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

AUGUST 22.

What  a  misfortune,  Wilhelm!  My  active  spirits  have  degenerated  into

contented  indolence.  I  cannot  be  idle,  and  yet  I  am  unable  to  set  to  work.  I

cannot think: I have no longer any feeling for the beauties of nature, and books

are  distasteful  to  me.  Once  we  give  ourselves  up,  we  are  totally  lost.  Many  a

time and oft I wish I were a common labourer; that, awakening in the morning, I

might  have  but  one  prospect,  one  pursuit,  one  hope,  for  the  day  which  has

dawned.  I  often  envy  Albert  when  I  see  him  buried  in  a  heap  of  papers  and

parchments, and I fancy I should be happy were I in his place. Often impressed

with this feeling I have been on the point of writing to you and to the minister,

for the appointment at the embassy, which you think I might obtain. I believe I

might  procure  it.  The  minister  has  long  shown  a  regard  for  me,  and  has

frequently urged me to seek employment. It is the business of an hour only. Now

and  then  the  fable  of  the  horse  recurs  to  me.  Weary  of  liberty,  he  suffered

himself to be saddled and bridled, and was ridden to death for his pains. I know

not what to determine upon. For is not this anxiety for change the consequence

of that restless spirit which would pursue me equally in every situation of life?

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