Seen pra Bene : > hpi: BP cd tect. 73 wry , Bn ty eee : rd iti Pe nat be mae a BEF i yee A Ay saps eA dyno | | | Bo? rehy at See uns afd Nha Noir < Led DAAS Getnt Ot K esr ab Aalst hota ” a ee wi = VA vans oe a sf ~ ko ts nd tent Pt Pt | ape en Se rar SAAD Msn Fulah . > es eee 4 we addat SU Alig ae" eg ba at ie (Pave “ PPPoA a aienk ~ seein 5 rat 8 Pos Packers Am Pan — tata aly A = Ts ree enn ae ey Someta! Bir treet he SaMtes WPA ACA 0 ~, ey Dn etiis Satan Sapien stag aa : ge Lr atone cam) rs Paro mF OTE Myla Rah ela ion gies sd a Pte it oft oe + i = ; a = wr rte teint, ea Se . : Be Bal e ; Sgeke ne ie Fs i Sagem Pek i AN ENTERTAINING BIOGRAPHY. ra’ Vv JUST PUBLISHED. THE LIFE TRAVELS AND BOOKS OF ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. fal WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY BAYARD TAYLOR. icimerncneell inesinte One handsome 12mo. volume, uniform with “ The Let- ters of Von Humboldt,” elegantly bound in muslin, with an original steel portrait. Price, $1.25. Containing a full account of his Life from birth to death; a picturesque summary of his Travels and Adventures in the New World and Asia; biographi- cal sketches of his relatives and literary associates ; a complete resumé of his various works, with extracts from his most important ones; a lucid statement of his achievements in all departments of science, Xc. “The Life Travels and Books of Alexander von Humboldt has already gone into a fifth edition. * * * It is entertaining as a romance, and contains the cream of Humboldt’s books. * * * The plan of the work is excellent. The biography is combined with the wan- derings of the old savant, and the essence of numerous volumes is here artistically condensed into one. A more readable and instructive book has not been lately issued.”—Philadelphia Daily Press. 7 *,.* Sold by all booksellers, and it will be sent by mail, postage free, on receipt of the price, $1.25, by RUDD & CARLETON, Publishers, No. 180 Grand Street, New York. LETTERS OF ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT ts TO VARNHAGEN VON ENSE. From ee to nd ~ & wits bier Extracts from veil s Pikes and p ners of Varnhagen and others to iboldt. Oranslated from the Second Geerman Bdition, By FRIEDRICH KAPP. NEW YORK? Rupp & CarLeTon, 130 Granp STREET, LEIPZIG: F. A. BROCKHAUS, M DCCC LX. a5 ARB A. += = bi. or THE a Pr Vea ~* a ie pmmean nen ek CU wy ae eee F SErit Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by RUDD & CARLETON, In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. R. CRAIGHEAD, Printer, Stereotyper, and Electrotyper, Caxton Building, 81, 83, and 85 Centre Street. ** Your last favor doing me so much honor contains words about which I wish to prevent every mistake. ‘You are afraid to confess yourself the exclusive owner of my impieties.’ You may freely dispose of this sort of property after my not far distant departure from life: Truth is due to those only whom we deeply esteem—to you therefore.” ALEXANDER VON HumpoLpT To VARNHAGEN. Letter of December 7th, 1841. “CONTENTS. 1. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . - 2. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 3. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 4. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 5. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 6. Humboldt to Varnhagen,. 7. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 8. Varnhagen to Humboldt, . 9. Humboldt to Rahel, 10. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 11. Humboldt to Rahel . . 12. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 13. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 14. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 15. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 16. (No Address.) . “ane i. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 18. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 19. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 20. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 21. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 22. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 23. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 24. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 25. Humbold to the Princess von Pueckler, 26. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ‘ j . * @ e * e¢ ee ° . . e . e ° . ° es ¢@ e e eo «ee e . ¢ . ° e . *. . . . . . e e e . e . . e a... 6 . e . - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ; : . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ‘ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ‘ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Contents. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . (No Address.) . . 41. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 42. Metternich to Humboldt, . ‘ ‘ ‘ 43. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . oe . ‘ 44, King Christian VIII. of Denmark to Humboldt, 45. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° : ° : 46. (No Address.) . ; . ° ‘ ; . 47. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . « : . : 48. Humboldt to Varnhagen,. .. . : 49. Guizot to Humboldt, . : : 50. Arago to Humboldt, r ‘ . 51. Humboldt to Bettina von Arnim, . ‘ ‘ 52. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° . . : 53. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . : : . 54. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : : : : 55. Humboldt to Spiker, ; ‘ . . . 56. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : : ‘ ‘ 57. Humboldt to Varnhagen, ; ; ° : 58. King Christian VIII. of Denmark to Humboldt, 59. (No Address.) : . o's ‘ 60. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° 61. Humboldt to Varnhagen, ‘ : 62. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, ‘ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . (No Address.) : : . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, Humboldt to Varnhagen, e e e e . ° * a ° ° e e e e . e e e e e e e ° e e e ° ° ° e e e * e e ° . e e e e e ° e e ° ° e e e 74. 2 . J. W. T. to Humboldt, . . Count Bresson, French Ambassador, ‘to Humboldt, . Arago to Humboldt, ‘ . Four Notes of Frederick William the Fourth to Humbold . King Christian VIII. of Denmark to Humboldt, . John Herschel to Humboldt, . . Metternich to Humboldt, . Prescott to Humboldt, ; . Madame de Récamier to Humboldt, é ; . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Leopold, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, to Humboldt, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, : - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . - Humboldt to Varnhagen, 5 . Humboldt to Varnhagen, A . Humboldt to Varnhagen, p . (No Address.) . , ‘ - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Metternich to Humboldt, . Jules Janin to Humboldt, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, ~ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Bessel to Humboldt, P ‘ . Victor Hugo to Humboldt, ‘ . Friedrich Rueckert to Humboldt, Contents. Humboldt to the Prince of Prussia .. . ‘ (No Address.) ; J . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° . . Balzae to Humboldt, : ° Robert Peel to Humboldt, ‘ Humboldt to Varnhagen, Humboldt to Varnhagen, ae @:<@ -& 8» *@ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Friedrich Wilhelm IV. 26 eo eS 8. Ee 8. Sy 8 CoO ee a Oy et O48 Ie Be a eee Alexander Manzoni to Humboldt, . Thiers to Humboldt, . The Princess of Canino, ‘Lucien 9 weg Widow, to Humboldt, . > r : . Duchess Helene d@’Orleans to Humboldt, . é . Duchess Helene d’Orleans to Humboldt, - . Duchess Helene d’Orleans to Humboldt, ° en et ee ee: Sa et EE. 6 6c) C6 Oe Oe Be Oy Btn Ore Bee ECR ea ee a ee 8 t ° . . . . . . . . . e . . ~~ . . . . . Contents. . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Metternich to Humboldt, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Mignet to Humboldt, . Humboldt to Baudin, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Metternich to Humboldt, . Prince Albert to Humboldt, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . (No Address.) . ; ‘ . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Metternich to Humboldt, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Helen, Duchess of Orleans, to H . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Bettina von Arnim, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, ; . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Vgjgnhagen, . Arago to Humboldt, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Varnhagen to Humboldt, - Humboldt to Varnhagen, ; - Humboldt to Bettina von Arnim, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Varnhagen to Humboldt, o @ £26) Ce) ee: £2 2 umboldt, . > @ . * . Se ore a: @ 8 Contents. 167. Humboldt to Varnhagen, ay 168. Humboldt to Varnhagen, 169. Humboldt to Varnhagen, _ 170. The Princess Lieven to Humboldt, 171. Varnhagen to Humboldt, : 172. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : 173. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : 174. Varnhagen to Humboldt, 175. Humboldt to Varnhagen, 176. Humboldt to Varnhagen, 177. The Prussian Minister Resident, von Georolt to Humboldt, 178. Varnhagen to Humboldt, : . . 179. Humboldt to Varnhagen, - fo toy ee : * ° 180. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : 181. Grand Duke Charles Alexander of Saxe-Weimar to Hum- boldt, . j : : > ? . 182. Varnhagen to Humboldt, ; : 183.-Humboldt to Varnhagen, é . 184. Humboldt to Varnhagen, : ° 185. Metternich to Humboldt, : : 186. Humboldt to Varnhagen, i 187. Humboldt to Varnhagen, = 188. Humboldt to Varnhagen, 189. Charles Alexander, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar, to Hum- boldt, . - . ‘ ‘ . 190. Jobard to Humboldt, ‘ 191. Lines by Varnhagen on Hildebrandt’s Painting of Hum- boldt’s Apartments, and the Motto Attached. : ‘ 192. Humboldt to Varnhagen, é ; . ; ‘ 193. Humboldt to Varnhagen, ‘ 194, — Alexander, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar, to Hum- boldt, . : . ‘ 5 > 195. Humboldt to Varnhagen, | 196. Varnhagen to Humboldt, . 197. Varnhagen to Humboldt, . 198. Varnhagen to Humboldt, . 199. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 200. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . 201. Karl Alexander, Grand Duke of of Saxe-Weimar, to Hum- boldt, . ‘ . - . . : 202. Varnhagen to Humboldt, : ; f : 203. Varnhagen to Humboldt, . . ° . 204. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ° . a, 205. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ‘ . . 206. Humboldt to Varnhagen,. ° 207. Charles Alexander, Grand Duke of Saxe Weimar to Humboldt, . : é : p Xil 208. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. Contents. Humboldt to Varnhagen, . A . : . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . Charles Alexander, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar, to Humboldt to Varnhagen, ‘ : . Humboldt to Varnhagen, . A ° Humboldt to Varnhagen, Prince Napoleon, Son of J erome, to Humboldt, Varnhagen to Humboldt, ° . Humboldt to Varnhagen, > : Humboldt to Varnhagen, . . Humboldt to Varnhagen, : Pf Humboldt, . ‘ . . ees . Thiers to Humboldt, ‘ . : Humboldt to Varnhagen, . ‘ ° . Humboldt to Varnhagen, ° . . ° Humboldt to Varnhagen, : ° . . Varnhagen to Humboldt, 4 ° ° Humboldt to Varnhagen, Humboldt to Ludmilla Assing, PREFACE. TuE following letters of Humboldt furnish a con- tribution of the highest importance to the true, correct, and unveiled representation of his genius and charac- ter. That they should be delivered to publicity after his death was his desire and intent, which have found . their positive impression in the words preceding this book as its motto. Never has he spoken out his mind more freely and sincerely, than in his communi- cations with Varnhagen, his old and faithful friend, whom he esteemed and loved before all others. In him he placed an unlimited confidence; with him he deposited those letters received by him, which he desired to be saved for their importance, while he used to destroy nearly all others. He presumed that Varnhagen, the junior of the two, would survive him. XIV Preface. Varnhagen, however, died first and transmitted the duty—a doubly sacred one—to me, of publishing this memorable evidence of the life, the activity, and the genius of this great man. . In the accomplishment of this charge it was a religious duty to leave every word unchanged as written down. I would have thought it an offence to Humboldt’s memory had I had the arrogance to make the slightest alterations of his words. For the same reason I did not think myself authorized to grant the request—however well-meaning it may have been—of the publisher, that I should make such alterations, nor could I accord the least influence to my own feelings or to personal regards. There was but one consideration to be obeyed—the eternal truth, for an adherence to which I am responsible to Humboldt’s memory, to History and Literature, and to the will of him who enjoined this duty upon me. And therefore the legacy, intrusted to my hands, will appear full and complete, as it was received. The interest of Humboldt's letters is sometimes pleasantly heightened by entries in Varnhagen’s diary—they will Preface : XV indicate the verbal sentiments of Humboldt in addi- tion to those written by him. Of Varnhagen’s letters few only were preserved or could be found. In the little, however, which is known, the noble friendship, the constant, never-ceasing mental activity, the faith- ful fellowship in their mutual efforts in behalf of science and liberty, in all of which Humboldt and Varnhagen were so many years united, find a suffi- cient expression. The letters of many other distinguished and cele- brated persons, which are also added, will show Humboldt in his world-wide connexions, in his mani- fold relations to savans and authors, to statesmen and princes, all of whom approached him with reverene>. LUDMILLA ASSING. BERLIN, February, 1860. \: HuMBOLpDT’s LETTERS. ° 1 HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Berwin, September 25th, 1827. My Honorep FRrenp: Arxow me to present you with the best copy of my essay* left me. . The end of it will, I hope, secure me your indulgence for the whole. Tuesday. A. v. HUMBOLDT. * On the Principal Causes of the Variation of Temperature upon the Earth. a Humboldt’s Letters. 2. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beri, November 1st, 1827. Yor recollect having once uttered some affectionate words in acknowledgment of my endeavors to describe Nature vividly and truly (that is, with strict correctness as to what we do observe). That your words have left agreeable impressions, you will perceive from this insignificant token of my grati- tude.* : I have altered nearly all “the Explanations,” and added “The Genius of Rhodes,” for which Schiller has shown some predilection. : With friendship and the highest consideration, Yours, A. HUMBOLDT. Is it not strange, that Koreff has never acknowledged what we did for him here ? * With a copy of “ Views of Nature,” new edition. ~ Humboldt’s Letters. 19 s. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beri, November 21, 1827. WEDNESDAY, AT NiGurt. Trustive more to your friendship for me and to my memoranda, which always guide me in my lectures, than to the notes taken by the students, I send you herewith the entire fifth lecture, together with to-day’s recapitulation. I am sure, you will not find anything anti-philosophical therein. You may make whatever | use you like of them—except a copy for publication— please send them back before Saturday. That the memoranda were made for my own use only, you will observe by the confusion in their composition—the desire, however, to be always frank, makes me forget any consideration which vanity could suggest.* A. HUMBOLDT. * The memoranda were intended to be communicated to Professor . Hegel, who was told that Humboldt had indulged in attacks on Phi- losophy in his lectures, 20 Humboldt’s Letters. 4. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beri, April 15th, 1828. Wx you allow me to disturb you for some moments between 2 and 3 o’clock this afternoon, that I may ask your literary opinion? My book shall bear the title: “Sketch of a Physical Description of the World.” I should like to embody in the title itself the. occasion of these lectures, so as to make it understood at once that the book contains more and something else than the lectures. ‘From reminiscences of lectures in the years 1827 and 1828, by A. v. Humboldt,” is considered, I am told, ridiculous and pretending. I do not insist on it; but ‘“ Souvenirs d’un cours de Physique du monde,” or, ‘Souvenirs d’un voyage en Perse,” seemed simple enough. How shall I arrange the title of the book ? “Sketch of the Physical World, elaborated from lec- tures by A. v. H.;” or, “ Partly treated from Lectures ?” All that seems rather awkward. Adverbs will not do for titles. What if I add in small type: “A part of this work has deen the subject of lectures in the years 1827 and 1828?” This is, however, rather long and Humboldt’s Letters. 21 then the verb! “ Occasioned by,” &c., would perhaps be better. I trust to your genius! Yow will help me out of this labyrinth, I am sure! With the sincerest attachment, ; Your obedient, A. HUMBOLDT. * Norte BY VARNHAGEN.—I had objected to the first herein mentioned title myself when I once dined at Prince August’s, and Humboldt had heard it from Beuth. 5. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BEruin, 3d of April, 1829. I sHawx call and thank you and enjoy your being home again, and the good effects which the exercise of your new duties have everywhere had. And I will implore pardon of your gifted lady, so dear to me through the misfortunes that happened in my own fienily. It is never allowed to present a book to the King, not even by Prince Wittgenstein. It must go the usual way. But I will entreat Albrecht very, very fer- vently.* Iam quite exhausted and will be off in a week. Friday. A. Hr. * It was a book of Ranke (the Historian). 22 Humboldt’s Letters. 6. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, 26¢h of April, 1830. I HAVE just come home from Potsdam, and find your dear letter and your present, so very agreeable to me. The “ Zinzendorf”* will delight me very, very much. He is an individual physiognomy like Zavater and Car- danus. The recent pietism, which began to break out at Halle, made me smile. I rejoice that you will kindly accept my “ Cri de Pétersbourg”—it is a parody recited at Court—the forced work of two nights; an essay to flatter without selfdegradation, to say how things should be. As you and your high-gifted wife, my ancient and kind friend, rejoice in anything agreeable that happens to me, I wish to say that the King sends me to the Emperor to attend the meeting of the Potentates. I shall probably go with the Crown-Prince, who will meet the Empress at Fischbach. Yours, A. Hz, Zinzendorf’s letters to the Saviour were rather more legible. + * Biography of Count Zinzendorf by Varnhagen.—7Zranslator. + Humboldt wrote a very illegible hand, hence this allusion. — Translator. Humboldt’s Letters. _ 23 ve HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beri, July 9th, 1830. PixeasE accept for yourself and your highminded and excellent lady my sincerest thanks for your new present, so agreeable to me.* I was not personally acquainted with the man whose eccentricities you have so wsthetically described. He was one of those who shine by their personal appearance ; their lives are of greater effect than their writings. A man who boasts . that his recollections go back to the first year of his life (how differently the Margravine judged things, when she says: “ J’étais un enfant trés précoce—a deux ans je savais parler, 4 trois ans je marchais!”); a man who owns a guardian angel in a black cloak, like Cardanus—who makes love to old maids, without being drunk, only in order to convert the same to virtue and reading ; a man, to whom the fate of German profes- * Memoirs of John Benjamin Ehrhard, Philosopher and Physician, Edited by Varnhagen von Ense. Stuttgart and Tubingen. Cotta, 1830. 24 Humboldt’s Letters. sors under German princes appears more tragical than that of the Greeks—such a man cannot but be admired —as a curiosity! The “ Kirchen-Zeitung” will never inscribe his name in the list of “the faithful,” and _ the Schimmelmanns will hardly thank you, my most. honored friend, that the work recalls the Danish- Holstein saturnalia of sentimental demagogism. I am very much gratified that you will take “ Har- denberg” in hand. It is a difficult but satisfactory task, if you be careful to separate the epochs, and pro- vided his life be judged without party hatred, which seems to have subsided at last, with regard to Hegel in the Academy. -Thankfully yours, A. Humsotpr. We find in Varnhagen’s diary the following entry referring to the above: “ Alexander von Humboldt said to Gans, after the July revolution, when he heard him express very exalted hopes of the new govern- ment, ‘ Believe me, dear friend, my wishes go as far as yours, but my hopes are very feeble. I have seen changes of government in France for forty years. They always fall by their own incapacity; the new ones give always the same promises, but they never keep them, and the march to ruin is renewed. I was personally acquainted with most of the men in power, some of them intimately; there were distin- Humboldt’s Letters.» — 25 guished, well-meaning men among them ; but they did not persevere; after a short time they were not better than their predecessors—nay, they became even greater rascals. Not one of all the governments there has ~ kept the promises made to the people—not one of them has subordinated its own interest to the welfare of the country. And until this be done, no power can pos- sibly take a lasting root in France. The nation has always been deceived, and will again be deceived ; when it will punish the treason and the perjury of its rulers; for it is strong and mature enough to do this at the proper time.’ ” 8. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. | Beri, January 23d, 1833. CrrTAINLY it was I who met your Excellency some time ago at the sunny hour of noon and who recognised you too late, as I was recognised too late by you. How I should have liked to run after you, but it would not do, the distance was already too great. I would have liked to have told you something concerning Mr. von Bulow at London, which I had just got from the 2 26 Humboldt’s Letters. best authority, and which I thought would be new to you, as it was to me. It was about the danger in which that bold ambassador was for some time, and which, - according to a declaration of the King, had passed over. Since then your Excellency has heard it from other sources, and my information will be but stale. Now we Prussians are also gratified at last by a general representation of the people, or, to speak more correctly, we had it a long time ago, only we did not know it! Bishop Eylert has lifted the veil from our eyes. He is the first to speak out the great truth, like a second Mirabean, in clearness of thought and boldness of words. I can vividly imagine how the “ Rittersaal,” nay, the whole palace, was shaken to its foundation, when he thundered that powerful truth to the assembly, that the representation of the whole people, of all the classes and interests, ought to be found in that solemn lodge of the Order of Knights! I bend my head in deep reverence to such a colossal boldness, to such a new unheard-of combination, by which other miserable institutions, until now regarded as national representa- tions, as for instance Parliaments, Assemblies, Cortes, and the like, were annihilated and blown into nothing- ness! I have listened to the orator from the silent mouth of the official gazette only; but your Excellency was present without doubt at the solemnity and pitied me, to be sure, and will say, what in ancient times was Humboldt’s Letters. — 7B said when a speech of Demosthenes was read: “Oh! had you heard it delivered by him!” And the smiling approval, the gracious satisfaction of the high audience, the amazement of all present at the wonderful discovery, how much the impression must have been heightened by all that! Oh, our Protestant parsons are on the best road, they promise to leave behind their Catholic brethren as they were when in the most flourishing condition of their priesthood. Such hypocritical black coats make us the laughing-stock of the world. Representation of the _ people or no representation, may we have it, or may it be denied, I care little about it just now, but that such a scoundrel should assume to call the meeting of the Knights of an Order a national representation, is an attempt which should be rewarded by the lunatic asylum or the State prison. And there is not even a song, a street ballad, a caricature, to make merry of such a monstrosity—all is silent! But as this is the time of sleep, I will go to bed and wish you and myself good night and sweet dreams. With the highest respect, &c., Ws See A. v. Humboldt’s note to Rahel, Varnhagen’s wife, of the Ist of February, 1833. _ 28 Humboldt’s Letters. 9. HUMBOLDT TO RAHEL. Berri, February 1, 1833. My speedy reply has no good foreboding, my dear friend. When anything is to be done in this country, it wants fourteen months’ maturing—after that there is hope. The inclosed letter, which, however, you are entreated not to leave in the hand of your lady friend, explains all. I was listened to in my words and letters kindly and promisingly. This morning, however, the drawings—those beautiful drawings—were sent back. The underlined word in the accompanying note might give some hope; but I like better to give myself up to illusions than to nourish them in others, and the firm- ness with which Beuth, who alone has to decide in the matter, sticks to his will, bars all prospects. That [ have done my best in the matter, as you yourself have desired it, does not require further words—this should be a sort of historical faith with you. Please send me a word of comfort about my dear Varnhagen—the only brilliant star in the literary world of our country—that country in which, as the bishop with the drawn sword Humboldt’s Letters. 29 says, even the most eminent talents, as such, ought to have no distinction whatever! I do not wonder that such things are spoken out, but what depresses me is the vileness of the society in which we are here living, and which is not even aroused by such contemptible asser- tions. May both of you preserve your nobler selves. A. Hr. 10. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beruin, 3d of Feby., 1833. I am eternally grateful and affected by your noble letter. Grace and euphony of language should always be joined to purity of character and gracefulness of manners. My brother was here for two days, but almost always under the shock of the waves, dashing from the Court. Princes have the right to pray without ever being depre- cated. He ordered me to tell you, dear friend, how very sensible he is to the flattering nature of your offer ; but he is just now so much occupied with the publica- tion of the quarto edition on the affinity of Asiatic languages with the Sanscrit, that he cannot accept 30 Humboldt’s Letters. what he considers, nevertheless, as highly important. He desires, in honor of the celebrity of the great departed one,* that you should undertake the task. I am painfully concerned to hear that you enjoy, together with your ingenious friend, but a small bit of health, which you kindly lend each other—something of a mutual self-instruction, or Azais-compensation, which afflicts me very much. I have received a long letter of Mrs. Cotta. It seems she will assume the editorship of the Allgemeine Zeitung, an anti-salique enterprise alto- gether. Is it not strange, how, at certain epochs, a certain principle seems to penetrate all mankind ? Resus- citation of reverence for the past, not-to-be-disturbed love of peace, distrust in the possibility of amelioration, hydrophobia against genius, religious compulsion for unity, mania-diplomatica for protocols..... Cardi- nes rerum. NoTrE BY VARNHAGEN.—I had replied in Rahel’s name, who was prevented by sickness, to the note of the 1st inst., directed to her, and in a postscript had expressed the desire Minister de Humboldt should write the critique of Faust, just then to be published for the Jahrbiicher der Kritik. * Goethe.— Translator. Humiboldt’s ‘Letters. 31 eo HUMBOLDT TO RAHEL. Berri, February 9th, 1853. I have seen Beuth once more, to remind him of his ancient friendship with L. His opinion is, that it would be advantageous for the family to separate the architectural subjects from what belongs to landscape merely, and also to leave out the engravings. Only the architectural drawings were of any use to his institute, and if the family wanted the money, he would be enabled to purchase to the amount of some hundred Thalers (perhaps four to five hundred?). However un- inviting such an offer may be, I thought it my duty, dear friend, to impart it to you. In case of acceptance, Beuth wishes to deal forthwith with some agent, who should come and see him in his house. May the sun of gentle spring give you both warmth, cheerfulness, and vigor! The “Byzantine empire” (ours I mean) is seriously divided into two parties about “ Bunsen’s Psalm Book,” and “ Elsner’s Collection of Hymns!” The military power and the adjutants are in favor of the “Collection of Hymns.” As for myself, I have not yet made up my mind. Saturday. oo a 2 32 Humboldt’s Letters. 12. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. SaturDay, March 9th, 1833. To a mind like yours, noble friend, solitude and calm are necessary. You draw only upon yourself. Think, that I received the painful news* only last night by Prince Carolath. You know what a warm-hearted, long-proved, and kind friend I lost in her, the honor of her sex! how amiable she was, when lately she instructed me to trans- act the little business with Beuth. So experienced in all the vicissitudes and illusions of life, and yet so cheer- ful, and so gentle! With such an intellect, so full of soul, and so true of heart! The world will appear to you a solitude for a long time, but the consciousness of having imparted to such a lovely woman, until her very last breath, all that genius, and heart, and gracefulness of intercourse like yours can afford, will be a balm to your wound, dear Varnhagen. I conjure you, take care of your health ! A. Humporpr. * Of Rahel’s death. ‘ Humbolde’s Letters. 33 on HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bern, December 3, 1833. Parpon, a thousand pardons, for not sooner return- ing the classical studies of Friedrich Schlegel. I stu- died them diligently and I am convinced that many views of Grecian antiquity, which modern authors ascribe to themselves, are buried in writings dated from 1795 (a deucalionic time of yore!). Angelus Silesius, whom I have but now learned to appreciate, has also gratified me and my brother very much. There is a‘piety in the book, which breathes on the mind like the balmy air of spring, and the mysterious and hieroglyphical marks of your departed wife, render your gift doubly dear to me. Spiker,* very curiously mistook the genitive in the ‘“‘ astronomical observations of Alexander von Hum- boldt,” for my signature, when he informed the public of Oltmann’s death. I will pass it over, however, with- out correction. With everlasting affection, yours, A. Houmsorpr. * At that time editor of the Haude and Spenersche Zeitung in Berlin.—7r. 2* 34 Humboldt’s Letters. 14. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, December 9, 1833. I ENCLOSE you, most honored friend, some words of the lovely Duchess of Dessau. Anything honoring the memory of our departed lady friend must be dear to your heart. Sunday. A. v. Humpoxpr. Dessau, December 1, 1833. Accept my best thanks for the books you sent me. Each in its way interested me very much. I am sorry not to have been personally acquainted with Rahel. Her mind now lies so clearly before me, that I should have been happy to have been acquainted with her exterior appearance, that it might suggest to me the intellect within. FriepEerik&, Duchess at Anhalt. Yet full of admiration for R. the book of all books. May I ask you, my honored friend, for Friedrich Schle- gel’s works, third volume? Humboldt’s Letters. : 35 15. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BER.in, December 19, 1833. I HAVE been Bek OBS by the irksome and noisy Court-life from inquiring personally after the dear health of my friend. I am sorry that I must request you, by the present note, to return me the letter of the Duchess of Dessau, containing the amiable words concerning our sainted friend. Tuesday. A. v. Humporpr. 16. BERLIN, Oct. 24, 1834. I seern the printing of my work (the work of my life). I have the extravagant idea of describing in one and the same work the whole material world—all that we know to-day of celestial bodies and of life upon the earth—from the nebular stars to the mosses on the 36 Humboldt’s Letters. granite rocks—and to make this work instructive to the mind, and at the same time attractive, by its vivid lan- guage. Every great and sparkling idea must be noticed, side by side with its attendant facts. The work shall represent an epoch of the intellectual development of mankind in their knowledge of nature. The prolego- mena are, for the most part, ready. They are my amended “ discours d’ouverture” as they were delivered from memory, although immediately afterwards care- fully written down; the picture of physical nature— incentives to the study of nature in the spirit of our age —these latter are threefold: 1. ‘“ Poesie descriptive ” and vivid description of natural scenery in modern works of travels. 2. Landscape pictures, sensitive description of an exotic nature—when it originated, when it became a necessity and a pleasure to the mind; the reason why antiquity (too passionate) could not feel it. 3. Plants—grouping of them, according to the physiognomy of plants (no botanic gardens).—His- tory of the physical description of the world. How the idea of the world—of the connexion of all the pheno- mena, became clear to the nations of the world in the course of centuries. These prolegomena are the most essential. They contain the general part of the work, which is followed by the special part, the particulars of which are arranged in systematic order. I send also a part of the tabular register ; space of the universe ; the Humboldt’s Letters. 39 whole physical astronomy; our globe, its interior, exte- rior; electro-magnetism of its interior ; vulcanism, that is, the reaction of the interior of a planet upon its surface ; organization of the masses; a concise geognosy; ocean; atmosphere ; climate ; organic matter ; vegetable geogra- phy; animal geography ; human races and languages; the physical organization of which (articulation of sounds) is controlled by the intellect, the product and manifestation of which is language. In the special part all numerical results, the most minute, as in “ Laplace’s Exposition du Systéme du Monde.” As these particulars do not admit the same literary perfection of style as the general combinations of natural science, the simple facts are stated in short sentences, arranged in tabular order. The attentive reader will find condensed in a few pages all results on climate, magnetism of the earth, ete., which it would take years of application to learn by study. The intimate relations of the fundamental details, for the sake of literary harmony with the general plan, are effected by brief introductory remarks to each chapter. Otfried Mueller, in his ably written “ Archeology,” has very suc- cessfully pursued the same method. It was my wish that you, my dear friend, Soubl's get a clear perception of my undertaking from myself. I have not succeeded in concentrating the whole in one single volume, however magnificent the effect of such conciseness would have been. I hope, however, that 38 Humboldt’s Letters. two volumes will contain the whole. There will be no notes under the text, but at the end there will be notes appended, containing solid erudition, and minuteness of detail ; these, however, may be left unread. The work is not what is commonly called “ Physical Description of the Earth.” It comprises heaven and earth—everything existing. I began to write it fifteen years ago in French, and called it “ Hssai sur la Phy- sigue du Monde.” In Germany I thought first of calling it “Zhe Book of Nature ;” a title already adopted in the middle age by Albertus Magnus. But all this is too vague. The title shall be “ Kosmos,” Sketch of a Physical Description of the World, by A. v. L., enlarged outlines of his Lectures in 1827 and 1828. Cotta, Publisher. I wanted to add the word Aosmos, and to force people to call the book by this name in order to avoid their calling it “ Humboldt’s Physical Geography,” - which would throw the thing in the class of Mitter- sacher’s writings. ‘“ Description of the World” (formed after History of the World) would, as a designation seldom used, always be confounded with “ Description of the Earth.” I know that “ Kosmos” sounds rather pretending, and the word is indeed not without a certain “ Affetérie ;»? but this title says in one and the same striking word, “Heaven and Earth,” and is quite opposed to “ Gaea,” the title of that rather imperfect Humboldt’s Letters. } 39 description of the earth by Professor Zeune. My brother is also for the title “‘ Kosmos.” I myself hesitated for along time. Now, grant me a favor, my dear friend. I cannot prevail upon myself to send away the com- mencement of my manuscript without entreating you to cast a critical eye over it. You possess such an eminent talent for style, and you have at the same time so much genius and independence of judgment, that you do not quite discard the style of others because it differs from your own. Please read the “ Discours,” and put in a little sheet on which you write—without giving any reasons.—‘* So... . I would better like,so.... instead of ... .” Do, however, not condemn without assisting me! and do also ease my mind as to the title. With the utmost confidence, yours, Monday. A. v. Houmpopr. The principal faults of my style are an unhappy inclina- tion to hyper-poetical forms, long constructions upon participles, and too much concentrating of manifold views and sentiments in one and the same period. I think, however, that these radical evils, founded in my individuality, are somewhat lessened by a grave simpli- city and generalization, enabling me to contemplate my subject with a complete mastery of its details, if I may be permitted so much vanity. A book on nature should produce an impression like nature itself. I have been 40 Humboldt’s Letters. always careful, as in my “ Views of Nature,” and in that work my manner is quite different from that of Forster and Chateaubriand. I have always endeavored to describe faithfully, to design correctly, and to be even scientifically true, without losing myself in the dry regions of knowledge. 17. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, October 28th, 1834, You have encouraged and cheered me by your amia- ble letter, and your still more amiable solicitude. You have quite entered into the spirit of my efforts. But the expression of my affectionate confidence in you [a manifestation of the acknowledgment of your talent in the Humboldt family] has rendered you too considerate and inclined to praise. Your remarks have a degree of refine- ment, of taste, and acuteness, which makes emendation a highly pleasant task. I have adopted all, or nearly al— more than nineteen-twentieths. Some obstinacy, how- ever, must always be allowed an author. I beg a thousand pardons for sending you some sheets, in which (towards the end of the Discourse) I had not corrected the newly- Humboldt’s Letters. 4. annexed parts. Some sentences were really confused. You will permit me to call one of these days, and thank you personally. I will then show you the emendations at the end of the discourse. How happy I would have been to have laid some of these travels before her, the dear departed one! Yours gratefully, A. v. Humso.pr. I would there were in Germany as excellent a book of synonyms as the inclosed one, which, I am sure, you did not see before now. Abbé Delisle has advised me to use it, and indeed it spares much time; if a similar word is wanted, one finds it at once. I shall come and take the book back. 18. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Sunday, 6 o'clock A.M., April 5th, 1855. You, my dearest Varnhagen, who are not afraid of grief, but who trace its phases through the depths of sentiment, you should receive at this sorrowful time a few words expressing the love which both 42 _* Humboldt’s Letters. brothers feel for you. The release has not yet come. I left him last night at 11 o’clock, and I hasten to him again. ‘The day, yesterday, was less distressing. A half lethargic condition, frequent, though not restless, slumber, and after each waking, words of love, of com- fort; but always the clearness of the great intellect, which penetrates and distinguishes everything and examines its own condition. The voice was very feeble, hoarse, and thin, like a child’s—leeches were therefore applied to the throat. Full consciousness! “ Think often of me,” he said the day before yesterday, “but always with cheerfulness! I was very happy; and this clay also was a beautiful one for me; for ‘ Love is above all.’ I will soon be with mother, and will have an insight into a higher’ order of things.” I have no shadow of hope. I never thought my old eyes had so many tears! It has lasted near eight days.* * Wilhelm von Humboldt died on the 8th of April, 1835, at-Tegel, at 6 o'clock in the evening. Humboldt’s Letters. — 42 19. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beruin, May 15th, 1835, Tuesday. My time is, unfortunately, so much occupied by the many princely strangers, and I am so affected by the cold, though not at all bracing weather, that I can scarcely find leisure to thank you, dear friend, for the ‘** Bollmann”* and the biographical sketch of him, in which I recognised at once your pen, and also the -“ retouchings,” when the “ Staats Zeitung” fell into my hands. One should not undertake to speak of distin- guished men in such papers; it is a difficult task, even for a man of your genius, to keep the proper course between the family, the censor, and the cold, indifferent public. The name of “ Mundt” has recalled to me some remarkable pages of his “‘ Madonna,” on the tendency of the Germans to sentimental lucubrations. There is * Bollmann, a German who resided a long time in the United States, and who is known by his bold attempts to liberate Lafayette from the prison of Olmutz.—Translator. 44 Humboldt’s Letters. much truth in these observations, and I thought to read my own sentence in them. So much, dear friend, on this world, to us, now unhappily deserted. Always gratefully, A. Humeporpr. I feel some sorrow, nevertheless, that you refuse to see the Grand-Duchess. 20. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, May 6th, 1835. I senp back the communicated sheets, as they might interrupt the series, I was personally acquainted with almost all those whom Bollmann describes so vividly and faithfully. One perceives how he rises as he enters into more important situations. What a strange course of life, ‘* Médecin de Sauvetage!” I have now a better impression of him, thanks to you; for, without being capable of divining the true cause, I noticed some cool- ness towards Bollmann in Lafayette’s family, for some years past. A. Hr. Humboldt’s Letters. 4 21. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Saturday, 23d of May, 1835. Ir the *“ Morgenblatt” of the 18th of May should fall into your hands, dear friend, please glance at a rather offensive article therein, entitled ‘‘ Wilhelm von Humboldt’s Funeral.” My brother is said to have died _ abandoned by his family. I take but little notice of such misrepresentations. I should wish to know, how- ever, is “that other thing” which my brother was “ionorant of, besides music, and which one dare not name”—is it God, or some lewdness? I do not know what it possibly can be! Please, dearest one, to find out how this assertion is explained by the public. The cause of my brother’s retiring from public life is also so world-known, that it is singular to intimate that one did not know whether it was by his own fault. I call with pleasure on your acuteness and affection. Supply my deficiency in the first. Most thankfully yours, A. Humsporpr. 46 _ Humboldt’s Letters. 22. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Beruin, March 28th, 1836. A inp like yours, my generous friend, understands, in its mildness and fortitude, how to discover some justification for everything. I do not fear, therefore, to appear this morning again before you as a petitioner, after a winter distracted by the dashing court-waves and festivities. You are the only one in this harmony- barren, genius-deserted city who possesses a harmony of style and a sense of moderation in the utterance of painful sentiments. May I beg you to cast a critical glance over the inclosed sheets?* The variations played on the praise-chanting lyre for forty individuals were a tedious, style-spoiling necessity. It was arranged who should be invited to the great table. As for me, I think I came out not quite awkwardly, by some indi- vidual characteristics, and by a sort of graduation in my praise. Allow me to call to-day, about eleven * Preface to Wilhelm yon Humboldt’s work about the Kawi lan- guage. Humboldt’s Letters. 47 o’clock, to receive the sheets, which are much wanted by the printer, together with your verbal remarks at the same time. I can alter, if necessary, sous votre dictée, at your home. It would be humane in you to receive me in bed. Respectfully yours, Monday. A. Humso.rpr. At eleven o’clock I shall be with you. Varnhagen made, on the 11th of May, 1836, the fol- lowing entry in his diary: “Very early this morning, Alexander von Humboldt came to see me, and remained an hour and a half. The principal subject of our conversation was the French princes, who arrived here to-day. The embarrassment of the King is very great; he would like to show the greatest attention to the strangers, while at the same time he desires his attentions should have the appear- ance of insults at St. Petersburg. State Secretary Ancillon had not courage enough to advise the Crown- Prince for their coming here as a certainty. He trusted to chance to acquaint him with it. Our princes gof into a violent passion, and complained bitterly of the unwelcome visit. The Princesses Augusta and Maria, who showed themselves pleased with it, had hard words to hear. It was said that there would be a demonstra- 48 Humboldt’s Letters. tion in the theatre: some would applaud, and a greater number would hiss, it was hoped. At Treves, some- thing of that sort had already happened, on their way through that city. No doubt, however, that our Princes, notwithstanding their ill-feelings, will behave very civilly, as the King has expressed his wishes in this respect too positively. The Queen of the Netherlands, who is just now here, and who was believed to be the most violently opposed to them, leads the way with a good example, and declares that she will receive the strangers. The Ambassador, Mr. Bresson, and Mr. von Humboldt, at first disapproved of this excursion. That it is carried out notwithstanding is owing to Prince von Metternich, who desiring to secure the influence of France in the Oriental affairs, and at the same time to preserve the friendship of Russia, puts Prussia, in the foreground, whose conduct in receiving the French Princes will form a precedent which must necessarily be followed at Vienna. The thing is, indeed, an event of great importance, and must tell effectively on public opinion. It is a fact, and, as such, speaks to every one. Every one will say that our Court has not the principles it pretended to have, or that it is too weak to avow them openly, and is driven, therefore, to try hypocrisy. A bad thing either way! Humboldt’s Letters. 49 23. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bern, May 31st, 1836. [Concerning the article in the Allgemeine Zeitung, against Raumer,* written, it was said, by Major von Radowitz.] THE correspondent had, it seems, little to fear from the mendacious declaration of this “ defloured.” In the general view on the shallowness and dough-facedness, of the great historian, I am of his opinion. Moreover reading Herr von Raumer’s books is like being “‘ whipped,” and that I neither suffer nor pardon. a 24, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Monday, April 24th, 1837. Ir is very consoling, that both. brothers in this intel- lectually desolated city (how brilliant it was when Rahel was in her zenith) live in the memory of the only one, to whom have remained good taste, refined manners, and gracefulness of style. * Professor of History at Berlin. 3 50 Humboldt’s Letters. All my researches concerning the separate print of the essay were in vain to-day. I have not even the single volume of the Academical Proceedings of 1822, because at that time I lived in Paris. Yet, ina few days, I will bring you this one. I will then also show you a list of all the remaining works of my brother, which I have made with great care, and which you may perhaps in- crease. Cotta will print all of them; also, the eight hundred sonnets, and likewise the hitherto unprinted ecclesiastical poems from Spain. I make the prepara- tions for this edition in a spirit of sincere piety that I may not die regretting its non-completion. How could I ever suspect, dear friend, that you would let me become a Madame Sontag, at the house of the excellent Princess (as in the saloon of the Princess Belgiojoso), and make an exhibition of myself! I will read with pleasure in a small circle of twelve or fifteen persons, certainly not otherwise, because Berlin is a small illiterate town and more than malicious, in which people would find it ludicrous, if I, in addition to two alas! already so public theatres were to offer a third entertainment. But happily, I certainly am no Madame Sontag in Berlin, and the lecture can therefore well remain a secret de comédie. You are certainly suffi- ciently humane to understand all this, and not to blame me. With all reverence, yours, A. v. H. * Humboldt’s Letters 51 25. HUMEOLDT TO THE PRINCESS VON PUECKLER. I aRRIvED this very night from Potsdam, and I accept with pleasure the amiable offer of Madame la Princesse for to-morrow, Wednesday night, at eight o’clock pre- cisely, for the spectacle lasts one hour. I feel some fear in fixing it for Thursday, considering the planetarian perturbations. Any persons selected by you will be agreeable to me. I would only beg Madame la Prin- cesse not to invite Rauch, Gans, and Mr. and Mrs. Ruhle, because they have already been bored by this affair. Mr.de Varnhagen may add whomever he pleases. This tact in selecting only those who will have some indulgence in listening to me is unsurpassed. Thousand respectful and affectionate devotions. A. Humsorpr, TuurspayY, 2d May, 1837. 52 Humboldt’s Letters. R6. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. I came, dear friend, for two purposes: 1, to bring you the opinions of Minister Kamptz (casus in terminis, only twenty-five copies printed), which you, perhaps, had not seen before, and which has elicited a vehement reply from Herr von Oertzen, the Minister of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, burned in the Lord. Read (p. 30 and 32), how one can whitewash a person. I would beg of you not to laugh at me, when you are invited to-morrow to a lec- ture at the Princess’s. I can assure you there is less vanity, from which, by the bye, I am not at all free, than weakness of character and good nature in it. Thus, I believed that I owed this satisfaction to the Princess; the daughter also pressed me, and she showed me a harmless list of ten persons. If you will propose or bring with you one or more persons, it will be agree- able to me; only bring no one who has heard me already. Your friends are mine; from yours I may expect indulgence. I insist upon it, that a man is not without merit, who after spending his life with cyphers and Humboldt’s Letters. 53 stones, has put himself to the trouble of learning to write German. Yours, A. Hr. I hope also to procure for you the vehement “ opus” of the Strelitz Minister, which is by far more spirited than might be expected. Varnhagen remarks in his Diary, under May 3d: In - the evening, at the Princess of Pueckler’s, the long- promised lecture by Herr von Humboldt. The lecture was very fine, and made an excellent impression. I had a conversation with General von Ruhle on Humboldt’s genius. He totally agreed with me, saying, “ When he shall have died, then only shall we understand well what we have possessed in him.” Herr von Humboldt was with me yesterday, and brought me the. little note of Minister Kamptz, of which twenty-five copies only were printed, “ Casus in termi- nus,” in which he puts the best face on the French change of rulers, and in which he justifies the Mecklenburg mar- iage. So much in contrast with his old principles, that I could exclaim: “If he could only cut him- self in two, he certainly would put one half in prison.” There is still no opposition wanting against the mar- riage. Duke Charles of Mecklenburg-Strelitz has for- 54 Humboldt’s Letters. mally intrigued against it, and tried to form in the Mecklenburg and Prussian dynasty an alliance, a cove- nant and obligation, against all marriages with the house of Orleans. There was even talk of a formal protest. All this is the most vehement opposition to the expressed views of the King. Duke Charles is now really sick from annoyance and trouble, not only in this but also in other things. 27. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bern, May 10th, 18377. Art last, my dear friend, I can send you the volume of the Academical Proceedings, which contains the import- ant treatise on history. I shall soon exchange this bor- rowed volume for another, which you may keep. It seems that there never were separate copies made of this essay. You disappeared so quickly after the last performance, that I fear very much your appearance on that fated day was only a sacrifice to me. I move eter- nally like a pendulum between Potsdam and Berlin. To-morrow again to Potsdam, where we expect, on the Humboldt’s Lousts gg 16th, the amiable Princess,* who has set at variance the whole hellenic camp, and whom they will now be happy to find “by far not beantiful enough.” Most gratefully yours, WEDNESDAY. M. Humsorpr. I knew long ago that General Bugeaud did not speak French. I now see that his real language is Mongol. What a Timurid proclamation of the “ armée civilisa- trice.” : The essay of thy brother is one of his most perfect works as to style. ‘God governs the world (p. 317) ; the task of history is to trace these eternal mysterious destinies.” This is the essence of his production. I have sometimes discussed with my brother, not to say quar- relled about that. This result certainly is analogous to the oldest ideas of mankind, expressed in every language. My brother’s treatise is a commentary developing, explaining, praising, this dim perception. In the same manner the physiologist creates so-called vital powers, in order to explain organic phenomena, because his knowledge of physical powers, which act in what they call lifeless nature, does not suffice to explain the play of living organisms. Are vital powers demonstrated by this? I know that * Helene, Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, afterwards Duchess of Orleans. 56 Humboldt’s Letters. you will be angry with me, because you divine that the fundamental idea of this wonderful treatise is not entirely satisfactory to me. 28. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. WEDNESDAY, May 17th, 1887. You have prepared for me, my highly esteemed friend, a delightful pleasure. I hope that these remarks upon the composition of history will hereafter form a part of your miscellaneous writings! The mind cer- tainly becomes dizzy in contemplating the abundance of material which springs copiously from every fresh source. You point out how this material may be moulded by a man of genius. In the approaching millennium everything will be simplified—the individual life of nations is preserved, in spite of warlike expedi- tions over continents. Since the great epoch of Colum- bus and Gama, who made one part, one side of this planet known to the other, that fluctuating element, the ocean, has established the omnipresence of one kind of civilization (that of Western Europe). Its influence breaks through the rigid barriers of continents, Humboldt’s: Letters. 57 and establishes new customs, new faith, new wants of life even in the most unorganised parts of the earth. The South Sea Islands are already Protestant parishes ; —a floating battery, a single vessel of war, changes the fate of Chili..... Princess Helene, by her charming grace and intel- lectual superiority, also yesterday made many conquests over the raw and obstinate material which had opposed her. It was ludicrous to see how some persons tried to appear serious, dignified, and—silly. That she leaves in good spirits for her new country, I am much rejoiced. Would that she passed the Rhine with less retinue! Her mother is good and refined, but of retired habits; but some other members of her suite had better remain on this side of the river. Fortunately, people in the great French world are entirely free from*the paltry gossip and fault-finding that rule in Berlin. and Potsdam, where they subsist for months, in thoughtlessness, upon the self-created phantasy of a weak imagination. I made Privy Councillor Mueller, who knows how to estimate you and your genius, participate in my joy. But he also, as a jurist, strayed away to the first sheet, No. 63 (Criticisms on the Provincial Law, by Goetze). Will you not, dear friend, send me, for Mueller, the commencement of that criticism ? Most gratefully yours, A. v. Humeowpr. 3* 58 Humboldt’s Letters. 229. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Monpay, May 30th, 1837. You can, my revered friend, dispose entirely of the volume of the Academy until I shall procure you a copy for yourself. I am particularly pleased with the com- munication to the ingenious Gans. The historical stu- dies of Hegel will interest me particularly, because, until now I nourished a wild prejudice against the idea that each nation individually is bound to represent an idea. In order that the prediction of the philosopher may be fulfilled I shall nevertheless read it attentively, and gladly abandon my prejudice. Yours, A. v. Humpoxpr. Humboldt’s Letters. _— So. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. SatTuRDAY, July 1st, 1837. To-morrow to Tegel,* and on Monday I depart for the eternal spring,} at which the sight of the Prince of Warsaw will not lessen my sadness ; I cannot, therefore, thank you personally. Sophie Charlotte{ and Hegel’s Philosophy of History will accompany me, and both will delight me greatly. My soul rather turns to you. I shall certainly find a torrent of ideas in that Hegel, whom his editor, Gans, in so masterly a manner has not deprived of his great individuality ; but a man who is as I am, like an insect, inseparable from the earth and its natural variations, feels himself uneasy and constrained at an abstract assertion of totally unfounded facts and views on America and the Indian world. At the same time I appreciate what is grand in the conception of Hegel. * Tegel, Humboldt’s country-seat near Berlin.—7r. + Toeplitz, a Bohemian bathing-place.—7*. ¢ Biography by Varnhagen.—7r. 60 Humboldt’s Letters. With you all is profound and subdued, and you pos- sess what is wanting in the other, unceasing grace and freshness of language. A. Humso.pr. I have badly arranged my life; I do every thing for becoming prematurely stupid. I would gladly abandon “the European beef,” which Hegel’s phantasy presents as so much better than the American, and I could almost wish to live near the weak inanimate crocodiles (which, alas! measure 25 feet). Pp. 442-444, are certainly made more palatable to me by our noble friend. 81. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, October 4th, 1837. You delight sometimes in arresting fleeting events, and in preserving what the winds usually carry away. I therefore send you, dear friend, the little speech, which the papers have published in such a mutilated form. The sense of it will please you, although its neglected style might be better. Political Hanover I found, as you supposed ; and private conversations with King Ernest, Humboldt’s Letters. 61 which at the same time express wrath and fear, confirm the view. Leist of Stade with his report, which lasted five hours, has lately done harm by his flattery. Yours, A. Hr. Stieglitz, Wilhelm’s oldest friend, and who once saved ~ his life in the Leine river (my brother cried out to him, with unexampled stoicism; “I die, but it does not matter,”) was to me a serious apparition of a ghost. The effect of his spirit upon me is uncomfortable. 32. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Sunpay, October 22d, 1837. Siz o'clock, A.M. I Find after a week’s residence in Potsdam, which has very much discouraged me, your amiable souvenir. Receive, revered friend, this very evening, my warmest thanks; you have praised me for my most cherished aim, which is, that I may not become a fossil, as long as I move, and cling to the belief, “that nature has put her curse upon stagnancy and inertia.” Youth is the 62 Humboldt’s Letters. symbol of progress, and those, who rule now (the Berlin world’s elephants) sont des momies en service extra- ordinaire. Good night, A. Humso.ipr. 83. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BErRiin, Turspay, November Tth, 183°. THE commencement of my letter is weak, the end of it more reasonable. But you should not lose the dra- matic effect of the whole. What you ask, my dear friend, is very perilous, for the question is not about my feelings, but about a family who anxiously zxterpret. The more striking and spirited your delineation is, particularly p. 10-15, (“‘ He started from ideas.” ... “* That which many deny to him entirely.”) ... it impresses me uncomfortably, the more because it is in so short an essay, and because it would appear less harsh in the description of a whole life which was, in a literary and political point of view, not unimportant. But this more complete description is impossible now; therefore, my wish is incessantly to secure his renown by the pub- lication of his literary works. To leave out anything, Humboldt’s Leet 7 62 or to alter anything in this fine essay of yours, would rob it both of its charm and vigor. You have written the whole in the noblest mood; but there are points (Reineke Fuehs, the relation to Frau von Humboldt), which it is not pleasant to allude to just now. Since you only demand of me to enumerate individual impres- sions, I will give you these. Often they are merely doubts. P. 5: “Foreign to abstract thinking.” The term “Conservative philosophy” points, I believe, to Kant, to whom he adhered most. He just believed that metaphysics, ante-Hegelian, had been the chief study of his youth. I only wished a more decided expression. P. 6: ‘In the proper sense not productive.” Philosophy of language according to entirely new views, genius of antiquity, treating of history, deep understanding of poetry—in all these branches he produced. nothing that was not of importance. P. 8: “Style all ice;” make it somewhat milder. You do it yourself (p. 30), where the word “warms.” P. 13: “Thus the call is soon decided, and the name is Mephistopheles or Reineke.” One would wish the two significant names left out, since all is said before in the happiest, liveliest style. ‘ Me- phistopheles” reminds one of Duke Charles. P. 14. The question about tender feeling, and the saying of Talleyrand, which I did not know before, and which can have a sense only by secondary relations of political irresolution, are not agreeable. “C’était un 64 Humboldt’s Letters. des hommes d’état dont ’Europe, de mon temps n’en a pas compté trois ou quatre,” was an expression heard from Talleyrand. P. 15. “What many denied to him entirely,” very ingenious and fine. Old Princess Louise said of you: “You are most to fear when defending.” , P. 18. My brother often narrated that Stieglitz saved him; but those words, which would have sounded vain-glorious coming from his lips, I only just now learned from Stieglitz. They are very characteristic and true. Therefore, I wished only an explaining word, to prevent misunderstanding. . P. 23. That he admired Rahel infinitely, is very, very true! P. 28. ‘ Constitutional principles.” If you ever make use of these sheets, my dear, please add, at any rate: ie Although he afterwards, in other essays, pressed in the most distinct manner the necessity of a general repre- sentative constitution.” This limitation is necessary. I myself had in my hands his plan for a constitution, and for the mode of election, and he died with these ideas. P. 31. In place of “ avarice,” say too great economy. I read once more, with more peace of mind. I con- sider this your best effort. : Pp. 6, 7, 10-12! 13-20, 24-27, 30! ! all—almost all; and you have treated with infinite consideration those Humboldt’s Letters. 65 things which you yourself, here and there, hardly approved of. “Tl n’y a rien de maudit,” said the great painter, Gérard, “ que de consulter la famille sur la ressemblance du défunt. Il y a de quoi se prendre, telle est leur exigeance! [IIs auraient fait bon marché du parent vivant.” Thus you will speak of me. I now ask my- self, at the close, whether I am not depriving the brother whom I loved so tenderly and so watchfully, of a great renown, by asking you in the beginning not to print your article ? Certainly I would deprive hima of renown, for who will ever write of him so very truly and eloquently. Therefore, what I wish to sacrifice, what I dare to beg, is so trifling, so easy to change with. your versatility of style! It refers to the few lines, which I underlined, pp. 13 and 14, Rahel’s opinion, pp. 14 and 15, not included ; for she always is mild and just and charming. Take my warmest, most heartfelt thanks, my revered friend! Do not answer me. I shall call on you to- morrow morning, about twelve o’clock. Yours, .§ A. Humsotpr.” 66 Humboldt’s Letters. 34. . BERLIN, June 9th, 1838. _ I am very happy, revered friend, that I can offer to you as a present the only volumes of the great Russian poet hitherto published. Shall I come to you to-morrow, Sunday, at one o’clock, that my eyes may see the beautiful eyes which have enticed you (for our literary benefit) into the Slavonian lingual labyrinth ? I called twice at Mr. K.’s; but, as he was not in, I left cards. Moreover, I wrote him a tender letter, with offers for Petersburg (concerning his journey to Geneva) —but I have not heard a word from him since. Such conduct in a young man, who without me would still sit in Orenburg as a Cossack clerk, is difficult to under- stand. Most gratefully yours, SaTURDAY. A, Hz. Do not answer, if you permit me to come. Humboldt’s Letters. 67 85. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, August 3d, 1838. You are for me, my dearest friend, the standard of refinement as well as my authority in matters of elevated taste. I have written two articles (not hereto- fore published) for Cotta’s “New Quarterly,” with which his advisers are very much delighted, viz.: a natural description of the Plateau of Bogota, and on the fluctuations in the production of coin since the middle age. He sends me for them (they fill four printed sheets) an exchange for fifty fredericksdor’s, or more than twelve fredericksdor’s per sheet. I have a mind (although very much in need of money) to return one half the sum. Before carrying out, however, the reso- lution, I thought it best to ask, what at the present time may be considered as a maximum of an author’s payment for such articles? Is it six, eight, or ten ‘fredericksdor’s? I would then return only in pro- | "portion. It may be of some importance hereafter to me. Excuse the prosaic question, and send me some word of answer one of these days. I am going to the Island to-day. a 4 68 Humboldt’s. Letters. In Varnhagen’s Diary is the following entry, dated August 9th, 1838. Humboldt told me in a long visit the news of Toeplitz. The King of Prussia and the Emperor of Russia have both avoided meeting each other alone, each of them fearing the embarrassment of a téte-a-téte. The Emperor spoke on several occasions quite contemptuously of the present French Govern- ment, and still worse of the King Louis Philippe himself. Prince Metternich’s conduct was frivolous, light-minded, and without fear for the present; he is not alarmed, though haunted by the gloomy thought that at Louis Philippe’s death things must take a new turn, and that then war will become inevitable. Does he think to make people believe this, 1 ask? With Metternich one always ought to examine first, how far an opinion adapts itself to the position of the moment. Under date of April 9th, 1839, Varnhagen wrote in his Diary: “Humboldt called quite unexpectedly and made the greatest excuses for not having called on me before. And then he opened his newsbag and recited a thousand stories from Paris and Berlin—at least for two hours. Things in France bear a very gloomy aspect, he thinks; and he has lately written about it to Prince Metternich. The crisis in France is yet a latent one—but to-morrow it may burst forth, and how needful it would then be, and, in this event, how neces- Humboldt’s Letters. 69 sary, that Germany should be strong and united, and the farces at Cologne and Hanover be settled! Under 19th of April, 1839, Varnhagen says in his diary: “I saw Humboldt to-day, who told me many things, and showed mea beautiful portrait of Arago, which pleased me very much. He talked much about the dif- ficulties between Russia and England, as to their inte- rests in the East Indies and in Persia, and repeated what he had heard about it from the Russian Emperor himself. The Czar was in a great passion against the English, and thought it highly important to oppose their supre- macy in Asia. Humboldt agrees with me that the Eng- lish have nothing serious to fear for the next fifty years from Russia in the Indies, but that fear and jealousy may engender a quarrel in Europe prior to any conflict in the East, although conflicting parties will certainly think twice before allowing it to come to that pass.” Under date of May 25, 1839, Varnhagen wrote in his diary : “T met Humboldt ‘ unter den Linden’ we had a long talk together. He told me that the death of Gans had been the object of the meanest slander at court by all except the King, who never speaks ill of the dead, and the Crown-Prince, who had even uttered a word of sor- row. The other princes were delighted, and the Prin- cess of Liegnitz showed herself very ill-natured.” 70 Humboldt’s Letters. 86s. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, Monpay, June 3d, 1839. Tue book which you lent me, dear friend, is delight- ful,* as everything must be called which characterizes the individuality of men. My brother’s letters are excellent indeed. His opinion of the State Chancellor does much credit to his character, and the conclusion, which seems to take away something from the praise bestowed on him, is full of a deep political meaning. He alludes to some other result of greater magnitude, which the development of the world-wide events in question might have produced. What pleases me most is the acknowledgment of your talents, of your power of writing; the praise of the high-mindedness exhibited in FRahel’s letters (to the few who can appreciate them). Adam Mueller’s aristocratic fancies and coarsely but naturally sensual princess,} a * Dorow’s Memoirs and Correspondence, 3d vol. ¢ Sophia Wilhelmina, Princess of Baireuth. Humboldt’s Letters. 71 little lewd—no doubt from being hunchbacked—afford the most striking contrast of political and human filth. “'To save the country,” says Gentz, in his Primary Politi- cal Position, ‘ means to restore to the nobility of Prus- sia their ancient privileges, to liberate all the noblemen from taxes, so that they may spontaneously, after some negotiation, offer their ‘don gratuit’ to the monarch. To enable them to do this the peasant must be indis- -solubly bound to the soil.” How charmed “ the Montmo- rencys of the Ackermark ” must have been to see what, until then, was uselessly concealed in their miserable souls, expressed in refined language by a talented writer, and moulded into such systematical dogmas. This narrow spirit of caste knows neither place nor time. Like a threatening spectre it will reappear when I shall be no more, I frequently ask myself whether Adam Mueller could not, at the present time, again canvass for votes among the “ cross-bearers,” who, like Homerian heroes, take their repose stretched on their bags in the wool market? Benjamin Constant has exquisitely pictured this aristocratic idea of self- importance in the parable of the Shipwrecked. He cries, “Grand Dieu, je ne suis pas assez indiscret pour vous prier de nous sauver tous! Sauvez-moi tout seul !” If you have a moment’s leisure, please read in the 8d volume of my “History of the Geography of the Middle Ages,” what I have said of the natural views 72 Humboldt’s Letters. and the style of Christopher Columbus, vol. iii. p. 232. This dream, p. 316, was the object of a lecture at Chateaubriand’s and Madame Récamier’s, and had a good effect, as the utterance of sentiment always will have, on'the barren fields of minute erudition. I hope to offer you shortly the five volumes that have already been printed. The negligence of the publisher prevents my doing so now. A, Hr. On the 9th of June, 1839, Varnhagen writes in his diary: “Humboldt agrees with me in the assertion made by me at different times, that too much cannot be inferred from the silence of the historians. He refers to three highly important and undeniable facts, » which are not mentioned by those whose first duty it should have been to record them. In the archives of Barcelona, no vestige of the triumphal entry held there by Columbus; in Marco Polo, no mention of the Chinese wall; in the archives of Portugal, nothing of the travels of Amerigo Vespucci, in the service of that crown.” (History of the Geography of the New Con- tinent, part iv., p. 160, sq.) Humboldt’s Letters. — 37. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Fripay, Sept. 13th, 1839. Mr. Piacer has made a very favorable impression on me. In my opinion, he would be most useful as ‘* Pro- fesseur de Litterature ou d’Histoire” at the “ College Frangais.” A pedantic examination, however, stands in his way. I will try my best with Mr. von Werther. I have, however, some fear that the rather illiterate- looking mustaches, and the long, straight, South Sea hair, will be found a little odd in that quarter. Ever with the same attachment, A. v. Humporpr. Is it not remarkable that the Neufchatel Councillors in the cabinet, have tried to dissuade Mr. Piaget—“ par jalousie de métier ?” 74. Humboldt’s Letters. 3s. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, 29th Dec., 1839. Ir is kind in you, and very humane, dear friend, sending me that little pamphlet,* which otherwise would certainly have escaped my attention. The praise which you bestow on it is of great weight, as you understand so well sketching a life-portrait and adorning it gracefully, without discoloring its characteristic traits. Kries is one of my earliest friends. We were students together in Heyne’s Seminary.+ I will return the print very soon. In great haste, A. Humsporpt. * Fr. Jaco’s Jubilee Oration for Kries, at Gotha. ¢ At Gittingen. « Humboldt’s Letters, ey: 89. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, Feb. 26th, 1840. I peem myself unfortunate, dear friend, in having missed you. I have been suffering from a miserable little boil on my foot, and went to-day (for the first time) to my neighbor, Leopold von Buch. Best thanks for Sesen- heim.* You certainly were right in snatching the little work from oblivion, a work which possesses a German cha- racter in the highest degree, and derives a tender inte- rest from your preface. There is in this little work a nice appreciation of what must ever be important and sacred to a German in his literature. The author searches Sesenheim and Drusenheim as others do the Troade. The proper names, alas! are less poetic. The pas- Sages (p. 12 and 13), are written in a charming style; afterwards the philologist becomes heavy and doubtful about what he only half examined; doubtful, as if he had superficially read an old code. Whether the sisters * Pilgrimage to Sesenheim. By August Ferdinand Nacke. Pub- lished by K. A. Varnhagen von Ense. Berlin, 1840. 70 Humboldt’s Letters. of Friederike, ‘‘ of whom one has not to care at all” (p. 48), whether the Catholic clergyman who, according to some, caused, and according to others, did not cause, and then did cause her fall, will rejoice at all this, I do not dare myself to decide. About the Troade and the Skamander, they never could exactly determine, and Helen had to suffer much from Hellenic gossip. In old friendship most gratefully, Yours, A, v. Hor. 40. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Monpay, March 9th, 1840. Tue Crown-Prince, to whom I brought, this morning, your thoughtful ‘“ Lebensbuch,” has ordered me to express to you, revered friend, his “most friendly thanks.” It reminded him, at the same time, of your “Sophie Charlotte,” your “ Seydlitz,’ your always delightful language, and your skill in portraying diffi- cult relations of life. The liberal passage on Grimm I read to him. It pleased him much, and brought on a conversation on Hanover. He expressed himself very sensibly in regard to it. ‘The King of Hanover does not understand how to treat Germans: he does not * Humboldt’s Letters. 77 know how to win them, by availing himself of their loyal emotions. On the day when the news of the final election in Géttingen arrived in Hanover, I would have sent an aide-de-camp or a civil officer to G6ttingen, to thank the professors, and ask them whether they would like to have the whole seven professors reappointed.” These are words flowing from a noble soul. Of your article on Niebuhr, I do not speak to the Crown- Prince, though I entirely agree with you regarding it. With old attachment, Yours, A. v. Hor. <1. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. WEDNESDAY, March 18th, 1840. An insipid polemical book of Mr. Gretsch, against Melgunoff, and against the book of Koenig, which is entirely unknown to me, full of Siberia, strangulation, secret funds, and Russian patriotism—an insufferable re- hash! Will you read it, my dear friend? For you alone understand it entirely. The book might almost recon- cile me with Mr. Melgunoff, against whom I have felt some anger. I have, it is true, neither a recollection of him nor of my conversation with him; but he must 78 Humboldt’s Letters. have strangely interpreted and translated into his own language, what I said to him, when he represents me as condemning one whose great talents and delight- ful style and manners I praise everywhere. How is it credible that I could have spoken unfavorably of you in the only conversation I ever had with a man who brought me a letter from your own hand? Who recognises in me such careless, Orinoco manners ? Marheineke also has made a campaign in the “ Kri- tische-Blatter,’ more against Savigny than against Stahl. There is a good deal of acrimony in the air, and the black-coats are not merciful. The conclusion of the philippic is very eloquent, in the climax from the rationalists, v7d@ St. Hegel, to Galilee. It is a pity that the preceding twelve pages are so indifferently written— in the most mediocre style. Goerres and Schelling understand coloring better. I thus feel only interested in what is dramatic and in the talents exhibited, or not exhibited, therein. Caesareo- papacy, territorial system, nay, even “the authority of a distinctly positive doctrine, and marked physiog- nomy,” for which Marheineke (p. 41) has a tendency, are abominations, and are mere carnival buffoonery to me. Both parties are mere compressing machines of different kinds, and a philosophically proved Christian dogmatism of “marked physiognomy,” this seems to me the most offensive of all strait-waistcoats. > Humboldt’s Letters. 79 Raumer (Carl) has published ‘ Crusades”—crusades against the geognosts. The Saracens are Leopold von Buch (your newly converted one), and myself. A. Hr. And Sintenis at Magdeburg and the State’s Council at Neufchatel, “who have prohibited the deluge!” And all that in the year 1840! Three comets are not enough ! I received a letter from the Marquis Clanricarde, at St. Petersburg, on the 5th of March, stating, “ that nothing was heard for four or five weeks from the expe- dition to Chiwa. It is purely an attack upon the Khan, whom they propose to dethrone, and to put his brother in the place.” You see that he wishes to appear very tranquil! What meek politics! 42. METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. VIENNA, 29th of March, 1840, My pear Baron—Though I do not doubt that the Crown-Prince, to whom I had the honor of replying to- day, will inform you of my declaration, I refer you to my letter to his Royal Highness. You will see that I have * Bo Humboldt’s Lette rs. placed myself at his disposal, with a reservation, however, prescribed by my ignorance of archeology. Tomy igno- rance upon this point must be added my ignorance upon another—I mean the duties of the Presidency. I desire to state, at all events, what I think of the relations of a single member with any scientific association. There are three sorts of men—some are true savans; the num- ber of these is small: others are friends of science in general, or of some branch of it; these are more nume- rous: the third class—the largest of all—comprises the narrow-minded, the barren in spirit, the “ viveurs,” to whom, though often they are very good fellows, art and science are quite superfluous. I enrol myself in the second of these classes. My brethren and I can be of some service to mental cultivation, provided we do not. meddle too much with details. When I feel that I can do a good work, I consider it my duty to devote myself to it. In the present case, however, I can only throw my good will into the scale. My confession of faith is set forth in the explanations given tothe August Protector; and to what I took the liberty of stating to him, I also take the liberty of refer- ring you. It is so long, my dear Baron, since you paid us a visit, that when you feel inclined to judge for yourself, you will be more than gratified by the real progress we have made in the departments of which you are the bg * Humboldt’s Letters. — «81 acknowledged master. The place of Jaeger, whose loss was greatly to be regretted, is well filled by Endlicher —a man of eminent genius; Baumgarten and Etting- hausen, are savans of great distinction. The Polytech- nic School goes on admirably and is training up savans, and thoroughly educated mechanicians. Roesel is the best optician of our time, and the young Voigtlander follows in his footsteps. The establishment of Baron Charles Hases has - opened a new and vast field to botany. The arts and sciences advance quite to one’s liking; all that is wanted is a supervisor like yourself. You complain, my dear Baron, at finding yourself the oldest of the foreign members of the Institute; this indeed is a dreary lot, but it is inevitable and quite natural—provided one does not commit the folly of going off before the others. I have the same feeling— and that in a field which is certainly the greatest of all fields. Of all the Kings and the Ministers of State in office, between the year 1813 and the year 1815, the King of Prussia and myself are the only survivors! And yet the time does not embrace more than a quarter of a century—so true is it that twenty-five years are quite an historical epoch. Let us not lose courage at such trifles, but go on as if they were nothing at all. My sincerest homage, dear Baron. METTERNICH. A* 82 Humboldt’s Letters. 43. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. THursDAY, April 9th, 1840. Here are two Salamanders. The dlack (black bor- dered) king of Denmark is not only a Norwegian constitutional, but also a mineralogical king, who has written pretty good memoirs on Vesuvius. The prede- cessor having been an astronomical king, who proposed prize questions on comets, presented great men like General Mueffling and myself with chronometers, and died of a comet on the night of the discovery of Galli’s comet, the Danish astronomers were, probably, rather anxious for their heavenly pursuits under the reign of such an earthly (or rather subterranean) monarch. I was called upon to remind the King of his old predi- lection for me. I therefore resorted to the~ pretext, never before made use of by me, of congratulating him on his accession to the throne. This is the cause of the black drama. The letter is plain and sensible. A. Hr. Please read in Mr. Quinet’s the passage on Goethe and Bettina, and return the venom to me. Humboldt’s Letters. _ 83 44, KING CHRISTIAN VIII. OF DENMARK TO HUMBOLDT. CoPENHAGEN, the 13th January, 1840. Monsieur LE Baron DE Humpowpr: Or all the letters received on the occasion of my accession to the throne, none has afforded me so sensible a pleasure as that which you addressed me under the date of the 17th of December last. Your remembrance is of the highest value to me, and I recall with the greatest interest, Monsieur le Baron, our conversations many years ago at Paris. Since that time you have enriched science by new discoveries. Siberia, explored by you, as you before explored Ame- rica, offers to natural science new views for which, Mon- sieur le Baron, it is entirely indebted to you. Really— I shall be happy at some future day to converse with you on these new researches. : The natural sciences are constantly presenting fresh interest, and I shall certainly not neglect to do every- thing that depends upon me for their advancement. The astronomical and geodesical labors of your dis- tinguished friend Schumacher, certainly deserve my 84 Humboldt’s Letters. patronage. He has acquired a Kuropean name as a sa- van, and I appreciate his rare merits. As to the mag- netic observations after the method of Gauss—I am occupied in amplifying them here at Copenhagen, where an observatory, established since 1834 near the Poly- technic School, is about to be removed to a more suitable place on the outskirts of the city. It will be provided with two different “emplacements,” one for “ observa- tions on declination,” and another for experiments in “inclination.” The establishment will be under the superintendence of the celebrated Oersted. I esteem myself happy, my dear Baron, in being able to speak to you of the advancement of natural science in my own country, and you must consider it a proof that I shall not neglect any occasion of justifying the good opinion you ‘entertain of my interest in the sciences and in everything which can tend to the enlightenment and happiness of my subjects. I hope, Monsieur le Baron, that you will frequently find leisure to communicate with me, and I shall en- deavor, upon my own part, to cultivate relations so agree- able to myself. The Queen charges me with her compliments to you, and I embrace the occasion of assuring you of my high- est consideration, Monsieur le Baron Humboldt. Your most affectionate, CHRISTIAN. Humboldt’s Letters. 85 45. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. SaturpDAy, April 11th, 1840. Tue Crown-Prince would like very much to see that interesting letter of Prince Metternich to you. Could not you send it to me before half-past seven o’clock | to-night, my dear friend ? A. Hr. In regard to the said letter, Varnhagen says in his diary, under date of April 2d, 1840: “ When returning home, found a letter from Prince Metternich—a long one, under his own hand. He declares my picture of the Congress of Vienna to be a perfectly faithful one, a few points excepted, which ought to be corrected. He himself corrects, in detail, the description of the effect of the news at Vienna, that Napoleon had left Elba. It is a letter of historical value.” Under date of the 5th of the same month, Varnhagen mentions again the Metternich letter. ‘In the after- noon,” he says, ‘‘ Humboldt called. He had heard of the letter from Wittgenstein, who had spoken of it to 86 Humboldt’s Letters. Count Orloff and others, as a most remarkable produc- tion. Humboldt also was astonished and delighted. He showed me a letter which Prince Metternich had addressed him, as to the position of several natu- ralists at Vienna, and the presidency of the Archzolo- gical Society at Rome. Humboldt tells me of dark tendencies of the Westphalian nobility, which the Crown-Prince favors. They think of establishing a great Catholic seminary for young noblemen—a proper nursery for Jesuits. On Humboldt’s remarking that the Crown-Prince, perhaps, out of absence of mind, had not reflected on the important consequence of the King’s illness, Minister von Rochow made the follow- ing reply: “ Oh, certainly he has thought of it! And he has prepared various things, which he means then to propose. But to his views and commands in ecclesias- tical matters I should be highly opposed.” 46. April 13th, 1840. Tur Crown-Prince has expressly charged me to offer you, dear friend, his thanks for such an interesting com- munication. Count Alvensleben was present. Every one considered the letter a gratifying testimonial to Humboldt’s Letters. : 87 you and to your description of the Congress, and praised it for the noble simplicity in which one of the most remarkable events is recited. “ Et tout cela prouve que ma fille est muette,” and that a talent like yours (in advising, in describing, and in knowledge of mankind) is allowed to be idle, so that after your death, as after my brother’s, people will express their astonish- ment at your not having been employed in time. A. Hr. I am quite “turned Quaker.” Mrs. Fry and William Allan—little sermons in the penitentiaries (the most horrible ones which the Quakeress has ever seen), and little tracts against brandy-drinking ! 7 : 27. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Fripay, March 29th, 1840. DectpE, master of eloquence and euphony: I had it thus, “As far as humanity (civilisation) extended on earth !” : Now, it pleases me better to put: 1, “It has influ- enced rulers and nations equally, as far as civilization and commerce extend” (extend, not extended, which latter 88 Humboldt’s Letters. I abhor); or, 2 “As far as civilization and commerce ennobled mankind ;” or, 3, ‘‘ Made mankind suscepti- ble; or, 4, “ United mankind.” Would No. 4 (the last), not be the better?” Per- haps you have an inspiration. Put clandestinely, to- night at Staegemann’s, a bit of paper in my hand. Per- haps the first conception is the best. A. Hr. “Humanity” I give up at any rate, having just read so many mockeries regarding it in the last volume of Campe’s dictionary. ** Sed quamquam, primo statim beatissimi seeculi ortu, Nerva Cesar res olim dissociabiles miscuerit, principa- tum ac libertatem; augeatque quotidie felicitatem im- perii Nerva Trajanus.” ‘Tacitus in Agricola, cap. 3. Also, of the same old Nerva (noble and gifted with literary taste) : “ Quod si vita suppeditet, principatum divi Nerve, et imperium Trajani, uberiorem securioremque materiam senectati seposui: rara temporum felicitas, ubi sentire quee velis, et gue sentias dicere licet.” Tacit. Hist. I. 1. I, of course, in order to avoid all detail, shall give only the numerical quotations, sic: Tacit. Vita Ag... 3 Hist. I. 1. Hr. Humboldt’s Letters 89 428, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, TUESDAY NiGut, Oct. 27th, 1840. Ir I have delayed so long in coming to you, my dear friend, both before and after my campaign to the North, it is only because there are impossibilities in life against which we battle in vain. Immediately after the festi- vities in this city I intended to hasten to you, but the uncertainty whether I should go to Paris (I refused, because then it would not have been honorable either to me or to the king, if Prussia did not dare to act independently !) the approaching departure of Bulow, the arrival of the sick General von Hedemann and his family, together with a rheumatic fever, which kept me in the house for six days, spoiled all my intentions. To- morrow morning, at 8 o’clock, I have to move over again to Sans Souci; but (I hope) only for some days. I, therefore, now take up my pen to chat with you. First my best thanks for your talented and noble treating of the rather mediocre “ Hrinnerungen von M. Arndt!” I certainly had observed his hostility towards you. The enge, ae es, tone of your criticism is the noblest kind of rev ne . 4 ¢ =" ie ~~ a go Humboldt’s Letters. . The man, whom I never knew personally, was raised by the great events of his time and not by himself. Strange enough that the government attached to him in these latter days, in the evening of his life, an importance not arising merely from a simple love of justice. Since you like everything individual, I shall answer your kindness with another very small one. I make you a present of a letter of Guizot, which he wrote to me to Koenigsberg, not without design. The under- lining belongs to me, as you would guess yourself. I showed the letter to the King. It was written when tle Belgian (the King of Belgium), Bulow, and Guizot had been in Windsor, and when his affairs looked pro- mising, as they do now again, as Thiers at once shows himself so weak and yielding, and Palmerston so dog- matical and defying. But do not let the letter out of your hands. For the news about the brothers Grimm I thank you most cordially. It is very important to me to keep ‘au courant” with the course of passing events. In the months during which I lived on the “ historical hill,”* I moved uncontrolled in the same direction, though surrounded by conflicting elements. Respecting the brothers Grimm, the King had given orders to others, not to me; but up to the return from * Sans Souci, the King’s residence near Potsdam.—Translator. Humboldt’s Letters. gl - Kénigsberg, nothing was done. I therefore addressed a memorial to the King on the actions in Kénigsberg of the Provincial Diet, and on the necessity of acting authoritatively in things which interest all hearts, in order to secure their affections—and therefore to bestow a professorship upon the brothers Grimm, Albrecht, and Dahlmann. There is little hope for Dahlmann. Albrecht received a call, but refused it, giving as a reason his gratitude to Saxony. It would have been a satisfaction to the seven professors, could Albrecht have become professor in Berlin. They certainly will at least hear in Hanover that the King has called the “ Elbinger.” In respect to the brothers Grimm, the King insists upon his plan, that minister Eichhorn should offer to them a place in the Academy, with a pension to both, as they live like hus- band and wife. That the King wants these things to be arranged with tact, you may see from the negotiations with Tieck. For librarians, although excellent men, they are very unfit. Whether Wilhelm Grimm, as a correspondent of the Academy, lectures or not is also very irrelevant. The chief thing is to get them. Of “smuggling them in,” “a debasement,” “to think of them so late,’—dans un regne de cent jours—it is nonsense to talk! It does honor at least to the administration of Ladenberg, that I was able to propose Dahlmann in due form, and in flattering terms for the university of g2 Humboldt’s Letters. Breslau, where there was a vacancy. I have cleared the way as it was my duty to do, but the appointment itself is not in my hands. As soon as I return from Potsdam, I shall trouble minister Eichhorn, to settle this patriotic affair officially and at once. The interference of many in these things is injurious, although it can be pardoned where the interest is so natural. I know not, my dear friend, whether you will be able and willing to read these lines, the sense of which is more blameless than the style. I need not conjure you, the diplomatist, not to read my letter to the “ child,” * but she ought to hear how these matters stand, respecting which I have neglected nothing. A, FE%, An inexpressible misfortune has happened in the death of the only son of my friend the astronomer, Bessel, only twenty-five years old, a young man of the most eminent mathematical talents. He died yesterday of nervous fever. : * Bettina von Arnim. Bopp’s critique is to me a source of great pleasure. Humboldt’s Letters’ 3 49, GUIZOT TO HUMBOLDT. Lonpon, August 24, 1840. MonsrevR LE Baron: Ir was very amiable indeed in you to have thought of sending me the two new volumes of your brother’s works. I thank you not only for this gift, in itself so very valu- able, but also for your remembrance which is at least equally dearto me. I hope that notwithstanding all our affairs, for they are yours as well as mine, I shall manage to read something of this great work. I should like to employ my time in so complete and varied a manner as you occupy yours. Preserve a little of it for the ad- vaneement of a good and a wise policy, which though it already owes you much, still needs you. I envy Baron von Bilow the pleasure of seeing you. I regret extremely losing his society in London. Con- versation—genuine conversation—profound, pregnant, and free, is very scarce among us. HisI shall miss very much. I should like to go some day to see you at your home, to visit your country, in which, beyond all others, human intellect acts the greatest part, and to see 94 Humboldt’s Letters. your new King, who is worthy, it is said, of such a country. In the meanwhile, Monsieur le Baron, pray pre- serve for me your old kindness and believe in the lasting sincerity of the sentiments which long ago I conceived for you. Guizor. Nore or HumBoipt.—Received at Kénigsberg during the festivals. A. VON HumBoLprt. 50. ARAGO TO HUMBOLDT. Paris, March 12th, 1841. I musr not, I will not, believe that you asked me seriously whether I should look forward to your journey to Paris with pleasure. Could it be that you ever doubted my invariable attachment? Beit known to you that I should consider the slightest doubt upon this point a most cruel offence. Beyond the immediate circle of my own family you are, without comparison, the per- son whom, of all others, I love the most dearly. But you must be resigned to the duties of this position, as you are of my friends the only one to whom I would look in my difficulties. Humboldt’s Letters. 95 I am truly happy in the anticipation of spending some evenings with him to whom I am indebted for my taste in meteorology and physics. There will be a bed for you at the Observatory. Poor Savary is in a lamentable state. The physician assures me that the disease of his lungs leaves no hope. What a calamity! You will arrive at Paris at the opening of my course of astronomy. My new amphitheatre is got up with a profligate luxtry. I am charmed with the news of poor Sheiffer’s* reco- very (is it true?). Your good heart has always secured you a numerous family. Adieu, best of friends. My attachment to you will only cease with my life. Fr. Arago. Nore oF Humpoipt.—I had asked whether he thought it possible that the difference of our political wishes [war with Germany] might disturb our intercourse. Nore oF Humso.tpt,—To his highly gifted friend, Varnhagen von Ense, with the most earnest request to avoid all publication of this autograph before Arago’s death. * A. HUMBOLDT, * Probably Seiffert, Humboldt’s servant.—T7r 96. Humboldt’s Letters. 51. HUMBOLDT TO BETTINA VON ARNIM. [A copy in Varnhagen’s handwriting. ] SaturDAy, November 21, 1840. How could you doubt, most honored Madam, my being thankful for the news of the real situation of those noble men, who after so many undeserved suffer- ings, and after so long and so shameful a neglect, are at last to be placed in an independent position. I thought that, to have given them such a situation in Berlin, three thousand thalers would be a sufficient salary for both, and with this view I have continued my efforts. The King has adopted it as a principle never to issue an order in financial matters on his own account; like all princes, he has no standard by which to measure the wants of learned men. The superior intellects with whom we wish to surround ourselves have wants as pro- saic as their inferiors. Whoever wishes to obtain the end must also be willing to employ the means, and espe- cially in an affair which attracts every eye and which touches the honor of the country. The minister Eich- Humboldt’s Letters. | 97 horn, upon whom everything now depends, is happy in the arrival of the two Grimms. He was formerly on the most friendly terms with Jacob Grimm. I called on the minister an hour ago in order to support my view of the matter. He declares that by-and-by he will arrange the affair in the best manner, but that we must confide in him, and allow him to act without obstruction. Receive, gracious Madam, the expression of my vene- ration and of my sentiments of gratitude. A. Humporpr. 52. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, August 22d, 1841. Your letter has done me an immense deal of good. I see that we feel ourselves both equally attracted to each-other, and that you attributed my long, and to me very gloomy, seclusion, only to the distracted state of my life, and to the application of my faculties, to an aim which they never can reach. Towards the close of a much troubled life which has but imperfectly realized its aspirations, it is a happiness to remain secure in, and to possess the esteem of those to whose mind and 5 98 Humboldt’s Letters. intellect and wishes we are irresistibly drawn. I shall ‘personally thank you, and this very afternoon apply for Mr. L. to the Princess of Prussia, and beg her Imperial Highness to assist me with all earnestness. With old veneration and love, yours, A. v. Humporpr. At the request of the King I took the opportunity of reading to him Schelling’s discourse on nature and art. (Philosoph. Werke, tome Ist, 1809.) The passages con- cerning Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and about the possibility of a resuscitation of the arts, are the most pleasing in our language. This lecture produced on the King the effect of a beautiful song. But the bird is now sixty-seven years old, and goes from one golden cage to another. Varnhagen says in his diary, under date of April 28, 1841: ‘Humboldt came and remained more than an hour and a half; I found him looking ill, but lively, cheerful, and more communicative than ever. He praises the King for his disposition and his intentions, but thinks that he is no man of action, and that whenever he acts, he does it by starts, without system or method. Whether it be from kindness or timidity, at all events, he often does not dare to do what he most wishes and could do quite easily; thus he expects impatiently that the minister Von Werther will resign, and asks of Hum- ‘Humboldt’s Letters. 9 boldt, whether the minister has given no intimation of it.” On the 30th April, 1841, Varnhagen says: “ Humboldt has a great many enemies, as well amongst the savans as at court, who are constantly seeking an opportunity to malign him, but the moment he is praised all vitupera- - tion ceases—for it is all vituperation. It is seldom that anybody is able to maintain it. Some time ago a gentle- man said to me, that he did not know what to think of Humboldt, and that he could not come to a conclusion concerning him. I answered: ‘Think always the best of him, believe him always capable of the best action, and you always will be nearest the truth”? Another said, same day, sneeringly: ‘Humboldt was a great man before he came to Berlin, where he became an ordinary one.’ Moritz Robert remarked that Rahel had already said several times: ‘Nothing holds its ground in Berlin, everything has a downward tendency ; indeed, if the Pope himself came to Berlin, he would not continue long to be Pope, he would sink into the ‘ com- monplace,’ down perhaps to the standard of a groom,’ What Rahel said is true, and I remember that she said so, but had made no note of it. This peculiarity of Berlin ought to be examined closer ; it indicates a strong stratum of undeveloped greatness, and may, when posi- tively brought forth to a point, bring the highest honor on Berlin; but if allowed to act negatively, it 100 Humboldt’s Letters. will, of course, become a shame to this city. ‘The Ber- liners are such a daring race of men,’ said Goethe, once. That is much the same definition.” 53. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. SATURDAY, April 24th, 1841. A DISAPPOINTMENT, dear: friend, not to have found you. Correct this title-page for me; I have to send it away. As it is necessary to state, “that this is not the lecture of 1828,” I thought of having the long sentence printed on the title-page, in small type, like an apho- rism. It may look strange after the name, but I hope you will be able to approve of it. Hr. *“ Kosmos. Sketch of a Physical Description of the World, by A. von Humboldt. From Sketches and Lec- tures delivered in the years 1827 and 1828, enlarged and corrected according to the latest researches. *** Nature: vero rerum vis atque majestas sin omnibus momentis fide caret, si quis modo partes ejus ac non to- tam complectatur animo,’—Plin. Hist. Nat., lib. 7. ¢. 1. Stuttgart.” * Humboldt’s Letters. 101 54. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. WEDNESDAY, April 28th, 1841. Be very kind and indulgent in reading my work. I am anxious that you should get a complete idea of the composition of it. In A, I have made large corrections. Notice especially p. 37 and the notes; Schelling’s name, pp. 87 and 68; Hegel, p. 66. The positive declaration _at p. 64, that it is not the creator of Natural Philoso- phy whom I accuse, will, I hope, make my biting seve- rity at the “ gay Saturnalia,” le bal en masque of the craziest of all natural philosophers, seem more pardon- able to him. “Il faut avoir le courage d’imprimer. Ce que Pon a dit et écrit depuis trente ans.” It has been a lamentable period, in which Germany has sunk far below England and France. Chemistry, without so much as wetting one’s fingers. The diamond is a pebble arrived at consciousness. Granite is ether. Carus. The side of the moon turned towards the earth is of a different convexity from the reverse. The cause of it: the moon fain would stretch out her loving arms—she cannot, but gazes at the earth, and protrudes her lower jaw. 102 Humboldt’s Letters. The granite blocks on the rocks are the convulsions of nature. It is well known that the forests are the hair of the earth-animal, The swelling equatorial region is the belly of Nature. America is a female figure, long, slender, watery and freezing at 48°. The degrees of latitude are the years woman gets old at, 48 years. The East is oxygen, the West hydrogen; it rains when clouds from the East are mixed with clouds from the West.—Schelling. Petrifactions in rocks are not the remains of former living beings. They are the first attempts of nature at making animals and plants. In Siberia some dogs lived for years on such an experiment—a stinking elephant at the mouth of the Lena. These are the Saturnalia! Cast your eye particularly on the notes, en masse, of which I inclose a few. P. 40- 49; p, 55-57. I wish to give to the work the greatest generality and breadth of views, a lively and, if possible, grace- ful style, and to replace all technical terms with well- chosen, graphic, and descriptive language. Correct freely, my friend ; I gladly follow where I can. . Some not very common erudition I intend to banish to the notes. This book should be the reflex of my own self, of my life, of my own very old person. This freedom of treatment enables me to proceed more aphoristically. Humboldt’s Letters. 103 More will be suggested than elaborated.’ Much will be well understood by those only who know thoroughly one special branch of natural history; but I think my style is such as to confuse no one, not even the superfi- | cial. My real aim is to hover over those results which are known in 1841. Mens agitat molem, may the mind still be there! That such a work cannot be finished by one born in the comet-year, 1769, is as clear as daylight. The separate fragments will appear in parts of twelve to fifteen sheets each, so that those who may see me buried will possess in each fragment some one subject com- plete. Thus of the “Prolegomena,” there will be No. 1-4; My “incentive,” descriptive poetry, which you have not yet seen, is a chief feature of the work on which I rely a good deal.—_No. 5. The history of man’s conception of the world, which is quite finished, will form the entire second book. Plain scientific description will always be intermingled with the orato- rical, like nature itself. The glittering stars fill us with joy and inspiration, yet in the canopy of heaven all bodies revolve in mathematical figures. It is essential to preserve a dignified style, so that the impression of nature’s greatness will not be wanting. I hope you will not find fault with my quoting (C) in a note the passage from Shakespeare which is but little known. All the notes are to be printed in very small type at - 104 Humboldt’s Letters. the end of each chapter, never at the bottom of the page. I had said that a knowledge of nature is not absolutely necessary to enjoy it, but that it increases the enjoyment. Pardon this hasty writing. I leave to-morrow morning with the King for Potsdam, to stay there six or seven days. With thanks and friendship, your illegible A, v. HumMBoLpr. 55. HUMBOLDT TO SPIKER. (C.) [Biron speaks to the King of Navarre.} “These earthly godfathers of heaven’s lights, That gave a name to every fixed star, Have no more profit of their shining nights, Than those that walk, and wot not what they are, Too much to know, is to know nought but fame ; And every godfather can give a name.” SHAKESPEARE, Love’s Labor Lost. Act I. Scene 1. Bz so kind as to send me back this page. I make use of your fine translation in a note which is now being ‘printed in my Kosmos. You will permit me to say: Humboldt’s Letters: : 10g “according to Spiker’s translation.” It will give me pleasure to do so. Shall I excite the ire of the Marquis August von Schlegel or of Tieck Acorombonus ? Please tell me whether they have also translated that passage ? Many kind regards. ) Hr. Nove oF VARNHAGEN,—Unfortunately Spiker’s translation is bad in every respect. 56. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Monpay Nieut, May 3, 1841. I am afraid, my dear friend, that I shall be obliged to go to Potsdam again on Thursday, and thence to Paris on the 10th or 12th. I am to send Cotta more copy before I go. Let me not be suspended so long between condemnation and indulgence. Pray send me a few words with the parcel. 2 Yours, A. v. Humeporpr. 5* 106 Humboldt’s Letters. 57. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. TuESDAY, May 4th, 1841. My Dear Frienp :—Even after deducting the kind expressions written expressly for my tranquillity, there still remains more than enough in your letter of to-day to comfort me.. The penance,* therefore, which I assign you is to receive me to-morrow morning at 11 o’clock, for a few moments, to accept my thanks. The “ schmeichle mich” must be a clerical error; as for me I am unconscious of it. The false use of the accusative case at p. 44, you will have to show me. It cannot be “ Hinsicht in den Zusammenhang ?” be- cause it is looking into. I shall expunge Mr. Spiker. I had a presentiment of the end, and would rather even omit the English as well, which, after all, is rather a praise of ignorance, than indicative of the increase of enjoyment to be derived from science. I see that you give me full liberty concerning the “ Saturnalia.” Speaking of the Dane, you say: “I only mention, I do not object.” * The 5th of May was a day of penance. Humboldt’s Letters. 107 I did not wish to mention Steffens, however much he might deserve a reproach for his utter barrenness in. experimental science, and for his vain and criminal idle- ness. “Saturnalia” I call that merry but short farce, of which lately I gave you some specimens, but which are not from Steffens; they are by some of his wor- shippers several degrees lower down. Were Steffens a poor savan, oppressed by the powerful, I would be more careful ; but as you are an amateur of autographs, I will give you one from which you will see how north- ern kings believe that there exists im Berlin a Stef- fensian philosophy, which is consoling to the theologians, et qui west pas celle de Hegel! Steffens will believe that he is included among those deep and powerful thinkers, whose advice has been disregarded. Besides the dangerous passage is immediately followed by another: ‘ Abuse of youthful talents; for serious minds, devoted equally to philosophy and to observa- tion, have kept aloof from those Saturnalia.” Such a sentence is a défense, a fort detaché, and Steffens cer- tainly thinks that he, too, devoted himself to observa- tion, when he once descended into a mine at Freiburg. By softening anything I should spoil the whole, and we ought in writing to show the same courage as in speaking, but should do both in the same easy and cheerful manner. Did you find out from Steffens’s tiresome biography, 108 Humboldt’s Letters. with which I was bored at Sans Souci, how his pietism and aristocracy is explained by the twofold inoculation of his old grandparents, performed by an archbishop and a king,—ce sont des heritages ! A. v. Humpoupr. 53. KING CHRISTIAN VIII OF DENMARK TO HUMBOLDT. - Monstzur LE Baron—I am doubly obliged to the illustrious counsellor Dieffenbach for his attention in presenting me with a copy of his work on the cure of strabism and stammering, since it was the cause of your dear letter of the 9th February. Introduced by you, Monsieur le Baron, any one is sure of success. In the present case, the reputation and the works of the author could have dispensed with all further recommen- dation; but you only do justice to the great services which Counsellor Dieffenbach has rendered to mankind, and I hasten to acknowledge them by bestowing my Danebrog Order on that distinguished savan. My let- ter to him on this subject will be remitted by the Envoy Count de Reventlau, and I shall particularly recommend to Chevalier Dieffenbach any Danish surgeons going to Humboldt’s Letters. 109 Berlin to learn the art upon which he has thrown so much light. The bearer of the present, whom I beg leave to recommend to your protection, is the theological can- didate, Bornemann—a young man of talent and know- ledge, whom I send to Berlin to study Philosophy under the guidance of my countryman, Steffens—not precisely that of Hegel, who has disciples enough in our Univer- sity; but that philosophy which may assist in rectifying the sometimes rather extravagant doctrines of our modern thinkers. Steffens is kept at Berlin by a sacred tie, the gratitude he owes to the King; but I desire that his genius and his knowledge may not be lost to us, and that this young scholar may profit by his light before it ceases to shine, and to enlighten all those coming in contact with my illustrious countryman, who, in my opinion, is in himself worth an entire academic faculty. I follow with the greatest interest, founded on sincere friendship and on the mutual relations of our respective positions, which I fully appreciate, all that your excellent King does and projects for the happiness of his subjects, for German nationality, and for the preservation of peace. May his efforts be blessed by the Almighty ; his people will then enjoy an increased and steady prospe- rity, which will materially contribute to the welfare of their neighbors. 110 Humboldt’s Letters. * The King has shown more kindness to my son than I can thank him for. I look forward to a most happy future for him, based on his marriage with the amiable Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz. I appreciate the good wishes which you aiden me on this occasion, and remain, with the highest consider ation, Monsieur le Baron de Humboldt, Your affectionate CuristTian R, 59. BERLIN, May 17th, 1841. [Written at Varnhagen’s, With the preface to Wilhelm von Hum- boldt’s works. ] I am very sorry not to be enabled amid the annoy- ances of to-morrow’s departure (first to Potsdam, then to Paris, until October) to bid you farewell. I appeal to you once more as the source, until Riickert?s arrival, the only source of good taste, of pure language, and of a delicate appreciation of the appropriate sense. Tell me with all indulgence what I ought to strike out from the enclosed preface, but give me also your advice wherever you find fault. I wrote the two pages at ° -Bhuthboldésenes: 111 night in a gloomy frame of mind. They show perhaps a too sentimental disposition to praise. Page 1, line 2, “yet” because it happens during my life time. Line 10, “‘The highly gifted souls,” perhaps displeasing. Should it be men ? . A. v. Humsorpr. On the 21st of November, Varnhagen wrote down the following about Humboldt : “T read’ to-day the dispatches which Al. von Hum- boldt addressed to the King from Paris in the year 1835. They are not like Humboldt! Any body else could have written such dispatches—nay, what is still worse, nobody could have written them otherwise! Thus it is, however, with political business—it con- sists of mere trifles, not at all important in themselves, but becoming important because everybody has agreed to consider them so. Thus the established hypocrisy of forms, presumptions, and exaggerations drown the truth. I looked into myself and confessed that were I engaged in such affairs, I, too, would follow in the beaten track; and yet people wonder that in England and France editors of newspapers become ministers, as . if it were not infinitely more easy to write the usual dispatches than good newspaper articles.” 112 Humboldt’s Letters. ° 60. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Fripay, 3d December, 1841. Or all that I have had to thank you for, dear friend, I like Hormayr’s manly letter best. Le style est tout Phomme. He is not like the people who surround us, the better ones of whom lose themselves in reticences, temporizations, in trimming, excitements, and irresolu- tion. His beliefin Muenster’s liberalism is perhaps only a misconception of Muenster’s motives. No doubt Count Muenster has nobly contributed to the liberation of Germany—but assuredly he never did it in order to open the path to “that light” which, even to-day, is feared like a spectre. ‘ Bruno” (Bauer) has found me out to be a preadamite convert! When I was a boy the court preachers reasoned in this way: I was con- firmed by one of them, who told me that the biogra- phies of the Evangelists were finally manufactured out of memoranda made by themselves during their lifetime. Many years ago I wrote: Ali positive religions contain three distinct parts—First, a code of morals, very pure and nearly the same in all—next, a geological dream— Humboldt’s Letters’ 113 and thirdly, a myth or historical novellette ; which last becomes the most important of all. I enclose the pam- phlet of Baron Seckendorf. He also calls for a “repre- sentation,” namely the “ re puro,” the incarnation of the people, all explained in philosophical terms. It must be acceptable, for without being assured of this he would not have dared to publish it. Such people must not be left in doubt about our real opinions. I told him (he is vice-president) that I would read his essay attentively, although our political principles on popular constitutions differed very much. The political atmosphere is to me thick, dark, and foreboding. . With the same old attachment, yours, A. v. HumsBo.pr. On the 2d of December, the day before the above letter, Varnhagen wrote in his diary: ‘“ Humboldt called yesterday. Talked about Paris. How he finds things here. He thinks seriously of retiring. He knows that his name alone is of any value to the King, and that his active usefulness has long been superseded by that of others. Thiers told him, in Paris, that France is much talked about as being revolutionary ; but he thought Prussia was pretty well agitated, too. A letter from Guizot to Humboldt spoke much in praise of the King; and when Humboldt read it to him, and 114 Humboldt’s Letters. came to the word ‘ success,’ the King interrupted him with the words, ‘ Ah me! there is not much of that ; on that point we had best be silent... And really Humboldt thinks the public feeling here dreadfully changed for the worse. The King has enemies, and in the highest circles! Minister Eichhorn is generally hated, and makes but a poor figure at court. There seems scarcely a doubt that Bunsen will be Ambassador to England. Count Stolberg is almost the only one who speaks openly against Bunsen. Humboldt sneers at Bunsen’s little tract, ‘The Week of Meditation.’ ” The 3d of December, 1841, Varnhagen observes: “ I just received a note from Humboldt, inclosing a pam- phlet of President Seckendorf’s, which also calls for a ‘ representation’—the ‘re puro,’ an incarnation of the people. Humboldt observes: ‘Must be acceptable, for without such an assurance he would not have dared to publish it. He concludes with significant melan-. choly: ‘The atmosphere to me is gloomy and forebod- ing. It is hard to be Humboldt, and to be obliged to confess this, at the summit of honor, and in the fulness of glory.’ Indeed, he has but little pleasure, and his satirical humor alone can make life here at all support- able to him !” 7 ‘Humbolde’s Letters!” 11g 61. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. oe Wee BERLIN, MonpDAy Nieut, Dec. Tih, 1841, I wAvE not the leisure, dear friend, to thank you as I ought to do for your spirited and historically thorough biography of Schwerin.* A deep penetration into the individuality of this great man pervades the whole. Simplicity is the essential, vital element of description. A hasty word of advice to ride off, and the winning of the battle by himself alone, were constant stum- bling-blocks in the path of this hero during his life. His end, the standard in his hand, amid the bloody massacre of thirteen thousand unsympathizing men, is a striking conclusion to the life of the old soldier, who, like Columbus, was at the same time great and unro- mantically avaricious. What does much honor to your talent as historian, and what is probably overlooked by * A Prussian Field Marshal, killed at the battle of Prague, 1757.—7r. + Allusion to the battle of Mollwitz, 1741, which was won by Schwerin alone, who, indignant at the blunders of the King, ordered him to ride off, and assumed the command himself, which Frederick the Great never forgave.—T7r. 116 Humboldt’s Letters. many is, that you do not allow Schwerin’s death to interrupt the narrative of the strife of battle. I will bring you the “ Collected Works” myself, and beg the second volume of Hormayr’s exquisitely spicy produc- tion. Your last favor, doing me so much honor, con- tains words about which I wish to prevent every mistake. ** You are afraid to enjoy the exclusive possession of my impieties.” You may freely dispose of this sort of pro- perty after my not far distant departure from life, Truth is due to those only whom we deeply esteem—to you, therefore. A. Eis. On the 18th December, 1841, Varnhagen writes in his diary: “I heard to-day the quite incredulous, mys- teriously-whispered story, that the King would go to England for the baptism of the Prince of Wales; that it had been agreed upon quite secretly, and that this flattermg communication had contributed a great deal to make Bunsen’s appointment as Ambassador agreeable to the Court of St. James. The latter part of the story makes me suspect the truth of the whole. This is by no means the real diplomatic state of things. Should, however, the journey have been decided upon, or even only be under discussion, there can be no doubt that Bunsen had a hand in it; and then important events would result therefrom, and very dangerous events, too, in my opinion. A near alliance with England would in Humboldt’s Letters. ae itself be hazardous; but to enter into close connexion with the Anglican Church and the Tories, sure ruin! And all Prussia, all Germany, all Europe would take it for granted that such a connexion was really established, even if it were not; and the supposition alone would damage us in a thousand ways; the king would lose more in the loyal attachment of his subjects than he can now afford. I hope the whole story will turn out a fable. Humboldt says the spirit of discontent, which he calls the howling mania, has largely increased here. When he left, a few were howling; but now they all howl. His sharp and witty remarks are really refresh- ing in our spiritless society.” Before his departure for England Humboldt called on Varnhagen to take leave. On this occasion the follow- ing entry was made in the diary, on the 14th of January, 1842: “Humboldt called to take leave,—he starts to-morrow night. He came from Count Maltzan’s of whose life but little hope is left to-day. ‘His death will bring Canitz here—not Buelow’, said Hum- boldt dolefully. I comforted him with the suggestion, that Canitz too might be dropped, ‘And whose turn would it then be?’ *Bunsen’s.” ‘That would be too frightful! But as it is, he accompanies the King on his return. That is already decided upon.’ Humboldt dis- likes Canitz and cannot understand how I am not more ie i tie el i< rs 118 Humboldt’s Letters. Fig lee owl a | be afraid of him—of this arch-aristocratic, utterly bigoted —(and consequently preposterous, nay, stupid)—fanati- cally anti-French Canitz, with his malicious and vulgar sneers. ‘But then you are a Tory yourself!’ he added. ‘As to that,’ I replied, ‘that is still somewhat doubtful— but as for Canitz, he is honest, strict, and str aightfor- ward; he will do much, and as for the rest, business and circumstances will control him.’” After Humboldt’s return, Varnhagen writes on the 24th of February, in his diary: “ Humboldt gave me some very interesting descriptions of England. At court the greatest magnificence; the mode of living, however, plain and easy; conversation unrestrained 5 the tone very pleasant and cheerful, even between gentlemen and ladies of adverse parties. Peel pleases him as little as ever; looks like a Dutchman; is more vain than ambitious, and narrow in his views. Lord Aberdeen is invincibly taciturn, without being able to convince people that his taciturnity covers anything worth saying. Bunsen has shown the greatest want of . tact; every one is against him, except the King, who likes him better than ever.” The whole visit of the King was an intrigue of Bunsen, {ind was so understood even by Englishmen. “Our affairs here are the subject of much conjec- ture. As minister of foreign affairs the pious Arnim will, TS Pee eas ee ae ey. Humboldt’s Letters’ = 119 for the present, be recalled from Brussels; at some later day Canitz will be appointed,—or Bunsen, say I. Count Alvensleben is to go to Vienna; Radowitz first to Carlsruhe, until the embassy to the German Diet become vacant. Perhaps there is hardly courage enough as yet to take Bunsen and remove Buelow. Every month, how- ever, every week must improve the courage, and then both these appointments will be done. There is no hope that Maltzan can recover; the better days have again been followed by the worse, and light gives way to renewed darkness. Sad state of things. 62. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Monpay, 28th February, 1842. I am anxious to hear a few words about your health, dear friend. I have succeeded in procuring a pension of three hun- dred thalers, a miserable sum, but it is only a beginning, for the impoverished but talented poet Freiligrath at Darmstadt, involving no obligation on his part, and allow- ing him to live out of the country. Can you lend me his poems ? : . A. Hr. 120 Humboldt’s_ Letters. Seer eee en | ee Note By VARNHAGEN.—On Tuesday Humboldt wrote me with © the feuilleton of the Journal des Debats, in which Philardte Chasles, — in the most vulgar manner, abuses the literature of Germany, and . sneers at the most distinguished German authors. P: And this miserable fellow has been appointed under Guizot’s ministry Professeur des Langues du Nord (litt. anglaise, allemande) au College de France. | You need not return the silly, spiteful trash. A. H7. ~ bs 68. 7 HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 3 BERLIN, 16th March, 1842. Br comforted about the mishap. The King pur-- chases Italian, but, under no circumstances whatever, French pictures. The portrait of Cherubini is, indeed, very fine, and if I remember aright, I saw it in Cherubini’s . own house. As the author is not dead, and Ingres very rich, I cannot conceive how the portrait can be for sale? You can tell the sprightly “Child”* that you sent me the feuilleton. In the last number of the Journal des Débats there is a * Bettina von Arnim. gn Humboldt’s Letters: 5 7 a strong and very fine article against the abominable Jew Bill, with which we are threatened, and against which I have already protested in very impressive words. Ever grateful, yours, WEDNESDAY. . A. Hr. It was intended in the preamble of the law to speak of ‘the miracle which God performed in preserving the Jew- ish race amid other nations ;” “ of the will of God to keep the Jewish race separated.” I have replied thereto, that the bill is a violation of all the principles of a wise policy of unity ; that it isa dangerous arrogance in short-sighted man to dare interpret the primeval decrees of God. The history of the dark ages ought to teach us what abnormities such doctrines lead to. I live in apparent outward luxury, and in the enjoy- ment of the fanciful predilection of a generous Monarch, yet in a moral and mental seclusion, such as can only arise from the monotonous dulness of a country (a real steppe) which, though it is not wanting in erudition, is torn asunder by the opposing influences of similar “poles,”. and becomes more and more contracted in its Eastern proclivities. May you be content with him, who, though standing alone, has the courage to avow his Own opinions. 122 Humboldt’s Letters. . 64. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bertin, March 21st, 1842. My dear friend, so happily restored to me! Itisa | source of infinite joy to me to learn, from your exquisite — letter, that the really very delightful society at the Prin- : cess’s has benefited you physically, and, therefore, as I should say in my criminal materialism, mentally also. Such a society, blown together chiefly from the same fashionable world of Berlin (somewhat flat and stale), immediately takes a new shape in the house of Princess Pueckler. It is like the spirit which should breathe life into the state ; the material seems ennobled. | I still retain your “Christliche Glaubenslehre,”’* I who long ago, in Potsdam, was so delighted with Strauss’s Life of the Saviour. One learns from it, not | only what he does not believe, which is less new to me, | but rather what kind of things have been believed and taught by those black coats (parsons) who know how to— * A celebrated work on the Christian Dogma by Friedrich David — Strauss.— Tr. | . Humboldt’s Letters. 123 enslave mankind anew, yea, who are putting on the armor of their former adversaries. I shall gladly copy the passage concerning Spinoza. Will not the late date of the second volume of the “Glaubenslehre” (1841) be urged against it by these men who pretend to teach from ancient manuscript ? It would seem to me a better plan to have published the wonderfully conflicting chro- nology with some remarks on the new faith in the whole “roman historique’ of the apostolic collectors of myths. He who teaches so publicly has to subject himself to the publicity arising from the defence of those who differ from him in creed. A private statement, clothed in the mild language of complaint, makes the subsequent public one very difficult, and elicits only patronizing smiles and adenial. Itis not the mishap of Spinoza, but this degra- dation of the noblest intellectual faculties in the service _of the narrow doctrines of dark ages, that is really pain- ful to me. The man* himself had certainly nothing attractive for me, but I had a kind of predilection for him, because everything enthrals and enraptures me, in which, as in his lecture on Art, the gentle breath of | ‘imagination warms and enlivens the harmony of lan- * Humboldt refers here to Schelling, the philosopher, who had ,ust _ Teceived from the King of Prussia a call to Berlin, and who, in a peni- _ tent spirit, endeavored to reconcile Christianity and philosophy, thus Tecanting his former views. Humboldt was quite exasperated at his conduct.— 7r. 124 Humboldt’s Letters.. guage. Now we are separated. In his last speech, not | the one on art, amid the glare of torchlight, he spoke of his departure like a well-paid artist who had just accom- ) plished a musical tour—probably only a sentimental | figure of speech to frighten his listeners. ' Now for an answer to enquiries for the biography, of , which, after all; I think with some fear, not on account . of its political contents, but on account of family con- siderations. I rely on your promise. The man cer= tainly cannot want to afflict so many! Wilhelm was born in Potsdam, because his father was Royal Chamberlain, and at the same time acting Cham- berlain to the Princess Elizabeth of Prussia. He left. Potsdam when the Princess was sent to Stettin. My father remained in high favor with the Prince of Prus- sia, who visited him frequently at Tegel. ‘This explains to you the passage in the English despatch, runnin . thus (I believe very early in 1775? Raumer’s Beitraeg } zur neuern Geschichte, vol. v., p. 297) :—‘“ Hertzberg, Schulenburg could form a ministry, but those have the greatest chance of success, who, although not of th , same kind, are considered favorites of the Prince. Among the first of these stands Herr von Humboldt, formerly an official in the allied army, a man of sense and fine character; Herr von Hordt, an enter prising genius. .... » ‘The expression “ official” is a strange mistake, My father was major and aide-de-camp to Duke : & jf: ij . } te eS -Humboldt’s Letters. ae 125 Ferdinand, of Brunswick: after long service in the Finkenstein dragoons, he was frequently sent to Frede- rick IL, during the gloomiest period of the Seven Years’ War; thus Frederick IJ. writes in his letters on the Wedel disaster :—“ I told Humboldt everything that can be told at such a distance.”—(Manuscript letters quite recently bought by the King in. Eastern Prussia.) My family comes from Northern Pomerania. My brother and I were for a long time the last of our name. My mother’s maiden name was Colomb, cousin of the Princess Bluecher, and therefore niece of the old Pre- sident in Aurich (Ostfriesland). She was first married to a Baron von Holwede. From this marriage sprung my step-brother Holwede, formerly in the regiment of gensdarmes. To my mother belongs the merit of having procured for us, at the instigation of old privy- councillor Kunth, a thorough education. Wilhelm, for the first years, was educated by our tutor Campe. The foundation of his profound attainments in Grecian lore was laid by Loeffler, the author of a liberal book on the New Platonism of the Fathers of the Church ; he then was a chaplain in the army, and afterwards chief ecclesiastical counsellor at Gotha. Fischer, of the Graue Kloster, instructed Wilhelm in Greek for many years ; he had, what is little known, a profound knowledge of Greek, besides that of mathematics. That Engel, Reite- ee Humboldt’s Letters. meier, Dohm, and Klein lectured to us for a long time © on philosophy, jurisprudence, and political science, is | known to you. When at the University of Frankfurt ~ (for six months) we lived with Loeffler, who was Pro- fessor there. In Goettingen, both of us were mem- bers (for one year) of the Philological Seminary of Heyne. To my father belonged Tegel (formerly a hunting ~ chateau of the great Elector, and it was consequently — only a leasehold property. Wilhelm first possessed the | place in fee-simple, as a manor; therefore Schinkel — added to it four towers, in order to preserve the old tower erected under the great Elector). Besides this, — he owned Ringenwalde, near Soldin, in the Neumark. | Ringenwalde afterwards belonged to me, then to the — Counts Reeden and Achim Arnim. Wilhelm, at the time of his death, possessed Tegel, Burgoerner, and — Auleben (acquired by his wife, as the fiefdom of the Dacheroeden family had been abolished), Hadersleben, in the Magdeburg country, and Castle Ottmachau, in Silesia, the dotation given to him after the Paris peace. | The Sonnet I., 394, refers to a second child, I believe, which Frau von Humboldt lost when at Rome. One was buried in Paris, I conjure you do not mention to the author anything as coming from me. He would inevitably state it in a | | ) | Humboldt’s. Letters. tae the preface, and then I should become responsible for a great many things which I dread. Pardon the stercoran-like* loquacity. A. Hr. Nore BY VARNHAGEN.—He probably had just read of the Ster- coranists in Strauss’s “ Glaubenslehre.” Hence this allusion. 65. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. THURSDAY, 31st March, 1842. On my return from Potsdam with the King I received the “Loa-Tseu,” a work with a peculiar flavor of ante- Herodotian antiquity. Your note accompanying the Chinese philosopher impresses me painfully. I find that you have not yet received the courage arising from a consciousness of restored physical strength. That the vigor of your intellect never suffered is shown in each of your letters. I think I have not lost any of them. About a week ago I wrote you a long one of four pages about that “ Christianly-dogmatising philosopher,” and my reply to the inquiries of the “ Biographer,” who pestered me with his pietistic curiosity. Did that letter come to hand safely? It contained also much chit-chat * The Stercoranists are those who believe that the Host is subject to digestion.—7r. 128 Humboldt’s Letters. on my brother’s first erudition. You don’t make any mention of my talkativeness. I trust it will not be a source of trouble to me. We have succeeded with Buelow. He may be here next Saturday. It may be the beginning of something good; or the end of it—le bouquet—the stage effect of foot-lights. I met with Tholuk and Bekedorff yesterday at Potsdam at dinner. No other occasion would have favored me with their apparition. With constant devotion yours, A. Hr. 66. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 6th, 1842. Srvce the inquisitorial sentence against Bruno (Bauer) has been so presumptuously published, I deem it my duty to retain your Strauss no longer. I return you- that remarkable book, which caused me to indulge in much meditation. Accept my best thanks. The method of the author is excellent; it makes us ac- quainted with the whole history of the faith of our time, particularly so with the jesuitical trick of so many people who declare publicly their belief in and their adherence to all the dogmas of the Christian mythology, after the fashion of Schlciermacher, and after having Humboldt’s Letters. | 129 “drained the chalice,” are followed to the grave by a solemn cortege of court equipages, although in fact they had always discarded the orthodox belief and sub- stituted for it pseudo-philosophical interpretations. What displeases me very much in Strauss is his frivo- lous manner of speaking of natural sciences, which makes him accept without hesitation the formation of organ- ism from inorganisms, and which enables him to easily believe in the origin of man as springing from the primitive sod of Chaldea. That he seems to think very little of the blue regions on the other side of the grave I might cheerfully forgive him; the more so, as we are the more agreeably and willingly surprised when we expect little. As for you, you fortunate man, it could have caused no surprise. How purely Spanish and revolt- ing in the present inquisitorial formula was the sentence that ‘ The culprit would admit himself.” Neque aliud aut qui eadem saevitia usi sunt, nisi dedecus sibi atque reges illis gloriam peperere. | I send you a copy of “Don Juan.” It shows beauty of language, also a rich imagination. Iam anxious to hear how you are pleased with it. The constitutional Roi des Landes* repeatedly said _ yesterday at dinner in the presence of forty people: The professors of Goettingen had talked of their patriot- * King Ernest Angust of Hanover. G* 130 Humboldt’s Letters. ism in an address to him. Professors, he said, have no country at all. Professors, prostitutes, and dancers may be had every where for money; they go to the highest bidder. What a shame to call such a fellow a German Prince ! With faithful attachment, yours, A. Hr. WEDNESDAY Nieut. S67. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April Tth, 1842. Our unknown friend is very amiable. I have lost all apprehension. You have a balm for every wound. I will show you, with pleasure, the few lines, which fell, as it was intended they should, into the King’s hands on the following morning. I chose that circuitous way, because it enabled me to write more freely, and to openly show my dissatisfaction. The thing is now in a better way, but it is not yet irrevocably dismissed. I must entreat you, therefore, most fervently, not to give the lines in question out of your hand. They would irrevocably be inserted in the papers, and that would seriously injure my efforts in a good and important cause, The King sent for me at a very early hour; and his Humboldt’s Letters. 131 thanking me very cordially for my frank exposition does him much honor. I did not go to Potsdam to-day, because I wished to advocate in the full board of the Academy the election of Mr. Riess, the Jewish philosopher, as a member. His election is very honorable to the Academy. There were only three black balls. To-morrow I shall be with the King till Sunday. I will try to hunt up some interesting autograph—some- thing poetical (by Wilhelm von Humboldt)—for Stutt- gart. All that I possess are unfortunately but copies. Take care of your health, dear friend, it is not firmly restored, Yours, A. v. HumsBo.pr. TuHursDay NiguHrt. 6s. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, June 24th, 1842. Your kind remembrance, honored and gifted friend, was very beneficial to me—the more so, as I have returned from Sans Souci rather unwell, affected by a cold; and as Iam involved in all the miseries of moving into a detestable house in the Siberian ward of the city, 1 32 Humboldt’s Letters. the Oranienburger Strasse, I have not even an ink#and ™ on my table. At present, nothing more than my best thanks. I have told Marheineke myself how dear he is tome. A thunderstorm, in the form of a cabinet order, suddenly growling through the papers, and exhibiting a few flashes of censorial absurdities, would be preferable to that impracticable law, the assigning of a Grand Inqui- sitor to the liberty of the press. We have so much to say to each other, I hope to see you yet before your departure. Think only of the enlivening presence of four Crown-Princes and throne-successors—one lame in the knees, and pale; the other a drunken Icelander; the third blind, and politically raving; and the last capricious and infirm in intellect. And this is the approaching generation of the monarchical world. Yours, A. Hr. I accompany the King to the Rhine. That I had no mind to become a mere color-stand at Petersburg will be understood by you. The Chancellor has always the pleasure of being the subject of vulgar recrimination on the part of those who are either not invited or refused” admittance to the banquet. What an excitemest, vflass beads, peacock plumes, and ribbons can stir up among et...» * Allusion to the new order—pour le mérite. Humboldt’s Letters. = 133 _. Nore py VarnHAGEN.—Marheineke’s article on the Anglican church - in the “Jahrbuecher fuer wissenschaftliche Kritik,” with a couple of eensorial blunders. On the 26th June, 1842, Varnhagen writes in his diary about the new order :—“ Humboldt tells me much about the foundation of the new order. The King had at first composed a list, in which he had written the names with Sanscrit letters. This list was referred for advice to Humboldt, Eichhorn, Savigny, Thiele; then it was altered many times; new names were added and others stricken out—the indecision lasted six weeks. Originally the King had decided for forty-six members, to correspond with the number of years embraced by the reign of Frederick the Great. Afterwards he thought of adopting forty, but was afraid of doing so, on account of the ‘ plaisanteries’ about the number ‘ qua- rante’ in the French Academy ; at last he limited the number to thirty. All was managed by the King in his own way. Arago was originally placed on the list by the King. He insisted upon Metternich as his particular choice. Rumohr was abandoned. Steffens was, in the opinion of the King, not deserving ‘ enough—neither as philosopher nor as a naturalist.? Liszt was decidedly favored by the King, and no objections could preyail. Spontini was thought of, but Savigny and the cabinet counsellor, Mueller, succeeded in displacing him. Moore was objected to as having written satirical verses on 134 Humboldt’s Letters. Prussia. ‘That is not at all my business,’ said the King. Melloni was opposed as being a Carbonaro, and having been at the head of a revolutionary Junta. ‘I do not care the least about that, said the King. ‘I would confer the order on O’Connell, ifhe possessed such scientific merits” The King proposed Raumer and Ranke. Eichhorn and Savigny assented only to Ranke, and thereupon both were dropped. Notwithstanding the view taken in Melloni’s, Moore’s, and Arago’s cases, Schlosser the historian was rejected on account of his political views (?). Metternich had railed at the ‘ bishop- ric of Jerusalem.” Now to insure the new order against the same fate, he was to be nominated a member of it —this is deemed the ‘secret motive,’ in Humboldt’s opinion. And for Metternich’s sake Uwaroff was left out, for with him the other would not have been the sole representative of his species. Link was weighed, but found wanting.” On the 27th June, 1842, Varnhagen makes the fol- lowing addition to his notes of yesterday: “ Humboldt told me he had informed the King in advance of the intention of the Academy of Sciences to elect Mr. Riess, a Jew, one*of their members, and that the King had replied he would confirm the election unhesitatingly. *T will hope, he added, ‘your brother has not com- mitted the folly of writing in the by-laws a clause Humboldt’s Letters. 135 against Jews becoming members of the Academy ?’ Minister Eichhorn knew that the King would not create any difficulty in the matter, but he himself disliked it, and he thought it likely that Thiele, Rochow, Stollberg, and others, would also be displeased at it ; therefore he left the application of the Academy, to have their elec- tion confirmed by the King, unattended to for six weeks, and then wrote a letter, by which he inquired of the Academy, whether they were aware that Riess was a Jew? The Academy, indignant at this inquiry, replied unanimously, that they were only ruled by the by-laws, in concurrence with which the election had taken place, and they therefore repudiated the minister’s inquiry as inappropriate and impertinent. Eichhorn pocketed the insult, and reported the application to the King, who at once confirmed the election ; feeling, however, a little disinclined to approve, at the present day, what Frede- rick the Great had refused. Frederick the Great had declined to confirm the election of Moses Mendelssohn, out of regard, as it is believed, for the Empress Cathe- rine of Russia, who was a member of the Academy, and who was presumed to be averse to such a colleague.” On the 30th of August, 1842, Varnhagen remarks in his diary: “‘ Humboldt tells me miserable things of Eichhorn. Talks also much of the King, his amiability, good humor, jocoseness. He thinks, however, he will 1 26 Humboldt’s Letters. not relinquish his favorite views, even when he seems to abandon them. The King was more satisfied with Count Maltzan than with any one else of his ministers; he placed full confidence in him—believed him capable of anything. We had a dispute about the signification of the word ‘ingenious,’ and how far it could be applied to the King. Humboldt thinks the King intends going to Greece, and to extend his journey to Jerusalem. It was to be feared, however, that the parsons would at last get control of him, and destroy his cheerfulness. Hum- boldt goes to Eu on business, with the King of France ; then to Paris. Will be back at Berlin in December.” Varnhagen speaks of a call made by Humboldt after his return from Paris, in his diary of the 18th March, 1848, as follows: ‘Humboldt came to see me; he looks much older since I last saw him, but his spirit and courage are fresh. In Paris he was happy and gay; here his spirits sank at once. Things here were going on miserably, he says; the old beaten track—treat- ing matters of dangerous character in a spirit of childish frivolity. And besides that, he is overrun with applica- tions and requests ; every one wishes to secure his influ- ence! ‘Influence!’ said he; ‘nobody has any! Even Bunsen and Radowitz, the King’s favorites, have none. All that they are capable of is to anticipate the weak fancies of the King, and obey them. Should they attempt anything beyond this, their overthrow is cer- Humboldt’s Letters. ey tain. The King acts just as he pleases. He fol- lows the impulses of his early received and firmly rooted impressions, and the advice which he may now and then think worthy of hearing, is nothing at all to him. He speaks contemptuously of Eichhorn and Savigny, as hypocritical menials, who receive the word of command from Thiele, from Gerlach, and from Heng- stenberg. The King has relinquished nothing whatever of his cherished designs, and may, at any time, come out again with them, as with his designs regarding the Jews’ observance of the Sabbath, the Anglican ordina- tion of the bishops, and the new institutions of nobi- lity, etc. He has. projects which it would take a hundred years to accomplish. He contemplates immense constructions, outlaying of parks, enterprises in matters ofart. There is already the question of going to Athens; in the background a pilgrimage to Jerusalem may be looming ; triumphant promenades a /a Napoleon; peace- able ones to London, to St. Petersburg, to the Orient ; conquered scholars and artists, instead of countries. Love of art and imagination upon the throne, fanati- cism and deceit all round, and hypocritical exaggeration in matters unworthy of attention. And with all this, the man is really ingenious, is really amiable, and inspired by the best intentions. What will come out of all this at last ?” 138 Humboldt’s Letters. 69. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 3d, 1842. Ir I have appeared slow in thanking you, my dear friend, for your delightful present, it is because all my leisure time at Potsdam was absorbed by the perusal of your biography, beginning with your early youth and terminating with your description of the Congress of Vienna. To have had such a development as yours is a gratifying advantage. It is instructive to follow the career of men like you and to behold them acting before our eyes. How unjust’ we once were in our opinions of the men who undertook to rearrange Europe at that great Con- gress—I mean to say how much more did we then exact in our unjust views, while at present, on comparing the members of that Congress with the mediocre creatures of to-day, they appear great in our recollection. In their place we have now court-philosophers, missionary- devoted ladies of state ministers, court theologians, and sensation preachers,..... Minister Buelow complains that you never came to see Humboldt’s Letters. 139 him en famille between the hours of 8 and 9. He will hold his public reception to-morrow, Tuesday evening, - and you would be an ornament to his circle. He never sends letters of invitation to those who know how welcome they are to him. : Monpay. A. v. Humpotpr. 70. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. TUESDAY, June 13th, 1843. ExcusE me, dear friend, for being prevented by the absence of Reimer, by my own eternal distractions and pendulum-like movements, as well as by some little prepa- rations for an excursion to Pomerania, from sending you the two new volumes of Wilhelm’s works.” I know that you are little pleased with the commentary on Hermann and Dorothea. It would have been preferable, to be sure, had he extended it into a pamphlet on epics; but you perceive even in the Kawi book how that great ge- nius always deduced general law from special instances. The sonnets are full of grave pathos and depth of senti- ment. I shall call to embrace you, and to ask you the surest way of sending a copy to Mr. Thomas Carlyle ? 140 Humboldt’s Letters. A. seems unreliable, and Buelow’s despatches cannot be overloaded. Ishall thank Mr. Carriere personally. The *‘ fossil” minister, I am told, has given evidence of his vitality by an amiable letter to you! My life is also described “ dans les biographies redigées par un homme de rien,” in which I am pictured as a socially-mali- cious beast. Such things will not kill, nor will they improve a man either. Always faithfully yours, A. v. Hz. 71. BERLIN, June 26th, 1843. I am sure, dear friend, to afford you some enjoyment by communicating to you (to you alone) a fragment of a new volume by Eckermann. Remarkable adoration of youthful vigor as the divine source of productiveness. This is simply the adoration of an old man. Napoleonic worship unrestrained by moral considerations. I most fervently entreat you, not to show the sheet to our child, also not to talk with Brockhaus about what Eckermann has confided to me. It might possibly damage him, and he is already unfortunate. I am con- fident the two last volumes will have come to your hands through Buschmann, The weather was very Humboldt’s Letters. 141 favorable for our journey north. Such journeys are the best means to deceive princes regarding public opinion. I have made a little speech, out of a window, to the young men upon “ The intellectual ties”—which inde- pendent of “space” beget a just interpretation of liberal ideas, and an unfading confidence in the advancement of humanity. You may read the speech in the Staats Zeitung, as I wrote it down after delivery, a necessary precaution, as my daily increasing friends would have perverted it. I read a part of “Custine” to the King. He is infinitely ingenious and magnificent in style. I have read but two volumes, and of these I prefer the first, which portrays a modern greatness of tragical events in a masterly manner. With devotion, yours, A. vy. Humsotpr. Please send me back Eckermann. 72. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. TUESDAY, June 27th, 1843. I am afraid, my dear friend, that you might come to Tegel next Thursday and find nobody at home. Buelow 142 Humboldt’s Letters. | will take leave of the King to-night and expects to start to-morrow—W ednesday—for Schlangenbad. His wife and two oldest daughters are going with him. I write this in view of the impossibility of my embracing you before your departure. The torchlight procession at Dusseldorf could shed light on many a thing. I enclose the little speech for you, as you like to preserve every- thing concerning your friends. Yours, A. Hr. < 73. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Sans Sovcr, August 27th, 1843. How could I be, my dear friend, otherwise than alive to the duty of thanking you at once for your precious gift, and for the affectionate souvenir of one whose life is gradually vanishing? I know nothing more graceful in composition, in sympathy of concep- tion, in elegance of language, and in appropriate scenic surroundings, than your “ Lebensbdilder,” which serve at the same time as correct commentaries upon all the valuable literature of our time. How generous you are Humboldt’s Letters. 143 when you mention me, and even my most insignificant words! I have often followed you through the three volumes, over those beaten, but still delightful paths; but nothing pleases me more in this “sylva sylvarum” than your dignified and just remarks on the historical blunder as to the “ truly Germanic” distinction of poli- tical classes, ii., p. 256-272. You will observe that my political “ ire” is still the same; that I am always very much attached to this life, having learned from you that, according to Kant’s doctrine, there is not much to boast of after our disso- lution. “The budding twig starting up in the regions of northern empires” (I am satirical now) has been but poorly acclimated; and I have little time to spare, having already waited fifty-three years....... The Germans will yet have to write many more books on ‘liberty. The card-playing man—ii., p. 157—will again cause some excitement in the environs of my “hill.” I believe I have discovered some “ moderation,” which, however, one does not like to mention. The words, *‘ that miserable fellow,” are no longer heard. You see how much I love to read your writings—and not through fear. A. v..H. We have not yet talked of Custine’s book. The first volume is an eloquent and sprightly description (of dra- 144 - Humboldt’s Letters. matic scenes), and is the best done. What a startling effect such a book must have, even on those who detest justifying themselves. “Il y a des longueurs de décla- mations,”—something of rhetorical blackening, which is tiresome. I find the publication of the hypertragical letter (of Princess Trubetzkoi) very wrong. Were it not for the irritation necessarily caused by the publication of this letter, we might have looked for some salvation from a new petition. What justification is there for risking: so much, even for murder? I am also disgusted by the worship of those literary trifles by Mad. de Girardin and Mad. Gay. Such worship could, perhaps, be allowed in a beautiful Grand-Duchess. That the “ Saint-Simonism” was invented by a Prus- sian business-man, amuses me very much. As it con- cerns Konigsberg, I will keep it secret. 7. HUMBOLDT TO THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA. BERLIN, Dec. 29, 1843. Your Royat Hicgunsss: I wave the honor, most humbly, to inform you that the box containing the universal siderial clock of the inven- tors, D. and H.v. A , together with your gracious” Humboldt’s Letters. 145 orders, has duly been delivered to me. I shall do in the matter what will be agreeable to you. The two officers, in a letter dated Temesvar, 13th of December, gave me notice of the arrival of the instruments, naively adding “That I should try to procure for the inventors some military decoration from His Majesty the King ‘the universal physician, of all arts and sciences.” To obtain, however, such a “ universal panacea,” from the “ universal physician,” the gentlemen must address his majesty a few words themselves. The so-called universal siderial clocks had much reputation in the middle ages; in the present state of astronomy, how- ever, they are never used in observatories, where the astronomer makes the calculations himself. Such graphic inventions in that line cannot therefore be recommended as deserving reward unless the inventors address themselves in person to the monarch. These rules are observed even when books are presented, which meet with no acknowledgment unless accom- panied by a letter. Under these circumstances I hope that your Royal Highness will approve of my writing to Lieutenant H. v. A., thanking him for his confidence, and requesting him, for his own sake and that of his friend, to write some letters to his majesty the King, in which he may refer to me. To secure the delivery of the letter at Temesvar your Royal Highness will gracefully be pleased 7 146 Humboldt’s Letters. to direct it under your seal to the ambassador, General von Canitz. I shall have the box opened at the obser- vatory in the presence of Professor Enke, and charge him, as is usual in such cases, to make a report for the private cabinet. Although the word “ ingenious” cannot be applied to instruments the construction of which is not strictly original, I will nevertheless try to obtain, through my representations, a small dose of “the universal panacea.” In deepest devotion, I remain Your Royal Highness’s most humble servant, A. v. Humsoxpr, 75. Monpay, Jan. ist, 1844, I am in haste to tell you, as the Potsdam train is about starting, dear friend, in spite of your incognito, that the King, previous to the soap bubbling, lead melting, and to the angelic chorus in the cathedral, and the en- trance of the watchman,* received and enjoyed very * The usual festivities in family circles on New Year's night in Ger- many.—Tr. Humboldt’s - Letters. 147 much the charming gift. It is a group full of grace and sweetness of composition; it is heaven reflected in earthly love. The King instantly guessed it to be the work of those young fairies, Bettina’s cygnets, and wanlal like to offer his thanks. A. v. Hr. Privatissime——I expressed some doubts about that hieroglyph distinguishing the male swan from the fe- male. The King thinks me, however, quite “arriéré” as to the changes which art-life has made in modern educa- tion. Norte BY VaRNHAGEN.—Bettina von Arnim had given me a deli- cate and beautifully executed drawing, representing a naked girl and a naked lad standing under a tree, in the foliage of which a nightin- gale is singing, which she requested me to send anonymously to Mr. vy. Humboldt, asking him to present it also anonymously to the King as a New Year’s present. The nakedness of the male figure might in- deed appear rather shocking, although it would have been pardonable in one like Bettina, but that the King could suppose it the work of her daughters is rather too strong, unless by this pretence he meant to convey a rallying correction to Bettina. ’ On the ist of April, 1844, Varnhagen wrote in his diary: “ After a long interruption, a visit from Hum- boldt at last. He told me all that occupies his mind. He is striving to do what he can, but this is not much, 148 - Humboldt’s Letters. and after all, the man of seventy-four years is but a man of seventy-four. He himself refers significantly to his advanced age. His manifold duties are a heavy charge upon him, although he is reluctant to abandon them,’ The Court and its society are to him like a tavern of habitual resort, where one is wont to pass one’s evening, and to drink one’s glass. The King, says he, busies himself with nothing but his whims, and these have, for the most part, a spiritual, nay, an ecclesiastical, ten- dency—worshipping, building churches, concocting mis- sions. He cares very little about earthly affairs. It seems immaterial to him whether Louis Philippe’s death causes a crisis; what may happen after Metter- nich’s death, or how Russia behaves with us. To all this he is indifferent ; he scarcely thinks of it. Whoever has secured his favor and nourishes his fancies plays a sure game. Bunsen, Radowitz, and Canitz stand highest in his favor. Stollbefg comes only in the second rank. Besides, there exists the greatest carelessness and distraction. Rueckert had congratulated the Queen upon her recovery, in some very beautiful stanzas. They were found delightful; but the propriety of © acknowledging such an offering by a word of thanks was overlooked, until at last it occurred to the Queen. Rueckert was then sent for, but had been gone some three weeks. Schelling is received scarcely once a year by the King. Having secured him, he Humboldt’s Letters. 149 cares but little for him. Steffens, too, whom he likes, is seldom invited. Reumont belongs to the exceptions ; he secures a small share of the favoritism of Bunsen and Count Bruehl. There is much sneering at .... about his dancing, &c. Humboldt said once, he was green, if not quite yellow, whereupon the King answered: ‘At... . every one had that complexion.’ Bunsen has not grown much wiser: he proposed to the King to purchase California, to send missionaries there, &c. He strongly supports the schemes of Madame von Helfert ; he had a mind to send his own son with her, and to contribute £12,000 of his own means for the establishment of settlements in the East Indies (!), with the view, of course, to open a field for missionaries ; he withdrew, however, his offers when he saw that the King’s co-operation was doubtful. In the meantime Mrs. Helfert could not obtain more than ten thousand thalers from the King. Minister Rother succeeded in frus- trating her plot ; he could not help, however, sending two agents to examine and to report on the state of the pos- sessions of Mrs. Helfert in the East Indies. It was also attempted to induce the King to take part in the colo- nization of Texas—always in connexion, of course, with religious interests. Humboldt had written previously to Bunsen, in strong terms, advising him to warn Eich- horn, and to point out to him the hatred which his. actions awakened, and which also reflected upon the 150 Humboldt’s Letters. King. When he met Bunsen here he expressed himself ‘in the same way, arguing in forcible but fruitless lan- guage. Bunsen, who talked with him with great interest on Egypt for two hours, did not answer a word, but rose and wentaway. Humboldt believes him vain enough to accept a ministry. It seems to me that Humboldt is much too familiar with Bunsen, and shows him too much friendship. The Queen, says Humboldt, has no Catholic tendencies; on the contrary, she is an arch- Protestant, and even more of a fanatic than the King himself, whom she is constantly urging in this direction. — She would have more influence if she better understood the management of matters. In the evening Humboldt sent me the work : ‘ Russie, Allemagne et France,’ par M. Fournier, Paris, 1844, with a very amiable letter, inclosing eighteen precious autographs by Arago, Metternich, Peel, Stanley, Réca- mier, Balzac, Prescott, Brunel, Herschel, Bresson, Helene d’Orleans, Duchesse de Dino, and four confi- dential good-humored notes of the King. A brilliant present !” Humboldt’s Létters. an 76. f HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, April 1st, 1844. I HAVE a mind, my noble friend, to impart some enjoyment to you to-night by a few insignificant gifts, ' accompanying the horrible Ruthenic venom beneath enclosed.* I know that I am personally flattered in all the inclosed letters with the exception of that from Solingen; but this cannot prevent my offering what may be interesting to you. You will find the following letter from 1. Lord Stanley, the present minister, to whom I had recommended the cousin of our Dieffenbach, the author of a highly commendable journey to New Zealand. This traveller was implicated in the rebellion at Frank- fort, wherefore it was difficult to get him an engage- ment in Germany. If travelling were still a business of mine I could not desire a better companion. : 2. The “ Presumption” from Solingen. *The work of Mare Fournier: Russie, Allemagne et France. Paris, 1844. 152 Humboldt’s Letters. 8. A very interesting letter of Count Bresson, the ambassador of France, dated Feb. 6, 1839. 4, A very amiable letter from Arago, when I had dedicated him the “ Examen de Vhistoire de la geogra- phie du 15 Siécle.” I don’t recollect having given you anything else of Arago. 5. A note written by the King, at a time when he assisted me in obtaining the pardon of young “ dema- gogues.” The note refers to the prosecution of young Hoeninghaus, for whom my efforts were successful. The letter of the Crown-Prince shows a noble indignation against Kamptz and his accomplices. 6. A letter of the Duchess of Orleans. 7. A letter of the King of Denmark. Simultaneously with Arago I had recommended Hansen, the great lunar calculator at Gotha, tothe King. Our petition was granted. Arago received also avery amiable autograph from ‘Christianus Rex,” once constitutional King in Norway. 8. Another note of the Crown-Prince, good-humored and witty. He wished very much to have Metter- nich accept the Presidency, pour mettre la société en bonne odeur a Rome ou elle passe pour Bunso- hérétique. ! 9. A letter of the Duchess de Dino, now Duchesse de Talleyrand. She has been created Duchess of Sagan lately. Humboldt’s Letters. 153 10, 11. Two good-humored letters more of the King. Le Seehund, the recommendation of a rather rough Danish sea captain, who declared his willingness to take two naturalists around the globe at the rate of 2500 rixthalers a head (a little high). The plan was a failure. Le Seigneur Cados, ministre Séeretaire d’Etat of the watchmaking Due de Normandie, who addressed to the Crown-Prince a complaint about the indecent manner in which he was treated by the Staats-Zeitung. 12. From Brunel, the hero of the tunnel. 13. A letter of Sir John Herschel, full of flattering expressions. ; 14. Mr. de Balzac. 15. Sir Robert Peel. Somebody had written me, from Oxford, that Robert Brown, the first botanist of Europe, had got suddenly into money difficulties, and that Peel, on my intercession, would grant him one of the four only pensions accorded to savans by Parlia- ment. I recommended him and was successful. 16. Mad. Récamier. I am sure you have already several letters from her. 17. A letter from Prince Metternich, to be added to the number of those which you have already from him. 18. The illustrious American historian, Prescott. In your hands all will be safe, even what I myself would destroy from wantonness. I entreat you, dear friend, rm f 154 Humboldt’s Letters. not to tell anybody that I gave you the King’s notes, however insignificant they are. It would injure me. With old veneration, yours, A. von Humspo3prT. Monpay EVENING. Tes J. W. T. TO HUMBOLDT. H6FGEN, NEAR SoLINGEN, March 12st, 1844. Your Excellency will not be offended at the liberty I take of writing you. Some time ago I read in the newspapers that somebody of Koenigsberg is said to have written you about secrets of nature, referring to photographs taken in the dark. I presume, therefore, that your Excellency is a naturalist and has friends who are likewise so. As I also have made important dis- coveries in secrets of nature, which my present business will not allow me to pursue, I wish to have an oppor- tunity of speaking with you about them. Perhaps we can be useful to each other. I am perfectly willing to make the journey to Berlin, in order to see you. May it please your Excellency to write me as soon as possible at what time I can call on you at Berlin, if you have no objection to my visit. Humboldt’s Letters. 155 In hope that you will favor me with an answer, I am, with due respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient, oo Wd. Mr. Gottfried H., merchant at Berlin, can give you information, if required, as to my standing and character. Nore or HumMBoLpt.—The presumption of the writer, arising from the perusal of a newspaper, that I might be a naturalist, is a fact. I am guilty of having published some books on Natural History as early as 1789. 78. COUNT BRESSON, FRENCH AMBASSADOR, TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, February 6th, 1839. Dear ExcELLeNcy,—I am happy to be able to send you to-day an article worthier of you than that of yes- terday. Keep this number “Des Débats.” I do not file them. The remark of Mr. M. V. L—— on the “Nescio quis Plutarchus” is puerile. Besides, excepting this, his article is inspired by a just appreciation of your glory, which is ours as well, and which we claim as such. 156 Humboldt’s Letters. Pray, dear Excellency, receive my affectionate and respectful homage. BRESSON. P.$.—I had just finished this note when yours of this morning reached me. I shall keep it all my life, as well for its being a true historical monument, as for the precious title of friend which you deign to give me. It is true, alas! we shall see, if God grants us life, a great many things; but may it be His will that we shall never see again events like those which have already swept over our country, by sapping the power of the King. Yet the Coalition works in this direction with all its might. It is a fit of madness which reminds me- of 1791. These plotters are Girondists in embryo, whom we would have loved; and they will be the first _to be buried under the ruins of the edifice which they are undermining. Does it, then, require a great effort of reasoning to perceive that the King is the cementer of all things, that he keeps us out of chaos, and that upon his living or dying the state of affairs wholly depends? Let us ask conscientiously, does our danger to-day come from him? Shall an order of things, acquired with so much trouble, established with so much labor—shall it be sacrificed to the renown of a few men, or to the vain theories inapplicable to France, serviceable at the best only in England, where they are consecrated by age, Humboldt’s Letters. 157 and, what is still better, administered by the enlightened upper classes. D., who is a man of sound intellect, writes me that he believes in the happy issue of the ministerial crisis. Mr. Molé has changed his determina- tion not to resume office; he will do so if there is a majority of thirty-six or forty votes secured to him. The Jacqueminot party, which is rendering great ser- vice, is working for this. Here are the adieux, the last ones of Mr. de Talley- rand at Fontainebleau, on the 2d of June, 1838: “ Adieu, my dear Bresson, stay at Berlin as long as you can; you are well off there; do not try to be better off. There will be much commotion in the world; you are young ; you will see it.” I quote these words for you, because they agree with the spirit of your note, for which I thank you once more, and which will become a family title to me. Note sy Humsoipt.—Letter of Count Bresson, French Ambassador at Berlin.—I kept it on account of the few words of Talleyrand. I had written to Mr. Bresson that the situation of France was very serious, that I still believed in peace, because, besides the wisdom of the rulers, there was an expectant treatment of want of energy and timid prudence. That these things, however, could act only for a limited time, and that those who were young, like him, would see in action what was now spreading its deep roots, as the unconscious and inarticulate desires of the nations. 158 Humboldt’s Letters. 72. ARAGO TO HUMBOLDT. Paris, August 19th, 1834, My prar Frrenp—I cannot find words to tell you* Low sorry I am at having caused you a moment’s annoyance. Be persuaded, then, once for all, that what- ever wrongs, real or apparent, you may have experienced at my hands, you will never suffer that of my forgetting how good you have always been tome. The friendship which makes me so happy and proud, and which I have shown to you, shall never be surpassed by yours for me. I wanted, on the occasion of your kindly dedication, to give a public evidence of my friendship, but various circumstances arising out of my position, just now so very difficult and complicated, prevented. I hope, how- ever, that it is only delayed. I am sorry to learn that your health is not satisfac- tory. Mine is very bad; but I care little about it. All that I daily see in this vile world of meanness, servi- lity, and low passion, makes me look with indifference * Arago uses thou and thee in his letter to Humboldt—the evidence of great friendship and intimacy, Humboldt’s Letters. 159 on the events with which men are mostly pre-occupied. The only news that could at present cure me of my spleen, would be that you were coming to Paris. Why have I not found a single word of hope in your letter— even for a distant future ? The scientific world here is in a dead calm. Every- thing has a desponding look. I am going to-morrow to England with Mr. Pentland. Shall I come back with more comforting notions ? Our observatory is elegant, and very commodious. The Ministry decided that a director must be appointed, and I was chosen unanimously. I have under my orders four or five youths, who have the title of assistants, and a salary of 2,000 francs. Under this arrangement, we shall try to achieve something out of the beaten track. Adieu, my dear and excellent friend. Mathieu, who has not yet entirely recovered from a severe disease in his eyes, charges me, as does his wife also, to recom- mend him to your remembrance. Always yours through life, ARAGO. 160 Humboldt’s Letters. so. FOUR NOTES OF FREDERICK WILLIAM THE FOURTH TO HUMBOLDT. I. . 23D DECEMBER, 1836 (at Nighi). THE quasi nameless number* may expect the mildest of sentences. It will, doubtless, be commuted to six months, and three years’ incapacity to hold office. You may therefore send some comfort, at least as a Christmas present, to the faithful Crefeld. Perhaps !!?!1!I shall succeed in procuring the full pardon of this list. It is, however, revolting and horrible to let the poor boy languish so long in a loathsome hole. Leaving the respectability of his parents out of the question, had « they been fools or knaves, it could scarcely be excused. Shall we see each other to-night ? Fr. W. Il. CuerissiuzE Humpotpt, you are acquainted with all: * Humboldt had supplicated for a politically-prosecuted young man, who is alluded to under that designation.—7>. Humboldt’s Letters. 161 the pretenders to all the crowns. Please read the inclosed letter, and inform me who the Seigneur Cados may be—who were his father, mother, and ancestors, and also what are his titles to the crown of France, which I shall certainly try to procure for him? Freperic Guitiaume, Pr. Royal. B. 21 Feb., 1839. Ii. EpisopE from “ The Marriage of Figaro.” Il y manque quelque chose. Quoi ?— Le cachet. Don’t overlook the nice allusion, dearest friend! Your seal must help me out of nearly as great a diffi- culty as that of Countess Almaviva; otherwise the Prince would perceive that I have read all the flattering things which you have so ill-advisedly! said of me. Pour vous divertir, l inclose my letter. Vale. Fr. W. B., 23 March, 1840. (In Humboldt’s handwriting.)}—Autograph of the Prince-Royal of Prussia.—The Prince offered to Prince Metternich the chair as President of the Archzxological Institute at Rome. I was called upon to write a letter to Prince Metternich, which the Prince Royal wanted 162 Humboldt’s Letters. to inclose in his own. As it contained some praises of the Prince, he desired to have it sealed. HuMBo.pr. I was honest and stupid enough not to take a copy of the letter of the King to Prince Metternich. IV; I communicaTE you the inclosed despatch from Copenhagen, to inform you of the new “Seccatura,” which will wait upon you in the shape.of a sea-dog of the Sound, to ask your advice, and assistance as to a voyage around the globe. This letter having no further object, I pray God, Monsieur le Baron de Humboldt, to keep you in his holy and especial care, Given at our Palace at Potsdam, 29th April, 1849 (1843 ?), near midnight. Signed, FREDERIC GUILLAUME. Note OF VARNAHGEN.— Every word exactly as above—to be understood as a joke, Humboldt’s Letters. 163 81, KING CHRISTIAN VIII. OF DENMARK TO HUMBOLDT. CoPpENHAGEN, May 3d, 1843. Monsieur LE Baron DE HumBoxpr: Tue letter which you addressed me the day before you left Paris has called my attention to the lunar tables, for which science is indebted to the labors of Professor Hansen. I have applied to our illustrious astronomer Schumacher, in order to learn what will be . still necessary to complete this important subject. By following his advice it was easy to procure everything necessary for the continuation of the labors, the com- paring of the observations, and when the necessary expenses are once apportioned and allowed, Schumacher expects to be enabled to publish the lunar tables before the expiration of two years. A recompense for efforts devoted to the sciences will no doubt be found in the advancement of science itself; but the approbation of distinguished savans gives us a veritable satisfaction, and we rejoice the more in it when it comes from a man so far superior to others. Always anxious to deserve your approbation, Monsieur le Baron, I wish to be 164 Humboldt’s. Letters. guided by your intelligence, and I shall be happy to be acquainted with the results of your scientific observa- tions, whenever you please to address them to me. With the highest consideration, I am, Monsieur le Baron, your well-affectionate, CuristiaAn R, 82. JOHN HERSCHEL TO HUMBOLDT. CoLLInGwoon, 21st Dec. 1843. HAWKHURST, KENT. My prar Baron: Ir is now a considerable time since I received your valued and most interesting work on Central Asia, which I should have long ago acknowledged, but that I was unwilling, and indeed unable, in proper terms to thank you for so flattering and pleasing a mark of your attention, till I had made myself at least in some degree acquainted with the contents. This, however, the con- tinued pressure of occupations which leave me little time and liberty for reading has not yet allowed me to do otherwise than partially—and, in fact, it is a work of such close research that I despair of ever being able fully to master all its details. In consequence I have Humboldt’s Letters. 165 hitherto limited myself chiefly to the climatological researches in the third volume, and especially to the memoir on the causes of the flexures of the isothermal lines, which I have read with the greatest interest and which appear to me to contain by far the most complete and masterly coup-d’eil of that important subject which I have ever met with. In reading this and other parts of your work on this subject, and of the “‘ Physique du globe” in all its departments—that which strikes me with astonishment is the perfect familiarity and freshness of recollection of every detail, which seems to confer on you in some degree the attribute of ubiquity on the surface of this our planet—so vividly present does the picture of its various regions seem to be in your imagination, and so completely do you succeed in making it so to that of your readers. The account of the auriferous and platiniferous de- posits in the Ural and the zone in 56 lat. has also very much interested me, as well as the curious facts respect- ing the distribution of the Grecian germs in those regions. I could not forbear translating and sending to the “Atheneum” (the best of our literary and scientific periodicals) the singular account of the “monstre” of Taschkow Targanka—(citing of course your work as the source of the history)—in vol. III. p. 597. The idea of availing ourselves of the information con- tained in the works of Chinese geographers, for the 166 Humboldt’s Letters. purpose of improving our geographical knowledge of Central Asia, appears to me as happy as it is likely to prove fertile; especially now that the literature of that singular country is becoming more accessible daily by the importation of Chinese books. What you have stated respecting the magnetic chariots and hodometers of the Emperor Tching-wang—if you can entirely rely on your authority—gives a far higher idea of the ancient civilization of China than any other fact which has yet been produced. In a word, I must congratulate you on the appear- ance of this work, as on another great achievement ; and if—as fame reports—it is only the forerunner of another on the early discovery of America, it is only another proof that your funds are inexhaustible! May you have many years of hedlth and strength granted you to pour them forth; and may each succeeding con- tribution to our knowledge afford yourself as much delight in its production as it is sure to do your readers in its perusal. Miss Gibson writes word that you have more than once enquired of her when my Cape observations will appear. No one can regret more than myself the delay which has taken place, but it has been unavoidable, as I have had every part of the reduction to execute myself, and the construction of the various catalogues, charts, and minute details of every kind consume a world of Humboldt’s Letters. 167 time, quite disproportioned to their apparent extent. However, I have great hopes of being able to get a considerable portion, in the course of the next year, into the printer’s hands. Some of the nebule are already in course of engraving. Perhaps the subject which has given me most trouble is that of the photometric estima- tion of the magnitudes of Southern stars and their com- panions with the Northern ones. A curious fact respect- ing one of them—7 Argus—has been communicated to me from a correspondent in India (Mr. Mackay), viz.: that it has again made a further, great, and sudden step forward in the scale of magnitude (you may perhaps remember that in 1837-8, it suddenly increased from 2. 1 m to equala Centauri). In March, 1843, according to Mr. Mackay, it was equal to Canopus. ‘“ a Crucis,” he says, “‘ looked quite dim beside it.” When I first observed it at the Cape it was very decidedly inferior to a Crucis. Believe me, my dear Sir, ever yours, most truly, J. F. W. Herscue.. I must not forget to wish you a “merry Christmas and many happy returns of the season” in English fashion. 168 Humboldt’s Letters. | 83. BALZAC TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, HOTEL DE LA RUSSIE, 1843. Monsteur Lz Baron :—May I hope on my arrival in Potsdam, next Monday, by the 11 o’clock train, to have the honor of seeing you, for the purpose of presenting my respects. I am merely passing through this city, and you will therefore excuse the liberty I take in announcing the time of my visit. May I hope that you will receive it as a proof of my ardent desire to add some new recol- lections to those of the “ Salon de Gérard.” Should I be so unfortunate as to miss seeing you, this little note will assure you at least of my desire to recall your remembrance of me otherwise than by a card. Be kind enough, then, Monsieur le Baron, to accept the assurance of my most respectful admira- tion of ; Your most humble and obedient Servant, DE BaLzac. Humboldt’s Letters. 169 84. ROBERT PEEL TO HUMBOLDT. WHITEHALL, Sept. 4th, 1843. Dear Baron DE Humeorpr: I was much flattered by your kind attention in trans- mitting for my acceptance your most interesting work on Central Asia. It will be much prized by me, as well on account of its intrinsic value as a token of your per- sonal regard and esteem. There is no privilege of official power the exercise of which gives me greater satisfaction than that of occa- sionally bestowing a mark of Royal favor and public gra- titude on men distinguished by scientific attainments and by services rendered to the cause of knowledge. From the very limited means which Parliament has placed at the disposal of this Court, it has been my good — fortune to be enabled to recognise the merit of Mr. Robert Brown. I have just conveyed to him the inti- mation that Her Majesty has been pleased to confer upon him for his life a pension on the Civil List of two hundred pounds per annum, in recognition of his eminent 8 170 - Humboldt’s Letters. acquirements as a botanist, and of the value of his con- tributions to the store of botanical knowledge. Believe me, dear Baron de Humboldt, with sincere esteem, Very faithfully yours, Rosert PEEL. 85. METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. VIENNA, October, 1843. My Dear Baron: | You were kind enough to present me a copy of your “ Asie Centrale.” I call it your because discoveries lawfully belong to those who make them, and because it is often better to make a discovery than to become the possessor of its results. I have begun the perusal of the work, which is ae those to which I look for mental relaxation, just as minds differently constituted from mine are apt to have recourse to light and futile productions. This is really the case. I often feel the necessity of some relief from my monotonous duties, and it is then that I seek fresh elements of life and vigor in works of profound learning. A book, therefore, like yours, is to me a source of the Humboldt’s Letters. 171 richest enjoyment. I learn, and I love to learn, and I feel no jealousy of your great erudition. What I most admire in your work is “the oathods You understand tracing a line without ever losing sight of it, and therefore you arrive safely at the end— which is not always the good fortune of those who start well enough upon theroad. Please send me the volumes complete—I shall receive them with gratitude. I pray you, dear Baron, accept the assurance of my highest consideration and old attachment, METTERNICH. 8c6. PRESCOTT TO HUMBOLDT. Boston, Dec. 23d, 1843. Str—A book on which I have been engaged for some years, the History of the Conquest of Mexico, is now published in this country, as it was some few weeks since in England; and I have the pleasure to request _ your acceptance of a copy which sails for that purpose from New York in January. Although the main sub- ject of the work is the conquest by the Spaniards, I have devoted half a volume to a view of the Aztec civilisation; and as in this shadowy field I have been 172 Humboldt’s Letters. very often guided by the light of your researches, I feel especially indebted to you, and am most desir- ous that the manner in which my own investigation is conducted may receive your approbation. It will indeed be one of the best and most satisfactory results of my labors. As I have been supplied with a large body of unpublished and original documents for the Peruvian conquest, I shall occupy myself with this immediately. But I feel a great want at the outset of your friendly hand to aid me. For although your great work— the Atlas Pittoresque—sheds much light on scattered points, yet as your Voyage aux régions equinoxiales stops short of Peru, I shall have to grope my way along through the greater part without the master’s hand, which, in the Nowvelle Hspagne, led me on so securely. , The Peruvian subject will, I think, occupy less time and space than the Mexican, and when it is finished I propose to devote myself to a history of the Reign | of Philip the Second. For this last I have been long” amassing materials, and a learned Spaniard has explored | | for me the various collections, public and private, in England, Belgium, France, and is now at work for me in Spain. In Ranke’s excellent history: “ Fursten und Volker von Siid-Europa,? I find an enumeration of several important MSS., chiefly Venetian relations, of — Humboldt’s Letters. 173 which I am very desirous to obtain copies. They are for the most part in the Royal Library of Berlin, and some few in that of Gotha. I have written to our Minister, Mr. Wheaton, to request him to make some arrangements, if he can, for my effecting this. The liberal principles on which literary institutions are con- ducted in Prussia, and the facilities given to men of let- ters, together with the known courtesy of the German character, lead me to anticipate no obstacles to the exe- cution of my desires, Should there be any, however, you will confer great favor on me by giving your coun- tenance to my applications. I trust this will not appear too presumptuous a request on my part. Although I have not the honor of being personally known to you, yet the kind messages I have received from you, and lately through Professor Tell- kampf, convince me that my former publication was not unwelcome to you, and that you may feel an interest in my future historical labours. I pray you, my dear Sir, to accept the assurance of the very high respect with which I have the honor to be Your very obedient servant, Wm. H. Prescorr. 174 Humboldt’s Letters. 87. MADAME DE RECAMIER TO HUMBOLDT. PaRIs, July 28th, 1843. I Frnp no words, dear Sir, to tell you how deeply your letter has affected me. You have spared me the horror of suddenly learning through the papers the painful and unexpected news. Although very much afflicted and suffering I will not lose a moment in expressing my thanks, You are aware, dear Sir, that I had not seen for many years the Prince Augustus. I received, however, continually, evidences of his remem- brance. It was at the most unhappy time of his life that I made his acquaintance at Madame de Staél’s, where he encountered so much generous sympathy. Alas! of that brilliant and spirited circle at the Chateau Coppet, he was the only survivor. There now remains to me no other souvenir of my youth and my past than the beautiful ‘ tableau de Corinne,” the noble and affecting sentiments of which have cheered and adorned my retirement. I have not the courage, Sir, to pro- long this letter, and to answer the interesting details with which yours concludes. Allow me to speak to-day only of my sorrow, of my gratitude, and my admiration. J. R&caMiEr. Humboldt’s Letters. 175 8s. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. August 31st, 1844. I rrust that the following autographs will prove wel: come to you:—(A) Bettina under the indictment; (B) two copies of my very brief speech ; (C) two letters of Spontini, with strange allusions to Prince Wittgenstein, Count Redern, full of hatred against Meyerbeer, toge- ther with my earnest reply to it; (D) a letter of Gay- Lussac, when he was so dangerously injured by an explosion; (E) a very humane letter of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Always respectfully yours, A. v. Humsorpr. Saturpay NIGHT. so. LEOPOLD, GRAND-DUKE OF TUSCANY, TO HUMBOLDT. FLORENCE, July 20th, 1844. Dearest Count : Tux Professor of Botany, Philip Parlatore, is about to 176 Humboldt’s Letters. leave for Berlin, and I cannot resist charging him with a letter to you, dear Count, expressive of my thanks for the recommendations whereby you have enriched Tus- cany with several illustrious men. You (the father and patron of natural science) knew Mr. Parlatore, and your good opinion was sufficient to secure him the appointment at Florence, where he is now the Botanic Director of the Museum, and President of the Botanic Central Institute, which owes its existence to him. Another professor of physics was recommended by you, Professor Matteucci. He is a true investigator of nature. Not only leading science, he constructs instru- ments for its interrogation, and is on the road to import- ant discoveries. He is now on a little excursion to recuperate his strength after his too fatiguing labors. I do not know that he will be fortunate enough to meet you, for whom he feels so much veneration and grati- tude. Our University of Pisa has brought together all that is distinguished in physical science—and the fruits are maturing. At Florence the practical studies in the grand hospital contribute greatly towards keeping medicine and sur- gery in the legitimate direction of natural science, sup- ported by observation and experience. The congress of the “ Amateurs of Science in Italy” will also produce desirable results. Such meetings, politically inoffensive Humboldt’s Letters. 177 as they always are, make science accessible to a great many persons, and establish useful connexions between men of great merit who might otherwise remain unac- quainted. We were told some time ago that you intended descending into Italy. This would have afforded us the utmost happiness, and you would have been received as the true protector of natural science. Believe me always yours, LEOPOLD. 90. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 2d September, 1844. Ir Dr. Prutz, at Halle, in his obnoxious “ Moritz,” had said nothing more than what he puts in the mouth of the clown (page 40), who, speaking of the people, “One should give them two morsels, so that they may wag their tails and crawl back into their cold kennels ;” and at page 53, the poetically fine lines “I conjure you, _ye future monarchs,” one would understand how that wonderful drama, in which Moritz contrives to plunge all his friends into the water that he may have the pleasure simply of fishing them out, dead or alive, but $ ge 178 Humboldt’s Letters. at any rate, cold and wet, could produce an excitement at the present time.* Peruse the manuscript, dear friend, and send it. back to-morrow, Tuesday, before two o’clock. The steps which I intend taking will, however, be unsuccessful. The proceeds of its representation might, with propriety, be given to the inundated, and thus the police might become a hydraulic power, or even a drying machine, Yours, Monpay. A. Hr. 91. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bern, September 6th, 1844. I UNDERSTAND as well as you do, my dear friend, that — the speecht in question must necessarily have produced — a great sensation and excitement in our “north,” as | well as under the sluggish Pole. He really excels in | flowery eloquence. The figures which he presents are | hardly new; but a certain delicacy of expression, and a — * Humboldt refers here to a patriotic drama of Robert Pruts, — ‘Moritz von Sachsen,” the representation of which was forbidden by the Berlin police.—7r. ; + Of the King, at the inauguration of the Provincial States, Humboldt’s Letters. 179 nice perception of the “ harmonious” in oratory, cannot be denied him. There is really something noble in the passion for speaking, upon every occasion, to thousands of people. His generosity in sheltering “high officials under the veil of the royal purple” will be but indiffe~ rently acknowledged. Does he, by this course, deliver over to our assaults those small fry who obscure the day? I am sorry that such a highly-gifted prince, acting under the most benevolent incentives, and pre- serving the full vigor of his mind, which constantly urges him to action, is, in spite of his good intentions, absolutely deceived as to the direction in which the state is impelled. When Parry, with a number of Esquimaux dogs, had started for the North Pole, dogs and sledge were continually driven forward. When, however, the sun broke through the mist, so that the latitude could be taken, it was ascertained that the expedition had unwittingly been carried backward several degrees. A floating field of ice, drifting in a southerly current, was the surface on which they seemed to advance, Our ministers are the drifting, icy surface, And may not the current be “the dog- matische Missions-Philosophie ?” A. v. Hr. It is now certain that the Empress (of Russia) will not come. The King will, on the 15th, be in Sans Souci. 180 Humboldt’s Letters. 92. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Sept. 13th, 1844. I must be in a few moments at the Stettin depdt to meet the King, who arrives at 9 o’clock. Thence I go for a few days to Sans Souci, where I shall, unfortu- nately, celebrate my seventy-fifth birth-day. I say unfortunately, because in 1789 I believed that the world would have solved more problems than it has done. It is true that I have seen a great deal; but very little, indeed, in proportion to my exactions. I have no time to-day to write you about your charm- ing description of your sojourn in Paris in 1810. My good sense led me at once to that page, from which I could inhale the perfume of your friendship. I have learned that I have not yet grown insensible to praise. What a magnificently anti-Scythian spirit the University of Breslau has evinced! How inventive men become under political oppression! Nothing but rope-ladders, loop-holes, disguises to get out into the open air. And when once there, how really German they are in their Humboldt’s Letters. 181 speculations; as to whether they have improved their position. It is with them as with the Prince—“ Tell me whether I am amusing myself.” Yours, A. v. Hz. We insert here an entry in Varnhagen’s diary, dated June 26, 1844, reciting two sharp repartees of Hum- boldt. At the Royal table at Sans Souci, some time ago, Humboldt shot two well-directed arrows from his bow. The conversation turned on some Russian ordi- nance, and Humboldt, in speaking of it, mentioned repeatedly the Minister of Public Instruction. “ You have mistaken, sir,” said the King. “It was not the Minister of Public Instruction who acted in this matter, but the Minister of Enlightenment.” Humboldt, not in the least discountenanced, hastened to reply, “ Very well, Sire; then it was not the Minister of Public Instruction, but of its opposite,” and continued his con- versation in his usual way. The following anecdote is still neater: General Leo- pold von Gerlach, who is fond of badinage, attempted an attack upon Humboldt some time ago, saying to him, “ Your Excellency frequently goes to church, ‘now-a- days,’ do you not?” He hoped to perplex him with the question. Humboldt, however, coolly replied, “ Your ‘now-a-days’ is very kind of you. You allude, undoubt- 182 Humboldt’s Letters. edly, to my adopting the only road which, at present, could lead to my promotion.” The bantering hypocrite was dumb. An entry of a later date (26th December, 1848), speaks of the animosities to which Humboldt was sub- jected in still stronger terms. ‘ Humboldt has called; He remained longer than an hour. He assures me that were it not for his position at Court, he would not be suffered to remain in the country, but would be expelled, so strong is the hatred of the ultras and bigots against him. It can hardly be described; however, they endeavor to discredit him with the King. In other parts of Germany they would still less endure him, were he once divested of the prestige of his position.” 98. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, September 19th, 1844, Can you command courage enough, dear friend, to devote a few moments to a conversation on the present state of French literature? I take the liberty to intro- duce Mr. Jousserandot of Franche Comté, a French novel-writer. He possesses much beard and much good- | natured vivacity. He is the son of a wealthy physician, | Humboldt’s Letters. 183 and was recommended me from Paris. Excuse the importunity, but you must sometimes take your share of the annoyance of being gazed at. A. v. Humso.ipr. THURSDAY. ’ o4, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, TUESDAY, June 3d, 1845. One o'clock, A. M. Aut the mysteries were solved to-night, dearest friend. I received this afternoon from the department of Foreign Affairs, where they were stored up, fourteen parcels pell-mell, misdirected there from Paris and dating from December to May. The first thing we perceived was your handwriting; the parcel was duly directed and contained, well secured under your seal, your important political letter and a parcel for Comtesse d@Agoult, which I remit with the present. I am quite innocent of what has happened. In the Rhine and Moselle Gazette, No. 122 of the 29th of May, lam judged guilty of Voltairianism, denial of all revelations, of conspiring with Marheineke, Bruno Bauer, Feuerbach, nay even of the expedition against 184. Humboldt’s Letters. Luzerne—ipsissimis verbis—and all that on account of my Kosmos, page 381. The King had already been told that my book was the work of a demagogue and an infidel. Whereupon the King wrote me, that he could but say what Alfons said to Tasso: “And so I hold it in my hand at last And call it mine, if I may use that word!” This is poetical and very civil. With the sincerest gratitude, yours, A. v. Humeorpr. 95. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, WEDNESDAY, June 4th, 18465. I RECOGNISED at once from the gracefulness of style the guardian spirit of my feeble literary efforts. I had not yet seen the precious sheet, containing, in addition, the interpretations by Neander. I avail myself of the last moment before breaking up, to write you a preli- minary word of sincerest thanks for one of the most interesting life sketches—for which we are indebted to your brilliant and vivifying pen. You have represented with dignity and magnificence a subject, which popular Humboldt’s Letters. 185 enthusiasm out of mere perverseness has repeatedly de- graded in burlesque prose. Your exquisite art of puri- fying is highly gratifying. — If Siissmilch will graciously permit, I shall try to accom- plish my Kosmos. It is, however, true after all, that at the gates of many a temple of science (History of the World, Geology, Mechanics of the Heavens) black spectres menacingly defend the entrance. Indeed Madame von Hormayr is a very charming lady. With constant devotion and love, yours, A. Humsotpr. 96. BERLIN, June 16th, 1845. I avai myself of the few moments allotted me before going to the railroad station, dear friend, to thank you heartily for your characteristic biography of ‘‘ Hans von Held.” I have read but one half of it, and that imme- diately after having read your “Life of Bluecher.” It is, therefore, but natural that I was filled with admira- tion. How fortunate you are in coloring all the details of military life in the one, and in descrfbing the civil efforts of a people struggling for liberty, in the other book. The fatalistic word “ fortunate,” however, is out 186 Humboldt’s Letters. of place here, because the secret of such successes lies in the clearness of intellect and the intensity of your feel- ings. The whole world, as it is at present, is reflected in your “Held.” Zerboni’s letter on the bloody tragedy in the streets of Breslau, is as eloquently written as it is heart-rending. Such things, however, can’t deter our dull, fanatical, white-livered Polignacs. They will attempt to confirm the first deed of violence and bru- tality by subsequent ones more systematically devised— and all this under the reign of such a King! I am very angry and deeply affected. Moxpay MORNING. A. v. Humpowpr. As I shall have no time for reading during my hasty journey, I have left the instructive book for a few days to Buelow’s, at Tegel. 97. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, THURSDAY, September 4th, 1845. I avam myself of the first moments of my return from Potsdam to joyfully congratulate you on the good effect of the waters on your health. On account of the domes- Humboldt’s Letters. 187 tic misfortunes of my family, my participation in the _ dull and rain-spoiled Court festivities at Bruehl and Stolzenfels was a hard trial for me. I will acquaint Madame von Buelow to-morrow with your hearty sym- pathy. Buelow’s recovery progresses rapidly. Except some weakness of memory, which, however, does not appear for whole days, no change of mind is perceptible ; relaxation, however, retirement, and tranquillity of mind are still necessary. Always conscious of what he owes to his character he resigns. You know, my noble friend, that he demanded his dismissal when Itzstein was violently expelled from Prussia. Public affairs are now in a much worse condition. Buelow’s retirement. from office is a sad event; but the current of affairs in Northern Germany is too strong to be arrested by the effort of one individual. Please inform Professor Fichte that although I am already an unworthy Doctor of Philosophy, I will gratefully accept anything which may be offered me from Wurtemberg’s high-spirited Universities. Yours affectionately, A. v. Humpoxpr. I enclose to your safekeeping a beautiful letter of Prince Metternich, on whom I had called on the Johan- nisberg ; a letter from Lord Stanley, the Minister; and two letters from Jules Janin and Spontini; also a book for the Countess of Stolberg. 188 Humboldt’s Letters. 98. . METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. VIENNA, June 21st, 1845, My pEar Baron: ENcLosED you will find my vote for the future col- league. I expect that you will not look for my assistance beyond the sphere of my principles; but my principles are so strongly influenced by a recommendation from you, that the request and the grant are but one. I have perused your Kosmos and have treated it as is my habit with rich collections. The impression made on me by the work will be best described by the avowal that it caused in my mind two conflicting, or if you like better, two mutually neutralizing sentiments—one of satisfaction at knowing so much, and one of regret at my great ignorance. These sentiments, however, sink into nothingness when compared with the admiration of that knowledge which alone can have enabled you to accom- plish that gigantic enterprise. Knowledge alone, how- ever, would not suffice—and hence I am led to acknow- ledge the full merit of the author—his great power of representation and his method! You have applied Humboldt’s Letters. 189 and dignified in your work the old word discipline, in its relation to science. Would to God, that the true meaning of this word could, in political society, also recover its eternal rights. If my own impres- sions are of but little value, it is different with those of the men of science. Their judgment is overflowing with admiration, and I agree with them in the convic- tion, that you alone of all living men could achieve the task, and that the word Kosmos is the true and appro- priate title of your work. - I told you, that I have perused the first volume of your work, I am now studying it, and I wish to thank you for the really delightful hours, which you have opened to me. I call all these hours delightful which I can snatch from the uninviting field of political distur- bances, and devote to the natural sciences. Accept, dear Humboldt, the renewed assurance of my sincere and well-known consideration. MeErTTERNICH. 99. JULES JANIN TO HUMBOLDT. Srar Hore at Bony, SunDay EveEnine, August 10th, 1845. Dear Str,—I beg and entreat you to do an impos- 190 Humboldt’s Letters. sible thing forme. You are the kindest friend of the literary men of my country, and you have always been the most indulgent of men to me. Please listen, there- fore, to my request. I left Paris a week ago for the express purpose of transmitting to the .“‘ Journal des Débats” a faithful record of the journey of her Majesty the Queen of England along the banks of the Rhine. Before leaving, I had the honor of paying my respects to the King at Neuilly, and of securing his approval of my design. Monsieur Guizot also strongly encouraged me by saying, that hospitality required that an honest and conscientious writer should follow the royal party, and faithfully chronicle these wonderful rambles, which are now interesting and delighting the whole of Europe. Monsieur Guizot gave me, at the same time, letters of introduction and instructions, of which I am proud. The letters are all honorable to me, and my instructions are worthy of the man who gave them. Now, dear sir, assist me. What I wish is, not a pre- sentation to his Majesty, your King, but an admission into the royal circle. Unobserved by all, I myself shall _ see everything, and thus be able to fulfil the mission with which I have been honored. You see that it is the imperious passion, the passion of a feuilletonist, which actuates me. It is true I have no title. But, if one be necessary, you can say that I am the Lieutenant-Colonel of a Legion (militia), that I Humboldt’s Letters. 191 shall appear in a brilliant uniform; and further, that it — is but proper that the writers whom the King invites to his table, and whom he so greatly honors on so momen- tous an occasion, should furnish a report of its chief features, as an authority to which future historians of the time may refer. I am writing, dear sir, under the best auspices— under the auspices of Mr. Meyerbeer. You will make him very happy, I am sure, and with him the whole * Journal des Débats,” which is so much devoted to you, and, in addition, your very humble servant, myself. I shall await with great impatience, but with the most perfect submission, your kind reply. I am sure that, in any event, you will have done all that you honorably could do, to secure me this favor. Please accept, Monsieur le Baron, the humble homage of my devotion and of my profound respect. JULES JANIN. 192 Humboldt’s Letters. 100. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PotspaM, 26th of September, 1845. (To his dear friend, the Privy Councillor von Varnhagen.) Kines anD REPUBLICS. Por lo que desio la conversacion de los Reyes desio la conversacion de ellos dentro de los limites permitidos. Un grave consejero dixd al Rey Don Phelipe II., viendo que iva en diversas ocasiones al poder absoluto: Sefior, Yeconoced 4 Dios en la tierra como en el cielo, por que ne se cause de las monarquias, suave govierno si los Reyes suavemente usan de él.—Cartas de Antonio Perez, p. 545. At the time of the insurrection of the Netherlands there had already been raised the question, ‘“* Whether the Kings were going off.” I translate the passage from Antonio Perez for you. He says: It is because I desire the preservation of monarchs that I advise them to remain in the limits prescribed for them. A wise Coun- sellor said to the King Philip IL., being aware of his ten- dency to absolute power: “ Sire, recognise the supre- macy of God on earth as well as in Heaven, so that Go’ Humboldt’s Letters. 193 may not become tired of monarchies—a very excellent sort of government, if it be used with moderation.” El Dios de cielo es delicado mucho en suffrir com- pafiero en ninguna cosa y se pica del abuso del poder humano. Si Dios se causa de las monarchias, dara otra forma al mundo. The God of Heaven is very jealous about admitting a co-partner in anything whatsoever: He is offended by every abuse of human power. Should God once be tired of monarchies, he will give another form to the political world. ; A. Humsorpr. 101. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PoTspAM, October 2d, 1845. Tue curious little note containing the prophecy “ that God would become tired of kings,” was lying for many days on my desk, awaiting my delivering it to you, in person, my dearest friend. Whenever anything worth reading falls into my hands during the late hours of my solitary study in the chateau here, I always think of you. As I have hitherto been prevented by my efforts 9 194. - Humboldt’s Letters. to arrange the manner of Buelow’s discharge from calling on you, I have thought best to send you, dear friend, the little sheet, under envelope. My reason for quoting this prophecy is, the general state of public affairs, which provokes my highest indignation. Every day discloses something worse. The future looks gloomy and menacing, the greatest carelessness pre- vails. I have just returned from Tegel, where the Buelows would be very happy to see you. They beg especially that you will gratify them next winter by frequent calls at their town residence. In the “ Westminster Review” a certain Dr. Cross says, the style of Kosmos is lengthened, and very indifferent ; the frequent reflection on sentiment was deemed very superfluous by English savans—such a book did not con- tain any thing new. Then follows the denunciation of - Atheism, although “ creation” and the “created world” are never lost sight of nthe book. And did I not, only eight months ago, in the French translation, say, in the plainest terms :—It is this necessity of things, this occult but permanent connexion, this periodical return in the progress, development of formation, phenomena, and events, which constitute Mature submissive to a control- ling power. Physics, as the name itself implies, can only deduce the phenomena of the physical world from the properties of matter; the highest aim of expe- Humboldt’s Letters. 195 rimental science is therefore to ascend to the existence of the laws, and progressively to generalise the same. Whatever lies beyond is no object for physical demon- stration, it belongs to another order of more elevated speculations. Immanuel Kant, one of the few philoso- phers whom no one has yet accused of impiety, has, with rare sagacity, indicated the limits of physical explana- tion in his renowned Essai sur la Théorie et la Construc- tion des Cieux. Koenigsberg, 1755. The conduct of the aldermen is very praiseworthy. It is a pleasure, and a miracle at the same time, to encounter such a degree of public spirit among men differing so much in intellect and culture of mind. It is hatred concentrated against the same object, but it only appears so on the outside. . I confess that I am wrong to have not yet answered so excellent a man as the author of “The Religious — Poetry of the Jews in Spain.” I first wanted to read the book, and the terror of having reached the age of — | seventy-six years on the 14th of September, has plunged me so deeply in my “ Kosmos,” that duties otherwise sacred to me have been neglected. I shall call person- ally on Mr. Sachs, and beg you to excuse me to him in advance; as to justifying myself, that is out of the question, Most respectfully, yours, A. v. Humporpr. 196 Humboldt’s Letters. The sketch on Hormayr, which, in a political view, stops very singularly at 1808, is very interesting. What a mass of writings! one hundred and fifty volumes. 102. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. a BERLIN, October 2d, 1845. I wovtp not like, my dear friend, that a friend of Thiers, whom he has warmly recommended to me, should leave Berlin without having had the pleasure of seeing you. Mr. Thomas, one of the editors of the *“ Revue des deux Mondes,” is the author of a most remarkable work on the ancient provincial constitutions of France, compiled from archives. I recommend him ‘to your indulgence. - Yours, in great haste, A. v. Humsorpr. 108. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Nov. 30th, 1845. Aux gifts, tendered through a hand like yours, are of double value to me, my dear friend. I have immedi- Humboldt’s Letters. 197 ately replied to that high-gifted lady, the Countess. You are quite right in saying that her beautiful poetry evinces an admirable familiarity of the mind with the subject. I deem it more delicate to write to Baron Hormayr rather than to his lady. May I beg to enclose my little note, provided you approve its form? I have long had a predilection for this liberal-minded man. His literary activity is astounding. I shall have the pleasure of calling on Mr. Sachsto-day. I shall also present his book to the King myself; this is, however, a time in which no impression is permanent. All things dissolve into mere visions, which will, however, reappear, ominous and deformed, by being joined to old fancies. Iam much afraid of the consequence produced by incentives, from which I had hoped to produce happier results. How has it happened that Kosmos is so popular beyond ex- pectation? It seems to me that it must be attributed to the imagination of the reader, which invests it with additional features, or to the pliability of our (German) language which renders it so easy to describe every object intelligibly, and to picture it in words. I will come and thank you, my generous friend, for the light you have thrown on the moral and intellectual merits of Voltaire.* Your revelations are delightful ; * Voltaire at Francfort-on-the-Main in 1753, by K. A. Varnhagen von Ense. ————— 198 Humboldt’s Letters. but ‘“‘ Duncker-Freitag,” the recruiting officer, the sen- tinel, and the humorously excited suspicion of what was attempted at night with Madame Denis, are and will always produce an uneasiness. With old attachment, yours, A. v. Hr. SuNDAY. I shall not forget Mr. Breul the merchant. Minister Buelow was very sorry that you missed him. You will be very agreeable to him and Lady Buelow any evening from half-past seven to nine o’clock. 104. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. THURSDAY, January 15th, 1846. Mr. Mines, and what he may have said of the King, “who showed him no personal civilities,” interest me but little; but it will afford me great joy if my earnest intercession for Prutz be at last useful to him. This miserable trifle is the only thing that I can secure in my position. I shall die, however, in the conscientious belief, that to my last moment I never abandoned one devoted to the same principles as myself. Your appro- bation is highly valuable to me, my dear friend! Humboldt’s Letters. : 199 The “ Quarterly Review” says I had a prolix style, and am never able to write one page of “ vivid expres- sion.” With faithful attachment, yours, "A. y. Humporpr. Please excuse, like a philosopher, the writing on this mutilated sheet. I am in such a hurry that I have mistaken the address. 105. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, January 25th, 1846. Arter an official feeding, at court, of the “knights of the peace,” whose unworthy chancellor I am—after some sorrowful hours at Buelow’s, whose state becomes every day more precarious—after a ball at the Chateau, from which I am just returned, I cannot seek repose without sending you my preliminary thanks for your ecclesiastical gifts. I am delighted at the review of a poetical period, the precursor of a nobler one—or, to speak more correctly, of one more pregnant with life. I will, however, turn away from the long “Ode of Grief,’ from “The Blue and the Black Eyes,” from 200 Humboldt’s Letters. “ Besser’s Merry Wig,” and recur with new pleasure to your “ Zinzendorf.” This is a grand, well-executed life-sketch, a figure towering above all other things, which, in a different direction, attract the interest of our time. Your “ Zinzendorf” was also constantly admired by my brother. How much the interest is enhanced by all that we see or rather expect to see! But where, among the intellectual “ glaciers” of the present time, are those who could compare themselves with Zinzen- dorf, Lavater, and Stilling?.... Most gratefully yours, _ A. Hompotpr. SATURDAY NiGur. I told Ranke to-day, very frankly, how much I was disgusted at what he presumptuously did at a meeting of the Academy, when I was not present, against Preuss, a much nobler character than he is. Have you not received yet the journals, in which I am immoderately praised and reproved (“ North-British Review” and “Quarterly Review)? In Germany, my prose is fre- quently blamed as being too poetical; but the “ Quar- ‘terly Review” finds it languishing, lifeless, and “ not a vivid description.” How differently different nations feel ! Humboldt’s Letters. 201 106. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, February ‘th, 1846. YxEsTERDAY afternoon poor Buelow was released from his sufferings. Thursday night, at eleven o’clock, on go- ing to bed, he fell lifeless into the arms of his servant. An apoplexy! He closed his eyes never to open them again. In the morning a hundred and forty pulses were counted ; bleeding had no effect. His end was, as lately his life was, unconscious. The family is deeply affected; the event, however, is beneficial. His excellent wife would have been sacrificed. Next Tuesday morning we will carry him, without pageantry, to Tegel, and bury him under the column of the “ Statue of Hope.” Under the pres- sure of business, caused by this event, and in the midst of letters which I have still to write to Guizot, Metter- nich, and Aberdeen, I can only briefly reply to the heartfelt letter of Madame von Arnim. I have but little hope, that the old folks now reigning at Weimar will appoint either Prutz or Falliersleben. I had formerly thought of Guhrauer, for whom you will also have some predilection to be sure. You know how happy I would have been if Prutz were appointed. I g* 202 -Humboldt’s Letters. am not personally acquainted with Fallersleben. The whole passage, however, in the “ Wochenstube,* alluding to the King and to me, must be changed. It is based on a false rumor. I never have shown the book to the King, and I never applied to the King to quash the indictment, as he is always rather irritated against Prutz, on account of the old cousin from Kulmbach.+ It was Minister Bodelschwingh who showed it to the King. On this Minister Prutz had personally made a very favorable impression, which it was easy to improve. Prutz had applied to have the indictment quashed, and besides he would hardly have been found guilty on all the counts. It was thought advisable, as he made the first advances to the Govern- ment, not to rebut him. The passage “that our King should be asked,” must also be discarded, as it would give offence to the Grand Duchess, who likes to show her independence of Prussia at every opportunity. So - she protected, not long ago, the Chancellor Mueller, when the Court of Weimar was diplomatically reproached for allowing a journal here prohibited to be read in a read- ing-room at Weimar. The Court of Weimar replied * Die “ Politische” Wochenstube by Robert Prutz, a satire on Schel- ling and his philosophy.—77r. + The cousin referred to is Margrave Albrecht, of Brandenburg, who, in Prutz’s drama, “Moritz von Sachsen,” is represented as a “ Robber Knight.”—7r, Humboldt’s Letters. 203 with dignity. But that Prutz or Fallersleben could be appointed seems highly improbable to: me. Credat Judzus Apella. Excuse to-day my confused writing, dear friend ! Yours, Sarurpay. A. v. Hr. 107. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, Berti, Feb. 20th, 1846. Do you guess, my dear friend, who sent me this strange ~ _article? Do you guess anything from the seal and the name on the envelope, “ M.?” Is that the author, and to what journal may the article belong? Profound, of enlarged political views, it certainly is not. The passage on p. 8 is underscored by the author himself, and it con- tains a contradiction! Prussia is to have unity in an American confederacy. His remarks, p. 3, on Frede- rick II. and on his works, and on “ Kant a guillotine,” p- 5, are as Minister Thiele would write them. I am indignant at both. The author knows all the news, all the names, all the gossip, of the “ Eckensheher,’* and is touched by the liberalism of Bodelschwingh, p. 14, who * Curbstone Guard.—Z*>. 204 Humboldt’s Letters. still defends every day the expulsion of the Baden Representatives. He does not dare to name Eichhorn with censure. The last line only is grand and fine. With unalterable devotion, 7 Yours, Fripay. A. v. Humpo.pr. 108. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, March 29th, 1846. I have only time to tell you, that I shall certainly be in Sans Souci from June to September, and to thank you, noble friend, from my heart, for the kind manner in which you allude to the Agamemnon of my brother. To choose maliciously 16 verses out of 1700!! I once - complained that they would not perform the drama in a royal palace in my brother’s translation! As the Staats Zeitung is seen every evening by the King, they thought it well to malign the production there. The very next day I answered in the Spenersche Zeitung mildly, because the well-informed but unpoetical Dr. Franz is now seeking an increase of his pension. I myself took care that the King did not see my answer; at least, he - Humboldt’s Letters. 205 did not talk to me about it. Send back the little sheet. I am at work, not without success, I believe, at the Kosmos, but in a sad mood respecting the public cause. Your news from England is very interesting. With the most cordial friendship, Yours, Sunpay. ; A. v. Humsoxpr. 109. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, March 30th, 1846. I sEND you again some autographs of little import, ten in number, of Villemain, Bessel, Victor Hugo, Rueckert (of whom you have plenty of autographs), Manzoni (full of praise for me, but in bad style), Thiers, Widow of Lucien Bonaparte, three billets de matin of the Duchesse d’Orleans. I add to these fugi- tive sheets a letter from me to the King, which I beseech and implore you not to show to any one, and to send back to-morrow, because I might have use for it. You shall have the letter afterwards. It sometimes happens that the King, instead of a billet de matin, writes his answer on my letter. This happened yesterday. The 206 Humboldt’s Letters. ministers who would gladly permit the “ Turnen,*” throw suspicion on Prof. Massman, whom the King likes very much, and whom he wants to keep here. My letter will show you at least, that I openly say, how the tide of evil is bearing down all things before it, and how we are depriving ourselves of the means of action. With my old attachment, yours, A. v. Humsorpr. 110. HUMBOLDT TO FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV. As early as eight o’clock this morning I sent to the Koethener Strasse, to have an interview with Professor Massmann, after the confiding communications of your Majesty, concerning the decision of his situation. He has just gone, leaving me again with an excellent impression of his solidity, clear perceptions, and enthu- siastic vigor for influencing our youth (the indelible, primeeval, self-restoring institution of mankind). To be afraid of every enthusiastic energy is to take from the life of a State its nourishing, preserving power. Pro- * Gymnastic Exercises.—Tr. Humboldt’s Letters. 207 fessor M. did not see Minister von Bodelschwingh for -two years, but the Minister then treated him very kindly, and Massmann desires. very much, without intruding, to give a candid answer to every question. In view of the noble and frank character of Minister von Bodelschwingh I have great hopes of the result of such a conversation, and therefore I have to beg of your Majesty, most submissively, to communicate to me, whether, according to the orders of your Majesty, the Minister will send for Professor M., or whether he may go to the Minister on his own account, not called for, but animated by some words of your Majesty. I won- der how it could be forgotten how much Massmann has done for the poetry of the Hohenstaufen times, and how talented a lecturer he was at the University. I find praised in Gervinus Geschichte der Deutschen - Litteratur: Massmann’s Denkmaeler Deutscher Sprache, 1828; his Gedichte des Zwoelften J ahrhunderts, his Legenden and Ritterliche Poesie. How could a man be dangerous to youth whom the King of Bavaria appointed for the education of his princes, and by whom above all others the Crown-Prince declares himself to have been animated with the love of culture and intel- lectual freedom, and the true appreciation of his impend- ing kingly duties? We live not in a sad, but in an earnest time. All action and energy are paralysed, if backbiting is permitted to deprive us of our most useful Pe Humboldt’s Letters. men. Enthusiastically attached to your person, to the splendor of your reign, and to the glory of our country, it makes me sad to see the most noble purposes in danger of being misunderstood. No doubt there are very honorable men who, from pure love of your Majesty, would like to see me also under the column at Tegel, or at least on the other side of the Rhine. In grateful submission, Your Royal Majesty’s most faithful HuMBo.LprT, Berwin, March 29, 1846. The King wrote on the fly-leaf : My warmest thanks, dearest Humboldt. M. Bodel- schwingh will send for Massmann. In all haste, as ever. Your faithtul F, W. ALEXANDER V. HuMBOLDT, Present. 111, BESSEL TO HUMBOLDT. KOENIGSBERG, Feb. 12th, 1846. I near with great regret that your Excellency has to mourn the loss of Herr von Buelow. Although I had ‘Humboldes Letters. 209 not the pleasure of knowing the late Baron personally, I was not unacquainted with the true affection of the uncle for his nephew, and I heard frequent mention of the enthusiastic manner in which it was reciprocated. Moreover, I knew his repute as that of a noble, talented, clear-sighted man. Would that I could indite words of consolation, such as I heard them, at the time of my great loss!—but it is not given to every one to speak them. That time heals our bleeding wounds, the wounds which at first seemed mortal, I myself have experienced ; that death after a short suffering is prefer- able to death after a long one, is a truth which impresses itself often on my mind! The chancellor, Herr von Wegnern, communicated to me on the 27th ult. the letter which he received from your Excellency. This letter contains the first news I received since Nov. 7th, of last year, respecting the portrait by which our most gracious monarch intended to gratify a poor invalid: that your letter was ex- tremely gratifying and consoling to me, is natural. It created the first ray of hope; it has unceasingly occupied me; it even gave rise to some kind of superstition, and I attributed my good health the whole month of Decem- ber to the vivid hopes it had raised. This prospect of the restoration of my health, I thought, gave me hope of being able to indulge for a longer period in the plea- sure which the dear picture of the “ most highly revered 210 Humboldt’s Letters. one, affords me. I, however, do not indulge in the hope of this restoration,” since I find my own experi- ence as frequently opposed to as in harmony with that of others, and the result of my reflections on this obscure subject, is simply this, that it is one of the innumerable questions, which are beyond the veil that separates us both from the great secrets of our own nature, and from those which nature in general interposes between first causes and perceptible phenomena, I did, however, excuse the rising superstition by recalling the indis- putable truth, that vivid agreeable effects on the mind or soul react upon the body; but why did the reaction not endure in my case? Be this as it may, it is a fact that the portrait of the King always moved before my eyes during my restless nights ; I hoped every day would bring me news of it. I perfectly understand that a care for the well-being of millions of subjects, equally dear to the heart of the monarch, rules the ruler himself and compels him to abandon, under the pressure of the moment, the arrangement of a succession of innumerable interests centring in him; I also fully understand that the King, although he is no more unmindful of the honors he intends bestowing than of those he has already awarded, has not been able to fix the exact moment of confer- _ ving the intended benefit upon me. I also know be- yond all doubt, that Iam standing upon a mine which may at any time explode, and that to-day has no Histoidvetiee = —ti«é power over to-morrow. Lhave, therefore, thought best to conceal entirely within my own breast the hope of possess- ing the dearest of pictures, and to betray nothing, even to my wife and daughters, until further news of the actual approach of the hoped-for object shall render me as secure in the certainty as the case permits. I have the utmost horror against the propagation of anything the truth of which may be subjected to doubts by succeeding events; knowing from sad experience that it may not be sustained by the next moment, for which falsehood and misrepresentation are greedily lying in wait. I fear that the premature spreading of such news, moreover, may imply a sort of coercion (sit venia verbo) on the King. These reflections imposed profound silence on me. But when the letter of your Excellency to Herr von Wegnern spread the news without my co-operation, and when the realization of my hopes seemed near, this compulsory si- lence terminated, and I actually revelled in the idea of its possession. Next day, the 28th of January, I put down on paper the testamentary provision, which disposes of the picture after my death. I consider it the common property of our country, not only on account of its funda- ‘mental object, that of alleviating the sufferings of the sick man, but also for otherreasons. I therefore do not leave it to my family ; but in consequence of long and careful’ considerations, up to January 27th, to my native town of Minden, so that the highest military and civil functiona- 212 Humboldt’s Letters. ries of the province, together with the Mayor of the town, may decide further on the place and manner of its keeping. Moreover, on the 28th of January, I entered upon the execution of other plans relative to the fulfilment of my hopes, which entertained me in various ways during these last months. In order to receive the portrait of the “ most highly revered” in a becoming man- ner, it is necessary to put the place where I shall keep it into the best state at my command. Ihave, therefore, condemned the present furniture and ornaments of my two rooms, and ordered new ones, as luxurious and tasteful (for a professor, of course) as I could decide upon. The directions for their manufacture were sent immediately, and with the opening of the navigation in spring I shall have everything I want. I shall blame no one who thinks me foolish in prosecuting plans for embellishing my residence at a moment when my leay- ing it for ever seems so highly probable. But if I delayed, the prospect of the arrival of the royal portrait | would depress, instead of elevating me joyfully, as it does now, above much suffering. If I enjoy the sight of the picture even one day only, I shall pass through a fleeting, indeed, but beautiful “ frontier scenery” —from this life into the other! One thing yet I shall add before I cease annoying your Excellency, by narrating the con- sequences following the invaluable expected gift of the most high Master. Mr. Chancellor von Wegnern has. Humboldt’s Letters. 213 asked Professor Simson to express to me his wish to insert a notice of the picture in the papers. But I opposed it, partly for reasons stated above, and partly because such a notice would certainly be more appro- priate after the receipt of the picture. In case I should be unable to write any more after its arrival, Simson knows what are to be the contents of the notice accord- ing to my wish. Could I but once behold the fine appearance now pre- sented of the comet of Biela! At our place, on the ilth of January, Wichman could observe nothing, per- haps, or probably on account of the little clearness of the sky at that time; but on the 15th he saw distinctly both heads of the comet. On the following day he described to me orally what he had seen; but I did not get a clear idea of it, and was, on the contrary, of opi- nion, that what he called a second head of the comet, is an accumulation of nebule, as other comets too had shown at a greater or smaller distance from the real head. I asked of him to make for me, when it appeared again, a diagram of it, as accurate as possible. The state of the sky and th® position of the comet, which was often very low, delayed the making of a diagram and measurement till the 26th of January. Since that time the second head of the comet has been traced as faith- fully as possible. Our observations are the earliest of. those known; since, they have directed their attention to 214 . Humboldt’s Letters. _ everywhere, and have measured it ; there will become known, in spite of the bad season, a fine series of obser- vations, which may, as I hope, permit us to draw reliable conclusions. As now developed, forces of polarity, I believe, must be recognised in it. The further deve- lopments will, I hope, enable us to advance beyond superficial conjectures like these. The observations of the new planet can be made here — so excellently by the heliometer, which is quite invalu- | able for this purpose, that their accuracy far surpasses — that of the best meridian observations; of course its — greatest usefulness will only be attained when the stars — of comparison are equally well determined in their posi- tion. To this determination, then, the power of the meridian observations is directed about the planet itself. Dr. Busch, following my counsel, does not trouble him- | self. I have also requested Encke and Schuhmacher to | assist in determining the positions of the stars. The | former has already received from here a series of excel-- | lent observations, as a foundation for his calculation of © the orbit, and he will soon receive the continuation of them. It is very fortunate that I ghave arranged my ; extensive investigations on the exact reduction of . observations by my heliometer, and that these are pub- lished in the first volume of my “ Astronomische Unter- | suchungen.” Without them, Wichmann would be unable _ “4 o to reduce them with exactness, as I can do nothing now, Humboldt’s_ Letters. BE and the observations of the planet would thereby lose ~ much of their interest, which exists only in the first period of observation, and therefore only when the observations are calculated immediately. I hope, that by proceeding on this basis, Encke’s calculations will acquire certainty, which will prove itself up to a few seconds at the reappearance of the planet. At last an end of this! In accustomed reverence to the end of life, Your Excellency’s most obedient F. W. Besse. | Nore py Humsoipt.—tThe last letter but one which I received from the great and noble man. 112. VICTOR HUGO TO HUMBOLDT. MarcH 20th, 1845. You have been kind enough, my Lord Baron, and illustrious colleague, to promise your acceptance of a copy of “* Notre Dame de Paris,” and the further good _ office of offering it in my name to your august Sove- reign, my sympathy with and admiration for whom are well known to you. To “Notre Dame de Paris” I add 216 Humboldt’s Letters. my solemn discourse before the Academy. It would make me happy to think that it gave you a little plea- sure to receive this mark of my high and profound regard. | Yours, Vicror Hvueo. 1138. FRIEDRICH RUECKERT TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, March, 1846. I nap the misfortune of twice missing your Excellency when I called to give you my thanks for your great kindness, and at the same time to bid you a hearty farewell, as to-morrow I hasten to my rustic solitude. — May God grant you many felicitous hours for the happy | completion of your great work, for which I now am _ more heartily anxious than for any work of my own. | For it is the monument of honor for Germany, her repre- ! sentative work before the nations of Europe ; and I, as a : German, feel proud that you did not write it in French. . I would also ask your leave to introduce to you my eldest son, whois private tutor at the university of Jena; now, — he may try his luck himself with you, as bearer of this ; letter. Finally, I beg of you that you will speak in my Humboldt’s Letters. 217 behalf with their Majesties, whom it was not my fortune to see this winter. May I yet be permitted to work something worthy of their approbation and of yours; but may you also be persuaded that it is not for me to appear in person before the public of the capital, but to shape my thoughts in the solitude and quiet of rural life, whither I am now permitted to withdraw, grateful for the highest favor of his Majesty, and with the purest reverence for you. RUECKERT. 114. ALEXANDER MANZONI TO HUMBOLDT. (FROM THE FRENCH.) MILAN, Dec. 6th, 1844, Mownstevur LE Baron: I woutp not have hesitated to express my confidence ‘in an august and perfect goodness; but, instead of a becoming confidence, it would have been an unpardon- able presumption on my part to have dared to foresee under what ingeniously amiable form this goodness would deign to manifest itself. I have thus a second time acquired the precious right (I had almost been made to forget that it is a sacred duty), to beg your 10 218 Humboldt’s Tuned: Excellency to lay at the feet of your noble sovereign the humble tribute of a gratitude which has become, if possible, more lively and more grateful. And at the risk of appearing indiscreet, I cannot refrain from avyail- ing myself of this opportunity to renew the respectful homage of the devotion which, as a dweller on this earth, and under this title, nihil humani a me alienum putans, I have long entertained. This homage would cease to be pure, and would thus lose its unique value if it involved the slightest sacrifice of my Catholic con- science, that is to say, of that which is the soul of my conscience. But, thank God, such is not the case; for, -amid the character and the sign of the high destiny which I salute from afar, with a respectful joy, it is my privilege to admire and to love the development of the most excellent work of justice, which is the liberty of © doing good. My admiration for you, M. le Baron, if even it did not content itself with being the simple echo of so great a reputation, ought not to surprise you; for if, as I am — daily told, there is not a learned man who has not some-— thing to learn from you, there are few unlearned men > whom you have not taught something. In this con-_ nexion, and at the risk of abusing your indulgence, I _ cannot conceal from you my hope to have a memento > of Humboldt—a memento less precious, no doubt, than those which I owe to his good-will, but which will also : Humboldt’s Letters. 219 have its value. My fellow-citizen, Count Alexander Lito Modignani, in a journey made by him, entirely under your guidance, in North America, sought out, in the mountain of Quindia, the magnificent Ceroxylus at the season of the ripeness of their fruit, possessed him- self of one, and was kind enough, on his return, to divide with me the seeds he gathered from it. Planted last spring, not one has yet sprung up; but on visiting them lately, I found them entirely sound, and in two of them a trace of vegetation was perceptible at the base. I should be happy, and even a little proud, to possess a memento, and that, I believe, a very rare one, of a people at once ancient and new, whom you have sub- jected to the victorious sway of science. It is with the most profound respect, and, permit me to add, with that affection always so naturally enter- tained for a great man, and which it gives such pleasure to express, that I have the honor to be your Excel- lency’s most humble and most obedient servant, ALEXANDER Manzoni. Nore sy HumsBoipt.—Written to A. Humboldt on the occasion of a refusal to accept the class of peace of the order pour le merite. I | had been commissioned to write to him, that it was not to interfere with his liberty in any degree, that he was never to wear the cross, but that a name so great and so beautiful as his must needs continue to grace the list of the knights. 220 Humboldt’s Letters. 115. THIERS TO HUMBOLDT. (FROM THE FRENCH.) Paris, August, 1845, Srr,—I take the liberty of introducing a young Frenchman, full of talents, of acquirements, and of thirst for knowledge. He desires to become acquainted with Germany, and Berlin in particular. I thought I could not direct him better than to the illustrious who does the honors of Berlin to strangers. Permit me to recommend him in a very special manner. Mr. Thomas is my particular friend, and the friend of all your friends of Paris. Be pleased to receive in advance all my thanks for the reception you will kindly accord him, and to receive the assurance of my attachment and of my high consideration. | A. THIERS. 116. THE PRINCESS OF CANINO, LUCIEN BONAPARTE'S WIDOW, TO HUMBOLDT. Paris, May, 1845. I senp you, M. le Baron, a copy of my refutation of M. Thiers, in regard to the passages of that historian a VA eh ee ne ee Humboldt’s Letters. 221 which assail the memory of my husband. The esteem which you bore him, as well as that of your dear brother and your estimable sister-in-law, both, to me, of sweet ° and noble memory, leads me to hope that you will receive with interest this token of all the sentiments I possess for you, M. le Baron, and in which I beg you to believe me. Yours affectionately, Tur Prices’ oF Cantino, Widow Bonaparte Lucien. i117. DUCHESS HELENE D’ORLEANS TO HUMBOLDT. TUILERIES, Feb. 12th, 1845. I wi not longer hold the treasure intrusted to my keeping, which was a source of great joy tome. Receive . | once more my sincerest thanks for this communication, | and let me hope soon to find new material for thanks, | You see, selfishness is unpardonably predominant in my character. Your Excellency’s affectionate HELENE. 222 : ‘Humboldt’s Letters. 118. DUCHESS HELENE D’ORLEANS TO HUMBOLDT. NeEvILiy, May 12th, 1845, Your Excellency must suffer me often to claim your services ; but to-day I come to ask something great of you. I wish for myself and for my cousin of Weimar the instructive pleasure of visiting Versailles in your society ; our plan is to go there on Thursday. For the evening, the King invites you for dinner and theatre in Trianon. If you have the courage to share our altered pilgrimage, I invite your Excellency to be here in Neuilly, Thursday, half-past 11, to accompany us on our journey. But if other occupations should prevent you from going, I ask an open confession. I beg your Excellency to receive the expression of my sincerest esteem, HELENE. Humboldt’s Letters. 223 119. bl DUCHESS HELENE D’ORLEANS TO HUMBOLDT. WINTER OF 1845. I nap not the satisfaction to bid adieu to your Excel- lency, and to repeat to you my thanks for your excellent work ; permit me to do it now in writing, whilst I send to you the lines for my beloved cousin, and receive once more the expression of the most heartfelt wish to greet again your Excellency, after a short interval, on French soil. ; With most sincere esteem, your Excellency’s affec- tionate HELENE. 120. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PotsDAM, April 22d, 1846. Ir has afforded me a great relief being permitted to read before you, and while very much of the warm and 224 Humboldt’s Letters. friendly praises expressed by you are of course to be ascribed to the kindness of heart which prompts you to give pleasure to an old man, still there is a large margin for the unalloyed gratification of my love of approbation. The main object of my efforts is that of composition in the precise sense of the word, the command of large masses of matter compounded with care and with an accurate knowledge of details. The management of our beautiful, pliant, harmonious, and drastic tongue is but a secondary consideration. I shall certainly find an opportunity of availing myself of your excellent advice for Flemming and Mad. de Sevigné. Seneca also, though I consider him a little bombastic (Quaest. natur.) I have taken home with me for perusal. Now for the special purpose of these lines. The King said to me on going to bed yesterday, “Let Bettina know that she may make her mind easy in regard to the © leading person.* No one ever thought of giving him © up to the Russians.” “You should write her to that effect yourself,” said I. “Yes, I hope to do so,” was the — answer. He spoke very kindly of Bettina. : With my old attachment, yours, A. v. Humporpr. WEDNESDAY. How sad is this eighth attack upon the King! Strange * Microslawski. Humboldt’s Letters.. 225 that ministers and cabinet councillors are never shot at! Such events are the more unpleasant, the more the probabilities or improbabilities of their recurrence baffle all attempts at calculation. 121, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Porspam, May 18th, 1846. I sENp you, dear friend, to be added to your collec- tion, a very remarkable letter from Prince Metternich, with a semi-theological conclusion, full of mind and rhetorical fervor, with a slight dread of pantheism at the close of the letter. With unaltered friendship, yours, A. v. Humsorpr, 122, METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. (From the French.) Vienna, May 10, 1846. My prar Baron—Inclosed is my vote.* I give it in good conscience, and absolve you from the crime of that * Nore sy Humpoipt.—The Prince voted for Mr. Hermann, of Leipzig. 10* 226 Humboldt’s Letters. electioneering to which the world is addicted. The King and his Chancellor are the sound appreciators of scientific merit, and I know how to designate the place which belongs to me in the avenue of science, and which, to my great regret, is far from the sanctuary. What I have just told you, my dear Baron, is neither gasconade nor an excess of modesty; it is the unvar- nished history of my life. You do not know this his- tory, and I will relate it to you in a few words. At the age at which life takes its direction, I con- tracted an inclination for the exact and natural sciences which I would permit myself to describe as irresistible, and a disgust for practical life which I would call uncon- querable, if I had not overcome both this disgust and this inclination. It is fate that disposes of individuals, and their qualities as well as their defects decide upon their careers. Fate has separated me from the object of my choice, and has thrust me upon the road I should not have chosen. Once started, I submitted without - losing sight of the goal of my wishes, and the result was that what I should have wished to regard as the aim of my life has become only the solace of it. The King has set the mark of a learned man upon me. I know to whom this is to be attributed. If it is a question of the heart, the King is not mistaken. What you tell me of the forthcoming second volume of Cosmos, makes me look forward to the study of it Humboldt’s Letters. 227 with impatience; you are not to be read, you must be studied, and the place of a pupil suits me exactly. No one is more called upon than I am to do justice to your remark relative to the influence exercised by Christianity on the natural sciences,* as upon mankind in general and hence upon all science, for that remark has long since dawned upon my mind. It is eorrect in all respects, and its generating cause is simple as are all other truths, those which are, as well as those which are not understood, for the latter circumstance has no effect on the substance of a truth. Error leads to error, as truth is the guide to truth. As long as the mind remained in error in the sphere of thought which is the most elevated of all those attainable by the human mind, this deplorable state of things could not fail to react upon every quarter of the moral compass upon all intellectual and social questions, and to oppose to their development in the right direction, an insurmountable obstacle. Zhe good news once told, the position could not but change. It was not by bestowing divine honor on effects that they could be traced to the fountain head of truth; the investigation continued to be confined to the abstract speculations of the philosophers, and to the rhapsodies of poets. The cause once laid bare, the hearts * Nore sy Humsoipt.—I had spoken of the intensity of the love of nature. I had compared St. Basil with Bernardin de St. Pierre. A. Hr. 228 Humboldt’s Letters. of men were comforted, and their minds opened to con- viction. Nevertheless, the latter still remained for a long time shrouded in the mists of pagan scepticism, until at last scholastic philosophy was unhorsed by expe- rimental science. Do you admit the force of my reason- ing? If you do,I have no doubt you will share my fears that trwe scientific progress is in danger of being checked by too ambitious spirits, who desire to rise from the effects to the cause, and who finding the approach cut off by the impassable barriers which God has set upon human intelligence, and finding themselves unable to advance, roll back upon themselves, and relapse into the stupidity of paganism, in seeking the cause in the effect ! The world, my dear Baron, is in a dangerous position. The social body is in fermentation. You would do me a great favor if you could teach me the nature of this fermentation, whether it is spirituous, acid, or putrid ? I greatly fear that the verdict will be for the last- named of these kinds, and it is not I who could teach you that these products are hardly beneficial. Be pleased to accept the thanks of my household for your friendly memento, and the assurance of the con- tinuance of my old attachment. METTERNICH. Humboldt’s Letters. 229 128. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, May 30th, 1846. PERHAPS, my dear friend, it will not be without some interest to you to possess a copy of the poem of the Crown Prince of Bavaria. The language is less crude than that of Walhalla; and some passages show a good deal of feeling, if but little poetical fervor. Yours, A. v. Humpoupr, SATURDAY. 124. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, PotspAaM, November 14th, 1846, Wuart a splendid reception, my dear friend, have you given the fifth volume of my brother! Pardon me if, in the excessive bustle of the last few days upon the cold “ historic hill,” I have not written some commen- 230 Humboldt’s Letters. datory remarks. I also deplore the omissions to which you are kind enough to make me attentive. Perhaps they could be supplied in the next volume. It was sup- posed that the letters must be printed in the form in which my brother had prepared them for publication, and in which they were offered for sale. I believe no nation on earth can produce an instance of such a life devoted exclusively to the increase of the wealth of ideas! How inexpressibly I rejoice in the mere prospect of once more beholding a master-piece of your accurate, life-like, and withal delicate representations of social and diplomatic occurrences! With unalterable attachment, Your grateful A. Humsporpr. While it was not entirely wise in a monarch who is great in history to have yielded, under the influence of the atmosphere of Versailles, to the temptation of off- setting the memory of the barricades with a spectacle & la Louis XIV., throwing great difficulties in the way ‘of the successor, and attaining nothing of value, the conduct of Palmerston, and of Albert and Victoria, on the other hand, is likewise clumsily ill-mannered. Mean- time, the sober Americans are establishing a universal empire in the West, which already threatens the trade of China. Humboldt’s Letters. 231 My MS. “On the Textile Fabrics of* the Ancients,” pp. 106 and 113, appears also to have been lost among the papers of the lamented Wolf. The effect of the religious music, particularly on p. 323, contains much that is finely expressed. 2 In the year 1846 we find the following remark in Varnhagen’s diary: “ The conversation turned upon the capacity of one of the younger princes, which was declared to be inferior. Humboldt was of a different opinion. ‘I do not agree with you,’ he said; ‘the young prince spoke to me the other day, finding me in waiting in the apartments of his mother, and asked, “Who are you?” “Humboldt is my name,” said I. ** And what are you?” ‘ A chamberlain to his Majesty the King.” “Is that all ?” said the prince, curtly, turn- ing on his heel. Is not that a proof of intelligence ?? ” 125. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, November 28th, 1846. I po not answer to-day, my dear friend, in regard to your splendid Memoirs. How everything succeeds in 232, Humboldt’s Letters. your hands! To-day I recommend you an able French- man, M. Galuski, who knows Germany better than we do, the author of an essay on A. W. Schlegel. He will stay but a few days. Preserve the autograph of Barante.* A. v. HumpBoxpr. SATURDAY. 126. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, December 6th, 1846. THERE will be perhaps some delay, my dear friend, in your receiving the “ Cing jours de Berlin,” in which I am spoken of by the Berliners (who are introduced as speaking themselves), as a tolerably pleasant tattler, but in which I am alluded to rather unkindly, as to my moral character. If all my speeches lack consistency, Iapprehend for the durability of the system of the world, the Kosmos. Mr. Barriére will probably have called on you the sixth day, and you will have suggested all that to him. The paper contains some excellent things, Cracoviana, about the vote of Prussia and Mr. de Kanitz. * Barante introduced M. Galuski to Humboldt, Humboldt’s Letters. 233 I send you for your autograph collection a flattering letter of Mignet, and a letter of mine, written in 1801, at Carthagena, in South America, at a turning point in my life, and addressed to “ Citizen” Baudin, who, on board-of the Perron, made a voyage round the world. This letter was written at a time when probably people in Europe had ceased to be addressed any more as “ citizens.’ Baudin, instead of doubling Cape Horn, and receiving me at Lima, Went round the Cape of Good Hope to Australia. : Your old friend, A. v. Humpo.pr, SUNDAY. I inclose an excellent letter of my brother to Koerner, which will be published in the sixth volume; but you must return this copy. 127. MIGNET TO HUMBOLDT. — Paris, July 1st, 1846. Dear BARON, AND MOST ILLUSTRIOUS COLLEAGUE: You will easily understand how happy and flattered I was at hearing, that the book “ Antonio Perez and 234 Humboldt’s Letters. © Philip IL.” has interested you and obtained approval so distinguished as that of your King. The applause of a Prince, of so great genius and learning, who ranks among the most acute and most infallible of literary critics, could not be otherwise than of the greatest value to me. To make the book which was honored with this august approbation worthier of it, may I ask you, my dear and most illustrious colleague, to offer the work in the new form, more complete and more elaborate, which I have just given to it, to your sovereign? This isa respectful act of homage, which the King of Prussia, by the expression of his kind satisfaction, has encouraged me to render, and for which your goodness to me will obtain, I am very sure, a gracious reception. I take also the liberty of sending to you, for your own library, a copy of this new edition. Documents, hitherto unknown and very curious, which have enabled me to exhibit the designs of Don John of Austria, the murder of Escovedo, and the disgrace of Perez, in their true light, make the first edition imperfect. But I must hasten to speak of the first volume of Kosmos, which you sent me, and in which you have so admirably shown, if I may use one of your beautiful sentences, “‘the order of the universe and the magnifi- cence of the order.” I read the book with the greatest pleasure and advantage. It is an exposition, full of the most absorbing grandeur, of the phenomena and laws Humboldt’s Letters. 235 of the universe, from those nebulous distances whence light comes to us only after a journey of two millions of years, to the revolutions which preceded the actual organization of our planet, and which enabled men to be born, to live, and to reign on its surface. To paint this great picture in its teeming variety and majestic har- mony, one needs to be master, like yourself, of all sciences, to love nature earnestly, and to have studied her under every aspect. In addition he must unite a vivid imagination to an accurate and profound judgment. Finish quickly this charming work, for your own glory and for our instruction. Accept, dear Baron, the assurance of my gratitude, my admiration, and my affectionate devotion. 128. HUMBOLDT TO BAUDIN. CARTHAGENA, April 12, 1801. CrrizEn! Wuen I embraced you for the last time in Helvetius Street, in Paris, on the eve of my departure for Africa and the East Indies, I had but a feeble hope of seeing ~ you again, and of sailing under your orders. You have 236 Humboldt’s Letters. been told, no doubt, by our common friends, C. C. Jussieu, Desfontaines ... how the Barbaresques have prevented my departure for Egypt, how the King of Spain has given me permission to journey over his vast domains in America and Asia, to gather whatever may be useful to science. Independently, and always at my own expense, my friend Bonpland and I have wandered for two years through the territories lying between the coast, the Orinoco, the Casiquian, the Rio Negro, and the Amazon. Our health has resisted the frightful risks cre- ated by the rivers. In the midst of the forests we have talked of you; of our useless visits; on C. Francois, of Neufchatel; of our beguiled hopes. Just as we were starting from Havana for Mexico and the Philippines, the gratifying news reached us that your perseverance had overcome every obstacle. After making our calcu- lations, we felt sure that you would touch at Valparaiso, at Lima, or at Guayaquil. We changed our plans at once, and in spite of the stormy gales of this shore, we started in a little pilot boat to look for you in the South ‘Sea, to try whether by reviving up our old plans, we could join our labors with yours, and sail with you on the South Sea. A long passage of twenty-one days from the Havana to Carthagena, unfortunately hindered us from taking the route of Panama and Guayaquil. We fear that the wind has ceased blowing in the South Sea, and we have decided to continue our journey on land by Humboldt’s ‘Letters. 237 the way of the River Magdalena, Santa Fe, Popajan, Quito. ... I hope we shall arrive in June or early in July at the city of Quito, where I will wait for the news of your arrival at Lima. Have the kindness to write me a line, directed in Spanish, “al Sr. Baron de Humboldt, Quito; casa del Sr. Governador Baron de Carondelet.” In case I should hear nothing from you, my respected friend, I intend to visit Chimborasso, Losca, . . . till November, 1801, and to come down in December or January, 1802, with my instruments, to Lima. You will perceive from all this, my revered friend, that the heat of the tropics has not made me sluggish, and that I am afraid of no sacrifice where useful and bold enterprises are to be prosecuted. I have told you now frankly what I want from you. I know that I ask more from you than I can return; it may also be that particular circumstances may prevent your taking us on board of your vessel. . . . In that case, my letter may embarrass you, the more, perhaps, since you honor me with your friendship. I beg you, therefore, to write to me frankly. I shall always be glad to have seen you once more, and shall never com- plain of circumstances, which often govern us in spite of ourselves and our wishes. Your frankness will be the highest proof of your regard for me. I should then continue on my route from Lima to Acapulco, Mexico, the Philippines, Surato, Bassora, Palestine, Marseilles. iP TIT a he ——e iy 238 Humboldt’s Letters. How much I should prefer, however, to make a voyage with you! Mr. Bonpland presents you his respects. Greetings and unchangeable friendship, ALEXANDER Humspoxpr. Norse oF HUMBOLDT, WRITTEN LONG AFTER.—This letter to Cap- tain Baudin, written on my arrival at Carthagena (from the Havana), was returned to me, Captain Baudin not having touched at Lima. A. HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, Nov. 1846. 129. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Sunpay, Feb. 21st, 1847. I po not recollect showing you avery beautiful letter of my brother, on the death of Schiller, dated “ Rome, 1805.” It was discovered but lately, and will be pub- lished in the next volume of his works. I inclose a very amiable letter from Prince Metternich, received this week, also a stiff and unmeaning one from Prince Albert. Prince Metternich has published, at his own cost, a splendid description of his mineralogical collec- tion at Koenigswarth, having probably in view his election to the Presidency of the new Academy instead of Kolowrat. At the special request of Prince Albert I Humboldt’s Letters. 239 left a copy of Kosmos on his desk at Stolzenfels. He had the civility not to thank me. The “ blackbird”* has improved his politeness in the present instance, and besides, he makes me talk of “roving oceans of light” and “sidereal terraces”’—a Coburg version of my text, guite English—from Windsor, where terraces abound. In Kosmos I speak once of the “ starry car- pet,” page 159, in explaining the open spaces between the stars. He presents me a work upon “ Mexican Monuments,” a copy of which I myself had purchased two years ago. A splendid edition of Lord Byron would have been in better taste. It is also strange that he does not mention ‘‘ Queen Victoria.” Possibly my “Book of Nature” is not sufficiently Christian for her Majesty. You see that I am a severe critic of “ princely epistles.” Please return Metternich and Albert soon, as I have not yet replied to them; also Wilhelm’s letter at your leisure—it is the only copy I have. I gave the original to Schlesier, who was very anxious to possess something from my brother’s hand. With old attachment, yours, A. v. Humpoipr. - * The Prussian order of “ The Black Eagle,” which had just then been conferred on Prince Albert.—Tr. 240 Humboldt’s Letters. 180. METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. Vienna, February, 1847. My prar Baron: I wut begin this letter by congratulating you upon the new decoration, which the King has lately conferred upon you. The “ Hagle,” under whose wing—sub umbra alarum—you have executed so much will be a noble decoration on your breast. Suum cuique! Now to what I wish to say further. You know, that I am no savan and that I have no pretension to be one; but notwithstanding this, you know that I am the friend of science, and in that capacity have furnished the means to some savans of publishing the little work of which I enclose the first copy to you. I hope you will approve of its execution. I think I am at the present the owner of the most complete collection of monuments* now existing of an epoch of which I can- not pretend to fix the age—and of which the “‘ Gossau” conceals countless numbers. History written by man * Petrifactions dug out in the Gossau, in Bohemia, Humboldt’s Letters. 241 presents but an insignificant point when compared to that of which nature supplies the material. It was not I who christened one of the Ammonites after me—it is the doing of the editors of the opuscule—I am, how- ever, quite sure that neither my name nor even that of Ammon was known when my godson was alive. Thousand sincere homages, my dear Baron, METTERNICH. 181. PRINCE ALBERT TO HUMBOLDT. Winpsor Castie, February 17th, 1847. My pear Baron: I HAVE been constantly impressed while gradually reading the first volume of your “ Kosmos” with my _ desire to thank you for the high intellectual enjoyment, _ its study has afforded me. ) 4 I am really unable to give you an authoritative judg- ment on this excellent work, which I received from your hands, and to atone in some measure for this de- fect, as well as to give some substantial character to the expression of my thanks, I present you the accompany- ing work (Catherwood’s Views in Central America). It may serve as an appendix to your own great work 11 a -Humboldt’s Letters. on Spanish America, and thus become worthy of your attention. I do not dare to express the intense anxiety with which I look forward to the appearance of the second volume of “‘ Kosmos.” May that Heaven, whose roving oceans of light and sidereal terraces you have so ably described, be pleased to preserve you to your country, to the world, and to “Kosmos” itself, for many years, in undisturbed vigor of mind and body. This is the sincere wish of your Very devoted, ALBERT. 182. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, February 27th, 1847, Here, at last, is my thankful letter to Carriere, con- taining three warm recommendations. You were right in reprimanding me as to my extreme severity against the man of the “ sidereal terraces.” I am severe only to the mighty ones of the earth, and this man impressed me very uncomfortably at Stolzen- fels: “I know you feel great compassion for the Poles under the Russian sceptre; but, Iam sorry to say, the Poles, are as little deserving of our sympathy as the Trish.” ‘* Mihi dixit ;” and one is the handsome hus- band of the Queen of Great Britain ! Humboldt’s Letters. 243 I hasten to Potsdam to day, in order to bring all the manuscripts here, which have fortunately arrived from Erfurt. Madame von Buelow writes, that they contain a long and very beautiful passage about our Rahel, and flattering things for you. With old attachment, A. v. H. SATURDAY. 188. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, March 2th, 1847. Iam more deserving than you would believe, dear friend! I am through with the first volume of the ** Letters”* (Therese’s property). I had very little to correct, and only about four pages to suppress, viz. allusions to biscuits, household details, a few sarcasms against Duke Charles of Brunswick (which he would have answered with calumnies as to the lady’s virtue), and more such things. The letters are excellent both in thought and expression. They furnish a picture of a most remarkable life. Their contempt of all worldly _ ™ Wilhelm von Humboldt’s ‘‘ Letters to a Lady Friend” (Charlotte Diede), bequeathed to Therese von Bacheracht. ; % 244 Humboldt’s Letters. happiness or unhappiness beyond the narrow circle of one’s own feelings, this mixture of scriptural and Chris- tian dogmas, of stoical indifference to the affairs of the world, together with so much delicacy and gentleness in a correspondence, continued to the four last days of a life, and written by a trembling hand on ruled paper. The torments of love-sickness, gui n’impatientent, are left untouched, in order not to lessen the impression of that powerful individuality. I repeat, all that I struck out amounts to only five or six lines—all that 1 suppressed as dull or trivial, would not fill two printed pages. You will, however, see much, very much, in the manu- script stricken out, thus ~~, sometimes half pages; this is, however, not mine but the old lady’s doing. This “ Daughter of the Pastor of Taubenheim’”* had, perhaps, hysterical fits of prudery now and then. The different ink shows that I am a stranger to these obliterations. The first volume has a beautiful passage on Therese, and says much in praise of the King of Bavaria. In the second volume a description of Rahel will please you. . Of Bettina she speaks less approvingly, as Madame call Buelow told me. I shall try to modify it in this respect. I think the first volume will be ready for delivery next Tuesday, and the second will soon follow. I shall bring * A most sentimental and tragically-ending German love sto: y made popular by Biirger’s ballad —Tr. . Humboldt’s Letters. 245 it myself, together with notes and facsimiles, all locked in a tin box, which must be shortened. Then you will be in possession of the whole treasure, and I “ salvavi animam meam.” The thing will create much provok- ing but salutary scandal, and will elicit much conflicting criticism. With sincerest friendship, yours, : A. v. Hr. Please don’t let the book be printed at Berlin, and have it (if possible) advertised before it is in the trade. My letters to Carriere will have duly reached you, I hope? On the 30th March, 1847, Varnhagen wrote in his diary :—“ Just when I returned home, Humboldt came in and brought a pack of manuscripts—the letters of his brother to Mrs. Diede. Humboldt regards affairs here as desperate, as I do myself. He consoles himself with the belief that the constitution presented, though good for nothing at first, may result beneficially. He expects vio- lence of every description—atrocities committed by the police, popular rage, and military strokes. The King, however, Humboldt thinks, has no misgivings. He is in high spirits, having prepared his opening speech, and no longer minds the 11th of April, and its consequences. He never yet talked with Humboldt ‘on constitutional affairs. As to Michelet, Eichhorn has instigated the King 246 Humboldt’s Letters. very much ; but after all they will not find a reason to dismiss him, although the King would like very much to do it, and the Minister urges him on to it.” On the 31st March Varnhagen adds: “ Humboldt told me but yesterday that the King was firmly believing the restoration of Don Miguel, Don Carlos, the overthrow _ of the July dynasty, and that he would yet go to Paris, to salute the legitimate king. Also, that he, Humboldt, was deemed a Jacobin, who carried the tri-colored standard in his breeches pocket. As for myself, I was considered a royalist, but the King had prejudices against me. They think it strange that my old friend Canitz should not have enlightened the King on my behalf; that they did not ask my advice, and avail themselves of my services in the present situation. Witt- genstein also has talked in this manner with Humboldt. They forget only one thing: that I neither can nor will —the one and the other, with equal determination. The nobility is terribly excited ; the change is remark- able; selfesteem is mightily roused. The devil him- self could not have invented more efficacious ways of provoking the hostility of this whole class than this monstrous “ Herrenstand.” A Dream.—I saw the King weeping bitterly, and crying: so far it has come. Well, I will resign! May my brother take charge of the whole, and be happier than I was! ; Humboldt’s Letters: 247 March 27th, 1847, Varnhagen wrote the following repartee of Humboldt in his diary: “ Humboldt re- cited, good-humoredly, that a cert#in Mr. Massow, in the Assembly, had characterized liberalism as a felony. He, Humboldt, was therefore a twofold felon, as Minis- ter Bodelschwingh considered literary men felonious.” On the 11th July, 1847, Varnhagen observes: “ This morning Humboldt came in quite unexpectedly. He is in good health and spirits, and denies having been really sick. He says that the King lives ina whirlpool of pleasure, that he is often extravagantly | gay; thinks. no longer of the Chamber, except when reminded of it, when he becomes immediately grave and sullen. The ministers, “however, are full of anger—Savigny and Eichhorn particularly so. Foremost, however, is Bodel- schwingh, who is always exciting the King to strong measures. Canitz acts this time in a conciliatory and compromising spirit. Bodelschwingh cannot bear being deprived of the imaginary triumph of his visionary premiership by the Chambers. Humboldt is engaged on the final sheets of his second volume. He is going to Paris next September. 248 Humboldt’s Letters. 134, BERLIN, Jan. 18th, 1849. Ir I appear slow, my dear Varnhagen, and rather laconic to-day in offering you my thanks for your friendly presents and your letter, and your congratula- tions, you will not ascribe it to a diminution of my true esteem and friendship. I have had but now the enjoy- ment of what you alone are entitled to call “A Plain Discourse.’”’* How much more fearful, and at the same time hopeful, a turn events have taken. They only know how to oppose brute force to the impending danger, and are afraid themselves to pluck the proffered fruit. Romuald’s ‘“ Vocation”+ deserves, no doubt, the severest censure. What an abuse of his most eminent talents! We will talk about it as soon as I shall have done with the “ Ordenstag}” and the annoyances of the * A pamphlet under that title, written by Varnhagen, in commen- dation of the King.—Tr. + Romuald ou la Vocation, par Mr. de Custine. Paris, 1848. 4 vols. ¢ The day on which the Prussian government yearly distributes orders and decorations. — Tr. 4 E Humboldt’s Letters. 249° Academy elections of my order. La petite piece side by side with the great world’s drama. ‘ With the old attachment, Yours, A. v. Hr. There never was nobler praise bestowed on the King than in “The Plain Discourse.” The little work, “ Plain Discourse to the Germans on the Duties of the Day. Berlin, 1848,” is from the pen of Varnhagen. A few months later, on the 10th of May, 1849, the author himself thus speaks of it in his diary: **] have been re-reading what I wrote in August last on Frederick William IV., and what I wrote in 1840, the day after he received the homage of his subjects. What strange sensations it provokes! Do what I will, awake er asleep, I cannot for a moment shake off the night- mare of consciousness of our political condition, although I know full well how ephemeral it is, how certain the retribution, and how bright the ultimate future. Arouse then, my country, arouse! Civil war is thy fate, but it is not thy choice. Go on thy way undaunted, and be the blood on the head of those who willed it not other- wise. At a time like this it is not the successes but the failures of the moment that are of profit to the people.” This is the place to interpose another visit from Hum- boldt to Varnhagen. On the 12th of February, 1849, il? Os Humboldt’s Letters. the latter wrote in his diary: “ Humboldt called. He thinks it absurd in the ministers to talk of meeting the Chambers, when they cannot find men to make up their own number. Even Kuehlwetter disdains to join them. My opinion that the constitution imposed by the govern- ment is merely a husk concealing the germ of a new revolution, which will shortly burst forth, startled him a little ; but he was much pleased with the notion that the King has been embroiled with the canon of logic for the last eight years past. He says the King was disposed to return to Canitz as Minister of Foreign Affairs! Eich- horn also vouchsafes his advice, and, like the lady of , talks of the Pietists as if he had never belonged to them. “The ‘Staats Anzeiger’ publishes the Austrian note in regard to the German question. Austria will not Privy Counsellor withdraw, but will have a voice in the counsels of the empire, and will not tolerate a variety of things, such as popular sovereignty, or any leadership except its own. A fling at Prussia, a fling at Frankfort, and particularly at Gagern. There it is! Everything plays into the hands of the revolution !” Humboldt’s Letters. 254 135. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PotsDAM, August 16th, 1849. WueEnever I enjoy the fancy of having written a few lines grateful to my ears, I always ask myself whether they would also please you, my valued friend. You know, or rather you do not know, that the Princess of Prussia has deposited a splendid album, with numerous autographs and painted initials, in those halls of the Chateau at Weimar which have been dedicated to Goethe, Schiller, and to Herder and Wieland, maligned by Schiller in his letters to Koerner. I have been com- pelled to write a preface, which Galuski has translated quite happily. The Grand-Duchess desired a French version for the benefit of foreign travellers who might open the album. Look upon this little memento of your friend with indulgence. There is blood on the horizon, and it makes me sad. I need not remind you of the friendship and esteem of Yours, A. v. Humeorpr. Sunpay. 252 Humboldt’s Letters. 136. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, PoTspAM, October 15th, 1849. I nopx, my dear friend, that my “ Views of Nature,” enlarged, and, for two-thirds of it, almost re-written, are at last in your hands! It was owing to an unfor- tunate confusion, occasioned by my long absence from Berlin, that this my favorite work was so long in reach- ing my favorite reader. Perhaps you will derive a brief _ pleasure from contrasting the picture of the nocturnal din of the words with that of the stillness of high noon —vol. i, pp. 383 and 337; or from glancing at the golden visions of young Astorpileo, vol. ii., 352. : In love and friendship, yours, In haste. A. v; Humporpr. Increase your collection of autographs by a very agreeable letter from the man who now lives in Brussels. The phrase “votre fortune morale” is used with great freedom. But the newspaper, all disfigured with blood- stains! What a year, in which all the feelings of the heart run wild! — Humboldt’s Letters. 2 53 137. METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT. (FROM THE FRENCH.) RicHMOND, Sep. 17th, 1849. My prear Baron: I sxe by to-day’s papers that the 9th of September, 1769, gave you to the world, and that thus you have just celebrated your eightieth birth-day. Had I been near you I would have joined your friends in offering my good wishes; at the distance which separates us, I approach you alone. Let me say in a few words that I render thanks to the giver of the faculties which have rendered your name imperishable. To be born is of little account; to make life valuable is excellent. You are numbered. among the richest, and you have made a noble use of your moral fortune. May God preserve you in safety and in health! Receive, my dear Baron, with the expression of a congratulation of which you do not doubt the sincerity, that of my sentiments of devotion and friendship, of a date as ancient as all that has a place between us! MeTTERNICH, ~ 2 54 Humboldt’s Letters. 188. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PotspaM, October 29th, 1849. My prar FRIEND: A German letter of the Duchess of Orleans, to whom I have sent all my writings for many years, and who is very fond of them. She writes a hand so cabalistic to my eyes, that I beg to avail myself of your diplomatic experience in decyphering, and to be favored with a legible copy. The purport appears to be of a political nature. It will not be without interest for you, and on this account I appeal all the more confidently to your good-nature. Your faithful friend, A. Houmso.pr. 139. HELEN, DUCHESS OF ORLEANS, TO HUMBOLDT. Your Excellency will accept my most heartfelt thanks for the token of the remembrance, so valued by me, Huinbioldt’s : Letteté, 25 which you devote to the hours we passed in times but recently gone by, which the course of events, however, seems already to have thrust back into antediluvian periods. I see with joyous gratitude that the conversations in _ my red saloon in the Tuileries and in St. Cloud, ever present to myself, still live in your recollection also, and thank your Excellency for this constancy of sentiments, doubly precious at a time like this. The kindness of my beloved cousin had already ena- bled me to refresh myself by the perusal of your latest work, which is hailed as a fountain of health by so many hearts smitten by the rude hand of fate, and minds stunned by the wild confusion of public events; and my son has also found nourishment in it to assuage his thirst of knowledge. Nevertheless, I thank you most cordially for the jewel you have sent, which receives additional value from being accompanied by your letter. As you say, in words so mild and yet so truly appro- priate, “Men are at present laboring at a fable con- venue ; they strive in part after what is unattainable, and in which they themselves do not believe!” But where will the light appear that is to lead them to the truth, and what events will yet be required to convince them of the impracticability of the most contradictory demands? I agree with your Excellency in thinking that the present tranquillity is destined to be of brief: 256 Humboldt’s Letters. duration. I also do not see in it any real pacification, but only the apathy and indifference which enervates without convincing. Who can fathom the future? The riddle of the coming day remains concealed—how much more must we await in patience the developments of coming years? But courage and resignation must _ not be impaired by this uncertainty ; on the contrary, our hearts should be steeled by it. During my visit in England, the King asked many questions in regard to the health of your Excellency ; the Queen also received with great interest such reports as I could give her. They hold in grateful remem- brance your frequent visits in Paris. My children ask to be commended to your recollection, and I also hope to revive in it from time to time. With heartfelt reverence and gratitude, your Excel- lency’s friend and admirer, HELEN. EISENACH, Oct, 23, 1849. 140. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PorspaM, October 31st, 1849. A THOUSAND, thousand thanks for the interpretation, my dear friend. How the political tempests have Humboldt’s_ Letters. 257 ravaged even this handwriting, once so fine, or, at least, so distinct. The “beloved courier” I read “ beloved cousin,” the Princess of Prussia, who first showed the Duchess the latest. “ Views.” A little address delivered by me before the delegates from this city,in which I referred to the views of my brother, a Potsdamer by birth, on a political life which develops itself freely from within, has been printed by the “Spikersche Zeitung,” with numerous typographi- cal errors. Inclosed is my own report, written imme- diately after delivery. I would have been pleased if the answer had been correctly given in the Constitu- tional and other truly liberal papers. With my old devotion and friendship, Yours, A. Hr. WEDNESDAY NIGur. (INCLOSURE.) I cannot, fellow-citizens, more vividly express the profound gratitude I entertain, than by saying, that you have given me as great a pleasure as you have bestowed an unexpected honor. A pleasure such as this shall not be dashed by the question how I can possibly deserve | this distinction at the hands of your beautiful city. You 258 Humboldt’s Letters. have worthily shown, not only that you value her material prosperity, but that you are alive to higher interests, and accord sympathy and respect to efforts directed to the advancement of knowledge, the educa- tion of the people, and the general culture of mankind. As a reward for a portion of these efforts, to which my long and chequered life has been devoted, I accept with pride your flattering gift. By the favor of two illustri- ous monarchs it has been my privilege, for twenty- two years, with but little interruption, to live as your townsman, and to find, in scenery beautiful by nature and art, those inspirations indispensable to a life-like portraiture of nature, which aims to display the workings of the powers of the universe. Grateful for this good fortune, I have adorned almost all my later writings with the historic name which has become dear to me, and in the walls of which the year 1767 witnessed the birth of my brother, whose memory lives in the hearts of those who have preserved a sense of the enlarged proportions of a political life which pro- gresses in obedience to laws inherent in the constitution of society. A. v. Humsoxpr. On receipt of the Honorary Citizenship of Potsdam. Humboldt’s Letters. 259 141, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Porspam, November 4th, 1849. Waart pleasure you have given me, dear friend, by so agreeable a communication from England! But on account of my brother’s memory, and in order to reply to those who calumniate me for remaining at this court, . I am very anxious to see my response to the deputies of Potsdam correctly printed in a liberal journal. I would like to send it to the “Constitutionelle Zeitung,” which has not yet mentioned the subject. I have no copy, however—nothing -but the bit of paper I sent you. Have the goodness to send it back to me soon. How important is the news from Paris! The forward one may attain the consulate for life (to which the words durée et stabilité seem to refer) ; but he will fall, nevertheless, and awake the sleeping lion. Liberty will lose nothing by it, and the German statesmen (are there any such besides Herr von Gagern ?) will then understand, that in the centre of Europe is the France of 1789, the same, about the nullity of which so many sar- casms have been uttered. The centres of gravity change. With cordial friendship, yours, A. Hr. SunpDay. 260 Humboldt’s Letters. 142. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, March 19th, 1850. Accept, my dear friend, my heartfelt thanks for the lines you gave M. Rio, whose praises had already been sung to me by Cornelius, Olfers, Radowitz, and the King himself, on account of the book, “De lArt Chretien.” ‘The new incarnation of a deputy to the Erfurt Parliament, and his supervision in the interest of the Prince President, was unexpected; but Rafael him- self was a good deal of a mannerist. © Very truly, and in some suspense, Yours, A. v. Humsotpr. TUESDAY. 148. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PotsDaM, July 2d, 1850. In the bard period of reaction, I am delighted to receive so pleasing a memento at your hand, my dear Humboldt’s Letters. 261 friend. Iam also glad of your journey to Kiel, to the little region where German spirit finds an expression free and consistent. The state of public affairs is like the water-bottle shaken by D’Alembert, in order to produce a mixture of bubbles of different shapes. “ Calculez moi cela,” he said, in irony of hydraulic science, of which he was himself so great a professor. Many a bubble will burst before the diplomatists find time to calculate its evanescent figure. I shall render my heartfelt thanks to Herr von Froloff. I made a fatile effort to dissuade him from inserting a mass of explanations and metaphors, in- tended to facilitate comprehension. He wished to accomplish what is absolutely impossible, and seemed to have but little understanding of the form of compo- sition. I shall say nothing more to him about all that. Hybrids are never successful in literature. I was extremely unwell, confined to my bed even; but now, in spite of the dispersion of all matters of interest, I am well, industrious, and not cheerful. In friendship as of old, yours, A. v. Humporpr. 262 Humboldt’s Letters. 144. ‘HUMBOLDT TO BETTINA VON ARNIM. (Copy in Varnhagen’s Handwriting.) BERLIN, June ith, 1851. You could not doubt, dear lady Baroness, that I would respond with the greatest warmth to your wishes for a composer of such sterling merit as * * * * In consequence of malignant prejudices against music, originated by my brother, and transmitted through the King to me, my voice upon a subject which no one ever mentions to me, is somewhat lacking in tone, particularly when church music is in question. What with Warsaw, Olmuetz, Russian Grand Dukes, and, to name something ‘of a higher order, Rauch’s inspiring master-piece, it was impossible hitherto to obtain a hearing. Warsaw is now succeeded by Hanover, by the visit to your royal friend and mine. I have not yet seen our monarch at Potsdam again, and surrounded by all the horrors of a cosmic transmigration, shall wait for the returning tide from Warsaw (the alluvium of Batavian and Mecklen- burgh highnesses), and when the rock-bound seas are calm again, I shall go to work systematically, as your Humboldt’s ' Letters. 263 cheerful and genial letter inspires me. But at this gloomy period everything oral is unheard, and what is written is scarcely noticed. The latter, however, is an insuperable necessity. In order, then, to accomplish so attainable a purpose, a very brief writing addressed im- mediately to the King, will be required, to be delivered by me with a warm recommendation. Our excellent friend asks the King for a trifling assistance in point of funds, to enable him to travel to Munich. The state- ment of a specific amount is not necessary, but it will simplify the matter. The man’s delicate sense of honor will not be offended by my suggestion, as the request is made not for himself, but for a noble service to the cause of art. With all devotion and grateful reverence, your most faithful and obedient “2 A. y. Humsorpr. 145. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PortspaM, November 1st, 1851. You have given me an inexpressible pleasure, my dear, my noble friend, by your kind letter. I am 264 Humboldt’s Letters. heavily in your debt, and my long silence and apparent neglect might have provoked some suspicions of cool- ness or diversity on matters of opinion. With a man of your mind and goodness of heart I ought to have entertained no such apprehensions. Before I received your dear letter with Baader’s portrait, it was my inten- tion to bring you personally the third volume of Kosmos (two parts in one), now finished with great difficulty, and which unfortunately is exclusively astronomical. I was certain of a kind reception, and your letter of the 24th of October, which had been left behind in my house at Berlin, confirmed my purpose. Ottilie von Goethe gives me cheering news in regard to your health. As usual you will combat her opinion. But what astonished me was, that the president of the council, usually cold as a glacier, was delighted with Ottilie, and is entirely disposed to gratify her wish for the appoint- ment of Wolfgang, at the Prussian embassy at Rome. Was it necessary, however, for Wolfgang, after publish- ing a very able little work on Nature and Legislation, to go to press with a collection of poems, containing but rare gleams of imagination ? : Written with the devotion of better days, in a time of gloom and feebleness, by A. v. HumsBorpr. On the 24th of November, 1851, Varnhagen wrote Humboldt’s_ Letters. 265 | in his diary: “ Backbiters are busy with Humboldt. Littleness and mediocrity, conscious of their nothing- ness beside him, combine their envy and spite, and thereby hope to be something. The one comes to the other with smiles, and makes him the confidant of the - dislike he entertains, and of the foibles and defects he claims to have detected. The other welcomes the sug- gestion, responds with similar remarks, they clasp each other’s hands, and are fast friends in enmity of the hero. Those who pretend to be the most faithful lend them- selves to such intrigues. Singly they amount to nothing, but when lumped together they constitute a stumbling- block, which obstructs the light of day, interferes with what is good, and destroys life and spirits: such vermin tormented Goethe, and now they torment Humboldt. I know these fellows by experience; in Rahel’s time I have seen my fill of it! The brothers, the nieces, how glad they would be to make common cause with the most inferior beings, to place their united mediocrity above the genial power of heart and mind, by which even they were yet constantly lighted and warmed! Humboldt’s weak points are well known, he does nothing in secret, men see him as he is; but his great- ness is unimpaired, the greatness of his mind and the equal greatness of his heart. And eighty years—what a bulwark! Who will dare assail it ? 12 - 266 Humboldt’s Letters. 146, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, January 28th, 1852. Herre is my Cosmic present, my dear friend! I choose not to bring it myself lest it should seem that I dare not come without it. Cast a look at p. 1—25, Mars p. 511, and the concluding passage p. 625—631. I may call to-morrow, Thursday, at one o’clock, may I not? I shall be sure to come. With the old attachment, which will never grow cold, A. vy. Humspopr. WEDNESDAY. With two yellow pamphlets, to his friend of many years, Varnhagen von Ense, with old admiration and attachment. The author. On the 29th January, 1852, Varnhagen’s journal reads as follows: “Humboldt came at one o’clock, wonder- fully robust for his time of life! Speaks with indignant scorn of the coup d@état in France, the undisguised out- rage, the arbitrary banishments, and particularly the robbery of the estates of the Orleans family. The King Humboldt’s Letters. 267 was at first full of rejoicing, he and the court saw nothing offensive in the crime committed against the people, the legislature, the law, and the sanctity of oaths, but that the adventurer preserves universal suffrage, rests upon the people, practises socialism, and even wants to be emperor; this is what makes him | detested! Humboldt is of opinion that in the revolu- tion of February the establishment of the Provisional Government, which was immediately obeyed throughout France, was a piece of even greater audacity than the present usurpation of the one man who has already been president, and worn the name of government for three years. I reminded him of the parliament, and the com- mittee of fifty at Frankfort-on-the-Main. In the dispo- sition to acquiesce, he sees that national feeling of unity and cohesion which, among Frenchmen, suppresses all party feeling. Humboldt says there is no doubt that Louis Bonaparte is a son of Admiral Verhuel, and his brother, Morny, a son of General Flahault, who, he says, lived with both the sisters, the Queen of Holland and the Queen of Naples. Of Persigny—Fialin de Persigny— he speaks with the utmost contempt, calling him a raw, unkempt non-commissioned officer, who still arrogates to himself discoveries about the pyramids. Passing on to our own affairs, he deplored the narrowness, the pitiful character of our ministry; he considers Raumer the most stupid of them all, stupid and unmannerly 268 Humboldt’s Letters. both; the King is cross and peevish, capricious, and prone to excuse himself by saying that he is powerless, and must be governed by his ministers. On the 30th of January, 1852, Varnhagen adds: . “Humboldt takes a lively interest in the widow of the philologist F.; her husband has done much work for him. At Humboldt’s urgent advice, she has petitioned the King for a pension, and Humboldt and Boekh were to support the petition by their signatures. But F. was a democrat, not an active, but an avowed one, and the King might have heard of it. To neutralize this, Hum- boldt proposed to request Stahl to join in countersign- ing the petition. His own name can now accomplish nothing with the King! On what days have we fallen, when Humboldt asks Stahl to give him countenance !”” Se. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, Feb. 5th, 1852. I BELIEVE, my dear friend, that the letter I have just received, will greatly confirm your ideas about Paris. Galuski, the translator of the second volume of Kosmos, is a man of noble instincts, great talents, and much Humboldt’s Letters. 269 philological learning, but very moderate in his love of liberty. What he says of his first impression, is a pretty impudent expression of this moderation. He also was seized with a marvellous dread of coming events. My opinion has always been that the wildest republic cannot do so much and such enduring harm to the intellectual progress of mankind, and to their con- sciousness of right and honor, as le régime de mon oncle, le despotisme éclairé, dogmatique, milleux, which applies all the arts of civilization to subject a people to the caprices of an individual. Read, to increase your abhorrence of such degradation, which threatens to spread like a pestilence, in the “ Journal des Debats” of this morning (February 3d), the reasons for drawing up a list of recommendations of those who might be elected (according to the “‘ Constitutionnel).” The “ Spenersche Zeitung” of yesterday did not fail to follow suit with a communication in favor of a similar set of proposals for our second chamber ! I hope soon to procure for you the Histoire de l’Aca- demie (by Bartholmess). Ihave made many vain efforts to advance the interests of Professor F.’s widow. Your most attached, A. Humporpr. 270 Humboldt’s Letters. SUPPLEMENT. ‘¢ Spenersche Zeitung,” of 1852, Feb. 4, No. 29.—The transactions in reference to the formation of the second Chamber have repeatedly been the subject of our com- munications. It is perhaps not equally well known, that at this moment the attention of higher circles is also directed to the formation of the Second Chamber. The present electoral law presents the right of suffrage as one to be exercised or not at the option of the voter, without a corresponding obligation on his part. A law compelling men to vote would seem to be equally inex- pedient and impracticable. But by refraining from voting in any number, the voters repose the decision of the question in the hands of an unknown minority, who, by exercising their privilege, frequently bring about a state of things by which representation is given, not to the political views of the constituency, but to their very opposite. The principles had in view in fixing the reconstruction of the First Chamber, have, by force of logical inference, led to the proposals to alter the elec- toral law for the Second Chamber in this manner, that His Majesty, the King, shall appoint in each district, long before the election, a government candidate, who shall be the representative, unless the majority of the voters should at the election record their preference for another. The specific arguments in support of such a plan will appear to-morrow in connexion with its details, Pe Oe ne Humboldt’s Letters. 271 148. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, February 12th, 1852. Ir may interest you, dear friend, to see collected on one sheet all the efforts making by the Orleans dynasty to counteract the robbery. The Duchess of Orleans sends the paper by the Princess of Prussia. Are you acquainted with a candidate for theological honors, named William S., of Dresden, disguised under the name of Wilfried von der Neun, who torments me by sending aphorisms in manuscript ? Yours, A. v. Hr. Be kind enough to return the enclosed at your early © convenience. 149. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bern, Afarch 23d, 1852. One of the many inconveniences of old age is that of liability to attempts at conversion. Do you care to 272 Humboldt’s Letters. deposit this curious, good-natured letter among your psychological curiosities? (The man who is entirely con- vinced of Bernadotte’s salvation, circuitously informs me that Satan wields the baton of command in my heart, as in that of Goethe, that of the pious Kant, and that of Wieland.) And our parliament!! If necessary the cities must be expunged from the face of the earth— such is the desire of our diplomatist at the Diet. With heartfelt attachment, Yours, A. Hr. Turspay, late at night, The enclosed letter from August. Grau, of Mont- gomery County, Ohio, dated February 6, 1852, contains the following: “A gentleman who has travelled over a large portion of the earth, who, by the publication of so many excellent writings, has erected for himself so durable and so resplendent a monument on the field of literature and science, is not to be named by any German without the greatest esteem. When the names of great warriors who have spilt the blood of their fellow-men upon the battle-field shall be forgotten, your name will blaze for hundreds and thousands of years in the annals of history. But it is singular, at the same time, that the greatest natu- ralists, philosophers, and astronomers who have occu- Humboldt’s Letters. 273 pied the principal portion of their lives with new inventions, and with investigations into the elementary powers of nature, are often totally indifferent to their salvation or perdition in the world to come. Goethe, Schiller, Wieland, and Kant, were all distinguished characters and brilliant ideals, and in their walk and conversation were more or less observant of what are called the laws of morality, so as probably to abstain from cards, nine-pins, playhouses, and dancing, but their sphere of operations did not reach into eternity, and the fate of their fellow-men in the other world—their salvation—was of little interest to them.” After launch- ing into further sanctified regrets at the scarcity of true godliness, and its absence even in princes and royal chaplains, the writer continues: “The last King of Prussia, and his truly royal Louise, had some know- ledge of a state of regeneration, as well as the last King of Sweden, the former French Marshal Bernadotte, Prince of Ponte Corvo. A poor peasant was better able to enlighten him on the means of salvation than one of the first bishops of the Lutheran church. O, Sir Privy Councillor, while I do full justice to your unble- mished life, your high character as a statesman, and your acquirements as a man of science; and while I rejoice that Berlin—ay, that Prussia may boast of such a man as your Excellency, yet my joy would turn into holy exultation if I should have the honor of seeing 12* 274. Humboldt’s Letters. you a warm disciple of Him who died upon Golgotha, Without Him, Lord Chamberlain, with all our acquire- ments, with all our boasted knowledge, we are singu- larly unhappy.” Further on, the letter reads: “ Goethe says, on a certain occasion, that during the whole course of his long life he had not spent four happy weeks. These are the words of a great man of science. If Christ has not taken up his residence in our hearts, who else can be there but Satan? One of them, surely, must be there—one must wield the baton of command. It is manifestly impossible at one and the same time to serve two masters! Worthy sir, my gracious Lord ‘Chamberlain, I am penetrated with great esteem for you and your lofty merits; I love and revere you. I am not worthy to unlace your shoes. This is the unconstrained language of my heart; although I have occupied myself with acquiring the elements of seventeen different languages, and can even at this day read the writings of the New Testament in seven different tongues. But I have not only been firmly convinced of the truth of the Christian religion for thirty-one years, but experience the influence of the Holy Ghost from day to day, and almost from hour to hour.” The letter is subscribed, “ Your Grace’s most devoted servant and brother in Christ, Augustus Grau.” Hum- boldt adds the remark: “An attempt at conversion, from the State of Ohio.” Humboldt’s Letters. 275 150. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, March 13th, 1853. Tue confusion of my lonely life, my dear friend of many years, at a time of such profound moral degrada- — tion, leaves me in a harassing uncertainty as to whether I have or have not sent you the seventh volume of my brother’s complete works. I am greatly ashamed, but I know that you have not yet learned to be angry with me. The article against Capodistrias, the demand for the surrender of Strasburg, sounds like the irony of fate upon our present humility...... With ancient love and reverence, yours, A. vy. Humsoxpr. The death of Leopold von Buch bows me deeply. A happy blending of the most noble, philanthropic senti- ments, momentary impulses, and a little despotism of opinion; one of the few men who have a physiognomy. He has given a new form to his science ; he was one of the greatest illustrations of our times; our friendship has endured sixty-three years, unruffled, although we often tilled the same field. I found him, in Freiberg, in / 1791, where he had come to the Mining Academy before — myself, although five years younger. His funeral 276 Humboldt’s Letters. appeared like a prelude to my own, C’est comme cela que je serai dimanche. And in what a condition do I leave the world—I who lived in 1789? But centuries are as seconds in the mighty development of advancing humanity. The swelling curve, however, has its little indentations, and it is irksome to be found in such an interval of decadence. 151, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, March 14th, 1853. Harty thanks for the comfort derived from the characteristic word of Fontenelle’s, hitherto unknown to me—but twenty years are too short to see anything better! Your Buelow von Dennewitz is great and good news tome! The treasure of the warm-blooded Leopold von Buch I return inclosed. May not Fried- rich Schlegel’s astronomical vision be connected with conversations I had with him at Vienna on the certainty that we shall see the southern cross rise again in Ger- many, where it has already shone in historic ages? Let me remind you of a passage in my Kosmos (II. p. 333), which derives some interest for you from its reliable chronological date. ‘It was not more than 2900 years Humboldt’s Letters. 277 before our era that the cross became invisible in North- ern Germany. The constellation had ascended as far as the tenth degree above the horizon. When it dis- appeared from the Baltic skies, the pyramid of Cheops had already stood five hundred years. The shepherd nation of the Hyksos invaded Egypt seven hundred years later. The past becomes apparently less remote when we can measure it by reference to memorable events.” Persevere in your diligence upon Buelow von Denne- witz, who became very dear to me in Paris. Fond of music, he was very affable in the family of Lafayette, in the little chateau of Lagrange, at Paris—Lafayette’s country-seat, where Buelow was quartered. Yours, A. v. Humsorpr. I shall bring volume VI. myself. Norte BY VARNHAGEN.—As a comfort for his eighty years, I had written to Humboldt that even these could be transformed into a comparative youth, as appeared by Fontenelle’s example, who, at the age of a hundred years, attempted to pick up a fan dropped by a lady» and, unable to do it as quickly as he wished, exclaimed, “ Que n’ai je plus mes quatre vingt ans! Of Friedrich Schlegel I had told him, that shortly before his death, he prophesied to Tieck, at Dresden, that, at no very remote period, though he could not exactly define it, a mighty change would take place in the heavens, the great constel- lations would leave their places, and combine to form an immense cross. 278 Humboldt’s Letters. 152. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, August 15th, 1853. SepaRATED from you, my dear intellectual friend, by the prolongation of my dreary sojourn at Potsdam, my first approach to you is to petition. You, you alone are my literary adviser, you who combine such depths of feeling with so wonderful a command of the harmonies of language. In my extreme old age, timidity in regard to my own powers increases in an almost morbid degree. A separate volume is to contain a selection of the sonnets of my brother, in which there is not always a perfect consonance between form and substance. I crave your permission to come to you to-morrow, Tues- day, at one o’clock, to read you a preface I have been compelled to write! By all means send a verbal assent by. the bearer. With indestructible friendship, yours, A. v. Humsoxpt, Humboldt’s Letters. 279 153. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, August 31st, 1853. For once in this gloomy time, when a fell simoom blows from the Pruth to the Tajo, I have had a real and a keen delight—your return, your encouraging message, and even the assistance I implored. Your superb letter finds me at the don @ tirer of a little, I hope unpretending, preface to the sonnets. As it will be unfortunately impossible to-morrow (on Friday the King arrives at Potsdam, when I must hand him a good many things, according to promise), I take the liberty of sending you my proof sheets this evening. I beseech you to be severe in your treatment of these sheets, with which I have incorporated a remarkable fragment (in illustration of the ideas and frames of mind manifested in the “ Letters to a Lady Friend”) and to note on a separate piece of paper what I ought to alter, and especially what I ought to substitute. I follow you implicitly. I dislike the phrase on page 4, “* Schoen errun gene Himmelsgabe.”* * Beautifully extorted gift of heaven. 280 Humboldt’s Letters. The pious fragment is an autograph, nearly illegible, and requiring some emendation in the construction of the sentences; thus on page 11: Perhaps you prefer the phrase “dec Annerkenung.” The phrase is heavy, even now. On p. 14 you will not disapprove of “ eben nicht,” in place of “haben nie gerade,” which is still more verna- cular. The four lines stand there like a fallen aerolith. They must be preserved at all hazards, if only on account of their freedom. Could not you help out page 13 below somewhat? — Is the close of the phrase “voice of conscience—has laid” clear to you? Itis not soto me. Perhaps a few words would make the sense clear. Roma, the verses to me from Albano, and all the cho- ruses and Pindarus will form another volume. With old affection and profound esteem, Yours, A. v. Humsorpr. The saddest news of Arago’s family; swollen hands and feet, diabetes, and almost blindness! Forty years of life go with him!! Humboldt’s Letters. 281 154. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, September 2d, 1853. A THOUSAND pardons for troubling you in suffer- ing! I have adopted every suggestion, taken every hint. But I should like also to insert the reflection you made in regard to p. 6. Would you approve of the following interpolation: “ A long sojourn at Rome, and perhaps a lively interest in certain epochs of Italian poetry, appear to have imbued my brother with a par- ticular preference for a little lyric form, which, if melody is not to be sacrificed, closely fetters the thought, but which he handled witha freedom, the result of intention and confidence.” Or would you have it, “which he freely handled with the confidence of a clear intention,” or, “ which he handled with a freedom of which he was perfectly conscious?” When the poet, urged by his realistic and individual peculiarity, felt most keenly the desire of welding ideas into the flood of sentiment.” Be good enough to return me your MS., which is a _ treasure of critical research. Very thankfully, yours, HuMsBo.pr. 282 Humboldt’s Letters. Nore BY VARNHAGEN.—I selected “which he handled with a freedom of which he was perfectly conscious,” as most in accordance with the metaphor of the fetters, and as otherwise clearly indicative of the idea intended to be conveyed. Varnhagen reports under date of September 9th, 1853, in his diary: “ Humboldt had advised me of his coming; he came about half-past one o’clock, and remained till half-past two o’clock, a mere visit, nothing of business ; he felt the necessity of unburdening himself of many things. First he vented his bitter and indig- nant scorn on the speeches of the King in Elbing and Hirschberg, and on the utter absence of vigor, which makes itself known in such disconnected ebullitions. Then he spoke with the utmost contempt of von Raumer, - the Minister of Public Worship and Instruction, of his brutality and insolence, his hatred of all science, his pernicious activity. ‘The King,’ Humboldt said, ‘ hates and despises all his ministers, but this one particularly, and speaks of him as of an ass; what particularly nettles him is, that Raumer opposes all the King’s wishes, and he keeps him in-office nevertheless, as he keeps all © of them, because he has them, and every change is a troublesome affair. The case of the brothers Schlagin- tweit was cited as an instance. The King wished to — aid them in their voyage to the Himalaya Mountains ;_ the minister refused ; the King ordered him to hear the opinion of Humboldt, which was a most favorable one, — : Fudaboldeec Teter, 283 but Raumer insisted upon his opinion, which, he said, was not changed by Humboldt. Then the King, who confessed himself to be powerless against his minister, wrote to Bunsen, who took the matter in hand, and the brothers Schlagintweit now receive English aid. And the very same King, who pretends to be so jealous of his prerogatives, permits them to be thus encroached upon? ‘Yes, sometimes he delights in playing the part of a constitutional monarch, absolves himself from | all responsibility when the matter is a delicate one, answers demands made upon him by adverting to the difficulty of obtaining the signatures of his ministers, and even pretends to regard that “ baggage, the state” as something with which he had little concern, accuses the ministers of forgetting him in their devotion to that “baggage, the state,” &c., &e. **. _— Humboldt’s Letters. 359 198. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. Bertin, March 17th, 1857. I cannot deny myself the pleasure to offer to your Excellency my most heartfelt congratulations for your happy and perfect recovery! The finest and most powerful testimony of it is the letter to Privy Councillor Boeckh, which appeared in the papers this morning, and which no epithet of praise will suffice to describe. Such an invocation has never yet fallen to the lot of any man, and the receiver will not fail to honor and appreciate it as the most precious of all the gifts bestowed upon him. How fresh must have been the mind, and how warm the heart, from which it emanates, and how sterling and graceful at once is its expression! Even its narrative form—its Herodotic narrative, I might call it—is of inestimable value, and shows us a beautifal combination of youth preserved and old age achieved. May your Excellency pardon this overflow of senti- ment! You have no need of my words, but to me it is not possible to suppress them, and I therefore will give free vent to my most fervent desire, that the radiating star, covered for a moment by a cloud, may 360 Bhenboldes Letters. still shine upon us for a long time in accustomed splen- dor, and may forebode, as heretofore, health and wealth at home and abroad. With profound veneration and gratitude, Ever faithfully your most devoted VARNHAGEN VON ENSE. These lines are not so presumptuous as to expect an answer. 199. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. Bein, March 19th, 1857—at Night. How should I deny myself the pleasure to thank you, the dearest, ablest, and most attached of my friends. Not indulgence—no, praising expressions on my address to Boeckh—a praise of form, of the vesture of thought—has been my lot from the lips of the master of language, and of the delicate turns of good-will. You caused me great joy, more than you anticipated. What my nervous affection was, which produced a paralysis of such short duration, with the functions of the brain remaining entirely free, with pulse unchanged, with preservation of sight, and of all motion of the extremities subject to will, I cannot divine. There are Humboldt’s Letters. 361 magnetic storms (the polar light), electric storms in the clouds, nervous storms in man, heavy and light ones— perhaps, also, sheet lightning, foreboding the others. I had serious thoughts of death, comme un homme qui part, ayant encore beaucoup de lettres & écrire. Other interests, which for ever remain alive in me, bind me to the memories of yesterday!! I believe myself in full convalescence; but as i had to rest much on the bed without occupation, sadness and displeasure of the world have increased in me. This I say to you alone. I shall soon come to you, and thank you orally from the depths of my soul. All around us puts us to shame. In most intimate friendship, your most faithful A: v. Humporpr. Varnhagen writes in his diary, March 19th, 1857: * Unexpectedly a letter from Humboldt! I had writ- ten under my congratulation, that these lines were not so immodest as to expect an answer. But he, neverthe- less answers, and in the most obliging, most heart-glad- dening manner. He gives a remarkable report of his sickness. The bad reports were all untrue, at least exaggerated ; he never lost consciousness or language, his pulse remained as usual. Yet he did not conceal from himself, that it might be the end. “TI had serious thoughts of death, comme un homme qui part, ayant encore beaucoup de lettres 4 écrire!” Grand and fineis=— 16 gh A peas ta i > ee 362 - Humboldt’s Letters. what he adds: “‘ Other interests, which remain for ever alive in me, bind me to the memories of yesterday ! ! (of the 18th of March!)* I believe myself in full convalescence, but as I had to rest much on the bed without occupation, sadness and displeasure with the world have increased in me. This I say to you alone.” 200. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 6th, 1857. Ir you, dear friend, understand the letter of the Grand Duke as I do, that he should come to Weimar, under the pretext of must go. I had proposed studying the archives ; he would bring a letter of intro- duction from you or me; should be invited to court and if he did not please, should simply be asked whether he —. That this should be a shib- boleth as a bad end of the drama, quod Deus avertat. meant to return to I also proposed to advance the stipulated sum of money. On this head the tyrant does not answer dis- goes, I think, by way of Berlin. Shall tinctly. * Day of the Prussian Revolution of 1848. Humboldt’s Letters. 363 | we then give him the letter of recommendation with the galvanic stimulants? I do as you wish. Your faithful i A. v. Humsorpr. Mownpay. Keep the letter of the Grand Duke, which ends nicely, and in good taste. 201. KARL ALEXANDER, GRAND DUKE OF SAXE-WEIMAR, TO HUMBOLDT. Wear, April 3d, 1857. A MISUNDERSTANDING is the key to my behavior I believed and expected that he, after he had, in January, I believe, asked the permission to towards search our archives, would immediately come hither. Then only of course I would have paid his expenses. Just in these last days I wondered neither to hear nor to see anything of Then arrived the second letter of your Excellency, which, asking explanation of me, gives explanation; and I hasten to answer it by saying that may come in about ten days, and I would be prepared in any case to make the payment, the amount of which your Excellency 364. Humboldt’s Letters. yourself named. According to understanding, both of us, I and the traveller, would consider ourselves entirely free yet, and therefore observe due discretion on the proper cause of this journey. Dante would have spoken still more truly if he had said: “ Viver ch’ 8 un correr a eterna gioventa.” You prove it, for eternally your immortal spirit rejuvenates. its excellence is also a proof of this. In grateful reverence and love, your faithfully most submissive Kart ALEXANDER. 202. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BerRuIn, April 7th, 1857. Your Excellency’s kind and very much desired com- munications I forwarded in haste to ———— that is to say, the substance of it. It is to be hoped that will start immediately, but I expect first to receive an answer from him, and as I do not believe that in the short time the Grand Duke has left him, he can make the détour by way of Berlin, it will be best for him to receive the letter of introduction in Weimar. The Grand Duke insists upon discretion, and justly so! Humboldt’s Letters. 365 It is convenient for him, and delicate and sparing for the other party. has acted correctly in this respect up to the present time. I am very anxious to see the end of the matter; taking for granted that there was a good relation present in the germ. Success would give me extraordinary satisfaction. The present you make me of the letter of the Grand Duke delights me very much. Not only the end is in good taste and fine, but the whole style has agreeable turns; and above all, the reverence for your Excellency expresses itself in a manner, the heartfelt sincerity of which cannot be misunderstood. For some days I have been living entirely in recollec- tions of past times and relations. The correspondence between Gentz and Adam Mueller, just now published by Cotta, keeps me spellbound, and I must contemplate the whole series of those experiences in my reviving recollection. I have known both men early and intimately, and have had much intercourse with them, personally, of a friendly character, in measures generally an adversary. The superiority of Gentz over the younger friend, whom he greatly overvalued, never was doubtful to me, and is here confirmed anew ; only at last when the murder of Kotzebue deranges and stupifies the mind, the force of terror drives the statesman, who formerly was fond of clearness, into the gloomy nebulous strata, to which the 366 Humboldt’s Letters. frightened friend had retreated long before. This cor- respondence is certainly unique in its kind. The trans- actions, disquisitions, mutual influences, inclinations, and feuds are invested with dramatic interest. In Adam Mueller, by-the-by, is contained the complete germ of the “ Kreutz Zeitungs” party, though in ideal elevation, still without contact with the real world, and therefore without offensive vulgarities. Your Excellency kindly promised me a few lines on Franz Baader ; may I remind you of them in the most . modest manner, and with the remark, that really a few lines only would suffice for the purpose? In most faithful reverence and most grateful submis- sion, immutably your Excellency’s most obedient VARNHAGEN VON ENSE. 208. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, April 10th, 1857. I wave the pleasure to announce to your Excellency i that Herr will start from to Weimar on the 14th. Much as he would have wished to make the détour by way of Berlin, if only to lay at the feet of your Excellency the most cordial expression of ‘his Humboldt’s Letters. 367 boundless gratitude for so much friendly intercession, he is compelled by the brief period fixed by the Grand - Duke to renounce the realization of that wish for the present.” I therefore venture to solicit the favor of the introduction to the Grand Duke you were good enough to promise; a single line would suffice. I would imme- diately despatch it to Weimar, so that Mr. will find it there on his arrival. The young man is well aware that the journey concludes nothing, and that he must be prepared for a denial; but he is much pleased to see that the long delay in the progress of affairs is ended, and he is at last in motion. By your kind inquiry your Excellency has produced this result, and dispelled the clouds of misconception ; the most grateful heart will acknowledge this with heartfelt devotion! His sen- © timents are warmly shared by myself, in this case, as in so many earlier cases ! With the best wishes for your welfare; with profound veneration and attachment I remain unalterably, Your Excellency’s most obedient VARNHAGEN VON ENSE. 368 Humboldt’s Letters. 204. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 13th, 1857. Here, my valued friend, is the archivary recommen. dation for , just as prescribed. May the matter be successful, With heartfelt attachment, Yours, A. v. Humporpr. 205. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN, BERLIN, April 21s/, 185'7. To my great regret, dear friend, I cannot accept the. kind invitation of yourself and your amiable niece to a cup of coffee on Thursday, as I shall return late and much fatigued from Charlottenburg. During my illness, a number of unimportant matters have accumulated, which must be disposed of after dinner, because they are trumpery affairs of orders and dedications, a pre- sentation of Betel in preference to gifts of money. The fourth class* operates like Betel chewing, it occupies * ie., of the order of the Prussian eagle. Humboldt’s Letters. 369 the time, but affords no nourishment. On Thursday the King hopes to close and settle with me. Be pleased to write Professor Hoffmann, of Wuerzburg, that I am grateful for his torso, but no assistance is to be expected from the King, not only (what you must noét write), because something like a holy horror of the Catholic zeal of Baader is rooted in the King’s mind, but also because all literary assistance dwindles down in the cabinet to a present of forty or forty-five thalers. In preference to the publication in the preface of a miser- able letter of introduction, which may have been written in a moment of ill-humor, I enclose a memorandum as | requested. With the same friendship as of old, A. v. Humporpr. (INCLOSURE IN A LETTER FROM HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.) You ask me, dear friend, what were the earliest im- pressions produced upon me by Franz Baader! I first saw him in June, 1791, while studying the art of mining in Freiberg, after the journey with George Forster to England, and after my sojourn in the Hamburg Com- mercial Academy of Buesching and Ebeling. For eight months I enjoyed the daily intercourse of this amiable and gifted man. Franz Baader had then published his work on caloric, and his inclinations were all of a che- ‘ mico-physical nature, with a slight infusion of ideas 16* 370 ~~ +~Humboldt’s Letters. on the philosophy of physical science. He was active underground, more occupied with practical mining and furnace operations than with geognostic researches ; thorough in the observation of fact, cheerful, and satiri- cal, but always with good taste, and not intolerant of those who differed from him. His imagination was not then specially directed to religious subjects. He was generally popular, and a little feared at the same time, as is so common where there is a consciousness of mental superiority. His political opinions were liberal. It was the period of the Congress of Pillnitz in our neighbor- hood—a time and a neighborhood which gave occasion to political utterances. 206. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 25th, 1857. “Tn gate of the oracle, the abyss of the archives of state, analogies leading down to the depths of the sea.” This is inferior to the last letter. Rafael’s manner is not always the same. I am surprised to find that curiosity before the journey to Hanover! Preserve the vapid letter, my dear friend! The bottom of the sea refers to a map of the appears to have led him to avoid seeing Humboldt’s Letters. 371 sea from Newfoundiand to Ireland, which I recom-- mended to the Grand Duke, but which is not to be pro- cured because it was published in Carthage by Perthes! The Times flatter themselves, in all seriousness, that the French race is on the point of extinction ; well, the pugs are extinct also. Yours, ' A. v. Humso3pr. I have disagreeable rudera of the correspondence with a certain Dr. Gross Hoffinger, in Vienna, who accuses himself of having written against Prussia in 1848, and now asks Prussia to recommend him to the Austrian government. Have you any recollection of him ? Note BY VARNHAGEN.—“ Carthage” means Gotha, a town not far from Weimar, but under the sovereignty of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, between whom and his cousin there is a constant rivalry, such as of old existed between Rome and Carthage. 207. CHARLES ALEXANDER, GRAND DUKE OF SAXE-WEIMAR, TO HUMBOLDT. Your Excellency’s letter was duly received by the hands of Mr. Accept my thanks for these lines, for this new token of your constant kindness to me. 372 Humboldt’s Letters. The bearer is for the present immersed in the abyss of my archives. As soon as I shall return from Hanover, where an invitation will detain me a few days,* to seek him out, awaiting further. developments at the hand of time, like the people at the gate of the oracle. Analogies lead me from deep to lower deep, and then I descend from the archives to the bottom of the sea. How am I to obtain the map of which you wrote? When I inquired for it in Gotha, some time ago, the inquiry was futile. So I return to the source, ever rich and bounteous, of whom I subscribe myself the most grateful and obedient CHARLES ALEXANDER, Vienna, Aprif 22d, 1857. 208. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, May 28th, 18517. I am uneasy, my dear friend, about Weimar. The Grand Duke is everywhere, except in Weimar “ Athens.” What will become of our warmly recommended? Has he been spoken to by the eloquent Prince? You have not wished me joy to the order bestowed upon me by * An ellipse, probably of Grand Ducal origin.—7r. Humboldt’s Letters. — 373 the ‘Hamburg Moniteur” as Grand Officier, which Guizot gave me fifteen years ago. Raumer’s conversa- tion is very interesting; he was at Pesth, at Milan, dined with the Archduke, apd called on Cavour. He has again returned with something of a hankering after the Austrian régime in Lombardy, like the Republicans when they visit the United States, where arsenic, the torture, or Fremont-worshipping negroes, cause a criminal colic to Cuba-mad Buchanan. Multa sunt eadem sed aliter. The Russian Minister of Enlighten- ment, Noroff, who had a leg shot off by the thigh at Borodino, and who has carried his wooden leg to Jerusalem and Egypt, and even to the top of the Pyramids, is here, and attends as a guest, sitting among the students, the lectures of J ohannes Mueller and Diderici. His companion, the young Count Ouwaroff, the author of a great work on Hellenic antiquities in the Chersonese, attends the lectures of Michelet and Boeckh. Both are very agreeable men. The former is accused of being over spiritual, but not intolerant ; both are much pleased with the freedom of our student life, and with the absence of policemen from our uni- versity building. I did not care to disabuse the mind of the one-legged Raumer, as they will leave soon. Decipitur mundus. With old affection, your tiresome A. v. Humporpr. 274 Humboldt’s Letters. Note BY VARNHAGEN.— The United States, where arsenic, the torture, or Fremont-worshipping negroes, cause a criminal colic to Cuba-mad Buchanan.” This passage alludes to the circumstance, that at a hotel in Washington, the President, and many others with him, were seized with a violent colic after dinner, so that suspicions of poison were entertained; and it was only after a legal investigation that the whole was found to have been caused by impure water. By THE TRANSLATOR.—“ Fremont-worshipping negroes” must refer to the slaves who were reported to be in insurrection soon after the accession of President Buchanan, in Tennessee or Kentucky, and of whom it was said, that they believed Fremont and all his men to be encamped at the bottom of the Cumberland river, ready to emerge for their delivery. 209. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. PorspaM, THURSDAY. Jn haste, June 4th, 1857. A TRULY grand ducal letter, indelicate without excuse, cutting off every prospect, as he said “ Au revoir” on going away, after the preconcerted shibboleth. Silence as to the costs, which are unnecessarily heavy. You and I shall cease “steering in the ocean of investiga- tion,” as acquaintance with the party proposed does not suffice to determine him. I have a mind to answer some- what mockingly. It may be agreeable to you, my Humboldt’s Letters. 375 esteemed friend, to enrich your archives with an auto- graphy of Thiers, who is now an Orleanist. Duvergier de Hauranne also came here after a pilgrimage to Eisenach. The Duchess is going to England. Preserve both letters, the bad one and that which is simply good. Yours, A. v. Hr. On Saturday I expect to come to Berlin with the King. The Queen is coming on Monday. 210. CHARLES ALEXANDER, GRAND DUKE OF SAXE-WEIMAR, TO HUMBOLDT. ETTERSBURG, June 1, 1857. Your Excellency has probably learned already, that I have seen, repeatedly conversed with, but finally re- frained from appointing —-. He interested me, I may say he pleased me, but I thought I could not recognise in him the secretary who could not only keep me informed of everything of moment in the spheres of science, art, and literature, but should attend to my correspondence, my intercourse, verbal and social, in various languages ; and to appoint him at hazard I feared to venture. To 376 Humboldt’s Letters. retreat was, then, the only resource. I did so in order to steer further in the ocean of investigation. Whether you will continue, even in this matter, to cast upon me, as a star of good omen, the light of the goodness ever extended to me—is what I may be permitted to wish, but can hardly be permitted to hope—although we agreed that the acquaintance of the party was not to include his selection. I shall now retire into various forest solitudes of Thu- ringia with a number of books, among which I anticipate particular pleasure from the perusal of Barth’s itinerary. I bow in reverence before such endurance in the love of science, before such indomitable energy ; how much the more must I do so before his prototype, before you? Remaining your most devoted, most grateful servant, CHARLES ALEXANDER. 211, THIERS TO HUMBOLDT. (FROM THE FRENCH.) Paris, May 14th, 1857. My Dear M. pz Humsorpr—I take the liberty of commending to your goodness shown so often to myself and to Frenchmen generally, M. Duvergier de Hau- ranne, who goes to Germany to show it to his young son. Humboldt’s Letters. 377 You know our country too well for me to tell you what important and always honorable part has been sustained by M. Duvergier de Hauranne in our assemblies, where he has ever been faithful to the cause of rational liberty ; and not faithful alone, but eminently useful. Having returned to private life and devoted himself to study, he goes to see your excellent country, and I thought I could not do better than to recommend him to your kindness. To his young son it will be an imperishable recollection to have seen the illustrious savan who does the greatest honor to the century, and whom we French- men have the vanity to consider as French, and belong- ing to us no less than to Germany. I do not write on current affairs here, for M. Duver- gier de Hauranne knows them, and can make you acquainted with them better than any other man. Accept the renewed homage of my respectful attach- ment. A, Turers. _ 212. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, June 19th, 1857. To my greatest joy, a beautiful portrait ef yourself was brought me by Mr. Richard Zeune, during an -excursion to Tegel. I know not which most to admire, 378 Humboldt’s Letters. the fresh, vivid, characteristic likeness of features so dear to me (the talent of the skilful Miss Ludmilla Assing), or the writing of your hand, so pregnant in thought and expression. The latter I have copied myself and shown it to my friends, because it is to be ranked with the best of what our language contains in the sententious compression of ideas. The unexpected arrival of the brothers Schlagintweit from Cashmere, Thibet, and the Kuen Luen mountains, which bound Thibet on the north, as the Himalaya on the south, has unreasonably delayed my acknowledgment of your kindness, as they are going to the King at Marienbad, without, it is to be hoped, the three hundred and forty boxes they have brought with them. All the passes, even those most convenient for travel, are 18,000 feet high. From the liberal grand ducal power (not liberal in the prosaic sense of filthy luere), not a syllable, pro- bably because he is expecting us to send him fresh proposals, fresh victims. No one but the honorary Hungarian monk* and the princess is now a riddle to me. Yours most faithfully, ! A. v. Humporpr. The Emperor Napoleon has adroitly mended what vefore was dubious, by means of very amiable letters, rich in delicate turns of language, addressed to me by * Liszt. Humboldt’s ° Letters. 379 Prince Napoleon (plon plon), and Walewski. As Nie- buhr, the Prussian Cabinet Councillor, is publishing a book on Noric Antiquities, nothing remains to cause surprise, not even the FREE canvass for the free election in free France. I believe a few weeks in Branitz will be of benefit to you. 218. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN., BERLIN, June 80th; 1857. I am at a loss for words to express to you, my honored friend, and to the amiable and brilliant artist and authoress, Ludmilla Assing, what pleasure you have provided for my solitude, by ‘Elisa von Ahlefeldt,” a pleasure still to be enjoyed by all who will deprive me of it for a few days. Who can read without emotion a fate so tender, so simple, told in such glowing language, by Miss Ludmilla; who can escape the most anxious reflec- tions about the tortures of sentiment which the most noble and cultivated of mankind are skilled in inflicting on themselves about passion half-dogmatic in character, for the gratification of which the difficult institution of official marriage is inadequate. Elisa von Ahlefeldt loved Adolph von Luetzow, but only as the vigorous representative of a noble political sentiment. The mo- 380 Humboldt’s Letters. tive for the disruption of the fetters, indelicate on his part, has something depressing. Immerman wishes to be loved, dreads the constraint of marriage, as Elisa does, but marries nevertheless!! The man who most occu- pies my thoughts in all these matters is Friesen, who worked so hard with me at the Mexican atlas in 1807, who was so dear to me, and to whom I was somuch. I have mentioned him with tenderness in the Essai Poli- tique sur la Nouvelle Espagne. Had I known the beau- tiful work of Miss Ludmilla, I would gladly have offered her a few lines. Her book, however, will go through many editions. As I am unfortunately compelled to go to Tegel for a night, I inquire, my dear friend, whether I may call upon you at three o’clock on Friday, and whether I may hope then to find Miss Ludmilla with you. So much skill in art and literary genius united in one and the same person is a rare luxury. It might lead to misfortunes. The course of the world refuses to admit of great exceptions to its compensatory system of pleasure and sadness, Your A. v. Humspoipr. TUESDAY. x In great haste, and incorrect. (Inclosed, a Letter from Friesen, of the year 1807, with this Super- scription by Humboldt. ) A little gift for Miss Ludmilla Assing, the brilliant authoress of Elisa von Ahlefeldt, an autograph of my dear Humboldt’s Letters. 381 young friend Friesen, with sentiments of sincere thank- fulness. A. v. Humsotpr. JUNE 30th, 1857. Varnhagen’s diary of July 4, 1857, contains the fol- lowing: “‘ Yesterday Humboldt spoke of the time when he lived in a house at the side of George’s Garden, and was so assiduous in his magnetic observations that he once stinted himself of sleep for seven successive days and nights in order to examine the state of things every half hour : after that he changed the watch with substi- tutes. This was in 1807, just fifty years ago. I often saw the little house in which the experiments were made, when I yisited Johannes von Mueller, who also lived in a house at the side of the same garden; or Fichte who lived in a garden house in the middle of the garden. When old George, a wealthy distiller, showed the gar- den to his friends, Humboldt went on to say, he never failed to boast of ‘his learned men.’ ‘Here I have the famous Mueller; there is Humboldt, and there is Fichte, but he is only a philosopher, I believe.’ ” 382 Humboldt’s Letters. 214, HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, July 6th, 1857. So ignorant of German poetry as to know nothing of the fame of Mr. Mecklenburg, I must ask you, my dear friend, to spe- of what he calls the dreary cify the degree of politeness with which the man ought to be answered. Eight volumes, a compensation of forty louis d’or, four for myself, four, as usual, for the King, and a nonsensical letter, are before me. The man appears to have sung of the great Napoleon and Ney, but to have vainly knocked at the door of Napo- leon III., Stephanie, Walewski, and Edgar Ney. It is made my duty forthwith to read a Trajan, a Bianca, and a Henry IV. Neither does he seem to have an extravagant idea of what is to be obtained from the King, a circumstance which discourages me from deli- vering the treasure. Elisa von Ahlefeldt has given great pleasure in Tegel, where I went with Kaulbach yester- day, as delicate and pure in taste. Not in Tegel but in Berlin, some court chaplains or officers, anxious to acquire the title of consistorial councillors, may have mooted the ecclesiastical question, whether a husband Humboldt’s Letters. 383 and a friend are both allowable ? The Berliners manage to talk about and to soil whatever comes into their fingers. Most gratefully fully yours, A. v. Humso.tpr. Monpay NIaqut. I shall send for the two volumes again in a day or two. My best and most grateful compliments to Miss Lud- milla, the poetic artist, who combines the poet and the painter. si 215. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, July 8th, 1857. THe two volumes of poetry kindly sent by your Excellency, no doubt manifest considerable literary cul- ture, and a skilful management of language and of metre; but this would seem to exhaust the truthful measure of their praise. The number of men of this order of talent is very large, and where there are not further excellences they can hardly be called otherwise than ordinary. The claims advanced on the basis of such performances are frequently exorbitant, and such is 384. Humboldt’s Letters. the case in the present instance, where not appreciation merely, but ,actual remuneration is demanded. The author is not known to me, and his reputation certainly far from extensive. That his youth has been hard, and that his present condition is far from pleasant, is much to be deplored, but the manner in which he seeks to - better himself, by supplication to the powerful—bestow- ing praise upon men of all parties and all shades of party, without a conviction of his own,—is none the less disreputable, as well as his letter to your Excellency, which has received the proper epithet at your hands. In the answer with which you will honor him, the severe expressions I have used are sure of being softened to the full extent of what is desirable by your inexhaustible and unchangeable humanity and goodness, My niece, Ludmilla, thanks you from the fulness of her heart for the friendly interests your Excellency has so kindly manifested, and which she will never cease to count among the greatest treasures of which she could possibly become possessed ! Yesterday we paid a visit to Madame Gagiotti Richards, and found her, more beautiful than ever, in the midst of her artistic occupations. The whole-family entertain the most enthusiastic veneration for you, and this alone would make them dear to us; the personal attractions of the beautiful artist are enchanting. At the present day nothing literary is permitted to Humboldt’s Letters. 385 make its appearance, be it ever so peaceful and inoffen- sive, without giving rise to manifestation of priestcraft and zealotry. The little book could not escape the universal fate, and the author must expect to meet with many an offensive objurgation on this head. But she has had the good fortune de manger son pain blanc le premier, she has reaped the praises of your Excel- lency, and may now quietly leave the black bread of detraction untouched ! We mean to leave for Dresden on Monday, and hope to find your Excellency again in excellent health at the end of a few weeks! With profound veneration and grateful devotion, Your obedient VARNHAGEN VON ENSE. 216. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. | Bern, September 16th, 1857. AN inquiry about letters and packages of the 8th and 22d of August, gives me the gratifying certainty of your return to monastic Berlin, where (supplement to No. . 215 of Tante Voss, Sept. 15) “God in History ”* is accused of rationalism and sinful Romanism on account * Title of a work by Chevalier Bunsen. — 386 Humboldt’s Letters. of a kiss extorted from M. Merle d’Aubigné, and not yet sufficiently explained, and where (what is much more refreshing) pastor Kind boasts of having been kissed on the shoulder by a young Italian chambermaid at Naples, with the warmth of semi-conversion to Evangelism. .As my monotonous birth-day has already brought in more than three hundred letters and pack- ages, I never know anything about the dates of arrival ; but I well remember having received a letter with a black margin of the 15th of July, from your distinguished relative Adolfo de Varnhagen in Madrid, and also a fragment of his history. I shall thank him heartily. His history is not without interest. You know that an attempt was made to get rid of M. von der Heydt, whose independent activity is disagreeable to his colleagues, by the appointment of a commission of finance in the coun- cil of state. But the man has acted with considerable energy, and the King has adjourned the whole commis- sion, which was the work of Niebuhr. With heartfelt friendship, WEDNESDAY. Yours, Au ®. Ee My respects to your talented niece. I believe “God in History” has acted unwisely in accepting the King’s invitation, even after so many repetitions, I esteem him, but he will be accused of many things of which he is innocent. Humboldt’s Letters. 387 217. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. ' BERLIN, October 14th, 1857. (WITH LETTER FROM GENTZ AND GARVE RETURNED.) My best thanks! I had already received the letters and enjoyed them. Nothing can add more to the glory of my brother. Strange that Ancillon could so long deceive so shrewd a man as Gentz. . A; v. Tis. Varnhagen’s diary of Dec. 3d, 1857, reads as follows: “T called on Humboldt; M. von Olfers was just going, and told me that Rauch had died in Dresden. Next General Count von der Groeben took his leave; he was very cordial, and pleased with my offer to send him a man who will republish the poems of Schenkendorf. Humboldt was full of cordiality for Ludmilla and my- self; told me about the King, about Schoenlein, about the Princess of Prussia, about Doctor Lassalle, whose work* he had read accurately in three nights, and of Friesen ; spoke of the ‘ Kreuz Zeitung’ with contempt, praised the Count von der Groeben as a man of honor, and von der * The Philosophy of Heraclitus the Obscure of Ephesus. 388 Humboldt’s' Letters. Heydt for his determination to leave the cabinet. He had a letter from the Queen. The King wishes to see him, and he therefore drives to Charlottenburg. He is hale and hearty. I read much in Lassalle. Even the external appearance of so great and important a work excites reverence. On me it makes peculiar impres- sion to witness the downfall, one by one, of the stays and rivets by which my inveterate opinions have been upheld. Every one who has grown old has to observe and experience such things; but in our times the changes are quicker and more powerful than in former times, and I am peculiarly sensible to them. Even where the contents do not matter to me, where I do not lose in the matter, because the subjects do not belong directly to my province, the phenomenon is nevertheless somewhat disagreeable. Such is again my lot in regard to Schleiermacher ; his work on Heraclitus was hitherto the last word, the final disposition of all questions relating to that philosopher; even Hegel’s adverse hints had not been able to overturn this authority. One could rest upon it as on a downy pil- low, when lo! a new critic comes, and snatches it from under us. True, Lassalle supplies its place with another, which is large and well stuffed, but still the change is uncomfortable. And yet I am pleased with this unrest of intellectual efforts, this ingenuity, learning, progress, which asks no fear or favor.” Humboldt’s Letters. 389 218. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN., BERLIN, January 11th, 1858. REvERED Frrenp,—I, too, am a sufferer from the returning cutaneous affection, an unwelcome conse- quence of old age. You have, at least, unconditional freedom, and can attend to your comfort; to me there is no freedom granted; I am molested by all; most unmercifully and inexorably by the mail. The kind memento of Mrs. Sarah Martin is very honorable to me. I ewe it, like many other things, to you. Suffer me to make you the interpreter of my gratitude and of my faithful reverence for the talented lady, and for her brother, so dear to me, Mr. John Taylor. The news from Livingstone interests me chiefly on account of his views of the susceptibility of the negro race to civiliza- tion, at a time when France on the one hand, and North America on the other, are most shamelessly subserving the capture of slaves in Africa, under the flimsy pretext of introducing free laborers. The politi- cal news from India, by Captain Meadows Taylor, was unimportant. Perhaps it is agreeable to you to add to your archives some original letters of Count Walewski, ! 390 Humboldt’s Letters. Prince Napoleon, who goes to Egypt, son of King Jerome, Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, and a copy of a very finely-written letter of the Pasha of Egypt, the original of which I was obliged to present to Dr. Brugsch. - Dr. Michael Sachs could not be prevented from cele- brating me in Hebrew.* Many kind greetings to the noble General von Pfuel, whom I shall visit as soon as possible. : Yours faithfully, always equally illegible, A. v. Humporpr. 219. PRINCE NAPOLEON, SON OF JEROME, TO HUMBOLDT. Paris, Oct. 13th, 1857. Monsieur LE Baron,—Mons. Mariette sent to me, only a few days ago, your*letter of July, in which you speak of Dr. Brugsch, and of his having sent me a Demotic Grammar, which I have not yet received. I mention this, so that you cannot accuse me of negli- - gence in answering you. To-day I do not feel the courage in me to speak to you even of science. Your heart and your mind must be much afflicted by the sickness of your sovereign and friend, who causes us * A Life of Humboldt was written in Hebrew by Mr. Sachs. Humboldt’s_ Letters. 391 great sorrow. I say us, because the few days which I passed at Berlin made me appreciate the eminent qua- lities of the King, and attached me very much to him. May God preserve his life! I wish it from my heart. Receive, Monsieur le Baron, the assurance of my high esteem. NaPpo.Leon. ‘Varnhagen reports in his diary under February 18th, 1858 :—“ I went to Humboldt. With a wonderful pre- sence of mind he immediately thinks of all the things of which our presence can remind him; he tells most flattering things to Ludmilla on her book, for the second edition of which (which he declares to be inevitable), he will give her a passage on Friesen,* which he had indeed intended to communicate to the ‘Turners’ of Leipzig, as an inscription on the monument intended to be erected in Friesen’s honor, but which, after a prelimi nary inquiry, appears to have been forgotten by them. He is out of humor with the Grand Duke of Saxe- Weimar, who robbed him and the brothers Schlagin- tweit of some hours, by repeated visits; they soon found out that he did not want to inform himself about those things they had prepared for him, but that he only wanted to have spoken with them; he also gave to each one the Falkenorden.t About: he made * One of the founders, “ der Turnkunst.” ¢ Order of the Falcon. 392 Humboldt’s Letters. the same excuse to Humboldt as he made to me, that noble birth was indispensable, which Humboldt thinks quite detestable, and moreover entirely in harmony with the personal prejudices of the Grand Duke; the father, he says, who also was not very remarkable, had at least concealed this sentiment, but the son expresses it openly ; once, after a man who was not of noble birth had left the company, he had with great satisfaction given utterance to his delight, saying, ‘Now we are among ourselves!’ Another time, when some one observed that thirteen were at the table, he replied for consolation, that two among them were not nobles, and therefore did not count! and this he said to Humboldt in French, because, he said, these two would certainly not understand that! Humboldt complained bitterly of the mass of letters by which he was visited ; he had to read at least 400 of them in one month; many com- menced, ‘Noble old man,’ or, ‘ Noble youthful old man;’ or also in this fashion: ‘Caroline and I are happy; our fate is in your hands.** He praised Princess Victoria, saying, that she was not pretty, but had pleasing simple manners, and an eye full of soul.” * Meaning “ Caroline and I can get married, if you will help us to some money.” Humboldt’s Letters. 393 220. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, February 19th, 1858. You see, dear friend, that in spite of many little cavils _ of Mr. d’Avezac, who has learned to quote from Malte- Brun, your cousin does you much honor. But it is incomprehensible that Mr. d’Avezac knows nothing at all of the map of Juan de la Cose, of 1500, published by me in 1830, six years before the death of Colon, and of a work in large quarto, under the title “Geschichte des Seefahrers Ritter Martin Behaim, von W. Ghillany and Alex. Humboldt, 1853,” where the origin of the name of “‘ America” is discussed. A. Hr. The ravages of a single night. The noble, youthful old man, Vecchio della Montagna. Accompanying the book, “ Considerations Géogra- phiques sur l’Histoire du Brézil, Examen critique d’une nouvelle histoire générale du Brézil, par M. Francois Adolphe de Varnhagen. Rapport fait par M. d’Avezac, Paris, 1857-58.” t 2 ag 394. Humboldt’s Letters. 221. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, March th, 1858. I presume that you, dear friend, have not seen the indiscreet, almost talentless, book of Normanby. I shall not return it to Lady Bloomfield without offering it to you. Skip over it according to the index, and send it kindly back to me in four or five days, It depicts a badly played comedy. My reverence to your amiable niece. Your most attached A. v. Humpo3pr, Sunpay NIGguHt. “A Year of Revolution. From a journal kept in Paris in 1848. By the Marquis of Normanby, K.G. London, 1857. 2 vols. in 8vo.” Varnhagen remarks in his diary, under March 8th, 1858: “ Humboldt sends me, with kind lines, the book of the Marquis of Normanby on the revolution of 1848. He calls it an indiscreet book, and almost talentless. I call it stupid, and perfidious in its contents; it shows Humboldt’s_ Letters. 395 the evil results of meddling with diplomacy, particularly if unofficial, as was that of the Marquis at the time. Lamartine as well as Cavaignac gave far too much heed to him. He is one of the dullest and most-tedious Eng- lishmen ever heard of.” March 9th, 1858. Varnhagen adds this further re- mark on Normanby: “Read a little more of Normanby. He is a poor fool, but his bad book is good enough to expose the paltriness of Louis Philippe, the villany of Guizot, and the pernicious influences of sneaks and sharpers. His forte consists in the perfect success with which he flattens down to insufferable monotony the enlivening and exhilarating effects of the torrent of events.” 222. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, April 13%, 1858. I am touched by the kindness of your letter, and the souvenir from your talented niece, Miss Ludmilla.