Item 36 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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[From Göttingen]: - Fears that he shall have to leave Göttingen - 'this professional paradise' - sooner than he had thought. Reports that he does not think that he is in the 'very best condition for working', and believes that a week in the H[arz] or Thur[ingian] forest will do him good. Relates that he has that day been to a Lutheran service, and praises the quality of sermons in Germany. Reports that he called on Professor Ewald after the service, and conversed with him about German sermons. Relates that both his professors - Ewald and Wüstenfeld - insist on giving him lessons 'gratis'. Speaks of the latter as being 'rich for a German'. Reports that he has not got to know any of the students there, that 'they howl twice a week in a big room opposite' and that every now and then 'one hears of duelling'. Discusses the tradition of duelling in Germany. Declares Meta Benfey [daughter of Professor Benfey, in whose house he lodges] to be 'a charming girl', and wishes that he could devote more time to the improvement of his German by conversation with her. Asks if there is any word in English 'to express the f[ ] of hobbadehoy'. Declares that he has much respect for Professor Benfey, who is 'a great talker'. Asks for 'all the news about everything'.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 111-112.