An Album Leaf

…featuring a view of Mainz on the Rhine, a copper engraving from about 1820, published by Wiederhold in Göttingen. 

The main picture shows a detail of the print, sort of a predecessor of modern postcards, a souvenir of the day.

The extra is a dedication on the back, from a contemporary young man given to his cousin, written in the old style German handwriting.

Browsing through my shelves I came across this album leaf which had been a present from my late parents, must have been in the early 1990s when we had moved from Göttingen to Mainz for job reasons. 

Time elapsed until today I have transcribed the handwriting. It reads translated:

“To surrender to the Creator, nobody has more dignity

As you leave here, remember these few but telling words. They may accompany you on the path of this earthly life, may you lead it through flowery meadows or through thorny deserts, be devoted to your Creator, he is a reliable leader for you, he is your protector, he gives you a shield, a sword and courage, to fight the struggle of life. May all people leave you, may happiness flee from you, o just don't leave yourself. Remain faithful to him the Creator of your youth, and firmly believe that he will reward your faithfulness. In all circumstances, in happiness and if misfortune tests you, be virtuous and be grand; win the great price in the struggle to which everyone must submit; solve the riddle that is meant to be solved by us during our earthly existence. Do not unplace yourself from the virtue of duty and from friendship. These words are dedicated to further friendly memory by

Your loving cousin Louis Schäfer Studiosus Theologiae in spe.”