Varnhagen writes in his diary, March 19th, 1857: “Unexpectedly a letter
from Humboldt! I had written under my congratulation, that these lines
were not so immodest as to expect an answer. But he, nevertheless
answers, and in the most obliging, most heart-gladdening manner. He
gives a remarkable report of his sickness. The bad reports were all
untrue, at least exaggerated; he never lost consciousness or language,
his pulse remained as usual. Yet he did not conceal from himself, that
it might be the end.” “I had serious thoughts of death, comme un homme
qui part, ayant encore beaucoup de lettres à écrire!” Grand and fine is
what he adds: “Other interests, which remain for ever alive in me, bind
me to the memories of yesterday!! (of the 18th of March!)[92] I believe
myself in full convalescence, but as I had to rest much on the bed
without occupation, sadness and displeasure with the world have
increased in me. This I say to you alone.”
200.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
BERLIN, _April 6th, 1857_.
If you, dear friend, understand the letter of the Grand Duke as I do, ——
must go. I had proposed that he should come to Weimar, under the pretext
of studying the archives; he would bring a letter of introduction from
you or me; should be invited to court and if he did not please, should
simply be asked whether he meant to return to ——. That this should be a
shibboleth as a bad end of the drama, quod Deus avertat. I also proposed
to advance the stipulated sum of money. On this head the tyrant does not
answer distinctly. —— goes, I think, by way of Berlin. Shall we then
give him the letter of recommendation with the galvanic stimulants? I do
as you wish.
Your faithful
A. V. HUMBOLDT.