Humboldt's Letters. 27 



said when a speech of Demosthenes was read : " Oh ! 

 had you heard it delivered by him !" And the smiling 

 approval, the gracious satisfaction of the high audience, 

 the amazement of all present at the wonderful discovery, 

 how much the impression must have been heightened 

 by all that ! 



Oh, our Protestant parsons are on the best road, they 

 promise to leave behind their Catholic brethren as they 

 were when in the most flourishing condition of their 

 priesthood. Such hypocritical black coats make us 

 the laughing-stock of the world. Representation of the 

 people or no representation, may we have it, or may it 

 be denied, I care little about it just now, but that such 

 a scoundrel should assume to call the meeting of the 

 Knights of an Order a national representation, is an 

 attempt which should be rewarded by the lunatic 

 asylum or the State prison. And there is not even a 

 song, a street ballad, a caricature, to make merry of 

 such a monstrosity all is silent ! 



But as this is the time of sleep, I will go to bed and 

 wish you and myself good night and sweet dreams. 

 With the highest respect, &c., 



V. 



See A. v. Humboldt'a note to Rahel, Varnhagen's wife, of the 1st 

 of February, 1833. 



