wonderful history, thinking that, when I have left this world, it
may afford valuable instruction to the living. As for thee,
Chamisso, if thou wouldst live amongst thy fellow-creatures, learn
to value thy shadow more than gold; if thou wouldst only live to
thyself and thy nobler part--in this thou needest no counsel.



APPENDIX.



[From the prefatory matter prefixed to time Berlin edition, 1839,
from which the present translation is made.]



PREFACE BY THE EDITOR.



The origin of "Peter Schlemihl" is to be ascribed in a great degree
to circumstances that occurred in the life of the writer. During
the eventful year of 1813, when the movement broke out which
ultimately freed Germany from the yoke of her oppressor, and
precipitated his downfall, Chamisso was in Berlin. Everyone who
could wield a sword hastened then to employ it on behalf of Germany
and of the good cause. Chamisso had not only a powerful arm, but a
heart also of truly German mould; and yet he was placed in a
situation so peculiar as to isolate him among millions. As he was