184 



which, however, I have left untouched, in order to abate 

 nothing from the impression of Wilhelm's powerful 

 individuality. Let me repeat, that I have never struck 

 out more than five to six lines at a time ; all that I have 

 suppressed as tedious and irrelevant, amounts to three 

 to four written, and scarcely two printed pages. Where, 

 however, you meet with a very great deal, often as 



much as half a page, struck out thus 



this is the doing of the old lady herself. Maybe, the 

 " Daughter of the Taubenheim Pastor"* has had some 

 morbid attacks of prudery. The ink will prove to 

 you, that I have had no hand in these obliterations. 

 The first volume contains a fine passage, referring to 

 Theresa, and much in praise of the King of Bavaria. 

 In the second volume, there is a description of Eahel, 

 which will give you pleasure. Bettina, as Madame von 

 Biilow tells me, is less kindly spoken of. This I shall 

 certainly modify. 



I hope to be able to put the whole of the first 

 volume in your hands by Tuesday ; the second shall 

 soon follow. I will bring it to you in due time, with 

 notes and fac-similes (which must be abridged), inclosed 

 in a tin box, with a padlock. You will then have the 

 entire treasure in your hands. Salvavi animam meam. 

 The whole will raise a fearful and fruitful outcry, and 

 call forth the most conflicting opinions. 



In sincerest friendship, yours, 



A. v. HT. 



Have the kindness to try and manage to have the 



* The title of a well-known ballad of Burger's which has passed into a 

 designation of-girlish timidity and prudery. TB. 



