Delphi Collected Works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe \(Illustrated\) pdfdrive com

JULIETTA TO HER AUNT.

“We  have  already  read,  reflected,  and  tell  you  through  the  messenger  our

opinion, each for herself, though we have first satisfied ourselves together, that

we  are  not  so  good-naturedly  disposed  as  our  dear  aunt  towards  her  always

---

spoiled  nephew.  He  having  for  three  years  kept  his  cards  hidden  from  us,  and

still  keeping  them  hidden,  we  are  to  throw  up  ours,  and  play  an  open  game

against his concealed one. That is by no means fair, but still it may pass; for even

the most subtle often deceives himself just because he makes too sure. Only as to

the style and manner we are not agreed; as to what shall be sent to him, and how.

To  write  about  what  you  think  of  your  own  people,  that  is,  to  us  at  least,  a

strange task. As a rule one only thinks about them in this or that case, when they

cause  one  exceptional  pleasure  or  vexation.  Otherwise  every  one  leaves  others

alone. You only could do it, dear aunt, for you have penetration and impartiality

at  the  same  time.  Hersilia,  who,  as  you  know,  is  easily  excited,  has  hurriedly

given  me  a  funny  review  of  the  whole  family  upon  the  spur  of  the  moment;  I

wish it stood on paper, so as to win a smile from you amidst your suffering; but

not  that  it  should  be  sent  to  him.  My  proposal,  however,  is  to  send  him  our

correspondence  of  these  last  three  years;  this  he  may  peruse  himself,  if  he  has

the courage, or may come to see what he does not care to read. Your letters to

me, dear aunt, are in the best order, and are at your disposal at once.

“Hersilia is not of the same opinion; she excuses herself with the confusion of

her papers, etc., as she will tell you herself.”