[1] The words or sentences in single inverted commas are those which occur in the original in any language other than German.—Trans.
[2] The North Germans are distinguished for energy, activity, acuteness, and high mental culture; the South Germans for easy good-nature, simplicity, contented animal enjoyment, and greater obsequiousness. In Vienna they call every gentleman Euer Gnaden, ‘Your Grace,’ and he is of course Gnadig, when he is kind or civil. But perhaps the author here alludes rather to a certain ceremonious stiffness of the burghers of Frankfurt, proud people who give their superiors their due, as they expect it of their inferiors.—(Reichsstadtisches Wesen). What is clear is, that he means that the inhabitants of the South are not so superior to antiquated distinctions as those of the North. The Prussians have been called the French of the North.—Trans.
[3] Sir Walter Scott’s official declaration, that all the works here alluded to were by him alone, was not then made public.—Edit.
[4] I have striven to preserve the colouring, as well as the substance of Göthe’s conversation. To those who have any conception of his merits, it cannot but be interesting to see, as nearly as possible, the very words which fell from lips so inspired and so venerable—Trans.
[5] I cannot help almost suspecting that my departed friend has here put his own opinions into the mouth of Göthe.—Edit.
[6] I do not think that the exalted old man will be offended at the publication of this conversation. Every word—even the most insignificant—which has fallen from his mouth, is a precious gift to many. And even should my departed friend in any respect have misunderstood him, or have reported him inaccurately, nothing has been here retained, which, in my opinion, can be called an indiscretion.—Edit.
[7] German miles.—Transl.
[8] A gulden is twenty-pence.—Transl.
[9] I remember to have read of a Greek monastery in Wallachia, the four towers of which appeared as if they would every moment fall in; yet this optical deception was produced only by the inclination of the windows, and of the friezes which run round the towers.