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.
Be 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: “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.