Possibly, as you do now, so a later age will
set a low estimate on our political wrangling, our party aims, and all
that that includes. Possibly all our labor will be without result;
possibly much of the good we hope to do will, when achieved, turn out
to be the opposite--yes, it is highly probable that my own share in
the struggle will often be painful, unedifying, and not at all what
you would call a grateful task; but all that must not keep me from
devoting my life to the strife and struggle of the age to which I
belong. That struggle, after all, is the best and noblest that the
present has to offer. Not every age permits its sons to achieve
results which remain great for all time; and, I repeat, not every age
can make those who live in it distinguished and happy.
ADELAIDE.
I think every age can accomplish that if the individuals will only
understand how to be great and happy. [_Rising_.] You, Professor, will
do nothing for your own little home-happiness. You force your friends
to act for you.
[Illustration: Permission F. Bruckmann, A.-G. Munich
IN THE BEERGARDEN Adolph von Menzel]
OLDENDORF.
At all events cherish as little anger against me as possible, and
speak a good word for me to Ida.
ADELAIDE.
I shall set my woman's wits to aiding you, Mr. Statesman.
[_Exit_ OLDENDORF.]
ADELAIDE (_alone_).
So this is one of the noble, scholarly, free spirits of the German
nation! And he climbs into the fire from a sheer sense of duty! But to
conquer anything--the world, happiness, or even a wife--for that he
never was made!
_Enter_ CARL.
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