28 Humboldt's Letters. 



9. 



HUMBOLDT TO EAHEL. 



BERLIN, February 1, 1833. 



MY speedy reply has no good foreboding, my dear 

 friend. When anything is to be done in this country, 

 it wants fourteen months' maturing after that there is 

 hope. The inclosed letter, which, however, you are 

 entreated not to leave in the hand of your lady friend, 

 explains all. I was listened to in my words and letters 

 kindly and promisingly. This morning, however, the 

 drawingsthose beautiful drawings were sent back. 

 The underlined word in the accompanying note might 

 give some hope ; but I like better to give myself up to 

 illusions than to nourish them in others, and the firm- 

 ness with which Beuth, who alone has to decide in the 

 matter, sticks to his will, bars all prospects. That I 

 have done my best in the matter, as you yourself have 

 desired it, does not require further words this should 

 be a sort of historical faith with you. Please send me 

 a word of comfort about my dear Varnhagen the only 

 brilliant star in the literary world of our country that 

 country in which, as the bishop with the drawn sword 



