,
and centuries later the German women will still see Wolfgang Goethe as
he looked in his twenty-ninth year, and hang an engraving on the wall in
their parlor, and sighing and palpitating acknowledge--'There never was
but one such godlike youth, and there never will be another. I wish that
I had known him; I wish he had loved me!' So will they speak centuries
later, for I will perpetuate this drawing in a steel engraving of my
most beautiful artistic work." [Footnote: This engraving from the
artist Chodowiecki still exists, and the author of this work possesses
a beautiful copy, which Ottille von Goethe sent her. It is a bust in
profile, the most beautiful of his youth.]

"You are a splendid fellow, and I must embrace you, and rejoice to be
immortalized by you, for this portrait pleases me exceedingly. I might
well be proud that this head with the rare profile is a counterpart of
my own. Now we are good friends. Before I say farewell, let me see the
work at which I just disturbed you upon entering."

Goethe was about to raise the cloth, when Chodowiecki waved him back.
"Do not look at it," said he, quickly; "I dislike to appear as a
mechanic before you, as I wish that you should honor only the artist. We
poor toilers are badly off, as the old proverb is ever proving true with
us, 'Art goes for bread.' We must be mechanics the chief part of our
lives, in order to have a few hours free, in which we are allowed to
be artists. I have to illustrate the most miserable works with my
engravings, to buy the time to pursue works of art."

"That is the interest, friend, which you pay the world for the
great capital which the gods confided to you. Believe me, the artist
Chodowiecki would have but a morsel to eat if the mechanic Chodowiecki
did not serve him a tempting meal, paying the bill. Do not be vexed
about it; man must have a trade to support him, as art is never
remunerated. [Footnote: Goethe's words--See G. H. Lewes's "Goethe's Life
and Writings," vol. 1., p. 459.] I hope the mechanic will be well paid,
that the artist may create beautiful and rare works for us. This is my
farewell visit to-day, friend. If you will hear a welcome from me very
soon, come to Weimar, and see how one honors the artists there, and how
well appreciated Chodowiecki is."

Goethe embraced and kissed the artist, who regarded him, his face
radiant with joy, and would not be prevented from accompanying him
to the house door, as if he were a prince