48 Humboldt's Letters. 



tion in the theatre : some would applaud, and a greater 

 number would hiss, it was hoped. At Treves, some- 

 thing of that sort had already happened, on their way 

 through that city. No doubt, however, that our 

 Princes, notwithstanding their ill-feelings, will behave 

 very civilly, as the King has expressed his wishes in this 

 respect too positively. The Queen of the Netherlands, 

 who is just now here, and who was believed to be the 

 most violently opposed to them, leads the way with a 

 good example, and declares that she will receive the 

 strangers. The Ambassador, Mr. Bresson, and Mr. von 

 Humboldt, at first disapproved of this excursion. That 

 it is carried out notwithstanding is owing to Prince von 

 Metternich, who desiring to secure the influence of 

 France in the Oriental affairs, and at the same time to 

 preserve the friendship of Russia, puts Prussia in the 

 foreground, whose conduct in receiving the French 

 Princes will form a precedent which must necessarily 

 be followed at Vienna. The thing is, indeed, an event 

 of great importance, and must tell effectively on public 

 opinion. It is a fact, and, as such, speaks to every one. 

 Every one will say that our Court has not the principles 

 it pretended to have, or that it is too weak to avow 

 them openly, and is driven, therefore, to try hypocrisy. 

 A bad thing either way ! 



