in the details of life, and as almost everyone + regarded me as a poet, she elevated my mind; yes, and if there be + tenderness and purity in anything which I have written, they are among + those things for which I have especially to be thankful to her. Another + character of great importance to me was Collin's son Edward. Brought up + under fortunate circumstances of life, he was possessed of that courage + and determination which I wanted. I felt that he sincerely loved me, and I + full of affection, threw myself upon him with my whole soul; he passed on + calmly and practically through the business of life. I often mistook him + at the very moment when he felt for me most deeply, and when he would + gladly have infused into me a portion of his own character,—to me + who was as a reed shaken by the wind. In the practical part of life, he, + the younger, stood actively by my side, from the assistance which he gave + in my Latin exercises, to the arranging the business of bringing out + editions of my works. He has always remained the same; and were I to + enumerate my friends, he would be placed by me as the first on the list. + When the traveller leaves the mountains behind him, then for the first + time he sees them in their true form: so is it also with friends. + </p> + <p> + I arrived at Paris by way of Cassel and the Rhine. I retained a vivid + impression of all that I saw. The idea for a poem fixed itself firmer and + firmer in my mind; and I hoped, as it became more clearly worked out, to + propitiate by it my enemies. There is an old Danish folks-song of Agnete + and the Merman, which bore an affinity to my own state of mind, and to the + treatment of which I felt an inward impulse. The song tells that Agnete + wandered solitarily along the shore, when a merman rose up from the waves + and decoyed her by his speeches. She followed him to the bottom of the + sea, remained there seven years, and bore him seven children. One day, as + she sat by the cradle, she heard the church bells sounding down to her in + the depths of the sea, and a longing seized her heart to go to church. By + her prayers and tears she induced the merman to conduct her to the upper + world again, promising soon to return. He prayed her not to forget his + children, more especially the little one in the cradle; stopped up her + ears and her mouth, and then led her upwards to the sea-shore. When, + however, she entered the church, all the holy images, as soon as they saw + her, a daughter of sin and from the depths of the sea, turned themselves + round to the walls. She was affrighted, and would not return, although the + little ones in her home below were weeping. + </p> + <p> + I treated this subject freely, in a lyrical and dramatic manner. I will + venture to say that the whole grew out of my heart; all the recollections + of our beechwoods and the open sea were blended in it. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the excitement of Paris I lived in the spirit of the + Danish folks-songs. The most heartfelt gratitude to God filled my soul, + because I felt that all which I had, I had received through his mercy; yet + at the same time I took a lively interest in all that surrounded me. I was + present at one of the July festivals, in their first freshness; it was in + the year 1833. I saw the unveiling of Napoleon's pillar. I gazed on the + world-experienced King Louis Philippe, who is evidently defended by + Providence. I saw the Duke of Orleans, full of health and the enjoyment of + life, dancing at the gay people's ball, in the gay Maison de Ville. + Accident led in Paris to my first meeting with Heine, the poet, who at + that time occupied the throne in my poetical world. When I told him how + happy this meeting and his kind words made me, he said that this could not + very well be the case, else I should have sought him out. I replied, that + I had not done so precisely because I estimated him so highly. I should + have feared that he might have thought it ridiculous in me, an unknown + Danish poet, to seek him out; "and," added I, "your sarcastic smile would + deeply have wounded me." In reply, he said something friendly. + </p> + <p> + Several years afterwards, when we again met in Paris, he gave me a cordial + reception, and I had a view into the brightly poetical portion of his + soul. + </p> + <p> + Paul D port met me with equal kindness. Victor Hugo also received me. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + During my journey to Paris, and the whole month that I spent there, I +heard not a single word from home. Could my friends perhaps have nothing +agreeable to tell me? At length, however, a letter arrived; a large +letter, which cost a large sum in postage. My heart beat with joy and +yearning impatience; it was, indeed, my first letter. I opened it, but +I discovered not a single written word, nothing but a Copenhagen +newspaper, containing a lampoon upon me, and that was sent to me all +that distance with postage unpaid, probably by the anonymous writer +himself. This abominable malice wounded me deeply. I have never +discovered who the author was, perhaps he was one of those who +afterwards called me friend, and pressed my hand. Some men have base +thoughts: I also have mine. +</pre> + <p> + It is a weakness of my country-people, that commonly, when abroad, during + their residence in large cities, they almost live exclusively in company + together; they must dine together, meet at the theatre, and see all the + lions of the place in company. Letters are read by each other; news of + home is received and talked over, and at last they hardly know whether + they are in a foreign land or their own. I had given way to the same + weakness in Paris; and in leaving it, therefore, determined for one month + to board myself in some quiet place in Switzerland, and live only among + the French, so as to be compelled to speak their language, which was + necessary to me in the highest degree. + </p> + <p> + In the little city of Lodi, in a valley of the Jura mountains, where the + snow fell in August, and the clouds floated below us, was I received by + the amiable family of a wealthy watchmaker. They would not hear a word + about payment. I lived among them and their friends as a relation, and + when we parted the children wept. We had become friends, although I could + not understand their patois; they shouted loudly into my ear, because they + fancied I must be deaf, as I could not understand them. In the evenings, + in that elevated region, there was a repose and a stillness in nature, and + the sound of the evening bells ascended to us from the French frontier. At + some distance from the city, stood a solitary house, painted white and + clean; on descending through two cellars, the noise of a millwheel was + heard, and the rushing waters of a river which flowed on here, hidden from + the world. I often visited this place in my solitary rambles, and here I + finished my poem of "Agnete and the Merman," which I had begun in Paris. + </p> + <p> + I sent home this poem from Lodi; and never, with my earlier or my later + works, were my hopes so high as they were now. But it was received coldly. + People said I had done it in imitation of Oehlenschl ger, who at one time + sent home masterpieces. Within the last few years, I fancy, this poem has + been somewhat more read, and has met with its friends. It was, however, a + step forwards, and it decided, as it were, unconsciously to me, my pure + lyrical phasis. It has been also of late critically adjudged in Denmark, + that, notwithstanding that on its first appearance it excited far less + attention than some of my earlier and less successful works, still that in + this the poetry is of a deeper, fuller, and more powerful character than + anything which I had hitherto produced. + </p> + <p> + This poem closes one portion of my life. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + On the 5th of September, 1833, I crossed the Simplon on my way to Italy. + On the very day, on which, fourteen years before, I had arrived poor and + helpless in Copenhagen, did I set foot in this country of my longing and + of my poetical happiness. It happened in this case, as it often does, by + accident, without any arrangement on my part, as if I had preordained + lucky days in the year; yet good fortune has so frequently been with me, + that I perhaps only remind myself of its visits on my own self-elected + days. + </p> + <p> + All was sunshine—all was spring! The vine hung in long trails from + tree to tree; never since have I seen Italy so beautiful. I sailed on Lago + Maggiore; ascended the cathedral of Milan; passed several days in Genoa, + and made from thence a journey, rich in the beauties of nature, along the + shore to Carrara. I had seen statues in Paris, but my eyes were closed to + them; in Florence, before the Venus de Medici, it was for the first time + as if scales fell from my eyes; a new world of art disclosed itself before + me; that was the first fruit of my journey. Here it was that I first + learned to understand the beauty of form—the spirit which reveals + itself in form. The life of the people—nature—all was new to + me; and yet as strangely familiar as if I were come to a home where I had + lived in my childhood. With a peculiar rapidity did I seize upon + everything, and entered into its life, whilst a deep northern melancholy—it + was not home-sickness, but a heavy, unhappy feeling—filled my + breast. I received the news in Rome, of how little the poem of Agnete, + which I had sent home, was thought of there; the next letter in Rome + brought me the news that my mother was dead. I was now quite alone in the + world. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time, and in Rome, that my first meeting with Hertz took + place. In a letter which I had received from Collin, he had said that it + would give him pleasure to hear that Hertz and I had become friends; but + even without this wish it would have happened, for Hertz kindly offered me + his hand, and expressed sympathy with my sorrow. He had, of all those with + whom I was at that time acquainted, the most variously cultivated mind. We + had often disputations together, even about the attacks which had been + made upon me at home as a poet. He, who had himself given me a wound, said + the following words, which deeply impressed themselves on my memory: "Your + misfortune is, that you have been obliged to print everything; the public + has been able to follow you step by step. I believe that even, a Goethe + himself must have suffered the same fate, had he been in your situation." + And then he praised my talent for seizing upon the characteristics of + nature, and giving, by a few intuitive sketches, pictures of familiar + life. My intercourse with him was very instructive to me, and I felt that + I had one merciful judge more. I travelled in company with him to Naples, + where we dwelt together in one house. + </p> + <p> + In Rome I also became first acquainted with Thorwaldsen. Many years + before, when I had not long been in Copenhagen, and was walking through + the streets as a poor boy, Thorwaldsen was there too: that was on his + first return home. We met one another in the street. I knew that he was a + distinguished man in art; I looked at him, I bowed; he went on, and then, + suddenly turning round, came back to me, and said, "Where have I seen you + before? I think we know one another." I replied, "No, we do not know one + another at all." I now related this story to him in Rome; he smiled, + pressed my hand, and said, "Yet we felt at that time that we should become + good friends." I read Agnete to him; and that which delighted me in his + judgment upon it was the assertion, "It is just," said he, "as if I were + walking at home in the woods, and heard the Danish lakes;" and then he + kissed me. + </p> + <p> + One day, when he saw how distressed I was, and I related to him about the + pasquinade which I had received from home in Paris, he gnashed his teeth + violently, and said, in momentary anger, "Yes, yes, I know the people; it + would not have gone any better with me if I had remained there; I should + then, perhaps, not even have obtained permission to set up a model. Thank + God that I did not need them, for then they know how to torment and to + annoy." He desired me to keep up a good heart, and then things could not + fail of going well; and with that he told me of some dark passages in his + own life, where he in like manner had been mortified and unjustly + condemned. + </p> + <p> + After the Carnival, I left Rome for Naples; saw at Capri the blue Grotto, + which was at that time first discovered; visited the temple at Paestum, + and returned in the Easter week to Rome, from whence I went through + Florence and Venice to Vienna and Munich; but I had at that time neither + mind nor heart for Germany; and when I thought on Denmark, I felt fear and + distress of mind about the bad reception which I expected to find there. + Italy, with its scenery and its people's life, occupied my soul, and + towards this land I felt a yearning. My earlier life, and what I had now + seen, blended themselves together into an image—into poetry, which I + was compelled to write down, although I was convinced that it would + occasion me more trouble than joy, if my necessities at home should oblige + me to print it. I had written already in Rome the first chapter. It was my + novel of "The Improvisatore." + </p> + <p> + At one of my first visits to the theatre at Odense, as a little boy, + where, as I have already mentioned, the representations were given in the + German language, I saw the Donauweibchen, and the public applauded the + actress of the principal part. Homage was paid to her, and she was + honored; and I vividly remember thinking how happy she must be. + </p> + <p> + Many years afterwards, when, as a student, I visited Odense, I saw, in one + of the chambers of the hospital where the poor widows lived and where one + bed stood by another, a female portrait hanging over one bed in a gilt + frame. It was Lessing's Emilia Galotti, and represented her as pulling the + rose to pieces; but the picture was a portrait. It appeared singular in + contrast with the poverty by which it was surrounded. + </p> + <p> + "Whom does it represent?" asked I. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" said one of the old women, "it is the face of the German lady, the + poor lady who once was an actress!" And then I saw a little delicate + woman, whose face was covered with wrinkles, and in an old silk gown that + once had been black. That was the once celebrated Singer, who, as the + Donauweibchen, had been applauded by every one. This circumstance made an + indelible impression upon me, and often occurred to my mind. + </p> + <p> + In Naples I heard Malibran for the first time. Her singing and acting + surpassed anything which I had hitherto either heard or seen; and yet I + thought the while of the miserably poor singer in the hospital of Odense: + the two figures blended into the Annunciata of the novel. Italy was the + back ground for that which had been experienced and that which was + imagined. In August of 1834 I returned to Denmark. I wrote the first part + of the book at Ingemann's, in Sor÷, in a little chamber in the roof, among + fragrant lime-trees. I finished it in Copenhagen. + </p> + <p> + At this time my best friends, even, had almost given me up as a poet; they + said that they had erred with regard to my talents. It was with difficulty + that I found a publisher for the book. I received a miserable sum of money + for it, and the "Improvisatore" made its appearance; was read, sold out, + and again published. The critics were silent; the newspapers said nothing; + but I heard all around me of the interest which was felt for the work, and + the delight that it occasioned. At length the poet Carl Bagger, who was at + that time the editor of a newspaper, wrote the first critique upon it, and + began ironically, with the customary tirade against me—"that it was + all over with this author, who had already passed his heyday;"—in + short, he went the whole length of the tobacco and tea criticism, in order + suddenly to dash out, and to express his extremely warm enthusiasm for me; + and my book. People now laughed at me, but I wept. This was my mood of + mind. I wept freely, and felt gratitude to God and man. + </p> + <p> + "To the Conference Councillor Collin and to his noble wife, in whom I + found parents, whose children were brethren and sisters to me, whose house + was my home, do I here present the best of which I am possessed."—So + ran the dedication. Many who formerly had been my enemy, now changed their + opinion; and among these one became my friend, who, I hope, will remain so + through the whole of my life. That was Hauch the poet, one of the noblest + characters with whom I am acquainted. He had returned home from Italy + after a residence of several years abroad, just at the time when Heiberg's + vaudevilles were intoxicating the inhabitants of Copenhagen, and when my + "Journey on Foot" was making me a little known. He commenced a controversy + with Heiberg, and somewhat scoffed at me. Nobody called his attention to + my better lyrical writings; I was described to him as a spoiled, petulant + child of fortune. He now read my Improvisatore, and feeling that there was + something good in me, his noble character evinced itself by his writing a + cordial letter to me, in which he said, that he had done me an injustice, + and offered me now the hand of reconciliation. From that time we became + friends. He used his influence for me with the utmost zeal, and has + watched my onward career with heartfelt friendship. But so little able + have many people been to understand what is excellent in him, or the noble + connection of heart between us two, that not long since, when he wrote a + novel, and drew in it the caricature of a poet, whose vanity ended in + insanity, the people in Denmark discovered that he had treated me with the + greatest injustice, because he had described in it my weakness. People + must not believe that this was the assertion of one single person, or a + misapprehension of my character; no; and Hauch felt himself compelled to + write a treatise upon me as a poet, that he might show what a different + place he assigned to me. + </p> + <p> + But to return to the "Improvisatore." This book raised my sunken fortunes; + collected my friends again around me, nay, even obtained for me new ones. + For the first time I felt that I had obtained a due acknowledgment. The + book was translated into German by Kruse, with a long title, <i>"Jugendleben + und Tr ume eines italienischen Dichter's."</i> I objected to the title; + but he declared that it was necessary in order to attract attention to the + book. + </p> + <p> + Bagger had, as already stated, been the first to pass judgment on the + work; after an interval of some time a second critique made its + appearance, more courteous, it is true, than I was accustomed to, but + still passing lightly over the best things in the book and dwelling on its + deficiencies, and on the number of incorrectly written Italian words. And, + as Nicolai's well-known book, "Italy as it really is," came out just then, + people universally said, "Now we shall be able to see what it is about + which Andersen has written, for from Nicolai a true idea of Italy may be + obtained for the first time." + </p> + <p> + It was from Germany that resounded the first decided acknowledgment of the + merits of my work, or rather perhaps its over estimation. I bow myself in + joyful gratitude, like a sick man toward the sunshine, when my heart is + grateful. I am not, as the Danish Monthly Review, in its critique of the + "Improvisatore," condescended to assert, an unthankful man, who exhibits + in his work a want of gratitude towards his benefactors. I was indeed + myself poor Antonio who sighed under the burden which I had to bear,—<i>I,</i> + the poor lad who ate the bread of charity. From Sweden also, later, + resounded my praise, and the Swedish newspapers contained articles in + praise of this work, which within the last two years has been equally + warmly received in England, where Mary Howitt, the poetess, has translated + it into English; the same good fortune also is said to have attended the + book in Holland and Russia. Everywhere abroad resounded the loudest + acknowledgments of its excellence. + </p> + <p> + There exists in the public a power which is stronger than all the critics + and cliques. I felt that I stood at home on firmer ground, and my spirit + again had moments in which it raised its wings for flight. In this + alternation of feeling between gaiety and ill humor, I wrote my next + novel, "O. T.," which is regarded by many persons in Denmark as my best + work;—an estimation which I cannot myself award to it. It contains + characteristic features of town life. My first Tales appeared before "O. + T;" but this is not the place in which to speak of them. I felt just at + this time a strong mental impulse to write, and I believed that I had + found my true element in novel-writing. In the following year, 1837, I + published "Only a Fiddler," a book which on my part had been deeply + pondered over, and the details of which sprang fresh to the paper. My + design was to show that talent is not genius, and that if the sunshine of + good fortune be withheld, this must go to the ground, though without + losing its nobler, better nature. This book likewise had its partisans; + but still the critics would not vouchsafe to me any encouragement; they + forgot that with years the boy becomes a man, and that people may acquire + knowledge in other than the ordinary ways. They could not separate + themselves from their old preconceived opinions. Whilst "O. T." was going + through the press it was submitted sheet by sheet to a professor of the + university, who had himself offered to undertake this work, and by two + other able men also; notwithstanding all this, the Reviews said, "We find + the usual grammatical negligence, which we always find in Andersen, in + this work also." That which contributed likewise to place this book in the + shade was the circumstance of Heiberg having at that time published his + Every-day Stories, which were written in excellent language, and with good + taste and truth. Their own merits, and the recommendation of their being + Heiberg's, who was the beaming star of literature, placed them in the + highest rank. + </p> + <p> + I had however advanced so far, that there no longer existed any doubt as + to my poetical ability, which people had wholly denied to me before my + journey to Italy. Still not a single Danish critic had spoken of the + characteristics which are peculiar to my novels. It was not until my works + appeared in Swedish that this was done, and then several Swedish journals + went profoundly into the subject and analyzed my works with good and + honorable intentions. The case was the same in Germany; and from this + country too my heart was strengthened to proceed. It was not until last + year that in Denmark, a man of influence, Hauch the poet, spoke of the + novels in his already mentioned treatise, and with a few touches brought + their characteristics prominently forward. + </p> + <p> + "The principal thing," says he, "in Andersen's best and most elaborate + works, in those which are distinguished for the richest fancy, the deepest + feeling, the most lively poetic spirit, is, of talent, or at least of a + noble nature, which will struggle its way out of narrow and depressing + circumstances. This is the case with his three novels, and with this + purpose in view, it is really an important state of existence which he + describes,—an inner world, which no one understands better than he, + who has himself, drained out of the bitter cup of suffering and + renunciation, painful and deep feelings which are closely related to those + of his own experience, and from which Memory, who, according to the old + significant myth, is the mother of the Muses, met him hand in hand with + them. That which he, in these his works, relates to the world, deserves + assuredly to be listened to with attention; because, at the same time that + it may be only the most secret inward life of the individual, yet it is + also the common lot of men of talent and genius, at least when these are + in needy circumstances, as is the case of those who are here placed before + our eyes. In so far as in his 'Improvisatore,' in 'O. T.,' and in 'Only a + Fiddler,' he represents not only himself, in his own separate + individuality, but at the same time the momentous combat which so many + have to pass through, and which he understands so well, because in it his + own life has developed itself; therefore in no instance can he be said to + present to the reader what belongs to the world of illusion, but only that + which bears witness to truth, and which, as is the case with all such + testimony, has a universal and enduring worth. + </p> + <p> + "And still more than this, Andersen is not only the defender of talent and + genius, but, at the same time, of every human heart which is unkindly and + unjustly treated. And whilst he himself has so painfully suffered in that + deep combat in which the Laocoon-snakes seize upon the outstretched hand; + whilst he himself has been compelled to drink from that wormwood-steeped + bowl which the cold-blooded and arrogant world so constantly offers to + those who are in depressed circumstances, he is fully capable of giving to + his delineations in this respect a truth and an earnestness, nay, even a + tragic and a pain-awakening pathos that rarely fails of producing its + effect on the sympathizing human heart. Who can read that scene in his + 'Only a Fiddler,' in which the 'high-bred hound,' as the poet expresses + it, 'turned away with disgust from the broken victuals which the poor + youth received as alms, without recognizing, at the same time, that this + is no game in which vanity seeks for a triumph, but that it expresses much + more—human nature wounded to its inmost depths, which here speaks + out its sufferings.'" + </p> + <p> + Thus is it spoken in Denmark of my works, after an interval of nine or ten + years; thus speaks the voice of a noble, venerated man. It is with me and + the critics as it is with wine,—the more years pass before it is + drunk the better is its flavor. + </p> + <p> + During the year in which "The Fiddler" came out, I visited for the first + time the neighboring country of Sweden. I went by the G÷ta canal to + Stockholm. At that time nobody understood what is now called Scandinavian + sympathies; there still existed a sort of mistrust inherited from the old + wars between the two neighbor nations. Little was known of Swedish + literature, and there were only very few Danes who could easily read and + understand the Swedish language;—people scarcely knew Tegn r's + Frithiof and Axel, excepting through translations. I had, however, read a + few other Swedish authors, and the deceased, unfortunate Stagnelius + pleased me more as a poet than Tegn r, who represented poetry in Sweden. + I, who hitherto had only travelled into Germany and southern countries, + where by this means, the departure from Copenhagen was also the departure + from my mother tongue, felt, in this respect, almost at home in Sweden: + the languages are so much akin, that of two persons each might read in the + language of his own country, and yet the other understand him. It seemed + to me, as a Dane, that Denmark expanded itself; kinship with the people + exhibited itself, in many ways, more and more; and I felt, livingly, how + near akin are Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians. + </p> + <p> + I met with cordial, kind people,—and with these I easily made + acquaintance. I reckon this journey among the happiest I ever made. I had + no knowledge of the character of Swedish scenery, and therefore I was in + the highest degree astonished by the Trollh tta-voyage, and by the + extremely picturesque situation of Stockholm. It sounds to the uninitiated + half like a fairy-tale, when one says that the steam-boat goes up across + the lakes over the mountains, from whence may be seen the outstretched + pine and beechwoods below. Immense sluices heave up and lower the vessel + again, whilst the travellers ramble through the woods. None of the + cascades of Switzerland, none in Italy, not even that of Terni, have in + them anything so imposing as that of Trollh tta. Such is the impression, + at all events, which it made on me. + </p> + <p> + On this journey, and at this last-mentioned place, commenced a very + interesting acquaintance, and one which has not been without its influence + on me,—an acquaintance with the Swedish authoress, Fredrika Bremer. + I had just been speaking with the captain of the steam-boat and some of + the passengers about the Swedish authors living in Stockholm, and I + mentioned my desire to see and converse with Miss Bremer. + </p> + <p> + "You will not meet with her," said the Captain, "as she is at this moment + on a visit in Norway." + </p> + <p> + "She will be coming back while I am there," said I in joke; "I always am + lucky in my journeys, and that which I most wish for is always + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + "Hardly this time, however," said the captain. + </p> + <p> + A few hours after this he came up to me laughing, with the list of the + newly arrived passengers in his hand. "Lucky fellow," said he aloud, "you + take good fortune with you; Miss Bremer is here, and sails with us to + Stockholm." + </p> + <p> + I received it as a joke; he showed me the list, but still I was uncertain. + Among the new arrivals, I could see no one who resembled an authoress. + Evening came on, and about midnight we were on the great Wener lake. At + sunrise I wished to have a view of this extensive lake, the shores of + which could scarcely be seen; and for this purpose I left the cabin. At + the very moment that I did so, another passenger was also doing the same, + a lady neither young nor old, wrapped in a shawl and cloak. I thought to + myself, if Miss Bremer is on board, this must be she, and fell into + discourse with her; she replied politely, but still distantly, nor would + she directly answer my question, whether she was the authoress of the + celebrated novels. She asked after my name; was acquainted with it, but + confessed that she had read none of my works. She then inquired whether I + had not some of them with me, and I lent her a copy of the + "Improvisatore," which I had destined for Beskow. She vanished immediately + with the volumes, and was not again visible all morning. + </p> + <p> + When I again saw her, her countenance was beaming, and she was full of + cordiality; she pressed my hand, and said that she had read the greater + part of the first volume, and that she now knew me. + </p> + <p> + The vessel flew with us across the mountains, through quiet inland lakes + and forests, till it arrived at the Baltic Sea, where islands lie + scattered, as in the Archipelago, and where the most remarkable transition + takes place from naked cliffs to grassy islands, and to those on which + stand trees and houses. Eddies and breakers make it here necessary to take + on board a skilful pilot; and there are indeed some places where every + passenger must sit quietly on his seat, whilst the eye of the pilot is + riveted upon one point. On shipboard one feels the mighty power of nature, + which at one moment seizes hold of the vessel and the next lets it go + again. + </p> + <p> + Miss Bremer related many legends and many histories, which were connected + with this or that island, or those farm-premises up aloft on the mainland. + </p> + <p> + In Stockholm, the acquaintance with her increased, and year after year the + letters which have passed between us have strengthened it. She is a noble + woman; the great truths of religion, and the poetry which lies in the + quiet circumstances of life, have penetrated her being. + </p> + <p> + It was not until after my visit to Stockholm that her Swedish translation + of my novel came out; my lyrical poems only, and my "Journey on Foot," + were known to a few authors; these received me with the utmost kindness, + and the lately deceased Dahlgr n, well known by his humorous poems, wrote + a song in my honor—in short, I met with hospitality, and + countenances beaming with Sunday gladness. Sweden and its inhabitants + became dear to me. The city itself, by its situation and its whole + picturesque appearance, seemed to me to emulate Naples. Of course, this + last has the advantage of fine atmosphere, and the sunshine of the south; + but the view of Stockholm is just as imposing; it has also some + resemblance to Constantinople, as seen from Pera, only that the minarets + are wanting. There prevails a great variety of coloring in the capital of + Sweden; white painted buildings; frame-work houses, with the wood-work + painted red; barracks of turf, with flowering plants; fir tree and birches + look out from among the houses, and the churches with their balls and + towers. The streets in S÷dermalm ascend by flights of wooden steps up from + the M lar lake, which is all active with smoking steam-vessels, and with + boats rowed by women in gay-colored dresses. + </p> + <p> + I had brought with me a letter of introduction from Oersted, to the + celebrated Berzelius, who gave me a good reception in the old city of + Upsala. From this place I returned to Stockholm. City, country, and + people, were all dear to me; it seemed to me, as I said before, that the + boundaries of my native land had stretched themselves out, and I now first + felt the kindredship of the three peoples, and in this feeling I wrote a + Scandinavian song, a hymn of praise for all the three nations, for that + which was peculiar and best in each one of them. + </p> + <p> + "One can see that the Swedes made a deal of him," was the first remark + which I heard at home on this song. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Years pass on; the neighbors understand each other better; Oehlenschl +ger. Fredrika Bremer, and Tegn r, caused them mutually to read each +other's authors, and the foolish remains of the old enmity, which had no +other foundation than that they did not know each other, vanished. +There now prevails a beautiful, cordial relationship between Sweden and +Denmark. A Scandinavian club has been established in Stockholm; and +with this my song came to honor; and it was then said, "it will outlive +everything that Andersen has written:" which was as unjust as when they +said that it was only the product of flattered vanity. This song is now +sung in Sweden as well as in Denmark. + + On my return home I began to study history industriously, and made +myself still further acquainted with the literature of foreign +countries. Yet still the volume which afforded me the greatest pleasure +was that of nature; and in a summer residence among the country-seats of +Funen, and more especially at Lykkesholm, with its highly romantic +site in the midst of woods, and at the noble seat of Glorup, from whose +possessor I met with the most friendly reception, did I acquire more +true wisdom, assuredly, in my solitary rambles, than I ever could have +gained from the schools. +</pre> + <p> + The house of the Conference Councillor Collin in Copenhagen was at that + time, as it has been since, a second father's house to me, and there I had + parents, and brothers and sisters. The best circles of social life were + open to me, and the student life interested me: here I mixed in the + pleasures of youth. The student life of Copenhagen is, besides this, + different from that of the German cities, and was at this time peculiar + and full of life. For me this was most perceptible in the students' clubs, + where students and professors were accustomed to meet each other: there + was there no boundary drawn between the youthful and elder men of letters. + In this club were to be found the journals and books of various countries; + once a week an author would read his last work; a concert or some peculiar + burlesque entertainment would take place. It was here that what may be + called the first Danish people'scomedies took their origin,—comedies + in which the events of the day were worked up always in an innocent, but + witty and amusing manner. Sometimes dramatic representations were given in + the presence of ladies for the furtherance of some noble purpose, as + lately to assist Thorwaldsen's Museum, to raise funds for the execution of + Bissen's statue in marble, and for similar ends. The professors and + students were the actors. I also appeared several times as an actor, and + convinced myself that my terror at appearing on the stage was greater than + the talent which I perhaps possessed. Besides this, I wrote and arranged + several pieces, and thus gave my assistance. Several scenes from this + time, the scenes in the students' club, I have worked up in my romance of + "O. T." The humor and love of life observable in various passages of this + book, and in the little dramatic pieces written about this time, are owing + to the influence of the family of Collin, where much good was done me in + that respect, so that my morbid turn of mind was unable to gain the + mastery of me. Collin's eldest married daughter, especially, exercised + great influence over me, by her merry humor and wit. When the mind is + yielding and elastic, like the expanse of ocean, it readily, like the + ocean, mirrors its environments. + </p> + <p> + My writings, in my own country, were now classed among those which were + always bought and read; therefore for each fresh work I received a higher + payment. Yet, truly, when you consider what a circumscribed world the + Danish reading world is, you will see that this payment could not be the + most liberal. Yet I had to live. Collin, who is one of the men who do more + than they promise, was my help, my consolation, my support. + </p> + <p> + At this time the late Count Conrad von Rantzau-Breitenburg, a native of + Holstein, was Prime Minister in Denmark. He was of a noble, amiable + nature, a highly educated man, and possessed of a truly chivalrous + disposition. He carefully observed the movements in German and Danish + literature. In his youth he had travelled much, and spent a long time in + Spain and Italy, He read my "Improvisatore" in the original; his + imagination was powerfully seized by it, and he spoke both at court and in + his own private circles of my book in the warmest manner. He did not stop + here; he sought me out, and became my benefactor and friend. One forenoon, + whilst I was sitting solitarily in my little chamber, this friendly man + stood before me for the first time. He belonged to that class of men who + immediately inspire you with confidence; he besought me to visit him, and + frankly asked me whether there were no means by which he could be of use + to me. I hinted how oppressive it was to be <i>forced</i> to write in + order to live, always to be forced to think of the morrow, and not move + free from care, to be able to develop your mind and thoughts. He pressed + my hand in a friendly manner, and promised to be an efficient friend. + Collin and Oersted secretly associated themselves with him, and became my + intercessors. + </p> + <p> + Already for many years there had existed, under Frederick VI., an + institution which does the highest honor to the Danish government, namely, + that beside the considerable sum expended yearly, for the travelling + expenses of young literary men and artists, a small pension shall be + awarded to such of them as enjoy no office emoluments. All our most + important poets have had a share of this assistance,—Oehlenschl ger, + Ingemann, Heiberg, C. Winther, and others. Hertz had just then received + such a pension, and his future life made thus the more secure. It was my + hope and my wish that the same good fortune might be mine—and it + was. Frederick VI. granted me two hundred rix dollars banco yearly. I was + filled with gratitude and joy. I was nolonger <i>forced</i> to write in + order to live; I had a sure support in the possible event of sickness. I + was less dependent upon the people about me. A new chapter of my life + began. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + From this day forward, it was as if a more constant sunshine had entered + my heart. I felt within myself more repose, more certainty; it was clear + to me, as I glanced back over my earlier life, that a loving Providence + watched over me, that all was directed for me by a higher Power; and the + firmer becomes such a conviction, the more secure does a man feel himself. + My childhood lay behind me, my youthful life began properly from this + period; hitherto it had been only an arduous swimming against the stream. + The spring of my life commenced; but still the spring had its dark days, + its storms, before it advanced to settled summer; it has these in order to + develop what shall then ripen. That which one of my dearest friends wrote + to me on one of my later travels abroad, may serve as an introduction to + what I have here to relate. He wrote in his own peculiar style:—"It + is your vivid imagination which creates the idea of your being despised in + Denmark; it is utterly untrue. You and Denmark agree admirably, and you + would agree still better, if there were in Denmark no theatre—<i>Hinc + illae lacrymae!</i> This cursed theatre. Is this, then, Denmark? and are + you, then, nothing but a writer for the theatre?" + </p> + <p> + Herein lies a solid truth. The theatre has been the cave out of which most + of the evil storms have burst upon me. They are peculiar people, these + people of the theatre,—as different, in fact, from others, as + Bedouins from Germans; from the first pantomimist to the first lover, + everyone places himself systematically in one scale, and puts all the + world in the other. The Danish theatre is a good theatre, it may indeed be + placed on a level with the Burg theatre in Vienna; but the theatre in + Copenhagen plays too great a part in conversation, and possesses in most + circles too much importance. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the + stage and the actors in other great cities, and therefore cannot compare + them with our theatre; but ours has too little military discipline, and + this is absolutely necessary where many people have to form a whole, even + when that whole is an artistical one. The most distinguished dramatic + poets in Denmark—that is to say, in Copenhagen, for there only is a + theatre—have their troubles. Those actors and actresses who, through + talent or the popular favor, take the first rank, very often place + themselves above both the managers and authors. These must pay court to + them, or they may ruin a part, or what is still worse, may spread abroad + an unfavorable opinion of the piece previous to its being acted; and thus + you have a coffee-house criticism before any one ought properly to know + anything of the work. It is moreover characteristic of the people of + Copenhagen, that when a new piece is announced, they do not say, "I am + glad of it," but, "It will probably be good for nothing; it will be hissed + off the stage." That hissing-off plays a great part, and is an amusement + which fills the house; but it is not the bad actor who is hissed, no, the + author and the composer only are the criminals; for them the scaffold is + erected. Five minutes is the usual time, and the whistles resound, and the + lovely women smile and felicitate themselves, like the Spanish ladies at + their bloody bullfights. All our most eminent dramatic writers have been + whistled down,—as Oehlenschl ger, Heiberg, Oversko, and others; to + say nothing of foreign classics, as Moli re. In the mean time the theatre + is the most profitable sphere of labor for the Danish writer, whose public + does not extend far beyond the frontiers. This had induced me to write the + opera-text already spoken of, on account of which I was so severely + criticised; and an internal impulse drove me afterwards to add some other + works. Collin was no longer manager of the theatre, Councillor of Justice + Molbeck had taken his place; and the tyranny which now commenced + degenerated into the comic. I fancy that in course of time the manuscript + volumes of the censorship, which are preserved in the theatre, and in + which Molbeck has certainly recorded his judgments on received and + rejected pieces, will present some remarkable characteristics. Over all + that I wrote the staff was broken! One way was open to me by which to + bring my pieces on the stage; and that was to give them to those actors + who in summer gave representations at their own cost. In the summer of + 1839 I wrote the vaudeville of "The Invisible One on Sprog÷," to scenery + which had been painted for another piece which fell through; and the + unrestrained merriment of the piece gave it such favor with the public, + that I obtained its acceptance by the manager; and that light sketch still + maintains itself on the boards, and has survived such a number of + representations as I had never anticipated. + </p> + <p> + This approbation, however, procured me no further advantage, for each of + my succeeding dramatic works received only rejection, and occasioned me + only mortification. Nevertheless, seized by the idea and the circumstances + of the little French narrative, "<i>Les paves</i>," I determined to + dramatise it; and as I had often heard that I did not possess the + assiduity sufficient to work my mat riel well, I resolved to labor this + drama—"The Mulatto"—from the beginning to the end, in the most + diligent manner, and to compose it in alternately rhyming verse, as was + then the fashion. It was a foreign subject of which I availed myself; but + if verses are music, I at least endeavored to adapt my music to the text, + and to let the poetry of another diffuse itself through my spiritual + blood; so that people should not be heard to say, as they had done before, + regarding the romance of Walter Scott, that the composition was cut down + and fitted to the stage. + </p> + <p> + The piece was ready, and declared by able men, old friends, and actors who + were to appear in it, to be excellent; a rich dramatic capacity lay in the + mat riel, and my lyrical composition clothed this with so fresh a green, + that people appeared satisfied. The piece was sent in, and was rejected by + Molbeck. It was sufficiently known that what he cherished for the boards, + withered there the first evening; but what he cast away as weeds were + flowers for the garden—a real consolation for me. The + assistant-manager, Privy Counsellor of State, Adler, a man of taste and + liberality, became the patron of my work; and since a very favorable + opinion of it already prevailed with the public, after I had read it to + many persons, it was resolved on for representation. I had the honor to + read it before my present King and Queen, who received me in a very kind + and friendly manner, and from whom, since that time, I have experienced + many proofs of favor and cordiality. The day of representation arrived; + the bills were posted; I had not closed my eyes through the whole night + from excitement and expectation; the people already stood in throngs + before the theatre, to procure tickets, when royal messengers galloped + through the streets, solemn groups collected, the minute guns pealed,—Frederick + VI. had died this morning! + </p> + <p> + For two months more was the theatre closed, and was opened under Christian + VIII., with my drama—"The Mulatto;" which was received with the most + triumphant acclamation; but I could not at once feel the joy of it, I felt + only relieved from a state of excitement, and breathed more freely. + </p> + <p> + This piece continued through a series of representations to receive the + same approbation; many placed this work far above all my former ones, and + considered that with it began my proper poetical career. It was soon + translated into the Swedish, and acted with applause at the royal theatre + in Stockholm. Travelling players introduced it into the smaller towns in + the neighboring country; a Danish company gave it in the original + language, in the Swedish city Malm÷, and a troop of students from the + university town of Lund, welcomed it with enthusiasm. I had been for a + week previous on a visit at some Swedish country houses, where I was + entertained with so much cordial kindness that the recollection of it will + never quit my bosom; and there, in a foreign country, I received the first + public testimony of honor, and which has left upon me the deepest and most + inextinguishable impression. I was invited by some students of Lund to + visit their ancient town. Here a public dinner was given to me; speeches + were made, toasts were pronounced; and as I was in the evening in a family + circle, I was informed that the students meant to honor me with a + serenade. + </p> + <p> + I felt myself actually overcome by this intelligence; my heart throbbed + feverishly as I descried the thronging troop, with their blue caps, and + arm-in-arm approaching the house. I experienced a feeling of humiliation; + a most lively consciousness of my deficiencies, so that I seemed bowed to + the very earth at the moment others were elevating me. As they all + uncovered their heads while I stepped forth, I had need of all my thoughts + to avoid bursting into tears. In the feeling that I was unworthy of all + this, I glanced round to see whether a smile did not pass over the face of + some one, but I could discern nothing of the kind; and such a discovery + would, at that moment, have inflicted on me the deepest wound. + </p> + <p> + After an hurrah, a speech was delivered, of which I clearly recollect the + following words:—"When your native land, and the natives of Europe + offer you their homage, then may you never forget that the first public + honors were conferred on you by the students of Lund." + </p> + <p> + When the heart is warm, the strength of the expression is not weighed. I + felt it deeply, and replied, that from this moment I became aware that I + must assert a name in order to render myself worthy of these tokens of + honor. I pressed the hands of those nearest to me, and returned them + thanks so deep, so heartfelt,—certainly never was an expression of + thanks more sincere. When I returned to my chamber, I went aside, in order + to weep out this excitement, this overwhelming sensation. "Think no more + of it, be joyous with us," said some of my lively Swedish friends; but a + deep earnestness had entered my soul. Often has the memory of this time + come back to me; and no noble-minded man, who reads these pages will + discover a vanity in the fact, that I have lingered so long over this + moment of life, which scorched the roots of pride rather than nourished + them. + </p> + <p> + My drama was now to be brought on the stage at Malm÷; the students wished + to see it; but I hastened my departure, that I might not be in the theatre + at the time. With gratitude and joy fly my thoughts towards the Swedish + University city, but I myself have not been there again since. In the + Swedish newspapers the honors paid me were mentioned, and it was added + that the Swedes were not unaware that in my own country there was a clique + which persecuted me; but that this should not hinder my neighbors from + offering me the honors which they deemed my due. + </p> + <p> + It was when I had returned to Copenhagen that I first truly felt how + cordially I had been received by the Swedes; amongst some of my old and + tried friends I found the most genuine sympathy. I saw tears in their + eyes, tears of joy for the honors paid me; and especially, said they, for + the manner in which I had received them. There is but one manner for me; + at once, in the midst of joy, I fly with thanks to God. + </p> + <p> + There were certain persons who smiled at the enthusiasm; certain voices + raised themselves already against "The Mulatto;"—"the mat riel was + merely borrowed;" the French narrative was scrupulously studied. That + exaggerated praise which I had received, now made me sensitive to the + blame; I could bear it less easily than before, and saw more clearly, that + it did not spring out of an interest in the matter, but was only uttered + in order to mortify me. For the rest, my mind was fresh and elastic; I + conceived precisely at this time the idea of "The Picture-Book without + Pictures," and worked it out. This little book appears, to judge by the + reviews and the number of editions, to have obtained an extraordinary + popularity in Germany; it was also translated into Swedish, and dedicated + to myself; at home, it was here less esteemed; people talked only of The + Mulatto; and finally, only of the borrowed mat riel of it. I determined, + therefore to produce a new dramatic work, in which both subject and + development, in fact, everything should be of my own conception. I had the + idea, and now wrote the tragedy of The Moorish Maiden, hoping through this + to stop the mouths of all my detractors, and to assert my place as a + dramatic poet. I hoped, too, through the income from this, together with + the proceeds of The Mulatto, to be able to make a fresh journey, not only + to Italy, but to Greece and Turkey. My first going abroad had more than + all besides operated towards my intellectual development; I was therefore + full of the passion for travel, and of the endeavor to acquire more + knowledge of nature and of human life. + </p> + <p> + My new piece did not please Heiberg, nor indeed my dramatic endeavors at + all; his wife—for whom the chief part appeared to me especially to + be written—refused, and that not in the most friendly manner, to + play it. Deeply wounded, I went forth. I lamented this to some + individuals. Whether this was repeated, or whether a complaint against the + favorite of the public is a crime, enough: from this hour Heiberg became + my opponent,—he whose intellectual rank I so highly estimated,—he + with whom I would so willingly have allied myself,—and he who so + often—I will venture to say it—I had approached with the whole + sincerity of my nature. I have constantly declared his wife to be so + distinguished an actress, and continue still so entirely of this opinion, + that I would not hesitate one moment to assert that she would have a + European reputation, were the Danish language as widely diffused as the + German or the French. In tragedy she is, by the spirit and the geniality + with which she comprehends and fills any part, a most interesting object; + and in comedy she stands unrivalled. + </p> + <p> + The wrong may be on my side or not,—no matter: a party was opposed + to me. I felt myself wounded, excited by many coincident annoyances there. + I felt uncomfortable in my native country, yes, almost ill. I therefore + left my piece to its fate, and, suffering and disconcerted, I hastened + forth. In this mood I wrote a prologue to The Moorish Maiden; which + betrayed my irritated mind far too palpably. If I would represent this + portion of my life more clearly and reflectively it would require me to + penetrate into the mysteries of the theatre, to analyze our aesthetic + cliques, and to drag into conspicuous notice many individuals, who do not + belong to publicity. Many persons in my place would, like me, have fallen + ill, or would have resented it vehemently: perhaps the latter would have + been the most sensible. + </p> + <p> + At my departure, many of my young friends amongst the students prepared a + banquet for me; and amongst the elder ones who were present to receive me + were Collin, Oehlenschl ger and Oersted. This was somewhat of sunshine in + the midst of my mortification; songs by Oehlenschl ger and Hillerup were + sung; and I found cordiality and friendship, as I quitted my country in + distress. This was in October of 1840. + </p> + <p> + For the second time I went to Italy and Rome, to Greece and Constantinople—a + journey which I have described after my own manner in A Poet's Bazaar. + </p> + <p> + In Holstein I continued some days with Count Rantzau-Breitenburg, who had + before invited me, and whose ancestral castle I now for the first time + visited. Here I became acquainted with the rich scenery of Holstein, heath + and moorland, and then hastened by Nuremberg to Munich, where I again met + with Cornelius and Schelling, and was kindly received by Kaulbach and + Schelling. I cast a passing glance on the artistic life in Munich, but for + the most part pursued my own solitary course, sometimes filled with the + joy of life, but oftener despairing of my powers. I possessed a peculiar + talent, that of lingering on the gloomy side of life, of extracting the + bitter from it, of tasting it; and understood well, when the whole was + exhausted, how to torment myself. + </p> + <p> + In the winter season I crossed the Brenner, remained some days in + Florence, which I had before visited for a longer time, and about + Christmas reached Rome. Here again I saw the noble treasures of art, met + old friends, and once more passed a Carnival and Moccoli. But not alone + was I bodily ill; nature around me appeared likewise to sicken; there was + neither the tranquillity nor the freshness which attended my first sojourn + in Rome. The rocks quaked, the Tiber twice rose into the streets, fever + raged, and snatched numbers away. In a few days Prince Borghese lost his + wife and three sons. Rain and wind prevailed; in short, it was dismal, and + from home cold lotions only were sent me. My letters told me that The + Moorish Maiden had several times been acted through, and had gone quietly + off the stage; but, as was seen beforehand, a small public only had been + present, and therefore the manager had laid the piece aside. Other + Copenhagen letters to our countrymen in Rome spoke with enthusiasm of a + new work by Heiberg; a satirical poem—A Soul after Death. It was but + just out, they wrote; all Copenhagen was full of it, and Andersen was + famously handled in it. The book was admirable, and I was made ridiculous + in it. That was the whole which I heard,—all that I knew. No one + told me what really was said of me; wherein lay the amusement and the + ludicrous. It is doubly painful to be ridiculed when we don't know + wherefore we are so. The information operated like molten lead dropped + into a wound, and agonized me cruelly. It was not till after my return to + Denmark that I read this book, and found that what was said of me in it, + was really nothing in itself which was worth laying to heart. It was a + jest over my celebrity "from Schonen to Hundsr ck", which did not please + Heiberg; he therefore sent my Mulatto and The Moorish Maiden to the + infernal regions, where—and that was the most witty conceit—the + condemned were doomed to witness the performance of both pieces in one + evening; and then they could go away and lay themselves down quietly. I + found the poetry, for the rest, so excellent, that I was half induced to + write to Heiberg, and to return him my thanks for it; but I slept upon + this fancy, and when I awoke and was more composed, I feared lest such + thanks should be misunderstood; and so I gave it up. + </p> + <p> + In Rome, as I have said, I did not see the book; I only heard the arrows + whizz and felt their wound, but I did not know what the poison was which + lay concealed in them. It seemed to me that Rome was no joy-bringing city; + when I was there before, I had also passed dark and bitter days. I was + ill, for the first time in my life, truly and bodily ill, and I made haste + to get away. + </p> + <p> + The Danish poet Holst was then in Rome; he had received this year a + travelling pension. Hoist had written an elegy on King Frederick VI., + which went from mouth to mouth, and awoke an enthusiasm, like that of + Becker's contemporaneous Rhine song in Germany. He lived in the same house + with me in Rome, and showed me much sympathy: with him I made the journey + to Naples, where, notwithstanding it was March, the sun would not properly + shine, and the snow lay on the hills around. There was fever in my blood; + I suffered in body and in mind; and I soon lay so severely affected by it, + that certainly nothing but a speedy blood-letting, to which my excellent + Neapolitan landlord compelled me, saved my life. + </p> + <p> + In a few days I grew sensibly better; and I now proceeded by a French war + steamer to Greece. Holst accompanied me on board. It was now as if a new + life had risen for me; and in truth this was the case; and if this does + not appear legibly in my later writings, yet it manifested itself in my + views of life, and in my whole inner development. As I saw my European + home lie far behind me, it seemed to me as if a stream of forgetfulness + flowed of all bitter and rankling remembrances: I felt health in my blood, + health in my thoughts, and freshly and courageously I again raised my + head. + </p> + <p> + Like another Switzerland, with a loftier and clearer heaven than the + Italian, Greece lay before me; nature made a deep and solemn impression + upon me; I felt the sentiment of standing on the great battle field of the + world, where nation had striven with nation, and had perished. No single + poem can embrace such greatness; every scorched-up bed of a stream, every + height, every stone, has mighty memoirs to relate. How little appear the + inequalities of daily life in such a place! A kingdom of ideas streamed + through me, and with such a fulness, that none of them fixed themselves on + paper. I had a desire to express the idea, that the godlike was here on + earth to maintain its contest, that it is thrust backward, and yet + advances again victoriously through all ages; and I found in the legend of + the Wandering Jew an occasion for it. For twelve months this fiction had + been emerging from the sea of my thoughts; often did it wholly fill me; + sometimes I fancied with the alchemists that I had dug up the treasure; + then again it sank suddenly, and I despaired of ever being able to bring + it to the light. I felt what a mass of knowledge of various kinds I must + first acquire. Often at home, when I was compelled to hear reproofs on + what they call a want of study, I had sat deep into the night, and had + studied history in Hegel's Philosophy of History. I said nothing of this, + or other studies, or they would immediately have been spoken of, in the + manner of an instructive lady, who said, that people justly complained + that I did not possess learning enough. "You have really no mythology" + said she; "in all your poems there appears no single God. You must pursue + mythology; you must read Racine and Corneille." That she called learning; + and in like manner every one had something peculiar to recommend. For my + poem of Ahasuerus I had read much and noted much, but yet not enough; in + Greece, I thought, the whole will collect itself into clearness. The poem + is not yet ready, but I hope that it will become so to my honor; for it + happens with the children of the spirit, as with the earthly ones,—they + grow as they sleep. + </p> + <p> + In Athens I was heartily welcomed by Professor Ross, a native of Holstein, + and by my countrymen. I found hospitality and a friendly feeling in the + noble Prokesch-Osten; even the king and queen received me most graciously. + I celebrated my birthday in the Acropolis. + </p> + <p> + From Athens I sailed to Smyrna, and with me it was no childish pleasure to + be able to tread another quarter of the globe. I felt a devotion in it, + like that which I felt as a child when I entered the old church at Odense. + I thought on Christ, who bled on this earth; I thought on Homer, whose + song eternally resounds hence over the earth. The shores of Asia preached + to me their sermons, and were perhaps more impressive than any sermon in + any church can be. + </p> + <p> + In Constantinople I passed eleven interesting days; and according to my + good fortune in travel, the birthday of Mahomet itself fell exactly during + my stay there. I saw the grand illumination, which completely transported + me into the Thousand and One Nights. + </p> + <p> + Our Danish ambassador lived several miles from Constantinople, and I had + therefore no opportunity of seeing him; but I found a cordial reception + with the Austrian internuntius, Baron von St rmer. With him I had a German + home and friends. I contemplated making my return by the Black Sea and up + the Danube; but the country was disturbed; it was said there had been + several thousand Christians murdered. My companions of the voyage, in the + hotel where I resided, gave up this route of the Danube, for which I had + the greatest desire, and collectively counselled me against it. But in + this case I must return again by Greece and Italy—it was a severe + conflict. + </p> + <p> + I do not belong to the courageous; I feel fear, especially in little + dangers; but in great ones, and when an advantage is to be won, then I + have a will, and it has grown firmer with years. I may tremble, I may + fear; but I still do that which I consider the most proper to be done. I + am not ashamed to confess my weakness; I hold that when out of our own + true conviction we run counter to our inborn fear, we have done our duty. + I had a strong desire to become acquainted with the interior of the + country, and to traverse the Danube in its greatest expansion. I battled + with myself; my imagination pointed to me the most horrible circumstances; + it was an anxious night. In the morning I took counsel with Baron St rmer; + and as he was of opinion that I might undertake the voyage, I determined + upon it. From the moment that I had taken my determination, I had the most + immovable reliance on Providence, and flung myself calmly on my fate. + Nothing happened to me. The voyage was prosperous, and after the + quarantine on the Wallachian frontier, which was painful enough to me, I + arrived at Vienna on the twenty-first day of the journey. The sight of its + towers, and the meeting with numerous Danes, awoke in me the thought of + being speedily again at home. The idea bowed down my heart, and sad + recollections and mortifications rose up within me once more. + </p> + <p> + In August, 1841, I was again in Copenhagen. There I wrote my recollections + of travel, under the title of A Poet's Bazaar, in several chapters, + according to the countries. In various places abroad I had met with + individuals, as at home, to whom I felt myself attached. A poet is like + the bird; he gives what he has, and he gives a song. I was desirous to + give every one of those dear ones such a song. It was a fugitive idea, + born, may I venture to say, in a grateful mood. Count Rantzau-Breitenburg, + who had resided in Italy, who loved the land, and was become a friend and + benefactor to me through my Improvisatore, must love that part of the book + which treated of his country. To Liszt and Thalberg, who had both shown me + the greatest friendship, I dedicated the portion which contained the + voyage up the Danube, because one was a Hungarian and the other an + Austrian. With these indications, the reader will easily be able to trace + out the thought which influenced me in the choice of each dedication. But + these appropriations were, in my native country, regarded as a fresh proof + of my vanity;—"I wished to figure with great names, to name + distinguished people as my friends." + </p> + <p> + The book has been translated into several languages, and the dedications + with it. I know not how they have been regarded abroad; if I have been + judged there as in Denmark, I hope that this explanation will change the + opinion concerning them. In Denmark my Bazaar procured me the most + handsome remuneration that I have as yet received,—a proof that I + was at length read there. No regular criticism appeared upon it, if we + except notices in some daily papers, and afterwards in the poetical + attempt of a young writer who, a year before, had testified to me in + writing his love, and his wish to do me honor; but who now, in his first + public appearance, launched his satirical poem against his friend. I was + personally attached to this young man, and am so still. He assuredly + thought more on the popularity he would gain by sailing in the wake of + Heiberg, than on the pain he would inflict on me. The newspaper criticism + in Copenhagen was infinitely stupid. It was set down as exaggerated, that + I could have seen the whole round blue globe of the moon in Smyrna at the + time of the new moon. That was called fancy and extravagance, which there + every one sees who can open his eyes. The new moon has a dark blue and + perfectly round disk. + </p> + <p> + The Danish critics have generally no open eye for nature: even the highest + and most cultivated monthly periodical of literature in Denmark censured + me once because, in a poem I had described a rainbow by moonlight. That + too was my fancy, which, said they, carried me too far. When I said in the + Bazaar, "if I were a painter, I would paint this bridge; but, as I am no + painter, but a poet, I must therefore speak," &c. Upon this the critic + says, "He is so vain, that he tells us himself that he is a poet." There + is something so pitiful in such criticism, that one cannot be wounded by + it; but even when we are the most peaceable of men, we feel a desire to + flagellate such wet dogs, who come into our rooms and lay themselves down + in the best place in them. There might be a whole Fool's Chronicle written + of all the absurd and shameless things which, from my first appearance + before the public till this moment, I have been compelled to hear. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the Bazaar was much read, and made what is called a hit. I + received, connected with this book, much encouragement and many + recognitions from individuals of the highest distinction in the realms of + intellect in my native land. + </p> + <p> + The journey had strengthened me both in mind and body; I began to show + indications of a firmer purpose, a more certain judgment. I was now in + harmony with myself and with mankind around me. + </p> + <p> + Political life in Denmark had, at that time, arrived at a higher + development, producing both good and evil fruits. The eloquence which had + formerly accustomed itself to the Demosthenic mode, that of putting little + pebbles in the mouth, the little pebbles of every day life, now exercised + itself more freely on subjects of greater interest. I felt no call + thereto, and no necessity to mix myself up in such matters; for I then + believed that the politics of our times were a great misfortune to many a + poet. Madame, politics are like Venus; they whom she decoys into her + castle perish. It fares with the writings of these poets as with the + newspapers: they are seized upon, read, praised, and forgotten. In our + days every one wishes to rule; the subjective makes its power of value; + people forget that that which is thought of cannot always be carried out, + and that many things look very different when contemplated from the top of + the tree, to what they did when seen from its roots. I will bow myself + before him who is influenced by a noble conviction, and who only desires + that which is conducive to good, be he prince or man of the people. + Politics are no affair of mine. God has imparted to me another mission: + that I felt, and that I feel still. I met in the so-called first families + of the country a number of friendly, kind-hearted men, who valued the good + that was in me, received me into their circles, and permitted me to + participate in the happiness of their opulent summer residences; so that, + still feeling independent, I could thoroughly give myself up to the + pleasures of nature, the solitude of woods, and country life. There for + the first time I lived wholly among the scenery of Denmark, and there I + wrote the greater number of my fairy tales. On the banks of quiet lakes, + amid the woods, on the green grassy pastures, where the game sprang past + me and the stork paced along on his red legs, I heard nothing of politics, + nothing of polemics; I heard no one practising himself in Hagel's + phraseology. Nature, which was around me and within me, preached to me of + my calling. I spent many happy days at the old house of Gisselfeld, + formerly a monastery, which stands in the deepest solitude of the woods, + surrounded with lakes and hills. The possessor of this fine place, the old + Countess Danneskjold, mother of the Duchess of Augustenburg, was an + agreeable and excellent lady, I was there not as a poor child of the + people, but as a cordially-received guest. The beeches now overshadow her + grave in the midst of that pleasant scenery to which her heart was allied. + </p> + <p> + Close by Gisselfeld, but in a still finer situation, and of much greater + extent, lies the estate of Bregentoed, which belongs to Count Moltke, + Danish Minister of Finance. The hospitality which I met with in this + place, one of the richest and most beautiful of our country, and the + happy, social life which surrounded me here, have diffused a sunshine over + my life. + </p> + <p> + It may appear, perhaps, as if I desired to bring the names of great people + prominently forward, and make a parade of them; or as if I wished in this + way to offer a kind of thanks to my benefactors. They need it not, and I + should be obliged to mention many other names still if this were my + intention. I speak, however, only of these two places, and of Nys÷, which + belongs to Baron Stampe, and which has become celebrated through + Thorwaldsen. Here I lived much with the great sculptor, and here I became + acquainted with one of my dearest young friends, the future possessor of + the place. + </p> + <p> + Knowledge of life in these various circles has had great influence on me: + among princes, among the nobility, and among the poorest of the people, I + have met with specimens of noble humanity. We all of us resemble each + other in that which is good and best. + </p> + <p> + Winter life in Denmark has likewise its attractions and its rich variety. + I spent also some time in the country during this season, and made myself + acquainted with its peculiar characteristics. The greatest part of my + time, however, I passed in Copenhagen. I felt myself at home with the + married sons and daughters of Collin, where a number of amiable children + were growing up. Every year strengthened the bond of friendship between + myself and the nobly-gifted composer, Hartmann: art and the freshness of + nature prospered in his house. Collin was my counsellor in practical life, + and Oersted in my literary affairs. The theatre was, if I may so say, my + club. I visited it every evening, and in this very year I had received a + place in the so-called court stalls. An author must, as a matter of + course, work himself up to it. After the first accepted piece he obtains + admission to the pit; after the second greater work, in the stalls, where + the actors have their seats; and after three larger works, or a succession + of lesser pieces, the poet is advanced to the best places. Here were to be + found Thorwaldsen, Oehlenschl ger, and several older poets; and here also, + in 1840,1 obtained a place, after I had given in seven pieces. Whilst + Thorwaldsen lived, I often, by his own wish, sate at his side. Oehlenschl + ger was also my neighbor, and in many an evening hour, when no one dreamed + of it, my soul was steeped in deep humility, as I sate between these great + spirits. The different periods of my life passed before me; the time when + I sate on the hindmost bench in the box of the female figurantes, as well + as that in which, full of childish superstition, I knelt down there upon + the stage and repeated the Lord's Prayer, just before the very place where + I now sate among the first and the most distinguished men. At the time, + perhaps, when a countryman of mine thus thought of and passed judgment + upon me,—"there he sits, between the two great spirits, full of + arrogance and pride;" he may now perceive by this acknowledgment how + unjustly he has judged me. Humility, and prayer to God for strength to + deserve my happiness, filled my heart. May He always enable me to preserve + these feelings? I enjoyed the friendship of Thorwaldsen as well as of + Oehlenschl ger, those two most distinguished stars in the horizon of the + North. I may here bring forward their reflected glory in and around me. + </p> + <p> + There is in the character of Oehlenschl ger, when he is not seen in the + circles of the great, where he is quiet and reserved, something so open + and child-like, that no one can help becoming attached to him. As a poet, + he holds in the North a position of as great importance as Goethe did in + Germany. He is in his best works so penetrated by the spirit of the North, + that through him it has, as it were, ascended upon all nations. In foreign + countries he is not so much appreciated. The works by which he is best + known are "Correggio" and "Aladdin;" but assuredly his masterly poem of + "The Northern Gods" occupied a far higher rank: it is our "Iliad." It + possesses power, freshness—nay, any expression of mine is poor. It + is possessed of grandeur; it is the poet Oehlenschl ger in the bloom of + his soul. Hakon, Jarl, and Palnatoke will live in the poetry of Oehlenschl + ger as long as mankind endures. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have fully + appreciated him, and have shown him that they do so, and whenever it is + asked who occupies the first place in the kingdom of mind, the palm is + always awarded to him. He is the true-born poet; he appears always young, + whilst he himself, the oldest of all, surpasses all in the productiveness + of his mind. He listened with friendly disposition to my first lyrical + outpourings; and he acknowledged with earnestness and cordiality the poet + who told the fairy-tales. My Biographer in the Danish Pantheon brought me + in contact with Oehlenschl ger, when he said, "In our days it is becoming + more and more rare for any one, by implicitly following those inborn + impulses of his soul, which make themselves irresistibly felt, to step + forward as an artist or a poet. He is more frequently fashioned by fate + and circumstances than apparently destined by nature herself for this + office. With the greater number of our poets an early acquaintance with + passion, early inward experience, or outward circumstances, stand instead + of the original vein of nature, and this cannot in any case be more + incontestably proved in our own literature than by instancing Oehlenschl + ger and Andersen. And in this way it may be explained why the former has + been so frequently the object for the attacks of the critics, and why the + latter was first properly appreciated as a poet in foreign countries where + civilization of a longer date has already produced a disinclination for + the compulsory rule of schools, and has occasioned a reaction towards that + which is fresh and natural; whilst we Danes, on the contrary, cherish a + pious respect for the yoke of the schools and the worn-out wisdom of + maxims." + </p> + <p> + Thorwaldsen, whom, as I have already said, I had become acquainted with in + Rome in the years 1833 and 1834, was expected in Denmark in the autumn of + 1838, and great festive preparations were made in consequence. A flag was + to wave upon one of the towers of Copenhagen as soon as the vessel which + brought him should come in sight. It was a national festival. Boats + decorated with flowers and flags filled the Rhede; painters, sculptors, + all had their flags with emblems; the students' bore a Minerva, the poets' + a Pegasus. It was misty weather, and the ship was first seen when it was + already close by the city, and all poured out to meet him. The poets, who, + I believe, according to the arrangement of Heiberg, had been invited, + stood by their boat; Oehlenschl ger and Heiberg alone had not arrived. And + now guns were fired from the ship, which came to anchor, and it was to be + feared that Thorwaldsen might land before we had gone out to meet him. The + wind bore the voice of singing over to us: the festive reception had + already begun. + </p> + <p> + I wished to see him, and therefore cried out to the others, "Let us put + off!" + </p> + <p> + "Without Oehlenschl ger and Heiberg?" asked some one. + </p> + <p> + "But they are not arrived, and it will be all over." + </p> + <p> + One of the poets declared that if these two men were not with us, I should + not sail under that flag, and pointed up to Pegasus. + </p> + <p> + "We will throw it in the boat," said I, and took it down from the staff; + the others now followed me, and came up just as Thorwaldsen reached land. + We met with Oehlenschl ger and Heiberg in another boat, and they came over + to us as the enthusiasm began on shore. + </p> + <p> + The people drew Thorwaldsen's carriage through the streets to his house, + where everybody who had the slightest acquaintance with him, or with the + friends of a friend of his, thronged around him. In the evening the + artists gave him a serenade, and the blaze of the torches illumined the + garden under the large trees, there was an exultation and joy which really + and truly was felt. Young and old hastened through the open doors, and the + joyful old man clasped those whom he knew to his breast, gave them his + kiss, and pressed their hands. There was a glory round Thorwaldsen which + kept me timidly back: my heart beat for joy of seeing him who had met me + when abroad with kindness and consolation, who had pressed me to his + heart, and had said that we must always remain friends. But here in this + jubilant crowd, where thousands noticed every movement of his, where I too + by all these should be observed and criticised—yes, criticised as a + vain man who now only wished to show that he too was acquainted with + Thorwaldsen, and that this great man was kind and friendly towards him—here, + in this dense crowd, I drew myself back, and avoided being recognized by + him. Some days afterwards, and early in the morning, I went to call upon + him, and found him as a friend who had wondered at not having seen me + earlier. + </p> + <p> + In honor of Thorwaldsen a musical-poetic academy was established, and the + poets, who were invited to do so by Heiberg, wrote and read each one a + poem in praise of him who had returned home. I wrote of Jason who fetched + the golden fleece—that is to say, Jason-Thorwaldsen, who went forth + to win golden art. A great dinner and a ball closed the festival, in + which, for the first time in Denmark, popular life and a subject of great + interest in the realms of art were made public. + </p> + <p> + From this evening I saw Thorwaldsen almost daily in company or in his + studio: I often passed several weeks together with him at Nys÷, where he + seemed to have firmly taken root, and where the greater number of his + works, executed in Denmark, had their origin. He was of a healthful and + simple disposition of mind, not without humor, and, therefore, he was + extremely attached to Holberg the poet: he did not at all enter into the + troubles and the disruptions of the world. + </p> + <p> + One morning at Nys÷—at the time when he was working at his own + statue—I entered his work-room and bade him good morning; he + appeared as if he did not wish to notice me, and I stole softly away + again. At breakfast he was very parsimonious in the use of words, and when + somebody asked him to say something at all events, he replied in his dry + way:— + </p> + <p> + "I have said more during this morning than in many whole days, but nobody + heard me. There I stood, and fancied that Andersen was behind me, for he + came, and said good morning—so I told him a long story about myself + and Byron. I thought that he might give one word in reply, and turned + myself round; and there had I been standing a whole hour and chattering + aloud to the bare walls." + </p> + <p> + We all of us besought him to let us hear the whole story yet once more; + but we had it now very short. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that was in Rome," said he, "when I was about to make Byron's statue; + he placed himself just opposite to me, and began immediately to assume + quite another countenance to what was customary to him. 'Will not you sit + still?' said I; 'but you must not make these faces.' 'It is my + expression,' said Byron. 'Indeed?' said I, and then I made him as I + wished, and everybody said, when it was finished, that I had hit the + likeness. When Byron, however, saw it, he said, 'It does not resemble me + at all; I look more unhappy.'" + </p> + <p> + "He was, above all things, so desirous of looking extremely unhappy," + added Thorwaldsen, with a comic expression. + </p> + <p> + It afforded the great sculptor pleasure to listen to music after dinner + with half-shut eyes, and it was his greatest delight when in the evening + the game of lotto began, which the whole neighborhood of Nys÷ was obliged + to learn; they only played for glass pieces, and on this account I am able + to relate a peculiar characteristic of this otherwise great man—that + he played with the greatest interest on purpose to win. He would espouse + with warmth and vehemence the part of those from whom he believed that he + had received an injustice; he opposed himself to unfairness and raillery, + even against the lady of the house, who for the rest had the most + childlike sentiments towards him, and who had no other thought than how to + make everything most agreeable to him. In his company I wrote several of + my tales for children—for example, "Ole Luck Oin," ("Ole Shut Eye,") + to which he listened with pleasure and interest. Often in the twilight, + when the family circle sate in the open garden parlor, Thorwaldsen would + come softly behind me, and, clapping me on the shoulder, would ask, "Shall + we little ones hear any tales tonight?" + </p> + <p> + In his own peculiarly natural manner he bestowed the most bountiful praise + on my fictions, for their truth; it delighted him to hear the same stories + over and over again. Often, during his most glorious works, would he stand + with laughing countenance, and listen to the stories of the Top and the + Ball, and the Ugly Duckling. I possess a certain talent of improvising in + my native tongue little poems and songs. This talent amused Thorwaldsen + very much; and as he had modelled, at Nys÷, Holberg's portrait in clay, I + was commissioned to make a poem for his work, and he received, therefore, + the following impromptu:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "No more shall Holberg live," by Death was said, + "I crush the clay, his soul's bonds heretofore." + "And from the formless clay, the cold, the dead," + Cried Thorwaldsen, "shall Holberg live once more." +</pre> + <p> + One morning, when he had just modelled in clay his great bas-relief of the + Procession to Golgotha, I entered his study. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me," said he, "does it seem to you that I have dressed Pilate + properly?" + </p> + <p> + "You must not say anything to him," said the Baroness, who was always with + him: "it is right; it is excellent; go away with you!" + </p> + <p> + Thorwaldsen repeated his question. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said I, "as you ask me, I must confess that it really does + appear to me as if Pilate were dressed rather as an Egyptian than as a + Roman." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me so too," said Thorwaldsen, seizing the clay with his hand, + and destroying the figure. + </p> + <p> + "Now you are guilty of his having annihilated an immortal work," exclaimed + the Baroness to me with warmth. + </p> + <p> + "Then we can make a new immortal work," said he, in a cheerful humor, and + modelled Pilate as he now remains in the bas-relief in the Ladies' Church + in Copenhagen. + </p> + <p> + His last birth-day was celebrated there in the country. I had written a + merry little song, and it was hardly dry on the paper, when we sang it, in + the early morning, before his door, accompanied by the music of jingling + fire-irons, gongs, and bottles rubbed against a basket. Thorwaldsen + himself, in his morning gown and slippers, opened his door, and danced + round his chamber; swung round his Raphael's cap, and joined in the + chorus. There was life and mirth in the strong old man. + </p> + <p> + On the last day of his life I sate by him at dinner; he was unusually + good-humored; repeated several witticisms which he had just read in the + Corsair, a well-known Copenhagen newspaper, and spoke of the journey which + he should undertake to Italy in the summer. After this we parted; he went + to the theatre, and I home. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning the waiter at the hotel where I lived said, "that + it was a very remarkable thing about Thorwaldsen—that he had died + yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "Thorwaldsen!" exclaimed I; "he is not dead, I dined with him yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "People say that he died last evening at the theatre," returned the + waiter. I fancied that he might be taken ill; but still I felt a strange + anxiety, and hastened immediately over to his house. There lay his corpse + stretched out on the bed; the chamber was filled with strangers; the floor + wet with melted snow; the air stifling; no one said a word: the Baroness + Stampe sate on the bed and wept bitterly. I stood trembling and deeply + agitated. + </p> + <p> + A farewell hymn, which I wrote, and to which Hartmann composed the music, + was sung by Danish students over his coffin. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + In the summer of 1842, I wrote a little piece for the summer theatre, + called, "The Bird in the Pear-tree," in which several scenes were acted up + in the pear-tree. I had called it a dramatic trifle, in order that no one + might expect either a great work or one of a very elaborate character. It + was a little sketch, which, after being performed a few times, was + received with so much applause, that the directors of the theatre accepted + it; nay, even Mrs. Heiberg, the favorite of the public, desired to take a + part in it. People had amused themselves; had thought the selection of the + music excellent. I knew that the piece had stood its rehearsal—and + then suddenly it was hissed. Some young men, who gave the word to hiss, + had said to some others, who inquired from them their reasons for doing + so, that the trifle had too much luck, and then Andersen would be getting + too mettlesome. + </p> + <p> + I was not, on this evening, at the theatre myself, and had not the least + idea of what was going on. On the following I went to the house of one of + my friends. I had head-ache, and was looking very grave. The lady of the + house met me with a sympathizing manner, took my hand, and said, "Is it + really worth while to take it so much to heart? There were only two who + hissed, the whole house beside took your part." + </p> + <p> + "Hissed! My part! Have I been hissed?" exclaimed I. + </p> + <p> + It was quite comic; one person assured me that this hissing had been a + triumph for me; everybody had joined in acclamation, and "there was only + one who hissed." + </p> + <p> + After this, another person came, and I asked him of the number of those + who hissed. "Two," said he. The next person said "three," and said + positively there were no more. One of my most veracious friends now made + his appearance, and I asked him upon his conscience, how many he had + heard; he laid his hand upon his heart, and said that, at the very + highest, they were five. + </p> + <p> + "No," said I, "now I will ask nobody more; the number grows just as with + Falstaff; here stands one who asserts that there was only one person who + hissed." + </p> + <p> + Shocked, and yet inclined to set it all right again, he replied, "Yes, + that is possible, but then it was a strong, powerful hiss." + </p> + <p> + By my last works, and through a rational economy, I had now saved a small + sum of money, which I destined to the purposes of a new journey to Paris, + where I arrived in the winter of 1843, by way of D sseldorf, through + Belgium. + </p> + <p> + Marmier had already, in the <i>R vue de Paris</i>, written an article on + me, <i>La Vie d'un Po te</i>. He had also translated several of my poems + into French, and had actually honored me with a poem which is printed in + the above-named <i>R vue</i>. My name had thus reached, like a sound, the + ears of some persons in the literary world, and I here met with a + surprisingly friendly reception. + </p> + <p> + At Victor Hugo's invitation, I saw his abused <i>Burggraves</i>. Mr. and + Mrs. Ancelot opened their house to me, and there I met Martinez della Rosa + and other remarkable men of these times. Lamart ne seemed to me, in his + domestic, and in his whole personal appearance, as the prince of them all. + On my apologizing because I spoke such bad French, he replied, that he was + to blame, because he did not understand the northern languages, in which, + as he had discovered in late years, there existed a fresh and vigorous + literature, and where the poetical ground was so peculiar that you had + only to stoop down to find an old golden horn. He asked about the Trollh + tta canal, and avowed a wish to visit Denmark and Stockholm. He + recollected also our now reigning king, to whom, when as prince he was in + Castellamare, he had paid his respects; besides this, he exhibited for a + Frenchman, an extraordinary acquaintance with names and places in Denmark. + On my departure he wrote a little poem for me, which I preserve amongst my + dearest relics. + </p> + <p> + I generally found the jovial Alexander Dumas in bed, even long after + mid-day: here he lay, with paper, pen, and ink, and wrote his newest + drama. I found him thus one day; he nodded kindly to me, and said, "Sit + down a minute; I have just now a visit from my muse; she will be going + directly." He wrote on; spoke aloud; shouted a <i>viva!</i> sprang out of + bed, and said, "The third act is finished!" + </p> + <p> + One evening he conducted me round into the various theatres, that I might + see the life behind the scenes. We wandered about, arm in arm, along the + gay Boulevard. + </p> + <p> + I also have to thank him for my acquaintance with Rachel. I had not seen + her act, when Alexander Dumas asked me whether I had the desire to make + her acquaintance. One evening, when she was to come out as Phedra he led + me to the stage of the Th atre Fran ais. The Representation had begun, and + behind the scenes, where a folding screen had formed a sort of room, in + which stood a table with refreshments, and a few ottomans, sate the young + girl who, as an author has said, understands how to chisel living statues + out of Racine's and Corneille's blocks of marble. She was thin and + slenderly formed, and looked very young. She looked to me there, and more + particularly so afterwards in her own house, as an image of mourning; as a + young girl who has just wept out her sorrow, and will now let her thoughts + repose in quiet. She accosted us kindly in a deep powerful voice. In the + course of conversation with Dumas, she forgot me. I stood there quite + superfluous. Dumas observed it, said something handsome of me, and on that + I ventured to take part in the discourse, although I had a depressing + feeling that I stood before those who perhaps spoke the most beautiful + French in all France. I said that I truly had seen much that was glorious + and interesting, but that I had never yet seen a Rachel, and that on her + account especially had I devoted the profits of my last work to a journey + to Paris; and as, in conclusion, I added an apology on account of my + French, she smiled and said, "When you say anything so polite as that + which you have just said to me, to a Frenchwoman, she will always think + that you speak well." + </p> + <p> + When I told her that her fame had resounded to the North, she declared + that it was her intention to go to Petersburg and Copenhagen: "and when I + come to your city", she said, "you must be my defender, as you are the + only one there whom I know; and in order that we may become acquainted, + and as you, as you say, are come to Paris especially on my account, we + must see each other frequently. You will be welcome to me. I see my + friends at my house every Thursday. But duty calls," said she, and + offering us her hand, she nodded kindly, and then stood a few paces from + us on the stage, taller, quite different, and with the expression of the + tragic muse herself. Joyous acclamations ascended to where we sat. + </p> + <p> + As a Northlander I cannot accustom myself to the French mode of acting + tragedy. Rachel plays in this same style, but in her it appears to be + nature itself; it is as if all the others strove to imitate her. She is + herself the French tragic muse, the others are only poor human beings. + When Rachel plays people fancy that all tragedy must be acted in this + manner. It is in her truth and nature, but under another revelation to + that with which we are acquainted in the north. + </p> + <p> + At her house everything is rich and magnificent, perhaps too <i>recherch + </i>. The innermost room was blue-green, with shaded lamps and statuettes + of French authors. In the salon, properly speaking, the color which + prevailed principally in the carpets, curtains, and bookcases was crimson. + She herself was dressed in black, probably as she is represented in the + well-known English steel engraving of her. Her guests consisted of + gentlemen, for the greater part artists and men of learning. I also heard + a few titles amongst them. Richly apparelled servants announced the names + of the arrivals; tea was drunk and refreshments handed round, more in the + German than the French style. + </p> + <p> + Victor Hugo had told me that he found she understood the German language. + I asked her, and she replied in German, "ich kann es lesen; ich bin ja in + Lothringen geboren; ich habe deutsche B cher, sehn Sie hier!" and she + showed me Grillparzer's "Sappho," and then immediately continued the + conversation in French. She expressed her pleasure in acting the part of + Sappho, and then spoke of Schiller's "Maria Stuart," which character she + has personated in a French version of that play. I saw her in this part, + and she gave the last act especially with such a composure and tragic + feeling, that she might have been one of the best of German actresses; but + it was precisely in this very act that the French liked her least. + </p> + <p> + "My countrymen," said she, "are not accustomed to this manner, and in this + manner alone can the part be given. No one should be raving when the heart + is almost broken with sorrow, and when he is about to take an everlasting + farewell of his friends." + </p> + <p> + Her drawing-room was, for the most part, decorated with books which were + splendidly bound and arranged in handsome book-cases behind glass. A + painting hung on the wall, which represented the interior of the theatre + in London, where she stood forward on the stage, and flowers and garlands + were thrown to her across the orchestra. Below this picture hung a pretty + little book-shelf, holding what I call "the high nobility among the + poets,"—Goethe, Schiller, Calderon, Shakspeare, &c. + </p> + <p> + She asked me many questions respecting Germany and Denmark, art, and the + theatre; and she encouraged me with a kind smile around her grave mouth, + when I stumbled in French and stopped for a moment to collect myself, that + I might not stick quite fast. + </p> + <p> + "Only speak," said she. "It is true that you do not speak French well. I + have heard many foreigners speak my native language better; but their + conversation has not been nearly as interesting as yours. I understand the + sense of your words perfectly, and that is the principal thing which + interests me in you." + </p> + <p> + The last time we parted she wrote the following words in my album: "L'art + c'est le vrai! J'esp re que cet aphorisme ne semblera pas paradoxal un + crivain si distingu comme M. Andersen." + </p> + <p> + I perceived amiability of character in Alfred de Vigny. He has married an + English lady, and that which is best in both nations seemed to unite in + his house. The last evening which I spent in Paris, he himself, who is + possessed of intellectual status and worldly wealth, came almost at + midnight to my lodging in the Rue Richelieu, ascended the many steps, and + brought me his works under his arm. So much cordiality beamed in his eyes + and he seemed to be so full of kindness towards me, that I felt affected + by our separation. + </p> + <p> + I also became acquainted with the sculptor David. There was a something in + his demeanor and in his straightforward manner that reminded me of + Thorwaldsen and Bissen, especially of the latter. We did not meet till + towards the conclusion of my residence in Paris. He lamented it, and said + that he would execute a bust of me if I would remain there longer. + </p> + <p> + When I said, "But you know nothing of me as a poet, and cannot tell + whether I deserve it or not," he looked earnestly in my face, clapped me + on the shoulder, and said, "I have, however, read you yourself before your + books. You are a poet." + </p> + <p> + At the Countess ——'s, where I met with Balzac, I saw an old + lady, the expression of whose countenance attracted my attention. There + was something so animated, so cordial in it, and everybody gathered about + her. The Countess introduced me to her, and I heard that she was Madame + Reybaud, the authoress of Les Epaves, the little story which I had made + use of for my little drama of The Mulatto. I told her all about it, and of + the representation of the piece, which interested her so much, that she + became from this evening my especial protectress. We went out one evening + together and exchanged ideas. She corrected my French and allowed me to + repeat what did not appear correct to her. She is a lady of rich mental + endowments, with a clear insight into the world, and she showed maternal + kindness towards me. + </p> + <p> + I also again met with Heine. He had married since I was last here. I found + him in indifferent health; but full of energy, and so friendly and so + natural in his behavior towards me, that I felt no timidity in exhibiting + myself to him as I was. One day he had been relating to his wife my story + of the Constant Tin Soldier, and, whilst he said that I was the author of + this story, he introduced me to her. She was a lively, pretty young lady. + A troop of children, who, as Heine says, belonged to a neighbor, played + about in their room. We two played with them whilst Heine copied out one + of his last poems for me. + </p> + <p> + I perceived in him no pain-giving, sarcastic smile; I only heard the + pulsation of a German heart, which is always perceptible in the songs, and + which <i>must</i> live. + </p> + <p> + Through the means of the many people I was acquainted with here, among + whom I might enumerate many others, as, for instance, Kalkbrenner, Gathy, + &c., my residence in Paris was made very cheerful and rich in + pleasure. I did not feel myself like a stranger there: I met with a + friendly reception among the greatest and best. It was like a payment by + anticipation of the talent which was in me, and through which they + expected that I would some time prove them not to have been mistaken. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was in Paris, I received from Germany, where already several of + my works were translated and read, a delightful and encouraging proof of + friendship. A German family, one of the most highly cultivated and amiable + with whom I am acquainted, had read my writings with interest, especially + the little biographical sketch prefixed to Only a Fiddler, and felt the + heartiest goodwill towards me, with whom they were then not personally + acquainted. They wrote to me, expressed their thanks for my works and the + pleasure they had derived from them, and offered me a kind welcome to + their house if I would visit it on my return home. There was a something + extremely cordial and natural in this letter, which was the first that I + received of this kind in Paris, and it also formed a remarkable contrast + to that which was sent to me from my native land in the year 1833, when I + was here for the first time. + </p> + <p> + In this way I found myself, through my writings, adopted, as it were, into + a family to which since then I gladly betake myself, and where I know that + it is not only as the poet, but as the man, that I am beloved. In how many + instances have I not experienced the same kindness in foreign countries! I + will mention one for the sake of its peculiarity. + </p> + <p> + There lived in Saxony a wealthy and benevolent family; the lady of the + house read my romance of Only a Fiddler, and the impression of this book + was such that she vowed that, if ever, in the course of her life, she + should meet with a poor child which was possessed of great musical + talents, she would not allow it to perish as the poor Fiddler had done. A + musician who had heard her say this, brought to her soon after, not one, + but two poor boys, assuring her of their talent, and reminding her of her + promise. She kept her word: both boys were received into her house, were + educated by her, and are now in the Conservatorium; the youngest of them + played before me, and I saw that his countenance was happy and joyful. The + same thing perhaps might have happened; the same excellent lady might have + befriended these children without my book having been written: but + notwithstanding this, my book is now connected with this as a link in the + chain. + </p> + <p> + On my return home from Paris, I went along the Rhine; I knew that the poet + Frieligrath, to whom the King of Prussia had given a pension, was residing + in one of the Rhine towns. The picturesque character of his poems had + delighted me extremely, and I wished to talk with him. I stopped at + several towns on the Rhine, and inquired after him. In St. Goar, I was + shown the house in which he lived. I found him sitting at his writing + table, and he appeared annoyed at being disturbed by a stranger. I did not + mention my name; but merely said that I could not pass St. Goar without + paying my respects to the poet Frieligrath. + </p> + <p> + "That is very kind of you," said he, in a very cold tone; and then asked + who I was. + </p> + <p> + "We have both of us one and the same friend, Chamisso!" replied I, and at + these words he leapt up exultantly. + </p> + <p> + "You are then Andersen!" he exclaimed; threw his arms around my neck, and + his honest eyes beamed with joy. + </p> + <p> + "Now you will stop several days here," said he. I told him that I could + only stay a couple of hours, because I was travelling with some of my + countrymen who were waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + "You have a great many friends in little St. Goar," said he; "it is but a + short time since I read aloud your novel of O. T. to a large circle; one + of these friends I must, at all events, fetch here, and you must also see + my wife. Yes, indeed, you do not know that you had something to do in our + being married." + </p> + <p> + He then related to me how my novel, Only a Fiddler, had caused them to + exchange letters, and then led to their acquaintance, which acquaintance + had ended in their being a married couple. He called her, mentioned to her + my name, and I was regarded as an old friend. Such moments as these are a + blessing; a mercy of God, a happiness—and how many such, how + various, have I not enjoyed! + </p> + <p> + I relate all these, to me, joyful occurrences; they are facts in my life: + I relate them, as I formerly have related that which was miserable, + humiliating, and depressing; and if I have done so, in the spirit which + operated in my soul, it will not be called pride or vanity;—neither + of them would assuredly be the proper name for it. But people may perhaps + ask at home, Has Andersen then never been attacked in foreign countries? I + must reply,—no! + </p> + <p> + No regular attack has been made upon me, at least they have never at home + called my attention to any such, and therefore there certainly cannot have + been anything of the kind;—with the exception of one which made its + appearance in Germany, but which originated in Denmark, at the very moment + when I was in Paris. + </p> + <p> + A certain Mr. Boas made a journey at that time through Scandinavia, and + wrote a book on the subject. In this he gave a sort of survey of Danish + literature, which he also published in the journal called Die Grenzboten; + in this I was very severely handled as a man and as a poet. Several other + Danish poets also, as for instance, Christian Winter, have an equally + great right to complain. Mr. Boas had drawn his information out of the + miserable gossip of every-day life; his work excited attention in + Copenhagen, and nobody there would allow themselves to be considered as + his informants; nay even Holst the poet, who, as may be seen from the + work, travelled with him through Sweden, and had received him at his house + in Copenhagen, on this occasion published, in one of the most widely + circulated of our papers, a declaration that he was in no way connected + with Mr. Boas. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Boas had in Copenhagen attached himself to a particular clique + consisting of a few young men; he had heard them full of lively spirits, + talking during the day, of the Danish poets and their writings; he had + then gone home, written down what he had heard and afterwards published it + in his work. This was, to use the mildest term, inconsiderate. That my + Improvisatore and Only a Fiddler did not please him, is a matter of taste, + and to that I must submit myself. But when he, before the whole of + Germany, where probably people will presume that what he has written is + true, if he declare it to be, as is the case, the universal judgment + against me in my native land; when he, I say, declared me before the whole + of Germany, to be the most haughty of men, he inflicts upon me a deeper + wound than he perhaps imagined. He conveyed the voice of a party, formerly + hostile to me, into foreign countries. Nor is he true even in that which + he represents; he gives circumstances as facts, which never took place. + </p> + <p> + In Denmark what he has written could not injure me, and many have declared + themselves afraid of coming into contact with any one, who printed + everything which he heard. His book was read in Germany, the public of + which is now also mine; and I believe, therefore, that I may here say how + faulty is his view of Danish literature and Danish poets; in what manner + his book was received in my native land and that people there know in what + way it was put together. But after I have expressed myself thus on this + subject I will gladly offer Mr. Boas my hand; and if, in his next visit to + Denmark, no other poet will receive him, I will do my utmost for him; I + know that he will not be able to judge me more severely when we know each + other, than when we knew each other not. His judgment would also have been + quite of another character had he come to Denmark but one year later; + things changed very much in a year's time. Then the tide had turned in my + favor; I then had published my new children's stories, of which from that + moment to the present there prevailed, through the whole of my native + land, but one unchanging honorable opinion. When the edition of my + collection of stories came out at Christmas 1843, the reaction began; + acknowledgment of my merits were made, and favor shown me in Denmark, and + from that time I have no cause for complaint. I have obtained and I obtain + in my own land that which I deserve, nay perhaps, much more. + </p> + <p> + I will now turn to those little stories which in Denmark have been placed + by every one, without any hesitation, higher than anything else I had + hitherto written. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1835, some months after I published the Improvisatore, I + brought out my first volume of Stories for Children, [Footnote: I find it + very difficult to give a correct translation of the original word. The + Danish is <i>Eventyr</i>, equivalent to the German <i>Abentheur</i>, or + adventure; but adventures give in English a very different idea to this + class of stories. The German word <i>M rchen,</i> gives the meaning + completely, and this we may English by <i>fairy tale</i> or <i>legend,</i> + but then neither of these words are fully correct with regard to + Andersen's stories. In my translation of his "Eventyr fortalte for Born," + I gave as an equivalent title, "Wonderful Stories for Children," and + perhaps this near as I could come.—M. H.] which at that time was not + so very much thought of. One monthly critical journal even complained that + a young author who had just published a work like the Improvisatore, + should immediately come out with anything so childish as the tales. I + reaped a harvest of blame, precisely where people ought to have + acknowledged the advantage of my mind producing something in a new + direction. Several of my friends, whose judgment was of value to me, + counselled me entirely to abstain from writing tales, as these were a + something for which I had no talent. Others were of opinion that I had + better, first of all, study the French fairy tale. I would willingly have + discontinued writing them, but they forced themselves from me. + </p> + <p> + In the volume which I first published, I had, like Mus us, but in my own + manner, related old stories, which I had heard as a child. The volume + concluded with one which was original, and which seemed to have given the + greatest pleasure, although it bore a tolerably near affinity to a story + of Hoffman's. In my increasing disposition for children's stories, I + therefore followed my own impulse, and invented them mostly myself. In the + following year a new volume came out, and soon after that a third, in + which the longest story, The Little Mermaid, was my own invention. This + story, in an especial manner, created an interest which was only increased + by the following volumes. One of these came out every Christmas, and + before long no Christmas tree could exist without my stones. + </p> + <p> + Some of our first comic actors made the attempt of relating my little + stories from the stage; it was a complete change from the declamatory + poetry which had been heard to satiety. The Constant Tin Soldier, + therefore, the Swineherd, and the Top and Ball, were told from the Royal + stage, and from those of private theatres, and were well received. In + order that the reader might be placed in the proper point of view, with + regard to the manner in which I told the stories, I had called my first + volume Stories told for Children. I had written my narrative down upon + paper, exactly in the language, and with the expressions in which I had + myself related them, by word of mouth, to the little ones, and I had + arrived at the conviction that people of different ages were equally + amused with them. The children made themselves merry for the most part + over what might be called the actors, older people, on the contrary, were + interested in the deeper meaning. The stories furnished reading for + children and grown people, and that assuredly is a difficult task for + those who will write children's stories. They met with open doors and open + hearts in Denmark; everybody read them. I now removed the words "told for + children," from my title, and published three volumes of "New Stories," + all of which were of my own invention, and which were received in my own + country with the greatest favor. I could not wish it greater; I felt a + real anxiety in consequence, a fear of not being able to justify + afterwards such an honorable award of praise. + </p> + <p> + A refreshing sunshine streamed into my heart; I felt courage and joy, and + was filled, with a living desire of still more and more developing my + powers in this direction,—of studying more thoroughly this class of + writing, and of observing still more attentively the rich wells of nature + out of which I must create it. If attention be paid to the order in which + my stories are written, it certainly will be seen that there is in them a + gradual progression, a clearer working out of the idea, a greater + discretion in the use of agency, and, if I may so speak, a more healthy + tone and a more natural freshness may be perceived. + </p> + <p> + At this period of my life, I made an acquaintance which was of great moral + and intellectual importance to me. I have already spoken of several + persons and public characters who have had influence on me as the poet; + but none of these have had more, nor in a nobler sense of the word, than + the lady to whom I here turn myself; she, through whom I, at the same + time, was enabled to forget my own individual self, to feel that which is + holy in art, and to become acquainted with the command which God has given + to genius. + </p> + <p> + I now turn back to the year 1840. One day in the hotel in which I lived in + Copenhagen, I saw the name of Jenny Lind among those of the strangers from + Sweden. I was aware at that time that she was the first singer in + Stockholm. I had been that same year, in this neighbor country, and had + there met with honor and kindness: I thought, therefore, that it would not + be unbecoming in me to pay a visit to the young artist. She was, at this + time, entirely unknown out of Sweden, so that I was convinced that, even + in Copenhagen, her name was known only by few. She received me very + courteously, but yet distantly, almost coldly. She was, as she said, on a + journey with her father to South Sweden, and was come over to Copenhagen + for a few days in order that she might see this city. We again parted + distantly, and I had the impression of a very ordinary character which + soon passed away from my mind. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1843, Jenny Lind came again to Copenhagen. One of my + friends, our clever ballet-master, Bournonville, who has married a Swedish + lady, a friend of Jenny Lind, informed me of her arrival here and told me + that she remembered me very kindly, and that now she had read my writings. + He entreated me to go with him to her, and to employ all my persuasive art + to induce her to take a few parts at the Theatre Royal; I should, he said, + be then quite enchanted with what I should hear. + </p> + <p> + I was not now received as a stranger; she cordially extended to me her + hand, and spoke of my writings and of Miss Fredrika Bremer, who also was + her affectionate friend. The conversation was soon turned to her + appearance in Copenhagen, and of this Jenny Lind declared that she stood + in fear. + </p> + <p> + "I have never made my appearance," said she, "out of Sweden; everybody in + my native land is so affectionate and kind to me, and if I made my + appearance in Copenhagen and should be hissed!—I dare not venture on + it!" + </p> + <p> + I said, that I, it was true, could not pass judgment on her singing, + because I had never heard it, neither did I know how she acted, but + nevertheless, I was convinced that such was the disposition at this moment + in Copenhagen, that only a moderate voice and some knowledge of acting + would be successful; I believed that she might safely venture. + </p> + <p> + Bournonville's persuasion obtained for the Copenhageners the greatest + enjoyment which they ever had. + </p> + <p> + Jenny Lind made her first appearance among them as Alice in Robert le + Diable—it was like a new revelation in the realms of art, the + youthfully fresh voice forced itself into every heart; here reigned truth + and nature; everything was full of meaning and intelligence. At one + concert Jenny Lind sang her Swedish songs; there was something so peculiar + in this, so bewitching; people thought nothing about the concert room; the + popular melodies uttered by a being so purely feminine, and bearing the + universal stamp of genius, exercised their omnipotent sway—the whole + of Copenhagen was in raptures. Jenny Lind was the first singer to whom the + Danish students gave a serenade: torches blazed around the hospitable + villa where the serenade was given: she expressed her thanks by again + singing some Swedish songs, and I then saw her hasten into the darkest + corner and weep for emotion. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said she, "I will exert myself; I will endeavor, I will be + better qualified than I am when I again come to Copenhagen." + </p> + <p> + On the stage, she was the great artiste, who rose above all those around + her; at home, in her own chamber, a sensitive young girl with all the + humility and piety of a child. + </p> + <p> + Her appearance in Copenhagen made an epoch in the history of our opera; it + showed me art in its sanctity—I had beheld one of its vestals. She + journeyed back to Stockholm, and from there Fredrika Bremer wrote to me:—"With + regard to Jenny Lind as a singer, we are both of us perfectly agreed; she + stands as high as any artist of our time can stand; but as yet you do not + know her in her full greatness. Speak to her about her art, and you will + wonder at the expansion of her mind, and will see her countenance beaming + with inspiration. Converse then with her of God, and of the holiness of + religion, and you will see tears in those innocent eyes; she is great as + an artist, but she is still greater in her pure human existence!" + </p> + <p> + In the following year I was in Berlin; the conversation with Meyerbeer + turned upon Jenny Lind; he had heard her sing the Swedish songs, and was + transported by them. + </p> + <p> + "But how does she act?" asked he. + </p> + <p> + I spoke in raptures of her acting, and gave him at the same time some idea + of her representation of Alice. He said to me that perhaps it might be + possible for him to determine her to come to Berlin. + </p> + <p> + It is sufficiently well known that she made her appearance there, threw + every one into astonishment and delight, and won for herself in Germany a + European name. Last autumn she came again to Copenhagen, and the + enthusiasm was incredible; the glory of renown makes genius perceptible to + every one. People bivouacked regularly before the theatre, to obtain a + ticket. Jenny Lind appeared still greater than ever in her art, because + they had an opportunity of seeing her in many and such extremely different + parts. Her Norma is plastic; every attitude might serve as the most + beautiful model to a sculptor, and yet people felt that these were the + inspiration of the moment, and had not been studied before the glass; + Norma is no raving Italian; she is the suffering, sorrowing woman—the + woman possessed of a heart to sacrifice herself for an unfortunate rival—the + woman to whom, in the violence of the moment, the thought may suggest + itself of murdering the children of a faithless lover, but who is + immediately disarmed when she gazes into the eyes of the innocent ones. + </p> + <p> + "Norma, thou holy priestess," sings the chorus, and Jenny Lind has + comprehended and shows to us this holy priestess in the aria, <i>Casta + diva</i>. In Copenhagen she sang all her parts in Swedish, and the other + singers sang theirs in Danish, and the two kindred languages mingled very + beautifully together; there was no jarring; even in the Daughter of the + Regiment where there is a deal of dialogue, the Swedish had something + agreeable—and what acting! nay, the word itself is a contradiction—it + was nature; anything as true never before appeared on the stage. She shows + us perfectly the true child of nature grown up in the camp, but an inborn + nobility pervades every movement. The Daughter of the Regiment and the + Somnambule are certainly Jenny Land's most unsurpassable parts; no second + can take their places in these beside her. People laugh,—they cry; + it does them as much good as going to church; they become better for it. + People feel that God is in art; and where God stands before us face to + face there is a holy church. + </p> + <p> + "There will not in a whole century," said Mendelssohn, speaking to me of + Jenny Lind, "be born another being so gifted as she;" and his words + expressed my full conviction; one feels as she makes her appearance on the + stage, that she is a pure vessel, from which a holy draught will be + presented to us. + </p> + <p> + There is not anything which can lessen the impression which Jenny Lind's + greatness on the stage makes, except her own personal character at home. + An intelligent and child-like disposition exercises here its astonishing + power; she is happy; belonging, as it were, no longer to the world, a + peaceful, quiet home, is the object of her thoughts—and yet she + loves art with her whole soul, and feels her vocation in it. A noble, + pious disposition like hers cannot be spoiled by homage. On one occasion + only did I hear her express her joy in her talent and her + self-consciousness. It was during her last residence in Copenhagen. Almost + every evening she appeared either in the opera or at concerts; every hour + was in requisition. She heard of a society, the object of which was, to + assist unfortunate children, and to take them out of the hands of their + parents by whom they were misused, and compelled either to beg or steal, + and to place them in other and better circumstances. Benevolent people + subscribed annually a small sum each for their support, nevertheless the + means for this excellent purpose were small. + </p> + <p> + "But have I not still a disengaged evening?" said she; "let me give a + night's performance for the benefit of these poor children; but we will + have double prices!" + </p> + <p> + Such a performance was given, and returned large proceeds; when she was + informed of this, and, that by this means, a number of poor children would + be benefited for several years, her countenance beamed, and the tears + filled her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "It is however beautiful," said she, "that I can sing so!" + </p> + <p> + I value her with the whole feeling of a brother, and I regard myself as + happy that I know and understand such a spirit. God give to her that + peace, that quiet happiness which she wishes for herself! + </p> + <p> + Through Jenny Lind I first became sensible of the holiness there is in + art; through her I learned that one must forget oneself in the service of + the Supreme. No books, no men have had a better or a more ennobling + influence on me as the poet, than Jenny Lind, and I therefore have spoken + of her so long and so warmly here. + </p> + <p> + I have made the happy discovery by experience, that inasmuch as art and + life are more clearly understood by me, so much more sunshine from without + has streamed into my soul. What blessings have not compensated me for the + former dark days! Repose and certainty have forced themselves into my + heart. Such repose can easily unite itself with the changing life of + travel; I feel myself everywhere at home, attach myself easily to people, + and they give me in return confidence and cordiality. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1844 I once more visited North Germany. An intellectual + and amiable family in Oldenburg had invited me in the most friendly manner + to spend some time at their house. Count von Rantzau-Breitenburg repeated + also in his letters how welcome I should be to him. I set out on the + journey, and this journey was, if not one of my longest, still one of my + most interesting. + </p> + <p> + I saw the rich marsh-land in its summer luxuriance, and made with Rantzau + several interesting little excursions. Breitenburg lies in the middle of + woods on the river St÷r; the steam-voyage to Hamburg gives animation to + the little river; the situation is picturesque, and life in the castle + itself is comfortable and pleasant. I could devote myself perfectly to + reading and poetry, because I was just as free as the bird in the air, and + I was as much cared for as if I had been a beloved relation of the family. + Alas it was the last time that I came hither; Count Rantzau had, even + then, a presentiment of his approaching death. One day we met in the + garden; he seized my hand, pressed it warmly, expressed his pleasure in my + talents being acknowledged abroad, and his friendship for me, adding, in + conclusion, "Yes, my dear young friend, God only knows but I have the firm + belief that this year is the last time when we two shall meet here; my + days will soon have run out their full course." He looked at me with so + grave an expression, that it touched my heart deeply, but I knew not what + to say. We were near to the chapel; he opened a little gate between some + thick hedges, and we stood in a little garden, in which was a turfed grave + and a seat beside it. + </p> + <p> + "Here you will find me, when you come the next time to Breitenburg," said + he, and his sorrowful words were true. He died the following winter in + Wiesbaden. I lost in him a friend, a protector, a noble excellent heart. + </p> + <p> + When I, on the first occasion, went to Germany, I visited the Hartz and + the Saxon Switzerland. Goethe was still living. It was my most heartfelt + wish to see him. It was not far from the Hartz to Weimar, but I had no + letters of introduction to him, and, at that time, not one line of my + writings was translated. Many persons had described Goethe to me as a very + proud man, and the question arose whether indeed he would receive me. I + doubted it, and determined not to go to Weimar until I should have written + some work which would convey my name to Germany. I succeeded in this, but + alas, Goethe was already dead. + </p> + <p> + I had made the acquaintance of his daughter-in-law Mrs. von Goethe, born + at Pogwitsch, at the house of Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in Leipsig, on my + return from Constantinople; this <i>spirituelle</i> lady received me with + much kindness. She told me that her son Walter had been my friend for a + long time; that as a boy he had made a whole play out of my Improvisatore; + that this piece had been performed in Goethe's house; and lastly, that + Walter, had once wished to go to Copenhagen to make my acquaintance. I + thus had now friends in Weimar. + </p> + <p> + An extraordinary desire impelled me to see this city where Goethe, + Schiller, Wieland, and Herder had lived, and from which so much light had + streamed forth over the world. I approached that land which had been + rendered sacred by Luther, by the strife of the Minnesingers on the + Wartburg, and by the memory of many noble and great events. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th of June, the birthday of the Grand Duke, I arrived a stranger + in the friendly town. Everything indicated the festivity which was then + going forward, and the young prince was received with great rejoicing in + the theatre, where a new opera was being given. I did not think how + firmly, the most glorious and the best of all those whom I here saw around + me, would grow into my heart; how many of my future friends sat around me + here—how dear this city would become to me—in Germany my + second home. I was invited by Goethe's worthy friend, the excellent + Chancellor Muller, and I met with the most cordial reception from him. By + accident I here met on my first call, with the Kammerherr Beaulieu de + Marconnay, whom I had known in Oldenburg; he was now placed in Weimar. He + invited me to remove to his house. In the course of a few minutes I was + his stationary guest, and I felt "it is good to be here." + </p> + <p> + There are people whom it only requires a few days to know and to love; I + won in Beaulieu, in these few days, a friend, as I believe, for my whole + life. He introduced me into the family circle, the amiable chancellor + received me equally cordially; and I who had, on my arrival, fancied + myself quite forlorn, because Mrs. von Goethe and her son Walter were in + Vienna, was now known in Weimar, and well received in all its circles. + </p> + <p> + The reigning Grand Duke and Duchess gave me so gracious and kind a + reception as made a deep impression upon me. After I had been presented, I + was invited to dine, and soon after received an invitation to visit the + hereditary Grand Duke and his lady, at the hunting seat of Ettersburg, + which stands high, and close to an extensive forest. The old fashioned + furniture within the house, and the distant views from the park into the + Hartz mountains, produced immediately a peculiar impression. All the young + peasants had assembled at the castle to celebrate the birthday of their + beloved young Duke; climbing-poles, from which fluttered handkerchiefs and + ribbons, were erected; fiddles sounded, and people danced merrily under + the branches of the large and flowering limetrees. Sabbath splendor, + contentment and happiness were diffused over the whole. + </p> + <p> + The young andebut new married princely pair seemed to be united by true + heartfelt sentiment. The heart must be able to forget the star on the + breast under which it beats, if its possessor wish to remain long free and + happy in a court; and such a heart, certainly one of the noblest and best + which beats, is possessed by Karl Alexander of Saxe-Weimar. I had the + happiness of a sufficient length of time to establish this belief. During + this, my first residence here, I came several times to the happy + Ettersburg. The young Duke showed me the garden and the tree on the trunk + of which Goethe, Schiller, and Wieland had cut their names; nay even + Jupiter himself had wished to add his to theirs, for his thunder-bolt had + splintered it in one of the branches. + </p> + <p> + The intellectual Mrs. von Gross (Amalia Winter), Chancellor von Muller, + who was able livingly to unroll the times of Goethe and to explain his + Faust, and the soundly honest and child-like minded Eckermann belonged to + the circle at Ettersburg. The evenings passed like a spiritual dream; + alternately some one read aloud; even I ventured, for the first time in a + foreign language to me, to read one of my own tales—the Constant Tin + Soldier. + </p> + <p> + Chancellor von Muller accompanied me to the princely burial-place, where + Karl August sleeps with his glorious wife, not between Schiller and + Goethe, as I believed when I wrote—"the prince has made for himself + a rainbow glory, whilst he stands between the sun and the rushing + waterfall." Close beside the princely pair, who understood and valued that + which was great, repose these their immortal friends. Withered laurel + garlands lay upon the simple brown coffins, of which the whole + magnificence consists in the immortal names of Goethe and Schiller. In + life the prince and the poet walked side by side, in death they slumber + under the same vault. Such a place as this is never effaced from the mind; + in such a spot those quiet prayers are offered, which God alone hears. + </p> + <p> + I remained above eight days in Weimar; it seemed to me as if I had + formerly lived in this city; as if it were a beloved home which I must now + leave. As I drove out of the city, over the bridge and past the mill, and + for the last time looked back to the city and the castle, a deep + melancholy took hold on my soul, and it was to me as if a beautiful + portion of my life here had its close; I thought that the journey, after I + had left Weimar, could afford me no more pleasure. How often since that + time has the carrier pigeon, and still more frequently, the mind, flown + over to this place! Sunshine has streamed forth from Weimar upon my + poet-life. + </p> + <p> + From Weimar I went to Leipzig where a truly poetical evening awaited me + with Robert Schumann. This great composer had a year before surprised me + by the honor of dedicating to me the music which he had composed to four + of my songs; the lady of Dr. Frege whose singing, so full of soul, has + pleased and enchanted so many thousands, accompanied Clara Schumann, and + the composer and the poet were alone the audience: a little festive supper + and a mutual interchange of ideas shortened the evening only too much. I + met with the old, cordial reception at the house of Mr. Brockhaus, to + which from former visits I had almost accustomed myself. The circle of my + friends increased in the German cities; but the first heart is still that + to which we most gladly turn again. + </p> + <p> + I found in Dresden old friends with youthful feelings; my gifted + half-countryman Dahl, the Norwegian, who knows how upon canvas to make the + waterfall rush foaming down, and the birch-tree to grow as in the valleys + of Norway, and Vogel von Vogelstein, who did me the honor of painting my + portrait, which was included in the royal collection of portraits. The + theatre intendant, Herr von L ttichau, provided me every evening with a + seat in the manager's box; and one of the noblest ladies, in the first + circles of Dresden, the worthy Baroness von Decken, received me as a + mother would receive her son. In this character I was ever afterwards + received in her family and in the amiable circle of her friends. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +How bright and beautiful is the world! How good are human beings! That +it is a pleasure to live becomes ever more and more clear to me. + + Beaulieu's younger brother Edmund, who is an officer in the army, came +one day from Tharand, where he had spent the summer months. I +accompanied him to various places, spent some happy days among the +pleasant scenery of the hills, and was received at the same time into +various families. +</pre> + <p> + I visited with the Baroness Decken, for the first time, the celebrated and + clever painter Retsch, who has published the bold outlines of Goethe, + Shakspeare, &c. He lives a sort of Arcadian life among lowly vineyards + on the way to Meissen. Every year he makes a present to his wife, on her + birthday, of a new drawing, and always one of his best; the collection has + grown through a course of years to a valuable album, which she, if he die + before her, is to publish. Among the many glorious ideas there, one struck + me as peculiar; the Flight into Egypt. It is night; every one sleeps in + the picture,—Mary, Joseph, the flowers and the shrubs, nay even the + ass which carries her—all, except the child Jesus, who, with open + round countenance, watches over and illumines all. I related one of my + stories to him, and for this I received a lovely drawing,—a + beautiful young girl hiding herself behind the mask of an old woman; thus + should the eternally youthful soul, with its blooming loveliness, peep + forth from behind the old mask of the fairy-tale. Retsch's pictures are + rich in thought, full of beauty, and a genial spirit. + </p> + <p> + I enjoyed the country-life of Germany with Major Serre and his amiable + wife at their splendid residence of Maren; it is not possible for any one + to exercise greater hospitality than is done by these two kind-hearted + people. A circle of intelligent, interesting individuals, were here + assembled; I remained among them above eight days, and there became + acquainted with Kohl the traveller, and the clever authoress, the Countess + Hahn-Hahn, in whom I discerned a woman by disposition and individual + character in whom confidence may be placed. Where one is well received + there one gladly lingers. I found myself unspeakably happy on this little + journey in Germany, and became convinced that I was there no stranger. It + was heart and truth to nature which people valued in my writings; and, + however excellent and praiseworthy the exterior beauty may be, however + imposing the maxims of this world's wisdom, still it is heart and nature + which have least changed by time, and which everybody is best able to + understand. + </p> + <p> + I returned home by way of Berlin, where I had not been for several years; + but the dearest of my friends there—Chamisso, was dead. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fair wild swan which flew far o'er the earth, + And laid its head upon a wild-swan's breast, +</pre> + <p> + was now flown to a more glorious hemisphere; I saw his children, who were + now fatherless and motherless. From the young who here surround me, I + discover that I am grown older; I feel it not in myself. Chamisso's sons, + whom I saw the last time playing here in the little garden with bare + necks, came now to meet me with helmet and sword: they were officers in + the Prussian service. I felt in a moment how the years had rolled on, how + everything was changed and how one loses so many. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yet is it not so hard as people deem, + To see their soul's beloved from them riven; + God has their dear ones, and in death they seem + To form a bridge which leads them up to heaven. +</pre> + <p> + I met with the most cordial reception, and have since then always met with + the same, in the house of the Minister Savigny, where I became acquainted + with the clever, singularly gifted Bettina and her lovely spiritual-minded + daughter. One hour's conversation with Bettina during which she was the + chief speaker, was so rich and full of interest, that I was almost + rendered dumb by all this eloquence, this firework of wit. The world knows + her writings, but another talent which she is possessed of, is less + generally known, namely her talent for drawing. Here again it is the ideas + which astonish us. It was thus, I observed, she had treated in a sketch an + accident which had occurred just before, a young man being killed by the + fumes of wine. You saw him descending half-naked into the cellar, round + which lay the wine casks like monsters: Bacchanals and Bacchantes danced + towards him, seized their victim and destroyed him! I know that + Thorwaldsen, to whom she once showed all her drawings, was in the highest + degree astonished by the ideas they contained. + </p> + <p> + It does the heart such good when abroad to find a house, where, when + immediately you enter, eyes flash like festal lamps, a house where you can + take peeps into a quiet, happy domestic life—such a house is that of + Professor Weiss. Yet how many new acquaintance which were found, and old + acquaintance which were renewed, ought I not to mention! I met Cornelius + from Rome, Schelling from Munich, my countryman I might almost call him; + Steffens, the Norwegian, and once again Tieck, whom I had not seen since + my first visit to Germany. He was very much altered, yet his gentle, wise + eyes were the same, the shake of his hand was the same. I felt that he + loved me and wished me well. I must visit him in Potsdam, where he lived + in ease and comfort. At dinner I became acquainted with his brother the + sculptor. + </p> + <p> + From Tieck I learnt how kindly the King and Queen of Prussia were disposed + towards me; that they had read my romance of Only a Fiddler, and inquired + from Tieck about me. Meantime their Majesties were absent from Berlin. I + had arrived the evening before their departure, when that abominable + attempt was made upon their lives. + </p> + <p> + I returned to Copenhagen by Stettin in stormy weather, full of the joy of + life, and again saw my dear friends, and in a few days set off to Count + Moltke's in Funen, there to spend a few lovely summer days. I here + received a letter from the Minister Count Rantzau-Breitenburg, who was + with the King and Queen of Denmark at the watering-place of F÷hr. He + wrote, saying that he had the pleasure of announcing to me the most + gracious invitation of their Majesties to F÷hr. This island, as is well + known, lies in the North Sea, not far from the coast of Sleswick, in the + neighborhood of the interesting Halligs, those little islands which + Biernatzky described so charmingly in his novels. Thus, in a manner wholly + unexpected by me, I should see scenery of a very peculiar character even + in Denmark. + </p> + <p> + The favor of my king and Queen made me happy, and I rejoiced to be once + more in close intimacy with Rantzau. Alas, it was for the last time! + </p> + <p> + It was just now five and twenty years since I, a poor lad, travelled alone + and helpless to Copenhagen. Exactly the five and twentieth anniversary + would be celebrated by my being with my king and queen, to whom I was + faithfully attached, and whom I at that very time learned to love with my + whole soul. Everything that surrounded me, man and nature, reflected + themselves imperishably in my soul. I felt myself, as it were, conducted + to a point from which I could look forth more distinctly over the past + five and twenty years, with all the good fortune and happiness which they + had evolved for me. The reality frequently surpasses the most beautiful + dream. + </p> + <p> + I travelled from Funen to Flensborg, which, lying in its great bay, is + picturesque with woods and hills, and then immediately opens out into a + solitary heath. Over this I travelled in the bright moonlight. The journey + across the heath was tedious; the clouds only passed rapidly. We went on + monotonously through the deep sand, and monotonous was the wail of a bird + among the shrubby heath. Presently we reached moorlands. Long-continued + rain had changed meadows and cornfields into great lakes; the embankments + along which we drove were like morasses; the horses sank deeply into them. + In many places the light carriage was obliged to be supported by the + peasants, that it might not fall upon the cottages below the embankment. + Several hours were consumed over each mile (Danish). At length the North + Sea with its islands lay before me. The whole coast was an embankment, + covered for miles with woven straw, against which the waves broke. I + arrived at high tide. The wind was favorable, and in less than an hour I + reached F÷hr, which, after my difficult journey, appeared to me like a + real fairy land. + </p> + <p> + The largest city, Wyck, in which are the baths, is exactly built like a + Dutch town. The houses are only one story high, with sloping roofs and + gables turned to the street. The many strangers there, and the presence of + the court, gave a peculiar animation to the principal street. Well-known + faces looked out from almost every house; the Danish flag waved, and music + was heard. I was soon established in my quarters, and every day, until the + departure of their Majesties, had I the honor of an invitation from them + to dinner, as well as to pass the evening in their circle. On several + evenings I read aloud my little stories (M rchen) to the king and queen, + and both of them were gracious and affectionate towards me. It is so good + when a noble human nature will reveal itself where otherwise only the + king's crown and the purple mantle might be discovered. Few people can be + more amiable in private life than their present Majesties of Denmark. May + God bless them and give them joy, even as they filled my breast with + happiness and sunshine! + </p> + <p> + I sailed in their train to the largest of the Halligs, those grassy runes + in the ocean, which bear testimony to a sunken country. The violence of + the sea has changed the mainland into islands, has riven these again, and + buried men and villages. Year after year are new portions rent away, and, + in half a century's time, there will be nothing here but sea. The Halligs + are now only low islets covered with a dark turf, on which a few flocks + graze. When the sea rises these are driven into the garrets of the houses, + and the waves roll over this little region, which is miles distant from + the shore. Oland, which we visited, contains a little town. The houses + stand closely side by side, as if, in their sore need they would all + huddle together. They are all erected upon a platform, and have little + windows, as in the cabin of a ship. There, in the little room, solitary + through half the year, sit the wife and her daughters spinning. There, + however, one always finds a little collection of books. I found books in + Danish, German, and Frieslandish. The people read and work, and the sea + rises round the houses, which lie like a wreck in the ocean. Sometimes, in + the night, a ship, having mistaken the lights, drives on here and is + stranded. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1825, a tempestuous tide washed away men and houses. The + people sat for days and nights half naked upon the roofs, till these gave + way; nor from F÷hr nor the mainland could help be sent to them. The + church-yard is half washed away; coffins and corpses were frequently + exposed to view by the breakers: it is an appalling sight. And yet the + inhabitants of the Halligs are attached to their little home. They cannot + remain on the mainland, but are driven thence by home sickness. + </p> + <p> + We found only one man upon the island, and he had only lately arisen from + a sick bed. The others were out on long voyages. We were received by girls + and women. They had erected before the church a triumphal arch with + flowers which they had fetched from F÷hr; but it was so small and low, + that one was obliged to go round it; nevertheless they showed by it their + good will. The queen was deeply affected by their having cut down their + only shrub, a rose bush, to lay over a marshy place which she would have + to cross. The girls are pretty, and are dressed in a half Oriental + fashion. The people trace their descent from Greeks. They wear their faces + half concealed, and beneath the strips of linen which lie upon the head is + placed a Greek fez, around which the hair is wound in plaits. + </p> + <p> + On our return, dinner was served on board the royal steamer; and + afterwards, as we sailed in a glorious sunset through this archipelago, + the deck of the vessel was changed to a dancing room. Young and old + danced; servants flew hither and thither with refreshments; sailors stood + upon the paddle-boxes and took the soundings, and their deep-toned voices + might be heard giving the depth of the water. The moon rose round and + large, and the promontory of Amrom assumed the appearance of a + snow-covered chain of Alps. + </p> + <p> + I visited afterwards these desolate sand hills: the king went to shoot + rabbits there. Many years ago a ship was wrecked here, on board of which + were two rabbits, and from this pair Amrom is now stored with thousands of + their descendants. At low tide the sea recedes wholly from between Amrom + and F÷hr, and then people drive across from one island to another; but + still the time must be well observed and the passage accurately known, or + else, when the tide comes, he who crosses will be inevitably lost. It + requires only a few minutes, and then where dry land was large ships may + sail. We saw a whole row of wagons driving from F÷hr to Amrom. Seen upon + the white sand and against the blue horizon, they seem to be twice as + large as they really were. All around were spread out, like a net, the + sheets of water, as if they held firmly the extent of sand which belonged + to the ocean and which would be soon overflowed by it. This promontory + brings to one's memory the mounds of ashes at Vesuvius; for here one sinks + at every step, the wiry moor-grass not being able to bind together the + loose sand. The sun shone burningly hot between the white sand hills: it + was like a journey through the deserts of Africa. + </p> + <p> + A peculiar kind of rose, and the heath were in flower in the valleys + between the hills; in other places there was no vegetation whatever; + nothing but the wet sand on which the waves had left their impress; the + sea had inscribed on its receding strange hieroglyphics. I gazed from one + of the highest points over the North Sea; it was ebb-tide; the sea had + retired above a mile; the vessels lay like dead fishes upon the sand, and + awaiting the returning tide. A few sailors had clambered down and moved + about on the sandy ground like black points. Where the sea itself kept the + white level sand in movement, a long bank elevated itself, which, during + the time of high-water, is concealed, and upon which occur many wrecks. I + saw the lofty wooden tower which is here erected, and in which a cask is + always kept filled with water, and a basket supplied with bread and + brandy, that the unfortunate human beings, who are here stranded, may be + able in this place, amid the swelling sea, to preserve life for a few days + until it is possible to rescue them. + </p> + <p> + To return from such a scene as this to a royal table, a charming + court-concert, and a little ball in the bath-saloon, as well as to the + promenade by moonlight, thronged with guests, a little Boulevard, had + something in it like a fairy tale,—it was a singular contrast. + </p> + <p> + As I sat on the above-mentioned five-and-twentieth anniversary, on the 5th + of September, at the royal dinner-table, the whole of my former life + passed in review before my mind. I was obliged to summon all my strength + to prevent myself bursting into tears. There are moments of thankfulness + in which, as it were, we feel a desire to press God to our hearts. How + deeply I felt, at this time, my own nothingness; how all, all, had come + from him. Rantzau knew what an interesting day this was to me. After + dinner the king and the queen wished me happiness, and that so—<i>graciously</i>, + is a poor word,—so cordially, so sympathizingly! The king wished me + happiness in that which I had endured and won. He asked me about my first + entrance into the world, and I related to him some characteristic traits. + </p> + <p> + In the course of conversation he inquired if I had not some certain yearly + income; I named the sum to him. + </p> + <p> + "That is not much," said the king. + </p> + <p> + "But I do not require much," replied I, "and my writings procure me + something." + </p> + <p> + The king, in the kindest manner, inquired farther into my circumstances, + and closed by saying, + </p> + <p> + "If I can, in any way, be serviceable to your literary labors, then come + to me." + </p> + <p> + In the evening, during the concert, the conversation was renewed, and some + of those who stood near me reproached me for not having made use of my + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + "The king," said they, "put the very words into your mouth." + </p> + <p> + But I could not, I would not have done it. "If the king," I said, "found + that I required something more, he could give it to me of his own will." + </p> + <p> + And I was not mistaken. In the following year King Christian VIII. + increased my annual stipend, so that with this and that which my writings + bring in, I can live honorably and free from care. My king gave it to me + out of the pure good-will of his own heart. King Christian is enlightened, + clear-sighted, with a mind enlarged by science; the gracious sympathy, + therefore, which he has felt in my fate is to me doubly cheering and + ennobling. + </p> + <p> + The 5th of September was to me a festival-day; even the German visitors at + the baths honored me by drinking my health in the pump-room. + </p> + <p> + So many flattering circumstances, some people argue, may easily spoil a + man, and make him vain. But, no; they do not spoil him, they make him on + the contrary—better; they purify his mind, and he must thereby feel + an impulse, a wish, to deserve all that he enjoys. At my parting-audience + with the queen, she gave me a valuable ring as a remembrance of our + residence at F÷hr; and the king again expressed himself full of kindness + and noble sympathy. God bless and preserve this exalted pair! + </p> + <p> + The Duchess of Augustenburg was at this time also at F÷hr with her two + eldest daughters. I had daily the happiness of being with them, and + received repeated invitations to take Augustenburg on my return. For this + purpose I went from F÷hr to Als, one of the most beautiful islands in the + Baltic. That little region resembles a blooming garden; luxuriant corn and + clover-fields are enclosed, with hedges of hazels and wild roses; the + peasants' houses are surrounded by large apple-orchards, full of fruit. + Wood and hill alternate. Now we see the ocean, and now the narrow Lesser + Belt, which resembles a river. The Castle of Augustenburg is magnificent, + with its garden full of flowers, extending down to the very shores of the + serpentine bay. I met with the most cordial reception, and found the most + amiable family-life in the ducal circle. I spent fourteen days here, and + was present at the birth-day festivities of the duchess, which lasted + three days; among these festivities was racing, and the town and the + castle were filled with people. + </p> + <p> + Happy domestic life is like a beautiful summer's evening; the heart is + filled with peace; and everything around derives a peculiar glory. The + full heart says "it is good to be here;" and this I felt at Augustenburg. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + In the spring of 1844 I had finished a dramatic tale, "The Flower of + Fortune." The idea of this was, that it is not the immortal name of the + artist, nor the splendor of a crown which can make man happy; but that + happiness is to be found where people, satisfied with little, love and are + loved again. The scene was perfectly Danish, an idyllian, sunbright life, + in whose clear heaven two dark pictures are reflected as in a dream; the + unfortunate Danish poet Ewald and Prince Buris, who is tragically sung of + in our heroic ballads. I wished to show, in honor of our times, the middle + ages to have been dark and miserable, as they were, but which many poets + only represent to us in a beautiful light. + </p> + <p> + Professor Heiberg, who was appointed censor, declared himself against the + reception of my piece. During the last years I had met with nothing but + hostility from this party; I regarded it as personal ill-will, and this + was to me still more painful than the rejection of the pieces. It was + painful for me to be placed in a constrained position with regard to a + poet whom I respected, and towards whom, according to my own conviction, I + had done everything in order to obtain a friendly relationship. A further + attempt, however, must be made. I wrote to Heiberg, expressed myself + candidly, and, as I thought, cordially, and entreated him to give me + explicitly the reasons for his rejection of the piece and for his ill-will + towards me. He immediately paid me a visit, which I, not being at home + when he called, returned on the following day, and I was received in the + most friendly manner. The visit and the conversation belong certainly to + the extraordinary, but they occasioned an explanation, and I hope led to a + better understanding for the future. + </p> + <p> + He clearly set before me his views in the rejection of my piece. Seen from + his point of sight they were unquestionably correct; but they were not + mine, and thus we could not agree. He declared decidedly that he cherished + no spite against me, and that he acknowledged my talent. I mentioned his + various attacks upon me, for example, in the Intelligence, and that he had + denied to me original invention: I imagined, however, that I had shown + this in my novels; "But of these," said I, "you have read none; you, + yourself have told me so." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is the truth," replied he; "I have not yet read them, but I + will do so." + </p> + <p> + "Since then," continued I, "you have turned me and my Bazaar to ridicule + in your poem called Denmark, and spoken about my fanaticism for the + beautiful Dardanelles; and yet I have, precisely in that book, described + the Dardanelles as not beautiful; it is the Bosphorus which I thought + beautiful; you seem not to be aware of that; perhaps you have not read The + Bazaar either?" + </p> + <p> + "Was it the Bosphorus?" said he, with his own peculiar smile; "yes, I had + quite forgotten that, and, you see, people do not remember it either; the + object in this case was only to give you a stab." + </p> + <p> + This confession sounded so natural, so like him, that I was obliged to + smile. I looked into his clever eyes, thought how many beautiful things he + had written, and I could not be angry with him. The conversation became + more lively, more free, and he said many kind things to me; for example, + he esteemed my stories very highly, and entreated me frequently to visit + him. I have become more and more acquainted with his poetical temperament, + and I fancy that he too will understand mine. We are very dissimilar, but + we both strive after the same object. Before we separated he conducted me + to his little observatory; now his dearest world. He seems now to live for + poetry and now for philosophy, andùfor which I fancy he is least of all + calculated—for astronomy. I could almost sigh and sing, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou wast erewhile the star at which them gazest now! +</pre> + <p> + My dramatic story came at length on the stage, and in the course of the + season was performed seven times. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +As people grow older, however much they may be tossed about in the +world, some one place must be the true home; even the bird of passage +has one fixed spot to which it hastens; mine was and is the house of my +friend Collin. Treated as a son, almost grown up with the children, +I have become a member of the family; a more heartfelt connection, +a better home have I never known: a link broke in this chain, and +precisely in the hour of bereavement, did I feel how firmly I have been +engrafted here, so that I was regarded as one of the children. + + If I were to give the picture of the mistress of a family who wholly +loses her own individual <i>I</i> in her husband and children, I must name +the wife of Collin; with the sympathy of a mother, she also followed me +in sorrow and in gladness. In the latter years of her life she became +very deaf, and besides this she had the misfortune of being nearly +blind. An operation was performed on her sight, which succeeded so well, +that in the course of the winter she was able to read a letter, and +this was a cause of grateful joy to her. She longed in an extraordinary +manner for the first green of spring, and this she saw in her little +garden. +</pre> + <p> + I parted from her one Sunday evening in health and joy; in the night I was + awoke; a servant brought me a letter. Collin wrote, "My wife is very ill; + the children are all assembled here!" I understood it, and hastened + thither. She slept quietly and without pain; it was the sleep of the just; + it was death which was approaching so kindly and calmly. On the third day + she yet lay in that peaceful slumber: then her countenance grew pale—and + she was dead! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou didst but close thine eyes to gather in + The large amount of all thy spiritual bliss; + We saw thy slumbers like a little child's. + O death! thou art all brightness and not shadow. +</pre> + <p> + Never had I imagined that the departure from this world could be so + painless, so blessed. A devotion arose in my soul; a conviction of God and + eternity, which this moment elevated to an epoch in my life. It was the + first death-bed at which I had been present since my childhood. Children, + and children's children were assembled. In such moments all is holy around + us. Her soul was love; she went to love and to God! + </p> + <p> + At the end of July, the monument of King Frederick VI. was to be uncovered + at Skanderburg, in the middle of Jutland. I had, by solicitation, written + the cantata for the festival, to which Hartmann had furnished the music, + and this was to be sung by Danish students. I had been invited to the + festival, which thus was to form the object of my summer excursion. + </p> + <p> + Skanderburg lies in one of the most beautiful districts of Denmark. + Agreeable hills rise covered with vast beech-woods, and a large inland + lake of a pleasing form extends among them. On the outside of the city, + close by the church, which is built upon the ruins of an old castle, now + stands the monument, a work of Thorwaldsen's. The most beautiful moment to + me at this festival was in the evening, after the unveiling of the + monument; torches were lighted around it, and threw their unsteady flame + over the lake; within the woods blazed thousands of lights, and music for + the dance resounded from the tents. Round about upon the hills, between + the woods, and high above them, bonfires were lighted at one and the same + moment, which burned in the night like red stars. There was spread over + lake and land a pure, a summer fragrance which is peculiar to the north, + in its beautiful summer nights. The shadows of those who passed between + the monument and the church, glided gigantically along its red walls, as + if they were spirits who were taking part in the festival. + </p> + <p> + I returned home. In this year my novel of the Improvisatore was translated + into English, by the well-known authoress, Mary Howitt, and was received + by her countrymen with great applause. O. T. and the Fiddler soon + followed, and met with, as it seemed, the same reception. After that + appeared a Dutch, and lastly a Russian translation of the Improvisatore. + That which should never have ventured to have dreamed of was accomplished; + my writings seem to come forth under a lucky star; they fly over all + lands. There is something elevating, but at the same time, a something + terrific in seeing one's thoughts spread so far, and among so many people; + it is indeed, almost a fearful thing to belong to so many. The noble and + the good in us becomes a blessing; but the bad, one's errors, shoot forth + also, and involuntarily the thought forces itself from us: God! let me + never write down a word of which I shall not be able to give an account to + thee. A peculiar feeling, a mixture of joy and anxiety, fills my heart + every time my good genius conveys my fictions to a foreign people. + </p> + <p> + Travelling operates like an invigorating bath to the mind; like a + Medea-draft which always makes young again. I feel once more an impulse + for it—not in order to seek up material, as a critic fancied and + said, in speaking of my Bazaar; there exists a treasury of material in my + own inner self, and this life is too short to mature this young existence; + but there needs refreshment of spirit in order to convey it vigorously and + maturely to paper, and travelling is to me, as I have said, this + invigorating bath, from which I return as it were younger and stronger. + </p> + <p> + By prudent economy, and the proceeds of my writings, I was in a condition + to undertake several journeys during the last year. That which for me is + the most sunbright, is the one in which these pages were written. Esteem, + perhaps over-estimation, but especially kindness, in short, happiness and + pleasure have flowed towards me in abundant measure. + </p> + <p> + I wished to visit Italy for the third time, there to spend a summer, that + I might become acquainted with the south in its warm season, and probably + return thence by Spain and France. At the end of October, 1845, I left + Copenhagen. Formerly I had thought when I set out on a journey, God! what + wilt thou permit to happen to me on this journey! This time my thoughts + were, God, what will happen to my friends at home during this long time! + And I felt a real anxiety. In one year the hearse may drive up to the door + many times, and whose name may shine upon the coffin! The proverb says, + when one suddenly feels a cold shudder, "now death passes over my grave." + The shudder is still colder when the thoughts pass over the graves of our + best friends. + </p> + <p> + I spent a few days at Count Moltke's, at Glorup; strolling players were + acting some of my dramatic works at one of the nearest provincial towns. I + did not see them; country life firmly withheld me. There is something in + the late autumn poetically beautiful; when the leaf is fallen from the + tree, and the sun shines still upon the green grass, and the bird + twitters, one may often fancy that it is a spring-day; thus certainly also + has the old man moments in his autumn in which his heart dreams of spring. + </p> + <p> + I passed only one day in Odense—I feel myself there more of a + stranger than in the great cities of Germany. As a child I was solitary, + and had therefore no youthful friend; most of the families whom I knew + have died out; a new generation passes along the streets; and the streets + even are altered. The later buried have concealed the miserable graves of + my parents. Everything is changed. I took one of my childhood's rambles to + the Marian-heights which had belonged to the Iversen family; but this + family is dispersed; unknown faces looked out from the windows. How many + youthful thoughts have been here exchanged! + </p> + <p> + One of the young girls who at that time sat quietly there with beaming + eyes and listened to my first poem, when I came here in the summer time as + a scholar from Slagelse, sits now far quieter in noisy Copenhagen, and has + thence sent out her first writings into the world. Her German publisher + thought that some introductory words from me might be useful to them, and + I, the stranger, but the almost too kindly received, have introduced the + works of this clever girl into Germany. + </p> + <p> + It is Henriette Hanck of whom I speak, the authoress of "Aunt Anna," and + "An Author's Daughter." [Footnote: Since these pages were written, I have + received from home the news of her death, in July, 1846. She was an + affectionate daughter to her parents, and was, besides this, possessed of + a deeply poetical mind. In her I have lost a true friend from the years of + childhood, one who had felt an interest and a sisterly regard for me, both + in my good and my evil days.] I visited her birth-place when the first + little circle paid me homage and gave me joy. But all was strange there, I + myself a stranger. + </p> + <p> + The ducal family of Augustenburg was now at Castle Gravenstein; they were + informed of my arrival, and all the favor and the kindness which was shown + to me on the former occasion at Augustenburg, was here renewed in rich + abundance. I remained here fourteen days, and it was as if these were an + announcement of all the happiness which should meet me when I arrived in + Germany. The country around here is of the most picturesque description; + vast woods, cultivated uplands in perpetual variety, with the winding + shore of the bay and the many quiet inland lakes. Even the floating mists + of autumn lent to the landscape a some what picturesque, something strange + to the islander. Everything here is on a larger scale than on the island. + Beautiful was it without, glorious was it within. I wrote here a new + little story. The Girl with the Brimstone-matches; the only thing which I + wrote upon this journey. Receiving the invitation to come often to + Gravenstein and Augustenburg, I left, with a grateful heart, a place where + I had spent such beautiful and such happy days. + </p> + <p> + Now, no longer the traveller goes at a snail's pace through the deep sand + over the heath; the railroad conveys him in a few hours to Altona and + Hamburg. The circle of my friends there is increased within the last + years. The greater part of my time I spent with my oldest friends Count + Hoik, and the resident Minister Bille, and with Zeise, the excellent + translator of my stories. Otto Speckter, who is full of genius, surprised + me by his bold, glorious drawings for my stories; he had made a whole + collection of them, six only of which were known to me. The same natural + freshness which shows itself in every one of his works, and makes them all + little works of art, exhibits itself in his whole character. He appears to + possess a patriarchal family, an affectionate old father, and gifted + sisters, who love him with their whole souls. I wished one evening to go + to the theatre; it was scarcely a quarter of an hour before the + commencement of the opera: Speckter accompanied me, and on our way we came + up to an elegant house. + </p> + <p> + "We must first go in here, dear friend," said he; "a wealthy family lives + here, friends of mine, and friends of your stories; the children will be + happy." + </p> + <p> + "But the opera," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Only for two minutes," returned he; and drew me into the house, mentioned + my name, and the circle of children collected around me. + </p> + <p> + "And now tell us a tale," said he; "only one." + </p> + <p> + I told one, and then hastened away to the theatre. + </p> + <p> + "That was an extraordinary visit," said I. + </p> + <p> + "An excellent one; one entirely out of the common way; one entirely out of + the common way!" said he exultingly; "only think; the children are full of + Andersen and his stories; he suddenly makes his appearance amongst them, + tells one of them himself, and then is gone! vanished! That is of itself + like a fairy-tale to the children, that will remain vividly in their + remembrance." + </p> + <p> + I myself was amused by it. + </p> + <p> + In Oldenburg my own little room, home-like and comfortable, was awaiting + me. Hofrath von Eisendecker and his well-informed lady, whom, among all my + foreign friends I may consider as my most sympathizing, expected me. I had + promised to remain with them a fortnight, but I stayed much longer. A + house where the best and the most intellectual people of a city meet, is + an agreeable place of residence, and such a one had I here. A deal of + social intercourse prevailed in the little city, and the theatre, in which + certainly either opera or ballet was given, is one of the most excellent + in Germany. The ability of Gall, the director, is sufficiently known, and + unquestionably the nominationof the poet Mosen has a great and good + influence. I have to thank him for enabling me to see one of the classic + pieces of Germany, "Nathan the Wise," the principal part in which was + played by Kaiser, who is as remarkable for his deeply studied and + excellent tragic acting, as for his readings. + </p> + <p> + Moses, who somewhat resembles Alexander Dumas, with his half African + countenance, and brown sparkling eyes, although he was suffering in body, + was full of life and soul, and we soon understood one another. A trait of + his little son affected me. He had listened to me with great devotion, as + I read one of my stories; and when on the last day I was there, I took + leave, the mother said that he must give me his hand, adding, that + probably a long time must pass before he would see me again, the boy burst + into tears. In the evening, when Mosen came into the theatre, he said to + me, "My little Erick has two tin soldiers; one of them he has given me for + you, that you may take him with you on your journey." + </p> + <p> + The tin soldier has faithfully accompanied me; he is a Turk: probably some + day he may relate his travels. + </p> + <p> + Mosen wrote in the dedication of his "John of Austria," the following + lines to me:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Once a little bird flew over + From the north sea's dreary strand; + Singing, flew unto me over, + Singing M rchen through the land. + Farewell! yet again bring hither + Thy warm heart and song together. +</pre> + <p> + Here I again met with Mayer, who has described Naples and the Neapolitans + so charmingly. My little stories interested him so much that he had + written a little treaties on them for Germany, Kapellmeister Pott, and my + countryman Jerndorff, belong to my earlier friends. I made every day new + acquaintance, because all houses were open to me through the family with + whom I was staying. Even the Grand Duke was so generous as to have me + invited to a concert at the palace the day after my arrival, and later I + had the honor of being asked to dinner. I received in this foreign court, + especially, many unlooked-for favors. At the Eisendeckers and at the house + of the parents of my friend Beaulieu—the Privy-Counsellor Beaulieu, + at Oldenburg, I heard several times my little stones read in German. + </p> + <p> + I can read Danish very well, as it ought to be read, and I can give to it + perfectly the expression which ought to be given in reading; there is in + the Danish language a power which cannot be transfused into a translation; + the Danish language is peculiarly excellent for this species of fiction. + The stories have a something strange to me in German; it is difficult for + me in reading it to put my Danish soul into it; my pronunciation of the + German also is feeble, and with particular words I must, as it were, use + an effort to bring them out—and yet people everywhere in Germany + have had great interest in hearing me read them aloud. I can very well + believe that the foreign pronunciation in the reading of these tales may + be easily permitted, because this foreign manner approaches, in this + instance, to the childlike; it gives a natural coloring to the reading. I + saw everywhere that the most distinguished men and women of the most + highly cultivated minds, listened to me with interest; people entreated me + to read, and I did so willingly. I read for the first time my stories in a + foreign tongue, and at a foreign court, before the Grand Duke of Oldenburg + and a little select circle. + </p> + <p> + The winter soon came on; the meadows which lay under water, and which + formed large lakes around the city, were already covered with thick ice; + the skaters flew over it, and I yet remained in Oldenburg among my + hospitable friends. Days and evenings slid rapidly away; Christmas + approached, and this season I wished to spend in Berlin. But what are + distances in our days?—the steam-carriage goes from Hanover to + Berlin in one day! I must away from the beloved ones, from children and + old people, who were near, as it were, to my heart. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished in the highest degree on taking leave of the Grand Duke, + to receive from him, as a mark of his favor and as a keepsake, a valuable + ring. I shall always preserve it, like every other remembrance of this + country, where I have found and where I possess true friends. + </p> + <p> + When I was in Berlin on the former occasion, I was invited, as the author + of the Improvisatore, to the Italian Society, into which only those who + have visited Italy can be admitted. Here I saw Rauch for the first time, + who with his white hair and his powerful, manly figure, is not unlike + Thorwaldsen. Nobody introduced me to him, and I did not venture to present + myself, and therefore walked alone about his studio, like the other + strangers. Afterwards I became personally acquainted with him at the house + of the Prussian Ambassador, in Copenhagen; I now hastened to him. + </p> + <p> + He was in the highest degree captivated by my little stories, pressed me + to his breast, and expressed the highest praise, but which was honestly + meant. Such a momentary estimation or over-estimation from a man of genius + erases many a dark shadow from the mind. I received from Rauch my first + welcome in Berlin: he told me what a large circle of friends I had in the + capital of Prussia. I must acknowledge that it was so. They were of the + noblest in mind as well as the first in rank, in art, and in science. + Alexander von Humboldt, Prince Radziwil, Savigny, and many others never to + be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + I had already, on the former occasion, visited the brothers Grimm, but I + had not at that time made much progress with the acquaintance. I had not + brought any letters of introduction to them with me, because people had + told me, and I myself believed it, that if I were known by any body in + Berlin, it must be the brothers Grimm. I therefore sought out their + residence. The servant-maid asked me with which of the brothers I wished + to speak. + </p> + <p> + "With the one who has written the most," said I, because I did not know, + at that time, which of them had most interested himself in the M rchen. + </p> + <p> + "Jacob is the most learned," said the maidservant. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, take me to him." + </p> + <p> + I entered the room, and Jacob Grimm, with his knowing and strongly-marked + countenance, stood before me. + </p> + <p> + "I come to you," said I, "without letters of introduction, because I hope + that my name is not wholly unknown to you." + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" asked he. + </p> + <p> + I told him, and Jacob Grimm said, in a half-embarrassed voice, "I do not + remember to have heard this name; what have you written?" + </p> + <p> + It was now my turn to be embarrassed in a high degree: but I now mentioned + my little stories. + </p> + <p> + "I do not know them," said he; "but mention to me some other of your + writings, because I certainly must have heard them spoken of." + </p> + <p> + I named the titles of several; but he shook his head. I felt myself quite + unlucky. + </p> + <p> + "But what must you think of me," said I, "that I come to you as a total + stranger, and enumerate myself what I have written: you must know me! + There has been published in Denmark a collection of the M rchen of all + nations, which is dedicated to you, and in it there is at least one story + of mine." + </p> + <p> + "No," said he good-humoredly, but as much embarrassed as myself; "I have + not read even that, but it delights me to make your acquaintance; allow me + to conduct you to my brother Wilhelm?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I thank you," said I, only wishing now to get away; I had fared badly + enough with one brother. I pressed his hand and hurried from the house. + </p> + <p> + That same month Jacob Grimm went to Copenhagen; immediately on his + arrival, and while yet in his travelling dress, did the amiable kind man + hasten up to me. He now knew me, and he came to me with cordiality. I was + just then standing and packing my clothes in a trunk for a journey to the + country; I had only a few minutes time: by this means my reception of him + was just as laconic as had been his of me in Berlin. + </p> + <p> + Now, however, we met in Berlin as old acquaintance. Jacob Grimm is one of + those characters whom one must love and attach oneself to. + </p> + <p> + One evening, as I was reading one of my little stories at the Countess + Bismark-Bohlen's, there was in the little circle one person in particular + who listened with evident fellowship of feeling, and who expressed himself + in a peculiar and sensible manner on the subject,—this was Jacob's + brother, Wilhelm Grimm. + </p> + <p> + "I should have known you very well, if you had come to me," said he, "the + last time you were here." + </p> + <p> + I saw these two highly-gifted and amiable brothers almost daily; the + circles into which I was invited seemed also to be theirs, and it was my + desire and pleasure that they should listen to my little stories, that + they should participate in them, they whose names will be always spoken as + long as the German <i>Volks M rchen</i> are read. + </p> + <p> + The fact of my not being known to Jacob Grimm on my first visit to Berlin, + had so disconcerted me, that when any one asked me whether I had been well + received in this city, I shook my head doubtfully and said, "but Grimm did + not know me." + </p> + <p> + I was told that Tieck was ill—could see no one; I therefore only + sent in my card. Some days afterwards I met at a friend's house, where + Rauch's birth-day was being celebrated, Tieck, the sculptor, who told me + that his brother had lately waited two hours for me at dinner. I went to + him and discovered that he had sent me an invitation, which, however, had + been taken to a wrong inn. A fresh invitation was given, and I passed some + delightfully cheerful hours with Raumer the historian, and with the widow + and daughter of Steffens. There is a music in Tieck's voice, a + spirituality in his intelligent eyes, which age cannot lessen, but, on the + contrary, must increase. The Elves, perhaps the most beautiful story which + has been conceived in our time, would alone be sufficient, had Tieck + written nothing else, to make his name immortal. As the author of <i>M + rchen</i>, I bow myself before him, the elder and The master, and who was + the first German poet, who many years before pressed me to his breast, as + if it were to consecrate me, to walk in the same path with himself. + </p> + <p> + The old friends had all to be visited; but the number of new ones grew + with each day. One invitation followed another. It required considerable + physical power to support so much good-will. I remained in Berlin about + three weeks, and the time seemed to pass more rapidly with each succeeding + day. I was, as it were, overcome by kindness. I, at length, had no other + prospect for repose than to seat myself in a railway-carriage, and fly + away out of the country. + </p> + <p> + And yet amid these social festivities, with all the amiable zeal and + interest that then was felt for me, I had one disengaged evening; one + evening on which I suddenly felt solitude in its most oppressive form; + Christmas-eve, that very evening of all others on which I would most + willingly witness something festal, willingly stand beside a + Christmas-tree, gladdening myself with the joy of children, and seeing the + parents joyfully become children again. Every one of the many families in + which I in truth felt that I was received as a relation, had fancied, as I + afterwards discovered, that I must be invited out; but I sat quite alone + in my room at the inn, and thought on home. I seated myself at the open + window, and gazed up to the starry heavens, which was the Christmas-tree + that was lighted for me. + </p> + <p> + "Father in Heaven," I prayed, as the children do, "what dost thou give to + me!" + </p> + <p> + When the friends heard of my solitary Christmas night, there were on the + following evening many Christmas-trees lighted, and on the last evening in + the year, there was planted for me alone, a little tree with its lights, + and its beautiful presents—and that was by Jenny Lind. The whole + company consisted of herself, her attendant, and me; we three children + from the north were together on Sylvester-eve, and I was the child for + which the Christmas-tree was lighted. She rejoiced with the feeling of a + sister in my good fortune in Berlin; and I felt almost pride in the + sympathy of such a pure, noble, and womanly being. Everywhere her praise + resounded, not merely as a singer, but also as a woman; the two combined + awoke a real enthusiasm for her. + </p> + <p> + It does one good both in mind and heart to see that which is glorious + understood and beloved. In one little anecdote contributing to her triumph + I was myself made the confidant. + </p> + <p> + One morning as I looked out of my window <i>unter den Linden</i>, I saw a + man under one of the trees, half hidden, and shabbily dressed, who took a + comb out of his pocket, smoothed his hair, set his neckerchief straight, + and brushed his coat with his hand; I understood that bashful poverty + which feels depressed by its shabby dress. A moment after this, there was + a knock at my door, and this same man entered. It was W——, the + poet of nature, who is only a poor tailor, but who has a truly poetical + mind. Rellstab and others in Berlin have mentioned him with honor; there + is something healthy in his poems, among which several of a sincerely + religious character may be found. He had read that I was in Berlin, and + wished now to visit me. We sat together on the sofa and conversed: there + was such an amiable contentedness, such an unspoiled and good tone of mind + about him, that I was sorry not to be rich in order that I might do + something for him. I was ashamed of offering him the little that I could + give; in any case I wished to put it in as agreeable a form as I could. I + asked him whether I might invite him to hear Jenny Lind. + </p> + <p> + "I have already heard her," said he smiling; "I had, it is true, no money + to buy a ticket; but I went to the leader of the supernumeraries, and + asked whether I might not act as a supernumerary for one evening in Norma: + I was accepted and habited as a Roman soldier, with a long sword by my + side, and thus got to the theatre, where I could hear her better than any + body else, for I stood close to her. Ah, how she sung, how she played! I + could not help crying; but they were angry at that: the leader forbade and + would not let me again make my appearance, because no one must weep on the + stage." + </p> + <p> + With the exception of the theatre, I had very little time to visit + collections of any kind or institutions of art. The able and amiable + Olfers, however, the Director of the Museum, enabled me to pay a rapid but + extremely interesting visit to that institution. Olfers himself was my + conductor; we delayed our steps only for the most interesting objects, and + there are here not a few of these; his remarks threw light upon my mind,—for + this therefore I am infinitely obliged to him. + </p> + <p> + I had the happiness of visiting the Princess of Prussia many times; the + wing of the castle in which she resided was so comfortable, and yet like a + fairy palace. The blooming winter-garden, where the fountain splashed + among the moss at the foot of the statue, was close beside the room in + which the kind-hearted children smiled with their soft blue eyes. On + taking leave she honored me with a richly bound album, in which, beneath + the picture of the palace, she wrote her name. I shall guard this volume + as a treasure of the soul; it is not the gift which has a value only, but + also the manner in which it is given. One forenoon I read to her several + of my little stories, and her noble husband listened kindly: Prince P + ckler-Muskau also was present. + </p> + <p> + A few days after my arrival in Berlin, I had the honor to be invited to + the royal table. As I was better acquainted with Humboldt than any one + there, and he it was who had particularly interested himself about me, I + took my place at his side. Not only on account of his high intellectual + character, and his amiable and polite behavior, but also from his infinite + kindness towards me, during the whole of my residence in Berlin, is he + become unchangeably dear to me. + </p> + <p> + The King received me most graciously, and said that during his stay in + Copenhagen he had inquired after me, and had heard that I was travelling. + He expressed a great interest in my novel of Only a Fiddler; her Majesty + the Queen also showed herself graciously and kindly disposed towards me. I + had afterwards the happiness of being invited to spend an evening at the + palace at Potsdam; an evening which is full of rich remembrance and never + to be forgotten! Besides the ladies and gentlemen in waiting, Humboldt and + myself were only invited. A seat was assigned to me at the table of their + Majesties, exactly the place, said the Queen, where Oehlenschl ger had sat + and read his tragedy of Dina. I read four little stories, the Fir-Tree, + the Ugly Duckling, the Ball and the Top, and The Swineherd. The King + listened with great interest, and expressed himself most wittily on the + subject. He said, how beautiful he thought the natural scenery of Denmark, + and how excellently he had seen one of Holberg's comedies performed. + </p> + <p> + It was so deliciously pleasant in the royal apartment,—gentle eyes + were gazing at me, and I felt that they all wished me well. When at night + I was alone in my chamber, my thoughts were so occupied with this evening, + and my mind in such a state of excitement, that I could not sleep. + Everything seemed to me like a fairy tale. Through the whole night the + chimes sounded in the tower, and the aerial music mingled itself with my + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + I received still one more proof of the favor and kindness of the King of + Prussia towards me, on the evening before my departure from the city. The + order of the Red Eagle, of the third class, was conferred upon me. Such a + mark of honor delights certainly every one who receives it. I confess + candidly that I felt myself honored in a high degree. I discerned in it an + evident token of the kindness of the noble, enlightened King towards me: + my heart is filled with gratitude. I received this mark of honor exactly + on the birth-day of my benefactor Collin, the 6th of January; this day has + now a twofold festal significance for me. May God fill with gladness the + mind of the royal donor who wished to give me pleasure! + </p> + <p> + The last evening was spent in a warm-hearted circle, for the greater part, + of young people. My health was drunk; a poem, Der M rchenk÷nig, declaimed. + It was not until late in the night that I reached home, that I might set + off early in the morning by railroad. + </p> + <p> + I have here given in part a proof of the favor and kindness which was + shown to me in Berlin: I feel like some one who has received a + considerable sum for a certain object from a large assembly, and now would + give an account thereof. I might still add many other names, as well from + the learned world, as Theodor, M gge, Geibel, H ring, etc., as from the + social circle;—the reckoning is too large. God give me strength for + that which I now have to perform, after I have, as an earnest of good + will, received such a richly abundant sum. + </p> + <p> + After a journey of a day and night I was once more in Weimar, with my + noble Hereditary Grand Duke. What a cordial reception! A heart rich in + goodness, and a mind full of noble endeavors, live in this young prince. I + have no words for the infinite favor, which, during my residence here, I + received daily from the family of the Grand Duke, but my whole heart is + full of devotion. At the court festival, as well as in the familiar family + circle, I had many evidences of the esteem in which I was held. Beaulieu + cared for me with the tenderness of a brother. It was to me a month-long + Sabbath festival. Never shall I forget the quiet evenings spent with him, + when friend spoke freely to friend. + </p> + <p> + My old friends were also unchanged; the wise and able Sch÷ll, as well as + Schober, joined them also. Jenny Lind came to Weimar; I heard her at the + court concerts and at the theatre; I visited with her the places which are + become sacred through Goethe and Schiller: we stood together beside their + coffins, where Chancellor von Muller led us. The Austrian poet, Rollet, + who met us here for the first time, wrote on this subject a sweet poem, + which will serve me as a visible remembrance of this hour and this place. + People lay lovely flowers in their books, and as such, I lay in here this + verse of his:— + </p> + <p> + Weimar, 29th January, 1846. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M rchen rose, which has so often + Charmed me with thy fragrant breath; + Where the prince, the poets slumber, + Thou hast wreathed the hall of death. + + And with thee beside each coffin, + In the death-hushed chamber pale, + I beheld a grief-enchanted, + Sweetly dreaming nightingale. + + I rejoiced amid the stillness; + Gladness through my bosom past, + That the gloomy poets' coffins + Such a magic crowned at last. + + And thy rose's summer fragrance + Floated round that chamber pale, + With the gentle melancholy + Of the grief-hushed nightingale. +</pre> + <p> + It was in the evening circle of the intellectual Froriep that I met, for + the first time, with Auerbach, who then chanced to be staying in Weimar. + His "Village Tales" interested me in the highest degree; I regard them as + the most poetical, most healthy, and joyous production of the young German + literature. He himself made the same agreeable impression upon me; there + is something so frank and straightforward, and yet so sagacious, in his + whole appearance, I might almost say, that he looks himself like a village + tale, healthy to the core, body and soul, and his eyes beaming with + honesty. We soon became friends—and I hope forever. + </p> + <p> + My stay in Weimar was prolonged; it became ever more difficult to tear + myself away. The Grand Duke's birth-day occurred at this time, and after + attending all the festivities to which I was invited, I departed. I would + and must be in Rome at Easter. Once more in the early morning, I saw the + Hereditary Grand Duke, and, with a heart full of emotion, bade him + farewell. Never, in presence of the world, will I forget the high position + which his birth gives him, but I may say, as the very poorest subject may + say of a prince, I love him as one who is dearest to my heart. God give + him joy and bless him in his noble endeavors! A generous heart beats + beneath the princely star. + </p> + <p> + Beaulieu accompanied me to Jena. Here a hospitable home awaited me, and + filled with beautiful memories from the time of Goethe, the house of the + publisher Frommann. It was his kind, warm-hearted sister, who had shown me + such sympathy in Berlin; the brother was not here less kind. + </p> + <p> + The Holstener Michelsen, who has a professorship at Jena, assembled a + number of friends one evening, and in a graceful and cordial toast for me, + expressed his sense of the importance of Danish literature, and the + healthy and natural spirit which flourished in it. + </p> + <p> + In Michelsen's house I also became acquainted with Professor Hase, who, + one evening having heard some of my little stories, seemed filled with + great kindness towards me. What he wrote in this moment of interest on an + album leaf expresses this sentiment: + </p> + <p> + "Schelling—not he who now lives in Berlin, but he who lives an + immortal hero in the world of mind—once said: 'Nature is the visible + spirit.' This spirit, this unseen nature, last evening was again rendered + visible to me through your little tales. If on the one hand you penetrate + deeply into the mysteries of nature; know and understand the language of + birds, and what are the feelings of a fir-tree or a daisy, so that each + seems to be there on its own account, and we and our children sympathize + with them in their joys and sorrows; yet, on the other hand, all is but + the image of mind; and the human heart in its infinity, trembles and + throbs throughout. May this fountain in the poet's heart, which God has + lent you, still for a time pour forth this refreshingly, and may these + stories in the memories of the Germanic nations, become the legends of the + people!" That object, for which as a writer of poetical fictions, I must + strive after, is contained in these last lines. + </p> + <p> + It is also to Hase and the gifted improvisatore, Professor Wolff of Jena, + to whom I am most indebted for the appearance of a uniform German edition + of my writings. + </p> + <p> + This was all arranged on my arrival at Leipzig: several hours of business + were added to my traveller's mode of life. The city of bookselling + presented me with her bouquet, a sum of money; but she presented me with + even more. I met again with Brockhaus, and passed happy hours with + Mendelssohn, that glorious man of genius. I heard him play again and + again; it seemed to me that his eyes, full of soul, looked into the very + depths of my being. Few men have more the stamp of the inward fire than + he. A gentle, friendly wife, and beautiful children, make his rich, + well-appointed house, blessed and pleasant. When he rallied me about the + Stork, and its frequent appearance in my writings, there was something so + childlike and amiable revealed in this great artist! + </p> + <p> + I also met again my excellent countryman Gade, whose compositions have + been so well received in Germany. I took him the text for a new opera + which I had written, and which I hope to see brought out on the German + stage. Gade had written the music to my drama of Agnete and the Merman, + compositions which were very successful. Auerbach, whom I again found + here, introduced me to many agreeable circles. I met with the composer + Kalliwoda, and with K hne, whose charming little son immediately won my + heart. + </p> + <p> + On my arrival at Dresden I instantly hastened to my motherly friend, the + Baroness von Decken. That was a joyous hearty welcome! One equally cordial + I met with from Dahl. I saw once more my Roman friend, the poet with word + and color, Reineck, and met the kind-hearted Bendemann. Professor Grahl + painted me. I missed, however, one among my olden friends, the poet + Brunnow. With life and cordiality he received me the last time in his + room, where stood lovely flowers; now these grew over his grave. It + awakens a peculiar feeling, thus for once to meet on the journey of life, + to understand and love each other, and then to part—until the + journey for both is ended. + </p> + <p> + I spent, to me, a highly interesting evening, with the royal family, who + received me with extraordinary favor. Here also the most happy domestic + life appeared to reign—a number of amiable children, all belonging + to Prince Johann, were present. The least of the Princesses, a little + girl, who knew that I had written the history of the Fir-tree, began very + confidentially with—"Last Christmas we also had a Fir-tree, and it + stood here in this room!" Afterwards, when she was led out before the + other children, and had bade her parents and the King and Queen good + night, she turned round at the half-closed door, and nodding to me in a + friendly and familiar manner, said I was her Fairy-tale Prince. + </p> + <p> + My story of Holger Danske led the conversation to the rich stores of + legends which the north possesses. I related several, and explained the + peculiar spirit of the fine scenery of Denmark. Neither in this royal + palace did I feel the weight of ceremony; soft, gentle eyes shone upon me. + My last morning in Dresden was spent with the Minister von K÷nneritz, + where I equally met with the most friendly reception. + </p> + <p> + The sun shone warm: it was spring who was celebrating her arrival, as I + rolled out of the dear city. Thought assembled in one amount all the many + who had rendered my visits so rich and happy: it was spring around me, and + spring in my heart. + </p> + <p> + In Prague I had only one acquaintance, Professor Wiesenfeldt. But a letter + from Dr. Carus in Dresden opened to me the hospitable house of Count Thun. + The Archduke Stephan received me also in the most gracious manner; I found + in him a young man full of intellect and heart. Besides it was a very + interesting point of time when I left Prague. The military, who had been + stationed there a number of years, were hastening to the railway, to leave + for Poland, where disturbances had broken out. The whole city seemed in + movement to take leave of its military friends; it was difficult to get + through the streets which led to the railway. Many thousand soldiers were + to be accommodated; at length the train was set in motion. All around the + whole hill-side was covered with people; it looked like the richest Turkey + carpet woven of men, women and children, all pressed together, head to + head, and waving hats and handkerchiefs. Such a mass of human beings I + never saw before, or at least, never at one moment surveyed them: such a + spectacle could not be painted. + </p> + <p> + We travelled the whole night through wide Bohemia: at every town stood + groups of people; it was as though all the inhabitants had assembled + themselves. Their brown faces, their ragged clothes, the light of their + torches, their, to me, unintelligible language, gave to the whole a stamp + of singularity. We flew through tunnel and over viaduct; the windows + rattled, the signal whistle sounded, the steam horses snorted—I laid + back my head at last in the carriage, and fell asleep under the protection + of the god Morpheus. + </p> + <p> + At Olm tz, where we had fresh carnages, a voice spoke my name—it was + Walter Goethe! We had travelled together the whole night without knowing + it. In Vienna we met often. Noble powers, true genius, live in Goethe's + grandsons, in the composer as well as in the poet; but it is as if the + greatness of their grandfather pressed upon them. Liszt was in Vienna, and + invited me to his concert, in which otherwise it would have been + impossible to find a place. I again heard his improvising of Robert! I + again heard him, like a spirit of the storm, play with the chords: he is + an enchanter of sounds who fills the imagination with astonishment. Ernst + also was here; when I visited him he seized the violin, and this sang in + tears the secret of a human heart. + </p> + <p> + I saw the amiable Grillparzer again, and was frequently with the kindly + Castelli, who just at this time had been made by the King of Denmark + Knight of the Danebrog Order. He was full of joy at this, and begged me to + tell my countrymen that every Dane should receive a hearty welcome from + him. Some future summer he invited me to visit his grand country seat. + There is something in Castelli so open and honorable, mingled with such + good-natured humor, that one must like him: he appears to me the picture + of a thorough Viennese. Under his portrait, which he gave me, he wrote the + following little improvised verse in the style so peculiarly his own: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This portrait shall ever with loving eyes greet thee, + From far shall recall the smile of thy friend; + For thou, dearest Dane, 'tis a pleasure to meet thee, + Thou art one to be loved and esteemed to the end. +</pre> + <p> + Castelli introduced me to Seidl and Bauernfeld. At the Danisti + ambassador's, Baron von L÷wenstern, I met Zedlitz. Most of the shining + stars of Austrian literature I saw glide past me, as people on a railway + see church towers; you can still say you have seen them; and still + retaining the simile of the stars, I can say, that in the Concordia + Society I saw the entire galaxy. Here was a host of young growing + intellects, and here were men of importance. At the house of Count + Szechenye, who hospitably invited me, I saw his brother from Pest, whose + noble activity in Hungary is known. This short meeting I account one of + the most interesting events of my stay in Vienna; the man revealed himself + in all his individuality, and his eye said that you must feel confidence + in him. + </p> + <p> + At my departure from Dresden her Majesty the Queen of Saxony had asked me + whether I had introductions to any one at the Court of Vienna, and when I + told her that I had not, the Queen was so gracious as to write a letter to + her sister, the Archduchess Sophia of Austria. Her imperial Highness + summoned me one evening, and received me in the most gracious manner. The + dowager Empress, the widow of the Emperor Francis I., was present, and + full of kindness and friendship towards me; also Prince Wasa, and the + hereditary Archduchess of Hesse-Darmstadt. The remembrance of this evening + will always remain dear and interesting to me. I read several of my little + stories aloud—when I wrote them, I thought least of all that I + should some day read them aloud in the imperial palace. + </p> + <p> + Before my departure I had still another visit to make, and this was to the + intellectual authoress, Frau von Weissenthurn. She had just left a bed of + sickness and was still suffering, but wished to see me. As though she were + already standing on the threshold of the realm of shades, she pressed my + hand and said this was the last time we should ever see each other. With a + soft motherly gaze she looked at me, and at parting her penetrating eye + followed me to the door. + </p> + <p> + With railway and diligence my route now led towards Triest. With steam the + long train of carriages flies along the narrow rocky way, following all + the windings of the river. One wonders that with all these abrupt turnings + one is not dashed against the rock, or flung down into the roaring stream, + and is glad when the journey is happily accomplished. But in the slow + diligence one wishes its more rapid journey might recommence, and praise + the powers of the age. + </p> + <p> + At length Triest and the Adriatic sea lay before us; the Italian language + sounded in our ears, but yet for me it was not Italy, the land of my + desire. Meanwhile I was only a stranger here for a few hours; our Danish + consul, as well as the consuls of Prussia and Oldenburg, to whom I was + recommended, received me in the best possible manner. Several interesting + acquaintances were made, especially with the Counts O'Donnell and + Waldstein, the latter for me as a Dane having a peculiar interest, as + being the descendant of that unfortunate Confitz Ulfeld and the daughter + of Christian IV., Eleanore, the noblest of all Danish women. Their + portraits hung in his room, and Danish memorials of that period were shown + me. It was the first time I had ever seen Eleanore Ulfeld's portrait, and + the melancholy smile on her lips seemed to say, "Poet, sing and free from + chains which a hard age had cast upon him, for whom to live and to suffer + was my happiness!" Before Oehlenschl ger wrote his Dina, which treats of + an episode in Ulfeld's life, I was at work on this subject, and wished to + bring it on the stage, but it was then feared this would not be allowed, + and I gave it up—since then I have only written four lines on + Ulfeld:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thy virtue was concealed, not so thy failings, + Thus did the world thy greatness never know, + Yet still love's glorious monument proclaims it, + That the best wife from thee would never go. +</pre> + <p> + On the Adriatic sea I, in thought, was carried back to Ulfeld's time and + the Danish islands. This meeting with Count Waldstein and his ancestor's + portrait brought me back to my poet's world, and I almost forgot that the + following day I could be in the middle of Italy. In beautiful mild weather + I went with the steam-boat to Ancona. + </p> + <p> + It was a quiet starlight night, too beautiful to be spent in sleep. In the + early morning the coast of Italy lay before us, the beautiful blue + mountains with glittering snow. The sun shone warmly, the grass and the + trees were so splendidly green. Last evening in Trieste, now in Ancona, in + a city of the papal states,—that was almost like enchantment! Italy + in all its picturesque splendor lay once more before me; spring had + ripened all the fruit trees so that they had burst forth into blossom; + every blade of grass in the field was filled with sunshine, the elm trees + stood like caryatides enwreathed with vines, which shot forth green + leaves, and above the luxuriance of foliage rose the wavelike blue + mountains with their snow covering. In company with Count Paar from + Vienna, the most excellent travelling companion, and a young nobleman from + Hungary, I now travelled on with a vetturino for five days: solitary, and + more picturesque than habitable inns among the Apennines were our night's + quarters. At length the Campagna, with its thought-awakening desolation, + lay before us. + </p> + <p> + It was the 31st of March, 1846, when I again saw Rome, and for the third + time in my life should reach this city of the world. I felt so happy, so + penetrated with thankfulness and joy; how much more God had given me than + a thousand others—nay, than to many thousands! And even in this very + feeling there is a blessing—where joy is very great, as in the + deepest grief, there is only God on whom one can lean! The first + impression was—I can find no other word for it—adoration. When + day unrolled for me my beloved Rome, I felt what I cannot express more + briefly or better than I did in a letter to a friend: "I am growing here + into the very ruins, I live with the petrified gods, and the roses are + always blooming, and the church bells ringing—and yet Rome is not + the Rome it was thirteen years ago when I first was here. It is as if + everything were modernized, the ruins even, grass and bushes are cleared + away. Everything is made so neat; the very life of the people seems to + have retired; I no longer hear the tamborines in the streets, no longer + see the young girls dancing their Saltarella, even in the Campagna + intelligence has entered by invisible railroads; the peasant no longer + believes as he used to do. At the Easter festival I saw great numbers of + the people from the Campagna standing before St. Peters whilst the Pope + distributed his blessing, just as though they had been Protestant + strangers. This was repulsive to my feelings, I felt an impulse to kneel + before the invisible saint. When I was here thirteen years ago, all knelt; + now reason had conquered faith. Ten years later, when the railways will + have brought cities still nearer to each other, Rome will be yet more + changed. But in all that happens, everything is for the best; one always + must love Rome; it is like a story book, one is always discovering new + wonders, and one lives in imagination and reality." + </p> + <p> + The first time I travelled to Italy I had no eyes for sculpture; in Paris + the rich pictures drew me away from the statues; for the first time when I + came to Florence and stood before the Venus de Medicis, I felt as + Thorwaldsen expressed, "the snow melted away from my eyes;" and a new + world of art rose before me. And now at my third sojourn in Rome, after + repeated wanderings through the Vatican, I prize the statues far higher + than the paintings. But at what other places as at Rome, and to some + degree in Naples, does this art step forth so grandly into life! One is + carried away by it, one learns to admire nature in the work of art, the + beauty of form becomes spiritual. + </p> + <p> + Among the many clever and beautiful things which I saw exhibited in the + studios of the young artists, two pieces of sculpture were what most + deeply impressed themselves on my memory; and these were in the studio of + my countryman Jerichau. I saw his group of Hercules and Hebe, which had + been spoken of with such enthusiasm in the Allgemeine Zeitung and other + German papers, and which, through its antique repose, and its glorious + beauty, powerfully seized upon me. My imagination was filled by it, and + yet I must place Jerichau's later group, the Fighting Hunter, still + higher. It is formed after the model, as though it had sprung from nature. + There lies in it a truth, a beauty, and a grandeur which I am convinced + will make his name resound through many lands! + </p> + <p> + I have known him from the time when he was almost a boy. We were both of + us born on the same island: he is from the little town of Assens. We met + in Copenhagen. No one, not even he himself, knew what lay within him; and + half in jest, half in earnest, he spoke of the combat with himself whether + he should go to America and become a savage, or to Rome and become an + artist—painter or sculptor; that he did not yet know. His pencil was + meanwhile thrown away: he modelled in clay, and my bust was the first + which he made. He received no travelling stipendium from the Academy. As + far as I know, it was a noble-minded woman, an artist herself, unprovided + with means, who, from the interest she felt for the spark of genius she + observed in him, assisted him so far that he reached Italy by means of a + trading vessel. In the beginning he worked in Thorwaldsen's atelier. + During a journey of several years, he has doubtless experienced the + struggles of genius and the galling fetters of want; but now the star of + fortune shines upon him. When I came to Rome, I found him physically + suffering and melancholy. He was unable to bear the warm summers of Italy; + and many people said he could not recover unless he visited the north, + breathed the cooler air, and took sea-baths. His praises resounded through + the papers, glorious works stood in his atelier; but man does not live on + heavenly bread alone. There came one day a Russian Prince, I believe, and + he gave a commission for the Hunter. Two other commissions followed on the + same day. Jerichau came full of rejoicing and told this to me. A few days + after he travelled with his wife, a highly gifted painter, to Denmark, + from whence, strengthened body and soul, he returned, with the winter, to + Rome, where the strokes of his chisel will resound so that, I hope, the + world will hear them. My heart will beat joyfully with them! + </p> + <p> + I also met in Rome, Kolberg, another Danish sculptor, until now only known + in Denmark, but there very highly thought of, a scholar of Thorwaldsen's + and a favorite of that great master. He honored me by making my bust. I + also sat once more with the kindly K chler, and saw the forms fresh as + nature spread themselves over the canvas. + </p> + <p> + I sat once again with the Roman people in the amusing puppet theatre, and + heard the children's merriment. Among the German artists, as well as among + the Swedes and my own countrymen, I met with a hearty reception. My + birth-day was joyfully celebrated. Frau von Goethe, who was in Rome, and + who chanced to be living in the very house where I brought my + Improvisatore into the world, and made him spend his first years of + childhood, sent me from thence a large, true Roman bouquet, a fragrant + mosaic. The Swedish painter, S÷dermark, proposed my health to the company + whom the Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians had invited me to meet. From my + friends I received some pretty pictures and friendly keepsakes. + </p> + <p> + The Hanoverian minister, K stner, to whose friendship I am indebted for + many pleasant hours, is an extremely agreeable man, possessed of no small + talent for poetry, music, and painting. At his house I really saw for the + first time flower-painting elevated by a poetical idea. In one of his + rooms he has introduced an arabesque of flowers which presents us with the + flora of the whole year. It commences with the first spring flowers, the + crocus, the snow drop, and so on; then come the summer flowers, then the + autumn, and at length the garland ends with the red berries and + yellow-brown leaves of December. + </p> + <p> + Constantly in motion, always striving to employ every moment and to see + everything, I felt myself at last very much affected by the unceasing + sirocco. The Roman air did not agree with me, and I hastened, therefore, + as soon as I had seen the illumination of the dome and the <i>girandola</i>, + immediately after the Easter festival, through Terracina to Naples. Count + Paar travelled with me. We entered St. Lucia: the sea lay before us; + Vesuvius blazed. Those were glorious evenings! moonlight nights! It was as + if the heavens had elevated themselves above and the stars were withdrawn. + What effect of light! In the north the moon scatters silver over the + water: here it was gold. The circulating lanterns of the lighthouse now + exhibited their dazzling light, now were totally extinguished. The torches + of the fishing-boats threw their obelisk-formed blaze along the surface of + the water, or else the boat concealed them like a black shadow, below + which the surface of the water was illuminated. One fancied one could see + to the bottom, where fishes and plants were in motion. Along the street + itself thousands of lights were burning in the shops of the dealers in + fruit and fish. Now came a troop of children with lights, and went in + procession to the church of St. Lucia. Many fell down with their lights; + but above the whole stood, like the hero of this great drama of light, + Vesuvius with his blood-red flame and his illumined cloud of smoke. + </p> + <p> + I visited the islands of Capri and Ischia once more; and, as the heat of + the sun and the strong sirocco made a longer residence in Naples + oppressive to me, I went to Sarrento, Tasso's city, where the foliage of + the vine cast a shade, and where the air appears to me lighter. Here I + wrote these pages. In Rome, by the bay of Naples and amid the Pyrenees, I + put on paper the story of my life. + </p> + <p> + The well-known festival of the Madonna dell' Arco called me again to + Naples, where I took up my quarters at an hotel in the middle of the city, + near the Toledo Street, and found an excellent host and hostess. I had + already resided here, but only in the winter. I had now to see Naples in + its summer heat and with all its wild tumult, but in what degree I had + never imagined. The sun shone down with its burning heat into the narrow + streets, in at the balcony door. It was necessary to shut up every place: + not a breath of air stirred. Every little corner, every spot in the street + on which a shadow fell was crowded with working handicraftsmen, who + chattered loudly and merrily; the carriages rolled past; the drivers + screamed; the tumult of the people roared like a sea in the other streets; + the church bells sounded every minute; my opposite neighbor, God knows who + he was, played the musical scale from morning till evening. It was enough + to make one lose one's senses! + </p> + <p> + The sirocco blew its boiling-hot breath and I was perfectly overcome. + There was not another room to be had at St. Lucia, and the sea-bathing + seemed rather to weaken than to invigorate me. I went therefore again into + the country; but the sun burned there with the same beams; yet still the + air there was more elastic, yet for all that it was to me like the + poisoned mantle of Hercules, which, as it were, drew out of me strength + and spirit. I, who had fancied that I must be precisely a child of the + sun, so firmly did my heart always cling to the south, was forced to + acknowledge that the snow of the north was in my body, that the snow + melted, and that I was more and more miserable. + </p> + <p> + Most strangers felt as I myself did in this, as the Neapolitans themselves + said, unusually hot summer; the greater number went away. I also would + have done the same, but I was obliged to wait several days for a letter of + credit; it had arrived at the right time, but lay forgotten in the hands + of my banker. Yet there was a deal for me to see in Naples; many houses + were open to me. I tried whether the will were not stronger than the + Neapolitan heat, but I fell into such a nervous state in consequence, that + till the time of my departure I was obliged to lie quietly in my hot room, + where the night brought no coolness. From the morning twilight to midnight + roared the noise of bells, the cry of the people, the trampling of horses + on the stone pavement, and the before-mentioned practiser of the scale—it + was like being on the rack; and this caused me to give up my journey to + Spain, especially as I was assured, for my consolation, that I should find + it just as warm there as here. The physician said that, at this season of + the year, I could not sustain the journey. + </p> + <p> + I took a berth in the steam-boat Castor for Marseilles; the vessel was + full to overflowing with passengers; the whole quarter-deck, even the best + place, was occupied by travelling carriages; under one of these I had my + bed laid; many people followed my example, and the quarter-deck was soon + covered with mattresses and carpets. It blew strongly; the wind increased, + and in the second and third night raged to a perfect storm; the ship + rolled from side to side like a cask in the open sea; the waves dashed on + the ship's side and lifted up their broad heads above the bulwarks as if + they would look in upon us. It was as if the carriages under which we lay + would crush us to pieces, or else would be washed away by the sea. There + was a lamentation, but I lay quiet, looked up at the driving clouds, and + thought upon God and my beloved. When at length we reached Genoa most of + the passengers went on land: I should have been willing enough to have + followed their example, that I might go by Milan to Switzerland, but my + letter of credit was drawn upon Marseilles and some Spanish sea-ports. I + was obliged to go again on board. The sea was calm; the air fresh; it was + the most glorious voyage along the charming Sardinian coast. Full of + strength and new life I arrived at Marseilles, and, as I here breathed + more easily, my longing to see Spain was again renewed. I had laid the + plan of seeing this country last, as the bouquet of my journey. In the + suffering state in which I had been I was obliged to give it up, but I was + now better. I regarded it therefore as a pointing of the finger of heaven + that I should be compelled to go to Marseilles, and determined to venture + upon the journey. The steam-vessel to Barcelona had, in the meantime, just + sailed, and several days must pass before another set out. I determined + therefore to travel by short days' journeys through the south of France + across the Pyrenees. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving Marseilles, chance favored me with a short meeting with one + of my friends from the North, and this was Ole Bull! He came from America, + and was received in France with jubilees and serenades, of which I was + myself a witness. At the <i>table d'h te</i> in the <i>H tel des Empereurs</i>, + where we both lodged, we flew towards each other. He told me what I should + have expected least of all, that my works had also many friends in + America, that people had inquired from him about me with the greatest + interest, and that the English translations of my romances had been + reprinted, and spread through the whole country in cheap editions. My name + flown over the great ocean! I felt myself at this thought quite + insignificant, but yet glad and happy; wherefore should I, in preference + to so many thousand others, receive such happiness? + </p> + <p> + I had and still have a feeling as though I were a poor peasant lad over + whom a royal mantle is thrown. Yet I was and am made happy by all this! Is + <i>this</i> vanity, or does it show itself in these expressions of my joy? + </p> + <p> + Ole Bull went to Algiers, I towards the Pyrenees. Through Provence, which + looked to me quite Danish, I reached Nismes, where the grandeur of the + splendid Roman amphitheatre at once carried me back to Italy. The + memorials of antiquity in the south of France I have never heard praised + as their greatness and number deserve; the so-called <i>Maison Quar e</i> + is still standing in all its splendor, like the Theseus Temple at Athens: + Rome has nothing so well preserved. + </p> + <p> + In Nismes dwells the baker Reboul, who writes the most charming poems: + whoever may not chance to know him from these is, however, well acquainted + with him through Lamartine's Journey to the East. I found him at the + house, stepped into the bakehouse, and addressed myself to a man in shirt + sleeves who was putting bread into the oven; it was Reboul himself! A + noble countenance which expressed a manly character greeted me. When I + mentioned my name, he was courteous enough to say he was acquainted with + it through the Revue de Paris, and begged me to visit him in the + afternoon, when he should be able to entertain me better. When I came + again I found him in a little room which might be called almost elegant, + adorned with pictures, casts and books, not alone French literature, but + translations of the Greek classics. A picture on the wall represented his + most celebrated poem, "The Dying Child," from Marmier's <i>Chansons du + Nord</i>. He knew I had treated the same subject, and I told him that this + was written in my school days. If in the morning I had found him the + industrious baker, he now was the poet completely; he spoke with animation + of the literature of his country, and expressed a wish to see the north, + the scenery and intellectual life of which seemed to interest him. With + great respect I took leave of a man whom the Muses have not meanly + endowed, and who yet has good sense enough, spite of all the homage paid + him, to remain steadfast to his honest business, and prefer being the most + remarkable baker of Nismes to losing himself in Paris, after a short + triumph, among hundreds of other poets. + </p> + <p> + By railway I now travelled by way of Montpelier to Cette, with that + rapidity which a train possesses in France; you fly there as though for a + wager with the wild huntsman. I involuntarily remembered that at Basle, at + the corner of a street where formerly the celebrated Dance of Death was + painted, there is written up in large letters "Dance of Death," and on the + opposite corner "Way to the Railroad." This singular juxtaposition just at + the frontiers of France, gives play to the fancy; in this rushing flight + it came into my thoughts; it seemed as though the steam whistle gave the + signal to the dance. On German railways one does not have such wild + fancies. + </p> + <p> + The islander loves the sea as the mountaineer loves his mountains! + </p> + <p> + Every sea-port town, however small it may be, receives in my eyes a + peculiar charm from the sea. Was it the sea, in connexion perhaps with the + Danish tongue, which sounded in my ears in two houses in Cette, that made + this town so homelike to me? I know not, but I felt more in Denmark than + in the south of France. When far from your country you enter a house where + all, from the master and mistress to the servants, speak your own + language, as was here the case, these home tones have a real power of + enchantment: like the mantle of Faust, in a moment they transport you, + house and all, into your own land. Here, however, there was no northern + summer, but the hot sun of Naples; it might even have burnt Faust's cap. + The sun's rays destroyed all strength. For many years there had not been + such a summer, even here; and from the country round about arrived + accounts of people who had died from the heat: the very nights were hot. I + was told beforehand I should be unable to bear the journey in Spain. I + felt this myself, but then Spain was to be the bouquet of my journey. I + already saw the Pyrenees; the blue mountains enticed me—and one + morning early I found myself on the steam-boat. The sun rose higher; it + burnt above, it burnt from the expanse of waters, myriads of jelly-like + medusas filled the river; it was as though the sun's rays had changed the + whole sea into a heaving world of animal life; I had never before seen + anything like it. In the Languedoc canal we had all to get into a large + boat which had been constructed more for goods than for passengers. The + deck was coveted with boxes and trunks, and these again occupied by people + who sought shade under umbrellas. It was impossible to move; no railing + surrounded this pile of boxes and people, which was drawn along by three + or four horses attached by long ropes. Beneath in the cabins it was as + crowded; people sat close to each other, like flies in a cup of sugar. A + lady who had fainted from the heat and tobacco smoke, was carried in and + laid upon the only unoccupied spot on the floor; she was brought here for + air, but here there was none, spite of the number of fans in motion; there + were no refreshments to be had, not even a drink of water, except the + warm, yellow water which the canal afforded. Over the cabin windows hung + booted legs, which at the same time that they deprived the cabin of light, + seemed to give a substance to the oppressive air. Shut up in this place + one had also the torment of being forced to listen to a man who was always + trying to say something witty; the stream of words played about his lips + as the canal water about the boat. I made myself a way through boxes, + people, and umbrellas, and stood in a boiling hot air; on either side the + prospect was eternally the same, green grass, a green tree, flood-gates—green + grass, a green tree, flood-gates—and then again the same; it was + enough to drive one insane. + </p> + <p> + At the distance of a half-hour's journey from Beziers we were put on land; + I felt almost ready to faint, and there was no carriage here, for the + omnibus had not expected us so early; the sun burnt infernally. People say + the south of France is a portion of Paradise; under the present + circumstances it seemed to me a portion of hell with all its heat. In + Beziers the diligence was waiting, but all the best places were already + taken; and I here for the first, and I hope for the last time, got into + the hinder part of such a conveyance. An ugly woman in slippers, and with + a head-dress a yard high, which she hung up, took her seat beside me; and + now came a singing sailor who had certainly drunk too many healths; then a + couple of dirty fellows, whose first manoeuvre was to pull off their boots + and coats and sit upon them, hot and dirty, whilst the thick clouds of + dust whirled into the vehicle, and the sun burnt and blinded me. It was + impossible to endure this farther than Narbonne; sick and suffering, I + sought rest, but then came gensdarmes and demanded my passport, and then + just as night began, a fire must needs break out in the neighboring + village; the fire alarm resounded, the fire-engines rolled along, it was + just as though all manner of tormenting spirits were let loose. From here + as far as the Pyrenees there followed repeated demands for your passport, + so wearisome that you know nothing like it even in Italy: they gave you as + a reason, the nearness to the Spanish frontiers, the number of fugitives + from thence, and several murders which had taken place in the + neighborhood: all conduced to make the journey in my then state of health + a real torment. + </p> + <p> + I reached Perpignan. The sun had here also swept the streets of people, it + was only when night came that they came forth, but then it was like a + roaring stream, as though a real tumult were about to destroy the town. + The human crowd moved in waves beneath my windows, a loud shout resounded; + it pierced through my sick frame. What was that?—what did it mean? + "Good evening, Mr. Arago!" resounded from the strongest voices, thousands + repeated it, and music sounded; it was the celebrated Arago, who was + staying in the room next to mine: the people gave him a serenade. Now this + was the third I had witnessed on my journey. Arago addressed them from the + balcony, the shouts of the people filled the streets. There are few + evenings in my life when I have felt so ill as on this one, the tumult + went through my nerves; the beautiful singing which followed could not + refresh me. Ill as I was, I gave up every thought of travelling into + Spain; I felt it would be impossible for me. Ah, if I could only recover + strength enough to reach Switzerland! I was filled with horror at the idea + of the journey back. I was advised to hasten as quickly as possible to the + Pyrenees, and there breathe the strengthening mountain air: the baths of + Vernet were recommended as cool and excellent, and I had a letter of + introduction to the head of the establishment there. After an exhausting + journey of a night and some hours in the morning, I have reached this + place, from whence I sent these last sheets. The air is so cool, so + strengthening, such as I have not breathed for months. A few days here + have entirely restored me, my pen flies again over the paper, and my + thoughts towards that wonderful Spain. I stand like Moses and see the land + before me, yet may not tread upon it. But if God so wills it, I will at + some future time in the winter fly from the north hither into this rich + beautiful land, from which the sun with his sword of flame now holds me + back. + </p> + <p> + Vernet as yet is not one of the well-known bathing places, although it + possesses the peculiarity of being visited all the year round. The most + celebrated visitor last winter was Ibrahim Pacha; his name still lives on + the lips of the hostess and waiter as the greatest glory of the + establishment; his rooms were shown first as a curiosity. Among the + anecdotes current about him is the story of his two French words, <i>merci</i> + and <i>tr s bien</i>, which he pronounced in a perfectly wrong manner. + </p> + <p> + In every respect, Vernet among baths is as yet in a state of innocence; it + is only in point of great bills that the Commandant has been able to raise + it on a level with the first in Europe. As for the rest, you live here in + a solitude, and separated from the world as in no other bathing place: for + the amusement of the guests nothing in the least has been done; this must + be sought in wanderings on foot or on donkey-back among the mountains; but + here all is so peculiar and full of variety, that the want of artificial + pleasures is the less felt. It is here as though the most opposite natural + productions had been mingled together,—northern and southern, + mountain and valley vegetation. From one point you will look over + vineyards, and up to a mountain which appears a sample card of corn fields + and green meadows, where the hay stands in cocks; from another you will + only see the naked, metallic rocks with strange crags jutting forth from + them, long and narrow as though they were broken statues or pillars; now + you walk under poplar trees, through small meadows, where the balm-mint + grows, as thoroughly Danish a production as though it were cut out of + Zealand; now you stand under shelter of the rock, where cypresses and figs + spring forth among vine leaves, and see a piece of Italy. But the soul of + the whole, the pulses which beat audibly in millions through the mountain + chain, are the springs. There is a life, a babbling in the ever-rushing + waters! It springs forth everywhere, murmurs in the moss, rushes over the + great stones. There is a movement, a life which it is impossible for words + to give; you hear a constant rushing chorus of a million strings; above + and below you, and all around, you hear the babbling of the river nymphs. + </p> + <p> + High on the cliff, at the edge of a steep precipice, lie the remains of a + Moorish castle; the clouds hang where hung the balcony; the path along + which the ass now goes, leads through the hall. From here you can enjoy + the view over the whole valley, which, long and narrow, seems like a river + of trees, which winds among the red scorched rocks; and in the middle of + this green valley rises terrace-like on a hill, the little town of Vernet, + which only wants minarets to look like a Bulgarian town. A miserable + church with two long holes as windows, and close to it a ruined tower, + form the upper portion, then come the dark brown roofs, and the dirty grey + houses with opened shutters instead of windows—but picturesque it + certainly is. + </p> + <p> + But if you enter the town itself—where the apothecary's shop is, is + also the bookseller's—poverty is the only impression. Almost all the + houses are built of unhewn stones, piled one upon another, and two or + three gloomy holes form door and windows through which the swallows fly + out and in. Wherever I entered, I saw through the worn floor of the first + story down into a chaotic gloom beneath. On the wall hangs generally a bit + of fat meat with the hairy skin attached; it was explained to me that this + was used to rub their shoes with. The sleeping-room is painted in the most + glaring manner with saints, angels, garlands, and crowns <i>al fresco</i>, + as if done when the art of painting was in its greatest state of + imperfection. + </p> + <p> + The people are unusually ugly; the very children are real gnomes; the + expression of childhood does not soften the clumsy features. But a few + hours' journey on the other side of the mountains, on the Spanish side, + there blooms beauty, there flash merry brown eyes. The only poetical + picture I retain of Vernet was this. In the market-place, under a + splendidly large tree, a wandering pedlar had spread out all his wares,—handkerchiefs, + books and pictures,—a whole bazaar, but the earth was his table; all + the ugly children of the town, burnt through by the sun, stood assembled + round these splendid things; several old women looked out from their open + shops; on horses and asses the visitors to the bath, ladies and gentlemen, + rode by in long procession, whilst two little children, half hid behind a + heap of planks; played at being cocks, and shouted all the time, + "kekkeriki!" + </p> + <p> + Far more of a town, habitable and well-appointed, is the garrison town of + Villefranche, with its castle of the age of Louis XIV., which lies a few + hours' journey from this place. The road by Olette to Spain passes through + it, and there is also some business; many houses attract your eye by their + beautiful Moorish windows carved in marble. The church is built half in + the Moorish style, the altars are such as are seen in Spanish churches, + and the Virgin stands there with the Child, all dressed in gold and + silver. I visited Villefranche one of the first days of my sojourn here; + all the visitors made the excursion with me, to which end all the horses + and asses far and near were brought together; horses were put into the + Commandant's venerable coach, and it was occupied by people within and + without, just as though it had been a French public vehicle. A most + amiable Holsteiner, the best rider of the company, the well-known painter + Dauzats, a friend of Alexander Dumas's, led the train. The forts, the + barracks, and the caves were seen; the little town of Cornelia also, with + its interesting church, was not passed over. Everywhere were found traces + of the power and art of the Moors; everything in this neighborhood speaks + more of Spain than France, the very language wavers between the two. + </p> + <p> + And here in this fresh mountain nature, on the frontiers of a land whose + beauty and defects I am not yet to become acquainted with, I will close + these pages, which will make in my life a frontier to coming years, with + their beauty and defects. Before I leave the Pyrenees these written pages + will fly to Germany, a great section of my life; I myself shall follow, + and a new and unknown section will begin.—What may it unfold?—I + know not, but thankfully, hopefully, I look forward. My whole life, the + bright as well as the gloomy days, led to the best. It is like a voyage to + some known point,—I stand at the rudder, I have chosen my path,—but + God rules the storm and the sea. He may direct it otherwise; and then, + happen what may, it will be the best for me. This faith is firmly planted + in my breast, and makes me happy. + </p> + <p> + The story of my life, up to the present hour, lies unrolled before me, so + rich and beautiful that I could not have invented it. I feel that I am a + child of good fortune; almost every one meets me full of love and candor, + and seldom has my confidence in human nature been deceived. From the + prince to the poorest peasant I have felt the noble human heart beat. It + is a joy to live and to believe in God and man. Openly and full of + confidence, as if I sat among dear friends, I have here related the story + of my life, have spoken both of my sorrows and joys, and have expressed my + pleasure at each mark of applause and recognition, as I believe I might + even express it before God himself. But then, whether this may be vanity? + I know not: my heart was affected and humble at the same time, my thought + was gratitude to God. That I have related it is not alone because such a + biographical sketch as this was desired from me for the collected edition + of my works, but because, as has been already said, the history of my life + will be the best commentary to all my works. + </p> + <p> + In a few days I shall say farewell to the Pyrenees, and return through + Switzerland to dear, kind Germany, where so much joy has flowed into my + life, where I possess so many sympathizing friends, where my writings have + been so kindly and encouragingly received, and where also these sheets + will be gently criticized, When the Christmas-tree is lighted,—when, + as people say, the white bees swarm,—I shall be, God willing, again + in Denmark with my dear ones, my heart filled with the flowers of travel, + and strengthened both in body and mind: then will new works grow upon + paper; may God lay his blessing upon them! He will do so. A star of good + fortune shines upon me; there are thousands who deserve it far more than + I; I often myself cannot conceive why I, in preference to numberless + others, should receive so much joy: may it continue to shine! But should + it set, perhaps whilst I conclude these lines, still it has shone, I have + received my rich portion; let it set! From this also the best will spring. + To God and men my thanks, my love! + </p> + <p> + Vernet (Department of the East Pyrenees), July, 1846. + </p> + <p> + H. C. ANDERSEN. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The True Story of My Life, by +Hans Christian Andersen + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRUE STORY OF MY LIFE *** + +***** This file should be named 7007-h.htm or 7007-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/0/0/7007/ + + +Text file produced by Eric Eldred; Juliet Sutherland,the Project +Manager--a DP text + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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