what in
that way, and we in our old Germany hold that the mind advances
notwithstanding. Astronomers condescending to earthly philosophy may
admit that advance in the physical universe is computable, though not
perceptible. Some--whither we tend, shell and spirit. You English,
fighting your little battles of domestic policy, and sneering at us for
flying at higher game, you unimpressionable English, who won't believe
in the existence of aims that don't drop on the ground before your eyes,
and squat and stare at you, you assert that man's labour is completed
when the poor are kept from crying out. Now my question is, have you a
scheme of life consonant with the spirit of modern philosophy--with the
views of intelligent, moral, humane human beings of this period? Or are
you one of your robust English brotherhood worthy of a Caligula in his
prime, lions in gymnastics--for a time; sheep always in the dominions of
mind; and all of one pattern, all in a rut! Favour me with an outline of
your ideas. Pour them out pell-mell, intelligibly or not, no matter. I
undertake to catch you somewhere. I mean to know you, hark you, rather
with your assistance than without it.'

We were deep in the night. I had not a single idea ready for delivery. I
could have told him, that wishing was a good thing, excess of tobacco
a bad, moderation in speech one of the outward evidences of wisdom; but
Ottilia's master in the Humanities exacted civility from me.

'Indeed,' I said, 'I have few thoughts to communicate at present, Herr
Professor. My German will fail me as soon as I quit common ground. I
love my country, and I do not reckon it as perfect. We are swillers,
possibly gluttons; we have a large prosperous middle class; many good
men are to be found in it.'

His discharges of smoke grew stifling. My advocacy was certainly of a
miserable sort.

'Yes, Herr Professor, on my way when a boy to this very place I met a
thorough good man.'

Here I related the tale of my encounter with Captain Welsh.

Dr. Julius nodded rapidly for continuations. Further! further!

He refused to dig at the mine within me, and seemed to expect it to
unbosom its riches by explosion.

'Well, Herr Professor, we have conquered India, and hold it as no other
people could.'

'Vide the articles in the last file of English newspapers!' said he.

'Suppose we boast of it.'

'Can you?' he simulated wonderment.

'Why, surely it's something!'

'Something for non-commis