You will easily understand how happy and flattered I was at hearing,
that the book “Antonio Perez and Philip II.” 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 is a 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 magnificence 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 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 harmony,
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.