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RAHEIt.' 305
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Letters Of Rahel, 3 Vols. 8vo, 1834; And...
evident an Innnense distance separated her _froin 'those who surrounded her . She stood alonethe centre of a wide circleunknown ,
, , misunderstood , uncherished—as she deserved and required , though she was indifferent to outward attentions- Made use of for selfish
purposes , or depreciated as opportunity offered , yet none could deny her extraordinary iftsso far as they appeared externallyand
"were indisputable g matters , of fact . Thus she was admitted b , y all to possess rare understanding * and imagination , strength of feeling ,
energy , wit , and humour , but her wondrous repose and reflection were attributed by some to a tempered egotism or unsympathetic
languor . What was generously distributed by Hahel among these persons they believed her to bestow from a burdensome superfluity .
The majority knew nothing of the noble inspiration , the pure and benevolent sympathy , the holy service of truth which filled her soul ,
or of the qualities which animated her inner being . While on her part she fancied that what she felt all felt ; meeting every indication
of ability or sympathy with the most captivating kindness , and unable to comprehend how subsequent expressions and actions
disagreed with her prematurely favorable prognostications . From such mistakes there arose much misunderstanding and prejudice ,
the consequences of which appeared in all their bitterness at an after period . The cause was plain to me at the time , and I did
not care to conceal my insight . I thought I had met with Iphigenia among the barbarians in Tauris , and I dared to pay her that due
which had Ibeen too often denied . " While the existence of Kahel was exuberant in its external
relations , it was still more so in its internal worth , indeed the one was even subordinate to the other . M . Gentz , Frederick Schlegel ,
and the two Humboldts , were long attached to her circle of friends , ever finding * there their best applause ; Count TillyGustavus
, von Brinkmann , Hans Genelli of Burgsdorf , Major von Gualtieri , Louis and Frederick Tieck , Count Casa Valencia , Prince Heuss ,
Navarro , and many such , besides diplomatists , military and literary menartistsetc . assembled round her , and found themselves
, , , awakened to a higher life , while there was developed in them a greater need of mental nourishment . I could name also as her
friends , many , distinguished women belonging to different ranks , but alike in this—that it was no vain or showy intimacy which
formed the union , but one solid , real , and enduring . " One amongst this select society demands peculiar notice : Prince
Louis Ferdinand _^ a genial spirit and a hero , whose faults , rather than his many striking virtues , were unhappily fostered by his high
position . Here he" found his best thoughts and feelings , as well as his secret struggles understoodthrough a heartfelt and spiritual
, intimacy , in the confidence of which his political views , as well as his ardent passionand every change of his laden life , were disclosed ;
, sure of that sympathy which could be administered only by an equally comprehensive mind . Kahel was one of those to whom
na-VOIi . III . Z
Raheit.' 305
RAHEIt . ' 305
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Citation
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English Woman’s Journal (1858-1864), July 1, 1859, page 305, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ewj/issues/ewj_01071859/page/17/
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