great an affection for Wieland, that he could hardly exist. without him. Wieland had an apartment in the castle and was almost daily with the count, who had a valuable library, every necessary apparatus of literature, and a rich source of knowledge in his own mind. He collected here the ideas for his Agathon, his New Amadis, his Golden Miror, and most of the other poetic productions, which first drew on him the admiration of all Germany. That Wieland has arrived at his present degree of excellence as a poet, solely by his own exertions and the force of his own genius, must be evident to all those who have read his juvenile compositions, in which he frequently complains of the restraints under which his muse laboured, in consequence of the disadvantages of his external situation. His political inconsistency excepted, which, were its motives sufficiently understood, might perhaps be found to deserve applause rather than censure; Wieland possesses an immovable stability of sentiment. This he displayed with regard to the philosophy of Kant, which excited the notice of every man of talents, and like a hurricane, shook to their foundations, and swept away before it, all the established systems and theories. His opinions, however, remained exempt from the general devastation. His character is irreproachable, and his soul magnanimous. The concern he felt for Professor Fichte's fate, he expressed in the following words: "On these occasions, I always wish myself a prince, that I might become a man of merit"-a sentiment which does him the more honour, as he himself was of the party of those, who considered the professor's philosophical principles as untenable and pernicious. With such a disposition, nothing vexes him more, than when, as is often the case, he is termed the Voltaire of Germany.-Wieland is at present engaged in composing a work, entitled, "Aristippus," which is intended to be a delineation of the hiftory of his own mind. Who will not coincide with us, in wishing that it may not happen to him as it did to Lichtenberg, whose thread of exiftence the fates cut short, when he was just preparing to write the hiftory of his literary career., VON GOETHE, whose celebrity as a poet is equal to that of any other cultivator of the German Parnassus, has also filcd the political station, which he holds at Weimar, with dis tinguished merit and success. The prince became acquainted with him, as a youth already celebrated on account of his Werther and Goetz von Berlichingen, upon a journey which he made to Francfort, Goethe's birth-place. The poet had lately A work we have already announced in our number for April, page 360. and of which the two first yoluuies have just been published. lately published a satyrical farce, for the purpose of ridiculing Wieland's observations on the Alceste of Euripides, which Wieland answered in the same tone. The duke, who knew of this feud, asked Goethe whether he had any message for his friend Wieland at Weimar, or whether he would not ra ther accompany him home and there settle the dispute. Gocthe agreed to the proposal, and from that time entered into the service of the duke. For several years subsequent to his arrival at Weimar, he lived in a course of dissipation; but having at length reformed his way of life, his poetical genius soon began to shine forth with renovated lustre. At the same time he gained daily more influence with his prince, became his avowed favourite and minister, and employed the trust confided in him for the most beneficial purposes. It was not till within these few years, that he resigned a part of his employments, in order that he might be able to devote more of his time to his favourite poetical pursuits. Jena is the favourite abode of his muse; his Iphigenic was conceived in a delightful forest near Weimar, which is favourable to effusions of genius, by a profound silence. Goethe is in his person tall and robust, in his deportment haughty and authoritative. With many estimable qualities of the heart, he combines a certain contempt of mankind, who seem to interest him only in so far as they can furnish him with characters for his dramatic compositions. His mind is very inquisitive, and his studies extend to almost every department of science and art. Painting and sculpture are favourite ob jects of his pursuit, and many of the artists now living in Weimar, owe their success in life to his protection. His do mestic life is enveloped in a veil which we shall not attempt to penetrate. HERDER, Superintendant general and vice president, enjoys the particular good graces of the Duchess Amelia, and lives much in her society. His sermons, which he generally delivers on the great festivals of the church, are too poetical to be altogether suited to the capacities of the less refined part of his audience, though they are never destitute of edifying matter, even for the most illiterate hearer. His attention to church discipline and education is as well known as his general amiable and venerable character. JEAN PAUL RICHTER, born at Hof, celebrated by his poetical productions, particularly his "Hesperus." BOETTIGER, Counsellor of the consistory, and director of the school at Weimar ; conducts several periodical publications, contributes towards the notes on the paintings of Vasses, and the editions of ancient classics. BERTUCH BERTUCH, Counsellor of legation-a great speculator in almost every department of human industry.. The Jena literary gazette, the German Mercury, and various other journals were first projected by him. The success of his speculations has made him very opulent. FALK, a young poet of merit, born at Dantzig, where in his earlier years he excercised the profession of a hair-dresser. He afterwards studied at Halle, and acquired a very profound knowledge of ancient literature; from thence he came to Weimar, where he now pursues his studies in a state of complete seclusion from the world. VON LINKERT, chamberlain, the only Roman catholic in his college, where he holds his seat solely in consequence of his extraordinary merits. He is accounted to be better acquainted with the management of forests than any person in Germany; he also publishes a journal relative to this department of political economy. VON KNEBEL, author of the excellent German transla-. tions of Catullus and Propertius. JAGEMANN, librarian to the duchess Amelia, and teacher of the Italian language at Mounier's institution. He has published several translations from the Italian, also a dictionary of that language. MAIER, the painter-was brought by Goethe from Italy to Weimar, where he was appointed, with a salary, to paint the scenes for the theatre. He has written several excellent essays on the theory of painting, inserted in the "Propylea." MAIER, the historian-author of "Letters on History" and of a history of the club-law in Germany. LUDKEMULLER, author of a translation of French tales of the 12th and 13th centuries; also of a satirical novel, entitled "Kurt von Kroetenstein," in which he ridicules the apparition, and chivalry romances, with which Germany has, been so much pestered during the last ten years. This author lives on the most intimate footing with Wieland, as his ammanuensis. GERNING, secretary of legation, author of a variety cof essays in different periodical publications. He is at preserit engaged in writing an account of his travels in France since the revolution. SCHMIDT, Secretary to the Ducal library-author of a translation of Pope's "Eloisa to Abelard." HUNNIUS, practising physician at Weimar--author of :1 treatise on the Dysentery, a critique on the Brunonian system, &c. Von VON SECKENDORF-author of several poetical translations from the Greek, and editor of a monthly miscellany. SCHALL, actor at the Weimar theatre, and author of seveFal translations of English comedies. He was born in England of jewish parents. HERDER, junr. practising phsyician-has published a poem, and writes in some of the literary journals. GÆDIKE, bookseller at Weimar, author of an useful dictionary of manufactures. VULPIUS, editor of a periodical publication, entitled “Janus," and of several romances and plays. VON KOTZEBUE, after his departure from Vienna, lived again some time at Weimar, his native city. This singular man seems to be the constant sport of fortune.-His late reverses have been generally recorded in the public prints. The emperor Paul having exiled him to Siberia, no sooner had received convincing proofs of his innocence, than he ordered him to be recalled as expeditiously as possible, with the express command, that every assistance should be given on his journey, and that a sum of money should be paid to him to defray the expences. On the seventh of July, O. S. these hapFy tidings penetrated into these distant regions. He performed in 19 days, on roads almost impassable, a journey of above 2700 miles, and embraced his wife and children at Petersburgh on the 4th of August, whom the emperor had sent for to receive him on his arrival. To shew Mr. v. Kotzebue a proof of his thorough conviction of his innocence, his Majesty the emperor of Russia was graciously pleased to present him, soon after his return from Siberia, a fine estate in Livonia, called Worrokül, free from all taxes and other dues, during his life. This estate brings in annually about 3000 rubles. Kotzebue was making preparations for his departure to Livonia, when another mark of Paul's favor fixed him robably for ever in the capital of Russia. The emperor apBointed him a councellor and director of the German theatre, with a salary of 1200 rubles, free dwelling, equipage, firing, &c. equal to 4000 rubles. The whole is under the immediate direction of Kotzebue, who has full power to regulate every thing, as he thinks best ;-subordinate to none, except the Lord Chamberlain. ARTISTS. Mr. MAJER and the Counsellor KRAUSE excell in the art of drawing; in painting, Mr. HORNI distinguishes himself by a vigorous and animated pencil; Majer is also a proficient that art. Messrs. Messrs. MULLER and WESTERMAIER have acquired a high reputation by their engravings; we must not omit to mention Mr GUSSEFELDS who designs maps with the greatest accuracy. Mr. KLAUER, a statuary, and Mr. FACIUS, a stone cutter, who has also made some successful attempts in wood cutting. Mr. DESTOUCHES, a pupil of Haydn, and a skilful composer, is a valuable acquisition to the town. Weimar has two printing offices, three booksellers, and the renouned establishment of Mr. BERTUCH, called the HOUSE OF INDUSTRY. A number of drawing masters, engravers, painters, printers, mechanics, and clerks, find daily employment in this extensive concern. It is about ten years ago that Mr. Bertuch, councellor of legation conceived the idea of forming a geographical institution, which should provide every necessary requisite for that branch of science. The public most generously gave it their entire support, and the plan has now attained a high degree of perfection. You find there methodical instruction in Geography, for the use of schools, by A. E. Gaspary. A methodical school atlas; first course, designed by Gussefelds, 15 maps. Gaspary's elements of geography, and explanation of the methodical school atlas, first course. Gussefeld's methodical school atlas, second course, 35 maps. Gaspary's explanation of the same. A small geographical globe of Gaspary. A new celestial globe, adapted to v. Zach's catalogue of stars. A new celestial atlas for the use of schools and academies, after Flamstead, Bradley, Tob. Mayer, de la Caille, de la Lande, and v. Zach, revised at the observatcty of Seeburg, near Gotha, by v. Zach. Voight's popular elements of astronomy. A complete system of Geography for teachers and amateurs; in 6 vols; and the necessary atlas, containing 60 maps. These two last articles are greatly advanced, and will be completed as speedily as the present unpleasant situation of times will admit, which is likewise the case with a general geographical dictionary. Works serving as a continuation to the study of geography, such as statistical works-Works contributing towards the knowledge of countries and nations, principally Gaspari's and Bertuch's geographical ephemerides, Gasperi's annals of geography, and statisticks, Sprengel's library of the newest and most interesting travels; you may there be supplied with all the engravings and publications of the chalcographical society at Dessau. Orders for the above are received, and speedily executed at No. 42, Parliament Street. VOL. II. A A CON |