the motto _Salve_ was
stepped over as a good omen of a friendly welcome. He led me through
this apartment and opened another, somewhat more spacious, where he
requested me to wait, while he went to announce me to his master. The
air here was most cool and refreshing; on the floor was spread a carpet;
the room was furnished with a crimson sofa and chairs, which gave a
cheerful aspect; on one side stood a piano; and the walls were adorned
with many pictures and drawings, of various sorts and sizes.

Through an open door opposite, one looked into a farther room, also hung
with pictures, through which the servant had gone to announce me.

It was not long before Goethe came in, dressed in a blue frock-coat, and
with shoes. What a sublime form! The impression upon me was surprising.
But he soon dispelled all uneasiness by the kindest words. We sat down
on the sofa. I felt in a happy perplexity, through his look and his
presence, and could say little or nothing.

He began by speaking of my manuscript. "I have just come from _you_,"
said he; "I have been reading your writing all the morning; it needs no
recommendation--it recommends itself." He praised the clearness of the
style, the flow of the thought, and the peculiarity that all rested on a
solid basis and had been thoroughly considered. "I will soon forward
it," said he; "today I shall write to Cotta by post, and send him the
parcel tomorrow." I thanked him with words and looks.

We then talked of my proposed excursion. I told him that my design was
to go into the Rhineland, where I intended to stay at a suitable place,
and write something new. First, however, I would go to Jena, and there
await Herr von Cotta's answer.

Goethe asked whether I had acquaintance in Jena. I replied that I hoped
to come in contact with Herr von Knebel; on which he promised me a
letter which would insure me a more favorable reception. "And, indeed,"
said he, "while you are in Jena, we shall be near neighbors, and can see
or write to one another as often as we please." We sat a long while
together, in a tranquil, affectionate mood. I was close to him; I forgot
to speak for looking at him--I could not look enough. His face is so
powerful and brown! full of wrinkles, and each wrinkle full of
expression! And everywhere there is such nobleness and firmness, such
repose and greatness! He spoke in a slow, composed manner, such as you
would expect from an aged monarch. You perceive by his air that