Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 2

[145] seen more of Germany, and, what is more to the purpose, learned more of the language. Shortly after writing, I left the capital of Prussia; then to Leipsic, Weimar, Gotha, Frankfort, Heidelberg. In this last place I fixed myself for five weeks. I knew the best people there; and I studied, read, and talked German. Indeed, I found myself able, when it was time to leave, to understand all that was said, and to carry on a conversation tolerably well. I love German; but not as Italian,—my dear Italian! After Goethe's ‘Werther's Leiden,’ I took up the ‘Letters’ of Ortis,—which I had read as I was leaving Italy, while we were clambering the snow-capped Alps. I think Foscolo's is the best,—though to the German is the palm of originality, if the ‘Heloise’ of Rousseau does not bear it away. Lessing's ‘Nathan der Weise’ is considered a masterpiece; but to compare it with my Alfieri! What I have read of Schiller I like very much. I have his works as my compagnon de voyageto America; and hope, before I touch New York, to read him entire. This morning I breakfasted with Rogers,—‘old Rogers,’ as he is called. It was delightful to listen to his wisdom-dropping voice; but I started when he said Manzoni's ‘Promessi Sposi’ is worth ten of Scott's novels. ‘Say thirty!’ said I. ‘Well, thirty,’ said the wise old man; ‘I only said ten for fear of shocking you.’ And this is the judgment of one of the ancient friends of Sir Walter Scott. Ah! I remember well the pleasure I had from that book. I read a copy belonging to you, on the road from Rome to Florence, and I cried sincerely over many of the scenes. At Heidelberg I passed a sad day, after I read of the loss of the ‘Lexington.’ I have read Longfellow's ‘Hyperion,’ and am in love with it. I only wish that there were more of it. The character of Jean Paul is wunderschon. I hope to induce somebody to review it here. But in this immensity of London everybody seems engaged,—every moment of the present and future occupied; so that I fear I may not succeed. Sir Charles Vaughan speaks of your kindness in the warmest terms, and of Crawford also: he has spoken to several of his countrymen of Crawford. I hope some good may come of it. Maxcy, our Minister at Brussels, requested a line of introduction to you. He goes to Italy, probably next summer, with his family. I have also given him a line to Crawford. Item: I shall also give an introduction for you to my English friend, Mr. Joseph Parkes,—a solicitor by profession, but most extensively acquainted with literary and political circles,— one of the ancient editors of the ‘Retrospective Review,’ and the best-informed person in old English literature I know; a lover of art, a friend of America, and an amiable man. He will visit Rome in the course of the summer with his wife, who is a granddaughter of Priestley. You have doubtless already seen my friend Kenyon; and I feel sure you must have been pleased with him. I am anxious—I say, freely, on your own account, as well as on his—that you should become acquainted with Parkes. I think his conversation will be interesting to you. Take him to the Capitol, St. Peter's, &c. He will be in Rome in September or October, I think,—will pass two or three weeks. Would that I could be with you! Do not fail to take him to Crawford. I sail from Portsmouth the 4th of April, with Cogswell, Willis, and wife, and sister-in-law, as fellow-passengers. When this