"I have indeed at times felt," said Henry, "that in the moments when my inner nature was most awake, I was less excited than at other times, when I could run about freely and attend to all occupations with pleasure. A spiritual, penetrative essence permeated me, and I could employ every sense at pleasure, could revolve every thought like an actual body, and view it from all sides. I stood with silent sympathy in my father's work-shop, and rejoiced when I could help him to accomplish anything properly. Propriety has a peculiarly strengthening charm, and it is true that the consciousness of it gives rise to a more lasting and distinct enjoyment, than that overflowing feeling of an incomprehensible, superfluous splendor." "Believe not," said Klingsohr, "that I disregard the latter; but it must come of itself and not be bought. The rarity of its appearance is beneficent; if more frequent, it would weary and weaken. One cannot quickly enough tear himself from the sweet rapture which it leaves behind, and return to a regular and laborious occupation. It is as with pleasant morning dreams, from whose sleepy vortex one must extricate himself by force, if he would not fall into a lassitude, continually more oppressive, and so struggle through the whole day in sickly exhaustion." "Poetry," continued Klingsohr, "will be cultivated strictly as an art. As mere enjoyment it ceases to be poetry. The poet must not run about unoccupied the whole day in chase of figures and feelings. That is the very reverse of the proper method. A pure, open mind, dexterity in reflection and contemplation, and ability to put forth all the faculties in a mutually animating effort, and to keep them so,--these are the requisites of our art. If you will commit yourself to my care, no day shall pass in which you shall not add stores to your knowledge, and obtain some useful views. The city is rich in artists of all descriptions. There are some experienced statesmen and educated merchants here. One can get acquainted with all ranks without much difficulty, with people of all pursuits, and with all social circumstances and requirements. I will with pleasure instruct you in the mechanical part of our art, and read its most remarkable productions with you. You may share Matilda's hours of instruction, and she will willingly teach you to play the guitar. Each occupation will usher in the rest; and when you have thus well spent the day, the conversation and pleasures of a social evening, and the views of the beautiful landscapes around, will continually renew to you the calmest enjoyment." "What a glorious life you here lay open to me, dear master. Under your guidance I shall for the first time understand what a noble mark is before me, and how by your counsel alone I can hope to attain it."