[Speech of Bayard Taylor at a reception given in his honor by the
Goethe Club, New York City, March 20, 1878. The reception was held
in recognition of Mr. Taylor's appointment as United States
Minister to Germany. Dr. A. Ruppaner, President of the Club,
presided.]
It is difficult for me to respond fitly to what you have done,
fellow-members of the Goethe Club, and what my old friend Parke Godwin
has said. I may take gratefully whatever applies to an already
accomplished work, but I cannot accept any reference to any work yet to
be done without a feeling of doubt and uncertainty. No man can count on
future success without seeming to invoke the evil fates.
I am somewhat relieved in knowing that this reception, by which I am so
greatly honored, is not wholly owing to the official distinction which
has been conferred upon me by the President. I am informed that it had
been already intended by the Goethe Club as a large and liberal
recognition of my former literary labors, and I will only refer a moment
to the diplomatic post in order that there may be no misconception of my
position in accepting it.
The fact that for years past I have designed writing a new biography of
the great German master, is generally known; there was no necessity for
keeping it secret; it has been specially mentioned by the press since my
appointment, and I need not hesitate to say that the favor of our
government will give me important facilities in the prosecution of the
work. [Applause.]
But the question has also been asked, here and there--and very
naturally--is a Minister to a foreign Court to be appointed for such a
purpose? I answer, No! The Minister's duty to the government and to the
interests of his fellow-citizens is always paramount. I shall go to
Berlin with the full understanding of the character of the services I
may be expected to render, and the honest determination to fulfil them
to the best of my ability.
But, as my friends know, I have the power and the habit of doing a great
deal of work; and I think no one will complain if, instead of the
recreation which others allow themselves, I should find my own
recreation in another form of labor.
I hope to secure at least two hours out of each twenty-four for my own
work, without detriment to my official duties--and if two hours are not
practicable, one must suffice. I shall be in the midst of the material I
most need--I shall be able to make the acquaintance of the men and women
who can give me the best assistance--and without looking forward
positively to the completion of the task, I may safely say that this
opportunity gives me a cheerful hope of being able to complete it.
I was first led to the study of Goethe's life by the necessity of making
the full meaning of his greatest poem clear to the readers of our
language. I found that he himself was a better guide for me than all his
critics and commentators. I learned to understand the grand
individuality of his nature, and his increasing importance as an
intellectual force in our century. I owe as much to him in the way of
stimulus as to any other poet whatever. Except Shakespeare, no other
poet has ever so thoroughly inculcated the value of breadth, the
advantage of various knowledge, as the chief element of the highest
human culture. Through the form of his creative activity, Shakespeare
could only teach this lesson indirectly. Goethe taught it always in the
most direct and emphatic manner, for it was the governing principle of
his nature. It is not yet fifty years since he died, but he has already
become a permanent elemental power, the operation of which will continue
through many generations to come. The fact that an association bearing
his name exists and flourishes here in New York is a good omen for our
own development.
We grow, not by questioning or denying great minds--which is a very
prevalent fashion of the day--but by reverently accepting whatever they
can give us. The "heir of all the ages" is unworthy of his ancestors if
he throws their legacy away. It is enough for me if this honor to-night
reaches through and far beyond me, to Goethe. It is his name not mine,
which has brought us together. Let me lay upon him--he is able to bear
even that much--whatever of the honor I am not truly worthy to receive,
and to thank you gratefully for what remains. [Applause.]