i. p. 425). Mr. Arnold translates this word "genius"
by "talent." The word in the original is TALENT, and I will not dispute
with so accomplished a German scholar as Mr. Arnold as to what is the
precise meaning of TALENT. In both the English translations of
Eckermann the word is rendered "genius," and after the comparison
between Byron, Shakespeare, and the ancients just quoted, we can hardly
admit that Goethe meant to distinguish scientifically between the two
orders of intellect and to assign the lower to Byron.
But, last of all, I will translate Goethe's criticism upon "Cain." So
far as I know, it has not yet appeared in English. It is to be found in
the Stuttgart and Tubingen edition of Goethe, 1840, vol. xxxiii. p. 157.
Some portions which are immaterial I have omitted:-
"After I had listened to the strangest things about this work for almost
a year, I at last took it myself in hand, and it excited in me
astonishment and admiration; an effect which will produce in the mind
which is simply susceptible, everything good, beautiful, and great.
Pages:
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132