Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 4.djvu/97

Rh Thus far all went on tolerably; but loudly, with a dreadful voice, she cried the following words:

The good surgeon was startled, and emptied the lather-basin into my father's bosom. There was a great uproar: and a severe investigation was held, especially with respect to the mischief which might have been done if the shaving had been actually going forward. In order to relieve ourselves of all suspicions of mischievousness, we pleaded guilty of having acted these Satanic characters; and the misfortune occasioned by the hexameters was so apparent, that they were again condemned and banished.

Thus children and common people are accustomed to transform the great and sublime into a sport, and even a farce; and how indeed could they otherwise abide and endure it?