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!
47.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
FRIDAY, _March 29th, 1840_.
Decide, 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 influenced rulers and
nations equally, as far as civilization and commerce extend” (extend,
not extended, which latter I abhor); or, 2, “As far as civilization and
commerce ennobled mankind;” or, 3, “Made mankind susceptible;” or, 4,
“United mankind.”
Would No. 4 (the last), not be the better? Perhaps you have an
inspiration. Put clandestinely, to-night at Staegemann’s, a bit of paper
in my hand. Perhaps the first conception is the best.