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studies were pursued at Meisseu, but in 1734 he entered the University of Leipsic, where he studied philosophy and theology. He tried his powers by sometimes speaking from his father s pulpit, but his excessive modesty and timidity prevented him from undertaking the work of a preacher.
After four years at Leipsic, the expenses of the University proved too great for his father s narrow means, and Gellert was recalled to his home. For a time he occupied himself advantageously in that which was to form an important part of his life-work in teach ing others. But in 1741 he again went to Leipsic, taking with him his nephew. This second period of study was turned to good account by the acquirement of French and English, by an extended study of the classics, and by the formation of a style of writing. His verses and pieces, contributed to periodicals, soon attracted attention by their simplicity and beauty ; and he formed the acquaintance of J. E. Schlegel, and other men of genius, by associating with whom his aspiring genius was encouraged and helped.
But his aim was not merely literary. For a long time his piety had been of a high order. He wished to live to some good pur pose, and longed to occupy some position of public usefulness. With a view to this, he took a degree in the faculty of belles lettres, sustained theses according to custom, and acquired the right of giving public lessons in the year 1745-6. His lectures on poetry and eloquence were very popular with the students, and Goethe was at one time among his pupils. He also lectured on philosophy, of which he became professor at Leipsic.
As an author, he published his " Tales and Fables," which were very popular in Germany, and were translated into French. He also composed comedies, " The Devotee" and " The Lottery Ticket ;" and having suffered much from melancholy and from a bad state of health, he wrote a book entitled " Consolations for Valetudinarians." This was published in 1747, and met with success. He subsequently wrote more " Fables;" published his " Moral Poems," and his " Letters," which were literary produc-
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