If you care nothing at all about Goethe, Schiller and Herder, why, so much the worse for you – you will miss many interesting thoughts and associations; but still, Weimar has a charm independent of these great names. First among all its attractions is the Park, which would be remarkably beautiful even among English parks and which has one advantage over them all, namely that it is entirely without a fence. It runs up to the houses and far out into the corn-fields and meadows as if it had a »sweet will« of its own, like a river or a lake, and was not planned and planted by human will.
– from George Eliot, Recollections of Weimar
Audio Comment by Bob Muscutt
Extended reading from George Eliot, Recollections of Weimar, by and with Margot Erbslöh.
One
day early in July, 1788, Goethe, walking in the much-loved park, was
accosted by a fresh, young, bright-looking girl, who, with many
reverences, handed him a petition (…), which entreated the great poet to
exert his influence to procure a post for a young author (…). This
young author was Vulpius (…), he was the brother to that Christiane who
handed the petition to Goethe, and who thus took the first step on the
path which led to their marriage.
– from George Henry Lewes, The Life of Goethe
Extended reading from George Henry Lewes, The Life of Goethe, by Margot Erbslöh.
Sometimes we took our shady walk in the Stern, the oldest part of the Park plantations, on the opposite side of the river, lingering on our way to watch the crystal brook which hurries on, like a foolish young maiden, to wed itself with the muddy Ilm.
– from George Eliot, Three Months in Weimar
In the warm weather of our first month’s stay at Weimar our great delight was the walk which follows the course of the Ilm and is overarched by tall trees with patches of dark moss on their trunks in rich contrast with the transparent green of the delicate leaves through which the golden sunlight played and chequered the path before us.
– from George Eliot, Recollections of Weimar
Extended reading from George Eliot, Recollections of Weimar, by Trish Osmond.
Equally interesting is the Garten House, which we used to
see almost every day in our walks. Within, it is a not uncomfortable
homely sort of cottage (…). Outside, its aspect became to us like that
of a dear friend whose irregular features and rusty clothes have a
peculiar charm. It stands on a pleasant slope fronting the west, and
there is a charming bit of garden and orchard attached to it.
– from George Eliot, Recollections of Weimar