Wilhelm Meister by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Author:Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alma Classics
Published: 2017-06-26T14:33:12+00:00

Chapter Six

The company had just come together again, and our friends saw themselves compelled to break off the conversation. Shortly afterwards a courier was announced who wished to deliver a letter into Lothario’s own hands; the man was brought forward; he looked vigorous and efficient, while his livery was very decorative and in good taste. Wilhelm thought he recognized him, and he was not wrong, it was the same man whom on that former occasion he had sent after Philine and the supposed Mariane and who had not come back again. He was just going to address him when Lothario, who had read the letter, asked in a serious and almost irritated manner: “What is your master’s name?”

“Of all questions that is the one which I can answer least effectively,” the courier modestly replied. “I hope the letter will give the necessary information; I haven’t been given any verbal message.”

“Be that as it may,” Lothario replied with a smile, “as your master has confidence to write to me in such a foolish manner, he shall be welcome among us.”

“He will not keep you waiting long,” the courier rejoined with a bow, and went off.

“Just listen to this mad, silly message,” said Lothario, “the unknown person writes as follows: ‘As of all guests good humour is said to be the most agreeable and as I constantly take it around with me as travelling companion, I am convinced that the visit which I have planned to pay to Your Grace and Highness will not be taken amiss; on the contrary I hope to attain the complete approval of the entire elevated family, and on occasion to withdraw again, I remain yours, and so on, Count Snailsfoot.’”

“That’s a new family,” the Abbé said.

“It may well be a count by temporary appointment,” Jarno put in.

“It’s easy to guess the mystery,” Natalie said. “I bet it’s brother Friedrich, who has been threatening to visit us ever since Uncle’s death.”

“How right you are, beautiful and wise sister!” somebody called from a nearby bush, and at once a pleasant and cheerful young man stepped forward; Wilhelm could hardly hold back a cry. “What?” he exclaimed, “is our blonde rogue to turn up here as well?” Friedrich became alert, looked at Wilhelm and said: “Indeed, I should have been less astonished to find here in my uncle’s garden the famous Pyramids which are so firmly fixed in Egypt or the tomb of King Mausolus,* which, as I have been assured, no longer exists at all, than to find you, my old friend and multiple benefactor. Let me offer you particular and cordial greetings!”

After he had tended greetings and kisses to all around, he again bounded up to Wilhelm and called out: “Keep him in a good humour for me, this hero, general and dramatic philosopher! When we first met I dressed his hair badly, in fact, I may say that I heckled him with the hackle, though afterwards he saved me from a sound thrashing. He is as

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