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.
I am really unable to give you an authoritative judgment on this
excellent work, which I received from your hands, and to atone in some
measure for this defect, as well as to give some substantial character
to the expression of my thanks, I present you the accompanying work
(Catherwood’s Views in Central America). It may serve as an appendix to
your own great work 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.
132.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
BERLIN, _February 27th, 1847_.
Here, at last, is my thankful letter to Carriere, containing 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 Stolzenfels:
“I know you feel great compassion for the Poles under the Russian
sceptre; but, I am sorry to say, the Poles are as little deserving of
our sympathy as the Irish.” “Mihi dixit;” and one is the handsome
husband of the Queen of Great Britain!
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.