181.
(ENCLOSED.)
GRAND DUKE CHARLES ALEXANDER OF SAXE-WEIMAR TO HUMBOLDT.
AT THE CHATEAU OF BERLIN,
_Tuesday Morning_.
Had I had the skill of the Marquis of St. Germain, of whom, if I am not
mistaken, it is told that one fine morning he departed through four
gates at one and the same time, I could not have been more desirous to
find M. von Varnhagen than I was. Nevertheless, it was all in vain. No
one could tell me where he lived, and it was of no use to take the
measure of the “_Maurenstrasse_.” Nature having made me the most
obstinate of all Grand Dukes, I still persist in my intention to see the
invisible, and hasten to attain that consummation by requesting your
Excellency to tell me where M. de Varnhagen actually _does_ live. Pardon
my repeated importunities; but in conscience I know of no route which
could be shorter or more direct. I remain, with the inextinguishable
attachment of the most devoted admiration and veneration for your
Excellency,