Humboldt's Letters. 263 



cheerful and genial letter inspires me. But at this 

 gloomy period everything oral is unheard, and what is 

 written is scarcely noticed. The latter, however, is an 

 insuperable necessity. In order, then, to accomplish so 

 attainable a purpose, a very brief writing addressed im- 

 mediately to the King, will be required, to be delivered 

 by me with a warm recommendation. Our excellent 

 friend asks the King for a trifling assistance in point of 

 funds, to enable him to travel to Munich. The state- 

 ment of a specific amount is not necessary, but it will 

 simplify the matter. The man's delicate sense of honor 

 will not be offended by my suggestion, as the request 

 is made not for himself, but for a noble service to the 

 cause of art. 



With all devotion and grateful reverence, your most 

 faithful and obedient 



A. V. HUMBOLDT. 



145. 



HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEff. 



POTTSDAM, November 1st, 1851. 



You have given me an inexpressible pleasure, my 

 dear, my noble friend, by your kind letter. I am 



