Pupil.
I am rejoiced, worthy sirs, to find you in pleno
assembled;
For I have come down below, seeking
the one needful thing.
Aristotle.
Quick to the point, my good friend! For
the Jena Gazette comes
to hand here,
Even in hell,-so we know all
that is passing above.
Pupil.
So much the better! So give me (I will
not depart hence without it)
Some good principle now,-one
that will always avail!
First philosopher.
Cogito, ergo sum. I have thought, and therefore
existence!
If the first be but true, then is the
second one sure.
Pupil.
As I think, I exist. Tis good!
But who always is thinking?
Oft Ive existed een when
I have been thinking of naught.
Second philosopher.
Since there are things that exist, a thing of
all things there must
needs be;
In the thing of all things dabble we,
just as we are.
Third philosopher.
Just the reverse, say I. Besides myself there
is nothing;
Everything else that there is is but a
bubble to me.
Fourth philosopher.
Two kinds of things I allow to exist,-the
world and the spirit;
Naught of others I know; even these signify
one.
Fifth philosopher.
I know naught of the thing, and know still less
of the spirit;
Both but appear unto me; yet no appearance
they are.
Sixth philosopher.
I am I, and settle myself,-and if
I then settle
Nothing to be, well and good-theres
a nonentity formed.
Seventh philosopher.
There is conception at least! A thing conceived
there is, therefore;
And a conceiver as well,-which,
with conception, make three.
Pupil.
All this nonsense, good sirs, wont answer
my purpose a tittle:
I a real principle need,-one
by which something is fixed.
Eighth philosopher.
Nothing is now to be found in the theoretical
province;
Practical principles hold, such as:
thou canst, for thou shouldst.
Pupil.
If I but thought so! When people know no
more sensible answer,
Into the conscience at once plunge they
with desperate haste.
David Hume.
Dont converse with those fellows!
That Kant has turned them all crazy;
Speak to me, for in hell I am the same
that I was.
Law point.
I have made use of my nose for years together
to smell with;
Have I a right to my nose that can be
legally proved?
Puffendorf.
Truly a delicate point! Yet the first possession
appeareth
In thy favor to tell; therefore make use
of it still!
Scruple of conscience.
Willingly serve I my friends; but, alas, I do
it with pleasure;
Therefore I often am vexed that no true
virtue I have.
DECISION
As there is no other means, thou hadst better
begin to despise them;
And with aversion, then, do that which
thy duty commands.
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