d the only
pleasant thing here in the world, and because people go all about
snuffing with the nose, it might be as well to provide them with
something to smell at. A water-establishment also could be united with
it, and thus something miserable might get washed away from the pitiable
wretches here in this world."

The Judge seized on the idea with joy. "So we will," said he; "we will
unite pleasure with profit. This undertaking will cost more than a
simple public pleasure-ground, but that need not prevent it. In this
beautiful time of peace, and with the prospect of its long continuance,
people may take works in hand, and hope to complete them, even if they
should require a long time."

"And such works," said Jacobi, "operate ennoblingly on life in times of
peace. Peace requires even as great a mass of power as war, but against
another kind of foe. Every ennobling of this earthly existence,
everything which exalts the mind to a more intellectual life, is a
battery directed against the commoner nature in man, and is a service
done to humanity and one's native land."

"Bah!" cried Jeremias with vexation, "humanity and native land! You have
always large words in the mouth; if a fence is thrown down or a bush
planted, it is immediately called a benefit for one's native land. Plant
your fields and throw down your fences, but let the native land rest in
peace! for it troubles itself just as little about you, as you about it.
For one's country and humanity!--that should sound very affecting--all
mere talk!"

"No, now you are in fact too severe," said the Judge, smiling at the
outbreak of his friend; "and I, as far as regards myself," continued he,
gravely, but cheerfully, "wish that a clearer idea of one's country
accompanied every step of human activity. If there be a love which is
natural and reasonable, it is the love of one's country. Have I not to
thank my country for everything that I have? Are they not its laws, its
institutions, its spiritual life, which have developed my whole being,
as man and as a citizen? And are they not the deeds of my fathers which
have fashioned these; which have given them their power and their
individual life? In fact, love and gratitude towards one's parents is
no greater duty than love and gratitude towards one's native land; and
there is no one, be he man or woman, high or low, but who, according to
his own relationships, can and must pay this holy debt. And this is
exactly the signi