It is generally admitted that in its first form we have the fullest manifestation of its author's genius, and equally the fullest expression of the original inspiration that led to its production.

Like Shakespeare he had a book for his text--the Memoirs of Gottfried, written by himself; and like Shakespeare he took large liberties with his original--no fewer than six characters in the play, two of whom are of the first importance, being of Goethe's own invention.

The plot may be briefly told.

Adelbert von Weislingen, a Knight of the Empire, had been the early friend of Gottfried, but under the influence of the Bishop of Bamberg and others he had taken a line which led him into direct conflict with Gottfried.

While the latter, identifying himself with the lesser German nobles, was for supporting the power of the Emperor, Weislingen had identified himself with the princes whose object was to cripple it.