the surf, and other men came and had ropes put about them, and they were lowered down.  And after a while the cry was heard:  “More mortar and more blocks of stone!” But there were no more.  “Now,” said the Holland engineer, “men, take off your clothes!” and they took them off, and they stopped up the holes in the dikes.  But still the stones were giving way against the mighty wrath of the strong sea which was beating against them.  And then the Holland engineer said:  “We cannot do any more.  My men, get on your knees and pray to God for help.”  And they got down on their knees and they prayed; and the wind began to silence, and the sea began to cease its angry wavings, and the wall was saved; and all the people who lived in the village went on with the banquet and the dance, for they did not know their peril, and they were all saved.

What you and I ought to do is to go out and help build up the dikes against the ocean of crime and depravity and sin which threatens to overwhelm this nation.  Men of Holland, descend!—­to the dikes! to the dikes!  Bring all the faith and all the courage of your ancestors to the work, and then get down on your knees, and kneel with us on the creaking wall, and pray to the God of the wind and of the sea that He may hush the one and silence the other.

BAYARD TAYLOR

TRIBUTE TO GOETHE

[Speech of Bayard Taylor at a reception given in his honor by the Goethe Club, New York City, March 20, 1878.  The reception was held in recognition of Mr. Taylor’s appointment as United States Minister to Germany.  Dr. A. Ruppaner, President of the Club, presided.]

It is difficult for me to respond fitly to what you have done, fellow-members of the Goethe Club, and what my old friend Parke Godwin has said.  I may take gratefully whatever applies to an already accomplished work, but I cannot accept any reference to any work yet to be done without a feeling of doubt and uncertainty.  No man can count on future success without seeming to invoke the evil fates.

I am somewhat relieved in knowing that this reception, by which I am so greatly honored, is not wholly owing to the official distinction which has been conferred upon me by the President.  I am informed that it had been already intended by the Goethe Club as a large and liberal recognition of my former literary labors, and I will only refer a moment to the diplomatic post in order that there may be no misconception of my position in accepting it.

The fact that for years past I have designed writing a new biography of the great German master, is generally known; there was no necessity for keeping it secret; it has been specially mentioned by the press since my appointment, and I need not hesitate to say that the favor of our government will give me important facilities in the prosecution of the work. [Applause.]

But the question has also been asked, here and there—­and very naturally—­is a Minister to a foreign Court to be appointed for such a purpose?  I answer, No!  The Minister’s duty to the government and to the interests of his fellow-citizens is always paramount.  I shall go to Berlin with the full understanding of the character of the services I may be expected to render, and the honest determination to fulfil them to the best of my ability.