his nose turned up? You must know,
Goethe, that Professor Rammler despises my poems, because I am not so
learned in Greek and Roman mythology as he is. Now tell me, my young
friend, what did he say about me?"

"I promised you, upon my word of honor, to tell you every thing, but I
hope you will release me from the promise." sighed the young man.

"No, that I will not. Much more, upon the strength of your word of
honor, I desire it. You promised, word for word, to relate it to me."

"If it must be, then, let it be. I went at once to Professor Rammler's.
He asked me immediately if I had not been here."

"Just as I asked you," laughed Karschin.

"I affirmed it, saying that you showed me his house. Upon which he
asked, 'Did she say any thing against me? She is accustomed to do it
before strangers, like all old women.' He then turned over my album, and
as he saw the lines you wrote he reddened, and striking the book--'I see
it, she knew she had said something about me. She tells every stranger
that I think she is censorious. What she has written is aimed at me.'
Upon that he wrote some lines opposite yours, shut the book, and handed
it to me. I have not even had the time to read them."

"Read them now, quickly."

"'He who slanders and listens to slander, let him be punished. She may
be hung by the tongue, and he by the ears.'" [Footnote: This scene took
place literally, and may be found in "Celebrated German Authors," vol.
II., p. 340.]

"That is shameful--that is mean!" said Frau Karschin, while Goethe
re-read the cutting epigram. "That is just like Rammler; his tongue is
like a two-edged sword for every one but himself, and he fans his
own glories, and does not know that he is a fool. Frederick the Great
himself called him so. One of his generals called his attention to
him, upon which Frederick turned his horse, riding directly up to him,
asking, 'Is this the distinguished Rammler?' 'Yes, your majesty, I am
he,' the little professor proudly bowed. 'You are a fool!' called out
Frederick, very loud, and rode away, as all around the 'Great Rammler'
laughed and sneered. There are many such stories. Shall I tell you how
Lessing teased him?"

"No, dear woman, tell me nothing more. I perceive your Berlin writers
and poets are a malicious, contentious set of people. I may well fear
you, and shall be glad to escape unharmed. Think kindly of me, and have
pity upon me; if the others are too severe, raise your dear hand and