Das landhaus am Rhein. English

by Berthold Auerbach

  CHAPTER XIII.

  IN THE BOND OF BROTHERHOOD.

  "The bees we brought from Europe are flying out into the spring air,"wrote Lilian from New York.

  At Mattenheim, also, spring was close at hand. Out-door work becamepressing; sunshine and hail followed one another in swift succession;but the buds were swelling, and verdure refreshed the eye. In the newshoots, or _sleeping eyes_, as they are called, choice grafts were set,that the tree henceforward might bear richer fruit. The same thing wasto take place elsewhere.

  One evening, when they were all together at Mattenheim, Weidmann read aletter from Doctor Fritz, in which he described the base league of theso-called Knights of the Golden Circle. A network of their societiesextended over all the Southern States, and they had their accompliceseven in the North.

  They conducted a kind of criminal court by means of signs; and murdersand secret executions without number were accomplished by their means.

  He added that if one wanted to realize the entire range of man'scapabilities, both for virtue and vice, he had but to offset againstthis band a character like Seward's.

  While they were still pondering upon this intelligence, a letter withthe royal seal arrived, containing expressions of high considerationfor Weidmann, together with the Prince's request that he would informyoung Sonnenkamp Banfield that no obstacle existed to his entering themilitary service, and that especial pains would be taken to show theyoung man, personally, all due regard.

  "It cannot be," said Roland with a fixed look. "Too late!"

  He expressed his gratitude, however, for the kindness of the Prince,and added with an accent of deep pain, that it was a comfort to knowthat the privilege of fellowship was restored to him.

  "You shall have one of a different kind," said Weidmann. "You shall bereceived with your brother and friend, the Herr Captain, into ourOrder. Strictly speaking, you are too young; but we will show you howmuch we honor you."

  In the evening, it rained steadily; and as Weidmann lay beside thewindow, gazing out upon the landscape, he called Roland to his side,and said,--

  "These are pleasant hours, my son, in which we can look out of thewindow, and know that the rain is quickening and refreshing allthings. A spirit who has awakened and refreshed the souls of manymen, a benefactor who has renovated the being of numbers of hisfellow-creatures, must experience in tranquil and elevated hours asimilar joy. Rejoice that this happiness may be yours also. If I am nothere to welcome you back from the war, know that I feel this on yourbehalf, and be thankful for it."

  "Is the crisis, then, so near?"

  "Yes. I have by me a letter from my nephew, and I tell you that thetime has come."

  Roland shuddered. He seized Weidmann's arm, and held it fast.

  Weidmann continued,--

  "My nephew writes, it is true, that they think the war will not lastlong; and that those who have enlisted hope to return to their homes ina few weeks. I think otherwise. You will be quite early enough for thegreat struggle. Rejoice that you are prepared for it beforehand."

  Roland hastened to Eric; and the latter said,--

  "Give me your hand, Roland: I go with you!"

  Adams approached them with flashing eyes, and cried,--

  "We will all go,--all."

  They embraced one another, as though the world's deliverance hadarrived.

  They passed a sleepless night; and, on the morrow, Roland and Eric rodeto the Villa. They made known their resolution, and Manna responded,--

  "I shall go too."

  But she gave Eric a look which was perfectly intelligible to him; forit said, "You approve, then, of the son's taking the field against thefather."

  Eric told her that he had sent by way of Paris a notice to theConfederate journal which Sonnenkamp had designated, couched in termswhich he alone would understand, to the effect that Roland would jointhe land-forces of the Union, hoping that he should not encounter hisfather, who was probably in the naval service.

  Eric found it difficult to restrain Roland, and to convince him thatdays must elapse before their departure. They went together to theMajor, who said,--

  "It is all right! Now you must join! Brother Weidmann told me longsince that you were to be initiated before engaging in thisphilanthropic struggle. And now let me tell you that our bond isespecially effective in war. You will receive a sign; and, if you makethat sign, no enemy, even though his weapon were raised against you,can kill you face to face; and you cannot kill any one who gives youthis sign. Yes, my dear brothers, I must begin to call you so, all thegood in this world has been wrought by Freemasons; for those who havewrought it have all been Freemasons at heart, if not in reality. ButI'll say no more. Brother Weidmann will tell you all. Now go! I must beoff to the castle. It has come at last."

  Once up at the castle, the Major wandered about, saying to himself,over and over again,--

  "If the Builder of all the worlds will only suffer me to hold together!I want this and one thing more, and then I shall be satisfied!"

  * * * * *

  Men are coming and going; workmen are hammering; the Major's longcherished wish is fulfilled. There is to be a great Masonic celebrationat the castle, and what a celebration! Eric, Roland, and Adams are tobe received into the order.

  From all the surrounding country, men came flocking to the castle. TheMajor went with Roland, the Architect with Adams, the Banker, who, withhis daughter-in-law, was visiting at Villa Eden, accompanied Eric. Atthe castle, the three separated, and each was taken into a room byhimself. Presently the Major came to Roland, and took away all themoney and jewelry he had about him. Shortly after, men appeared whobandaged the eyes of each of the candidates. They were then conductedthrough long passages, up stairs and down, until they seemed to emergeinto the open air. At last, they were told to stop, and sternlyreproved for venturing to intrude here; but they remained firm.

  Roland was comforted by the sound of Weidmann's voice, although itseemed to come from a great distance. The latter said that their beingled blindfold by friends who saw, signified that they must learn totrust those who were pledged to afford them guidance and protection inlife. Voices now called out, that it was time to removed the bandages.

  "No," cried a powerful voice: "Roland, I cannot admit you."

  Roland did not know this voice. What did it mean? What was required ofhim?

  "Back, back! you stand on the brink of an abyss!" was shouted on allsides.

  Roland's knees shook. The first voice continued,--

  "Roland, are you ready to renounce all that you now possess, or willever call your own, to become naked, poor, and helpless as you were bynature? Will you relinquish all your wealth, whether justly or unjustlyacquired? Speak!"

  "Speak, speak!" cried a chorus of voices. "Will you become poor?"

  "Speak!" the voices repeated; and the question was asked for the thirdtime, "Will you renounce all, and become naked, poor, and helpless?"

  "No. I will not!"

  A pause ensued: then Weidmann said in a re-assuring tone, "And whynot?"

  "Because it is not my duty, and I have no right to relinquish what wasintrusted to me,--to transfer my responsibilities even to the highestand noblest. I am required myself to watch and work."

  "Where is your obedience? Can you be a soldier, a fighter in the causeof humanity, and not obey? Do you know what obedience is?"

  "I think I do. I am ordered, for my part of the great campaign, to holda certain post, and I pledge my life that I will be faithful withoutknowing why I am stationed just there. This is a soldier's duty, as Iunderstand it. But in life it seems to me different. What right haveyou, more than another, to say, 'Intrust your possessions to us, thatwe may dispose of them as we think fit'? Here I stand, with I know notwhom about me: I only know the voice of my noble friend Weidmann, andhim I trust: Wherever he is, I will take my place at his side, andstand there blindfold. My eyes are bandaged; but I can
look within, andI know that I am in duty bound, according to my strength and my wisdom,with the free assistance of others, to make the best of my life andendowments; but I will not give myself and my life away blindfold. Takeme back! Reject me if I am wrong; but I cannot do otherwise."

  "Off with the bandages! Off with the bandages!" was now vociferated forthe third time by the whole assembly.

  The strains of an organ were heard in the distance. Roland's bandagewas removed, and a veil thrown over his head, that he might not bedazzled by the light.

  When the veil was removed, he stood with Eric on one side and Adams onthe other.

  Weidmann spoke the words of initiation; and Roland, kneeling, humblytook the oath, with Eric's hand resting on his right shoulder, andAdams's on his left. Swords clashed, and in the distance singing washeard with an organ accompaniment.

  The powerful singer whom we heard at Herr Endlich's entertainment, andat Wolfsgarten, sang here in the arched hall a pathetic air in a richbass voice; and all hearts were gently soothed.

  Roland arose. Weidmann kissed him, and afterwards embraced his brotherEric on the right, and his brother Adams on the left. They received thesigns; and the so-called sign of distress, in particular, moved Rolanddeeply.

  Eric, Roland, and Adams were now led out of the hall, and received backtheir money and jewels, the Major remarking,--

  "You did bravely, young--forgive me--my brother!"

  On returning to the hall they all rose; and Weidmann, bidding Rolandand Eric take Adams's hand, began as follows,--

  "Here, while we clasp our dusky brother in our arms, you see what weare! Through the jubilations of our century, a sound pierces, which, intime to come, shall be heard no more: it is the sound of clashingchains, of the fetters wherewith our fellow-men have been bound.Henceforth, these chains shall be but an emblem, a melancholy symbol.We who are men, and who want to be men fully and entirely, we take oneanother by the hand, and form a living chain. My brothers, you will betold, and, perchance, will tell yourselves, that our Order isantiquated, without significance in these modern times; but I tell youit will never be antiquated, never insignificant, for they who arededicated to the service of the free Spirit must ever hold one anotherin a living clasp.

  "We know the deficiencies of our Order. It is a matter of greatdifficulty to found an association firmly upon a universal thoughtapart from any historical basis. This is our principal disadvantage ascompared with the Church. Hence enthusiasts and hypocrites seek for anhistorical foundation; nevertheless, our Order is the stronghold ofvirtue; and its unity is doubly formidable in that it is a league offree men; for free men will not suffer themselves to be bound. Yet ourleague, were its name never mentioned, would have a most importantbearing upon the solution of the social problem, as it is called, ofwhich the slavery question is only a part. And it is the thing we want,not the name. No deliverance was ever wrought by mere calculation, andthere can be no permanent effect produced without the co-operation oflove. The lust of pleasure and the lust of gain would seem to be theessential characteristics of our time; yet I, and we all, proclaimaloud. Great is our century! Europe, with her ancient culture and herwaning nobility, is endeavoring to lay all men under an obligation tolabor: America and Russia, to render all labor free. Ever since Ibeheld the great millennial wave bearing down upon me, I have lived anew and happy life. I have been filled with holy confidence; and, allunseen, our league is working towards the same end.

  "Two principles are contending in this world, egoism and humanity. Wemeet selfishness by benevolence. The more thou servest others in love,the freer art thou. The more thou givest of thyself, the richer artthou. To every man we say, 'First free thyself from servitude.' Greatthings in this world come from small beginnings. To every one of youand to myself I say, 'Begin by abolishing slavery in thyself!' We haveall a slave within us, a slave to precedent, to inertia, toobsequiousness. Free this slave within, and then wilt thou be worthy toemancipate the slaves around thee. And now, my new brothers, considerthis. As the signs of intelligence which you have received are notverbal, but visible, sensible motions, as our own mutual understandingsupersedes and transcends speech, so is it with the idea of our Order.It is something older and broader than all single religiousassociations. We seek repose and peace in labor and trade. To ourdoctrine each may give his own private interpretation, as every manspeaks in his own peculiar voice, which can never be exactly imitated.The deed alone, the free, righteous, noble deed, cannot be explainedaway, cannot be misunderstood, cannot be affected by any individual.Ours is a brotherhood of noble deeds."

  Turning to Roland he said,--

  "To you, my young brother, much has been given; and you must say withyour brother here, so rich in intellectual gifts, and this your otherbrother, now armed for free labor, 'What I am, and what I have, I havenot _of_ myself, and so I have it not _for_ myself.' Self-sacrifice isself-exaltation. Your own highest good is the good of the whole world.What you do, do not with the hope of reward from another; but beyourself your own reward. A revolution is now taking place in the mindsof men, such as there must have been wrought when they first learnedthe fact of the motion of the planet on which we live. Mankind, who hadalways known slavery, and believed that its continuance was right, werelong unable to conceive a different state of things; and it was thuswith the authors of that great sacred book. I say, mankind could notconceive of labor as other than a disgrace, a curse pronounced upon therace. But now, not by any new and external revelation, but through afree and natural unfolding of knowledge, we are enabled to get beyondthis view. A new age is beginning. Labor is no longer a disgrace, butan honor; no longer a curse, but a blessing. No formal religion cansanctify labor; for it belongs not to the other world, but eternally tothis. Were a medal to be struck to commemorate our century, it shouldbear upon the face the symbol of free labor, and upon the reverse, thatof the love of nature. Neither has yet been represented by art. Ouridea has not yet attained to many-hued loveliness, and to a picturesquevariety; for philanthropy is colorless like pure light. Walk thereforein the light, and die for the love of your kind. You have lived in thelight; live ever so, and in the eternal ideas of self-sacrifice andbrotherly love."

  Deeply moved, Eric made a brief reply. Roland, too, was called upon,but could only say,--

  "My brother and teacher has expressed all that I feel."

  Adams also offered a few words. He would try to show himself worthy thehonorable brotherhood which had been conferred upon him.

  The three now seated themselves in the ranks of the brotherhood, andtook part in the transaction of some urgent and existing business.

  With ready and practised eloquence, the Major's host, the Grand Master,informed them that the Pope had condemned all Masonic leagues; and heread a protest to be adopted by the present lodge.

  Weidmann asked if any brother desired to offer any comment, and theDoctor came forward, and said,--

  "I move the rejection of this protest, and also the open acknowledgmentof that notoriously false principle with which we are reproached in thebull of excommunication. I find Masonry as wordy at home as it isdastardly abroad; for dastardly it is, not to be perfectly open. It isall true! We recognize and acknowledge man to be morally complete,independent of any positive church; not necessarily hostile to thechurch, but independent of it. But this prevaricating, and duckingunder ecclesiastical phrases, this spiritless sailing under falsecolors,"--

  "A little less vehemently, if you please," observed Weidmann.

  Quietly, but firmly, the Doctor continued:

  "I move that the protest be rejected."

  The Grand Master gazed helplessly about. He, with all his honors on hishead, bring forward a proposition, and not have it accepted!--

  The Doctor at length begged Eric, as one not yet bound by thetraditions prevailing here, to explain his meaning more precisely.

  Eric arose and said, that, though strongly inclined to agree with theDoctor, he was not quite sure where right lay. He could only per
mithimself to quote the words of a noble spirit now passed away. Clodwighad seen, as in a vision upon his death-bed, the combatants of thepresent day dividing into two hostile camps, one of which ralliedaround the Pope, the other around the standard of free thought. A thirdparty, agreeing partly with the former, and partly with the latter, hethought impossible.

  The protest was rejected; but the Doctor's proposition, openly toacknowledge the justice of the Papal animadversions, was also setaside. At the close of the celebration the brethren sat down to abanquet. Roland was once more welcomed by the Banker with peculiarheartiness.

  The youth asked the Major in a low voice, why Professor Einsiedel andKnopf were not members of the order.

  "They are natural members of the association," answered the Major.

  As they left the castle by the light of the full moon, Roland said tothe Major,--

  "To have lived a day like this makes death seem easy."

  "I say with Claus," answered the Major, "we won't look for death tillthe very last."

  And so their high-strung mood passed over into merriment.

  On the following morning, the Major begged for the Banker's advice on amatter bearing decisively upon his life; and in which the Banker couldassist him more than any one else.

  The Banker declared himself ready to render any assistance.