Includes a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Werther, which illustrates Gunn's present state of mind. Transcription: appear absurd. But the misery is very Real now, and perhaps the more so, that it is, as it were self made. I find the following passage in [Johann Wolfgang von] Goethe's 'Werther' ? a book which [James] Parton has lent me ? (had he known all my thoughts, I question whether the loan would have been a prudent one.) He 'It is in vain that a man of sound mind understands the condition of such a wretched being, in vain he counsels him! He can no more communicate his own wisd
Includes a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Werther, which illustrates Gunn's present state of mind. Transcription: appear absurd. But the misery is very Real now, and perhaps the more so, that it is, as it were self made. I find the following passage in [Johann Wolfgang von] Goethe's 'Werther' ? a book which [James] Parton has lent me ? (had he known all my thoughts, I question whether the loan would have been a prudent one.) He 'It is in vain that a man of sound mind understands the condition of such a wretched being, in vain he counsels him! He can no more communicate his own wisdom to him, than a healthy man can instil his strength into the invalid.' 7. Wednesday. Writing, ? close. Making progress. Better, but physically ill. Down town to Post Office, and met little [Jesse] Haney, (who greeted me sympathizingly, I thought) Writing till 1. 8. Thursday. Writing, not happily, but going on. Evening to [William Makepeace] Thackeray's third Lecture, on George the Third, and I itch to be Boswellizing it. By Jove I could do it better than half the daily papers. A most noble, touching peroration was there, presenting the blind, deaf, mad, unhappy old king, ? as fine, as beautifully given as anything I ever heard spoken. Brave and good man, Thackeray! True English heart! not alone to touch on the poor, obstinate, but well-meaning king's foibles and follies, but to present him on his knees, praying for his family, his wife, his subjects, and last for his old, unhappy self. Wise and kind it is to teach pity and humanity to it us, for oh! how we need it, one towards the other! Parton joined me after the lecture, and we had a cigar and a glass of Title: Thomas Butler Gunn Diaries: Volume 7, page 166, November 6-8, 1855 . 6 November 1855. Gunn, Thomas Butler, 1826-1903
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