All through his relations to the Sesenheim family, indeed, there is an unpleasant suggestion that it is the son of the Imperial Councillor who is indulging a passion which he is fully aware must one day end in a more or less bitter parting.

"Dear new Friend," he begins, "Such I do not hesitate to call you, for, if in other circumstances I have not much insight into the language of the eyes, at the first glance I saw in yours the hope of this friendship; and for our hearts I would swear.

How should you, tender and good as I know you to be, not be a little partial to me in return ?"[87] In this strain the letter continues, and with a skill of approach that reminds us of his boast to his former confidant Behrisch.
[Footnote 87: _Ib._ p.

251.] Goethe's relations with Friederike lasted till the end of June, 1771--a period of some ten months.

Of this period the first half would seem to have been passed by both in idyllic oblivion of consequences; during the second there came painful awakening to realities on the part of one of the lovers.