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35. Taking one's passage at sea. Go down to the quay, and inquire what time the steamer (steam-boat) starts (abgehen) to-morrow for H. Here is the Captain himself. Are you the captain of the (ship) steamer Swift bound for H? Yes, Sir, the same (der bin ich). When do you go (set sail, absegeln)? Next tide (mit der ersten Flut). As soon as the weather is favourable. As soon as we shall have fair wind. Perhaps to night. How much do you ask (take) for the passage? What is the passage money (Reisegeld) in the first cabin? Ten Pounds. But tell me, is the board (Tisch) comprised in it (einbegriffen)? It is excepting wine. It is not, Sir; but if you like, we may also agree (einig werden) about it. How long shall we be on the passage? In how many days shall we reach (arrive at) H.? It depends upon circumstances, perhaps in six days (months). I thought it was shorter (fürzere Zeit). There's no better sailer than mine. Have you many passengers? 15 in all. Are there any ladies or children amongst the number? Not as yet (bis jezt nicht). Must I take provisions with me, if I take the second cabin? It is not necessary; but if you choose to take something with you, you may. There is every accommodation (Bequemlichkeit) on board. Please to step into the office (Büreau), Sir, and look at the printed bill, you will see there the price for every body, the conditions and all the particulars. I have a servant, a horse and carriage with me. There is no time to lose. They must be taken on board immediately. Has your baggage been inspected (besichtigt) at the customhouse (Zollamt)? Not yet. Then it must be done previous to (vor) its being carried on board. I shall take care to advertise you of the moment of our departure, or if you like, you may sleep on board this night. I had rather not. Well then, please to tell me where you lodge? I lodge at the British Hotel. It is not far from the port. I know where it is. I'll send one of my men to call you (abzurufen). Be ready at 6 o'clock in the morning. I shall get all ready, you may be sure. Waiter, tell your commissioner or agent, to send our baggage on board the Swift for H. and to get our passports signed. Yes, Sir, all shall be in order; do you sleep here? Yes, but call us in time for the boat to-morrow morning.

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36. Conversation on board the Steamer (a ship, a packet). Go into the boat. Gentlemen, take care not to hurt yourselves. The vessel is a great way out (liegt ziemlich weit hinaus). But if it should upset (umwerfen) before we reach her? There is nothing to fear. Well, here we are at the ship. The cabin is very capacious (geräumig); do you not think so? I do, and the berths (Bettschränke) are very comfortable. The anchor is up, the ship (the steamboat, packet) sails. She is rigged (getakelt) uncommonly well. The wind increases, I fear we shall have a storm; the sky is very dark towards the west. I hope not; the wind is now so very favorable. How many miles do you think we do (machen) an hour? I think about nine or ten. What useful discovery, the power of steam, and the method of mastering and governing it! Indeed it is bringing the extremities (äußerste Enden) of the world almost together. What is the power of the engines of this boat? I believe this steam engine has a two hundred horse power. What do you say to the ship? She is one of the finest vessels of her class (seiner Art) and I estimate her at 350 tons burthen. Do you feel at all sick? Rather qualmish (übel), but not to say (ich kann nicht sagen) sick. Are you sometimes sick at sea? Yes, frequently, and I dread the sea sickness. It is very disagreeable while (so lange) it lasts. I think I perceive land on the other side. You are right, it is the Swedish coast. We don't pass it. No, we leave it on the left. There's a distant sail, gliding along the edge (Rand) of the ocean. It is a man of war (Kriegsfchiff). How do you know that? By her construction (Bauart). How many guns does she mount (führt es)? I'll tell you when I have looked

through the telescope, hand (reichen) it to me. A frigate of 50 guns. Tell the cabin-boy to bring me a glass of cognac. I am very much inclined to vomit. It will do you no good, better lay yourself down. The wind grows much stronger. Let us go down into the cabin. I am a little afraid of being on a steamer, particulary in stormy weather. The numerous accidents, which have arisen from over-heating the boiler, prevent me from feeling comfortable on board. Certainly; but as steam navigation becomes better understood, these accidents will become every year less frequent. But don't you fear the pirates? Not so much, I assure you. There's a steamer passing us, she has lost her paddles (Schaufeln). She has suffered a great deal. A long sea voyage is always tedious (langweilig) and dangerous. Why do you hoist (aufstecken) your flag, Captain? To give that ship a signal. Do you know from what country she is coming? From England. When shall we arrive? If we go on at this rate (Geschwindigkeit) we shall soon be in sight of the shores of G. God be praised, I see land! We are now entering the mouth (Mündung) of the Elbe; do you see the town on the left? Yes, what (wie) do you call it? It is H. We are now arrived? And where do we land? Near the custom - house. Can we take our luggage with us? Not before it is taken to the house and examined. And when can we have it? This evening.

37. At the Custom-House or Town-Gate. Gentlemen, please to exhibit (vorzeigen) your passports. Here they are. Have you any thing liable to duty (steuerpflichtig)? Have you any thing to declare? I have nothing that will give the officers any trouble. You will most probably be detained some time. In that case I will give my key to the officer (Beamter) which will perhaps save me any further trouble. Will you please to tell me your names and characters? Are you merchants? Whence do you come from? We are coming from C. Whither are you going? We are going to N. Then you are only passing through this town? We shall stay only one night. What inn will you put up at (einkehren)? At the Golden Star. May I beg the favour to look at your passport? Certainly, here it is. Well Sir, we shall keep it, and you can have it to morrow morning by applying at the police office (Polizeibureau); you are not allowed to proceed on your journey, before it is examined. Is this your trunk (Koffer)? Have you any effects subject to custom (duty)? Yes Sir, I have in this parcel. Let us see them (it). Please to give me the key. I see they are mostly trifles (Kleinigkeiten). What duty am I to pay for them? No more than ten per Cent of the value. I thought if they were for my own private use and not for sale, I needed not to pay any duty. That's all the same. There's nothing else, Sir, among your baggage liable to duty, and so you may go on. Please to open your boxes. Do it yourself; we shall take some rest till you have done. I beg your pardon; but your goods must be inspected in your presence. Oh! don't set every thing upside down (bringen Sie nicht alles unter einander). You must pay for these things. Here is the cocket (Empfangschein). Pay the amount to the receiver (Einnehmer). This thing is under a prohibition (ist verboten). I beg you will mind (bedenken Sie doch) that it is for our own use. I am bound by duty to seize it (es ist in Beschlag zu nehmen). I hope not to lose it. Apply to the comptroller of customs (3oll - Direktor). Your passports will be returned to you by and by at the Inn where you lodge.

38. At an Inn (Gasthof). What was the sign (Schild) of the inn, where we wished to put up (einkehren)? I believe «To the Golden Star». Here it is, Sir. There let us step down here (hier einkehren, absteigen). What do you think of it. If the appearance may be trusted, this must be a good inn (hotel). Waiter, I wish to see the landlord of the hotel (Hotelkeeper). Have the goodness and see that the luggage is brought into the

house. Welcome, Sir, to the Golden Star. I thank you. I have been recommended to your hotel, can you let me have an apartment (apartments) for a few days? Yes, Sir, what kind of apartment do you wish? A bed room and sitting-room (Wohnstube) will be sufficient. You shall have the best in my house; will you please to walk this way, gentlemen? We can accommodate you with one on the first floor. It is indifferent (gleichgültig) to me on what floor, provided the lodging suit (passen) me in other respects. Would you like to see (the rooms) the apartment? it is very comfortable, and you will be conveniently situated, both for business and pleasure; the park and playhouse are within five minutes walk, and with an Omnibus (Droscke) which passes the door, you can soon be at any other part of the town. Let me see the lodging, if you please? Yes, Sir, have the goodness to walk up stairs. There it is, Sir. This room is well furnished. I don't like this bed room, it is not airy enough. Make a shift (behelfen Sie sich) with it to-day, to-morrow you shall have a better one. It will suit me very well, what do you charge? We let it at one Dollar a day. Well, as I shall stay perhaps a fortnight, I will take it by the day. Waiter, where did you put my baggage? It is below. Let your porter take it up into my room. Shall I pay the coachman, Sir? Yes do, for I don't know the fare (Fuhrgeld). Your things are all in your room, Sir. What can you give us for dinner (for supper)? Whatever you please. We have an ordinary (allgemeine Tafel) at two o'clock. Very well, take care that the sheets (Betttücher) be well aired (durchlüftet, trocken). You may rely on it, we are very careful in that respect. We should prefer dining alone: bring us the bill of fare (Speisekarte). In a moment, Sir! Do make a good fire, we are dying with cold. I can accommodate you with baths of all sorts, warm, cold, Russian and steam ones. I'll take a bath before dinner. There is no bell in this room. I beg your pardon, Sir; there is one at the head of the bed (Kopfende). Here is the bill of fare, Sir; will you have the goodness to give your orders? Two or three dishes (Ge= richte) will be quite sufficient. I must have my bed warmed. Pass the warming pan between the sheets. This bed is not well made. Do you wish to be called to-morrow? Bring me another blanket (wollene Decke). My head is too low, bring me another pillow (Kopfkissen). · Good night, Sir. Did you ring, Sir? Yes, let me have some warm water. Directly, Sir. Do you want any thing else? No, not for the present. Wake me to-morrow at day break, take these boots to be cleaned, and brush this coat well. Waiter, have you made out our bill (Rechnung)? Here it is, Sir. How much does our expenses come to? So much for your supper, for your bed etc. Here is your money. May I expect, Sir, you will come and see us, when you come this way when you return. With pleasure. Waiter, here is something for you and the groom. Thank you, Sir, I wish you a good journey.

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39. To enquire one's way and to ask an address in a town. Pray, Sir, will you have the goodness to tell me, which way I must take to go to the Town-House? Could you have the kindness to direct me (zu zeigen) the nearest way to the Broad Street? Most willingly, Sir (yes, Sir). Go along the quay, being at the end of it you must turn to the right (left); there you'll find a cross-way (Scheideweg), which having passed you will enter into a pretty large street, there you see the House standing in front of the market place. You must take the second turning (Straße) on the right; then go straight on (gerade aus), and you will come directly into the street you want (die Sie wünschen). I thank you for your kindness. Don't mention it, I beg you. There are two streets of that name, do you know where the second is? 'Tis not far from it. You turn about that corner but take care there are two turns (Wendungen), take

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the second on the left, then go down a little way and you'll see a church, just opposite to this is the very street. Any one will do himself the pleasure (daraus machen) to show you. Do you happen to know a person of the name of Walter, living here about? No, Sir, I don't recollect having heard the name, but don't you know the number of the house? I was directed to number 19 or 20, but I have been to both those houses and no such (des Namens) person lives there. You had better enquire at the stationer's or baker's, probably they can tell you. Thank you, Sir, I will enquire there. Can you inform me, if Mrs. Donothing lives here about? Yes, Sir, it is next door but one on the first-floor (Etage). Does Mr. Slash live here? No, Sir, he did, but he is removed (ausgezogen). Can you tell me where he lives now? You will find him at No. 2. on the other side of (over) the way. Is there a Mr. Viol living here? He lives in another part of the town. Is it far from here? It is a very long (short) walk. Is it in the same direction where the English Ambassador (consul) lives? Just so. I am just going to that quarter and shall accompany you. You are very kind indeed. There, Sir, that's the house. Is Sir (Mr.) Walker at home? No, Sir, he has been out about an hour's time. What is the most likely time (beste Zeit) to find (treffen) him? He is always at home till 10 o'clock in the morning, and after six in the evening. Give him that card, if you please, and tell him I will call tomorrow morning between nine and ten. I will not fail. If I could see him earlier, it would spare me much time, for I wish to depart again in the evening, and I have much to do till then. Why Sir, my master is a very early riser, and if you please you can see him early. That would suit me better. Perhaps at 8. Oh! yes, without the least inconvenience. Thank you.

music lessons?

40. Of Music and a Concert. Do you go to the concert this evening? I did not intend to go, but now I have changed my mind (mich anders entschlossen) and shall. I am sure you will be much entertained, the selection of pieces is good, and the performers first rate (Rang). Was the concert numerously attended (besucht) last night? The house (room) was so full that we were suffocated with heat. My dear, it is a great pity (Verlust) for you. That concert was highly interesting. Did you see the bill (Zettel)? I did not, but I had heard that very remarkable (distinguished) artists were to meet there (fich da einfinden). It was so, there were several distinguished Italian and German virtuosi. How do you get on with your you must be pretty well advanced. I believe I have not lost my time; but it requires so much practice (Uebung). What instrument do you now play? The piano. But you continue the violincello, of course. To be sure. It is a delightful instrument if well played. I believe this is the case with all instruments. Does your sister like music? She is passionately fond (eingenommen) of it. She sings also I suppose. She learns singing in order to accompany me on the piano. Music is now generally cultivated in Europe, but Germany has produced the most excellent composers of classic music. Now every one is a musician, an amateur, or a critic. Is music much cultivated in your country? Yes, but perhaps not quite so much as in yours, in Italy and France. What country is your music master from? Of Germany. How often do you play when he is gone? I generally practise three hours a day. Constant practice is necessary to rise above mediocrity. What's your opinion of (about) English composers? They have several very good ones, but they are little known on the continent, because the style of English music is very simple, and does not please foreigners. I never heard a finer composition than the tune of «Rule Britania!»> But it was not an Englishman that composed it. Who then? If I do not mistake it was done by the

famous Handel; and it is said Hayden composed «God save the king. » But all other English songs are original, and most delightful to hear.

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Now let us hasten to the concert, not to neglect the beautiful ouverture of Mozart. I believe they begin with symphony and chorus, composed by Bellini. That is reserved for the second part. Enter the door on the left hand! This is one of the best seats, take it before it is occupied (beset). The concert is beginning. Well, what do you say to this grand ouverture? I never heard finer music nor better executed. Miss B. is going to sing with Mr. C. She is a most hopeful young singer; isn't she? I never heard her. What does she sing? A duet. She has an admirable voice. Very full and melodious. It has afforded so much pleasure that it is encored by the whole audience (from every part of the house). How are you pleased with our performers, dear friend? I am quite delighted, and shall be more so when I hear the next piece which is to be performed by the famous pianist L. He plays surprisingly, with matchless power (unvergleichliche Geläufigkeit). Mr. G., the first flute (Flötist) (violin) at the opera will now perform a concerto of his own composition. He executes brilliantly. The orchestra accompanies with rare precision. I have never heard any one play with more delicacy and feeling. It pleases me much better than Mr. S's. composition. I don't like his style. My ears were rent with his music. And yet he obtained high (glänzenden) success last night. I think I heard say, that a new singer would perform, who has an admirable voice. Oh, it is Miss N., she will sing a Solo at the end of the second part. 'Tis the first time, this lady sings in public. I perceive she is a little bashful (schüchtern, shy). The leader (master) of the band (Musikdirector) accompanies her on the piano. He plays with his usual good taste. She has superior talents and will not fail of receiving applause. This evening we hear nothing but choice pieces. I admire her voice. As for me, I prefer instrumental music to vocal. Not I; nothing gives me more pleasure than the choirs. A second concert is announced for Thursday. There are several celebrated names in the bill. I will not fail to be there (hinzugehen).

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41. The Playhouse. (Theatre.) Opera and Ballet. play this evening? I have a great mind (Lust) to go. sisters are going also, you had better (thäten am besten) (mit uns zu gehen). What theatre shall we go to? shall go to the Coburg Theatre. My brother wished to go with me to Drury Lane this evening to see Young in Julius Caesar. I should be glad to go there with you. Well then, let us take places. Have you tickets (Billets)? - I can procure two for the first tier of boxes (erste Ranglogen). I would rather go to the pit (Parterre). Or do you prefer two stalls (Sperrfige) or a box. I suppose, your mother has taken places for us! Oh yes, she has taken two rows (Reihen Stühle) in one of the side boxes on the king's side of the house. Then let us join them, and go another time with your brother. Just as you please. Do you know what play is acted to night? I have not seen the play bill (Zettel). There is a new play acted to night in the other house. What's the name of it? I believe it is called «Every man his own Doctor.» Who is the author of that play? If I do not mistake, it is Mr. Somebody. Certainly the very same, who wrote «The Merry meeting.» Shall we have a good place in your mother's box? You will have a good view of the stage, and can see and hear very distinctly. I prefer a seat when there are ladies of the party (dabei sind), the boxes are far more comfortable (weit angenehmer). The doors are not opened yet. There is a crowd (viele Leute) already. Here we must wait till your family arrive. Wait a moment, I shall run home to fetch the tickets. Be sure to remain here, that I may find you again.

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