67.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
BERLIN, _April 7th, 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 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—something poetical (by Wilhelm von
Humboldt)—for Stuttgart. All that I possess are unfortunately but
_copies_.
Take care of your health, dear friend, it is not firmly restored.
Yours,
A. V. HUMBOLDT.