Humboldt's Letters. 143 



when you mention ine, and even my most insignificant 

 words ! I have often followed you through the three 

 volumes, over those beaten, but still delightful paths ; 

 but nothing pleases me more in this " sylva sylvarum" 

 than your dignified and just remarks on the historical 

 blunder as to the " truly Germanic" distinction of poli- 

 tical classes, ii., p. 256-272. 



You will observe that my political " ire" is still the 

 same ; that I am always very much attached to this life, 

 having learned from you that, according to Kant's 

 doctrine, there is not much to boast of after our disso- 

 lution. " The budding twig starting up in the regions 

 of northern empires" (I am satirical now) has been but 

 poorly acclimated ; and I have little time to spare, 



having already waited fifty-three years The 



Germans will yet have to write many more books on 

 liberty. 



The card-playing man ii., p. 157 will again cause 

 some excitement in the environs of my " hill." I 

 believe I have discovered some " moderation," which, 

 however, one does not like to mention. The words, 

 " that miserable fellow," are no longer heard. You see 

 how much I love to read your writings and not 

 through fear. A. v. H. 



We have not yet talked of Custine's book. The first 

 volume is an eloquent and sprightly description (of dra- 



