Rahel Varnhagen was an ardent admirer of Goethe and promoted his works even when opposed by the Romantics. She left a positive impression on Goethe, who called her a “beautiful soul”. She made these copies of his poems for a “Mademoiselle Milder” to help with “composition”. The name probably refers to the pianist and song composer Jeannette Milder (1799–1875), who frequented Rahel Varnhagen’s salon.