Humboldt's Letters. 29 



says, even the most eminent talents, as such, ought to 

 have no distinction whatever ! I do not wonder that 

 such things are spoken out, but what depresses me is the 

 vileness of the society in which we are here living, and 

 which is Dot even aroused by such contemptible asser- 

 tions. May both of you preserve your nobler selves. 



A. HT. 



10. 



HUMBOLDT TO YARNHAGEN. 



BERLIN, 3d of Feby., 1833. 



I am eternally grateful and affected by your noble 

 letter. Grace and euphony of language should always 

 be joined to purity of character and gracefulness of 

 manners. 



My brother was here for two days, but almost always 

 under the shock of the waves, dashing from the Court. 

 Princes have the right to pray without ever being depre- 

 cated. He ordered me to tell you, dear friend, how 

 very sensible he is to the flattering nature of your offer ; 

 but he is just now so much occupied with the publica- 

 tion of the quarto edition on the affinity of Asiatic 

 languages with the Sanscrit, that he cannot accept 



