L30/27/5

Transcription of a ‘Letter from Mons Gotched, written 3 November 1757’ - [Text in French]. Refers to a visit from the King of Prussia. They discussed translations of German poetry, and he later received a poem from him, entitled ‘Heaven’, [included in the letter]:

3 Nov 1757

From: 1800 To: 1800

Letter from Mons Gotched written 3rd November 1757 When the King of Prussia passed through Leipzig the last time, he called for me and conversed with me for three whole hours. Among other things, we talked of the German language , which His Majesty pretended to be not at all suitable for works of Quality. I took the part of my tongue and said to H M that I had just translated a song by Lutrin de Boileau and that I believed that I had preserved its original charm; my translation was read, applauded , criticised. I was obliged to explain certain German terms that H M did not understand; and he did not give up. He gave me Strophe from Rousseau’s Ode to a Young Widow to translate - under more gentle auspices I went home , I translated this strophe, I sent it to H M at once, and I received from his hand the following reply. Heaven Heaven, in sharing its Gifts Does not dispense them with a liberal Hand. But in refusing us more than we obtain Its favours to its diverse Peoples are equal. The French are light, the English are profound And if it denies to one, it grants to the other Proper love changing Thistles to Roses Makes us prefer of all Talents our Own. Sparta possessed Valour Mars pleased himself in forming the greatest Captain While in Athens breathed the soft the soft gentleness of art and talent In Sparta our valiant Germans Go to collect ancient glory But France must write their Story And if in peril they open the ways Which lead to the Temple of Memory The flowers fade in their Hands When they crown Victory It is for you Saxon Swan To polish with your care our Barbarian Tongue To soften with your songs the harshness of its sounds And in spite of avaricious nature To bring among us the treasures of Helicon To the Victor’s laurel from which the German separates himself Add that of Apollo. Helicon

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Gotched,
King of Prussia