Humboldt's Letters. 1 09 



Berlin to learn the art upon which he has thrown so 

 much light. 



The bearer of the present, whom I beg leave to 

 recommend to your protection, is the theological can- 

 didate, Bornemann a young man of talent and know- 

 ledge, whom I send to Berlin to study Philosophy under 

 the guidance of my countryman, Steffens not precisely 

 that of Hegel, who has disciples enough in our Univer- 

 sity ; but that philosophy which may assist in rectifying 

 the sometimes rather extravagant doctrines of our 

 modern thinkers. Steffens is kept at Berlin by a sacred 

 tie, the gratitude he owes to the King ; but I desire 

 that his genius and his knowledge may not be lost to us, 

 and that this young scholar may profit by his light 

 before it ceases to shine, and to enlighten all those 

 coining in contact with my illustrious countryman, who, 

 in my opinion, is in himself worth an entire academic 

 faculty. 



I follow with the greatest interest, founded on sincere 

 friendship and on the mutual relations of our respective 

 positions, which I fully appreciate, all that your excellent 

 King does and projects for the happiness of his subjects, 

 for German nationality, and for the preservation of 

 peace. May his efforts be blessed by the Almighty ; his 

 people will then enjoy an increased and steady prospe- 

 rity, which will materially contribute to the welfare of 

 their neighbors. 



