Schiller (1759-1805) was a German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright. During the period 1788-1805 he struck up a productive friendship with the already influential Goethe. The pair frequently discussed issues concerning aesthetics and Schiller encouraged Goethe to finish works he had left as sketches. They also worked together on Xenien, a collection of short satirical poems in which they challenged opponents to their philosophical vision. This five-act play, first performed in 1784, was Schiller's third dramatic work. Entitled Kabale und Liebe (literally Cabal and Love) in the original German, it shows how cabals and their intrigue destroy the love between Ferdinand, a nobleman's son, and Luise, daughter of a middle-class musician.