Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 5.djvu/248

 FOUETEENTH BOOK.

With the movement which was spreading among the pubhc, now arose another of greater importance perhaps to the author, as it took place in his immedi- ate circle.

His early friends, who had read in manuscript those poetical compositions which were now creating so much sensation, and therefore regarded them almost as their own, gloried in a success which they had boldly enough predicted. This number was augmented by new adherents, especially by such as felt conscious of a creative power in themselves, or were desirous of calhng one forth and cultivating it.

Among the former, Lenz was the most active ; and he deported himself strangely enough. I have already sketched the outward appearance of this remarkable mortal, and have touched affectionately on his talent for humour. I will now speak of his character, in its results rather than descriptively ; because it would be impossible to follow him through the mazy course of his hfe, and to transfer to these pages a full exhibition of his pecuUarities.

Generally known is that self-torture, which, in the lack of all outward grievances, had now become fash- ionable and which disturbed the very best minds. That which gives but a transient pain to ordinary men, who never meditate on that which they seek to banish from their minds, was, by the better order, acutely observed, regarded, and recorded in books, letters, and diaries. But now men united the strictest moral

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