which is the antipodes of scepticism, it was natural that, to
the energy which had asserted, denounced, and dogmatized, should succeed
the reaction of despondency and distrust. Vehement indignation at "the
solemn plausibilities" of the world pervades the "_Robbers_." In "_Don
Carlos_," (commenced in this period, though published much later,) the
passion is no longer vehement indignation, but mournful sorrow--not
indignation that hypocrisy reigns, but sorrow that honesty cannot
triumph--not indignation that formal vice usurps the high places of the
world, but sorrow that, in the world, warm and generous virtue glows,
and feels, and suffers--without reward. So, in the poems of this period,
are two that made a considerable sensation at their first
appearance--"_The Conflict_," published originally under the title of
"_The Freethinking of Passion_," and "_Resignation_." They present a
melancholy view of the moral struggles in the heart of a noble and
virtuous man. From the first of these poems, Schiller, happily and
wisely, at a later period of his life, struck the passages most
calculated to offend. What hand would dare restore them? The few stanzas
that remain still suggest the outline of dark and painful thoughts,
which is filled up in the more elaborate, and, in many respects, most
exquisite, poem of "_Resignation_." Virtue exacting all sacrifices, and
giving no reward--Belief which denies enjoyment, and has no bliss save
its own illusions; such is the sombre lesson of the melancholy poet--the
more impressive because _so far_ it is truth--deep and everlasting
truth--but only, to a Christian, a part of truth. Resignation, so sad if
not looking beyond the earth, becomes joy, when assured and confident of
heaven. Another poem in this intermediate collection was no less
subjected to severe animadversion, but with infinitely less justice. We
mean "_The Gods of Greece_." This lament for the beautiful old
mythology, is but the lament of a poet for the ancient founts of poetry;
and few, now-a-days, can be literal enough to suppose it seriously
intended to set up Paganism, to the disparagement of Christianity. But
the fact is, that Schiller's mind was so essentially religious, that we
feel more angry, when he whom we would gladly hail as our light and
guide, only darkens us or misleads, than we should, with a less grave
and reverent genius. Yet a period--a transition state--of doubt and
despondency is perhaps common to men in pro