and then institutes a comparison between them. Here, too, as in all that Holberg has written, the moral point of view is of paramount importance. This moral issue is treated independently in several of his last works, as, for instance, in his "moralske Tanker," and in many of his "Epistler." In the latter work, which dates from the last years of Holberg's life, his versatility and learning are displayed for the last time in all their strength and vigor, and he treats the greatest variety of topics with the sober earnestness of a philosopher, and at the same time with the cheerfulness of a humorist.
The same moralizing tendency is the basis of his "Niels Klim's Underground Journey," a satirical romance, excellent also from a poetical standpoint. Holberg does not here, as in his comedies and in his Peder Paars, limit himself to Danish affairs, but he pours out his satire upon all Europe, and for this reason the book, which was published in Leipsic in 1741, was written in Latin. But it was soon translated into the most of the tongues of Europe. The book tells how the sexton Niels Klim in Bergen through an accident was conducted to the lower world, and how he there became acquainted with a number of different kingdoms and nations. The description of the latter gives Holberg an opportunity of expressing in a striking and humorous manner his thoughts upon the state of things in this upper world. The book created an extraordinary sensation, and on account of its broad views on religious subjects it gave great offence to the clergy. But this did not in the least check its circulation or hinder its wholesome influence, for it contributed in a marked degree to the suppression of that reliance on authority which Holberg had always fought, though nowhere with more vigor than in this work.
Among Holberg's works must also be mentioned his autobiography, which is of importance to the history of literature and culture. It consists of three letters written in Latin, of which the first appeared in 1727 and the last in 1743. The
