Christian Gellert (1715 – 1769) The son of a Saxon clergyman, Christian Fiirchtegott (meaning Christian FearGod) Gellert is said to have exemplified by his life the meaning of his names. For years a victim of ill health and a hypochondriac, he spent the last part of his life lecturing on poetry at the University of Leipzig. He wrote plays, novels, fables and tales, but is today remembered only for his Fables and Tales in verse (1746 174®) These are written in a sprightly manner, and are conceived and executed with a delicacy that was rare among the German writers of Gellert`s day. The Sick Wife, one of the Fables and Tales, is translated especially for this volume, by Barrett H. Clark.
The Sick Wife
Who can estimate the innumerable evils that constantly threaten the health and wellbeing of mankind? It is needful that we Inquire into their causes, for the more we know of the dangers the better able are we to avoid trouble. The fair young Sulpicia, dearly beloved of her husband, went off one day to visit a friend. Though she left home in the best of health, She reiurned half dead, it seemed, and at once threw herself down upon her bed. Could it be that her circulation had suddenly stopped? Her clothes were loosened, and three pairs of hands made busy to assist her. None too many, forsooth! The poor young husband dissolved in a flood of tears: who could fail to be affected by so serious a situation? It was still too early, after but a single year of marriage, to wish to be rid of his wife! So he sent immediately for a physician. The youthful Esculapius appeared on the scene in full regalia. Seating himself on the edge of the patient`s bed, he assumed an expression as much as to say he had precisely the right remedy. He felt the wife`s pulse, and wondered to himself what his medical books recommended in a case of this sort. But he ordered pen and ink to be brought him at once, and sat down to write. A servant was sent posthaste, and meantime the husband inquired what could be the trouble with his wife? The physician looked at him and smiled: “You ask me what is the matter? There is really no need to tell you that. You know, it is a very good sign when young wives fret and complain!” At this news the husband was overjoyed. The night passed. The patient drank her potion, but it had no effect upon her at all. Another physician had to be summoned. Patience! At last they were about to discover what really ailed the woman. The second physician was in no doubt: she was coming down with the smallpox! Well, first she was going to become a mother, and then it was a case of smallpox! Say no more, Doctors, and prescribe nothing further, for one of you at least is entirely in the wrong! Rather leave her in the hands of Nature and to the mercies of her own comfortable bed. No matter how dangerous the disease, it is not half so dangerous as the Doctor`s cures. Patience! Perhaps she will recover today.
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