From that moment the city was in uninterrupted motion; for until each and every one whom it behooved, and of whom it was required, had paid their respects to the highest dignities, and exhibited themselves one by one, there was no end to the marching to and fro:  and the court of each one of the high persons present could be very conveniently repeated in detail.

Now, too, the insignia of the empire arrived.  But, that no ancient usage might be omitted even in this respect, they had to remain half a day till late at night in the open field, on account of a dispute about territory and escort between the Elector of Mentz and the city.  The latter yielded:  the people of Mentz escorted the insignia as far as the barricade, and so the affair terminated for this time.

In these days I did not come to myself.  At home I had to write and copy; every thing had to be seen:  and so ended the month of March, the second half of which had been so rich in festivals for us.  I had promised Gretchen a faithful and complete account of what had lately happened, and of what was to be expected on the coronation-day.  This great day approached; I thought more of how I should tell it to her than of what properly was to be told:  all that came under my eyes and my pen I merely worked up rapidly for this sole and immediate use.  At last I reached her residence somewhat late one evening, and was not a little proud to think how my discourse on this occasion would be much more successful than the first unprepared one.  But a momentary incitement often brings us, and others through us, more joy than the most deliberate purpose can afford.  I found, indeed, pretty nearly the same company; but there were some unknown persons among them.  They sat down to play, all except Gretchen and her younger cousin, who remained with me at the slate.  The dear girl expressed most gracefully her delight that she, though a stranger, had passed for a citizen on the election-day, and had taken part in that unique spectacle.  She thanked me most warmly for having managed to take care of her, and for having been so attentive as to procure her, through Pylades, all sorts of admissions by means of billets, directions, friends, and intercessions.

She liked to hear about the jewels of the empire.  I promised her that we should, if possible, see these together.  She made some jesting remarks when she learned that the garments and crown had been tried on the young king.  I knew where she would be, to see the solemnities of the coronation-day, and directed her attention to every thing that was impending, and particularly to what might be minutely inspected from her place of view.

Thus we forgot to think about time:  it was already past midnight, and I found that I unfortunately had not the house-key with me.  I could not enter the house without making the greatest disturbance.  I communicated my embarrassment to her.  “After all,” said she, “it will be best for the company to remain together.”  The cousins and the strangers had already had this in mind, because it was not known where they would be lodged for the night.  The matter was soon decided:  Gretchen went to make some coffee, after bringing in and lighting a large brass lamp, furnished with oil and wick, because the candles threatened to burn out.