The Mother to the eldest Son (who was studying in Göttingen).
[CCCCXXVII.] Berlin, 23rd May, 1826.
My darling Ehrenfried, do you often think of me? Do you sometimes long for your mother—do you hear in spirit the words of love, which my heart is ever addressing to you? … . Now, let me tell you what we have been doing. As on the Saturday before Easter father confirmed fifty children, and was greatly moved, as you know he always is on these occasions—and there were a great many communicants on Easter Monday as well as Sunday—he was so much exhausted, that he stood greatly in need of a little strengthening excursion. On the Monday afternoon, therefore, he and Forstner1 walked out to Werneuchen, where they remained the night over, and thence proceeded the next morning to Freienwalde. All the rest of us took our seats in the carriage on the Tuesday morning, and drove direct to Freienwalde, where we arrived almost as soon as the pedestrians. The children were delighted, notwithstanding the weather was wretchedly cold… . . Your dear father, too, was very cheerful, though for several hours he walked about bent double by the cramp in his stomach. On the Wednesday, we drove to Neustadt, and inspected the manufactories and the smelting works in the neighbourhood, and again the weather was stormy and inclement. In the great brass works, near Neustadt, a student, by name N——, recognised Schleiermacher, immediately came up to us, and caused the inspector himself, in whose house he was tutor, to conduct us round the works; and when we had seen everything, we were, in spite of all that we could say, obliged to go in to take coffee with the inspector’s wife, with whom we found a pretty girl, the betrothed of Mr. N——. The kind people were delighted to have met so unexpectedly with such “interesting” guests, and we derived great benefit from this little adventure; for we were very hungry, and quite tired out by the wind. On the Thursday, we returned to Berlin. On the road back we spoke of the letter from you, which we felt sure would be awaiting us that day, as it was the anniversary of our marriage; and my joy was great when I found that I was not mistaken… . .
And now I will tell you a secret. Only think, that we shall probably adopt another little child, which will, most likely, be entirely like our own. Nanni’s sister, in Gallicia, has lost her husband, and is left with four little children, the youngest of whom is not a year old. On the last anniversary of our wedding-day, we determined to adopt one of these, if the mother will consent to part with it, which I have no doubt she will.
I had long had a presentiment that something of the kind would happen. Last new-year’s eve I was seated with Louise2 at Mrs. F——‘s side. The latter was unusually kind; … . and, turning to me, said: “I see a little child kneeling close to you, who is looking up so touchingly in your face, and asking,—Will you be my mother?” And even before this, she had told me that I would be called upon to be mother to another child to whom I had not myself given birth. It was a very affecting moment when your father and myself first mentioned the subject to each other; for he had also been thinking of it for several days, though he had not spoken. As yet, we have not received the mother’s answer, and therefore the matter is still a secret here… . .
Schleiermacher to his Step-Son.
[CCCCXXVIII.] No date.
My dear Son, W——, who has returned, has intimated to your dear mother that your appearance gave him an unfavourable impression of your health. I entreat you, do not neglect yourself in regard to this point, but remember that the care we used to bestow upon your health must now be bestowed by yourself. Inquire from Göschens who is their family doctor, and consult him. A sensible physician will be sure not to overdose a youth of your age with physic; but he will, no doubt, give you advice in regard to your diet, and to this pray attend regularly. That you bathe and swim so frequently I am very glad to hear, but I cannot deny that I feel a little alarmed at athletic exercises which seem to exceed the exploits of St. Christopher himself. The more anxious I feel about your health, the more desirous I am that you should seek some beneficent recreation during the impending vacation. I should be best pleased if you could find some young man, who is agreeable to you as a companion, and with whom you could undertake a pedestrian tour. This is the most thoroughly enjoyable way of travelling, and of becoming acquainted with the beauties of nature, and it is, likewise, the most beneficial to health, if one takes care not to over-fatigue oneself… . . With what you write about your studies I am very well pleased; only, as regards the special studies for your profession, you have not been sufficiently explicit. It is a very good thing to follow up more thoroughly some point or other suggested by the professorial lectures, and also to acquire such a general knowledge of the leading scientific works mentioned, as to feel somewhat at home in them.
The idea of becoming a member of the Borussia or any other association, I have no doubt you will give up, on maturer reflection. The ties which one subjects oneself to by joining such an association, become burdensome and impeding, even as regards social intercourse; and considering your tendency to exclusiveness, I cannot otherwise than dissuade you. On the other hand, it gives me much pleasure that your gymnastic exercises are leading to an extension of your circle of acquaintances.
I presume that your mother and sisters write you all our domestic news and everything that relates to our family circle. Of myself I have nothing to say but what you already know. There is no lack of annoyances, nay, even of serious crises in Church affairs and university affairs, and you must always keep in mind the possibility that I may not remain in my present position long enough to see you well started in your career. I am sincerely desirous that it should be so, but circumstances may occur which will render it imperative to set aside all such considerations, and I wish, therefore, that you would reflect as to how you would manage in such a case. Arndt’s affair has been laid before the king for decision, but as yet I do not know the result, and this is another reason why I do not exactly wish you to go to Bonn during the ensuing vacation. You might arrive there at a time when your presence would be troublesome, and the serious matters to be settled might exercise a disturbing influence upon you… . .