I spent the evening at Herr V. G----'s, a clever man, and an old friend of Madame Schoppenhauer, who is also a kind patroness of mine. Frau V. G----e came in afterwards, and was a very agreeable addition to our company. She is a lively, original, and clever woman, on whom the incense strewed upon her with so much justice by her father-in-law, has not been entirely without its influence. She evinced great pleasure at the arrival of a first copy of Granby, which she had just received from the author, who had studied German in Weimar. The offering did not strike me as anything very considerable; and I told her I could only wish the author might be more interesting than his work. Perhaps I said this from 'dépit,' for here, as all over the Continent, it is the fashion to flatter the English inordinately, and God knows how 'mal à propos.' _September 16th._ After taking my leave this morning of all the illustrious family, I devoted the rest of the day to my friend Sp----, who, together with his family, affords a proof that a life at court and in the great world is perfectly compatible with the simplest domestic habits and the most attaching kindness of heart. A young Englishman, secretary to Mr. Canning, who spoke German like a native, entertained us with some humorous descriptions of English society, and was exceedingly bitter upon the discourtesy and want of good-nature which characterize it. This gave him, at the same time, a good opportunity of saying handsome things of the Germans, particularly those present. _It is only while they are abroad that Englishmen judge thus_: when they return, they quickly resume their accustomed coldness and haughty indifference, treat a foreigner as an inferior being, and laugh at the German 'bonhommie,' which they praised as long as _they_ were the objects of it; while they regard the truly laughable veneration which we cherish for the very name of Englishman, as the rightful tribute to their superiority. This is the last letter, dear Julia, which you will receive from hence. Early in the morning,--not at cock-crow, that is, but according to _my_ calendar,--at about twelve o'clock,--I intend to set out, and not to stop till I reach London. Take care of your health, I beseech you, for my sake, and tranquillize your mind as much as you can by the aid of that wondrous self-controlling strength with which the Creator has endowed it. Love me nevertheless--for my strength is in your love. Your faithful L----. LETTER II. _Wesel, Sept. 20th, 1826._ BELOVED FRIEND, After taking leave of Göthe and his family, and paying a last visit to a distinguished and charming artist in her 'atélier,' I quitted the German Athens, stored with pleasant recollections.