DEATH OF SCHILLER

This document was originally published in The Drama: Its History, Literature and Influence on Civilization, vol. 11. ed. Alfred Bates. London: Historical Publishing Company, 1906. pp. 74-75.

In the beginning of 1805 Goethe had a foreboding that either he or Schiller would die in that year, and it proved to be only too true. In January they were both prostrate with a serious illness, and Schiller, recovering first, visited his friend in the sick-room, where he displayed the most intense emotion. On the 29th of April they saw each other for the last time. Schiller was on his way to the theatre, whither Goethe was still to weak to accompany him, and they parted at the door of Schiller's house. On the 9th of May Schiller died, and no one dared tell Goethe the news, though he saw from the faces of those around him that something was amiss. On the morrow, when his wife entered the room, he asked: "Is it not true that Schiller was very ill yesterday?" She began to sob, and he then cried, "He is dead!" "Thou hast spoken it thyself," she answered. Again exclaiming "He is dead!" and turning aside, he covered his weeping eyes with his hands. Schiller and Goethe have ever been inseparable in the minds of their countrymen, and have reigned as twin stars in the literary firmament. If Schiller does not hold the first place he is more beloved, though Goethe is more admired.

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