143.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
POTSDAM, _July 2d, 1850_.
In the gloomy period of reaction, I am delighted to receive so pleasing
a memento at your hand, my dear friend. I am also glad of your journey
to Kiel, to the little region where German spirit finds an expression
free and consistent. The state of public affairs is like the
water-bottle shaken by D’Alembert, in order to produce a mixture of
bubbles of different shapes. “Calculez moi cela,” he said, in irony of
hydraulic science, of which he was himself so great a professor. Many a
bubble will burst before the diplomatists find time to calculate its
evanescent figure.
I shall render my heartfelt thanks to Herr von Froloff. I made a futile
effort to dissuade him from inserting a mass of explanations and
metaphors, intended to facilitate comprehension. He wished to accomplish
what is absolutely impossible, and seemed to have but little
understanding of the form of composition. I shall say nothing more to
him about all that. Hybrids are never successful in literature.
I was extremely unwell, confined to my bed even; but now, in spite of
the dispersion of all matters of interest, I am well, industrious, and
not cheerful.
In friendship as of old, yours,
A. V. HUMBOLDT.
144.
HUMBOLDT TO BETTINA VON ARNIM.
(Copy in Varnhagen’s Handwriting.)
BERLIN, _June 7th, 1851_.
You could not doubt, dear lady Baroness, that I would respond with the
greatest warmth to your wishes for a composer of such sterling merit
as * * * * In consequence of malignant prejudices against music,
originated by my brother, and transmitted through the King to me, my
voice upon a subject which no one ever mentions to me, is somewhat
lacking in tone, particularly when church music is in question. What
with Warsaw, Olmuetz, Russian Grand Dukes, and, to name something of a
higher order, Rauch’s inspiring master-piece, it was impossible hitherto
to obtain a hearing. Warsaw is now succeeded by Hanover, by the visit to
your royal friend and mine. I have not yet seen our monarch at Potsdam
again, and surrounded by all the horrors of a cosmic transmigration,
shall wait for the returning tide from Warsaw (the alluvium of Batavian
and Mecklenburgh highnesses), and when the rock-bound seas are calm
again, I shall go to work systematically, as your cheerful and genial
letter inspires me. But at this gloomy period everything oral is
unheard, and what is written is scarcely noticed. The latter, however,
is an insuperable necessity. In order, then, to accomplish so attainable
a purpose, a very brief writing addressed immediately to the King, will
be required, to be delivered by me with a warm recommendation. Our
excellent friend asks the King for a trifling assistance in point of
funds, to enable him to travel to Munich. The statement of a specific
amount is not necessary, but it will simplify the matter. The man’s
delicate sense of honor will not be offended by my suggestion, as the
request is made not for himself, but for a noble service to the cause of
art.
With all devotion and grateful reverence, your most faithful and
obedient