the constitution: when the body suffers, the mind is ill at ease."
"I acknowledge that," I continued; "but we must consider such a
disposition in the light of a disease, and inquire whether there
is no remedy for it."

"I should be glad to hear one," said Charlotte: "at least, I think
very much depends upon ourselves; I know it is so with me. When
anything annoys me, and disturbs my temper, I hasten into the
garden, hum a couple of country dances, and it is all right with
me directly." "That is what I meant," I replied; "ill-humour
resembles indolence: it is natural to us; but if once we have
courage to exert ourselves, we find our work run fresh from our
hands, and we experience in the activity from which we shrank a
real enjoyment." Frederica listened very attentively: and the
young man objected, that we were not masters of ourselves, and
still less so of our feelings. "The question is about a disagreeable
feeling," I added, "from which every one would willingly escape,
but none know their own power without trial. Invalids are glad
to consult physicians, and submit to the most scrupulous regimen,
the most nauseous medicines, in order to recover their health."
I observed that the good old man inclined his head, and exerted
himself to hear our discourse; so I raised my voice, and addressed
myself directly to him. "We preach against a great many crimes,"
I observed, "but I never remember a sermon delivered against
ill-humour." "That may do very well for your town clergymen,"
said he: "country people are never ill-humoured; though, indeed,
it might be useful, occasionally, to my wife for instance, and the
judge." We all laughed, as did he likewise very cordially, till
he fell into a fit of coughing, which interrupted our conversation
for a time. Herr Schmidt resumed the subject. "You call ill