Page:Edward Prime-Stevenson - The Intersexes.djvu/628

 inspiration of a large part of those beautiful imitations of Persian "Ghazel" poetry, which have become specially associated with the name of Platen in German verse. The series of these, called "The Glass of Hafiz," dedicated to Otto von Bülow, was published a few months after meeting him. Platen writes: "—I glow with longing to set before the world my love and respect for Bülow"—a somewhat dangerous wish for publicity, considering the lyric tenor. And not only the Ghazels, but several other poetical matters refer directly to Bülow, as both the published verses and the Journal attest. The pen-portraits of Bülow (minute and spirited) are charming, as we meet them in Platen's records of this kindly-starred intimacy. Billow was not only handsome is, but handsome does. He was sociable, lively, sincere, open-hearted, full of practical good sense, jolly yet never trivial or unmannerly, a deservedly general favourite at the University. He often took Platen to task, in a tactful way, as to the latter's errors of temperament and conduct, and did Platen much service as his mentor. The charm of the Bülow personality exhales through the pages of the Diary. We can understand how "everybody loved" the young fellow. One winning little episode occured on July 27, 1821. There came an excursion to the Streitberg, along with Fugger; and later, at night, a talk between Platen and Bülow; when after Bülow had warmly embraced Platen, Bülow referred gracefully to a jest between them during the day, and. added "—I dont believe you have made any mistake in me; though all the same—"I am what I am!" But the separation had to come, in September. Bülow must needs leave the University abruptly, because of military duty. Platen disconsolately accompanied Otto during some days of the journey, as far as Gottingen. They parted with many kisses and tears, expecting to meet soon again. But Bülow's plans anon were all altered. He could not return to study in Erlangen. They never dropped their affectionate friendship; and Bülow, along with almost