104 Humboldt's Letters. 



the end of each chapter, never at the bottom of the 

 page. I had said that a knowledge of nature is not 

 absolutely necessary to enjoy it, but that it increases 

 the enjoyment. Pardon this hasty writing. I leave 

 to-morrow morning with the King for Potsdam, to stay 

 there six or seven days. With thanks and friendship, 

 your illegible 



A. v. HUMBOLDT. 



55. 



HUMBOLDT TO SPIKEK. 

 (C.) 



\Biron speaks to the King of Navarre^] 

 "These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights, 

 That gave a name to every fixed star, 

 Have no more profit of their shining nights, 

 Than those that walk, and wot not what they are, 

 Too much to know, is to know nought but fame ; 

 And every godfather can give a name." 



SHAKESPEARE, Love's Labor Lost. Act I. Scene 1. 



BE so kind as to send me back this page. I make 

 use of your fine translation in a note which is now being 

 printed in my Ifosmos. You will permit me to say: 





