Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 14.djvu/31

15 LIFE AND WORKS OF GOETHE 15

my own ; nay, you have often urged me to do so. I am at this moment certainly able to be spared ; things are so arranged as to go on smoothly in my absence. In this state of things all I ask is an indefinite furlough." He says that he feels it necessary for his intellectual health that he should " lose himself in a world where he is unknown ; " and begs that no one may be in- formed of his intended absence. " God bless you, is my hearty wish, and keep me your affection. Believe me that if I desire to make my existence more com- plete, it is that I may enjoy it better with you and yours."

This was on the 2d September, 1786. On the 3d he quitted Carlsbad incognito. His next letter to the duke begins thus : " One more friendly word out of the distance, without date or place. Soon wUl I open my mouth and say how I get on. How it will rejoice me once more to see your handwriting." And it ends thus : " Of course you let people believe that you know where I am." In the next letter he says, " I must still keep the secret of my whereabouts a little longer."