THE REMINISCENCES OF CARL SCHURZ
addressed to me, and every invitation to more intimate intercourse—words which with other people pass as mere superficial expressions of politeness—was to be taken as perfectly honest and seriously meant. Theirs was true hospitality, without pretension and without reserve, in which one breathed the atmosphere of assured confidence. I have also not infrequently been surprised in such friendly intercourse with persons who at first acquaintance seemed to be rather dull, by the reach of thought, the treasures of knowledge, the variety of experiences, and the comprehensive views of life and of the world, which came forth in familiar talks.
At that period, the German language was much in fashion in England, probably owing to the circumstance that the popularity of Prince Albert, whose merit as the patron of the great International Exposition of 1851 was universally recognized, had reached its highest point. It had become a widespread custom to sing German songs at evening parties and the German “Volkslieder,” seemed to be especial favorites. I could not but be amused when in great company a blushing miss was solemnly conducted to the piano “to give us a sweet German folk song,” and she then, in slow time and in a tone of profound melancholy, which might have indicated a case of death in the family, sang the merry German tune, “Wenn i' komm, wenn i' komm, wiederum komm,” etc., etc.
In later years I have often regretted that at that time I did not take more interest in the political life of England and did not seek acquaintances in political circles. But even without this, I received a deep impression of the country and the people. How different was the restless commotion in the streets of London in its mighty seriousness and its colossal motive power, from the gay, more or less artistically elegant, but more than half frivolous activity that entertains the visitor on the streets
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