ud: "There is something lasting in life. Love
ceases and music dies away, but the good we have accomplished remains.
The most glorious of earthly rewards is granted to those who have
achieved great deeds--the mortal becomes immortal--the gods ceding
to him that which is more elevating than love or happiness--fame. Ye
trumpets of Hohenfriedberg, ye will still quiver when I am gone, and
relate to succeeding generations about 'Old Fritz.' Such tales are well
worthy to live and suffer for! I am coming, ye trumpets of fame." With
youthful activity and beaming face the king went out to receive his
generals, who saluted him with silent reverence, and his soldiers, who
greeted their beloved commander and king with an exultant shout.

CHAPTER XXI. IN WEIMAR.

"There lies dear Weimar, encircled in its wreath of green. Do you not
see it, Wolf? I will refresh my heart with its view; so halt, postilion,
halt," cried the duke. "It is more beautiful to me than stately, proud
Berlin. Though a poor, gray nest, I could press it to my heart, with all
its untidy little houses, and tedious old pedants. Let us walk down the
hill, Wolf."

"Most willingly," cried Goethe, stretching forth his arms to the little
town, nestled in the peaceful valley, "be welcome, you lovely paradise,
with your angels and serpents; we press on toward you with all our heart
and soul, as to the seven-sealed book, filled with mysteries, and we
would draw glorious revelations from your hidden contents."

"And grant, ye gods, that the inspired one may at last break the seal
which a cruel friend has placed upon her lips, that he may not drink the
kiss of love glowing beneath," said the duke, smiling. "Do you not see
the gray roof yonder, with its background of tall trees, that--"

"The house where dwells my beloved, my dearest friend, my sister, and
the mistress of my heart," interrupted Goethe. "She is all this, for she
is my all in all. The fountains of bliss and love which here and there I
have drawn from, refreshing my heart and occupying my mind, flow toward
her, united in one broad, silvery stream, with heaven and earth mirrored
therein, and revealing wonderful secrets in its rushing waves."

"Ah, Wolf!" cried the duke, "you are a happy, enviable creature, free
and unfettered, sending your love where it pleases you. My dear Wolf, I
advise you never to marry, for--"

Goethe hastily closed the duke's mouth with his hand. "Hush! not a
word against the