We have already stated that Bismarck would have preferred to remain at Frankfurt, because he hoped to be useful to Prussia; and he personally complained to the Prince Regent of his transference. The Prince Regent, on the other hand, demonstrated to[281] him that such an official position in St. Petersburg was one of the first in the diplomacy1 of Prussia, and that he ought to regard his mission there as a distinction. It was, perhaps, fortunate for Bismarck that thus placed in a remote position from the party spirit of those days, he was able as from an observatory3 to watch the course of political events, both inwardly and outwardly, and allow his views to assume distinctness, his plans to ripen4. To his many journeys was also due the preservation5 of personal interests. The peculiar6 good-will with which he was received by the Czar, and especially by the Empress-Mother at that time, he knew how to preserve, at the same time winning the respect of the Russian statesmen. Of his life in these days, his letters, which we shall presently communicate, addressed to his wife and sister, afford us most characteristic traits. From this time forward, sadly enough, several attacks of indisposition appear, which dull the picture of manly8 strength and health we have hitherto beheld9 in him. In March he set forward on his journey to St. Petersburg, and assumed his new office on his birthday, the 1st of April, 1859; in May he went to Moscow, but upon his return he became seriously ill, and suffered greatly from a rheumatic attack in the left leg, which was very painful to him.
He there placed himself in the hands of his physicians. One evening a blister10 was applied11 to the calf12 of the leg, and Bismarck went to sleep, but soon awoke in raging tortures, which increased to such a degree that he tore away the blister, and with it some portion of the flesh. Perhaps in the end this proved his salvation13, but such remarkable14 symptoms of illness appeared that it was necessary for him to ask permission for leave of absence in Berlin. The Emperor was terrified at the alteration15 in Bismarck, when he came to present his letters of recall. After a miserable16 journey Bismarck arrived in Berlin, but in a pitiable state. He remained there at the Hotel d’Angleterre in a hopeless condition; the physicians treated with him iodine17, without, however, any result, and in this condition he was found by his wife, whom he summoned from Pomerania. Madame von Bismarck, in every thing touching18 her husband, possesses the greatest energy and affection; herself instructed in the healing art, she had all the iodine bottles thrown away, and devoted19 herself to the sick-bed. From this time the condition of Bismarck visibly improved, and although[282] much still remained ere he could regard himself as fully20 convalescent, he was at any rate enabled to seek further health and strength at Wiesbaden and Nauheim. The cure, however, was very incomplete, and it cost him a great effort to perform the duty of receiving the Emperor Alexander at Warsaw, and attending him to Berlin. After this he sought retirement21 for a while with his family at Reinfeld, whence he proposed to return to his post in St. Petersburg in November.
Reinfeld has been so often mentioned in these pages, and that spot of ground has so much significance for Bismarck, that some few notes concerning it can not be unwelcome to the reader. Reinfeld lies in the undulating hill country slanting22 from the Baltic land-ridge towards the Eastern Ocean, close to the left bank of the Stolpe, in a very pleasant part of Pomerania. The mansion23 of Reinfeld presents that peculiar type of Christian24 amiability,[44] which, in its unaffectation, produces so pleasant an effect on the visitor. There is nothing artificial about it. In the courtyard no oaths are heard, but in place of these the venerable Herr von Putkammer raises his velvet26 skull-cap, and from his lips come the peaceful words, “Let us all return our thanks unto the Lord,” etc., when at harvest-home the reapers27 enter with the corn-wreath of increase.
Bismarck had often fled to these fragrant28 Hinder Pomerania thorn-thickets for rest and refreshment29 in the summer-time, from busy official life and the social saloon of office. Hitherward he bent30 his steps cheerfully from Berlin and Paris, from Frankfurt and St. Petersburg. Here, with heartfelt contentment, he greeted his ancient friend, the forest; and in the neighborhood of Reinfeld there are many select localities remaining as proofs of his never-resting spirit of enterprise—as green trophies31 of his creative power. Frau von Bismarck, too, had grown up in Reinfeld. There she lived, at the service of all, with words of comfort and active aid, as well as with medical counsel, prudent32 enough to amaze many an experienced physician. Nor has Frau von Bismarck denied herself such a sphere of helpful activity in her town life. Like a true woman, she has forgotten her own sorrows to take care of the humblest persons around her, and thus[283] she has ever been a true helpmate for her consort33 in heavy labors35 and in dark hours. Frau von Bismarck possesses a fine ear for music. Her passionate36 performance has often delighted and soothed37 her husband amidst his cares, when the storms of life assailed38 him, and the waves ran high. How often has he sat still at night and listened to her melody, receiving the mighty39 influence of music into his heart of hearts!
On his journey from Reinfeld to St. Petersburg, in the November of 1859, Bismarck was taken dangerously ill at the house of his friend Alexander von Below, a Member of the Upper House, at Hohendorf in Prussia, beyond Elbing. The next station on the Eastern Railroad is Güldenboden (Goldbottom), which gives some conclusion as to the prolificacy40 of the Hohendorf district and agricultural system. After his illness there was a long period of reconvalescence, but Bismarck was comforted by having all his dear ones at hand. Herr von Below and his excellent sister, Mademoiselle Jeannette von Below, evinced princely hospitality. Besides Bismarck, his wife and children, his father and mother-in-law, Herr and Frau von Putkammer, remained for weeks at Hohendorf, together with Miss Fatio, the friendly home-spirit of the Bismarck family, and the boy’s tutor, Candidate Braune, now preacher at Strausberg-on-the-Barnim.
On the recovery of his health, Bismarck went, in March, 1860, to Berlin, where he took part in the Sessions of the Upper House; in May he returned to Hohendorf, whence he conducted his family to St. Petersburg. They started for K?nigsberg on the 30th May, slept at Marienpol on the 31st, at Wilkomierz on the 1st June, on the 2d at Dünaburg, on the 3d at Begitza, and on the morning of the 5th the travellers arrived in St. Petersburg. The railway was not completed at the time, so that some portion of the journey between the frontier and Dünaburg was performed in carriages.
Bismarck had hired the house of Countess Stenbock, on the English Quay42, with a fine view of the Neva, the quarter of Wassili Ostrov, and the Nicholas Bridge. When Bismarck had his family about him, he felt at home on the Neva. He also took a special master, in order to learn the Russian language; and it is said to have very much pleased and astonished the Emperor Alexander when Bismarck first answered him in Russian. It is no[284] trifling43 task to learn Russian; we know persons who have frequently attempted to do so, but have always abandoned the task in despair. Bismarck was much in society, at the Court of the witty44 Archduchess Helena. There was no lack of sporting parties; he hunted the elk45, the bear, and the wolf. At Varzin, as at Berlin, may be seen many trophies of his skill from the North. These bear-hunts were very contributive to his convalescence41, and he warded46 off many a cold on these expeditions, in the bitter weather. Bismarck, who was always a friend to dumb animals, had much amusement in some young cubs47 he kept in the house, until they grew into the ornaments48 of the Zoological Gardens at Frankfurt and Cologne, at a later age. Mischka (such is the Russian name of the young bear) often made his appearance, as did the foxes at Kniephof, to the great amusement of the guests at the dinner-table; and walked about among the plates and glasses on the cloth, nipped the servant in the calf of the leg, or slid about on the slide in the dining-room.
During this Petersburg time, Bismarck was able to devote himself more fully to the education of his children. Every Saturday they appeared before their father with their exercise-books, and reported what progress they had made during the week. Then followed a short examination, which evinced his minute accuracy in scholastic49 teaching, and even the tutor who was present learned something—the method of education. In later years Bismarck has been unable to spare time for such examinations, the duties of his office having entirely50 absorbed him.
Among the gentlemen who then frequented the house of Bismarck, we will mention, the then Royal Prussian Commissioner51, Freiherr von Lo?n (now General); Captain von Erkert (now Colonel); the historian Legation Councillor von Schloezer; the Prince von Croy and his old friend, Count von Kaiserling; Baron52 Nolde; and Count Yxkull. In the aristocratic circles of Russian society Bismarck was very greatly prized and esteemed53, and this not alone on account of the favor accorded to him and his wife by the Imperial family. The Chancellor54, Prince Gortschakoff, at all times regarded him with the greatest interest, and stood in continued and agreeable relations with him. Bismarck’s sporting skill and fortune became almost proverbial in the Court circles of Petersburg. From an authentic55, although[285] Suabian, source, the following anecdote56 was related to us, how Bismarck and seven others went a bear-hunting:—“On their return, one of the seven was asked, ‘How did things go?’ and he replied, ‘Very ill for us, father. The first bear trotted57 in; the Prussian fired, and down fell the bear. Then came the second, and I fired, missed, and Bismarck shot him dead at my very feet. Then came the third bear; Colonel M. fired twice and missed twice; then the Prussian knocked him over with one barrel. So Bismarck shot all three, and we could get no more. It went very ill for us, father!’” Bismarck, in his Russian hunting-coat, high boots, and big brown juff’s leather cloak, was a magically imposing58 sight.
The following year, 1861, Bismarck spent the most of the summer in Pomerania, and part of it in Baden-Baden, where he was considerably59 consulted by King William in political affairs. In the large coronation painting by Menzel, he forms a conspicuous60 and significative object. From K?nigsberg he returned to his post at Petersburg.
His outward appearance had much changed: he looked much[286] more like what we see him now. His once rich hair has grown somewhat thin, which makes the forehead very prominent; his enormous beard had disappeared in Frankfurt; the features are very marked, but a humorous smile still plays about his lips; his eyes retain their fire, and his firm bearing is still preserved. In his letters the old hearty61 spirit still is evident in all its freshness, nor is good-humor wanting; but sometimes there is a feeling of mournfulness, which, although slightly toned, still shows that he had not come unwounded from the fierce contest.
The following letters belong to this period of his career:—
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Pskow, 28th March, 1859.
Russia lengthened62 herself out under our wheels, and at each station the versts gave birth to young; but we have now run into the haven63 of the railway. From K?nigsberg we travelled for ninety-six hours without intermission; at Kowno we slept four hours, and three in Egypt (a station near Dünaberg), I think, the day before yesterday. I am now very well, but my skin is still burning, as I was outside almost all night, and we changed from 1 to 12 degrees of cold, R. The snow was so deep that we literally64 remained sticking with six to eight horses, and had to descend65. The slippery hills were worse, particularly in going down; it took us an hour to go twenty paces; the horses fell down four times, and all eight got the harness complicated together. Add to this night and wind—a real winter journey. It was impossible to sleep in consequence of the cold; yet it was better to be in the air. Sleep I shall recover. The Niemen was[287] free; but the Wilna, a river you scarcely would know, as broad as the Maine—the stream like a torrent66, with blocks of ice. The Düna was only fordable at one place, where we were able to cross, with four hours’ waiting and three hours’ labor34. The whole region resembles Hither Pomerania, without villages, chiefly like the district of Bütow and Bohren; some good forests, but the majority like the coast of New-Kolpizlow. Many birch woods, morasses67 for miles, the road straight as a line; a post-station at from every 14 to 22 versts, like Hornskrug, very well arranged, every thing to be had, and plenty of warmth—every body very civil, and the service punctual. Beyond Dünaberg there was a want of horses; at one station near Kowno we waited three hours, and then only obtained tired animals. Where the road was good they went excellently—at half-mile pace, with our heavy, ponderous69 carriage; but through the heavy parts they could not draw, skillful fellows as the postilions were. The common class of man pleases me at first sight. It is now six—we have just dined. Opposite to me, as I write on the table-cloth, —— is sitting, meditatively70 smoking.
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Petersburg, 19 (31) March, 1859.
Since early the day before yesterday, I have been warmly and dryly lodged71 here, in the Hotel Demidoff; but I did not get here without great exertion72. Scarcely had I left K?nigsberg, eight days ago, than a lively snow storm began, and since then I have not seen the natural color of the earth’s surface. At Insterburg we began only to make a mile an hour with couriers’ horses. At Wirballen I found a mail-post carriage, the interior of which proved too narrow for my stature73; I therefore changed places with Engel, and made the whole journey on the outer seat, open in front: a narrow bench, with an acute-angled back, so that it was impossible to sleep at night, without reckoning the temperature, which reached 1.2°. In this condition I remained from Wednesday morning early until Monday evening, and, except during the first and last nights of railroad, I have only slept once for three hours, and once for two hours on the post-station sofa. The skin of my face peeled off when I arrived. The journey was so long, in consequence of the deep snow, which had newly[288] fallen, and the want of a sledge-road; several times we were obliged to get out and walk, eight horses being unable to drag the carriage forward. The Düna was frozen, but about half a mile farther up there was free water, by which we passed; the Wilna drifted with ice, the Niemen was open. Horses, however, were scarce, as each post required eight and ten instead of the usual three and four. I have never had less than six, although the carriage was not heavy. The guard, postilions, and outriders did their utmost, so that I set my face against horse-slaughtering. The icy hills, were the greatest obstacle; the four hindmost horses, on one occasion, all tumbled over into a tangle—but the outriders on the right of the two foremost never stumbled—and hardly had they arisen than they went forward, in full career, with the fully-laden carriage, down hill and over bridges, at the top of their wind, amidst shouting and whipcord. They fell, only at step; but had they stumbled amidst the verst-long gallops74 on any declivity75, we should have been the real —— of Prince ——! Well! it is over, and I enjoy the fun of having passed through it. The Neva here is like granite76; but since yesterday there has been sunshine and thaw77. It is well known that the town is handsome; but were I to abandon myself to the sentiment of wonder, it would arise from the extraordinary animation78 of the streets; despite their width, it requires good drivers to wind their way at a proper pace, carriages are so numerous; the sledges79 disappeared yesterday. My commissions were completed the day before yesterday; my address for —— was written down the Chancery, as I had arrived unexpectedly.
1st April.—On writing this date, it occurs to me that to-day is my birthday, the first I ever spent amidst a rattling80 frost—for that has again set in—and, for twelve years, without Johanna. Yesterday I had a long audience of the Empress-Mother, and was delighted with the aristocratic nobility of the venerable lady. To-day I saw the Czar; so that on my birthday I enter upon my new functions. The day before yesterday the Emperor shot two bears. Unfortunately, it is now all over with Petz; he will not allow himself to be attacked, or rarely. The new snow has been, as it were, swept away by three days of thaw; the whole country is said to be free. Business is just beginning. Loving letters to-day from Johanna and the children.
[289]
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Moscow, 6th June, 1859.
I will try to give you a sign of life, at least, hence, while I am awaiting the samovar (tea-urn), and behind me a young Russian, red-shirted, is troubling himself with entirely fruitless attempts to heat the stove; he sneezes and sighs, but it won’t burn. After having recently complained so much of the scorching81 heat, I woke up this morning, between Twer and here, and thought I was dreaming when I saw the country, with its fresh verdure, covered, far and near, with snow! I never wonder at any thing now; so, when I had satisfied myself that there was no doubt about it, I turned quickly on the other side to sleep and roll on, although the play of colors, green and white, was not without their charm in the redness of the dawn. I do not know whether it has melted away at Twer, but here it is gone, and cold drizzling82 rain is rattling on the green leads of the roofs. Green, truly, is the body-color of the Russian. I slept some forty miles out of the hundred to this place; but the other sixty miles showed me nothing but every shade of green. I did not notice cities and villages, or even houses, excepting at the stations; thick-set woods and birches cover morass68 and hill; some fine grass crop between, and long meadows. Thus it is for ten—twenty—forty miles. I do not remember to have noticed the bramble, and no sand; but lonely cows or horses grazing raised an idea that men were not far off. Moscow, from above, looks like a sown field—the soldiers green, the cupolas green, and I do not doubt that the eggs before me were laid by green hens. You probably know why I am here; I have asked myself, and immediately received the reply that change is the soul of life. The truth of this profound remark becomes remarkably83 intelligible84 after living ten weeks in a sunny hotel apartment, with the aspect of paving-stones. Besides, the joys of changing apparel, when they repeat themselves frequently, become somewhat deadened; I therefore determined85 to deny them to myself, gave all the papers to ——, to Engel my keys, declared that I would return in a week to the Stenbock house, and drove to the Moscow terminus. This occurred yesterday at noon, and at eight this morning I descended86 at the Hotel de France. I will now visit a pleasant friend of[290] earlier days, living some twenty versts off in the country; to-morrow evening I shall be here again; Wednesday and Thursday I shall devote to the Kremlin and such matters; and Friday or Saturday shall sleep in the beds which Engel will purchase in the mean time. To harness slowly, and drive rapidly, lies in the character of this people; I ordered the carriage two hours ago; to every inquiry87 I have had put at ten minutes’ interval88, for the last hour and a half, the reply is, “Directly!” with stolid89, friendly quietness; and so it remains90. You know my pattern-like patience in waiting, but every thing has its bounds: presently we shall dash along, so that carriage and horses will break down in these bad roads, and we shall end our journey on foot. In the interval I have had three glasses of tea, destroyed several eggs, and the requirements of fuel have been so fully answered that I feel a desire for fresh air. Had I a looking-glass, I should shave from very impatience91. This city is very spacious92, and very strange, with its churches with green roofs and innumerable cupolas; far different from Amsterdam, although both are the most original cities I have ever seen. The amount of luggage brought here in the coupée no German conductor could divine. No Russian travels without two pillows, children in baskets, and masses of provisions of every kind. From politeness, I was complimented with a sleeping coupée, where I was worse situated93 than in my arm-chair. I am really astonished at making a journey under such circumstances.
Archangelski, late in the evening.
A year ago this very day I never even dreamt that I should be sitting here. On the river by which Moscow stands, some three miles away, amidst spacious gardens, lies a mansion in the Italian style. In front there is a broad, terraced, sloping lawn, surrounded by hedges like those of Sch?nbrunn, to the river side, and to the left of it a pavilion, in the six rooms of which I wander alone. On the other side of the water is a broad moonlit plain; here, grass-plats, hedges, and orangeries. The wind howls, and the flame flickers94 in the stove; old pictures look in a ghostly manner at me from the walls, and white marble statues from without. I return to-morrow, with my host, to Moscow; the day after to-morrow, by way of St. Petersburg, to Berlin.[291] I shall remain, if it be the will of God, until Friday, to “see what is to be seen.” My pen is very bad. I shall go to bed, though it looks broad and cold. Good-night. God be with you, and all those sheltered by Reinfeld!
The 7th.—Despite the broad cold bed, I slept well—had a capital fire made up, and am looking over the steaming tea-urn out to the somewhat clearer, but still grayish, horizon, and into the entirely green surroundings of my pavilion. It is a pleasant spot of earth, and I have the comfortable feeling that I am beyond the reach of telegraphs. My servant, like a true Russian, has, as I perceive, slept in my antechamber on a silken divan95, and this would seem to be a domestic arrangement, servants not being provided with special sleeping accommodation. My pavilion has an orangery, now empty, attached to it, about 150 feet long, at the least—the winter inhabitants of which are at present planted out in the hedges in stately grandeur96. The whole with its appurtenances is something like a very magnified —— with rococo97 appendices in the way of furniture, hedges, terraces, and statues. I am now going out walking.
Moscow, 8th June.—The city, as a city, is certainly the handsomest and most original in existence; the environs are friendly, neither pretty nor ugly; but the prospect98 above from the Kremlin, over the surrounding houses, with green roofs, gardens, churches, towers of the most extraordinary shapes and colors—most of them green, red, or bright blue, usually crowned by a gigantic golden ball, many with five or more on a church, unquestionably a thousand towers—something so curiously99 beautiful, as it appears in the setting sun, can not be seen elsewhere. The weather is again clear, and I should remain here some days longer, had there not arisen rumors100 of a great battle in Italy which may lead to diplomatic work; so I will make haste to be at my post. The house in which I write is very remarkable, as being one of the few remaining from 1812, with ancient thick walls like those of Sch?nhausen, of Oriental architecture—great Moorish101 courts.
[292]
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Peterhof, 28th June, 1859.
By the preceding date, you can see I am again up. I drove here early, to take leave of the Empress-Mother, who sails to-morrow. Her charming sincerity102 has truly for me something of a character of maternity103, and I can explain myself to her as if I had known her from a child. She conversed104 with me to-day for a long time on many subjects; she was lying in a chaise-longue, dressed in black, knitting at a white and red woollen shawl with long needles, on the balcony looking to the country. I could have listened to her deep voice and honest laugh and scolding for many an hour longer, I felt so at home. I had only come for two hours in undress; but as she finally said she did not wish to say farewell, but that I must have a great deal to do, I assured her nothing at all, and then she said, “You had better remain till to-morrow, when I leave.” I accepted the invitation joyfully105 as a command, for here it is delightful106, and in Petersburg so stony107. Only imagine the heights of Oliva and Zoppot all laid out as parks; with a dozen palaces having terraces, fountains, and lakes between, with shady walks and lawns down to the sea-line, blue sky, and warm sun with white clouds, and beyond the green ocean of foliage108, the real blue sea with ships and seagulls. I have not enjoyed any thing so much for a long time. In a few hours the Emperor and Gortschakow will be here, and then some business will penetrate109 the idyl; but, God be thanked, the world seems more peaceful despite our mobilization, and I need make myself less anxious at certain conclusions. I am sorry for the Austrian soldiers; how can they be commanded, that they are always beaten? On the twenty-fourth again. It is a lesson for the ministers, which, in their stupidity, they will still not take to heart. I should fear France rather than Austria from the moment we took up arms.
28th, Evening.—After a drive for three hours in an open carriage through the gardens, and having seen all their beauties seriatim, I am drinking tea and looking at the golden evening sky and green woods. The Imperial family desired last night to be alone, for which I can not blame them, and as a reconvalescent I sought[293] solitude110, and quite enough of it for this trip. I smoke my cigar in peace, drink excellent tea, and through the smoke of both gaze at a sunset of rare magnificence. The inclosed jasmine I send you as a proof that it really does grow in the open air and blossoms here. On the other hand, I must confess that I was shown the common chestnut111 in espalier as a rare plant, wrapped up in the winter. But there are very fine oaks, ashes, limes, poplars, and birches as thick as oaks.
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Peterhof, 29th June, 1859.
I wished to send you my good wishes in a pair of slippers112 by the steamer of the 25th, so that you would have received them this very day, but I could not even do it the week before, I lay so exhausted113 on my back. Since January in Berlin I have never been quite well, and anxiety, climate, and colds increased my originally unimportant rheumatism114 to such a pitch some ten days since, that I could not breathe without very great pain. The complaint, rheumatico-gastric-nervous, had settled in the liver, and was attacked by large cupping-glasses like saucers, and cantharides and mustard everywhere, until I succeeded, after having been half won for a better world, in convincing the physicians that my nerves, by eight years of uninterrupted anxiety and continual excitement, had been weakened, and that more tapping of blood would lead to typhus or idiocy115. A week ago yesterday was the worst, but my good constitution soon came to my rescue, after moderate quantities of canary were ordered. I came hither yesterday—my first trip—to take leave of the Empress-Mother, who is goodness itself towards me, and at her desire I have remained here till her departure, which takes place to-day about noon, to enjoy myself with green and sea and country air after all my sufferings. Do not write to Johanna about these details of sickness; I will tell her myself; I have till now only told her of ordinary witchcraft116. As soon as I am at rest I will write especially to Oscar; I was deeply touched by his long letter, and should have replied long since, but before my illness I was for a week in the neighborhood of Moscow, and the conduct of much business is doubly difficult by the presence of the Court and Ministers in[294] Zarskoe-Selo. I hope to obtain my furlough in the first third of July, and shall then go to Berlin, and I hope by Kr?chlendorf to Pomerania.
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Petersburg, 2d July, 1859.
Half an hour ago a courier awakened117 me with tidings of war and peace. Our politics are sliding more and more into the Austrian groove118, and if we fire one shot on the Rhine the Italo-Austrian war is over; and in place of it we shall see a Prusso-French war, in which Austria, after we have taken the load from her shoulders, will assist, or assist so far as her own interests are concerned. That we should play a very victorious119 part is scarcely to be conceded. Be it as God wills! it is here below always a question of time; nations and men, folly120 and wisdom, war and peace, they come like waves and so depart, while the ocean remains! On this earth there is nothing but hypocrisy121 and jugglery122, and whether this mask of flesh is to be torn off by fever or a cartridge123, it must fall at last, and then the difference between a Prussian and an Austrian, if of the same stature, will be so small that it will be difficult to distinguish between them. Fools and wise men, as skeletons, look very much like one another; specific patriotism124 we thus lose, but it would be desperate if we carried it into eternity125.
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Saturday, Petersburg.
Until half-past three this morning I was engaged in writing. The sun then rose, and I went to bed, and have been at the ink-bottle from before nine again; in half an hour the steamer starts; —— is behind me. For three days together I have been obliged to go to Zarskoe-Selo, always taking up the whole day. I dined with the Emperor recently, in the clothes of four different people, not being prepared for dress; I must have looked very odd. Here people are very good to me; but in Berlin, Austria and all our dear allies are intriguing126 to get me away; and yet I am such a well-behaved person! Be it as God wills! I had as lief live in the country as not.
[295]
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Berlin, 14th Sept., 1859.
Forgive me for not answering your letter as yet. I thought I should be able to stay a few days longer at Reinfeld, but was yesterday suddenly telegraphed for. Formerly127 it took twenty-eight hours to reach here, but since the railway has been opened it takes thirty-two, and one has to get up at four o’clock. I have just arrived here at six o’clock, have satisfied my appetite, and now propose to sleep. I am to receive the Regent very early to-morrow morning at the station; thence probably to Potsdam, to receive letters and commissions; to-morrow evening off to Warsaw. I shall very likely return with the Emperor to Breslau, and thence come back here; perhaps we shall then be able to see each other for one day at last. A fourteen-seated carriage arrives at Tauroggen for me to-day; how long it will remain there Heaven knows—this vagabondizing in the autumn chills ending in the goal of winter is far from amusing.
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Berlin, 24th Sept., 1859.
After I learnt from —— that you had passed through Berlin, and had probably reached Kr?chlendorf again, I made enormous exertions128 to be free by six to-morrow morning and reach Stettin to-morrow night by way of Kr?chlendorf. After having talked myself hoarse129 with mechanics and statesmen, I have become almost idiotic130 with anxiety, hunger, and business. I now at eleven o’clock do not know how to write either a short or simple letter to —— on the business of the day; to rise to-morrow at half-past five, and commit some financial and legal matters to paper. Je suis au bout25 de mes forces and must sleep, painful as it is to me to be compelled to dispense131 with my intended surprise for you to-morrow. I have already torn up two letters to Baden I had commenced. I can not keep my thoughts fixed132 to the political cothurnus, and must defer133 my journey to Stettin till to-morrow night. There I shall sleep. The day after to-morrow I have to meet Bernhard at Freienwalde; he will accompany me as far as Labes, where the trains join; at night I shall sleep at Reddentin, and early on the 27th I start for Reinfeld, or Johanna will scratch[296] my eyes out. It is her father’s birthday, and horses are already ordered. If I thought this letter would reach you in time, I should try to persuade you to go to Reinfeld at the same time, but you would be worn out with the journey. I have greatly recovered, particularly during the fortnight at Baden. My left leg is still weak and swollen134 from walking, my nerves not yet recovered from the iodine. I still sleep badly, and after the many people and things I have seen and spoken to to-day, I am tired and angry; I do not know what at, but I have very different ideas to those of six weeks ago, when I cared little for living longer, and the people who then saw me here say that they did not believe to have had that pleasure to-day. Every Prussian ambassador dies or goes mad, says ——, with a look which vouches136 for the truth of his words. Other people, however, do the same. I hope to remain a fortnight at Reinfeld, and then leave for the North. It is possible that I may be called back here after the Regent’s return, and my journey may be delayed by that of the Emperor. In any case it will be a winter journey; in Petersburg there is already snow and two degrees of frost. I can not even wish for another post, as according to medical advice I am to be lazy—and that is only possible at Petersburg—unless I desire to resign altogether. I shall wrap myself in bear-skins and be snowed up, and see what remains of me and mine next May in the thaw. If there are too few I shall return to agriculture and close with politics, as Gischberg does in his fourth picture. It would be very pleasant, however, if we could see each other before the winter sleep; should I return in a fortnight this would be easy, otherwise we must seek other means, visit Danzig or the Gollenberg together.
BISMARCK TO HIS WIFE.
Lazienki, 17th Oct., 1859.
So far have they got me! Early this morning I sought in the first Polish station for the ticket-office to take my place as far as here, when suddenly a benevolent137 Fate, in the shape of a white-bearded Russian General, seized me; this angel is named P., and before I recovered consciousness, my pass was recovered from the police, my luggage from the custom-house officer, and I was transplanted from the luggage-train to the express, seated in[297] one of the Imperial saloon carriages, over a cigar, with this agreeable gentleman, and, after a good dinner at Petorkan, arrived at the station here, where I was parted from Alexander and luggage by the golden throng138. My carriage was ready, and my questions, shouted in various languages, as to where I was to stay, were lost in the carriage roll, with which two fine horses galloped139 me into the night. For some half an hour I was rolling in mad haste through the darkness, and now am sitting here in uniform with my orders on, which we all donned at the last station. Tea is beside me, a mirror before me, and I know no more than that I am in the Pavilion of Stanislaus August in Lazienki, but not where it is situated, and I live in hopes that Alexander will soon find traces of me in more comfortable attire140. By the noise there should be tall trees or a fountain in front of the windows; except many people in Court liveries, I do not discover any one. The Emperor reaches Breslau early on the 23d, remains there a week, and then, after two days, I shall be with you.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Lazienki, 19th Oct., 1859.
I can only tell you in so many words that I am well. Yesterday I was the whole day en grandeur; breakfasted with the Emperor, then an audience, was very graciously and kindly141 received; dinner with H. I. M.; theatre in the evening, a very good ballet, and the boxes filled with handsome ladies. I have slept excellently; tea is on the table, and when I have taken it I am going to drive out. The Emperor reaches Breslau early on the 23d; on the morning of the 25th we shall probably start for Berlin. The tea I mentioned consisted not only of tea, but of coffee, six eggs, three kinds of meat, biscuits, and a bottle of Bordeaux; and from the breach142 I made this morning you would see that the journey has not hurt me. The wind is rushing over the Vistula, and rages among the chestnuts143 and limes surrounding me, whirling the yellow leaves against the windows; but here inside, with double windows, tea, and thoughts of you and the children, I smoke my cigar in great comfort. Unfortunately all comfort in this world has its bounds, and I am only awaiting the end of the[298] breakfast of those in the antechamber (I hear Alexander’s voice calling out loudly for a corkscrew!) to jump into the carriage, and first drive to several castles and mansions144, and then into the city.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Lazienki, 21st Oct., 1859.
I shall only just give you a sign of life this morning, for I have slept too long. Yesterday there was a grand dinner, a water and forest illumination which transcended145 every thing I had ever seen of the kind, and a ballet with mazurka. Whatever can be done is done, and for gay people this is Abraham’s bosom146. I should enjoy this more had I any news of you. You have, no doubt, in the uncertainty147 of my journey, not ventured to write to me here, or the letter is delayed. To-morrow about nine we go to Skianiawicze, where there is to be a hunting-party in the park; in the evening on to Breslau. With God’s assistance this day week I shall be in Reinfeld, and shall, I hope, find you and the little ones in good health, and ready to travel. I long for the moment when we shall sit quietly at the tea-table in our winter quarters, be the Neva as frozen as it may.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Skianiawicze, 22d Oct., 9 p.m.
For five hours I have shot deer, hunted four hares, rode for three hours—every thing went off well. We are just getting into the coupé for Breslau, where we shall be early to-morrow.
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Peterhof, 1st (13th) July, 1860.
As in former times, during the sessions of the Diet, I can find no pleasanter employment for a leisure moment than to write you a line as to the state of my health. Under the impression that at eight o’clock a steamer left for Petersburg, I remained at table till half-past six—just long enough to be detained till ten. The plan is altered to-day; instead of eight, they start at half-past six and ten. But it is very pleasant here. There is charming weather to day; a fine view of the green and the sea from a well-arranged corner room of the palace; music in honor of the birthday[299] of the Empress-Mother; and a good carriage, in which I shall take a drive for an hour. Peterhof is the jewel of this neighborhood, and delightful also for a west European, both as a park and landscape—something like the neighborhood of Danzig and Zoppot, of which you naturally know nothing, nor of Rügen; the latter is in the same style, but prettier. My health is unexpectedly good since I have lived in my own house. Your kindness in Berlin to some extent replaced this want; but the green hotel saloon, and the provisional character of my existence, still somewhat oppresses my memory. I feel like an old pensioner148 who has done with the business of this world, or like a formerly ambitious soldier, who has reached the haven of a comfortable command; and I feel that I could travel towards my end through long contented149 years. Till twelve I am employed with the Carlsbaders, walking, breakfast, dressing150; from then till five official life gives me just enough regular work to feel that I am not superfluous151 in the world. Dinner I enjoy perfectly152, particularly such things as I ought not to eat. From eight to ten I ride, also par2 ordonnance du médecin, and then read the newspapers and dispatches—enjoying some peaches the while—till twelve. I shall be able to endure this for a long time, provided I succeed in retaining the position of an observant natural philosopher in our politics. Yesterday Johanna made her first appearance in society. As I had to be in bed by twelve, and no one comes till eleven, it did not last long. My health is a welcome excuse for keeping out of all company. I dined here to-day. Such are the only irregularities that have taken place since my first reception at Court. The Emperor was very hearty on seeing me again, embraced me, and evinced an unquestionably sincere pleasure at my return. Johanna finds the life far pleasanter than she expected. Some slight cold somewhat upset her a few days since, but thank God all is right again, as with your Marie.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Zarskoe-Selo, 4th Oct., 1860.
I must be withdrawn153 from the clock-work of business, and by imperial command obtain an hour of leisure, to take thought and write to you. My daily life is taken up from the hour of breakfast until four without rest—work of all kinds, on paper and[300] among men. I then ride till six; but after dinner, by order of the physician, I approach the ink-bottle with caution, and only under extreme necessity. On the other hand, I read every thing which has arrived in dispatches and newspapers, and retire to rest about midnight, generally in good spirits, and in a contemplative mood as to the singular demands the Prussian in Russia makes upon his ambassador. Before sinking to sleep, I think of the best of sisters; but to write to this angel is only possible when I am sent for to an audience at one, and I have to take the railway for that purpose about nine. I thus have two hours remaining, during which I am quartered in the vacant rooms of the handsomest of all grandmothers, the Princess ——, where I write to you and smoke paper cigars until a visit or breakfast disturbs me. I look from the table, down hill, over birches and planes, where red and yellow are already predominating over green leaves. Behind them are the grass-green roofs of the village, over which, to the left, a church stands, with five golden towers in the shape of onions; and the whole is framed in on the horizon by the endless bushes, meadows, and forest plains, behind whose brown-grayish blue shadows a telescope would show the Isaac’s Church in Petersburg. A characteristic landscape, but under the cold gray sky more than autumnal—at any rate, a very northern autumn landscape. Yesterday the young Archduke Paul was born, and in a week the long delayed journey to Warsaw will be commenced. I hope to remain here; at least, I have written that I did not consider the custom of a reception on the frontier necessary, and should only come if specially7 commanded. I feel, thank God, much better than in the spring; but I do not trust in my health so entirely, and the Court life there, with diurnal155 balls until three o’clock, and all its restlessness, will be a severe trial even for people in perfect health. After my many journeys since the beginning of 1859, the feeling of really living anywhere with my own family is so beneficial that I am loath156 to tear myself away from domesticity. I should like to remain, like the badger157, in my lair158, at least until summer returns. Johanna and the children, thank God, are well, although Bill gave us some anxiety for a time, as Johanna will have informed you. The tutor and Josephine, the nurse, are, however, in bed. Quite without sickness we never are, and the doctor is a daily[301] guest. God grant that all sufferings are at an end in your house! The Chamberlain is just announced, and I do not know whether I shall be able to finish these lines here, or the day after to-morrow in Petersburg, when the Eagle sails, having many dispatches to write till then.
Petersburg, 12th Oct.—On taking up my letter-case, among my preparations for departure I found the foregoing, of which I was guilty at Zarskoe-Selo, and will not withhold159 it from you. Since then I have been ordered to go to Warsaw, and obey with somewhat of a heavy heart, after having somewhat evasively declined an invitation of the Emperor’s to that place. I am well enough for business, but not for pleasure. When you read this, probably on Wednesday, I shall, if God will, already be in Berlin. On Thursday I leave for Warsaw, and thence, by way of Wilna, hither. I shall not therefore have the pleasure of seeing you, unless by chance you should be in Berlin. I hope to do so next summer. The sea voyage will not be comfortable, but the land journey is too monotonous160.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Petersburg, 9th Dec., 1860.
I take it for granted that you are already in Berlin, as I do not know what you could do in the long evenings at Kr?chlendorf, although they are not so long as here, where lights are now brought punctually at three o’clock, to see to read and write. On some of our foggy days it is hardly possible, despite of the double windows and distance from the cold, to enter upon such pursuits after noon. But I can not say that my evenings or nights are too long; my anger at the swift progress of time is as great in the evening when I go to bed, or in the morning when I rise. I have just now a great deal to do; we are not at all social—my means do not permit it. I catch cold in other people’s houses, and generally an ambassador with 30,000 thalers salary is condemned161 to great economy. I receive visitors at dinner, i.e., I give them according to fortune de pot, but no evening parties. Evening parties, theatres, and so forth162, are interdicted163 by the mourning carriages; coachmen, j?gers, are all dressed in black. I have been out hunting once, but found the wolves wiser than the huntsmen; I was glad, however, to be able to do so once[302] more. The cold is not very intense; three, five, seven, seldom eleven degrees of frost; there has been good sledging164 for some weeks.
I am in the midst of Christmas plagues, and find nothing for Johanna that is not too dear. Please buy her some twelve or twenty pearls at Friedberg’s, suitable for her necklace, i.e. for the largest; say about 300 thalers. I should also like some picture-books, in Schneider’s Library; if you are unable to get them, ask —— to do so. I should like “Düsseldorf Magazines” of last year, “Düsseldorf Art Albums” of last and this year, München Fliegender Bl?tter of last year, and München Bilderbogen of this year and the last; also Kladderdatsch Almanac, and such nonsense.
Please get all this as soon as you can, and send it me by the aid of Harry165 with the next dispatch-bag—also the pearls, so that they may be here by Christmas; a courier will probably start before then. Put a few boxes of confections with them, but not too many, for the children are in a customary state of digestion166 without them.
The death of old Bellin makes a breach at Sch?nhausen, and puts me into some doubt as to my arrangements there. I do not know whether the widow will remain in the mansion, or whether she will prefer her little cottage—the ice-house—which the old man arranged for her. The garden I shall have to resign to the farmer, but will reserve a right of resumption by a notice from year to year, should I return thither167. The accounts I must give to my attorney; I do not know any one there.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Petersburg, 26 (14) March, 1861.
I first congratulate you on my birthday; this disinterested168 step, however, is not the only reason of the unusual appearance of an autograph letter from me. You know that on the 11th April the basis of my domestic bliss169 was born; it is not, however, as well known to you that I signified my delight at the return of this day last year by the present of a pair of earrings170, brilliants, purchased of Wagner Unter von Linden, and that they have recently disappeared from the possession of the charming owner, and have probably been stolen. In order to soften171 the[303] sorrow of this loss, I should be glad to receive by the 11th—there is sure to be a courier or some other traveller before that time—a pair of similar decorations of the conjugal172 earshells. Wagner will know about what they were and cost; if possible I should like them similar; a simple setting like your own, and they may be a little dearer than those of last year. The equality of my budget can not be maintained, whether the deficit173 be a hundred thalers more or less. I must await the restoration of my finances, when I take wife and children to Pomerania, and send the horses to grass in Ingermanland in the summer. Experience alone can tell how great the saving will be by such an operation. Should it prove insufficient174, I shall next year leave my very pleasant house, and put myself on a Saxo-Bavaro-Würtemberg footing, until my salary is raised, or the leisure of private life is restored me. Otherwise I have grown friendly with the existence here, do not find the winter so bad as I thought, and require no change in my position, until, if it be God’s will, I can sit down in peace at Sch?nhausen or Reinfeld, to have my coffin175 made without undue176 haste. The ambition to be a minister dies away nowadays from a multitude of causes, not all fitted for epistolary communication; in Paris or in London I should live less pleasantly than here, and have no more to say; and a removal is half a death. The protection of two hundred thousand vagabondizing Prussians, one-third of whom live in Russia, and two-thirds of whom visit it annually177, gives me enough to do not to get bored. My wife and children endure the climate very well; there is a certain number of people with whom I associate; now and then I shoot a bear or an elk, the latter some two hundred versts hence; there is charming sledging; high society—whose daily visits are without the slightest advantage for the royal service—I avoid, because I can not sleep if I go to bed so late. It is impossible to appear much before eleven; most people come after twelve, and about two go to a second soirée of supper-eating folks. This I am unable yet to endure, and perhaps never shall again, and I am not angry at it, as the ennui178 of a rout179 is more intense here than anywhere else, because one has too few circumstances of life and interests in common. Johanna goes out often, and answers without annoyance180 all questions about my health, as the necessary manure181 on the unfertile soil of[304] conversation. I wish Johanna, for economical reasons, would go to Germany as soon as possible, but she will not! I mean to Pomerania, and I would follow her as soon and for as long as I can get leave of absence. I will take the waters somewhere, and then above all take a sea-bath, to get rid again of this intolerable tenderness of skin. There is nothing heard from and seen of ——; couriers seem to have left off travelling. For months I have had no express dispatches from the Ministry182, and what come by post are tiresome183. Farewell, dear heart; greet Oscar. The Neva still bears carriages of every kind, although we have had a thaw for weeks, so that no sledges can pass in the city, and carriages are daily broken in the deep fissures184 in the ice which covers the pavements; it is like driving over a frozen ploughed field. You, no doubt, have green leaves about you.
BISMARCK TO OSCAR VON ARNIM.
Reinfeld, 16th August, 1861.
I have just received the news of the terrible misfortune which has befallen you and Malwine. My first thought was to come to you instanter, but I had overestimated185 my strength. The cure has commenced, and the thought to break it off suddenly was so definitely contradicted, that I determined to let Johanna travel alone. Such a blow is beyond the power of human consolation186; and yet it is a natural desire to be near those whom one loves, in sorrow, and to join in their lamentations. It is all we can do. A greater sorrow could scarcely have befallen you—to lose so charming and joyfully growing child in this way, and with it to bury all the hopes which were to become the joys of your old age. As to this, mourning can not depart from you as long as you live in this world. This I feel with you in deeply painful sympathy. We are without counsel, and helpless in the mighty hand of God—in so far as He will not help us—and can do nothing but bow in humility187 under His behest. He can take away from us all that He gave us, and leave us entirely desolate188; and our mourning over this would be the more bitter the more we rise against the Omnipotent189 will in anger and opposition190. Do not mingle191 bitterness and murmuring with your just sorrow, but remember that you still have a son and daughter left you, and that you must regard yourself as blest with them, and even with[305] the feeling of having possessed192 a beloved child for fifteen years, in comparison with the many who have never had children and known paternal193 joys. I will not burden you with weak grounds for comfort, but assure you in these lines that as a friend and brother I feel your sorrow as my own, and am cut to the heart by it. How do all the little cares and troubles which beset194 our daily lives vanish beside the iron advent195 of real misfortunes! And I feel the recollections of all complaints and desires, by which I have forgotten how many blessings196 God gives us, and how much danger surrounds us without touching us, as so many reproofs197. We should not depend on this world, and come to regard it as our home. Another twenty or thirty years, under the most favorable circumstances, and we shall both have passed from the sorrows of this world; our children will have arrived at our present position, and will find with astonishment198 that the life so freshly begun is going down hill. Were it all over with us so, it would not be worth while dressing and undressing. Do not you remember the words of a Stolpmünder fellow-traveller? The thought that death is but the passage to another life may perhaps diminish your sorrow but little, but you might believe that your beloved son would have been a faithful and true companion for the time you have yet to live here, and would have continued your memory. The circle of those whom we love grows narrower and receives no increase until we have grandchildren. At our years we make no new connections which can replace those who have died away. Let us therefore hold each other closer in affection, until death parts us also, as your son is now parted from us. Who can tell how soon! Will you not come with Malle to Stolpmünde, and live quietly with us for a few weeks or days? In any case I shall come in three or four weeks to you to Kr?chlendorf, or wherever you may be. I greet my beloved Malle from my heart. May God grant her, as also yourself, strength to endure and patient resignation!
BISMARCK TO HIS SISTER.
Petersburg, 17 (5) Jan., 1862.
I wished last night to go shooting some fifteen miles hence on the road to ——, where some wild quadrupeds, already purchased by me, are awaiting me. I therefore wrote in great haste all[306] that to-day’s courier was to take with him. Brotherly love in this case, however, would have suffered. Then it grew so cold again that the nocturnal sledging would have put my nose in a dilemma199, and the chase would have been cruel for the beaters. I therefore gave it up, and won a little time to write you a few loving words—especially to thank you for your excellent purchases and letters. The dress is everywhere admired; and in the little brooch also your good taste has evinced itself. Christmas, with God’s grace, has passed away from us in quietness and content, and Marie is making satisfactory progress. It would, therefore, be unthankful to complain of the cold, which has remained fixed at 18° to 28° with a persistency200 remarkable even for Russia, which would give 22° to 32° for the little hills to the south-west, where I usually shoot. For fourteen days the temperature has never been less than 18°. Usually, it is seldom longer than thirty hours consecutively201 over 20°. The houses are so frozen that no fires are of any use. To-day it is 24° at the window in the sun; a bright sun and blue sky. You write in your last letter of imprudent words spoken by ——, in Berlin. Tact202 he has not, and never will have; but that he is intentionally203 my enemy I do not consider. Nor does any thing take place here that every body might not know. If I were disposed to continue my career, it might perhaps be the very best thing if a great deal were heard to my disadvantage, for then I should, at least, get back to Frankfurt; or if I were very idle and pretentious204 for eight years, that would do. This is far too late a thing for me; I shall therefore continue to do my duty. Since my illness I have become so mentally weak, that the energy for exciting circumstances is deficient205. Three years ago, I might still have been a useful minister, but now I regard myself, mentally, as a sick circus-rider. I must remain in the service some years, if ever I am to see it. In three years the Kniephof lease will be out, in four years that of Sch?nhausen: until then I should not know exactly where to live, if I resigned. The present revision of posts leaves me out in the cold. I have a superstitious206 dread207 of expressing any wish about it, and afterwards to regret it by experience. I should go to Paris or London without sorrow, without joy, or remain here, as God and His Majesty208 please; the cabbage will grow no fatter for our policy, nor for me, whichever[307] should happen. Johanna wishes for Paris, because she thinks the climate would suit the children better. Sickness happens everywhere, and so does misfortune; with God’s help, one gets over them, or one bends in resignation to His will; locality has nothing to do with it. To —— I concede any post; he has the material. I should be ungrateful to God and man, were I to declare I am badly off here, and anxious for a change; but for the Ministry I have an absolute fear, as against a cold bath. I would rather go to one of those vacant posts, or back to Frankfurt, even to Berne, where I lived very well. If I am to leave here, I should like to hear of it soon. On the 1 (13) February I must declare whether I retain my house, must, en cas que si, stipulate209 for buildings and repairs; expensive horses and other matters would have to be purchased, which requires months here, and causes a loss or saving of thousands. To move in winter is scarcely possible. After some interruptions, I read my letter again, and it makes a melancholy210 impression; unjustly so, for I am neither discontented nor tired of life, and, after careful consideration, have discovered no wish unfulfilled, except that it should be 10° less cold, and that I should have paid some fifty visits which press upon me. Modest wishes! I hear that I am expected in the winter to the Diet. I do not think of coming to Berlin without special orders from the King, unless in summer, upon leave. Johanna and the children will, I think, go to Germany in about four months. I shall follow, if God will, in some four or six weeks, and shall return about as much sooner. By reason of the cold, the children have not been out of the house for nearly three weeks. All Russian mothers observe this rule so soon as it is more than 10°; it must therefore be a matter of experience, although I go to 15°, but no farther. Despite this want of air, they look very well, notwithstanding matters of diet—which is constitutional—and their Christmas feastings. Marie has become a sensible little person, but is still quite a child, which I am glad to see. By my side lies Varnhagen’s Diary. I can not understand the expenditure211 of moral indignation with which this needy212 mirror of the times, from 1836 to 1845, has been condemned. There are vulgarities enough in it, but people conversed in that manner in those days, and worse; it is drawn154 from life. V. is vain and malicious213, but who is not? It is merely[308] a question how life has ripened214 the nature of one or another with worm-holes, sunshine or wet weather, bitter, sweet, or rotten. During the whole time at my command, there has been humbug215 of all sorts; so I have written away up to two o’clock, and at three the messenger must be on the railway.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Petersburg, 7th March, 1862.
I make use of an English courier to send you a greeting of a few lines; a groan216 at all the illness with which God afflicts217 us. We have had scarcely a day all this winter on which we were all well in the house. Johanna has a cough just now, which quite exhausts her, so that she must not go out; Bill is in bed with fever, pains in body and throat—the physician can not tell us yet what will come of it; our new governess scarcely hopes to see Germany again. She has been lying prostrate218 for weeks, daily weaker and more helpless; the doctor thinks probably galloping[309] consumption will be the end of it. I am only well when out shooting; directly I enter a ball-room or a theatre I catch cold, and neither eat nor sleep. As soon as the climate is milder I shall send them, stock, block, and barrel, to Reinfeld. The indifference219 with which I contemplate220 a transfer is much diminished by these facts: I should scarcely have the courage to face next winter here. Johanna will scarcely be persuaded to allow me to return hither by myself. If I am not transferred I shall perhaps seek a longer leave of absence. I have recently had a letter from ——; he believes he is intended to be sent here, but would rather go to Paris; he thinks me intended for London, and I have somewhat familiarized myself with the thought. Letters from the Prince spoke135 of ——’s resignation and my succession; I do not think this is the intention, but should decline were it so. Independently of political exigencies221, I do not feel myself well enough for so much excitement and labor. This feeling also causes me some thought; if I were offered Paris, London is quieter; were it not for climate and my children’s health, I should doubtless prefer to remain here. Berne is also a fixed idea of mine; tiresome places in pretty neighborhoods suit old people, but there is no sporting there, as I do not care for climbing after chamois.
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diplomacy
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| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
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par
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| n.标准，票面价值，平均数量；adj.票面的，平常的，标准的 | |
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observatory
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ripen
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preservation
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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specially
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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beheld
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blister
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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12
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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13
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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14
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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15
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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16
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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17
iodine
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| n.碘，碘酒 | |
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18
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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19
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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20
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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21
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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22
slanting
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| 倾斜的，歪斜的 | |
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23
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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24
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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25
bout
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| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
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26
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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27
reapers
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| n.收割者，收获者( reaper的名词复数 )；收割机 | |
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28
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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29
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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30
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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31
trophies
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|
| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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32
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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33
consort
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| v.相伴；结交 | |
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34
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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35
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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36
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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37
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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38
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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39
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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40
prolificacy
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| n.生产力，多产；多产性 | |
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41
convalescence
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| n.病后康复期 | |
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42
quay
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| n.码头，靠岸处 | |
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43
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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44
witty
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| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
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45
elk
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| n.麋鹿 | |
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46
warded
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| 有锁孔的，有钥匙榫槽的 | |
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47
cubs
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| n.幼小的兽，不懂规矩的年轻人( cub的名词复数 ) | |
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48
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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49
scholastic
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|
| adj.学校的，学院的，学术上的 | |
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50
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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51
commissioner
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| n.（政府厅、局、处等部门）专员，长官，委员 | |
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52
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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53
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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54
chancellor
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| n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长 | |
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55
authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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56
anecdote
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| n.轶事，趣闻，短故事 | |
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57
trotted
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| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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58
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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59
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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60
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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61
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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62
lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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64
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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65
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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66
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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67
morasses
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| n.缠作一团( morass的名词复数 )；困境；沼泽；陷阱 | |
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68
morass
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| n.沼泽，困境 | |
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69
ponderous
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|
| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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70
meditatively
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| adv.冥想地 | |
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71
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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72
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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73
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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74
gallops
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| （马等）奔驰，骑马奔驰( gallop的名词复数 ) | |
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75
declivity
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| n.下坡，倾斜面 | |
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76
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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77
thaw
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| v.（使）融化，（使）变得友善；n.融化，缓和 | |
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78
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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79
sledges
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| n.雪橇，雪车( sledge的名词复数 )v.乘雪橇( sledge的第三人称单数 )；用雪橇运载 | |
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80
rattling
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|
| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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81
scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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82
drizzling
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| 下蒙蒙细雨，下毛毛雨( drizzle的现在分词 ) | |
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83
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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84
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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85
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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86
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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87
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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88
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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89
stolid
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| adj.无动于衷的，感情麻木的 | |
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90
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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91
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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92
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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93
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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94
flickers
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| 电影制片业； （通常指灯光）闪烁，摇曳( flicker的名词复数 ) | |
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95
divan
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| n.长沙发；（波斯或其他东方诗人的）诗集 | |
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96
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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97
rococo
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| n.洛可可；adj.过分修饰的 | |
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98
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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99
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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100
rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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101
moorish
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|
| adj.沼地的，荒野的，生[住]在沼地的 | |
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102
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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103
maternity
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| n.母性，母道，妇产科病房；adj.孕妇的，母性的 | |
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104
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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105
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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106
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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107
stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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108
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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109
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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110
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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111
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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112
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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113
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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114
rheumatism
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| n.风湿病 | |
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115
idiocy
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| n.愚蠢 | |
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116
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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117
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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118
groove
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| n.沟，槽；凹线，（刻出的）线条，习惯 | |
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119
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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120
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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121
hypocrisy
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| n.伪善，虚伪 | |
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122
jugglery
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| n.杂耍，把戏 | |
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123
cartridge
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| n.弹壳，弹药筒；(装磁带等的)盒子 | |
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124
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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125
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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126
intriguing
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|
| adj.有趣的；迷人的v.搞阴谋诡计(intrigue的现在分词)；激起…的好奇心 | |
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127
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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128
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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129
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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130
idiotic
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| adj.白痴的 | |
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131
dispense
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| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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132
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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133
defer
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| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
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134
swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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135
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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136
vouches
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| v.保证( vouch的第三人称单数 )；担保；确定；确定地说 | |
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137
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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138
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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139
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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140
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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141
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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142
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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143
chestnuts
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| n.栗子( chestnut的名词复数 )；栗色；栗树；栗色马 | |
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144
mansions
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| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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145
transcended
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| 超出或超越（经验、信念、描写能力等）的范围( transcend的过去式和过去分词 )； 优于或胜过… | |
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146
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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147
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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148
pensioner
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| n.领养老金的人 | |
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149
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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150
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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151
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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152
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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153
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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154
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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155
diurnal
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| adj.白天的，每日的 | |
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156
loath
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| adj.不愿意的；勉强的 | |
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157
badger
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| v.一再烦扰，一再要求，纠缠 | |
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158
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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159
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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160
monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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161
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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162
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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163
interdicted
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| v.禁止（行动）( interdict的过去式和过去分词 )；禁用；限制 | |
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164
sledging
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| v.乘雪橇( sledge的现在分词 )；用雪橇运载 | |
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165
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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166
digestion
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| n.消化，吸收 | |
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167
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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168
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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169
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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170
earrings
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| n.耳环( earring的名词复数 )；耳坠子 | |
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171
soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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172
conjugal
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| adj.婚姻的，婚姻性的 | |
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173
deficit
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| n.亏空，亏损；赤字，逆差 | |
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174
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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175
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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176
undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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177
annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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178
ennui
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| n.怠倦，无聊 | |
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179
rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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180
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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181
manure
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| n.粪，肥，肥粒；vt.施肥 | |
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182
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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183
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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184
fissures
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| n.狭长裂缝或裂隙( fissure的名词复数 )；裂伤；分歧；分裂v.裂开( fissure的第三人称单数 ) | |
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185
overestimated
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| 对（数量）估计过高，对…作过高的评价( overestimate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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186
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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187
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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188
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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189
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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190
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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191
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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192
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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193
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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194
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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195
advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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196
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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197
reproofs
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| n.责备，责难，指责( reproof的名词复数 ) | |
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198
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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199
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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200
persistency
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| n. 坚持(余辉, 时间常数) | |
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201
consecutively
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| adv.连续地 | |
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202
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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203
intentionally
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| ad.故意地，有意地 | |
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204
pretentious
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| adj.自命不凡的，自负的，炫耀的 | |
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205
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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206
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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207
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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208
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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209
stipulate
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| vt.规定，（作为条件）讲定，保证 | |
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210
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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211
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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212
needy
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的，生活艰苦的 | |
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213
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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214
ripened
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| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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215
humbug
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| n.花招，谎话，欺骗 | |
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216
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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217
afflicts
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的名词复数 ) | |
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218
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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219
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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220
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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221
exigencies
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| n.急切需要 | |
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