Stray leaves from the German : or, Select essays from Zschokke

Contents

PKEPARATORY SKETCH.

ESSAYS.

PAGE.

Chapter I. Early Years

Heinrich Zschokke, the justly celebrated author of the ^^ Hours of Devotion, " and numerous other works, dramatic, poetic, political, moral, and religious, was born at Magdeburg, on the 22nd of March, 1770. His mother, who is reported to have been very beautiful, survived his birth only for the short period of seven weeks. When dying, she fondly clasped her last-born to her bosom, and expressed an ardent wish that she could take him with her to the grave. His father was a cloth maker, highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens. Having acquired considerable wealth, in consequence of certain contracts entered into with the Russian army during the seven years' war, he was chosen master of the guild.

Our author was, as might have been expected from the peculiar circumstances of the case, the especial favorite of his father. To such an extent was this affection indulged in, that it produced, as not unfrequently happens, entire blindness to the faults and failings of his son. Young Zschokke was allowed the unrestrained indulgence of his own wayward fancies, and he, who was afterwards so remarkable for attainments of no common order — for strength and sublimity of thought rarely surpassed — was noted at this time for nothing but his mischievous propensities.

*The facts in this Sketch are taken from the Autobiography of Zschokke. b

Z PREI'ARATOIIY SKETCH.

In two particulars his father was especially careful. Having felt deeply in his own case the disadvantages resulting from a neglected education, he was resolved his darling child should not suffer from the same cause. Hence he sent him to school at six years of age. He moreover took him regularly to the services at the Church of S. Catherine, But School and Church were alike disagreeable to Heinrich. For the former he cared nothing ; and when in the latter his mind was always occupied with wild fancies touching angels, wishing that he was one of them, or at all events one of the little birds that flew about so merrily. Allowed to please himself he felt that unmixed happiness which it is the lot of children to enjoy. The death of his father, which occurred on the 18th of August, 1779, was the first cause of grief he had. After this event he was entrusted to the care of his brother Andrew. At first Zschokke did not awake to a consciousness of any important change in circumstances. In course of time, however, he began to wonder why his father and playmates had been taken from him, and he could no longer enjoy his former sports, and visit former scenes. His brother Andrew, who oarried on his father's business, cherished ambitious hopes and schemes. Hence our author must become quite different to any thing he had heretofore been. Sundry reformations, requisite to a gentlemanly exterior, were to be attended to. The hair-dresser and tailor w^ere called into requisiton. Old associations were broken off. This change of affairs suited not with Zschokke's taste. The new clothes, which generally please the boyish eye, pleased not him. He valued his old ones far more, because then he could romp about with any little fellows in the street. Debarred from this companionship, he proved as mischievous as possible in doors. — Every exertion was made to form gentlemanly habits and taste — but

EARLY YEARS.

all in vain. Poetry and music failed. Andrew now placed Heinricli at the convent of " Our Lady, " where was a celebrated school, under the care of Professor Rotgu. — Here he made no progress whatever. The kindness of his fellowpupils, it is true, saved him from many a flogging, which his laziness merited. His French translations also he managed to get on with very nicely, after a fashion well-known to every schoolboy. But when the examination-day came it was discovered that he had learnt nothing, and he was summarily expelled, lest, were he permitted to remain, disgrace should be brought upon the establishment. Poor Andrew's rage and vexation knew no bounds, and it was only by main force that Zschokke was prevented running away. His eldest sister then took him under her care, and placed him at another school, hoping for better results. His new school pleased him much better. — His master Capsius especially was venerated by him. Here an incident of an apparently trifling character, was the first cause of young Zschokke's advancement in learning. One pupil, a youth who learnt Latin, was an especial favorite with the Schoolmaster. Whenever there was any thing to be seen in the streets, such as soldiers, puppetshows, &c., this youngster was permitted to go and behold them, provided he asked permission of his master in a Latin phrase.

Zschokke, though at this time only in his Catechism, could not resist the temptation, and resolved, at all hazards, to make himself master of the formula of conjuration. In vain did his companion represent to him the difficulties and intricacies in the declensions, the adjectives, &c. With a bold heart he trod the rugged path from ^^mensa" to ^^audio," and at the first opportunity, with somewhat of trepidation and fear, he used the magic sentence. His master in astonishment and doubt forthwith examined, then praised him, and with

b 2

^ PREPAEATORY SKETCH.

prescience declared that something would be made of him. Henceforth he was pronounced the second Latinist, and admitted to all the rights and privileges, thereunto belonging. Henceforth also he devoted himself to his studies with unwearied diligence and energy. Eutropius and Phsedrus were learnt at school ; and at home a desire for the wonderful was excited by an old labourer, who lived in his sister's house, and who would at night relate his own adventures, and those of Alexander Selkirk, Robinson Crusoe, &c., interpersing his narratives with moral reflections, and enriching them with much of solid information.

He had not learnt as yet to enter into the Devotions of the Church Services. — Formerly angels had occupied his thoughts ; now he was travelling over the world, busying his mind with fancies touching the clergyman's dress, watching the sleeping portion of the congregation, or admiring the lowly reverence of the people, when the name of the Blessed Saviour, Jesus, was pronounced. He seems to have entertained some very strange notions touching God j but as none would listen to them he was compelled to keep them within his own breast.

Having, therefore, none to whom he could communicate the secret aspirations of his soul, he became fearful and timid. Much did he long for one heart, one friendly bosom, which would rejoice with him in his joy, and sympathize with him in his day of grief. — But none such could be found. And now he realized, in all the bitterness of grief, a full sense of his helpless condition as an orphan. Other children he saw beloved and caressed by their parents; but there was no mother to press him to her bosom — no father to wipe away with kindly hand the tears from his eyes. No wonder then that now his mhid returned to former days and former scenes, and that he endeavoured to recall the words, aye, and

EARLY YEARS. O

the very looks of his sainted father. — Oftentimes during the night season would he leave his bed, and kneeling down with tears in^ his eyes, pray that his father would appear unto him, and speak a few words of comfort to soothe his sorrowing heart. To his father he addressed his complaints. On these occasions he endeavoured to clothe his prayers and his wishes in poetical language, because he thought higher beings should be addressed in nobler strains than those of mere prose.

His bitter sorrows were materially increased by the harsh treatment he received at the hands of his sister and brother-in-law. Instead of reverencing the ties that bound them together, they refused him all the endearments to which his relationship entitled him, and treated him not as a brother, nor yet as a friend, but very little, if any, better than an errand-boy. In summer, however, he used to console himself by pursuing his midnight studies in his little bedroom, being on these occasions engaged in reading, or indulging his poetical fancies. But in winter this joy was taken from him. There was no stove in his bedroom, and he w^as not allowed the use of a light. His ingenuity, however, supplied him with the latter, and his devotion to literature rendered him careless of the cold. A turnip scooped out and filled with oil, served him for a lamp. — But he was discovered, and was well rated for his misconduct by his relatives.

Stung by the treatment he received, he determined within himself that this state of things should no longer exist. On the morning after the discovery he proceeded to his Guardian, and laid the case before him ; but his mission was ineffectual, for his Guardian made him no reply. But he was not to be daunted from further attempts. When he left his Guardian, he went to the President of the Guardianship office. The President heard his tale, inquired his age, (he was at this time 13 years old,) and dismissed him with the assurance that a b PRErARATORY SKETCH.

better arrangement should be speedily made. Accordingly he was removed from his sister's house, and sent to board with a teacher in the Alstadter school, and on his death was placed under the care of the Rector thereof. — All these matters, though apparently slight and insignificant, are of great importance, from the influence they exerted on his after life.

Time passed on, and young Zschokke was declared old enough for a participation in the Blessed Eucharist. For this he was carefully prepared by the holy and devout priest of S. Catherine's. He relates that he scarcely ever left the priest's house, but his eyes were red with weeping, and he was filled with deep penitence for his sins. The Church now became to him no unmeaning thing — but the Holy of Holies — the House of God. — Its lofty spires pointed him to the High and Holy One that inhabiteth Eternity; its Gothic columns and pointed arches were symbolical representations of heavenly things, and the swelling notes of the organ filled his soul with holy thoughts, and spake to him in the language of better worlds. Heaven and earth appeared to have been brought together in the presence of the Deity. Alone in the world he took the beloved Redeemer for his friend. But with all this, stability was wanting. He read greedily, night and day, whatever books were brought before him — but whatever book he last read, according to that he formed his opinions. He lived in an ideal world — and delighted himself with the creations and fancies of his own fertile imagination.

After a while a great change took place in Zschokke's affairs. A trifling incident occurred, and he was threatened with expulsion from the gymnasium. He waited for some days for the execution of the sentence. As delay took place he was resolved to put it in force against himself. — One morning, therefore, he left the school, proceeded to his Guardian, and, with all the eloquence he could command,

EARLY YEARS. 7

requested permission to enter the University. His prayers and entreaties failed^ and his Guardian told him that in two years more the clock would strike soon enough for that. Refused his wishes, he resolved to fly. He had no father or mother, and therefore determined to go into the world — even though lie had nothing but a beggar's wallet.

The difficulty was, whither he should wend his way. To Switzerland with its beautiful lakes, or Bavaria the favored spot of monastic seclusion ? At length his eye rested on Mecklenburg, where an old schoolfellow of his, now a courtactor, resided. This decided him, and packing up his little possessions, with a new-year's gift his sister had given him, and the pocket money he had saved, he commenced his travels.

Chapter II. The Wanderee

On the 22nd of January, 1788, (a cold and foggy morning,) young Zschokke, following his own natural impulses, wandered with a light heart, over hill and dale. With omens of success he made his way to Schwerin. Arrived here, he proceeded at once to the rooms of his old schoolfellow, Wachsmann, whom he found at breakfast with his wife. The reception he met with damped the hopes that he had fondly cherished ; for Wachsmann chided him for the folly he had committed, in leaving Magdeburg, and advised him to lose no time in returning home. He moreover made sundry sarcastic and cutting observations upon Zschokke's turning courtplayer.

Cut to the heart by the unexpected coldness, and the biting sarcasm of his former friend, (which Zschokke did not fail to return,) he left the room, and saw him no more. For a while he stood before the house wondering what to do next. A stranger who had been present at his interview with Wachsmann, and who was in a government ofEce, came up to, and in the kindest manner soothed him with words of comfort, evincing deep sympathy for him. But he did more than this. He introduced him to a printer, who was desirous of meeting with a private tutor for his children. Into this office Zschokke was installed. And for the first time in his life, he enjoyed the rich luxury of domestic happiness. His existence now was a heaven upon earth : for enjoying the afiection of his pupils, the kindness of their father, and the sympathy of his strangerfriend, he had nothing more which he could desire. He wrote

THE WANDERER. 9

whilst in this situation, many compositions botli in prose and verse. — His former melancholy passed away, like the dew before the morning sun.

This quiet and sedentary life did not please him long. He pined for other and more stirring scenes, and began to think it a sin to waste his time in the little town in which he was then located. The spring and the summer passed, aijd he put into execution none of the plans he had formed for travelling excursions, but had been saving all the money he could command. He, at this time, accidentally met with a person of agreeable manners, and one wellacquainted with the world. His name was Burgheim. He and Zscliokke soon became mutually attached, and as the former was seeking for stars to perform at his theatre, it was arranged that the latter should go with him in the capacity of theatrical poet. The parting between Zscliokke and his pupils was trying in the extreme, and during leave-taking he repented his hasty resolution j but it was then too late to retrace his steps.

In November, 1788, Zschokke joined the theatrical corps ; and derived no little pleasure from the reckless kind of life which they led. All day long he jested and sang, and at night indulged in various practical jokes and tricks which delighted or terrified the inhabitants of the villages where they stopped. The theatre at Prenzlau was opened with a poetical prologue from his pen. Much as he was pleased with his new career, he was not the less disgusted with the every-day life of the motley company to which he had attached himself. Hence he withdrew gradually from them, and gave himself up uninterruptedly to his dramatic labors, altering old comedies, mangling all kinds of pieces to suit modern taste and the wishes of the actors. His leisure hours he occupied in study, rummaging all the libraries that existed in the several towns through which they passed. This gained for him the

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reputation of a studious young man, and won him the friendship of many excellent and well-informed people.

With the first breath of spring the dramatic corps proceeded to Landsberg. Here they lived the same kind of life as before — but as soon as summer enriched the country with more glorious scenery than the theatre could display, all efforts to sustain it w^ere ineffectual, and the company was broken-up. The rest of his companions were dispersed in all directions, but Zschokke remained at Landsberg, living in frugality upon his savings, and employing the summer and winter in preparation for the University. As the Easter of 1790 approached, he wrote to his Guardian, requesting to be entered at the University of Frankfort, on the Oder, being influenced to make this choice because of its proximity to Landsberg, and because also some friends of his were about to enter at the same seat of learning. His Guardian, to the great delight of Zschokke, joyfully gave his consent to the proposition. Wanderer as Zschokke had been during the last two years, he had nevertheless learnt some lessons of great practical utility. The lightheartedness of youth had returned, and he had learnt to feel comfortable mid all the vicissitudes and shifting scenes of life ; to be joyful in adversity, and cautious in prosperity; to look at the better side of every character, and judge favourably of all.

Upon being entered at the University, he was required to determine what course of study he would follow. He could not tell, but requested that he might be allowed free choice among the muses. The professor looked at him with astonishment, and replied that he must decide for one of the faculties ; but that having chosen one of the muses for his wife, he might flirt a little with each of the rest. For a while he was undetermined, but at length decided for theology, thinking that his religious friends at Magdeburg would highly approve of the

THE WANDEREK. II

choice he had made. He now gave himself up night and day to the prosecution of his studies, not so much from real love of them, as from a fear lest he should be far surpassed by the other pupils, who had not spent, as he had done, the last two years in wandering about the country.

He continued an unsocial bookworm until the death of one of the students, when he was appointed to read the funeral oration. The oration was composed and read — and during its recital, the auditors wept. This circumstance first brought him into notice, and drew him from the solitude he had heretofore courted. He had many friends, yet lived in confidential intercourse with but few. A number of the students of kindred taste resolved to shun the drinking haunts and gaming table, and formed themselves into a literary club, emulating each other in their labors. They were wont to act dramas — and tell narratives of their own inventions — or dress up old ones in such a manner that they could not be known. It was for this club that Zschokke revised an old Venetian anecdote, which excited universal admiration. He was advised to write it down, and then dramatize it. Such was the origin of the celebrated Abellino, which was soon acted in every theatre in Germany. Had it not been for the religious doubts with which Zschokke was harassed, he would at this time have been the happiest of mortals.

But here again he was bewildered by those perplexing doubts which had heretofore distressed him, and in consequence thereof his old despondency returned to him. In his distress he consulted one of the professors, who entered into all the circumstances of the case, and having himself at one time experienced similar difficulties, advised him as best he could. The advice of the professor made a deep impression upon Zschokke's mind, and he continued to search for himself, neglecting the teaching of the Church. He studied perseve-

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ringly, but alas ! did not attain the object he had in view. So perplexed was he that at this time he almost wished he were some cold phlegmatic man, whose mind busied itself about nothing more than how he could earn his daily bread. In order, therefore, to divest his mind from the subjects which had disturbed his quiet, he resolved to subject himself to a regular and systematic course of College reading. In due time he proceeded to his examination, during which the two examiners had a somewhat severe quarrel. Zschokke maintained a lengthened disputation in Latin, and obtained in his 22nd year the diploma of Doctor Philosophise, et Magister Artium.

He now returned to his relations at Magdeburg to whom he had long been reconciled; his brother Andrew maintaining with great perverseness, that his skill as a pedagogue had first fanned the flame in the breast of the youthful Doctor.

He entered the pulpit at Magdeburg, and preached some few times, even though all his doubts had not at this time been resolved. Lamentable indeed is it to see how one of a mind such as his, could give loose to that mind, and indulge its powers in matters of speculation, rather than yield due obedience to the revealed will of God. In later life his faith became stronger, and the mist with which he had been surrounded cleared away.

Thence he returned to Frankfort, where he spent the next three years in the capacity of a private lecturer. His lectures on every subject he undertook were listened to by crowded audiences, and his success as ^' Doctor Legens '* was so very great, that he felt emboldened to offer himself as a candidate for a public professorship. — This the minister refused him because of his youth, although he was strongly recommended by all the other professors. This caused him to travel once again. Breaking up his small establishment, he proceeded in

THE WANDEKEK. 13

May, 1795, in the mail to Berlin and Leipzig. — Travelling through Saxony, Franconia, and Schwabia, he entered Switzerland, and walked through the different parts of it during the whole of the autumn. His travels, and the letters of introduction he had with him, gained him the acquaintance of men of the first literary rank j and, as he had no fixed route, he went whithersoever circumstances or his inclination led him. Before the end of the winter he was in Paris ; the whole of which city he examined with the most minute care and attention. — His noblest feelings were here awakened, and his admiration excited, not by any Avork of human art — but by the character and piety of an aged recluse, the Count Stabbendorf, who though poor was rich, for though his income was small, he contrived to give much away in charity. This holy man Zschokke made his model in many things, especially in respect to the management of his income, since in after-life we find Zschokke living at his ease, though father of a large family, with very frugal means. — Although he had no other resources than his own, yet he neither asked nor received any thing from any one.

From Paris he returned to Switzerland. At the Falcon hotel at Berne, he made the acquaintance of Aloys Reding, a captain in a Swiss regiment, which had been in the Spanish service. On his invitation he proceeded to Schwyz, where he was very kindly received by the whole family, and an intimacy was formed with Reding, which continued uninterruptedly until the death of the latter. Thence he proceeded to Reichenau, a small town in Upper Rhsetia, where he became intimately acquainted with the aged and venerable principal of the once celebrated school, which was now in a very declining state. He was also introduced to Tscharner, the President of the states. Both of these gentlemen informed him of the declining state of the School, which was the only one of the kind for

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many miles round, and prevailed upon Zschokke to accept the management of it.*

On the 9tli December, 1796, he signed the contract, for part of the grounds and buildings of Reichenau ; and within the short space of one year, he had no less than seventy boarders under his care. Whilst here, he composed the histoiy of the free state of the three alliances in Higher Rhaetia. This work passed through three several editions, and was moreover translated into French and Italian, He also published a small catechism, containing a concise description of the world, and the history of the country, which he intended as the basis of a scheme of popular education. The result was far more pleasing, than he could have expected. It stamped Zschokke as a man of no mean ability and deep research 5 and obtained for him the freedom of the country, an honor which had been given to no other foreigner during that century.

Living in quiet seclusion from the world, he had not paid even the slightest attention to the great revolutionary proceedings of France, until, to settle some disputes which had arisen in Berne, she sent a body of troops to the shores of the lake of Geneva.

Each canton fancied itself sufficiently powerful to ward off the enemy, and thus canton after canton fell. Zschokke's friend Aloys Reding was at the head of the Schwyz militia, and

* The School was managed by Zschokke, in the following manner. He endeavoured as early as possible to teach the children habits of frugality and self-denial. Hours of study, were such in reality. Rewards were abolished, and the pupils taught to cultivate learning for its own sake. There were no public examinations. Every Sunday, the Scholars being assembled in the chapel of the castle, he adapted his discourses in such a manner as to throwlight on the events of the week. To the school a little theatre was attached, and charades were acted by the pupils, A weekly tiibunal was held, the oiEcers of which were chosen from the scholai-s themselves. The causes were pleaded, and the decisions were subject to appeal to the teachers. The most severe punishments were inflicted on lying and deceit. By this means the scholars acquired habits of thought and judgment, as well as a facility for speaking, and the teachers were made acquainted with many things, which otherwise they would not have known.

THE WANDEEEK. l5

Zschokke offered to serve under him. Reding's reply came too late, when the canton, after an ineffectual resistance, had been subdued.

He now became conscious that the free states of theRhaetian Alps would soon be destroyed, although the Grisons were only connected by certain treaties with Berne, Zurich, and the Valais. Midst the universal discontent which prevailed, his pupils were soon removed from his school at Reichenau, and his teachers requested to be dismissed ; Zschokke's establishment was soon deserted, and he left alone in his castle. The war of the factions still continued to rage more violently. The chiefs of the Partricians used to meet at Reichenau, and Zschokke, the advocate of popular freedom, was invited to their councils. At these assemblies it was resolved not to reject union with Helvetia, but to defer it until peace had been restored ; or with an understanding that the Grisons should not have French troops among them. These propositions were drawn up in a simple form by Zschokke, and distributed among the people. In doing this he thought he had merely discharged his duty as a citizen, but found to his cost that he had poured oil upon the flames.

The day at length came, on which a final decision was to be come to concerning the proposals of France and Switzerland. A large majority of the assembled deputies, instead of maintaining that neutrality, which Zschokke's pamphlet advocated, rejected all offers of union with Helvetia.

As soon as this step had been taken, the government (the committee of the Diet) was dissolved, and that of the three chiefs of the confederacy restored. Hereupon all who maintained the necessity of the union of the Grisons with the rest of Switzerland, were rejected as traitors, and treated accordingly. Many, who were heretofore fondly loved and venerated by the people, Avere compelled to flee their country.

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Zschokke thought that owing to his political insignificancy he should be permitted to go unscathed. — But it was not so. A circumstance soon occurred, which proved to him clearly enough that his life was not safe, and a few days after it occurred, he packed up what would be requisite for the homeless exile, and set off again as a wanderer.