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

MARCH 24.

I have tendered my resignation to the court. I hope it will be accepted, and you

will forgive me for not having previously consulted you. It is necessary I should

leave this place. I know all you will urge me to stay, and therefore I beg you will

soften this news to my mother. I am unable to do anything for myself: how, then,

should  I  be  competent  to  assist  others?  It  will  afflict  her  that  I  should  have

interrupted that career which would have made me first a privy councillor, and

then minister, and that I should look behind me, in place of advancing. Argue as

you will, combine all the reasons which should have induced me to remain, I am

going: that is sufficient. But, that you may not be ignorant of my destination, I

may  mention  that  the  Prince  of    —    is  here.  He  is  much  pleased  with  my

company; and, having heard of my intention to resign, he has invited me to his

country house, to pass the spring months with him. I shall be left completely my

own master; and, as we agree on all subjects but one, I shall try my fortune, and

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accompany him.