256 Humboldt's Letters. 



duration. I also do not see in it any real pacification, 

 but only the apathy and indifference which enervates 

 without convincing. Who can fathom the future? 

 The riddle of the coming day remains concealed how 

 much more must we await in patience the developments 

 of coming years ? But courage and resignation must 

 not be impaired by this uncertainty ; on the contrary, 

 our hearts should be steeled by it. 



During my visit in England, the King asked many 

 questions in regard to the health of your Excellency ; 

 the Queen also received with great interest such reports 

 as I could give her. They hold in grateful remem- 

 brance your frequent visits in Paris. My children ask 

 to be commended to your recollection, and I also hope 

 to revive in it from time to tune. 



With heartfelt reverence and gratitude, your Excel- 

 lency's friend and admirer, 



HELEN. 



EISENACH, Oct. 23, 1849. 



140. 



HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. 



POTSDAM, October 31s*, 1849. 



A THOUSAND, thousand thanks for the interpretation, 

 my dear friend. How the political tempests have 



