fulfil them
to the best of my ability.

But, as my friends know, I have the power and the habit of doing a great
deal of work; and I think no one will complain if, instead of the
recreation which others allow themselves, I should find my own
recreation in another form of labor.

I hope to secure at least two hours out of each twenty-four for my own
work, without detriment to my official duties--and if two hours are not
practicable, one must suffice. I shall be in the midst of the material I
most need--I shall be able to make the acquaintance of the men and women
who can give me the best assistance--and without looking forward
positively to the completion of the task, I may safely say that this
opportunity gives me a cheerful hope of being able to complete it.

I was first led to the study of Goethe's life by the necessity of making
the full meaning of his greatest poem clear to the readers of our
language. I found that he himself was a better guide for me than all his
critics and commentators. I learned to understand the grand
individuality of his nature, and his increasing importance as an
intellectual force in our century. I owe as much to him in the way of
stimulus as to any other poet whatever. Except Shakespeare, no other
poet has ever so thoroughly inculcated the value of breadth, the
advantage of various knowledge, as the chief element of the highest
human culture. Through the form of his creative activity, Shakespeare
could only teach this lesson indirectly. Goethe taught it always in the
most direct and emphatic manner, for it was the governing principle of
his nature. It is not yet fifty years since he died, but he has already
become a permanent elemental power, the operation of which will continue
through many generations to come. The fact that an association bearing
his name exists and flourishes here in New York is a good omen for our
own development.

We grow, not by questioning or denying great minds--which is a very
prevalent fashion of the day--but by reverently accepting whatever they
can give us. The "heir of all the ages" is unworthy of his ancestors if
he throws their legacy away. It is enough for me if this honor to-night
reaches through and far beyond me, to Goethe. It is his name not mine,
which has brought us together. Let me lay upon him--he is able to bear
even that much--whatever of the honor I am not truly worthy to receive,
and to thank you gratefully for what remains. [Applause.]